Celtic have 'sensationally' opened discussions with Roy Keane in a stunning development in the club’s search for a new manager, according to Football Insider.

The report from Football Insider claims a Hoops source told them ‘discussions are underway with Keane and the club are ready to offer him the post’.

Keane’s managerial absence

Keane, who ended his playing career at Parkhead, last managed a side back in 2011. The Irishman spent two years in charge of Sunderland in his first taste of management, with Ipswich Town his previous first-team post.

Since then, he’s been Martin O’Neill’s assistant with Ireland and Nottingham Forest and Paul Lambert’s number two at Aston Villa.

Football Insider claim his potential appointment would 'send shockwaves' through the footballing world.

Transfer Tavern take

Ten years out of the game as a manager is a long time, so we feel Celtic will be taking a huge risk, should Keane agree to become Neil Lennon’s long-term successor.

The 49-year-old averages just 1.41 points-per-game during his 181-game career in the dugout, a figure which doesn’t exactly catch the eye.

Keane would be working closely with a director of football at Parkhead, should he return to Celtic, and possibly John Kennedy and the current backroom staff, as the former midfielder doesn’t have his own team in place.

In other news: Celtic midfielder keen on summer Parkhead exit; it's not Scott Brown, find out more here.