KJETIL KNUTSEN has emerged as a surprise new favourite to be the next manager of Celtic.
The Parkhead club turned to Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney in the wake of Brendan Rodgers‘ shock resignation at the end of last month.
O’Neill has strongly suggested he WON’T be the man for the future however, believing Hoops chiefs want a younger manager going forward.
We revealed that Kieran McKenna was in the running and since then a number of names have cropped up.
Ex-Celtic stars such as Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy have been prominent, as has former boss Ange Postecoglou.
But now, according to bookmaker William Hill, there’s a new leader in the clubhouse.
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The Bodø/Glimt manager has been linked with various high-profile jobs over the years thanks to the work he has done transforming the Norwegian side from obscure Norwegian minnows to regulars on the European stage.
Indeed, he’s been mentioned as both a potential Celtic and Rangers boss in the post.
The Norwegian turned down Ajax two years ago and he’s appeared in betting markets for Premier League roles too.
It’s understand he has a unique contract with Bodø/Glimt that gives him significant control over transfers and player development.
Knutsen has been near the top of the market for a while but now is listed at a price of 6/4 with William Hill and several other bookmakers have him as their front runner.
He’s at 7/4 with Betfred and Ladbrokes and 8/5 with BetMGM and Virgin Bet.
Lee Phelps, spokesperson for William Hill, said: “There’s been a real swing in the market to be the next Celtic manager, with Kjetil Knutsen now our 6/4 favourite having been 6/1 just a few days ago.
“Martin O’Neill holds steady at 3/1 to remain in the dugout with the William Hill Premiership giants.
“Kieran McKenna has drifted from 4/1 to 6/1 as interest in the Ipswich boss appears to have waned, while Ange Postecoglou has moved out to 8/1 from 5/1, amid growing uncertainty over whether he would consider a second spell at Celtic Park.”
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