Next Celtic manager target's agent clarifies speculation over Parkhead job links with blunt seven-word address
A summer shake up at Celtic Park is ramping up amid a manager search and player recruitment drive
As Celtic search for a new permanent manager continues, leading candidate Roberto Martinez's agent has distanced the Portugal boss from the Parkhead job.
The newly-crowned five-in-a-row Scottish champions are bracing for a major summer turnover of players, but before then Hoops’ majority shareholder Dermot Desmond is due to hold talks with interim manager Martin O'Neill over his future at the club.
Having led Celtic to a domestic double this season, O’Neill remains firmly in the running to land the role after it was reported that disucssions with other candidates have been pushed back to next week.
While supporters await a decision, Martinez has remained towards the top of the betting markets, alongside recently departed Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane and Wales head coach Craig Bellamy.
The Spaniard, who has a long-standing relationship with current Celtic No. 2 Shaun Maloney after signing him at Wigan before bringing him in as a coach for Belgium, has been strongly linked with the vacancy. Maloney, meanwhile, is among the contenders to take on a new sporting director role.
Maloney revealed earlier this season that he has spoken with his mentor, but insisted their conversations were based solely on the upcoming World Cup in North America.
While a decision has yet to be made on the club’s next manager, former Premier League stalwart Gareth Barry reckons the former Everton and Wigan boss will be keen to return to club management following this summer’s tournament, with his contract set to expire.
He told Action Network: “Roberto Martinez will be looking forward to getting back into full-time management, as he loves the game and the day-to-day training. His training methods are fantastic, and his style of play is great. If Celtic secure Roberto Martinez, it would be a great coup.
“He is capable of helping Celtic move past the worries of almost not winning a league title this year and implementing a style of football the fans will love. It would be a good move all around.”
However, Martinez’ representative Jesse De Preter has hinted that a deal is NOT imminent. He told Celts Are Here: “There was no direct contact at all.”
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