Last updated on .From the section Celtic

Brendan Rodgers left Liverpool in the autumn

Former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has emerged as the frontrunner to become the new manager of Celtic.

The BBC has learned that the Northern Irishman, 43, met club representatives for several hours on Wednesday.

Dermot Desmond, Celtic's biggest individual shareholder, has described Rodgers as "a great manager".

But he added that "in excess of six" candidates had been interviewed for the position, which is available following the departure of Ronny Deila.

"We're excited about the managers we've interviewed and discussed," Desmond said. "Hopefully in the next few days, we will decide and enter negotiations."

Celtic candidates all worthy of job - Desmond

Deila's two-year tenure ended with Sunday's 7-0 win over Motherwell.

Under the Norwegian, the club won consecutive Premiership titles, taking their run of top-flight crowns to five, with the previous three won under Neil Lennon.

However, they have not reached the group stages of the Champions League since Lennon's time in charge.

Asked about Rodgers, who has also managed Watford, Reading and Swansea City, Desmond said: "He's a great manager.

"He's proved it at Liverpool and I think he's a worthy candidate for Celtic, as all the other candidates are."

Former Scotland and Celtic defender Malky Mackay, 44, has also spoken to the club about the vacancy.

Like Rodgers, Mackay began his managerial career at Watford. He then had a spell in charge of Cardiff City before he was sacked by Wigan Athletic.

Four other former Celtic players - David Moyes, Roy Keane, Paul Lambert and Lennon - have also all been strongly linked with the job.

So has former West Brom and Reading boss Steve Clarke.