Friday 20 May 2016 07:23, UK
Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has told Sky Sports News HQ the club expects to name Ronny Deila's successor within a week.
Deila parted company with the Hoops on Sunday after leading the club two successive Scottish Premiership titles in his two years at Celtic Park.
The Norwegian felt the team had regressed during his second season in Scotland, losing in both domestic cup semi-finals and enduring a disastrous Europa League campaign after losing to Malmo in the Champions League qualifiers last August.
Former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is among those being considered, while David Moyes, Neil Lennon and Roy Keane have been linked with the post.
Malky Mackay is understood to have been interviewed and Desmond confirmed the club have been speaking to "in excess of six" as the Scottish champions look to get a new man in place as quickly as possible.
"I can say we have talked to a lot of managers, all very good, we are excited about the candidates we have," Desmond said.
"And hopefully the next four or five days, maybe early next week I hope we'll be able to make an announcement if negotiations are concluded."
Rodgers, 43, now appears to be the frontrunner, with Desmond admitting the former Liverpool boss is among those to have been interviewed.
"I can't tell a lie," Desmond told the BBC when asked whether the former Anfield boss is being considered.
"He's a great manager. He's proved it at Liverpool and I think he's a worthy candidate for Celtic - as all the other candidates are."
However, the Irishman did indicate Celtic will not opt for an individual with a higher profile than Deila this time.
"We've spoken to a lot of managers," Desmond said. "We like to think that Celtic is a very big club and it needs a great manager to manage such a big club, so we're looking for that type of person."
Deila's reign came to an end with a 7-0 thumping of Motherwell before Celtic were presented with the league trophy for the fifth year in a row.
"Ronny won two leagues, he added a lot to the club, and he found it difficult last year, which he admitted himself. But again, that era's over now.
"Ronny, we thank him for his efforts, and now we're looking forward to the next manager building the club up to Champions League contenders.
"I think we need a good manager."
