Celtic are accelerating negotiations to appoint Wilfried Nancy as their next manager, with discussions set to take place over the weekend. The Columbus Crew boss is now the leading candidate to replace Brendan Rodgers, who departed in late October.
The Scottish champions informed the MLS side on Friday of their intention to speak with Nancy, and compensation is not expected to be an issue. The French coach is reportedly keen on the move, and Celtic hope to have him in place before next weekend’s trip to St Mirren, ending Martin O’Neill’s brief caretaker spell.
Nancy, formerly in charge of CF Montréal, guided Columbus to seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference this season before their playoff exit to FC Cincinnati.
Celtic’s hierarchy, led by Dermot Desmond, see Nancy as an emerging, progressive coach who fits their long-term model and transfer philosophy.
Earlier favourites included Kieran McKenna, Robbie Keane, and Kjetil Knutsen, but head of football operations Paul Tisdale has reportedly identified Nancy as his top choice.
