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Former Celtic man Frank McAvennie believes Eddie Howe is back in the running for the vacant Hoops job.
The Lowdown: Howe edging closer to Hoops move?
It's safe to say that Celtic fans have been on an emotional rollercoaster over the last six weeks when it comes to Howe taking over from Neil Lennon.
It seemed as if the 43-year-old was set to land the job at the beginning of April after verbally agreeing on a move to Parkhead.
He had second thoughts, though, and even reportedly spoke to Crystal Palace about possibly succeeding Roy Hodgson.
It seems as if a move to Scotland is now back on, with a story at the end of April suggesting he was finalising his Parkhead backroom staff.
The Latest: McAvennie's Howe claim following club statement
Celtic actually released a statement five days ago regarding their search for a new boss, admitting they are 'doing all they can' to land the 'best candidate'.
McAvennie, talking to Football Insider, was asked for his thoughts on the club's recent statement. The 61-year-old, who remains closely connected to Celtic, appeared to drop an inside claim on Howe.
"You can't read into that.
"Even if they have someone in mind they have to cover themselves. The whispers I'm hearing up here are that it's Eddie Howe.
"Even if they have got Howe, they need to keep their options open. They are too big a club to not do that.
"They can't be left in the lurch if something was to happen whether it be Howe or someone else.
"They have to keep their options open."
The Verdict: Howe to be announced at the end of the month?
In our opinion, it looks as if a matter of when and not if Howe will sign with Celtic.
He had been looking at three members of staff on the books of his previous employers, Bournemouth, and their involvement in the Championship playoffs may be a factor in a delay.
Should the Cherries progress to the playoff final at Wembley, that may keep those staff members busy on the south coast until the end of May.
Potentially, a semi-final exit for Bournemouth could work in the Hoops' favour, as it may then give the club the chance to secure deals for Howe's wanted staff members.
In other news: Celtic source admits John Kennedy is in the dark over Hoops future, find out more here.
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