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The representative of a “complete player” is actively pushing for his client to join Chelsea, according to reports, with a deal also being worked on behind-the-scenes.

Chelsea eye new defender for Enzo Maresca this summer

While their qualification for the Champions League is set to have a big impact on their summer plans, that hasn’t stopped BlueCo from laying the groundwork for potential transfers.

Related £60m star tempted to re-join Chelsea as BlueCo eye potential reunion

The ex-Blue is contemplating a return to Stamford Bridge.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025

Chelsea are competing in the Club World Cup this summer as well, and will have the chance to sign new players before the tournament kicks off, thanks to a special edition window, which will be open from June 1st to June 10th.

Chelsea’s final four Premier League fixtures

Date

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

The first window is therefore just weeks away from opening, and Chelsea are reliably believed to be eyeing a centre-back as one of the main priorities on their agenda.

They’ve already been linked with a host of new defenders, including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Burnley ace Maxine Esteve, but one name who keeps being mentioned is Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen.

The Spain international is set to be one of the Premier League’s most sought-after defensive targets this summer, amid reports of a £50 million release clause written into his contract following a very impressive debut campaign in the English top flight.

Ali Barat pushing Dean Huijsen to join Chelsea

Chelsea have held productive talks with Huijsen’s camp in recent weeks, according to journalist Simon Phillips, and the reporter now claims that his agent, Ali Barat, is determined for him to seal a west London move.

Phillips claims Barat is pushing for Huijsen to join Chelsea as he actively works on a deal, even if the player’s father, Don, would prefer it if he joined Liverpool.

“Agent Ali Barat is working on the deal and is pushing Huijsen towards Chelsea,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“The player’s father has so far been keen for him to join Liverpool. The player has always said that he won’t make a decision until the season ends, but Chelsea continue to work on it, as do Liverpool.”

The 20-year-old has been outstanding this term, and is now an undroppable member of Andoni Iraola’s starting eleven, prompting members of the media to call Huijsen a perfect modern-day defender.

“He is so cool, so composed, so chill, as he said,” said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

“He just makes the game look so easy and so effortless. For a 20-year-old to be playing at this level and doing what he is, that’s why he’s coveted by pretty much everyone in Europe.

“If you’re creating a footballer, the modern-day centre-back, you’ve got a bit of the influence from the Netherlands, the influence from Spain, where they come out with the ball and all the great defenders they’ve had.

“And then you’ve got that Italian mark on it as well so the journey, the mixture that he’s got, is pretty perfect, and now he’s found himself in the Premier League. The elements are good, everything is right for him. You have to get all the right ingredients to be a top player.

“He’s a complete player, this young man.”

West Ham United’s Conference League-winning side of 2022/23 will go down in history at the London Stadium.

What a night it was for Hammers fans, with Jarrod Bowen becoming an instant legend of the club, scoring the winning goal to secure a late 2-1 win over Fiorentina.

West Ham supporters will surely remember the members of that team fondly for a long time. While some of them have now left the club, such as Declan Rice and Said Benrahma, several members of that squad are still playing at the London Stadium today, including matchwinner Bowen.

Another of those players still at the club is Tomas Soucek, but ahead of the summer transfer window, his future is up in the air.

The latest on Soucek's West Ham future

It does not appear as though Soucek will still be a West Ham player in five months, when the 2025/26 campaign will get underway.

The Czech Republic international is reportedly set to leave the club, according to Claret and Hugh, a reputable West Ham news source.

The Hammers-themed website spoke with a Premier League agent who said the 30-year-old ‘would like a new deal’, but at this stage, the East Londoners aren’t prepared to give him one, due to his age and the fact he has just two years left on his current contract. It is believed he could fetch upwards of £15m this summer.

It would surely be a shame for Hammers fans to say goodbye to a player who has given the club so much over the years. He’s donned the famous Claret and Blue shirt 241 times so far, scoring 40 goals and grabbing 13 assists.

He’s skippered the East London outfit at times, too, including once this season in a 3-2 win over Fulham, where he got on the scoresheet.

That goal was a classic Soucek strike, arriving into the box and getting on the end of a cross, this time with his foot, although it is often with his head.

However, the Czech star is not the only Hammers man who might be in line to leave this summer, with one high earner a player they could consider selling,

The West Ham player who should follow Soucek out of the door

There are famously two Czech players at West Ham, with Vladimir Coufal someone who has played a big part in their recent success over the years.

However, with the competition at right-back strong, and his high wages, there is every chance he could be in line to leave.

His involvement in the Premier League for the Hammers this term has decreased. Coufal has played just 18 times in the top flight, starting nine of those in total. He has not registered an assist and has actually only created one big chance, as per Sofascore.

With the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer for £15m from Manchester United, and the switch to a back three, it does feel like Coufal’s role in the side has diminished, and it would surely not be surprising to see him depart.

Yet, he has been a wonderful servant for the club over the years. In total, the 32-year-old has played 176 games for the Irons, grabbing 20 assists in that time. Former club captain Rice once called him an “outstanding” player too. Sadly, he is not that anymore.

Coufal record by season for West Ham

Season

Games

Minutes

Assists

2020/21

36

3265

7

2021/22

34

2654

5

2022/23

38

3096

1

2023/24

47

4061

7

2024/25

21

1085

0

Stats from Sofascore

All good things must come to an end, and with the lack of involvement for Coufal in 2024/25, plus the fact he is coming towards the twilight of his career, the Hammers could well look to cash in.

He earns a sizeable amount per week too, a reported £35k to be exact. This would save West Ham money in the long term, given he earns £1.82m per year. It certainly feels like the money can be reinvested elsewhere.

Coufal has given lots to West Ham, and has been a loyal servant for the club. However, given his lack of involvement this season, and the cash the club can save on his wages, it might make sense if he was moved on at some stage soon.

Related Better than Soucek: Potter’s 137-touch West Ham star is now undroppable

West Ham made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League, beating limp Leicester in London.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Feb 28, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now keeping close tabs on a winger, with scouts being left hugely impressed by his recent performances, according to a report.

Spurs planning to bolster attacking options

It would be fair to say Tottenham’s forwards have not been the main issue this season, with Ange Postecoglou’s side scoring 60 goals in the Premier League up to this point, the third-highest of any side in the top flight.

However, it is clear Spurs are eager to bring in additional attacking options this summer, having stepped up their pursuit of a winger in recent weeks, most recently being named as potential suitors for Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman, with the Frenchman making it clear he wants to leave.

West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus is amongst the targets from within the Premier League, but the Ghanaian will not come cheap, with the Lilywhites’ London rivals reportedly set to hold out for a fee of £74m.

Related Tottenham want to sign "brilliant" £30m left-back who could replace Udogie

Tottenham have now joined the race to sign “one of the best left-backs in Europe”.

Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 13, 2025

Chairman Daniel Levy recently confirmed Tottenham’s spending must be “sustainable” and “smart” in the summer, amid a drop in revenue in the year ending June 2024, so it could make sense to pursue a low-cost alternative to Kudus.

According to a report from The Boot Room, a new target has now entered the frame, with Tottenham scouts being left hugely impressed by Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa after recently watching him in action.

Spurs are keeping close tabs on Bakwa, but there could be fierce competition for his signature from their London rivals, with Chelsea, Brentford and West Ham United also interested, alongside Newcastle United.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea’s relationship with Strasbourg gives them the edge in negotiations, but a deal may be possible for the relatively low fee of £26m.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Eintracht Frankfurt (a)

April 17th

Nottingham Forest (h)

April 21st

Liverpool (a)

April 27th

West Ham United (a)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (h)

May 10th

"Diamond" Bakwa enjoying impressive campaign

Under the helm of Liam Rosenior, Strasbourg are making an unexpected push for the Champions League places in Ligue 1 this season, and the 22-year-old has been integral to their success, picking up four goals and nine assists in 25 appearances.

In light of his impressive performances in France, the young winger has received high praise from journalist Zach Lowy, who described him as a “diamond in the rough” back in January.

A fee of just £26m for the Frenchman could be a bargain, should he continue his current trajectory, so it is exciting news that Tottenham have been monitoring his performances ahead of a potential swoop.

That said, Chelsea owners BlueCo are also in charge at Strasbourg, which could make a deal challenging, given that they may be unwilling to strengthen a direct rival.

In one of the dullest Manchester Derbies in recent memory, Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester City at a sunny Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Neither side had many chances of note, both opting for a more passive approach, helping them to earn a point each.

There were not many chances of note across the game. Omar Marmoush forced United goalkeeper Andre Onana into a couple of saves in the second half, first with a free kick, followed by a superbly struck volley.

For United, it was probably second-half substitute Joshua Zirkzee who came closest to finding the back of the net. He looked to hook Patrick Dorgu’s cross into the back of the City net, but Ederson made a sharp save from close range.

The stats from Sofascore reflect just how drab of an affair it was. United had 13 shots, but just two on target, and had an expected goals tally of 0.92xG. As for City, they had just nine shots but got five of those on target and had a 0.49xG.

It was not a classic, as far as Manchester Derbies go. However, there was still a standout player on the pitch, who looked a class above anyone else. That man was United captain Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes’ stats vs. Man City

As you might expect, Fernandes was the one player on the pitch who looked like he would make something happen. The man who is lovingly dubbed “Portuguese Magnifico” by United fans continued his excellent form at Old Trafford.

If there was one word to sum up that Fernandes performance, it would be influential. The Red Devils captain had 70 touches and completed 93% of his passes, and created three chances, more than any other player on the pitch.

He was everywhere, starting the game as a number ten before dropping into the more familiar number eight role that he has played in recent weeks. Yet, there was not one part of the game that Fernandes did not feel involved.

Samuel Luckhurst, United correspondent for The Manchester Evening News, rated Fernandes’ performance highly. He gave the Red Devils skipper a 7/10 and explained that he was ‘as reliably creative as ever’. Classic Fernandes.

It was a memorable performance for United’s number eight in an otherwise forgettable Manchester Derby. However, he was not the only United player who impressed against their cross-city rivals.

The Man Utd star who's making himself undroppable

What an impressive performance it was from Leny Yoro against the reigning Premier League champions. The young French defender was calm and composed at the back, helping to keep City’s attackers at bay.

Yoro’s stats from the game show just how well he performed in his first Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. The Frenchman had 54 touches of the ball, completing 89% of his passes. He also showed excellent reading of the game, making three interceptions.

Yoro stats vs. Man City

Stat

Number

Minutes

90

Touches

54

Pass accuracy

89%

Passes completed

39/44

Interceptions

3

Clearances

1

Accuract long balls

1

Stats from Sofascore

Luckhurst was certainly impressed with the United number 15’s day at the office. Just as he did with Fernandes, the journalist gave Yoro a 7/10 for his efforts, explaining he ‘had little trouble from City’ on the left of United’s back three.

This performance was really a continuation of excellent form from the youngster. According to Statman Dave, he has now gone 12 games in all competitions without being dribbled past, showing just how tough he is to get past.

In many ways, Yoro has become undroppable for Ruben Amorim, and was described as a “key” member of the United side by Dev Bajwa, football content creator and United fan. He is making that left centre-back role his own and has clearly become a problem for many attackers, as the stats show.

It is certainly encouraging for the Red Devils that Yoro is establishing himself as a certain starter in this side. His recent form is something to get excited about, and he will surely have a vital role to play in the remainder of United’s season.

Related Imagine him & Bruno: Man Utd make "best ST on the market" their top target

Man Utd are on the search for a striker this summer

Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 6, 2025

عبر روبن دياز مدافع مانشستر سيتي، عن استيائه، رغم فوز الفريق أمام ليدز بثلاث أهداف لهدفين، على ملعب الاتحاد، في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويدين مانشستر سيتي بالفضل لنجمه فيل فودين، الذي سجل هدفاً قاتلاً في الوقت بدل الضائع، ليحصد الفريق المضيف 3 نقاط.

وقال روبن دياز في تصريحات نشرتها “بي بي سي” البريطانية: “الأخطاء التي حدثت أمام ليدز يونايتد لا يمكن أن تحدث”.

وأضاف: “لم نقدم أداء جيدًا بما يكفي، لسنا راضين عن بداية الشوط الثاني بالتحديد، ربما بعد مرور 10 أو 15 دقيقة، تأقلمنا أخيراً، وبدأنا نلعب براحة أكبر لكن بحلول ذلك الوقت، أعتقد أن النتيجة كانت 2-1”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. جوارديولا: لاعب مانشستر سيتي عاد لقمة مستواه.. ومباريات الدوري الإنجليزي لا تنتهي بعد الهدف الثالث

وواصل: “في نهاية المطاف أشعر أننا بحاجة لترك هذه المباراة بنظرة إيجابية، لأن الأخطاء واردة وهي جزء من كرة القدم، من الواضح أننا نتحدى كل شيء في كل موسم نلعبه، وهذا النوع من الأخطاء قد يكلفنا غاليًا”.

وأتم: “لكن مع ذلك، واجهنا الموقف وواصلنا القتال، أتيحت فرصة لفودين وفرصة أخرى لعمر مرموش قبلها بوقت قليل، أنا فخور بالطريقة التي واصل بها الفريق القتال، حتى ريان شرقي، بالطريقة التي دخل بها وكان يرغب في المساعدة وإنهاء المباراة، أقدر جهود جميع اللاعبين”.

وشدد روبن دياز: “مباراة تلو الأخرى، كلما حاولنا الانحراف تسبب ذلك في مشاكل، لذا علينا أن نلعب مباراة تلو الأخرى، هذه هي الرسالة، يجب أن يكون هذا هو جوهرنا، الشيء الوحيد الذي يشغل بالنا، لا شيء غير ذلك”.

وختم عن لقاءات فولهام وسندرلاند القادمة: “أعتقد أنكم لا تستمعون لي، فزنا على ليدز وكان ذلك رائعاً والآن نريد الفوز أمام فولهام”.

Newcastle United are now reportedly preparing a move to sign an impressive striker in 2026, who has outscored Nick Woltemade so far this season.

Howe "hugely frustrated" by Tottenham draw

It may now be three Premier League games without defeat for Newcastle, but Eddie Howe couldn’t hide his frustration after Tottenham Hotspur rescued a late draw on Tuesday evening. It could have capped off the beginning of their resurgence following wins over Manchester City and Everton, but ultimately highlighted their frailties instead.

Speaking to reporters at full-time, Howe said: “I think we’re hugely frustrated with ourselves really. That was a game where we had to work really hard for the first goal. I thought we were the dominant team and knocking on the door all through the first half.

“The goal came when it came and I felt then we were in a strong position having been relatively comfortable defensively to then concede the two goals in the way that we did, in the manner that we did. It’s hugely disappointing because we pride ourselves on being better than that defensively.

“Technically, second half, I don’t think we were particularly good, especially when we were leading. When you’re leading and you’ve got the advantage, one or two really quality passes in different moments can make the difference and we went the other way.”

Related Fewer passes than Ramsdale: Howe must drop 6/10 Newcastle star after Spurs

Newcastle United were denied another Premier League win by Tottenham Hotspur last night.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

The Magpies don’t have long to lick their wounds, however. Up next, they play host to Burnley in their third game in the space of a week. Victory there would represent another step in the right direction in a hectic festive period.

As each game comes, Yoane Wissa also edges closer and closer to a comeback. The DR Congo forward opted out of playing in the Africa Cup of Nations to reward Newcastle for their patience, but that may not be enough to prevent those at St James’ Park from reinforcing their frontline in January.

Newcastle preparing Igor Thiago move

While the Magpies are intent on bolstering their youth ranks, notably joining the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea in the race for Cardiff’s Dylan Lawlor, they are also very much thinking about the present.

Indeed, according to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now preparing a move to sign Igor Thiago from Brentford in January after completing their scouting mission.

The impressive forward has scored 11 goals in 13 Premier League games this season – a number that only Erling Haaland has bettered – and could now seal a well-earned move when the January transfer window arrives.

PL stats 25/26

Thiago

Woltemade

Minutes

1,101

965

Goals

11

5

Assists

0

1

Expected Goals

8.5

4.5

Whilst there’s no denying that record signing Woltemade has made a fantastic start at Newcastle, Thiago has been on another level. The Brentford star has stepped up to replace Bryan Mbeumo, but could now complete a similar move in another blow for Keith Andrews.

The young manager has been full of praise for his forward this season, telling reporters last weekend: “He is a dream to work with. As a person, his hunger and appetite to get better is impressive.

“He is having a fantastic season, it doesn’t take a genius to see that. The numbers will tell you that, the performances he produces consistently well, how well he has integrated into the way they are playing and with individuals.”

Better than Anderson: £70m "monster" is now open to joining Newcastle

The ACB withdrew its team from the tri-series after an alleged cross-border attack

Danyal Rasool18-Oct-2025

Zimbabwe have replaced Afghanistan in Pakistan’s upcoming triangular T20I series at home next month. The series, which will be played from November 17 to 29 in Lahore and Rawalpindi, will also feature Sri Lanka.Earlier today, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its withdrawal from the tri-series following the death of three local cricketers in what it alleged was a cross-border attack in the Urgun district of the country.In a post on X, the ACB claimed that several lives had been lost in the attack, including three local cricketers who had been returning home after playing a “friendly” match in Sharana, the capital of Paktika province. “The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family,” it said in a statement.Describing the incident as “tragic”, the ACB said “as a gesture of respect to the victims” it had “decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series.” The ICC and the BCCI joined the ACB in mourning the loss of life of the cricketers.Related

ICC, BCCI express 'solidarity' with Afghanistan after withdrawal from Pakistan tri-series

The PCB has not made any official comment on the situation following Afghanistan’s statement, but told ESPNcricinfo the tri-series would go ahead as scheduled, with Afghanistan replaced by another side. In the statement announcing Zimbabwe’s participation, the PCB merely said it had been notified earlier of “Afghanistan’s inability” to participate in the tri-series.The series will begin with Zimbabwe taking on hosts Pakistan in Rawalpindi before playing against Sri Lanka at the same venue two days later. All remaining games will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

MatériaMais Notícias

Ronaldo oficializou a venda de 90% das ações da SAF do Cruzeiro. O comprador é Pedro Lourenço, dono da rede Supermercados BH.

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

A negociação fechada entre as partes é superior a R$ 500 milhões. A associação permanece com 10%, como previsto no processo de transformação do futebol em Sociedade Anônima do Futebol.

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➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

– Uma mistura de sentimentos bate em mim hoje, mas principalmente o sentimento de dever cumprido. Inevitável não lembrar dois anos e quatro meses atrás quando eu irresponsavelmente assumi esse grande desafio que oi comprar a SAF do Cruzeiro. De lá para cá enfrentamos muitos desafios, a grande maioria vencemos, erramos, tropeçamos no meio do caminho, mas hoje posso dizer que entrego o Cruzeiro para as mãos do Pedrinho com a sensação de tranquilidade e de dever cumprido, uma vez que a situação do Cruzeiro era muito precária – disse Ronaldo, que seguiu:

– Pedrinho, meu objetivo está cumprido, e a minha ideia sempre foi essa. Reerguer o Cruzeiro, colocar no seu devido ligar e, no momento certo, passar para a pessoa certa. A pessoa certa é você. Não tem ninguém que ame mais esse clube do que você. Só você pode, talvez, dar a velocidade que o torcedor quer. Aqui fica o Ronaldo executivo, fora dessa gestão, mas sempre na torcida pelo Cruzeiro e por vocês, pessoas que aprendi a gostar muito. Estarei sempre na torcida para que possam fazer o Cruzeiro cada vez maior – concluiu, sobre o novo comprador.

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Quando se tornou sócio-majoritário, Ronaldo assinou documento no qual consta que ele não poderia vender o controle da SAF a um terceiro durante o período de 60 meses, ou até alcançar os R$ 350 milhões de investimento adicionais.

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários dos jogos do Brasileirão

MAIS VENDAS?

Também dono do futebol do Real Valladolid, da Espanha, Ronaldo afirmou que o clube “será o próximo” na lista de vendas.

Tudo sobre

CruzeiroRonaldo Fenômeno

MatériaMais Notícias

Neste último sábado (4), o Fortaleza empatou com o Corinthians, em duelo válido pela quinta rodada do Brasileirão 2023, na Neo Química Arena. A data marcou três anos desde o anúncio do argentino Juan Pablo Vojvoda como novo treinador do Leão, no dia 4 de maio de 2021.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

De lá para cá, o técnico somou 227 jogos, com aproveitamento de 57%. Nesse período, são quatro títulos com o Tricolor: a Copa do Nordeste em 2022 e o Campeonato Cearense, nas temporadas de 2021, 2022 e 2023.

A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Além dos títulos, o técnico também dirigiu a equipe rumo a campanhas históricas, tanto em competições nacionais quanto internacionais. No primeiro ano de Vojvoda, em 2021, o Tricolor do Pici conquistou a quarta colocação no Campeonato Brasileiro – primeira vez de uma equipe do Nordeste no G4 na era dos pontos corridos – e também chegou pela primeira vez às semifinais da Copa do Brasil, após eliminar o São Paulo na fase anterior.

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Internacionalmente, foi com o treinador que o clube também garantiu a disputa da primeira Libertadores de sua história, em 2022, quando entrou diretamente na fase de grupos e chegou até as oitavas de final. No ano seguinte, a equipe disputou a Libertadores pela segunda temporada consecutiva, ainda que nas fases prévias, e posteriormente chegou à inédita final da Copa Sul-Americana, quando perdeu para a LDU nos pênaltis.

No momento, Vojvoda detém o segundo trabalho mais longevo da série A, atrás apenas do Português Abel Ferreira, no Palmeiras desde 2020. O argentino também está próximo de outro recorde pelo tricolor: faltam apenas mais cinco jogos para igualar Moésio Gomes como o técnico que mais vezes comandou o Leão do Pici. CEO da SAF do Fortaleza, Marcelo Paz celebra o tempo de trabalho de Vojvoda dentro do clube:

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“É um marco muito significativo esses três anos de Vojvoda. Sabemos da importância de um trabalho de médio a longo prazo e ficamos muito felizes em contar o treinador, que sempre acreditou no projeto e vem desenvolvendo um trabalho de excelência no Fortaleza, além de ser um ótimo ser humano. Celebramos os resultados já alcançados e vamos em busca de novas conquistas”.

Durante o trabalho realizado no Fortaleza, Vojvoda já esteve na mira de equipes como Corinthians, Vasco, Santos, Flamengo, Internacional, Atlético-MG e até mesmo da seleção chilena, no início deste ano. A opção, no entanto, foi por seguir fazendo história no Tricolor do Pici.

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoFortalezaFutebol Nacional

After getting back to winning ways against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic and Martin O’Neill have now been handed some positive injury news on Kieran Tierney.

The Bhoys were in ruthless form as they dispatched Falkirk in comfortable fashion, welcoming veteran manager O’Neill back to the dugout in style. Given that shock league leaders Hearts also dropped points in a 2-2 draw, there’s no denying that it was the perfect evening at Celtic Park.

Things haven’t quite taken a turn for the better off the pitch, however, and Celtic have already been dealt their first blow on the hunt for their next manager. According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, the Hoops’ pursuit of Ange Postecoglou is now unlikely to progress.

The Australian, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest after just 39 days in charge, had been linked with a return to Celtic before reports shut those rumours down.

With their former manager off the table for now, Parkhead chiefs have been left to choose from the remaining names on their shortlist, which reportedly includes Craig Bellamy and Kieran McKenna.

McKenna would be a particularly interesting choice despite how his Ipswich Town side have struggled as of late. He famously took the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, before suffering instant relegation last season. Now, a big move could finally be calling.

In the meantime, it remains O’Neill’s job to steady the ship and potentially take Celtic into the Scottish League Cup final with Tierney’s injury return only helping that cause.

Kieran Tierney set to return for Celtic vs Rangers

As revealed by O’Neill, Tierney is in line to return for Celtic vs Rangers this weekend after missing out on his side’s 4-0 thrashing of Falkirk. The left-back is no stranger to injury problems, but does not face a period on the sidelines this time around ahead of a crucial cup clash.

The return of the former Arsenal defender should provide O’Neill with an instant boost. His experience, alone, proves crucial in moments like these and in the Old Firm derby, of course.

Despite how Celtic have struggled this season, Tierney has enjoyed some much-needed consistency. The Scot has started seven of 10 Scottish Premiership games to begin putting his injury history behind him.

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Dubbed “unique” by Rodgers in his very first Celtic spell, Tierney now has the chance to make his mark the second time around as an experienced member of O’Neill’s squad. And that could start against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup this weekend.

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