Celtic are reportedly eyeing Robbie Keane as a frontrunner to take over in the summer, but they might have a better option on their list of alternatives.
Celtic will be in the market for a new manager in the summer to replace Martin O’Neill.
The experienced coach was brought in at the beginning of January on a deal until the end of the season, and unless something drastically changes, he’s likely to depart at the end of the campaign.
After a disappointing season, Celtic will be desperate to get their next appointment on the money, and a host of names have already been linked with the role.
Bellamy an Upgrade on Robbie Keane
Although Craig Bellamy has a lack of experience in club football, the job he’s done with Wales can’t be understated. It’s still early days, but he’s helped transform the way they play, and they are pushing to qualify for this year’s World Cup.
Keane has undoubtedly done an excellent job in his early days of management, but he’s done so in lower-level leagues in Isreal and Hungary.
Although Keane won the league title with Ferencvaros, they had won the league in the six seasons prior to him joining, so it was hardly unexpected that they lifted the trophy under him.
That wasn’t the case when Keane won the league with Maccabi Tel Aviv, but once again, they are a hugely successful club in Isreal, winning the title a total of 26 times.
Reports have claimed that Keane is the frontrunner, but Bellamy, who is an alternative target, might be the better option.
The Welsh boss worked alongside Vincent Kompany at both Burnley and Anderlecht, before the former Man City defender made the move to Bayern Munich.
Kompany is currently flourishing with Bayern, and they are likely to win the Bundesliga and are one of the favourites to lift the Champions League.
Bellamy will likely have learned plenty from Kompany, and if their relationship mirrors what happened with Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, Celtic could do a lot worse than hiring Bellamy this summer.
FIFA have released a statement after US President Donald Trump described 2026 World Cup referee Raphael Claus as “very suspect”.
Brazilian official Claus was the ref who sent off Folarin Balogun during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
Balogun was initially suspended for the USMNT’s last 16 clash against Belgium, but the AS Monaco forward was controversially allowed to play after FIFA suspended his one-game ban.
Trump: Claus Past ‘Very Suspect’
REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
It later emerged that Trump, who has close ties with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, personally intervened after describing Claus’ decision to send off Balogun as “horrible”.
“I think it [the suspension] would have left a big stain,” Trump said before the United States faced Belgium. “I can’t tell them what to do. I don’t believe they made the decision; I believe it was the commission that made the decision. And it was the right decision.”
Trump went further by describing Claus as “a little bit suspect”, adding: “If you check his past. Very suspect. I don’t want to say that because I don’t like to create controversy. If you like I’ll provide you with the past.” Watch the clip below:
FIFA and Collina Issue Statement
After Claus’s integrity was called into question by arguably the most powerful person on the planet, FIFA have responded with a statement defending their South American match official. The statement reads:
“FIFA recognises Raphael Claus as one of the world’s leading professional referees and a valued member of Team One at the FIFA World Cup. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”
Pierluigi Collina, the legendary Italian official who now works as FIFA’s Referee Committee Chairman, added:
“Raphael Claus is refereeing at his second FIFA World Cup having been with us in Qatar in 2022. He is an experienced and highly respected referee and we maintain full confidence in him as a trusted match official.”
United States Knocked Out By Belgium
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Despite a suspension being placed on Balogun’s one-match ban, the United States were knocked out of the World Cup after suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat against Belgium.
Arsenal have opened talks to sign a Manchester City midfielder in the summer transfer window as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s young options.
It’s not so often you see players move between Arsenal and Man City, although there have been a handful in recent years.
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are two recent examples, but there’s unlikely to be too many in the future due to their Premier League rivalry.
The Gunners are in the market for reinforcements this summer as they aim to build on what was a phenomenal 25/26 season.
The North London club will be hoping to go one better in the Champions League and lift the trophy, but they will also aim to win the Premier League title once again.
City are hoping to keep hold of the 16-year-old talent and have offered him a new contract, believed to be one of the biggest financially for a player his age in Europe.
Parker, described as a ‘powerhouse’, is yet to commit his long-term future to City, which has alerted a number of clubs around Europe, including Arsenal.
The Gunners are set to face competition from a number of clubs, including Premier League sides. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig are also keen, while Real Madrid are aware of his situation.
The Midlands club have slapped a £130m price tag on his head, and it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will get close to that figure.
Arsenal are looking to bring in young talent from around the world, but they will also be looking to add new signings to improve the senior squad.
Mikel Arteta’s side certainly don’t need to panic when it comes to additions for the first team after such an impressive 25-26 season, which saw them win the Premier League title.
Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Ajax sensation Seun Steur in a deal worth around £20m, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Magpies have had a busy window so far after selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70m, while a deal for Sandro Tonali to join Tottenham Hotspur for £100m was completed earlier this week.
That has allowed the club to seal a deal for Bazoumana Toure in attack, while they are also pushing to sign World Cup star Johan Manzambi to bolster their midfield. But they have now moved ahead with a deal for another midfield star to help Eddie Howe.
