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      Eddie Howe plotting Josh King transfer move to Celtic from Everton ahead of being confirmed as boss this week

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      EDDIE HOWE wants Josh King to snub the Premier League and become one of his first Celtic signings.The incoming Hoops boss has identified the Norwegian hitman as a replacement for wantaway striker Odsonne Edouard.
      Eddie Howe wants Everton flop Joshua King should he be confirmed Celtic bossCredit: Ryan Browne – The Times
      King has struggled to impress at Everton after joining on a short-term deal from Bournemouth, but several English clubs are still keen on him.
      Howe will have to talk his former Cherries striker into taking a wage cut if they are to be reunited in Glasgow.
      King, 29 – understood to be earning £45,000 a week at Goodison – enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career when he worked under Howe.
      He has yet to start a match for Everton and looks certain to quit the club this summer.
      That could see Celtic land a player, linked with a big-money return to first club Manchester United two years ago, on a free.
      King’s 169 top-flight appearances in England have produced 48 goals. He is also capable of operating on either flank.
      He credits mentor Howe for his rise and would relish the chance to work under him again.
      Howe might not be confirmed as Neil Lennon’s successor until next week and may not take charge until the summer.
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      King played his best football under Howe at BournemouthCredit: Reuters

      But he’s working flat out behind the scenes in a bid to identify signings.
      SunSport revealed last Sunday that Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook, 29, is another target.
      Howe faces a huge rebuild at Parkhead, with Scott Brown heading a list of players leaving.
      Moi Elyounoussi, Diego Laxalt, Jonjoe Kenny and Shane Duffy will all return to their parent clubs.
      And Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie could all be sold in big-money deals.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      A look at the career of Eddie Howe as Celtic pursue the former Bournemouth boss More

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      Leicester keen on Hibs star Josh Doig, 18, with Man City, Arsenal and Leeds also interested in £1.5m teenager

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      LEICESTER CITY have joined the growing list of clubs interested in £1.5million-rated Hibs kid Josh Doig.SunSport can reveal the high-flying Foxes had the young Hibees left-back watched in action during their Scottish Cup victory over Queen of the South on Monday night.
      Hibs starlet Josh Doig, 18, is being chased by a number of Premier League clubsCredit: The Sun
      Doig, 18, has had scouts flocking to see him play throughout his debut season at Easter Road.
      Manchester City, Leeds United and Arsenal have all been linked with the attacking full-back.
      Now Brendan Rodgers’ recruitment department at the King Power Stadium have started doing their own homework on the up-and-coming starlet.
      Doig strolled through the cup clash with Queens at Palmerston in his latest impressive display.
      Hibs have got Doig tied down on a long-term contract which runs until the summer of 2025.
      But they are realistic enough to know that big clubs are set to swoop this summer and make serious bids to lure him away from Edinburgh.
      Scotland Under-18 cap Doig has been at Hibs for only 14 months having been released by city rivals Hearts.
      The young defender was sent on loan to Queen’s Park for the remainder of last season.
      Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester are keen on the full-backCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Doig scores against Hamilton at Easter RoadCredit: The Sun

      But he has grabbed his chance in Jack Ross’ first team this time around and gone from strength to strength as Hibs look to seal third place in the Premiership.
      Hibs pal Darren McGregor last month told SunSport Hearts’ decision to let go of Doig was “incredible”.
      He added: “Josh is one of the best technically, he has a really bright future. He’s level-headed as well, which is half the battle.”
      Meanwhile, BBC Scotland will broadcast Forfar Athletic vs Dundee United in the Scottish Cup on Friday April 16, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
      Less than 24 hours, Hibernian’s 12.15pm clash in Stranraer will also be covered by the Beeb.
      Andy Murray says Lionel Messi is going to sign for Hibs after he submits transfer request at Barcelona More

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      England strikers coach takes Aberdeen job but will stick with Three Lions until 2022 World Cup

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      ALLAN RUSSELL is the former Hamilton, St Mirren and Forest Green forward who is the England squad’s striker coach.The self-styled ‘world’s No 1 striker-specific coach’ from Scotland was once again working with Gareth Southgate’s squad during last month’s three World Cup qualifiers.
      Allan Russell has just accepted a job as assistant first-team coach at AberdeenCredit: Getty
      Since March 2017 he has been employed by the FA to improve the team’s goal threat, particularly from set-pieces — though it helps when you have Harry Kane in the side.
      But Russell, 40, has just accepted a job as assistant first-team coach at Aberdeen following the appointment of former Newcastle and Watford defender Stephen Glass as Pittodrie boss.
      England manager Southgate and the FA have no problems with Russell splitting his roles.
      He looks certain to continue through this summer’s Euro 2020 and on to the World Cup in Qatar in winter 2022.
      He is also running his consultancy business called Superior Striker, which his official website claims is a “game changer at the highest level.”
      And ironically Russell will be hoping to get one over his fellow countrymen when England play Scotland in the Euro group stages at Wembley.
      Russell knew he would be fine working for Aberdeen as there is a precedent of Southgate’s backroom team being employed elsewhere.
      England’s Welsh goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson also works for Swansea while former Charlton defender Chris Powell, who helps coach the Three Lions senior team, is now head of coaching at Tottenham’s academy.
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      Kyril has place in the Sun
      SWISS billionaire Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is getting his feet under the table at Sunderland.
      The Black Cats owner, whose takeover was ratified in February, is the 23-year-old son of the late Swiss-French businessman Robert Louis-Dreyfus who was Marseille’s majority shareholder.
      Louis-Dreyfus, who lives with Russian fiancee Alexandra Nowikovsky, has homes in Geneva and the sun-kissed south of France.
      But he has moved into a modest bungalow on the grounds of Sunderland’s Academy of Light training ground in Cleadon, to gain a good understanding of the club 24 hours a day.
      He is already doing things the right way and sees the important role now played by data analysts.
      Louis-Dreyfus is relaxed about whether the promotion chasers get out of League One and will not feel it is a crisis if they miss out.He sees Sunderland as a big rebuilding job.
      Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is getting his feet under the table at SunderlandCredit: Iam Burn/News Images
      No more cash to burn
      PREMEMBER the times when all Premier League clubs lost the plot over summer and spent shedloads of cash?
      Well, it won’t be happening this summer. Expect another quiet transfer window like January.
      Teams such as Manchester City and Chelsea will spend big while Manchester United and Liverpool have money to strengthen but it will be nothing like some fans hope.
      As for the others, some clubs are already admitting to agents they have “zero budget” for the summer. This means one player leaving before another comes in.
      Even the top six are looking to move high earners out on loan. One of the bigger clubs has a player budget of just £8million.
      Erling Haaland and Phil Foden chat after whistle as Man City eye transfer swoop for Dortmund sensation More

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      Celtic to confirm Eddie Howe as manager THIS WEEK but ex-Bournemouth gaffer may not start until summer

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      CELTIC hope to name Eddie Howe as their new boss this week – but he may not take charge until the summer.Talks are continuing over a deal to appoint the former Bournemouth gaffer as Neil Lennon’s successor.
      Eddie Howe has verbally agreed to take over as Celtic and could be confirmed this weekCredit: PA
      SunSport understands an official announcement is NOT expected in the next 24 hours with both parties reluctant to rush negotiations.
      Howe, 43, has verbally agreed in principle to accept the job offer from Celtic.
      But, crucially, he wants certain assurances, as well as being allowed to take his trusted ally Richard Hughes with him.
      Celtic are looking to name a new director of football as well as a head of recruitment – and Howe is pushing for Hughes to be lured away from his role at Bournemouth.
      The Hoops hierarchy are believed to be open to the idea, but it would mean ripping up plans they were already putting in place.
      Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin was one of the names in the frame.
      Howe’s desire to work with Hughes has complicated the talks.
      But Celtic are still confident a deal can be struck to land their top target.
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      Eddie Howe wants to have Richard Hughes as his No2, complicating his talks with CelticCredit: PA

      They even could be prepared to let Howe wait until the start of June before officially making the move to Scotland.
      After leaving the Cherries last August it’s understood Howe planned to take a full year out of football, to spend time with his family, before making any return to the game.
      He could start work on identifying signing targets while leaving caretaker boss John Kennedy in charge for the rest of the season.
      But Howe could opt to wait until pre-season to start with a clean slate before beginning the huge rebuilding job.
      It’s still possible he could take over immediately, but Celtic are so eager to seal a deal they are prepared to be flexible.
      Meanwhile, the club will formally announce the arrival of new chief executive Dominic McKay on Tuesday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Celtic next manager – Odds slashed on Eddie Howe being appointed Hoops boss as Roy Keane weakens, Trpisovsky enters frame More

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      Former Celtic and Scotland manager Jock Stein’s modest Glasgow flat goes up for sale for £255,000

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      EX-Celtic and Scotland manager Jock Stein’s old home in Glasgow is up for sale for £255,000.The legendary Hoops manager’s flat, where he lived with wife Jean, is located on a quiet street in the city’s Newlands and it’s now on the market.
      Jock Stein’s old home is up for sale
      The apartment has a balcony
      The flat is located in Newlands
      The modest flat demonstrates how much money has flooded into football in the last 40 years.
      Stein died while managing the Scotland national team against Wales in Cardiff in September 1985, aged 65.
      Nicol Estate Agents are inviting offers in excess of £255,000 for the three-bedroom apartment in Lanton Road.
      The sales brochure revealed the home was recently given a complete transformation before it was put up for sale.
      The 60s-style building is located next to sandstone villas and comes with a south-facing sun trap balcony.
      It has a nice view on to resident’s gardens outside the first floor apartment.
      Photos from inside show that the flat has plenty of space for residents – with a large main bedroom and kitchen.
      A description reads: “Occupying a favoured position within this development and enjoying a southerly outlook over the well kept resident’s gardens.
      The home has a large main bedroom
      The flat has been completely transformed
      The Celtic legend’s former apartment is on the market for £255,000
      “This apartment was once owned by Scotland and Celtic legend Jock Stein.
      “This stunning apartment has recently undergone a complete transformation and affords well-appointed and light and flexible accommodation.”
      The apartment has easy access to Glasgow’s city centre by train or bus – and it’s just a stone’s throw away from a whole host of trendy south side bars and restaurants.
      It’s also just a short drive away from Silverburn shopping centre, and keen walkers can enjoy trips to popular greenspaces such as Pollok Country Park and Queen’s Park.
      The description says: “Newlands is well served by first class train and bus services to the City Centre and to East Kilbride.
      “The neighbouring suburbs of Shawlands, Strathbungo, Langside, Giffnock and Muirend provide a broad range of excellent shopping facilities, supermarkets, fine restaurants, bars and numerous recreational facilities.
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      “Silverburn shopping centre provides an extensive range of shops, restaurants and supermarkets.
      “There are several golf courses in the area and a selection of local health clubs. Newlands Park, Queen’s Park, Pollok Country Park and Linn Park are also within easy reach.”
      Stein won an incredible 25 trophies during his time as Celtic manager.
      During his 13 years in the hotseat at Parkhead, Stein led the Hoops to ten league titles.
      And these included the famous nine-in-a-row run between 1965 and 1974.
      Jock Stein is one of the greatest managers in the history of British football
      The statue dedicated to Stein outside Celtic Park
      Celtic also won eight Scottish Cups and six League Cups under Stein’s management.
      But he is best remembered for leading the famous Lisbon Lions side to European Cup glory in 1967.
      Stein managed Scotland between 1978 and 1985, and the national side won 26 of his 61 games in charge.
      Celtic next manager – Odds slashed on Eddie Howe being appointed Hoops boss as Roy Keane weakens, Trpisovsky enters frame More

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      Watch Rangers star Alfredo Morelos throwing paper balls at James Tavernier in hilarious bench video

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      RANGERS star Alfredo Morelos may not have been involved in the club’s 4-0 rout over Cove in the Scottish Cup. But that didn’t stop the Light Blues hitman stealing headlines from the bench as he was caught red-handed in the action.
      Alfredo Morales was caught on camera throwing scraps of paper at Rangers captain James Tavernier in the 4-0 win over Cove
      Steven Gerrard’s side ran out comfortable winners in the third round tie at Ibrox, thanks to goals from Kemar Roofe, Jermain Defoe and Nathan Patterson.
      The victory sets up a mouth-watering Old Firm derby clash with Celtic in the next round, which will be held on the weekend of April 17/18.
      Roofe bagged a double, while veteran Defoe showed he’s still got it with a classy instinctive finish.
      The match against the League One outfit provided a rare opportunity to rest Morelos, who is without the club’s No.1 striker.
      But fans weren’t completely bereft of Morelos action, with the Premier Sports cameras catching the Colombian trying to carry-on with skipper James Tavernier on the sidelines.
      The 24-year-old could be seen picking up paper balls and aiming them in the direction of Tav, who was sat next to goal hero Roofe a few rows below.
      Tavernier didn’t even have to turn around to discover who the culprit was.
      While the second half may have been lacklustre with the match already dead and buried, Morelos’ mischief certainly brought a smile to many people’s faces.
      Alfredo Morelos was on the bench for the Scottish Cup winCredit: Getty
      Tav after being cheekily hit by the paper balls
      Meanwhile, Sea Shanty singer Nathan Evans revealed his phone started buzzing like crazy after he paired Rangers and Celtic together in the Scottish Cup.
      The chart topper carried out the fourth and fifth round draws at Hampden and set up an Old Firm tie at Ibrox later this month.
      The lifelong Gers fan revealed it had all been a bit of a surreal experience on his first ever visit to the national stadium.
      But the “Wellerman” star has now possibly set up what could be one of the most mouth-watering clashes of the season.
      The former postie said: “It was a fantastic experience doing the draw today at Hampden Park.

      “I couldn’t believe I pulled out Rangers to play Celtic – if Rangers win tonight.
      “I have a lot of Rangers and Celtic fans in a group chat so I could feel my phone buzzing like mad talking about it.
      “Today has been surreal coming to Hampden as it’s the first time I’ve been here, despite watching so many games on the TV.
      “I had a walk around the stadium before the draw took place and it was a brilliant feeling.”

      Gary McAllister says Rangers star Ryan Jack sent to specialist in London over calf problem as James Tavernier gets closer to return More

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      Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers targets Callum McGregor transfer and wants Celtic star to join him at King Power Stadium

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      LEICESTER boss Brendan Rodgers looks set to try his luck with a bid for his Celtic old-boy Callum McGregor.Rodgers is a huge fan of the all-action midfielder.
      Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor is being eyed up by Leicester ahead of a potential summer moveCredit: The Sun
      The Foxes will spend in the next window but only want a couple of major captures.
      And both potential transfers could be from Rodgers’ former club.
      McGregor, 27, is under a long contract in Scotland, but that will not stop the Northern Irishman from trying to secure his services.
      He wanted McGregor when he first left, but Celtic’s bid for ten titles in a row made that too difficult.
      Now Celtic are starting again and Rodgers will look to try his luck.
      McGregor has featured in 44 games in all competitions for the Hoops this term, where he has chipped in with four goals and seven assists.
      The former Liverpool manager is also expected to make a £20million summer bid for French striker Odsonne Edouard.
      Edouard is understood to have been identified as a long-term replacement for centre-forward Jamie Vardy.
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      The 23-year-old has hit 20 goals for Celtic in three consecutive campaigns, with the player 17 goals shy of a century of strikes for the Glaswegian outfit.
      And he left fans purring over the international break after he scored a sumptuous chip during France U21s victory against Iceland.
      It was his 17th goal for the U21s in just his 13th cap.
      Celtic next manager – Odds slashed on Eddie Howe being appointed Hoops boss as Roy Keane weakens, Trpisovsky enters frame More

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      Celtic boss-in-waiting Eddie Howe will target Bournemouth skipper Steve Cook, 29, as key summer transfer

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      CELTIC manager-in-waiting Eddie Howe will target Bournemouth captain Steve Cook as one of his key summer transfers.Cook was a defensive warrior for Howe at the Vitality Stadium during the Cherries’ rise from League One to the top flight.
      Ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe will make Steve Cook a top target if he gets the Celtic jobCredit: Getty
      And the 29-year-old, approaching 400 games for Bournemouth over ten years, will be available on a free as his contract is up in June.
      The unflinching Cook was linked with West Ham last October but stayed put as the Cherries try to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
      They are currently just outside the Championship play-off zone.
      The feeling is Cook will leave if they fail to go back up, but even with promotion he could find it hard to reject a Howe reunion at Celtic.
      The Hoops squad will need an overhaul in the summer, with four loan players returning to their clubs, plus the likes of Odsonne Edouard, Kris Ajer and Ryan Christie possibly moving on and captain Scott Brown heading to Aberdeen.
      They are especially threadbare at centre-half, with Christopher Jullien not expected to play again until the end of the year and youngster Stephen Welsh and the injury-prone Nir Bitton the only other options.
      Cook could even be seen by Howe as Celtic’s next captain.
      SunSport has been first all week with developments at Parkhead, including the stunning move for the highly-rated 43-year-old to replace Neil Lennon.
      Cook in action for BournemouthCredit: Getty

      We revealed Howe had been sounded out and indicated his interest in the position.
      Then we disclosed his face-to-face meeting with major shareholder Dermot Desmond and outgoing chief executive Peter Lawwell in London.
      SunSport also exclusively reported that Howe had agreed in principle to being the new Hoops manager, subject to finer details being ironed out, including guarantees on a transfer kitty and authority over picking his backroom staff.
      The Celtic hierarchy are confident they can announce him this week.
      Key to Howe coming north is current Bournemouth technical director and close friend Richard Hughes joining him at Parkhead.
      The five-times capped ex-Scotland midfielder is believed to be attracted by the challenge of wrestling the title back from Rangers.

      Celtic next manager – Odds slashed on Eddie Howe being appointed Hoops boss as Roy Keane weakens, Trpisovsky enters frame More