David Moyes 'whispers' intensify as Celtic plot next manager move

David Moyes continues to be tipped for a move to Celtic amid ongoing uncertainty at Everton, sources have told Football Insider.

Martin O'Neill is expected to step down from his position when his current contract expires next summer, with the plan always for him to walk away after another season in charge.

As a resut, the Hoops have been forced to consider their options as potential replacements, and Moyes' situation at Everton has put the club's hierarchy on high alert.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Moyes remains a leading candidate for Celtic as rumours about his future refuse to die down.

The Everton boss recently confessed that talks over a contract extension at the Hill Dickinson Stadium had stalled, while there are ongoing reports of friction with the ownership.

Those reports will come as music to the ears of the Celtic decision-makers, who are hopeful that Moeys will become available, as they plan to take advantage of his situation.

Could Celtic make a move for David Moyes?

Football Insider revealed on 16 Octobe that Celtic are considering Moyes as one of the leading candidates to replace O'Neill come the end of his current contract.

Much will depend on whether the manager opts to extend his stay at Everton, which in turn could depend on the progress made towards a change of ownership.

However, Celtic are keeping a close eye on his situation and remain hopeful he could be lured to Parkhead as they prepare to make a change come next summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "There's been talk of David Moyes as well if he becomes a free agent next summer, and those whispers aren't dying down.

"Could he be somebody who could step in and replace Martin O'Neill when he leaves Celtic? He's a very experienced manager and somebody who has got links with Celtic as well.

"He might be one that the club could look at to come in and be a steady pair of hands just to take over the club.

"A lot will depend on what happens with his contract situation at Everton and whether they can reach an agreement with him there.

"We'll wait and see if they do go down the route of looking for a long-term replacement for Martin O'Neill, and which other managers they could be targeting as well."

How would Moyes feel about joining Celtic?

While Celtic remain extremely high on Moyes and see him as the ideal candidate to replace O'Neill, much of whether he is appointed will depend on his stance.

The boss is believed to be happy on Merseyside and is enjoying a strong start to the season with Everton, who have been warned against letting him move on next summer.

However, former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Moyes would "jump at" the opportunity to join Celtic if he was to become available at the end of the season.

Having represented Celtic as a player, the potential of a return to Parkhead is expected to be tempting for Moyes, although much will depend on his future at Everton.

The Toffees ultimately hold the key to the manager's future, as he is believed to be open to extending his stay, with Celtic keeping a close eye on their progress in talks.