Scott Parker: Burnley close in on appointment of Parker as boss

Burnley are closing in on the appointment of former England midfielder Scott Parker as their new manager.

Parker, 43, has been out of work since March 2023, having been sacked by Belgian club Club Bruges after winning only two of his 12 games in charge.

After leading Fulham and Bournemouth from the Championship into the Premier League, Parker will be aiming to do the same with the Clarets.

BBC Sport understands Parker held a second round of talks with Burnley officials this week and has emerged as the preferred candidate, though a deal has yet to be officially signed.

Burnley also held talks with former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, as well as ex-England midfielder Frank Lampard.

Craig Bellamy was named acting head coach in May following the departure of Vincent Kompany to Bayern Munich.

Should Parker be appointed, ex-Wales international Bellamy is likely to stay at the club in a coaching capacity, along with new assistant Henrik Jensen, coach Mike Jackson and set-piece coach Eliot Tybebo.

Meanwhile, Burnley are set to sign Brazilian left-back Lucas Pires from Santos in a permanent deal.

The 23-year-old is expected to complete a move to the club this week after spending last season on loan at Cadiz where he played 30 times in La Liga.