Celtic say they hope to finalise the appointment of their new manager "shortly". 

Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is currently the front-runner to succeed Neil Lennon at Parkhead, as the Hoops look to wrestle the Scottish title back from rivals Rangers next season.

Lennon stepped down in February and John Kennedy took charge for the remainder of the campaign where their 10 in-a-row bid ended with them finishing 25 points behind Steven Gerrard's side.

Howe held "positive" talks with Celtic and their owner Dermot Desmond last month but it's believed he's assessing his options.

"We had hoped to have announced the manager before providing this update," Celtic said in confirming they won't have a manager in place before the deadline for 2022 season ticket renewals.

"We do intend to finalise the appointment of the next Celtic manager shortly, however we have been encouraged by the recent announcement of crowds at sporting events across Scotland this summer.

"Whilst we cannot guarantee any supporter return to Celtic Park at this stage, with our first home match of the new season being on Saturday, July 17, we must now begin the renewal process to allow us to prepare for a phased and safe return for our supporters.

"Across our history, our success has been earned and our reputation built on the shared belief that together, we are greater than the sum of our parts. We are proud to be one club, since 1888."