Eddie Howe has postponed his return to management until this summer, amid rumours of a Celtic move.
The former Bournemouth boss became the frontrunner to take over at Celtic Park following the departure of Neil Lennon in February.
Howe began talks with the Scottish giants last week but has now put off his return to the dugout.
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His representative released a statement saying (via Daily Mail): “There has been significant interest in Eddie from a number of clubs.
“However, talks of any deal being close are extremely premature. His plan remains to not return to management until the summer at the earliest.”
Celtic aren’t the only British side vying for Howe’s signature.
The report states that Crystal Palace have joined the race for the 43-year-old.
Current boss Roy Hodgson, 73, is nearing retirement and is yet to sign a new deal past this campaign.
That leaves Selhurst Park chiefs desperate to find his successor, with Howe being seen as one solution.
If Howe were to take over from Hodgson, his first job would be to sort out the contract issues in south London.
Patrick Van Aanholt, Christian Benteke and Andos Townsend are just some of the players who can leave for free in June.
Star man Wilfried Zaha is contracted until 2023. Hodgson recently revealed that the Ivorian will decide on his future in the coming months.
The manager said: “He seems to be pretty much clear at the moment as to what he wants to do and where he wants to be. We’re hoping to benefit from that in the next nine games.
“At the end of the season, we’ll see what happens then.”
Howe is widely sought after following his hugely successful spell with Bournemouth.
The Englishman took over at the Vitality Stadium when the Cherries were in League Two. He steered them to the Premier League with three promotions in just six seasons.
Bournemouth’s highest finish under Howe was ninth during the 2016/17 season.
The exciting football he oversaw on the south coast even had him tipped for the England job.
This summer could prove to be a big one for Howe with multiple teams fighting for his signature.
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