Charlie Nicholas says Celtic should be prepared to walk away from Eddie Howe, if talks continue to stall between both parties.

The former Bournemouth man is favourite to take on the vacant Parkhead role after Neil Lennon left his position earlier this year.

Newcastle and Crystal Palace have also been linked with Howe's name, and it remains to be seen where he will end up this summer.

Nicholas believes his former club need to move fast and he has suggested two other managerial names if the Howe deal was to fall through.

Writing in the Daily Express, he said: "If there is any doubt from the former Bournemouth manager then Celtic have to be strong enough to look elsewhere.

"There is nothing wrong with that. I said before that they should have looked at the likes of Xavi and Xabi Alonso, who appears likely to go to Borussia Monchengladbach.

"If they speak to these people, it would give Celtic more of an understanding of where they are as a club.

"They have a fabulous European history but their current standing in that arena is bang average now. Rangers have surpassed them.

"It is pretty obvious that Howe is their top target and it seems that the Celtic power brokers are scared of walking away from the talks.

"But he can't be allowed to hold the club to ransom. It wouldn't be the first time they have missed out on their top target, but it doesn't matter as long as you get to the right person in the end.

"Sure, Celtic fans would be disappointed if Howe doesn't sign up - but they have to get some sort of indication from him sooner rather than later.

"They must get a commitment that he actually wants the job. It doesn't matter if he doesn't come in until the summer, as long as Celtic can get guarantees from Howe.

"If they don't then they have to move on."