Still on the hunt for their next manager, Celtic have now reportedly been “granted permission” to take a major step towards hiring Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy.

The Hoops have been in no rush to make what is a crucial decision, but the November international break has at least given them the opportunity to advance their search for a permanent long-term manager. In the meantime, of course, Martin O’Neill has been doing an excellent job as interim boss — rolling back the years to get his side back on track in the Scottish Premiership.

It’s always a sign of just how well an interim manager is doing when rumours arrive that they could yet take the job on a permanent basis and those very rumours have arrived regarding O’Neill. The 73-year-old, however, has consistently distanced himself from the role.

As impressive as he’s been, it looks unlikely that O’Neill will be taking the permanent position. Instead, it could be the likes of Kieran McKenna, Kjetil Knutsen at Bodo/Glimt or other standout options.

With the Scottish League Cup final coming up against St. Mirren on December 14, Celtic will hope to have made their all-important decision in time to be ready to seal even more silverware and perhaps the first of their manager’s tenure.

Celtic "granted permission" to take Nancy step

As reported by Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Celtic have now been “granted permission” to speak to Nancy by current club Columbus Crew. The MLS side are not standing in the 48-year-old’s way, and he’s now set to “hold discussions” with the Bhoys as early as this weekend.

Whilst not many saw Nancy as an option at the start of Celtic’s search, his reputation in America speaks for itself. Thierry Henry, who made the 3-4-2-1 manager his assistant at Montreal, previously told reporters: “I kept him because I knew the great brain that he has.

“I knew where he wanted to go. My philosophy is very close to his philosophy, so I knew it wasn’t going to be a clash or so right from the start. One thing that was very important for me was to keep the core of the club. Wilfried was happy because of my philosophy; we played with a back three.”

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Following Henry’s praise and a productive career across the Atlantic thus far, it appears Nancy could well be heading to Glasgow.

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