Eddie Howe says he wants to stay at Newcastle United as long as he is "happy" in his position amid links to the vacant England job.

Gareth Southgate stepped down as the Three Lions manager on Tuesday following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

Howe is reportedly one of the favourites to replace Southgate, though Newcastle CEO Darren Eales was confident they could keep the manager on Tyneside. 

However, the club is undergoing changes in the off-season; co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi have left, while Paul Mitchell and James Bunce have been appointed as sporting director and performance director respectively.

During an interview at Newcastle's pre-season training camp in Germany, Howe hinted that those shifts in the club could affect his position.

"Being very, very proud to be Newcastle manager, this is all about Newcastle," Howe said. "It's not about England. So, as long as I am happy, feel supported, feel free to work in the way that I want to work, I have not thought of anything else other than Newcastle.

"I absolutely love the club. I love the supporters. I love where I am at in my career. There is no better place for me to be. That is how I feel.

"There has been a lot of change at the football club this summer. It has been a very difficult summer for everyone connected with the club. With change comes always a new feeling.

"You can point to PSR, Amanda and Mehrdad, a change in sporting director which, of course, influences me. These are all big changes. That is why I've made the points that I have because this has to work for Newcastle.

"It's not about me as the manager. I'm slightly irrelevant. It's about making sure Newcastle is as strong as it can be for the next season and beyond. We've all got to come together and make sure we are the force that we want to be.

"We're in the flux of change, it's just happened. I can't say with a definitive answer where that will lead."

While Howe did not definitively rule out leaving Newcastle to become England's manager should the FA approach him, he admitted he did not feel a big draw to the position.

"I think England is a very special job for someone," he added. "I am very patriotic, and I'm not ashamed to say that.

"I love my country. I want my country to do well. I was gutted for Gareth and the lads that they did not win the Euros.

"But I don't have that job like a burning sensation in me that I have to do it at some stage. If it happens at some stage in the future, then it's to be for me.

"If not, then I'm very, very happy in the current role that I'm doing. The day-to-day management.

"I had this situation a lot at Bournemouth in my second spell, but I was very, very happy, in my environment, in my day-to-day workings. So, I had no desire to leave. For me, that's always been my key driver: my happiness and my ability to do my job."

Jamaica’s Under-17 head coach Altimont “Freddie” Butler welcomed the upcoming friendly contest against American Academy Griffin USA Under-17 as a good test for his young Reggae Boyz as they continue preparation for next year’s Concacaf Championship.

The friendly encounter, scheduled for July 27 at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, New York, follows a recent series that Butler’s side engaged against their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts.

“This upcoming game against Griffin will be a good test for our boys. We have been training locally and also in North America and things have been progressing nicely. We also played Trinidad and Tobago in two friendlies earlier this year which was helpful as well,” Butler said.

“So this friendly is another opportunity for the players to show they deserve to be part of the squad by the time the qualifiers come around in January or February next year. We also have 8 spots in Concacaf now and we are aiming to be one of those 8 to qualify for the U-17 World Cup,” he added.

That Concacaf Under-17 Championships will serve as a qualifier to the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Earlier this year FIFA expanded the Under-17 World Cup from 24 to 48 teams. This also meant Concacaf saw an increase in slot allocation from four to eight.

Jamaica has played at two editions of the Under-17 World Cup. The first appearance was in 1999 in New Zealand, and the second appearance was in 2011 in Mexico.

Meanwhile, Jamaica Football Federation(JFF) is also in the process of identifying more opportunities for friendly matches for the Under-17 team later this calendar year.

Cesc Fabregas has signed a four-year deal to officially become the permanent head coach of Como.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder was promoted to first-team head coach on an interim basis last November, but only for a month due to not having his UEFA coaching badges yet.

Fabregas led the club from seventh to third in his short tenure, and stayed on as an assistant to Osian Roberts when he was named caretaker – he has now moved into a development role at the club.

Under their stewardship, Como earned automatic promotion to Serie A for the first time in 21 years.

Having now completed his badges, Fabregas will take charge of the club for their return to the top-flight.

Fabregas said: "I am so happy to be starting this season as head coach and I thank the ownership group for trusting me with this position.

"I share the ambitions of the group and believe this is just the start of where this club can go. It's going to be a tough and important season but myself and the rest of the coaching staff are ready, and we all believe."

Fabregas' first Serie A game in charge of Como will be away to Thiago Motta's Juventus on August 19. 

Phil Neville has urged the Portland Timbers to remain grounded as they look to continue their upturn against the Western Conference's outstanding team in the LA Galaxy.

The Timbers are seventh in the standings, occupying a playoff place, after recording an excellent 3-0 win over high-flying Real Salt Lake last Saturday.

That was their fifth win in their last six matches, the only blot on their record during that span being a 3-2 loss at FC Dallas.

With the Galaxy leading the way in the West, two points clear of Los Angeles FC and Real Salt Lake and 10 ahead of Portland, Neville knows Saturday's match will be a real test.

"We've come off a really good weekend and we gave the players a couple of days off just to regroup," Neville said this week. "This is the last push of this little section of the season. 

"We've got to keep our feet on the ground, I think that's really important, because there's a lot of football still to be played. 

"We are a team that has grown in confidence and got momentum but we can still improve, and this is a big test against one of the best teams in the conference."

The Galaxy, who beat the Colorado Rapids 3-2 in their last match on Wednesday, could be set to receive a major boost with former Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus in talks regarding a move.

While the deal is not yet done, head coach Greg Vanney knows what the German would bring to California. 

"Anyone that we hopefully add in the summer window is somebody who can continue to make the team better," Vanney said shortly before the MLS Secondary Transfer Window opened.

"A player of his profile gives you experience, gives you quality, it gives you versatility, also a winning mentality, a championship mentality.

"Those types of things are always good for teams."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LA Galaxy – Gabriel Pec 

Pec has contributed to a goal in 10 straight home matches (eight goals, eight assists), equalling Robbie Keane's club-record mark set between 2012 and 2013. 

He is the first player in team history to record a goal contribution in 10 straight home matches within a single season.

Portland Timbers – Evander 

Evander recorded a goal and an assist in Portland's win over Real Salt Lake last week, his fifth straight match with a goal contribution. 

Only Diego Valeri (nine straight in 2017) has had a longer run of consecutive games with a goal contribution in the Timbers' MLS history.

MATCH PREDICTION: LA GALAXY WIN

The Galaxy are unbeaten in six straight meetings with the Timbers (three wins, three draws) though the last three meetings have all ended level. 

This is the longest unbeaten run by either team against the other in all competitions since Portland joined MLS in 2011 (36 meetings).

With the Galaxy winning eight of their last 11 matches, the first time they have managed that many victories in an 11-game span since 2015, they are favourites to edge what should be an entertaining contest.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY 

LA Galaxy – 48.7%

Portland Timbers – 25.6%

Draw – 25.7%

Jim Curtin hailed Cavan Sullivan after he became the youngest player in MLS history this week, with more minutes potentially on the horizon when the Philadelphia Union face Nashville SC.

Sullivan replaced Tai Baribo, who scored a hat-trick, for the final five minutes as the Union ended a near-four-month wait for a home win by thrashing the New England Revolution 5-1.

At just 14 years of age, Sullivan has surpassed Freddy Adu as the youngest ever MLS player, also becoming the youngest debutant among the top North American professional sports leagues and the big five European leagues, UEFA Champions League and Europa League, dating back to 1988.

"It was a special, special night," Union head coach Curtin said afterwards. "The place had a buzz. This is just the first chapter in Cavan's career. 

"For those that don't know, we do have a plan for him. It's not just minute by minute or day by day; there is a plan in place. 

"You guys don't get to see him every day in training, but the staff does, and the time was right to give him an opportunity.

"The reality is, guys, he's not a normal kid. We've known that from the start. Because he's different, he has a different plan and a different trajectory to other players in our group."

Sullivan's second senior outing could come against a Nashville team sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference, two points above Philadelphia, but looking over their shoulders after five straight defeats.

The latest of those losses – a comprehensive 3-0 reverse against Orlando City – led forward Jacob Shaffelburg to demand better.

"We haven't been playing well for the fans" Shaffelburg said. 

"They should know that we're trying our hardest, we're working hard, but they do deserve better. We got to give them better."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo

On Wednesday, Baribo became the first Israeli player in MLS history to score a hat-trick. 

Israel is the 50th different nation to produce a player that scored at least three goals in an MLS match.

Nashville SC – Hany Mukhtar 

Nashville attempted eight shots in their defeat to Orlando on Wednesday, the 12th time this season they have been held to fewer than 10 shots in an MLS match. 

Mukhtar (41) has created more than twice as many chances as his next closest team-mate this year, with Sam Surridge teeing up 17 attempts. His creativity could be key.

MATCH PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

Nashville have lost five straight matches for the first time in club history with three of those defeats coming on the road. 

They have managed only two wins in their last 12 away from home across all competitions (three draws, seven defeats), so approach this one as clear outsiders.

The Union, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Nashville, winning three and drawing three, including a 2-1 road victory in early April.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY 

Philadelphia Union – 45.1%

Nashville SC – 28%

Draw – 26.9%

Caleb Porter says the New England Revolution need a result "by any means possible" as they prepare to face FC Dallas in their last MLS game before the Leagues Cup break.

The Revs have lost three straight matches and four of their last five, their latest defeat coming by a 5-1 scoreline versus the Philadelphia Union in midweek.

They are bottom of the Eastern Conference, already 11 points adrift of a guaranteed playoff place and five off the play-in spots, yet Porter remains positive.

"We have to be better. I still feel very good about our chances but certainly, a win on Saturday would go a long way to setting us up ahead of the Leagues Cup and the run-in," Porter said.

"I still feel very good about our chances, we've got games in hand. We should be healthier in those games.

"What I'm looking for is a result by any means possible."

Dallas, meanwhile, sit 11th in the West but are looking up after a difficult start, making it three wins from their last four matches in midweek.

After their 3-1 derby win over Austin FC, interim head coach Peter Luccin said courageous play will be key if they are to continue moving forward.

"This is FC Dallas' style, we want to play from the back. I like the ball, I think the team likes the ball, but to play from the back, we need courage to show in the right moments," he said.

"This is a thing that we'll have to improve because in the very specific and important moments, we didn't show for the ball. 

"But we are working on that and it's going to take time. Right now what we can see and I think what everybody can see is that the team is ready to compete. The team is competing every single game."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New England Revolution – Xavier Arreaga 

The Revs' 5-1 defeat at Philadelphia on Wednesday was the third time they have conceded five or more goals in all competitions this season after not doing so once from 2020 to 2023. 

Centre-back Arreaga will be key if they are to atone for that showing here.

FC Dallas – Petar Musa 

Musa has scored in four straight MLS matches, the longest streak by a Dallas player since Paul Arriola did so in five straight in May 2022. 

Musa and Arriola are the only Dallas players to score in at least four straight league matches over the last six seasons.

MATCH PREDICTION: NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION WIN

After winning five of six matches from early June to early July, New England have lost three league games in a row. This is the Revs' fourth losing streak of three or more games this regular season.

However, they did beat Dallas in the teams' last head-to-head meeting in March 2022, having failed to win any of their previous 10 against them (one draw, nine losses) since 2012.

Dallas' recent victories, however, have all come at home, failing to win any of their last 13 road games since last October (three draws, 10 losses). Perhaps this game represents an opportunity for slumping New England.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY 

New England Revolution – 41.5%

FC Dallas – 31.8%

Draw – 26.7%

Jarrad Branthwaite says he is feeling confident and ready to "keep learning" with Everton ahead of the new season, despite interest from Manchester United.

The Red Devils have seen two offers rejected for the 22-year-old defender, who is valued between £70-£80million by the Toffees.

Branthwaite made 41 appearances for Everton last term, with his impressive performances earning him the club's Players' Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards.

He also received his first senior England call-up and was named in Gareth Southgate's provisional Euro 2024 squad, though he was ultimately left out of the final 26.

And Branthwaite hopes he can continue building on that momentum heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

"I think for me, it's just about taking what I learned from last season, and the season before, and putting it all together," he told Everton's official website.

"I think last season, playing all the games I did, helped me put performances in and get the experience I needed. I'm going to take that into this season and keep learning.

"When you've got a good defensive record, it gives you confidence going into the new season.

"It's not just the defenders who contribute to that, it's the whole team, and it's the way the manager has us set up to give us the best possible chance to win games and to pick up as many points as we can.

"I think it'll be the same again this season. Hopefully, we can pick up a few wins early on and get the momentum going in the new season."

Everton also confirmed on Friday that The Friedkin Group will not be buying a majority stake in the club, having been granted a period of exclusivity last month. 

John Herdman has pledged to work on Toronto FC's shortcomings ahead of Saturday's derby versus CF Montreal, which he has described as a "six-pointer".

Toronto ended a miserable 10-game winless run by beating the Philadelphia Union 2-1 last weekend but were then brought crashing back to earth in midweek.

An Inter Miami team without Lionel Messi or Sergio Busquets, and with Luis Suarez limited to a substitute role, beat the Reds 3-1 to leave them eighth in the Eastern Conference.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Quebec, Herdman said getting on the right side of the fine margins must be their focus, saying: "We'll fix some things. 

"We'll fix our set-pieces and move forward. We've got to look, mentally, at how we stay stronger, collectively, tactically how we adjust to manage these tougher periods. 

"We will own this together and next task is on to Montreal. We've got two days to get ready for Montreal. Massive game. Six-pointer. We'll get after it.

Winger Derrick Etienne Jr., meanwhile, thinks the match comes at an ideal time.

"It comes at the right time," he said. "We want to get back to winning ways and I don't think there is any better way than getting a win in the derby."

Montreal are level on points with Toronto but are on the rise after a 1-0 win over Atlanta United and Wednesday's 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls, coming from behind twice in the latter game.

Mathieu Choiniere put through his own net in midweek but has impressed this season amid speculation he could leave the club, and boss Laurent Courtois has moved to highlight his contribution.

"He wants to give everything for his club, and I need Mathieu, not only for his versatility but also for the mentality and identity we want to have here," Courtois said. 

"Now the player wants to get something to feel more valued, and at the end of the day we're all the same right? You just want to be valued for what you give, and he gives a lot."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CF Montreal – Josef Martinez

Martinez scored both of Montreal's goals off the bench on Wednesday, his 22nd multi-goal MLS match and his second as a substitute. 

The striker's 22 multi-goal games are tied for third most in league history.

Toronto FC – Federico Bernardeschi 

Bernardeschi has scored six goals in five matches against Montreal, including a hat-trick in the rivals' last meeting. 

Only Brian White (seven versus St. Louis City) has scored more goals against a single opponent in MLS since Bernardeschi joined the league in July 2022.

MATCH PREDICTION – CF MONTREAL WIN

Montreal have won five straight home matches against Toronto, the longest home winning streak by either team against the other in the history of the series (54 matches).

They twice came from behind against the Red Bulls on Wednesday and have now lost just two of their last 11 matches (three wins, six draws). With home advantage on their side, they will be favourites.

Indeed, Toronto are winless in their last eight away games (two draws, six losses), including losing their last five road matches in a row. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY 

CF Montreal – 56.1%

Toronto FC – 21.2%

Draw – 22.7%

Milan have completed the signing of Spain captain Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid.

The striker, who will wear the number seven shirt with the Rossoneri, has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at San Siro, with the option of an additional year.

Morata is fresh from leading Spain to their record-breaking fourth European Championship triumph at Euro 2024, following a 2-1 victory over England in the final.

The 31-year-old becomes Paulo Fonseca's first major signing since replacing Stefano Pioli in the Milan dugout.

This will be Morata's second spell in Italy, having scored 59 goals in 185 appearances across two separate stints with Juventus, where he won successive Serie A titles in 2015 and 2016.

He could make his debut when Milan host Torino in their opening match of the 2024-25 season on August 17.

Erik ten Hag feels Manchester United have less strength in depth compared "with other top clubs in the Premier League".

The Dutchman's injury-hit side finished eighth in the Premier League last season; their lowest final position in the competition.

However, the Red Devils did manage to secure European football for the 2024-25 campaign after beating rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final.

Ten Hag was heavily linked with a departure from Old Trafford, but recently extended his stay with the club until 2026, and he acknowledges United are still a work in progress.

"Last season, we constantly had injuries to players in the same positions, all at the back. At one point, we had almost no defenders available," he told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.

"When we started here, United hadn't won a trophy for six years, and it really wasn't because they didn't have good managers here.

"It does say something about the composition and quality of the player group. I knew that when I started, of course, but they were players with long-term contracts.

"We were and still are in that process [of building]. If you compare our squad with other top clubs in the Premier League, we certainly have a bit less in terms of depth. That is exactly why we found it so difficult to deal with those injuries."

Ten Hag also reflected on that FA Cup final against City, a game which was widely expected to spell the end for the Dutchman had United lost.

But the 54-year-old is not concerned by his job security.

"Let's face it: you lose too many matches, it just takes strength to keep the team focused and motivated every time," he added. "The players are disappointed, the people around you are disappointed.

"There was so much going on at that stage, but I still firmly believed that we could win that final. The most important thing of all was to convey that belief to my team. I had to be careful that the entire environment did not become negative in advance.

"If United's management find someone tomorrow who they think is better, then I'll go. It's that simple. Those are the mechanisms in football that you have to respect. At a club like this, it is crystal clear: if you don't win, you have a problem."

England should attempt to convince either Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp to succeed Gareth Southgate, says former Three Lions boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Southgate announced his resignation this week in the wake of England's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, their second final loss in as many European Championship campaigns under him.

The likes of Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Lee Carsley have been touted as potential successors if the Football Association (FA) wishes to appoint another English boss.

However, reports have also suggested the FA are keen to speak with Guardiola about the vacancy, with many believing he may leave Manchester City next year.

Former Liverpool boss Klopp, meanwhile, is thought likely to take a sabbatical after eight years at Anfield, but Eriksson believes the FA should still ask him the question.

"If he is English or foreign, I don't think it should mean much," he told The Telegraph. "You just have to find a top manager, or a young one with a good future. 

"If you want to aim high, the obvious two contenders are Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola. They know English football, the players and culture. 

"If there was even the slightest suggestion they were interested in the job, England should go for it. We are talking about two of the best managers in the world. 

"Klopp is taking a break and I'm not sure whether stepping down from Manchester City is in Pep's mind. 

"But you have to aim high, and appointing either of those two would be a huge statement for England and their aims for the future."

Georges Mikautadze, who earned a share of the Golden Boot at Euro 2024, has returned to hometown club Lyon less than three weeks after being bought by Metz.

Mikautadze netted three times as Georgia reached the last 16 on their major tournament debut in Germany, only to lose 4-1 to eventual champions Spain.

That earned him a share of the Golden Boot alongside five other players; Cody Gakpo, Harry Kane, Dani Olmo, Jamal Musiala and Ivan Schranz.

He spent the second half of 2023-24 on loan at Metz from Ajax, scoring 13 times in 20 appearances but failing to prevent them from being relegated from Ligue 1.

Metz lost a relegation play-off to Saint-Etienne but still exercised a clause to sign Mikautadze permanently earlier this month.

However, it was still believed he could be sold on for a profit, and Lyon have now sealed a deal worth a reported €18.5million.

Mikautadze has signed a four-year deal with the club, whose youth teams he represented between 2008 and 2015, having been born in the city to Georgian parents.

"He was courted all over France and Europe, but Georges Mikautadze has always given his priority to Olympique Lyonnais," a club statement said.

"His attachment to the club and his great determination will be invaluable assets for the many challenges ahead."

Inter Miami will again be without injured superstar Lionel Messi as they look to continue on their course for the Supporters' Shield on Saturday.

Miami will host Chicago Fire with Messi absent, just as he was for the midweek home win over Toronto FC.

"Leo will continue to be evaluated by our medical staff week to week," coach Tata Martino said.

"We will see how he recuperates without taking any type of risk."

Messi suffered an ankle injury while on Copa America duty with Argentina, winning that competition but appearing to hamper Inter's title hopes in the process.

But Martino's men are still well placed to achieve their goals, starting with the regular-season championship.

With victory over Toronto, in which Federico Redondo took centre stage with two goals, Miami became the first team to reach 50 points this season.

They have achieved that feat within 24 games, joining esteemed company. The only six teams to previously tally 50 points inside 24 games have gone on to win the Supporters' Shield.

Next opponents Chicago at least head into this encounter off the back of a win of their own, beating FC Cincinnati on the road on Wednesday.

"When you come on the road and get a result like this, it's a great team effort," said Fire coach Frank Klopas.

"Certain guys are playing really well at the moment, but I still feel that everyone can give more. There's a lot more potential in there with the group.

"That's why this game on Saturday is so massive for us."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter Miami – Federico Redondo

Miami may be missing Messi, but the supporting cast has consistently stepped up this season. They have had four different players score two or more goals in a match, tied for the most in MLS.

The latest of those was Redondo, scoring his first goals in MLS against Toronto. With an assist in that game, too, he will hope that is the start of a strong run of game.

Chicago Fire – Brian Gutierrez

The Fire have had just three goals from substitutes in 2024, yet two of those have been among their past three goals. The latest, their winner against Cincy, saw Gutierrez emerge from the bench to score.

The midfielder will not want that to develop into a consistent theme, however, surely preferring to play from the start. He had done so in each prior game going back to April.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Chicago have actually won four of their six games against Miami, including the past three in a row.

But New York City FC are the only team to further extend such a streak against Miami, and their run of five straight victories ended back in 2022. Miami are a very different prospect in 2024.

Their stretch of scoring in 10 consecutive MLS matches is a club record, with their tally of 19 goals across those games showing the task that lies before Chicago – with or without Messi.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 64.2%
Chicago Fire – 16.7%
Draw – 19.1%

Jamaica's senior Reggae Girl Chantelle Swaby is set to realise a lifelong dream of playing in the Barclay's Women's Super League (WSL), as she was signed by Leicester City on a free transfer.

Swaby, agreed to a two-year deal with Leicester City after her contract with French club FC Fluery expired recently. 

The versatile player, who has been capped 38 times for Jamaica, is eager to hit the ground running at the King Power Stadium.

“It feels great to have signed for Leicester City.  I’ve been wanting to come to the WSL for years now, but I just haven’t had the chance to, so I’m happy to be here and can’t wait to get started," she told the club website.

"I know this will be a really good experience and a great challenge for me, and I'm really excited. Playing as the home team at King Power Stadium will be a whole different experience, and I'm really looking forward to getting started with my teammates and meet the supporters,” Swaby added.

The 25-year-old made 33 appearances across two seasons and helped FC Fleury finish fifth in the French top-flight league last season. Prior to that, she represented American outfit Sky Blue FC and had a one-year stint with Rangers in the Scottish Women's Premier League, where she won the 2021–22 title.

Interestingly, Reggae Boy Bobby Reid was recently picked up by Leicester City's male team following their promotion to the English Premier League (EPL).

Kasper Schmeichel has signed a one-year deal with Celtic, while reuniting with former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Denmark goalkeeper joins the reigning Scottish Premiership champions as a free agent after his departure from Belgian side Anderlecht, where he spent a single season.

Schmeichel, who also spent a year with Ligue 1 outfit Nice in 2022-23, brings plenty of experience to Celtic Park, following his 11-year stint with Leicester.

The 37-year-old helped the Foxes to their fairy-tale Premier League triumph in 2016, along with their FA Cup success five years later.

Rodgers was Schmeichel's coach in his final three years at the King Power Stadium, and both are excited to renew that working relationship.

"I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can't wait to get started," Schmeichel told the club's official website.

"Celtic is one of the world's proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success. Celtic is what football is all about. 

"I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can't wait to work with again. 

"I'm really looking forward to meeting up with the boys [on their pre-season tour] in America and starting our work and then, of course, meeting our fans who bring so much to Celtic.

"I will be doing all I can to keep Celtic on top and bring these brilliant supporters more and more success."

"I am really pleased to bring Kasper to Celtic," Rodgers added. "He is a real quality keeper and someone with the ability and personality to be great for us.

"He is a guy I trust and someone who knows how to win. He lives for football, and he is coming to a club where he will feel the same passion that he has for the game.

"I know he will feel right at home at Celtic, and we look forward to working with him as we all aim for more success."