Celtic have opened talks with Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen about becoming their new permanent manager this summer.
The Scottish Premiership champions are currently under the interim guidance of Martin O’Neill until the end of the season.
Parkhead officials are working to secure a long-term successor following a turbulent campaign in the dugout.
Knutsen identified as primary target
Reports suggest Celtic have formally initiated contact with the 57-year-old Norwegian following his exceptional performance in Europe.
Knutsen has seen his reputation soar after guiding the Arctic Circle club to the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Eliteserien manager previously stated that any move away from Norway would require a project “more exciting” than his current role.
“Nothing in life is certain. I answer as I always do, [if I leave] it should be something that is more exciting than Glimt.”
Kjetil Knutsen
Gregg Broughton, the former academy director at the Norwegian outfit, has described the tactician as an “absolute master” of focusing on immediate results over speculation.
European pedigree attracts Celtic interest
The Bhoys have turned their attention to Knutsen after watching his side stun Inter Milan in the Champions League play-offs.
Bodo/Glimt secured a 2-1 victory at the San Siro on Wednesday to seal a 5-2 aggregate win over the Italian giants.
This result adds to an impressive list of continental scalps, with the minnows also recording victories over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
The Norwegian side also proved their quality last season by reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League before losing to eventual winners Tottenham.
Instability at Parkhead
Celtic are seeking stability after the failed appointment of Wilfried Nancy earlier this term.
The former Major League Soccer coach was relieved of his duties after just eight games in charge, having won only two matches.
Nancy’s dismissal led to the return of O’Neill for a second interim spell following the earlier departure of Brendan Rodgers.
While the Northern Irishman could stake a claim for the permanent job, the club hierarchy appears focused on bringing Knutsen to Glasgow.
Erling Haaland and Declan Rice have emerged as the early frontrunners for the Premier League Player of the Year award as the 2025-26 title race intensifies.
The campaign is approaching its business end with no clear consensus on the division’s standout performer.
Arsenal currently lead the table, but Manchester City remain in hot pursuit in what has coalesced into a two-horse race for the trophy.
With just ten matches remaining, individual performances are coming under increased scrutiny.
Haaland’s all-round evolution
Erling Haaland remains the obvious choice for many observers, despite a perceived quiet spell by his own lofty standards.
The Norway international sits top of the scoring charts with 22 league goals.
Crucially, the striker has evolved his game beyond finishing, registering seven assists so far this term.
That tally leaves him just one short of his personal best for creativity, set during the 2022-23 treble-winning campaign.
His total of 29 goal contributions is unmatched by any peer, highlighting his enduring importance to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Recent performances have showcased a significant increase in work rate and defensive contribution.
During a vital 2-1 victory over Newcastle, the forward recorded 43 touches and won 12 duels.
Guardiola was quick to praise this shift in mentality following that result.
“He’s an incredible, generous player, so today is a performance, and I’ll never forget what Erling has done for us.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Rice driving the Gunners
While City rely on their focal point up front, Arsenal’s charge is being driven from the engine room.
Declan Rice has established himself as the heartbeat of the league leaders as they compete on four fronts.
The England midfielder has proved almost undroppable for Mikel Arteta.
Rice has clocked 2,329 minutes of Premier League action, a figure bettered only by teammate Martín Zubimendi among the squad’s outfield players.
His consistency provides the platform for the north London club’s title tilt.
Relegation battles and European chases
The race for individual accolades is mirroring the tension at both ends of the table.
Defending champions Liverpool find themselves outside the top four, chasing Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Chelsea for Champions League qualification.
At the bottom, Wolves appear all but relegated, sitting 17 points adrift of safety.
Burnley also face a stark reality, while a shock relegation battle involves Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, and Tottenham Hotspur fighting to avoid the final drop zone spot.
Portugal are assessing whether to proceed with a friendly against Mexico next month following safety concerns raised by recent unrest in the host nation.
Roberto Martinez’s side are scheduled to face the 2026 World Cup co-hosts in Mexico City on 28 March.
The fixture is intended to mark the reopening of the iconic Estadio Azteca following extensive renovations.
However, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is monitoring the situation closely after violence erupted in parts of the country following the death of a cartel leader.
Security situation under review
Unrest broke out in the state of Jalisco on Sunday after Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, was killed during a military operation.
Although the incident occurred away from the capital, the European nation is seeking assurances regarding the safety of their travelling delegation.
The FPF stated that guidance from the Portuguese government would be “fundamental and crucial” to determining if the trip goes ahead.
Federation prioritises player safety
In a statement released on Tuesday, the governing body confirmed they remain in close contact with their Mexican counterparts.
“The Portuguese Football Federation emphasises that the safety of players, coaching staff, and fans is its absolute priority,” the statement read.
“This is the guiding criterion for all assessments and decisions regarding the holding of the match.”
Despite the uncertainty, both federations expressed a “mutual desire” for the World Cup preparation match to take place as planned.
World Cup preparations continue
Mexico is preparing to hold 13 matches across the country during the 2026 tournament, which they will co-host alongside the United States and Canada.
The renovated Azteca is a centrepiece of the nation’s hosting plans and authorities in Mexico City have indicated that the recent events have not resulted in incidents within the capital.
As it stands, the date and location of the match remain unchanged pending further monitoring.
Jurgen Klopp’s tenure as Red Bull’s head of global soccer could be cut short as reports suggest the organisation would allow the German to leave if he wishes to return to management.
The former Liverpool manager accepted the strategic role in 2024, tasked with overseeing the energy drink giant’s multi-club portfolio.
However, reports from Austria indicate the relationship has not yielded the immediate on-pitch success initially hoped for.
According to Salzburger Nachrichten, Red Bull would not block the 58-year-old’s path should he decide to walk away from the project.
Leipzig struggles spark concerns
Questions have been raised regarding the performance of RB Leipzig, the group’s flagship club in the Bundesliga.
Marco Rose’s side currently sit fifth in the German top flight, falling short of expectations to challenge for the title and secure Champions League qualification.
While the two-time Premier League winner is not solely blamed for these struggles, the anticipated impact of his expertise has seemingly been limited.
This lack of progress has reportedly made the organisation open to a parting of ways.
Real Madrid and dugout return
The potential exit has reignited speculation regarding a sensational return to the dugout for the Champions League winner.
Real Madrid have been touted as a possible destination, with president Florentino Perez known to be a long-term admirer of the Stuttgart-born coach.
Speculation mounts that the Spanish giants could make a move in the summer, potentially offering a route back into elite management.
Opportunities with the German national team also remain a talking point, depending on Julian Nagelsmann’s long-term future.
Despite the rumours, the ex-Reds boss has previously played down an immediate return to coaching.
“I don’t expect to change my mind, but I don’t know,” Klopp told reporters earlier this year.
“We’re building a house right now and my missus wanted to have a really big trophy room. There was another small room and I said, ‘This is enough, because we know how many trophies we have, we will not add any.'”
“It might sound arrogant, but I know I can coach a football team. But I don’t need to do it until my last day.”
Glasner lined up as successor
Red Bull appear to be contingency planning for life without their high-profile strategic advisor.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been identified as a leading candidate to fill the potential vacancy.
The Austrian is set to leave Selhurst Park this summer and retains a high stock in German football following his Europa League triumph with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Glasner previously held coaching and coordination roles at RB Salzburg, making him a logical successor within the organisation’s structure should the position become available.
Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased a 25% stake in Spanish second division club UD Almeria as the Portugal forward looks to expand his influence beyond his playing career.
The Al-Nassr captain confirmed the acquisition in a statement on Thursday morning.
It marks a significant return to Spanish football for the former Real Madrid superstar, who left La Liga for Juventus in 2018.
Financial details of the investment have not been disclosed by either party.
“It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch,” said Ronaldo.
“UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth.
“I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of growth.”
Push for La Liga promotion
The immediate priority for the new ownership structure will be securing promotion to the Spanish top flight.
Almeria currently sit third in the Segunda Division table on 48 points after 27 matches.
The Andalusian side are just two points behind league leaders Real Racing with 15 games remaining in the campaign.
Ronaldo’s investment sees him partnering with Mohamed Al Khereiji, the leader of the Saudi investment group that took control of the club last year.
The two men reportedly share a close relationship, with Al Khereiji instrumental in facilitating the forward’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2022.
Balancing playing and ownership
The 41-year-old is now in the unique position of being an active player in the Saudi Pro League while serving as a co-owner of a European club.
He recently returned to the scoresheet for Al-Nassr, breaking the deadlock in a 5-0 victory over Al-Najma on Wednesday.
That result kept his current side top of the table, two points clear of Al-Ahli.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner appears to have settled differences with club officials following a dispute over squad investment during the January transfer window.
This move into administration follows comments made at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in December 2024 regarding his former club Manchester United.
Ronaldo had hinted at a desire to help fix issues at Old Trafford, suggesting problems there went far deeper than results on the pitch.
European national teams privately fear participation in the 2026 World Cup could result in financial losses due to rising costs and tax uncertainty in the United States.
Despite Fifa announcing a record prize fund of $727m (£539m) for the tournament, associations are concerned about the expense of the expanded North American event.
An investigation indicates that operational costs will be substantially higher than the 2022 edition held in Qatar.
One national governing body estimates it could lose a considerable sum if its team exits in the group stages or early knockout rounds.
Allowances cut and travel costs rise
While teams will receive $9m (£6.7m) for qualifying – a figure consistent with the previous tournament – Fifa has reportedly reduced daily delegation allowances.
The per-person daily rate has dropped from $850 to $600 for this summer’s competition.
One federation calculates this reduction alone could cost them an additional $500,000 if they remain in the tournament for a month.
Logistical expenses are also projected to soar due to the vast travel distances required across the US, Canada, and Mexico compared to the compact nature of the finals in the Middle East.
Furthermore, unfavourable exchange rate shifts over the last four years mean prize money paid in US dollars now holds lower value for European organisations.
Tax concerns in the US
There is significant frustration that tax guarantees, usually a key requirement for host nations, have not been fully honoured by the United States.
While co-hosts Canada and Mexico have agreed to exemptions for competing teams, the situation in the US remains unresolved.
Associations fear facing a ‘postcode lottery’ depending on where they are drawn to play.
State tax laws vary significantly, with California imposing an income tax rate of up to 13.3%.
European bodies report they have been left to seek independent tax advice rather than receiving clear guidance from the world governing body.
Any reduction in net profit is likely to have negative repercussions for domestic football, as World Cup revenues are typically reinvested directly into local grassroots programmes.
Paris Saint-Germain supporters have displayed a banner of support for Achraf Hakimi after it was confirmed the defender will stand trial following an allegation of rape.
Ultras show ‘total support’
The ‘Collectif Ultras’ group unfurled the message, which read “Achraf, total support”, before Wednesday’s Champions League match against Monaco at the Parc des Princes.
It comes days after confirmation that the 24-year-old Morocco international will face court proceedings regarding an incident alleged to have taken place at his home in 2023.
Hakimi played the full 90 minutes of the second-leg tie shortly after the banner was displayed.
Hakimi denies allegations
The full-back has consistently denied the accusations since a preliminary investigation was opened by the public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre last year.
He addressed the development on social media earlier this week, stating he awaits the legal process “calmly” to allow the truth to emerge.
“It is as unfair to the innocent as it is to sincere victims,” the former Real Madrid player wrote.
His legal team issued a statement reiterating their determination to see justice served.
Legal proceedings confirmed
The complainant alleges she was assaulted at the player’s home in January 2023 after travelling there via a taxi booked by the accused.
Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, stated that her client was relieved the case would proceed to court.
“There are still areas where the #MeToo movement has not yet breached the sound barrier, chiefly in men’s football,” Pardo said.
PSG progress in Europe
Despite the off-field developments, Luis Enrique named the defender in his starting line-up for the knockout round play-off.
The Parisians were held to a 2-2 draw on the night but progressed to the last 16 with a 5-4 aggregate victory over their French rivals.
When asked about his player’s legal situation prior to kick-off, the PSG manager refused to be drawn on the specifics.
“This matter is in the hands of the authorities,” Enrique said.
Arsenal have informed Real Madrid that defender Gabriel Magalhães is not available at any price following an enquiry from the Spanish champions.
According to reports, the Premier League leaders moved quickly to dismiss the approach for the 28-year-old.
The Brazilian centre-back committed his future to the north London club by signing a long-term contract extension last summer.
Having recently secured new deals for Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, the Gunners are determined to demonstrate that their key assets are out of reach for Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
Chelsea target Rogers deal
Chelsea remain confident of securing a move for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, despite the Midlands club placing a strict valuation on the player.
Villa have indicated it would take an extraordinary offer to consider a sale, likely exceeding the British record £100m fee received for Jack Grealish in 2021.
The Blues’ co-director of recruitment, Joe Shields, reportedly holds a long-standing interest in the 23-year-old having originally brought him to Manchester City during his time leading their youth recruitment.
Goretzka set for free agency
Arsenal and Tottenham are expected to face competition from Inter Milan for the signature of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka.
The Germany international will be a free agent when his contract at the Allianz Arena expires at the end of the current campaign.
Bayer Leverkusen are also monitoring the 31-year-old, who reportedly rejected a January move to the Emirates Stadium to see out the season in Bavaria.
United eye Casemiro replacement
Manchester United are tracking Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye as they prepare for life after Casemiro.
Old Trafford officials have been told the Brazilian will be leaving the club, prompting a search for a successor in the defensive midfield role.
Gueye recently scored the winning goal in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco and has become a pivotal figure for the Yellow Submarine.
Elsewhere, a host of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have sent scouts to watch Eintracht Frankfurt right-back Nnamdi Collins.