Exclusive: Burnley interested in interviewing 62-year-old manager who has recently become available.

Burnley are reportedly preparing to hold discussions with Steve Clarke as they step up the search for a new manager following the collapse of their proposed move for Craig Bellamy.

According to Football Insider, the Clarets are ready to capitalise on Clarke’s recent departure from the Scotland national team by inviting the experienced coach to talks over the vacant position at Turf Moor.

The Championship club have been eager to appoint a successor to Scott Parker and believed they were close to securing Bellamy’s services earlier this month. However, negotiations are understood to have broken down before an agreement could be reached, leaving Burnley back at the drawing board in their search for a new head coach.

Bellamy, who is currently managing Wales, had emerged as the leading candidate for the role after impressing with his work on the international stage. Despite optimism surrounding the potential appointment, sources indicate that discussions ultimately stalled because the two parties were unable to reach a compromise regarding Bellamy’s preferred coaching staff.

With that deal no longer progressing, Burnley have shifted their attention to Clarke, who unexpectedly became available after resigning as Scotland manager in the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 62-year-old brought an end to his seven-year spell in charge of the national team immediately after Scotland’s group-stage elimination, despite having recently committed his future by signing a contract extension that was due to keep him in the role until 2030.

Scotland’s campaign in North America proved to be a frustrating one.

Drawn into a difficult Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti, Clarke’s side struggled to make the impact many supporters had hoped for. Scotland collected only three points from their three matches, a return that was not enough to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.

The early exit marked a disappointing conclusion to a tournament that had initially generated significant excitement among Scottish supporters after the team’s successful qualification.

Although Clarke’s final competition ended in disappointment, his overall record with Scotland remains highly respected.

During his time in charge, he guided the national team through one of its most successful modern eras, restoring optimism among supporters and ending lengthy waits for qualification to major international tournaments.

One of the defining moments of his tenure came with Scotland’s memorable 4-2 victory over Denmark in November, a result that helped secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup and created one of the most celebrated nights in recent Scottish football history.

That achievement cemented Clarke’s place among the country’s most successful modern managers, even if the World Cup itself ultimately failed to live up to expectations.

Burnley will hope that experience could prove valuable as they prepare for another demanding campaign.

The Clarets endured a difficult return to the Premier League during the 2025-26 season, narrowly avoiding relegation after finishing 19th in the table. They ended the campaign just two points above Wolverhampton Wanderers, highlighting the challenges they faced throughout the season.

Following that disappointing campaign, Burnley and Scott Parker reached a mutual agreement to part company in April, creating the managerial vacancy the club is now attempting to fill.

Club officials are understood to be determined to appoint the right candidate capable of guiding Burnley back towards promotion and restoring confidence after an underwhelming season.

Former football scout Mick Brown recently suggested that Clarke could be tempted back into club management following his departure from Scotland, and recent developments appear to support that possibility.

Although Clarke has built most of his recent reputation through international football, his experience at club level is comparatively limited.

Before taking charge of Scotland, he enjoyed successful spells with several clubs, including Kilmarnock, but his focus over the past seven years has been entirely on international management.

Nevertheless, Burnley believe his leadership qualities, organisational ability and experience of handling pressure could make him an attractive option as they seek stability and progress.

Despite Clarke emerging as a leading contender, he is not the only manager under consideration.

Burnley continue to assess a number of potential candidates as they work through the recruitment process.

Former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper remains strongly linked with the position and has consistently been mentioned among the favourites for the role.

Cooper’s experience of winning promotion and developing young players has made him an appealing option for several clubs since leaving Forest.

Rob Edwards is another coach believed to be under consideration.

Edwards has earned praise for his work in English football and has previously demonstrated an ability to build competitive teams capable of challenging near the top of the Championship.

Brian Barry-Murphy is also among the names linked with the vacancy.

The former Cardiff City manager has attracted considerable interest this summer after overseeing an impressive League One campaign that ended with Cardiff securing promotion. His achievements have enhanced his reputation, leading several clubs to monitor his availability.

Even so, recent reports suggest Clarke has now moved ahead of the competition.

With Bellamy no longer expected to take charge, Burnley appear ready to accelerate discussions with the former Scotland boss in the hope of reaching an agreement.

His availability immediately after leaving the national team could provide Burnley with the ideal opportunity to secure an experienced manager before attention turns elsewhere.

Whether Clarke is prepared to return to the daily demands of club football remains to be seen.

However, Burnley believe the timing of his departure from Scotland presents a realistic opportunity to bring him to Turf Moor.

As the club continues its search for Parker’s replacement, Clarke has emerged as the frontrunner, while Cooper, Edwards and Barry-Murphy remain among the alternative options should negotiations take a different direction in the coming days.