Former Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has emerged as a leading candidate to become the next permanent Celtic manager this summer.
The Scottish champions are currently searching for a long-term successor after Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous 33-day tenure ended earlier this year.
Veteran coach Martin O’Neill is currently navigating his second interim spell of the season at Parkhead.
The Northern Irishman faces a daunting task to retain the Scottish Premiership title, with his side sitting five points adrift of leaders Hearts and trailing bitter rivals Rangers with just seven matches remaining.
Late push for the Parkhead dugout
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou was widely considered the overwhelming favourite to inherit the Glasgow hotseat next season.
However, reports now indicate the 45-year-old former striker has made a late push to overtake the Dane in the boardroom’s thinking.
The former international forward was heavily linked with a return to North London, but Tottenham Hotspur’s recent decision to hand Roberto De Zerbi a five-year contract has cleared the pathway for Celtic.
Managerial pedigree and fan connection
While Askou has impressed during his debut campaign at Fir Park, there are lingering concerns over his readiness for the intense pressure of managing the Hoops.
In contrast, the prospective new boss has already built a solid managerial resume across European football.
The Dublin-born coach secured league titles during successful stints with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros.
“He has made a late run for the Celtic job and burst into the race.”
Former football chief executive Keith Wyness noted recently regarding the sudden shift in managerial candidates.
A potential return would likely be welcomed by the Celtic fanbase, who still fondly remember his prolific loan spell in Scotland during the 2009-10 campaign.
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has dismissed speculation linking him with a summer move to Real Madrid, confirming his long-term commitment to the Anfield club.
The 25-year-old has been a standout performer during a challenging campaign for Arne Slot’s side.
He has contributed 12 goals and eight assists in 43 appearances across all competitions this term.
The versatile Hungarian has even showcased his adaptability by filling in at right-back to help ease ongoing injury issues.
Real Madrid speculation addressed
Rumours of a summer departure surfaced after Hungary manager Marco Rossi suggested the player harboured dreams of a switch to the Bernabeu.
Those links were amplified by revelations that Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior regularly exchanges messages with the Anfield star.
However, the central midfielder has firmly shut down any talk of an imminent exit to the Spanish capital.
“I love being here. My family is happy, I love the club, I love the fans, I love to play for this club and that is it.”
Dominik Szoboszlai
Arriving on Merseyside in 2023, he remains under contract with the Premier League giants until June 2028.
Embracing an iconic shirt
His driving runs and spectacular long-range free-kicks have drawn inevitable comparisons to club legend Steven Gerrard.
Taking on Gerrard’s legendary number eight shirt was an easy decision following the departure of Naby Keita.
“When I stepped into the training ground, seeing how everything is there and what kind of players are playing here, it was just a dream come true for me.”
Dominik Szoboszlai
The international captain acknowledges the Gerrard comparisons are a massive compliment but insists he is writing his own story.
Despite the team’s recent domestic struggles, he remains completely focused on forging his own legacy and helping new arrivals adapt to the demanding English top flight.
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer has been named the Associated Press men’s college basketball national Player of the Year after leading the Blue Devils to the Elite Eight.
The 6-foot-9 forward received 59 out of 61 first-place votes to claim the prestigious honour.
He becomes only the fifth freshman in history to win the award, following in the footsteps of former Duke stars Cooper Flagg and Zion Williamson.
Following in famous footsteps
“You just want to affect winning in whatever way you can.”
Cameron Boozer
The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer averaged an impressive 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game during a dominant campaign.
His all-around game also saw him register 4.1 assists per contest while shooting 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range.
The versatile big man tied for the national lead with 22 double-doubles across the season.
Duke’s historic dominance continues
The highly rated prospect was the driving force behind a squad that won 35 games and secured the top overall seed for March Madness.
His recognition marks the ninth time a Blue Devils player has won the accolade, extending the programme’s record for the most individual winners in the country.
BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, another highly touted future professional, received the remaining two votes after leading the NCAA with 25.5 points per game.
“It just goes to show more about what our team has done, just because I think that really helps awards like this, having great team success. It’s really just not me.”
Cameron Boozer
Destined for the NBA Draft
Every previous freshman to secure the AP award – a list that also includes Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant – has gone on to be selected first or second overall in the NBA Draft.
“We’ve been fortunate enough the last two years to have two of the best freshmen to ever play in college basketball back to back. And Cam is right up there.”
Chris Carrawell, Duke associate head coach
By orchestrating the offence and navigating constant double-teams, the 19-year-old has firmly cemented his status as a premier lottery pick.
“Sometimes you’ve got to take a step back and just remember that once upon a time, you were a kid dreaming to be here. So I think it’s very special.”
Cameron Boozer
British heavyweight rivals Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have reportedly agreed to a long-awaited generational showdown in Dublin during the autumn of 2026.
The monumental all-British bout has eluded boxing fans for years amid repeated failed negotiations.
However, Wasserman promoter Kalle Sauerland claims the elusive deal has finally been secured.
Speaking ahead of the weigh-in for Derek Chisora’s upcoming clash with Deontay Wilder, the boxing executive revealed the highly anticipated matchup is imminent.
“AJ-Fury, I’ve heard it’s done for Dublin later this year, so I think that will get announced pretty soon.”
While Sauerland referenced an autumn date later this year in his original remarks, the historic clash is officially targeted for the 2026 calendar.
Overcoming recent adversity
The breakthrough provides a major boost for the 36-year-old Olympic gold medallist following a devastating car accident in Nigeria last December.
The former two-time unified world champion suffered injuries in the tragic crash, which also sadly claimed the lives of two teammates.
Since recovering, the Watford-born fighter has returned to rigorous training alongside former rival Oleksandr Usyk in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the self-styled Gypsy King is currently preparing to end his fifth retirement from the sport.
Path to the super-fight
The 37-year-old undefeated heavyweight is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn previously hinted at a summer return for his marquee athlete, potentially serving as a precursor to the Dublin spectacle.
Sauerland remains incredibly confident the mega-fight is locked in, despite briefly questioning whether he had prematurely leaked the confidential information.
“Fury-AJ, done for apparently autumn in Dublin, fantastic. That’s what I’ve heard, word on the street.”
The impending official announcement could ultimately signal the final chapter for Britain’s defining heavyweight boxing era.
Wrexham recovered from a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion and move into the Championship play-off places.
The visitors produced a dismal first-half performance at The Hawthorns, trailing to a George Dobson own goal and a Josh Maja penalty.
However, Phil Parkinson’s side transformed after the interval to salvage a crucial point in their pursuit of consecutive promotions.
Tale of two halves at The Hawthorns
Albion started brightly under the guidance of interim manager James Morrison.
The Baggies had won their previous two fixtures and carried that confident momentum into the early exchanges.
Their dominance was rewarded after 26 minutes when Isaac Price’s angled free-kick deflected off Dobson and past goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Matters worsened for the Welsh club shortly before the break after Issa Kabore wrestled Jayson Molumby to the ground during a corner.
Windass sparks remarkable revival
Maja stepped up to confidently dispatch Albion’s first penalty of the season and double the home advantage.
Whatever Parkinson said to his lethargic players during the interval clearly had an immediate impact.
Just two minutes into the second period, Josh Windass curled a magnificent 20-yard strike into the net to give the visitors hope.
The equaliser arrived in the 62nd minute following a dangerous cross from Callum Doyle.
Okonkwo heroics preserve crucial point
Lewis O’Brien and Dobson both converged on the delivery, with the final telling touch forcing the ball over the line to restore parity.
Despite their subsequent second-half dominance, the away side ultimately relied on a moment of brilliance from their goalkeeper to preserve the draw.
Okonkwo produced a spectacular late save to deny Albion substitute Daryl Dike in the dying moments of the match.
The hard-fought point elevates the Red Dragons into sixth position in the Championship standings.
They now sit one point ahead of Southampton, setting up a monumental clash between the two promotion hopefuls in North Wales next Tuesday.
Liverpool have opened discussions regarding the potential summer signing of Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi on a free transfer.
The Merseyside club are exploring options to bolster their backline as uncertainty mounts over the future of Ibrahima Konate.
The French international is out of contract at Anfield at the end of the current campaign and has yet to agree new terms.
Existing defensive vulnerabilities have also been compounded by Joe Gomez’s recurring injury issues during his tenure.
Senesi sets sights on summer exit
Representatives for the 28-year-old centre-back have contacted several top clubs ahead of his impending free agency.
The Argentine has formally informed the Cherries of his intention to depart the Vitality Stadium when his current deal expires.
While Anfield executives are actively pursuing the player, the defender reportedly harbours a long-standing ambition to join Barcelona.
However, the Catalan giants are currently understood to be prioritising a move for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.
Replacing Salah remains primary focus
Despite this defensive recruitment drive, replacing departing talisman Mohamed Salah remains the overarching priority for the Reds.
The Egyptian international is confirmed to be leaving on a free transfer at the end of a difficult season for Arne Slot’s team.
Finding a reliable attacking successor will be crucial to reversing a recent dip in domestic form.
Ghana are close to appointing former Germany boss Joachim Low as their new manager on a short-term deal ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The Black Stars are seeking a high-profile replacement after dismissing Otto Addo last week following four consecutive friendly defeats.
Negotiations with the 66-year-old have intensified over the past 24 hours, with personal terms reportedly nearing completion.
Under the proposed agreement, the World Cup-winning coach is expected to earn approximately £131,000 per month to guide the West African nation through the upcoming tournament and 2026 qualifying.
World Cup pedigree
The Ghana Football Association parted ways with Addo after a string of poor results left the national side languishing at 74th in the world rankings.
A formal statement thanked the departing coach for his contributions and promised to communicate a new technical direction in due course.
Turning to the experienced tactician represents a major statement of intent for a team drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
A long-awaited return
The former VfB Stuttgart manager has been out of work since leaving his post with the German national team in 2021.
During his 15-year tenure with Die Mannschaft, he famously secured the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and achieved a third-place finish four years earlier in South Africa.
Despite a lengthy hiatus, the veteran coach recently revealed he had received several offers to return to the dugout.
Ready for a new challenge
“I wasn’t really interested in returning. However, now I’m ready to consider opportunities that leave a good impression,” he told German outlet Kicker last year.
“I have extensive experience with national teams and preparing for major tournaments.”
He has also openly reflected on the latter stages of his international career, admitting he stayed in his previous role too long.
“I should have stepped aside after the 2018 World Cup to make way for someone with fresh ideas who could better manage the transition from the golden generation,” he added.
Looming England showdown
If the appointment is confirmed, his immediate focus will turn to a challenging summer campaign.
The four-time Africa Cup of Nations winners begin their group stage against Panama on 18 June.
They will then face Thomas Tuchel’s England side five days later in a highly anticipated clash.
Hansi Flick has challenged Marcus Rashford to seize a starting role at Barcelona following an injury to Raphinha, while warning the England forward that competition for places remains fierce.
The Manchester United loanee is poised for increased playing time after the Brazilian winger was ruled out of several crucial upcoming fixtures.
Raphinha will miss domestic clashes including a meeting with Atletico Madrid, as well as the forthcoming Champions League quarter-finals.
Flick demands high standards
The German manager praised his loanee’s recent contributions but highlighted the depth available within the Catalan club’s attacking ranks.
“I am happy with Marcus because he’s performed well. In the last weeks he had some problems, he was injured, we had to take care about that.”Hansi Flick
Flick named Spanish youngsters Fermin Lopez and the returning Gavi as viable alternatives if the required level is not met.
Permanent move hangs in the balance
The academy graduate is eager to convince the La Liga leaders to activate a reported £26m clause to make his stay permanent.
Having already scored 10 goals in Spain, the lightning-fast attacker has rediscovered his form and consistency away from Old Trafford.
Barcelona currently sit top of the Spanish top flight and remain firmly in contention for European glory.
Raphinha granted compassionate leave
Meanwhile, the team’s second-highest goalscorer has returned to his homeland to recover mentally from his untimely setback.
The sporting hierarchy, including director Deco, granted the forward time off to digest the disappointment of missing the pivotal spring schedule.
“Normally we want the players here, but he’s in good hands and maybe he can clear his mind, come back this weekend and start on Monday.”Hansi Flick
The Brazilian international is expected to return to the club’s training facilities next week to begin his rehabilitation programme.