Celtic could be handed a blow in their pursuit of landing Eddie Howe as their new manager.

The 43-year-old reportedly verbally agreed on a move to Parkhead before having second thoughts.

A representative on behalf of Howe revealed that he will return to the dugout in the summer at the earliest, and it seems as if his former club Bournemouth could play a key role in the Hoops’ chances of securing Howe’s services.

According to The Sun on Sunday (25.04.21, pg. 59), cited by The 72, Celtic’s hopes of appointing Howe could be dashed. That’s because Howe wants to take some of his former Cherries backroom staff from the English south coast to Celtic Park.

They remain under good contracts at the Vitality Stadium and will be in line to receive a pay rise should Bournemouth earn promotion through the play-offs. Coaches Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone are two new names mentioned, with reports elsewhere claiming that recruitment chief Richard Hughes is also wanted by Howe.

Transfer Tavern take

It seems as if the next five weeks could be key in Celtic’s hopes of bringing Howe to Glasgow. Should Bournemouth seal an immediate return to the Premier League, it could be harder to get the likes of Purches, Weatherstone and Hughes out of their respective roles.

However, if the Cherries remain in the Champuonship, that could then allow Celtic to agree to Howe’s wishes on the trio ahead of becoming Neil Lennon’s long-term successor at Parkhead.

In other news: Karamoko Dembele contract update emerges, find out more here.