Celtic Turns to Keane as Desmond Considers O’Neill Role
Celtic’s summer rebuild is starting at the very top. Robbie Keane has held what have been described as constructive talks over the vacant manager’s job, with further discussions pencilled in for this week as the club narrows its search.
The former Republic of Ireland striker, who enjoyed a brief but memorable loan spell at Celtic Park as a player, is firmly in the frame. The dialogue has progressed far enough to move beyond a courtesy conversation; Celtic are testing whether Keane is ready to step into one of the most scrutinised roles in British football.
Behind the scenes, principal shareholder Dermot Desmond is not limiting his focus to the dugout alone. He is set to speak with interim boss Martin O'Neill to gauge how the club legend sees his future and whether he has an appetite to remain at Celtic in some capacity once a permanent manager is appointed.
O’Neill’s presence has steadied the club in a turbulent spell. Now Desmond must decide if that experience will become a permanent pillar of the new structure or simply a bridge between eras. The talks with Keane and the consultation with O’Neill underline a wider reset: Celtic want a clear hierarchy and a unified direction before next season kicks off.
Rangers move for Skoglund
Rangers have opened direct contact with the representatives of Hammarby right-back Hampus Skoglund, a move that signals intent in a position they clearly believe needs reinforcement.
Skoglund, tied to the Swedish club for another three years, is not an easy free hit. Any deal will have to prise him from a secure contract, which gives Hammarby leverage and sets the stage for a potentially complex negotiation. Rangers, though, have made their first move, sounding out the player’s camp as they piece together their defensive options for the new campaign.
West Ham plan for life in the Championship
South of the border, West Ham United are already shaping a squad for the grind of the Championship.
The London club have lodged an initial enquiry for Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan, 23, as they plan a group capable of handling a long, unforgiving season. Mulligan’s age and profile fit the brief: energy, resale value, and room to grow.
West Ham are also keeping a close eye on Celtic centre-forward Callum Osmand. The 20-year-old has caught attention, but any hopes of a straightforward move face a hard reality: the Scottish champions are unlikely to part with him. That stance turns West Ham’s interest into a longer game, one to be revisited only if Celtic’s position softens or the market shifts.
Managerial manoeuvres at Celtic, defensive targets at Rangers, and recruitment drives at West Ham: the pieces are already moving. The question now is which of these early plays will actually reshape the squads by the time the new season starts.
