Celtic Approaches New Johnston Deal Amidst Other Football Developments

Celtic is reportedly nearing a new contract agreement with Alistair Johnston. The proposed deal, according to the Daily Record, includes a substantial salary increase for the 26-year-old Canada international right-back and would extend his current contract until the summer of 2027. Brentford reportedly views Celtic’s winger, Nicolas Kuhn, valued at £25m, as a possible successor to Bryan Mbeumo. This consideration follows the 24-year-old German’s two goals in Celtic’s 3-1 Champions League victory against RB Leipzig, as reported by The Boot Room. Gustaf Lagerbielke has expressed frustration regarding his inability to secure a starting position in any league match for Twente Enschede during his loan spell from Celtic. However, the 24-year-old centre-half acknowledges the team’s strong performance and the excellent form of their defence, according to The National. Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has indicated his desire to reinforce his squad in January, asserting that his team currently operates with the smallest roster in the Scottish Premiership, as reported by The Courier. Niall McGinn, the 37-year-old winger currently on loan at Greenock Morton from Glentoran, has voiced criticism of former Dundee manager Gary Bowyer concerning his treatment at Dens Park. McGinn stated, “he was made to train with the youths for three months before he was forced out the club to free up wages,” according to the Open Goal podcast. Hibernian head coach David Gray asserts that statistical data supports his belief that his team is progressing positively. He also perceives the club’s leadership as supportive but acknowledges that improved results are necessary in the near future to ensure their ongoing backing, as reported by the Edinburgh Evening News. David Moyes has disclosed that West Ham United chairman David Sullivan presented him with a new contract offer in December, following a victory against Arsenal. However, this offer was rescinded after the team suffered three consecutive defeats, prior to the Scottish manager’s eventual departure in the summer, as stated on the Stick To Football podcast. David Moyes stated that during his initial transfer window as Manchester United manager, he nearly secured the signing of midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona. He also mentioned that Real Madrid outbid him for Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale, according to The Boot Room. Rangers received an additional £126,000 from Uefa following Thursday’s Europa League draw against Olympiakos, bringing their total earnings from the competition to almost £4.5m, as reported by The Herald. The Scottish government is reportedly contemplating “extending the reach” of existing football banning orders. This measure aims to address a worrying rise in the illicit deployment of pyrotechnics by fans during matches, according to the Glasgow Times.