Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min has been named in the South Korea squad for his fourth World Cup by head coach Hong Myung-bo.

The 33-year-old departed Spurs last year and currently represents Major League Soccer franchise Los Angeles FC.

The experienced attacker will lead his nation into a challenging Group A campaign this summer.

They begin their global tournament against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on 12 June.

Dual-heritage history made

Manager Hong Myung-bo has blended seasoned veterans with ground-breaking new additions.

Borussia Monchengladbach defender Jens Castrop becomes the first player with dual heritage to make a South Korean World Cup squad.

The German-born prospect switched his international allegiance last year and has since earned five caps for the Asian nation.

He is joined by a strong European-based contingent, including Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae and Paris St-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in.

British-based stars feature heavily

Despite the LAFC talisman’s departure from London, British football remains well-represented in the setup.

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan offers Premier League pedigree to the attacking line.

A raft of EFL and Scottish Premiership talent has also been selected for the showpiece event.

This includes Stoke City’s Bae Jun-ho, Birmingham City’s Paik Seung-ho, Celtic’s Yang Hyun-jun, and Swansea City’s Eom Ji-sung.

South Korea will face co-hosts Mexico on 19 June before concluding their group schedule against South Africa in Monterrey six days later.

Full South Korea World Cup squad

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has revealed his long-term ambition to leave the Scottish Premiership and test himself in the English Premier League.

The Japanese international told media in his homeland that he wants to take the next step in his professional career.

A move south of the border has always been a primary goal for the lightning-fast attacker.

The 26-year-old has been a crucial figure at Parkhead since arriving from Yokohama F. Marinos in January 2022.

Palma departs as Rangers target youth

Elsewhere in Glasgow, the reigning champions have reportedly agreed a deal to sell Luis Palma to Lech Poznan.

The Honduras winger is set to join the Polish club permanently following a successful loan spell.

Across the city, Rangers are actively pursuing teenage reinforcements to bolster their defensive options.

The Ibrox side are in active negotiations to sign 19-year-old defender Akpe Victory from Hungarian outfit Zalaegerszegi.

Securing the highly-rated prospect will require a significant investment, with the selling club demanding a fee in excess of £4m.

Rangers are also monitoring Sunderland academy forward Finn Geragusian, though the English Championship club have opened talks to retain the 18-year-old.

Hearts receive apology amid Aberdeen changes

Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association has accepted that Hearts were wrongfully denied a penalty during their recent 1-1 draw with Motherwell.

Former Scotland and Hibernian manager Alex McLeish has suggested that a Premiership title victory for the Tynecastle club would be highly beneficial for the domestic game.

Up in the north east, Aberdeen are preparing to secure the futures of promising duo Alfie Bavidge and Alfie Stewart with new contracts.

Their commitment comes as Marko Lazetic prepares to permanently depart Pittodrie.

At Tannadice, Dundee United left-back Will Ferry is expected to move on this summer, according to Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson.

Finally, Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor admits that competing in Scottish League One just two seasons after top-flight football serves as a harsh reality check for the Highland club.

Manchester United have been given the opportunity to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer in a deal reportedly worth £87m.

The Old Trafford club are prioritising midfield reinforcements ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Veteran Brazilian Casemiro will depart when his contract expires, while Manuel Ugarte is expected to be sold to generate essential transfer funds.

Interim boss Michael Carrick has reportedly agreed terms to become permanent manager and wants two additions in the centre of the pitch.

Magpies forced into summer sales

Newcastle are under mounting pressure to sell key personnel to comply with the Premier League’s strict financial regulations.

A lack of Champions League revenue next season means the Tyneside outfit must balance their books before reinvesting in their squad.

The Italian international had previously been considered too expensive by the Red Devils hierarchy.

However, recent reports in Italy indicate the 26-year-old has now been placed on the market by his current employers to ease their financial constraints.

Alternative targets and legends’ praise

Nottingham Forest standout Elliot Anderson remains the primary target for the Manchester club.

Securing the highly-rated prospect will prove difficult, with Forest demanding a fee in excess of £100m amid rival interest from Manchester City.

A move for the former AC Milan playmaker could therefore provide a viable and slightly cheaper alternative for Carrick’s side.

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes recently endorsed the combative star’s abilities.

“He is the best midfielder in the Premier League, better than Declan Rice.”

Other notable departures from St James’ Park could include Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento as Newcastle prepare for a challenging summer rebuild.

Chelsea will attempt to salvage their turbulent season when they face reigning champions Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The Blues enter the showpiece event in the highly unusual position of having no permanent manager and facing deep-rooted hostility from their own supporters towards the Clearlake-Boehly ownership.

Beating Pep Guardiola’s formidable side would secure a crucial place in the Europa League next season.

However, it remains highly doubtful whether domestic silverware will truly mask the underlying structural issues at Stamford Bridge.

Search for managerial stability

A recent draw at Liverpool narrowly prevented the West London club from suffering a disastrous seventh consecutive league defeat before their trip to the national stadium.

The two-time Champions League winners currently languish in ninth place in the Premier League, completely missing their pre-season target of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition.

Interim head coach Calum McFarlane will lead the team this weekend, becoming the first Englishman to manage a side in the final since Frank Lampard in 2020.

He replaces Liam Rosenior, who lasted less than four months after succeeding Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day following a bitter boardroom dispute.

The club’s hierarchy are actively searching for a permanent successor while navigating strict Uefa financial controls that heavily limit their spending power.

Former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is widely considered the external favourite for the vacant role.

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva also feature prominently on a detailed shortlist drawn up by sporting directors.

Fan protests threaten Wembley showpiece

Even an unexpected victory against the current Premier League champions is unlikely to quell the rising tide of supporter anger directed at the regime.

A growing supporter movement, known as Not A Project CFC, has orchestrated a planned march up Wembley Way hours before kick-off.

Protesters intend to display a prominent banner targeting both the BlueCo ownership group and the club’s sporting hierarchy over their handling of football operations.

Frustrations are expected to spill over into their final home match against Tottenham next week.

Supporters plan to turn their backs on the pitch during the 22nd minute of the London derby to signify their profound displeasure with the 2022 takeover.

Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins has responded to his March international omission by scoring 11 goals across all competitions to firmly stake his claim for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad.

Two months ago, the lively attacker found himself struggling for form and was consequently dropped by the national team manager.

However, a recent resurgence has seen the former Brentford man outscore his international captain Harry Kane in the period since that disappointing setback.

His latest impressive display featured a crucial brace during a 4-2 victory over Liverpool which guaranteed Champions League football for his club next season.

A timely return to goalscoring form

The prolific marksman has registered 12 Premier League goals this campaign, with a remarkable nine arriving after his exclusion from the Three Lions camp.

Across all competitions, that tally rises to 11 strikes, edging past the 10 goals managed by Kane over the exact same timeframe.

This impressive domestic output extends seamlessly into European competition, helping guide the West Midlands outfit towards the Europa League final.

“I had a slow start to the season, picking up a few niggles on international duty and then being left out of the England squad,” Watkins explained.

“I think it gave me that fire in my belly to come back and prove to people what I can do.”

Teammates back international credentials

Club captain John McGinn has been effusive in his praise for the revitalised frontman following his match-winning performance against the Reds.

The Scottish midfielder noted that while the initial international snub was difficult to process, it has ultimately provoked the perfect reaction.

“We’re so fortunate to have him, what he’s done for this club the past few seasons has been incredible,” stated McGinn.

“I think he may have just snuck his way onto that plane.”

European glory awaits in Istanbul

The immediate reward for this sensational purple patch could be a historic continental triumph against Freiburg on Wednesday evening.

Victory in Istanbul would secure a first major trophy in 30 years for the ambitious Premier League side.

While the long-term ambition remains securing the primary backup role to Kane at the upcoming tournament in North America, adding a European medal to his collection will only strengthen an already compelling case.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has revealed how a disjointed high defensive line allowed his side to secure a 4-2 victory over Liverpool at Villa Park on Friday.

The England international scored twice during a challenging night for the Merseyside club.

Defeat means the visitors missed a crucial opportunity to confirm their qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for the hosts before the away side temporarily equalised early in the second half.

However, a subsequent defensive collapse saw the visitors concede three further goals, including a spectacular long-range strike from John McGinn.

Targeting defensive vulnerabilities

The four goals shipped in the West Midlands mean Liverpool have now conceded 52 times during the current campaign.

This defensive tally is already 11 goals worse than their entire record last season, with one fixture still remaining.

The prolific forward boasts an exceptional personal record against the Reds, registering eight goals in just 12 career appearances.

Speaking after the match, the 28-year-old explained exactly why he finds it so straightforward to exploit space behind the opposition’s defence.

“Liverpool play a high line and don’t play offside so they’re disjointed at the back and feel like there’s a lot of space for me to run into,” Watkins told Sky Sports.
“No disrespect to them, the centre backs are world class but I spot space and opportunities.”

Capitalising on tight decisions

The Villa hitman admitted frustration at an earlier offside flag but quickly made amends alongside his attacking partners.

He praised a strong on-pitch connection with Rogers, which immediately resulted in a decisive close-range finish.

“Just before the goal, I was disappointed because I went offside, they play such a high line,” he added.
“I shouldn’t be offside in that position but to grab that goal a minute later, me and Morgan have a great connection.”

The striker also noted his relief when a Video Assistant Referee check ruled in his favour for a tap-in, following an initial missed attempt by teammate Pau Torres.

Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich, though the proposed transfer currently hinges on the Premier League club’s overall valuation.

The 23-year-old England international has reportedly settled on the framework of a contract with the Bavarian giants.

However, securing a formal fee agreement with the Magpies remains a significant hurdle before any deal can be fully finalised.

The former Everton academy graduate enjoyed a stellar campaign at St James’ Park last season, making him a highly sought-after commodity in the current European market.

Casemiro targets MLS switch

Elsewhere, veteran midfielder Casemiro appears increasingly destined for a lucrative move to Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami currently lead the race to secure the signature of the experienced Brazilian international.

Leaving Old Trafford would mark the end of a mixed spell in English football for the former Real Madrid star and five-time Champions League winner.

Rashford pushes for Barcelona stay

In another major development, Marcus Rashford is actively pushing to remain with Barcelona.

The dynamic attacker is eager to prolong his stint in Catalonia despite ongoing speculation regarding his long-term club future.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are locked in a battle with local rivals Manchester City for the services of highly-rated midfielder Elliot Anderson.

Liverpool seek wide reinforcements

Liverpool are actively scouring the transfer market to recruit new wide players as they rebuild their attacking options.

Further down the table, a fiercely contested Premier League race has emerged for FC Midtjylland prospect Dario Osorio.

Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Everton are all actively chasing a deal for the promising winger.

Manchester City defender Marc Guehi is aiming to win consecutive FA Cup finals with different clubs when he faces former team Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.

The England centre-back finds himself on the brink of a highly unusual achievement following a mid-season rule change.

Just last year, the highly-rated defender captained Crystal Palace to their first major trophy.

From humiliation to Wembley return

The defending champions then suffered a humiliating cup exit in January this year at the hands of sixth-tier Macclesfield.

Nine days after that embarrassing defeat, the former Palace captain transferred to the Etihad Stadium.

A recent modification to cup-tie regulations meant players eliminated with one team can now represent another in the same competition.

“I feel like my football life is just crazy,” said the England international.
“There’s no consistency to it, it’s just very unpredictable and it’s quite fun.”

Bouncing back from adversity

The commanding centre-half has experienced a rollercoaster week after an under-hit back pass against Everton gifted Thierno Barry a crucial Premier League goal.

Addressing the error, the defender acknowledged that mistakes are an inevitable part of the game.

He displayed similar accountability at Macclesfield, where he approached irate travelling supporters following the final whistle.

“I just felt like I owed the fans at least for their voices to be heard because they’re such a big part of football,” he explained.

Chasing history with the champions

That shock non-league defeat brought an abrupt end to an outstanding spell in South London.

The standout defender left Selhurst Park as the most decorated captain in their 120-year history.

Now, he is set to start in Manchester City’s fourth consecutive FA Cup final appearance.

“I know how much it means to them to win trophies, especially the FA Cup and the history that it has behind it,” he added.