Jose Mourinho to Celtic? Significant update on plan to replace Martin O’Neill
Celtic have no plans to make Jose Mourinho their next permanent manager as they seek a long-term replacement for interim boss Martin O’Neill.
Mourinho has been linked to taking the Celtic job in the summer, but the club are not considering him as a potential successor to O’Neill right now.
O’Neill has taken charge of Celtic over two separate spells this season, replacing both Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy at Parkhead.
The 73-year-old is now in place until the end of this term, with the Hoops currently chasing the Premiership title alongside Hearts and Rangers.
Numerous candidates have been linked to the upcoming vacant Celtic job, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Mourinho will not be on his way to Parkhead anytime soon.
- Read more: Jose Mourinho to play part in next Celtic manager appointment as merry-go-round to be triggered
Jose Mourinho is not in Celtic’s thoughts and would be an expensive appointment
Mourinho is currently in charge of Portuguese giants Benfica, having returned to the club after 25 years away last September.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I don’t see it happening at all. It would be a box office arrival if Jose Mourinho was to come, but yeah, I don’t see him going to Celtic.
“I don’t see Celtic pursuing a move for Jose Mourinho, it would be a very expensive one as well.
“I don’t think he would be among Celtic’s thinking right now as they do look to bring in a long-term replacement for Martin O’Neill.”
Who is the current favourite to be Celtic’s next manager?
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is the current favourite to be the next Celtic boss after O’Neill, at odds of 7/4 with one of the UK’s leading bookmakers.
O’Neill has made it clear that he plans to Parkhead in the summer, but he is still priced as the second-favourite at 6/1 odds.
Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou has impressed in the Premiership this season, leading his side to fourth place as it stands, and he comes in at odds of 7/1.
Other candidates, according to the bookies, include Steve Clarke (10/1), Shaun Maloney (10/1), Robbie Keane (12/1) and Ange Postecoglou (16/1).