Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe provides major update on Celtic target Jordon Ibe's future

Ibe's deal is up at the end of the current campaign and it looks unlikely that he'll be offered new terms. That put Celts on red alert at the potential of a free transfer signing of the former Liverpool winger.

Now, though, Howe insists he would be remiss to categorically rule out another contract for the player. And he has challenged the £15million-rated star to prove why he deserves to remain at Dean Court.

READ MORE: Celtic could land target Jordon Ibe from Bournemouth for FREE this summer

"I'd be foolish if I sat here and said 'no, he's played his last game', and then he ended up playing again," the manager said. "I never shut the door on anybody until they've left the club, I don't think that's the way to be, but certainly he's got a long way back from here.

"I look at it as a challenge, to try and get the best out of every player under my stewardship, and certainly try and learn from every situation that I faced to try and make myself better for the next situation that occurs.

"I have no doubt about his quality and playing characteristics, but certainly there needs to be a change in Jordon's life for him to reach the level that he can."

READ MORE: Celtic 'hope to land' Bournemouth star Jordon Ibe on loan deal

Howe was referring to the fact that Ibe was slapped with a 16-month driving ban last week for slamming his Bentley into a coffee shop. The player, who joined in 2016, has not played for the Cherries since September.

Neil Lennon is an admirer of the player and considered a loan swoop back in the summer, and then again in January. It has been claimed that Ibe would be willing to make a move to the Premiership in Scotland but it is unlikely that Celtic would offer anywhere near his current £40,000 wage packet.

The Hoops could make a swoop, though, with Moi Elyounoussi‘s loan deal set to come to an end and Mikey Johnstone a long-term injury.