Celtic

Celtic kick out an approach from a Russian Premier League side for Japan midfielder Reo Hatate before a fee was discussed. (Daily Mail), external

Celtic have rejected an initial bid from Atalanta for midfielder Matt O'Riley, with the Serie A club expected to make another offer. (Sky Sports), external

Atalanta's offer of around £16m for Matt O'Riley was instantly dismissed as Celtic hope to eclipse the club record fee of £25m they got for winger Jota. (Daily Record), external

PFA Scotland player of the year Matt O’Riley is very interested in pursuing a move from Celtic to Europa League winners Atalanta. (HITC), external

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has dropped Daniel Kelly from his pre-season plans after the 18-year-old midfielder rejected a new contract. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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Celtic fans, we asked what would constitute a successful campaign for your side this season.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Charlie: Retaining the league title along with qualification out of the Champions League group stage would be progress this season. Celtic’s style of attacking football must improve with much more ruthlessness domestically.

Jim: Domestically a treble is what supporters expect. I’m more interested in achieving the knock out phase of the Champions League and having much better results than the last few years.

Mike: The league is always the main target and adding a cup is some icing, but if we really want to show progress, Europe is where we need to see an improvement. Look how good we all felt in 2003, and we won nothing!

Gordy: A successful season would be to get out of the Champions League group, either the last 16 of the CL or a run in Europe. I think the league and one of the domestic cups are a given if we get the signings right but we need to be in Europe past Christmas.

Danny: A successful season would be winning the league obviously. But, also, not being an absolute joke in Europe yet again. A decent signing would be good too. Not players that may or may not be good in the future. A proven £10-£12m player to give us strength in European competitions and give the fans a player to get excited about.

Kieran: A successful season to step up a notch has got to be one of two options, either we complete a world record ninth treble or we retain the league title and reach the knockouts of the Champions League.

David: A successful season to all Celtic players and fans is to retain the league title, and to retain a good run in all the club cup competitions. Celtic need to try and be successful in European competitions, we are a massive club that’s very well supported around the world, we need to stand up and be respected as a great club on and off the field again.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says his side's pressing was "nowhere near" where he would like in their pre-season friendly win over Queen's Park.

Kyogo scored a hat-trick as Celtic ran out 6-4 winners on Wednesday, but Rodgers says they need to improve before the season gets under way against Kilmarnock on 4 August.

"It's about fitness, but there were lots of elements of the first half I wasn't happy with," Rodgers said. "Our pressing was nowhere near the level I'd expect and that's what we said at half-time.

"You expect some mistakes, but overall we have a long way to go with the pressing side of our game. There were some really pleasing moments in the game second half."

Celtic now travel to the United States for friendlies against DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

"We step up another level now," Rodgers added. "It will be great work for us and three fantastic games."

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Kyogo Furuhashi netted a hat-trick as Celtic hit six in an exciting 10-goal friendly win over Queen's Park.

The Japan striker's early opener was cancelled out by Ruari Paton before the Championship club took the lead through Dom Thomas.

But Kyogo soon levelled things up, with a third from Matt O'Riley sending Celtic into the break 3-2 up.

Kyogo completed his treble after the interval and Oh Hyeon-gyu added a fifth before Queen's responded with a dink from Louis Longridge.

Celtic's three-goal lead was restored by teenager Francis Turley, but there was time for the second-tier side to score the 10th goal of the night through Tyrece McDonnell.

Celtic fans, the bar for success at Parkhead is always incredibly high, but what would constitute a successful season this time around?

Have your say on what you want to see from Brendan Rodgers' side, external.

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Celtic defender Alistair Johnston started for Canada as they were knocked out of the Copa America by Lionel Messi's Argentina.

The right-back, who has started all of Canada's games in the tournament, played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 defeat.

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez and Messi scored the goals for Lionel Scaloni's side, who progress to the final of the competition, where they will face either Uruguay or Colombia.

Celtic have been sent signals by Sparta Prague that the Czech Republic club are not willing to sell goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen. (Daily Record)

Talks over a permanent transfer for Paulo Bernardo to Celtic are advancing, with the player keen on a quick solution. (Daily Mail)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip

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Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn is eager to see Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo return to the club this summer.

Norwich City striker Idah, 23, and Benfica midfielder Bernardo, 22, had loan spells in Glasgow last season, playing parts in the side's double-winning campaign.

A bid of about £4m to £5m to sign Idah has already been turned down, while reports in Portugal suggest Bernardo is edging closer to a permanent move to Scotland.

When asked if he would like to see the return of Idah, who scored nine goals in 19 games in the second half of last season, Kuhn said: "Of course. He gave me my first assist for my first goal here, that was a nice start for both of us.

"He's a good player. We'll see what's going to happen."

Bernardo was in and out of the Celtic team last term but showed promise during spells of the campaign.

Kuhn says "it would be great to have him back" and feels the Portuguese midfielder is yet to hit his full potential.

"I was quite close with Paulo," the German winger added. "I would be happy if he comes back. He's a great player."

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Celtic will make another bid to land Sparta Prague goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen, who is top of their list to replace Joe Hart. (Daily Record, external)

However Romania international 'keeper Horatiu Moldovan is also a Celtic's target after being frozen out by Atletico Madrid. (Daily Mail, external)

Celtic defender Alexandro Bernabei is set for a summer switch to his native Argentina – after to Independiente looked to trigger a clause in his existing loan deal with Brazilian side Internacional. (The Scottish Sun, external)

Read the rest of today's Scottish gossip here.

Former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara and fan Paul John Dykes share the view that they would rather Brendan Rodgers' side have progress in Europe over more domestic success next season.

Click here to listen to more on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

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Following the retirement of Joe Hart, a new first-choice goalkeeper must be at the top of Celtic's to-do list.

Brendan Rodgers is yet to welcome any new recruits this summer, but whoever starts between the sticks next season has big gloves to fill.

That is the view of Celtic fan Paul John Dykes, who says Hart is a "massive loss".

"The big thing with that is the void left by Hart is huge," Dykes told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Not just the talent on the park, but I just think the experience and the leadership he undoubtedly showed - and he must have shown that behind the scenes as well.

"He's a massive loss. I think all we have now is Scott Bain in terms of a first-team goalie, so we'll need to bring in at least one."

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Ex-Celtic captain Jackie McNamara remains "optimistic" about his former side despite no summer incomings so far.

Some fans have become restless about a lack of transfer activity and McNamara hopes Brendan Rodgers can add "real quality" to put the support at ease.

Speaking to the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, the former defender said: "I think you're always optimistic going into every season.

"I know there's not been a lot of talk so far about the lack of signings. There are a lot of rumours and we know there are areas they need to strengthen.

"I think Brendan Rodgers has been quoted many times, even in January, about the quality over quantity, bringing real quality in and that does come at a big expense. But there's no guarantees, as we've seen in the past.

"You'd like to think behind the scenes that they're working tirelessly to get the positions they need to strengthen to do well in Europe."

The latest Scottish Football Podcast from BBC Scotland previews next season for defending champions Celtic.

Iona Ballantyne is joined by the club’s former captain Jackie McNamara and ACSOM host Paul John Dykes.

Listen here.

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Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate says he would like to play in the English Premier League, as well as in Spain and Italy. (Sportiva via Scottish Sun, external)

Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

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What's that saying about quality over quantity?

That old adage seems to be Celtic's intended recruitment plan this summer, though fans still grow increasingly restless as the wait goes on for a first new arrival in the east end of Glasgow.

Scott Allan, a man who knows about the pressure of playing for the champions, believes it's the support who have forced the club's hand into searching for ready-made recruits as opposed to project players.

"The fans have demanded that because of how Europe has gone for Celtic these past few years," the midfielder told BBC Radio Scotland.

"Some of the guys from the Asian market have done really well - Reo Hatate and Kyogo - but there's a lot of players just sitting on the sidelines taking a lot of money from Celtic and not playing.

"Is there anything coming out of either side's [Old Firm] youth systems? There probably hasn't been enough in the last few years.

"There's got to be changes from both clubs, but Celtic seem to be going down the patient route this time and looking for the right calibre of player."

Leicester City have joined the race to sign Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley as new manager Steve Cooper needs a replacement for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after his £30m move to Chelsea. (Scottish Sun On Sunday), external

Celtic had a bid of £4m plus add-ons rejected by Norwich City for Adam Idah, but that was only an opening offer and the Scottish champions are mulling over their next move for the striker who was on loan in Glasgow last season. (Sunday Post, print edition)

Celtic are back round the table with Benfica in a bid to thrash out a deal for Paulo Bernardo, with the Portuguese club looking for £6m but the Scottish champions believing they can negotiate a transfer for around £4m, including a sell-on clause, for the 22-year-old midfielder who was on loan last season. (Sunday Mail), external

Herediano head coach Walter Centeno is hoping there are no acceptable offers for Andy Rojas as he welcomed the 18-year-old forward, for whom Celtic are one of several European clubs credited with an interest, on his return from Copa America duty with Costa Rica. (Scottish Sun On Sunday), external

Rocco Vata has admitted his Celtic transfer exit came "earlier than expected" after the 19-year-old winger sealed a switch to Watford. (The Herald On Sunday), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Former Celtic player Andy Walker has tipped Celtic to sign last season's loanee Adam Idah after Norwich rejected an initial bid for him.

Walker also reckons the striker, who scored the winner in last season's Scottish Cup final against Old Firm rivals Rangers, could take over the role of being the side's main attacker from Kyogo.

“I think so [that Idah can make an impact in Europe]," he said on Sportsound.

“I think that in the end, Celtic will come to some sort of agreement with Norwich and that they will get him.

“If you remember the way that Brendan Rodgers spoke about him when he began working with him he was waxing lyrical about his qualities and you would have thought this guy was a star in the Premier League in England when you listen to the way Rodgers was talking him up.

“I think he does want to work with him and I think he’s the type of player he wants to work with, that type of guy who’s got a bit of stature, a bit of physique, a bit of strength, in stark contrast to Kyogo who has been the number one striker for a couple of seasons.

“I think if Celtic were to get Adam Idah he may well take over that mantle, he’s the type of player that Brendan Rodgers likes to have in his starting eleven.”

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Former Celtic striker Andy Walker believes Rangers could lose "an edge" to their home games should they be forced to play away from Ibrox.

Rangers said in June "there will be an impact on matches at Ibrox" following "a delay in a materials shipment from Asia". Philippe Clement's side have two home Scottish Premiership fixtures and at least one, possibly two home Champions qualifying games in August.

Walker was part of the Celtic team that played home games at nearby Hampden Park in season 1994-95 while Celtic Park was being renovated.

More recently, Celtic played two home European fixtures at Murrayfield in Edinburgh while Celtic Park was being used as part of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Hearts also played some home games at the rugby ground while Tynecastle was being worked on in 2017.

"I don’t think it was that difficult," Walker recalled of Celtic in 1994-95. "The problem we had was it was a poor Celtic team. We finished fourth. Our results against Rangers were actually quite good but we drew an extraordinary amount of games. At the time we were struggling to challenge. We were a poor side.

"We all knew in preparation for the season that we wouldn’t be playing at Celtic Park. This was in the plan. Celtic Park was going to be reconstructed."

Walker remembers the atmosphere at the national stadium being "not as good as Celtic Park".

"You know what it’s like when you’re playing in front of your home crowd, they can put a yard on to your stride," said Walker on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound. "We didn’t really get that at Hampden.

"Obviously, it doesn't help if you're not playing in those familiar surroundings. You'll just lose a bit of an edge to your game. It’s all about the team, it’s all about the quality and if you’re winning games, you’re happy to play anywhere.

"Celtic have got an advantage because they’re a better team. They’re a well oiled machine. I’m sure they will get a few signings in the bag before the season kicks off. As long as they get [manager Brendan Rodgers'] players in.

"They’ve got a financial advantage, they’ve got a financial muscle that Rangers are struggling to compete with and that’s the key to everything."

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Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston will face Lionel Messi's Argentina in Tuesday's Copa America semi-final after helping Canada continue their surprise run with a penalty shoot-out victory over Venezuela.

The 25-year-old played the full game as the sides drew 1-1 after extra time in Arlington, Texas, before the competition debutants prevailed at the AT&T Stadium.

Jesse Marsch's team had headed into the tournament as the lowest seeds in their group and again were underdogs against a Venezuela side who had won all three of their group games.

However, Canada won the shoot-out 4-3 despite a missed penalty from substitute Liam Millar, the Preston North End forward who had a spell with Kilmarnock from Liverpool.

In New Jersey, they will have to avenge a 2-0 group-stage defeat by World Cup winners Argentina, who also needed penalties to defeat Ecuador after a 1-1 draw, if they are to reach the final.

Celtic, Nice and Parma have positioned themselves to bid for Yvon Mvogo, who is poised to be allowed to leave relegated Lorient a year early when the 30-year-old goalkeeper returns from Euro 2024 with Switzerland. (L'Equipe), external

Sparta Prague goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen remains top of Celtic manager Brenda Rodgers' shortlist despite reported interest in Lorient's Yvon Mvogo. (Scottish Sun), external

Asmir Begovic, who has been linked with Celtic, is currently training with National League club Aldershot Town as the 37-year-old goalkeeper contemplates his next career step after rejecting a new contract with Queens Park Rangers. (The National), external

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he could have had nine new players by now but wants to make sure the Scottish champions pick the right ones as he vowed he will not lose patience in the summer transfer market. (Daily Record), external

Manager Brendan Rodgers hopes to have made new signings before Celtic's pre-season trip to United States in a fortnight. (Scottish Sun), external

Birmingham City have made an approach for Owen Beck, the 21-year-old Liverpool left-back who has been linked with Celtic after impressing on loan to Dundee. (Football Scotland), external

Former Scotland striker Kenny Miller is "absolutely buzzing" after he was confirmed as assistant following ex-Celtic manager Ronny Deila's appointment as head coach of Saudi Arabian club Al Wahda. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Brendan Rodgers picked out Bosun Lawal and Dane Murray for special praise following the 1-1 friendly draw at Ayr United.

Kyogo Furuhashi opened the scoring for the Premiership champions but Anton Dowds equalised from the penalty spot for Scott Brown's side.

"The game was exactly what we needed," Rodgers told CelticTV.

"Ayr are a couple of weeks in front of us in terms of their fitness but I really enjoyed it and first and foremost it is about getting that football fitness.

"It was a chance to see the personality of some of our youngsters and what they bring to the game. That they can play with no fear is really important to me.

"Bosun I really like. He has a lot of physical attributes and a lot of football ability. He has been out on loan so has that experience, and he has the power and quality to break through.

"And it was great to see Dane Murray back. He was someone I saw when he was around the first team at 16 or 17 but he has had a horrendous time with injuries so I'm really pleased for him that he's got minutes on the field for Celtic.

"He's physically a great size and moves well."

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Kyogo Furuhashi scored Celtic's goal as the Scottish Premiership champions began their pre-season programme with a 1-1 draw at Ayr United.

Odin Thiago Holm was brought down in the area and the Japan striker made no mistake from the penalty spot to give the double winners - led by Stephen Welsh - the lead after 24 minutes.

Anton Dowds equalised just 10 minutes later though - also from the penalty spot after George Oakley had been fouled - and there were no further goals in the second period, where Celtic fielded almost a completely new side.

The only reason it was not a totally new XI was that defender Maik Nawrocki was taken off midway through the opening half and had to be replaced by Lenny Agbaire.

After the break, Oh Hyeon-gyu's glancing header from a corner went wide while Mitchel Frame's shot from distance was well held by Harry Stone as Brendan Rodgers' youthful side searched for a winner.

Josh Clarke made a fine save to deny Scott Brown's side a late winner.