The Clarets remain on the lookout for their new man

The process to identify Burnley’s new manager is ongoing as the search prepares to enter its sixth week.

As previously reported by the Burnley Express, a list of potential candidates was whittled down to a name of 10 names at the end of May.

Journalist Alan Nixon is now reporting that a final decision is due to be made by the end of this coming week, but sources at the club have played down that suggestion - insisting the process is “ongoing”.

The Clarets remain on the lookout for a new boss after opting to mutually part ways with Scott Parker at the end of April, days after their relegation from the Premier League had been confirmed.

In his programme notes ahead of the final day game against Wolves, chairman Alan Pace revealed a “thorough and considered process” was being undertaken.

It’s understood the club are willing to take their time over the appointment, with an initial focus on getting things right behind the scenes in terms of the organisational structure.

A sporting director was suggested, while former Aston Villa figure Monchi has since been appointed to that very role at Burnley’s ‘sister’ club Espanyol - and has since confirmed he will also be involved with the Clarets.

“Given that Espanyol and Burnley are jointly owned, I think it would be absurd not to share knowledge, information and time,” he said during his unveiling.

“Alan knows I'm available for whatever they need and we could possibly also benefit at Espanyol from the work and resources available at Burnley.

“I'm going to try to be involved with Burnley because I believe it's also good for Espanyol.”

While the club are willing to take their time, there will be a desire to get a new man in place before the players return for pre-season on Monday, June 29.

There are also key decisions to be made over players’ futures and recruitment ahead of Burnley’s return to the Championship next season.

Following Parker’s departure, Steven Gerrard was immediately installed as the favourite with the bookies and remains atop of the list.

Cardiff City boss Brian Barry-Murphy is also said to be well liked by the club hierarchy, having led the Bluebirds to automatic promotion from League One this season. But the Welsh outfit are reluctant to let him go.

Former Burnley assistant Craig Bellamy, now in charge of Wales, briefly topped the betting only to disappear from the market completely after he confirmed he would be staying on in his current role for the next two years.

He’s another that is well thought of inside Gawthorpe following his spell working alongside Vincent Kompany, but the 46-year-old has ruled out a move away, with another of his former sides Celtic also linked with his services.

Robbie Keane, another to be linked with Celtic, is also high in the betting for the Burnley vacancy, as is Derby County chief John Eustace.

A lesser-known Spanish/continental candidate has also been mooted as a result of the potential influence of Monchi, who is now working closely alongside Pace in Barcelona.