Celtic are stepping up talks with Wilfried Nancy, with the Columbus Crew boss now the leading candidate to replace Brendan Rodgers as manager.
The Scottish champions formally informed the MLS side on Friday of their intent to open negotiations, with compensation not expected to be an obstacle. Nancy, who is understood to be keen on the move, could be appointed before Celtic’s trip to St Mirren next weekend, ending Martin O’Neill’s short caretaker spell.
Nancy, 47, fits Celtic’s preferred profile of a progressive, emerging coach willing to work within the club’s transfer structure. After a strong spell at Montreal, he guided Columbus Crew to the MLS playoffs this season before losing to rivals FC Cincinnati.
While Kieran McKenna was initially seen as the frontrunner, Celtic never approached Ipswich Town, and McKenna’s high compensation and salary demands made a deal unlikely. Robbie Keane and Kjetil Knutsen were also considered, but head of football operations Paul Tisdale has identified Nancy as his top choice to lead the next phase of the club’s project.
