Robbie Keane is the leading contender to become the next Celtic manager, with the club making background preparations to significantly restructure football operations at the end of this season.
Keane’s work at Ferencvaros and previously Maccabi Tel Aviv is understood to place him as the main candidate to succeed Martin O’Neill, whose second spell as an interim Celtic manager will conclude in the summer.
Celtic’s powerbrokers believe Keane could be open to moving to Glasgow. There is, however, likely to be interest from other British sides for the Irishman’s services.
Keane was linked with another of his former clubs, Tottenham, after the dismissal of Thomas Frank but would never have accepted the short-term arrangement taken by Igor Tudor. No official moves will be made by Celtic until the domestic season finishes but Keane is the manager firmly on their radar.
Craig Bellamy and Jens Berthel Askou also have admirers at Celtic. Bellamy’s situation is complicated for now by Wales’ involvement in the World Cup playoffs.
Askou has received huge praise for his work at Motherwell. There is, however, concern among some within the Celtic hierarchy that the jump from Fir Park may be too significant. Celtic will undergo a major player overhaul this summer and are fully aware of criticism of their approach to recent transfer windows.
Keane, who had a short spell as a Celtic player in 2010, won the title during his only full season as a manager in Israel. Having won the Hungarian top flight last season, Ferencvaros are joint top heading into this weekend. Ferencvaros also remain in the Europa League, with Sporting Braga set to visit Budapest on Thursday evening.
O’Neill could lead Celtic to a domestic double at the age of 74. However, there has always been an understanding of his Celtic tenure being temporary. Shaun Maloney, O’Neill’s assistant, is tipped to move to a senior behind-the-scenes role at Celtic when this campaign ends. Maloney is highly regarded within Celtic’s corridors of power.
Celtic started the season under Brendan Rodgers, who resigned in acrimonious circumstances. Keane was a candidate at that stage but the Scottish champions appointed O’Neill on an interim basis and pursued Wilfried Nancy.
Celtic ended Nancy’s disastrous spell after eight games and two wins. O’Neill’s return has steadied matters as the club look towards a fresh approach. Celtic begin this weekend in the Scottish Premiership trailing the leaders, Hearts, by five points. – Guardian.