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    Celtic ace Kyogo tipped for Tottenham transfer as Hoops talisman’s ‘immense’ Ange Postecoglou bond highlighted

    CONFIRMATION of Ange Postecoglou’s departure from Celtic to become Tottenham manager is expected imminently.And Hoops fans might have some concerns over who the treble-winning boss might want to take with him to the Premier League.
    Postecoglou is on the brink of being confirmed Spurs managerCredit: PA
    Kyogo has been a revelation for Celtic under PostecoglouCredit: Alamy
    As revealed by SunSport, Celtic are set to bank £5million from the North London giants for the popular manager.
    The 57-year old emerged as the leading candidate for the role last week and the announcement if his appointment is expected today.
    Postecoglou is keen to take three members of Celtic’s backroom staff with him, including assistant boss John Kennedy.
    Those plans have left Hoops chiefs unhappy and they’re ready to fight to keep Kennedy, who has a 25-year association with the Hoops, at the club.

    That’s the backroom team – but what about players?
    SunSport revealed over the weekend that Kyogo Furuhashi is a likely target for Spurs.
    The 28-year old has become the Hoops’ talisman after moving to Scottish football from Japan almost two years ago, and bagged 34 goals in all competitions last season.
    Spurs will be looking to bolster their forward options this summer, a task that could become an even bigger priority as star man Harry Kane continues to be heavily linked with Real Madrid.
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    One man who could see Kyogo joining Postecoglou in London is Rangers legend Brian Laudrup.
    He reckons that a reunion at Spurs is possible – and has pointed to what he sees as the “unusual” level of faith Postecoglou has shown towards Kyogo as a reason why the manager may try and link-up with the player once again.
    He wrote in the Daily Mail: “His admiration for Kyogo Furuhashi — as both a player and a person — is clearly immense.
    “Postecoglou has said that, when he was working in Japan, he already knew that he wanted to make the striker his first signing if he ever got a job in Europe. No matter which club or country it was, Furuhashi was coming with him.
    “That level of faith is unusual. And it feels particularly relevant when you consider the wider situation at Tottenham.
    “We don’t know what is going to happen with Harry Kane this summer, although Spurs insist he’s not for sale. He’s been linked with Real Madrid after Karim Benzema’s decision to leave for Saudi Arabia. Manchester United, too, have a long-standing interest.
    “Spurs are going to need a new forward. If not to replace Kane immediately, then at least to give another credible option in that department.
    “I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Furuhashi ended up joining Postecoglou in London at some point. And I could see him being a success, too.
    “With his movement, his intelligence, his finishing and his work-rate, I think he could handle the step up in quality. He would be a handful even for the more switched-on defenders of the Premier League and, crucially, would understand what his manager wanted from him.
    “That’s only part of the equation, of course. Would Celtic let their most prolific goalscorer follow their manager out of the door in the same summer? It would have to be a really significant financial offer for a player who still has two years left on his contract.
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    “In my view, though, Furuhashi has the ability to make an impact at Spurs. And they have the money to try and make a deal happen if it’s what Postecoglou wants.”
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Aberdeen star Ross McCrorie flies down south to complete £2million transfer to English Championship

    ROSS McCRORIE will undergo a medical with Bristol City tomorrow ahead of his £2million switch from Aberdeen.SunSport understands the defender jetted south today to open talks with the Robins after they agreed a fee with the Dons over the weekend.
    McCrorie helped the Dons clinch third place in the Scottish Premiership and European football for next seasonCredit: SNS
    Barring any last minute hitches, the 25-year-old will put pen to paper on a three-year contract with Nigel Pearson’s side – with a sell-on clause part of the deal.
    SunSport revealed in April that the English Championship side were keen to land the stopper, with Ashton Gate technical director Brian Tinnion running the rule over McCrorie in the 2-0 home win over Rangers.
    Discussions to thrash out a deal got underway with the Reds soon after, with several other sides, including Norwich and West Bromwich Albion, keen on the former Scotland Under-21 star.
    The versatile star, who has been used in defence and midfield, but caught Pearson’s eye with his displays at right-wing back.

    He netted five goals in 41 games for the Dons to help new boss Barry Robson get their season back on track to secure a third place finish and guaranteed European football until Christmas next season.
    But it looks likely that the stopper won’t be part of the Euro campaign and will swap it for another crack in England.
    McCrorie spent a year on loan with Portsmouth four years ago and was keen to try his luck in the English second tier.
    The Dons have already secured McCrorie’s replacement in the shape of ex-Livingston captain Nicky Devlin.
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    McCrorie’s former club Rangers are also due a cut of the Dons’ fee due to a sell-on clause in their deal following his permanent switch to Pittodrie in 2021.
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Celtic grant permission for Tottenham to open talks with Ange Postecoglou

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S exit from Celtic has taken a step closer.That’s because the Hoops have given their manager permission to speak to Tottenham Hotspur.
    Postecoglou’s time at Celtic is coming to an endCredit: PA
    SunSport revealed last night that Postecoglou had indicated to Hoops chiefs on Saturday night that he wanted to take the opportunity to move to the Premier League.
    And according to Sky Sports News, the Hoops have given the 57-year old permission to speak to Spurs.
    Talks are now expected to take place TODAY – with the Hoops now working on finding their next boss.
    Brendan Rodgers has emerged as a contender and is the current bookies’ favourite to land a shock return to the Hoops.

    Former Leeds and RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch is also in the frame, according to Sky.
    Tottenham have been on the lookout for a new permanent manager since sacking Antonio Conte back in March.
    It’s been a long search for a new boss but Spurs chief Daniel Levy is now closing-in on his man.
    Last week, Postecoglou emerged as the club’s preferred candidate and the move has appeared more and more likely as the week has gone on.
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    The Greek-Aussie boss refused to be drawn on his future in the wake of Saturday’s Scottish Cup triumph over Inverness CT – but he didn’t commit to staying at Parkhead either.
    Postecoglou has been a major success in Scottish football after his surprise appointment in 2021.
    After leading the Hoops to a league and cup double in his first season, he went one better this campaign and secured the treble with that triumph on Saturday.
    But now the path is clear for him to make his move and head to the Premier League.
    SunSport also revealed how Postecoglou is keen to take three key members of Celtic’s backroom team with him.
    He wants assistant John Kennedy, coach Gavin Strachan and video analyst Greg Wallace to follow him to North London.
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Watch as Rangers hero Scott Arfield leaves guests stunned as he performs his own SONG at wedding

    RANGERS fans were left gutted when Scott Arfield left the club at the end of the season.The midfielder is on the lookout for a new club but he’s been keeping himself busy in the meantime – delighting fans in the process!
    Arfield played his last game for Rangers the weekend before lastCredit: PA
    Arfield performed at his best friend’s weddingCredit: INSTAGRAM
    The song went down a stormCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Arfield, 34, has been spotted performing his own SONG at his best mate’s wedding.
    The Ibrox hero was the best man for the ceremony and he certainly didn’t disappoint.
    Instead of the traditional speech, Arfield picked up his guitar, got up behind the mic and performed his very own song in tribute to his pal.
    It’s fair to say the track went down an absolute storm.

    The video was posted by Arfield’s pal Stevie Jukes, the lead singer of Scots band Saint Phnx who themselves have a long-standing connection with Rangers.
    The wedding guests are quickly left in stitches by Arfield’s songs and by the end of it everyone is standing up, singing and clapping along to the chorus of “let’s all raise a glass.”
    Fans were loving it on social media too, posting across Instagram and TikTok.
    One said: “Is there anything this man can’t do?”
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    A second added: “Just when you think you couldn’t love the guy any more.”
    A third said: “Love him. Amazing guy, hero to us.”
    Nobody should be that surprised about Arfield’s musical talents.
    That’s because he almost quit football to become a rock star back in the day!
    While playing for Falkirk, Arfield was the lead singer of an indie band called The Begbies.
    But ex-Bairns gaffer Eddie May convinced him to ditch his music ambitions to focus on football.
    Arfield previously spoke about how he learned to play the guitar after watching videos on YouTube.
    During his time at Burnley, he said: “I’ve got a good repertoire of songs.
    “If there’s a guitar there, and I’ve had a few beers, I can get a party going.
    “I’ve brought it into Burnley a couple of times, played a Take That song and the boys all started singing.
    “I love music. The Clash’s Should I Stay or Should I Go was the first song I learnt on guitar, simplest chords ever.
    “But I’m more a Britpop, indie guy. Blur! The first song I got into was Girls & Boys.
    “I can’t get into heavy metal.
    “I can watch the guitarists [like Eddie van Halen and Slash] and think they’re so talented but I could never ever put it on.”
    Arfield was one of five major Ibrox departures at the end of the season just gone.
    After the 2-2 draw against Hearts, the title-winner bid an emotional farewell to the fans alongside Allan McGregor, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and Filip Helander.
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    Boss Michael Beale has already snapped-up Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling with goalkeeper Jack Butland looking set to follow.
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Tottenham ‘reach verbal agreement with Ange Postecoglou as Celtic manager prepares to sign two-year contract’

    TOTTENHAM are on the verge of confirming Ange Postecoglou as the club’s new first team manager.Last week, SunSport exclusively revealed that the 57-year-old was in advanced talks with Spurs officials.
    Postecoglou has reached a verbal agreement with TottenhamCredit: Alamy
    And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the two parties have now reached a verbal agreement.
    Postecoglou is set to sign a two-year deal with the option to extend for a further season, so he could remain in north London until June 2026.
    Celtic are expected to hold discussions with Tottenham this week, but the Scottish Premiership champions have already resigned to losing the Aussie.
    And due to his rolling one-year contract at Celtic Park, there will be no hefty compensation to pay.

    SunSport revealed the Aussie wants Celtic No2 John Kennedy to join him in London.
    Fellow coach Gavin Strachan as well as one of the first-team’s video analysts are also expected to make the move south.
    Postecoglou’s appointment will mark the end of Tottenham’s three-month search for a manager.
    Former boss Antonio Conte left the club in March following an astonishing rant about his players.
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    The Italian’s ex-assistant Cristian Stellini was appointed interim manager for the remainder of the season shortly after his departure, but he was sacked after just four games.
    Ryan Mason then took the reigns and has been at the helm as acting head coach ever since.
    During their search for a new permanent manager, the Lilywhites have been linked with Julian Nagelsmann, Xabi Alonso, Arne Slot, Thomas Frank and Simone Inzaghi.
    Spurs decided against appointing Nagelsmann at the beginning of May, while Alonso and Slot both ruled themselves out of the running. More

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    Ange Postecoglou to be confirmed as Tottenham boss as he targets John Kennedy & 2 key Celtic backroom staff to join him

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU is poised to be confirmed as new Spurs boss and he wants Celtic No2 John Kennedy to join him in London.SunSport understands the Greek-Aussie told Parkhead major shareholder Dermot Desmond on Saturday night – in the aftermath of securing a Treble with Scottish Cup glory over Caley Thistle – that he wanted to grab the dream opportunity of heading to the Premier League.
    Ange Postecoglou wants John Kennedy with him at SpursCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    Now it’s expected that Spurs chief Daniel Levy will announce Postecoglou as Antonio Conte’s successor over the next 72-hours – with the 57-year-old getting a hugely lucrative contract, including major bonus incentives, to transform the club like he has Celtic.
    And Postecoglou looks certain to move to secure his trusted Hoops right-hand man Kennedy as his No2 down south.
    The 39-year-old has been with Celtic for over 25-years; first team star, recruitment operator, development coach, first team coach, assistant manager and at one point interim boss.
    Hearts are also admirers as they consider their permanent manager position, with caretaker Steven Naismith still very much in contention.

    But while the ambitious Kennedy – a phenomenal success over nine years working with Ronny Deila, Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon and now Postecoglou – is keen to one day be his own man, it’s thought the departing Celtic boss believes he can offer him a far more exciting proposition.
    Fellow coach Gavin Strachan as well as one of the first-team’s video analysts are also expected to make the move south.
    We revealed that Hearts would have to cough up a six-figure compensation sum to have any chance of luring the highly regarded Kennedy from Parkhead.
    But that wouldn’t be a problem for the massively resourced Spurs who will also pay Celtic a seven-figure sum for Postecoglou who has been working on a 12-month rolling contract.
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    Just last week, Postecoglou was lavish in his praise of the coach who turns 40 in August after it emerged the Jambos had placed him on a short-list.
    He said: “John plays a vital role. I give him a lot of responsibility. He’s got a lot of experience at this football club, part of a lot of success.
    “That isn’t by accident. It’s not surprising people are looking at him.
    “And when the time is right he will make an outstanding manager.”
    Losing Postecoglou is a hammer blow for the Celts board who have watched him lead the team to five trophies out of six over two incredible years after taking him from Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos.
    But to also lose Kennedy – such a behind-the-scenes mastermind since 2014 – would be another severe disappointment and it remains to be seen how they would react to a Spurs approach.
    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Scott Brown spotted with Celtic-daft WWE star as Hoops legend watches treble triumph in Florida

    SCOTT BROWN captained Celtic to their unprecedented quadruple treble success.But the Hoops icon took-in this weekend’s latest treble triumph in very different surroundings!
    Brown watched the game alongside WWE star Joe CoffeyCredit: INSTAGRAM
    They watched on at the Orlando CSC’s Florida baseCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Celtic beat Inverness CT 3-1 at Hampden to wrap-up their 8th domestic clean sweep – a new record.
    Goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada gave the Hoops a 2-0 lead before Daniel MacKay struck late on to make things a little bit more interesting.
    But Jota then found the net in the opening minute of added time to put the result beyond doubt.
    Callum McGregor was the man to hoist the famous old trophy aloft, a task that had become so familiar to Brown during his silverware-laden spell at Parkhead.

    It’s now been two years since Brown, 37, left Celtic after 14 years.
    Brown is now manager of EFL League One outfit Fleetwood Town, who finished their campaign in early May.
    Broony, therefore, is now on his summer holidays ahead of returning to pre-season in preparation for the new season which starts on the first weekend of August.
    And he’s been spotted in Florida – proving that he certainly hasn’t left Celtic behind him!
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    Brown made sure to watch the Scottish Cup Final, heading to the Lucky Leprechaun Irish pub in Orlando to take in the big match.
    It’s home to the Orlando CSC, and he was spotted alongside another famous face.
    Glasgow-born wrestling star Joe Coffey made his name in Scottish promotion Insane Championship Wrestling before being snapped-up by WWE in 2018.
    Having competed in the organisation’s UK division he’s now made his name in the USA as big star on WWE’s NXT brand, which is based out of Orlando.
    And Hoops-daft Coffey linked-up with Brown to watch the Hoops triumph.
    Brown posted a photo of himself alongside the wrestling star.
    The ex-Parkhead skipper emerged as a contender for the Celtic manager’s job with Ange Postecoglou’s future in doubt.
    Postecoglou is the odds-on favourite to become the new Tottenham boss and the Premier League giants are expected to seek talks early this coming week.
    The 57-year old wouldn’t be drawn on his future after the Hampden triumph, but hinted at a goodbye with an emotional message to the Hoops supporters.
    He said: “I have appreciated the support I’ve had from day one. 
    “Because of the way I came into the football club – without beating about the bush – I was ‘a joke’. 
    “A lot of people made fun of me – but the supporters for their own reasons put their collective arm around me and said ‘no he’s one of ours’. 
    “It was up to me to repay that faith. The reason they felt so close to this team and so close to me was because while others may have mocked, they stood behind me. 

    “I think they deserve a lot of credit for what has happened because it would have been easy for our supporters to have been just as sceptical given the reaction to my appointment.”
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    David Moyes breaks silence on Celtic speculation after becoming favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou

    BOOKIES favourite David Moyes says he’s ignoring speculation linking him with the Celtic job – because he has a European final to prepare for.Moyes has been backed down from 16/1 to be front-runner for the Parkhead post if Ange Postecoglou moves to Spurs.
    West Ham boss David Moyes during his Europa Conference League Final presserCredit: PA
    But Moyes’ West Ham side face Serie A Fiorentina in their first European Final in 47 years next week – and he insists he’s blanking out everything else as his side prepare for that Prague crunch.
    Quizzed about the Celts links, he replied: “I’ve never even considered it. 
    “I’m West Ham manager and I’m really enjoying my period here. 
    “I’m hopefully trying to continue growing a really good football club so I’ve not given it any consideration. 

    “Through my years I’ve been linked with lots of jobs at different times but I have to say I’m really happy at the moment and I’m settled where I am. 
    “The club have been so good to me and we’re enjoying the journey we’re on.”
    Despite having the best win percentage of any Hammers boss, there’s a section of the support Moyes has never won over and there has been speculation he could call time on his three-and-a-half year spell at the club after next week’s final. 
    Asked about the possibility of leaving West Ham after the final, he replied: “I’m not thinking any further ahead than the game.
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    “That’s the only focus I have at the moment – trying to win the game and performing as well as we can.
    “We still have a few days until the game so we’re just preparing and getting the players ready.”
    The 60-year-old, who started his playing career at Celtic, featured in our eight-man list of early runners and riders for the potential vacancy in Glasgow’s east end.
    SunSport revealed earlier this week that Postecoglou is set to be named Spurs boss next week.
    And we understand Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is set to meet him on Monday for formal talks, once the Scottish Cup Final is over and done with.
    Like Moyes, Postecoglou has remained focused on the final his team has coming up, with Celtic on the cusp of a Treble.
    He said yesterday: “I understand the question. It’s of interest to people and that’s understandable, but it’s not in my world.
    “It’s not the first time it has happened this year, and I’ve been pretty consistent in making people understand what I’m about and what I’m like.
    “I’ve got too big a game on Saturday for this club to be contemplating or addressing any matter other than us being ready for the final.
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    “In here we are talking about Saturday, and talking about being ready and training, and making sure we have an opportunity to do something special in terms of our season.”
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