Celtic to miss out on 'ideal' Martin O'Neill replacement - 'They don't want to pay'
Celtic look likely to miss out on appointing Kieran McKenna if they decide to part ways with Martin O'Neill in the coming weeks.
Speculation about O'Neill's future in Glasgow has grown after a nightmare week before the international break, although the club have reaffirmed their commitment to him.
However, after the boss confessed he was set to evaluate his long-term future at Parkhead, work has begun in the background to identify his potential replacement.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that McKenna would be "ideal" for Celtic, but is unlikely to be the man chosen to replace O'Neill.
That comes as any club that pursues the 40-year-old will have to part ways with a reported £8million to his former club Ipswich Town, who he left during the summer.
McKenna remains extremely highly regarded, and was considered during Celtic's last mangerial search, but the finances involved are likely to deter them from making a move.
Could Celtic make a move for Kieran McKenna?
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this month that Celtic "have the money" to afford McKenna's compensation fee if they choose to do so.
However, the fee is seen as steep for any manager, and they are more likely to consider alternative targets if they are forced into a change in the coming weeks.
O'Neill looks set to remain in the job for now, and with uncertainty growing around his position replacement, Celtic will have to look elsewhere other than McKenna.
"Kieran McKenna is a name that has come up a lot in the last few years with different jobs," Brown told Football Insider.
"I must admit, I'm not quite convinced he's ready to take on some of the top jobs he's been linked with because his experience at the moment has only been with Ipswich.
"But he could be the ideal option for Celtic if they decide to make a change, because there aren't an abundance of options available to them.
"The problem is, he's got this compensation fee with Ipswich which is apparently around £8million, and they don't want to pay that sort of money to land their next manager.
"If they don't pay it, then they'll miss out, so it depend on how highly they rate him and whether they decide to make a change soon."
What is the latest on Martin O'Neill's future at Celtic?
Speculation about who could become the next Celtic manager and whether O'Neill could lose his place has grown after a miserable week before the international break.
Two defeats against Rangers, both home and away, and a Europa League loss against Ferencvaros sparked fury from the fans, who were calling for the manager's head.
However, Football Insider revealed on 27 September that the Celtic players remain firmly behind O'Neill and are unlikely to down tools despite a negative run of results.
The Hoops remain top of the Premiership for now, have won five of their six league games, and are optimistic of finding a return to form after the extended break.
The Celtic board, meanwhile, have thrown their weight behind O'Neill and have no plans to sack him unless there is a dramatic change of circumstances.