CELTIC have held advanced talks with Eddie Howe about taking over the vacant managerial post at Parkhead and are now awaiting a decision from the Englishman over whether he will take on the job.

The former Bournemouth manager has been Celtic’s preferred candidate for the role since before Neil Lennon’s departure from the club in late February, and Herald Sport understands talks took place in London between Howe, principal shareholder Dermot Desmond and incoming chief executive Dominic McKay on Tuesday.

It is understood that Howe has sounded out sources close to the club regarding the post, and has been told he will need a significant amount of backing in order to revamp the squad.

When Howe was initially approached by Celtic following Lennon’s resignation he asked for more time to consider his options, with the 43-year-old believed to be holding out for a potential vacancy at Crystal Palace.

He has since been brought to the table though, and has now asked for more time to mull over his next move as he seeks assurances over the transfer funds that will be made available to him should he take on the position.

Celtic are keen for Howe to make a decision quickly though as they seek to rebuild for next season, particularly as the reward for winning next season’s Scottish Premiership is automatic entry into the group stages of the Champions League with a potential £30million windfall.

Meanwhile, Herald Sport also understands that Manchester City football partnerships manager Fergal Harkin is close to being announced as Celtic’s new director of football, but he too wants assurances from the board that he will have final say on transfers.

Celtic ideally would like to announce they have filled the director of football role prior to announcing who their new manager is going to be, and now await the decision of both men to fill the key positions within the restructuring process of the club.