Celtic Targets Keane as Manager Amid Desmond's Decision on O’Neill

Celtic’s search for a new manager has moved a step beyond speculation and into serious conversation. Robbie Keane has held what have been described as constructive talks over the vacancy, with further discussions pencilled in for this week as the club tries to shape its next era.

Keane, a former Celtic favourite from his loan spell in 2010, has long been linked with a return in the dugout rather than the penalty box. This time, the dialogue is real. The club hierarchy have engaged, the talks have gone well enough to continue, and the Irishman is firmly in the frame.

Hovering over the process is Dermot Desmond. The principal shareholder is set to speak with interim boss Martin O’Neill to gauge whether the legendary former manager wants to remain at the club in some capacity once a permanent appointment is made. O’Neill’s presence has steadied Celtic in a turbulent period; now Desmond must decide whether that influence stretches into the next regime or ends with the handover.

The dynamic is delicate. Keane’s candidacy offers energy, profile and a clear emotional connection with supporters. O’Neill offers gravitas, experience and an understanding of the demands at Celtic Park that few can match. How Desmond balances those forces will shape not only the appointment, but the structure around it.

Rangers push for Skoglund

Across the city, Rangers are working on their own rebuild, and they have gone straight to the source in Sweden.

The Ibrox club have opened direct contact with the representatives of Hammarby right-back Hampus Skoglund. The 22-year-old has three years left on his deal with the Allsvenskan side, which hands Hammarby strong leverage in any negotiation, but Rangers’ move to speak with his camp signals clear intent.

Right-back has become a key position in modern systems, and Rangers know they need fresh legs and long-term value there. Skoglund fits the profile: young, contracted, with time on his side and resale potential if he develops in Glasgow. Now comes the hard part — turning interest and conversations into a fee and a signature.

West Ham target Scottish talent

While Scotland’s two biggest clubs wrestle with structural questions and targeted recruitment, West Ham United are quietly positioning themselves to raid the Scottish market as they prepare for life in the Championship.

The London club have made an initial enquiry about Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan. At 23, Mulligan offers a blend of energy and development upside that suits a side planning for a gruelling second tier campaign. An enquiry is only the first knock on the door, but it confirms West Ham’s scouts have liked what they’ve seen.

Their gaze doesn’t stop in Leith. West Ham are also monitoring Celtic centre-forward Callum Osmand. The 20-year-old has caught attention south of the border, yet Celtic are understood to be highly reluctant to part with him. With a title to defend and a squad already under review, the Scottish champions see Osmand as one for the future, not a makeweight for a quick fee.

That resistance sets up an intriguing summer subplot. West Ham need goals and youth to power a promotion push. Celtic need to protect their best emerging assets while retooling the first team and appointing a new manager. Somewhere in that tension lies the true price of potential.

From Keane’s candidacy and O’Neill’s possible continued influence, to Rangers’ pursuit of Skoglund and West Ham’s interest in Mulligan and Osmand, the Scottish game has become a busy marketplace and a stage for reinvention. The next few weeks will reveal who is building a project — and who is simply scrambling to keep up.