Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said today he did not want to leave the Glasgow club, despite media reports suggesting he could become Manchester United's new manager.
O'Neill has enjoyed a successful first season in charge at Parkhead, with Celtic on the verge of securing a domestic treble of honours.
The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported today that United and Celtic would open "preliminary discussions" next month about O'Neill succeeding United manager Alex Ferguson when the famous Scot retires at the end of next season.
But the Irishman told Sky Sports television today: "It has been a fantastic first season for me and I have two more years to go (on his contract.
"I have no intention of going any other way. I will be kicking and screaming if I have to leave here (Celtic).
"But I know how fickle the game is."
Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond told Sky Sports today that the club could offer O'Neill a place on the board of directors as incentive to stay.
Celtic have already won the Scottish League Cup and league title, and will complete the domestic treble on May 26 if they beat Hibernian in the Scottish Cup final.
Ferguson has already stated he will retire as United manager in May 2002.
It will bring to an end his 16-year spell as manager at Old Trafford, during which time he has become one of the most celebrated managers in the history of English football. -Reuters