Celtic manager search twist emerges - it involves Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna | OneFootball

Kieran McKenna has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Celtic

Celtic are preparing an approach for Bodø/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen, in what appears to be a boost to Ipswich Town’s hopes of holding onto Kieran McKenna.

According to TEAMtalk, the Glasgow outfit have turned their attention to the 57-year-old in their search for a permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers.

The Northern Irishman resigned from his position as manager following a 3-1 loss to Hearts at the end of October, with Martin O’Neill taking over on an interim basis - some 20 years after departing the Hoops in the first place.

While O’Neill has guided the team to two 4-0 victories in the league, the club are still seeking someone else to take over permanently on a long-term basis.

The Hoops have fallen seven points behind the league leaders in these early stages of the season, albeit having played one game fewer than Hearts.

Ipswich Town handed Kieran McKenna boost by Celtic as Kjetil Knutsen targeted

Celtic are believed to still keen on the appointment of McKenna as Rodgers’ permanent successor, but the asking price Ipswich have set to prise him from Portman Road is proving a stumbling block.

It’s understood that the Tractor Boys are seeking north of £5 million for the 39-year-old, which has seen Knutsen leapfrog him in the pecking order.

The Bodø/Glimt boss has earned a lot of praise for his work in Norway, particularly for making the team as competitive as they are in European competition after reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League last season.

It’s been reported that the interest in the role is mutual, which could see the Norwegian coach appointed as soon as this week.

However, Celtic are also aiming for an appointment before December, which gives them some time to find a solution for McKenna, who it’s claimed they want to interview for the role.

Robbie Keane’s name has also been mentioned as a possible candidate, but the 45-year-old - currently manager of Ferencvaros in Hungary - has yet to receive contact from the Premiership side over a possible move.

Ipswich Town must hold firm with Kieran McKenna - Celtic interest may not be dead yet

It’s no surprise that Ipswich are holding out for such a big compensation fee for McKenna given his importance to the club.

The Tractor Boys have enjoyed massive success since his appointment in December 2021, and will be hoping he can guide the team to promotion this season.

Losing him would be a massive blow, even if Celtic would be an enticing opportunity for the 39-year-old.

It hasn’t been the smoothest of starts to life back in the Championship for Ipswich this campaign, but they are still seventh and only six points behind an automatic promotion place while holding a game in hand.

Celtic looking into Knutsen is a good sign for Ipswich keeping McKenna, but as long as the Scottish outfit do not have an official appointment, the interest in the Northern Irishman will not be fully dead, so the Suffolk side will just have to wait it out.