Ipswich Town’s hopes of keeping Kieran McKenna look to be bolstered by Celtic’s preparation of an approach for Bodø/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen.
In their quest for a long-term replacement for Brendan Rodgers, the Glasgow team has reportedly shifted their attention to the 57-year-old, according to TEAMtalk.
About 20 years after leaving the Hoops in the first place, Martin O’Neill took over as manager on an interim basis after the Northern Irishman quit after the team lost 3-1 to Hearts at the end of October.
Despite the fact that O’Neill has led the team to two league 4-0 wins, the team is still looking for a long-term replacement.
Despite having played one fewer game than Hearts, the Hoops are now seven points behind the league leaders in the early going of the season.
Celtic gave Kieran McKenna a boost for Ipswich Town while Kjetil Knutsen targeted
Although Ipswich’s asking price to entice McKenna away from Portman Road is proving to be a roadblock, Celtic are reportedly still interested in hiring him as Rodgers’ permanent replacement.
According to reports, the Tractor Boys are asking for more than £5 million for the 39-year-old, which has caused Knutsen to overtake him in the hierarchy.
After leading the team to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals the previous season, the Bodø/Glimt manager has received a lot of credit for his efforts in Norway, especially for making the team as competitive as they are in European play.
According to reports, both parties are interested in the position, and the Norwegian coach may be hired this week.
In order to give themselves time to find a solution for McKenna, whom they reportedly wish to interview for the position, Celtic is also hoping to make an appointment before December.
The name of Robbie Keane has also been floated as a potential contender, although the Premiership team has not contacted the 45-year-old, who is presently manager of Ferencvaros in Hungary, regarding a potential transfer.
Kieran McKenna must remain a priority for Ipswich Town since Celtic’s interest may still be alive.
Given McKenna’s significance to the team, it’s not surprising that Ipswich is demanding such a high compensation figure.
Since his hiring in December 2021, the Tractor Boys have experienced tremendous success, and they will be hoping that he can lead the team to promotion this season.
Even if Celtic would be an alluring option for the 39-year-old, losing him would be a huge setback.
Ipswich’s return to the Championship hasn’t gone as smoothly as it could have, but they still have a game in hand and are now in seventh place, six points behind an automatic promotion spot.
The fact that Celtic is considering Knutsen is encouraging for Ipswich’s retention of McKenna; nevertheless, the Suffolk team will have to wait it out as long as the Scottish team has not made an official appointment.
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