Speculation is mounting in Scottish football after reports emerged linking former Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae with a potential move to Hibernian, while questions continue to swirl around Martin O'Neill's long-term future at Celtic.
Fae, 42, guided Ivory Coast to the knockout stages of this summer's World Cup for the first time in the nation's history, drawing widespread praise for his tactical acumen during the tournament. The former Reading midfielder is understood to have family connections to Scotland, a factor that could add weight to suggestions he is keen on taking charge at Easter Road, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
Should the move materialise, it would mark a significant coup for Hibernian, who would be bringing in a coach with genuine international pedigree following his exploits on the World Cup stage with the Ivorians.
Meanwhile, the managerial landscape at Celtic appears increasingly uncertain. Reports from TeamTalk suggest a growing unease has developed behind the scenes at Parkhead following underwhelming defeats to both Rangers and Ferencvaros, results that have intensified scrutiny on O'Neill's position.
Despite the mounting pressure, Football Insider has indicated that O'Neill, 74, is not currently under threat of dismissal. However, sources suggest the veteran manager understands the importance of finishing above rivals Rangers if he is to see out the remainder of the campaign in charge.
O'Neill himself has struck a defiant yet pragmatic tone when addressing his future. Speaking to the Glasgow Times, the Celtic boss acknowledged the inevitability of managerial transition while stressing his continued determination to succeed this season.
"Celtic will be looking, soon enough, for someone to replace me," O'Neill said, before insisting he retains the hunger to succeed this season.
The comments have only fuelled further debate about who might eventually take the reins at Celtic Park, with names being floated in football circles as the club's hierarchy weighs up its options for the future.
Adding an intriguing twist to the managerial merry-go-round, former Dutch international and ex-Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit has weighed in on speculation surrounding another high-profile name. According to The Herald, Gullit stated that not even an approach from Celtic would be enough to tempt his former teammate Frank Rijkaard out of managerial retirement.
However, Gullit's comments also hinted at his own potential return to the dugout. The 64-year-old, who has not held a coaching role since 2011, appeared to leave the door open to a possible comeback, sparking fresh interest in whether he might consider a return to management himself.
With Celtic's on-field struggles continuing to generate headlines and speculation over O'Neill's future showing no signs of abating, the coming weeks are likely to bring further developments both in Glasgow and at Hibernian, where the potential arrival of Fae could reshape the club's ambitions.
For now, all parties involved have stopped short of confirming any concrete plans, leaving fans and pundits alike to speculate on how the situation might unfold as the season progresses.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport, Scottish Sun, TeamTalk, Football Insider, Glasgow Times, and The Herald.