Ex-Celtic favourite set for Parkhead return as Eddie Howe nears Parkhead job

Mark Burchill could return to Celtic if Eddie Howe is appointed. Picture: SNS

The former Bournemouth boss could be appointed as early as next week after he held talks with the club’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond.

Howe is seen as an exciting candidate for the job and has earned the backing of former Celtic star Stan Petrov.

His management team at Celtic Park could have a couple of familiar faces in it.

According to the Daily Mail, Howe wants to bring former Scotland international Richard Hughes and ex-Celtic striker Mark Burchill with him.

Hughes is currently Bournemouth’s technical director, while Burchill is a scout with the Cherries.

Howe has been linked with a number of Premier League sides, including Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United.

The 43-year-old, however, will be the key figure in overhauling and rebuilding the Celtic side which failed at the last hurdle to clinch ten in a row.

Howe is expected to build a team which will challenge champions Rangers next season and do so with what could be a new look team.

Shane Duffy, Jonjoe Kenny, Diego Laxalt and Mohamed Elyounoussi will return to their parent clubs when their loan deals end, while captain Scott Brown has agreed to move to Aberdeen.

Odsonne Edouard is one of the more likely stars to move on with areas of the team needing restocking.

Hughes could play an important part if installed in a director of football role, while Burchill is likely to take a recruitment position.

The Daily Mail report Howe is open for John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan to remain as part of the coaching set-up.