Hearts would have to pay Celtic at least £100,000 in compensation if they want to make John Kennedy their next manager.
At lunchtime yesterday the Celtic coach was named as an unexpected candidate for the vacancy created by the sacking of Robbie Neilson.
It is unlikely that the Hearts manager is paid more than the Celtic assistant with Kennedy enjoying nine years of stability as assistant manager dating back to the appointment of Robby Deila.
Since Neilson left Hearts for MK Dons in December 2016 Hearts have had Ian Cathro, Craig Levein and Daniel Stendel in charge before Neilson returned for just short of three years.
Covering the unlikely scenario of Kennedy being interested in a move to Tynecastle, The Sun reports:
HEARTS would face a six-figure compo bill to lure Celtic No?2 John Kennedy as their new boss.
It’s believed Jambos sporting director Joe Savage has the Hoops coach high on his list of options, if Steven Naismith isn’t given the gig permanently.
Treble-chasing Celts don’t want to lose Ange Postecoglou’s right-hand man.
But they know Kennedy — who knocked back a Hibs approach in 2019 before they appointed Jack Ross — harbours ambitions to be his own man one day.
And Parkhead chiefs have a set amount in place that would have to be triggered by the Jambos before the green light was given for any negotiations.
Kennedy turns 40 in August and has spent his entire career at Celtic other than a couple of months on loan at Norwich City as he attempted to recover from the injury he suffered on his Scotland debut that effectively ended his playing career.
