Former West Brom boss Steve Clarke remained bookies’ favourite to take over as Albion manager last night.

But he was also being strongly linked with the vacant managerial position at Celtic after Roy Keane turned down the Scottish champions.

It is not clear whether Clarke has been interviewed by Celtic but he is known to be of interest to them.

The 50-year-old from Ayrshire is keen to return to management after being sacked by the Baggies last December, having led them to eighth place in the Premier League in the previous season.

He could have the qualities required to succeed Oscar Garcia, who has returned to Maccabi Tel Aviv three weeks after resigning as Seagulls head coach.

Keane had been frontrunner to take charge at Parkhead but yesterday revealed his preference to remain with the Republic of Ireland.

Oscar was also thought to be interested in the Celtic post but was last night back in charge at Maccabi, the club he left before joining the Seagulls last summer.

He is set to renew his close working relationship with director of football Jordi Cruyff on a two-year contract.

Maccabi moved for Oscar after his successor Paulo Sousa moved on to FC Basel.