Kieran McKenna and Enzo Maresca appear to be out of the picture for the Celtic job while the Hoops close in on the re-appointment of former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.
After a brief period of uncertainty following the sudden departure of Ange Postecoglou to Tottenham Hotspur at the start of June, the woods appear to be clearing for a Celtic side on the verge of appointing the treble-winning coach’s Parkhead successor.
According to the Scottish Sun, talks over a deal that will see Brendan Rodgers return to the club he left in the lurch back in 2019 are now at an advanced stage.
In the meantime, two coaches who have also been linked with the Premiership champions over the course of the previous week appear to have removed their name from the frame.
Brendan Rodgers closing in on Celtic job
Kieran McKenna, the former Manchester United coach who guided Ipswich Town back to the Championship, has committed his immediate future to the Portman Road outfit.
“It’s a proud and joyous day to be able to extend my stay,” the 37-year-old said after extending his Ipswich contract.
McKenna’s Tractor Boys steamrollered all before them during a stunning end to the League One season; winning 13 of their last 15 matches with an aggregate score of 46-4.
“I’ve loved almost every minute of my time at the club so far,” McKenna adds.
“I look forward to leading the club in the challenges ahead. It’s clear to see the club is ambitious and moving in a positive direction, but we need to work hard each day to keep going.”
Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, is on his way to Leicester City (BBC).
According to the Daily Record, Celtic held talks with Maresca recently but the 43-year-old Italian – who has long been admired at the Hoops – has now agreed terms with a Foxes side hoping to bounce back at the first time of asking after suffering relegation on the final day of 2022/23.
Maresca guided Man City’s U23s to Premier League 2 glory before becoming an assistant to Pep Guardiola at the treble-winners. Leicester will be hoping he can emulate another former City coach; Vincent Kompany cruising to the Championship title with Burnley last season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
