Celtic make Eddie Howe approach as club look to appoint manager

Celtic have approached Eddie Howe and both parties have held talks over succeeding Neil Lennon as their manager, STV has learned.

Howe, who guided Bournemouth promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, is believed to be interested in the Parkhead post. John Kennedy is in interim charge following Neil Lennon’s departure in February.

Celtic have been considering their options since the departure of Lennon and this summer will see widespread changes at the club.

Chief executive Peter Lawwell is retiring and will be replaced by Dominic McKay, who is currently at Scottish Rugby. The club announced on Wednesday that recruitment chief Nick Hammond has left, while captain Scott Brown is moving to Aberdeen this summer at the end of his contract.

A new structure is being considered and Howe could be in the head coach position this summer as the club look to challenge Rangers after losing out in this year’s title race.

Howe’s record at Bournemouth, where he took the club to the Premier League and kept them there for four seasons, has made him a managerial hot property and he has been carefully considering his next move.

Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond said last week that the club would take their time to find the right candidate for the job.

He said: “As with any key appointment at Celtic, there is a process which involves research, investigation, interviewing and negotiation. This process is under way.”