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Former West Bromwich Albion defender Ifeanyi Udeze has advised Alex Iwobi to leave Everton after failing to secure sufficient game time with the Premier League side.

The 24-year-old teamed up with the Goodison Park outfit in the summer of 2019 to end his 16-year stay with Arsenal, a club he joined when he was in primary school.

The Toffees paid £28 million for the services of the Nigeria international but the versatile player has struggled to make much of an impact with the club since his arrival due to a loss of form and injury problems.

The forward did not make his side’s bench in their stunning 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Udeze feels it is time the Super Eagles star left the Goodison Park outfit despite still left with a four-year contract with the club.

“I think Iwobi should look for another club especially with James Rodriguez signed it will be difficult for him to play,” Udeze said on Brila FM.

“Imagine against Tottenham he did not make the bench and even the squad. So for me, he should start looking for another club.

“It’s painful for me but as it is, I think the best thing is for him to go elsewhere.”

Iwobi made 100 Premier League appearances for Arsenal following his promotion to the first team in 2015 before leaving the side for Everton.

He will hope to experience a change in fortune when Everton take on West Brom in their next Premier League game on September 19.

Iwobi has featured for England U16, U17 and U18 before making switching his allegiance to the Nigeria national team in October 2015, making his Super Eagles debut against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

The forward has since made 40 appearances for the West Africans and played a key role as Nigeria clinched a place in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

He was also a key component of Gernot Rohr’s team that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has admitted that the trophy haul during his eight-year tenure at the club “is not easy” as some people might think.

Since taking over from Dutchman Johan Neeskens in December 2012, Mosimane has managed to steer Downs to five Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles, two Nedbank Cups and as many Telkom Knockout trophies.

Also a Caf Champions League crown and a Caf Super Cup mark Mosimane’s success with Sundowns.

While the sweeping of trophies appears to be fluent, Mosimane says it not as easy as it seems.

“I can't say that [it's easier to win trophies], you guys [the media] can say that. But we're only focused on trophies that are available for us and you must know it's not easy, people think it's easy,” said Mosimane as per Sowetan Live.

“We came from 13 points behind to win the league, travelling, playing every three days. There was a lot of stress ...[we were] the first team to come to the bubble and we're the last team to leave the bubble. A lot of work, lot [of] mileage on the players. You ask yourself how a player like [35-year-old] Hlompho Kekana copes with this stress and pressure.”

Sundowns managed to complete a treble during the just-ended season, impressively highlighted by their comeback in the PSL title race where they pipped Kaizer Chiefs on the last day of the campaign.

Mosimane’s assertion that it was difficult could, however, be backed by how Downs struggled in the bio-bubble where they were frustrated in five (two defeats and three draws) of their nine league games.

The Brazilians, however, emerged triumphantly and Mosimane is still craving for more success, mentioning Manchester United as an example in Sundowns’ quest for glory.

“It's important for us [to continue winning cups] because we want the children that are eight, nine, 10 or 12 years old at this time, to see the yellow jersey all the time lifting trophies,” Mosimane said.

“That's how Manchester United became the biggest club, they won trophies. I mean, those guys dominated for 20 years and we're taking about 10 years here. We have a long way to go.”

Not only have Sundowns dominated on the domestic front, they have been turned into one of the most feared sides in Africa under Mosimane.

Victor Wanyama and Montreal Impact’s Concacaf Champions League dream remained very much alive after a 4-2 win over Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday.

Montreal Impact will need any win in their next match – against Vancouver Whitecaps again – to book a slot in the Canadian Championship en route the Champions League.

Samuel Piette’s first Major League Soccer (MLS) goal coupled with others from Orji Okwonkwo, Romell Quioto and Saphir Taider helped Montreal Impact pick up the victory that cut the goal difference between them and leaders Toronto FC to just one.

Theo Bair and an own goal were how Vancouver Whitecaps got their goals at home.

Wanyama’s side needed just two wins and to keep pace with Toronto for a spot in the Canadian Championship whose winner will get a Champions League spot.

The visitors equalised at the 15th-minute mark after Bair had opened the score for Vancouver Whitecaps. Quito ran down the right-hand side and tried to find the far post and hit the woodwork instead. Taider got a touch on the rebound but it is Okwonkwo who scored as he was standing nearby.

Taider scored from the spot in the additional minutes of the first half after Quioto had been brought down by Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Thomas Hasal. 

Piette and Quioto scored the other goals for Montreal Impact in the second half while the home side got the second one from a Rudy Camacho as the score ended 4-2.

Vancouver Whitecaps suffered a red card in the 57th minute after a physical argument with Luis Binks of Montreal Impact. Thierry Henry’s side was also reduced to 10 men after the Argentinian Emanuel Maciel was sent off in the 72nd minute.

Either Montreal Impact or Toronto FC will become the next MLS club to join Portland Timbers to earn a berth in the 2021 Champions League edition. Portland Timbers defeated Orlando City in the MLS is Back Tournament on August 11 and became the first team to qualify for Champions League.

Toronto, Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact meet three times for a total of six games which opens the first phase of the season restart. The team which will earn the most points against the other two rivals will qualify for the 2020 Canadian Championship final.

The Championship will be a single match, winner-takes-all title tie against the winner of the eight Canadian Premier League Island Games. The Canadian Championship winner will therefore qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool will complete the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga from Fluminense this week,  Goal  has learned.

The Reds have agreed a deal that could cost them up to £2 million ($2.6m) for the 17-year-old, who will join the club’s academy set-up initially.

Pitaluga, who was part of the Brazilian under-17 squad which won their age group World Cup on home soil in 2019, is due to arrive on Merseyside to complete a medical and finalise his move. The teenager holds a German passport, which has enabled him to make the transfer prior to his 18th birthday.

On his personal Instagram story, Pitaluga shared a picture of him at Rio de Janeiro airport, with the caption “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, while in February he was pictured alongside Alisson Becker, the Reds’ No 1. Alisson’s brother, Muriel, is Fluminense’s first-choice keeper.

Pitaluga has been with Fluminense since the age of seven, and Goal understands the Brazilian club have negotiated a 25 per cent sell-on clause with Liverpool. 

The initial fee is believed to be £700,000 ($900,000), with a further £1.2m ($1.5m) made up of performance-related add-ons.

Pitaluga leaves Fluminense without making a senior appearance, but with the club’s best wishes.

"I am very grateful to Fluminense," he posted. "I was 10 years at this club, from futsal, passing through, until I reached the professional ranks. I have always been treated very well and had all the assistance necessary for my development, both personally and as an athlete.

"This opportunity that came up will be very important to me. It was a unique opportunity, mainly for having a European passport."

Pitaluga is expected to compete for a spot in Barry Lewtas’ under-23 side, who began their Premier League 2 season with a 1-0 win over Everton at Kirkby on Sunday. Caoimhin Kelleher started in goal for that game, but Polish shot-stopper Kamil Grabara is expected to head out on loan, with Greek side PAOK favourites to land the 21-year-old. 

Liverpool added 16-year-old keeper Fabian Mrozek from Polish oufit FC Wroclaw in July – the teenager will be part of Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s under-18 squad – and had been considering a move for free agent Javi Cendon, who trained with Jurgen Klopp’s senior players at their pre-season training camp in Austria last month. Cendon left Villarreal earlier in the summer.

Mumbai City FC have roped in 2019-20 Indian Super League (ISL) Hero of the season Hugo Boumous, Goal can confirm.

The France-born attacking midfielder had a contract until 2021 with FC Goa who wanted to keep him at the club. But the Islanders have reportedly paid the Gaurs ₹1.6 crores which was Boumous' release clause.

Mumbai City did try to negotiate a lower fee for the 25-year-old midfielder but FC Goa were adamant that any club that wanted him had to meet the release clause. The negotiations did take a while and has now finally come to a close.

In fact, FC Goa had to publicly state that they will not let go off Boumous for any amount lesser than the release clause. This was after Boumous publicly stated his desire to leave. It must also be noted that in April 2020, Boumous had left the FC Goa players' WhatsApp group.

In an Instagram post, Boumous wrote, “I would like to announce that my journey with FC Goa is over. It has been a hard decision to make. I’m grateful to have represented the colours and the state of Goa across India. Thanks for all the love I received from the fans.”

The official statement from FC Goa said: “The club would like to state that Hugo Boumous continues to remain a contracted player with FC Goa. There is no agreement that has been reached with any other club on the same.”

However, the saga has finally come to an end.

Mumbai City, who already have signed some star names in Bartholomew Ogbeche, Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall, have added another potential superstar to the mix in Boumous. This addition is set to turn the side into a very exciting team to watch in the upcoming season.

The deal sees Boumous rejoin his former manager Sergio Lobera who parted ways with FC Goa three games before the end of the league stage last season.

Boumous has already played under Lobera at Moroccan club Moghreb Tetouan before the Spanish manager came to India. He would duly bring in Boumous in the January (2018) transfer window in his first season at FC Goa.

Boumous would go on to be a hit with Goa, thanks to his dribbling ability, vision and a penchant for scoring. He would truly come into his own in the 2019-20 season, scoring and assisting for fun.

He ended up with 10 goals and 11 assists in the 2019-20 season and won the Hero of the Season award.

Now, Mumbai City will hope that the talented midfielder takes it up a notch, while donning their colours.

Marseille defender Alvaro Gonzalez has taken to social media to defend himself after Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar accused him of making racist remarks. 

The Brazilian was one of five players sent off on Sunday as Marseille claimed a dramatic 1-0 win to hand PSG consecutive Ligue 1 defeats. 

Neymar was sent off for slapping Gonzalez in injury-time, who he accused of racism as he left the field and also on social media following the match. 

Gonzalez was quick to also use the platform as he looked to defend himself against Neymar's comments. 

"There is no place for racism. A clean career and with many team-mates and friends on a day to day basis. Sometimes you have to learn how to lose and accept it on the field. Incredible three points today, Allez l'OM thank you family," Gonzalez tweeted after the match alongside a picture of him with his Marseille team-mates. 

Marseille coach Andres Villas-Boas also leaped to Gonzalez's defence after the match, as he looked to turn attention to the behaviour of PSG attacker Angel Di Maria. 

"I don't know. I hope not, there is no place for racism in football," Villas-Boas said in an interview with Telefoot.

"It's a serious fault if it happened but I don't think so. Before that, we had a situation with a spit from Di Maria. These are things to avoid in the world of football. I hope it won't be a black spot in this historic performance.

"It's a great victory. We improved little by little with a little more control. We were disciplined defensively. It should finish 2-0, but I don't know why the referee didn't give the second goal.

"Di Maria and Neymar were incredible. I congratulate them because it's hard after Covid-19 to present yourself like this. They did well and fought for 90 minutes. It was the moment for us. We were confident."

It was a night to forget for PSG, who have now lost their first two matches of a Ligue 1 season for the first time since 1984-85. 

Thomas Tuchel's side were still without Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi but the manager is adamant his squad needs to be strengthened before the transfer window shuts next month. 

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel said he was not happy with his team's reaction after a brawl against Marseille as the Ligue 1 champions suffered back-to-back defeats.

PSG superstar Neymar was one of five players sent off in a fiery finish to Le Classique at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Marseille snapped a 20-match winless streak against rivals PSG, not before host trio Neymar, Leandro Paredes, Layvin Kurzawa, and Jordan Amavi and Dario Benedetto were red-carded in additional time.

After succumbing to Florian Thauvin's 31st-minute volley, Tuchel tried to downplay the defeat as Champions League runners-up PSG opened the 2020-21 season with consecutive losses.

"I'm not angry at all, the challenge is to separate the performance from the result," Tuchel told Telefoot.

"I didn't like our reaction in the last three minutes. I don't agree with that, it was too much. I'm going to suffer from this reaction."

Tuchel, whose PSG lost their first two games of a Ligue 1 season without scoring for the second time in the club's history after 1978-79, added: "I don't like the result. We had a great game, a great performance.

"I'm very happy with the efforts of my team. If we continue to play like that, we will win all the games. I'm very happy.

"It's not usual for us not to score. We have to go back to the context of this match. We have exceptional statistics. It was a great game. I'm not at all worried. I'm happy as a coach. We still lack players, we have a very small squad."

While Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi were absent, PSG were able to hand a debut to new signing Alessandro Florenzi, who arrived from Roma on an initial loan.

Tuchel has made it clear he wants reinforcements following the departures of Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani as the German boss looks to build on PSG's memorable run to the Champions League final, while the French powerhouse remain in discussions regarding a new contract for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Asked about PSG's transfer plans, Tuchel said: "Are there going to be new players? I really hope.

"It's no secret, we lost five players including Choupo-Moting. It's going to be complicated, we play a lot of matches. I don't know if other teams that have played in the Champions League should play so much games."

Assan Ceesay found the net twice as FC Zurich got kicked out of the Swiss Cup following a 3-2 defeat to Chiasso on Sunday evening.

FC Zurich came into the Round Two encounter following back to back wins against FC Wil 1900 and Winterthur respectively.

Against Alessandro Lupi's men who are campaigning in the Swiss Challenge League, they caught flat footed as they kissed the championship goodbye.

17 minutes into the encounter inside Stadio Comunale, Algeria’s Sofian Bahloul beat goalkeeper Yanick Brecher to give his team an early lead.

In the 35th minute, they doubled their lead through Marc Sifneos who profited from a shambolic defending from the visitors.

This goal woke Ludovic Magnin's team from their slumber as they pulled one back through Ceesay with five minutes left into the half-time break.

The Gambia international completed his double in the 76th minute thanks to a fine strike that proved unstoppable for goalkeeper Loic Jacot-Guillarmod.

With the encounter looking to be heading for extra-time, Bahloul sealed victory from the penalty spot with two minutes before full time.

Following this victory, FC Chiasso will face FC Luzern in the tournament's third round billed to be held between February 9-10, 2021.

Ceesay, who was loaned to Bundesliga 2 side VfL Osnabruck last season – where he scored two goals from 11 league outings would be hoping to replicate this goalscoring form when the 2020-21 Swiss league season commences on Saturday.

They travel to Stadion Wankdorf to face Young Boys before welcoming Lugano to Letzigrund seven days later. They finished seventh in the Swiss elite division last season having accrued 43 points from 36 outings.

The changing managerial set-up at Stamford Bridge has ensured a roller-coaster career for Victor Moses at Chelsea.

Signed by Roberto Di Mattoe, unwanted by Jose Mourinho, a key figure during Antonio Conte’s tenure, then sidelined again under Maurizio Sarri, it remains to be seen whether he has a role to play under Frank Lampard.

Now 29, Moses should be in his prime, but seemingly without a role to play at this new-look Chelsea side, what does the future hold?

The story of last season

The 2019-20 season was split between two European giants for Moses, as he spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Fenerbahce and then moved to Internazionale during the January transfer window.

A switch to Italy meant a reunion with former mentor Conte, and a chance to get back on track, although ultimately, the coronavirus pandemic cost Inter momentum as they looked to overhaul Juventus.

Moses made 12 appearances in Serie A, with only four from the start, and while there was some excellent interplay with Romelu Lukaku—and three assists—he ultimately didn’t do enough to seal a permanent move to the club.

The summer arrival of Achraf Hakimi—a direct rival for Moses—ensured a return to parent club Chelsea.

Any transfer rumours?

Surprisingly little, considering he’s a Premier League-winning wideman who appears to be in his prime, and who appears to be available at his club.

The likes of Willian, Pedro, Michy Batshuayi, Kenedy, Ethan Ampadu and Marco Pasalic have all left the club so far this window, but at the time of writing, Moses remains.

One hope for 2020/21

Obviously, there will be some who are hoping that Moses can make a triumphant return to Stamford Bridge, that he can convince former teammate Lampard that he still has a role to play and that he can help influence some of the squad’s younger heads.

However, Goal’s Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella doesn’t even believe that Moses can hold out any hope for a stay in West London.

“[I hope] that he finds a way out of Chelsea to another club of a similar level to Internazionale,” he began. “Chelsea were asking for €10 million to sell Moses and are doing the same again now.

“His final destination isn't yet known but there's a good player there for a club in need of an energetic winger.”

Clubs on a similar level to Inter are few and far between, and time is ticking away for Moses to find a destination befitting this stage of his career.

One fear for 2020/21

By contrast, Kinsella is concerned that Moses may end up stuck at Chelsea, with no chance of playing time before January at the earliest.

“[My fear is] that he doesn't get out of Chelsea and wastes a whole year of his career,” the correspondent noted. “It happened to him before under Sarri where he wasn't used for six months before finding a loan, and it has to be on his mind that he doesn't get left stranded on the fringes of Lampard's squad.

“It seems highly unlikely he will be a first-team player under Lampard this season.”

It’s not a situation that an injury to one of Lamps’ starters over the next few weeks couldn’t change, but even then, it appears Moses would find himself way down the pecking order.

Goal’s prediction for the season to come

For a player of Moses’s age, quality, experience and versatility, there must be an opportunity somewhere, whether in England or elsewhere.

The transfer rumour mill is worryingly—and surprisingly—quiet, but there’s still ample time for the wideman to find the kind of destination that would suit him.

Our prediction is that he does get a move away from Stamford Bridge—initially on loan—over the next month, although beyond that, his future looks murky.

Andre Villas-Boas claimed that Paris Saint-Germain's Angel Di Maria spat on one of his players during a tumultuous end to their clash with Marseille that ended with Neymar alleging he was racially abused by an opponent.

PSG's talisman was one of five players to see red in stoppage time of a frantic Classique clash at Parce des Princes on Sunday, with Marseille coming out 1-0 victors.

Neymar, along with team-mates Leandro Parades and Layvin Kurzawa, was one of the players to receive his marching orders, with Marseille duo Jordan Amavi and Dario Benedetto also sent off.

Brazil superstar Neymar was sent off after referee Jerome Brisard consulted the pitchside monitor – with the replays showing the forward had punched Alvaro on the back of the head.

While storming off, Neymar seemed to suggest he had been racially abused by the centre-back, and the 28-year-old then used his Twitter account to post: "The only regret I have is for not being in the face of this asshole," seemingly in relation to the incident.

However, Villas-Boas does not think Alvaro – who earlier accused Angel Di Maria of spitting at him – would have committed such an offence, though he insisted if any abuse did occur then it was a serious problem.

"I don't know. I hope not, there is no place for racism in football," Villas-Boas said in an interview with Telefoot .

"It's a serious fault if it happened but I don't think so. Before that, we had a situation with a spit from Di Maria. 

"These are things to avoid in the world of football. I hope it won't be a black spot in this historic performance."

Florian Thauvin's goal ultimately proved decisive for Marseille, with Di Maria seeing a goal ruled out for offside.

Benedetto also had a goal disallowed, with a marginal offside call upheld by VAR despite the replays suggesting Thauvin had stayed onside in the build-up.

Despite the torrid finale, Villas-Boas was left to reflect on a hard-fought triumph which ended a 20-game winless streak against PSG.

"Yes it's an important and historic victory, it's a tough and difficult victory as always," Villas-Boas said. 

"It's a great victory. We improved little by little with a little more control. We were disciplined defensively. It should finish 2-0, but I don't know why the referee didn't give the second goal.

"Di Maria and Neymar were incredible. I congratulate them because it's hard after COVID-19 to present yourself like this. They did well and fought for 90 minutes. It was the moment for us. We were confident."

PSG sporting director Leonardo has said his team "lost our minds" during an incredible brawl that saw five players sent off in their 1-0 loss to Marseille on Sunday.

Neymar was among the players shown red in injury time during the Ligue 1 clash, with the Brazilian star accusing Marseille's Alvaro Gonzalez of racism as he exited the Parc des Princes pitch following his dismissal.

In a social media post after the match, Neymar claimed his only regret was not "hitting that asshole in the face."

Leonardo chose not to comment on the allegations by the Brazilian star, but instead criticised the Parisians for their actions in the game-ending fight.

"The fight is very serious, we will manage internally, we will talk to our players," Leonardo said to Telefoot post-match.

"We lost our minds."

Florian Thauvin's 31st-minute winner earned Marseille the victory in an ill-tempered match that saw 36 fouls committed and 12 yellow cards awarded, before the five reds were produced in injury time.

Along with Neymar, PSG saw Layvin Kurzawa and Leandro Parades sent off, while Marseille had Jordan Amavi and Dario Benedetto given their marching orders by referee Jerome Brisard.

While Leonardo didn't make direct excuses for the behaviour of the players from both teams, he suggested Brisard was too inexperienced to handle a match between two of France's biggest rivals and said it was too early in the season for a game of this magnitude.

"Fourteen yellows and five reds means the game was out of control, I'm not going to defend indefensible behavior," Leonardo said.

"I don't understand. Do a Clasico on the third matchday? Nobody is 100 percent [match fit] in the conditions."

The PSG chief then suggested two Ligue 1 referees he would have preferred to see officiate the match instead of Brisard.

"I don't understand why you do not have [Clement] Turpin or [Ruddy] Buquet. We choose a 34-year-old referee who does not have the experience for a match like this.

"We've had Turpin previously — we need referees like that for matches of this level.

"On what happened [in the brawl], the TVs have the pictures, it will be judged.

"There are five reds, which is serious too. You have to know what happened and judge everything."

PSG's defeat was their second consecutively to start their Ligue 1 title defence after losing 1-0 to newly-promoted Lens last matchday.

Neymar was one of three Paris Saint-Germain players to see the red card as their Ligue 1 return against Marseille descended into chaos on Sunday. 

Having been excused from duty for the first two rounds of 2020-21 due to their exertions in the delayed Champions League knockout stages, Thomas Tuchel's men were back in action this weekend as they welcomed l'OM to Parc des Princes. 

There is little love lost between the capital side and Marseille, but a bad-tempered game that saw 36 fouls committed and 12 yellow cards handed out inside the 90 minutes eventually spiralled out of control deep into injury time. 

A tussle between Argentine pair Dario Benedetto and Leandro Paredes quickly escalated into an all-out brawl between PSG and Marseille players, with Neymar in the thick of things. 

The Brazilian slapped defender Alvaro Gonzalez on the back of the head, while Layvin Kurzawa and Jordan Amavi also traded blows. 

Once order was restored referee Jerome Brisard showed a straight red to Neymar, Kurzawa and Amavi for their part in the fracas, with Paredes and Benedetto also ordered from the field after picking up second bookings. 

As a result PSG played out the final minutes with eight men and Marseille nine, the latter holding on to take a 1-0 victory having gone ahead in the first half thanks to Florent Thauvin's goal. 

More to Follow...

Paris Saint-Germain's poor start to their Ligue 1 campaign continued as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Marseille in a foul-tempered Classique in which five players, including Neymar, were sent off late on.

Having been without seven first-team stars for Thursday's loss to Lens, Thomas Tuchel was able to welcome four of his regulars back into the fold on Sunday, yet it was Andre Villas-Boas' side – who lost 4-0 in the corresponding fixture last season – that claimed the points at Parc des Princes, where a limited number of fans were allowed in attendance.

Florian Thauvin's 31st-minute volley settled the encounter, which ended in ridiculous scenes as referee Jerome Brisard dished out red cards like confetti following a stoppage-time brawl.

Neymar, who earlier missed a golden chance, was among them, with the forward receiving his marching orders for hitting Alvaro, who he seemingly accused of racism when speaking to the fourth official as he left the field.

Leandro Paredes reacted violently to a foul from countryman Dario Benedetto, with both Argentinians dismissed along with Layvin Kurzawa and Jordan Amavi for their parts in the ensuing fracas.

Bernard Mensah opened his Besiktas goal account in their 3-1 win over Anthony Nwakaeme’s Trabzonspor in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig encounter.

The Ghana international who joined Sergen Yalcin's side on loan from league rivals Kayserispor this summer, found the back of the net from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.

Tyler Boyd opened the scoring for the Black Eagles in the 29th minute before the Black Stars midfielder doubled the lead in the 64th minute.

Jeremain Lens's 74th-minute effort sealed maximum points for the visitors despite Abdulkadir Omur's late strike for Trabzonspor in the 88th minute.

Mensah in action for Besiktas for 81 minutes before he was replaced by Adam Ljajic as his team kicked off their 2020-21 Super Lig campaign on a winning note.

During the encounter, the 25-year-old registered the most shots (3) and he completed the most dribbles alongside Ajdin Hasic (2) for the Black Eagles.

His compatriot Caleb Ekuban and Nigeria forward Anthony Nwakaeme were also in action for Trabzonspor at the Senol Gunes Stadium.

The duo will be hoping to help the Turkish Cup champions return to winning ways when they travel to Denizlispor for their next league outing on September 19 while Mensah will be eager to help Besiktas maintain their fine start to the Super Lig season against Antalyaspor the same day.

Mensah has been plying his trade in the Turkey since 2017. He started his Super Lig career with Kasimpasa after joining on loan from Atletico Madrid for the 2017-18 campaign.

He has scored 14 goals so far in 80 appearances in the Turkish top-flight.

Lucas Hernandez is not looking to leave Bayern Munich during the transfer window but says he may review his options if his situation continues to be "complicated" this season.

The France World Cup winner joined Bayern from Atletico Madrid in an €80 million (£68m/$90m) deal ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, a club-record fee.

However, Hernandez suffered ankle ligament damage in October and struggled for game time with Alphonso Davies nailing down a spot at left-back and David Alaba slotting in seamlessly in the centre of defence when Hansi Flick replaced Niko Kovac as head coach.

In total, the versatile defender made just 12 starts in all competitions and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a move during the transfer window. 

For now, though, Hernandez plans to remain in Germany with Bayern, who won a Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League treble under Flick.

"Leave Bayern? No. I still have four years of contract, I just signed there," he told Telefoot. 

"After that, it will depend on this season. If it continues to be complicated like that, I will see." 

Asked specifically about the links to PSG, Hernandez said: "These are rumours, but personally I haven't received anything yet, neither my agent, nor my relatives."

Flick has hinted at part of his rationale for often leaving Hernandez on the bench, saying in June that the defender had "tactical deficits" that needed to be corrected after his long injury lay-off.

"Lucas is an absolute professional, I like his dynamic training," Flick said. "He was absent for a long time and therefore has tactical deficits. 

"I'm happy with him, every player needs a rhythm. I see its potential."

Reports earlier in the season had caused a stir with Bayern, as it was suggested that Hernandez earned a whopping €24m (£21m/$26m) per season.

However, Hernandez's agents hit out at those reports, saying that they were false.

"What has been written is totally wrong," Manuel Garcia Quilon told Goal and SPOX.

"Lucas does not earn €24m, not before or after taxes. I don't know who came up with this idea that Lucas could earn that much. He definitely earns less than that. Maybe someone confused him with another player or someone wants to hurt him." 

Jose Mourinho reaffirmed his desire for a new Tottenham striker but insisted it was not the reason for Sunday's defeat to Everton as he was asked about the club's interest in Alexander Sorloth.

Spurs lost their Premier League opener 1-0 to Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed the only goal in the 55th minute.

The reverse came days after Mourinho outlined the need for a new forward to compete with and complement Harry Kane.

Sorloth, the on-loan Trabzonspor man, is an option, according to the Turkish club's president Ahmet Agaoglu .

The Norway striker signed a temporary two-year deal with Trabzonspor last year after struggling at Crystal Palace but then scored 24 league goals in 2019-20 to attract the attention of Tottenham and RB Leipzig.

Agaoglu told Fanatik : "Sorloth wants to go. But there is no way that we will agree immediately for every player who wants to leave.

"We are meeting with Leipzig and Tottenham, ourselves and Crystal Palace. We are both entitled to this transfer, we will act in Trabzonspor's best interests."

Mourinho would not dispute the interest but was reluctant to discuss Sorloth.

"Well I'm not going to discuss Sorloth," he told reporters. "If the president of Trabzonspor said that, I'm not going to say that it's not true.

"I think Sortloth is a Trabzonspor player and it's not for me to speak about."

He added: "Do we need a striker? Yes. Was it because of that we lost the game? No. We didn't lose the game because we need a striker.

"We lost the game and the responsibility of that defeat is my responsibility."

Spurs will have to regroup quickly from the Everton loss as they face up to a packed schedule that could mean nine matches before the October international break.

As Mourinho and Tottenham dominate conversation with their documentary from last season airing on Amazon Prime, the coach is at least relieved he will no longer have to contend with such behind-the-scenes scrutiny over this stretch.

"My message is inside," he told BBC Sport. "I am so happy that there's no more Amazon, so things can stay inside between us. That's the way I like it."

Chidera Ejuke scored his first goal in the Russian Premier League as CSKA Moscow defeated Spartak Moscow 3-1 to claim derby bragging rights on Sunday.

Ejuke replaced Fedor Chalov in the 64th minute for his second appearance in the Russian top-flight, and he managed to seal the hosts’ victory with his effort in the second minute of stoppage-time.

The 22-year-old moved to Moscow from Heerenveen last August after his fine debut season in the Netherlands, where he scored nine goals in 25 Eredivisie matches.

Ezequiel Ponce got Spartak Moscow off to a flying start at the VEB Arena with his 11th-minute opener but goals from Hordur Magnusson and Nikola Vlasic completed the comeback for Red-Blues just before half-time.

Ejuke has played 51 minutes of football in two league matches so far this season and he will be hoping to gather more playing minutes as CSKA Moscow aim to better their fourth-place finish in the league last season.

Sunday's victory put Viktor Goncharenko's men just a point below second-placed Spartak Moscow as they occupy the third spot with 13 points after seven matches.

Ejuke's CSKA Moscow travel to Ufa for their next Premier League fixture on September 20.

The 22-year-old is a Nigeria youth international, and he has played for the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles on several occasions.

In 2017, he started his European career in Norway where he featured for Valerenga in the Eliteserien for two seasons before departing for the Netherlands in 2019.

Former Ghana assistant coach Gerard Nus believes reaching the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final is a major accomplishment for the four-time champions.

On the recommendation of then-Black Stars head coach Avram Grant, Nus joined Ghana's technical team for the continental showpiece in Equatorial Guinea.

In the end, the Black Stars finished the tournament as losing finalists after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Cote d'Ivoire.

Last month, Nus was appointed as new head coach of Indian Super League side NorthEast United where veteran Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan played last season.

"Of course! Avram is a person that I like personally very much. He is an excellent coach and a perfect human being. We had a great time in Ghana, and we achieved something great for the country, I believe, in reaching the Caf [Afcon] finals. He is a big person in the footballing world, and I admire him personally and professionally," Nus told Sportskeeda.

"I spoke with him since he was also the ex-coach of NorthEast United FC we shared opinions, and he did tell me what to expect and other things as well.

"He said many good things about NorthEast United FC. He told me the people in India are really lovely. He explained to me the vision the owners have for the club. Avram also explained to me the issues that the club has been facing in the past couple of seasons, especially regarding the performance of the team.

"It was a bit disappointing to hear those but I take it as a challenge. We need to look at the positive side of things always in life. That is my mentality. If I didn't believe that there is a chance to do something amazing with NorthEast United FC, I wouldn't be here.

"I want to be surrounded by positive people, and I hope we get that. I have already started working on getting the best of every moment, be it working on signing foreign players or checking out Indian players. I hope we can do something good this season."

Spanish coach Nus was also a member of Ghana's technical team at the 2017 Afcon in Gabon.

He has since had managerial spells with Rayo Vallecano in Spain, Rayo OKC on-the USA, Swedish outfit Eskilstuna and Irtysh Pavlodar in Kazakhstan. 

Samuel Chukwueze was in action while Kelechi Nwakali made his much-awaited La Liga debut as Huesca played out a 1-1 draw against Villarreal.

Nwakali joined the Oscenses in the summer of 2019 and played a part as they gained promotion to the Spanish top-flight last season after finishing as champions of the Segunda Division.

The 22-year-old was handed his first appearance in La Liga as a substitute and made the most of the opportunity.

His compatriot Chukwueze was afforded a starting role by former Arsenal manager Unai Emery and delivered an eye-catching performance.

Two minutes into the encounter, Chukwueze gave his side a chance to open the scoring after he was brought down by Javi Galan, the resulting free-kick, however, failed to make an impact.

The Nigeria international continued his dazzling displays in the 12th minute when he delivered a fine cross into the box but it was cleared by Huesca defenders.

Both sides further missed a number of chances before Pablo Maffeo broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute for the Oscenses after he was set up by Juan Carlos

Villarreal fought back after the restart and made a number of efforts to level proceedings and the moment eventually came when Pablo Maffeo was adjudged by VAR to have handled the ball in the area.

Referee Xavier Estrada Fernandez subsequently signalled a penalty and Gerard Moreno calmly dispatched his effort in the 68th minute.

Nwakali came in for Juan Carlos in the encounter and had a 100% success pass rate to help his side secure a point at Estadio de la Ceramica.

Chukwueze, meanwhile, featured for the duration of the game, struck three shots, made two key passes and had 67 touches.

Nwakali will hope to make his full La Liga debut when Huesca take on Cadiz in their next league game while Chukwueze’s Villarreal will tackle Eibar.