CELTIC's approach to make Ange Postecoglou the new manager of the Parkhead club has hit a serious stumbling block, according to reports.
The Premiership runners-up saw months of negotiations with former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe collapse last week, and have since turned their attention to the Yokohama F Marinos coach.
Postecoglou, 55, previously led Australia to the group stages of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil before taking on his current role and is a respected figure within management circles, with his Yokohama team earning plaudits for their attractive and innovative playing style.
The Greece-born Australian steered the club to an unlikely J League title win in 2019 and that success appears to have caught the eye of the hierarchy at Parkhead - but according to the Times, the move could be scuppered by red tape.
The report states that Postecoglou does not hold the relevant UEFA qualifications to take the reins of a top-flight European side - putting the move 'in jeopardy'.
Under European football guidelines, any manager in a top European league must hold A and B licenses - or at the very least have started a UEFA Pro license course - but Postecoglou does not have the prerequisite credentials, claim the Times.
When asked about his future at the weekend, Postecoglou was coy. "I’ve understood there’s some speculation around the future, but I’ve stopped thinking about the what-ifs in the world a long time ago," he said.
"My focus the last couple of days has been on making sure we [Marinos] play well."
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou turns to former Rangers captain as he ponders potential move to Celtic
Celtic have been without a permanent first team manager since Neil Lennon departed Parkhead in February, with John Kennedy being placed in charge in the interim while the board search for the Northern Irishman's successor.
Sweeping changes are expected at the Glasgow club with Dominic McKay already replacing Peter Lawwell as chief executive and a host of key players expected to move on once the transfer window opens.
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