Eddie Howe to Celtic OFF with deal for ex-Bournemouth manager collapsing leaving Hoops chiefs scrambling

But SunSport can now revealed the deal bringing Howe, 43, to Scotland has hit unexpected obstacles in the last 24 hours.

As things stand, Howe will NOT be moving to Celtic - leaving club chiefs stunned with pre-season around the corner.

Neil Lennon left his post over three months ago with Howe the No1 target -but the Hoops will now hunt for alternatives.

Howe quickly emerged as the club’s top target after meeting Celtic bosses for preliminary discussions.

It's understood a deal in principle was agreed in April after positive talks.

But the ex-Cherries manager made it clear he wouldn’t take the job until the end of the season - with Celtic happy to wait.

John Kennedy took on the role of interim boss until earlier this month, with Hoops chiefs confident they had a deal for Howe sewn up.

Howe planned to bring Bournemouth coaches Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone north of the border with him.

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Cherries technical director Richard Hughes had also been earmarked for a recruitment role.

Bournemouth's play-off defeat to Brentford last Saturday looked to have paved the way for all that to happen.

But the result didn't lead to quick developments - with Celtic forced to put season tickets on sale this week.

In a statement, Celtic bosses admitted they had hoped to have an appointment in place by then - but promised it 'shortly'.

But now 48 hours on, the deal to bring Howe in has hit the buffers, leaving Celtic in a mad scramble for a manager.

But there is little time for new chief executive Dominic McKay - with the squad due back for pre-season on June 21.

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