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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola “doesn’t really need” Lionel Messi and should be prioritising further defensive additions over putting a reunion with a Barcelona superstar in place, says Emile Mpenza.

A move to the Etihad Stadium for a six-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to be mooted.

City were considered to be leading the chase for a much sought-after signature once Messi aired a desire to leave Camp Nou over the summer.

Exit doors were soon shut off in Catalunya, but a mercurial Argentine is only tied to a contract through to 2021.

He will be free to speak with his many suitors from January, with City admitting to having the funds in place if Guardiola wanted a deal to be discussed.

Mpenza expects the former Barca boss to work with Messi again at some stage in the future, but feels that will happen in MLS as adding another diminutive forward to their books makes no sense for City.

The ex-Blues striker told the Manchester Evening News: “I think that with all the defensive problems Guardiola has, he doesn’t really need someone like Messi.

“He should sort the leaky defence out first. [Vincent] Kompany has left a huge hole at the heart of the defence and City are yet to find the stability they had when Kompany was running the backline.

“It’s a tall order to fill Vincent’s shoes and what’s the point of signing Messi with all the issues they have at the back?

“They have enough players in his position like [Riyad] Mahrez and [Sergio] Aguero. If they sign Messi that would be too many players for the same position and cause problems.

“I believe that he will link up with Pep Guardiola again at some point in his career, but not at City itself but rather for their partner club New York City FC.

“Guardiola has managed in three of the best European leagues such as La Liga, the Premier League and Bundesliga with only Serie A missing. For me MLS is his next stop and he will take Messi with him there.”

Messi has been quiet on his future plans since revealing to Goal that he will be honouring the final year of his contract at Barca, with the 33-year-old expected to have a number of options to consider at the turn of the year.

Marcus Rashford has the same flaw in his game as former Manchester United winger Nani once had, claims Paul Scholes, with the 23-year-old forward told he is not playing to his strengths.

The England international has fared admirably since breaking into the senior fold at Old Trafford.

Impressive progress on the field has delivered 74 goals through 225 appearances at club level and 40 caps for his country.

Rashford has also landed an MBE for his fine work off the pitch, which has seen him become a campaigner for political change, but the general consensus is that he could offer even more.

Scholes is among those to share that opinion, with the United legend often left frustrated when watching a clearly talented frontman in action.

For him, a player with such blistering pace should be looking to get behind opposition defences at every opportunity, with said moves being made without the need for instruction.

Former Red Devils winger Nani boasted similar qualities in his heyday, but the Portuguese was another who needed to be guided through matches and told where to be at any given time.

Scholes told BT Sport of Rashford: “Players need to know their strengths. Marcus' strengths is running in behind, Mason Greenwood's strength is running in behind because of his pace.

“Now if you’ve got time on the ball you should be able to play that ball over the top to them.

“If you're a central midfielder for Manchester United you should be able to play that ball over the top. I'm not sure if Fred is. He might be.

“I was lucky enough to play with great forwards – Robin [van Persie], [Ruud] van Nistelrooy, Andy Cole, all players who ran in behind and you didn't need to tell them.

“I probably only played with one player who you had to constantly tell - it was Nani. Nani had the strength to run in behind people but you had to keep telling him.

“It looks like Marcus is the same. You're the quick players in the team. You want to stretch the team.

“OK if it's not on, if Fred can't make the pass then create space for your [Paul] Pogbas, for your [Bruno] Fernandes, because the back four are pinned back. Sometimes Fred needs to demand more.”

Rashford drew a blank in his latest outing, as United suffered a demoralising 2-1 defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League, but will be hoping to find a spark when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side take in a crucial visit to Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.

Gabriel Magalhaes has proved to be an “absolute steal” for Arsenal at £25 million ($33m), says Kevin Campbell, with the Brazilian ticking important boxes for the Gunners as a centre-half “who wants to defend”.

A north London heavyweight has not always found those qualities easy to come by.

Big money has been invested in defenders of international calibre, but few have convinced and been able to plug leaks that have been weighing Arsenal down for some time.

Gabriel, though, has slotted seamlessly into the fold on the back of a summer switch from Lille.

His potential was much sought-after during the last transfer window, with leading sides across Europe ready to test the water, but Emirates Stadium was to be his final landing spot.

Mikel Arteta wasted little time in throwing a new recruit in at the deep end.

Gabriel has swum impressively against the tide, with his presence helping to make Arsenal look considerably more assured at the back.

Campbell believes an immediate return has been offered by a South American enforcer on the investment made in him.

The former Gunners striker is impressed that Arteta was able to do a deal at a relatively low asking price, with it about time that the Premier League giants found themselves a defensive bargain.

“Finally Arsenal have got a centre-back who wants to defend, who likes to defend,” Campbell told Football Insider.

“You see Gabriel back there and he is making the players around him better. That is the sign of a top-class player.

“He is powerful, quick, strong, good on the ball and good in the air – Arsenal stole him for that price!

“That is an absolute steal because he is only going to get better. A very strong player that is only in his 20s. A signing that has hit the ground running straight away.”

Gabriel is just 22 years of age, but has already passed the 100-appearance mark at club level.

Arsenal will be hoping that the Brazilian remains a key part of their plans for many years to come, with a highly-rated talent having been tied to a contract through to 2025 when arriving in English football.

Ajara Nchout was on target twice for Valerenga as they humiliated KI 7-0 in Wednesday's Women's Champions League qualifying round at Intility Arena.

Nchout was afforded a start for the Portuguese side on her return to the elite European competition since her last outing with Russian giants Rossiyanka in 2013.

The Cameroon international performed creditably well for Jack Majgaard's side and she contributed a brace to power her side to the Round of 32 on their maiden outing in the 2020-21 campaign.

Synne Jensen opened the scoring from the spot after just 23 minutes into the match before Nchout doubled the lead two minutes later.

The hosts continued with their ruthless scoring form as Janni Thomsen added a third in the encounter in the 27th minute. 

After the recess, Nchout bagged her second of the contest in the 70th minute before Andrine Tomter netted a fifth for the team nine minutes later.

Catherine Bott scored a sixth in the tie nine minutes from time before Rikke Nygard wrapped up the victory on the brink of time.

Cameroon's Nchout featured for the duration for Valerenga and has increased her season's goal tally to 11 in 17 games in all competitions. 

The massive win earned Valerenga a spot in the Round of 32 of the ongoing 2020-21 season of the Champions League and they will confirm their next round opponent in Friday's draw.

Borussia Dortmund starlet Giovanni Reyna has brought “a tonne of excitement” to the United States squad, says Kasey Keller, with the 17-year-old being backed to transfer his impressive club form onto an international stage.

Gregg Berhalter has named an exciting young squad for upcoming friendly dates with Wales and Panama.

Reyna, the son of former U.S. star Claudio, forms part of those plans and could be handed his senior debut during November’s round of fixtures.

Keller is looking forward to seeing obvious potential let off the leash, after several months of waiting, and believes a talented teenager will deliver on the expectation which continues to build around him.

“I love that we say ‘finally’ for a kid that’s about to turn 18,” former Leicester and Tottenham goalkeeper Keller, who won 102 caps for his country, told ESPN FC.

“That kind of tells you that he is obviously doing something right.

“There is no question that Gio has brought in a tonne of excitement from breaking into the Dortmund first team and being as successful as he has been.

“I know that Gregg Berhalter is excited to get him involved in the squad and see if he can replicate some of those performances with Dortmund for the men’s national team.

“There is obviously a bright future ahead for Gio, not only for club but for country.

“This is a young squad and there are a number of young players plying their trade at the highest level in Europe and other guys who are breaking into squads in second teams, at Bayern or Barcelona. It is exciting.”

The average age of Berhalter’s latest squad is a little over 21.

He has a number of hot prospects ready to make their mark, with Reyna one of several emerging talents that the U.S. are pinning future hopes on.

Yunus Musah is another 17-year-old with the world at his feet, with the Valencia youngster also being tipped to reach the very top of the game.

There are seven teenagers in total within Berhalter’s ranks to face Wales and Panama, with Chituru Odunze, Johnny Cardoso, Ulysses Llanez and Konrad de la Fuente also falling into that category.

Yanga SC Communications Officer Antonio Nugaz has urged fans to turn out in large numbers and support the team in Saturday's Kariakoo Derby.

Timu ya Wananchi will be hosting their sworn rivals, on Saturday, November 7, aiming at avenging the 4-1 loss suffered in the last meeting between the sides which came during the FA Cup semi-finals last season.

The official is optimistic his team is in a good position to get maximum points since the players are prepared well.

"As you are all aware, Yanga do not joke when it comes to searching for maximum points," Nugaz told reporters ahead of the game.

"We have better players who also know how to entertain, and I urge the fans to come in large numbers at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to watch the entertainment."

Initially, the match was scheduled to be played about three weeks ago but was postponed owing to international assignments. The official has now stated the players were psychologically prepared to play Wekundu wa Msimbazi and will prove it this weekend.

"We missed [Simba] on October 18 but nothing to worry about, the job will be done on November 7, I have no doubt about it," Nugaz said.

"The team has better players who know their role in the team; let us all meet at Mkapa Stadium."

Timu ya Wananchi will welcome Haruna Niyonzima who has been out for two weeks owing to an ankle injury. As a result, he missed the 2-1 win over KMC, 1-0 win over Biashara Mara United, and recently 0-0 draw away to Gwambina.

The 27-time champions will also welcome the services of Angola creative midfielder Carlos Carlinhos who was down with Malaria. While the Rwanda captain Niyonzima is expected to be given some play-time on Saturday, Carlinhos might not be involved owing to his low fitness levels.

Yanga, who are currently top of the Tanzania Mainland League table with 23 points after nine games, are the only unbeaten team in the top-tier while Simba have already lost two matches.

The Msimbazi-based side is in third position with 19 points after nine matches and are desperately in search of maximum points to continue surging upwards.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s strike in Leicester City’s 3-0 victory over FC Zorya Luhansk has been shortlisted for the Foxes’ Goal of the Week.

In the Europa League Group G encounter against the Ukrainians in England, the Nigeria international scored his team’s third goal after James Maddison and Harvey Barnes had given Brendan Rodgers’ men a two-goal advantage.

Iheanacho received the ball 20 yards out, shifted it out of his feet before rattling a strike into the bottom corner away from goalkeeper Mykyta Shevchenko.

That strike has been nominated along with Barnes’ effort against Zorya, Jamie Vardy's late winner at Arsenal in the Premier League and Hamza Choudhury's first-half effort at AEK Athens.

Next up for Leicester is a fixture against Portuguese outfit Sporting Braga in Thursday’s Europa League clash where the Nigerian would be hoping to score his second goal in the championship.

After Braga’s game, Iheanacho will be gearing up to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League before heading to Nigeria for next week’s double-header Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.

Manchester United put in their worst performance for “three or four years” when suffering a 2-1 defeat at Istanbul Basaksehir, says Dion Dublin, with the Red Devils looking like “a very poor side”.

Despite struggling for consistency domestically in 2020-21, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side took in a trip to Turkey buoyed by their recent showings on a continental stage.

Impressive victories over Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig had seen United open their Champions League campaign in style.

They were, however, brought back down to earth with a bump in their latest outing, with another forgettable display put in on the back of a 1-0 Premier League reversal against Arsenal.

Pressure is now building on Solskjaer, with the Norwegian once again facing uncomfortable questions regarding his future.

He has refused to be drawn into that debate, with focus locked on delivering a reversal in fortune, but time may be running out.

Dublin admits that something needs to change at Old Trafford, with United regressing again after struggling to sustain any kind of forward momentum in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

The former Red Devils striker told BBC Radio 5 Live: “That was a really poor performance from Man United.

“I'm hoping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will stick the players in a room and make them watch that performance and then say ‘right, what did you think of that?’

“There's just too much walking about, the body language isn't great from the players. 

“I've seen individuals play very well and they look incredible but when they all perform to this standard, they look a very poor side.

“The first half was possibly the worst performance I've seen from a Man United team for three or four years.”

Those inside the Red Devils camp are aware that standards have been allowed to slip again, with Bruno Fernandes conceding that Solskjaer’s side did little right against Basaksehir.

He has told MUTV: “Everything goes wrong, we did everything wrong.

“The intensity was not good since the beginning of the game. They found a goal early and, after, the game was complicated for us. We tried until the end but the problem was [that] I think we came later into the game.

“We can do much better; everyone feels that.

“We know we can't concede goals like that, but now it's time to look [at] what we did wrong, to make it better in the next game.”

United, who sit 15th in the Premier League table at present, will be back in action on Saturday when they make the short trip to Goodison Park for a meeting with Everton.

The Malaysia Cup will finally begin this weekend with the Round of 16 matches that will be contested as a single match knockout rather than a usual group stage due to the truncated season that is the 2020 season.

As luck would have it when the draw concluded last Sunday, it looked clear that Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT)  are likely to take up one of the final spots with the other half of the draw sporting the teams that are seen as likely challengers for the trophy.

Among those pretenders are Terengganu FC (TFC) who will face off against Petaling Jaya City FC on Saturday at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, looking to reach their second Malaysia Cup final in three years. 

Ironically should they oust K. Devan’s side in the upcoming game, their potential opponent in the quarterfinal are Perak who are expected to get past Kelantan United, making it a repeat of the 2018 final where TFC endured a heartbreaking end.

Lee Tuck was part of that TFC side who did the unthinkable in sending JDT out of the competition in the semi-final only to come unstuck in miraculous fashion against Perak despite leading the contest deep into added time in both regulation and extra time.

In fact Lee was among two players sent off in that unforgettable final after receiving his second yellow card midway through the second period and had to watch in agony for the rest of the match, a memory that hasn’t quite gone away for the Englishman.

“The fairy story didn’t end the way we wanted it to end but the positives out of it was that the experience was like no other. The opportunity to play in front of 80,000 fans in a final is not something many players get to do even at the top level. The way we got to the final, the build-up, the experience - it was fantastic.

“But yes, people make mistakes. In football nobody's perfect. Things happen in football that sometimes you just can’t control. Obviously I’d have liked to change the decision. But now I take it as a motivation because we can’t change what happened. I try to take that experience to motivate me to win a trophy now.

“I feel that there’s something there I need to do for the club, to bring a trophy home to the club. That motivates me now on a daily basis to try to right the wrong. Obviously this year the Malaysia Cup will be a knockout version, something I’ve never been a part of.

“It’s not that many games to get to the final and we’re playing all the games within a month. It’s all about preparing and getting focus for just this one month. The team who is ready and hits the ground running, that’s the team who is going to do well.

“We need to take advantage of that and be in the right mindset. This is not like anything else we’ve done in Malaysia so we’ve got to go out there and perform for just this one month and anything can happen,” Lee told Goal.

TFC finished in 7th spot in the shortened 2020 Super League season in Nafuzi Zain’s first full season as head coach with Lee playing a pivotal role not only as central midfield but also as the captain of the team.

Just like the other teams in the Malaysia Cup, Lee is acutely aware that reigning champions JDT remains the one to beat and the likelihood that the Southern Tigers will also have half an eye on the resumption of the AFC Champions League does offer challengers like TFC a higher than usual opportunity to wrest the cup away.

But taking nothing for granted, Lee also stressed that such is the strength of JDT’s squad, that even the potential of splitting their team up remains a difficult challenge for other teams and it will come down to who is better prepared in this second mini pre-season of 2020 prior to the start of the competition.

“Obviously JDT are contenders in any competitions they are in. Even if they split the team up, they still got a good team to compete to win the trophy. But it’s a massive advantage for everyone else. There’s a lot of teams struggling now with the lockdown and all the uncertainties.

“We need to take advantage of that and try to focus on what’s important where we need to play four of five matches to get to that final. There’s gonna be a lot of teams that are not prepared, and the ones who are prepared will get that opportunity to win something special,” he added.

Zesco United head coach Numba Mumamba has called for self-introspection after the Wednesday Zambian Super League 1-0 loss to Forest Rangers.

The loss in the Ndola Derby meant Zesco United have dropped five points since the season started over the weekend as they had posted a 1-1 draw against Napsa Stars.

The start into the 2020/21 season is the worst for Timu ya Ziko since they were promoted to the top league 16 years ago. The only time they managed not to pick up a win in the first two matches was during the 2010 season when they drew against Power Dynamos 1-1 before a 0-0 scoreline against Konkola Blades.

“It is a great concern on our part because Zesco United are a big football club. Dropping five points from two games is not good enough for a team like us,” Mumamba told the club’s website.

“There is need for self-introspection and to improve in our next game against Lumwana Radiants.”

The former Zambian international also explained reasons he thinks worked against Zesco United at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

“We are disappointed with the result. We have lost this game out of our own making. We didn’t start the game on a positive note, we were a bit slow, casual and looked heavy and our opponents capitalised on that,” he added.

“We were much better in the second half and dominated proceedings. If we can replicate our second-half performance, I am sure we will do well in Lumwana.”

Meanwhile, former Zesco United tactician George Lwandamina is reportedly set to be appointed Nkana FC head coach.

Lwandamina is on the market since he parted ways with the eight-time Premier League winners and paved way for the appointment of Mumamba.

Nkana won the league in the 2019/20 season and are also set to play in the Caf Champions League. Should they confirm the Zambian head coach as the new man in charge, Lwandamina will bring winning credentials to the side given what he achieved at Zesco.

He is the last man to win the Tanzania Mainland Premier League title with Young Africans (Yanga SC) in 2018. Since then, Yanga are yet to wrestle the title back from archrivals Simba SC in three attempts.

Ruvimbo Mucherera marked her Champions League debut with a goal in Gintra Universitetas’ 4-0 triumph over Slovan Bratislava in Siauliai on Wednesday.

The US-born Zimbabwean was introduced as a second-half replacement for her American compatriot Mckenna Davidson and helped the hosts guarantee a big win at the Siauliai Central Stadium.

The Lithuanian champions enjoyed huge dominance but were held to a stalemate by their opponents from Slovakia in the opening half of the qualifying round play-off encounter. 

After the recess, Mucherera was brought on 12 minutes into the second half for Gintra and Tristian Corneil assisted Amanda Kass to break the deadlock in the 66th minute of the match.

13 minutes later, the hosts continued the search for more goals as Abby Carchio found another breakthrough to double the lead off a fine pass from Rimante Jonusaite. 

Substitute Mucherera fired home a low effort past goalkeeper Dominica Rezekova in the 88th minute before Corneil also got on the scoresheet from the spot on the brink of regulation time.

The Zimbabwean forward was involved in the final 33 minutes of the match on her maiden appearance in the European competition.

The big win sends Gintra Universitetas into the Round of 32 and they will know their opponents in the next round on November 6.

Mucherera will be eager to play a part in the aspiration of Rimantė Jonusaite's team to surpass their Round of 16 feat in 2017 this term.

Nampalys Mendy is “showing the quality player he is”, says Brendan Rodgers, with the midfielder “performing to the level” Leicester City wanted in the absence of Wilfred Ndidi.

The French midfielder of Senegalese descent joined the Foxes from Nice in 2016 on a four-year deal worth £13 million, a club record at the time. In his first season, he featured in 31 Premier League games for Claudio Ranieri’s men – with 23 of them as a starter.

However, the arrival Ndidi from Genk meant the 28-year-old was confined to the bench. In the 2019-20 campaign, he featured in just seven English elite division encounters.

In a positive twist of fate, Mendy has demonstrated to be a perfect replacement for the injured Nigeria international who is out of the team owing to an abductor injury. He has churned out impressive displays in all nine games played so far this term.

Commending the contributions of the former France youth international, the Northern Irish manager feels the midfielder is fast grasping his opportunity as a main cog in his starting line-up.

“He is performing to the level the club wanted when they brought him in,” Rodgers told the club website.

“He's a defensive midfield player, tactically very good, understands the role, and does a lot of dirty work for the team. 

“Of course, before he’s played with Wilf [Ndidi], who’s something similar beside him and it’s probably where both those players need someone creative beside them.

“I think because of Wilf’s form, certainly since I’ve been here, he’s been so consistent, Wilf, and it's been difficult for Papy to play but it really shows you the mark of the guy – how well he has trained, how concentrated he has been. He never lost his focus and was always there if an opportunity came to give his very best.

“Now, what you’re seeing is a player that is getting a consistent run of games, and he’s really showing the quality player he is. I have been delighted with Papy. He gives the team stability with his experience and understanding of football and how we work. He has been crucial to how we play.”

Born in La Seyne-sur-Mer, France to Senegalese parents, Mendy is eligible to represent Senegal at senior international level.

Phil Foden has helped to put “the Manc back into Manchester City”, says legendary former Blues captain Paul Power, with a home-grown star being tipped to become a key man at the Etihad Stadium.

A prominent role at club level has already been taken on by a talented 20-year-old, who also harbours ambitions of becoming a regular for England’s senior side.

Foden has been tipped for the top ever since City fended off interest from a number of North West rivals to bring him into their academy system.

Power played a part in securing that potential, during a role working in the Blues’ youth set-up, and claims to have always been convinced that a classy midfielder would become a first-team regular.

Pep Guardiola is now handing out those opportunities, with Foden helping to counter the departure of modern day icon David Silva, and City are benefitting from having local pride at the heart of their side.

Power told the club’s official website: “What fills me with a lot of pride at the moment is to see Phil doing really well.

“When I was working under Jim Cassell as part of the academy coaching set-up, we were all instrumental in helping to get Phil to sign for us as a nine-year-old.

“Everyone knew he was the best player in the North West when he was eight. [Manchester] United and Liverpool and Everton were all interested in signing Phil.

“But Phil’s dad is a big Blue and he said: ‘He ain’t going anywhere but City’ and I’m absolutely delighted to see how Phil has progressed.

“His dad must be proud as anything to see him now in the first team and doing ever so well.

“I remember during my City career, I played in the semi-final of League Cup in 1976 we went to Middlesbrough and I think 10 of the 11 starting players that night were all local Manchester lads. The only one not from the Manchester region was Asa Hartford.

“Now those days are gone of course, but I did feel in recent years we had maybe lost a little bit of that 'Manc'. But I do think Phil has helped put the 'Manc' back into Manchester City, which I’m delighted to see.”

Foden is now up to 84 appearances for City, with 18 goals and 14 assists recorded across those outings, and Power believes there is plenty more to come from a player still learning his trade.

He added: “Phil’s already achieved some of his potential, but he’s got a lot more to come.

“Phil’s mentally tough, he works hard, he’s got the right attitude – and he has got the skill and ability to create and score goals. And I would love to think that he can take over from David Silva and be the playmaker that Kun Aguero needs to get chances.

“He’s made mistakes but he’s still very young, he’s still only 20, and he has the right mental make up to achieve what he wants to in football.

“Pep’s looking after him well, he is giving him more and more time on the pitch and I think it’s fantastic that he’s doing so well.

“And it’s also wonderful to see so many of the other young local lads at the club progressing and being given their chance.”

Juventus director Fabio Paratici has stated that everyone at the club cares deeply about Manchester United's Paul Pogba, but added that it is too early to be talking about transfer targets as the midfielder's future continues to generate headlines.

Pogba returned to Old Trafford in 2016 after four trophy-laden years in Turin, with United paying a then-record fee to bring their former charge back to Manchester despite having originally lost him on a free transfer.

The World Cup winner arrived to much fanfare in the England, with his undeniable talent seen as a major coup for a league that prides itself on being able to attract the top stars in global football.

Pogba has struggled to live up to the hype, however, with injuries and inconsistent form meaning Red Devils fans have only seen glimpses of his best. As a result, a transfer elsewhere has been mooted, with the player himself leaving the door open to Real Madrid.

A return to Juventus has also been touted, however, and Paratici admits that the Old Lady still harbour strong feelings for their former star.

“Right now, Pogba is a Manchester United player and it is far too early to think about future transfer targets,” the director Sky Sport Italia. “We all care for Pogba here, one of many ex-players who gave Juve so much, but it's too early to talk about future objectives.

“We are concentrated on constructing this team for this season, that is where our focus lies.”

Another player who struggled for form after leaving Turin is Alvaro Morata, who has since returned to the club following underwhelming spells with Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

Morata has since regained his confidence, bagging six goals in seven appearances across all competitions this term, and Paratici has hailed the Spaniard's skill set and ability to give the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo different options.

“Ronaldo is someone who can play with more or less everybody because he moves a great deal,” he said. “So we can have a more physical centre-forward or a more mobile one like Morata, someone like Paulo Dybala who comes towards him.

“Morata was always the first choice [target] in our minds, because we already knew the lad well. He's had two very good seasons with us. We also knew his personality and that he could give something more in Turin.

“He moves around a lot, looks for the space, so his characteristics suits the style of football our coach wants to play.”

Legon Cities communications director Kwame Dwomoh Agyemang has revealed the figures, reported by local media as the signing fee for veteran Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan, are not true.

Gyan joined The Royals on a one-year contract on domestic Transfer Deadline Day on Saturday, amid claims of a deal worth $1 million.

He settled for Legon after failing to reach an agreement with local giants Asante Kotoko whom he had publicly declared love for and stated a desire to wear the colours of the club.

“Gyan will play for us this season and if things go on well there is the possibility that he will stay with us for another season," Agyemang told Vision 1 FM.

“Gyan’s contract is structured, we have seen a lot of things in the media but that isn’t the case.

“We can’t disclose the amount he is going to take even the Europeans do not do that. What we normally hear are speculations from the media. There is no club that will disclose the salary of a player because it is confidential.

“What I can say is that he signed a performance-based contract."

In his first and only previous stint in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Gyan played for Liberty Professionals.

He could mark his Legon debut against Berekum Chelsea on Matchweek One of the 2020-21 season on May 14.

"Sometimes people forget that the Ghanaian league is also a professional league," Gyan told the BBC.

"I got the offer [from Legon] and everything was right - as a professional you have to evaluate everything. I am very proud to be in the Ghanaian league.

"The most important thing is that they were serious about the contract. I am a very serious guy, despite people seeing me as a funny guy as well, but when it comes to work, it is work. Everything is about seriousness.

"I am in Ghana and I am home. I signed for this club because they have a huge project - they want to change Ghana football. I came here for a reason so while I am enjoying football, we are also doing things behind the scenes to benefit Ghana football."

Gyan once played for Premier League club Sunderland, Udinese in Italy and Rennes in France. 

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) president Moses Magogo has explained what has brought down SC Villa in the recent past.

SC Villa are the most successful Ugandan Premier League club with 16 titles but coincidentally, they have not won the trophy in the last 16 years.

To end the club’s struggles, an interim committee was formed to help stabilise the outfit and recently came up with some recommendations. These have been ratified, and we will now see SC Villa evolve back into a community club run by the Villa Members Trust.

The trust will carry out functions that include voting for the club’s president, entitlements to an individual season and tickets per season of a full subscription, members are eligible to become part of the club’s Executive Committee and any member can be eligible to be elected as the president.

It is also an entity that owns SC Villa and all its assets.

“The lack of ownership led to a lack of proper governance systems that could create and supervise proper management,” Magogo, who is an ardent SC Villa fan, told Fufa website explaining the issues that have bedevilled them.

“This gradually affected the sporting results and of course, revenues became meagre too. The mighty SC Villa have since not won any league championship in the last 16 years and has romanced with relegation at some point.

“SC Villa got absorbed into the unmatched sporting success and slept on the job for important matters of ownership, governance and business.

“Even after being the first Ugandan club to sell a player [Magid Musisi] direct to Europe in 1992 and obtain funds that were used to construct residential houses in the suburbs of Kampala, this was not enough to awaken the business potential that SC Villa had become.”

The Jogoos are one of the Ugandan clubs with a rich history and one of the outstanding parts of their evolution is the first back-to-back participation in Caf competition before its 18th birthday as well as winning the league title a 16th time.

Bruno Fernandes admits Manchester United “did everything wrong” in a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir that has knocked them another step backwards and piled pressure on beleaguered boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Red Devils headed to Turkey looking to build on a faultless opening to their 2020-21 campaign in Europe that had already seen them claim the notable scalps of Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.

Inconsistency remains a serious issue for Solskjaer’s side, though, and familiar failings contributed to them leaving gaping holes at the back for Basaksehir to exploit.

United also struggled to find a spark going forward, firing in just two shots on target, and are now having to pick the bones out of another demoralising showing that has questions being asked of the direction in which the club are heading.

Fernandes concedes that they fell well short of expectations in their latest outing, telling MUTV: “Everything goes wrong, we did everything wrong.

“The intensity was not good since the beginning of the game. They found a goal early and, after, the game was complicated for us. We tried until the end but the problem was [that] I think we came later into the game.

“We can do much better; everyone feels that.

“We know we can't concede goals like that, but now it's time to look [at] what we did wrong, to make it better in the next game.”

The Portuguese midfielder added: “We need to look: one week ago, everyone was talking about we're going well, we're doing amazing games.

“We won against Newcastle, we won against Paris, we beat Leipzig. We draw against Chelsea in one game when we can win.

“This game was important for us – winning the game to be comfortable in the table.

“Of course, making one or a few points again we [would have almost] passed (qualified from) the group. But now it's the same.

“We are in a good position. We need to do the same: going for every game, trying to win, and it will not be different in the Champions League.”

Things are not about to get any easier for United as their next Premier League fixture is set to take them to Goodison Park for a meeting with Everton.

Fernandes has acknowledged the need for standards to be raised in that contest, with the Red Devils heading to Merseyside sat 15th in the English top-flight standings and with just two wins to their name from six games so far.

“Of course, in the league we are not in a good position – we all know that,” said Fernandes.

“We need to do much better, and we need to do something more than say ‘do something in the next game’ because it will be a difficult game for us. Our focus now needs to be already there.”

Nampalys Mendy revealed nothing has changed for him since stepping in for injured Wilfred Ndidi in the Leicester City squad.

A long-term injury worry for the Nigeria international meant the Frenchman now has a chance to revive his deteriorating Foxes career.

The 28-year-old has featured in all 2020-21 Premier League games for Brendan Rodgers’ men, holding sway in the midfield as the King Power Stadium giants currently occupy second spot in the log having accrued 15 points – one point behind leaders Liverpool.

Asked about the absence of a fellow defensive midfielder which has increased his involvement for Leicester, the former French youth international while accentuating the importance of the ex-Genk star to the team disclosed that nothing has altered as he always gave his best when called to duty.

“Personally, nothing changed for me because I give always my best when I'm on the pitch,” the Senegal prospect told the Leicester City website.

"Of course, Wilf is not with us at the moment but we know we have to play without him. We know he's an important player for the club and the team. 

“We have a lot of options and the manager can put me or, for example, Hamza Choudhury [in]. Yes, everyone can perform and that's good for the team. I hope we continue it.

“What the manager wants is very clear. When he puts sessions on, we work a lot in the training and after it is very easy to translate on the pitch at the weekend.

“At the moment, we have had good results, what he has put on the team is very good. Now we have to keep going.”

He also aired his views about Jamie Vardy and how crucial the veteran has been for the former English champions so far this term.

“Jamie, what a player,” he continued. “He's fantastic. We are lucky because we can play with him and we can see how he can perform in front of goal every day.

“He helps the club a lot and gives a lot of energy to every player and has good leadership.”

Mendy would be eyeing his 10th appearance of the season when Rodgers’ men hosts Braga to Filbert Way for Thursday’s Europa League Group G duel.

Paul Pogba has been “nothing but problems” for Manchester United since returning to the club in 2016, says Paul Ince, will all concerned at Old Trafford now asking questions of where they go from this point.

The Red Devils invested £89 million ($116m) in bringing a France international back onto their books, with their transfer record smashed when doing business with Juventus.

Pogba’s capture was considered to be a quite a coup, with there plenty of potential in his game still to be unlocked.

United have, however, been unable to bring the best out of an enigmatic 27-year-old, with regular questions being asked of his form and future.

Pogba has become a World Cup winner during his second spell in England, but domestic struggles have contributed to the Red Devils being unable to kick on as a collective.

There is now no obvious role for an expensive asset within Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, with a place on the bench taken up in a 2-1 Champions League defeat at Istanbul Basaksehir, and Ince admits those on and off the field need to be mulling over their options.

The former United midfielder told Ladbrokes: “I love Pogba. I think he’s a world-class player on his day. We saw that at Juventus. But since he’s come to Manchester United it’s been nothing but problems.

“Under Jose Mourinho and things with his agent, there’s always something. His performances haven’t been up to scratch, the fans have almost gone against him.

“If I was playing with him, I’d be saying ‘listen, you just go out there and play. Go out there and start performing. Once you start performing like you should be performing, then you can talk about wanting to sign for Real Madrid, because at the moment you can’t even get into the Man United side.’

“If I’m Paul Pogba, I’m sitting on the bench thinking ‘hang on, I’ve got Fred, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes all playing in midfield and I’m sat on the bench? There’s got to be something wrong with me.’

“Man United is not about Paul Pogba.”

Pogba has aired a desire to represent Real Madrid at some stage in his career, but United have taken up an extension option in his contract that is due to keep him in his current surroundings through to the summer of 2022.

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has welcomed Vihiga United's promotion to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League at the same time, stating AFC Leopards is not part of the Western region.

The Vihiga-based club was relegated from the top-flight last season and were seeking to bounce back against All-Stars, who were playing in the top league in the 2019-20 campaign.  

Despite winning the first leg 2-1, Kisumu All-Stars could not protect the advantage as they lost 2-1 in the return fixture and thus the tie ended at 3-3 after the two-legged affair, prompting the match referee to order for penalties in which Vihiga triumphed 5-3.  

"Vihiga United promotion is a delight for the Western region because it means we have three teams representing us in the Premier League," Shimanyula told Goal on Thursday.

"We now have Nzoia Sugar, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Vihiga United playing in the top-tier. AFC Leopards is not on the list since it is a Nairobi team and does not represent the Western region."

"I wish the team all the best in the league as we aim at taking our game to the next level."

The vocal administrator has also exuded confidence his charges will be a team to beat in the new season.

"Homeboyz are ready for the new season, they will be a team to beat in the league," Shimanyula stated.

"We have assembled a very competitive team with players who have what it takes to push for the title. It will not be easy for teams to play against us, they will have a long day.

"Our target is to go all the way and win the league this season; I am confident we can do it. Last season we were close but things happened; we want to be better this time around."

In the abandoned 2019/20 season, the Kakamega-based team finished the campaign in second position with 47 points, behind Gor Mahia who were crowned.

Shimanyula bragged that his club will remain a force despite losing players to other teams in each and every transfer window.  

The Kakamega-based club has recently conceded losing midfielder Peter Thiong’o to rivals AFC Leopards after the two clubs tussled over the player since the transfer window opened on August 10.  

"We have always been feeding KPL clubs with players, not a single club in KPL has not signed a player from Homeboyz.  

"We have lost Harun [Shakava] and Charles [Momanyi] to Gor Mahia before but it did not affect us, we still went ahead to finish second on the table in the last campaign, and actually had the season been played to the end, we should have won the title.  

"We have an academy which is very strong, not even AFC Leopards or Gor Mahia have an academy like the one we have, we don’t fear losing players, we lose and promote from the academy and they just fit in very well," Shimanyula concluded.