Celtic have been strongly linked with Eddie Howe for a number of weeks now.

The Hoops reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the former Bournemouth boss to take over from Neil Lennon.

However, a deal is yet to be announced, with Howe has also speaking to Crystal Palace. Celtic fear Howe is now having second thoughts, with Brighton also showing a recent interest.

Nixon answers Celtic/Howe question

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon was quizzed on the latest regarding Howe and Celtic on Wednesday evening.

Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked if a deal for the 43-year-old was completely off, to which he replied, seemingly implying Howe may not make the move to Glasgow:

“Shocked Celtic have not started talking to someone else…”

Transfer Tavern take

In our view, you can take this update one of two ways. You could look at it as a positive, with the Hoops seemingly not sounding out any alternatives to Howe, who wants a summer return to management at the earliest.

They may well feel as if Howe is still keen on the job and don’t want to worry about contacting any other managers as a result, also showing they have 100 per cent faith in the vision of a rebuild with Howe at the helm.

However, you could also fear the worst. Should Howe snub a move to Glasgow and take over from Roy Hodgson at Palace, the Hoops could be back to square one with time ticking ahead of the 2021/22 season.

It’s an interesting view, but it doesn’t appear as if the Hoops have anyone else in mind as of now.

In other news: Celtic ace closing in on Parkhead exit, report claims medical is booked, find out more here.