Celtic's Managerial Search: Keane Talks and O'Neill's Future

Celtic’s managerial search has taken a familiar, high-profile twist. The club have held what are described as constructive talks with Robbie Keane over the vacancy, with more discussions already pencilled in for this week as the board tests the depth of his interest and vision.

Keane, a former Celtic favourite from his loan spell in 2010, has long been linked with a return to Glasgow in a different guise. This time, the conversation is serious. The dialogue has moved beyond a courtesy call; the process now has structure, with follow-up meetings planned as Celtic try to move quickly but not rashly.

Behind the scenes, another heavyweight figure remains part of the equation. Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond is set to speak with interim boss Martin O'Neill to gauge his appetite for staying on in some capacity once the new manager is appointed. O’Neill’s presence has steadied the club in a turbulent spell, and Desmond wants clarity: is there a role O’Neill wants, and is there a role the club can offer that fits the new structure?

The dynamic is delicate. Keane represents a bold, modern appointment with emotional resonance for supporters. O’Neill is a revered figure whose influence still carries weight in the corridors of power. How Celtic balance that blend of past, present, and future will shape the next phase of their rebuild.

Across the city, Rangers are working on their own long-term piece of business. The Ibrox club have opened direct contact with the representatives of Hammarby right-back Hampus Skoglund, who has three years left on his deal with the Swedish side.

This is not a speculative enquiry. Going straight to the player’s camp signals clear intent from Rangers, who are looking to lock down a long-term solution on the right side of their defence. With Skoglund contracted until 2027, any move will require firm negotiation and a fee that persuades Hammarby to cash in early on a key asset.

South of the border, West Ham United are already behaving like a club that knows the Championship will be unforgiving and relentless. They have made an initial enquiry for Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan, 23, as they start to shape a squad capable of handling the physical and tactical grind of the second tier.

This first move is exactly that: a temperature check. West Ham want to understand Hibernian’s stance and the likely cost before deciding whether to push harder. Mulligan’s age and profile fit a clear brief — energy, room to grow, and value that can increase over time.

West Ham’s scouting notebook does not stop there. They are also monitoring Celtic centre-forward Callum Osmand, one of the Scottish champions’ most promising young attackers at 20. At this stage, it is an observation rather than a bid, but the London club’s interest is real.

The problem for West Ham is obvious. Celtic are highly unlikely to part with Osmand. A young striker with upside, already embedded in a title-winning environment, is exactly the type of player the Glasgow club will want to build around, not cash in on. Any attempt to prise him away would require a huge offer and a change of stance in Glasgow that, for now, simply is not there.

So the picture sharpens. Celtic weighing Robbie Keane and the continued influence of Martin O’Neill. Rangers pushing to tempt Hampus Skoglund from Stockholm to Ibrox. West Ham trying to mine Scottish football for talent that can drag them back to the Premier League.

The moves are different, the stakes are not. Each club is making decisions that will echo through next season — and possibly far beyond.