Celtic are plotting a swoop to snatch Shaun Maloney from Belgium after this summer’s Euros as part of the rebuild which will be fronted up by Aussie boss Ange Postecoglou.
While Postecoglou remains in Japan waiting to be given a green light to fly to Glasgow, Record Sport can reveal former Parkhead striker Maloney has already held initial discussions with outgoing chief executive Peter Lawwell on a possible return to the club after he assists Roberto Martinez at this summer’s tournament.
The 38-year-old’s close friend Fergal Harkin remains in contention for the position of director of football. But we understand the Irishman is unlikely to land that job and it’s Maloney who will play a major role in Celtic’s big shake-up.
Maloney has signed a contract with the Belgian FA until after next year’s World Cup in Qatar but, with Martinez now expected to return to club management in time for next season, the former Scotland international is likely to have no lack of options on the table.
Martinez is believed to be among the front runners to take over at Barcelona and the Spaniard would want to take Maloney with him to Camp Nou.
But Celtic will hope the emotional pull of a return to Glasgow’s East End - coupled with the lure of building a new culture for the club - may convince Maloney to go it alone.
Maloney has asked for time to focus fully on Belgium’s bid to conquer Europe this summer and Record Sport understands Celtic are in no rush to make an appointment behind the scenes while they close in on putting Postecoglou in place as Neil Lennon’s successor.
