Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy has emerged as the front runner for the vacant position at Celtic.

It is understood that he is the number one target at Parkhead, and can now enter talks with the club’s hierarchy after Columbus Crew granted Celtic permission to speak to the Frenchman.

The Crew’s season came to a close after a loss in the MLS playoffs to state rivals Cincinnati, allowing Celtic to move their approach into another gear for the 48 year-old.

Nancy was assistant to Thierry Henry at CF Montreal before taking the reins himself in 2021, where he managed current Hoops right-back Alistair Johnston.

He left Canada to head south to Columbus Crew in late 2022, and would deliver success in the MLS Cup in 2023. Nancy was awarded MLS Coach of the year in 2024.

It is believed that Nancy has faced competition from the likes of Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen for the role whilst former boss Martin O’Neill has taken interim charge.

Celtic are back in action a week on Saturday, travelling to St. Mirren in what could be Nancy’s first match as Celtic manager.