Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy has been floated as a potential candidate for Celtic’s managerial vacancy.
The 48-year-old is thought to be on a short list to replace Brendan Rodgers, which also includes Bodo/Glimt’s Ketil Knudsen and Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.
In the past two years, Nancy has won the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup and was named MLS Coach of the Year. Last year, he led the Columbus Crew to the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final.
Nancy won the MLS Cup and League Cup with Columbus.
With a busy schedule of games and a cup final ahead after the international break, Celtic bosses are still considering whether to extend interim manager Martin O’Neill’s time in charge of the club.
This could allow time for some targets to become available later this year. As Sky Sports News revealed last week, Celtic are pleased with the way O’Neill has energized the team and the atmosphere at Celtic Park.
Discussions with major shareholder Dermot Desmond and Mr O’Neill are expected to take place this week.
Also on Celtic’s radar are Wales manager Craig Bellamy, Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen and Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane.
Celtic were keen to explore the potential return of Ange Postecoglou, but Sky Sports News understands that interest is almost certainly not going to progress at this point.
McKenna focuses on Ipswich
Kieran McKenna named on Celtic’s shortlist
McKenna, who is one of Celtic’s potential replacements, said his current focus was solely on Ipswich and there were no approaches from Scottish clubs.
“I don’t think about it at all,” McKenna said last month.
“I know I have a really special job here at a special, big football club and one that I feel very close to.
“Honestly, nothing else interests me. I’ve been 100 percent committed to this group here.”
Asked if he had been approached by Celtic, McKenna said: “I haven’t had any of those conversations. My focus is purely here.”
Bellamy is Celtic’s respected manager
Wales manager Craig Bellamy is focused on World Cup qualifying
Meanwhile, Welsh manager Bellamy, who played for Celtic in 2005, is also one of the managers the club respects.
But amid the interest, Sky Sports News understands that Bellamy and the FAW are now fully focused on Wales’ future ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers and next summer’s World Cup in America.
If Wales win against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia, they will secure second place in Group J and secure a place in the home play-off semi-finals next March.
Wales are already guaranteed a play-off spot by winning their Nations League group last year, but this route does not allow Wales to reach the play-off semi-finals at home.
Bellamy has previously spoken of his desire to lead Wales to the 2026 World Cup. He missed out on several World Cup and Euro appearances as a Wales player.
