Scottish Football / maxliu / 27 May 2009 / Leave a comment

Burnley manager could be unveiled as new Parkhead boss before the end of the week...

Owen Coyle's price to be the next Celtic manager has come in to [2.08] after it emerged that the SPL runners-up have opened negoitations with the Burnley manager.

Following the resignation of Gordon Strachan, the market opened on Monday night - hours after Burnley had won promotion to the Premier League in a play-off final at Wembley. Coyle was initially matched at around [3.5] before his price rose to a high of [8.0].

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray was an early favourite, trading at low of [2.00], but Celtic are said to be put off by the one million pounds in compensation that would have to be paid to the Midlands' club. Gordon Strachan has recommended Motherwell manager Mark McGhee for the job but, while the Motherwell manager, who trades at [15.5], remains in contention along with David OLeary [28.0], sources say the job is Coyle's if he wants it.

One man who it might be worth keeping an eye on in the Next Celtic Manager market is Slaven Bilic. The Croatia manager, who is in to [9.2] from a high of [100.00], has never managed at club level and is reported to be keen for a new challenge.

As a lifelong Celtic fan, Coyle would find it hard to resist the lure of Parkhead but, with the Lancashire club set for their first season in the top flight for 33-years, he might yet be tempted by the chance to test himself in the English Premier League. Burnley are reported to be prepared to offer a new and improved contract in order to keep their manager.