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Tottenham Hotspur was once the home to numerous world-class forwards, but Thomas Frank won’t be able to call upon any of the former talents previously at the club.

Harry Kane will be remembered as one of the best attackers in the Lilywhites’ history, registering 280 goals during his spell in the first team, sitting at the top of their record goalscoring charts.

Gareth Bale was another talent who captured the hearts of the fanbase during his own spell in North London, producing numerous moments of magic that led to him scoring 72 times in over 200 outings.

Whilst both players brought in huge profits, leaving for a combined £168m, it has left the first-team with a lack of attacking quality over various stints in recent campaigns.

Frank will want to rectify such problems before the end of the summer window, with the Dane overseeing continuous work during the past few weeks.

Spurs’ hunt to land an Eze alternative this summer

Eberechi Eze has been one of the key targets for Spurs this summer, with their pursuit of the Englishman dragging out for the majority of the window.

However, despite agreeing a deal with Crystal Palace and the player himself, he won’t be moving to join the Lilywhites – subsequently accepting a proposal from Arsenal, with a medical planned for this weekend.

Missing out on such a talent will be a huge disappointment to the supporters, but the hierarchy have already moved on to other targets, in the form of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Lilywhites hierarchy made an approach to Unai Emery’s side over the last couple of days to understand further conditions around any move.

He also stated that a deal could be unlikely this window, especially considering his current outfit don’t want to sell him, but an £80m price tag has previously been mooted for his signature.

Why Spurs’ £80m target would be a better signing than Eze

James Maddison’s injury and Heung-min Son’s departure to join LAFC have left huge holes in the number ten and left-wing positions, something which Eze would’ve solved.

The 27-year-old often featured in both of the aforementioned roles at Selhurst Park last season, ending the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with 16 combined goals and assists.

He also scored the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, helping the Eagles claim their first ever major trophy – leading to major interest from Frank’s side.

However, given his pending move to join the Gunners, Eze will always remain a case of what could’ve been after being strongly linked with Frank’s side during the summer window.

Despite missing out on the attacker’s signature, the hierarchy can’t rest on their laurels, needing to act quickly to secure an alternative – something which they’ve evidently done by plotting a deal for Rogers.

He would be a more expensive addition for the hierarchy, but one that can still develop further in the years ahead, with the former Manchester City youngster just 23 years old.

When comparing his stats to those of Eze from last season, the Villa star managed more combined goals and assists, but also notched numerous higher tallies with his underlying figures.

Rogers, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Eduardo Hagn, completed more passes into the final third and the opposition area per 90 – having the creative ability to provide others around him with constant opportunities.

He also notched more progressive carries per 90 and more carries into the opposition third, able to drive forward into dangerous areas – having the tools to set up a teammate or even find the net himself.

How Rogers & Eze compared in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Rogers

Eze

Games played

37

34

Goals & assists

18

16

Progressive carries

3.6

2.4

Progressive passes

3.6

3.3

Passes into the final third

2.1

1.7

Passes into the opposition box

1.6

1.3

Carries into the final third

2.1

1.6

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.2

Aerials won

20%

15%

Stats via FBref

His ability to produce an end product is evident by his higher tally of goal contributions, but also achieving a higher shot on target accuracy rate in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

Seeing Eze pulling on the red of Arsenal will be a painful sight for Spurs supporters, especially considering the huge hunt for his signature in recent months.

A deal for Rogers will definitely soften the blow, potentially being a blessing in disguise, with the Lilywhites able to land a bigger talent should they complete a deal for the Villa sensation.

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And possibly no overs from the top-order batter – “I’d say more likely turn to the fast bowlers a bit more,” Cummins says

Andrew McGlashan05-Dec-20245:13

Cummins on pink-ball Tests: ‘Not a huge shift from red-ball cricket’

Pat Cummins expects to see a more proactive Marnus Labuschagne at the crease in Adelaide as Australia’s No. 3 searches for a revival of fortunes, but it appears less likely he will be used extensively as a medium-pace bowler despite question marks over how many overs Mitchell Marsh has in him.Labuschagne has come in for significant scrutiny after his first innings in Perth where he made 2 off 52 balls, which was followed by shouldering arms to Jasprit Bumrah in the second and being lbw for 3. However, analysis has shown it was a wicked delivery from Bumrah that skidded through low and Labuschagne was within his rights to believe it would have missed the stumps.Still, his form has been troublesome for a while with 90 of the 123 runs he has made in his last ten Tests coming from one innings in Christchurch. During his net sessions in Adelaide, there has been a noticeable urgency to his strokeplay and indications he is looking for ways to rotate the strike. Labuschagne has an impressive record at Adelaide Oval with an average of 71.75 and three centuries.Related

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“He’s training well like he always does, hitting millions of balls,” Cummins said. “It’s pretty impossible to kind of dismiss or ignore some of the commentary about perhaps being a little bit more proactive, so I think you’ve seen that side of it in the nets. The challenge is always going out there and making sure you have that mindset. But he’s been great like he always is. Always working on things, trying to plan how he’s going to score his hundred this Test.”While accepting that Australia were not up to the mark in Perth, Cummins was hopeful that the batters would be better for having faced the India attack, most significantly Jasprit Bumrah, even though it did not go well.”I hope there’s some lessons learnt,” he said. “The good thing is, batting and bowling we’ve now had a look at them, they’ve had a look at us as well, but you get a look at some of the bowling plans that you want to implement. The same with the batters, they know how they are going to be attacked first up. I’m sure – well, I really hope – everyone’s kind of learnt a bit and come back here slightly better prepared having had a look at what they are going to throw at us.”Marsh, meanwhile, was locked in Australia’s XI 24 hours out from the Test – the only change being Scott Boland replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood – and Cummins, who confirmed Marsh had been battling back stiffness since the white-ball tour of the UK, was confident the allrounder would be able to be part of the attack despite not doing any bowling in the lead-up.

“I’d say more likely turn to the fast bowlers a bit more. In Perth, Joshy was getting a little bit sore as well there towards the end, so there’s a bit of preservation there. Whereas this Test everyone’s fit and firing”Pat Cummins on Marnus Labuschagne’s role as a bowler in Adelaide

“[We] made the call with the medical staff over the last couple of days to give him a couple of days off bowling, but expect him to warm up and if required [he] will bowl,” Cummins said. “Guessing he would be required at some point… prioritise his overs for the games rather than kind of using up some of them in the nets.”In Perth, Labuschagne was used as a bouncer bowler until reverting to legspin late in India’s second innings but Cummins indicated that any extra overs required in this match would likely be soaked up by the four main bowlers if Marsh was limited in his output.”I’d say more likely turn to the fast bowlers a bit more,” Cummins said. “In Perth, Joshy was getting a little bit sore as well there towards the end, so there’s a bit of preservation there. Whereas this Test everyone’s fit and firing so if that remains the case as a general rule you try and rely on your four main guys.”1:42

McGlashan: Crucial few days in Adelaide for Australia

Significantly, Cummins made mention of Boland’s ability to bowl long spells as he returns to the Test side for the first time since last year’s Ashes.”All last summer he was geared up to go and no one fell over,” Cummins said. “Feels like it’s been quite a while [since he’s played]. As a captain, it’s pretty awesome to have someone like Scotty come straight in, you know he can bowl a huge amount of overs if you need. He’s super consistent, he’s performed at this level and looks ready to go.”However, there is increasing confidence that Hazlewood could be ready to return for the third Test in Brisbane after he bowled during training on Wednesday. Cummins explained that Hazlewood had initially continued to bowl after first feeling the side issue in Perth before the decision was taken not to push him through the problem.”That’s probably the right call in hindsight,” he said. “I think in previous years where he’s kept bowling, it’s probably turned that one week injury into a three or four or five week injury whereas this year seems a little bit different and he’s really confident.”

After a record-breaking League One title-winning campaign last time out, Birmingham City will be looking to carry that momentum into the 2025/26 Championship season under Chris Davies.

Co-owners Tom Wagner and Tom Brady have big plans at St Andrew’s, and the Blues will be looking to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2011 as soon as possible.

Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town

August 8

Blackburn Rovers vs Birmingham City

August 16

Birmingham City vs Oxford United

August 23

Leicester City vs Birmingham City

August 30

Stoke City vs Birmingham City

September 13

To do that, new signings to help them in the second tier could be key, and the club have already made a start on their summer transfer business.

But who will start against Ipswich Town on August 8? Well, Grok, the AI tool on X, has forecasted Birmingham’s 25/26 line-up, with five new faces in the XI.

AI predicts Birmingham’s 2025/26 line-up 1 GK: James Beadle

After helping England to U21 European Championship glory this summer, goalkeeper James Beadle will be playing for Birmingham this season.

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Signed on a season-long loan from Brighton, Beadle already has second tier experience after his time with Sheffield Wednesday in 24/25.

2 RB: Ethan Laird

A key member of the League One title-winning side, Ethan Laird has been predicted to keep his place in the Birmingham side.

His ‘pace and attacking contributions make him a mainstay’ under Davies, and Grok adds that Laird’s ‘enthusiasm and Championship experience will be vital’.

3 CB: Krystian Bielik

Club captain Krystian Bielik is also backed to retain his place in the XI, being described as a ‘cornerstone of the defence’.

Games

125

Goals

2

Yellow cards

32

Red cards§

2

The Poland international is still under contract until 2027 and Bielik’s ‘leadership and ability to play in midfield or defence ensure his place’.

4 CB: Phil Neumann

Alongside Bielik is new arrival Phil Neumann, who signed on a free transfer from Hannover 96 earlier this summer.

The German actually penned a pre-contract agreement at the beginning of 2025 and has been backed to go straight into Davies’ XI.

5 LB: Lee Buchanan

With Laird keeping his place at right-back, Lee Buchanan has been predicted to make his return from a serious knee to start at left-back.

Buchanan ‘is expected to hold down the left side with his defensive solidity and attacking overlaps’.

6 CM: Hayden Hackney

Backed to cost £10m from Middlesbrough this summer is Hayden Hackney, with AI-driven predictions suggesting Birmingham could target the 22-year-old versatile midfielder.

Grok says Hackney’s ‘ability to play multiple midfield roles would add dynamism’ to the Blues side.

7 CM: Paik Seung-ho

Partnering Hackney is Paik Seung-ho, who was a regular in 24/25, making 50 appearances in all competitions.

The South Korea international is likely to play a key role once more, and Grok says his ‘composure and work rate make him a certain starter in the Championship’.

8 CAM: Kanya Fujimoto

The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for Japanese attacking midfielder Kanya Fujimoto this summer, with his contract at Gil Vicente set to expire.

Still just 26 years of age, Fujimoto’s ‘creativity and flair would suit Davies’ attacking philosophy’.

9 RW: Demarai Gray

Returning to St Andrew’s this summer is academy graduate Demarai Gray, nine years on after leaving Birmingham for Leicester City.

Gray’s ‘Premier League experience and pace would be a major coup’ for the Blues, according to Grok.

10 ST: Jay Stansfield

Birmingham’s record signing Jay Stansfield was always going to keep his place in the XI after a successful first season as a permanent Blues player.

The striker already has ‘proven Championship quality which makes him the focal point of the attack’.

Glasgow Rangers officially confirmed the first signing of the Russell Martin era last week when they unveiled Max Aarons as their latest arrival.

The right-back has joined on a season-long loan from Bournemouth to bolster the manager’s options at right-back, becoming the second signing of the summer after Lyall Cameron, who agreed to join in January.

Although Martin has never managed him before, the former England U21 international is a player the manager knows well from their time together as players at Norwich City in England.

The boss told the Rangers website: “Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player. He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side.”

The English full-back is now looking to kick on and get back to his best on the pitch after a difficult couple of years since moving on from Norwich in 2023.

Why Max Aarons is a risky signing for Rangers

On the one hand, this is a relatively low-risk signing for the Light Blues in the sense that he is only on loan for the season and they do not have an obligation to make it permanent next summer.

This means that the Gers will not have wasted millions of pounds on a long-term deal if Aarons ends up struggling and failing to make the grade in Glasgow.

On the other hand, it is a risky signing for Martin through the lens of next season, because the way the last two years have gone for the defender suggests that there are no guarantees that he will be a success.

Aarons has missed 17 matches through injury and only played 31 times in all competitions since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, including nine appearances this term.

This shows that Rangers have brought in a full-back who has not played much football in the last two years, whilst suffering through injuries, and his last two successful seasons, with Norwich, came in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns.

Starts

41

45

Goals

2

2

Big chances created

6

5

Assists

6

2

Clean sheets

11

17

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

1.6

Duel success rate

58%

53%

As you can see in the table above, Aarons showed his quality in and out of possession at right-back for the Canaries in those two title-winning seasons in the Championship, but it has been years since that success.

This is why the 25-year-old gem is a risky signing with next season in mind, despite having the potential to be a key player, given how long it has been since his last successful campaign.

Rangers in talks to sign English defender

Rangers, however, are also eyeing up another defender from England who would arrive with less risk attached and be a better signing for Martin.

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 the Daily Record, talks are still ongoing between the Scottish Premiership giants and Championship side Leicester City over a deal for Conor Coady.

The report claims that Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have invested £20m to bolster the club’s budget for the summer transfer window, yet it remains to be seen how much of that budget will be eaten up by a move for the former England international.

Coady’s current contract at the King Power is due to expire in the summer of 2026, and the ongoing talks suggest that the Foxes will not allow him to leave on a free transfer earlier than expected, which means that the Gers will have to pay a fee for his services.

It now remains to be seen whether or not the Ibrox side will be able to reach an agreement with Leicester to bring the centre-back to Glasgow this summer.

Why Conor Coady would be a better signing than Max Aarons

If Rangers can get a deal over the line for Coady in the coming days or weeks then they will land an even better signing than Aarons for the defence.

As aforementioned, it has been several years since the former Norwich starlet enjoyed a successful season on the pitch, as he has been a bit-part player for Bournemouth, and on loan at Valencia, in the last two years.

Coady, however, played 22 times in the Premier League for Leicester last season and helped the Foxes to secure the Championship title in the previous term.

In the 2023/24 campaign, the veteran central defender showcased his impressive quality in possession in a ball-dominant Enzo Maresca side in the second tier in England, which speaks to his suitability for a possession-oriented Martin style of play.

Passes completed

84.99

Top 5%

Pass accuracy

93%

Top 1%

Progressive passes

7.20

Top 1%

Passes into the final third

7.20

Top 2%

xAG

0.05

Top 16%

Progressive passing distance

556 yards

Top 3%

Through balls

0.26

Top 2%

As you can see in the table above, the 32-year-old titan was one of the best centre-backs in the league, if not the best, at progressing the ball through the thirds to build up attacks for his team.

These statistics suggest that Coady, who was lauded as an “immaculate professional” by ex-manager Sean Dyche, would be the perfect fit for Martin’s style of play, as he can ensure that dominating possession does not involve constant sideways and backwards passing, with his progressive play at the back.

These performances were also in the 2023/24 campaign, which means that he has demonstrable success on the pitch in a recent season, unlike Aarons, whilst the centre-back also completed 91% of his passes in the Premier League for the Foxes last season, which suggests that he would not be as risky of a signing.

At the age of 32, Coady would arrive as an experienced and proven performer who could hit the ground running on and off the pitch as a leader for the Light Blues, which is another reason why he could be an even better signing than Aarons.

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The former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain has quality on and off the ball, fits the style of play, has recent success on the pitch, and brings leadership qualities, and all these attributes come together to explain why this could be a good move for the club.

Arsenal are very likely to end this summer transfer window as one of the Premier League’s busiest sides in terms of incomings, with a few very significant developments occurring in the last few days.

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Mikel Arteta now looks on the verge of finally getting his desired number nine through the door.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£65m

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, as first reported Sky Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri, and now backed up by other credible media sources, has agreed a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign the Sweden international.

Sporting director Andrea Berta is also in active pursuit of another winger, who would join in a separate deal to Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze (Fabrizio Romano), with talks ongoing to sign the 27-year-old too.

The wide player who could sign for Arteta’s side with Eze, according to reports, looks more than likely to be Chelsea forward Noni Madueke.

Similarly to Gyokeres, the Englishman has already agreed personal terms over an Arsenal move, with the Gunners expected to open club-to-club talks soon and potentially seal yet another signing from their London rivals, following a plethora of deals between both clubs in recent windows.

ESPN have further information on this story, claiming that Arsenal could soon have super agent, Ali Barat, to thank if they do manage to get this one over the line.

Ali Barat involved as Arsenal chase imminent Noni Madueke deal

The broadcast giant claims Barat is actively involved in talks and attempting to secure his client a move to N5, which could be done for around £43 million “by the end of this week”.

Chelsea signed Madueke from PSV Eindhoven for just £30 million back in 2023, so Enzo Maresca’s side are poised to make a handsome profit amid their sanction from UEFA for breaking financial rules.

As such, ESPN also report that Arsenal are in “very positive” talks with Chelsea over signing Madueke, and Arteta has always been a major fan of the 23-year-old. Arsenal are even said to have considered his signing last summer too, but if all goes to plan, they could finally land their man this year instead.

Arteta is also convinced that Madueke can develop into an exceptional left-winger, despite the opposing side being his preferred position.

West Ham United are searching for reinforcements this summer and have now made contact over a bargain move for a striker with a proven track record who is available on a free transfer, according to reports.

West Ham United seek to recruit a goalscorer

Graham Potter hasn’t enjoyed the most fruitful spell since taking charge of West Ham. However, the Irons are set to be active on the market to address their fundamental issues.

Above all, the lack of a prolific striker at the London Stadium has led to a dependence on Jarrod Bowen, and it is fair to say the Irons are now moving in on targets to fill the vacancy available through the middle.

Reports suggest Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is being targeted by West Ham following a breakthrough season in Scotland. However, Brentford, Everton, Lens, RC Strasbourg, Lille, and Stade Rennais are among alternative interested parties.

Further back, Burnley’s Josh Brownhill could add goals from midfield for the Hammers as his Turf Moor future becomes increasingly uncertain with his contract set to expire.

Potter’s men endured an uninspiring campaign last term and require some inspiration, which has prompted Carlton Cole to urge West Ham land Jack Grealish ahead of their Premier League counterparts.

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Circling the wagons, West Ham have now made contact to sign an alternative England international who is set to be a free agent this summer.

West Ham make contact to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin

According to Football Transfers, West Ham have made contact to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and they are prepared to better his current £100,000 per week salary in order to secure his services.

Michail Antonio is on course to depart the London Stadium after failing to agree terms on a short-term extension, and Potter believes the Toffees forward would be an ideal addition to strengthen his forward line without paying a transfer fee.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s record at Everton

Appearances

273

Goals

71

Assists

22

Dubbed a “proper number nine” by David Moyes, Calvert-Lewin is viewed as a low-risk high reward signing and has previously been offered to the Hammers, albeit they passed on the chance last summer due to his injury history.

Niclas Fullkrug didn’t set the heather alight last year and Evan Ferguson’s short loan spell didn’t have the desired impact, which may explain why West Ham have plumped for Premier League experience as they close in on a new striker.

Celtic are preparing for an exciting summer under Brendan Rodgers, though they may now be resigned to losing one of their most talented young prospects.

Celtic look forward to chance to complete domestic treble

Domestic trebles have become a speciality for the Hoops over recent years, and they will have a chance to complete another clean sweep against Aberdeen this weekend in the Scottish Cup final.

Rodgers was able to soak up the acclaim of supporters after witnessing his side lift the Scottish Premiership trophy last weekend. However, the Irishman knows there is still work to do before the champagne can really start to flow at Parkhead.

Speaking ahead of the clash, he said: “We’ve had some great performances and results against Aberdeen, but finals are finals.

“I enjoy the occasion, I enjoy the pressures of finals, but we can only really enjoy it if we go in with the right mentality, the right preparation and then we can see where it takes us.”

Coming to the end of a long season, Rodgers will already have one eye on the transfer market as Celtic prepare to strengthen on all fronts to put up another fight for silverware and European progression next term.

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Blackburn Rovers star Tyrhys Dolan is a target for the Bhoys on a free transfer and could join Kieran Tierney in walking through the Parkhead entrance once the window opens.

Nevertheless, departures will also be expected to make room for new arrivals to settle into life in Glasgow, and one of the Hoops’ most prodigious stars could now be on his way out of the club, per recent developments.

Celtic gem Cummings spotted at West Ham's London Stadium

With his contract set to expire at Parkhead, Celtic striker Daniel Cummings was spotted at West Ham United’s London Stadium on Sunday, a stadium which is bigger than Parkhead, taking in their 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. It has been claimed that a move to the Irons looks imminent for the forward.

The Scotland Under-19 international has been in brilliant form for the Hoops’ B Team this campaign, registering 29 goals in 37 appearances, combining his first-team outings and exploits further down the ladder.

Commended for his “spectacular” finishing by The Young Team, he now appears poised to leave his boyhood club after months of no progress over a contract extension.

West Ham previously tried to sign Cummings on deadline day earlier this year, though they now look to have prevailed in their attempts to bring the clinical poacher to East London.

From a Celtic standpoint, losing another young talent is a sign of the limited pathway to the first team for homegrown stars, but most will acknowledge that this has been coming for a long time.

Celtic find themselves on the cusp of another league title and could now look to press ahead in their pursuit of an exciting attacker this summer, according to reports.

Celtic look to finish campaign with a flourish ahead of summer window

Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed another brilliant campaign in the dugout at Parkhead and will look to lead his side to the Scottish Cup final this weekend if they can navigate past St Johnstone at Hampden Park.

Following last weekend’s results, Celtic now only need a point to secure the Scottish Premiership crown for a fourth season in succession. The Bhoys travel to Tannadice next Saturday in their first post-split fixture, which may be where they can finally celebrate with their supporters.

Looking ahead, Rodgers appears to have already set his stall out in advance of the summer window. Danny Ings has emerged as a suggested target at Parkhead as his contract at West Ham United continues to run down.

Mathias Kvistgaarden is on Celtic’s radar after another sparkling season at Brondby, though it remains to be seen if the Bhoys will meet his £13.5 million valuation.

Celtic’s fixture run-in after post-split fixture announcement

St Johnstone (N)

Scottish Cup semi-final

Dundee United (A)

Scottish Premiership

Rangers (A)

Scottish Premiership

Hibernian (H)

Scottish Premiership

Aberdeen (A)

Scottish Premiership

St Mirren (H)

Scottish Premiership

Aberdeen or Heart of Midlothian (N)

*Should Celtic advance to Scottish Cup final

Clearly, there is a desire within the walls at Parkhead to make sure the Scottish champions are equipped for Champions League qualifiers next season.

There is no automatic league phase qualification guarantee, so Celtic need to be proactive as they prepare to enter the final qualifying round.

Either way, the Hoops have now found out how much they will need to pay for a reported summer target, per recent developments.

Celtic find out fee needed to sign Stoke City star Million Manhoef

Over the last few days, information has come to light revealing that Celtic are interested in a move to sign Stoke City winger Million Manhoef and Rodgers has taken a personal interest in bringing the Dutchman to Parkhead.

Now, EFL Analysis report that the Bhoys will need to pay £10 million to land Manhoef. They will also field interest from Championship duo Sheffield United and Burnley alongside Belgian Pro League sides Genk and Club Brugge for his signature.

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Labelled “really exciting” by journalist Dean Jones, the 23-year-old has registered six goals and four assists in 35 appearances this campaign.

Financially, Manhoef’s £12,500 per week pay packet would fit into Celtic’s wage structure, and Rodgers’ men have shown a willingness to shell out sizeable fees for premium talent on the market.

However, it remains to be seen whether they will repeat the trick this summer. Champions League football isn’t a guarantee this year, so any lavish spending may have to wait until their European fate is secured.

Sidharth Monga, Karthik Krishnaswamy and Dustin Silgardo look back on a riveting Test series

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Aug-2025