Matthew O'Donoghue 
Mark Runnacles/Getty Images Sport
The Daily Record is reporting that Celtic have made an approach to buy an ownership stake in A-league side Central Coast Mariners.
The Hoops have had dealt with the New South Wales club before when they signed Tom Rogic.
Now it is understood that they have returned to try and buy an ownership stake in the club but are also considering a move for Brisbane Roar.
Mariners chairman Mike Charlesworth said:
I’m not surprised about their interest based on a new A-League operating model because I think it’s got a lot of potential.
Frankly, I haven’t personally spoken to anyone at Celtic, that’s been handled by [chief executive] Shaun [Mielekamp] and [chief financial officer] Kathy [Duncan].
It is believed that there is a lot of talent, like Rogic, waiting to be uncovered in the country after the Socceroos made it to the World Cup for the fourth time in a row earlier this year. Acquiring a controlling stake at a club in the emerging market there could mean that Celtic reap the rewards in the future.
Should any deal go through, it would not be the first time that a British club has bought a controlling stake in an Australian club after Manchester City gained control of Melbourne City in 2014.
Eric Knott 
