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Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has moved swiftly in his efforts to replace Ange Postecoglou and now appears to be closing in on the club's new head coach.

Sky Sports recently reported that the Hoops are in advanced talks to appoint Brendan Rodgers as the Australian's successor and that a deal is not far away from being completed.

The 50-year-old boss is poised for a second spell at Parkhead, after managing the team between 2016 and 2019, and the report claims that the club will back him in the summer transfer window to bolster the squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

It has been reported that Celtic have agreed a deal to sign Odin Thiago Holm from Vålerenga for a fee in the region of £2.2m and Rodgers could complete an instant masterclass by giving this move the green light once he officially takes over.

How has Odin Thiago Holm performed this season?

The 20-year-old central midfielder has not been at his best since the start of the new Eliteserien campaign at the turn of the year but his experience and previous performances for a player of his age suggest that that talented ace has the potential to be an excellent addition to the squad.

In 2023, Holm has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.74 across ten appearances in the Norwegian top-flight and lost 53% of his individual battles, whilst the Vålerenga dynamo has also failed to score a goal or create a single 'big chances' for his teammates.

However, his form in the league in 2022 showcased his immense potential. In 2022, the exciting youngster averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.98 – higher than 15 Celtic players managed in the Scottish Premiership in 2022/23 – and won 60% of his duels across 22 outings.

He also contributed in the final third with two goals and three 'big chances' created, which shows that the potential is there for him to have an impact at both ends of the pitch.

The Norwegian battler, who was once hailed as a "huge talent" by scout Jacek Kulig, only turned 20 in January but has already amassed 76 senior outings for his current club and racked up six goals and four assists from the middle of the park.

Holm, who Kulig also claimed can play "in every midfield role", is an exciting young prospect who could come in as a long-term signing for the Hoops and someone who Rodgers can work with over time to bed him into being a regular starter.

The Norway U20 international has shown promise as a midfielder who can dominate the opposition, with his high duel success rate last year, and has the ability to deliver excellent performances whilst being able to contribute in the final third when he is at his best.

Therefore, Rodgers could land an instant masterclass by green-lighting this signing as Holm has the potential to be a terrific addition to the group for now and in the future if the ace can recapture and then build on his 2022 form.

Tottenham Hotspur are targeting Brentford star David Raya with long-serving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris "set" to quit Spurs this summer, according to journalist Sami Mokbel.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

Yesterday, the north Londoners, at long last, confirmed their drawn out search for a new manager to replace Antonio Conte has finally come to an end.

Chairman Daniel Levy has appointed former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, who faces the almighty task of transforming Spurs back into a major force.

The Australian will begin work on 1 July, with Levy explaining exactly why he was given the nod over fellow managerial candidates.

"Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said Levy to the Tottenham official website.

"He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."

Now, Spurs' attention turns to the transfer market, with Postecoglou set to have a big say on who they bring in this summer. It is believed the Lilywhites are chasing additions further forward, with the likes of Harvey Barnes and James Maddison attracting interest.

As well as this, Postecoglou has his eyes on central defensive signings to shore up what has been a leaky Spurs defence. Tottenham could sign a new shot-stopper to replace Lloris, too, with the Frenchman recently admitting he could leave.

According to The Daily Mail and reporter Mokbel, writing a piece for the outlet, Spurs are targeting Raya from Brentford to succeed Lloris – who has been at the club for over 10 years.

The Spaniard, valued at around £40 million by manager Thomas Frank, could come in to replace Lloris who, as per this report, is indeed "set to leave".

Who is David Raya?

Raya has been a key player and mainstay for Brentford, especially last campaign, having played more Premier League minutes than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

The former Blackburn Rovers star ranked in their top five best-performers for 2022/2023 with members of the press, like The Athletic's Jay Harris, calling him "one of the best goalkeepers" in England.

Raya has been heralded for his "immmaculate distribution" by Harris with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp joining in and claiming he could even wear the number 10 shirt.

However, despite his contract expiring in 2024, Brentford boss Frank is adamant his price is £40m.

James Maddison is thought to be interested in joining Newcastle United this season with Leicester City on the verge of being relegated.

The 2016 Premier League champions need Everton to drop points on Sunday otherwise they will be relegated from the top flight for the first time since returning in 2015. If they are relegated this weekend, it may make it simpler for Maddison to secure a summer switch to St. James' Park.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle?

According to the Shields Gazette, Leicester value Maddison at £50million, although the midfielder only has just over one year remaining on his contract.

Newcastle have had two bids for Maddison rejected in the past, but if the Foxes are unable to remain in the top flight, he may be available at a discounted price point.

Maddison is reportedly interested in a move to Newcastle and has already spoken to Kieran Trippier on international duty about playing for the Magpies. Callum Wilson also discussed the club with Maddison while they were at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe has been open about his admiration for the Leicester playmaker, saying:

“I have full respect for him and his abilities. I have seen him grow from a Football League player to a Premier League player. He’s been brilliant.

"He has been a great advert for the Premier League, but he’s a Leicester City player – and I fully respect that. I’d never talk about another contracted player coming here. But he’s a player I do respect."

How many goals and assists has Maddison got this season?

It's no surprise clubs are interested in Maddison. Despite the lack of quality around him at the King Power Stadium this season, Maddison has still managed ten goals and nine assists, an extremely impressive return for a team in the relegation zone this late in the season.

With the quality already at Newcastle in the final third such as Wilson and Alexander Isak, who have netted combined 28 goals in the league this season, Maddison could thrive if he made the switch to St. James' Park, where he would play for a Champions League side and at 26, you could say he is reaching his prime as a midfielder.

The England international is one of the best creators in the Premier League, ranking eighth for chances created this season, so appears ready for a big move, and it looks as if that could be north to turn out for the Magpies.

Arsenal are expected to have a busy summer, as the memorable 2022/23 campaign comes to a close with just 90 minutes left to play.

The Gunners have enjoyed an emphatic season, seeing them bring Champions League football back to the Emirates, and record their first top-two finish since 2016.

While returning to the pinnacle of European football was to be celebrated, the narrative of the campaign was Mikel Arteta’s side leading the way and agonisingly missing out on winning their first Premier League title since 2004.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal will look to strengthen in areas that denied them of the perfect season, in the bid to hit similar heights next term.

What’s the latest on Ansu Fati to Arsenal?

As reported by The Independent – relayed by football.london – Barcelona ace Ansu Fati could be on the move to north London this summer.

The report speculates that Arsenal have been “offered” the chance to sign the 20-year-old, who has been short of game time at Camp Nou.

Valued at €60m (£52m) by the CIES Football Observatory, it’s rumoured that the club are “yet to confirm” whether their interest in the young forward is reciprocated, as per the report.

What could Ansu Fati bring to Arsenal?

Hailed as potentially being Barcelona’s “heir to Lionel Messi”, the Bissau-born Spanish international made his debut at just 16 after rising through the ranks at La Masia.

Likened to Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli by FBref, the two wide players are statistically similar in their approach to the game from the flanks, potentially giving Arteta significant strength in depth and a headache regarding team selection.

Like the Brazilian, the Barcelona ace is extremely direct in his eye to burst in the final third, as shown by his numbers over the past year, despite not being rewarded with sufficient game time.

As per FBref, Fati ranks in the top 1% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year in terms of attempts on goal, averaging a monstrous 4.01 shots per 90 – with Martinelli scoring 2.52 in the same area.

Arsenal’s No 11 is extremely tactile in the penalty area, as seen through the Gunners’ style of play, which could suit the style of the "extraordinary" Spaniard, as hailed by Xavi, who hits similar numbers to the Brazilian where he is most impressive.

The 21-year-old averages 6.99 touches per 90 in the attacking penalty area, with the £199k-per-week La Liga star scoring higher with 7.73 per 90, showing the calibre of talent Arteta could get his hands on this summer.

If Fati was to make the switch to north London, he could rival Arsenal’s joint-highest goalscorer, who despite looking untouchable in Arteta’s setup, could revel in competition with a player as influential as the 20-year-old.

Martinelli’s rise to becoming a firm starter at the club has come through his ability to rise to the competition, with even this season being left out for Leandro Trossard, for example at Villa Park, in which he responded with a goal when coming off the bench.

The Gunners losing out on the title was partly attributable to their lack of squad depth, which was, in this case, most notably in defence, but when you review the depth of talent in Manchester City’s locker, quality in numbers is required all over the field.

Only time will tell if Arsenal make the move to lure the Spaniard away from his home in Catalonia, though what is certain is the positive influence he would have on Arteta’s budding squad.

West Ham United are not yet mathematically safe from relegation in the Premier League, although the current gap to their relegation rivals means David Moyes' side should have enough to stay up.

Why have West Ham struggled in front of goal?

Scoring goals has been the main problem in a disappointing season for the Hammers, with just 37 to their name in the top flight so far this term.

New signings Gianluca Scamacca and Danny Ings have failed to end the ongoing striker curse at the London Stadium, which has seen big-money signings such as Sebastian Haller fail in the past.

Scamacca mustered just three Premier League goals in 16 appearances in the first half of the season before injury ruled him out of recent fixtures, with Ings brought in during the January transfer window to aid the Hammers' fight against relegation.

However, the experienced Englishman has shown very little in his 14 top-flight appearances thus far, scoring twice in the 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest and failing to find the back of the net in any of his other outings.

His woeful 6.28 average rating from WhoScored ranks him as the 20th-best performer in Moyes' side so far this campaign, with the striker clearly unable to have the desired impact at the London Stadium.

Ings' average of just 6.6 passes per game also emphasises just how little he has been involved in his West Ham appearances, and surely it is time that Moyes considered another option in his attack, with the ageing Michail Antonio once again finding himself as first-choice under the Scottish manager.

Should Moyes unleash Divin Mubama?

Youngster Divin Mubama represents an ideal option for the Hammers in both the short and long term, and his impressive appearances in the Europa Conference League this year certainly suggest that he could have a greater impact in the Premier League than Ings.

He scored his first senior goal for the club in the recent win over AEK Larnaca, having previously seen an effort against FCSB ruled as an own goal on his debut for the first team.

The 18-year-old's phenomenal record with the U23s so far this campaign, which has seen him hit 13 goals in 18 Premier League 2 appearances, as well as eight goals in five games in the FA Youth Cup, suggests that he knows where the back of the net is and is destined for big things at West Ham.

Mubama has been tipped for a "massive future" by journalist Josh Bunting and is very much on the up, while the £125k-per-week Ings now looks way past his best, so Moyes should surely put his faith in the youngster for the final few games of the season.

كشف أحمد سالم المتحدث الرسمي لنادي الزمالك، حقيقة انتهاء أزمة القيد للقلعة البيضاء، موضحًا حقيقة التعاقد مع مدير فني أجنبي لقيادة فريق الكرة بالفترة المقبلة.

ويستعد الزمالك للمشاركة في بطولة نادي الوحدة الإماراتي الودية بأبو ظبي والمقرر إقامتها خلال الفترة 18 وحتى 24 يناير الجاري بمشاركة أندية الوحدة الإماراتي والاتفاق السعودي وأم صلال القطري.

وبعدها سيشارك الزمالك في بطولة كأس دبي للتحدي خلال الفترة من 26 وحتى 28 يناير ، بجانب أندية الرجاء المغربي والأهلي السعودي ووهان ثري تاونز الصيني، على أن تقام المباريات على استاد آل مكتوم.

طالع | الزمالك يُعلن سبب استبعاد عبد الله جمعة من معسكر الإمارات

وقال أحمد سالم، في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “الزمالك”: “قد نصل لاتفاق نهائي بشأن أزمة القيد الأسبوع المقبل أو بنهاية شهر يناير الجاري”.

وتابع: “المواقع تخترع أسماء بشأن التعاقد مع مدربين أجانب، عندما يكون هناك تغيير أو خبر جديد سنعلن عنه بمنتهى الوضوح، ولو حدث ذلك سيكون عكس توقعات الناس”.

وأكمل: “معتمد جمال سيقود الفريق في دورة الإمارات، ما بعد ذلك هناك خطة ستعلن عن تطوير فريق كرة القدم بنادي الزمالك”.

وأتم: “محمد عبد الغني اللاعب الوحيد الذي انتقل لنادي البنك الأهلي، ولو أنتقل لاعب لأي نادِ آخر سنعلن عنه”.

There may still be a handful of games left to play in the season for Celtic, although, with the Scottish Premiership title all but secure, the Old Firm outfit can already begin to look toward the summer transfer window and the prospect of new recruits.

Manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed in recent weeks that the Parkhead giants have begun to identify potential targets ahead of the upcoming window, with the Greek-Aussie seemingly keen to get the club's business done "early" prior to the start of next season.

According to reports in Germany – via the Daily Record – one man who could seemingly be on the radar of the Glasgow side is Koln midfielder, Denis Huseinbasic, with the Scottish champions, as well as rivals Rangers, said to have made contact with the player's representatives.

The piece does add that the 21-year-old – who is valued at around £4m, according to CIES Football Observatory – has also attracted interest from clubs in both England and France, with that long list of suitors an indication of just how highly-rated the promising German is by teams across Europe.

Would Huseinbasic be a good signing for Celtic?

The addition of the former Kickers Offenbach ace – who only arrived at his current side last summer – could well allow Postecoglou to find a long-term, midfield heir to club captain, Callum McGregor, at Paradise.

The latter man – who has racked up over 400 appearances for the Hoops to date – has been rather "irreplaceable" of late, according to teammate Greg Taylor, although with the Scotland international set to turn 30 later this year, there may need to be a plan in place to find a successor in that deep-lying role at the base of midfield.

In Huseinbasic, Celtic could well find just that as the 6 foot sensation mirrors McGregor in being able to feature in a variety of midfield roles, albeit while predominantly lining up in a central berth.

Hailed as a "very important" player by Koln boss Steffen Baumgart, the "ambitious" youngster – as per his manager – could also mirror the Bhoys skipper due to his creative flair, having provided four goals and two assists in just 24 games for his current side to date.

McGregor has also enjoyed a similar record this season with four goals and two assists in 35 games across all fronts, while the pair are also alike due to their ability to win back possession, as the Scotsman has averaged 1.3 tackles per game in the league this season, while Huseinbasic has averaged 1.2 for the same metric.

That quality both on and off the ball should seemingly indicate that the Germany U21 international could well step into the current Celtic man's shoes in the long term, while also potentially proving an able understudy in the short term.

Arsenal were dealt a hammer blow in their Europa League clash with Sporting CP last month, not only as they exited the competition on penalties, but as William Saliba was forced off with an injury.

The Frenchman had been ever-present at the back for Mikel Arteta alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, with the two having featured in every Premier League game before his enforced absence.

However, the 22-year-old has now missed their last three games and his return date remains unknown.

As such, Rob Holding has had to deputise in his absence, much to the worry of fans.

For someone who had not made a single start in the league all season to instantly have such pressure heaped upon him was a big ask, but in their wins over Leeds United and Crystal Palace, the 27-year-old 'deputised well' in the words of Goal's Mark Doyle.

However, in what was his toughest test yet at Anfield, the defender looked hopelessly out of his depth. Surrendering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2, it marked a vital two points dropped that could have been even more not for the heroics of Aaron Ramsdale.

How did Rob Holding play vs Liverpool?

Starting in his third successive league match, his 6.3 Sofascore rating was the lowest of any who started for the Gunners that afternoon.

This was a figure largely upheld by his lazy challenge on Diogo Jota, which conceded a penalty. Fortunately for him, Mohammed Salah shot wide, but it only heaped further pressure onto a side that was struggling to contain the rampant hosts.

Journalist Josh Bunting even labelled the act “clumsy”, lambasting him for the “gift” he had presented to the Reds.

This was not all that Holding would perpetrate, as the £40k-per-week dud also made an error that led to a shot, as well as losing five of the nine duels he competed in, as per Sofascore.

Not only was the stalwart defensively lacking, but his lack of competence on the ball often led them into compromising situations. The former Bolton Wanderers ace maintained an underwhelming 73% pass accuracy, and just four of his 12 long balls attempted hit the mark.

Perhaps this gives credence to the fact that Arteta should now abandon his failing experiment, and instead start his £20m January signing Jakub Kiwior.

The Polish defender was brought in to bolster their back four for such an occasion as this Saliba injury, yet the Spanish boss seems intent on omitting his new purchase

With this recent Holding disasterclass, perhaps the manager might have had his hand forced for the coming weeks until his starting centre-back returns.

Leeds United are a side that have been ravaged by injuries over the last season or two, with the last campaign having been particularly marred as their star players all suffered.

Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper all faced lengthy spells out, leaving the core of the squad threadbare.

Whilst Javi Gracia has inherited a struggling squad, the benefit for him is that many of the major absentees could be set to make a swift comeback.

Whilst Rodrigo is the outstanding returnee, given how he shouldered much of the goalscoring burden for Jesse Marsch, there is another who might offer an even bigger boost.

The squad will likely feel more enthused to see their captain make a triumphant reinstation, as Liam Cooper nears full health.

When will Liam Cooper be fit for Leeds?

Having awaited late fitness reports on the Scotsman, who did not feature against Brighton and Hove Albion, there is cause to believe that either this weekend or after the international break could see him back ready to play.

The £25k-per-week titan has been a mainstay for numerous managers since his 2014 move but truly announced himself as a top defender under Marcelo Bielsa.

During their first season back in the Premier League, the 31-year-old boasted a 7.10 average rating which was underpinned by an 86% pass accuracy and 2.4 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 2.7 clearances per 90 (via Sofascore).

Podcaster Jack Collins was full of praise for Cooper during that campaign, as he claimed on the Ranks FC podcast (via This Is Futbol): “I think Liam Cooper is a very, very good footballer and I think the fact that Leeds have struggled when he’s not been in the side is testament to the fact that he is actually crucial – not only on a spiritual level, in that [Sergio] Ramos-esque kind of thing – but actually, technically, bringing the ball out, playing this Bielsa system, he’s a very, very good footballer.”

With how important he has been in the past, his return could at the very least help keep goals from going in whilst Rodrigo’s return seeks to help at the other end of the pitch.

After all, he has already scored ten in the league.

With how the Spaniard is likely the most high-profile returning member, Cooper could actually act as Gracia’s secret weapon to add defensive steel and some much-needed leadership back into the team.

Arsenal are not currently looking at Victor Osimhen as a potential summer signing despite his impressive 2022/23 campaign in Serie A with Napoli.

Are Arsenal interested in Victor Osimhen?

There are reports suggesting the Nigerian forward could potentially be set for a summer move to the Premier League with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United credited with an interest.

And his recent comments have indicated these clubs that he would certainly be in favour of a move to England after claiming it would be a dream move:

“I’m working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League someday but like I said, it’s a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well,” he said.

The Premier League leaders, Arsenal, have also had their name linked with the 24-year-old with reports coming out of Italy (via Tutto Napoli) suggesting the north London side are currently leading the race.

However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has suggested Edu Gaspar has his radar set on other priorities ahead of the summer window:

“We had Arsenal links in the last 24 hours, but from what I understand, Arsenal have different kinds of priorities in this moment on the market – midfielder, probably a winger, let’s see what they will do also in the defensive position.

“So for Victor Osimhen, at the moment, the fee is going to be crazy because Napoli don’t want to sell the player, and if they will sell the player, [it] has to be something really huge.”

Who does Arsenal want to sign in the summer?

According to Romano, it seems as if the Gunners are looking to make some additions in the summer, however, they are looking to do so in almost every position but at striker.

Goals have not been an issue for Mikel Arteta’s side this season with only Manchester City (66) having scored more than Arsenal’s return of 59 so far this season.

And they have done this with their main striker, Gabriel Jesus, having missed a large chunk of the campaign as a result of an injury he picked up at the World Cup.

The Brazilian had made a bright start to the campaign with 11 goal involvements in his opening 14 appearances but injury has kept him out of the last 12 league games.

But in his place has stepped Eddie Nketiah who the club have put a lot of faith in by rewarding him with a £100k-per-week deal last summer.

However, they have endured some defensive issues over recent weeks with eight goals conceded in their last six Premier League games.

And although Osimhen is enjoying a stunning campaign in Italy and would likely improve most Premier League sides if he was able to carry that form over, it is a position in which Arsenal have invested heavily over the last year.