Roy Keane was 'never likely' to become Celtic manager despite being the favourite for the job just a week ago.
The former Ireland star was heavily linked with a return to the Scottish club having enjoyed a brief spell with the club as a player, but it now looks likely that Eddie Howe will take the hot seat.
It was reported that Keano was interested in the job and met the club's hierarchy, but they've instead opted to pursue the former Bournemouth boss.
And according to BBC reporter Chris McLaughlin, a Keane return was less likely than it looked as Celtic seek a big name with a proven track record as a manager - something Keane lacked having last managed at club level in 2011.
McLaughlin said: “Celtic’s search for a successor to Lennon officially started when the Northern Irishman left in February – in reality it started well before and Howe’s name was always one the board kept coming back to.
“Roy Keane became a favourite at one point but my understanding is, that was never likely to happen. Celtic wanted a name, yes, but they wanted one with a track record in management and in Howe they have both.”
Reports in Scotland suggest that Howe has agreed a deal in principle with the club and is set to put pen to paper on a deal worth over €2.3 million per year.
