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Celtic have agreed a deal to sell a Champions League player following their qualifier defeat to Kairat Almaty.

Rodgers frustrated as Celtic miss out on Champions League football

The Hoops missed out on a fourth consecutive Champions League campaign after being stunned by Kairat Almaty on Tuesday evening. After 210 minutes of goalless action, Celtic lost on penalties, with Adam Idah, Luke McCowan and Daizen Maeda all having their spotkicks saved by Kairat’s 21-year-old second-choice goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov.

Talking after the defeat in Kazakhstan, Rodgers described the defeat as a “huge blow”. “It’s very frustrating. We showed a glimpse of what we can do at this level but we haven’t been able to show that over the course of these two games.

“It’s bitterly disappointing, because we were on the right track last season and working really well and playing really good football, so to not be in there this season is a huge blow for us. We missed a massive opportunity over these two games.

“I thought overall it was a poor game. The pitch made it awful. We were defensively OK but couldn’t quite make the breakthrough. We had good chances, especially in the second half and extra-time, and when it goes to penalties anything can happen.

“We just have to reflect on opportunities that we didn’t take and we have to settle for the Europa League.”

There is still time for Celtic to bring in further signings before Monday’s transfer deadline, and former Hoops star Stiliyan Petrov thinks Rodgers is short of “four or five classy players”.

“I think they’re short probably four or five classy players with good quality. Celtic has always paid attention to developing players, giving them time, but they have those players. Now they need quality. They need players who can make a difference.”

Celtic agree deal to sell Mitchel Frame

According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, following the Hoops’ defeat to Kairat Almaty, Celtic have now agreed to sell teenager Mitchel Frame to Aberdeen.

Those at Parkhead have included a “significant sell-on clause”, with the full-back into the final 12 months of his current Glasgow deal.

Frame actually made his Celtic debut in the Champions League against Feyenoord back in 2023, but since then, hasn’t featured under Rodgers.

Medical now booked: Celtic have agreed deal to sign their next Izaguirre

Celtic have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a star who could be their next Emilio Izaguirre.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 26, 2025

A regular for Celtic B in last season’s Lowland League, Frame will now be looking for more senior game time at Pittodrie.

Everton failed in their efforts to sign a player with a “huge future” right at the end of the summer transfer window, seeing an offer for his services turned down.

Rohl "really excited" about Everton move

The Blues managed to complete the signing of Freiburg midfielder Merlin Rohl on deadline day, adding in one more player talented player to David Moyes’ squad.

The German is clearly raring to get going at his new club once club football returns after the international break, speaking of his delight at his move to Everton after his switch was sealed.

“I’m really excited and full of joy to sign for Everton. It’s a big club, with great history and great fans. It’s the right time for me to join Everton. It feels like a shifting point for the Club. The future looks really good and I’m excited to be part of it.

“I’ve watched the evolution of the Club closely. With the manager and stadium, there are a lot of positives. “I just love to play football and can’t wait to play in front of such passionate fans in such a great stadium.”

It was a strong summer for Everton overall, with Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall among the star additions, while Tyler Dibling is a player with a big future in the game. Now, it has been claimed that the Merseysiders missed out on signing another young star.

Everton failed with bid for future star

According to a report from reports in Spain [via Sport Witness], Everton submitted a last-gasp offer for Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali, but were rebuffed in their efforts to snap him up before the window closed. Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Como were all in the same boat, but the £22m-rated defender ended up staying put at his current club.

It is a shame to see Everton fail to sign El Hilali, considering what an eye-catching young player he is, already making 90 appearances for Espanyol at the age of just 21.

He has also been capped at both Under-23 and Under-20 level for Morocco, while scout Jacek Kulig has tipped him to have a “huge future” in the game.

Hopefully, the chance still arises for Everton to go back in for El Hilali in the near future, whether that be in January or next summer, with the Moroccan a footballer who could add so much long-term quality to a position that has too often seen ageing players used there in recent years, from Seamus Coleman to Ashley Young.

Not Dibling: Everton are brewing Grealish 2.0 in "phenomenal" 18-year-old

Everton are brewing a terrific homegrown talent who is similar to Jack Grealish.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 3, 2025

He could also provide good competition for Jake O’Brien, who has become a very solid right-back for the Blues, but is also a centre-back by trade.

Manchester United are now accelerating a deal to sign a “magnificent” midfielder, who has been identified as one of their priority targets ahead of the transfer deadline, according to a report.

Man Utd looking to sign midfielder after pulling plug on Baleba

Carlos Baleba emerged as one of Ruben Amorim’s top targets in central midfield, but Man United have now pulled the plug on a deal, given that it was set to be an extremely costly operation, and Brighton & Hove Albion are very reluctant to sell.

It is a shame that Baleba now seemingly won’t be heading to Old Trafford this summer, given that the 21-year-old is at a good age to be a long-term replacement for Casemiro, and received high praise from Alan Shearer last season.

Speaking after Baleba impressed against Manchester City, Shearer said: “He was absolutely wonderful. He changed the tempo and performance on the front foot and defensively. They got the three points which they deserved.”

That said, there are still a number of other potential options on the shortlist, with INEOS believed to be particularly big fans of Adam Wharton.

Target

Current club

Potential price tag

Adam Wharton

Crystal Palace

£40m+

Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid

£69m

Morten Hjulmand

Sporting CP

£68m

Angelo Stiller

VfB Stuttgart

£50m

However, according to a report from Spain, a different midfielder has now emerged as Man United’s priority target ahead of the transfer deadline, namely Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume, who is set to be available for the affordable fee of €25m to €35m (£22m – £30m).

Crucially, Agoume is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League, and United are now accelerating the deal, to ensure they secure his signature before another big European club enters the race.

The 23-year-old is emerging as the ideal addition to Amorim’s midfield, as his physicality and tactical awareness mean he should be able to adapt to life in the Premier League comfortably.

New Pogba: INEOS offered bargain deal to sign "world-class" CM for Man Utd

Manchester United could finally end their midfielder pursuit with a player just like Paul Pogba.

2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 21, 2025 "Magnificent" Agoume could be ideal Baleba alternative

Former Sevilla boss Enrique Sanchez Flores has hailed the central midfielder in the past, describing him as “magnificent”, and there is every indication the Cameroon-born maestro could be an ideal alternative option to Baleba.

Most notably, the Sevilla star has outperformed the Brighton youngster across a range of key defensive metrics over the course of the past year.

Average per 90

Lucien Agoume

Carlos Baleba

Tackles

2.90

2.64

Interceptions

1.83

1.62

Clearances

1.96

1.48

Aerials won

1.66

1.29

Importantly, a deal for the 13-time France U21 international also wouldn’t break the bank, at around £30m, while there were suggestions that Brighton were looking to receive £115m for Baleba.

Should Man United pursue a move for Agoume, rather than the Brighton star, they should have money left over to strengthen other areas of the squad, and Amorim may be keen to sign a new goalkeeper, with Altay Bayindir receiving widespread criticism after the Arsenal defeat.

ESPNcricinfo has learnt that India’s head coach will be back with the team before the Adelaide Test on December 6

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Nov-20241:48

Manjrekar: ‘India’s selection calls made cricketing sense’

India will be without head coach Gautam Gambhir when they take on the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra in a two-day tour game starting on November 30. Gambhir has left the team to be in India for personal reasons. A BCCI source confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that Gambhir will be back with the team before the next Test, which will be a day-night match in Adelaide starting on December 6. The tour game in Canberra will be a day-night match played with the pink Kookaburra ball.India lead the series 1-0 after they made a stunning comeback from being whitewashed 3-0 at home by New Zealand. Assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel will collectively be in charge in Gambhir’s absence.Related

India lay down the gauntlet to Australia with 295-run thrashing

Just as Gambhir left, India were bolstered by the return of the full-time captain, Rohit Sharma, who had been on paternity leave during the first Test. Rohit’s return into the XI could lead to a tricky question around the combination as in his absence, KL Rahul made a successful return to the top of the order in difficult conditions.If Shubman Gill, who missed the Perth Test with a fractured thumb, also makes it back to full fitness, India will have to free up two places in the batting line-up. There is no update yet on Gill’s recovery as there is time to go to the next match. He will likely miss the tour game with assessments becoming more regular as the training days and the Adelaide Test approach.

Tottenham are expected to be one of the busier Premier League sides during the final few weeks of this summer transfer window, and technical director Johan Lange will have multiple plates spinning behind-the-scenes.

Lange is known to operate in secrecy when it comes to his transfer planning, with Spurs showing a tendency to agree out-of-nowhere deals since the Dane took over from ex-managing director Fabio Paratici.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites’ move for Wilson Odobert last summer took everyone by surprise, while their botched deal for Morgan Gibbs-White accelerated in similar fashion with very few leaks to the press – until the transfer was very close to being done.

Unfortunately for Lange, he ended up missing out on Gibbs-White in what was a very bizarre transfer saga.

After losing club legend Son Heung-min to the MLS, and now James Maddison for the majority of the season, it is absolutely imperative that Tottenham’s technical director brings in a fresh, proven attacking alternative before the deadline on September 1.

Maddison will undergo surgery on an ACL rupture, Spurs confirmed today, with the 28-year-old set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Tottenham called Man City over Jack Grealish in the last few days, according to Fabrizio Romano, but face stiff competition from Everton, who have now opened formal talks over a loan deal for the 29-year-old.

Elsewhere, Liverpool sensation Harvey Elliott has been mooted as a potential target for Spurs after his exceptional Euro Under-21 Championships with England.

However, Bundesliga sides like RB Leipzig are offering Elliott the chance to further his development abroad, with sides across Europe now clamoring to reinforce their squad as we reach the final phase of this window.

Daniel Levy is dealing with a major headache when it comes to their pursuit of an attacker, and that botched deal for Gibbs-White is now looking all the more significant after Maddison’s injury.

According to Alasdair Gold, the most reliable Spurs source you could ask for, Levy and Lange have other items on their transfer agenda too – namely signing another new centre-back.

The club triggered Kevin Danso’s obligation to buy clause from RC Lens earlier this summer, and already boast the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin among their crop of central defensive options.

Dragusin was recently handed Sergio Reguilon’s number 3 jersey, whilst Romero’s links to Atlético Madrid have practically died after Diego Simeone sealed a deal for David Hancko – so none of the quartet appear likely to be going anywhere this summer.

Tottenham ready to meet asking price for Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi

Regardless, Spurs are apparently in the market for another central defender, and they’re still contenders for Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi.

According to French newspaper L’Équipe, as translated by Sport Witness, the Ukranian’s switch to PSG is advanced, but Luis Enrique’s side are currently haggling over a few million.

PSG made a recent written offer to the Cherries for Zabarnyi – £52m whilst covering FIFA’s solidarity payment.

Bournemouth are prepared to accept this bid, if PSG include a further £3m in bonuses, which the Ligue 1 giants are currently refusing to do.

This has handed Levy an opportunity to hijack the deal, with L’Équipe reporting that Tottenham are ready to meet Bournemouth’s demands for Zabarnyi ‘immediately’ and are ‘pushing’ to sign the 22-year-old.

Spurs were actually in the mix for his former Bournemouth teammate, Dean Huijsen, before he chose a move to Real Madrid (Fabrizio Romano).

Now, Frank could win the race for another Bournemouth defender instead, but they’ll first have to convince Zabarnyi himself, who’s been chasing a move to Paris for quite some time.

Enzo Maresca will have plenty of work to do this summer if he wants to strengthen his Chelsea squad for the challenges ahead.

The Blues are set to take part in the inaugural Club World Cup in America this month.

While the prize money on offer is ridiculous – the winner is set to receive up to $125m – Maresca will be keen on using the tournament as extended preparation for pre-season.

Liam Delap has already been signed by the Stamford Bridge outfit ahead of the competition, but unless a deal can be done swiftly, this will be all of their business before they fly across the pond.

Of course, this won’t stop the manager from working hard behind the scenes to try and plan with regard to future signings.

Indeed, several players have been linked recently. Mike Maignan, the French number one and AC Milan goalkeeper, could be tempted to make the move from Italy to England in the coming weeks.

Jamie Gittens is another potential addition to the squad that Maresca is working hard to get done.

The club have reportedly had a bid rejected for the winger, with Borussia Dortmund looking at a fee of around £42m for the Englishman.

This won’t be wrapped up before the Club World Cup, but could the Blues make the move a priority?

Why Chelsea want to sign Jamie Gittens

It is no secret that the Stamford Bridge outfit loves to hoover up the best young talents. The squad is full of players who aren’t quite at their peak, but have incredible potential.

Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu and Moises Caicedo immediately spring to mind.

There could be a major overhaul of the first-team squad this summer, as several players look set to leave London. As a result, there could be an opening for the exciting Gittens.

Since making his debut for Dortmund four seasons ago, the English forward has gone from strength to strength, echoing the trajectory of both Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham at the German club.

He has made over 100 appearances for the Bundesliga side, registering a total of 31 goal contributions – 17 goals and 14 assists – an impressive tally at such a tender age.

Last season was a mixed one for the 20-year-old, however. He did continue his development during the first half of 2024/25, but once Niko Kovac took over as manager, his progress stalled.

The winger created six big chances and succeeded with 2.4 dribbles per game – a success rate of 52% – which proved he loved causing chaos for opposition defenders.

Under Kovac, Gittens started just nine of his 16 matches, scoring a solitary goal for the club, a stark contrast to the 11 goals he’d netted earlier in the campaign. It is obvious that the Croatian manager doesn’t see a future for the talented youngster in his current system.

If the Blues are able to secure the services of Gittens for a fee that won’t break the bank, they could be onto a winner, no doubt about that.

He is young, has a high ceiling and has sparked in a top-five European League while making appearances in the Champions League.

Chelsea have a player joining in the next few weeks that may be an even bigger talent than Gittens, however. Step forward, Estevao.

Chelsea's future Ballon d'Or winner

In May 2024, the Blues secured a deal to bring Brazilian sensation Estevao to Stamford Bridge, paying a fee in the region of £29m for the winger.

Over the years, players such as Neymar, Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo and Kaka have moved from Brazil to Europe in a bid to make their mark on the continent.

Estevao is no different, and Chelsea certainly looked like they had struck gold in signing the then-17-year-old.

The teenager has received some wonderful praise during the embryonic stages of his career thus far. Analyst Ben Mattinson believes he is a “future Ballon d’Or winner” while already going as far as to say that he is a “superstar” thanks to his early displays for Brazilian side Palmeiras.

Former prodigy Neymar has even gone as far as to say the youngster is a “genius” and this sort of praise suggests Chelsea have signed someone who will rake them in a giant profit in a few years.

Since making his club debut in 2023, the 18-year-old has already racked up 78 senior appearances for Palmeiras, scoring 26 goals and grabbing 15 assists in the process.

His performances in the 2025 Copa Libertadores have been a joy to watch indeed. He has recorded five goal involvements across his five games in the competition thus far.

When compared to his peers in South America’s most prestigious club competition, the teenager ranks in the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area (7.82) and non-penalty goals (0.95) per 90.

Furthermore, he also ranks in the top 2% for shots on target (2.13) and for carries into the penalty area (3.32) per 90 for Palmeiras.

His performances have led to the youngster already winning five caps for Brazil, making his debut against Ecuador last September, aged just 17.

If he continues this upwards trajectory, there is no doubt Estevao will be a regular fixture for his nation under the management of Carlo Ancelotti.

The World Cup is a year away and by enjoying a successful debut season at Chelsea, he could well be the star of the show in America next summer.

His final act as a Palmeiras player will be to take them as far as possible at the Club World Cup this month.

They are in a group that includes Inter Miami, Porto and Al Ahly, with a knockout round space is certainly attainable if the club perform at their best.

For Maresca, he will be able to count on the Brazilian sensation once the tournament ends and the 2025/26 campaign begins.

While Gittens would be an exciting signing, no doubt. Do Chelsea need him? If Estevao can hit the ground running, £29m could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business for all involved.

Better than Delap: Chelsea step up move for £85m "monster in the making"

Chelsea are looking to improve their attacking options further

1

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 9, 2025

With Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha already on their way – potentially alongside Cuiabano – Nottingham Forest have now reportedly shifted their focus back towards the Club World Cup and signing two more talents.

Jesus starring at Club World Cup before Nottingham Forest move

If there are still those at the City Ground who are unsure about Jesus as well as Cuiabano and Cunha, for that matter, then all it takes is one look at the Club World Cup to put any of those doubts to rest. An important part of the Botafofo side who defeated Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, all three are now ready to take the Premier League by storm – particularly Jesus.

The Brazilian forward could become the heir to Chris Wood’s no.9 throne at the City Ground as the New Zealand international inevitably edges past the peak of his powers.

It wasn’t so long ago that Murillo was arriving as an unknown talent fresh from South America. Now, he’s fresh off the back of a standout season within Nottingham Forest’s backline and represents just how successful the Midlands club have been in their recruitment in recent years.

Jesus would only be a continuation of that fine work too. At 24 years old, the forward should be entering his best years and is arguably completing a move to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at exactly the right time.

Nottingham Forest now eye bid to sign £8.5m-a-year Bayern ace in £30m deal

He could be on his way back to the Premier League.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 22, 2025

Before putting pen to paper, however, Jesus, Cuiabano and Cunha still have a job to do at the Club World Cup with their Botafogo side set to square off against Brazilian counterparts Palmeiras in the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, as the competition continues, Nottingham Forest have reportedly set their sights on another set of Club World Cup teammates in what would be a bargain move.

Nottingham Forest "in talks" to sign Weah and Mbangula

According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest are now “in talks” to sign both Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula from Juventus in a deal worth over €20m (£17m) this summer.

Whilst Weah is an established talent these days at 25 years old, Mbangula stands out as a player who is yet to reach his full potential and one who should have plenty more to offer in years to come. If Forest can sign both players at different stages of their careers then it could be seen as smart business by all involved.

Both Mbangula and Weah have been at the Club World Cup with Juventus this summer, although the former is yet to feature, and both could have the chance to play against Manchester City in a game that Nottingham Forest fans should be very interested in on Thursday.

One of the key summer targets for Newcastle United over the next couple of weeks seems to be Liam Delap. The Ipswich Town striker is a player of keen interest to four Premier League clubs, according to TeamTalk, and are ‘holding showdown talks’ in the coming days.

Whilst the Magpies are in contact with Delap via manager Eddie Howe, who is looking to convince him to make the move, they will face competition from top-flight rivals Chelsea, Manchester United and Everton. There are four different projects on the table for Delap, but he would be the same price for each club, given that he has a £30m release clause.

If the North East giants do miss out on the striker, they seem to have a backup option on the cards.

Newcastle chasing Delap alternative

So, it does seem like the Magpies are trying their very best to persuade Delap to make the move to St James’ Park over any of the other clubs interested this summer. However, if that does not work out, their next option could lie in the Premier League, too.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a report from one Spanish news outlet, Newcastle are firmly in the race for Brighton and Hove Albion star Joao Pedro, with the Tynesiders said to be ‘willing to pay’ a fee of around €70m (£59m) to get their man.

The article suggests that Howe’s side view him as ‘as an opportunity to continue growing’ in attacking areas, although they do face a ‘huge transfer battle’ with newly-crowned champions, Liverpool, for his signature.

It is thought that the player wants to leave the Amex, with both the Reds and Newcastle ready to make a ‘good financial offer’, alongside an ‘attractive sporting project’.

Why Joao Pedro would be a good signing

It has been a strong season for Brighton superstar Pedro. Unfortunately, he could not quite help claw his side back into Europe, meaning they will once again go without continental football after finishing eighth in the top flight.

However, the 23-year-old put in some big contributions across the campaign, playing 27 times in the top flight. In that time, he managed to find the back of the net on ten occasions and also registered six assists.

One of the standout things about Pedro’s 2024/25 campaign was his ability to frequently score against the best sides in the Premier League. The Brazilian managed two goals against Arsenal, a winning goal against Man United and a goal and assist against their cross-city rivals, Manchester City. He also grabbed two assists against Aston Villa.

Of course, with Newcastle looking to compete for higher honours next term, it is surely appealing that he can score against some of the biggest clubs in the top flight. Those are sides the Magpies would have to beat to maybe even challenge for the Premier League.

Should the Magpies sign Pedro ahead of Delap, it could well be a better addition to their squad. Of course, it was a fantastic campaign for the England under-21 star despite Ipswich’s relegation; he is now wanted by clubs across the Premier League.

However, he did not notch up as many goal involvements as Pedro managed in the Blue and White stripes of Brighton. Delap scored 12 times this term, but managed just two assists.

With Pedro grabbing 16 goals and assists, he perhaps offers more with his all-around game than the Ipswich striker.

This is further backed up by the stats on FBref. Not only does Pedro average slightly more goals per game than Delap with 0.46 to 0.42, but he also ranks higher in other key metrics.

That includes shot-creating actions, where the Brazilian averages 3.32 per game compared to the Ipswich star’s 2.15.

If Newcastle win the race to sign Pedro, he seems like a far better addition to the club than Delap, for his all-around package. Whilst he can regularly find the back of the net, he also creates chances and brings others into play, which could be deadly given the strength of their attack.

As Dougie Critchley said, he is a “special” footballer, and could be perhaps exactly what Newcastle need to take their attack to the next level.

Howe thinks Newcastle could sign two Marseille stars to play up front with Isak

The Magpies are plotting some exciting moves…

2

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 26, 2025

Despite the new owners not being situated at Ibrox just yet, Rangers’ summer rebuild starts now.

After their bitter rivals were crowned Premiership champions for the 13th time in just 14 seasons on Saturday, those from across the city have plenty of work to do over the summer to bridge that gap.

The 17-point chasm that exists at the top of the table is despite the fact Rangers have won both Old Firm derbies in 2025, 3-0 winners at Ibrox in January and 3-2 victors at Parkhead in March, with the latest Glasgow derby coming up on Sunday.

Off the field, the Light Blues could soon have new owners, Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises seemingly set to complete his 51% takeover imminently, with big summer signings promised, including the potential arrival of a “special” youngster from within the SPFL, finally filling the void vacated by the club’s best striker of the modern-era; Alfredo Morelos.

Alfredo Morelos' Rangers career

Back in 2017, two days before his 21st birthday, Morelos joined Rangers from Veikkausliiga champions HJK Helsinki for a reported fee of £1.5m, and what a bargain this would prove to be.

Nicknamed el Búfalo, the Colombian striker was a key figure as the Light Blues went from a laughingstock to Premiership title winners under Steven Gerrard, as outlined by the table below.

Appearances

269

Goals

124

Assists

57

European goals

29

Goals vs Celtic

3

League titles

1

Scottish Cups

1

Red cards

8

As the table suggests, Morelos especially excelled in UEFA competition, breaking Ally McCoist’s all-time club-record for most goals scored in Europe, six of his 29 coming in 2021/22, as the Gers made it all the way to the Europa League Final.

Many supporters would argue the Colombian has never been properly replaced, but could that be about to change?

Rangers' interest in the SPFL's most in-demand striker

According to a report by The Chronicle, Rangers are ‘tracking’ Heart of Midlothian striker James Wilson, with both Celtic and Newcastle United reportedly interested too.

Matthew Lindsay of the Herald describes Wilson as a ‘gifted young striker’, claiming that Hearts fear losing him for an ‘absolute pittance’, valued at around £1m.

So who is he, and why is he in such demand?

Well, let’s take a look at his statistics to help answer this question.

Age

18

Age of debut

16

Appearances

31

Minutes

1,549

Goals

6

Assists

2

Despite only making his debut as recently as January 2024 against The Spartans, Wilson has established himself as a regular in the Hearts first team.

Indeed, he’s already scored in an Edinburgh derby at Easter Road in October before opening his European account at Tynecastle against Petrocub Hîncești in the Conference League a couple of months later.

The teenager was also sent off for a high-tackle on Dundee United’s Luca Stephenson last month, which is a very Morelos thing to do isn’t it?

In a more positive development, back in March, Wilson was handed his senior international debut by Steve Clarke against Greece during a UEFA Nations League tie at Hampden, becoming Scotland’s youngest-ever male player, breaking John Lambie’s record that had stood for a staggering 138 years.

Teammate for club and country Craig Gordon described Wilson as a “great talent” and “pretty special”, believing “he’s going to go really far”, while Hearts left-back James Penrice praised the teenager’s “brilliant season”, adding “I’m very impressed with him”.

So, it’s easy to understand why he is in such high demand.

Thus, if Rangers are able to get their hands on Wilson, could he replicate Morelos’ time at Ibrox?

Like the great Colombian, he’d be arriving as a youngster for not very much money, but potentially making a huge impact by scoring a high number of goals.

Kris Boyd 2.0: Rangers lining up move for "pretty special" SPFL talent

Rangers are eyeing up a young striker who could be the club’s new Kris Boyd.

ByDan Emery Apr 30, 2025

That nagging sense of complacency was somewhat put to bed following Saturday’s thumping 5-1 win at home to Kilmarnock, with Champions-elect Celtic surging into a four-goal lead inside 25 minutes to nudge themselves even closer to a fourth successive Premiership title.

Such an emphatic result represented a perfect response following the shock defeat to bottom side St Johnstone a week earlier, with manager Brendan Rodgers having stated his players may now be “too comfortable”, amid a run of three defeats in six league games.

Even amid the weekend win at Parkhead, however, Rodgers’ point still stands, with the Northern Irishman suggesting that “change is needed”, having outlined his desire to “improve the team”.

The Hoops did notably move to bring Jota back to the club in January, albeit with that switch seeing Kyogo Furuhashi head to Stade Rennais in the opposite direction, with the Old Firm side still needing to strengthen, rather than merely seeking to plug the gaps.

Thankfully, as far as Rodgers is concerned, it would appear that work is already being done on bringing in fresh faces ahead of next season, with rumours rife regarding the Glasgow side’s interest in Million Manhoef.

Why Celtic are targeting Million Manhoef

As reported in recent days, the Hoops appear to be among the clubs interested in signing the Stoke City sensation this summer, with the 23-year-old having dazzled across the last year or so in the EFL.

The suggestion is that Rodgers has set his sights on signing the winger amid the need for increased depth in the attacking ranks, with Honduran forward Luis Palma set to depart permanently at the end of the season, following his current loan stint at Olympiakos.

It was not revealed how much the Dutchman would cost this summer, albeit with Celtic likely hoping to strike a deal for close to the £3m fee that Stoke paid to snap Manhoef up from Vitesse Arnhem back in February 2024.

The Netherlands U21 international has made his way onto Rodgers’ radar amid his sparkling displays for a struggling side of late, with the right winger registering ten goals and assists for the Championship side in all competitions this season.

With 15 goal involvements in total for the Potters in 49 outings – after previously racking up 30 in 88 games in Holland – the in-demand forward has that golden touch in the final third, with the hope being that he can kick on again should he move to Glasgow.

There will also be optimism that Manhoef can follow in the footsteps of another exciting, left-footed winger who has since dazzled in green and white.

Celtic have struck gold on 'breathtaking' star

Whether it has been the lack of competition at the summit, or their cruel exit from the Champions League, it’s fair to say that Celtic have somewhat stepped off the gas in recent weeks, amid those defeats to Hibernian, Rangers and the Saints.

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Among those who have looked particularly off the boil in 2025, in general, is Nicolas Kuhn, with the 25-year-old – who did score in the second-leg clash with Bayern Munich – having failed to find the back of the net in the league since early February.

Such a drop-off is certainly a reason for concern – with Chris Sutton pinpointing the German’s ‘attitude’ as a potential problem – although it shouldn’t overshadow what has largely been a stunning campaign for the wing wizard, amid his return of 36 goals and assists in just 45 games in all competitions.

Who can forget his stunning brace against RB Leipzig, or that finish on the break against Bayern? Yes, his form has slumped of late, but at his best, the former Rapid Vienna star truly is “breathtaking”, in the words of pundit Marvin Bartley.

Regardless of his impact in recent months, it still appears that Rodgers and co struck a bargain by managing to land Kuhn from his former employers for just £3m during the 2024 winter window, with reports already linking him with a £25m exit to the Premier League.

Games (starts)

28 (21)

31

Goals

10

5

Assists

8

4

Big chances created

10

10

Big chances missed

9

9

Key passes*

1.7

1.6

Pass accuracy*

76%

79%

Successful dribbles*

1.9

1.5

Possession lost*

11.3

13.4

That would represent a mammoth profit on a player who had actually only recorded seven goals and ten assists in 51 games during his time in Vienna, thus boasting a similar record to what Manhoef has achieved at Stoke.

Hopefully, if the Dutchman does link up with Rodgers this summer he can emulate the success of Kuhn on the flanks, although at present, it is clear to see who the superior talent is. Indeed, as per Transfermarkt, Kuhn is now deemed to be worth around €12m (£10m), while the Stoke star, by contrast, is currently worth just €3.5m (£2.5m).

As Rodgers has shown with the German to date, however, he could just be the perfect coach to nurture Manhoef and turn him into yet another exciting, young attacking talent for the Hoops.

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1 ByDan Emery Apr 14, 2025