McNamara set for talks
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is set to discuss a new contract with skipper Jackie McNamara, according to the player’s agent.
McNamara’s contract will expire at the end of the season and it has been suggested the 31-year-old Scotland international could leave after his testimonial game against the Republic of Ireland this summer.
But the player’s agent, former Hoops striker Darren Jackson, has revealed discussions with the club will open soon with the player hoping for at least a two-year extension.
He told the Press Association: “We haven’t opened contract talks just yet but hopefully we will in a short while.
“I have had a conversation with Martin O’Neill a week and a half ago and he was saying we need to get together.
“Obviously their schedule is busy with cup semi-finals and other important games but we are trying to get a date sorted.
“We can’t put a time limit on this at the moment but at least they have set the ball rolling.”
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell also looks set to open talks with Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd soon to discuss the cost of bringing on-loan striker Craig Bellamy to the club permanently.
Meanwhile, Nantes goalkeeper Mickael Landreau has denied being in contact with the Scottish champions.
The France international keeper, who has spent all his career with Les Canaris, has a contract with the French club until June 2006 but Nantes are prepared to let him go this summer.
Landreau said: “I don’t know anything about it all, my priority is survival with Nantes.”
Nantes are in 15th place and four points above the relegation zone in Ligue 1. They will face leaders and likely 2005 French champions Lyon at the weekend.
