Scottish Premiership

EDDIE HOWE is poised to become Celtic’s new manager.SunSport understands the Hoops’ leading candidate to replace Neil Lennon has agreed in principle to take the role.
Eddie Howe has agreed in principle to become Celtic’s new managerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And barring a last-ditch change of heart, the former Bournemouth manager, 43, is expected to sign a contract worth up to £2million a year and be officially announced early next week.
The fine details of the deal were being ironed out on Friday night, but Celts’ chiefs are confident they will get their man.

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Howe has been in a strong negotiating position since Celtic’s major shareholder Dermot Desmond made clear he was the one they wanted during a midweek London summit, as revealed by SunSport.
It’s believed he has insisted on full authority on backroom appointments and a sizeable war chest to revamp an ailing squad.
Eddie Howe has been in talks with Celtic supremo Dermot DesmondCredit: PA
It’s also Howe’s desire for close pal and current Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes to join him in Paradise.
Celtic are now likely to make a formal approach to the Cherries board for the five-times capped former Scotland player.
SunSport first revealed the possibility of Hughes following Howe to Glasgow.

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We were also first with the news at the start of the week that Howe had been sounded out by Celts chiefs and was doing his homework on the club.
His face-to-face meeting with Desmond left the Irish billionaire in no doubt he was the man for the job.
And like he did with Brendan Rodgers in 2016, Desmond is prepared to back the new boss.

Howe faces a massive rebuild, with captain Scott Brown leaving, four loan players returning to their clubs and the likelihood of Odsonne Edouard, Kris Ajer and Ryan Christie also heading off.
The fate of interim boss John Kennedy and coach Gavin Strachan remains unclear, with Stephen McManus likely to return to development coaching.
Howe has been out of football since leaving Bournemouth last August following their relegation to the Championship.

He wanted time out to be with his family, but his hunger has returned and he is excited by the challenge provided by Celtic.
Newcastle and Crystal Palace could be looking for new bosses this summer.
However, Desmond and departing chief executive Peter Lawwell are thought to have convinced Howe he can achieve greatness with Celtic and they are keen to tie up the loose ends over the weekend.

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EDDIE HOWE has moved closer to being named Celtic’s new boss after meeting kingmaker Dermot Desmond.SunSport revealed yesterday that Howe is eager to take charge at Parkhead after being sounded out for the job.
Eddie Howe has moved closer to being named Celtic bossCredit: Reuters
We told that Howe had reached out to his trusted contacts with connections to the club as he weighed up a shock move to Glasgow.
Now we can break the news that the former Bournemouth boss has held face-to-face talks with billionaire Desmond over the prospect of succeeding Neil Lennon.
Joining them for the hush-hush London summit was outgoing Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell, who will leave his role at the end of the season.
It’s understood Howe, who worked a miracle at Bournemouth, taking them from near-League Two oblivion to the Premier League over two spells, is now the top choice to take on Steven Gerrard’s title-winning Rangers next season.
And his appointment could even be announced as early as next week, with the Celtic board coming under increasing pressure from fans to seal a deal ahead of season-ticket renewals being sent out.
The potential deal for Howe could see him earn close to Brendan Rodgers’ bumper £2.3million salary.
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Celtic chief Desmond held hush hush London talks with HoweCredit: PA
But his detailed talks with Desmond and Lawwell still leave him with a decision to make if he wants to come to Glasgow — and turn his back on potential summer vacancies at Newcastle and Crystal Palace.
Howe is wise enough to seek assurances on bringing in his own backroom staff and being handed a sizeable transfer budget.
He knows the current Hoops squad faces a tumultuous close season.
Captain Scott Brown is heading to Aberdeen, top scorer Odsonne Edouard is likely to be sold and loan players will leave.
Howe, 43, would also want to be sure of an anticipated new director of football and plans to urgently overhaul a recruitment set-up that backfired spectacularly as Celtic failed in their ten-in-a-row bid.
Over £10million was splurged on Vasilis Barkas, Albian Ajeti and Shane Duffy.

 Head of football operations Nick Hammond left Parkhead this week.
Howe could be keen for close friend and current Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes — who won five Scotland caps — to join him in the east end.
Meanwhile, it’s believed Fergal Harkin, currently loan and pathways manager at Manchester City, has now been earmarked for a key role in the restructured football set-up.
After weeks of careful consideration, Celtic chiefs now have a clear vision of how they should approach the future.
The immediate priority will be to wrestle back the title from Rangers.

Howe and Harkin are at the forefront of their thinking to achieve that, but it remains to be seen if and when agreements can be struck.
Celts have confirmed Scottish Rugby supremo Dominic McKay will succeed Lawwell as chief executive on July 1, with Howe now overwhelming favourite to be named as Lennon’s permanent successor in the dugout.
But they still need a new captain and an overhaul of the squad, which John Kennedy is leading into the Scottish Cup defence on Saturday.
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EDDIE HOWE presided over more than 450 games in two spells at Bournemouth which spanned more than a decade. But what clues can be gleaned from that glut of games with a view to deciphering how he might choose to line-up should agreement be reached on a deal to take him to Celtic.
How Celtic could look if Eddie Howe takes charge
We told you how the former LMA manager of the year had emerged as the leading contender to be next Hoops boss and was seriously considering the idea of continuing his career north of the border.
Moving to Parkhead would represent huge upheaval, of course, for a man who has only managed two clubs in the English system – in two stints at Bournemouth either side of an 18-month spell at Burnley.
But having taken the Cherries to three promotions, five years in the English top flight and a ninth-place Premier League finish, it would be the kind of move which could capture the imagination of the Hoops fans.
With Nicky Hammond leaving the club, Howe’s arrival – if confirmed – would be only one strand in a new broom at the club this summer.
A new chief executive in Dominic McKay is coming in along with a new director of football and new boss – not to mention a large number of new players.
Here SunSport gazes into the crystal ball and considers who he could turn to if he is handed the keys to Parkhead.
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Asmir Bsgovic is an experienced campaignerCredit: AFP or licensors
Asmir Begovic
CELTIC probably need a goalkeeper – again. Unless, that is, Howe could be convinced to tie his fortunes to either Connor Hazard, Scott Bain or Vasilis Barkas.
If ever there is a position to bring in your own men it is in goal, though.
And – resale value or not – Howe could do worse than make a pre-contract offer to Bournemouth’s experienced Bosnian stopper Asmir Begovic.
The former Chelsea man is out of contract in the summer and if the Cherries can’t win promotion, he could be a perfect safe pair of hands at Parkhead.
Stephen Welsh
The 21-year-old Scot has acquitted himself well in adversity at Parkhead this season.
It would be a shame if the arrival of a new manager saw his progress stall entirely.
While there is a case for fielding a more attack-minded player in this position, Welsh is naturally right sided, good on the ball and an excellent one-on-one defender.
Steve Cook was Bornemouth’s captain and mainstay and is out of contract this summerCredit: Rex Features
Steve Cook
The speculation about Kris Ajer leaving Parkhead shows no signs of relenting.
And if there is one area of the team where Howe would need to leave his stamp it is at the back.
Cook, a virtual ever-present throughout Bournemouth’s five years in the English top flight, was the kind of character who set the standards.
While Howe at one stage criticised him for calling out his team-mates a bit too vociferously, he is out of contract in the summer and still only 29.
There would be no sell-on value for the Hoops but Howe would need people he can trust to implement his ideas.
Christopher Jullien
The Frenchman was last spotted back near Paris in a walking boot.
It remains to be seen precisely how much longer he will be on the sidelines, but the former Toulouse star will have designs on being as close to ready as possible for the beginning of the season.
Still has plenty to offer and a contract until 2023.
Unlikely to be used in a back three any more with Howe tending to be wedded to a 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1/4-2-3-1 shape.
Matt Ritchie in action for NewcastleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Matt Ritchie
Left back is an area of flux in this Celtic team.
Greg Taylor is a Scotland international who hasn’t let anyone down when he has played.
Diego Laxalt is capable but has only been a qualified success since arriving from AC Milan on-loan – where he is likely to return this summer.
Then there is Boli Bolingoli, who will return to the club himself from Turkish football this summer.
Howe could take a shine to any of them but Celtic still seem like they are searching for something here and Matt Ritchie is one of Howe’s mainstays from Bournemouth.
Lined up as a left wing back for Newcastle, where he still has a contract until 2023, but was close to a return move to Bournemouth this January.
Delivers a great dead ball and could be attracted to a fresh challenge – particularly if Newcastle are relegated.
Liam Shaw is joining on a cut price cross-border deal from Sheffield Wednesday
Liam Shaw
Quietly snapped up from Sheffield Wednesday, Celtic feel Liam Shaw has a big future in the game.
Howe is the kind of manager who likes to cultivate young talent – something which will no doubt have endeared him to the Parkhead board.
A rangy player who can operate in defence or midfield in the form of Scott McTominay, Shaw could play the kind of role someone like Harry Arter used to for Bournemouth.
With Ismaila Soro another mdifield option, Shaw is also capable of dropping in as centre back – where his mobility would be an asset.
Callum McGregor
There is an assumption that the Celtic and Scotland mainstay is a man who the Hoops should build around.
It would certainly take a king’s ransom to prise him away, with McGregor in possession of a contract which takes him through to 2024.
A hard worker and a creative influence, Howe would have to go far and wide to find a better midfielder than him.
Similar in role and quality to Jack Wilshere, who is another former Howe signing who could be available on a free transfer this summer.
James Forrest’s return could be like a new player for the Hoops
James Forrest
Has been on the sidelines a long time – but one man that any new Hoops boss is sure to have an eye on when they arrive at the club.
There is a pace and directness to the Scotland man’s game which Howe used to great effect with Bournemouth.
Should fit the bill – if he can stay fit.
David Turnbull
Form has possibly just shaded in recent weeks, but the ex-Motherwell midfielder is a huge talent who makes the difficult parts of the game look easy.
While Howe often went with two more out-and-out strikers – a role off the striker seems like the best place to situate Turnbull.
Again, the chance to nurture a talent such as him should appeal to a man who has helped cultivate the likes of Ryan Fraser and Nathan Ake.
Harry Wilson was a huge hit under Eddie Howe
Harry Wilson
Mohamed Elyounoussi is likely to return to Southampton at the end of his loan deal.
Ryan Christie could come to the attention of English giants if he is a strong Euro 2020.
And it remains to be seen if Mikey Johnston can hold down a regular first team spot.
So the wide left spot in next season’s Hoops team is up for grabs.
Christie’s Scotland team-mate Ryan Fraser at one point had this spot sewn up in Howe’s Bournemouth side and the Hoops also held an interest before he moved to Newcastle United.
All bets will be off on Fraser – contracted until 2025 – should Newcastle go down but Howe also got good results from Harry Wilson on a loan-spell on the south coast.
He could be back shopping in that type of market this summer – especially if Celtic land some high-profile sales first.
Callum Wilson
It is anybody’s guess what happens up front with Celtic this season, where Howe at times has gone with two up top.
It would be financial suicide to keep Odsonne Edouard if he is not prepared to sign another deal – while the futures of Albian Ajeti, Leigh Griffiths and Patryk Klimala are shrouded in mystery.
While all three of those could benefit from a fresh set of eyes, Howe seems likely to conclude that he needs his own target man at the sharp end of the pitch.
Callum Wilson, currently recovering from injury at Newcastle, was one man who Howe swore by, his performances for him earning a £20m move to Newcastle.
While the deal would take some financing, Wilson might be the kind of player the Hoops look to if the Magpies cannot preserve their Premier League status.
Benik Afobe, whose contact is set to expire at Trabzonspor, is another man who could come into consideration.
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RANGERS striker Jermain Defoe says Celtic-linked Eddie Howe didn’t know how to handle him as a player – and that they had no personal relationship.The pair were together at Bournemouth after Defoe returned for a second spell in 2017 on a three-year deal.
Rangers’ Jermain Defoe said he had no relationship with Celtic-linked Eddie HoweCredit: Getty
But the former England frontman lasted just 18 months on the south coast before heading to Ibrox on loan and then making that move a permanent one.
Defoe believes he didn’t get a proper chance at the Cherries – and ended up feeling that he was forced him out of the club.
Now the pair could cross swords again if Howe is appointed Celtic manager for next season and Defoe remains at Rangers.
Defoe told talkSPORT: “I went to Bournemouth and just didn’t really get an opportunity, didn’t get a run of games.
“I’ve scored goals everywhere I’ve been. Before I went to Bournemouth, I’d scored 15 goals in back-to-back seasons.
“I got back into the England squad so I was going to Bournemouth to play.
“But I just didn’t get the opportunity to be honest.
“I didn’t really have a relationship with the manager. I was closer to his assistant Jason Tindall.
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CELTIC star Odsonne Edouard has extended his incredible scoring streak for France U21s as he claimed his 17th goal in just 13 games for his country.The Hoops frontman produced a stunning chip as The Little Blues stormed into a comfortable lead against Iceland
Edouard celebrating his goal in the victory over IcelandCredit: Reuters
The striker scored with a brilliant chip to grab his 17th in 13 capsCredit: Getty
🇫🇷 | Odsonne EdouardWhat a finish!! 😍French Eddy grabs the second goal from France in their Group C match vs Iceland at the Euro U21 Championships.Outstanding 🍋 pic.twitter.com/7pW3UGRs7V— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) March 31, 2021

Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi opened the scoring after 17 minutes on matchday two in the Under-21 Euros.
However, once again it was the Celtic striker who stole the show with a beautiful goal.
Full back Faitout Maouassa played a superb ball down the left channel, with the hitman able to run in on goal.
He took the ball in his stride and in typical ice-cool fashion chipped goalkeeper Elias Rafn Ólafsson from an incredibly tight angle.
It was the attacker’s second goal of the campaign.
The Hoops frontman won and then knocked in a penalty against Russia in Hungary, beating them 2-0.
Clubs all over Europe are now monitoring the former PSG man closely ahead of a possible move away from Parkhead in the summer.
Among them is Arsenal, who have been strongly linked with a move, seeing Edouarde as a replacement for Alexandre Lacazette.
He has been back to his best of late after a difficult season that included the player contracting the coronavirus at one point.
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Elsewhere, the Celtic Trust is calling for Hoops season ticket holders who forked out £550 to watch their team during 2020-21 to be handed back £460 worth of shares in the club.
The supporters grouping put a proposal to the Parkhead club’s board at the start of this month for fans to receive shares in lieu of refunds for matches which they have been unable to attend.
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The scale of uptake remains unclear – as does the scheme’s reception by the PLC board – but the trust last week released a Q and A on their website to outline the detail of the proposal.
They claim terms and conditions were changed last summer to limit the club’ liability for fans with virtual season tickets being unable to access matches in person, but argue the club is still bound by a “moral duty to ensure that supporters receive the full value of their season ticket”.
They claim that implementing this proposal WON’T cost the club “over and above a small amount of administrative costs”.
And they argue that it WILL help restore goodwill and “lay the foundations” for successful season ticket sales in 2021-22.
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EDDIE HOWE has emerged as the leading contender for the vacant Celtic job.SunSport understands the former Bournemouth boss is seriously interested in replacing Neil Lennon in the Parkhead hotseat.
Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is a leading contender for the vacant Celtic jobCredit: PA
We can exclusively reveal Howe has started his own due diligence on the behind-the-scenes structure of the club.
That’s seen him sound out trusted contacts within the game who have connections to Celtic.
Now, after taking advice, Howe is considering the possibility of a shock return to management.
It would be seen as a major coup for the Parkhead board to lure the highly- respected Englishman north to Scotland.
Howe left Bournemouth by mutual consent last summer after eight years in charge.
He took the Cherries up through the divisions and into the cash-rich Premier League on a tight budget.
But following last season’s relegation to the Championship, he opted to move on after talks with the owners.
Despite that disappointment, Howe has still been tipped for a return to the game at a high level.
Celtic are searching for Neil Lennon’s successor after his Parkhead exitCredit: PA

He’s been linked with Newcastle, where manager Steve Bruce has been under pressure.
It initially seemed Celtic wouldn’t interest him as he looked to get back into management.
Since then Roy Keane and Thierry Henry have thrown their hat into the ring, while Scotland boss Steve Clarke has refused to rule himself out.
But Howe could blow them all out of the water.
It’s understood he has been sounded out and made it known he would consider the job.
Crucially, that’s seen him do his own homework and get in touch with  people he knows within football to decide whether it’s the right move for him at this stage of his career.

Howe would need  guarantees that he’d be able to implement the changes he felt were required to challenge Rangers next season and a sizeable transfer kitty to revamp the squad.
Meanwhile, Nick Hammond has quit as Head of Football Operations ‘to pursue new opportunities’.
Outgoing Celts chief exec Peter Lawwell said: “We’d like to thank Nick for his contribution over the past two seasons.”
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CELTIC rejected an approach from Inter Milan last summer to sign Odsonne Edouard on a loan to buy deal, according to reports.The French hitman is on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs after four impressive years at Parkhead.
Celtic star Odsonne Edouard was wanted by Inter Milan last summerCredit: The Sun
Romelu Lukaku has been on top form for Inter MilanCredit: EPA
The 23-year-old had major interest at the end of last season but with an historic 10 in a row up for grabs, Celtic slapped a ‘not for sale’ sign on his head.
Former PSG kid Edouard’s form has noticeably dipped this year, although he has still chipped in with 20 goals.
Celtic’s record signing, who has been linked with Arsenal in the past, looks destined for a big transfer in the coming months as he enters the final year of his deal.
But Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Edouard could have ended up at the San Siro as back-up to Belgian goal machine Romelu Lukaku.
He told GiveMeSport: “Last summer, he was close to leaving Celtic.
“He had really important bids, he decided to stay, but now it’s time to decide for a new club.
“Let’s see if the right bid arrives because you have to obviously respect Celtic, they are doing an amazing job with him.
“I’m told that in the last days of the last summer window, Inter were thinking of Edouard as an opportunity, as a backup option for Lukaku.
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“That was impossible because Celtic wanted a permanent deal and they were offering a loan with buy option. Also Roma are interested in him.
“If Dzeko moves on from Roma they will look for another striker.
“There are lots of opportunities for him but I think for sure this summer he will have chances to leave the club.”
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ONDREJ KUDELA and his Czech Republic team-mates opted NOT to take the knee against Wales tonight, amid a probe he was racist towards Rangers star Glen KamaraKudela is alleged to have racially abused Gers ace Kamara in last week’s Europa League last-16 tie at Ibrox versus Slavia Prague.
Ondrej Kudela pointing to the ‘Respect’ logo on his sleeveCredit: PA
The midfielder has accused the centre-back of calling him a ‘F*****g monkey’, a version of events supported by team-mate Bongani Zungu.
The 34-year-old defender was seen approaching the Finnish star, covering his mouth and whispering in his ear.
This sparked an instant furious reaction from Kamara, and his Light Blues team-mates Zungu and Connor Goldson.
Slavia claim their defender was the victim of an assault as the flashpoint boiled over long after the game.
Uefa have since launched an investigation over alleged incidents both during and after the game at Ibrox.
Police Scotland have also begun their own investigation into the allegations against Kudela.
Tonight, Kudela and his team-mates deicded against the anti-racism gesture.
And the Czech FA has explained its “neutral apolitical stance” as players stood and pointing towards the ‘Respect’ logo on the sleeve of the shirt.
The Czech defender is accused of racially abusing Rangers’ KamaraCredit: EPA
The defender closes in on Wales’ goal hero Dan JamesCredit: Getty
A statement from the Czech FA said: “Following the events of the last days, weeks, and months, the management of the Czech national football team together with the Football Association of the Czech Republic want to jointly announce that the national team will take a neutral apolitical stance to certain topics that have been resonating in the sports environment.
“This namely concerns the Black Lives Matter (BLM) initiative, in which some players kneel before football matches.
“To express their support for the fight against racism and other displays of discrimination, xenophobia and antisemitism, the Czech national team will point to the UEFA Respect inscription on the left sleeve of their jerseys, referring to the UEFA campaign of the same name, before the match in Wales.
“The aim of the UEFA Respect program is to work towards unity and respect across gender, race, religion and ability of each individual.
“Launched in 2008, the program is supported by numerous UEFA member associations.
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“In addition to supporting the UEFA Respect program, including the UEFA Equal Game, the Czech FA and the national team have long promoted a number of other social programs, ranging from supporting the visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically and mentally challenged to senior and veteran football or popularizing football in children’s homes.
“The range of these activities is unparalleled in Czech sports environment.
“We believe that everyone should be able to play football, regardless of age, gender, race, or any disability; at the same time, we do not tolerate any displays of racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, and other intolerance.”
Kudela did not finish the 90-minutes after receiving a blow to the face from Gareth Bale.
Meanwhile, Rangers’ Covid 5 have been hit with SIX-match SFA bans for breaching coronavirus regulations.

Light Blues stars Nathan Patterson, Bongani Zungu, Calvin Bassey, Dapo Mebude and Brian Kinnear broke lockdown rules last month.
And they were all hit with notices of complaint after being accused of breaking SFA disciplinary rules 24 and 77 for failing to “act in the best interests of Association Football.”
The disciplinary hearing for all five of the Rangers players took place on Thursday.
And the SFA have now confirmed the panel’s final decision on sanctions via their website – with FOUR matches of the ban to be immediate and a further TWO suspended.
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