Scottish Premiership

CELTIC are on the verge of sealing a deal for Joe Hart.SunSport understands talks with the Spurs keeper are now at an advanced stage.
Joe Hart is on the verge of joining CelticCredit: Getty
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou could get his manCredit: Kenneth Ramsay
The Hoops could land former England No 1 Hart, 34, in the coming days.
He is expected to arrive in Glasgow within the next 24 hours.
New Celts boss Ange Postecoglou targeted him after shaky displays from Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain in recent weeks.
Greek flop Barkas was axed following a costly mistake in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Midtjylland.
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EURO TRIP Celtic draw AZ Alkmaar in Europa League play-off round

Bain took his place for the second leg in Denmark but was unable to stop Celts crashing to defeat.
He was then at fault for Hearts’ late winner in Saturday’s Premiership loss.
Postecoglou now wants a vocal, experienced presence between the sticks — and Hart fits the bill.
He was with Manchester City for 12 years and won every major English honour, including two Premier League titles.
 🚨 Read our Scottish transfer live blog for the latest news & gossip 🚨
Hart also spent close to a decade in the England set-up and was part of two World Cup squads.
Pep Guardiola’s arrival at City in 2016 saw him lose his No 1 spot.
He had spells at Torino, West Ham and Burnley before being thrown a lifeline by Jose Mourinho.
But new Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo won’t stand in Hart’s way if he wants to go.
Celtic can offer regular first-team football and the goalie is now on the brink of a switch to Parkhead.
Meanwhile, the Hoops have made a move for Shamrock Rovers defender Liam Scales.
The 22-year-old is also being tracked by English clubs after impressing in the League of Ireland.

But Celts could land versatile left-sided defender Scales for a significant six- figure fee.
SunSport understands talks have opened, but a deal could be delayed until after Rovers’ next European tie against KF Teuta Durres on Thursday.
Scales had a trial stint at Man City in 2019 and has blossomed in the last 18 months with the Irish champions.
Capable of playing as a centre-half, full-back or wing-back, his versatility appeals to the Hoops.

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CELTIC target Joe Hart has broken his silence as transfer intrigue continues to link him with a move to Celtic. The Hoops are locked in talks with the Premier League side over a deal for the former England No1 – after re-heating their interest in a player they considered when he left Burnley last season.

Spurs are thought to be holding out for £1m for a player who has a year left on his contract but has slipped down the pecking order following the arrival of Pierluigi Gollini.
But a deal could be done – with new Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou well aware he has to bolster his goalkeeping options with neither Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain convincing as a starting option.

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Hart didn’t make a single top team league start for Spurs last season.
But he took to Instagram today to insist that he wasn’t taking his eye off the ball when it came to his training.

He wrote: “Nothing but focus, no matter what #relentless”
Celts could have signed Hart for nothing last summer – but opted to splash out £5m on Greek flop Vasilis Barkas.
Man City legend Hart is understood to be earning around £50,000-a-week at Tottenham, despite slipping to third-choice keeper.
He would have to accept a significant pay cut if a deal to Celtic Park is to materalise.
 🚨 Read our Scottish transfer live blog for the latest news & gossip 🚨

However, the prospect of playing regular first-team football and kick-starting his career after spending the last few seasons out of favour could appeal.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

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ALAN BRAZIL believes this season will be Steven Gerrard’s last at Rangers.Brazil reckons defending the title will be enough for the Gers gaffer and he will be off at the end of this campaign.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard
talkSPORT host and former Celt Alan Brazil
The talkSPORT host riled Jamie O’Hara too by saying the only thing Celtic have to play for this year is getting CLOSER to Gers.
O’Hara hinted that the Hoops now had nothing to play for this year after Tuesday’s Champions League dumping and not being able to challenge the Light Blues.
Brazil agreed with Gerrard’s former England team-mate Michael Dawson that success at Ibrox will bring interest from other clubs.
And he reckons that will tempt him away next summer.
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Speaking on the breakfast show this morning, O’Hara asked Brazil if Celtic’s season was already over.
Brazil answered: “No! How can you say it’s over, come on. There’s some big games to play.
“I think you’re right, they won’t win the league. But you can’t say the season’s over.
O’Hara asked: “Well what do they have to play for?”

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To which Brazil replied: “To get closer to Rangers, that’s what they’ve got the play for.”
O’Hara, clearly riled by Brazil’s defeatism in conceding the title to Gers, responded: “Oh come on, that’s not acceptable. To get closer to Rangers?”
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Brazil then replied: “OK if you want the truth then, spend £30million or £40million.”
Michael Dawson then hinted that interest would come for Gerrard because of the size of the job at Rangers and the success he has brought.

And Brazil agreed the interest would intensify and Gerrard would be off soon.
Dawson added: “It’s like Rangers were so far behind for large periods. Then Stevie went up there and closed the gap and then they won it last year.
“You go up there for his first job and he has delivered.”
With Brazil adding: “This’ll be his last season though, he’ll be leaving.”

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TOTTENHAM have reportedly told Celtic that they can land Joe Hart for £1million.The Hoops are locked in talks with the Premier League side over a deal for the former England No1.
Joe Hart is wanted by CelticCredit: Getty
 🚨 Read our Scottish transfer live blog for the latest news & gossip 🚨
Parkhead chiefs hoped to land the 34-year-old on a free transfer but the Daily Record reports that Spurs have told them that’s a non-starter.
Instead, Celts will have to fork out a seven figure sum for a player they could have signed for nothing last summer – but opted to splash out £5m on Greek flop Vasilis Barkas.
Man City legend Hart is understood to be earning around £50,000-a-week at Tottenham, despite slipping to third-choice keeper.
He would have to accept a significant pay cut if a deal to Celtic Park is to materalise.

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However, the prospect of playing regular first-team football and kick-starting his career after spending the last few seasons out of favour will likely appeal.
Hart played 10 games for Spurs last term following an unsuccessful spell at Burnley.
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Ange Postecoglou has made a new shotstopper his priority after losing faith with Barkas.
The ex-AEK Athens star was given a fresh start this season but blunders against FC Midtjylland and West Ham appear to be the final nail in the coffin for his Hoops career.
Scott Bain was between the sticks for Tuesday’s Champions League exit in Denmark but the one-time Scotland international has never really convinced.

It’s believed Celtic are also interested in Watford keeper Ben Watford.
Postecoglou could move for the 38-year-old veteran stopper should a move for Hart fall through.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

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RANGERS legend and former skipper Alistair ‘Ally’ Dawson has died aged 63.Scottish champions Gers confirmed the club icon’s passing on Monday, saying they are ‘extremely saddened’.
Former Rangers captain Ally Dawson has died aged 63Credit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow
An official statement on the club’s website read: “Rangers Football Club are today extremely saddened to hear of the passing of former player Alistair “Ally” Dawson at the age of 63.
“Dawson was a captain of the club, lifting both a League Cup and Scottish Cup as part of six honours overall, and he was inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2011. He also won five caps for Scotland.
“He had a spell in charge of Hamilton Academical, winning the Third Division championship with the Lanarkshire side and also worked extensively with the Rangers’ Academy and also Rangers Soccer Academies.
“The thoughts of the directors, staff and players of Rangers are today with the family and friends of Ally.”
Dawson joined Rangers straight from school aged 16 and made his debut in September 1975 in a Glasgow Cup tie with Queens’ Park.
A defender by trade, he made 315 appearances across 12 seasons, playing under Jock Wallace twice, John Greig and latterly Graeme Souness, before departing for Blackburn Rovers in 1987.
Messages from fans have also flooded in for the ex-Ibrox defender.
One wrote: “Sorry to hear that, great player.”
Another said: “Sad, sad news. Thoughts with all of his friends and family.”
Another added: “Thoughts are with his family and friends.”
A fourth said: “Rest in peace Ally Dawson.”
Another said: “Was at school with Ally, a fine man. Very sad news indeed.”
And a sixth said: “Really sorry to hear that. Remember Ally as a very good player during a less successful time for the club and as a proud Captain. Taken far too young. RIP.”

Rangers will kick-off their Premiership title defence this Saturday at home to Livingston.
Steven Gerrard’s side will be looking to secure back-to-back league triumphs after winning number 55 last time out.
Their curtain-raiser against Livi will be followed by an immediate important Champions League clash with either HJK Helsinki or Malmo.
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NOT Abada start.Just a hugely frustrating one for Ange Postecoglou in his first competitive game as Celtic boss.
Liel Abada celebrates his opener for Celtic in their Champions League qualifier
Liel Abada had to be withdrawn after the sending off
Liel Abada’s debut goal got this new era off to a bright beginning.
But a combination of idiocy and ineptitude cost Celtic in this Champions League first-leg qualifier.
Nir Bitton’s first-half red card was a moment of madness while Vasilis Barkas did what Vasilis Barkas does when he flapped horrendously at the first shot on target he was asked to deal with.
Midtjylland’s scorer was called Evander but it should not prove to be a knock-out blow.
But it just didn’t need to be this way.
Not on a night when the Danish outfit were also reduced to ten men when former St Mirren loanee Andres Dreyer was sent off for TWO bookings for diving.
The upshot is that Celtic still have work to do in next week’s return clash in Denmark.
Postecoglou couldn’t have asked for a better reception from the Celtic support.
It was a warm welcome he got when he came out of the tunnel an hour before kick-off.
There were only a few thousand fans inside the stadium at that point but they made themselves heard with loud cheers for their new manager.
Liel Abada is already becoming a fan favourite at Celtic Park! 🙌A massive goal from the new signing gives Celtic the lead to the joy of Ange Postecoglou on the sidelines 🍀 pic.twitter.com/N1sX77Q71r— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) July 20, 2021

Evander’s free-kick went straight through Celtic keeper Vasilis Barkas
Postecoglou responded by applauding back.
After doing some pre-match media interviews at the side of the pitch the fans erupted again with the big Greek-Aussie clearly thrilled by it all.
After punching the air a couple of times he then slapped the Celtic crest on his chest. 
It’s clear that these supporters are more than prepared to go into this season with an open mind on the man brought in as Neil Lennon’s replacement.
It’s not Postecoglou’s fault this Celtic squad is ill-prepared for what’s ahead. That’s not on him and the supporters know it.
That culpability falls on the shoulders of the Celtic board.
The fact Postecoglou highlighted their ‘hesitation’ in making signings has maybe only made him more popular.
The bottom line is that 55 year-old wouldn’t have been the first choice appointment of many here last night – despite what some would have you believe – but he’s here now and getting all the backing he could possibly wish for.
The same went for the team itself as the 9000 attendance did their best impression of a full house.
You almost wouldn’t have known Celtic won nothing last season going by the positivity inside the ground ahead of kick-off.
Postecoglou’s starting line-up also wasn’t as worrying as it might have been.
The 1-0 weekend defeat to Preston North End came with a handful of youngsters all involved but there was a welcomed return of some experience for this one. Well, so it seemed.
It’s an unnecessary second yellow and Nir Bitton is sent off! 🟥A disaster for Celtic so soon after taking the lead 😬 pic.twitter.com/1JTGgdSB5o— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) July 20, 2021

Bitton was in at centre-back, Ismaila Soro anchored midfield with Odsonne Edouard up front and Ryan Christie on the left.
New £3.4million signing Abada was also straight into the team on the right having impressed enough in his weekend appearance as a substitute.
With 44 minutes played the little Israeli was having the time of his life having made a dream start to his Celtic career.
He was the man who fired Celtic ahead in 39 minutes with a clinical finish inside the box.
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hristie – who had hit the post moments earlier – blasted another shot on target which was beaten away by the  Midtjylland keeper.
Before any off his team-mates could react Abada snuck in to hit the net.
It was just the lead Celtic wanted.
The Danish side had shown next-to-nothing as an attacking threat with Postecoglou’s side looking good to have a comfortable night.
But things turned in the blink of an eye.
Midtjylland equalise through a howler from Barkas! 😮”It’s a horrendous mistake from the goalkeeper, I’m sorry.” 🗣️Celtic’s goalkeeping concerns continue 😬 pic.twitter.com/aFxbJTc4dL— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) July 20, 2021

There was no way they were going to buy his dive.
The linesman awarded Celtic a goal kick and the referee turned away from the front man, who had a spell at St Mirren earlier in his career.
In a rare Midtjylland attack Dreyer burst into the box and threw himself to the ground in a blatant attempt to con a penalty out of the officials.
There was no need for any Celtic play to get involved.
But young defender Stephen Welsh moved in first to point this finger at Dreyer and criticise him for being a con man.
Then Bitton did the same.
After initially shoving the Midtjylland man, he then wagged his finger in his face with Dreyer reacting like he’d been hurt.
There was very little in it, but Bitton should still have known better than to get involved.
He had picked up a booking in 38 minutes, for a cynical foul on the half-way line to prevent an attack, and he shouldn’t have attracted any more attention to himself.
The decision to sent him off incensed him.
He trudged up the tunnel like he’d been wronged. But in the cold light of day he’ll realise he was stupid.
Dreyer, though, was even more brainless.
He was booked for his part in the incident and with a one-man advantage the Danes were making inroads from middle to front.
No sooner had they started to impose themselves on the game, though, and Dreyer was sent off. For diving. Again.
Guilty of another blatant attempt to fool Swiss referee Sandro Scharer with another piece of cheating, the 23-year-old could have no complaints when he was shown a second yellow card.
It was back to an even game and both sides went for it.
But after Edouard missed a great chance to make it 2-0 the Danes levelled from an outrageous free-kick.
Evander took aim from wide on the right with Barkas unable to stop the first shot he was asked to deal with.
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MANCHESTER UNITED are set to base themselves in Scotland ahead of the Premier League season.SunSport understands Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is planning to bring his squad north at the start of next month.
Manchester United boss Solskjaer will put his team through their paces in ScotlandCredit: Getty
They will base themselves in St Andrews and train at the university facilities used by Dundee United.
The Red Devils open their Premier League campaign at home to Leeds on August 14 and their stay in Fife will allow them to put the finishing touches to their preparations.
It’s thought Solskjaer will have all of his players who were involved in the Euros at his disposal.
That means Jadon Sancho will be there, with his £73 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund expected to be sealed any day now.
The likes of Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay and England duo Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire will also travel.
Marcus Rashford could also be there if he chooses not to have a shoulder op.
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Meanwhile, Rangers’ midweek friendly with Blackpool has been cancelled due to a Covid-19 outbreak down south.
Steven Gerrard’s side were set to be roared on by 4500 Gers fans at Bloomfield Road on Wednesday night.
But both clubs have agreed to scrap the fixture due to soaring Covid cases within Blackpool and the surrounding areas.

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A club statement confirmed: “We are disappointed to announce that our scheduled friendly fixture v Blackpool on Wednesday 21st July has been cancelled.
“Due to an ongoing COVID-19 related issue within the Blackpool camp, both clubs have decided that it is sensible to cancel this fixture.

“We recognise that this will be frustrating for both sets of fans, especially the 4500 Rangers fans who have bought tickets. Nevertheless, the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19 require pragmatic and difficult decisions. The health of our players and staff is imperative.
“We will update fans in due course regarding ticketing refunds. Fans will keep the MyGers points collected through the purchase of tickets for this match.
“We advise fans not to travel to Blackpool now the game has been cancelled.”

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FRASER FORSTER is wanted on loan again by Celtic.The Southampton goalie was a hero for the Hoops during his last stint.
Former Celtic keeper Fraser ForsterCredit: AP:Associated Press
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou wants to bring in new playersCredit: The Sun
Now the new regime at Parkhead have opened talks with Saints about a shock return for Forster.
But this time Celts will have to pay more.
They ‘stole’ the keeper during his previous loan period, when they paid only a fraction of his salary.
The Premier League outfit now want around half of his £130,000-a-week, but are more likely to pay a third.

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Owner Dermot Desmond is famed for paying top dollar for players he likes, and Forster would be a huge hit with the fans.
Meanwhile, now that he has sealed a move to Celtic, Kyogo Furuhashi now dreams of playing for Japan at the World Cup.
He said: “Playing in a World Cup is more than a dream, it’s a great goal.
“I’d really love to see what it feels like to play at that level — and I think about it very strongly.
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“I want to make the most of my opportunities.
“The shortest way to reach everything is to focus on what is in front of me in the short-term and everything else will come.
“I have to keep working.
Japan will begin their next phase of World Cup qualifiers in September in a group that includes Australia, China, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.

They kick off their fixtures with a home game against Oman on September 2.
The Japanese will then play each team both home and away before finally hosting the Vietnamese on March 29 next year.
Should they finish in the top two of the group, Japan will qualify for next year’s Qatar World Cup automatically.
But if they end up finishing third, they will face off against the other group’s third-place side for a place in the tournament.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

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