Three burning Wilfried Nancy to Celtic clues emerge as ally speaks out and unseen Parkhead connection surfaces

Former USA boss Bruce Arena has spoken out on the potential move and believes Celtic are onto a winner

Former USA boss Bruce Arena reckons a move to Celtic for Wilfried Nancy makes sense for everyone – and an unseen connection between the French boss and the Parkhead club appears to have driven the deal forward.

Betting was suspended last night on the Columbus Crew gaffer being named as Brendan Rodgers' replacement, and while some have reopened markets this morning, he remains clear odds-on favourite with those offering odds.

The signs all appear he's the frontrunner with Hoops chiefs meeting this week to discuss the immediate future of the position.

Retaining Martin O'Neill in the short-term is an option, but if it is to be Nancy, the timing works for him to come in during the current international break – Columbus Crew's season came to an end at the weekend and doesn't restart until February.

Further to all of the above is the longstanding connection between Nancy's camp and Celtic head of football operations Paul Tisdale.

Tisdale retains a close relationship with Nancy's No.2 Kwame Ampadu – the two worked closely at Exeter while the former was manager and Ampadu coached within the youth academy, and Ampadu's son Ethan made his senior debut under Tisdale.

So what does Arena, who had two spells as USA manager and currently serves as manager and sporting director at MLS outfit San Jose Earthquakes think of the move?

He told the Scottish Sun: "He's a very organised and disciplined coach.

"His team is very possession oriented, attacks with numbers, very disciplined. I think he'd be a very good fit for Celtic in the Scottish league.

"He's regarded as a top-tier coach here. He's done a very good job for Columbus and is well respected.

"I think he can make the adjustment and be a very good fit in the Premiership."

He also reckons it would be great for the profile of MLS if Nancy was to translate his success in the States into the Scottish Premiership.

"I believe it would be fantastic for the reputation of MLS coaches," he went on."

"Many years ago, coaches in MLS were not respected, especially American and Canadian coaches. Now they get interest from clubs all around the world.

"Wilfried Nancy being appointed by Celtic would be great."

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