Celtic Pursue Keane as Desmond Considers O'Neill Role

Celtic’s summer reset is beginning to take shape, and it has a distinctly familiar feel.

Robbie Keane has held what have been described as constructive talks over the managerial vacancy at Parkhead, with further discussions pencilled in for this week. The former Republic of Ireland striker, who enjoyed a brief but explosive loan spell as a player at Celtic, has emerged as a serious contender as the club look to move quickly and decisively.

This is not just a courtesy conversation. The dialogue has progressed to the point where both sides are ready to dig deeper into what a Keane era in Glasgow would look like — his staff, his style, his willingness to step into one of the most unforgiving dugouts in European football.

Running alongside that process is another delicate conversation. Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond is set to speak with interim boss Martin O’Neill to gauge his appetite for remaining at the club in some capacity. O’Neill, a revered figure in Celtic history and a steadying hand in a turbulent spell, has given the board breathing space. Now Desmond wants to know whether the 72-year-old sees his future as an advisor, a mentor, or whether this short return to the technical area is to be his final act at Celtic.

The hierarchy face a balancing act: harness Keane’s profile and energy while deciding how, or if, O’Neill’s influence is woven into the next regime. For a club that leans heavily on its past, those decisions will shape its immediate future.

Rangers move for Skoglund

The Ibrox club have opened direct contact with the representatives of Hammarby right-back Hampus Skoglund as they look to strengthen a key position. The 22-year-old Swede — under contract with Hammarby for another three years — has drawn attention with his athleticism and range down the flank, and Rangers have now stepped beyond scouting and into concrete talks.

With three years left on his deal, Hammarby hold a strong hand, so any move will require a persuasive offer. Rangers, though, have made their intentions clear. They want Skoglund, and they are prepared to engage early to avoid a bidding war later in the window.

West Ham’s Scottish sweep

Further south, West Ham United are casting an increasingly focused eye over the Scottish market as they prepare for life in the Championship.

The London club have made an initial enquiry about Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan, 23, as part of their early planning for next season. Mulligan’s energy and versatility in the middle of the park fit the profile of a squad that will need legs, resilience and depth for a 46-game league campaign.

West Ham’s interest does not stop there. They are also monitoring Celtic centre-forward Callum Osmand, one of the Scottish champions’ most promising young attackers. The 20-year-old’s development has not gone unnoticed, and his name is firmly on the Hammers’ radar.

The problem for them is straightforward: Celtic do not want to sell. The champions are understood to be highly reluctant to part with Osmand, seeing him as a player for the next cycle rather than a chip to cash in early. For West Ham, that turns admiration into a long game. For Celtic, it is another reminder that their rebuild will not be confined to the dugout.

In Glasgow, the next few weeks will decide who leads from the touchline and who stays to shape the dressing room. In London, a club bracing for the grind of the Championship is already testing the resolve of Scotland’s biggest names.