Celtic have contacted the representatives of Rui Faria as they continue their search for a new manager, according to reports in the Scottish media.

The 45-year-old is currently out of work after leaving his coaching role at Qatari side Al-Duhail last year, and he is being looked at by the Hoops as a backup option if they fail to agree terms with Yokohama F Marinos manager Ange Postecoglou.

Faria is widely known as Jose Mourinho’s right man, who acted as the Portuguese’s assistant at clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid. During their 20-year working relationship, they won an incredible 25 major trophies.

Mourinho once described Faria as his “successor,” stating he believed the coach had all the qualities required to be a superb manager, if he decided to take on the responsbility.

Despite being previously linked with the Arsenal job, Faria’s only experience as a number one was with Al-Duhail, where he won the Emir of Qatar Cup (the equivalent of the country’s league title) before he stepped away for personal reasons.