Burnley seeks permission to talk to Wales coach Bellamy

Burnley Football Club has formally contacted the Football Association of Wales to request permission to speak with national team manager Craig Bellamy about becoming the club's new head coach. The move, confirmed on Friday, marks a significant step in Burnley's search for a manager following their relegation from the Premier League and the departure of Scott Parker in April.

Bellamy, 46, has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the position after a dramatic shift in the betting markets over the past two days. He is now under contract with Wales until the conclusion of the Euro 2028 tournament, which will be hosted in part in Cardiff. The former striker previously served as assistant manager to Vincent Kompany at Burnley from 2022 to 2024, a period that included winning the Championship title, and is reportedly highly regarded by the club's American ownership.

While Burnley has identified Bellamy as a primary target, no agreement has been reached. The club must first settle on a compensation package with the Welsh FA, estimated to be around £700,000, before official talks can commence. Bellamy recently reaffirmed his commitment to the Wales job, stating he had turned down other...