Celtic’s hunt for a new manager has been the definition of a circus. There are more twist and turns for the Bhoys than a helter-skelter while their targets could be accused of clowning around in recent weeks.

That is certainly the case with Eddie Howe, a coach who has been playing Celtic the fool.

The 43-year-old is the undoubted favourite in their hunt to bring a new manager to Parkhead but as time increases, it feels unlikely he’ll become the boss.

Howe had been in advanced talks with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond but a number of stumbling points have occurred.

The former Bournemouth boss doesn’t want to return to management until the summer while he’s also being courted by Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Brighton.

On top of that, an issue has emerged regarding the newly opened director of football position. Celtic remain keen on hiring Fergal Harkin to fill that vacancy but Howe wants one of his companions from the Cherries; Richard Hughes.

What’s also been an issue is the lack of senior heads at Celtic to negotiate. Desmond appears to be leading the talks but with Peter Lawwell due to retire in the summer and no director of football in place, there aren’t many figures to consult.

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Fortunately, the search for a new boss could increase rapidly on Monday when Dominic McKay finally starts his job two months before it was expected.

Lawwell announced he’d retire at the end of the season and once the summer rolls around, McKay will become the new CEO. For now, he takes on a less senior role at the football club.

Despite that, his impact on proceedings could be huge. It’s another pair of ears to consult and he’ll be at the club next season, unlike his predecessor. As such, he could have more of a bearing on the new manager than Lawwell.

Speaking to Football Insider, that was the view held by finance expert Kieran Maguire: “Things will accelerate when they get the new chief exec in,” he began.

“He’ll be wanting to interview and recruit people who he knows he can work with on a partnership level and a leadership level.”

With that in mind, it could be that McKay prefers a different type of personality to Howe. At the moment, he’s causing Celtic plenty of issues before he’s even walked through the door.

It’s safe to say that the entire landscape at Paradise could change in the very near future now that McKay is working at the club.

AND in other news, Forget Hjelde: Celtic could have their new Ajer in 17 y/o never-seen in the first team...