Celtic are in talks to take on an ownership stake in Central Coast Mariners.
According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald officials from the Scottish champions were in Australia during the recent international break to discuss a formal deal.
Contact between the two clubs started in January 2013 when Tom Rogic was transferred with the midfielder going on to become a major success under Brendan Rodgers.
Australia have qualified for the World Cup Finals for the fourth year running but their domestic league is mainly looked on as a feeder to the richer leagues in Europe and closer to home in Asia.
Celtic have a number of tie-ups with clubs around the world including Santos Laguna but it seems that they are about to make a serious investment and commitment in Australia.
The Sydney Morning Herald report: “Officials from Celtic were in Australia a fortnight ago and spent time on the Central Coast, visiting the Mariners’ new Centre of Excellence training centre and attending the club’s 2-0 win over Sydney FC on November 10.
“They did not discuss a potential takeover during their last visit but sources suggest Celtic have signalled their interest to other parties about buying into the A-League once a new operating model for the competition is finalised.”
UK based Mariners chairman Mike Charlesworth added: “I’m not surprised about their interest based on a new A-League operating model because I think it’s got a lot of potential.
“Frankly, I haven’t personally spoken to anyone at Celtic, that’s been handled by [chief executive] Shaun [Mielekamp] and [chief financial officer] Kathy [Duncan].”
A formal investment in the club could lead to an exchange of players as well as opening Australia up to Celtic’s commercial and merchandising departments.
