Craig Bellamy set to become Burnley boss as two candidates emerge for Wales job

Craig Bellamy is on course to leave Wales to become the new Burnley manager, talkSPORT understands.

The 46-year-old is set to replace Scott Parker in the Turf Moor dugout following their relegation from the Premier League.

Bellamy has made a U-turn on his future – and will now join BurnleyGetty

Talks have accelerated in recent days and talkSPORT understands it is now a case of when, not if, he is appointed.

Burnley are now likely to pay £1million to release him from his Wales contract.

Bellamy had committed his future to Wales on June 1, signing a new deal until 2028.

The former Man City, Liverpool and West Ham winger was appointed Wales boss in 2024.

He failed to get them to the World Cup, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shoot-out.

The contract he signed was due to see him through until the 2028 European Championship, which is being held across England, Scotland, Wales, and Republic of Ireland.

Who could be the next Wales manager?

talkSPORT understands that Steve Cooper and Eric Ramsay are early favourites to replace Bellamy.

Former Nottingham Forest and Swansea boss Cooper has been out of work since leaving Danish side Brondby earlier this year.

It is believed there would be no compensation fee should Cooper be appointed.

The Football Association of Wales are also keeping tabs on former Man United assistant coach Ramsay.

Cooper was previously a candidate for the Wales job in 2024Getty

He had a brief stint in charge of West Brom earlier this season.

What did Bellamy say?

Bellamy had committed his future to Wales just weeks ago.

“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 on June 2.

“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.

“I am ambitious, trust me. I want to earn loads and loads of money but there’s a time and now, at this present moment, it just doesn’t feel that time.”

This is a developing story and is being updated.

For the latest updates, breaking news alerts, and comprehensive analysis, refresh this page or follow our real-time news coverage by watching and listening to talkSPORT live.

For broader context, explore related coverage on our homepage for the top trending stories. For the latest talkSPORT videos, download the app.

talkSPORT cares about getting it right, not just getting it first and because this is a developing situation, details will change. We will be updating this page constantly with verified info, expert takes, and official statements.

Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to break.