Celtic reportedly have ‘impressive’ transfer target who’s perfect for Eddie Howe

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In November 2015, Bournemouth’s fresh-faced manager found out the hard way that, sometimes, a forward-thinking and stylish approach to the Beautiful Game counts for nothing.

His Cherries side dominated 67 per cent possession and mustered 20 shots on goal in a Premier League clash with Newcastle United six years ago.

But the visitors, despite barely having a kick at the Vitality Stadium, scarpered back up north with the most smash and grab of 1-0 wins under their belt, Ayoze Perez scoring with Newcastle’s only attempt on target.

Howe, though, was never tempted to rip up the blueprint and start again. Not for a second.

“If you can find me a way that’s different to dominating the ball and dominating chances that guarantees you winning games, I’d be surprised to hear it,” Howe told the Examiner.

“I’ve made it very clear since day one of pre-season – we’re not going to change our style of football for anybody. I still believe our style can and will be effective at this level, we just have to keep going.”

Six years on, it’s that commitment to a forward-thinking, attractive style of football that has earned Howe a potentially career-defining opportunity at one of the most historic and best-supported clubs in European football.

According to talkSPORT, a 43-year-old tactician who shares intriguing similarities with a young Brendan Rodgers will be unveiled as Celtic manager soon.

And if Ali McCann is to be his first signing at Parkhead, it’s hard to imagine a player better suited to Howe’s front-foot, possession-based style than the 21-year-old St Johnstone playmaker.

Celtic caretaker manager John Kennedy confirmed earlier this week, via the BBC, that the “impressive” McCann is a summer target.

The Glasgow giants even sent scouts to watch the four-time Northern Ireland international during last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final.

A technically gifted and intelligent central midfielder who idolises Marco Verratti and Rangers hero Steven Davis, McCann is tailor-made for Eddie-ball. Comparisons may be drawn with Lewis Cook, the diminutive schemer who became an England international under the incoming Celtic boss at Bournemouth.

And, assuming Howe plans to get Celtic playing with a style, swagger and control unseen since Rodgers’ trophy-laden heyday, making McCann the first signing of a bold new era could set the tone for what’s to come.