Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke reacts to Celtic’s links with Jose Mourinho

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Celtic reportedly want to bring Jose Mourinho to the Scottish Premiership but will the Portuguese manager really replace Neil Lennon at Parkhead?

Steve Clarke has laughed off claims that Jose Mourinho could join him in Scotland, telling the Daily Record that Celtic could be barking up the wrong tree if they attempt to lure the Portuguese to Parkhead.

Gianluca Di Marzio broke the news over the weekend that the Scottish Premiership champions were eyeing an ambitious deal to bring Mourinho north of the border.

Celtic have even contacted his agent Jorge Mendes, the report adds, with the former Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss looking to kick-start his managerial career at the end of the season.

But with Mourinho linked with some of the world’s biggest clubs despite his ailing reputation, Di Marzio reports that he is still an option for Paris Saint-Germain, it seems very unlikely that the two-time Champions League winner will be coaching against Hamilton, Livingston and co any time soon.

At least, that is the view of Kilmarnock manager Clarke.

“I did have a little grin. I’m not sure Jose would come to Scotland. He’d probably be looking to go to a more high-profile European league,” said Clarke, who himself was linked with the Celtic job before pointing out that he had no interest in moving to Glasgow (Scottish Sun).

“And to somebody who is going to pay him a little bit closer to £12million per year!”

With the likes of Alex Neil and Marco Rose seemingly out of the picture too, interim boss Neil Lennon appears to have an excellent chance of getting the job full-time.