Celtic weigh Maeda decision as squad shake-up looms
Celtic loanee Stephen Welsh starred for Motherwell in a 3-2 win at Rangers, celebrated on Instagram and nodded to Kevin Bridges, a result that boosts Celtic in the title race.
David Dickinson will referee Hibs vs Celtic at Easter Road, with Calum Spence and Douglas Ross assisting. Don Robertson is VAR, supported by Duncan Nicholson. Celtic seek to pile pressure on rivals.
Celtic fan John Higgins jokes he wants a fifth world snooker title over Celtic winning the league, and admits he would even cheer Rangers vs Hearts to aid Celtic’s title push, prompting Ally McCoist’s jibe.
Celtic plan talks with Boca Juniors in two weeks over a permanent deal for Marcelo Saracchi, whose loan ends 30/6. The left-back, 28, has 1 goal and 2 assists in 23 games and is open to staying.
Celtic are working behind the scenes on appointing a new manager to replace interim Martin O’Neill, seeking a Rodgers-like figure while still competing for the league and SFA Cup.
Celtic remain keen on Venezia’s Issa Doumbia, 22, who has 7 goals and 5 assists in Serie B. His value has risen to around €15m, with Southampton, Club Brugge, Espanyol, Sporting and Serie A clubs also in.
Ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton says Rangers are likelier champions than Celtic, citing Celtic’s failure to beat Hearts or Rangers in the league and doubts over winning all four remaining games.
McFadden understands fan frustration at new deals for James Forrest, Liam Scales and Luke McCowan, but says Celtic must plan ahead and tie players down despite recent poor recruitment.
O’Neill indicates Maeda has one year left and could be sold if no new deal is agreed. Wolfsburg interest last year collapsed. Maeda hit a brace in the 3-1 win over Falkirk and is back in form.
Ajax have told Kasper Dolberg he can leave after five goals in 24 games, reopening a Celtic link after a rejected £8m bid. A cut-price deal is possible, though Feyenoord are tipped as suitors.
From 1909 to 2002, Celtic highlights include wins over Queen’s Park and Hibs to clinch titles, a Dunfermline loss post-cup win, and a 4-1 at Hearts with braces from Shaun Maloney and Simon Lynch.
Cardiff plan a move for Sheffield Wednesday keeper Pierce Charles amid interest from Celtic, Rangers and QPR. A fan pundit hails the 20-year-old as a ‘generational talent’ and ideal for their style.
Celtic and Rangers track Liverpool’s Luca Stephenson after a 5-goal, 5-assist Dundee United loan. Bolton could tempt him with game time, but Celtic’s stature and midfield depth are factors.
O’Neill says Celtic are ‘top-heavy’ and a clearout is coming, with loanees returning and fringe exits expected. He is unsure on Daizen Maeda’s contract, with one year left after rejecting a deal.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes says Rangers’ 3-2 loss to Motherwell made it a ‘big weekend’ for Hearts and Celtic, after Celtic beat Falkirk 3-1. Celtic visit Hibs next before Hearts host Rangers.
