Celtic will hold off on making a move for Airdrieonians star man Thomas Robert until their new manager and director of football setup for next season is confirmed, according to reports.
Lanarkshire Live Sport revealed earlier this week that Robert had completed a successful trial at Lennoxtown over the past fortnight.
And, according to Football Insider, Celtic will continue to keep tabs on the Frenchman for the rest of the season, but will hold off on a bid for Robert until the Parkhead club have appointed a new permanent manager and confirmed the director of football role going forward.
Football Insider claim the Hoops - who have appointed John Kennedy as interim manager following Neil Lennon's exit last month - are "planning to dispense with director of football operation Nick Hammond and recruitment chief Gary Penrice at the end of the season."
And they say that the recently dethroned Scottish champions will "continue to monitor the rising star but will hold fire on making a firm decision for now due to the state of flux over the appointment of a director of football as well as a new manager."
Hammond is one of those who has watched Robert in action for League One Airdrie over the course of this season, along with scout Tosh McKinlay.
Ian Murray has told Lanarkshire Live Sport the Diamonds will not stand in Robert's way if a summer move was on the table, but no bids have been made by the Hoops, nor have any negotiations started.
He said: "We are not going to stand in players' way or beg them to stay. We will always be honest with our players, give them the chance to play but they have to take it.
"It's not a conveyor belt but we are completely transparent with our players but there will be a time when we want to keep them as well.
"We've done really well in that aspect but the hard thing is finding the next one.
"It was a no-brainer to let him go on trial with Celtic. It was a chance for Thomas to showcase himself and train with top level players and coaches."
Robert is now back with the Airdrie squad and trained with the Diamonds this week as they build towards the resumption of the League One campaign on March 20.
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