Celtic Turn to Keane as Desmond Considers O’Neill Role
Celtic’s summer rebuild is gathering pace before a ball has even been kicked.
The club have held what are described as constructive talks with Robbie Keane over the managerial vacancy, with further discussions pencilled in for this week. The former Hoops striker, who enjoyed a brief but explosive loan spell at Celtic Park as a player, has emerged as a serious contender as the board look to reset after a turbulent spell.
This is not just a courtesy chat. The dialogue has moved far enough for both sides to agree to keep talking, a clear sign that Keane is in the frame rather than on a long list.
Behind the scenes, Dermot Desmond is also stepping in directly. The principal shareholder plans to speak with interim boss Martin O'Neill to gauge his appetite for staying on in some capacity. O’Neill’s return to the dugout steadied Celtic at a delicate moment; now the question is whether his role becomes part of the club’s longer-term structure or remains a short, stabilising cameo.
If Keane does advance towards the job, the dynamic between a young manager trying to stamp his authority and a revered former manager potentially staying on in a senior role will be one of the most intriguing subplots of Celtic’s summer.
Rangers Move for Skoglund
Across the city, Rangers are moving on their own plans.
The Ibrox club have opened direct contact with the representatives of Hammarby right-back Hampus Skoglund. The 22-year-old, under contract with the Swedish side for another three years, fits the profile of a modern full-back: energy, range, resale value. With three seasons left on his deal, Hammarby hold the leverage, so any deal would likely demand a significant fee or a cleverly structured offer.
Rangers’ decision to go straight to the player’s camp signals intent. This is not a speculative scout’s note; it is the start of a negotiation process that could shape their back line for seasons to come.
West Ham Eye Scottish Talent
South of the border, West Ham United are already working as if life in the Championship is a reality to be managed, not a setback to be mourned.
The London club have made an initial enquiry for Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan, 23, as they put together a squad capable of handling the grind of a 46-game league campaign. An enquiry is only the first step, but it plants a flag: West Ham want legs, age profile, and hunger from a player who knows the intensity of British football.
Their gaze hasn’t stopped there. West Ham are also monitoring Celtic centre-forward Callum Osmand, 20. The young striker has attracted attention with his potential and ceiling, but Celtic are understood to be highly reluctant to let him go. That resistance is telling. When a club in transition still draws a hard line over a player, it usually means they see him as part of the next cycle, not a chip to cash in.
So the picture is clear enough. Celtic are juggling the future of their dugout while guarding their brightest prospects. Rangers are trying to lock down a long-term solution on the right flank. West Ham are raiding the Scottish market for energy and upside.
Different clubs, different pressures. All of them know the same truth: get these next decisions wrong, and you spend years chasing the teams who didn’t.
