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Barcelona have confirmed that Luis Suarez has joined Atletico Madrid after the two Spanish sides came to terms on a deal for the Uruguayan star.

Atleti will pay Barca €6 million (£5.5m/$7m) to acquire the striker, who departs Camp Nou after six seasons with the club.

Suarez had been heavily linked with Juventus in recent weeks as the Italian champions have been in the hunt for a striker, but the Bianconeri moved on to other targets after Suarez was forced to go through a lengthy process of acquiring Italian citizenship.

Instead, he'll head to Atleti after a stay with Barca that saw him claim 13 trophies while becoming the club's third-highest all-time goalscorer, only topped by Cesar and Leo Messi.

"FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Luis Suarez. The Madrid club will pay FC Barcelona €6 million in variables," the Catalan club announced.

"FC Barcelona would like to publicly express their gratitude to Luis Suarez for his commitment and dedication and wishes him all the best for the future."

Suarez originally made the move to Barcelona in 2014, having emerged as a superstar during his time with Liverpool.

He went on to score 198 goals in 283 games for the Blaugrana, earning the Golden Shoe as Europe’s top scorer after scoring 59 total goals in 2015-16.

While at Barca, Suarez won four La Liga titles and a Champions League, as he famously scored against Juventus to secure that European title for Barca.

He'll now join Diego Simeone's Atletico outfit, giving the club an option up top following the departure of Alvaro Morata, who recently joined Juventus on an initial 12-month loan deal with an option to buy for €45m (£40m/$52m).

Suarez scored 21 goals in 36 games for Barca last season as he battled injury midway through Barca's campaign in what turned out to be his least-prolific season at the Camp Nou.

After arriving in August, new Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman told Suarez he would not be in his plans for the upcoming season, sealing the 33-year-old's fate at Camp Nou.

Now with Atletico, Suarez could be ready in time for this weekend's match against Granada with the club then set to visit Huesca next Wednesday.

Alex Iwobi scored a goal and provided an assist as Everton continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 5-2 win over Fleetwood Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Iwobi made his first appearance of the season in the victory over West Bromwich Albion at the weekend but made the starting XI this time.

Everton did not let their guards down on Wednesday with Richarlison giving them the lead in the 22nd minute, courtesy of Bernard's assist.

The Nigeria international turned provider for the Toffees second goal, playing a lovely backheel to Richarlison after a brilliant one-two with the Brazilian.

Fleetwood were not going to give up so easily and pulled one back through second-half substitute Mark Duffy two minutes after the restart.

Everton would go on to extend their lead not too long after thanks to Iwobi, Nigerian tapping home with consummate ease after being fed by Richarlison. It marked the first time the Arsenal academy graduate scored and assisted in the same match for the first time in his club career.

Fleetwood again cut the deficit, this time from Callum Camps in the 58th minute, but Everton were equally in the mood to get more goals and added a fourth through Bernard and substitute Moise Kean wrapping things up in added time with the fifth.

The victory will see Everton face West Ham United in the Carabao Cup fourth round at Goodison Park next week.

Iwobi had a brilliant evening, recording a total of five shots, four successful dribbles from seven attempts, 78 touches on the ball and 48 completed passes from 54 with accuracy at 89%

The Super Eagles star played 25 times in all competitions last season having joined from Arsenal, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The 24-year-old will hope to make his first Premier League start this season when Everton battle Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

The Toffees kicked off their campaign first with a 1-0 Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur followed by a 3-0 triumph over Salford City in the second round of the League Cup.

The next was an emphatic 5-2 win over newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion in the league on Saturday.

Pep Lijnders believes the signing of Thiago Alcantara can fundamentally raise the level of Liverpool’s performances this season.

The Reds assistant says the Spanish international’s presence will provide “direct and indirect improvements” at Anfield, with other players encouraged to follow the former Bayern Munich man’s lead.

Thiago enjoyed an encouraging introduction to English football last weekend, emerging off the bench for the second half of Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Chelsea.

Although he conceded a penalty – saved by Alisson Becker – the 29-year-old managed to set a new Premier League record of passes completed in a single half; a sign of things to come, Reds fans will hope.

Discussing Thiago on Wednesday, at a press conference to preview Liverpool’s Carabao Cup tie at Lincoln, Lijnders stated that the team “deserves a player like him”, and explained how his way of playing will have a knock-on effect for those around him.

He said: “With signings you have direct improvements – you put them into the game and things happen - but indirect development is the most important of signings. 

“Because [Thiago] is so calm and he plays so many creative passes, all the other players start playing like that. This is the power of example, the power of models. He will not only improve our game but improve all the other players.”

Liverpool are yet to decide whether Thiago, or indeed fellow new signing Diogo Jota, will feature against Lincoln, the early leaders of League One.

Lijnders hinted on Wednesday that the Reds team will be stronger than many suspect, though we can expect to see the squad utilised, with the likes of Kostas Tsimikas, James Milner, Curtis Jones and Takumi Minamino all likely to feature.

Asked if Thiago would be spared the trip to Sincil Bank, Lijnders smiled.

“The German [League Cup] competition is like this as well,” he said. “A lot of times when you draw a third division club in Germany you play away, that's how they try to help, so he knows these kind of teams. 

“Thiago needs time to understand our game but we also need to understand and use the skills of Thiago. There will be different timings, different passes, different dictation of play.

“We have to stay unpredictable and Thiago gives us unpredictability from the spine of the pitch. We want hopefully 11 players who can play the last pass and for sure he is one of the players who can play this last pass.

“We always search to do the right thing for each game. We have so many different characteristics in our midfield [so] we can change when necessary and put the right midfield in in place to approach the game. 

“It is not just Thiago of course, but Curtis Jones who comes in and takes an important spot in midfield, who gives us risk between the lines, gives us young blood. He is a proper squad player at this moment in time.”

Discussing Jota, who cost Liverpool an initial £41million (€45m/$52m) when joining from Wolves last weekend, Lijnders allayed fears the Portugal international would find it difficult to get game-time given the presence of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino as Jurgen Klopp’s established forward line.

“You saw our schedule, right? He will win matches!” he said. “He is a player on the level of the front three technically, a pressing monster. 

“The adaptation will hopefully be quite quick, and with good players it is normally quite quick. He has to learn our game and the way we want to do things but when we see him play in the national team for Portugal we see them play 4-3-3, there are a lot of similarities between these two teams. He will play. He has been bought to create solutions for us.”

Arsenal are into the EFL Cup fourth round after Christian Fuchs' own goal and a late effort from Eddie Nketiah handed them a 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium.

Mikel Arteta made seven changes to the side that beat West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday and his new-look XI struggled to lay a glove on the hosts during a tepid first half. 

They improved after the break, though, and opened the scoring shortly before the hour mark when Fuchs inadvertently put through his own net after Nicolas Pepe's shot had come back off the post.

Nketiah bundled home from close range in the 90th minute to seal the win and ensure Arsenal made it three wins from three at the start of the 2020-21 season.

Both goalkeepers were called into action inside the opening 10 minutes, Danny Ward tipping over Reiss Nelson's fizzing drive from distance and Bernd Leno denying Kelechi Iheanacho at the other end. 

The lively Nelson missed a glorious opportunity to open the scoring shortly after the half-hour mark, firing wide from 12 yards after finding space at a corner. 

Leicester almost went into the interval ahead but James Maddison's curled effort from 20 yards crashed back off Leno's left-hand post. 

After a sedate opening to the second period, Arsenal forged ahead in the 57th minute. Pepe's initial shot was pawed away by Ward, but the Ivorian's follow-up shot from an acute angle flew back off the post into Fuchs and over the line.

Wes Morgan denied Arsenal a second, heading Nketiah's looping effort off the line, while Ayoze Perez inexplicably headed wide 10 minutes from time in what was comfortably the Foxes' best chance of the game. 

Nketiah then added Arsenal's second late on, scuffing home from inside the six-yard box after substitute Hector Bellerin's mazy run, with Daniel Amartey somehow failing to clear the danger. 

What does it mean? Much-changed Arsenal cruise through

The Gunners barely had to get out of second gear to ease past Brendan Rodgers' insipid side. 

Arteta will be relieved his decision to shuffle his pack did not backfire, with his much-changed side ensuring the club have now progressed into the EFL Cup fourth round in 17 of the last 18 seasons. 

Nketiah ends mixed display on a high

The highly rated 21-year-old has now scored in consecutive games following his winner against West Ham at the weekend.

He was not at his best against Leicester - making the fewest passes and having the fewest touches of any Arsenal starter - but he showed a poacher's instinct with that late goal. 

Iheanacho struggles in rare start

The Nigerian international started just 16 games last season and he is unlikely to replace Jamie Vardy any time soon if he continues to put in displays as ineffectual as this. He had one shot on target and completed just 12 passes, comfortably the lowest of Leicester's starters. 

What's next?

Both sides are back in Premier League action next, with Leicester travelling to Manchester City on Sunday and Arsenal visiting champions Liverpool a day later.

Kai Havertz scored a hat-trick as Chelsea sealed their progression into the EFL Cup fourth round with a dominant 6-0 win over Barnsley.

Havertz had struggled in his first two Premier League appearances, but the former Bayer Leverkusen star got up and running in English football in style on Wednesday.

With Tammy Abraham opening the scoring, Havertz doubled Chelsea's lead before playing his part in Ross Barkley putting the hosts 3-0 up.

Havertz added to his tally with a superb finish soon after, subsequently rounding off his first senior hat-trick 10 minutes later – Olivier Giroud making it six for Chelsea late on.

Callum Hudson-Odoi squandered a great chance in the opening two minutes and Chelsea were fortunate not to be made to pay when Thiago Silva, making his debut, gifted possession to Patrick Schmidt, whose cross just evaded Cauley Woodrow.

Yet it was the hosts who struck first – Abraham slotting in after dispossessing Aapo Halme.

Mason Mount should have put Chelsea 2-0 up but Havertz made no mistake from the next opportunity, coolly dispatching beyond Bradley Collins from close range.

Willy Caballero kept Barnsley at bay three more times before the break, though hopes of a comeback were ended when Havertz forced Alex Mowatt into an error and Barkley drilled home.

Havertz had his second six minutes later, picking out the bottom-right corner with a wonderful strike.

His hat-trick goal came courtesy of a Collins howler – Barnsley's goalkeeper caught stranded on the edge of his box as Havertz nudged it past him and slammed into an empty net before being subbed off.

Barkley missed a glorious opportunity to add a sixth, but Giroud was on hand to pile further misery on Barnsley when he headed in debutant Ben Chilwell's cross late on.

What does it mean? Mourinho reunion next up?

Tottenham may receive a bye to the fourth round due to several Leyton Orient players testing positive for coronavirus, and Chelsea's reward for their victory would be a meeting with their former manager if that proves to be the case. Frank Lampard's side came out on top in both league clashes with Spurs last season.

Havertz arrives with a bang

Lampard has urged patience with Chelsea's new signing and Havertz repaid his manager's belief with an excellent display. Across Europe's top five leagues, only Robert Lewandowski (35), Lionel Messi (32) and Cristiano Ronaldo (31) have been involved in more goals in all competitions in 2020 than the 21-year-old, who has 18 goals and eight assists.

Barnsley no match for the big boys

Gerhard Struber set his side up to attack, but though the Tykes caused Chelsea problems at times, they have now lost 15 of their last 17 EFL Cup matches against top-flight opponents.

What's next?

Chelsea travel to West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday, while Barnsley are in action against Coventry City in the second tier.

Former Ghana and Bayern Munich star Samuel Osei Kuffour believes Asante Kotoko's decision to compete in the 2020-21 Caf Champions League is a step in the right direction.

The Porcupine Warriors have resolved to represent the West African country in the elite continental championship amid safety concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

There has also been worry about the club's long period of inactivity, the side having been out of action since March when a national ban on public gatherings, including sporting events, came into force.

“Kotoko should go to Africa. They should go and attempt because if we don’t go we won’t get the experience," Kumasi-born Kuffuor told Peace FM.

"Kotoko is on the same level as Ahly, [Tout Puissant] Mazembe and others and if we have people who can sponsor the club from the board, why shouldn’t we go.

“Kotoko should go and test our resolve against some of the teams. I think we should go and compete and use it as preparations [for the following season], just like the 1983 squad."

Kuffour also spoke about Kotoko's new eight-member management team unveiled in Kumasi on Tuesday.

The new leadership includes former GFA deputy general secretary Emmanuel Dasoberi (administrative and operations manager), Eric Twum (commercial manager), Thoma Sevordzi (finance manager), Dentaa Amoateng (diaspora and international relations), Akua Pokuaa Kwarteng (head of legal - domestic), Nilo Effori (head of legal - international) and David Obeng Nyarko (special assistant to the CEO).

"You can agree and disagree with people’s opinion but one thing I have realised is the insult. The insults are not good," Kuffuor added.

"The Kotoko board is made up of businessmen who have employed people so if you sit on the radio and insult them, I disagree.

"You can say whatever you want to say without the insults. I want to beg everyone to stop.

"These are respected people who are investing their time and resources into Kotoko, so we should encourage them instead of the insults.

"If you insult those running the clubs, it will discourage others from coming on board."

In 2015, Kuffuor came close to being named Kotoko CEO.

Paris Saint-Germain star Angel Di Maria has been hit with a four-match suspension for spitting on Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez during a late-game melee earlier this month.

The incident came during a scuffle towards the end of PSG's 1-0 loss to Marseille, a heated match that saw five players sent off in the game's final moments.

Towards the end of the game, the two teams engaged in a scuffle, with Neymar among those to earn a red card for slapping Gonzalez during the coming together between the two rival sides.

The Brazilian, who was dismissed alongside team-mates Layvin Kurzawa and Leandro Paredes as well as Marseille duo Jordan Amavi and Dario Benedetto, later accused the Spanish defender of making racist remarks, which Gonzalez denied.

Neymar went on to say that his only regret was "not hitting that asshole in the face", with Gonzalez firing back by saying the winger must learn how to lose with grace.

Di Maria was also heavily involved in the incident, with Marseille boss Andre Villas-Boas claiming that the Argentine spat on one of his players during the late-game clash, and the Argentina international forward has now been hit with a four-game suspension after a review of the incident.

The suspension will begin on Tuesday, meaning Di Maria will be eligible for this weekend's visit to Reims in Ligue 1. After that, he will miss matches against Angers, Nimes, Dijon and Nantes before potentially returning against Rennes on November 8.

Di Maria has scored one goal in three games for PSG so far this season as the defending Ligue 1 champions have now claimed six points from their first four matches in the French season.

The Argentine made 41 appearances in all competitions for the club last season, scoring 13 goals while serving as a vital figure in PSG's run to the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

He originally joined PSG in 2015 after a difficult one-year spell with Manchester United following a spectacular run with Real Madrid. Di Maria has made 224 appearances in total, scoring 83 goals as PSG have claimed four Ligue 1 titles during his time in France. 

Bayern Munich defender Javi Martinez's proposed return to Athletic Club is on the verge of collapsing. 

Martinez joined Bayern from Athletic in 2012 and after eight trophy-filled years in Bavaria, the 32-year-old is hoping for a return to the Basque club - but Goal and SPOX understand that the move is in serious jeopardy over the proposed termination of Martinez's Bayern contract, which has entered its final season

Athletic are counting on Bayern and Martinez reaching an agreement over the cancellation of his contract, which would allow the Spaniard to then join them on a free transfer. 

Bayern, though, are holding out for a fee of around €10 million (£9m/$12) and appear unwilling to negotiate a termination of Martinez's deal. 

Should Martinez not require a transfer fee, Athletic believe they have the required funds to invest in a salary that would successfully lure their former player back.

However, the Liga club won't be able to put together a competitive contract offer for Martinez should they also be required to invest in a transfer fee. 

Martinez also has interest from Real Sociedad, as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia and China that could offer him a much more lucrative deal than either Liga side. 

He missed Bayern's traditional Oktoberfest photo shoot on Tuesday, prompting speculation that he had secured a transfer away from the German champions. On Wednesday, however, Martinez was named in the squad for Bayern's UEFA Super Cup match against Sevilla on Thursday.

Bayern head coach Hansi Flick said on Wednesday that he wasn't completely certain of Martinez's situation, but was happy to have him as an option for the match in Budapest.

"I can't always quite understand things," Flick said. "I was also a bit surprised that Javi Martínez was already gone, even though he is still in our squad. I'm glad Javi is here."

Martinez has been a valuable option for Bayern since his arrival in 2012, filling in at centre-back and in central midfield, but the veteran has seen his role reduced lately and made just 10 starts in all competitions in 2019-20.

Last month, Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed that Martinez was looking to leave the club. 

Kazuyoshi Miura has become the J-League's oldest top-flight player ever by starting for Yokohama FC at the age of 53 on Wednesday. 

The forward was named in his side's starting lineup against Kawasaki Frontale at 53 years, 6 months and 28 days of age, breaking the previous previous record of 45 years, 2 months and 1 day set by Masashi Nakayama with Consadole Sapporo in 2012.

Miura, who is known as "King Kazu," wore the captain's armband and played 53 minutes before being taken off in a game that Frontale eventually won 3-2.

"When I stepped onto the pitch, I felt a deep desire to fulfill my duty and harness everyone's feelings in that armband," Miura said after the match.

The former Japan striker wasn't the only notable veteran to play for Yokohama in the match, with 39-year-old Daisuke Matsui and 42-year-old Shunsuke Nakamura also featuring in the game. 

Miura had been previously named on the bench for one other Yokohama match this season, and made his first appearance on Wednesday in his club's 18th game of the season.

It was Miura's first appearance in a first-division J-League match since 2007 after Yokohama were promoted from the second division following last season.

“Kazu, congratulations on becoming the J1’s oldest player,” J. League Chairman Mitsuru Murai said in a statement. “This is surely the fruit of your strenuous efforts to stay fit as a professional player.

“This great record, which will surely live on in Japanese soccer history, will shine a light on what lies ahead for other players as well as children who hope to become soccer players one day.

“The word sees you continuing your challenge, and your presence is our pride. I look forward to even more activity from you in the future.”

Miura made his professional debut in Brazil as a teenager and has since embarked on a 37-year career that has included stints in Italy, Croatia, Australia as well as with several Japanese sides.

Internationally, Miura made his debut with Japan in 1990 and went on to earn 89 caps for his country, scoring 55 goals. 

Former Orlando Pirates defender Edward Motale says he is satisfied with Soweto giants coach Josef Zinnbauer's ongoing acquisition of players, but now wants the German to sign goalkeepers, after signing a defender and three midfielders so far.

Pirates announced their latest signings on Wednesday after bringing on board former Bidvest Wits star Terrence Dzvukamanja as well as Collins Makgaka from Baroka FC.

This was after they had secured the services of Bafana Bafana captain and central defender Thulani Hlatshwayo together midfielder Deon Hotto earlier this week.

But Motale believes Pirates’ midfield will have “stiff competition” and Zinnbauer should now close his transfer business in that department.

“Yes I am 150 percent satisfied [with Zinnbauer’s transfer business],” Motale told Goal.

“He came and three or four months already there was light at the end of the tunnel. He did not even have pre-season with the team. He just came in the thick of things but I am very happy about him. I am supporting him 150 percent.

“Yes [midfield signings are now enough]. You know Hotto, Dzvukamanja are attacking midfielders, they scores goals.

"They had been scoring goals for Wits and yes it’s good now because remember the midfield if the engine of the team so there must be stiff competition there.

“That’s why I don’t have a problem with those three signings in midfield. Congratulations to Pirates and the signings.

"They are welcome and I think they are going to bring some change and bring something big.”

While the signing of Hlatshwayo is highly-touted as a solution to Pirates’ central defensive woes, Motale wants Zinnbauer to buttress the rearguard by bringing in goalkeepers.

“We now need goalkeepers at Pirates. That’s my plea. Midfielders, strikers we never had that big problem,” said Motale.

“According to my opinion, the problem was at the back. The goalkeeping department has always had problems so I thought they were going to find three goalkeepers. I am going to be more happy if they sign three goalkeepers.”

Pirates signed goalkeeper Joris Delle at the beginning of last season but the Frenchman found it difficult to hold on to the number one spot which he surrendered to Wayne Sandilands.

Third-choice Siyabonga Mpontshane did not play a single game last term amid rumours that Pirates are keen on Maritzburg United and Ghana number one goalkeeper Richard Ofori.

With the signings made so far, it is yet to be seen which department Zinnbauer will reinforce next after Pirates also struggled for goals in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) bio-bubble.

They received criticism for over-reliance on the season’s joint top goal-scorer Frank Mhango.

Motale, however, feels that the strikeforce should not be much of a concern for the German tactician.

“We were struggling upfront to be consistent with goals but at least we were scoring. Our midfielders were also scoring goals,” Motale concluded.

Jose Mourinho has promised to take a picture with a Macedonian journalist after the reporter revealed that one of his father's dying wishes was for his son to someday meet the Tottenham boss.

Mourinho and Spurs are in Macedonia for the Premier League club's upcoming match with Shkendija in the Europa League's third qualifying round.

Spurs reached this stage after narrowly edging Lokomotiv Plovdiv 2-1, with Mourinho's side needing to come from a goal down against the Bulgarian team.

After completing his pre-game press conference, Mourinho returned to the zoom call after the club was informed that a local journalist was upset after missing out on a chance to speak to his idol.

The journalist then explained that his now-deceased father had always been a massive fan, having told his son that, should he ever be lucky enough to meet Mourinho, he must get a photo with the legendary Portuguese manager.

"First greetings to you from him, but he is now in heaven," the journalist began. "One of the occasions when he was very sick he told me if I ever have the opportunity to see you to ask for a picture with you because he always raised me like you when you are the head coach of any team. Psychologically, winning or losing, he has massive respect for you.

"If you allow me a picture of you I will frame it and put it in his eternal resting place. If the match goes good for you and your team will you allow me to do that?"

Mourinho, in turn, responded that it would be his honour as he made plans to meet with the journalist to fulfil his father's wish.

"The picture has nothing to do with the result. The picture is done. We'll do it," Mourinho said. 

"If you can meet us before the game or in the hotel it'll maybe be easier. After the game. It has nothing to do with the result. My pleasure to take a picture with you and my honour to your father and respect that he felt so strong about me."

Mourinho and Tottenham are fresh off a 5-2 victory over Southampton, a match that saw Heung-min Son score four goals with Harry Kane assisting on each while adding a goal of his own.

After their match in Macedonia on Thursday, Spurs will return to London to host Newcastle on Sunday in their third match of the Premier League campaign.

Moroka Swallows have added Ghanaian striker Daniel Gozar to their squad ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

The Dube Birds are preparing for their first season in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) after a five-year hiatus.

The club released the following statement on its official Twitter page on Wednesday afternoon: 

"Swallows FC has secured the signature of Striker Daniel Gozar. Welcome to the Nest," a club statement read.

The 26-year-old striker has joined Swallows from National First Division (NFD) side Free State Stars. 

Gozar hit the back of the net 11 times from 23 league matches for to Ea Lla Koto during the 2019/20 season which was his debut campaign in South Africa.

The bulky marksman had been signed by Stars from Ghanaian Premier League side Ashanti Gold in July 2019.

Swallows have been busy reinforcing their squad after securing promotion to the PSL having clinched the 2019/20 NFD title.

The 1965 South African Soccer League champions have already signed former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates midfielder Musa Nyatama and former Chippa United attacker Ruzaigh Gamaldien.

Njabulo Ngcobo, who is a defender by trade, and highly-rated midfielder Moeketsi Makhanya have also joined the Dube Birds from NFD clubs Uthongathi and JDR Stars respectively.

Swallows are also replacing players, who were on loan at the club during the 2019/20 season and they have since left the Soweto giants.

Kaizer Chiefs trio of Given Thibedi, Itumeleng Shopane and Kagiso Malinga helped the Dube Birds secure promotion to the elite league and they have been recalled by Amakhosi. 

Swallows recently announced the six players, who have been retained by the club ahead of the new season.

Sanele Tshabalala, Tlakusani Mthethwa, Lebogang Mokoena, Virgil Vries, Givemore Khupe and Mthokozisi Shwabule have been retained by Soweto giants. 

Swallows will be under the guidance of Brandon Truter with the local tactician having been retained by the Soweto giants.

The team is set to use Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto as their home ground and they are reportedly considering registering Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa as an alternate venue.

Kenya international Paul Were has extended his contract with PAE Egaleo FC.

The former AFC Leopards winger has renewed his stay with the third-tier Greek side for another year.

The club confirmed the news on their social media pages by stating: “We are pleased to announce the renewal of our cooperation with Paul Were for another year.”

Were, who has also featured for Tusker in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), has expressed his delight at signing the new deal.

“Egaleo has always been home to me and to be honest I had offers from other clubs but they were not as appealing as Egaleo’s," Were is quoted by Nation Sport.

“I have unfinished business with Egaleo and I am eager to help the club earn promotion. We had good momentum before the coronavirus pandemic halted the leagues and it hasn't been an easy time for sportsmen.

“I am very eager to pick from where I left and work hard to ensure the team does better and hopefully scales up the ladder to the second-tier at the end of the season.”

En route to signing for the club, Were had also played for other Greek sides Kalloni, Acharnaikos, Kalamata, and Trikala.

Were could feature for Egaleo when they take on on top-tier side Asteras Tripolis in a friendly match on Thursday.

His renewal comes as good news for Kenya coach Francis Kimanzi, who is set to name the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros.

On Tuesday, another Kenyan player Aboud Omar sealed a transfer to PAE Ionikos. The Greek club confirmed the arrival of the left-back from Hungarian side Asociația Club Sportiv Sepsi OSK Sfantu Gheorghe, but did not disclose the length of the deal.

“PAE Ionikos is pleased to announce the start of its cooperation with Aboud Omar,” the club confirmed on their official website.

“This is a very important transfer move for our team and another financial overrun by the Tsirigotis administration, in view of our team's participation in the Super League 2 championship after two consecutive promotions.”

Ionikos is a Greek professional club based in Nikaia, Athens, currently competing in the Football League, the third tier of the Greek football league system.

From 1989 to 2007 Ionikos spent 16 out of 18 seasons in the Super League. During that span, Ionikos finished as high as fifth place in the league on two occasions, was a finalist in the Greek Cup, and participated in the Uefa Cup.

The club's colours are blue and white and they play home matches at Neapolis Public Stadium, located in Nikaia, a suburb of Piraeus. The stadium was completed in 1965 and had its latest redevelopment in 2000.

Jose Mourinho has outlined his ambition to coach a national team at some point in his career, though the Tottenham boss is not certain taking charge of Portugal would be a wise choice.

Mourinho has spent all of his managerial career to date at clubs, having spells at Benfica, Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Spurs.

Though he is in no rush to call time on his time in club management, the 57-year-old disclosed he does wish to step into international coaching eventually.

"Yes, I want to coach a national team, I want to have the experience of a World Cup and European Championship, the emotion of the short competition," Mourinho told a news conference ahead of Spurs' Europa League qualifier against North Macedonian side Shkendija.

However, Mourinho is not convinced coaching his home nation would be the best choice.

"Is Portugal the one I want do do? On one side yes as it is my heart," he added. "But it is very difficult to do it with the country you were born in."

The head coach, who returned to his news conference to field a question from a Macedonian journalist whose late father idolised him, is also anticipating a tough test for Spurs on Thursday.

"My experience in football, I celebrate the 20th anniversary of my career, lots of experience, played lots of teams that nobody knows in top football," he said.

"They can be very dangerous, same way it was difficult in Plovdiv. Is the Europa League a competition that we want very, very much to go to the group phase? Yes, it is.

"I think from my experience, and even you without experience in this chair, as a journalist, you can perfectly feel it's much more difficult this knockout than the group phase of four teams and six matches.

"The six matches give us a little space for a mistake - for example, at [Manchester] United, we lost two matches in the group phase, we won four and we progressed - so we cannot take many risks with these matches.

"Even playing with a very strong team like we did in Bulgaria, we were 15 minutes away from a defeat and being knocked out."

Former Nigeria international Peter Utaka got a brace as Kyoto Sanga silenced Tochigi SC 3-2 in Wednesday’s Japanese J2 League encounter.

Having played out a 0-0 draw at Ventforet Kofu, Noritada Saneyoshi’s team stepped up their game to secure their ninth victory of the 2019-20 season.

After a goalless outcome in the first 30 minutes of the encounter, the visitors took the initiative a minute later thanks to Takahiro Akimoto, who fired past Tomoya Wakahara.

Two minutes before the half-time break, Utaka - who went into the game having failed to score in his last two outings - levelled matters after capitalising on a horrendous mistake from Kazuaki Tasaka’s side.

Both teams approached the last 45 minutes cautiously, and when it looked like the game at the Sanga Stadium would end on a no winner, no vanquished note, Shimpei Fukuoka put the hosts ahead in the 76th minute – beating goalkeeper Shuhei Kawata from close range.

Four minutes later, Utaka completed his double to seal the win for his team to render Yasutaka Yanagi’s 90th-minute effort a mere consolation.

After putting up a matching-winning performance, Utaka was replaced by Brazil’s Juninho with three minutes left to play.

The former Westerlo and Royal Antwerp striker joined Kyoto Sanga in 2020 after a season at Ventforet Kofu. Still in his debut campaign, he has scored 15 goals in 20 league appearances - racking up 1505 minutes of action in the process.

Thanks to this win, Kyoto Sanga sit comfortably in the sixth position after garnering 34 points from 21 outings. They are 10 points behind leaders Giravanz Kitakyushu. Saneyoshi’s men would be hoping to extend their unbeaten run in the league to six when they host Omiya Ardija on Saturday.

Utaka made his debut for Nigeria in a 5-2 home win over DR Congo on March 3, 2010, despite a late call-up. In that encounter, he scored the first goal and assisted second.

Lazio striker Ciro Immobile is grateful to have played under Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, describing the German coach as "someone you do not forget".

Immobile was brought to Dortmund by Klopp in 2014 as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski but scored just 10 goals in 34 games before heading to Sevilla the following year.

He again struggled in front of goal at Sevilla but has since revived his career at the Stadio Olimpico, scoring a combined 103 goals in the last four Serie A campaigns.

However, the Italy international is disappointed things did not work out for him across his one season playing under now-Liverpool boss Klopp at Dortmund.

"Klopp leaves something behind for you. You don't forget someone like him," he told Sport Bild. 

"I was lucky to be able to play under him. He's a super emotional trainer. Someone for whom you fight for every ball.

"He demands that of you too, and you can see that in his behaviour on the sidelines."

Asked why he struggled to make an impact with BVB in 2014-15, Immobile said: "I think that I just moved to Dortmund at an inconvenient time as far as the team was concerned. 

"With Klopp, BVB became champions in 2011 and 2012 and then came second twice. After the first half of my season there, we were second from last in the Bundesliga.

"That meant young, foreign players being left out. I don't think Klopp didn't see any quality in me, but in this difficult phase he put more trust in players he already knew and could rely on."

Immobile won the European Golden Shoe last season after scoring 36 Serie A goals for Lazio, two more than Bayern Munich star Lewandowski in the German top flight.

The 30-year-old is honoured to have finished ahead of such esteemed company and labelled closest challenger Lewandowski as the best player in the world.

"If I could vote at the Ballon d'Or, I would give him my vote," he said.

"What makes me particularly proud is that I won the Golden Shoe with two more goals than him. For me, he was always a role model.

"When it comes to the best number nine in the world, the names Lewandowski, [Luis] Suarez or [Karim] Benzema always come up. 

"To be mentioned in the same breath as them and to have scored more than these strikers is incredible for me."

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been ruled out of Nigeria’s friendlies against Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia after suffering a groin injury in the Foxes’ 4-2 victory over Burnley.

Ndidi was among the 25-man squad to prepare Nigeria for their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in November.

The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes on Sunday evening as Brendan Rodgers’ men silenced the Clarets at the King Power Stadium, but he will not be part of the international game billed to take place in Austria.

Super Eagles media officer Toyin Ibitoye confirmed this development to Goal.

“Of course, Ndidi is injured and has been ruled out of the games against Tunisia and Cote d’Ivoire,” Ibitoye told Goal.

Meanwhile, coach Gernot Rohr is expected to name a replacement for the injured midfield trojan.

Since the beginning of the 2020-21 campaign, the ex-Genk man has featured in a defensive role for Rodgers’ men with Caglar Soyuncu. This was following the unavailability of Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans and Filip Benkovic.

The Northern Irish tactician had stated the centre-back role will not be permanent as Ndidi would return to his natural position when the defenders overcome their injury and suspension worries.

“Wilf is a player that I have real confidence in,” Rodgers told the media.

“He played the position [centre-back] very well and he has the attributes to play there. We don’t want him there for a long period of time.”

The is the first time Ndidi has suffered from a groin injury and the news will be particularly worrying for Leicester, with the youngster starting the season on a solid note.

Although the length of his recuperation is unknown, he will be unavailable when his team take on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Arsenal in Wednesday’s English League Cup encounter as well as Sunday’s mouth-watering Premier League matchup against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The onus could fall on Austria’s Christian Fuchs who is yet to play a game this season. As it stands, Leicester sit at the top end of the league after accruing six points from two games played so far.

Ghana coach CK Akonnor will be forced to take a pay cut owing to the global economic stress resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, sports minister Isaac Asiamah has revealed.

The virus which brought the world to a standstill earlier this year, crashed businesses and had a huge impact on the finances of many organisations.

The Government of Ghana, who pays the salaries of the Ghana national team coaches, has been no exception as Black Stars coach CK Akonnor has been informed about a slice in his monthly remuneration.

“I have told the coach [Akonnor] to accept a salary cut in the Covid-19 period before we pay him," Asiamah told Asempa FM.

"We cannot give him a full salary in the Covid-19 era, and we are waiting for a response from the FA.

“The coach has agreed in principle to accept a salary cut in this Covid-19 era, it's left with the FA to come out with the modalities for us to pay him."

Akonnor assumed duty as new Ghana coach in January, replacing James Kwasi Appiah.

Nine months on, the former Wolfsburg captain is yet to lead the team into action as planned matches in March and June have had to be rescheduled due to the coronavirus disruptions.

He is reportedly on a $ 25,000 monthly salary.

“He has shown leadership. CK has demonstrated quality leadership. I monitored his exploits at Kotoko. He has demonstrated clearly if Ghanaians back him he will deliver," Asiamah said.

Akonnor contended with a host of expatriates for the job.

Swiss coach Rene Weiler, Martin Poustka and Frantisek Straka - both of the Czech Republic - were highly linked to the job before Akonnor got the nod.

“He [Ghana president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo] believes in the capacity of local coaches to deliver, so he says we should appoint a local coach. By God’s grace, CK Akonnor is a Ghanaian and we should all support him."

Reports say Ghana will face Mali and Equatorial Guinea in friendly matches in October, a set of games that will be the first assignment for Akonnor.

In November, the Black Stars will return to action with a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against Sudan.

Akonnor has been tasked to lead Ghana to win the Afcon tournament and guide the team back to the World Cup after an unsuccessful qualification campaign for the 2018 championship in Russia. 

Pep Lijnders believes Billy Koumetio can be a big part of Liverpool’s future as he detailed the huge potential of the young centre-back.

Koumetio, at 17, has already made a big impression on Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad, impressing during the Reds’ pre-season training camp in Austria last month.

The Frenchman was named on the bench for the Community Shield against Arsenal, and would have featured in the squad at Chelsea last weekend had it not been for a minor injury sustained in training.

Lijnders confirmed the teenager will be assessed on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s Carabao Cup trip to League One leaders Lincoln, but spoke glowingly about Koumetio’s ability.

He said: “He’s a proper talent. He needs time but he’s a proper talent. We want to give him that time. 

“He’s a very tall centre-back, but has a real strength in the air, not only in set-pieces. If you are a pressing team, you have to accept there will be a lot of long balls and second balls, so it’s really important that you have centre-halves that are good in the air. 

“Billy, even in the air, can put the ball where he wants to put it. For his age, that’s really good and then you see his physicality, how strong he is. 

“We like to give him the opportunity to develop with us and become a strong centre-half for the future for Liverpool FC.” 

Liverpool are expected to make a number of changes to their starting XI against Lincoln, with the likes of Adrian, Neco Williams, Curtis Jones, James Milner and Takumi Minamino all pushing for starts. There could also be debuts for new signings Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota.

Captain Jordan Henderson will miss the game with a thigh issue picked up at Chelsea, while defenders Joe Gomez (knee) and Joel Matip (hamstring) are also ruled out.

“Joe will train hopefully on Friday with the team, to prepare for the Arsenal game,” Lijnders said. 

“Joel will be out longer. It’s a hamstring, so it will take another two weeks. Hopefully the international break will solve that one so he’s ready afterwards for the Everton match. 

“Hendo is a little bit difficult. We have to see. For sure not tomorrow, and Arsenal will be tight, but let’s see.

“The team tomorrow will be a strong team, I think some of you guys will be surprised.”