Martin O’Neill appears set to remain in the Celtic dugout after reports emerged that discussions with Robbie Keane are no longer progressing.
SunSport report that talks over Keane becoming the club’s next permanent manager have broken down, paving the way for O’Neill to continue in the role following his successful interim spell.
The 74-year-old guided Celtic to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double after stepping in towards the end of the campaign and has now reportedly reached an agreement in principle to stay on.
A meeting between O’Neill and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond is said to have taken place in London, where the pair discussed the club’s future direction. The report claims those talks resulted in a proposed one-year deal, with an additional 12-month extension option included.
Earlier in the process, Celtic had explored alternative candidates as they considered their long-term plans. Keane was strongly linked with the position and was understood to be among the leading contenders.
However, the latest developments suggest attention has now shifted firmly towards retaining O’Neill instead.
Continuity also looks likely behind the scenes.
An official confirmation has yet to arrive, but the latest report points towards Celtic sticking with the man who delivered silverware at the end of last season rather than moving in a different direction.
After weeks of speculation around the vacancy, a resolution could now be close, with O’Neill seemingly in line to lead the club into the new campaign.
I wonder did Keane really have any serious talks or any talks at all with Desmond. Is this report just to make the Virtuous signallers feel less like prat’s.