Sources: Celtic exploring Steve Clarke deal, this is how deal could be done
Steve Clarke is on the list of names that Celtic are exploring for their next managerial appointment, sources have told Football Insider.
The Scotland boss is held in high regard at Celtic Park, and he ticks a key box for the club hierarchy due to his prior experience of managing in the Scottish Premiership with Kilmarnock.
Clarke is among the candidates that Celtic will explore in the coming weeks, as they aim to find a permanent successor for Martin O’Neill, ready for the end of his interim spell in charge.
Clarke has previously hinted at potentially leaving his Scotland post when his contract expires at the end of the upcoming World Cup, and it is understood that he is still yet to make a final decision as to whether he wishes to continue his work with the national team.
Celtic could be waiting in the wings to offer him a route back into club management, but any hope of a deal being struck would rely on the 62-year-old being keen to return to day-to-day work in the dugout.
Celtic to take their time amid potential World Cup appointments
Football Insider revealed last week that Roberto Martinez is currently the front-runner for the Celtic job, but the board are set to take their time over their next appointment.
There is an acceptance that they got it badly wrong with Wilfried Nancy, and the move to bring O’Neill back until the end of the season has bought them breathing room as they continue to assess their options.
Several candidates are currently being linked with the job at Parkhead, but there has been no indication so far to suggest that a swift appointment will be made following the conclusion of the campaign.
Instead, Celtic’s search for their next boss looks set to rumble on into the middle of the summer, with both Clarke and Martinez due to take charge of teams at the World Cup.
Neither will have any interest in leaving their posts prior to the tournament, but both could become available immediately after, depending on their performance and their career goals.
The Bhoys are sure to keeping a close eye on events in North America during the tournament, as their next appointment could easily come directly after.
Celtic eye last-minute left-back transfer
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Celtic are chasing a move for Antonino Gallo, as they aim to bolster their left-back options before Monday’s transfer deadline.
O’Neill and Co. are set to face competition from the Premier League if they want to land the Lecce man, with Sunderland also keen to strike a last-minute deal for the 26-year-old.
Gallo has started in 20 of Lecce’s 22 games in Serie A so far this term, and that has taken his tally of competitive appearances for the Italian outfit above the 170 mark.
Celtic are lacking quality cover for Kieran Tierney on the left side of their defence at the moment, and they are now trying to rectify that with their pursuit of Gallo.