Ajax are moving on from their interest in Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen and will now pursue Sparta Rotterdam boss Maurice Steijn.
The Dutch club have been heavily linked with Knutsen in recent weeks, with the Norwegian even having to answer questions on his future to the media as a result.
However, it seems that Celtic no longer have competition for his services, should the Bhoys decide that he is the man who is best placed to succeed Ange Postecoglou.
De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij reports that Ajax are set to approach Sparta and launch talks with Steijn as they put together their own plans for the summer and beyond.
Kjetil Knutsen has a profile of interest to Celtic
Knutsen was one of the earliest names linked to the vacant Celtic post but it’s not clear how serious the interest in him from the board is.
Key figures are said to have held initial discussions with a number of candidates over the last week. At this point, there is no preferred candidate reported, just a long list of names.
The 54-year-old has won multiple league titles in his homeland with a team that punches well above its weight. He’s also guided them to some big results in UEFA competition, including a resounding win over Celtic in the 2021/22 Europa Conference League.
Celtic left a strong impression on Knutsen during his tussle with the Bhoys and made it clear bringing a team to Celtic Park was a big moment for him. Could the lure of taking a massive club into the Champions League prove too big an opportunity to resist?
A very interesting week is ahead of us with a lot of moving parts!
In other news, Kenny Dalglish delivers verdict on Celtic manager search; makes prediction.
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