The Scottish FA is closing in on the appointment of a new head coach to succeed Steve Clarke.

Clarke, who had signed a new four-year deal in May, resigned following Scotland’s group-stage exit at the World Cup this summer, ending his seven-year tenure.

Scotland return to action in the Nations League with a four-game block of fixtures, which begins away to Slovenia on 26 September.

The search for Clarke’s replacement is being led by chief executive Ian Maxwell and Craig Mulholland, who was appointed as the SFA’s chief football officer in May.

It is understood Maxwell and Mulholland have spoken to a wide range of candidates from the UK and beyond.

Interviews have been conducted and the SFA is nearing an appointment. It is unclear whether the incoming head coach will be a Scot or foreigner.

Steven Naismith, who served as Clarke’s assistant, said last month he expects to continue in the national team set-up under a new boss.