Roy Keane has reportedly held talks with Celtic over the vacant manager’s position.
The Manchester United legend and former Celtic midfielder is one of ‘a number’ of candidates in the frame to replace Neil Lennon, according to the Daily Mail.
Keane, who had a brief spell playing in the Scottish Premiership for the Hoops back in 2005/06, had the chance to become Lennon’s successor in 2014 but turned it down.
However, he is apparently keen to land the gig this time round and return to being a number one 11 years after last managing in his own right.
The former Republic of Ireland international is now the bookies’ favourite after some suspended betting on him yesterday.
Eddie Howe, Enzo Maresca and Chris Wilder have also been linked with taking over from interim boss John Kennedy in the summer.
Celtic face a big rebuild after they failed miserably in their attempt to secure an historic ten-in-a-row this season as Rangers ran away with the league title.
They also face a difficult task in qualifying for the Champions League group stages given they must make it there via the non-Champions route.
Keane was number two to former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill with Ireland, and earned a glowing reference from the ex-Leicester City boss.
Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond revealed earlier this week that the club was planning on undertaking a rigorous recruitment process, with incoming chief executive Dominic McKay set to be heavily involved.
He said: "As with any key appointment at Celtic, there is a process which involves research, investigation, interviewing and negotiation.
"This process is under way and is taking place privately and when complete, the board will make a public announcement. The chairman Ian Bankier, Peter Lawwell and myself take a lead in the process, and naturally, the incoming CEO will also participate.
"Any decision made will require board approval."
