Robbie Keane is reportedly locked in a two-horse race with Martin O’Neill to be appointed as Celtic’s next manager.
Keane, the former Ferencvaros boss, quit the Hungarian club at the end of the season, sparking widespread speculation that a return to Parkhead as manager was on the cards.
The former striker spent six months on loan in Glasgow from Liverpool back in 2010, giving him a personal connection to the club.
During his 16-month stint in Hungary, Keane won the title and oversaw a Europa League victory over Rangers, underlining his credentials as a manager.
Club supremo Dermot Desmond is due to meet Keane for talks on Monday night, according to the Scottish Sun, with the discussion focused on him taking over at Parkhead.
The Irish tycoon may move quickly this week, with Celtic needing to prepare for a significant Champions League playoff clash scheduled for August.
Fans are demanding a major rebuild despite last season’s finish, with missing out on the £40 million jackpot for a second consecutive campaign unlikely to be tolerated.
Veteran manager O’Neill, who led Celtic to an unlikely domestic Double over two interim spells last term, remains a serious candidate for the role.
The 74-year-old admitted after last month’s Scottish Cup Final win over Dunfermline that he would need to seriously consider whether he had the appetite and desire to continue for another season.
O’Neill was asked about his immediate future at the Belfast Telegraph Sports awards last week and hinted he may not have the energy to carry on.
He said: “I’m seeing the owner next week, but I think he’s looking for a younger man – a 71-year-old!”
He added: “I am getting awfully old, but I don’t know what’s in his mind, and whether I would have the energy to do it again.”
O’Neill also noted: “But it was nice to be asked first time.”
No 2 Shaun Maloney is being considered for the role of sporting director, while coach Mark Fotheringham is also part of the current setup under consideration.
The decision on Celtic’s managerial future is expected to come quickly, with Desmond keen to get the club’s plans in order well ahead of the summer’s European commitments.
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