Celtic looking to invest in Australian football by buying ‘ownership stake’ in A-League club, claims Central Coast Mariners chairman Mike Charlesworth
The Hoops could follow in the footsteps of cash-rich Premier League side Manchester City who own Melbourne City
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CELTIC are looking to buy a stake in Australian side Central Coast Mariners, according to their chairman.
The Hoops could soon follow the lead of cash-rich Manchester City by having an 'ownership stake' in the A-League side.
Celtic snapped up highly-rated Tom Rogic from the New South Wales outfit in 2013.
And they could be on the verge of signing more Aussie youngsters should they get their foot in the door at Mariners.
The claim that representatives of the Scottish champions visited the Central Coast a fortnight ago and took in the facilities at Mariners' training centre.
And club chairman Mike Charlesworth insists he's not surprised to see a club of Celtic's stature look to invest in Australian football.
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He 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."
Parkhead chiefs have also expressed an interest in Brisbane Roar in recent months, but it is understood that Mariners would be their preferred choice and the club could make a bid as early as December.