Derby near talks with Yeovil boss

Yeovil have given managerless Derby permission to talk to boss Gary Johnson as the Championship side look for a replacement for George Burley.
"The board of Yeovil Town have given Derby permission to make an official approach to Gary Johnson," read a Glovers statement.

Derby chief executive Jeremy Keith said: "We realise we need to make an appointment as quickly as possible.

Johnson has taken the Glovers from the Conference to League One.

The former Latvia national team manager took over at Huish Park since June 2001.

Johnson was strongly linked with Coventry last season prior to the Sky Blues appointing Micky Adams and signed a new three-year contract with the Glovers in April.

Derby have been linked with several managers since Burley resigned, including Johnson, Preston boss Billy Davies, Tranmere manager Brian Little and Middlesbrough coach Steve Round.

But Rams chief Keith has refused to discuss specific targets, saying: "We think it's inappropriate to be naming names.

"We're pursuing our recruitment process and any clearances we need before speaking to candidates will be obtained in the proper manner."