Three names have supposedly been leading the race to become the new manager of Celtic and take the Bhoys forward.
The first manager Dermot Desmond viewed as Neil Lennon’s successor was Roy Keane. That, however, has become less likely as the weeks go by.
The other two coaches in the pipeline are Eddie Howe and Lucien Favre.
What’s the word?
Howe is currently the favourite for the job, but if Celtic aren’t able to convince him to move to Glasgow, then Favre is thought to be the hierarchy’s second choice.
It was revealed a few weeks ago that the former Borussia Dortmund boss was interested in the job but it’s only this week that Celtic have actually registered their own appeal. However, they have now been dealt a huge blow in their bid to bring Favre to Scotland.
According to France Football [via Get Football News France], Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal are very much interested in hiring the 63-year-old.
It is thought that they would be able to offer him wages of €6m to €8m (£5.1m to £6.9m) per year.
Gutting news
Setback after setback - that’s what Celtic are currently having to deal with in their pursuit for a new manager. This news, however, could mean the Hoops have to go back to the drawing board.
After all, the chances of Howe arriving in Glasgow are looking slimmer as the days go by. The 43-year-old has been in advanced talks but several stumbling blocks have emerged.
[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown" title="Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!"]
Firstly, Howe doesn’t want to return to management until the summer, while there are issues at play with Celtic’s bid to find a new director of football.
A deal to bring Fergal Harkin to Paradise was reportedly 90% done but Howe wants Richard Hughes, his former companion at Bournemouth, to join him instead. The trouble is that Hughes isn’t particularly keen on the move to Scotland.
With Favre the alternative should a move for Howe fall through, Al-Hilal’s sudden interest may well provoke panic in the Hoops boardroom.
Desmond needs to act quickly and decisively in their hunt for Lennon’s successor. At the moment, he is being left with gut-wrenching blows every day.