Celtic have been linked with a shock move to bring former former player Shaun Maloney back to Parkhead.
The former Hoops midfielder could be set to return to the club as a coach with the side’s Under-20s.
Maloney had been linked with a return to Scotland with Hibs and Aberdeen understood to be favourites to tie the 34-year-old to a deal.
But the Scottish Champions are understood to have a vacancy for a new coach and are said to be keen to bring Maloney in.
Former Donegal GAA coach Jim McGuinness is the previous incumbent but has moved to to take up a role in China, leaving to door open for the Scotland international.
He won four Scottish league titles, four Scottish Cups, three League Cups and a PFA Scotland Player of the Year award during two spells as a Celtic player between 1999 and 2011.
Maloney is a free agent after turning down a one-year contract extension at Hull City and will now face a decision over whether to continue his playing career or move into coaching with his first club.
Dons boss Derek McInnes recently revealed the club were involved in ‘further investigation’ around a fitness issue identified by the player during a meeting to discuss a potential deal.
He said: “There’s still a willingness from both parties, Shaun and ourselves, to get a deal done, but Shaun flagged up a wee concern when we met up.
“It’s very unusual for a footballer to be as honest, open and transparent, but he wants to be our best player, he doesn’t want to be a burden.”