---
title: "Celtic: Hoops closing in on Fergal Harkin"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-hoops-closing-in-on-fergal-harkin/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2021-05-28T18:10:03Z"
modified: "2021-05-28T18:10:03Z"
---

# Celtic: Hoops closing in on Fergal Harkin

**Celtic are thought to be closing in on Manchester City man Fergal Harkin as their new director of football, according to the [Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fergal-harkin-edges-closer-celtic-24200757).**

### The Lowdown: Hoops’ longstanding interest

Celtic have been after the Irishman for some time. The Hoops [opened talks with Harkin way back in March](https://www.footballinsider247.com/celtic-open-talks-with-man-city-transfer-guru-harkin-for-director-of-football/), just weeks after [Neil Lennon resigned as manager](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11787/12143403/neil-lennon-resigns-as-celtic-manager-with-club-18-points-behind-rangers-in-scottish-premiership).

A deal for Harkin, who is a [‘massive’ Hoops fan](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-celtic-close-to-appointing-harkin-after-new-talks-and-hughes-latest/), was thought to be [close last month](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-celtic-close-to-appointing-harkin-after-new-talks-and-hughes-latest/), however, as we know, a deal is yet to be announced for the newly-created role.

It seems as if Harkin has his heart set on a move to Parkhead, though, after a recent development regarding the 44-year-old.

[Celtic updates](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-4/)

### The Latest: Harkin turns down Belgium move

According to the [Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fergal-harkin-edges-closer-celtic-24200757), Harkin has turned down a director of football role with SK Lommel.

Harkin, who is currently Manchester City’s football partnerships manager, has rejected the chance to become more hands-on abroad.

[Irish sources](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fergal-harkin-edges-closer-celtic-24200757) believe that his decision regarding snubbing a switch to Belgium is down to his move to Glasgow edging closer.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”355506″\]

### The Verdict: One step forwards two steps back?

It seems as if Celtic’s rebuild was really starting to take shape. Eddie Howe was [reportedly](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9623535/Celtic-close-appointing-Eddie-Howe-new-boss-announcement-expected-shortly.html) set to be announced as the club’s new manager, so Howe and Harkin could have ended up working closely together.

However, in a huge development, Howe’s talks with Celtic are thought to have [collapsed](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9629177/Celtics-Eddie-Howe-COLLAPSES-talks-break-backroom-team.html), so Harkin, who looks to be the new DoF, may now have a [huge say on Lennon’s successor](https://www.footballinsider247.com/celtic-plan-to-appoint-director-of-football/), as was expected back in March.

Celtic have been linked with Harkin for a number of months, and it now appears as if they’ll be landing his services, so you’d expect him to be extremely busy from the get-go, should he put pen to paper.

***In other news: Hoops make approach for Barcelona youngster, find out more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-transfer-rumours/celtic-hoops-make-approach-for-barcelona-youngster/).***