Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond is due to meet with Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane this week over the managerial vacancy.
It is understood Celtic’s hierarchy are open to O’Neill continuing as manager, if he wants to stay – and the terms and conditions are mutually acceptable. But, at the very least, they would like him to have some role at the club to offer guidance and support.
O’Neill returned to the club in two spells last term – delivering a dramatic domestic double in the last week of the season.
If the 74-year-old wishes to remove himself as a candidate for the managerial position, then Celtic will begin a recruitment process to appoint their next boss with a number of potential candidates already being sounded out.
Much of the work to identify targets has been done during the season – with Robbie Keane, Craig Bellamy and Roberto Martinez just some of the names in the frame.
Keane is someone Celtic would like to speak to more formally – with talks also scheduled this week. Desmond, in particular, is believed to be a huge admirer of the fellow Irishman.
The former Celtic striker is a free agent now, having resigned from his job at Ferencvaros.
As a manager Keane has won the Israeli Premier League and Toto Cup with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2024, before winning the Hungarian title in his first season at Ferencvaros in 2025. He missed out on retaining the title last season, but won the Magyar Kupa before leaving Budapest.
Bellamy & Martinez also in frame
Sky Sports News revealed in October last year that Bellamy had been identified as a managerial target, when Brendan Rodgers resigned.
The Hoops have admired his work as manager of Wales. At the time, Bellamy ruled out any move to lead his country through the World Cup play-offs in March where they agonisingly lost out on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Today at a press conference Bellamy reiterated his commitment to Wales and is preparing to be leading them to Euro 2028 despite interest from several clubs, including Burnley.
The former Celtic forward says he is “happy” with the job. That is very important for him and he believes he is still learning as a manager.
Interest in Bellamy has, so far, not developed further as he has been clear about his immediate future.
Martinez is another name who has been linked with the job – and the Portugal boss has to be seen as more of an outsider due to this summer’s World Cup.
Celtic would ideally like to have a manager in time for pre-season, which may not be possible with Martinez.
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