Former Australia head coach Ange Postecoglou has been identified as an alternative to Eddie Howe in Celtic’s pursuit to fill the managerial vacancy at Parkhead.

Howe was the favourite to take the reins at the Scottish giants, having been linked for several months. However, it was recently revealed that talks between the two parties had broken down.

Sky Sports report that Celtic will no longer go for the former Bournemouth boss and, instead, will pursue other candidates.

„We can now confirm that Eddie will not be joining the club, for reasons out of both his and Celtic’s control. We wish Eddie success for the future,“ a club statement read.

„As part of the ongoing process we have engaged with a number of candidates. We fully appreciate our fans will be seeking clarity on this matter and we aim, very shortly, to announce the appointment of a manager with the quality and desire to take Celtic forward and bring further success to our supporters.“

One candidate to be identified is 55-year old Postecoglou, who has tasted success in Asia and Oceania. He has reportedly been suggested to the Hoops by Fergal Harkin, who is set to be named as the club’s new sporting director, leaving his role as Manchester City’s football partnerships manager.

He was Australia head coach between 2013 and 2017, winning the AFC Cup in 2015, and was named AFC manager of the year and Australian PFA manager of the decade the same year.

Postecoglou is currently in charge of Japanese side Yokohoma F Marinos, where he lifted the J League trophy in 2019. Across his whole managerial career, the Greek-Australian has picked up 16 honours, five individual awards and boasts the longest undefeated streak in Australian sporting history – overseeing no losses in 36 consecutive Brisbane Roar games from 2011 to 2012.