Celtic are believed to be worried over an 11th-hour twist in their pursuit of manager Eddie Howe.

According to an exclusive report from Football Insider, the Hoops fear that English Premier League side Crystal Palace could scupper their verbal agreement with the 43-year-old as they look for a possible replacement for Roy Hodgson.

Celtic's Howe concern

They have been informed from a Hoops source that ‘there is concern Palace could ambush their deal with a move on their own’.

Reports elsewhere have suggested that Howe has agreed in principle to take over at Parkhead, after ironing out fine details on Friday. However, Football Insider’s report on Saturday morning suggested that Celtic are concerned over Palace possibly hijacking a move for the former Bournemouth boss.

Transfer Tavern take

Celtic have had experience of seeing a deal dramatically collapse this year, so you can understand the club’s reported concern. The Hoops reportedly reached a pre-contract deal for defender Ben Davies in January, only for him then to move to Liverpool 24 hours later.

Fingers crossed that lightning doesn’t strike twice in regards to Howe, but if things go well, an announcement could be made over the coming days.

In other news: Celtic star doesn't want to play for the club again; find out who it is here.