Latest news with #Double
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Brighton jump ahead of Man Utd and Arsenal in £34million transfer race for Greece wonderkid Babis Kostoulas, 18
BRIGHTON have moved ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal as well as a raft of other suitors for Olympiacos wonderkid Babis Kostoulas. And the Seagulls could sign the teenage sensation as early as Wednesday. Advertisement 2 Brighton could sign Olympiacos wonderkid Babis Kostoulas by Wednesday 2 Kostoulas has also been targeted by Manchester United and Arsenal Kostoulas, 18, burst onto the scene this season, which saw him amassing six goals and one assist in 21 league appearances with the Greek champions. The versatile striker played a crucial role in the Piraeus outfit winning the Double and making it to the Last 16 of the Europa League, where they finished in the top eight during the league phase. That came after another stunning 2023-24 campaign that saw the Greece Under-21 international leading the club's Under-19s to Uefa Youth League glory, which marked the first ever European trophy won by a Greek team. Advertisement Read More on Football But it is SunSport can reveal Wednesday will be "crucial" regarding Kostoulas' future and the Seagulls' hopes of landing him. Advertisement Most read in Football Olympiacos won't sell on the cheap and will insist on a major resale clause for their star player, who has a contract until 2030. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Negotiations have reached a fee of €40million (£34m), which Fabian Hurzeler's side are currently not willing to meet despite their willingness to pay good money. SunSport, though, understand Kostoulas' fee could climb even higher to €50-55m (£42-46m). Advertisement That would make Kostoulas the most expensive Greek transfer of all time as he would eclipse Kostas Manolas' £30m move from Roma to Napoli in 2019. Brighton recently completed the second most expensive Greek transfer of all time when they landed Stefanos Tzimas from Nuremberg following a £22m deal. That would see the Seagulls continuing their impressive run of snatching some of the world's best young talent after signing the likes of Yves Bissouma, Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and more. Kostoulas is among Olympiacos' biggest wonderkids along with Konstantis Tzolakis and Christos Mouzakitis, who is also targeted by Brighton as Advertisement But Brighton face competition from Tzolakis, 22, on the other hand, has been ranked as the goalkeeper that's most ready for a top-five league competition under the age of 23 following stunning performances in the Europe League and
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Brighton jump ahead of Man Utd and Arsenal in £34million transfer race for Greece wonderkid Babis Kostoulas, 18
Brighton may sign the Man Utd and Arsenal target by Wednesday WORTH THE KOST Brighton jump ahead of Man Utd and Arsenal in £34million transfer race for Greece wonderkid Babis Kostoulas, 18 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRIGHTON have moved ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal as well as a raft of other suitors for Olympiacos wonderkid Babis Kostoulas. And the Seagulls could sign the teenage sensation as early as Wednesday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Brighton could sign Olympiacos wonderkid Babis Kostoulas by Wednesday 2 Kostoulas has also been targeted by Manchester United and Arsenal MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford Kostoulas, 18, burst onto the scene this season, which saw him amassing six goals and one assist in 21 league appearances with the Greek champions. The versatile striker played a crucial role in the Piraeus outfit winning the Double and making it to the Last 16 of the Europa League, where they finished in the top eight during the league phase. That came after another stunning 2023-24 campaign that saw the Greece Under-21 international leading the club's Under-19s to Uefa Youth League glory, which marked the first ever European trophy won by a Greek team. SunSport reported the forward's stunning performances have led to interest from a number of Premier League clubs, such as Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa. United even made contact with Olympiacos but have also been facing competition from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, AC Milan and clubs from Spain - while there were also links with Real Madrid. But it is Brighton who have stolen a march on all of the above and are willing to splash the cash on the young prospect. SunSport can reveal Wednesday will be "crucial" regarding Kostoulas' future and the Seagulls' hopes of landing him. Olympiacos won't sell on the cheap and will insist on a major resale clause for their star player, who has a contract until 2030. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Negotiations have reached a fee of €40million (£34m), which Fabian Hurzeler's side are currently not willing to meet despite their willingness to pay good money. SunSport, though, understand Kostoulas' fee could climb even higher to €50-55m (£42-46m). That would make Kostoulas the most expensive Greek transfer of all time as he would eclipse Kostas Manolas' £30m move from Roma to Napoli in 2019. Brighton recently completed the second most expensive Greek transfer of all time when they landed Stefanos Tzimas from Nuremberg following a £22m deal. That would see the Seagulls continuing their impressive run of snatching some of the world's best young talent after signing the likes of Yves Bissouma, Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and more. Kostoulas is among Olympiacos' biggest wonderkids along with Konstantis Tzolakis and Christos Mouzakitis, who is also targeted by Brighton as SunSport recently reported. But Brighton face competition from Arsenal, Man Utd, Villa, Dortmund, Milan, Juventus, Wolves, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid for midfielder Mouzakitis, 18. Tzolakis, 22, on the other hand, has been ranked as the goalkeeper that's most ready for a top-five league competition under the age of 23 following stunning performances in the Europe League and last season's Conference League.
Daily Record
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
The Rangers are coming but there shouldn't be sniggers and it might just be best thing for Celtic
The Rangers are coming – again. This time Celtic fans shouldn't be sniggering at the suggestion. And what is going on over at Ibrox cannot be ignored by those in charge at Parkhead. It would be foolish to put the head in the sand when it comes to the challenge coming from across the city. But it doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing for Celtic. In fact, Rangers finally getting their act together might be the best thing that can happen to them. Just like last week's Scottish Cup Final. I'm sure there are plenty of Celtic fans who were and still are distraught at losing to Aberdeen and seeing the Treble going up in smoke. But I can't help but think the defeat was a GOOD thing for the club in the long run. I mean that. If Kasper Schmeichel hadn't made that uncharacteristic mistake, or if Daizen Maeda had stuck away that last chance, the entire story would have been different. Celtic would have completed the clean sweep, everything would have been sen as hunky dory. But it would have papered over some of the recent cracks. Listen, it's still a phenomenal achievement winning the Double. Regardless of what anyone thinks, it's tough to win two out of three never mind the job lot. Celtic have made it look easy in recent years and they could well have done it again this time but for some big moments at Hampden last week. That doesn't get away from the fact this is a team that is in real need of refreshing. They should be proud of their achievements this term. But the defeat to Aberdeen has made them feel a little uncomfortable and maybe now some have cottoned on to the fact there is work to be done. The big news from Rangers yesterday only underlines it. Celtic simply cannot afford to sit on their hands because their rivals won't be worse next season than they were this time around – they can't be. Celtic certainly can't assume they will be. And they can't get away with just doing the bare minimum to stay out in front. The new Rangers owners are already talking about a £20m immediate investment in the team. That's a decent chunk of money for Scottish football – but not to Celtic. They spent about double that in the last two windows, so that shows you the challenge Rangers face. You would expect Celtic to go and spend at least the same again this summer. They'll have to. The events of the last week should allow Brendan Rodgers to go tot he club's hierarchy and explain the team does need strengthened and rejuvenated. They need more to qualify and then compete in the Champions League – and now to also stay ahead of the game in Scotland. Don't get me wrong, I don't think there is any need to panic. But Celtic do need to recognise the threat – as well as the opportunity. My old manager Martin O'Neill has often stated he believes a strong Rangers helps make a strong Celtic. I would go along with that. In my time at the club, Rangers were strong – and we had to be to knock them off their perch. If there is a proper challenge coming from across the city, then Celtic will have to raise their levels and respond. That's no bad thing. And even though the league was won by 17 points, I don't think the gap is as big as it would seem. It doesn't take much to tip the scales in Glasgow, as we discovered when we turned a 21-point league loss into big win in O'Neill's first term in charge. It was similar when Ange Postecoglou arrived at Parkhead in 2021, when everyone expected Rangers to dominate on the back of their title victory. Things can flip quickly. There's the stuff about Rangers coming, but in reality they are still a long way back. The long wait for the takeover to go through and the delay over a manager hasn't helped them. They are playing catch up and that's where Celtic need to hammer home their advantage, on and off the pitch. Rodgers will know the importance of a fast start. He needs players in place for the Champions League qualifier but also to apply the early pressure in the league, when a new-look Rangers side will still be finding their feet. This is no time to be mucking about. Rangers fans will be galvanised and there will be a feel good factor on the back of the owners coming in. In contrast, it's all a bit flat at Celtic right now. The best way to lift that mood is to get busy in the transfer market. Because there are questions right now. There is a pressing need for a striker after the decision to sell Kyogo – and not replace him – came back to bite them on the backside. There are doubts whether Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate will be sold, people will wonder if the Nicholas Kuhn of the first half of the season will turn up, or the pale imitation we saw in the second. There are questions about Adam Idah, the centre of defence, the wide areas. All of a sudden from a position of supreme strength, it now looks like there's a growing list of jobs to do. I've got no doubt Rodgers knows it too. He's hinted about it often enough. He's also heard plenty of times that Rangers are coming. They may or may not be this time, but, regardless, Celtic cannot afford to sit still.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Knicks survive, OKC thrives: Tom Haberstroh on the playoffs, Tate Frazier on the draft & Marcus Morris takes the hot seat
Do not miss this STACKED triple-header KOC Show. First up Tom Haberstroh joined Kevin following the Knicks' huge Game 5 win over the Indiana Pacers to keep hope alive. Could New York actually pull off the improbable and WIN this series now? And the guys on why Indy looked so sloppy. Advertisement Plus — Marcus Morris is back! The longtime NBA veteran rejoined the KOC Show, and didn't hold back on anything. Kevin had Marcus play "Double Down or Walk It Back," in regard to the many HOT takes Marcus has uncorked over the last 2 months. Do the Thunder really lack the depth to win a title? Is Tyrese Haliburton the next SGA? Nikola Jokic is NOT Top 20 all-time? The Luka and LeBron pairing will definitely work? Get your popcorn ready... Marcus and KOC absolutely brought it. Lastly Kevin's longtime pal Tate Frazier stops by to talk about the NBA Draft, which is now just a month away. Could the Spurs figure out a way to make Dylan Harper work? Is there any chance at all that the Dallas Mavericks would at least LISTEN if the Bucks called offering Giannis for #1 overall? Who are the biggest DEEP sleepers at each position? Which shooters in the Draft should the Orlando Magic target? Who should the Minnesota Timberwolves draft? Nearly every prospect that declared for the 2025 NBA Draft is discussed in some manner on this awesome convo with basketball guru Tate Frazier. New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts during the second quarter of Game 5 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (0:37) Knicks beat Pacers in Game 5 Advertisement (13:49) OKC awaits NBA Finals opponent (25:40) Marcus Morris doubles down on his hot takes (59:17) Tate Frazier talks 2025 NBA Draft prospects 🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
5 big tasks piling up in new Rangers boss' in-tray from transfer overhaul and Euro paydays to halting Celtic
The race for the hot seat is nearing an endgame Rangers hunt for a new boss is reaching its final stages. Whether it be Davide Ancelotti, Russell Martin or Steven Gerrard, there's plenty to be getting on with ahead of the new season. The clock is already ticking to the start of the 2025-26 campaign, which for Gers kicks-off in just 55 days' time. The pile of tasks mounting in the new gaffer's in-try is substantial and will have to be worked through pronto if the Light Blues are to have a serious crack at competing for silverware in the first year under the club's in-coming American ownership. Here Record Sport takes a look at the most pressing issues for the new man in charge. Ins and outs Better recruitment, put simply, has to be the No1 priority for Rangers. For far too long their signing policy has resulted in top performers being replaced by men not up to the task, leaving Celtic to hoover up trophy after trophy. There's an opportunity for a clean slate this year but clearing out the deadwood won't be easy. Former caretaker gaffer Barry Ferguson admitted as many as a dozen new faces would be required - with the same number heading in the opposite direction. That process began after Leon Balogun, Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence were all freed. Loanees Vaclav Cerny, Rafa Fernandes and Nana Kasanwirjo have also departed. But with the likes of Rabbi Matondo, Ben Davies, Kieran Dowell and Jose Cifuentes on their way back, there is still work to be done to make room in the Ibrox dressing room. Lyall Cameron is the only fresh recruit signed up so far but more, much more, will be needed to the new boss it get Gers back in a position where they can go the distance against Brendan Rodgers' Double winners. Pre-season Ibrox bosses have confirmed their initial pre-season plans - and time is of the essence with just four weeks to go until the squad are due to report back for their warm-up preparations on June 23. The new gaffer will then have just a month to get his team fit and tuned into his new methods before Gers begin their new era in the Champions League eliminators. The first-leg takes place on July 22/23, with the return a week later. Before that, Gers have their first public tune-up booked in for July 6 against Club Brugge, after which the squad will head to the English FA's £100million training base at St George's camp. Another Ibrox clash against Middlesbrough is scheduled for the Saturday in-between that opening Euro tie but the new boss will have to finalise the rest of the pre-season programme once he's in place. European football Rangers were caught cold last year and it cost them a £20million Champions League windfall. The defeat to Dynamo Kyiv was the beginning of the end for Philippe Clement last season and whoever replaces the Belgian will not want to have a similar stain placed against his name so early into his Gers reign. Seeded Rangers will learn who their second-round qualifying round opponents are when the draw is made on June 18 - with Greek outfit Panathinaikos, Swiss side Serviette and Brann of Norway the other teams in the hat. But the road beyond that will not get any easier. The likes of Fenerbahce and Nice - both of who Gers faced in last year's Europa League - as well as Red Bull Salzburg of Austria and Czechs Viktoria Plzen lie in wait in round three, while Benfica and Club Brugge are possible play-off round opponents for the unseeded Gers. Unlike league champions Celtic and Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen, the Light Blues are not guaranteed league phase action and will have to win at least one qualifier to prevent an early exit from Europe altogether. Quick start in the Premiership Last year, Rangers were left playing catch-up on Celtic when they stumbled out the blocks at Tynecastle, spilling two points with their goalless draw at Tynecastle. That left the Light Blues looking at the backs of the Parkhead side for the remainder of the campaign as Rodgers' team streaked off into the distance. In total, Gers dropped points in 16 of their 38 fixtures and finished on just 75 points, the club's worst performance since 2017-18 - the season before Steven Gerrard arrived to begin his Ibrox overhaul. Clement and Ferguson both found a way to compete with Celtic in the derby showdowns but it was against the rest of the Premiership that both men struggled to get results. Finding a greater level of consistency in the bread-and-butter clashes will ensure the new manager doesn't find himself toast before he even gets to the Old Firm battles. Halting Celtic Ending this decade of Parkhead dominance is the be all and end all for the new Rangers regime. The board they are set to replace have overseen an era in which their bitter rivals have ran off with 22 of the 30 trophies up for grabs since the year they wrestled power from Mike Ashley. Gers may have edged the league head-to-heads with the Hoops last term but that still wasn't enough to stop Celtic claiming a 55th league crown - matching the previous best tally set by Gers. Now standing on 120 trophies, they have blitzed clear of Rangers' previous benchmark of 118 - decimating the Ibrox outfit's self-proclaimed status as the 'world's most successful club'. Rodgers' side are now miles and millions ahead of Rangers but as Aberdeen proved on Saturday, they are not invincible. Rangers and their new gaffer, however, are setting off from a standing start and there very well may be more difficult days ahead early on. Showing signs of progress, as Gerrard did while his team gradually built towards their 2021 title triumph, will be key if the in-coming boss is to maintain the trust of the fanbase as he gets his feet under their table at in the Ibrox manager's office.
