Moyes ally claims Everton boss would “jump at” Celtic offer as exit looms.

David Moyes has reportedly emerged as a strong candidate to become the next Celtic manager, with the Everton boss potentially tempted by the chance to return to Scotland if his contract situation on Merseyside remains unresolved.

The 63-year-old is entering the final months of his Everton agreement, which expires at the end of the season. So far, there has been little meaningful progress towards an extension, creating uncertainty about whether he will remain at the Hill Dickinson Stadium beyond the current campaign.

Celtic are expected to be among those considering Moyes as they prepare for Martin O’Neill’s eventual departure.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown, who worked closely with Moyes during their time together in London, believes the possibility of returning to Scotland could be attractive to the experienced manager.

Moyes has a personal connection with Celtic, having represented the club during his playing career. A return to Parkhead in a managerial capacity would therefore offer an opportunity and an emotional link to his past.

Moyes could be tempted by Celtic return

Brown believes Celtic could be an appealing destination if Moyes is unable to agree fresh terms with Everton.

The manager is understood to be comfortable on Merseyside and has no intention of walking away. Nevertheless, his position could change if negotiations over a new contract fail to move forward.

Celtic have already been linked with Moyes as they consider possible successors to O’Neill. The Scottish giants are reportedly assessing the former Manchester United, Everton and West Ham boss because of his extensive experience at the highest level.

Moyes has managed in some of the biggest environments in British football and has built a reputation for improving teams and competing under pressure. Those qualities could make him an attractive option for Celtic as they look for stability and experience in the dugout.

Brown told Football Insider that plenty would still need to happen before Moyes’ departure from Everton becomes realistic, but he believes Celtic would interest the manager.

“There’s still a lot that has to happen before we can talk about David Moyes leaving Everton,” Brown explained.

However, he suggested that a failure to agree a new contract would leave Moyes needing to examine the alternatives available to him.

Brown believes Moyes would be eager to return to Scotland, particularly because of his previous association with Celtic. He also feels appointing someone with Moyes’ credentials would represent a significant coup for the Parkhead club.

Family connections could also play a part in any decision. Moyes has family in Scotland, meaning a move north would potentially offer benefits away from football as well.

Everton future remains uncertain

The speculation surrounding Moyes and Celtic is directly connected to the uncertainty over his Everton future.

Moyes returned to Everton and has made an impressive impact since taking charge again. His work has strengthened the belief that he deserves to continue in the position, particularly after guiding the club through a difficult period.

The defeat against Chelsea was reportedly Everton’s first loss of the season, underlining how well Moyes’ side had performed before that setback.

Despite those results, contract discussions have not progressed as quickly as might have been expected. Reports suggest the ownership situation at Everton has complicated matters, with The Friedkin Group’s decision to sell the club contributing to further delays.

Moyes’ relationship with the current ownership has also reportedly become strained, adding another layer of uncertainty to the negotiations.

The former Manchester United manager is believed to be happy with life on Merseyside, meaning there is no clear indication that he is actively looking for another job. However, if Everton cannot offer him a new agreement, he may have to consider whether his long-term future lies elsewhere.

Celtic could then become a serious option.

The Scottish club are preparing for a change in the dugout and will want an experienced figure capable of handling the expectations that come with managing one of the country’s biggest clubs. Moyes would fit that description, while his history with Celtic could make the appointment even more appealing.

For now, however, any potential move remains dependent on developments at Everton.

Moyes’ immediate priority will be continuing his work at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Celtic will have to decide exactly what profile they want when O’Neill eventually departs.

If Everton and Moyes fail to reach an agreement, though, Celtic could provide an intriguing opportunity. His playing connection with the club, family links to Scotland and extensive managerial experience could all make a return to Parkhead difficult to ignore.

For Celtic supporters, the prospect of Moyes taking charge would undoubtedly create plenty of excitement, particularly if the club can convince an established Premier League manager to return to the country where his playing career once began.