Good News: Michel Ange Balikwisha at Celtic transfer ‘standstill’ as Antwerp stumbling block could let rivals steal a march-…

Good News: Michel Ange Balikwisha at Celtic transfer ‘standstill’ as Antwerp stumbling block could let rivals steal a march-…

The clubs are currently too far apart in their valuations according to reports in the forward’s homeland.

Balikwisha has impressed both domestically and in the Champions League for Royal Antwerp

Michel-Ange Balikwisha finds himself in a Celtic transfer stalemate with Royal Antwerp’s asking price currently too high for the Hoops, according to a report.

The Premiership champions have been linked with a move for the Belgian forward as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his attacking options. The Parkhead boss today reiterated the need for quality as he demands a big Champions League improvement from his side. He also remains hopeful that further deals will be done before the end of the transfer window, having brought in Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo and Paulo Bernardo so far.

But something will have to give in their pursuit of Balikwisha. Reports in Belgium claim both clubs are still too far apart in their valuation, with the Bhoys currently unwilling to meet the value Antwerp have placed on the 23-year-old. Clubs in France and Germany are also keeping a keen aye, and could step in given the lack of progress in negotiations between Celtic and Antwerp.

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Nottingham Forest’s hectic £157m transfer window predicted with Celtic, Rangers, Everton and Leeds deals

Football Manager 2024 predicts how the remainder of the summer transfer window will play out for Nuno Espirito Santo and Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has already enjoyed a productive summer transfer window after concluding impressive deals for the likes of Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson and Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

There have been several outgoings too as the former Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach trimmed his squad by allowing Moussa Niakhate and Orel Mangala to join Lyon, Remo Freuler has made his way to Bologna and goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos has joined Premier League rivals Newcastle. More deals are planned as Nuno looks to continue putting his own stamp on his squad and there have been strong links with the likes of Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Paraguayan international winger Ramon Sosa.

But we wondered how the remainder of the summer transfer window could play out for Nuno and Forest – so we fired up Football Manager 2024, updated the current Forest squad and let the world’s most popular managerial simulation play out the next month to see what business was conducted at the City Ground.

Goalkeepers

There were no changes for the virtual Nuno’s goalkeeping options, so the only difference to last season was that Brazilian goalkeeper Carlos Miguel has come in from Corinthians and Odysseas Vlachodimos has joined Premier League rivals Newcastle United – after we used the in-game editor to produce a fully up-to-date Forest squad.

Nuno’s goalkeeping options: Turner, Sels, Miguel.

Defenders

Getty Images

Now there are a few changes in the defensive ranks and possibly the most high profile signing was that of Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, who was secured in a £27m deal in the final hours of the window. He is far from the only new face to arrive after Nuno brought in Rangers youngster Leon King and Getafe’s Uruguayan international Gaston Alvarez for a combined cost of £20m. There were several outgoings from the backline as Andrew Omobamidele joined Ipswich Town in a £1m deal and Ola Aina headed to Rennes in a £6m move.

Nuno’s defensive options: Murillo, Milenkovic, Worrall, Boly, Toffolo, Richards, Williams, King, Alvarez, Colwill.

Midfielders

There were no new midfield additions in the virtual transfer window as Nuno stuck with what he had but the Forest boss did allow Josh Bowler and Lewis O’Brien to join Leeds United and Middlesbrough in season-long loan deals and Jonjo Shelvey headed off the MLS after agreeing a £4m move to Inter Miami.

Nuno’s midfield options: Sangare, Danilo, Dominguez, Anderson, Yates, Gibbs-White.

Forwards

Getty Images

The was something of a refresh of the attacking options with Nuno’s squad as Chris Wood joined Celtic in a cut-price £3m move, Emmanuel Dennis went to the other side of the Glasgow divide to join Rangers and Hwang Ui-Jo bizarrely moved to Austria Vienna. There were three new arrivals to boost the attacking ranks as Nuno completed the £5m addition of Everton’s Neal Maupay before returning to Celtic to sign Japan international Daizen Maeda and then handed over £7m to sign Lokomotiv Moscow winger Sergei Pinyaev.

Nuno’s forward options: Hudson-Odoi, Elanga, Awoniyi, Maupay, Pinyaev, Maeda.

Ins

Anderson (£35m from Newcastle United), Milenkovic (£10m from Fiorentina), Miguel (£2.5m from Corinthians), Maupay (£5m from Everton), Pinyaev (£7m from Lokomotiv Moscow), King (6m from Rangers), Maeda (£6m from Celtic), Alvarez (£14m from Getafe), Colwill (£27m from Chelsea)

Outs

Niakhate (£25m to Lyon), Mangala (£17m to Lyon), Vlachodimos (undisclosed to Newcastle United), Freuler (£3m to Bologna), Panzo (loan to Rio Ave), McKenna, Kouyate, Arter, Hennessey (all released), Dennis (£3m to Rangers), Aina (£6m to Rennes), Ui-Jo (£2m to Austria Vienna), Wood (£3m to Celtic), Shelvey (£4m to Inter Miami), O’Brien (loan to Middlesbrough), Omobamidele (£1m to Ipswich Town), Bowler (loan to Leeds United)

LIVERPOOL’S TRANSFER WINDOW: OWEN BECK’S FUTURE IN SPOTLIGHT – ‘CELTIC KEEN’

As Liverpool wraps up their tour in the United States, the focus shifts towards potential transfers. The Reds have showcased their talent, including young prospects, in matches against Real Betis and Arsenal. While some players have left a lasting impression, others might be facing their final days in a Liverpool shirt. One name that has surfaced in recent transfer discussions is Owen Beck, a promising left-back whose future seems uncertain.

OWEN BECK: A PROMISING TALENT ON THE VERGE OF DEPARTURE

Owen Beck, the 21-year-old left-back, has been part of Liverpool’s pre-season squad, featuring in both games during their US tour. Despite his aspirations to break into the first team, the situation looks precarious. According to Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail, Celtic had shown interest in Beck during the January transfer window after his impressive loan spell at Dundee. Unfortunately, a mid-season recall to Liverpool prevented a potential move as FIFA regulations prohibit a player from appearing for three different clubs in one season.

Steele reports, “With Owen Beck, Celtic are keen. I know that they tried for another left-back but failed. But I think Liverpool want a sale rather than a loan which would rule out Celtic from signing him. So, it’ll be interesting to see on this one.” Beck, praised as a “super talent” by Jurgen Klopp and “fantastic” by U21 coach Barry Lewtas, appears ready for a permanent transfer, potentially ending his Liverpool journey before it truly begins.

LIVERPOOL TOUR VIDEO DIARY DAY 8

🔴 Jarell Quansah on not feeling imposter syndrome – and why should he?
🔴 Thoughts on Joe Gomez
🔴 Few fringe player updates and where to find the best Philly cheesesteak#LFC 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/8xSBcCX4OM

— Lewis Steele (@LewisSteele_) August 1, 2024

THE DILEMMA: LOAN OR SALE?

Liverpool’s strategy in the transfer market has been cautious this summer, focusing more on outgoings than incomings. With Calvin Ramsay and Luke Chambers securing loan moves to Wigan, the expectation was for Beck to remain at Anfield, especially with speculation around Kostas Tsimikas’ future. However, the club’s preference for a permanent sale over another loan suggests a different direction.

The decision to sell rather than loan Beck is a pragmatic one. At 22, Beck needs regular playing time to develop further, something he might not receive as a backup to the likes of Andy Robertson and Tsimikas. With the latter likely staying at Liverpool, Beck’s chances of first-team football are slim. Therefore, a move away seems the most viable option for the young defender to progress in his career.

CELTIC CONNECTION AND BECK’S NEXT STEP

Celtic’s interest in Beck has been longstanding, and with their failure to secure another left-back, the door might still be open. However, Liverpool’s stance on a permanent sale complicates matters. The Scottish giants may be hesitant to splash the cash on a player who is yet to prove himself at the highest level, despite his potential.

Steele’s insights highlight the crossroads at which Beck finds himself. “It’s a crucial moment for Beck,” Steele notes. “Another loan might not benefit him or Liverpool at this stage. It’s time for him to find his own path.” For Beck, a permanent move could provide the stability and playing time he needs, whether at Celtic or another club willing to invest in his potential.

THE FUTURE BECKONS FOR OWEN BECK

As Liverpool prepare for the new season, the futures of several young players hang in the balance. Owen Beck’s situation epitomises the challenges faced by academy graduates striving to break into a top-tier team. With limited opportunities at Anfield and a club seemingly ready to cash in, Beck’s next move will be pivotal.

Whether Celtic can negotiate a deal or another club swoops in, Beck’s talent and potential are undeniable. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining his future. One thing is certain: Owen Beck is ready to embark on a new chapter, and it could be the making of a promising career.

 

Why Hearts are starting to tire of Lawrence Shankland Rangers-Celtic stories with ‘no merit’

No bids, no conversations over star striker who is continually linked with move away

Steven Naismith has issued a blunt response to the almost perpetual speculation linking Lawrence Shankland with a move away from Hearts.

The striker, who has scored 59 goals in 94 games during two seasons with the Tynecastle club, has been touted for a transfer to both Rangers and Celtic this week and Naismith is starting to tire of it, hitting out at stories with “no merit”. Shankland, who turns 29 next weekend, has entered the final year of his contract but the Hearts head coach is insistent there have been no bids for his captain, or indeed any of his players. The only offer Hearts have entertained this summer was the £1 million deal they agreed with Birmingham City for the sale of left-back Alex Cochrane.

“The whole Shankland thing, I think I’ll speak about it now, I’m not going to answer it again in terms of if there’s another story in the paper that’s got no merit,” Naismith said on the eve of Hearts’ season-opener which just happens to be against Rangers. “So, there’s no conversations, there’s no bids, there’s nothing other than what we had for Alex Cochrane. That’s where it’s at, so next week when he might be going somewhere, he might be on a list or might not be on a list, it’ll be the same answer.”

Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland was Scotland’s top goalscorer last season and has been linked with both Rangers and Celtic. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Shankland has been an outstanding signing for Hearts and was Scotland’s top league scorer across all four divisions last season with 24 goals, the same number he got during his first campaign in Gorgie. He could leave Hearts for free next summer and the club may feel that is a financial blow they can absorb if he continues such prolific form. In the meantime they will look for him to take up where he left off last season when he scored against Rangers in a 3-3 draw in the final match of the campaign.

Ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Tynecastle Naismith is more concerned with adding to his squad and is on the verge of completing a deal to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Malachi Boateng who was spotted at the Hearts training base on Friday. Naismith has also confirmed the club’s interest in the Colombian international left-back Andres Salazar who is being lined up for a loan move from Atletico Nacional and would effectively replace Cochrane.

The signing of Boateng is more imminent, and the Hearts coach believes he would add defensive ballast to the midfield. He has played previously in Scotland on loan at Queen’s Park and Dundee, impressing in both stints, and Naismith hasn’t ruled out the possibility of completing the deal in time for the Rangers game. “Hopefully,” he said. “We’ll see if he’s involved or not [against Rangers]. He is athletic, he has a physicality about him and he’s comfortable receiving the ball in the middle of the pitch which is a really good quality to have.”

His signing has become more urgent given the injuries to Hearts’ defensive midfielders Beni Baningime and Calem Nieuwenhof who have played no part in pre-season. London-born Boateng, 22, is in the final year of his contract at Palace. Salazar, 21, would join initially on loan. “As a player, he’s got really high potential,” Naismith said of the Colombian. “It’s something we’re working hard to get done.”

 

Transfer news and rumours: Cuenca to Fulham, O’Riley to Southampton, Amrabat to Fenerbahce

Fulham are reportedly in advanced discussions to sign Villarreal centre-back Jorge Cuenca.

The Cottagers began their summer transfer business with the addition of Ryan Sessegnon before they confirmed the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal in a club-record deal.

Fulham are now set to turn their attention to the backline, with Marco Silva keen to add two new centre-backs, having seen Tosin Adarabioyo leave for Chelsea and Tim Ream enter talks with MLS side Charlotte FC.

According to the Evening Standard, the West London club are making progress in their bid to sign Cuenca from Spanish side Villarreal.

The Cottagers are said to be in advanced talks and are confident that they can secure Cuenca’s signature for a cut-price £6.7m fee.

Cuenca, who joined Villarreal from Barcelona in 2020, predominantly plays as a central defender but can also operate as a left-back when required.

Southampton preparing fresh O’Riley bid

Staying in the Premier League, newly-promoted Southampton are reportedly prepared to submit a new bid for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley.

The 23-year-old is attracting significant interest after scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists in 49 competitive appearances last season, helping Celtic win the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.

However, Brendan Rodgers‘s side are facing a real battle to retain O’Riley’s services, having turned down multiple offers from Atalanta BC and a reported £12m bid from Southampton.

According to Football Insider, the Saints are now preparing to table a fresh bid to prise O’Riley away from Celtic Park.

While it is unclear how much Southampton are willing to offer, they are believed to be considering whether to use Shea Charles in a player-plus-cash proposal.

Celtic are said to be interested in the 20-year-old midfielder, but they would rather complete a straight cash deal for O’Riley as they continue to hold out for their £25m asking price.

Southampton boss Russell Martin is well aware of O’Riley’s talents after previously coaching him during his time as MK Dons manager.

Mourinho wants Amrabat

Over in Turkey, new Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly interested in signing ex-Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina.

The Morocco international spent last season on loan at Mourinho’s former club Man United, but he has now returned to Fiorentina after the Premier League club decided not to activate the player’s buy option.

While Man United could still look to re-sign Amrabat, he is attracting plenty of interest from other European clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan, Napoli and Atletico Madrid.

However, according to Tutto Mercato Web, Turkish giants Fenerbahce are the side that are pushing hardest to sign the defensive midfielder.

Fenerbahce have made contact over a potential move, with Mourinho keen to build a squad that can end the club’s 10-year wait for the Super Lig title.

The Turkish side could present Amrabat with the chance to play in the Champions League main draw if they are able to negotiate the final two rounds of qualifying.

Celtic Keeping Alive Interest In Star They’ve Tried To Land

Celtic are continuing to retain their interest in a left-back they have already tried to sign this summer, according to Sky Sports News.

Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers wants to beef up his left-back options to provide competition for Greg Taylor.

A host of options have been looked at by Celtic and the club recently got in touch with Wolves in an effort to open talks over Hugo Bueno.

Wolves have not played ball with Celtic’s loan bid and are still deciding what they want to do with Bueno.

Celtic are now looking at Liverpool left-back Owen Beck, who shone on loan at Dundee last season.

However, despite being keen on Beck, Celtic have not abandoned their interest in Bueno.

They remain interested in signing the Spain Under-21 international.

The clock is ticking in the transfer window though and Celtic will want a left-back in through the door soon.

Top News: Sky Sports: Celtic now eyeing “incredible” £10m Matt O’Riley replacement

With Matt O’Riley‘s future still in doubt, Celtic are reportedly eyeing a new midfielder to replace the Dane this summer in a deal that could be worth £10m for Brendan Rodgers‘ side.

Celtic transfer news

The Bhoys have so far endured a relatively quiet summer transfer window, finding their replacement for Joe Hart in Kasper Schmeichel whilst also signing a backup in Viljami Sinisalo and welcoming Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal. Rodgers’ side, with those three fresh faces, will be looking to retain their Scottish Premiership crown once again.

After finally turning last season’s loan move permanent, Bernardo told Celtic’s official website: “It’s amazing for me and it’s a big step in my career. I really enjoyed last season when we won the championship and the cup, so it was great for me – my first two titles in my career, too.

“I love the atmosphere at Celtic Park and away in all the games. Celtic is a big, big club. The fans feed us in the game so we can score one more goal or win the game in the last minute.”

Bernardo may well just be the start when it comes to further arrivals too. According to Sky Sports, Celtic are eyeing a move to sign Daniel Gazdag from Philadelphia Union in a deal that could be worth a reported £10m, should O’Riley leave this summer. The Dane has been the subject of significant interest, including from Atalanta, who have reportedly submitted as many as three bids for the Celtic star.

Losing O’Riley would undoubtedly be a major blow, but it seems as though those in Glasgow are wisely preparing to replace their midfielder in the event that he does depart.

“Incredible” Gazdag could replace O’Riley

Whilst replacing O’Riley will be no easy task if he does depart this summer, signing Gazdag could be an intelligent move from those at Celtic Park. For just £10m, the Bhoys could sign a surprise O’Riley replacement who has starred in the MLS. The main concern if Rodgers loses O’Riley is replacing his output, given that the Dane managed 13 goals and 11 assists last season, but Gazdag has more than proven his eye for goal.

The Hungarian scored 14 goals and assisted one in 21 MLS appearances last season and may well get the chance to replicate that in the Scottish Premiership. Earning plenty of praise as a result, Philadelphia manager Jim Curtin told the official MLS website: “Dániel does so much work defensively for us that a lot of players can’t match. His goals and assists are incredible – the way he links our back four to our forwards is great – but I love the defensive work he does.”

So, if Celtic can make a profit by selling O’Riley and then pursuing Gazdag, Rodgers’ side may still be well placed to win yet another Scottish Premiership title in the forthcoming campaign.

Sky Sports man updates on Celtic interest in Liverpool defender

Celtic have expressed an interested in signing Owen Beck from Liverpool. The Welshman caught the attention of Brendan Rodgers during his successful spell at Dundee and a loan bid in January was unsuccessful.

Now, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has updated supporters to state that Celtic are interested in pursuing a permanent deal for Beck but face competition from QPR.

Speaking on Twitter/X, the journalist stated that a decision on the player’s future will be made next week and a permanent move could occur if the valuation for the player is met.

Celtic & QPR have expressed an interest in Liverpool left-back Owen Beck.

Celtic would prefer a permanent deal; QPR a loan. Other EFL clubs keen too.

Liverpool open to offers, but would expect valuation met if permanent. Decision on future to be made next week.

(w/@SkyAnton) pic.twitter.com/OgXxwXB98x

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) August 2, 2024

Beck impressed under Tony Docherty last season at Dens Park, making 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and assisting four times. The player got injured towards the end of the campaign, meaning he failed to have the opportunity to impress in the post-split fixtures.

The youngster has made just three appearances for Liverpool but one of those – a brief cameo away to Bournemouth – scuppered his chances of a loan move to Celtic.

Leeds United £1.5m clause issue revealed for former Sunderland forward as QPR and Celtic eye Liverpool deal

The latest transfer talk from across the Championship.

Preston North End director Peter Ridsdale has revealed securing a permanent deal for former Arsenal and Sunderland attacking midfielder Sam Greenwood may not be as straightforward as initially expected.

The 22-year-old has joined North End on a season-long loan deal from Championship rivals Leeds United after spending the majority of last season with Middlesbrough. Greenwood, who came through the Sunderland academy, scored five goals and provided three assists for Michael Carrick’s men and will hope to improve both tallies during his time at Deepdale.

North End have agreed an option-to-buy clause within their agreement with Leeds and that would allow Greenwood to make a £1.5m permanent switch to the North West. However, Ridsdale has now revealed the deal could become more complicated if Daniel Farke’s side are successful in their bid to secure promotion into the Premier League after missing out in last season’s Championship play-off final.

He told the Lancashire Post: “Time will tell and we’ll see what happens there. That deal, the easiest bit is that the option-to-buy is an agreed price between Leeds United and Preston North End. It’s a classic case, isn’t it? If the loan doesn’t go OK, you don’t want to pay the fee; if the loan does go OK, everybody thinks the fee is too low or the two clubs fall out over the fee or whatever it is.  In this case, the fee is agreed. If Sam loves us and we love him, the transfer fee between the two clubs is not a problem. It might become marginally more of a problem, were Leeds to be promoted – because Sam isn’t out of contract next summer.”

QPR face Celtic competition for Liverpool deal

Queens Park Rangers are keen to secure a loan deal for Liverpool youngster Owen Beck – but will face major competition from Celtic.

The 14-times capped Wales Under-21 international enjoyed a successful season-long loan spell with Dundee and his performances earned him a place in the PFA Scottish Premiership team of the year. His performances north of the border did not go unnoticed and several clubs are believed to be keen on handing Beck a chance to impress away from Anfield once again. Reports have suggested Birmingham City were keen on the youngster but QPR are said to have ‘expressed an interest’ in securing a loan deal – but Celtic are willing to make a permanent move for Beck and Liverpool have been described as ‘open to offers’.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph posted: “Celtic & QPR have expressed an interest in Liverpool left-back Owen Beck. Celtic would prefer a permanent deal; QPR a loan. Other EFL clubs keen too. Liverpool open to offers, but would expect valuation met if permanent. Decision on future to be made next week.”

QPR have already completed several signings this summer after head coach Marti Cifuentes brought in the likes of Bristol City striker Sinclair Armstrong, reported Sunderland target Chris Willock and Portsmouth goalkeeper Jordan Archer.

5 Celtic transfer headlines as Owen Beck back on list, Hoops made to wait for Hugo Bueno and new midfield link emerges

The Scottish giants are working on new signings with left-back a clear priority

Owen Beck in action for Dundee

Celtic have been told that Wolves are planning for their season with Hugo Bueno still involved at Molineux.

The Spaniard is wanted on a season-long loan at Parkhead with the club’s recruitment team putting in their time and effort on the left-back. It’s a position the side desperately need to add reinforcements with just Greg Taylor the first-team option and Bueno has been identified since all the way back in January when he was not permitted to leave on loan.

Football Scotland understands that Wolves want to keep the 21-year-old at the club and have his name pencilled in with Gary O’Neil’s first-team plans as the new Premier League campaign nears.

It’s understood no final decision has yet been made on the full-back and it will not be made any time before the squad return from their pre-season camp in the USA.

It means Celts could be forced to look towards their alternatives and Owen Beck is back on that list. Football Scotland can reveal the Hoops – who are yet to officially make a move for the defender this summer – are monitoring the ex-Dundee loanee’s movements with EFL Championship clubs looking for a loan deal. Sources have indicated to us that Beck has numerous offers on the table and clubs have given a deadline of the beginning of next week for his decision. That could mean the Glasgow giants would have to make their swoop – a permanent fee being paid – over the weekend.

A fresh name has emerged on Celtic’s apparent shortlist from Sweden. Hammarby winger Bazoumana Touré, 18, has been linked after the club reportedly scouted him recently.

Tanner Tessmann, meanwhile, is closing in on a move to Fiorentina despite Celtic interest and Adam Idah WON’T be at the club before they face Kilmarnock this weekend, despite reports down south.

Report: Celtic keen to sign “brilliant” 21 y/o left-back on loan instead of Bueno

Celtic, having so far failed in their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Hugo Bueno, have reportedly turned their attention to a Premier League gem for Brendan Rodgers.

Celtic transfer news

As the Scottish Premiership campaign approaches, Celtic have still got work to do on the transfer front, having so far welcomed just three reinforcements. Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo and, most recently, Paulo Bernardo have all arrived to boost Rodgers’ side in pursuit of defending their Scottish Premiership throne.

Left-back seems to be the current area of focus on that front, with the Bhoys reportedly looking to sign Wolves’ Bueno on loan, only to fail in their attempts. The Premier League defender has fallen out of favour under Gary O’Neil thanks to the form of Rayan Ait-Nouri and may now get the chance to earn crucial minutes elsewhere. That said, those minutes seem unlikely to come at Celtic Park as things stand.

Instead, those in Scotland have seemingly shifted their focus to elsewhere. According to reliable Merseyside reporter Lewis Steele for The Daily Mail, Celtic want to sign Owen Beck on loan from Liverpool in a move that would see the Reds’ academy graduate return to Scotland following his spell at Dundee last season. However, the Reds would prefer a permanent sale, so a deal, like Bueno, could prove tricky.

Still just 21 years old, the left-back certainly has plenty of potential and already has crucial experience in Scotland’s top flight. On paper, the Liverpool man may even be a better fit than Bueno, given Celtic’s earlier interest last season. With a matter of weeks left until the transfer window slams shut, however, the Scottish champions haven’t got long to seal a deal.

“Brilliant” Beck needs loan move

Although some will see Arne Slot’s arrival as the chance to break into the current Liverpool side, Beck is among the players who could do with another loan move. As things stand, Slot has Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas and Joe Gomez to call on at left-back, which will naturally limit opportunities for Beck to make an impression.

Instead, he could steal the headlines once again at Celtic under former Liverpool boss Rodgers. Those in Scotland were certainly impressed with the youngster during his last loan spell, with Dundee manager Tony Docherty telling the club’s media channels via BBC Sport: “He’s made such a positive impact in the first half of the season both on and off the pitch. When we got confirmation from Liverpool yesterday that he could come back to Dundee everyone at the club was so excited, the coaches, the players, and all the other staff at the club.

“I know the fans will be overjoyed that Owen is back as they loved watching him play in the dark blue of Dundee. We are just looking forward to getting Owen back to what Owen is. He is a brilliant boy, a fantastic member of a really good squad and everyone is really looking forward to having him back.”

Michel Ange Balikwisha at Celtic transfer ‘standstill’ as Antwerp stumbling block could let rivals steal a march

The clubs are currently too far apart in their valuations according to reports in the forward’s homeland.

Balikwisha has impressed both domestically and in the Champions League for Royal Antwerp (Image: Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Michel-Ange Balikwisha finds himself in a Celtic transfer stalemate with Royal Antwerp’s asking price currently too high for the Hoops, according to a report.

The Premiership champions have been linked with a move for the Belgian forward as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his attacking options. The Parkhead boss today reiterated the need for quality as he demands a big Champions League improvement from his side. He also remains hopeful that further deals will be done before the end of the transfer window, having brought in Kasper Schmeichel, Viljami Sinisalo and Paulo Bernardo so far.

But something will have to give in their pursuit of Balikwisha. Reports in Belgium claim both clubs are still too far apart in their valuation, with the Bhoys currently unwilling to meet the value Antwerp have placed on the 23-year-old. Clubs in France and Germany are also keeping a keen aye, and could step in given the lack of progress in negotiations between Celtic and Antwerp.

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Celtic star Kyogo changes agents in surprising move

Celtic star Kyogo has been announced as a client by CAA Base. The Japanese striker has been incredible since signing from Vissel Kobe

In an announcement on Twitter/X, CAA Base confirmed the arrival of the Celtic striker.

We’re very excited to welcome Japanese international and Celtic forward, @Kyogo_Furuhashi, to CAA Base.

Kyogo has been prolific since moving to Glasgow three years ago and been pivotal in the team winning three league titles in a row.

亨梧、CAA Baseファミリーへようこそ！ pic.twitter.com/07Y4GrmngQ

— CAA Base (@CAABase) August 2, 2024

In 133 appearances for Celtic, Kyogo has scored 73 times and assisted 15 goals for the club, winning seven trophies in that time. At 29, the player is in his peak years but will also be mindful that there are better earning opportunities outside of The Scottish Champions.

The news might’ve somewhat unsettling for Celtic supporters given that CAA Base helped facilitate Ange Postecoglou’s move to Spurs as well as Rocco Vata’s departure to Watford. With that said, they are one of the leading agencies and they only attract the best and brightest talents.

It is a strange move as Kyogo signed a new deal last summer. The player has been the subject of interest from the J League but may also fancy a crack at a move to another side in Europe.

You would imagine that Celtic would demand towards £20m for the player as they look to protect their batch of stars. However, with no other strikers in the door, the club can ill-afford to entertain conversations about selling players.

Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories

Agent confirmed Celtic ‘interest’ and £2.4m striker now seals free transfer move

In an ideal world, the one-time Celtic target would have left his former club in less ‘devastating’ circumstances.

But, as is the harsh reality of the modern game, the piranhas have wasted little time in stripping the flesh from the boney carcass that used to be FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

Ranking ALL 24 Euro 2024 Managers As Players

After years of financial problems – and following a failed takeover by Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group – one of the most historic clubs in French football were forced to give up their professional status while terminating the contracts of every single member of their squad, per Sud Ouest.

As a result, a striker who joined Bordeaux in a £2.4 million deal just over 12 months ago now departs for nothing.

Zan Vipotnik scored 10 goals and provided four assists in what would prove to be his one and only full season at the 2009 Ligue 1 champions.

Celtic once tried to sign Swansea City newbie Zan Vipotnik

The Slovenia international was confirmed as a Swansea City player this week.

And considering that Celtic held an interest not so long ago – The Hoops are still in the market for centre-forward a year on from Vipotnik’s switch from Maribor to Bordeaux – one wonders whether Brendan Rodgers’ side were tempted to renew their interest before the Slovenia international took his impressive poaching skills to South Wales.

“Yes, there is interest from Celtic for a summer transfer,” Vipotnik’s agent, Sasa Zupan, told Football Scotland back in 2023. “There a lot of clubs who want to sign Zan when the window opens.”

Vipotnik, at the time, was coming off the back of an exceptional 20-goal season at Maribor.

If he can get anywhere near those numbers for Swansea – Luke Williams’ mid-table outfit are yet to replace former talisman Joel Piroe following his move to Leeds United – then Vipotnik could prove to be one of the signings of the summer in the EFL.

Adam Idah and Lawrence Shankland are targets

“Heartbroken to say goodbye under these circumstances,” Vipotnik wrote on Instagram when saying a tear-jerking farewell to tragic Bordeaux.

“My time at Bordeaux has been nothing short of incredible, thanks to this amazing club and the passionate fans who welcomed me with open arms.

“It’s devastating to see the club facing such challenges, but I believe in the spirit of Bordeaux and I know it will rise again.

“Until we meet again.”

Celtic, HITC understands, are still hot on the heels of number nines heading into the final month of the window.

Interest in last season’s loan star Adam Idah remains, even after The Hoops’ opening offer of £4 million fell well short of Norwich City’s demands.

HITC reports that Celtic have now lodged an enquiry for Hearts captain and Premiership Golden Boot winner Lawrence Shankland.

‘Great opportunity’: Sunderland youngster completes loan exit and is in line for Celtic Park debut

Sunderland youngster Oli Bainbridge has completed a loan move

Sunderland youngster Oli Bainbridge could be set to make his senior debut at Celtic Park this weekend after completing a season-long loan switch to Kilmarnock.

Bainbridge, who has previously been tracked by Everton, will take his first steps in senior football in the Scottish Premiership after a superb campaign with Sunderland’s U21 side last season as they reached the Premier League 2 final.

His form earned a call up to the senior squad for a clash with Southampton earlier this year and U21s boss Graeme Murty said the move was a great opportunity for the 19-year-old. Bainbridge signed his first professional contract last summer and is highly rated at the club.

“This is a great experience for Ollie and we want to thank Kilmarnock for recognising his progress, especially during the success of last season,” Murty said.

“We hope he goes up there and maximises the opportunity in which is a great move for his career path.”

Celtic fire out Matt O’Riley price warning as Brendan Rodgers plays it cool on Adam Idah and weekend transfers

Danish midfielder is wanted by Atalanta – but Celtic under no pressure to sell

Manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Matt O’Riley’s growing list of suitors that they will need to spend big to prise him away from Celtic.

Denmark internationalist O’Riley has been the subject of two failed bids from Serie A side Atalanta, with reports in the Italian media suggesting that the Bergamo-based outfit will return with an increased offer in the region of £23million. Atletico Madrid and Southampton are also said to be weighing up a move for the 23-year-old, who has been one of Celtic’s key players since moving from MK Dons two-and-a-half years ago.

O’Riley has played a pivotal part in Celtic’s pre-season fixtures and is expected to be part of the team to face Kilmarnock on Sunday in the defending Premiership champions’ league opener. Rodgers believes that the Scottish market can be devalued and warned poachers that his players will not be sold on the cheap. The Northern Irishman is also positive that O’Riley will be able to blank out the noise.

“I’m very confident it won’t affect him,” said Rodgers. “It’s not easy. That’s the reality of it. But he is an ultimate professional. He knows he’s in a good place here. I’ve said it before, Celtic’s a place that you can leave, but you don’t have to. And I think he has seen what the last three years and and last season that he’s had, what it has given him, and that progress that he’s made in his career.

Brendan Rodgers is all smiles with Matt O’Riley during a Celtic training session on Friday | SNS Group

“He’s 23, so if he gets to 35 years of age, he’s got 12 more years left in his career, so he’s invested in his time, in his development. It’s clear he will attract attention. But I’ve said it during the week that and this is not just for Celtic, this is for the Scottish game in general. I think for so long, the price that’s set on the player is because of the league. And having worked down south for a number of years and knowing the money and the finances and the level of players then sometimes the league gets the fee and gets the offer.

“Well, it won’t happen. You pay for the player, you absolutely pay for the player if you want the player. I’ve known young guys in this window that I’ve worked with recently who’ve gone for say £30million, and we get offers in for the likes of Matt, with the greatest of respect, nowhere near that. So we don’t have to sell. The club doesn’t have to sell.

“We respect that there will be a a point in a young player’s career at this club where he may for financial conditions of his life, be able to improve that three to four times over. Okay, but there has to be still a value to the player and not just the league. And for us he’s a very valuable player. So until that changes, I’ve got every faith in his focus, his mentality, and you can see it in pre-season, his performances again are consistently very, very high. So he looks in a great place, along with the other players.

“I think he understands and, as a young guy, which is great, that a lot of it can be gossip and speculation, and until there’s something concrete there that really makes them think, then he gets on with his work. So I think that’s a gift that he has.

“He’s very level headed and there’s no doubt that the speculation, top European teams or Premier League teams can wobble you, there’s no doubt. But I’ve not seen that. I’ve not seen that with him at all and I think we have a lot of communication on it as well. He knows my feelings on his ability and where he’s at and where he can go to but, it’s like everything in life, it’s all about timing.”

In terms of incomings, reports in England have intimated that last season’s loanee Adam Idah is close to returning on a permanent deal from Norwich City after he missed the Canaries’ pre-season training camp. Rodgers was less committal, saying “not that I’m aware of” when those stories were put to him.

The manager is unsure as to whether he will have any fresh faces in his squad ahead of the Killie match. “There’s work going on, but we just have to keep our eyes open and hopefully we can,” he said. “But my focus is very much with the squad of players that we have now with Paulo [Bernardo] in and getting us ready for the for the weekend. And then we still get just under four weeks to bring the players in that will hopefully be the difference for us.”

Celtic are likely to be without forward Daizen Maeda for Sunday’s opener, but fellow wide man Nicolas Kuhn and defender Cameron Carter-Vickers should be available. “Nicolas is back in training the last couple of days so he’ll be okay for the weekend,” updated Rodgers. “Daizen we just need to assess, he may not make it at the weekend. It was quite a nasty knee bruise that he had against Chelsea when he came off so. So we’ll give that to the last moment and and see how he is. Cam, fine. So the squad is in a really good place.”

Brendan Rodgers makes £30m transfer comparison in defiant Celtic address over ‘ultimate professional’ at Hoops

Brendan Rodgers is all smiles with Matt O’Riley during a Celtic training session on Friday | SNS Group

A clutch of clubs have been linked with a Celtic transfer raid.

Brendan Rodgers says suitors must pay for the player and not the standard of the league when it comes to Celtic star Matt O’Riley.

A clutch of European and Premier League teams are after the midfielder who has shone since joining from MK Dons in 2022. Rodgers has been impressed with how O’Riley has dealt with the speculation, ahead of Flag Day versus Kilmarnock on Sunday.

The Irishman pointed to stars he has worked with and who are going for £30m when touching on O’Riley’s situation, using it to show it is the value the club set for the player that must be paid by those wanting to sign him. He said: “I am very confident it won’t affect him.

“It’s not easy, that is the reality of it. He is an ultimate professional and knows he’s in a good place here. It’s clear he will attract attention. This is not just for Celtic but for the Scottish game in general, for so long, the price set on a player is because of the league.

“Having worked in England for a number of years and knowing the money and finances, and level of players, then sometimes the league gets the fee and gets the offer. It won’t happen. You pay for the player. I know young guys in this window that I have worked with recently, who have gone for £30m. We get offers for the likes of Matt with the greatest respect are nowhere near that.

“He is level headed and there is no doubt speculation with a top European team or a Premier League team can wobble you. I have not seen that.”

7 Brendan Rodgers Celtic presser takeaways as Matt O’Riley offers ‘nowhere near’, Adam Idah timeline and rejects target number poser

The Hoops take on Kilmarnock this weekend and Rodgers has previewed the fixture

Brendan Rodgers insists no clubs have come anywhere near Matt O’Riley’s transfer asking price.

The Celtic boss understands his playmaker has a number of suitors having batted away several offers from the likes of Atalanta, Atletico Madrid and Southampton. Rodgers does not want to lose the 23-year-old – who he reckons could treble his Hoops wages elsewhere – as he declared no offers have been tabled that suit the near-£30million asking price Celts have set.

Fielding various questions in his media conference, Rodgers also addressed Adam Idah’s supposed “imminent” deal – which we at Football Scotland rubbished this week – Kilmarnock as a challenge and how many new bodies he wants this summer.

We picked out the presser takeaways…

Matt O’Riley dealing with speculation

I am very confident it won’t affect him. It is not easy that is the reality of it but he is the ultimate professional. He knows he is in a good place here. I have said it before Celtic is a place where you can leave but you don’t have to. I think he has seen over the last three years and the last season that he had in particular what it has given him and the progress he has made in his career. He is 23 and if he plays to 35 he has another 12 years left in his career. He has invested his time in his development and it is clear he will attract attention. I said during the week and it is not just for Celtic but the Scottish game in general for so long the price that has been set on a player has been because of the league and having worked down south for many years and knowing the finances that are involved and the level of players sometimes the league that attracts the fee and gets the offers. It won’t happen in this case. You pay for the player and if you want the player you’ll pay for him. I have known young guys in this window who have gone for £20-30million and we get offers in for the likes of Matt that are with the greatest of respect nowhere near that. We don’t have to sell. The club does not need to sell but we respect that there will be a point in a young player’s career at this club that he may for financial reasons and conditions in his life be able to improve that three or four times over. There still has to be a value for the player and not just the league. For us, he is a very valuable player and until that changes I have every faith in Matt. His focus, and his mentality and you saw it in pre-season with his performances were consistently very high. He looks to be in a great place alongside the other players.

Will Idah be in before Sunday?

Not that I am aware of.

Do you expect transfer business right up until deadline?

I am quite relaxed about it. I know what I have always wanted and I know how we can improve the team. There are so many moving parts in transfers and it is not just a case of we need that player and we can pick him. It is not as simple as that and it is very complex. If it was only one way, I would have wanted to have had them in before now. Clearly, every coach or manager would love to have his players in for pre-season where he could work with them and bed them in and get them stable and start the new season. It doesn’t always work like that. Whilst the work is going on behind to improve the squad and give us the sort of guys who can make a difference for us we will work with what we have. There will be some guys who will move on as they will feel that they want to play games. I can only pay a testament to the actual squad. It can be a very challenging period in pre-season with players thinking their futures lie elsewhere or ones that do not have so long to go in their contracts. This is arguably one of the best pre-seasons I have ever had in terms of mentality, work rate, intensity and seeing the growth in the team. That is what I always want. I have done it in my own personal and professional life. You always want to see things grow and this team have been absolutely brilliant over pre-season. We want to take these steps and take them into competitive games.

Can you put a number on signings you need in the door before the window shuts?

I can in my own mind, but not openly. You guys know the score. If I gave you a number it would be held against me. I know internally what I want in my own mind to help us. We can only really assess the window once it is done. Our duty is to the supporters and to give them the best team that we possibly can because they deserve that. The support they give the club and the money they spend at this club, so we as a football club have to give them the best team that we possibly can. Sometimes you can’t do that straight away and sometimes you have to wait that wee bit longer, frustrating as that can be for managers, coaches, supporters but also for the players. The players want the competition as they want fresh faces in the door in order to improve. As long as by August 31, we have improved our team and our squad then we will all be very happy and we can move on.

Transfer fan patience

I think the challenge in modern life is that. Nobody is patient for anything. Everything is for now. It’s a knock-on effect, and lots of the Premier League teams are in America or travelling away and are further behind in their pre-season preparation phases like we were. It’s only then because you have the euros that all these players are out, so they need players that might be available later on. It’s only really when they’ve all come back and the players that have been in the tournament come back that their squad starts to swell. Then they can look at making movements from there. Those are all of the little bits behind the scenes that some of the supporters might not understand. We know that the most important thing is that we do improve the squad and look to do that over the course of the rest of the window.

Improving in Europe

We won two and lost out on one. Domestically, we have got to make up for that, and then in Europe, we have to be better. As simple as that, you can’t beat about the bush. You look at where we’re at, we have to be better. In order to be better you need quality. If you’re going to improve on that then we need to find that. It’s as simple as that. That’s our drive and motivation, and that’s something that the ambition is absolutely burning for us to be the best we can be.

For me, I want us to be able to get into a play-off position and I think that it’s the balance because you’re playing teams that are really high-level, but you’ve now got 8 games. We are also being realistic as well, the club has only won one game in so many years at home. That should not stop us from pushing, and I think that with the right quality of player at that level that can help us, I believe we can do that. I’ve got every confidence that we can do that. We were very close last year, and some were unhappy because we didn’t qualify. However, if you come away and look at the games, we won one game and could have very easily won the other two, and maybe we could have done. The games away from home were close as well, the Atletico Madrid game away was a tough one for us. For me, success will always be to try and come out of the group stages, but I know what we need for that. Otherwise, it will be a challenge for us. We’ll always look to play in the way we want to play. There are different ways to succeed but for me, we’ll look to play like we did recently in pre-season with Man City and Chelsea. You’re playing top players but you want to take the game to them and put in your style of football. However, you know there’s a balance and you have to defend at times. The balance is what has pleased me as time has gone on here. We want to be aggressive and hopefully, we can stay with that same mentality.

Injury latest

Yes, all fine. Nicolas has been back in the past few days and trained, so he’ll be all good for the weekend. Daizen we just need to assess, he may not make it at the weekend, it was quite a nasty knee bruise that he had when he came off. We’ll give that till the last moment and see how he is. Cameron is fine. The squad is fine and in a really good place.

 

Dream O’Riley replacement: Celtic targeting swoop for “invisible” £10m star

Celtic are less than 48 hours away from kicking off their 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign with a game against Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Sunday.

The Hoops have added three new signings to the squad ahead of the opening game of the season, with the latest being Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal from Benfica.

Brendan Rodgers has also brought in two goalkeepers to fill the void left by former England international Joe Hart, who retired at the end of last term.

Danish titan Kasper Schmeichel arrived on a free transfer to be the new number one for the Bhoys, whilst 22-year-old Viljami Sinisalo has been snapped up from Aston Villa to provide competition between the sticks.

Celtic do still have a few weeks left before the summer transfer window officially slams shut, though, and this means that there is plenty of time left for more ins and outs for the Scottish giants.

They will still be concerned about the future of one of their star players – Matt O’Riley – amid speculation over his future at Parkhead, and they are reportedly looking at potential targets to come in if he departs.

Celtic eyeing up midfield talent

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, the Premiership champions are likely to dip back into the market for another midfielder if the Danish star moves on before the end of the window.

The reporter claims that Celtic are looking at players who could come in to bolster the squad at Paradise in the event that a team secures a deal for O’Riley in the coming weeks.

He states that Philadelphia Union’s Daniel Gazdag, Southampton’s Shea Charles, and Venezia’s Tanner Tessmann are three of the names on their list of targets.

Sky Sports then posted an update on the story adding that Philadelphia have also held talks with Turkish side Trabzonspor over a potential deal for Gazdag.

The report also claims that the MLS outfit are set to demand a fee of around £10m from any interested side to part ways with their star midfielder.

That would represent a club-record deal for Celtic as their current highest outlay stands at the £9m they paid to land Odsonne Edouard from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2018.

The Scottish giants may need to splash the cash if they want to land a dream replacement for O’Riley, though, after his incredible season in the Premiership.

Matt O’Riley’s exit would be a huge blow

The Denmark international is attracting plenty of interest from elsewhere as Atalanta have reportedly had three bids rejected for his services, and Premier League side Southampton are said to be plotting a second offer for him.

This comes off the back of his sensational form in the Scottish top-flight during the 2023/24 campaign, as the midfield ace produced consistently impressive performances in the division.

The former MK Dons starlet had racked up three goals and 12 assists in 38 games for Ange Postecoglou during the Australian’s final Premiership season at the club and stepped up under Rodgers’ management last term.

23/24 Premiership

Matt O’Riley

Squad rank

Sofascore rating

7.91

1st

Goals

18

1st

Assists

13

1st

Big chances created

14

1st

Key passes per game

2.5

1st

As you can see in the table above, O’Riley was the outstanding player for Celtic at the top end of the pitch as he led the team in goals, assists, and ‘big chances’ created.

This shows that he was pivotal to the team’s success in the division due to his sublime ability to provide consistent quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a midfield position.

He was one of two players in the squad who scored more than eight Premiership goals, alongside Kyogo Furuhashi (14), and scored at least four more than any of his teammates.

These statistics illustrate how difficult it will be for Celtic to replace O’Riley if Atalanta or Southampton, or any other team, swoops in to sign him before the end of the window.

The Hoops would need to find a midfielder who can make a big impact in the final third to make up for the goal contributions that would be lost by the Dane’s exit, and that is why they should splash the cash on Gazdag.

Why Daniel Gazdag would brilliantly replace Matt O’Riley

£10m would be a huge outlay for the Bhoys, as it would be a club-record deal, but it could be one that is value for money if the Hungary international can translate his MLS form over to the Premiership.

The 28-year-old star has an impressive goalscoring record that suggests that he could come in and replace the goals that Celtic would lose through O’Riley’s potential exit.

In 140 appearances for Philadelphia in all competitions, Gazdag has racked up an eye-catching 65 goals and 19 assists from an attacking midfield position.

Daniel Gazdag

2023 MLS

2024 MLS

Appearances

35

21

xG

14.68

13.07

Goals

15

14

xA

6.32

2.66

Assists

6

1

Key passes per game

1.7

1.5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the midfield sensation has been a terrific goalscorer in the MLS with 29 goals in the last two seasons, with the current campaign still ongoing.

Gazdag was described as being “invisible” to opposition defenders in the way he ghosts into goalscoring positions by his manager Jim Curtin, which is backed up by his excellent record for the club.

The £24k-per-week marksman, who scored a staggering 24 goals in the MLS in the 2022 campaign, could come in and replicate O’Riley’s success in front of goal by offering a consistent threat in the final third for Celtic.

He may not offer as much creativity but, as shown by his aforementioned statistics over the last two years, the Hungarian gem can still create plenty of chances for his teammates to score.

Celtic, QPR and Birmingham City weighing up potential Liverpool transfer swoop

Birmingham City, QPR and Celtic are interested in Liverpool youngster Owen Beck, with the Premier League giants expected to make a decision on his future in the next seven days.

The 21-year-old is highly-rated at Anfield, but he has understandably struggled for game time, with his minutes in recent seasons coming out on loan, which includes spending the previous campaign in the Scottish Premiership with Dundee.

Beck has been with Arne Slot’s side during pre-season, and he did feature in the win over Arsenal on Thursday morning, but another temporary switch feels inevitable, and journalist Darren Witcoop has revealed that Blues are keen on the player.

“Owen Beck could be on the move from Liverpool before the season. Birmingham among the clubs keen on the Wales Under-21 left-back. Any deal could hinge on Manny Longelo leaving St Andrew’s after a move to Barnsley collapsed.”

Owen Beck transfer latest

However, they won’t be the only club in for Beck, as Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph stated that both Celtic and QPR are among Beck’s admirers, with the Scottish champions seeking a permanent switch for the player.

“Celtic & QPR have expressed an interest in Liverpool left-back Owen Beck. Celtic would prefer a permanent deal; QPR a loan. Other EFL clubs keen too. Liverpool open to offers, but would expect valuation met if permanent. Decision on future to be made next week.”

That gives an indication to how Beck is viewed in the game, and it would be another transfer coup for Birmingham if they could convince Beck to join them in League One.

Left-back unlikely to be a transfer priority for Birmingham City

Despite that, it has to be said that this would be a real surprise move for a number of reasons, the main one being that Blues completed the signing of Alex Cochrane from Hearts this summer.

He was excellent for the Jambos over the years, and he has shone in pre-season for Chris Davies’ side, and it would be difficult to say that Beck is an upgrade.

Lee Buchanan is also on the books at St. Andrew’s, and he is more than capable as cover in the third tier.

Birmingham City’s Summer Signings So Far (Source: Transfermarkt)

Player

Joined From

Christoph Klarer

Darmstadt

Willum Willumsson

Go Ahead Eagles

Emil Hansson

Heracles

Alex Cochrane

Hearts

Ryan Allsop

Hull City

Alfie May

Charlton Athletic

Marc Leonard

Brighton

Bailey Peacock-Farrell

Burnley

Davies has made it clear that he wants two good players for each position, so Buchanan departing would change the dynamic, but it would still be difficult to see Liverpool agreeing to send Beck to a club where he may not play week in, week out.

So, this is one to monitor, but it’s an area of the pitch where Blues are well-stocked, and you would think that they have other issues to address.

Owen Beck is ready for the next step in his career

If a move to the Midlands seems unlikely, the prospect of joining QPR or Celtic is sure to appeal to Beck.

The R’s are on the lookout for a potential replacement for Kenneth Paal, amid talk that he could depart in the window, and Beck would be seen as a natural replacement, as he is a full-back who enjoys getting forward.

Celtic have the financial power to do a permanent deal for the player, and he may feel it’s the right time to make a move, as he is unlikely to break into the Liverpool XI given the quality ahead of him in the pecking order.

Brendan Rodgers had the chance to see Beck last season, and he was clearly impressed, as it was claimed in January that Beck was a target.

Exclusive: Southampton ready Matt O’Riley part-exchange offer in Celtic twist

Southampton are preparing a second bid for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed the Saints are considering a part-exchange offer featuring Shea Charles.

The Premier League side might offer Charles to the Scottish giants as well as cash to try and get a deal over the line.

Sources say that Celtic are interested in Charles but would prefer straight cash for the 23-year-old.

Southampton’s first offer of £12million was rejected by Celtic and was way off their £25million valuation for the Portuguese midfielder.

The Hoops hope to secure a club-record fee if they are to sell O’Riley before the window shuts.

Celtic previously sold Jota and Kieran Tierney for £25million, and it will take a similar offer for them to consider allowing O’Riley to leave.

Southampton face competition to sign Matt O’Riley

The Saints face competition in their attempts to sign O’Riley as Atalanta are also interested in him.

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

Other Premier League clubs are also monitoring the highly regarded midfielder who scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists last season.

The Saints would consider taking the England international on a temporary deal ahead of the new campaign.

Sky Sports: Celtic now eyeing “incredible” £10m Matt O’Riley replacement

With Matt O’Riley‘s future still in doubt, Celtic are reportedly eyeing a new midfielder to replace the Dane this summer in a deal that could be worth £10m for Brendan Rodgers‘ side.

Celtic transfer news

The Bhoys have so far endured a relatively quiet summer transfer window, finding their replacement for Joe Hart in Kasper Schmeichel whilst also signing a backup in Viljami Sinisalo and welcoming Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal. Rodgers’ side, with those three fresh faces, will be looking to retain their Scottish Premiership crown once again.

After finally turning last season’s loan move permanent, Bernardo told Celtic’s official website: “It’s amazing for me and it’s a big step in my career. I really enjoyed last season when we won the championship and the cup, so it was great for me – my first two titles in my career, too.

“I love the atmosphere at Celtic Park and away in all the games. Celtic is a big, big club. The fans feed us in the game so we can score one more goal or win the game in the last minute.”

Bernardo may well just be the start when it comes to further arrivals too. According to Sky Sports, Celtic are eyeing a move to sign Daniel Gazdag from Philadelphia Union in a deal that could be worth a reported £10m, should O’Riley leave this summer. The Dane has been the subject of significant interest, including from Atalanta, who have reportedly submitted as many as three bids for the Celtic star.

Losing O’Riley would undoubtedly be a major blow, but it seems as though those in Glasgow are wisely preparing to replace their midfielder in the event that he does depart.

“Incredible” Gazdag could replace O’Riley

Whilst replacing O’Riley will be no easy task if he does depart this summer, signing Gazdag could be an intelligent move from those at Celtic Park. For just £10m, the Bhoys could sign a surprise O’Riley replacement who has starred in the MLS. The main concern if Rodgers loses O’Riley is replacing his output, given that the Dane managed 13 goals and 11 assists last season, but Gazdag has more than proven his eye for goal.

The Hungarian scored 14 goals and assisted one in 21 MLS appearances last season and may well get the chance to replicate that in the Scottish Premiership. Earning plenty of praise as a result, Philadelphia manager Jim Curtin told the official MLS website: “Dániel does so much work defensively for us that a lot of players can’t match. His goals and assists are incredible – the way he links our back four to our forwards is great – but I love the defensive work he does.”

So, if Celtic can make a profit by selling O’Riley and then pursuing Gazdag, Rodgers’ side may still be well placed to win yet another Scottish Premiership title in the forthcoming campaign.

£15m star to Celtic transfer lands unflinching verdict from boss as former Rangers star sends a home truth

A former Rangers defender manages the Celtic transfer target currently.

Shea Charles has been told there’s no way he can complete a Celtic transfer as things stand.

The midfielder made a move to Southampton from Manchester City in a deal reported to possibly reach £15m last summer, helping them to promotion in season 23/24. Heading into the new Premier League season, former Rangers defender and Saints manager Russell Martin has identified Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley as a man he wants.

Charles could head the other way but it’s not known whether he could be included as part of a package for the Danish international. Martin was probed on Charles after a friendly versus Oxford United and left no doubt over the current stance.

He wants to add more players to his squad before others can be allowed to leave, lamenting that the transfer window goes on until the end of August. Celtic have sealed a deal for Paulo Bernardo to bolster their midfield, and another reported target has impressed in pre-season action.
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Martin told the Daily Echo of Charles: “With the squad as it is right now, not a chance. We need some reinforcements, I think. Ben Brereton Diaz is a good one but we need to make sure we get a few more in the building before the start (of the Premier League) if we can.

“Obviously, the transfer window stupidly, annoyingly and madly goes on until the end of August, which gives all the bigger clubs a massive advantage. It is what it is. So, yeah, we will bring some people in and assess the situation – but Shea was good tonight (against Oxford United).”

Celtic ace brutally sent ‘just go’ message in transfer address as Rangers told they can’t afford summer target

Mikey Johnston faces an uncertain future at Parkhead this summer. | Getty Images

The latest transfer headlines from Rangers and Celtic ahead of the new Scottish Premiership season

Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has been advised to leave Parkhead this summer after failing to establish himself as a first team regular.

Former striker Frank McAvennie, who represented the Hoops in two stints in both the 1980s and 1990s, claims he will be disappointed if the 25-year-old is still on the books at the start of the season and believes the winger has now had ample opportunity to prove himself.

In a brutal summary, via Football Insider, McAvennie explained: “I’m not wanting to have a go at Mikey or nothing, but go, just go. ou’re not going to get a game; how many chances has he had?

“He’s been here seven years and he’s not been in the first team, come on, it’s time to move on Micky. There’s no doubting his talent, and he scores wonderful goals, but he doesn’t do enough the rest of the game.”

Johnston progressed through the Celtic academy in 2017 and has managed to sporadically make 60 league appearances in that time, scoring nine goals. After a season-long loan spell at Vitoria in Portugal during the 2022/23 season, he was reintroduced to the first team by Brendan Rodgers upon his arrival but was once again sent out on loan six months later after making just nine appearances.

Over the last six months, Johnston has registered seven goals and two assists in 20 league appearances at English Championship level, marking a career hot-streak for the Republic of Ireland ace. But McAvennie is adamant that his recent run of form is not enough to earn him a place at Parkhead.

“All we’ve seen up here was the goals that he scored down at West Brom, but talking to people down there they’re saying he didn’t do anything else, that’s why they didn’t buy him.” McAvennie added.

“There’s a reason why they didn’t buy him. Everyone’s raving about, ‘What a goal,’ brilliant, but you’ve got to do more than that, you’re not even a centre forward you’re a winger.

“You’re scoring goals but you don’t do anything else, that’s something that I guarantee you Brendan won’t have in the team. I’ll be disappointed if he plays for Celtic and it’s not a reflection of the boy.

“Celtic’s jersey is too heavy for Micky, so go and make a name for yourself somewhere else. I don’t know where he’s going to go in the team.”

Johnston has so far enjoyed an impressive start to pre-season after scoring a goal against DC United but it remains to be seen if he will be introduced to the setup next term by Rodgers.

Rangers ‘unlikely’ to strike huge summer deal

Former Rangers forward Kevin Kyle claims that there is little chance of the Gers landing Lawrence Shankland this summer.

Speaking on the Open Goal YouTube channel, he explained that if Rangers were unable to afford his price tag in January then there is little chance of Hearts settling for anything less in the summer.

Shankland, who fired in 31 goals across all competitions last season, is in the final year of his contract in the capital and is free to speak to other clubs in January once he enters the final six months.

However, Kyle believes that this will not be a factor that affects his valuation this summer:  “If you couldn’t afford Lawrence Shankland in January, you’re not going to be able to afford him in the summertime because Hearts simply won’t sell for the sake of six months.

“I know in January he could go and agree a pre-contract somewhere, but that isn’t going to happen now Lawrence Shankland going to Rangers. It isn’t going to happen.”

Another Liverpool player appears on Celtic transfer radar after glowing seal of approval from Jurgen Klopp

A Liverpool man has Celtic transfer appeal, it’s claimed.

Owen Beck is reportedly back on the Celtic agenda as Brendan Rodgers hunts left-back reinforcement.

The Liverpool talent was reportedly wanted by the Premiership champions in January after an impressive six-month loan deal at Dundee, who he returned to for the second half of last term. He has been out in the US with Arne Slot’s team as part of the Premier League side’s pre-season camp.

It is reported by the Daily Mail that Celtic maintain their ‘interest’ in the defender with Liverpool said to prefer a sale over another loan for the left-back, according to a report. They are not the only side on the scene for Beck, however, with QPR also a suitor, and Celtic are also rumoured to have held an interest in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher before they signed Kasper Schmeichel plus Viljami Sinisalo.

Birmingham City were mentioned with him earlier in the transfer window but they have since signed Alex Cochrane from Hearts. Greg Taylor is the only senior left-back at Celtic and so far, they have been thwarted in their attempts to sign Hugo Bueno on loan from Wolves.

Speaking in January of Beck, former boss Jurgen Klopp spoke glowingly of the defender, giving him his Liverpool seal of approval as someone that hopes were high for at Anfield.

Klopp said at the time of the left-back: “Owen previously had difficult loan spells. We really think highly of him, he goes to Scotland, is playing there and that gives him a massive boost. He arrived here and looked like a man. Ready to go, now the other boys are coming back, we have the opportunity to give him that time again.

Why this Celtic signing will make the difference – video

Ryan McGinlay and Tony Haggerty joined Hamish Carton on a special edition of The Celtic Way’s morning briefing for August 2, sponsored by MPH Group.

On a bumper show, the boys spoke about the permanent transfer of Paulo Bernardo to Brendan Rodgers‘ side, as the Portuguese midfielder returned to the club he was loaned out to last season on a five-year deal.

Elsewhere, it was predictions time, as the panel mulled over who would shine brightest for Celtic in the new campaign, both domestically and in Europe. Tony went for the club’s biggest signing of the summer, whilst Hamish and Ryan both mentioned a certain Canadian right-back as the player to have a standout campaign this term.

As always, you can keep up to date with our briefings by clicking PLAY on the video player at the bottom of this article. A reminder to subscribe for FREE on our YouTube channel, and gain access to our busy comments section, as well as notifications when we next go live.

Director opens exit door for £3m Celtic man with ‘dream’ transfer a possibility

Earlier this week, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers set out his stall on the future of Matt O’Riley.

The Scottish Premiership champions have turned down offers from Atalanta, HITC understands, while remaining firm on their valuation. Celtic want a minimum of £25 million.

A fee that would make Matt O’Riley – who also remains a target for his former MK Dons boss Russell Martin at Southampton – the most expensive sale in The Hoops’ entire history.

But when quizzed about the future of another Celtic player, Rodgers was not quite so steadfast in his response.

Gustaf Lagerbielke, a £3 million signing from Elfsborg just last summer, may be allowed to pursue a fresh start of his own if the price is right.

Celtic open to selling defender Gustaf Lagerbielke

“It just all depends,” Rodgers says, via Football Scotland. “Gus has shown a terrific attitude. He didn’t get so much game time last season but he’s got his head down.

“He had the chance to go on loan in January but we needed to keep him due to the injuries we had in that position. But he’s worked very hard over pre-season and we’ll see what happens.

“You see the players are happy and working well, but all players want to play. If they can’t get the game time with us, they may look elsewhere. In this moment, he’s working very hard and when is asked. He comes in and does well.”

The Stockholm-born Lagerbielke started only four Scottish Premiership games as Celtic secured yet another domestic title. In total, he was on the pitch for just over 400 league minutes.

Despite impressing Rodgers with his mentality and spirit, Lagerbielke heads into the new campaign behind Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and arguably Stephen Walsh in the pecking order. Celtic also still have Maik Nawrocki and Yuki Kobayashi at their disposal.

A potential move to Italy for the 23-year-old Swede, meanwhile, continues to linger.

Lagerbielke confirmed back in January that he would be interested in following in the footsteps of many a Scandinavian player at Lecce while informing Sky Italia of his Serie A ‘dream’.

Lecce director Pantaleo Corvino would later admit that the Giallorossi do indeed hold an admiration for the Parkhead misfit. However, due to the array of centre-halves already at the Stadio Via del Mare at the time, Lecce opted against pursuing a deal during the winter.

Seven months on, things may have changed. Lagerbielke’s Serie A ‘dream’ may yet become a reality.

Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb, Corvino confirms that Lecce are now in the market for not one but two central defenders before the window closes.

Serie A move is still on the cards with Lecce

The Italians have lost former loanee Ahmed Touba while Marin Pongracic has sealed a £13 million move to Fiorentina to replace Nottingham Forest newbie Nikola Milenkovic.

“We are looking for potential players who are up to the task,” Corvino explains. “We cannot stay with two central defenders. We will sign two more.

“We gave away Pongracic, who was a starter.”

Ahead of Sunday’s Premiership opener at home to Kilmarnock, Celtic have completed only three signings this summer. Paulo Bernardo returns on a permanent basis from Benfica, while goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo both arrived.

In addition to retaining O’Riley’s services, Rodgers is keen to bring in a new centre-forward.

A potential deal for Norwich City striker Adam Idah continues to drag on, with HITC understanding that Celtic have now lodged an enquiry for Hearts captain and Golden Boot holder Lawrence Shankland.

Celtic preparing bid to sign £15k-p/w ace who was in advanced Rangers talks

Celtic are reportedly preparing an offer to sign a £15,000-a-week player who was recently in advanced talks with rivals Rangers.

Celtic and Rodgers eyeing “ready-made” player

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers are yet to complete an outfield signing this summer, with goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo the only two official arrivals at Parkhead.

Celtic are expected to secure the permanent services of midfielder Paulo Bernardo, though, following a successful loan spell from Benfica last season.

There could be more to come after Bernardo, with Rodgers admitting back in February that the club want to be “brave” and target “another level of player” who is “ready-made”.

“I would go with supporters thinking we could maybe be a little bit braver in terms of bringing in another level of player. But that’s up to me to try and fix that over the course of my time here. You look at the strategy here and you have to be careful because in some ways it has worked. You bring in players for a minimal fee and then they go out and make the club a lot of money.

“What I want to hopefully balance in my time here is that we can still do that, because it is an important part of the modern game. But we also want to be brave enough to hang our hat on a ready-made player.”

Recent targets linked with moves to Celtic Park are Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland after his prolific form in front of goal, whereas Wolves full-back Hugo Bueno is also wanted on loan.

Now, it appears as if Celtic are readying a permanent offer to sign a Manchester United midfielder.

Celtic preparing Hannibal Mejbri offer

According to reports in Tunisia, relayed by Sport Witness, Celtic are ‘preparing to make an offer’ to sign Man Utd’s Hannibal Mejbri. The offer in question is expected to be a permanent bid, with the 21-year-old into the final 12 months of his Old Trafford deal.

Should Celtic sign Mejbri, on £15,000-a-week, they could deal rivals Rangers a real blow, with reports recently claiming that those at Ibrox were in advanced talks to sign the Tunisia international who was a priority target for Philippe Clement.

Mejbri, who can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or right-winger, could be on the way to Parkhead instead, going off the recent update, although he is on United’s pre-season tour in the USA.

The Red Devils man recently went on loan to Sevilla and prior to that, impressed with Birmingham City, where former manager John Eustace said: “The way he has played in the last couple of games has been phenomenal. He has broken records for total distance [covered], all that kind of stuff.”

A move could be one to keep an eye on, with Mejbri potentially offering Rodgers a versatile midfield option who could go from strength to strength in Scotland.

Celtic Identify Matt O’Riley Transfer Replacements

HIGHLIGHTS

Celtic consider Shea Charles, Tanner Tessmann, and Daniel Gazdag to replace Matt O’Riley.

Paulo Bernardo is already set to join, but club will target a new midfielder if O’Riley leaves.

Celtic also eye Shankland as an alternative to Idah for attacking options.

Celtic have identified a number of targets to replace star midfielder Matt O’Riley should he leave the club this summer, according to Sky Sports News.

The Hoops have seen a host of clubs show an interest in Denmark international O’Riley this summer, with Atalanta having three bids rejected and Premier League new boys Southampton failing with their own attempt for the midfielder.

But they are expected to receive more bids before the transfer deadline on August 30th, and the club have put a plan in place for potential replacements should he end up moving on from Parkhead.

Celtic eye Daniel Gazdag to replace Matt O’Riley

Shea Charles and Tanner Tessmann also targets

A deal is already in place with Benfica to sign midfielder Paulo Bernardo on a permanent basis following his successful loan spell last season, with personal terms also agreed and a medical done.

But if O’Riley is to move on, the Hoops will look to bring in another central midfielder to replace him and they have identified three options as targets to be brought into the club.

Matt O’Riley and Daniel Gazdag Comparison

Stat

Matt O’Riley

Daniel Gazdag

Games

37

19(2)

Goals

18

14

Assists

13

1

According to Sky Sports News, it is understood that Philadelphia Union midfielder Daniel Gazdag is among the top of their shortlist to replace 23-year-old O’Riley, with the Hungary international earning a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder who is the franchise’s top goalscorer of all-time.

The MLS club will demand £10million to let him leave, however, and that has seen them also shortlist current Southampton starlet Shea Charles and Venezia star Tanner Tessmann as alternative options.

It’s believed that Charles, who is a Northern Ireland international, could be made available on loan for the 2024/25 season and there has been a suggestion that he could be included in a swap deal with the Saints to take O’Riley to St Mary’s.

GIVEMESPORT key statistic: Daniel Gazdag is the all-time top scorer in Philadelphia Union history with 54 goals in 110 games.

Celtic eye Attacking Reinforcements

Lawrence Shankland and Adam Idah have been linked

While midfield is an area that Celtic will target in the transfer market should O’Riley leave, they are already in the market to bolster their attacking options.

Adam Idah is the top target up front after his successful spell on loan with the club in the second half of the 2023/24 season, but currently Norwich’s asking price is proving prohibitive to any deal.

That has seen Celtic look at alternative options, with Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland a target. The Scotland international is in the final year of his contract at Tynecastle and also has interest from fierce rivals Rangers, but Celtic have more funds and could be better placed to agree a deal.

How Celtic’s big signing came out of the blue and the key men behind it

Veteran Danish goalkeeper delighted to be part of champions’ squad for this season

Kasper Schmeichel watched good friend Joe Hart bow out at Celtic with league and Scottish Cup medals around his neck and never thought just a few months later he would be succeeding him.

The genesis of this particular goalkeepers’ union can be traced back to 2006 when Schmeichel was on loan at Bury from Manchester City and Hart still at Shrewsbury Town.

The Dane remembers thinking City’s goalkeeping coach had turned up for that day’s League Two clash to check on his progress, only for the truth to dawn a short while later when Hart joined him on the books at City.

New Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is unveiled to the media during a press conference at Celtic Park.

Both young and eager to impress, that competitive streak in the race for first-team football didn’t stop the pair from forging a close friendship that endures to this day.

When a text arrived out of the blue from Brendan Rodgers last month asking Schmeichel if he was free for a chat, Hart was one of those the goalkeeper consulted when it became apparent a move to replace him at Celtic was on the cards.

“I hoped [the chance to succeed Hart might happen] but I had absolutely no indication or inkling,” says the 37-year-old. “It was a very nice surprise and very unexpected.

“I’d literally just gone on holiday with my family having finished the Euros, and I was thinking: ‘When is something going to happen?’ And then all of a sudden, I got a text from Brendan and we agreed on it quite fast. He asked: ‘Do you have time for a quick chat?’ After that it was a very easy decision.”

Schmeichel watched the way Hart quickly worked his way into the Celtic fans’ affections with his performances over the past three seasons, pleased to see his friend rebound from a tough few years when he seemed to have lost his way. Now that the former England goalkeeper has chosen to call time on his career, Schmeichel is thrilled at the prospect of following in his footsteps.

“Who would have thought?” wondered the former Falkirk player about the way this whole scenario has unfolded. “Mine and Joe’s history is well documented. I was at City before him. I was on loan at Bury and we played against each other when he was at Shrewsbury. The goalkeeping coach was in the stands. I thought he was watching me. Obviously he wasn’t – he was watching Joe!

“The three or four months later, Joe bowled in the door. We instantly hit it off. We’d very compatible personalities. We wanted to win and to be the best. At that time neither of us were number ones.

“We were just kids trying to be better, trying to figure out how we get to that point. We’d spend so much time watching goalkeepers, trying things out. We’d watch clips of Buffon, Casillas, Kahn, whoever. And we’d go out and try to emulate them in training and see if it would help us and work for us.

“We’d go and play tennis or whatever after training because we felt that would help with our footwork. We did anything we could to be better. We pushed each other.

“Joe at the time was probably ahead of me in many respects. He was the one who got the debut in front of me. I think it was Sheffield United at home.

“We’ve always been very close friends. When I had my chance in the Premier League, Joe was nothing but supportive. We’ve followed each other. Our families are friends. We see each other outside of football. I honestly didn’t expect him to retire before me being younger than me. But it’s crazy how football works sometimes.”

Schmeichel, like Hart, arrives at Celtic as a decorated international, a leader in the dressing room and someone with a welter of club experience. A key figure in the Leicester City Premier League-winning miracle of 2016, he also won the FA Cup [when Rodgers was the manager] and played in the Champions League. Most recently he has played in Europe with Nice and Anderlecht and, even at 37 years old, the chance to help Celtic land further silverware in the season ahead evidently holds huge appeal.

“I think the difference between a club like Leicester – and I love Leicester – we didn’t have the history of winning like Celtic has had,” he added. “To come into a club this size that has won so many things, and also has a history of winning – not just an old history of winning but also a new one – that was really appealing to me. That was something that I hadn’t tried before. To get the opportunity to be a part of that history is massive. With Joe I saw the love he had for it and the love the fans had for him and if I could emulate just half of what he did then I’d be happy with that.”

It all starts at home to Kilmarnock on Sunday when Celtic unfurl the Premiership title flag. But Schmeichel made clear the day for him will be more business than pleasure.

“You’ve got to remember that football is also a job for me so you sometimes have to remove the emotion of the occasion and make sure you’re actually focused on the job in hand,” he added. “We’ve had two really good games in the States that I was involved in and another against Washington as well.

“But it’s a completely different thing when you go into competitive games so we have to make sure that we’re grounded, stay humble and hungry. When you win you can either go one of two ways; either become happy and complacent or be inspired by it. And that’s what we need to keep doing.”

Bernardo signs but how do Celtic compare to peers in transfer market.

Paulo Bernardo scores against Rangers at Hampden

Yesterday evening, Celtic announced their third signing of the current summer transfer window in Paulo Bernardo.

From the outside looking in, the five-year deal took some time behind the scenes to be completed. Between times, one numbers-savvy supporter explored how the Parkhead side’s business compares on a broader scale to similarly-structured clubs with similar resources.

Using Transfermerkt data, Reddit user Own_Detail3500 admits the research should be taken with a pinch of salt but makes comparisons between Celtic and the likes of Porto, Benfica, Ajax and Rangers.

“My criteria is teams that have a similar wage budget, but aren’t in the top 5 leagues, or aren’t uber wealthy,” they said. “Teams that fancy themselves as getting a run in CL/Europa.

“In terms of wages, Ajax/Benfica actually far exceed most teams (probably twice what Celtic can muster) and Bodo a lot lot less.

“I deliberately tried to get Celtic as a ‘mid table’ point in terms of spending power based on the Swiss Rambles wage figures (who apparently gets it from annual reports, so should be accurate, if out of date at times).

“Of course, there are other factors when it comes to spending power and indeed undoubtedly teams I’ve missed out, so go easy. Anyway, here’s the numbers ordered by spend.”

With that, the Redditor concludes, suggesting Celtic are “vastly” underspending in their view. By their assessment, few left-backs are changing hands in the market, despite Benfica having signed two in this position, and the user believes there are “several” centre-back options Celtic have missed out on over the course so far.

Own_Detail3500 added: “Final caveat, spending will also be influenced by the state of your squad + appetite to rebuild. Ajax, Porto (kind of) and Salzburg just have a new manager so expect business there yet.

“The two things that I’ve found most interesting is that some teams are not doing that much business yet either despite (from what I’ve read) fans demanding more, [for example, Ajax and Salzburg].”

Celtic braced for £23m bid, Rangers deal explained, Hearts raid Colombian market – Scottish transfers

The latest transfer stories across Scottish football as Celtic, Rangers and Hearts are busy

Another O’Riley bid ‘prepared’

Celtic’s resolve over Matt O’Riley is set to be tested again, with Italian media reports suggesting that Atalanta will return with an improved bid for their Danish playmaker. The Serie A outfit have already failed with two attempts for the 23-year-old, but Gazetta dello Sport claim that last season’s Europa League winners are readying another in the region of £23million.

When quizzed directly about interest in O’Riley, Atalanta chief executive Luca Percassi said: “We follow and have the responsibility to follow many players in all roles.” The Bergamo-based club see O’Riley as the ideal replacement should they lose their own midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who is wanted by Juventus.

Celtic strengthened their midfield options last night by signing last season’s loanee Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal from Benfica and have been linked with Southampton’s Shea Charles.

Matt O’Riley is wanted by Atalanta | SNS Group

Hearts eye Colombian

Hearts are set to make their eighth summer signing of this transfer window, with Colombian defender Andres Salazar on his way to Tynecastle from Atletico Nacional in his homelad.

Hearts are keen to strengthen their options at left-back following the sale of Alex Cochrane to Birmingham City and Salazar, who has been capped by Colombia, has been identified as the player to challenge James Penrice for that position. Multiple reports claim that he will arrive in Edinburgh this morning to seal the move.

Hearts are also working on a deal for Crystal Palace midfielder Malachi Boateng, who spent last season on loan at Dundee.

Propper explains move

Robin Propper has become Rangers’ ninth signing of the summer as Philippe Clement continues his squad revamp, and the 30-year-old Dutch centre-half said he was sold on the move by two current Rangers players.

Propper told RangersTV: “Rangers is a big club and it feels really good to be here. I was glad to hear about the club wanting to sign me. I always said I wanted to have a new adventure in another country and when a club like Rangers comes in for you it feels surreal. This club breathes football and you want to play your football here.

“I spoke to Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny and they only had nice things to say about the club. It’s nice to see some familiar faces. You hear about the Rangers fans and how it is here and I am really happy to be here.”

Scott McTominay is in demand | SNS Group / SFA

McTominay bid rejected

Manchester United have turned down a bid of £20million for their Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay, according to Sky Sports. The 27-year-old’s future remains up in the air and despite manager Erik ten Hag stating last month that he wishes to keep McTominay at the club, the Cottagers are keen to add him to their squad.

McTominay, who scored Scotland’s only goal at this summer’s European Championships, has also been linked with West Ham and Turkish side Galatasaray. He has spent his whole career at Old Trafford.

Inside Kasper Schmeichel to Celtic transfer as Dane reveals speedy Brendan Rodgers exchange that sealed the deal

One minute you’re on holiday, the next you’re agreeing to sign for Celtic via text

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with new signing Kasper Schmeichel

Kasper Schmeichel should be perfectly used to this by now.

Come to think of it, he’s made a habit of following in the glove prints of Joe Hart since the pair of them were competing for a first team game at Manchester City. So perhaps it was written in the stars all along that the Dane would pick up the mantle that Hart left behind when the veteran called time on his professional career and stepped down as Celtic’s No.1 at the end of last season with a league and cup double for a retirement gift.

Schmeichel was watching his old pal’s glittering goodbye from afar. Not realising that he was about to become his successor. Again. But knowing deep deep down that he wanted a bit of the good life that Hart had just experienced. So when he pitched up at Parkhead for his official unveiling as Celtic’s new first choice keeper, the 37-year-old was already eagerly anticipating an Indian summer of his own.

“I hoped it’d happen but I had absolutely no indication or inkling,” Schmeichel said from behind a beaming smile. “It was a very nice surprise, it was very unexpected and I’d literally just gone on holiday with my family having finished the Euros and I was thinking: ‘When is something going to happen?’

“Then, all of a sudden, I got a text from Brendan and we agreed on it quite fast. He asked: ‘Do you have time for a quick chat?’ After that it was a very easy decision.”

And it was at that moment the Denmark skipper realised he was about to set off on Hart’s journey – almost two decades after the pair were students at City’s goalkeeping school, glued to videos of the greatest goalies in the game.

“Who would have thought it?” he grinned. “Mine and Joe’s history is well documented. I was at City before him. I was on loan at Bury and we played against each other when he was at Shrewsbury.

“City’s goalkeeping coach was in the stands for that game. I thought he was watching me when, obviously, he was watching Joe instead!

“Three or four months later, Joe bowled in the door and we instantly hit it off. We had compatible personalities. We both wanted to win and to be the best.

“At that time neither of us were No.1s. We were just young kids trying to get better, trying to figure out how we get to that point. We’d spend so much time watching goalkeepers, trying things out.

Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel share a joke

“We’d watch clips of Buffon, Casillas, Kahn, whoever, and we’d go out and try to emulate them in training, see if it would help and work for us. We’d go and play tennis or whatever after training because we felt that would help with our footwork. We did anything we could to be better. We pushed each other.

“Joe was probably ahead of me in many respects. He was the one who got the debut in front of me.

“We’ve always been very close friends. When I had my chance in the Premier League, Joe was nothing but supportive. We’ve followed each other. Our families are friends. We see each other outside of football. I honestly didn’t expect him to retire before me, being younger. But it’s crazy how football works sometimes.

“It’s well documented the period Joe went through with Torino, West Ham, Burnley and Tottenham. They were difficult spells. Having been the best goalkeeper in the country, to have a difficult spell then come to a place like this and feel the love. That’s exactly what he deserved.

“He deserved to have that send-off and I’m really happy that he got to experience that. He won four golden gloves and only Pepe Reina’s matched that. A ridiculous stat. To have that then go out on top is amazing.”

Now it’s Schmeichel’s turn to be thrown into Celtic’s firing line and, even though he’s only signed on an initial one-year deal, he gives off the vibe of a man who plans on making the most of it having developed a taste for trophies during his time at Leicester City.

Kick Off – Celtic ultimate guide to the 2024/25 season, on sale now!

All eyes are on Brendan Rogers’ team as they chase their fourth Premiership title victory. And as the build up to the new season begins you can read all about how Celtic will be defending their title with our brand new special edition mag Kick Off – a guide to the 2024/2025 season.

Our 40 page guide is on sale for just £3.50 at participating retailers from July 24, or you can buy it online here.

Kick off is packed full of insight into the season ahead. Our expert writers guide you through what to expect from Celtic in 2024/25, turn the spotlight on Brendan Rodgers, run the rule over the new signings and the players who are key to success.

He said: “The difference between a club like Leicester – and I love Leicester – is we didn’t have the history of winning like Celtic has had.

“To come into a club this size that has won so many things, and also has a history of winning, not just an old history of winning but also a new one, that was really appealing to me. That was something that I hadn’t tried before. To get the opportunity to be a part of that history is massive.

“With Joe, I saw the love he had for it and the love the fans had for him. If I could emulate just half of what he did, I’d be happy with that.”

Schmeichel will make his home debut in Sunday’s title celebration party against Kilmarnock. But he has an idea of what he’s about to experience, having once sneaked into an Old Firm game during his early days on loan at Falkirk.

He said: “I can’t remember the scoreline – it was 18 years ago! And I didn’t need the baseball cap because no one had a clue who I was. I just remember some of the lads at Falkirk saying you’ve got to experience it. It was one of them that helped me get a ticket. Now I can’t wait to experience what it feels like out on the pitch.”