Celtic target Fergal Harkin has turned down a director of football role with SK Lommel – clearing the way for him to land the Hoops job.
The Irishman, who is currently Manchester City ’s football partnerships manager, has held talks with the Glasgow giants and is among the leading candidates to take the newly-created role.
The English champions are aware of Celtic ’s firm interest and are currently preparing for tomorrow’s Champions League Final against Chelsea.
City have offered Harkin the chance to become more hands-on with Belgians Lommel but he has rejected that opportunity.
Irish sources believe Harkin’s decision is down to the fact he is edging closer to landing the Celtic job.
Lommel are a sister club of the EPL side which is part of the City Football Group that also boast New York FC, Girona and Melbourne City in its portfolio.
A deal to bring Eddie Howe in as manager is in place and he is looking to finalise his backroom staff.
Howe and Harkin face a massive squad rebuild, with a raft of players out of contract or wanting to move on.
They could move for Republic of Ireland midfielder Robbie Brady, who has been freed by Burnley.
Brady has long been on a list of potential transfer targets at Celtic.
The Irishman, 29, said: “I feel in a good place physically and mentally and I’m ready for a new challenge ahead now.”
Howe has had a list of targets that have been put to him by the scouting team.
He is currently assessing them, although getting his backroom staff in place is his first priority.
A number of other options such as St Johnstone’s Ali McCann and Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet are others that have been flagged up at Celtic.
Howe, however, will also have his own targets and options that he will want to bring north.
He is hoping Celtic can agree deals for the Cherries with Stephen Purches, Simon Weathertone and Richard Hughes.
The Parkhead club, meanwhile has been pleased with the early response to season ticket renewals.
A Celtic statement confirmed: “From everyone here at the Celtic, we want to say a huge thank you for once again getting behind the team as we look to the season ahead.
“We have a real chance to start afresh, and to build towards a successful future and your support is more crucial than ever to ensure that we start this new season stronger than before.’Everyone here at the Club is preparing for an exciting season ahead, and we can’t wait to start this new era together.
“Once again we sincerely thank you for such tremendous support.’
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