Eddie Howe looks set to become Celtic’s new manager and already has his sights set on Bournemouth defender Steve Cook as a key Hoops signing.

That’s according to The Scottish Sun, who claimed that the 29-year-old could find it hard to turn down a potential reunion with Howe at Celtic Park over the coming months.

Cook to Celtic on a free transfer?

The centre-back, valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, is out of contract in the summer and so could make the move to Glasgow on a free transfer.

According to the report, Cook could even be seen by Howe as Celtic’s next captain, with current skipper Scott Brown set to join Aberdeen in the summer.

Transfer Tavern take

Cook is on £45,000 per week, the same wage as Josh King, who has also been tipped to reunite with Howe at Parkhead.

In our view, the defender could prove to be an excellent addition on a free transfer if it materialises, taking all things into consideration.

He has made more than 150 appearances in the Premier League, knows how Howe works and could provide fierce competition to the likes of Kristoffer Ajer, Christopher Jullien and Stephen Welsh.

In other news: Celtic knock back offer for 26 y/o after Friday development, find out more here