Callum McGregor: Future Celtic Manager According to Martin O'Neill

Callum McGregor has long been the heartbeat of Celtic’s midfield. Now, one of the club’s most successful modern managers believes he could one day be the brain in the dugout as well.

Martin O’Neill has backed the 33-year-old captain as a future Celtic manager, revealing that McGregor recently held talks with chief executive Michael Nicholson and made it clear he is happy to commit his long-term future to the Scottish champions, despite noise over a possible move to Saudi Arabia.

The discussions, held over the summer, effectively shut down any lingering uncertainty. While others weighed up the riches of the Gulf, McGregor chose stability, responsibility and the pursuit of more silverware in Glasgow. O’Neill, who knows exactly what it takes to handle the unique pressures of Celtic, sees the way the midfielder leads and reads the game as the early hallmarks of a coach in waiting.

Celtic hold firm in the market

Celtic’s stance in the transfer market is just as firm as their captain’s commitment.

The club have turned down an approach from Osasuna for Kieran Tierney, with the 29-year-old Scotland left-back remaining a wanted man but, for now, out of reach. Tierney’s future has been the subject of regular speculation, yet Celtic are in no mood to be rushed into a deal that does not suit them.

On the incoming front, there is no shortage of ambition, even if the early exchanges have been frustrating.

Frosinone have rejected an opening offer of around £6m for Algeria winger Fares Ghedjemis, a player also linked with Rangers. The Serie A side want to keep the 23-year-old, but talks between the clubs are ongoing, hinting at a negotiation that still has room to move.

Celtic are also working on a structured package worth around £5m for Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur, with the 22-year-old pushing to secure a move to Glasgow. Yet the German club have already knocked back a £4m proposal, and head coach Ralf Kettemann has publicly stated he expects Baur to stay. For now, that deal hangs in the balance.

On the continent, Real Oviedo have rebuffed a bid of approximately £6.2m from Lens for winger Haissem Hassan, another player on Celtic’s radar. The Spanish club’s refusal underlines how competitive the market has become for the type of wide, creative talent the champions want to add.

Rangers adjust as Hull step in

Across the city, Rangers’ plans have taken a twist in the chase for Jens Hjerto-Dahl.

Hull City are poised to beat both Rangers and Cardiff City to the signing of the 20-year-old Tromso midfielder, with reports indicating the Ibrox club have now withdrawn from the race. Hull have emerged as clear front-runners, leaving Rangers to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcement.

Rangers have also been in contact with Brighton & Hove Albion over highly rated winger Amario Cozier-Duberry. The Premier League side are under no pressure to sell and have already turned down a £5m offer from Anderlecht, so any move from Ibrox would require both patience and a persuasive package.

Cologne, meanwhile, are favourites to land Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Talks are at an advanced stage for the 18-year-old winger, who spent last season with Rangers. His next step looks set to be in the Bundesliga rather than another stint in Scotland.

Scottish clubs jostle for position

Elsewhere in the Scottish game, the market continues to churn beneath the surface.

St Mirren insist they have received no contact from other clubs despite speculation around 24-year-old midfielder Killian Phillips, a key figure in their side and one who will not be allowed to leave on the cheap.

In England’s lower leagues, Notts County have shown interest in Northampton Town’s Scottish midfielder Dean Campbell. They are one of several League One clubs monitoring the 25-year-old, with competition likely if Northampton decide to cash in.

Brighton & Hove Albion, always alert to emerging talent, have agreed a fee to sign 17-year-old Scottish winger Mason Stephens from Manchester City, with the teenager expected to sign a three-year contract. It is another reminder that the Premier League’s talent pipeline runs straight through Scotland’s youth ranks.

At St Johnstone, hopes of a sizeable sell-on windfall for Adama Sidibeh have taken a hit. The striker, who had been linked with a £1.5m move amid Championship interest, has suffered a hamstring injury at Stockport County. The timing could not be worse for the Perth club as they looked to capitalise on his rise.

Through it all, one constant remains at the top end of the Premiership: while players move, bids rise and fall, and negotiations twist late into the night, Celtic’s captain has nailed his colours to the mast. McGregor will lead from the centre of the pitch for now.

One day, if O’Neill is right, he might be leading from the technical area instead.