Celtic managing director Fergus McCann has hinted he might be open to persuasion as pressure mounted for him to consider the approach by the consortium, led by Kenny Dalglish and Jim Kerr, which is keen to buy him out.

The revelation that a bid is poised to be tabled for McCann's 50.3 per cent stake in the Parkhead outfit initially brought a sceptical response.

But yesterday there was a suggestion that he might be ready to think again, and is certainly willing to listen.

Speaking at a news conference, called to confirm that goalkeeper Jonathan Gould has extended his contract until 2003, McCann refused to answer questions on the matter, but did clarify his stance.

He reiterated that he would prefer in the first instance to offer existing shareholders the opportunity to invest at the end of the season. But he conceded that, if he were convinced another alternative was better for Celtic, he may yet reconsider.

"My own position is that I have had many approaches made in strict confidence," he said. "I would be delighted to talk to people with proposals. Whether they are of benefit to the club as a whole is then a question for the board to decide.

"But it is early days, we are yet to see a well-thought out proposal from a well-funded source. I have not changed my position regarding what happens next year after I leave. That will be a matter for the shareholders to be given the opportunity to take up my shares.

"I will not change from that unless I am persuaded by the shareholders, by the board, the supporters and others that something is better for Celtic.

"What I will say is that I will not be leaving early, that is, before the end of the season, as I don't see any purpose in doing that at this stage.

"The position that I have is that the club and the board, in conjunction with me, would be happy to consider detailed proposals put forward by any reputable party which we felt would be of serious advantage to the club."

McCann disclosed that, following Jock Brown's resignation as general manager of the club on Saturday, he has personally assumed a more active role in dealing with Celtic's most pressing internal affairs.

He added: "We would listen to anything on a framework that would be of benefit to the club, but I don't want to get into any questions now. We are much more concerned with transfer and contract issues which have not been concluded."

The head of the Celtic supporters association, Peter Rafferty, insists he will bide his time before deciding whether to organise a concerted supporters' campaign backing the consortium headed by Dalglish and company.

Rafferty, who heads the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters' Clubs, is excited by the prospect of the take-over, but would prefer more details to emerge before actively committing his membership.

He said: "We will have to wait and see what is happening, it is too early to consider whether we might protest and what action we might take to do that.

"We really need to see this consortium meet with Mr McCann and see how negotiations go before we decide on anything we may do ourselves."

Ray Harford believes Dalglish would be to Celtic what Franz Beckenbauer is to Bayern Munich if his projected takeover of the Parkhead outfit can be a success, and he reckons the club would regret spurning the opportunity.

With his former connections with Dalglish at Blackburn, Harford has already been tipped to take a coaching role at Celtic, and yesterday was warm in his tribute to his one-time colleague.

Harford said: "He is famous on a par with Beckenbauer and you can see what Beckenbauer is able to do with Bayern Munich. I'm sure Kenny can do the same for Celtic and take the club to that kind of level.

"I can understand why this consortium want Kenny to be the figurehead. It makes great sense, but it's not just the name - he has the presence, intelligence and ability to go with it."

McCann also moved to assert there is no prospect of Swedish international Henrik Larsson departing, despite interest from Sheffield Wednesday who are known to be ready to pay around £4 million for him.

"As far as Henrik is concerned there is no thought on his part of leaving Celtic and that is very much the case on behalf of the club," said McCann.

"He will not be leaving Celtic in any circumstances, either now or in the future. He is very happy here, as we are to have him."