If Mike Ashley is quietly working on a shortlist of managers to replace the struggling Steve Bruce, he might have to cross Eddie Howe’s name off that list in the next 24 hours.
The former Bournemouth manager leads the field among the bookies as favourite to replace Bruce, should the manager's hotseat at Newcastle become available.
But the odds on the out-of-work Howe taking over at Celtic have tumbled in the last few hours. Some outlets are offering prices as low as 1/5 on for him to become next permanent Celtic boss.
Neil Lennon has clashed with media after sanctioning a controversial mid-season training camp in Dubai this month. Immediately after returning from the trip Lennon was forced into self-isolation along with 13 of his playing squad after a defender tested positive for Covid-19.
In their bid to win a record 10 th SPL title in a row the Bhoys find themselves a massive 21-points behind Steven Gerrard's Rangers, albeit with three games in hand.
Howe is seen as a popular option for Celtic to turn to should they not win their next league game away to Livingston on Wednesday night.
Despite suffering relegation with Bournemouth last season Howe’s credentials remain high. He has been out of work since the summer but in November publicly stated that his next job has to “really motivate him”.
He also told Sky, spending more time with his family was important too which could be an issue if he is offered a move north to Glasgow.
The feeling at Parkhead is that Neil Lennon can’t survive the season. A move for a tactically astute manager like Howe, who has strong contacts in the English game, is seen as another ‘Brendan Rodgers moment’ for The Celts.
If Newcastle are serious about an approach for Howe they will probably have to make their move in the next 24 hours.
