Celtic are still to confirm Eddie Howe as their new manager, but reports this morning have suggested that the former Bournemouth man is already lining up transfer targets.

The Scottish Sun say Howe is hopeful of a transfer reunion with Josh King, who is currently at Everton in the Premier League.

It is understood that King would be brought in as a replacement for Odsonne Edouard who looks set to depart Parkhead this summer.

The report also states that King is currently on £45,000 a week and would have to take a major wage cut if he opted for a move to Glasgow.

In 169 games in the Premier League the 29-year-old has netted on 48 occasions.

We told how Celtic keeper Scott Bain admitted the widely-anticipated arrival of Howe at Parkhead this week has already increased pressure on Celtic’s players to perform.

Former Burnley and Bournemouth manager Howe is expected to be confirmed as Neil Lennon’s permanent replacement in the coming days.

But Bain, who helped the Glasgow club beat Falkirk 3-0 on Saturday and book a Scottish Cup last 16 tie against Rangers later this month, believes the Englishman has already had an impact in the East End. 

Asked if the players were subconsciously trying to impress the new manager, Bain said: “I think so. That is always the case at Celtic anyway. You need to perform every week at this club regardless of the situation.

“But there is a little bit of added pressure. You want to put in good performances for whoever might come in if someone has been watching in the background.

“When you are at Celtic there is always pressure on the performances because there’s always someone biting at your heels trying to take your place. So it’s nothing new, but the situation does keep you on your toes.”