Football news LIVE: Tottenham appoint Ange Postecoglou, Man United eye £40m striker, Allan Saint-Maximin hints at Newcastle exit, Leicester release seven players

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• Simon Jordan believes Ange Postecoglou’s appointment at Tottenham must work following the sackings of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.

  Insisting the pressure is on Daniel Levy, the talkSPORT host said on White and Jordan: “This is a territory where Daniel needs to get this right now.

  “If he ever needed to get a managerial appointment right, he needed to get this one right, because since Pochettino – Mourinho, Conte and Nuno Espirito Santo – you can say none of them have worked.

  “And there’s only so many times you can make decisions and say they’re not working, and I think it creates more pressure on you just simply by the nature of getting it wrong.”

  Asked by Jim White if this Levy’s most important announcement, Jordan stated: “In recent times, I think yeah.

  “This idea that you can’t play a brand of football and you can’t win anything which are the two things that Tottenham fans want, they want a brand of football that they enjoy, and they want to win something.

  “And Postecoglou is a winner, whether you can translate winning the Scottish Premier League into the Premier League, I think you can – it depends upon the characteristic, it has been proven before with Alex Ferguson.

  “It has been proven with Martin O’Neill when he came over to Aston Villa and put them into the top six.

  “OK Tottenham’s ambitions are slightly loftier, but it’s been proven for a period of time when Brendan Rodgers came over and won the FA Cup with Leicester.

  “So there’s no reason why this fella can’t come in and get Tottenham facing the right way. There’s no reason.”

  

• Chelsea are reportedly demanding just £20million for American winger Christian Pulisic.

  The USA international had a disappointing 2022/23 season, where he chipped in with just a goal and an assist in 22 Premier League matches.

  And according to The Athletic, the Blues are now willing to cash in on the 24-year-old, who is tied down at Stamford Bridge until 2024.

  It has been said that Chelsea would be willing to part ways with him for £20m.

  That is almost triple less than what Chelsea paid for him in 2019 after handing over £58m to Borussia Dortmund.

  

• Celtic captain Callum McGregor has hailed Ange Postecoglou after it was confirmed he will take over at Tottenham.

  The Scotland international told the Hoops’ website: “It has been great to work with the gaffer over the past two seasons and to achieve the success that we have, especially achieving yet another treble at the weekend.

  “In fact, to win five out of six domestic trophies is a tremendous achievement and that is testament to the real focus and relentlessness of the manager, the players and our whole backroom team who have all worked so hard.

  “I thank all our supporters again for what they have given us this year. The scenes at Hampden and Celtic Park, when we celebrated our success together will stay with me forever.

  “We have delivered something very special to our fans and done it, under the manager’s direction by playing an exciting and attractive brand of football. As all the players do, I wish Ange great success in his next challenge.

  “We move on ourselves to our own challenges too. Our performances this season mean we will take our place deservedly in the Champions League and we can’t wait for it. 

  “It will be brilliant to have these great nights back at Celtic Park and I am sure our fans are looking forward to experiencing this again, as well as watching us striving to defend all our domestic titles.

  “The players will enjoy a well-earned break and when we return we will get right behind the new manager, we will be united and, as ever, will do all we can to bring our fans continued success.”

  

• Ange Postecoglou has thanked Celtic upon his departure to Tottenham as he revealed he turned down a contract extension to stay with the Scottish champions.

  Speaking to Celtic’s website, he said: “I would like to sincerely thank everyone at the club for everything they have given me.

  “In particular, Dermot, Peter and Michael and the Celtic Board have shown me tremendous support in every aspect of my time at Celtic and I will forever be grateful for this.

  “They brought me to the club and I have worked so closely and so well with them for the past two years, I will always have a special relationship with them.

  “They wanted me to extend my time at Celtic and while I am so respectful and understanding of their position, a new opportunity has been presented to me and it is one which I wanted to explore.

  “It was an honour to be asked to be Celtic manager and during my two years I have given everything I have to deliver success to our supporters. Culminating in the Treble at the weekend, my players and backroom team have been brilliant for me on this journey.

  “They have given us all some fantastic moments through their energy and effort, creating real quality, winning football.

  “Our supporters have been magnificent to me and I thank them for the way they have embraced me during the past two years. My ambition was always to give our fans a team they could be proud of, a team people talked about and I think we have achieved that.

  “Celtic is a phenomenal football club, and so much more – and I will forever be a supporter of this great institution. I wish everyone connected with Celtic nothing but continued success.”

  Postecoglout leaves Celtic after winning the domestic treble in the 2022/23 season.

  

• Celtic have wished Ange Postecoglou well after the Australian departed Glasgow to take charge of Tottenham.

  Hoops chief Celtic Chief Executive, Michael Nicholson said: “It has been a pleasure working with Ange, a great football manager and a good man.

  “He has served the club with such energy and determination and delivered a phenomenal level of success.

  “I would like to thank him for all he has given us and I wish Ange and his family the very best for the future in everything they do.

  “Of course, we wanted Ange to stay with us at Celtic and while there is real disappointment that we are losing him, he has decided he wants to look at a new challenge, which we respect.

  “As Treble-winning champions, the club looks ahead with confidence to the future, with many exciting opportunities ahead.

  “The club appreciates the tremendous support from Celtic fans this season and we will continue to build from this position of unity and strength.” 

  

• Tottenham have confirmed the appointment of Ange Postecoglou on a four-year deal.

  Chairman Daniel Levy said: “Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play.

  “He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our club.

  “We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead.”

  Postecoglou will officially take over on July 1.

  Spurs also confirmed that an announcement will be made on his coaching staff in due course.

  

• Laura Woods’ reaction to Chelsea’s interest in Moises Caicedo perfectly summed up how every Arsenal fan is feeling right now.

  The Blues have made the Brighton star their top summer target now Manuel Ugarte is heading to Paris Saint-Germain.

  Caicedo is a player who has long been linked to the Gunners, even trying to force a move to the north Londoners in January.

  However, they face huge competition other clubs this summer if they want to land the £80million-rated midfielder.

  Arsenal fan Woods could not hide her frustration at as money-bags Chelsea look set to gazump them.

  Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, she said: “I’ve got another Chelsea one, apparently they’re keen on Moises Caicedo. Oh for god’s sake…”

  Asking talkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook, Woodsy added: “How likely is that one to go through?”

  Crook replied: “I think it’s quite likely…”

  Cue Woodsy hiding her face with a piece of paper…

  

• Tottenham have been told they have a ready-made replacement for Harry in Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

  The England skipper has been linked with a moves to Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich this summer after Spurs failed to qualify for Europe.

  And with his contract in north London to expire next summer, Tottenham could be tempted to cash in on him.

  But fans shouldn’t be worried by his potential departure, as talkSPORT host Adrian Durham declared Japanese star Furuhashi would be a perfect replacement.

  His current Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is on his way to Spurs, and Durham believes he should bring with him the Hoops’ top scorer.

  He said: “There’s one player in particular – Kyogo Furuhashi. I actually think he would be amazing in the Premier League.

  “So if he brings him with him, that’s a ready-made replacement for Kane.”

  Furuhashi helped Celtic win the domestic treble this season, where he chipped in with 34 goals and five assists in all competitions.

  

• Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks with Manchester United about signing Dean Henderson permanently.

  United see selling Henderson as a way to raise funds to help with their summer rebuild and manager Erik ten Hag has sanctioned his departure.

  The England international spent the 2022/23 season on loan at the City Ground and is due to return from injury in time for the new campaign.

  In total, Henderson made 18 Premier League appearances for the Reds.

  

• Newcastle have been urged to avoid signing Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo – despite their Saudi links.

  That is the view of Ally McCoist, who said on the Sports Breakfast: “A) I don’t think they will, and B), I don’t think it’s a good idea.

  “And my main reason for that is all these guys are effectively – I wouldn’t say running down their careers – but they’re at that stage of their career.

  “Whereas I think Newcastle as a club are at a stage where they’re building rather than doing anything else.

  “Plus the fact that it would make everybody hate them.”

  

• Manchester United centre-back Victor Lindelof is poised to be handed a new contract after impressing Erik ten Hag.

  That is according to The Sun, who has stated the Red Devils are keen to trigger a one-year extension in the Swedish defender’s deal.

  Lindelof finished the season strongly having started the last 12 games as a result of Lisandro Martinez’s injury.

  The ex-Benfica man looked to be on his way out this summer before finding himself back in Ten Hag’s plans.

  Though United are still looking to bring in another centre-half with club captain Harry Maguire facing an uncertain future.

  Napoli’s Kim Min-jae is understood to be a serious target after he helped the Italian side win their first Serie A title since 1990.

  

• Leicester have reportedly slapped a £40million price tag on James Maddison.

  The Foxes playmaker looks set to depart the King Power Stadium following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

  According to The Athletic, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle and Tottenham all hold interest in the England international.

  And due to Leicester’s drop down into the Championship, they will accept offers of around £40m.

  But it has been said that Leicester hope a bidding war starts as teams look to secure his services.

  

• Manchester United are ready to ramp up their interest in Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, talkSPORT understands.

  Ideally manager Erik Ten Hag wants to sign two new front-men this summer.

  Danish international Hojlund is valued at £40m by Atalanta after being compared to Erling Haaland because of his eye for goal and aerial ability.

  

• Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin has hinted at a summer exit on Instagram.

  The French winger endured a difficult season on the pitch, despite Newcastle’s third-place finish, struggling with form and injuries.

  Saint-Maximin has now opened up on an emotionally challenging year and admitted he is at a ‘turning point’ in his career.

  “This year has been one of the most difficult years emotionally, you are not able to know that as I keep personal things for myself, but I lost some really important people, and that is nothing compared to all the things that happened in my life this year, but I always tried to be present on the pitch and give everything. I am so proud of the team and that we achieved the CL [Champions League],” he wrote.

  “I am now entering a turning point in my career and I will give everything until the end to achieve my dreams.”

  

• Tottenham are expected to announce Ange Postecoglou as their new manager after reports on Monday claimed the Celtic boss has agreed a two-year deal.

  The 57-year-old Australian’s pending appointment will end Spurs’ long search for a permanent replacement for Antonio Conte, who they sacked in March.

  Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason had respective spells in temporary charge as the London club failed to qualify for European football next season for the first time since 2009-10.

  Postecoglou told Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond on Saturday night of his decision to leave the Glasgow club and has now agreed a deal in principle with Spurs, with the option to extend.

  Former Australia head coach Postecoglou admitted on Saturday, after Celtic’s Scottish FA Cup final win over Inverness had secured them the domestic treble, that his celebrations would soon be disrupted.

  Neither club have commented but reports claim an announcement will be made when the finer details of the contract have been finalised.

  When repeatedly pressed on his future after Celtic’s 3-1 Hampden win over Inverness on Saturday, Postecoglou said: “I anticipate enjoying this moment for the next 24-48 hours, as long as I can, before someone drags me away and takes my attention away from enjoying something that’s been hard-earned.

  “The reality is, there’s probably players in that dressing room who won’t be here next year. That’s the nature of football.”

  

• That’s it for today on talkSPORT.com’s football news blog.

  We’ll be back tomorrow morning with the latest on all the big football stories.

• Leicester have announced the departure of seven players following their relegation from the Premier League.

  Youri Tielemans, Caglar Soyuncu, Daniel Amartey, Nampalys Mendy, Ryan Bertrand, Ayoze Perez and Tete will all leave the club upon the expiration of their contracts this summer.

  However, the club is in talks with Jonny Evans, whose deal is also set to expire, regarding his future, while an option has been exercised to extend the contract of midfielder Hamza Choudhury to June 2024.

  

• Harry Redknapp is excited at the prospect of Tottenham’s impending appointment of Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.

  “I like it,” Redknapp told talkSPORT. “I’ve said before I met him out in Australia when I managed a game for the Jordan national team, he managed Australia and it was Tim Cahill who played for Australia and I was chatting to him before the game and he said, ‘our manager’s fantastic.’ I said, ‘Really?’ and he said, ‘Harry, he is top drawer.’

  “I’d never heard of him at that time, he had been managing out in Japan but Timmy Cahill, who’s no fool, said he’s brilliant.

  “I’ve watched how he’s done at Celtic, he’s been brilliant. I like him… he plays it straight, tells it as it is. I like him.

  “He don’t care. If a player misses a goal he’s not afraid to say, ‘my old woman could’ve scored that!’”

  

• The EFL has approved Tom Wagner’s imminent investment in Birmingham.

  The American financier and his company, Knighthead Capital Management, has agreed to purchase a 45 per cent stake in Blues under Shelby Companies Limited.

  Birmingham and Wagner still need the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to confirm the deal before it is officially completed with the club’s parent company, Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited, having been looking for investment.

  A club statement read: “The English Football League (EFL) has today approved the acquisition of 45 per cent in the Club by Shelby Companies Limited and is now awaiting approval in accordance with the rules of Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

  “This exciting announcement comes after the exchange of two signed Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPA) on Sunday, 7 May.

  “Shelby Companies Limited is managed by American financier, Tom Wagner, who was in attendance at Blues’ final game of the 2022/23 Sky Bet Championship season against Sheffield United.”

• Former world champion boxer and Manchester City fan Ricky Hatton has sent a rallying cry to Pep Guardiola’s men ahead of the Champions League final against Inter Milan this weekend.

  City are one game away from completing the treble after sealing the Premier League and FA Cup.

  However, they have never won UEFA’s biggest prize and lost their last Champions League final against Chelsea in 2021.

  But Hatton believes this time will be different.

  Speaking to Gambling Zone, he said: “We’ve been here for the last few years.

  “We’ve been the favourites to win the Champions League and we haven’t done it for whatever reason, but this is the best team in all the years we’ve been challenging for the Champions League trophy, this is the best team we’ve had.

  “We’re in the best form we’ve ever been in, we’re coming off a Premier League win and an FA Cup win, so confidence couldn’t be any higher. This is our year… let’s go and finally get that Champions League trophy.”

• talkSPORT understands Tottenham are set to confirm Ange Postecoglou as their new first-team manager.

  The Australian has agreed personal terms with the north London giants.

  Spurs and Celtic are now in talks over compensation for the remainder of Postecoglou’s contract.

  

• Chelsea have just confirmed the signing of Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle for an undisclosed fee.

  The Blues also haven’t revealed any details of the 16-year-old’s contract apart from the fact he won’t join them until he is 18 in May 2025.

  Paez has made just six appearances in the Ecuadorian top flight but starred at the Under-17s World Cup.

  He captained his country, scored twice and set up six goals before then playing in this year’s Under-20 World Cup, starting all four group games and being directly involved in four goals.

  Chelsea Football Club has agreed a deal to sign teenage midfielder Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle! ✍️

  — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 5, 2023

• Dwight Yorke believes Manchester United will close the gap on rivals City if they sign England stars Harry Kane and Mason Mount.

  talkSPORT understands Chelsea midfielder Mount has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, while Tottenham striker Kane is on their radar.

  Speaking on the Sports Breakfast, United legend Yorke was asked for his thoughts on the pair, where he said: “Harry Kane, there’s no introduction there, that’s the deal.

  “If you want to get closer to City, with his goals and experience, what he brings – a guaranteed 25 goals a season.

  “They will definitely get closer to City, that would be the smart move to bring him in, and that’s a deal that they really shouldn’t hesitate, they should make it happen.

  “Mason Mount, I like him, I think he might need a change at that club [Chelsea], I think Manchester United can probably bring the best out of him.

  “We have a lot of those type of players who are there, but I like the fact that he is English, he’s got a nice combination of how he plays and is intelligent.

  “I think he could be an interesting buy for us going forward. If we got them, I think we will be one step closer to City.”

  

• Former Porto star Hulk is still doing incredible things having banged in an outrageous goal for Atletico Mineiro.

  The 36-year-old Brazilian scored a stunning free-kick from 45-yards to give his side the lead over Cruzeiro in the 27th minute of their clash this weekend.

  Hulk placed the ball down close to the centre-circle, with nobody expecting him to have a go at goal from the set-piece.

  The forward produced a powerful drive leaving ex-Napoli and Reading goalkeeper Rafael Cabral with no chance.

  He then celebrated by jumping over the advertising hoardings – kissing his teams badge.

  Hulk joined Atletico Mineiro after leaving Shanghai in 2021, where he scored 84 goals in 144 appearances.

  He had emerged onto the scene become an instant hit during his days with Porto and Zenit Saint Petersburg.

  

• Erik ten Hag has been told David de Gea must leave Manchester United this summer in order for the club to progress.

  The 32-year-old has been the Red Devils’ No1 choice goalkeeper since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

  But he has been plagued by inconsistent performances this season, and with his contract set to expire, United have been urged now is the time to part ways with the Spaniard.

  talkSPORT pundit and ex-Chelsea star Tony Cascarino said: “Applaud him, give him the right send off, he’s been a terrific goalkeeper for Manchester United.

  “But it has to change at the football club, if you’re going in a different direction with different ideas, I think that’s the starting place.

  “It was the same starting place that Pep Guardiola had by the way at Manchester City [in 2016].

  “Where did he start? Straight with the goalkeeper [Claudio Bravo in for Joe Hart], it was the first choice he made.”