Rafael Nogueira
Celtic’s search for a long-term manager has taken a clearer shape—Jose Mourinho is not in the frame. According to reports, the Benfica boss remains off the radar as the Hoops focus on securing a permanent successor to interim manager Martin O’Neill.
Meanwhile, Ian Cathro, the former Dundee United and Hearts coach, has dismissed speculation about a return to Scottish football. Fresh off being named Manager of the Month in Portugal after guiding Estoril to seventh place, Cathro told the Bola-Branca podcast that only “a lot of money” would lure him back north of the border. “There’s no other reason to make that move,” he said.
“It would take a lot of money to bring me back to Scotland. There’s no other motivation for it.”
Elsewhere in Scottish football, Scott McTominay has addressed his future amid growing Premier League interest. The Napoli midfielder, 29, remains happy in Italy but hasn’t ruled out a return to England—with his boyhood club, Manchester United, leading the chase.
Rangers are eyeing another summer move for Silas Andersen, the Hacken midfielder rated at £6 million. The Daily Record reports that Cologne’s January bid was rejected, but the 21-year-old is expected to depart Sweden this year. Closer to home, James Tavernier’s contract situation remains unresolved, with the Rangers captain’s age—34—cited as the main hurdle to a new deal.
In the Premiership, Motherwell striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has praised manager Jens Berthel Askou for allowing him to join Sydney FC on loan. The 26-year-old is chasing a spot in the Socceroos’ World Cup squad and credits Askou’s man-management for the opportunity.
Off the pitch, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has vowed to prevent a repeat of this summer’s inflated World Cup ticket prices when Scotland co-hosts the European Championships. The Scottish FA also revealed plans to trial a dedicated singing section at Hampden Park for home matches this year.