Celtic identify ‘standout candidate’ in manager search – he wants the job

Celtic are preparing a formal approach for Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen after identifying him as the ‘standout candidate’ to replace Brendan Rodgers.

The Hoops have been forced to accelerate their search for a new coach following the unexpected but not entirely surprising resignation of Rodgers following a shock 3-1 loss to league leaders Hearts.

The Northern Irishman would have been out of contract in the summer, so succession planning was already underway, but club chiefs would have preferred to hand him a new deal.

Martin O’Neill is currently in interim charge of the side, and there has been some talk that he could be given the job until the summer. However, it is now firmly expected that a new head coach will be announced during the upcoming international break.

Last week, it emerged that Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen is keen on taking the Parkhead gig but only on the condition that he is allowed to see out the rest of his side’s Champions League campaign, which could stretch into the new year, even though his contract expires on 31 December.

Knutsen the ‘standout candidate’

TEAMtalk has now confirmed that the Norwegian is Celtic’s preferred option to replace Rodgers, describing him as the ‘standout foreign candidate.’

As such, the Glasgow giants are now said to be preparing a ‘formal approach’ for Knutsen. The report corroborates that the Bodo/Glimt chief is attracted by the possibility of managing Celtic.

In terms of coaches from the UK, Kieran McKenna is still a dream appointment, the outlet claims. However, due to his commitment to Ipswich Town, his hire remains an unlikely one. He doesn’t want to leave mid-season and would require a sizeable compensation fee.

Former Hoops striker Robbie Keane has also been associated with the vacancy. Currently in charge of Hungarian side Ferencvaros, Keane has played down speculation that he could return to Scotland.

Despite this, the report claims that Keane would ‘sprint to the table’ if given a call by Celtic, which has not yet happened. Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen and successful MLS manager Wilfried Nancy, currently in charge of the Columbus Crew, are backup options.

Football transfer news headlines today

TRANSFER RUMOURS: Chelsea rekindle Osimhen interest as contract talks confirmed

OFFICIAL: Morgan Rogers signs new Aston Villa contract

Newcastle make Eddie Howe sack decision

Chelsea make Victor Osimhen transfer U-TURN

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store