Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has dropped a major update on Celtic’s pursuit of Eddie Howe on social media.

Previous reports had suggested that Howe wanted certain assurances before putting pen to paper on a Parkhead deal, as well as being able to bring Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes with him.

As we all know, Howe is yet to seal a move to Glasgow, leading to many questioning why the deal is taking so long to finalise.

According to Nixon, Hughes isn’t central to a Celtic Park switch for Howe. The journalist was asked by a Celtic fan on Twitter if he feels the Hoops and Howe will get Hughes even if the Cherries earn promotion.

The Sun writer swiftly replied, revealing that coaches are actually a major part of the delay as he outlines: “Hughes is NOT central to this. Howe wants his own coaches though. And they’re still in work. That’s a major part of the hold up on his side.”

Transfer Tavern take

It seems as if Bournemouth’s involvement in the Championship play-offs could well be crucial to Howe sealing a move to Celtic.

Reports have named coaches Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone as men wanted by the 43-year-old, but they will be in line for a pay rise should the Cherries return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

You’d expect that Hughes would also be in line for a pay increase, but to us it’s good news knowing that he isn’t crucial to a deal involving Howe, especially with the Hoops closing in on Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin for a boardroom role.

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