BRADFORD City have rejected an approach from Sheffield United to speak to manager Phil Parkinson.

The Bantams boss is understood to be top of the Blades' wish-list to replace Nigel Clough, who was sacked on Monday.

Parkinson could not be contacted yesterday and neither City nor United were willing to comment on developments.

But it is believed that City rebuffed United's approach and would not be prepared to part company with Parkinson unless a financial settlement could be reached with their League One rivals.

The 47-year-old still has one year left on his current deal but is the overwhelming favourite with bookmakers to land the vacant post at Bramall Lane, ahead of Nigel Adkins, Karl Robinson and Mark Warburton.

Bantams joint-chairman Mark Lawn stated in yesterday's Telegraph & Argus that City would be willing to discuss a new deal with Parkinson.

Lawn would be loathe to lose Parkinson to the Blades and said: "I think it would be a hard decision for Phil to make because his stock is so high here at Bradford City with the fans and the board. If you go somewhere else, you start afresh."

In another boost to Parkinson's reputation, he has been named FA Cup manager of the year by the League Managers' Association.

The award for the Bantams boss comes after City beat Chelsea and Sunderland en route to the quarter-finals.

City won 4-2 against Chelsea, who were unbeaten in the league at home all season, at Stamford Bridge and followed it up with a 2-0 home win against Sunderland.

The FA Cup manager of the year award is judged by the LMA board and goes to the manager whose team have delivered achievement beyond expectations in the competition, either with a significant performance or progress.

Meanwhile, it is understood there have been no further developments on the proposed takeover by Gianni Paladini, who has until the end of the week to complete a deal under the terms of his exclusivity agreement with City.