Carlton Palmer has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Eddie Howe should reject the Celtic job.

The 43-year-old has been unemployed since his departure from Bournemouth following their relegation last season.

Howe hasn't been short of job offers, though, with Newcastle and Crystal Palace both reportedly interested in him becoming their new manager.

But the former Cherries boss remains Celtic's number one target, although the two parties don't appear any closer to making a decision despite weeks of ongoing talks.

Howe, who's keen on the Parkhead vacancy, remains the clear favourite to replace Neil Lennon, but his agent has revealed that he doesn't want any job until the season finishes.

Celtic round off their campaign by hosting St Johnstone on Wednesday before travelling to Hibs four days later, with second place already guaranteed.

But despite the prospect of Champions League football next season, should the Hoops safely navigate their way through qualifying, Palmer believes that Howe should be targeting another job in England.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

"I’d be disappointed in Eddie Howe going to Celtic.

"No disrespect to the Scottish league, but you have two or three teams in it. It’s not the same as the Premier League.

"Back in the day it was different, but now, for Eddie Howe, he needs to get back in at a top Championship club that could get promotion next season, or a top Premier League side."