Celtic are finalising the return to Parkhead of Newcastle United coach Alan Thompson.

The Herald says Newcastle expect to be able to make an announcement today about Thompson's future, suggesting that Neil Lennon's will finally be confirmed as Celtic manager in the next 24 hours. He is believed to have identified Thompson as the first-team coach, alongside assistant manager Johan Mjallby.

The delay in sealing the deal is thought to centre around the appointment of an older, experienced figure as a mentor to Lennon. Thompson has already spoken to members of the Newcastle hierarchy to smooth the way for his departure, and the discussions have been amicable, despite how valued he is as a coach.

Thompson was first brought to Newcastle as a youth coach, but quickly rose to become reserve team manager. The 36-year-old is said to be reluctant to leave, but is keen to work again with Lennon, and to operate at first-team level.