No end in sight to Mowbray saga

Albion again insist that the Old Firm giants do not have permission to speak to their boss, after reports claimed Mowbray and the Bhoys had opened talks.

But the protracted saga is set to continue into next week, with the Glasgow club expected to launch a last-ditch bid to persuade number-one choice Owen Coyle to take the job before making a final decision.

The odds on Mowbray taking the post tumbled, after reports by a Glasgow radio station claiming the Hawthorns boss was in talks with Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell were picked up by other media outlets.

But the Baggies moved quickly to insist they had still received no approach for permission to speak to the boss, who has two years remaining on his contract.

Both Lawwell and Mowbray were unavailable for comment, although the Baggies boss rarely takes telephone calls from the media.

Reports from north of the border suggest the Hoops will wait for Coyle to return from holiday next week before moving towards an appointment.

The Burnley boss's open-ended comments on a move to Parkhead have given Celtic continued hope of luring him back to Scotland, despite Burnley's insistence that their manager is going nowhere and will sign an extended contract at Turf Moor.

But Mowbray is widely regarded as the next name on the shortlist and the Baggies boss would be a popular choice with Bhoys fans.

Albion also remain confident they could convince Mowbray to stay, even if an official approach was forthcoming from Glasgow.

But the club have retained their 'all quiet' stance on the speculation, after two official club statements last week denying any approach.

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez also remains on the Celtic shortlist, but Wigan now appears a more likely destination for the Spaniard if he leaves Wales.

Speculation linking Wim Jansen and Tony Adams with Celtic has been dismissed by both Jansen and Bhoys officials.