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It was not much of a secret that Jeje Lalpekhlua was on his way out at Chennaiyin FC. There has been speculation over a move away from the South Indian club ever since the 2019-20 season for Jeje saw him being sidelined with an injury.

As such, there wasn't much shock and awe when the Mizoram-born forward did announce his departure from a club with which his name had become synonymous.

But that feeling of inevitability does not diminish the enormity of what he has actually achieved with the club.

Yes, he played no part in the 2019-20 season where Chennaiyin reached the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) where they were trumped by ATK, thanks to a troublesome knee injury that has kept him out of action for a quite a while.

However, his contribution ever since the first edition of the ISL has been nothing but exemplary, so much so that the Chennaiyin fans absolutely adore Jeje. Ever since, Chennaiyin brought him on loan from Mohun Bagan in 2014, he has been the poster boy for Chennaiyin FC.

In 2015, he would sign a permanent contract with the club and there was no looking back as he helped the club embark on a successful period that brought about two ISL titles.

The diminutive India international has come up with goals whenever the club has needed them in the past, playing key roles in their two title triumphs. He has played a sidekick role alongside illustrious overseas forwards like Stiven Mendoza, Davide Succi and more when asked.

However, the 29-year-old has also led the lines with aplomb when he has been asked to. Case in point, the 2017-18 season under John Gregory where he led the attack with distinction as Chennaiyin won the title.

In short, Jeje has been the perfect team player, serving the club with utmost distinction. Let's take a look at his numbers for the club.

He has made 74 appearances for the club in all competitions over six years, the most by an Indian player for the Marina Machans. He has scored 24 goals for the club with 23 of them coming in the ISL. Jeje is their record highest goalscorer and is second highest Indian on the all-time ISL goalscorers' list too.

He was the top Indian goalscorer in the ISL in 2014, as the club reached the play-offs. When Chennaiyin won their first ISL trophy in 2015, Jeje was named the ISL Emerging Player of the Year. Jeje was outshadowed in attack by Mendoza but still managed to score six goals.

Though he saw his playing time limited in 2016 where the club had a forgetful campaign, he still scored three goals. He bounced back with his most productive season in the Chennaiyin blue in 2017-18, where he racked up nine strikes to his name.

The 2018-19 season was one to forget, with Jeje contributing just one goal. However, the entire team underperformed massively in that campaign. He would not make an appearance in the 2019-20 season due to an injury and a subsequent surgery but that would so not define Jeje's stint in Chennai.

The Mizo Sniper will most definitely look back at his time in South India with utmost pride, having forged a legacy adorned with goals and silverware. The feeling will be mutual for the club and its fans as well.

The club has new posterboys and fan favourites like Anirudh Thapa and Edwin Vanspaul who look set to be the face of the club in the wake of Jeje's exit. But a tinge of nostalgia will definitely hit the Chennaiyin fans when Jeje gets down on one knee to pull out his 'sniper' after scoring for whichever club he next chooses to join.

And that is his legacy!

FC Goa have been one of the most difficult teams to beat under Sergio Lobera's tutelage in the Indian Super League (ISL). 

With three play-off appearances, one final appearance and playing an important role in the club winning the Indian Super League (ISL) shield, Lobera's legacy at FC Goa is nothing short of exemplary.

During his period, Goa won the most games in the league and also accumulated the most number of points. 

No wonder, Lalengmawia, the dynamic midfielder of NorthEast United, chose FC Goa when asked about the most difficult opponent he has played against in the ISL. 

"No doubt it is FC Goa. They are so good with the ball. They will not give you easy possession. We have to chase a lot. They do not give you much time to close down and you have to put your best foot forward every time you go up against them," stated the player to Goal. 

But the 19-year-old relishes playing against the Gaurs as he enjoys going up against opponents that push his limits. 

"I like these challenges. It motivates me even more. They are human and so am I. I always think like this. It is important to play against tough opponents as it helps you better your game."

The teenager has also been fortunate to share the same dressing room with Asamoah Gyan, the former Ghana captain, who led the African nation in the 2010 World Cup. 

Gyan's inspired form helped Ghana reach the knock out stage of the tournament. In the Round of 16, he scored the winning goal against the United States of America in extra time to fire his country to the quarter-finals, where they were beaten by Uruguay in tie-breakers. In the 2014 World Cup, his strike against Germany in a 2-2 draw helped him equal Roger Milla's record of five goals in a World Cup.

Lalengmawia was enthralled by his character and persona. He believes that training with the Ghanaian superstar was the best thing to happen to him after joining NorthEast. 

"It was great to play with Gyan. Not only he is one of the best strikers but he is a great teacher as well. He helped me with my positioning and decision making. His work ethic is so exemplary. His finishing techniques in training used to amuse me. He is a great, great player," said the Mizo midfielder.

The youngster cannot wait to get back on the pitch to train and prepare for the upcoming season under new coach Gerard Nus. In the previous season, the HIghlanders could not play to their potential but he hopes that the tables will turn in ISL 7. And the U17 World Cup participant is ready to shoulder more responsibility. 

Antoine Griezmann has questioned why he continues to be linked with a move away from Barcelona as he reiterated his desire to remain at the club.

The France international endured an underwhelming debut campaign with Barca after arriving from Atletico Madrid in a €120 million transfer last year.

He registered 15 goals in all competitions but was often played out of position and struggled to earn a regular place in the side in the closing stages of the season.

Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and former club Atletico have all been tipped to move for Griezmann, but the forward has no desire to leave Barcelona.

"Is my future is at Barca? Yes. I don't know why people invent destinations to see if one day they will be right," he told French outlet M6. 

"I am very well there. I know I have the confidence of the club and the coach so I am well. It has been a very complicated season for all of us but now we start again."

Griezmann, under contract with Barca until the end of the 2023-24 campaign, scored for France on Tuesday to draw level with Zinedine Zidane as the nation's fifth all-time top scorer.

The 29-year-old has 31 goals for the world champions, putting him behind only David Trezeguet, Olivier Giroud, Michel Platini and Thierry Henry, who struck 51 times for Les Blues.

Upon being named Barcelona's new manager, Koeman identified Griezmann as one of several players he views as key moving forward and stressed his desire to play Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong in their preferred positions. 

"The plan is to start playing Frenkie de Jong in the position that he plays with the national team as well," Koeman told NOS in August.

"I remember attending a Barcelona game and I saw him play a position where I wouldn’t play him as a coach.

"You’ve spent a lot of money on a young player. You should then play him in his own position, where he can perform in a way you’d expect from him. He’s shown at Ajax and with the Dutch national team which position suits him best and that’s where he will be playing at Barcelona as well. 

"The same goes for Antoine Griezmann. He is not a traditional winger, so you have to play him in his own position, in a role that suits him and where he can showcase his abilities.

"You have to know your players as a coach and ensure you get the best out of them."

Sandro Tonali described his move to Serie A giants AC Milan as a dream come true after arriving from relegated Brescia.

AC Milan announced the signing of Italy sensation Tonali on loan with an option to buy for a reported €35 million (£32m/$41m) fee.

Tonali supported Milan as a child and the 20-year-old midfielder revelled in the transfer on Wednesday.

"These are strong, wonderful feelings. I am so happy," Tonali told Sky Sport Italia. "Playing with the Milan shirt was a dream of mine, I haven't worn it yet, but that will happen tomorrow [Thursday]."

"I will sleep tonight and tomorrow will have a great training session," added the three-time Italy international.

Tonali, compared to Italian great Andrea Pirlo, had been tipped to join city rivals Inter following his exploits for Brescia.

A technically gifted midfielder renowned for his dribbling and passing abilities, Tonali scored once and registered seven assists for Brescia as they were relegated from Serie A in 2019-20.

Tonali – who also reportedly ignored offers from Barcelona and Manchester United – had played a key role in Brescia's promotion to Italy's top tier in 2018-19.

Stefano Pioli's AC Milan face Shamrock Rovers in Europa League qualifying on September 17 before opening their Serie A campaign at home to Bologna on September 21.

Club CEO Ivan Gazidis believes Tonali's arrival will prove to be a big coup moving forward.

"We are delighted to welcome Sandro Tonali to AC Milan," he said. "He is one of the most promising young talents in international football.

"Sandro has a love for the club and an understanding of its values that will add to what we want to build together. Welcome Sandro!"

AC Milan legend and current technical director Paolo Maldini added: “We are excited to welcome Sandro to the Rossoneri family.

"As a talented, young midfielder he will not only embrace the values of AC Milan but also make a significant contribution to the future success of the club."

The Rossoneri finished sixth in Serie A last season with local rivals Inter finishing second and only one point shy of eventual champions Juventus.

Newcastle United have confirmed the Premier League rejected a takeover bid from a consortium backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The club, owned by Mike Ashley, an unpopular figure with most Magpies supporters, suggested on Wednesday the league and its chief executive Richard Masters had not "acted appropriately in relation to this matter".

A group of investors made up of the PIF, Amanda Staveley's PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers had agreed a reported £300million deal with Ashley this year.

However, the consortium withdrew its bid in July complaining of "the prolonged process" following discussions with the Premier League.

Ashley and Newcastle said they were committed to the takeover, although a number of parties have subsequently been linked with alternative offers for the club.

But Ashley has now publicly addressed the issue through a club statement in which it was announced the Premier League and its Owners and Directors test rejected the deal, adding Newcastle would be "considering all relevant options available to them".

"Newcastle United can confirm that the Premier League has rejected a takeover bid made by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and PIF based on its Owners and Directors test," the statement read.

"This conclusion has been reached despite the club providing the Premier League with overwhelming evidence and legal opinions that PIF is independent and autonomous of the Saudi Arabian government.

"The club and its owners do not accept that Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and the Premier League have acted appropriately in relation to this matter and will be considering all relevant options available to them.

"Mike Ashley understands fans' frustrations and would like to reassure them that he has been fully committed to ensuring this takeover process reached completion as he felt it was in the best interests of the club.

"Mike continues to be fully supportive to Steve Bruce, the players and all the staff and wishes them well for the upcoming season."

Ashley was pictured arriving on Tyneside earlier on Wednesday after Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce completed a trio of signings this week, Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser joining from Bournemouth along with Norwich City's Jamal Lewis.

Lyon sporting director Juninho conceded Memphis Depay is in a strong position as Barcelona chase the Dutch forward, while manager Rudi Garcia admitted he is unsure of his star player's future.

Depay is a target for embattled La Liga giants Barca following the appointment of former Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman, while Serie A team Roma have also been linked.

The 26-year-old former Manchester United forward, who opened the 2020-21 Ligue 1 season with a hat-trick last month, is out of contract in 2021.

According to Garcia, Depay's future remains uncertain, although he believes that Depay will be a part of Lyon's squad for their next match against Bordeaux

"We do not know," said Garcia. "He is good, he played with his national team, where he had a very good first game. He needs to play, that's good. 

"We will see what we can do with him on Friday, there is no reason why he's not in the group, unless he leaves by then.

"I have no news in that regard. I think Juninho has been clear, the president too, there is no offer for the moment."

Earlier in the day, Juninho discussed Depay's future at Groupama Stadium amid Barca's pursuit, telling RMC Sport: "We haven't received an official offer from Barca.

"Memphis, before his serious injury, received an offer from the president [Jean-Michel] Aulas to extend his contract, but he wanted to take his time. 

"When a young player aged 26 has one year left on their contract and Barca are following him ... Memphis is in a strong position."

Netherlands international Depay scored 15 goals in 22 games for Lyon last season despite suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in December, as the French side reached the Champions League semi-finals.

"If an offer arrives, we will have to think about it," Juninho said. "We could keep him for another year as captain and lose him for free next year. The president could make an effort to extend [his deal], but I think it will be difficult. 

"Memphis didn't ask anything from us before going with the national team. He told me he hadn't received any call from Barca." 

Juninho, meanwhile, expressed his desire for Real Madrid's Benzema to re-join boyhood club Lyon.

Benzema emerged from Lyon's youth system in 2004, going on to win four Ligue 1 titles among other honours before moving to Madrid in 2009.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed great success at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he has claimed three La Liga trophies and four Champions League titles as part of his silverware haul of 18.

Benzema is contracted to Madrid until 2022 but Juninho – who played alongside the Frenchman at Lyon – said: "It is our dream for Karim to finish up with us.

"It is the dream of everyone [at OL] to bring him back for two seasons, to play in the Champions League with us, be a leader, score goals, bring us his experience and help us to win matches."

Salimata Simpore scored five goals, Lebogang Ramalepe scored one goal and provided three assists, while Rhoda Mulaudzi scored as well in Dinamo-BSUPC's 15-0 victory over Dnepr Mogilev on Wednesday.

The African trio alongside, Claudia Dabda and Bambanani Mbane, were returning from an almost two-week break following a historic Belarusian Women's Cup triumph over Minsk on August 31.

The Africans continued from where they left off before the short holiday as they inspired Dinamo to their biggest league win of the season in style.

Away to Dnepr, Karina Olkhovik got the encounter off to a fine start as she struck the opener inside the first minute for Dinamo in Mahilyou.

The visitors did not wait for too long to grab the second of the match when Ramalepe set up Simpore to score six minutes later, before both combined well to grab the third in the 10th minute.

In the 17th minute, Anastasiya Linnik assisted Olkhovik to bag her brace before she hit a treble off Yuliya Slesarchik's assist four minutes later. 

The rampant visitors secured the fifth goal when Viktoriya Kazakevich teed up Simpore to net her third in the 24th minute followed by Olkhovik's fourth and later the Burkinabe's fourth and fifth.

On the brink of half-time, Dinamo reached a record 10-goal lead after Olkhovik scored her fifth of the match thanks to Linnik's assist.

On resuming the second half, Simpore was replaced by Mulaudzi and the South African increased the tally after converting a brilliant pass from Slesarchik in the 54th minute.

Ramalepe provided the assist for Mulandzi to bag her brace 20 minutes later and Slesarchik also scored in the 79th minute, before Ramalepe scored her maiden Dinamo goal eight minutes after.

Anastasia Shuppo also got on the scoresheet before the sound of the final whistle.

With her five goals, Simpore has now scored 16 goals in 13 league outings for Dinamo this season, while Mulaudzi has managed three goals in three matches and Ramalepe one.

Mbane made a return to the squad for the first time after almost four months on the sidelines due to injury but was an unused substitute, while Dabda played for 45 minutes before she was taken off.

The victory sees Dinamo record the 16th successive league triumph this season and have 48 points from 16 matches, which makes them 12 points clear of rivals Minsk, who have a game in hand.

After another three-week break, Dinamo is expected to continue their campaign at home against Bostor on September 27.

Steve Mounie has taken to social media to share a heartfelt message to Huddersfield Town following his move from the West Yorkshire-based club to Ligue 1 side Brest.

The 25-year-old had been at the John Smith Stadium since 2017 when he joined from Montpelier for a club-record £11.5 million. The Terriers had just won promotion to the Premier League after seeing off Reading on penalties in the promotion play-off final.

Mounie scored seven goals with Huddersfield avoiding relegation by finishing in 16th place. The same survival heroics could, however, not be accomplished the season after and they returned to the Championship with a bottom-place finish.

Mounie played 95 times in all competitions for Huddersfield, scoring 19 goals and providing seven assists and built a strong following with the club’s fans, something he feels emotional about leaving behind.

“I’m getting emotional while I’m looking at all these pictures and videos,” the Benin international said in an Instagram post.

“I would like to thank every people who works at the club. You gave me a warm welcome from day one until the end so thank you very much.

“Special mention for the fans. I can’t thank you enough for all these years, you have been nothing but amazing towards me. I seriously got tears knowing that I’m leaving you and that I won’t hear my song at the John Smith stadium again.

“This is heartbreak but that’s the life of a footballer and I hope you will keep following me through my next adventures. Keep supporting the team as you do, there is some young lads coming up, help them to shine.

“Now I’m joining your side as a Huddersfield Town fan. Take care and be sure that I will always remember you.”

Brest will be the third French club Mounie gets to represent. After beginning his career at Montpellier, he spent time on loan at Nimes Olympique before signing for Huddersfield.

He has a combined hand in 34 goals (26 goals, eight assists) at both previous French clubs.

Brest finished 14th in Ligue 1 last season and have started the current campaign on a bad note with 4-0 and 3-2 losses, to Nimes and Olympique Marseille, respectively.

They tackle Dijon on Sunday.

AC Milan announced that the club have completed the signing of Sandro Tonali from Brescia. 

The midfielder joins on an initial season-long loan for a fee of €10 million (£9m/$12m) with the option to buy him outright for €15m (£14m/$18m) next summer.

In total, the deal could be worth up to €35m (£32m/$41m) including add-ons, as Milan have sealed a deal for one of Italy's most talented midfielders.

“We are excited to welcome Sandro to the Rossoneri family," said club legend and current technical director Paolo Maldini.

"As a talented, young midfielder he will not only embrace the values of AC Milan but also make a significant contribution to the future success of the club."

Tonali, who has earned three caps for the Italian national team, made 89 appearances and scored six goals over three seasons with the Brescia first team. 

Last season, the midfielder featured 36 times, earning interest from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United as a result of his Serie A breakthrough.

Inter and Roma had also been heavily linked with a move for Tonali alongside their Serie A rivals in recent months, but it was Milan that ended up winning the race to sign the 20-year-old star. 

Tonali has been compared to former AC Milan star Andrea Pirlo, with the now-Juventus boss buying into the hype himself by saying that Tonali is a more complete player than he was at that age.

The 20-year-old Tonali, who will wear the No. 8 jersey, all but confirmed the move on Tuesday as he confirmed his childhood fandom of the club by posting a photo of him wearing a Milan shirt as a child.

"We are delighted to welcome Sandro Tonali to AC Milan," said the club's CEO Ivan Gazidis. "He is one of the most promising young talents in international football.

"Sandro has a love for the club and an understanding of its values that will add to what we want to build together. Welcome Sandro!"

Milan are set to face Shamrock Rovers on September 17 in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.

After that, the club will look ahead to opening the season four days later at home against Bologna. 

Kaizer Chiefs have provided an update following their transfer ban appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday.

Amakhosi were banned from signing players for the next two transfer windows by Fifa in February 2020, after they were found guilty of illegally signing and registering Andriamirado 'Dax' Andrianarimanana in 2018. 

The Soweto giants were given September 8-9 by CAS to make representations and prove their innocence in the transfer saga involving Dax, and his former Madagascan club Fosa Juniors. 

Chiefs have now revealed that they are waiting for an outcome after their appeal case was heard by CAS.

"Kaizer Chiefs’ appeal against their two-window transfer ban was heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport today, Wednesday, September 9," a club statement read.

"The club will await for the outcome on whether the appeal is successful or not."

Juniors insisted that Andrianarimanana was still under contract with their club, after the central midfielder caught the eye of the Chiefs scouts at the 2018 Cosafa Cup in Polokwane.

However, Chiefs made it clear that they were under the impression that the Madagascar international was a free agent.

Juniors took Chiefs head-on and presented their case before Fifa, with the Glamour Boys unwilling to compensate them for their midfielder. 

Fifa then ruled in favour of Juniors in a judgment which was published in February 2020, and also ordered Dax and Chiefs to compensate the islanders R640 000. 

Dax was also banned from playing football for four months, having already left Chiefs for Black Leopards August 2019. 

The 2018 Cosafa Cup Player of the Tournament served his suspension at Leopards and he recently returned to action. 

The hard-working midfielder left Amakhosi after playing 14 matches across all competitions and netted twice in the process. 

Chiefs will be hoping that their appeal is successful in order for the club to start beefing up its squad ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

The Soweto giants have been linked with Bidvest Wits trio of Thabang Monare, Sfiso Hlanti and Buhle Mkhwanazi.

They are also said to be interested in central defender Sibusiso Mthethwa, who caught the eye at Stellenbosch FC.  

Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta has revealed he is happy to have fulfilled his dream of rubbing shoulders with the best in football.

The East African joined Premier League side Aston Villa from Genk in 2019, becoming the first Tanzanian to play in England. He has since made 14 appearances for the Birmingham-based side, scoring one goal in the process.  

On his official Instagram account, the player posted a picture of him and Chelsea legend John Terry, who is currently serving as the assistant coach at the club, and posted he used to watch top stars in football not knowing he will someday work with them.

"From the beginning, it has been a dream [working with the best in football]," Samatta wrote.

"I used to watch them play in a local joint; today let me admit I am lucky or maybe it is through the hard work that I am now working with them. it might be luck or hard work or both but I am happy with what I have achieved."

The 27-year-old said he is not yet done and has gone to challenge the youngsters to give their best to achieve their dreams.

"I have not yet reached where I want to be," Samatta, who has made 50 appearances for the Taifa Stars and scored 20 goals in the process, continued.

"However, I take this opportunity to challenge all the upcoming players to give their best knowing they can achieve their dreams. It is possible, you cannot fail."

In his earlier interview with Villa TV, the forward revealed how Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo have inspired him.

The Aston Villa forward singled out the Ivorian for praise for what he did at Chelsea, where he helped the London club lift the Champions League trophy in 2012 in Munich.

He also named Juventus star Ronaldo as the player who has influenced him most during his formative years.

"I watched so many players and I felt like I wanted to be like them. But let me go with [Didier] Drogba even though inspiring players were so many. He was doing well at Chelsea where he became a champion a few times as well as scoring many goals," Samatta, revealed.

"He helped Chelsea became Champions League winner.

“[Cristiano] Ronaldo is the sporting icon that has influenced me the most. I love how he works hard and is always fighting for the team to win."

Simba SC striker Meddie Kagere has revealed he does not have plans to quit the team this transfer window despite lacking playing time.

The Rwandan striker had struggled to nail down a starting role with the side since the arrival of coach Sven Vandenbroeck and has been mostly preferred to come in the second half, with captain John Bocco leading the front line.

A week ago, after Simba beat Namungo FC 2-0 to win the Community Shield, reports emerged that Kagere had fought with Vandenbroeck because he was not getting playing time, but the club and the two denied the claims.

Kagere has now come out to confirm that he does not have any plans to leave the Wekundu wa Msimbazi and will only wait for the time the coach will give him time to play.

“I am very okay, I don’t have any problem, I working hard every day in training to make sure the coach gives me the chance, you can only get into a starting eleven if you train well and that is what I am working on every day,” Kagere is quoted by MwanaSpoti.

“I am working very hard, I don’t have any problem with anyone, I know one day I will regain my position, I will keep fighting hard.”

On whether he was about to leave Simba, Kagere said: “I have a contract with Simba, I love Simba more than anything else now, I insist I am working very hard to make sure that I regain my fitness for the coach to give me playing time.”

In his first full season at Wekundu wa Msimbazi in the 2018/19 season, after joining from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia, the attacker managed to score 23 goals, one goal fewer than his tally in the 2019/20 season.

With the arrival of Chris Mugalu, from Zambian outfit Lusaka Dynamos, there is stiff competition for a starting berth.

Simba started the season with a 2-1 win against promoted side Ihefu FC, but they did not win easily as they were forced to fight until the end to bag maximum points.

Goals from John Bocco and Muzamiru Yassin in the first half, were enough for the champions though Ihefu proved a tough side in the second period and even scored a goal which was ruled out for offside.

Rennes president Nicolas Holveck says there is no “impasse” regarding the future of M’Baye Niang at the club.

The 25-year-old Senegalese has been the subject of continued exit rumours from Roazhon Park, with Marseille reportedly interested, but those links were debunked by coach Andre Villas-Boas.

Rennes signed Franco-Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy from Amiens and his presence will create extra competition for Niang, who finished as the club’s top scorer last season with 15 goals, which secured them Champions League football for this season.

Both Guirassy and Niang have played once in Ligue 1 this season, the latter playing 25 minutes off the bench in the Red and Blacks' 2-1 win over Montpellier last time out, while the former played 64 minutes of the season opener at Lille which ended 1-1.

Holveck is happy to see the competition for places.

“I wouldn't speak of an impasse. There is one more month for the transfer window and there are players who are under contract,” Holveck said at a media briefing for the official presentation of Guirassy.

“Mbaye [Niang] and Clement [Grenier], are two players who are part of the Stade Rennais workforce. This shows the competition that exists, the quality of our workforce, even for players who were major elements of our team last year.”

Despite already signing Guirassy, Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd, Martin Terrier and extending the contract of Mali right-back Hamari Traore, Holveck is still keen to see his team strengthened before the transfer window shuts on October 5.

“We announced the extension of Traore, I'm very happy with that, we kept everyone and we enriched the group with players who were our priorities,” he continued.

“Our transfer window is in the right tempo, there are many clubs for which certain investments are impossible.

"We read a lot of things, we move forward. We are looking for a central defender for sure. We do not want to go too fast, we still have time, we move forward calmly. I am confident for the end of this transfer window."

Rennes resume Ligue 1 duties this weekend with a trip to Nimes Olympique on Sunday.

South Africa's Janine Van Wyk, Cameroon's Ajara Nchout, Nigeria's Onome Ebi and Egypt's Sarah Essam have lauded the four-year women's football strategy by the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

Earlier in June, Caf announced the inauguration of the Women's Champions League, which is scheduled to kick off in 2021 as part of its strategic plan to grow the women's game across the continent.

On Tuesday, Africa's football ruling body organised a virtual conference, featuring top coaches and players, including the trio, to share its women's football agenda and Champions League plan.

Anthony Baffoe, the Caf deputy secretary-general, who chaired the conference, presented the various initiatives and proposed programme for women's football development om the continent.

Besides Baffoe, Samson Adamu, the director of competitions, and Safia Abdel Dayem, the head of women's football development, were at the virtual meeting to make presentations.

“We organized this meeting to listen to the players and coaches,” Baffoe told the Caf website.

“Now, the recently appointed Executive Directors of each of the Zonal Unions, have been tasked with ensuring that the women's football strategy launched in July is in line with the objectives of the region, and for Member Associations to follow accordingly."

In a post-conference reaction, Van Wyk, who captained Banyana Banyana to a maiden Women's World Cup in France last year, described the development as a women's football rebirth in Africa.

“Women's football in Africa has just been reborn thanks to these efforts by Caf," the 33-year-old, who recently featured for Glasgow City in Uefa Women's Champions League told Caf.

"It is our duty to support this great initiative and I think that strategy will really aid the development of the game on our continent.”

Egyptian star Essam, who currently plays for English outfit Stoke City, lauded the agenda of Caf for the women's game.

“It's great to know that the future of African women's football is in good hands and everyone is involved. I am very optimistic about this strategy," she said.

On her part, Ebi, who became the first African to play at five World Cup tournaments with Nigeria, described the development as a dream come true.

“The Women's Champions League is something we have been talking about for long. I'm glad it is gradually becoming a reality," she noted.

For Nchout, who finished as runner-up in the 2019 Africa Women's Player of the Year race, applauded the various steps taken by Caf to improve the fortune of the women's game.

“Women's football in Africa has just been reborn thanks to these efforts by CAF," she told the same publication.

"It is our duty to support this great initiative and I think that strategy will really aid the development of the game on our continent.”

The coaches in attendance were Clementine Toure (Cote d'Ivoire), Desiree Ellis (South Africa) and Lamia Boumehdi (Morocco U-17).

Other players who also featured were Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria, South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana, Gaelle Enganamouit, Elizabeth Addo (Ghana) and Jean Sseninde (Uganda).

Manchester United have made progress in their negotiations to try and sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, Goal understands.

The England international remains a priority target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the club have continued with discussions to sign the former Manchester City man despite the German club’s sporting director Michael Zorc insisting he won’t be moving anywhere.

It is understood United are still adamant they will not pay the €120 million (£108m/$142m) fee Dortmund are holding out for, however the club are continuing with constructive discussions.

United are keen not to repeat any mistake they made with Alexis Sanchez when his huge wages upset the team's structure and have been wary of that issue during talks.

It is understood there has been some progress made with Sancho’s agent in terms of wages and fees.

Going into the transfer window Sancho was United’s priority transfer target but the club are willing to walk away from a potential deal should a realistic fee not be agreed between the two clubs.

Consequently, they have been keeping an eye on other targets with Juventus winger Douglas Costa and Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele on the club's radar.

United have strengthened already in the window by bringing in midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £35 million (€39m/$46m) but are looking to add more members to the squad before the October 5 deadline.

Real Madrid defender Sergio Reguilon has been monitored and is of interest to Solskjaer, but Sancho remains the top target as the club look to bolster their attacking options.

It is understood Sancho is keen on a move to United, and back to the Premier League, but the biggest stumbling block remains over a fee that is deemed suitable by both sides due to the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

New signing Van de Beek was at the club’s Carrington training base for the first time on Wednesday as he met Solskjaer and some of his new team-mates as they prepare for their opening game of the new season against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on September 19.

Ligue 1 club Brest have confirmed the signing of Steve Mounie on a four-year contract from Huddersfield Town.

Mounie's signing comes as a boost to Olivier Dall'Oglio's team after the Stade Francis-Le Ble outfit suffered back-to-back defeats in their first two league matches this season.

The 25-year-old joined Huddersfield Town from Montpellier in 2017 following their promotion to the Premier League, where he scored nine in 59 appearances across two seasons.

The Terriers were relegated to the Championship in 2018-19 which forced the Benin star to play in the Championship last campaign, and he contributed eight goals in 30 league matches.

Mounie is not new to French football, having spent eight years at Montpellier before his departure to England.

He developed through the youth ranks at Stade de la Mosson before making his first-debut at Montpellier as a substitute in October 2014 during a League Cup outing against Ajaccio.

“Stade Brestois is pleased to announce the signing of Steve Mounie for four seasons. The Franco-Beninese striker arrives from England where he played for Huddersfield Town,” the club statement read.

“Stade Brestois, for its second consecutive season in the top flight, continues to evolve. With the summer transfer window coming to the end in early October, the club have added a new piece of choice to their puzzle. An agreement was thus found with Steve Mounie for a four-year contract.”

Mounie has been handed the No. 15 shirt at Brest and he immediately joined his new teammates for Wednesday’s training session, as they intensify preparation for their next Ligue 1 outing away at Dijon on Sunday.

Brest sit at the bottom of the league table with no points after two games - they suffered a 4-0 loss at Nimes and a 3-2 defeat against Marseille last month.

The Parakou-born star is a key player for Benin on the international scene and he played four games at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt before they were eliminated by Senegal in the quarter-finals.

Since his debut outing in 2015, he has scored seven goals in 25 appearances for the Squirrels.

Zambian outfit Power Dynamos and Kenya striker Enock Agwanda are locked in discussions hoping to reach an agreement to work together.

The forward managed to score 13 goals for Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side KCB to help them to a fifth-place finish in the abandoned season. It is for this reason the Southern Africa side made contact, hoping to convince the player to join them.

"If all goes well, the confirmation will be made public before the end of the week," a source close to the player told Goal on Wednesday.

"The club are interested in the player, they are convinced his experience will help them challenge for the league title. It is about a few personal issues that have not been agreed on, but everything else is settled."

In an earlier interview, A KCB official, who also did not want to be named, told Goal he was not aware the striker had left for Zambia.

"I have not heard anything about Enock [Agwanda] moving to Zambia or talking to a team in Zambia, I don’t want to lie to you that I know anything but please, I will find out and let you know," the source told Goal.

Agwanda had a great season with the Bankers last season and was headed to win the Golden Boot before the top-flight was prematurely ended owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

In Kenya, Agwanda, who is well known for his long throw-ins, has also featured for Coastal-based Bandari, champions Gor Mahia, and Sony Sugar.

Should Agwanda sign in Zambia, he will join the long list of Kenyan players featuring for Zambia clubs among them goalkeeper Ian Otieno, Jesse Were and David Owino of Zesco United, Musa Mohammed, Duke Abuya, and Harun Shakuva, both who helped Nkana FC to win the league title in the 2019-20 campaign.

The Bankers are also set to lose their star defender Michael Kibwage to rivals Sofapaka FC.

"It is true, we have reached an agreement with Sofapaka and soon we will make it official," Kibwage told Goal on Tuesday.

"I am just waiting for the team to honour certain conditions and we will be good to go. But it is not a big deal, the most important thing is that we have reached an agreement and we will be working together [in the 2020/21 season]."

When reached for comment, club president Elly Kalekwa shed more light on the deal saying it is done.

"Kibwage will be joining us, we will be unveiling him in a couple of days," the successful businessman told Goal on Tuesday.

"We have agreed on a two-year contract with the player and we are happy to have finally managed to convince him to join us.