Celtic should look at Chris Hughton amid reports he may leave Brighton

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Celtic are yet to confirm who their manager will be next season, with Neil Lennon seemingly in pole position.

With another domestic treble within touching distance, it would be a surprise if Celtic decided to not give the permanent manager’s job to current interim boss Neil Lennon.

Lennon has done well to pick up the pieces following Brendan Rodgers’ surprise exit. A couple of the results and performances have perhaps been underwhelming, but the success looks set to continue.

It looks therefore, as if Lennon is in pole position to secure the post on a long-term basis. But while the appointment has not been confirmed and several interesting names remain on the market, the Celtic hierarchy would be wise to keep their options open.

And perhaps a name that they are yet to consider could be about to become available if reports are correct. The Sun has suggested this week that Brighton are considering getting rid of Chris Hughton, even if he manages to keep the Seagulls in the Premier League this term.

This season may not be a highlight for the former Republic of Ireland international, but Brighton are amongst that group of teams that will go into most top flight campaigns targeting finishing higher than 18th.

And with The Sunday People (14/4; page 55) reporting at the weekend that former Huddersfield boss David Wagner is a target for the Hoops, there seems to be no reason why Hughton should not also be considered if he becomes available.

Going for Hughton would be a risk. But he is arguably one of England’s most underrated managers over the last decade, winning promotion with Newcastle United and reestablishing the Magpies at the highest level, helping Birmingham City finish in the Championship play-offs in the same season that they competed in the group-stages of the Europa League, and taking Brighton to the top flight. They also reached the semi-final of the FA Cup this year.

Brighton may well be making a terrible mistake if they allowed Hughton to go, and Celtic should look to potentially capitalise if they are still to decide who will lead them from next season.