Manchester City man Fergal Harkin is the number one target to become Celtic's new Director of Football.

And reliable reporter Alan Nixon has spoken out on the Hoops’ interest in the Irishman, admitting it is ‘alive and kicking’.

Celtic sources, as reported by Football Insider, suggested that the club are ‘committed’ to get a deal for Harkin over the line, even if it means defying top managerial target Eddie Howe.

One Celtic fan quizzed Nixon, who writes for The Sun, about Harkin and a move to Parkhead on social media, to which he replied:

“Been saying that for nearly two months ... but does seem to be alive and kicking.”

Transfer Tavern take

It seems as if a potential swoop for Harkin is really gathering pace, with multiple reporters aware of Celtic’s interest in the ‘massive’ Hoops fan.

The 44-year-old has been at the Etihad for 11 years, with Celtic impressed by his experience and knowledge built up at City.

There could still be scope for Howe to take over from Neil Lennon ahead of the 2021/22 season - the Englishman wanted to bring his former Bournemouth colleague Richard Hughes with him to Glasgow.

Howe wanted the assurance of having Hughes with him at Celtic Park, and with head of football operations Nick Hammond resigning and recruitment chief Gary Penrice also set for an exit, maybe Hughes could fill one of those roles to work alongside Harkin and Howe.

In other news: Celtic open to landing £57k-p/w international in deal for Odsonne Edouard, find out more here.