Eddie Howe is 'talking' to Newcastle United and 'holding back' on replacing Neil Lennon at Celtic.
That's the view of former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie, who believes the former Bournemouth manager is being 'disrespectful' to the Glasgow giants.
Howe has held discussions over the post at Parkhead, but is reportedly assessing his options having been linked with a number of roles in England.
The 43-year-old is considered one of the leading contenders to take over at St James' Park should Steve Bruce leave his post after months of intense scrutiny over his future.
A recent ChronicleLive survey revealed Howe was the leading choice among supporters to replace the Magpies head coach due to the team's dreadful form in recent months.
McAvennie believes Bruce has 'done a good job' on Tyneside so far, and Howe's inaction means his former side should move on to another target.
The former striker told Football Insider : “From what I hear, he’s holding back on Celtic and it looks like he’s talking to Newcastle, which is a shame because Steve Bruce has done a good job.
“Howe’s also waiting on Crystal Palace but Roy is still in the job down there, which means they have to wait until the end of the season to start talking.
“I think it’s disrespectful to Celtic, I think we have to move on and leave him.
“It’s the few months he wants to wait that lets me believe that he’s speaking to other people and Celtic can’t afford to wait.”
