Former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou is getting closer to joining Celtic with the Scottish club close to agreeing to a compensation fee for his services.
The Australian manager is currently contracted to Japanese side Yokohama F.Marinos with the latest J-League season only just past the halfway point.
As such, Football Insider reports that Celtic will pay a six-figure sum to ensure Postecoglou is released and able to join the Hoops this month.
On the back of a disappointing 2020-21 season, the Scottish side are set to have a short off-season with the team to hold a pre-season camp in Wales in early July where they'll play three friendlies against Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic and Bristol City.
Celtic were initially keen to bring in former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe as their next manager but negotiations stalled last week and all reports have pointed to Postecoglou as their next target.
The two-time A-League championship winner is short of experience working in Europe with some Hoops fans expressing their doubts about his possible appointment.
Former Socceroos have however backed him to be a success in Scotland if given the time and resources to implement his brand of football.
After a shaky start to life in Japan with Yokohama, Postecoglou delivered the club their first J-League title in 15 years when they finished first in 2019.
Marinos are currently third in the league this season and are just three points behind second-place Nagoya with four games in hand.
While Celtic are working hard to wrap up a deal for the former Socceroos coach, they may have hit another stumbling block with recent reports out of Scotland pointing to a UEFA spokesperson who has cast doubt on the move happening anytime soon.
“Mr Postecoglou does not currently hold the Uefa Pro Licence. A recognition of competence procedure has been initiated," a spokesperson was quoted as saying.
"The process could take several weeks. We don’t have any further information to provide at this stage."
