Martin O'Neill has tipped Callum McGregor to one day manage Celtic after the midfielder removed uncertainty over his future by telling chief executive Michael Nicholson he is happy to stay with the Scottish champions. The 33-year-old captain's decision comes amid continuing transfer speculation and wider talk around Celtic's summer business.
O'Neill believes McGregor has the qualities to become a manager and said the player held summer talks with Nicholson over his long-term future amid reports of a possible switch to Saudi Arabia. Steven Gerrard has also explained why he did not return as Rangers boss, citing family reasons and concerns about recruitment.
Why is Callum McGregor being linked with Celtic's future?
O'Neill said McGregor has what it takes to become a manager, and the Celtic captain has now committed his future to the club. The midfielder, 33, told chief executive Michael Nicholson he is happy to remain at Celtic, ending uncertainty after reports linked him with a move to Saudi Arabia.
According to The Scotsman, McGregor held summer talks with Nicholson about his long-term future. The Celtic current boss, Martin O'Neill, believes the Scotland international could eventually move into management at the club.
Martin O'Neill tips Callum McGregor as a future Celtic manager as the midfielder commits his future to the club while Steven Gerrard reveals the reasons why he did not return as Rangers boss.
What is happening with Celtic's transfer plans?
Celtic have rejected an approach from Osasuna for 29-year-old Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney. The club are also involved in several other transfer discussions as they continue to shape the squad for the new season.
Frosinone have turned down Celtic's opening offer of around £6m for Rangers-linked Fares Ghedjemis. The 23-year-old Algeria winger remains a target, with the Serie A club wanting to keep him, although talks between the clubs are ongoing.
Celtic are preparing to improve their offer for Mika Baur with a structured package worth around £5m as the 22-year-old Paderborn midfielder still pushes to complete a move to Glasgow. However, Mika Baur looks set to remain at Paderborn after a £4m offer from Celtic was rejected, and head coach Ralf Kettemann told NW Sport he expects the midfielder to stay.
Real Oviedo have rejected an offer of approximately £6.2m from Lens for 24-year-old Celtic-linked winger Haissem Hassan. Elsewhere, Celtic are monitoring a number of other possible moves as rival clubs move in on targets.
Which other clubs are involved in these transfer rumours?
Hull City are set to beat Rangers and Cardiff City to sign 20-year-old midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl from Tromso. A separate report says Hull have emerged as the front-runners after Rangers withdrew from the race to sign the midfielder.
Monday's English & European transfer rumours also include Cologne as favourites to sign Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Talks are at an advanced stage, with several clubs interested in the 18-year-old winger, who spent last season with Rangers.
Rangers have held discussions with Brighton & Hove Albion over Amario Cozier-Duberry, but the Premier League club are in no rush to sell the 21-year-old winger after rejecting a £5m offer from Anderlecht. St Mirren, meanwhile, have received no contact from any other clubs amid speculation surrounding 24-year-old midfield star Killian Phillips.
Notts County have expressed an interest in 25-year-old Northampton Town defensive midfielder Dean Campbell, and another report says they are among a number of League One clubs eyeing a move for the Scottish midfielder. Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed a fee to sign Scottish winger Mason Stephens from Manchester City, with the 17-year-old expected to pen a three-year contract.
St Johnstone's hopes of landing a significant sell-on fee for Adama Sidibeh this summer have been affected after the striker, who has been tipped for a £1.5m transfer amid Championship interest, suffered a hamstring injury for Stockport County.
Why did Steven Gerrard rule out a Rangers return?
Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed he turned down the chance to return to Ibrox because he did not want to come back to Scotland and leave his family in the Middle East. He also said he had doubts about the club's recruitment.
Gerrard made the comments on the Open Goal podcast, where he explained the reasons for rejecting the opportunity to return as Rangers boss.
Monday's English & European transfer rumours
Who has your Premiership club brought in & let go this summer?
Key Facts
- Martin O'Neill has tipped Callum McGregor to one day manage Celtic.
- McGregor, 33, told Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson he is happy to stay.
- Celtic have rejected an approach from Osasuna for Kieran Tierney.
- Steven Gerrard said he turned down a Rangers return because of family reasons and doubts over recruitment.
