BRENDAN RODGERS is on the verge of agreeing a sensational return as Celtic manager.
SunSport understands a fresh round of positive talks today has left the 50-year-old poised to accept the dramatic offer to succeed Ange Postecoglou.
The 50-year-old – who hosted Celts chief executive Michael Nicholson at his Spanish holiday home on Saturday for face-to-face negotiations – now knows for sure the position is HIS to turn down.
It’s a massive decision for the out of football Rodgers – who quit Parkhead in February, 2019, to head for then Premier League Leicester City and sparked outrage from the Hoops support.
But majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and chairman Peter Lawwell are increasingly confident the Northern Irishman – seven trophies in his first remarkable stint in Paradise , including back-to-back Trebles and an Invincible campaign – WILL accept the opportunity to take over the reins again.
New Spurs gaffer Postecoglou has left behind a squad packed with top talent and which secured a world record eighth domestic clean sweep with the Scottish Cup final triumph over Caley Thistle.
Ex-Liverpool manager Rodgers – who first took charge of Celtic in 2016 – had been planning to take an extended break from the game following his sacking at relegated Leicester back in April.
But the Hoops hierarchy – who have discussed their vacancy with a number of candidates – suddenly focused on him as a serious candidate towards the end of last week before Nicholson then jetted out to Rodgers’ Spanish hideaway.
Rodgers was previously the biggest earning boss in Celtic’s history on £2.2 million a year and has been guaranteed another bumper contract plus huge bonuses AND major transfer resources to ensure the champions remain Scottish football’s kings amid Michael Beale’s significant Rangers rebuild.
He was originally wary of the reaction of supporters to the possibility of him coming back, with many still disgusted by the way he left Celtic mid-season to head back south.
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But it’s clear there’s also still plenty ready to welcome back because of his previous phenomenal success for the club.
Rodgers has had approaches from other clubs – but it’s Celtic pushing the boat out to land him and it’s a highly tempting proposition.
Billionaire Desmond is hopeful of confirmation over the next few days.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
