FORMER Cherries manager Eddie Howe has reportedly turned down two Premier League clubs in England as he holds out for the Celtic job, according to the Daily Record.

The publication claims the 43-year-old was given the chance to succeed Chris Wilder at Sheffield United but turned down the position at the Blades, as well as another club in the same division.

Howe is now an odds-on favourite with the bookmakers to take over the Glasgow giants, who parted company with Neil Lennon in February.

Legendary Cherries boss Howe departed Vitality Stadium via mutual consent in August, having piloted club from the depths of the Football League to five seasons in the top-flight across two separate spells.

His last game in charge ended in relegation on July 26 for the Dorset club, despite a 3-1 victory over Everton.

The Daily Record claim discussions between Howe’s representatives and Celtic are set to be stepped up in the coming days.