Burnley are in advanced discussions with Belgian club Genk over the appointment of head coach Nicky Hayen, with the 45-year-old emerging as the Championship club's primary managerial target.

Sources have told BBC Sport that talks are ongoing, though no agreement has been finalised. The vacancy arose following the mutual consent departure of Scott Parker in April.

Hayen brings an eclectic managerial CV to the table. He had a stint with Welsh side Haverfordwest County between 2021 and 2022, before taking charge at Club Brugge — a role that ended with his dismissal in December 2025. He moved to Genk the same month, guiding the club to a seventh-placed finish in the Belgian top flight, though they fell short of qualifying for European competition.

Failed approaches and rejected offers

Burnley's search for a new manager has not been straightforward. The Clarets made an earlier approach to the Football Association of Wales in an attempt to secure men's national team head coach Craig Bellamy, but those negotiations broke down over disagreements concerning backroom staff arrangements.

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards also reportedly turned down an approach from Burnley before the club turned their attention to Hayen.

Pre-season plans and the road back to the top flight

Despite the managerial uncertainty, Burnley's pre-season schedule is taking shape. The squad are set to travel to the United States, where they have friendly fixtures lined up against FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and Real Salt Lake.

The Turf Moor club finished 19th in the Premier League last season — one place from the foot of the table — suffering an immediate return to the Championship after just one year in the top division.