Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes Celtic are not Eddie Howe's first choice as he looks to get back into management.

Howe has been out of work since leaving Bournemouth last year following their relegation from the Premier League.

He has since been linked to the Celtic job, with many reports claiming that he is the Bhoys' No.1 target in their search for a permanent successor to Neil Lennon.

Meanwhile, journalist Alan Nixon has reported that difficulties in assembling his potential coaching team have complicated things.

Hendrie, however, does not think Celtic are No.1 for Howe, suggesting that the 43-year-old is possibly holding out for another club as he continues to leave the Glasgow giants waiting.

On the Howe to Celtic links, the ex-Aston Villa player told TT in an exclusive interview:

"I think Eddie Howe, at the moment in time, I think he's been linked with this job for so long, that I kind of feel like he's waiting for something else to come along if you get what I mean. And I feel that's not his first option."

Howe has been linked with Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, so perhaps he has told Celtic to wait as he considers all of his options.

Roy Hodgson's contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season, meaning a job could soon open up there.