Conor McGregor insists Celtic takeover is still on the cards as MMA star has a three club shopping list

MMA star Conor McGregor has talked up his approach to buy Celtic once more.

The Irish fighter first signalled he was interested in purchasing the club from compatriot Dermot Desmond last May.

Desmond originally invested in the Glasgow giants back in 1995 and just weeks after McGregor's comments insisted his 34.7 per cent shareholding, the largest at the club, was not for sale.

But that hasn't deterred McGregor who appears determined to own a football club.

This week he made the bold statement that he was interested in purchasing Chelsea from Roman Abramovich, who is stepping down at Stamford Bridge "in the best interests of the club" after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

McGregor reaffirmed on Twitter he's in the market while he also claims to be interested in buying Manchester United from the Glazer family.

He wrote: "I do not speak in jest. I am exploring this, as I said.

" Celtic from Dermot Desmond, Manchester United from the Glaziers, and now the recently up for sale Chelsea football club. All being explored.

"A football franchise purchase is in my future make no mistake about it."

Back in May 2021 he told a fan on Twitter: "A conversation came up regarding Celtic first to be honest. To acquire shares from Dermot Desmond. I am certainly interested in acquiring a sports team at some stage!

"Both Celtic and Man United are teams I like for sure. But I am open. I feel I could do big things for a club."