A week ago it looked as though Roy Keane was destined to become the new Celtic manager and sit in the Bhoys dugout. However, seven days on, the favourite for the role now appears to be Eddie Howe.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the former Bournemouth manager was seriously interested in replacing Neil Lennon. Celtic acted on that quickly and, over the last few days they have been in advanced discussions to bring the 43-year-old north of the border.
Howe has been out of work since leaving the Cherries in August but, after performing due diligence on behind-the-scenes matters at Parkhead, he wants to take on the job.
If he does come to Glasgow, how could his starting XI look next season? We’ve had a go at predicting the events of the next few months.
This is set to be a summer of change for Celtic and that could spiral down to the playing squad. Odsonne Edouard has regularly been linked with moves away as the Premier League come calling for the Frenchman.
Another name to be linked with the exit door is centre-back Kristoffer Ajer. If they both depart, then Howe’s first priority will be to replace them.
We’re tipping Ajer’s replacement to be Motherwell’s Declan Gallagher, a player for whom Celtic are reportedly ready to make a move in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Edouard’s successor could be Liverpool forward Divock Origi. News emerged last week that the Reds were willing to part ways with the Belgian in a deal which would sees Celtic’s star striker go in the opposite direction.
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There are no further additions of note in the forward line but James Forrest comes back into the team in favour of a more permanent role following his lengthy injury.
There are a number of changes at the back besides Gallagher. Seamus Coleman has been viewed as someone who could be signed this summer, and with Jonjoe Kenny’s loan deal expiring in the summer, they will need a right-back.
Another issue has been between the sticks, so the Hoops could bring back David Marshall. He is a further name to be tipped with a move to Parkhead this summer and he could resolve a number of issues.
Vasilis Barkas has been error-prone since his £4.5m arrival last summer while the same can be said for Scott Bain, so securing someone like Marshall could be vital.
Liam Shaw also comes into the midfield after signing a pre-contract agreement to join the Hoops when his contract with Sheffield Wednesday expires.
Celtic have swapped between a four-man and three-man defence this season but a 4-4-2 formation was one which Howe utilised regularly during his stay with Bournemouth. We expect him to go with something similar if he comes to Paradise.