Football: Magnier meeting fuels job rumours

CELTIC boss Martin O'Neill has fuelled fresh speculation over his future by meeting with Manchester United powerbroker John Magnier.

The pair were seen chatting earnestly at Mullin's Beach, a secluded millionaires resort on the sun-kissed island of Barbados.

O'Neill had flown to the paradise destination following last week's narrow defeat of Dundee United. Many of his players were also given the week off due to the friendly internationals taking place in midweek.

It is understood that the meeting in a bar called Suga Suga was a chance encounter, as O'Neill and his family were in the company of Celtic majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond.

But many Celtic fans will be nervous at their manager's decision to be seen in public with Magnier while the whole issue of his legal battle with Sir Alex Ferguson has yet to be resolved.

Dermot Desmond was reportedly playing a go-between last week in the bitter dispute, originating in Fergie's decision to go to the courts over his claim for stud rights for the racehorse Rock Of Gibraltar.

One Celtic insider said: "Everyone is hoping that this was simply a holiday chat and nothing more."

O'Neill arrived at Parkhead in June 2000 on a three-year deal.

It is just over a year since he finally signed his 'rolling contract' to keep him in charge of the Hoops.

However, speculation is rife that the Irishman is wanted south of the border and could even be viewed by Old Trafford chiefs as the natural successor to Sir Alex.

O'Neill has also been repeatedly linked with Spurs and insiders at White Hart Lane still believe he is high on the club's wanted-list.

Spurs have still not replaced Glenn Hoddle and despite speculation linking them with a series of foreign coaches they seem no closer to making an appointment.

O'Neill is in no rush to leave Parkhead, but is increasingly frustrated by the lack of cash available for team strengthening.

He is also set to lose the services of record-breaking marksman Henrik Larsson during the summer.

Larsson has repeatedly insisted that he will leave Parkhead when his contract expires at the end of the season.

A spokesman for Celtic said: "The management and most of the players had a week off.

"Martin returned for training on Saturday morning."

Celtic play Partick Thistle in today's live TV game.

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