Celtic have identified Enzo Maresca as their 'first target' for the vacant managerial role, according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira.

The Hoops have yet to announce a permanent successor to Neil Lennon after he tendered his resignation in late February amid the club's struggles.

John Kennedy has taken over on an interim basis until the end of the season.

The lowdown on Enzo Maresca

Maresca has not managed a senior team before but he has been an assistant at Sevilla and West Ham United. He worked under Premier League-winning manager Manuel Pellegrini at the London Stadium during the 2018/19 season.

This season, he has taken charge of Manchester City's under-23s and done an impressive job. They sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League 2 table and boast by far the best goal difference in the division, netting 53 goals whilst only conceding 23.

According to Schira, that form has caught the eye of the Parkhead hierarchy as they look to build a project to rival that of Steven Gerrard at Rangers.

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Perhaps some Celtic fans would instinctively prefer a more established name, one who has already demonstrated his credentials as a senior manager, but this isn't necessarily a link to be dismissed. Maresca is a manager who will have been tasked with implementing Pep Guardiola's philosophy at the youth level, such is the culture at Manchester City.

High-quality football will surely be vital to addressing the mounting discontent at Parkhead. Celtic should not be overwhelmingly preoccupied with reputation, instead choosing a manager who would be a good fit and would likely restore the club to the summit of Scottish football.

In other news, Frank McAvennie is desperate for a different managerial appointment at Celtic.