Burnley football chief Frank McParland says they hope to keep hold of Sean Dyche.
The Clarets boss is being linked with the job at Sunderland.
"He's made a real name for himself so I'm not surprised about the links, but I know he's very happy here," McParland told the Lancashire Telegraph.
"He was a big part in me coming here and I'm really hopeful that we'll both start off the season here.
"It was Sean who made the initial call to me, and I went to have a coffee with him and (assistant) Ian Woan.
"There was no offer of a job at that stage, then I met with the owner and the chief executive at the time Lee (Hoos) and gave them my ideas, the things I'd spoken to Sean about. They asked me to join, which I was delighted with.
"Sean has done loads for this club and he wants to do a lot more. Burnley is such an historic club and he's really keen to push it on."