Stephen McGowan shares fresh Celtic manager update involving three contenders

Fresh details have emerged regarding Celtic’s search for a permanent manager, with veteran journalist Stephen McGowan claiming Martin O’Neill remains the leading candidate to stay in charge.

After a relatively quiet period following Celtic’s Scottish Cup triumph, it had appeared there was little movement surrounding the managerial situation at Parkhead. However, developments on Monday suggested the process is beginning to accelerate.

Technically, O’Neill is still operating as Celtic boss after returning to the dugout on January 5 following the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy. Since then, the experienced Irishman has overseen a remarkable turnaround, guiding the club to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Despite having close to five months to identify a long-term successor, O’Neill’s success in the role appears to have complicated Celtic’s thinking.

Earlier on Monday, Sky Sports News reported that discussions had taken place with both O’Neill and former Celtic striker Robbie Keane regarding the position. However, McGowan’s latest update also brought Craig Bellamy back into the frame.

Writing for The Herald, McGowan reported that O’Neill remains the frontrunner after beginning talks with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond over potentially extending his stay for another one or two seasons.

According to the report, O’Neill is taking time to consider his future after completing the domestic double, with further talks between himself and Desmond expected later this week. While discussions are ongoing, no final agreement has yet been reached.

Keane is also believed to have held talks over the vacancy, while Bellamy had reportedly considered leaning on O’Neill’s experience as a mentor figure if he landed the role. However, the former Celtic loanee now appears committed to remaining with Wales as they build towards Euro 2028.

One notable aspect of the process is the central role being played by Dermot Desmond, with talks seemingly revolving around the influential shareholder rather than chief executive Michael Nicholson.

While Celtic have secured contract renewals for four current players in recent weeks, much of that business is viewed as maintaining stability rather than major squad building.

Significant additions are still expected this summer, especially with time already beginning to run short before the new season.

The Premiership campaign begins in just two months, while Celtic also face crucial Champions League play-off fixtures on August 19 and 26. Preparations could become even more complicated with seven players currently involved at the World Cup, potentially delaying their returns until late July.

Meanwhile, Keane recently stepped down as manager of Ferencváros just days before Celtic’s Scottish Cup final victory, fuelling speculation that a return to British football could be next.

For now, though, much appears to depend on O’Neill’s final decision. Having twice answered Celtic’s call quickly when stepping in as interim manager last season, this time there appears to be considerably more weighing on both sides before any agreement is reached.