Champions League club URGED to sign STAR Liverpool midfielder

Champions League club URGED to sign STAR Liverpool midfielder

Scottish giants Celtic have been urged to sign Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo this summer after reports linking the Japan international with an Anfield exit. 

Marseille had a bid rejected for Endo earlier in the transfer window and it was believed that Liverpool were happy to offload the 31-year-old – despite the fact that he only joined the Reds in 2023.

The former Stuttgart man was an important player for Liverpool last season and impressed supporters after arriving for £16m following failed moves for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

Endo’s spirit, determination and in-game intelligence helped endear him to the Anfield faithful, but the defensive midfielder was never going to be the club’s long-term No.6.

Liverpool tried to sign the heir to Fabinho’s throne this summer but were rejected by Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

As a result, it seems extremely unlikely that Endo will be allowed to leave Merseyside before the window shuts, but that hasn’t stopped Celtic legend Peter Grant urging the Bhoys to sign the Japan captain.

Celtic told to sign ‘very good’ Wataru Endo

Speaking to Go Radio (via Glasgow World) about midfield signings for Celtic amid possible exits for Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate, Grant suggested that Endo would be his ideal solution.

“I really liked him when he was in Germany. I thought it was a really good signing for Liverpool, and he did really well for Liverpool last year under [Jurgen] Klopp. Klopp obviously knows the German game very well,” said Grant.

“He brought him in and thought he would do a job for Liverpool, and he proved that. I think the Liverpool fans were really impressed with him last year. It’ll be interesting to see; I think it would be more of a loan than anything else.

“Endo could come in and play that sitting one [midfield position]. So I can understand the reasoning behind it. He’s a very, very good player.”

As mentioned, Liverpool are now unlikely to sanction a sale or loan for Endo this summer following Zubimendi’s snub, but the veteran’s days look increasingly numbered at Anfield.

Celtic declare transfer ‘interest’ in star at Europa League club as one summer myth debunked amid O’Riley chat

Celtic are looking to do more transfer business by the end of the window

Ajax left-back Owen Wijndal has reportedly appeared on the Celtic transfer radar.

The Hoops have been linked with a number of players in that area of the park this summer with Greg Taylor currently their only senior option. Hugo Bueno at Wolves was one strongly rumoured as a target but he’s now with Feyenoord and Liverpool’s Owen Beck is another claimed to be attracting admiring glances.

Sky Sports report that Dutch giants Ajax – who are currently in the midst of Europa League qualifiers – “are open to offers” for Wijndal. Celtic and German club Werder Bremen “hold an interest” in him and “initial enquiries have been made by both clubs.”

Capped 11 times by Holland, the 24-year-old spent last season in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, making 32 appearances for Ajax since joining from AZ in 2022. Meanwhile, Matt O’Riley has been the subject of bids from Atalanta in Italy, but the Celtic boss debunked the myth that exits need to happen for more signings to take place.

Rodgers said when asked if it was now a case of money coming in before deciding where to spend it: “I don’t think so. Financially, we are in a really good place. The sale of anyone shouldn’t have to determine what we do. I have said before, we don’t want to lose Matt O’Riley, but I still feel we need to strengthen in certain areas and we have the resource to do that.

“Selling players won’t determine what we can bring in. We want to improve the squad. This is separate to the guys here as the guys here have been brilliant. You always have to look to improve and not only that, there are certain gaps in our squad where we are light in terms of numbers and cover and competition. That’s what we have to work very hard to try and achieve by the end of the window.”

Hold an interest- Anthony Joseph names Celtic’s target left-back.

Anthony Joseph is reporting that Celtic are interested in signing left-back Owen Wijndal from Ajax.

Having added a second striker to the squad with the arrival of Adam Idah it would seem logical that bringing in a left-back is the next priority in Brendan Rodgers’ transfer wish list.

At the age of 24 with 11 full international caps Wijndal should be entering his peak years but seems surplus to requirements at Ajax after spending last season on loan at Antwerp.

Most Read on videocelts.com

Celtic & Werder Bremen hold an interest in Ajax left-back Owen Wijndal.

Ajax are open to offers.

Initial enquiries have been made by both clubs.

Wijndal spent last season on loan at Royal Antwerp.

Celtic are in the market for a LB to provide competition for Greg Taylor. pic.twitter.com/v5k1cjql7b

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) August 16, 2024

Celtic find themselves in an awkward position at left-back with Alexandro Bernabei sent on loan to Internacional of Brazil and out of contention.

Greg Taylor is out of contract at the end of this season and seems to be stalling on a new deal until he sees who the club might be bringing in.

Wijndal on a permanent basis would appear to be a first pick for Rodgers whereas signing a younger, less experienced left-back would suggest that Taylor remains first choice with the new arrival viewed as back up rather than competition or a replacement.

Tanner Tessmann gets brutal push towards Celtic transfer as £16m alternative handed Jamie Carragher endorsement

Brendan Rodgers could make some big moves before the end of the month

Fuming Venezia general director Filippo Antonelli has bombed wantaway star Tanner Tessmann out of the first-team picture amid transfer links with Celtic.

The 22-year-old was a standout for the club last season in Serie B – and has twice appeared to be on the brink of a big-money move away from the club before the start of their top flight campaign. The 22-year-old was on the verge of a move to Inter before the Serie A champions pulled out of talks after failing to reach an agreement with the American’s representatives on a contract. It appears to be a similar story with Fiorentina – with reports in Italy suggesting a £5m package is set to collapse over fees that would be owed to agents over the deal.

The Scottish Premiership champions are reportedly among the clubs eyeing a deal for the USA international – as they prepare for the prospect of Matt O’Riley leaving Glasgow’s east end this summer. And Venezia chief Antonelli has cleared a path for a deal – declaring he is out of the club’s plans.

He told Il Gazzettino. “Tessmann is out of the Venezia project. It’s been a difficult week, try to understand me. I’m sorry above all for the player, for the situation he’s put himself in. At the moment, he’s out of the list of players available for (coach Eusebio) Di Francesco, but it’s his choice. It doesn’t depend on us.”

Tanner Tessmann – Celtic target’s career in numbers

Another addition in Hoops’ midfield engine room could be Liverpool fringe man Wataru Endo. The Premier League giants are said to be open minded to a sale following the arrival of Arne Slot.

The new boss is said to have deemed the Japan captain surplus to requirements just a year on from the 31-year-old’s £16m move from Stuttgart. Celtic are said to be monitoring the situation – but could be put off by a hefty asking price according to reports south of the border.

But Anfield icon Jamie Carragher has endorsed an exit for Endo amid rising links with the Hoops. He told the Blood Red podcast: “The standout thing for me, in terms of the holding midfield position, the fact that we put in a bid for a player and also the manager has played every single player in that role, except Endo.

Liverpool’s midfielder Wataru Endo 

“I know he played him at the start of the tour of America. Was that against Betis? I didn’t see the game, but I saw some reports that he found it difficult. I think Endo will go. I am pretty confident of that. It almost looks like he is completely the opposite of what he (Slot) wants in that role. It doesn’t mean that he is a bad player. I think he will play virtually everybody there instead of Endo actually – that’s why I think he will move on.”

Norwich City slammed for pulling out of £6.8m striker transfer

Bertuğ Yildirim’s agent has criticised Norwich City for pulling out of an €8 million (£6.8 million) move for the Stade Rennais striker.

It was reported by Nick Mashiter that the Canaries decided to cancel their pursuit of the 22-year-old due to a potential knee issue.

While the player passed his medical exam, the Championship side were still concerned over a possible fitness concern going forward.

Due to the cost of the deal, Norwich opted to pull out of the race to sign the Ligue 1 player, as they search for a replacement for Adam Idah.

Idah made the permanent switch to Celtic following a half-season loan stint last season, in a deal worth £9.5 million, according to Sky Sports, which has left Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side light in attack.

Bertuğ Yildirim – Stade Rennais league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com)

Season

Appearances (Starts)

Goals (Assists)

2023-24

21 (2)

0 (1)

Bertug Yildirim agent hits out at Norwich City transfer decision

Yildirim’s agent, Mirsad Turkcan, has publicly criticised Norwich’s decision to pull out of the deal to sign the forward, claiming the club attempted to lower the terms of the move before it was terminated.

He reiterated that the player passed his medical, and suggested that there is no underlying health issue.

“Norwich and Rennes reached an agreement for a total of [£6.8 million] and Bertuğ went to England for a health check,” said Turkcan, via Sports Digitale.

“Norwich side stated that there is a “risk of injury” for Bertuğ, who passed his health check, and stated that they could take this risk if it was cheaper.

“We were disturbed by this situation and returned to France without signing.

“Bertuğ was in our national team’s Euro 2024 squad and completed the pre-season camp with his team in a healthy manner. Bertuğ Yıldırım does not have a health problem as claimed.”

Yildirim joined Rennes last season, but failed to score a single goal in 21 appearances in the French top flight (all stats from Fbref).

Norwich City’s 2024 summer transfer activity

It has been a busy summer transfer window for the Canaries, who have earned big transfer fees for the sales of Gabriel Sara and Idah.

Sara departed for Galatasaray in a deal reported to be an initial £20 million, according to the BBC.

The Canaries have also made signings of their own, bringing in the likes of Amankwah Forson, Ben Chrisene and José Córdoba on a permanent basis, whilst Callum Doyle has also signed from Manchester City on loan for the campaign.

Norwich have until 30 August to complete any remaining deals before the window shuts until the start of January.

Norwich City still need a striker desperately after Bertug Yildirim development

Norwich have Josh Sargent and Ashley Barnes to choose from as forward options this season, but speculation surrounds the American’s future at Carrow Road.

It has been reported by Give Me Sport that FC Cincinnati had been chasing Sargent’s signature, but a move for the USA international collapsed, with the MLS transfer window now closed.

Another party could come into the equation though, and regardless of whether Sargent stays or goes, Norwich probably still need another striker to replace Idah’s place in the squad.

If they felt Yildirim had a potential issue that could prevent him from playing consistently, then it’s no surprise that they’ve pulled out of the deal, and there’s not much the player can do now about that decision.

Now though, the focus must switch onto bringing in competition for Sargent, and there is clearly money to do just that given the outlay they were prepared to spend on Yildirim.

Transfer news LIVE as Rangers and Celtic plus Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen FC eye signings

Your one stop shop for all the latest rumours and done deals from Scotland, England and beyond

It’s set to be a blockbuster weekend of cup action – but the transfer business doesn’t stop.

Rangers fans are in need of a lift on the park and off it – so moving some of their fringe men on could be key. Todd Cantwell and Ianis Hagi are to be shown the door while Rabbi Matondo is attracting interest south of the border.

Atalanta are showing no signs of ending their pursuit of Celtic star Matt O’Riley but the Hoops are unmoved over their asking price. In terms of incomings, Augsburg’s versatile midfielder Arne Engels has been touted as well as Ajax left-back Owen Wijndal.

Aberdeen have banked £6.8million after landing a club record sale in Bojan Miovski and CEO Alan Burrows insists every penny will be ploughed back into the football department at Pittodrie.

Hearts have added Colombian international left back Andres Salazar. Attention now returns to keeping Lawrence Shankland at Tynecastle.

Kwon has joined Hibs on loan from Celtic but the Hibees will have to meet Dundee’s £1million asking price if they want Luke McCowan after a latest bid of £750,000 was booted out by the Dark Blues.

It’s set to be a busy one – stick with us for all the rumours and done deals!

Enrique striker blow

PSG got their Ligue 1 campaign off to a winning start with a 4-1 victory at Le Havre – but an injury to Gonacalo Ramos has left boss Luis Enrique with a headache in attack. The French giants are starting life without Kylian Mbappe and Ramos was earmarked to help fill the void but an ankle injury could see him out for a spell.

Ramos’ replacement Randal Kolo Muani netted a brace but the injury could accelerate PSG’s plans to bring in a striker with just two weeks of the window left. Victor Osimhen remains linked although the Nigerian appears more likely to start with Napoli or move to Chelsea.

McKennie to stay at Juve?

Weston McKennie could yet have a future at Juventus, with reports in Italy suggesting the club are ready to reintegrate the American into their first team.

The former Leeds loanee had looked set for an exit, with a Premier League move among the possbilities.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, a productive meeting with new manager Thiago Motta could even see McKennie’s wage demands met with a new contract.

The new MOR asking price

Celtic have reportedly told Atalanta that their asking price for Matt O’Riley has been raised.

The Europa League winners have been focussed on the Danish international throughout the summer window with a series of bids being kicked out by tge Scottish Premiership champions. The Serie A side are not the only side looking to snap up the 23-year-old with Brighton and Bournemouth among the English Premier League sides showing interest -while Atletico Madrid and Inter are among the long-term admirers.

Man Utd Branthwaite boost

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been a long-term target for Manchester United, and Toffees boss Sean Dyche admitted the club’s takeover situation could leave some things out of his hands.

I’m confident that the club are going to do the best they can to make sure we’re competitive. But, equally, the club’s got an outside picture which is quite obvious and that’s not something I can control

They do need to balance the finances better, we’ve done a lot of work with that since I’ve been here, and Kev [Thelwell] obviously is included in that, on the playing side to bring money in and lower the wage bill.

We’ve done a pretty fair job, I would say of that, but the bigger picture of the club is dependent on what money is needed at any given time.

Chilwell farewell?

Enzo Maresca confirmed Chelsea will listen to offers for Ben Chilwell before the deadline. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:

Chilly is with us but he has not been training for the last few days because he has been ill. The reason he did not play versus Inter was because, with Chilly it is quite clear, even though I love the way he is, the problem is, he is struggling a bit to find the right position.

This morning we had 22 players training and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible. When you train every day and do not get any minutes it it’s not good for them or for me.

Wijndal enquiry ‘made’

Celtic are reportedly keen on a move for Ajax left back Owen Wijndal – with Brendan Rodgers looking to provide competition for Greg Taylor.

The Premiership champions have been on the hunt for another left back since January, after failing in a bid to bring Owen Beck to the club, with the Liverpool youngster instead opting to return to Dundee for a second loan spell. But according to Sky Sports, the Hoops have now made an inquiry about 24-year-old defender Wijndal.

Slot on potential incomings

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has once again reiterated that the club will only go into the market for the right player – just days after Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Anfield.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game with Ipswich Town tomorrow, he said:

I said many times already that I think our squad is really strong and it is not so easy to find players that can help us or can even strengthen the squad.

[Martin] Zubimendi was one of them, to be fair, but he decided not to come and then we go forward with the ones we have and those ones have done really well in pre-season.

So, we’re in a good place and like I said many times before, in the background Richard [Hughes] is trying to strengthen the squad as he can but unfortunately Zubimendi decided not to come and he [Hughes] did every effort, he tried everything to bring him in, but if a player doesn’t want to come it’s obvious that he is not coming.

Goretzka omitted from Bayern squad

Leon Goretzka has been left out of the Bayern Munich squad for the DFB Pokal clash with Ulm – sparking fresh doubts about his future at the Allianz Arena.

The midfielder has been a regular since his arrival back in 2018, but is reportedly not in new boss Vincent Kompany’s plans.

Addressing the Germany star’s absence Bayern director Christoph Freund said:

We spoke to Leon and made it clear to him that there’s a lot of competition in his position.

That’s why the situation is like this at the moment… and why he’s not in the squad today.

Hannibal latest

Hannibal Mejbri of Man Utd (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Manchester United will reportedly only consider permanent transfer bids for midfielder Hannibal this summer – but after he was left out of the squad altogether for their Premier League opener, they may be forced into a rethink.

Out-of-favour Hannibal is back with United after a difficult loan spell at Sevilla and has been linked with both Rangers and rivals Celtic during the window. It’s fair to say it’s Philippe Clement who is most in need of reinforcements, though, as he stares down the barrel of a full-blown crisis following a trying start to the season.

Lo Celso domino set to full

Tottenham may finally be able to offload Giovani Lo Celso on a permanent basis – if Paulo Dybala leaves Roma for Saudi Arabia.

The Argentine striker is said to be on the verge of signing for Al-Qadsiah and El Chiringuito claim that Dybala’s exit going through would lead to Roma making a move for Spurs’ midfielder Lo Celso.

The 28-year-old joined Spurs for a fee of £27million back in 2020 but now could be available for as little as £13miillion.

Aston Villa, Fenerbahce and Real Betis have also linked with the 47-time Argentina cap, who helped his country win the Copa America earlier this summer.

McBurnie starts for Las Palmas, McKenna on the bench

Oli McBurnie is starting for Las Palmas in their La Liga opener against Sevilla tonight, with compatriot Scott McKenna on the bench.

The Scottish pair signed for Los Amarillos on free transfers after leaving Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest respectively.

There are high hopes for McBurnie in particular and he goes straight into the XI.

McKenna though will have to wait as he sits on the bench.

¡Aquí está el primer XI de la temporada, #VamosUD! #LasPalmasSevillaFC #PíoPío#75AniversarioUD #LaUniónHaceLasPalmas #LaUniónDePorVida pic.twitter.com/eDD8uNnIoo

— UD Las Palmas (@UDLP_Oficial) August 16, 2024

Eze does it for Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have been handed a major boost as far as key man Eberechi Eze is concerned – with reports claiming the buyout clause in his contract expired today.

Eze scored 11 and assisted six last season and attracted flattering glances from Manchester City, Arsenal and others.

There were concerns he could be snatched away from Palace for £60m due to a clause in his contract.

But Newsquest’s Crystal Palace reporter Bobby Manzi claims on social media that this option expired at 5pm today.

That means that as of this evening, the south London club can name their price for their key man and that’s music to their ears after losing Michael Olise to Bayern earlier in the summer.

Maresca gives update on Gallagher

Connor Gallagher in training for England

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed Conor Gallagher has been training away from the first team and will not be selected for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City – just days after a move to Atletico Madrid collapsed.

The midfielder is back in London after a move for forward Samu Omorodion in the opposite direction left the La Liga giants without the funds to sign the England international.

Maresca said:

“Conor is back and is training in this moment a little bit apart,” Maresca said. “He is doing some medical tests and training and he won’t be involved for this game also because you know better than me in this moment he is trying to find a solution with club. So we will see what happens.”

Sancho future unclear following squad omission

Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United remains up in the air – with the winger LEFT OUT of the squad for tonight’s Premier League opener against Fulham.

The 25-year-old has struggled to make an impression since his £73million arrival from Borussia Dortmund three years ago, but impressed in a loan spell on a return to his previous club last season, helping Dortmund reach the Champions League final.

Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with an interest in the England international.

Robinson reckons Taylor is Saints secret weapon

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson reckons rising star Fraser Taylor can be a hidden weapon for the Buddies this season.

The 21-year-old got his second runout of the season off the bench against Brann and it was his corner that allowed Alex Iacovitti to equalise.

It wasn’t enough to inspire a win though as they crashed out 4-2 on aggregate and Robinson now has to pick his team off the floor for a Premier Sports Cup clash with Dundee United this weekend.

And he believes Taylor could help ignite their season after a gruelling start.

Fraser has been on the edge of things for a long time now. We just felt that he would give us that energy. He has a real confidence about him and we haven’t got anybody delivering the quality of deliveries the wee man can put in. I am delighted for him.

There’s a few others on the verge of things as well and they may get their opportunities in the coming games because we are very light on bodies. They have all been part of it, they have all been part of the atmosphere, training and games without maybe getting minutes. But certainly for their careers at 16, 17 and 18, (such as) Evan Mooney being involved in occasions and atmospheres like this, they must be wanting more.

That’s what we try to do. It has taken a while to get young boys in and around the team because the structures weren’t in place when I first came to the football club but as a whole, the club can improve and we are trying to do that.

We have to assess the squad. It has taken its toll, there’s no doubt about it. The squad isn’t equipped for this many games – the club as a whole probably isn’t equipped for it. We have learned a lot of lessons and will be better for the experience.

Red Devils WILL NOT move for De Jong

Manchester United will not renew their attempts to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

The Netherlands star was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford two years ago, and som reports now claim that the playmaker is still on Erik ten Hag’s radar.

But according to Sky Germany, that is not the case, with the Red Devils more interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguyan midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

Eagles stand firm on Guedi

Crystal Palace are set to reject a fourth bid from Newcastle for Marc Guehi – according to a report.

Sky Sports claiim the Eagles will turn down an offer of an initial fee of £65million, with future add-ons down the line.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe is desperate to bolster his defensive ranks with the addition of Guehi after Newcastle narrowly missed out on European qualification last season.

Idah already advised on Celtic exit plan

New Celtic signing Adam Idah is unveiled to the media

Adam Idah has been tipped for a return to the Premier League just two days after his move to Celtic was confirmed.

The Ireland international, who spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Parkhead, made the move permanent this week after the Hoops secured an £8.5million deal, with £1m in potential add-ons, for his services.

After bagging eight league goals in 15 games for Brendan Rodgers’ side last season, hopes are high among Hoops fans that Idah can forge a long, successful career at the club.

But Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup reckons it won’t be long before the 23-year-old is back in English football.

Johnston could leave Celtic

Brendan Rodgers has hinted that Mikey Johnston may have to leave Celtic if he wants to play every week and says that a decision on his future will be made before the window slams shut on August 30.

The winger has returned to Parkhead after a succesful season out on loan at West Brom and appeared off the bench in last weekend’s win over Hibs, only to then be forced off after a nasty collision with Hibs stopper Josef Bursik.

Rodgers admits he has been impressed with the 25-year-old over the summer but hasn’t ruled out the player securing a move elsewhere in the closing weeks of the window.

He said: I’m open at the moment in terms of where things are at I gave Mikey his debut back when he was 18 and played him.

So, we’ve got a good relationship and we talk openly. I think he’s at a stage, Mikey, where he’ll probably want to play more.

But he’s worked hard over pre-season, put himself in a really good position. Some clubs have shown interest in him, but we’ll see what happens over the next couple of weeks

Former Jambos midfielder a wanted man

Andy Irving

Ex-Hearts midfielder Andy Iriving is on the radar of several top clubs from around Europe.

The 24-year-old is back at parent club West Ham after a successful loan spell with SK Austria Klagenfurt, but the Edinburgh Evening News report that Europa League winners Atalanta and La Liga side Espanyol are among a number of teams who are interested in the former Scotland U21 international’s services.

Irving scored five goals in 59 matches for the Jambos after rising through the Tynecastle club’s youth ranks before moving to German lower league outfit Türkgücü München in 2021.

Dons state of play

Jimmy Thelin has insisted Aberdeen won’t be rushed into the transfer market despite netting a club record fee from Bojan Miovski’s sale.

The Dons are still working on a couple of key positions and have added financial muscle after Miovski’s close to £7 million move to Girona.

Thelin believes he is building a team that can score goals from multiple avenues rather than being over dependent on one player. Aberdeen have already made a big-money investment in buying Topi Keskinen from HJK for £860,000.

Rodgers has dream £18m triple signing scenario

Brendan Rodgers insists going big on Adam Idah is proof the Parkhead board mean business in this transfer window.

The Hoops have shelled out a potentially record £9.5m fee for the frontman but the boss is determined to push for more quality additions before deadline day.

Rodgers is thrilled to have Idah back on board and the hitman is in line for a quick fire second debut with Kyogo struggling with his shoulder injury.

But he is not finished shopping yet and has told fans he’s out to deliver the best money can buy.

Read all about his dream £18m triple-signing scenario on our Friday evening Celtic transfer state of play.

DONE DEAL! Diamonds sign ex-Blades defender

Airdrieonians have sealed a deal to bring former Sheffield United centre back Sam Graham to the club.

Although he rose through the youth ranks at Brammall Lane, the 24-year-old was unable to make a first team appearance with the club and spent time out on loan with the likes of Oldham, Notts County and a short spell with the Central Coast Mariners in Australia.

Graham had been a free agent after leaving National League side AFC Fylde earlier this summer but is now delighted to get up and running at Excelsior Stadium.

He said:

I’m pleased to get it done and over the line, and hopefully I can get playing as soon as possible.

I like to play out, I can mix it up – going long or coming shorter. I’m an aggressive defender, and I like keeping the ball out the net and getting clean sheets!

My aim is just to really enjoy playing football, and for the team to finish as high up the table as we can.

Thelin on a potential Miovski replacement

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has played down suggestions that the club will need to find a replacement for Bojan Miovski, but says that the club continue to work hard behind the scenes on the transfer front.

North Macedonia international Miovski has joined Champions League newboys Girona on a four-year-deal, with the Dons receiving a club record fee of £6.6million from the La Liga side.

Thelin says he is happy with the strikers he currently has at his disposal and reckons the likes of Ester Sokler and Pape Habib Gueye have what it takes to step up and fill the void.

He said:

The recruitment process is always ongoing behind (closed) doors. But its also about giving the players here games and opportunities to show themselves. Sometimes when someone leaves, someone else steps forward.

So we are quite cool with that but there is always work ongoing behind the doors. If we need to something will happen but we also trust the players that are here.

Clement – ‘I still need to sell before I buy’

Rangers manager Philippe Clement

Philippe Clement says he still needs players to leave before he can make any more signings – but he won’t be putting a ‘gun to their head’ to force fringe players out the door.

We’re into the final two weeks of the transfer window and Rangers fans are growing impatient at the lack of recent business, feeling they need to strengthen to avoid being left in Celtic’s dust.

With eight new signings in the door already, Clement said earlier this summer he needs players to leave before he can add more. Qualifying for the Champions League may have boosted the budget and changed that, but now they know it’s the Europa League in September, Clement says it’s still the case that he needs to sell before buying – with Ianis Hagi, Todd Cantwell and others on the chopping block.

Yes, that’s the case. Some of them know it already for a really long time and they’re still in the building. That makes things more difficult. But it is what it is. I cannot put a gun on their heads to get them out of the building. That’s also not the idea.

It’s what I said about all the other things. It’s not something I can control. So I don’t put any energy in that. All the energy is in the players who are here. The players who will be here. And to get the next result. All the energy is in that.

Gundogan could leave Barca

Barcelona are willing to offload Ilkay Gundogan in a bid to reduce the club’s seismic wage bill.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo (via Football Espana), who say the 33-year-old will be allowed to move on if the right offer is made.

The Germany 2014 World Cup winner joined the Catalan giants on a free transfer from Manchester City two years ago, and is said to be of interest to clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

DONE DEAL! Boro sign Tommy Conway

Tommy Conway

Middlesborough have signed Tommy Conway on a four-year deal.

The Scotland international, who was linked with both Rangers and Crltic after being included in Steve Clarke’s Euro 2024 squad this summer, has joined from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee.

We’re delighted to bring Tommy in,” said Boro boss Michael Carrick. “He’s a good age, he has great potential and we’re really excited to work with him.

He’s already got plenty of Championship experience, and he’s a great addition to the squad.

Scottish transfer window to close earlier than normal

The SPFL transfer window is set to shut earlier than normal – but only by an hour, after an SFA decision today.

The window typically closes at midnight on the last day of August with clubs asked to wrap up all their business by that deadline, with late registration allowed in exceptional circumstances so long as the deal sheets are submitted before then.

But a report from The Scotsman says this year it will close at 11pm on Friday, August 30.

That’s because FIFA.wants to ensure that International Transfer Certificates – the documents that allow players to transfer from club to club – can be put through its system on time. It runs an hour ahead of BST on Central European Time.

‘Everyone is talking about Alvyn Sanches;

BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DECEMBER 05: Alvyn Sanches of Lausanne in action during the Swiss Super League match between FC Basel 1893 and FC Lausanne-Sport on December 5, 2021 at St. Jakob Park Stadium in Basel, Switzerland.

Celtic could be landing their next £20-£25m player in Alvyn Sanches if they pursue a move for the 21-year-old.

That’s the view of former Hoops defender Ramon Vega who says ‘everyone is talking about him’ in his homeland.

Sanches has been tipped as a Matt O’Riley replacement in the making with the Daily Mail saying Swiss youth cap Sanches is a possible £4.3m option.

And Vega told the Celtic Way just what they’d be getting.

Alvyn Sanches is a good prospect, especially for a club like Celtic. He is a great talent. I have read that Celtic are in the market for a Matt O’Riley replacement. To fill that void will be very difficult. If Celtic signed Sanches now then he could make them a lot of money in resell value in two to three years.

If Sanches signed for Celtic now and he did well, I could see him becoming Celtic’s next £20 to £25 million-plus player just like O’Riley. If he signs for a club like Celtic and plays the way I think he can play then within two years he would be a minimum £20 million player.

Everybody is talking about Sanches in Switzerland. He is a player that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers could get to work with and help him progress and develop his game. Brendan is the right type of manager for him in his career at this stage to help him improve his levels.

He is an exciting prospect and he has played over 100 games for Lausanne and has amassed some great experience. To have played that many games in any league says a lot about your character. Celtic is a massive club and Sanches reaction to being taken out of his comfort zone both physically and mentally would be the only thing he would have to worry about. Scottish football is very physical and he would soon find that out for himself. His mindset would have to be in a good place.

Does he have talent? Of course, he has talent. He has been described as technical and tenacious which is true as his technical ability is very high. The Swiss Federation didn’t hang about as he was born in France but they offered him an international football pathway at a very early age and he declared for Switzerland. That shows you how highly they rated him. The Swiss coaches are very good at spotting young technical talent as you can see if you have a look at the current Switzerland national team set-up.

This is a good young player with a great future ahead of him and he suits Celtic’s player-trading model down to the ground. It is the right time for Celtic to sign a player like Sanches. Celtic’s balance sheet is cash-positive right now because of the way the club has conducted their business in recent years when it comes to buying and selling players. Sanches certainly ticks the box for Celtic to sign now and sell on for a vast profit in the future.

Kalvin Phillips to Ipswich DONE

Kalvin Phillips has joined Ipswich Town for the season ahead.

The Manchester City and England midfielder has put pen to paper on a year-loan.

This is a day I’ve been waiting a number of weeks for now and I’m very happy to be here. I’ve had some great conversations with players I know here and also with the Manager, who I have obviously heard a lot about, and I’m excited to be here and be part of his team, playing how he likes to play the game.

The conversations with Kieran McKenna and Mark Ashton have been really good and I followed Ipswich’s season closely last year, so I know the journey the Club has been on and it’s a great story which I’m now excited to be a part of. I want to play as many games as possible, enjoy playing football again and help the team win as many games as possible in the Premier League.

Owen Wijndal emerges as’target’ as Brendan Rodgers looks to keep Greg Taylor on his toes

The Hoops are said to have made an inquiry about the Ajax full back

Celtic are reportedly keen on a move for Ajax left back Owen Wijndal – with Brendan Rodgers looking to provide competition for Greg Taylor.

The Premiership champions have been on the hunt for another left back since January, after failing in a bid to bring Owen Beck to the club, with the Liverpool youngster instead opting to return to Dundee for a second loan spell. But according to Sky Sports, the Hoops have now made an inquiry about 24-year-old defender Wijndal.

The report claims that the Amsterdam giants are willing to listen to offers for the Netherlands international, who has won 11 caps for his country. They also add that Werder Bremen have also made an inquiry for Wijndal, who spent last season out on loan in Belgium with Royal Antwerp. The Zaandam-born player started his career with AZ Alkmaar and made 143 appearances before joining Ajax at the start of the 2022/23 season.

The REAL losers of the Celtic and Rangers away fan wars named as Jury brings hammer down on ‘tedious nonsense’

Our top team take you through the big issues in Scottish football this weekend

Will Adam Idah give Celtic plenty of bang for their bucks afters shelling out a potential club record fee?

Andy Newport: It’s a hefty sum, especially for a player who will most likely play second fiddle to Kyogo this season. But Idah proved he could offer a different option at times – and crucially big goals at big moments. It’s a punt worth taking.

Craig Swan: On the evidence of last season’s loan, there’s every reason to believe he will.

Michael: There’s no reason why not. It might be a decent chunk of money but Idah comes with no risk, as he’s already done the business for Celts.

How can John Bennett and the Rangers board win back the fans?

Andy: By making far better decisions on a far more consistent basis. The mess Rangers find themselves in is utterly self-inflicted. Winning back the trust of the punters won’t be easy. Rather than angry, most are just absolutely scunnered with the whole situation.

Craig: There’s a fair bit of repair work to be done, but winning games and trophies heals all.

Michael: There needs to be more transparency for a start. Supporters deserved to know what’s going on and there are too many questions right now. Results on the pitch can detract from most problems though, but even that won’t be easy without solid foundations.

Who is in the right over the Old Firm away ticket wars?

Andy: As per when this pair fall out, it’s a game of he-said-she-said. Celtic sources claim Rangers haven’t done enough to put in place requested security measures for the New Year derby, while the Ibrox club insist the work is in hand. And as usual, it’s the fans who suffer…

Craig: It doesn’t really matter. The facts are it’s a poorer event without the visiting supporters.

Michael: If Rangers don’t have the agreed plans in place right now then it’s understandable Celtic don’t want to risk issues in January. It’s just a bit sad – and tedious – this nonsense is still rumbling on after all these years.

Andy: Scudding Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in 1965 and drawing with a Real Madrid side who were on their way to lifting a sixth European Cup 12 months later remain the club’s greatest continental achievements but Thursday night was nonetheless a result to be proud of for Derek McInnes’ men. Copenhagen will be tougher still but Killie can dream.

Craig: Hard to rank, but sinking the Danes and making the group stage would be right up there.

Michael: It’s Killie’s best win on the continent since the glory days of 60s and if they can defy the odds and get past Copenhagen, it could be the best ever. They will be up against it facing the Danes, but this is the kind of game that might just suit Derek McInnes and his men.

Rangers can’t even be straight with their OWN fans so tell me why Celtic should take them at face value? Chris Sutton..

Record Sport’s voice of Celtic has his say on the away ticket fiasco

Rangers chairman John Bennett alongside manager Philippe Clement and non executive director John Halsted

The latest battle in the Celtic and Rangers away ticket war has led to the usual finger pointing and blame game.

It’s a shame we are back in this mess again after getting the hopes up this fixture was returning to some sort of normality. Yet, here we are, facing another away fans shut out at Celtic Park next month and the same again at Ibrox at New Year. It’s far from ideal, but I’ve got to say I can see where Celtic are coming from over this.

If Rangers can’t be straight with their own fans, how can they take their word at face value when it comes to Celtic supporters? It looks to me the agreement reached last March was on the provision that certain safety measures were made in the wake of previous problems. Celtic have held up their side of the bargain and got the planning permission and the work done ahead of the first derby. But what about Rangers? I get the fact the return game is months away and there’s still time to sort it.

Unless there are plans set in stone, though, then how can Celtic know for sure they will be carried out? After all, this is a Rangers board who can’t even tell their own supporters if they will even be back at Ibrox by that point. So they’d be telling the Celtic board, ‘trust us, it’ll be alright on the night’. I don’t think so.

Everyone knows my stance on all of this. I’d like a return to the traditional allocations because it’s the atmosphere created by the fans that makes it as a spectacle. It’s taken a hit in recent years and at a time when Scottish football is fighting for attention, we shouldn’t be damaging the product.

We just need to hope Rangers get the finger out and get the work done and we can at least get going in the right direction again. In the meantime Celtic fans are taking great delight in the mess over at Ibrox, with the Champions League exit to Dynamo Kyiv and all the other issues, while they are splashing the cash to bring back Adam Idah and boasting about how much money they have in the bank.

I do think these are dangerous times for Rangers and it could unravel quickly for Philippe Clement. But that doesn’t mean Celtic can afford to write off their rivals, or even just underestimate them. Rangers still should be strong enough to be better than every other side in Scotland and that means Brendan Rodgers’s side will need to be on it every week.

In fairness, it has looked that way in the opening few games and at the end of last season. Idah’s return is a major positive as well. It’s funny seeing some fans complaining about the £9.5m fee after demanding the Parkhead board open the purse strings all summer.

I don’t think it’s a lot of money in the grand scheme of things. If you think back to 2000, the deals for the likes of myself, Neil Lennon and John Hartson would be worth about £13m when you consider inflation. If you look at football inflation, I’d cost about £150m these days!

The money paid for Idah is just the market right now. Ipswich Town are shelling out up to £11m to Blackburn Rovers for Idah’s Ireland teammate Sammie Szmodics. Idah is younger and has more potential – and you have to think it would flourish under a manager like Rodgers, who is renowned for developing players.

You only have to look at the improvement of Matt O’Riley under his charge. Idah is clearly happy at Celtic and he feels more at home than he did at Norwich City. I was pleasantly surprised by his performances last season and I could see the improvements in his game that I was calling for when he was with the Canaries.

I had concerns about him not using his physical attributes – but he came up with the answers. It was telling he started the decider down at Kilmarnock last term and it was one of the best all round centre forward performances I’d seen in a long time.

Kilmarnock are a big, strong, organised team under Derek McInnes. Yet Idah absolutely bullied them. His hold up play and movement was always okay but I felt he made great strides, even in just a few months under Rodgers, especially in the air.

Look at his thumping header at Motherwell. He scored another cracker with his head for Ireland in the summer. It’s another part of his game he has improved and will keep improving under Rodgers because there is still scope to get better.

There’s a lot of talk about who will be the main striker but it’s irrelevant to me. It will be horses for courses each week and Idah’s arrival takes some of the strain off Kyogo. We know he’s got an issue with his shoulder and fans held their breath when he went down at Easter Road last Sunday and it seems he’s struggling a bit for Sunday.

I still think Rodgers needs one more striker in the building but at least there’s no longer the same apprehension around Kyogo. The same can’t be said about O’Riley. Celtic are back to where they were at the end of the season now but if O’RIley goes they will be worse off.

Fans, quite rightly, want the side to kick on to be stronger in the Champions League while burying Rangers in the process. That means holding on to O’Riley – as well as strengthening in the areas everyone knows need bolstering.

You can’t blame Celtic for doing with O’Riley the exact same thing Norwich did with Idah, in holding out as loan as possible. Celtic – unlike their rivals – don’t need the money and it would be a major sign of ambition to keep him another season.

Owen Beck: Celtic work on permanent deal after source’s hijack reveal

Celtic want to sign Liverpool left-back Owen Beck on a permanent basis after impressing on loan at Dundee last season, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Celtic hope to beat several Championship clubs to a deal for the 22-year-old.

Football Insider revealed (August 14) that the Scottish champions are looking to hijack QPR’s deal to sign the Welsh left-back.

Celtic are in the market for a new left-back to help provide competition for Greg Taylor who remains their only senior option in the position.

Celtic keen on a deal for Liverpool youngster Owen Beck

Liverpool have set an asking price of £3million for the player who has only made three senior appearances for his boyhood club.

Beck impressed on loan at Dundee last season, making 28 appearances, scoring twice, and providing four assists during his time at the club.

Beck is regarded as a player with huge potential by Celtic and would help lessen the burden on Taylor after missing out on Wolves defender Hugo Bueno who joined Feyenoord on loan.

Football Insider also revealed (August 10) that the Glasgow club had submitted a loan bid for the Spain Under-21s international but lost out to the Eredivisie club.

Join the Football Insider WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.

O’Riley price skyrockets, Wijndal door open and Sanches pitch – Celtic transfer state of play

It looks set to be busy couple of weeks for Brendan Rodgers in the summer market

Celtic have reportedly told Atalanta that their asking price for Matt O’Riley has been raised.

The Europa League winners have been focussed on the Danish international throughout the summer window with a series of bids being kicked out by tge Scottish Premiership champions. The Serie A side are not the only side looking to snap up the 23-year-old with Brighton and Bournemouth among the English Premier League sides showing interest -while Atletico Madrid and Inter are among the long-term admirers.

Boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted that Celtic are under no pressure to sell – and a clear message has now been sent according to Gazetta dello Sport . It is claimed that the Hoops have told the Italian side that they are now demanding €30million (£25million) plus €5million (£4million) in bonuses with the latest offer from Atalanta offering a €27million (£23million) package for the midfielder.

It is noted that Celtic would “not mind” keeping O’Riley for the season and are “tired of the push and pull” over their star man. The report also notes that Atalanta are now looking at alternatives to replace Juventus-bound Teun Koopmeiners while still weighing up their next move in the O’Riley saga.

Elsewhere, Alvyn Sanches has been touted as a potential replacement for O’Riley should he leave this summer. Celtic would face competition from Nice, Club Brugge, Anderlecht and Burnley for the £4.3m rated 21-year-old from FC Lausanne-Sport.

And former Hoops’ star Ramon Vega reckons that the experience he picked up in the Swiss top flight makes him perfect for Parkhead. He told The Herald: “Alvyn Sanches is a good prospect, especially for a club like Celtic.

“He is a great talent. I have read that Celtic are in the market for a Matt O’Riley replacement. To fill that void will be very difficult. If Celtic signed Sanches now then he could make them a lot of money in resell value in two to three years.”

Elsewhere, Celtic are reportedly keen on a move for Ajax left back Owen Wijndal as they looking to provide competition for Greg Taylor. And the path was cleared for an exit from the Dutch giants earlier this week.

The 24-year-old was dropped to the B team by Francesco Farioli as he looks to clear the decks this summer. Pressed on if he wanted the defender to leave by podcast Tekengeld, the boss said: “The situation is pretty clear. It’s not just us who want to move on players in the market.

“It was a very difficult decision for me to put him back in the reserve team but the reality is that they are still Ajax players. We don’t know yet if they left at the end of the window or if they will stay with us.”

Celtic target 24y/o internationalist, Rangers’ big wages admission, Hearts’ plans for window – Scottish transfers

Celtic continue their hunt for Taylor competition – but activity is less likely at rivals right now

Wijndal emerges as Celtic target

Celtic’s pursuit of a new left-back is ongoing, with Ajax’s Owen Wijndal the latest name to be linked with the Scottish Premiership champions.

Greg Taylor continues to be the club’s first-choice option in that area but since Alexandro Bernabei’s departure earlier this year, the Scotland internationalist is the only senior left-back in the Celtic squad. Manager Brendan Rodgers is looking for further depth in that area and Wijndal, a 24-year-old from Ajax, has emerged as a transfer target.

Wijndal has won 11 caps for Netherlands and according to Sky Sports, Ajax would be prepared to listen to offers for him. The former AZ Alkmaar player spent last season on loan at Royal Antwerp in Belgium and is also being monitored by German side Werder Bremen.

Hearts happy with business

Hearts head coach Steven Naismith does not anticipate much more transfer business after the arrival of Andres Salazer took the Jambos’ summer incomings to nine. The Colombian left-back, who could make his debut in this afternoon’s Premier Sports Cup tie at Falkirk, joins Ryan Fulton, Gerald Taylor, James Penrice, Daniel Oyegoke, Malachi Boateng, Blair Spittal, Yan Dhanda and Musa Drammeh through the entrance door at Tynecastle.

Naismith is comfortable with his squad right now. “It’ll be quite quiet,” he said of the rest of the transfer window. “I can’t sit here and say nobody will definitely leave and nobody will come in but we’re not desperately looking for anything. We’re not at the moment looking to go right. we need to get this player in or that player in but I wouldn’t rule it out.”

Clement candid on wage bill

Rangers manager Philippe Clement says the club has to get its wage bill down and that certain players are aware that they no longer have a first-team future at Ibrox. The Belgian is undergoing a rebuild of the club and while he has brought in a host of new signings, further incomings are likely to be dependent on who leaves between now and August 30.

“It’s clear for everybody that some players want to go,” said Clement. “That some players clearly said, been said to months ago before the pre-season started that they would not be part of the project because of circumstances like wages. We need to lower the amount of wages. It was too expensive last season for the club. So that’s also one part of the story. So they know, but they’re still here. I can do more about that. Everybody’s working two weeks really hard to do the right things. I don’t have a crystal ball. I wish I had, but I don’t.”

Celtic are not in a position where player exits determine whether or not signings will be made in the closing weeks of the transfer window.

The Bhoys have just completed a major transfer deal with Norwich City, signing Adam Idah for a fee that could reach as much as £9.5m with add-ons.

While the market is ballooning in leagues around Europe, it’s still pretty rare for Celtic to spend that kind of money on a single player.

Everyone knows that the Bhoys are flush with cash right now, in comparison to other Scottish sides at least, but there’s little doubt the Idah move took a significant chunk out of the budget available to Brendan Rodgers.

Nonetheless, the manager is still bullish about Celtic’s spending capabilities in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers talks up Celtic’s financial strength

Asked whether exits would need to occur for other deals to be completed, Rodgers responded [Celtic FC]: “I don’t think so. Financially we are in a really good place. The sale of anyone shouldn’t have to determine what we do. I have said before we don’t want to lose Matt O’Riley. I still feel we need to strengthen in certain areas and we have the resources to do that.

“Selling players won’t determine what we can bring in. We want to improve the squad. That is separate from the guys that are here because they have been absolutely brilliant. They have been great for me. We have connected and it has been great.

“You always have to look to improve. There are certain gaps in our squad where we are light in terms of numbers, cover and competition. So that is what we have to work very hard to try and achieve by the end of the window.”

Rodgers looking for ‘higher level’ of Celtic deal

Later pressed on whether we could see large chunks of money spent like the Idal deal, Rodgers explained: “It’s one where, as an example, if you spend £18 million, and you spend it on nine players, I would hope there’s a possibility to spend £18m on three players.

“Our model is to bring in young players to develop and improve, but you can bring young players in to develop and improve but at a higher level. And then you know a little bit more of what you’re getting maybe and there’s maybe a higher ceiling.

“But you might be able to bring in one more at that level or two more. I think we can do that, it’s just about getting the right player.”

Promising noises then, from a fan perspective. We’re all waiting to see what Celtic’s next move in the market is. Going by these comments, it could be as ambitious as the recent spend on Idah.

Celtic transfer interest in Liverpool ace who shone under Klopp assessed as move for ‘very good player’ backed

The Liverpool star has been linked with a transfer to Celtic.

A former Celtic star has backed possible Hoops advances for Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.

The Japanese international has made 43 appearances for the Reds since a move to Anfield in 2023, impressing in Jurgen Klopp’s final year as gaffer. It was claimed earlier this week that the Premiership champions were monitoring the Liverpool man, coming after links to Caoimhin Kelleher earlier this summer alongside more recent notes of interest in Owen Beck, Ben Doak and Bobby Clark.

Matt O’Riley is linked with an exit from the Celtic midfield department while Reo Hatate is also said to have interest in him. Celtic hero Peter Grant has assessed the interest from his ex-club in Endo, and has given it his backing, as he can see the reasoning behind making such a transfer move.

He told Go Radio: “I really liked him when he was in Germany. I thought it was a really good signing for Liverpool, and he did really well for Liverpool last year under Klopp. Klopp obviously knows the German game very well.

“He brought him in and thought he would do a job for Liverpool, and he proved that. I think the Liverpool fans were really impressed with him last year. It’ll be interesting to see; I think it would be more of a loan than anything else.

“What it would do is, say if Matt went for talking’s sake, Callum could play that position. Endo could come in and play that sitting one. So I can understand the reasoning behind it. He’s a very, very good player.”

Celtic now weighing up move for “highly rated” £4m O’Riley replacement

Following yet another reported bid from Atalanta, Celtic have now reportedly identified a replacement for Matt O’Riley in a deal that would cost those in Glasgow just £4m this month.

Celtic transfer news

The Bhoys have certainly been stubborn throughout the O’Riley saga, holding out for their valuation even as Atalanta reportedly edge closer to a deal. The Italians’ £21.5million plus £2m add-ons offer was still not enough, as Celtic stand firm on their £25m valuation, but it seems only a matter of time before Atalanta do match that valuation and welcome the Dane in a major blow for the Scottish Premiership champions.

As the midfielder edges closer to the exit door, Celtic have at least been busy on the incomings front, most recently welcoming Adam Idah on a permanent deal from Norwich City following such an impressive loan spell in the second-half of last season.

The Irishman is unlikely to be the end of the Bhoys’ business, either, given the O’Riley links and potential need for an attacking midfield replacement.

According to the Daily Mail, Celtic have now identified Alvyn Sanches as a player who could replace O’Riley this month in a deal worth just £4m. The Lausanne-Sport midfielder is still just 21 years old and may yet emerge to become a bargain buy for all involved in Scotland, capable of playing through the middle and on the wing.

If they can receive as much as £25m for O’Riley, before investing just £4m to replace their star, then Celtic could look back on this transfer window as a stroke of genius, should all go to plan.

Replacing O’Riley will be no easy task, however, and the pressure would certainly be on Sanches to hit the ground running.

“Highly rated” Sanches has shown plenty of potential

Even though he saw his campaign disrupted by injury last season, Sanches showed more than enough potential to earn the interest of Celtic. The midfielder ended the season with an impressive output, but will no doubt have to take that aspect of his game up another level entirely if Celtic want him to fill the void potentially left behind by O’Riley.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)

Matt O’Riley

Alvyn Sanches

Starts

37

19

Goals

18

5

Assists

13

0

Previously described as “highly rated” by The Express’ Charlie Gordon, the Swiss midfielder would particularly need to up the creative side of his game after failing to record a single league assist last season. On the goalscoring side, however, he proved his prowess with five in just 18 starts for Laussane.

For just £4m, Sanches is a player that Brendan Rodgers could help mould into a top player in Scotland, eventually replicating the quality of O’Riley in the process. It’s a method that wouldn’t be without its risks, given the importance of O’Riley’s quality, but Celtic would be saving themselves significant investment this month.

As the window comes to a close, the Bhoys will be ones to watch when it comes to both arrivals and those heading for the exit door.

Brendan Rodgers targets £18m triple signing scenario as mega Idah deal the NEW blueprint – Celtic transfer state of play

Rodgers promised fans they’ll have a ‘strong team’ by the end of the transfer window

Celtic – Latest News From Parkhead

Brendan Rodgers insists going big on Adam Idah is proof the Parkhead board mean business in this transfer window.

The Hoops have shelled out a potentially record £9.5m fee for the frontman but the boss is determined to push for more quality additions before deadline day. Rodgers is thrilled to have Idah back on board and the hitman is in line for a quick fire second debut with Kyogo struggling with his shoulder injury. But he is not finished shopping yet and has told fans he’s out to deliver the best money can buy.

Rodgers said: “I think what supporters want from the club is two things. One, is your club well run? There’s no doubt here, the club is super well run, everything, organisation, very, very good. And two, supporters want to have the best team possible on the pitch. That allows them to skip back to each game really excited about watching the team.

Brendan Rodgers and Anthony Ralston at Celtic training (Image: SNS Group)

“I always think that’s the challenge. And that’s our challenge, to get to the end of this window, to have the very best team that we possibly can have on the field. That’s what we want. That’s what supporters want. So hopefully we can do that. Well, I say hope – I want us to be able to do that.

“It’s the level of risk. You can sign a player for £1-2m, fine. And you might sell them for £10m. But you can sign a player for £7-8m, maybe sell them for £30-40m.

“It’s the same thing, you know. But it’s really trusting the process and trusting a team of people that can work very, very hard and then allowing you to get the players in.

“The Celtic supporters deserve enough of that. What they invest week in, week out to this team, worldwide, merchandise, everything. It’s a duty here for us to try and get the best team we possibly can on the field, to inspire them to come and watch the team.

“That’s what we try to do by the football that we play. But that will always be elevated by the level of player that you have. So, that’s our notion over these final weeks of the window, to try and look to have a really strong team.”

Rodgers has driven a shift in mentality at Parkhead. Unlike last summer, there won’t be nine new faces landing at £2m a pop, in the hope or or two turn into stars. The boss wants to streamline the incomings – and ramp up the quality. And he won’t rule out splashing out similar dosh to the Idah deal on other new recruits.

He said: “If you spend £18 million and you spend it on nine players, I would hope there’s a possibility to spend £18 million on three players.

“Our model is to bring in young players to develop and improve. But you can bring young players in to develop and improve, but at a higher level. And then you know a little bit more of what you’re getting maybe, and there’s maybe a higher ceiling. I think we can do that. It’s just about getting the right player.”

Rodgers has had a major say in signing Kasper Schmeichel and then pushing the boat out for Idah. But the star spotting is the responsibility of the recruitment department and he admitted it’s a department that still requires work in the wake of last season’s upheaval following Mark Lawwell’s departure.

He said: “We need to improve that. The department and other people here, the people that are here are absolutely fantastic. The work they’ve put in over the course of the summer and going back over the months, being so diligent, covering many games, travelling out to games. So, I’ve done so much work on that front. But it’s still an area I think that we can review after the window and see where, like every area, every department, where we can improve it.

“The guys that have been here, they’ve worked ever so hard, going through the various options and availability of players to try and help us.”

Rodgers has no doubt Idah will do that and laughed off some of the bulking over the fee as he’s convince the frontman will give plenty of bang for his buck. He said: “You can never win, can you? You don’t spend money. You do spend money. You spend too much.

“We’ve got a great deal. I know the player that we have here. And for me, it’s just a case of just getting him moving in the direction that I believe he can move in. He has all the talent. He’s 6ft 3ins, he’s quick, he’s strong, his touch is good.

“He can score goals. He has big moments and big games. So for me, there’s still areas that he can improve on, of course. And as a young player, that’s what you’d expect. But I really think that whatever money we paid for him, he’s worth every single penny of it – and he’ll demonstrate that in the next 24 months. He’ll be worth a lot more than that.”

Idah won’t be a replacement for Kyogo though – as the pair will share striking duties. Rodgers said: “I’ll make it clear, I see them both as number one strikers. Kyogo has been absolutely brilliant and he has started off the season really, really well. But you can’t rely on someone who only played to the highest level, 55 to 60 games a season.

“I felt that I wanted another guy who I can call a number one striker. That’s what I feel I have. Just depending on the game, depending on the energy in the team, just depending on the circumstances of the match or the fixture list, then having those two is a big asset for us.”

Celtic are still looking at multiple positions to strengthen Brendan Rodgers’ squad in the closing weeks of the summer transfer window.

A key priority remains sourcing a replacement for Matt O’Riley should he end up leaving the club before the end of August.

Multiple clubs – primarily Atalanta and Brighton – have expressed interest in paying big money for the midfielder but have not yet met Celtic’s O’Riley valuation.

Celtic are actively pursuing a succession plan and have been linked with players such as Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Daniel Gazdag in recent weeks.

Now another has joined the potential replacement list – and it’s someone Celtic have scouted for quite a while now.

Celtic ‘consider move’ for Alvyn Sanches

The Scottish Daily Mail reports that the £4.3m-rated Alvyn Sanches is now a serious contender to sign for the club if O’Riley makes his exit.

Sanches is a man in demand with Burnley, Nice, Anderlecht and Club Brugges all amongst those tracking the Lausanne star’s situation this summer.

It comes after news back in June that Celtic had sent scouts to Switzerland to watch Sanches on multiple occasions throughout 2023 and 2024.

The Sanches profile fits what Celtic look for

Still just 21, Sanches has already made close to 100 appearances for Lausanne and is on the cusp of a big move elsewhere – exactly the moment Celtic would like to strike for a talent with a lot of potential.

He’s had plenty of football in the early stages of his career and is well placed to push on and become a senior Switzerland international having represented the country at U21 level.

The talent is undoubtedly a player who likes to impact play in the final third too, like O’Riley. He isn’t a sitting midfielder.

It’s a link that makes sense and he appears to be within Celtic’s spending capabilities. That makes him one to watch closely over the next fortnight – especially if we wave goodbye to our Danish star.

Celtic are well known to be on the hunt for a left-back this summer with Brendan Rodgers requiring competition for Greg Taylor.

Currently, only the untested Matthew Anderson is in place to provide backup for the Scotland international with Alexandro Bernabei out on loan in Brazil.

It’s a key priority in the closing stages of the transfer window and although the club have been linked with players such as Hugo Bueno and Owen Beck, no breakthrough has been made.

Now, another name is piquing Celtic’s interest as the Bhoys turn to Eredivisie giants Ajax for inspiration.

Celtic show interest in Owen Wijndal

Sky Sports report that both Celtic and Werder Bremen have made initial enquiries with the Dutch club for defender Owen Wijndal.

Ajax are said to be open to offers for the player, who spent last season on loan at Royal Antwerp in Belgium.

Wijndal is contracted to his club until 2027 so, theorising, this may be a case of loan-to-buy from a Celtic perspective but it’s a promising update on a position of need for the Bhoys.

Wijndal’s career to date

The left-back made his senior debut at AZ Alkmaar, for whom he made 143 appearances in total. A standout 2021/22 season which resulted in 12 assists alerted Ajax to his potential.

They subsequently agreed to an £8.5m deal for the player and he made 32 appearances before making that loan switch to Belgium.

His form at AZ Alkmaar also earned him international recognition, winning 11 caps for the Netherlands in 2020 and 2021.

He featured 40 times for Antwerp last term including six starts in the group stages of the Champions League, helping beat Barcelona 3-2 on the final matchday.

Wijndal has a strong profile and would certainly be coming in to compete directly for Taylor’s spot in the starting eleven, so this will be an interesting story to track with just a fortnight of the transfer window remaining

“Very talented” – Potential QPR advantage over Celtic in Liverpool transfer battle highlighted

QPR faces tough competition for Liverpool’s Owen Beck from Celtic and Leeds United.

Potential for Beck to start at QPR could be a deciding factor in transfer deal.

Regular playing time at QPR may sway Beck away from bigger clubs like Celtic and Leeds.

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Queens Park Rangers look set to battle Scottish heavyweights Celtic for a talented young Liverpool full-back Owen Beck.

Reports suggest that QPR have entered the race for Beck but it seems they will have to beat off interest from the Hoops and Leeds United if they are to land their man.

With the future of current left-back Jonathan Paal still up in the air, Beck could be the answer to a squad gap at Loftus Road.

Our QPR Fan Pundit, Louis Moir, has given his thoughts on the proposed deal.

Owen Beck has potential and minutes at QPR could sway him

The Rs fan feels his club will face a tough battle against the likes of Celtic but feels there are some factors that could sway the defender towards West London.

Speaking to Football League World, Louis said: “Yeah it seems Owen Beck is a really highly-rated and if it’s true, that it’s us and Celtic looking at him, you’d fancy Celtic to win that battle.

“But, then again, if he’s not guaranteed to start for them, and he’d come to us maybe being guaranteed those first-team minutes, that could have a massive effect on the deal.

“So yeah, he looks a good player, looks a very good player. I don’t think Liverpool would probably have kept hold of him for so long if they didn’t believe in him.

“But he’s clearly got ability, he’s clearly got talent. And from what I’ve seen and read he kind of looks – and I’m obviously not going to say on par in terms of quality and level – but a similar left-back to Andy Robertson in the way he plays. I can sort of see that in the clips I’ve seen of Beck.

“He just looks a solid left-back and we’re obviously in the market for one. Obviously,, we don’t know what’s going to happen with Kenneth Paal; whether he’s going, staying, signing a new deal.

“So, yeah, I like the look of this Owen Beck. I think he’d do a job. I wouldn’t mind a loan deal and it could be one of them where it’s a view to a permanent.

“I can’t see it being a permanent deal. But yeah, I’d happily take him on loan. He looks a good player and I think he’d probably add a more defensive side to our left-back role, because obviously Kenneth Paal’s very attacking, and sometimes struggles defensively.

“So yeah, I’d be happy with him. He looks very, very talented and also he’s still young and could develop into something really good. So yeah, hopefully we get him in.”

QPR must go hard on their selling points

Clubs like Leeds are huge footballing institutions, and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they could be back in the Premier League this time next year.

Celtic is arguably an even more attractive option based on the fact that they will be competing in the Champions League this season and lifted the top prize in Scottish football last term.

Beck’s career so far, as per Transfermarkt

Team

Apps

Goals

Assists

Liverpool U21

54

2

11

Dundee FC

28

2

4

Liverpool U18

15

0

0

Bolton Wanderers

9

0

0

Liverpool UEFA U19

6

0

1

Liverpool

3

0

0

However, as Louis identifies, QPR may be able to offer Beck something that the other clubs can’t, and that is regular football.

Having spent many years in Liverpool’s academy system and on the periphery of their squad, now is the time for Beck to solidify his senior status. He turned out 25 times for Dundee FC last season, contributing two goals and four assists, and will not want to drop back to being a reserve player again.

QPR are the most likely to be able to offer him those minutes, especially in light of Paal’s situation, so they must put this at the forefront of their offer to Beck if they want to stand any chance of landing his signature.

It will be a tough battle, but the Rs have a solid case for being Beck’s best landing spot for the season ahead.

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.

Celtic reject fifth Atalanta bid for O’Riley’ – gossip

Celtic have rejected a fifth bid of £21.5m, plus add-ons, from Atalanta for 23-year-old midfielder Matt O’Riley. (Sky Sports), external

Atalanta have asked for information on Udinese 22-year-old Lazar Samardzic as they look at alternative offensive midfield options to Celtic’s Matt O’Riley and will follow up with contacts once an official bid worth nearly £50m is received from Juventus for Teun Koopmeiners. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels has told friends he wants to join Celtic, with the Scottish champions having opened preliminary talks over a deal for the 20-year-old. (Football Insider), external

Celtic will have to sell Matt O’Riley first if they are to buy Arne Engels, with a £10m price tag being touted, but Augsburg would be less likely to part with the 20-year-old if fellow midfielder Ruben Vargas gets his wish to leave before the end of the transfer window. (Football Scotland), external

Striker Adam Idah’s return to Celtic on Thursday from Norwich City after last season’s loan will cost the Scottish champions £9.5m. (Sky Sports), external

Aberdeen could bank up to £9m following Thursday’s sale of striker Bojan Miovski to Spanish La Liga club Girona. (Press & Journal), external

Friday’s English & European transfer rumours

Oxford United, Stoke City and Swansea City have joined clubs from across Europe interested in signing 20-year-old Scotland Under-21 right-back Max Johnston on loan from Sturm Graz. (Football Insider), external

Rabbi Matondo is wanted by Leeds United as the 23-year-old winger prepares for an exit from Rangers this summer. (Football Scotland), external

Rangers could turn to Brandon Williams, the 23-year-old left-back freed by Manchester United, amid growing fears that Ridvan Yilmaz has suffered a long-term injury after the Turkey international had to postpone a scan on his damaged thigh because of the extent of the swelling. (Daily Record), external

Hibernian have made a third bid of £750,000 for Dundee captain Luke McCowan, with Celtic closely monitoring the situation but yet to make an official approach for the 26-year-old valued at around £1m by his club. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Hibernian head coach David Gray will look to sign another striker after Dylan Vente headed back to the Netherlands to join Zwolle on loan. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Kieran Tierney, who is still out of the manager’s first team plans after his loan to Real Sociedad, has been spotted for the first time at Arsenal this season after the 27-year-old Scotland defender took part in the club’s annual media day. (Football Scotland), external

Jonny Hayes, the 37-year-old wing-back who became a coach with Celtic’s B team after leaving Aberdeen and retiring from professional football, has turned out for Bishopbriggs-based St Mungo amateurs in the Caledonian League. (Glasgow Times), external

Daniel Kelly rejects ‘lucrative’ Celtic offer to join Millwall – sources

Celtic midfielder Daniel Kelly has rejected a “lucrative” Celtic contract offer to join Millwall, sources have told Football Insider.

The 18-year-old is heading south of the border after opting not to extend with the Glasgow giants, where his current deal was due to expire on 31st December.

Kelly has been free to speak to clubs outside Scotland this summer, and Millwall boss Neil Harris confirmed that the midfielder has agreed a deal to join the English Championship club on 1st January.

Kelly has signed a pre-contract with the Londoners that will be converted into a long-term contract in the new year.

The midfielder will then be able to join Millwall for the second half of the season, bolstering Harris’ options.

Kelly has reportedly been frozen out of Brendan Rodgers’ first-team squad and will play in the Lowland League with the B team until his deal expires.

Celtic will lose out on a promising player in Daniel Kelly

Kelly has already showcased his quality this season in the Lowland League, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the opening four matches.

The promising teenager has made six appearances for Celtic’s first team and did notch one goal.

Join the Football Insider WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.

His versatility will be a blow to Rodgers, as he can play defensively and in a more attacking midfield role.

Another player Celtic could lose in this transfer window is Matt O’Riley, who has been heavily in demand.

Arne Engels tells friends he wants to join Celtic as talks open – sources

Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels has told friends he wants to join Celtic this summer, sources have revealed to Football Insider.

The Hoops have opened preliminary talks over a deal for the 20-year-old and are now preparing to formalise their interest.

Celtic are in the market to sign a replacement for Matt O’Riley, who is expected to leave the club before the transfer window closes on 30 August.

Football Insider revealed that Celtic are willing to accept offers of £25million for O’Riley, and have come to terms with the fact they will likely lose him this month.

French outfit Rennes are also keen on making a move for Engels, but it is understood he would prefer a move to Celtic to play in the Champions League.

Celtic want to land Arne Engels deal as Matt O’Riley exit draws closer

Engels made the move to Augsburg from Belgium’s Club NXT – Club Brugge’s reserve side – in January 2023 for a fee below £100,000, and his value has rocketed in a year and a half in Germany.

MORE INSIDER STORIES

The midfielder has established himself as a key player for Augsburg and one of the brightest talents in the Bundesliga since making the switch.

Last season, he made 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists from midfield as he helped his club to an 11th-placed finish.

Join the Football Insider WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.

Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco invited Engels to train with the senior international side during their Euro 2024 preparations in a display of how highly he is regarded.

Aged just 20, he has also shown versatility in his game by filling in at both right-back and right-midfield, which is seen as a valuable asset for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

O’Riley, meanwhile, has attracted interest from some of Europe’s top sides, including Europa League winners Atalanta, and is expected to depart Parkhead this month.

Celtic’s player of the season last time out, the Denmark international scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

As a result, he will prove tough to replace in Rodgers’ lineup, but the recruitment team at Celtic believe Engels will develop into an equally impactful player.

In other news, Millwall are in talks with Celtic to fast-track Daniel Kelly’s exit.

Celtic eye second Norwich City swoop as Portsmouth transfer stance made clear

Abu Kamara is attracting interest from a Champions League club. (Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing former Pompey forward Abu Kamara.

The Scottish Premiership side who will compete in the UEFA Champions League this season completed the £8.5m signing of Adam Idah this week following a successful loan spell, and are now looking at his Canaries teammate Kamara. Pete O’Rourke, a reporter for Football Insider said in a Twitter post on Monday evening that the Glasgow giants are monitoring a move for the 21-year-old.

Over the course of the year, Kamara has been linked with several clubs in England such as Southampton, Leicester, Stoke, Brentford, and most recently Hull, and now a move north of the border has been spoken about. Despite all the transfer speculation, Kamara is in the first-team picture at Carrow Road, and with the potential sale of Jonathan Rowe, he could be ready to take a better playing opportunity in Norfolk.

His 11 assists and 10 goals in League One last term has seen him return to Norwich with a spring in his step and he has worked his way in to Johannes Hoff Thorup’s plans. Kamara came on as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United on Saturday, and then on Tuesday he was influential as his goal and assist helped the Canaries to a 4-3 win over Stevenage.

Check out our latest episode of Pompey Talk – which is also available on Freeview.

Kamara was a popular figure during his time on the South Coast, but a return is extremely unlikely. Earlier this week, John Mousinho consigned himself to Kamara remaining at Carrow Road following his breakthrough.

Speaking to The News on Monday, Mousinho said: ‘It (a Kamara deal) is nowhere at the minute. He’s part of Norwich’s squad and played at the weekend.

‘As far as I know Norwich have no intention to sell or move Abu on. So that’s where we are with that one.

‘I don’t think it’s one we are going to be able to pursue, unfortunately.

‘Yes (if the situation was to change they’d been keen to do a deal), everyone knows our admiration for Abu at this football club.’

Could Hibs bring in a new striker after Dylan Vente’s exit?

David Gray oversees training (Image: Ross Parker/SNS Group)

Head coach David Gray spoke to the media ahead of Hibs‘ trip to face Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup last 16 on Sunday. Here’s everything he had to say…

How much of last Sunday can you put down to Celtic being really good, and how much is stuff you can fix?

“I think Celtic were very good and there’s no getting away from that, but there’s things that we can do to improve, 100%. The first goal, for example, giving yourself a mountain to climb right away. Losing a goal in the manner we did, three minutes into the game, gives them a massive lift, gives them a foothold in the game and makes it a really difficult afternoon.

“The areas in which we can improve we’ve already identified, I think I said it straight after the game, sometimes when you speak after the game you then reflect and think, ‘Well, did I get that right, was I maybe a wee bit critical there?’  I think, when I look at it back, I still believe we can be miles braver on the ball. We didn’t carry enough of a threat and I showed that to the boys, and demonstrated areas in which we can be better.

“And we need to be better, because if we’re not better the same result will happen again. We need to improve. As I said, everyone’s fully aware of that and we’ve worked on that this week.”

Being braver on the ball, how much can you coach that, and how much comes from within players themselves?

“It’s definitely both. You need to feel it. I think that then comes back to the same thing I mentioned earlier with playing Celtic back to back, that the players have now been in that environment. Then when we watch back over the game, individually and as a group, we can demonstrate within situations – ‘What’s our options? Could you have played in that situation?’ I think everybody knows we didn’t do that, and that’s an area that we know we need to be better because Celtic are very good at keeping the ball off you, which we’ve seen at the weekend. But at the same time if you keep giving them it back it becomes a long afternoon, so we need to be braver.

“We’ve demonstrated that against Celtic before, that we can do it, it’s just about being brave and making sure you’re in the right position to be able to do it. Making the right decisions at the time, that’s always the biggest challenge.”

Bringing in Kwon, what qualities of his do you like?

“His quality on the ball; I’ve seen that day one in training as well, he’s really comfortable with both feet, handles the ball really well. And his athleticism, his ability to get around the pitch, his size; he’s aggressive with the way he presses and he’s got really good pedigree, he played at a really good level. So he definitely adds quality to an area that I think we needed to do.  He’s good in tight spaces which is the reason why Celtic have probably signed him. And, as I say, I’m delighted to be able to bring him in because he’s someone who definitely adds all that to us.”

You must feel as though you’re getting a baptism of fire, facing Celtic back-to-back?

“Yeah, listen, it’s not ideal. It comes back to us in the group stages: if you go and win the group, you get seeded. I’m not shying away from that at all, but I’ve said it already – to go and win a cup you need to try and beat the best and it’s an opportunity to do that in the cup game.

“In terms of the league, it’s been a tough start, but you need to play every team at least three or four times a season. so there are no easy games in this league. St Mirren away, first game of the season, and for 45 minutes, I thought we were very good, then the second 45 minutes we were really poor and we lost the game. So we can’t go into any game thinking there’s a right to win, or any game is easier than any other. In this league, everybody can beat everyone on their day and we need to be at 100% to make sure we can do that.”

You were saying that you might have to take a bit of short-term pain for long-term gain,  do you hope that people understand that? 

“One thing I wouldn’t want it to be is an excuse, definitely not. At this moment in time, yes; players are getting up to speed, players are only just in the building, there are new fresh ideas, all these things. But there’s still a good group of players here that need to step up to the level. There is competition now which will help push people on, I’ve already seen that on the training pitch and it’s about that then coming out in the games.

“People will talk about how we’ve got Celtic back to back and how difficult it can be and, of course, it is the biggest test you’ll face, going and playing Celtic away from home. But it’s something I touched on even before the game at the weekend, that you should enjoy the challenge of going and testing yourself,  then understanding what it felt like at the weekend, where we let ourselves down, and how we can be better.”

Speaking of brave, the first thing Kieron Bowie did when he came on was knock over Cameron Carter-Vickers. It’s a different kind of brave, but is that kind of gallusness something you’d like to bottle for all the players?

“100%. Kieron really enjoys the physical side, which is a massive part of the game in Scotland. It’s why he was very attractive to us with the qualities he’s got,  and like you’ve touched on there, there are very much two different types of bravery.

“There’s the bravery to go and put your foot in – I think you need to always respect your opponent, but you should never fear them. You should go and test yourself against them, and if you’re too passive – which we definitely were – it becomes easier for the opposition.

“We definitely need to be more aggressive, we need to be more on the front foot and make sure we put pressure on players rather than standing off too much. And then there’s the other side of bravery, when your team-mate is in possession of the ball.

“If he makes a good decision to take a touch, you need to be brave enough then to get in a position to help him rather than shying away from it. It doesn’t just come from the person directly on the ball, it comes from everybody involved to make sure they’re helping their team-mates, getting on the ball, and keeping it off Celtic.”

How far away are Junior Hoilett and Nicky Cadden from full fitness?

“Junior’s further behind just because of his injury, so he’s recovering from an injury rather than Nicky, who’s just recovering from being unattached. He’s done loads of work himself but it’s very different to when you actually come in and train with a group. He’s gone from doing individual running and things like that to group sessions  – reacting, twisting and turning, and all the situations that you can’t really re-enact.

“I think that’s something that I definitely felt as a player when I was coming back from injuries – which seemed like every other week! – that you can do as much running as you want individually, but to actually re-enact the pressures and situations of the game is so different to doing set things.

“Knowing that you have to run up to a line and turn, for example, compared to someone making you do things in-game. That’s the bit that’s missing for him at the moment, but as I say he’s had another full week’s training and he’ll definitely come into the plans at the weekend.”

With Dylan Vente having gone back to the Netherlands, were you with the club in facilitating that, or did you try to convince him to stay? How does it work?

“He was very frustrated in terms of not taking chances because he’s got a high standard of performance in training, he’s very good. He’s very good in front of goal, and the biggest thing was the fact that the chances he missed in pre-season came from him being in the right areas.

“I don’t believe he got as many opportunities throughout the whole of last season really, so these are all the things coaches look at; how could we try and make him better, how could we get him into these positions, get him the service, get him more touches in the box, try to get the best qualities out of him and the other strikers round about him.”

Are you considering bringing in someone else? 

“It’s definitely something we’d need to look towards, 100%. You need that competition for places. At the same time, though, it’s not as straightforward as just going and signing a centre-forward. You’ve already seen it can be very difficult to bring the right people in. I keep going back to it –  it’s about the right type of people we bring in, you just don’t go and sign a striker. The person you bring has to be able to affect the group in a positive way, and anyone coming in needs to be at least at [Dylan’s] level or else you’d put yourself in a weakened situation.”

And managers do say finding a striker is the hardest piece of the jigsaw…

“Yeah, well, obviously they’re very high in demand. Scoring goals is a big part of the game. They’re hard to find and that’s why they get paid more money than most people, nine times out of ten.

“The work’s going on all the time; we’re constantly looking to try to improve the squad and we’ll continue to do that because whilst the window’s open you need to be proactive all the time. The situation can change; our ideal situation might not be where things are right now but in a week’s time it can look completely different.

“I think we’ve already demonstrated that in the last ten days with the players we’ve brought to the club, and we’ve demonstrated it quite quickly with bringing in the two centre-backs and the goalkeeper earlier in the window. Every team and every club around the country, and in England, are all doing the exact same thing and I’m sure as the window stays open it’ll start to move again.”

5 Celtic transfer headlines as Luke McCowan awaits opening bid, Arne Engels roadblocks and Renato Tapia finds club

Brendan Rodgers has his hands full this transfer window

Luke McCowan is wanted by Celtic

Celtic have their hands full for the remainder of the transfer window with a number of positions still needing filled.

Brendan Rodgers has always wanted quality over quantity but it’s both elements needed at Parkhead with Champions League football to come and the necessity to retain the Premiership crown and attempt the Treble once again. They might have to do all that without Matt O’Riley who is believed to be getting closer to a move to Atalanta as the Serie A club continue to push for the Dane.

Celts are holding strong for their £25million guaranteed asking price but the feeling is that will eventually be met which leaves the champions with a glaring hole in that position.

One man who could fill that void is Augsburg’s Arne Engels who has been the subject of talks between clubs. Football Scotland told you the O’Riley sale would have to happen before Engels, 20, could be properly pursued while the Bundesliga club also have Ruben Vargas seeking a summer exit and that leaves them looking to avoid losing two stars in the same position.

Luke McCowan at Dundee has emerged as a target for the Hoops but Football Scotland understands no bid has yet to be tabled by Rodgers and co. with just Hibs thus far having multiple offers knocked back.

Former Celta Vigo defender Renato Tapia was named via social media as a possible target for Celtic but the Peruvian midfielder was confirmed as a Leganés player earlier today.

Ben Doak has multiple clubs sniffing around after Liverpool put him on their loan list and he could remain in the Premier League. Clubs abroad are also keen.

There has been no decision yet made by Owen Beck or his team amid interest from QPR and Celtic.

Atalanta identify O’Riley transfer alternative as Celtic talks drag on

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with Matt O’Riley (Image: SNS)

As Teun Koopmeiners closes in on a transfer to Juventus, Atalanta are racing to find a centre-midfielder replacement.

The Serie A club are currently waiting for Celtic’s next stance on Matt O’Riley’s future while also considering Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic as an alternative option.

Koopmeiners’ move is expected to be finalised this week for around €59million, prompting Atalanta to act quickly.

They have made five bids for O’Riley, the latest being £21.5m. Celtic have rejected every single one of them, however according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Scottish Premiership giants have now lowered their asking price to around £25m, bringing the two clubs closer to a deal.

The report claims Atalanta chiefs are hesitant to increase their offer and are exploring other avenues, including Samardzic, who was previously linked to AC Milan, until the “exhausting” saga is complete.

With the transfer window closing in just over two weeks’ time, Atalanta aims to strengthen their midfield for the upcoming season in the Italian top-flight.

Celtic have their own man in mind should O’Riley depart Parkhead, and there’s talk that the Augsburg star has already informed his friends that he wants the transfer to happen.

Arne Engels is the name, and the 20-year-old midfielder is already attracting interest from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.

Although, it’s thought that he would prefer to choose Celtic due to the opportunity to play Champions League football under Brendan Rodgers.

Last season Engles made 33 appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists.

EXCLUSIVECeltic consider move for Swiss star Sanches as potential midfield replacement for outgoing O’Riley

Celtic have identified Lausanne’s Alvyn Sanches as a candidate to replace coveted midfielder Matt O’Riley.

Europa League holders Atalanta had their latest bid for the Danish international kicked out last night, an offer of £21.5million plus £2m add-ons rejected.

Celtic are holding out for a deal which shatters their previous record sales of £25million for Kieran Tierney and Jota, to Arsenal and Al-Ittihad, respectively.

And manager Brendan Rodgers insists the Scottish champions won’t give the time of day to any bids until their valuation of 23-year-old O’Riley is met.

Serie A side Atalanta, beaten 2-0 by Real Madrid in the European Super Cup Final on Tuesday night, view O’Riley as the ideal replacement for Juventus-bound Teun Koopmeiners, whose move to Turin hinges on the Bergamo-based club securing a midfielder of their own.

Swiss Under-21 star Alvyn Sanches has been identified as a midfield replacement for O’Riley

O’Riley remains a Celtic player for now after Atalanta’s latest bid was kicked out by the club

Celtic have been keeping tabs on Dundee forward Luke McCowan, with Hibs also keen

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Atalanta are also looking at Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic.

O’Riley remains relaxed over his future. Should he leave before the close of the window, Celtic will move to replace him from a list of potential replacements.

Competition for £4.3m-rated Swiss under-21 international Sanches stems from Nice, Club Bruges, Anderlecht and Burnley. Keen to take the next step in his career, the 21-year-old is expected to leave Switzerland before the close of the window.

Celtic have also been linked with £10m-rated Belgian wonderkid Arne Engels.

A late contender for Belgium’s Euro 2024 squad, the 20-year-old has impressed with Bundesliga side Augsburg.

As Mail Sport reported last week, the Parkhead side have also compiled reports on Dundee forward Luke McCowan, but have yet to firm up any interest with Hibs having already tested the Dens Park club’s resolve to keep the 26-year-old.

With just two weeks of Celtic’s transfer window remaining, the club are juggling multiple incoming and outgoing deals.

The signature of Adam Idah has added a much-needed boost to Brendan Rodgers’ attacking firepower but there are plenty of other priorities in the squad.

One of those is sourcing a replacement for Matt O’Riley if the midfielder leaves the club this summer.

Last season’s standout is being pursued by multiple teams in England and across Europe, with the potential of a sizable bid beyond £25m that tempts Celtic to sell.

To that end, Celtic are looking at Augsburg talent Arne Engels – and a big money move is possible per reports this week.

Arne Engels fancies a move to the Bhoys

Sky Sports reports that the Germans value him at around £9m in the market, meaning he would be an expensive purchase by Celtic’s standards.

However, there is hope of a deal being done. Despite interest from elsewhere including French side Rennes, Engels is said to favour a move to Glasgow to play Champions League football.

Any move is dependent on O’Riley leaving the club this summer. So if the Danish international doesn’t make his switch, we won’t see Engels in Scotland.

Engels has an exciting profile

Still just 20, Engels has been a breakthrough talent in the Bundesliga over the last two seasons, making 51 appearances in total for Augsburg.

FotMob reckon he’s a midfielder who has an eye for goal and forward-thinking creativity in possession, looking to be something of a like-for-like replacement for O’Riley – albeit with lots of development to come.

Celtic are benchmarking their potential replacement for O’Riley at a quality level with other names such as Daniel Gazdag linked with a switch to the Bhoys this summer.

Many fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that Celtic manage to retain O’Riley’s talent for another season but if he does leave then the club must delve into the market with a bit of ambition.

Renato Tapia won’t be joining Celtic this summer after a flurry of speculation earlier this week linking him with a move to Scotland.

Tapia, a defensive midfielder, popped up on the radar of Celtic supporters after social media and messageboard chatter suggested he could be added to Brendan Rodgers’ squad this summer.

South American outlets also reported that the Bhoys were one of several options for the long-serving Peruvian international after he became a free agent.

However, following an exit from Celta Vigo, he’ll be staying in Spain.

Renato Tapia joins La Liga side as Celtic pursue other targets

CD Leganes, recently promoted to La Liga, have added Tapia to their ranks. They officially announced his arrival earlier on Thursday, ending any potential of a switch to Celtic.

The 29-year-old has signed a two-year deal and is already involved on the training pitch as the Spanish side prepare for their season-opener away to Osasuna.

Celtic have been keen on multiple other midfielders this summer but Tapia stood out because he offered a different profile.

The Bhoys haven’t been linked with many defensive-minded midfield options over the last 12 months.

Far more likely is a more attacking option joining the club as a replacement for Matt O’Riley, who is being aggressively pursued by teams across Europe this summer.

Arne Engels has been viewed as the most likely candidate to join Celtic in recent days, should O’Riley end up leaving Glasgow.

The £9m-rated midfielder is being pursued by other suitors, including Rennes in France, but he’s said to hold interest in pulling on the green and white hoops.

With a left-back and centre-back also needed, as a minimum, in the finals weeks of the window, Celtic have to start getting busier in the transfer market.

Arne Engels Celtic transfer talks held but TWO hurdles must be cleared for Augsburg star

The talisman attacking midfielder has interest from the Hoops

Arne Engels of FC Augsburg is a Celtic target

Celtic have held talks over a potential move for Augsburg’s Arne Engels – but must wait for TWO hurdles to be cleared.

Football Scotland understands the Hoops hold a genuine interest in the Belgian playmaker and have contacted the German club about a potential swoop for the 20-year-old. Engels made 33 appearances in all competitions last season and hit three goals with five assists to his name. That form has alerted Parkhead scouts who are keen and have reached out.

Engels would cost a pretty penny with around £10million being touted as the price his club want for his services, but it’s an outgoing Celtic man who would hold the key to any deal going through.

Matt O’Riley is expected to leave the club this summer with a fifth Atalanta bid being booted out by the Scottish champions who are still holding out for the £25million guaranteed with add-ons bumping the deal up. Should the Danish international leave, the path would be clearer for Engels at that stage.

Sources in Germany have also indicated to Football Scotland that another domino could have to be knocked down on Augsburg’s side of the deal. We understand their playmaker Ruben Vargas is hoping to leave the club before the end of the transfer window and that would throw a spanner in the works as the Bundesliga outfit would then be loath to lose both attacking midfielders from their squad.

The window in Scotland remains open until September 1 and Brendan Rodgers wants reinforcements at left-back, defence and in midfield. Another striker could also be brought in if conditions are correct.

Director says Celtic and Crystal Palace must pay over £7m to sign wonderkid

When you have Bayer Leverkusen for competition in a transfer battle, then you can be pretty confident that the player in question is one of considerable talent.

Bundesliga and German Cup winners under Xabi Alonso last season, Leverkusen’s remarkable success story is proof of not only what can be achieved with elite-level coaching but also a recruitment department operating at the very top of their game.

Jeremie Frimpong is a perfect example of both Alonso’s ability to turn good players into great ones, as well as Leverkusen’s ability to unearth rough diamonds available for bargain fees.

The jet-heeled wideman moved to the Bay Arena from Celtic back in January 2021. He set Leverkusen back just £11.5 million at the time. These days, Frimpong is on the radar of Manchester City amongst others, HITC understands.

And, three-and-a-half years on, Celtic may find themselves going head-to-head with Frimpong’s current employers for one of the next generation’s rising stars.

Celtic face Leverkusen battle for Bazoumana Toure

According to Swedish publication Fotboll Direkt, Brendan Rodgers’ side scouted Bazoumana Toure during Hammarby’s 2-0 win away at Brommapojkarna in July.

And talk about timing.

The teenage midfielder opened the scoring in front of those Hoops talent-spotters, spinning on the ball inside the box and lashing it into the top corner with his left boot.

That is one of five goals Bazoumana Toure has scored in just ten league starts this season, in addition to his two assists. Understandably, given such a return and considering that he only turned 18 a few months back, Celtic are not alone in their pursuit.

Bayer Leverkusen are keen. As are Eintracht Frankfurt and Crystal Palace of the Premier League.

Hammarby have wasted little time in setting their stall out, however. Toure is not for sale. And, even if he was, anyone who comes calling would have to make an offer in excess of £7.3 million to twist their arm, the Stockholm-based outfit determined to make Toure the most expensive sale in their entire history.

“There are definitely clubs that contact us from the top five leagues,” sporting director Mikael Hjelmberg tells Fotboll Direkt. “But we have been clear that we do not want to sell at all.

“(Toure) is an important player for us and our ambition is to keep him. We have not come to the negotiating table. We have only said that we are not interested in selling.”

“Of course that is the ambition,” Hjelmberg adds, confirming that the Ivory Coast international will have to be the subject of an offer capable of making the record books. “It definitely is.

“We knew that he is a very good player but (his development) may have gone faster than we thought.”

Bids must be over £7 million for Swedish league starlet

The director admits that Hammarby may be powerless to prevent Toure’s departure if they receive an offer in the region of their 100 million-plus Swedish Krone asking price. As things stand, however, no such offers have arrived.

“Where we are right now, and since we haven’t been given anything really concrete to decide on, it’s quite simple,” concludes Hjelmberg.

Scandinavian football is becoming a very fertile development home for young African footballers looking to make their name in Europe.

Mohammed Kudus and Ibrahim Osman, for example, both sealed big-money moves to the Premier League – with West Ham United and Brighton respectively – after honing their talents at Nordsjaelland.

Bazoumana Toure could soon be in the next cab off the rank.

He returned to haunt Brommapojkarna’s dreams again this week, notching twice in a 3-3 draw. Toure’s first showcased his explosive pace and cool finishing, while his second was tucked away with effortless, instinctive quality.

“He is as good as he shows. He is threatening all the time,” Hammarby teammate Nahir Besara tells Expressen.

“It feels like Toure has another level in him. We just need to refine the diamond.”