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Burnley’s search for a new manager has been going on for weeks and weeks after Scott Parker’s departure by mutual consent following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Clarets have been assessing a range of options, with former Aston Villa and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard heavily linked as an early frontrunner, but so far those rumours have not progressed into any formal talks or concrete proposal.
With pre‑season looming and the Championship campaign on the horizon, the pressure is on the hierarchy at Turf Moor to find a figurehead capable of leading an immediate promotion push.
According to a new report from the BBC, that man could be former Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy.
It’s asserted that Burnley have now made official contact with the Football Association of Wales as they look to appoint Bellamy, currently head coach of the Welsh national team, as their next permanent boss.
No agreement has been reached yet, but discussions over a compensation package will be required if Burnley are to prise him away from his contract, which runs until 2028 and includes a release clause.
Bellamy, who previously worked at Burnley as assistant and then interim head coach under Vincent Kompany, is described as a leading candidate and someone who already knows the club, the training ground and much of the existing squad.
But the ex-Reds striker is not in a hurry to leave his post at Wales, saying ahead of Wales’ 1-1 draw with Ghana in early June:
“Everything’s in place, I get completely backed and it’s going to give me the opportunity in the next two years to improve again,” Bellamy said.
“Links? I understand it but I don’t look too far. I love what I have here.”
“I’ve been offered that elsewhere as well, but I have this here already.”
“Wales gave me this opportunity and one or two might not have because I was conscious I haven’t managed before. Wales have given me this opportunity and I’m really grateful for that.”
Whether the Clarets can convince him and meet the FAW’s financial demands remains to be seen.