David Moyes claims he met Celtic, Everton and Aston Villa before Sunderland gig

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David Moyes has shared that prior to joining Sunderland, he met Everton, Aston Villa and Scottish Premiership giants Celtic.

David Moyes has claimed that before he took the Sunderland job in 2016, he ‘had the chance’ to go to Aston Villa and Swansea, as he also ‘had conversations’ with Celtic and Everton.

Ex-Everton boss Moyes also stated that he has had a number of conversations with Celtic ‘over the years’ and made it clear that it is a club which has ‘meant a lot’ to him, as he seemingly expressed a desire to one day work for the Glasgow giants.

Moyes parted ways with Sunderland after their relegation to the Championship in 2017, as he ended up at West Ham not long after, as he is now a free agent.

Speaking to Sportsound on BBC Radio Scotland (04/11/19 at 6:50 pm), Moyes shared his thoughts on the jobs he could have potentially taken over these past years.

On reports that before he went to Sunderland, he had the chance to go to West Ham [ended up there later on], Aston Villa and Swansea: “Yes [it’s true],” Moyes told Sportsound. “And more. Before I took the Sunderland job on I had also met Celtic and I had also met Everton, around that time as well.

How close he has been to the Celtic job: “I don’t know how close I have been to get it, but I have had conversations with them over the years. It’s something which has meant a lot to me. But if also had big opportunities to stay in England and other opportunities to take other big clubs.

“I have had lots of opportunities now to get back to work, but most have been in the English Championship, so if the right job comes along, I’ll certainly look at it.”

Brendan Rodgers, and now Neil Lennon have since taken the reigns at Parkhead, whilst Everton have also had numerous managers since Moyes left for Manchester United in 2013.

Meanwhile, when Aston Villa were relegated to the Championship in 2016, they initially turned to Roberto Di Matteo before giving the gig to Steve Bruce.

He guided the club to the play-off final but was sacked months after that Wembley defeat to Fulham, as the club then turned to Dean Smith, and the rest is history.