Robbie Keaneβs path to Celtic has been cleared as Slovan Bratislava close in on appointing an alternative candidate.
Slovan made a public approach to speak to Keane last month, naming him and four other candidates. It was alien to the lack of communication weβre accustomed to from Celtic.
Another one of the mentioned names was Yaya Toure⦠yep, that Yaya Toure. He has never managed in senior football, but looks set to launch his career in the Slovakian capital.
Keane is reportedly Dermot Desmondβs preferred candidate for the Parkhead hotseat, and things only seem to be travelling in one direction.
The links are back again⦠Would you welcome Robbie Keane as Celtic manager?
Tell us whyβ¦
Slovan Bratislava close to Yaya Toure appointment after Robbie Keane approach
According to Matteo Moretto, Toure is βone step awayβ from being named manager of the Slovakian champions, succeeding Vladimir Weiss.
Toure is currently the assistant of the Saudi Arabian national team.
READ MORE: Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish announces he is receiving treatment for cancer
Slovan chief Ivan Kmotrik Jr had said of their managerial search a few weeks back: βThe names Igor BiΕ‘Δan and Yaya TourΓ© are based on the truth, which is why I confirmed them.
βWe also have other candidates here that I can mention. There is a very interesting name, Sergej Rebrov, who was successful as a coach wherever he worked.
βNext up is ValΓ©rien IsmaΓ«l, successful in Austria, who has also played for clubs in England, again a very interesting name.
βRobbie Keane could also be an alternative, we will see how the situation develops in FerencvΓ‘ros, if there is an opportunity, we would like to have a meeting with him as well.β
Shortly after Kmotrikβs comments, Keane left Ferencvaros, sending rumours over a move to Celtic into overdrive.
In Hungary,Β he delivered the clubβs first European knockout win in 50 years against Ludogorets earlier this year, also winning the Hungarian Cup.
However, at the end of the campaign,Β Keaneβs side lost the title after a seven-year streak,Β a major black mark against his time at the Budapest giants.
Give us your gut feeling after the cup finalβ¦ will Martin OβNeill be Celtic manager next season?
Robbie Keane in a straight shootout with Martin OβNeill for Celtic job
After securing the league and cup double, OβNeill became the frontrunner for the permanent role in the eyes of many.
This hasnβt prevented Desmond from speaking to Keane, with the pairβs pre-existing relationship well-established among Celtic and Ireland circles.
OβNeill has been vocal about his reservations over the permanent role, especially given the extent of the rebuild that awaits Celtic this summer.
Keane is already lining up his backroom staff ahead of potentially becoming manager.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
