Latest news with #Robertson
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers ready to 'receive offer', Celtic finalising deal, ex-Hibs man taken on trial
The latest Scottish football transfer news on Friday morning involving Rangers, Celtic, Liverpool and Ross County. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Here are the latest transfer rumours surrounding Scottish football on Friday morning, including Rangers, Celtic, Liverpool and more. Ross County capture ex-Sunderland man Ross County have confirmed the signing of former Sunderland defender Ben Crompton on a two-year-contract as boss Don Cowie continues to revamp his Staggies squad following their relegation to the Scottish Championship. The 21-year-defender was released by the Stadium of Light outfit at the end of last season having been unable to break into their first team squad, but featured regularly for Tamworth in the National League after joining them on loan in the second-half of last season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He was particularly impressive in their FA Cup third round tie against Tottenham Hotspur, where he came up against Timo Werner and Spurs captain Son Heung-min, with the fifth tier side taking them all the way to extra-time. 'We are really happy Ben has chosen to join us,' said Staggies boss Cowie. 'He had a really productive loan spell with Tamworth last season, and he offers a strong ability on the ball as well as an imposing physical presence.' Ex-Sunderland defender Ben Crompton has moved to Scotland. Liverpool 'make Robertson decision' Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is 'ready to allow' Scotland captain Andy Robertson to leave Anfield this summer as they edge closer to the megabucks signing of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez. The 31-year-old has interest from Atletico Madrid, with his place in the Reds starting XI now under serious threat amid the pending arrival of Hungarian international Kerkez. Should the Cherries defender arrive in the coming days, it will leave Liverpool with three left-backs on their books vying for one spot, with fellow full-back Kostas Tsimikas also said to be courting interest from Leeds United. However, according to a new report, Slot is 'prepared to cash in' on Robertson, with the ex-Dundee United man said to favour a move to La Liga rather than remain in the English Premier League. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson could leave Anfield this summer. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Celtic man in 'lowest moment' Forgotten Celtic forward Luis Palma admits being taken off at half-time during Honduras' 6-0 defeat to Canada is one of his lowest moments in football. The 25-year-old is expected to leave Celtic Park this summer having fallen down the pecking order at the club. He spent the second-half of last season on loan in the Greek Super League with Olympiacos, but will not return to Erythrolefki after they opted against taking up the option to make his deal permanent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite being out of favour at club level, he was handed a start for his international side as they faced Canada in the CONCACAF Gold Cup match on Wednesday, but was hauled off at half-time with his side 3-0 down. "It's one of my lowest moments in my career,' said Palma in the aftermath of the defeat. We have to accept we are going through a very difficult time at the moment. But we all know that was nowhere near acceptable. Now we have to use this as a learning experience for the rest of the tournament. The whole team is devastated by this setback. Luis Palma has an uncertain future at Celtic. | AFP via Getty Images Dundee mull over deal for ex-Hibs man Dundee head coach Steven Pressley is mulling over a former Hibs and St Mirren midfielder Kyle Magennis after taking the 26-year-old on trial. The former Scotland Under-21 international is a free agent after being released by Kilmarnock last month following an injury-plagued couple of years at Rugby Park, but has been offered a chance to prove himself after being offered a trail with the Den's Park side, who returned to pre-season training this week. New boss Pressley, who replaced Tony Docherty earlier this month, will also run the rule over ex-Burnley academy player Tommy McDermott, who was released from Turf Moor last month. Both players have previously worked alongside technical manager David Longwell. Meanwhile, the club have confirmed the departures of Joe Shaughnessy, Antonio Portales, Mo Sylla and Scott Fraser following the expiration of their contracts. Kyle Magennis is on trial at Dundee following his release from Kilmarnock. | SNS Group Rangers 'set for transfer offer' Rangers are set to receive a 'formal' offer for star striker Hamza Igamane this month, as interest in the Moroccan international heats up. The 22-year-old has interest from English Premier League sides Everton and West Ham United, though it has been reported that the Ibrox hierarchy would request a 'huge price' should any side want to make an offer for his services. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, according to a new report, West Ham are now in a position to launch an official bid for the forward. 'West Ham are about make a formal move for Igamane,' ex-scout Mick Brown told Football Insider. They've had scouts up there watching him and he's one of the names on their radar. But I'm told they're not convinced he's ready to make the step up to the Premier League. He's looked impressive for Rangers at times, but he's playing in a side which finished 17 points short of Celtic, so it's a difficult one to judge.' Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is in demand this summer. | SNS Group Celtic 'edge closer' to finalising move Celtic look set to complete their second signing of the summer, after Fulham youngster Callum Osmand was spotted at their Lennoxtown training ground on Thursday, as per a report from the Herald. Brendan Rodgers has already completed the Bosman free transfer signing of former hero Kieran Tierney, and has had a bid of £1.7million accepted for Swedish international Benjamin Nygren by FC Nordsjælland, as he looks to build a squad capable of competing both domestically and in the Champions League next season.
Otago Daily Times
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Our predictions on Robertson's men
Scott Robertson will name his All Blacks squad of 35 on Monday as he prepares for his second season as coach. Who makes the cut? Hayden Meikle puts on his guessing hat and runs through the positions. HOOKERS It feels like this should be a reasonably simple selection depending on the injury situation. The ageless Codie Taylor is likely to be Robertson's preferred No2, and needs just four more appearances to earn a 100th cap. Samisoni Taukei'aho has not played a test since the 2023 World Cup final due to injury but is back on deck for the Chiefs, while Asafo Aumua was looking sharp for the Hurricanes before he was laid low with concussion then a hamstring injury. Youngster George Bell is the other major contender, while a third Crusader, Ioane Moanunu, is on the bolter list. PROPS Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax are the first two names written down, closely followed by Fletcher Newell and Ethan de Groot. Experienced bookend Ofa Tu'ungafasi is sidelined after neck surgery. That likely leaves four big boppers — George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Fusitu'a and Xavier Numia — contesting two positions. The All Blacks invested too much in the gigantic Tosi last year to discard him now, and while Blues rising star Fusitu'a impressed everyone, Bower is obviously someone the selectors trust as cover for the top men. LOCKS The fact the All Blacks are being announced at Taranaki's Coastal club, home of the Barrett brothers, indicates what Robertson will be doing with the captaincy. Scott Barrett will remain the leader and be joined in the second row by Tupou Vaa'i and Patrick Tuipolotu. Sam Darry is injured, and while two Joshes — Lord and Beehre — have positive attributes, the time has come for one of the great stories of New Zealand rugby. Fabian Holland, raised in the Netherlands but made as a rugby player in Dunedin, is ready. LOOSE FORWARDS If we assume a split of 20 forwards and 15 backs, there are likely to be seven loose forwards in the mix. There are loads of options but only two real certainties in the peerless Ardie Savea and the wondrous Wallace Sititi. Ethan Blackadder and Luke Jacobson are Robertson-type players, and Hurricanes tyro Peter Lakai is way too exciting to leave out. That leaves two. Dalton Papali'i is a steady hand, Samipeni Finau remains an intriguing project, and Du'Plessis Kirifi could hardly have done any more. That still leaves Hoskins Sotutu, Simon Parker, Cullen Grace, Christian Lio-Willie, Sean Withy... the list goes on. HALFBACKS Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham. Those three, surely. Finlay Christie, Folau Fakatava and Kyle Preston will wait for opportunities. FIRST FIVES Damian McKenzie started Robertson's first season as the man for the No 10 jersey, and Beauden Barrett finished it as the preferred starter. Hard to see anything other than those two sharing the role again. Stephen Perofeta is around as a utility, and Josh Jacomb is the best of the rest. MIDFIELDERS Usual suspects Jordie Barrett, back from a dominant season with Leinster, and Rieko Ioane are assured of selection. Anton Lienert-Brown is out for the early stages of the international season with a collarbone injury. Billy Proctor needs to get more opportunities in the black jersey — he is, bluntly, a better pure centre than Ioane — and while David Havili is steady and will be seen as a Robertson man, Quinn Tupaea offers a little more. Highlanders fans would dearly love to see their co-captain, Timoci Tavatavanawai, get a crack. He was magnificent this season, can cover both midfield and wing, and offers something completely different from the rest. OUTSIDE BACKS Will Jordan then fill in the gaps. Sevu Reece is a trusted soldier, and while Caleb Clarke was allergic to the try-line for the Blues this season, it would be a shock if he was disregarded. Emoni Narawa has been flying again for the Chiefs and there is a fair bit of buzz around his inclusion, while Ruben Love offers spark and versatility. Is there anything to the word on the street that Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens could be a wildcard? Mark Tele'a has chosen to cash in rather than pursue further All Blacks caps — but remember both Sam Cane and TJ Perenara played last year after announcing they were leaving New Zealand — and Highlanders dazzler Caleb Tangitau is both injured and raw. Chay Fihaki and Leroy Carter are interesting prospects.
Toronto Sun
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
New guy Will Robertson comes to Toronto from the land of a Blue Jays legend
Rookie outfielder hails from the same area as former Toronto closer Tom 'The Terminator' Henke. Get the latest from Rob Longley straight to your inbox Will Robertson of the Toronto Blue Jays bats during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 15. Getty Images The journey to the big leagues was not a simple or particularly swift one for Blue Jays outfielder Will Robertson. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Along the way, there were twists and turns through 491 minor-league games spread over parts of six seasons and five different Toronto farm teams before finally getting called to the Show earlier this month. The trip from his home in tiny Loose Creek, Mo., to a brush with Blue Jays greatness, though? It couldn't have been easier. If roots account for anything, the humble, personable Robertson is both in good shape and good company with the Jays. Less than 10 minutes from Loose Creek, a tiny town of 300 (give or take) where Robertson grew up on a cattle farm, is Taos, an equally small burg better known as the home of Tom Henke, a World Series champ with the Jays and the franchise's all-time saves leader. And yes, the connection wasn't lost on the 27-year-old Robertson nor the 67-year-old Henke. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'He's a great guy, whose down to earth, does a ton for the community and loves mid Missouri,' Robertson said of Henke, who has been a quiet but steady influence on his career. 'I always see him around and he's always asked how things are going. 'He's a good role model and good support to have.' Henke was well known to the family in an area Robertson describes as having 'more cattle than people, for sure.' But the connection with the Terminator — as Henke was known by fans through his lethal run as Jays closer from 1985-1992 — became stronger after Toronto selected Robertson in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB draft. There was advice and support along the way, an organic connection given their shared roots on the baseball diamond and off. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'He just talked to me about how cool it was to get to the big leagues this year and to make the journey my own,' Robertson said. 'He said everybody does it on their own time and for told me to make the best of it.' It has just been a week, but Robertson is soaking up all of his fledgling Jays experience since being called up by the team on June 11 to provide some outfield depth. The dream never died for Robertson, a strapping 6-foot-1 215-pounder who hits from the left side, even after such an at-times arduous trek up the farm system ladder. In its own way, the circuitous route has made the arrival that much more sweet. 'It's been fun to reflect a bit and and get a chance to be here with the guys you've been able to come up with and be around them here in the big leagues,' Robertson said during a quiet moment in the Jays dugout this week. 'There was the shock of getting called up and that whole emotion. But then I think you then go to, how do you contribute to the team? How do you help the team win? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It's a really good team and they've been playing great. So that's where your mindset goes, on how you're going to help them to continue to win.' And continue to smell the roses along the way. With an off-day on Monday and in Toronto for the first time in his life, Robertson, his wife Morgan and their 10-month old daughter Jonnie walked around to get a feel for what the family hopes will be a long-term home. Next was his first start in the city and a front-row seat to the dramatic ninth-inning rally to dump the Diamondbacks 5-4. 'The first time playing in Rogers Centre, it was gorgeous,' Robertson said, some leftover awe still in his voice. 'The roof was open, the CN Tower is right there. It was pretty awesome to see. 'And then the ebbs and flows of the game and then the ninth inning to see (Bo Bichette and Addison Barger hit home runs to finish a Jays comeback) that was pretty special. To get to be part of that celebration was awesome. Being here in the Rogers Centre with 38,000 cheering for us was incredible. Like nothing I've ever experienced before.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He experienced it all, too, putting the home run jacket on Bichette after his blast and one of the first to greet Barger, his long-time teammate in the minors, when he hit the plate for the walk-off run. Robertson isn't here as tourist, however. So next up is to find a way to make that hard-earned promotion to the big leagues stick. 'For me, it's about taking advantage of the opportunity, whether that's starting in a game or coming off the bench to pinch hit,' Robertson said. 'What got me here was my bat and playing good defence when I'm out there and that's what I intend to do. Read More 'Everyone has been super welcoming and super helpful. Guys that I knew from playing with (in the minors) and the coaching staff. They've all made it super easy.' Now that he's here, Robertson intends to stay. The pride of Loose Creek has a long way to get to the 446 Jays appearances made by the pride of Taos, but it's nice to get the opportunity. Finally. 'The odds of two guys coming from a small mid Missouri town to play major league baseball first of all but then to play for Canada and Toronto its pretty cool,' Robertson said. The Terminator would agree. NHL Editorial Cartoons Soccer NFL Columnists
Edmonton Journal
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
New guy Will Robertson comes to Toronto from the land of a Blue Jays legend
Article content If roots account for anything, the humble, personable Robertson is both in good shape and good company with the Jays. Less than 10 minutes from Loose Creek, a tiny town of 300 (give or take) where Robertson grew up on a cattle farm, is Taos, an equally small burg better known as the home of Tom Henke, a World Series champ with the Jays and the franchise's all-time saves leader. And yes, the connection wasn't lost on the 27-year-old Robertson nor the 67-year-old Henke. 'He's a great guy, whose down to earth, does a ton for the community and loves mid Missouri,' Robertson said of Henke, who has been a quiet but steady influence on his career. 'I always see him around and he's always asked how things are going. 'He's a good role model and good support to have.' Henke was well known to the family in an area Robertson describes as having 'more cattle than people, for sure.'
Daily Record
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Andy Robertson has 'tailor made' transfer after Celtic pitch as £8m Taylor successor blocked and Inamura addressed
The Scotland captain looks to be nearing a Liverpool exit after eight years at Anfield Andy Robertson should head for Atletico Madrid if he leaves Liverpool this summer despite the prospect of a dream move to Celtic. The chase by the Premier League champions to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez this summer has plunged the long-term Anfield future of Robertson into doubt. The 31-year-old has entered the final year of his deal - with Atleti said to have made Robertson their top target this summer. But the prospect of bringing Robertson to his boyhood club has been pitched by Pat Nevin - if an "affordable" package is agreed - despite the addition of Kieran Tierney potentially hampering a deal. However, McAvennie reckons playing under Diego Simeone should be the Scotland captain's top option this summer. He told his Let Me Be Frank podcast: 'If he is going to Simeone and Atlético Madrid. Andy Robertson is a tailor-made player for him. 'He is the kind of player he likes. A bit like Kieran Tierney. Full body goes in. He doesn't hold back from a tackle. "He's up and down. But he's a good defender – he will be a superstar in Spain if he goes. 'Andy has done brilliantly. He got knocked back from Celtic. He was told that, 'he wasn't good enough.' Went to Queen's Park. He's gone on to be a superstar. Fair play to the boy. He has dug in. 'It's a good example, don't listen to people. It's only one man's opinion.' However, Robertson has made no secret of the fact he would like to play for Celtic before the end of his career. He said back in 2020: 'If you asked me now what I would want to do, I would love to retire at Liverpool of course, but you know how hard it is to play at the highest of levels until you're 35, 36. I'd love to pull on the Celtic top and walk out at Parkhead. 'Do I want to go back at one point to even just live? Yeah, maybe.' The search for a left-back to rival Kieran Tierney is ramping up with Greg Taylor appearing to be heading for the exit door at the end of his contract. The 27-year-old has yet to decide his future with his Celtic contract rapidly approaching an end and both PAOK and FC Copenhagen chasing his signature. However, Sport Dog reports that talks with the Greek side have now been "frozen" and appear to have stalled. Former Hoops star Tosh McKinlay has admitted he hopes to see the defender stick it out and battle with returning Tierney for a starting spot. Speaking at the Taxi To Troon charity event in Glasgow, he said: "Special mention to Greg, I think he's been fantastic over the years and obviously it's still to be confirmed if he will be staying or going, but it would be great if he stayed and give Kieran some competition for that left back spot. 'He has been fantastic over this period of five or six years, and I'm sure he'll be wanting to stay as well.' Djurgarden wonderkid Keita Kosugi has been tipped as a potential successor should Taylor depart - and appears to have made his decision on a preferred next move. The 19-year-old left-back has reportedly had an £8million price tag placed on him by the Swedish side. Foot 7 Champions League winners sports advisor Luis Campos "accelerating" the process of a move. One player who looks set to make the switch to Celtic this summer is defender Hayato Inamura. The 23-year-old, currently at Albirex Niigata, is left-sided and can play both at centre-back and left-back. And amid heavy speculation that the Hoops could dip into the Japanese market again, an Albirex spokesman told Nikkan Sports an official offer had been received from a European club. He said: "We are leaving the negotiations to the clubs themselves, so we are not at the stage where we can talk about whether we will go or not."
