Expert: Kieran McKenna could be 'tempted' by Celtic offer as Ipswich stance revealed

Kieran McKenna could be persuaded to leave Ipswich Town and join Celtic this summer as they aim to set out a long-term plan with him at the helm.

The Hoops are assessing a number of options to become their next permanent manager when Martin O’Neill steps down, with the Ipswich boss high on their list.

Celtic are already the dominant team in Scotland, having won 13 of the last 14 SPFL titles, but could take their success to new levels and also challenge in Europe.

Former Man United assistant manager Mick Brown told Football Insider that Celtic could make promises to back McKenna and allow him to boost their ambitions.

Brendan Rodgers left Glasgow earlier this season as he felt the club wouldn’t match his plans, but Celtic’s next manager will likely have similar expectations.

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Brown told Football Insider on 11 May that Celtic view McKenna as an ambitious target and could make a move if they are given any indication he could leave Ipswich.

While he is expected to be reluctant to leave Portman Road following their promotion to the Premier League, Celtic could make him a convincing offer.

The opportunity to manage in the Champions League, should they pip Hearts to the title, as well as win regular silverware could prove tempting.

“I don’t think it’s impossible, because Celtic are an attractive club,” Brown told Football Insider.

“It’s not just about going up to Scotland, if you asked me whether Rangers could get him I would say no chance, but I think Celtic could convince him.

“If they went to him and said, look, here’s your budget, we’re going to spend big and sign new players to strengthen and really be ambitious, then maybe.

“They could dominate Scotland with McKenna in charge and the right investment, of course it’s just about whether the club are prepared to do it.

“Bringing in some top players alongside a top manager, with the ambition of going and competing in Europe as well, that could be tempting.

“It just depends on whether Celtic are prepared to be ambitious and offer that kind of thing to McKenna or any manager, or if they’re happy with where they are.

“You get the feeling that is the case, it’s why Brendan [Rodgers] left, so let’s see if that’s changed their minds at all.”

Ipswich are hopeful that McKenna will stay and continue the long-term project he has put in place at Portman Road over the last five years.

Celtic are not the only interested club, with the likes of Crystal Palace also plotting moves to lure the manager away from Ipswich in the summer.

However, Football Insider revealed on 12 May that McKenna is not considering leaving Ipswich and has no plans to explore his options as things stand.

Following the end of the Championship season, his focus is now on strengthening his squad in a bid to secure survival in the Premier League next season.

The 39-year-old remains committed Ipswich and sources have indicated that he is keen to take on the challenge of the Premier League rather than leaving at this stage.