Celtic ‘considered’ release clause of other candidate before approaching Wilfried Nancy

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Celtic seem set to land Wilfried Nancy any minute now.

The Columbus Crew boss has been the leading candidate for the role for a few weeks now, and is now expected to take charge of the Hoops for the first time next week.

Whilst we await official confirmation, club legend Martin O’Neill is remaining in temporary charge of the first team, who won in dramatic fashion against St Mirren on Saturday.

O’Neill has won four of his five matches in charge of the Celts, most memorably securing a place in the Premier Sports Cup final with a win over Rangers.

But he will seemingly make way for Nancy to come in permanently – but reports are indicating that he wasn’t the only left-field candidate considered by the Parkhead hierarchy.

The other candidate considered by Celtic before Wilfried Nancy approach

In rehiring O’Neill, Neil Lennon and Brendan Rodgers, the board have shown how they value Celtic credentials when searching for a manager.

One name in the frame, who was a former Celtic player, didn’t quite get people enthused, though.

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Efrain Juarez may not have pulled up many trees in his playing career, but he has made an impressive start to his managerial career.

So much so that, according to 365scores in Mexico, Celtic considered paying the termination fee of his contract at Pumas, before opting to pursue Nancy.

After delivering two trophies at Colombian giants Atletico Nacional, he made the lucrative move to his homeland, where he now manages Pumas.

A midfielder who could also play as a full-back, Juarez was a young player when brought to Glasgow by Lennon in 2010.

It certainly would’ve been a bold move for the Hoops to bring him back just two years into his managerial career.

Juarez commented on Celtic’s interest last week, confirming that he was aware of it and refusing to rule out a move.

But with Nancy seemingly on his way to Glasgow, the ex-Mexico international has lost out in the race to another coach based in the Americas.

What did Efrain Juarez say about Celtic interest?

Juarez’ season with Pumas concluded with their play-off defeat to Pachuca last Thursday.

Speaking on the Hoops’ interest after the game, he said: “Obviously, there has been interest from other clubs. In every sense, that, for me, is not distracting.

“I think we know perfectly well that the club is aware of the situation, because I also played there. And it’s not easy for a young Mexican coach to be involved in that type of club.

“For me, they obviously see and think that maybe we’re doing a good job. In that respect, I’m calm.”