Celtic are making bold moves in their search for a permanent manager ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Ipswich Town's tactical mastermind Kieran McKenna emerging as their top target. The 39-year-old Northern Irishman has just pulled off something remarkable—guiding the Tractor Boys straight back to the Premier League after last season's relegation, proving his managerial mettle in the process.

According to Football Insider, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown believes Celtic could land McKenna if they're willing to back him with serious financial muscle. Brown suggests the Hoops have enough pulling power to at least open negotiations, especially if they present a clear vision for European success—something Brendan Rodgers reportedly felt was missing before his departure earlier this season.

Brown drew a sharp distinction between the two Glasgow giants, ruling out any chance of McKenna heading to Ibrox while describing Celtic as a far more attractive project. With interim boss Martin O'Neill expected to step down at the end of the campaign, the urgency to find a successor is palpable.

"I don't think it's impossible, because Celtic are an attractive club," Brown told the outlet. "It's not just about going up to Scotland; if you asked me whether Rangers could get him, I would say no chance, but I think Celtic could convince him. If they went to him and said, 'Look, here's your budget, we're going to spend big and sign new players to strengthen and really be ambitious,' then maybe."

The potential appeal is clear: McKenna could dominate the Scottish Premiership with the right backing, replicating the kind of smart recruitment and tactical discipline that made Ipswich such a formidable Championship side. But the real question is whether Celtic's board is ready to match that ambition. "Bringing in some top players alongside a top manager, with the ambition of going and competing in Europe as well, that could be tempting," Brown added. "It just depends on whether Celtic are prepared to be ambitious and offer that kind of thing to McKenna or any manager, or if they're happy with where they are. You get the feeling that is the case—it's why Brendan left—so let's see if that's changed their minds at all."

For a club steeped in history and hungry for European relevance, landing a manager of McKenna's caliber would signal a new era. But it would require a shift in mindset—and a willingness to invest in both the squad and the manager's vision. Whether McKenna would trade the bright lights of Portman Road for the intense pressure of Parkhead remains the million-dollar question.