Fergal Harkin is staying with Manchester City.

The Sunday World says Harkin will not be leaving his role as Football Partnerships and Pathways Manager at Manchester City to take up a role as Celtic's Director of Football.

The 44-year-old from Donegal has been linked strongly with the position while the Celtic hierarchy waited patiently on a decision on the manager's job that was Eddie Howe's until he dramatically pulled out because he could not secure his desired backroom team.

Harkin's loyalty to City Football Group remains steadfast and he is continuing in his role as Football Partnerships and Pathways Manager in which he is held in high esteem by the Manchester City hierarchy.

While conversations have taken place between Celtic and Harkin, the Director of Football job was not offered to him and he is not seeking a move from the Premier League champions at this time.