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Mick McCarthy in running for Blackburn, Bolton and Burnley jobs

Former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy looks set to have a choice to make over a return to management.

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It is understood the 53-year-old has been offered the vacant manager's jobs at Championship rivals Bolton, Blackburn and Burnley.

But he is also admired by Ireland and, with the axe set to fall on Giovanni Trapattoni, he may get the chance to return to the job he held from 1996-2002.

McCarthy has held talks with the three Lancashire rivals about their vacant hot-seats over the last few days.

He spoke with Bolton officials for two-and-a-half hours last Friday before flying to Dublin to watch Ireland's 6-1 home defeat to Germany.

The former Millwall and Sunderland chief reported the talks went well with Reebok representatives, who are seeking a new man after sacking Owen Coyle last Tuesday.

But McCarthy was told he would have to work with academy chief Sammy Lee rather than bring in his own number two, which has made him delay his decision.

However, he remains keen on the post in the knowledge that Bolton boast one of the best squads in the Championship.

Bolton want to wait to make an appointment until after Tuesday's game at Molineux – which would be McCarthy's first return to the ground since he was sacked in February after almost six years in charge - to avoid the inevitable media firestorm should he accept the job.

McCarthy has also held favourable talks with Burnley, who it is understood made him a lucrative offer following the decision of Eddie Howe to return to Bournemouth.

But the former Molineux boss, who is keen to win promotion as quickly as possible if he returns to the Championship, is said to have concerns at the level of ambition at Turf Moor.

Blackburn have also been in contact with McCarthy, but it is understood he has concerns about working with owners Venky's after reports that Steve Kean's resignation was triggered by them trying to pick the team.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a top target of Bolton and Blackburn, but the former Manchester United's striker's refusal to leave Molde has forced the clubs to think again.

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