Brendan Rodgers is to hold talks about becoming the new Leicester manager after Celtic “very reluctantly” granted him permission.
The 46-year-old Northen Irishman looks set to quit Parkhead after two-and-a-half years in charge to seal a return to the Premier League.
The Foxes are looking for a successor to Claude Puel, who was sacked on Sunday.
#CelticFC today confirmed that it has been approached by @LCFC to speak to Brendan Rodgers with regards to their current managerial vacancy.https://t.co/r75IXPs71M— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 26, 2019
A Celtic statement read: “Celtic Football Club today confirmed that it has been approached by Leicester City FC to speak to Brendan Rodgers with regards to their current managerial vacancy.
“Brendan has indicated to the club that this is an opportunity he wishes to investigate further and therefore, very reluctantly, the club has granted him permission to speak to Leicester City.”
Rodgers has been in charge at Parkhead since 2016 and led Celtic to the title twice, while they are currently eight points clear of second-placed Rangers.
However, it is understood the former Swansea and Liverpool boss has always wanted to return to the Premier League at some stage.
He now has the chance to take over the club which pulled off a stunning title triumph in 2016.
Puel was sacked the day after Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace, with Leicester slipping to 12th in the table.
The Foxes face Brighton on Tuesday evening still looking to pick up their first win of 2019, a miserable run which also saw them knocked out of the FA Cup at League Two Newport.
As well as two league titles, Celtic have also won three Scottish League Cups and two Scottish Cups under Rodgers.
If appointed he will become Leicester’s third permanent manager since they sacked title-winning boss Claudio Ranieri in February 2017.
