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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
James McLaughlin

Robbie Keane to Celtic gathers pace with major development

(Image: Anna Gowthorpe / Shutterstock)

Robbie Keane is reportedly set to meet Celtic this week over talks to potentially become their new manager.

The former Hoops striker is available following his resignation from Ferencvaros earlier this year after his side were pipped to the title by ETO Gyor.

Keane has been linked with what would be a dream switch to Glasgow with Celtic a number of times but now the rumours are growing with a private meeting expected this week.

Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that club hierarchy will hold discussions with the Irishman to assess their candidates with other options also on the shortlist.

Dermot Desmond is said to be a fan of Keane and talks with the manager as well as his representation could signal a move away from Martin O'Neill who has been the interim boss this season and won the Double.

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O'Neill's own talks with Desmond were put on hold recently and the Northern Irishman recently hinted that he sees the manager's role going to a "younger man". That being said, the 74-year-old secured the Scottish Premiership title as well as the Scottish Cup and could still be convinced to make his stay permanent.

Other bosses believed to be on the radar at Lennoxtown are Roberto Martinez and Craig Bellamy who are both currently working with international sides in Portugal and Wales respectively.

Bellamy in particular, another former Celtic striker, may not be willing to leave the Dragons right now. It has been claimed by Sky Sports reporter Geraint Hughes that the 46-year-old is "100 percent committed" to his role.

He said: "I had a really good catch-up with him very recently. He's been very aware about the interest in him from club management.

"He sees that very much in his future but not in his immediate future.

"He is 100 per cent staying with Wales. When Scott Parker lost his job at Burnley he (Bellamy) was immediately the frontrunner for that job. He's been linked with Celtic, first in November and again now.

"But Bellamy wants to stay with Wales. He doesn't see the job he is doing as complete.

"He is absolutely gutted that they are not at the World Cup."

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