Nicky Hayen to Celtic is live as Club Brugge formulate 'exit plan' for in-demand boss

It looks like Nicky Hayen to Celtic could be on as their search for a new manager has now entered it's third week – with the club ramping up their search for Brendan Rodgers' permanent successor.

Martin O'Neill continues to hold down the fort on an interim basis while Parkhead chiefs plot their next move, with the likes of Wilfried Nancy and Kjetil Knutsen said to be in the running.

Another man who has also been linked with the post is Club Brugge boss Hayen and sources in Belgium expect the 45-year-old to move on at the end of the season.

Hayen took up the reins at the Jan Breydel Stadium in March 2024, guiding the side to the league title shortly after his arrival before adding more silverware by capturing a cup double in his first full campaign in charge.

The 45-year-old was directly asked about Celtic's reported 'concrete' interest two weeks ago and while he reassured his commitment to Club Brugge, didn't fully close the door on a potential switch further down the line, stating: "I've said before that I know I'm on lists, although I don't know which ones.

"As long as nothing is concrete, I don't need to know about it. I'm happy here and I want to work hard to win my 20th national title. That's still my goal."

Hayen masterminded a 9-1 aggregate victory over the Hoop's arch rivals Rangers in the play-off qualification round for the Champions League back in August and also faced Celtic themselves last season, impressing in a goalless draw at Parkhead.

And VoetbalNieuws now claim that the Belgian Cup holders are anticipating their man to move on in the summer, going as far to say that the club have already lined up his replacement.

They add that Charleroi head coach Rik De Mil - who guided his team to a 10th place