Celtic have been searching for Neil Lennon’s successor for over a month now but the Bhoys are repeatedly being dealt with setbacks.
Eddie Howe has become the favourite to join the Hoops but he won’t arrive until at least the summer according to his representatives.
What’s the word?
The 43-year-old was thought to be in advanced discussions with Celtic last week but his arrival is now far from certain. Complications have emerged over a director of football, with Howe’s preferred choice Richard Hughes reportedly not keen on coming to Glasgow.
With a move in doubt, Crystal Palace have now cast their eyes towards the former Bournemouth boss. This comes in a fresh twist to the story with news of Howe not wanting to return to management until the summer putting Palace in contention, according to the Daily Mail.
Do you still want Howe at Celtic?
No way
Yes please
Their current boss Roy Hodgson is out of contract at the end of the season, so the Eagles could well be on the hunt for a new manager.
Desmond surely seething
With Howe continuing to delay a decision over where his future lies, Desmond’s frustration and anger will surely only grow. The majority shareholder hasn’t had things easy this season, withstanding protests from fan groups and even being questioned over his role at the club.
He issued a defiant statement suggesting he wouldn’t sell his shares, but a failure to appoint the right manager will likely lead to more questions.
Howe seemed to be his ideal choice but Desmond will now be sweating with Premier League teams casting their eyes towards the ex-Cherries boss.
Ever since the young head coach emerged as the leading candidate, Celtic have been dealt with repeated blows in their pursuit. Advanced talks may have taken place but he won’t move until the summer, while complications over the vacant director of football position are making things harder to be completed.
A deal for Fergal Harkin was reportedly 90% done but Howe wants a companion from his days at Bournemouth in Hughes to be handed the position instead. The trouble is, the latter supposedly doesn’t want to move to Scotland.
Desmond will need to find some alternative suitors from somewhere before a deal for Howe completely collapses. At the moment, the signs aren’t looking particularly encouraging.
AND in other news, Celtic may sign their best striker since Larsson with move for “powerful” £45k-p/w ace…