Soccer · Scotland

Martinez poised for Bhoys talks

Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez is expected to discuss Celtic's approach with his employers when he returns from holiday later today.

Celtic's initial request to interview Martinez was rebuffed but Swans chairman Huw Jenkins has admitted he will not stand in the Spaniard's way if he insists on meeting Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell.

The 35-year-old appears destined to do so after apparently saying 'any young, aspiring manager with ambition would be interested in a job like that'.

But Wigan Athletic's impending managerial hunt could scupper any hopes Celtic maintain of luring the former Motherwell midfielder, who led Swansea to the Coca-Cola League One title in his first full season and then eighth place in the Championship.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is negotiating personal terms with Sunderland and the compensation package from that deal would cover the four years remaining on Martinez's Swansea contract.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has already admitted Martinez, a celebrated former Latics player, would be at the forefront of his thoughts when he begins moves to replace Bruce.

Meanwhile, a Celtic source has dismissed claims that Tony Adams is in the frame for the job as 'complete garbage'.

The former Portsmouth manager claimed former Hoops boss Wim Jansen was ready to take him to Parkhead if the Dutchman returned as technical director.

Adams told talkSPORT: 'My good friend Wim Jansen is probably in at Celtic. It would be him as technical director and me as manager.'

The former Arsenal skipper added: 'I've not applied for the role. I know Wim Jansen, who has put me in there.

'I think they approached him, and I know Wim from my Feyenoord days, and he's actually said that he would only do the role if I were to be made manager. That's Wim's opinion, not Celtic's.'

Adams, who worked under Jansen during a six-month spell as Feyenoord under-21 coach in 2005, added: 'By saying manager, it is kind of a head coach's position really because once you have a technical director like you have in Europe, they help you with recruitment.

'As long as you have the final say of who comes in and out, these people are your help in the boardroom.

'I never had that at Portsmouth. It works for me and Celtic is an unbelievable club - you have a 50% chance of winning something up there.'

But Jansen, who stepped down from his role as Feyenoord assistant in January, has recently denied interest in a return to Celtic, whom he led to the 1998 title in his only season in charge.

He told the Sunday Herald: 'I want to do something in football...but I am not interested in the Celtic job, whether as an assistant or head coach.'

 
RTÉ.ie Sport: Roberto Martinez has become hot property for British chairmen
Roberto Martinez has become hot property for British chairmen
Related Stories
Sport Headlines

Republic Squad Analysis

Dean Kiely, Stephen Kenny and Tony O'Donoghue discuss Giovanni Trapattoni's squad for the Czech Republic friendly Play

Poland - What To Expect

Pat Kenny is joined by a host of experts to see what Irish fans can expect in Poland during Euro 2012 Play

RTÉ Soccer On Facebook & Twitter

Stay up to the minute with all the developments in the world of soccer with RTÉ Soccer on Facebook and Twitter Read

The Irish Pro

Pat Devlin, Owen Heary and Stephen McGuinness join Damien O'Meara to discuss the life of a professional footballer in Ireland Play

Blasts From The Past - Euro 2012 Rivals

The Republic of Ireland have played out a number of memorable past encounters against their Euro 2012 Group C rivals Read

Euro 2012: Travel Tips

Eoghan Corry offers travel and accommodation advice for those planning to make the journey to Euro 2012 Play

 
Inpho.ie