Celtic will need to pay more than £5 million to secure Kieran McKenna and his coaching staff from Ipswich if they want him to replace Brendan Rodgers. McKenna, currently the Ipswich boss, is regarded as a top candidate to take over the vacant managerial position at Parkhead following Rodgers’ departure.

Martin O’Neill has been appointed as interim boss for Celtic, alongside former club legend Shaun Maloney, and it is reported that O’Neill has recommended McKenna as the ideal candidate for the managerial role.

McKenna signed a new contract with Ipswich last year, which makes him the highest-paid manager in England’s Championship. As part of his conditions, McKenna will want to bring his coaching staff, including No2 Martyn Pert, coaches Charlie Turnbull and Lee Grant, and Irish goalie coach Rene Gilmartin, if he makes the move to Celtic.

McKenna, who hails from County Fermanagh, has a background in coaching with Tottenham and Manchester United. He started his coaching journey with Tottenham and later moved to Manchester United, where he worked his way up to become the assistant manager under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

In 2021, McKenna took on the role of Ipswich boss and successfully led the club out of League One, earning back-to-back promotions that ended their 22-year absence from the Premier League. Despite his accolades, Ipswich were relegated last season after struggling in the top flight.

Celtic will face a significant financial hurdle if they pursue McKenna’s services, due to his contract with Ipswich and the compensation required for his coaching team. However, his track record and experience make him an attractive prospect for the managerial position at Parkhead.