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(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe search for Brendan Rodgers replacement has turned to Belgium as the shortlist of candidates grows<\/p>\n
17:47, 29 Oct 2025Updated 23:00, 29 Oct 2025<\/p>\n
(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen is reportedly attracting “concrete interest” from Celtic as they search for Brendan Rodgers<\/a> successor.<\/p>\n Martin O\u2019Neill has returned to the club on an interim basis and is preparing he Hoops for the clash with Falkirk on Wednesday night.<\/p>\n The search for a permanent successor to the Irishman is rapidly gathering pace with Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and Wales gaffer Craig Bellamy among the names in the running.<\/a><\/p>\n But Nieuwslabd <\/a>claim that the Scottish Premiership <\/a>champions have now “registered a concrete interest’ in Hayen.<\/p>\n It is noted that if Celtic<\/a> do go “all out” and pursue a deal for Hayen they would have to pay out a substantial compensation fee after the 45-year-old penned an improved contract in June.<\/p>\n It is also understood to be an open secret that Hayen is open to an “international adventure”.<\/p>\n Speaking to the Belgian outlet last week, Hayen threw open the door to an exit – but insisted he was focussed on winning the title with Brugge.<\/p>\n Asked about a potential departure: “I’m not thinking about that. Everyone knows that I’m happy here and that I want stability above all else.<\/p>\n “I’ve played for quite a few clubs and I don’t have an ultimate goal. Although, of course, I would like to take the next step abroad at some point.<\/p>\n “If there is interest, I will always let Club Brugge know. We are fair to each other. I know I’m on lists, but everything has to be right.<\/p>\n “Suppose a club from Saudi Arabia comes along, but my family can’t come with me, then it’s not a good fit. And my ambition is first to win that second star here.”<\/p>\n Hayen has already made his mark in Glasgow this season – leading his side to a resounding win over Rangers in the Champions League playoff.<\/p>\n Russell Martin’s ragged side were thumped 9-1 on aggregate by the Belgians as they booked their spot in Europe’s elite competition.<\/p>\n Last season, Hayen also led his side to a draw at Celtic Park in the Champions League – and appears to have caught the eye of the decision-makers.<\/p>\n Follow Record Sport on Twitter<\/a>, Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a> for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.<\/p>\n You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Celtic<\/a> page, and sign up to our newsletters<\/a> to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.<\/p>\n We’re also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Celtic community here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tune in to Hotline Live<\/a> every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport’s newest podcast, Game On<\/a>, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks<\/p>\n