Martin O'Neill agrees one-year deal to become permanent Celtic manager

Martin O’Neill has agreed a deal to become the permanent manager of Celtic, STV Sport understands.

Celtic’s largest shareholder, Dermot Desmond, held talks with O’Neill and Robbie Keane over the vacant manager role this week.

It comes after O’Neill sealed a nail-biting league title on the final day of the season and a Scottish Cup win whilst acting as interim manager.

The 74-year-old has agreed a one-year deal at the club with the option of another year.

The potential appointment of Keane, who resigned from Hungarian side Ferencvaros after a second-place finish last season, was met with discontent from supporters groups.

Keane’s decision to stay at Maccabi Tel Aviv after the conflict in Gaza began sparked criticism among sections of the Celtic fanbase, with 67 fan groups reportedly endorsing a statement opposing the move.

O’Neill is set for a fourth spell at the Parkhead side after being appointed twice as interim boss last season following the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy.

He won three Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and one League Cup across a five-year spell, which ended in 2005.