Celtic open talks with Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen over manager role
Celtic have opened talks with Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen about becoming their new permanent manager this summer.
The Scottish Premiership champions are currently under the interim guidance of Martin O’Neill until the end of the season.
Parkhead officials are working to secure a long-term successor following a turbulent campaign in the dugout.
Knutsen identified as primary target
Reports suggest Celtic have formally initiated contact with the 57-year-old Norwegian following his exceptional performance in Europe.
Knutsen has seen his reputation soar after guiding the Arctic Circle club to the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Eliteserien manager previously stated that any move away from Norway would require a project “more exciting” than his current role.
“Nothing in life is certain. I answer as I always do, [if I leave] it should be something that is more exciting than Glimt.”
Kjetil Knutsen
Gregg Broughton, the former academy director at the Norwegian outfit, has described the tactician as an “absolute master” of focusing on immediate results over speculation.
European pedigree attracts Celtic interest
The Bhoys have turned their attention to Knutsen after watching his side stun Inter Milan in the Champions League play-offs.
Bodo/Glimt secured a 2-1 victory at the San Siro on Wednesday to seal a 5-2 aggregate win over the Italian giants.
This result adds to an impressive list of continental scalps, with the minnows also recording victories over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
The Norwegian side also proved their quality last season by reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League before losing to eventual winners Tottenham.
Instability at Parkhead
Celtic are seeking stability after the failed appointment of Wilfried Nancy earlier this term.
The former Major League Soccer coach was relieved of his duties after just eight games in charge, having won only two matches.
Nancy’s dismissal led to the return of O’Neill for a second interim spell following the earlier departure of Brendan Rodgers.
While the Northern Irishman could stake a claim for the permanent job, the club hierarchy appears focused on bringing Knutsen to Glasgow.