Eddie Howe’s proposed move to Celtic as their new manager is not close to being completed, according to reports in England last night.
Despite speculation that Celtic were about to confirm Howe’s appointment, a representative of the former Bournemouth manager described talk of a deal as “extremely premature”.
In a statement issued to Sky Sports, the spokesperson for Howe also said there had been significant interest from a number of clubs and that he would not return to management until at least the summer.
Howe, who parted company with Bournemouth last August, has been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, whose manager, Roy Hodgson, is expected to stand down at the end of the season.
Celtic are understood to be in pole position for his services, but the agent’s statement last night suggested that there was more to be done if Howe was to emerge from his sabbatical.
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“There has been significant interest in Eddie from a number of clubs,” he said. “However, talks of any deal being close are extremely premature. His plan remains to not return to management until the summer at the earliest.”
The development will be a disappointment to Celtic supporters who are keen for Neil Lennon’s successor to be appointed as soon as possible. John Kennedy has been their caretaker manager since February.
Celtic and Howe are reported to have struck a verbal agreement, but uncertainty remains as to who would be on his staff. He is thought to want Richard Hughes, the Bournemouth technical director, alongside him as part of a revamped football department at Celtic Park. The Glasgow club have also been linked with a move to make Fergal Harkin, of Manchester City, their director of football.
