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Mame Diouf has expressed his delight after completing his move to newly-promoted Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor.  

The Senegal international sealed a one-year deal with the Star of the South after successful medicals with the side on Monday.

Diouf spent six years with Championship club Stoke City before he asked to be released from his contract at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

The 32-year-old centre-forward has taken to social media to reveal his eagerness to continue his progress in Turkey.

“[I am] happy to announce to you that I have joined Hatayspor, my new home,” Diouf posted on Instagram.

“Thanks to all the people that been involved to make this happen. Can't wait to get started.”

During his time with Stoke City, the centre-forward scored 26 goals in 157 appearances across all competitions, having joined the club from Hannover 96 in the summer of 2014.

In the 2019-20 season, the former Manchester United striker scored one goal in eight Championship appearances.

Diouf started his career with Diaraf before signing for Molde, where he shone, scoring 29 goals in 62 league games.

His eye-catching performances inspired Premier League giants Manchester United to secure his signature in the summer of 2009.

Diouf played five English top-flight games for the Red Devils and was part of Alex Ferguson’s side that won the 2010 League Cup before leaving to join Hannover 96 in 2012.

Diouf has 10 goals in 47 appearances for Senegal since he made his debut against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August 2009.

The striker could make his debut for Hatayspor when they open their Turkish Super Lig campaign against Istanbul Basaksehir on September 14.

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille.

The defender arrives in a £25 million ($33 million) deal and has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners.

He becomes the club's second signing of the transfer window, following the capture of fellow Brazilian Willian - who joined on a free transfer from Chelsea.

Speaking about the signing, Arsenal's technical director Edu said: "We are delighted to have signed Gabriel. He is a player we have been studying for a while and he was in demand from many clubs, so we are proud to have agreed and completed this transfer with Lille and the player.

"Gabriel is a player of high quality and Mikel and his coaches are looking forward to integrating him into the club.”  

The 22-year-old arrived in England last Monday when he travelled to Arsenal's training ground at London Colney to put the finishing touches on his transfer. He then underwent a medical in the capital.

Gabriel has been in quarantine ever since he arrived from France, a country which is currently on the UK Government's quarantine list. Gabriel will have to self-isolate for 14 days before being able to link up with his new team-mates.

He was allowed into London Colney on Monday under strict medical supervision to take part in the squad's latest round of Covid testing.

Gabriel's arrival will be a major boost to boss Mikel Arteta, who had been keen to add another centre-back to his ranks this summer.

Speaking about his latest capture, Arteta said: "We welcome Gabriel to Arsenal. He has many qualities which will make us stronger as a defensive unit and as a team.

"He has proved with Lille that he is a defender with many outstanding attributes and we are looking forward to watching him grow as an Arsenal player."

Gabriel himself added: “[Edu and I] had several chats about Arsenal and the new project, we had many good conversations.

“As the days went by I was getting very excited about it, then I had a call from the coach and that was very reassuring.

“Having the coach himself calling you to say he wants you in his squad motivates you a lot. That is the very reason I am here today.
 
“We did not talk about [details], he just told me he is aware of my quality, my capacity and how far I can go. He also said he will be very demanding with me.

"I know he is a great coach and I will make progress with his help.”

Gabriel will soon be followed into Arsenal by Dani Ceballos, who is close to returning to north London for another season-long loan deal from Real Madrid.

Talks between the two clubs have progressed well in the last 48 hours and the midfielder will soon travel to England to complete his switch to Emirates Stadium.

Memphis Depay insists he has never expressed a desire to leave Lyon, though he also hinted as a possible departure by admitting "I also have my dreams".

Depay has been linked with a move away from the Groupama Stadium, with Paris Saint-Germain, Inter and Barcelona all said to be interested in the former Manchester United forward.

He scored six goals for Lyon in the 2019-20 Champions League, helping Lyon reach the semi-finals as Les Gones knocked out Juventus and Manchester City last month following the resumption of the competition from its coronavirus-enforced suspension.

However, Rudi Garcia's side could only secure a seventh-place finish in the truncated Ligue 1 season last term, which meant that they missed out on European qualification for the first time in 24 years.

Despite that disappointment Depay hit the ground running in Lyon's first game of the 2020-21 Ligue 1 campaign, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Dijon on Friday.

Speaking to Dutch outlset NOS, Depay, whose contract expires at the end of the season, said of speculation over his future: "I never said I want to leave. When I say something, it is often distorted.

"I still have a one-year contract, I am captain, and we have a good team. We have shown that. I feel good about myself but also have my dreams. I have always expressed that too.

Speaking about his treble against Dijon, he added: "If you score three times in the first match, you can't complain. Even though I didn't think the match was great in itself. Ultimately, it's about being important and decisive, but I do expect more from myself."

A move to Barca would see Depay reunite with Ronald Koeman, who left his post with the Netherlands to take over at Camp Nou.

When asked Koeman's departure ahead of the Oranje's Nations League meetings with Poland and Italy this week, Depay said: "I don't see it as abandonment.

"He left something behind here. We have to pick it up and continue with it. We will see who will be the next national coach. As a group, we have to take responsibility."

Donny van de Beek will have mentally adjust to playing for a club the size of Manchester United, says former Red Devils striker Robin van Persie.

Van de Beek is expected to be confirmed as a United player imminently after the club agreed a fee in the region of £40 million ($53m) for 23-year-old Netherlands international.

Van Persie knows all about making the jump from the Eredivisie to the Premier League having moved to Arsenal from Feyenoord as a 20-year-old in 2004.

Eight years later he made the move to Old Trafford, helping the side lift the Premier League title in what turned out to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge of the club in 2012-13.

Van Persie has drawn on those experiences to warn Van de Beek about the challenges involved in making such a high-profile transfer.

Though he has every confidence in his compatriot being a success, he says playing for Manchester United will be completely different to what Van de Beek has experienced so far in his career, both on and off the pitch.

“Donny van de Beek is 23-years-old and that is a nice age to make a transfer to the Premier League," Van Persie wrote in a column for De Telegraaf.

“I was a bit younger when I went to Arsenal, and in the locker room, I was considered a player for the future. Winning the UEFA Cup with Feyenoord meant nothing. The Premier League is a completely different world.

“Donny will be brought in as a major purchase from Manchester United, but he will discover that those other 22 players have also been brought in as a 'major purchase'. One with an even bigger transfer [fee] than the other.

“It means that he has to stand there right away and he has to mentally adjust to that. Because Manchester United is in every way a beast of a club.

“The size of Manchester United also has an impact on the commercial activities expected of Donny in the future.

“In my first year at United that number was zero, in my last year I had to show up every week.

“When I was with Marcus Rashford recently, I asked him how often he has to do something commercial now. He couldn't remember the last afternoon off after a workout.

“That is a bit different than taking a siesta after a training.”

Donny van de Beek will challenge for Paul Pogba's position at Manchester United, according to Steve McClaren, who says the Frenchman could be made to pay for a lack of consistency.

Van de Beek is on the verge of sealing a £40 million ($54m) switch to Old Trafford from Ajax, with the midfielder reportedly set to commit to a five-year contract with the Red Devils.

The 23-year-old, who has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in Europe over the past few years at Johan Cruyff ArenA, had also been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona, but has ultimately decided to continue his devolvement in Manchester.

Bruno Fernandes and Pogba filled the main creative roles in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's line up last season, with the likes of Fred, Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay serving as defensive midfielders.

Van de Beek's arrival will likely see the Norwegian head coach shuffle his pack, and McClaren fears Pogba could be the man to make way for the Dutchman unless he starts proving that he can deliver the goods week in, week out.

The former United assistant has compared Van de Beek's style of play to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, while also praising Solskjaer for increasing competition for places heading into a crucial campaign for the club.

“Van de Beek is exactly like Frank Lampard in his heyday; he gets in the box, scores, assists, his goal record of one in three is fantastic. He’s an excellent player," McClaren told talkSPORT.

“He’s a little bit similar to Fernandes but I think Fernandes has got that pass that, where Van de Beek is in the box Fernandes will pick him out – Manchester United didn’t have that before.

“The only one I probably fear for, and it’s a debate that’s gone for a while, is Paul Pogba. Because you can’t play Van de Beek as your controlling, holding midfield player, he’s got to be an ‘eight’ or a ‘ten’, and at the moment Pogba is the ‘eight’ and Fernandes is the ‘ten’.

“Manchester United hope to have lots of games with the Champions League, etc. and Ole knows you need a strong squad, so maybe, maybe he’s getting three of them so two can play in every game.

“But maybe because of Pogba’s inconsistencies and Ole wanting more consistency there, Ole is laying down the gauntlet for Pogba. At the moment no one is challenging Pogba in that position and Van de Beek will challenge him and challenge Fernandes.

“With Pogba, there is a great player in there but you’ve got find a way of getting it out of him in every game and across the whole 90 minutes.

“I do think Pogba has been a far better player since he’s come back. It seems that Fernandes has ignited his passion, he’s got someone he can play with and now Van de Beek is coming in too.

“You need competition at the top level. I think that’s what Van de Beek brings to Manchester.”

Four Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential aspirants have called on the government to take the matter seriously by forming a Normalization Committee to take charge of the sport until fresh elections are held.

The four – Sam Nyamweya, Twaha Mbarak, Nicholas Musonye, and Sammy Sholei – did not hand in their nomination papers as required on Monday after they cited several irregularities heading into the election exercise.

Speaking in a joint press conference, the four have maintained they will not be part of an election exercise which has already been rigged by the incumbent and instead, called on the government to move quickly and form a committee that will run the sport awaiting elections.

“There can never be a credible election without electoral reforms to the processes at FKF and it is only once those reforms are done in accordance with all applicable laws, including Fifa standard Electoral Code that we will participate in the exercise,” the four said in a signed statement obtained by Goal.

“The current impasse has lasted for far too long and it is time urgent interventions were made to rescue the beautiful game from a leadership that has failed yet bent on continuing to mete out injustice against the millions of youth and other citizens who depend on football for their livelihoods.

“We firmly believe given the present circumstances and the fact the term of office of the former officials ended in February, it is now urgent that Fifa works with the government and other stakeholders to install a Normalization/ Caretaker Committee to oversee the elections of new officials of the federation.”

The statement continued: “The current exercise is marred with several irregularities, is unconstitutional and blatantly in violation of the basic expectations of a democratic process that is credible, free, fair and verifiable exercise.

“It is the above reasons we have not subjected ourselves to the sham process, whose ultimate outcome is already predetermined in favour of the outgoing President Nick Mwendwa, whose intention is to manipulate the Electoral Board so as to rig himself back to the office, alongside his cronies at the various leadership level.

“Being people of high integrity and law-abiding citizens of this country, we state in no uncertain terms that we will not be a party to a futile exercise or allow us to be part of a process designed to undermine democracy in the name of an election.”

Some of the changes the four are demanding before contesting in the polls include bonafide clubs to be given the mandate to elect officials, make changes to the Electoral Code as directed by the court on March 17, 2020, and change the personnel at the Electoral Board which is led by Kentice Tikolo.

While the four skipped the nomination exercise, other aspirants – Omondi Aduda, Herbert Mwachiro, and Boniface Osano – presented their papers in readiness to face off with Mwendwa for the top seat on October 17.

It will be the third time in a year that the FKF will be holding elections.

The previous two exercises were nullified by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) last December and in March this year, with SDT chairman John Ohaga ruling the rules of engagement were flouted on both occasions.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Middlesbrough striker Ahmed Hossam Mido thinks Mikel Arteta’s playing style gives Mohamed Elneny "a golden opportunity" to remain at Arsenal.

The 28-year-old struggled for regular first-team action in the last two seasons at the Emirates Stadium after falling out of favour under Unai Emery.

He spent the 2019-20 season on loan in the Turkish Super Lig with Besiktas where he helped the Black Eagles secure a European spot.

Elneny returned to North London in August and he has played in Arsenal’s last two games – a friendly match against MK Dons where he scored a goal and in the FA Community Shield against Liverpool on Saturday.

The Egypt international turned in a solid performance in the middle of the park as the Gunners pipped the Premier League champions on penalties to win their first title in the 2020-21 campaign.

Mido, who is currently a football manager, disclosed the conversation he had with Arteta about his compatriot in 2018 and how his performance against the Reds could make him part of the Spanish manager’s plans.

“I have met Arteta in Wales two years ago and I have asked him about Mohamed Elneny,” Mido said on his YouTube channel.

“Arteta replied: ‘Elneny is a very good player and I like him because he is not easily dispossessed.'

“I think Arteta’s style of playing out from the back grants Elneny a golden opportunity to stay at Arsenal.

“Elneny played very smartly against Liverpool and this could make him part of Arteta’s project at Arsenal.”

Prior to their Community Shield triumph, Arteta praised the Egypt star but was coy about his future.

“In the moment that he is with us, he will be given all our support and the best possible environment for them to perform as high as they can," he said.

"We don’t know [if he will stay]. The sixth of October is still too far, as I said. It’s pretty unpredictable to know what’s going to happen."

Elneny moved to the Emirates Stadium from Swiss outfit Basel in January 2016. In 2018, he penned an extension with Arsenal that will keep him at the club until June 2022.

He started his European career at Basel in 2013 after developing through the youth ranks of Egyptian clubs Al Mokawloon and Al Ahly.

Manchester City players have not discussed the prospect of Lionel Messi joining the club from Barcelona despite rumours he could make a move to the Etihad Stadium, says defender Eric Garcia.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has told Barcelona he wants to leave and did not show up for the first day of pre-season training under Ronald Koeman on Monday.

He remains in dispute with the Catalan giants over the possible terms of his departure, with  Goal  reporting that he considers his current contract,  which is due to expire in 2021, to already be finished.

City are one of a handful of clubs reported to be in contention to sign Messi, with a reunion with former Barca boss Pep Guardiola an obvious attraction.

Though the saga has sent shockwaves through world football, Garcia insists the City squad have not been discussing the possibility of playing alongside the Argentine.

Speaking to reporters at a news conference with the Spain squad, the 19-year-old said: "At City we have not talked about Messi coming, but everyone would like to have Messi in their team.

"On the Messi issue, it's something between clubs that I can't get into.

"I am going to avoid the question if he would be a good signing for City because he is a Barca player and not I'm going to comment on it. "

While Messi continues to be linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, Garcia has been touted for a move in the opposite direction.

The defender is into the final 12 months of his contract with City, having rejected the offer of a new deal.

Barca have reportedly made Garcia one of their top transfer targets and are ready to submit an offer in the region of €15 million (£14m/$18m) to bring the player back to the club.

When pressed on his future Garcia played down talk of an imminent departure, suggesting he could see out the final year of his City contract and leave on a free transfer next year.

“I told City that I will not renew my contract, but still I have one season with them and hope to return,” he said.

“My goal is to train and play as much as possible to show here [with the Spanish national team] and in Manchester that the coach can count on me.

"What comes next is something I don't know. I can’t control. I focus on what I can control."

Sevilla have re-signed Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona for an initial fee of €1.5 million.

The Andalucian club have confirmed that they've reached an agreement with Barca on Tuesday which will see the 32-year-old head back to Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium ahead of the new season.

The final transfer could end up costing Sevilla a total of €10 million including variables, with Rakitic committing to a four-year contract with the club.

More to follow.

Thomas Partey is keen on a move to Arsenal but the Gunners' hopes of landing the midfielder this window will rest on the club’s ability to move players on over the coming weeks.

The Ghana international has long been the north London club's priority capture this summer, but talks with Atletico Madrid have so far proved unsuccessful.

Madrid do not want to lose Partey and still hope to convince him to sign a new contract. His current deal runs until 2023 and there had been talks over extending his stay.

The financial implications brought on by the coronavirus pandemic have meant, however, that Atletico have not been able to offer him the size of deal they had initially planned. They have instead given the player assurances that he will be given a substantial increase once the club is on a more secure financial footing in a year’s time.

Arsenal remain extremely interested in Partey, however, and sources have confirmed to Goal that the player is keen on a move to north London, providing a deal can be agreed between the two clubs.

The Gunners have been trying to tempt Atletico into a swap deal involving cash and Matteo Guendouzi, but the Liga outfit are adamant that the only way Partey will be leaving this summer is if Arsenal trigger his £44.5 million ($60m) release clause.

As it stands, Arsenal have made it clear they are not in a position to do that, with the club having been focusing their attentions on completing the signing of centre-back Gabriel from Lille, who will be joining in a £25m ($33m) deal.

Partey, meanwhile, is happy to wait to see how things progress over the coming weeks. Although he is keen on a switch to the Premier League and is likley to move to Arsenal if a deal can be agreed between the two clubs, he will not look to force his way out of Atletico

Arteta is well aware of the need to improve his options in midfield and will soon be boosted by the return of Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid, who is close to joining on loan for a second successive season.

But Partey is a player who has long been identified as someone who could come in and give Arsenal the type of quality and aggression they have been missing in the middle of the park.

Former head of international recruitment Francis Cagigao and his scouting network have watched the player closely over the past 18 months and, prior to their shock departure last month, had advised the north London club to pursue a move.

There were initial discussions over a move for Partey last summer while Unai Emery was still in charge, but they never materialised into a firm offer. Arsenal have maintained their interest, however, and still hope to get a deal done before the transfer window closes on October 6.

Those hopes will be boosted significantly if they can move players on over the next few weeks to raise some extra funds and free up space on the wage bill. Henrikh Mkhitaryan left for Roma on Monday, with the Armenia international having his contract terminated a year early.

Although that meant Arsenal did not receive a fee for the 31-year-old, it got him off the wage bill - saving the Gunners around £9m ($12m) over the course of the coming season.

Arsenal now hope to find a buyer for Matteo Guendouzi, who has been linked with Valencia in recent days, while Lucas Torreira could soon return to Italy - with several Serie A sides interested in the Uruguay international.

Mohamed Elneny is another player who would be allowed to leave, along with Sokratis, Shkodran Mustafi, Sead Kolasinac, Calum Chambers and Mesut Ozil.

Talks over the future of Alexandre Lacazette, who returned to London Colney on Monday, are also expected to take place over the next fortnight, with Atletico Madrid keen on the French striker, who now has less than two years left on his current contract.

Meanwhile, there is significant interest in Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Emiliano Martinez, who both starred in Saturday’s Community Shield victory against Liverpool, but Arsenal are reluctant to lose either player and would much prefer to try and move other members of the squad on first.

There is an acceptance, however, that funds must be raised to add further additions to the captures of William and Gabriel and the imminent arrival of Ceballos on loan.

Signing Partey remains a priority. What happens in terms of outgoings over the next few weeks will be key to determining whether that interest can be followed up by the north London club.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) are considering friendlies with Cameroon, South Africa and Nigeria for the women's team ahead of the Olympic Games next year, according to a top official.

In March, Zambia defeated Cameroon 2-1 in Lusaka to qualify for the first Olympic Games in their history on away goals after drawing 4-4 on aggregate following a 3-2 first-leg defeat in Yaounde.

The Olympics, initially scheduled to take place between July 24 and August 9, 2020, was postponement by a year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

With six Fifa windows before the tournament in Tokyo, the Southern Africans are planning a preparation camp in Spain during the international break.

“The women’s team is scheduled to play Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa,"  FAZ vice-president Rix Mweemba told Daily Mail.

"We believe that these teams will give them a good run as they prepare to meet the world’s best.

“Preparations to camp in Spain are already in the pipeline and it is our prayer that the Covid-19 cases will soon reduce as the country is one of the worst-hit.” 

Zambia are only the fifth African side to qualify for the Olympics' women's football tournament, after Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

They will compete with Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, United States, Sweden, Netherlands, Great Britain and hosts Japan.

Lionel Messi is already mentally out of the door at Barcelona and is sure to continue his career elsewhere, believes Jorge Valdano.

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi did not take part in Barca's first day of pre-season training under Ronald Koeman on Monday, having informed the club of his desire to leave.

The Argentina international believes a clause in his contract allowing him to leave on a free transfer has been activated, though the club and La Liga are of the opinion his €700 million (£624m/$823m) release clause remains the only valid way to terminate his deal, which runs until next June.

Manchester City are thought to be leading the race to sign Messi , with Paris Saint-Germain and Inter also credited with significant interest.

Former Real Madrid forward, head coach and director general Valdano, who began his playing career at Messi's boyhood club Newell's Old Boys and won the 1986 World Cup with Argentina, is confident the 33-year-old's future lies away from Camp Nou.

He thinks Barcelona have to accept that reality sooner rather than later, or risk an ever more acrimonious parting of the ways further down the line.

"Either he goes to another club or to his home, but he has already left Barcelona. I am totally convinced. I have no doubt," he said on Onda Cero show El Transistor.

"The sooner Barcelona realise they are going to lose the best player in their history, the sooner they can focus on rebuilding."

It has been suggested Messi could perform a U-turn on his decision to leave Barca, as he did after announcing his international retirement in the wake of Argentina losing the Copa America Centenario final to Chile in 2016.

"They are completely different situations because there is no contract or anything similar when Leo left the Albiceleste and returned," Valdano added.

"There are no personal problems. I don't know how far this period is going to go, which is toxic for the club, player and La Liga.

"[Barca president Josep Maria] Bartomeu must think that when Messi leaves, he should go too… but prolonging this seems to me to be harmful to Barca."

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck believes the new 2020/21 Mainland Premier League season will be tough.

The new season is set to kick off this weekend after champions Simba beat Namungo FC 2-0 to lift the Community Shield at the weekend, which serves as a curtain-raiser to the new campaign.

The Belgian coach has now claimed the decision by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to reduce the number of competing teams in the top-flight from 20 to 18 will have a huge impact on the league.

“It will be a very tight season because we will play minus two teams and that means teams will have enough time to prepare well for matches,” Vandenbroeck told reporters in Arusha.

“It means the teams will have ample time to recover after matches and this will give teams especially those so-called small teams the edge to prepare well for the matches and it will prove difficult, it will be a tough league, I can assure you that, it will not be easy.”

Vandenbroeck has, however, assured Simba fans that they are the favourites to retain the league title if they keep the squad free from injuries.

“If we manage to keep our squad fit throughout the season then I don’t have any doubts that we will be crowned champions again,” Vandenbroeck continued.

“We have signed very quality players, a very good addition to our squad, but we have to make sure that they are fit to see through the season, injuries can sometimes spoil your plans, and we hope they will be able to see through the season.

“One thing I like about this team is the teamwork and solidarity of the playing unit, we proved that again against [Namungo], they always play as a team and fight to cover for one another something other teams luck in the top-flight, it is always an advantage to us.”

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi, who won a treble last season, will open their title defence with a clash against promoted side Ihefu FC at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya on Sunday.

Simba’s rivals, Yanga  SC, will start against Coastal Union at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam while Azam FC, who finished third last season, will face Polisi Tanzania at Chamazi Complex also on Sunday.

Juventus have confirmed the signing of Samuel Iling-Junior following his departure from Chelsea.

The 16-year-old, who has been training with the Italian giants since July, completed a long-awaited move to the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday.

Iling-Junior was unveiled alongside France U-17 international Felix Nzouango, who agreed a deal to join Juve from French outfit Amiens earlier this summer.

Chelsea were reluctant to lose Iling-Junior and offered him the chance to sign his first professional contract at Stamford Bridge, but his head was turned when the reigning Serie A champions registered their interest back in May.

The teenage winger confirmed his exit in a heartfelt post on social media on Sunday, which read: "Full of vast emotions, being at Chelsea from such a young age has truly built me, not only as the player I am today but also as a person.

“It’s been a blessed journey and I’m deeply thankful for all those in the Academy. From the groundsmen, kitchen staff, players, coaches, the list goes on.

“I would also like to give thanks to the people around me, my family and friends who have consistently supported me.

"This is just the start. I wish Chelsea all the best for the seasons ahead."

The likes of Bayern Munich, Ajax and Schalke had also been linked with Iling-Junior before he opted for Juve, having seen the talented youngster impress for Chelsea's U-18 side last season.

He has become the third player to leave Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window, following the departures of experienced first-team duo Pedro and Willian, who went on to join Roma and Arsenal respectively as free agents.

Frank Lampard has, however, been able to add a number of new players to his ranks ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, with former Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva the latest man to arrive in west London.

The Brazilian joined the club on a free after leaving Parc des Princes, with Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell also snapped up as Chelsea bid to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

The Blues have also signed Malang Sarr from Nice on a five-year deal, and Goal understands that they have reached an agreement to bring in Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial fee of £72 million ($97m).

Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt suggests it is very difficult for teams chasing the championship with only a few games to go but he's confident Kaizer Chiefs can get it over the finish line. 

Amakhosi are still top of the standings although they are tied on 53 points with second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns. Their +5 superior goal difference is what's keeping them at the summit of the PSL log. 

And Hunt believes Chiefs have an experienced coach in Ernst Middendorp who knows how to win and he has wished him well in the remaining two matches. 

"It's very difficult these last three or four games but I’m sure they [Chiefs] got enough experience. They have an experienced coach who knows how [to win]. So, let’s see what happens. I wish him well," Hunt told the media. 

"It is not easy to win the league but the thing is consistency is very important. We did well against Chiefs. 

"When you come into this time of the year with three or four games to go, sometimes a point is not bad. People try to win games always, it is crazy what happens with players, coaches, and clubs."

While Hunt continues to back the Soweto giants for the league title, he feels the pressure is even more on them to win the trophy after trying for five years without success, more so because the expectations are very high.  

"The pressure is immense and the club like Kaizer Chiefs who have not won the league for many years the pressure is even more. They are the club expected to win trophies," added Hunt. 

"People always think it is easy to win titles. Believe me, I’ve been there and it is very difficult, especially the last few games."

Chiefs need to win their remaining two matches convincingly to ensure they keep their distance between them and Sundowns. 

They take on Chippa United on Wednesday before visiting Baroka FC in the final match of the season. 

However, the two matches aren't going to be easy as both Chippa United and Baroka are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table. 

Kenyan coach Francis Baraza has explained how Biashara United will employ a different strategy when the Mainland Premier League opens on September 6.

Baraza was appointed Biashara United coach midway through last season and went ahead to help them stabilise and eventually finish in the ninth position.

Baraza and his almost new-look Biashara United will start the new campaign with a match against debutants Gwambina FC.

The Mara club released eight players and signed another seven during the August transfer window that was closed a day ago. 

“We let go of eight players and new ones were brought on board,” the former Chemelil Sugar coach told Soka Letu.

“Naturally, we will need time to have the new players gel together with the others in order for the team to move at the same pace.”

Baraza also predicted a tougher 2020/21 season and he based his arguments on the fact that teams have really signed to strengthen their squads.

“For me, I see the league is going to be very competitive. I can see how teams have gone about to bolster themselves and how they are preparing and therefore it is not going to be easy,” he added.

“Biashara United are also ready and we are going to come with a different approach altogether which I think will be helpful.” 

Meanwhile, Namungo FC head coach Thierry Hitimana has stated their focus now is on the league opener against Coastal Union.

The Lindi outfit lost 2-0 to Simba SC during the Community Shield on Saturday but the Burundian coach has revealed their energy now has been channelled on the preparation for the league tie and have forgotten the Simba defeat.

The 2020/21 Caf Confederation Cup contestants were outwitted by John Bocco and Bernard Morrison’s goals at Sheikh Amri Abeid in Arusha and denied them silverware before the season starts.

“We lost the game because of the mistakes we did and we must make sure we work and rectify them going forward,” Hitimana told Soka Letu.

“The Community Shield match is long gone now and we cannot alter the results. What we are doing at the moment is to re-energise as we strictly focus on the next league match. There is nothing more.”

Namungo finished fourth last season.

Jack Grealish says that playing alongside "the best in the world" for England will help him to reach the next level in his career.

Grealish was left out of Gareth Southgate's initial 24-man squad for UEFA Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark at the start of September, despite having enjoyed a productive 2019-20 campaign at Aston Villa.

Southgate justified the decision by insisting that the midfielder is currently behind Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford in the pecking order, but he was forced to shuffle his pack on Monday.

United star Rashford withdrew from the squad along with Tottenham's Harry Winks, which freed up room for Grealish to be handed his first-ever international call-up.

The 24-year-old, whose recent performances have seen him heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, is now looking forward to learning from the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling while improving his all-round game on the biggest stage.

"I believe in my own ability and I'm confident I can perform at international level," the Villa talisman told The Sun after getting the call from Southgate. "But I also want to improve and I'm eager to learn what it takes to be a success at this level.

"If anything, I believe the better the players you play with or against, then the better you will perform yourself. I've always believed that.

"When you look around the England squad, they are not just the best players in the country - they are the best in the world.

"I've played against these guys when they've been playing for Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs, with not a lot of success!

"Now I can't wait to actually train beside them and, hopefully, team up with the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold, rather than trying to stop them.

"I know I can become an even better player by learning from these amazing players."

Grealish went on to admit that he struggled to accept being omitted from the England set-up back when Roy Hodgson was in charge, before insisting he is now ready to take on the "biggest challenge" of his fledgling career to date.

"I want to show the manager what I'm all about, play to the best of my ability and, hopefully, keep my place in the squad," he added. "Sure, I had planned and hoped it would happen earlier in my career.

"Five years ago Roy Hodgson was on the verge of selecting me after I chose to represent England instead of Ireland.

"But our next games were against the Republic of Ireland and Scotland and it was put on hold. That was frustrating. Now all I want is the chance to show what I can do - it's the biggest challenge of my career and I can't wait.

"Hopefully playing with the best players in the country will bring out the best in me."

Azam FC have honoured their defender Nicholas Wadada after he was voted the best defender for the last Mainland Premier League season.

The Ugandan player was named the best after beating Bakari Mwamnyeto of Coastal Union and David Luhende of Kagera Sugar to the award, at the end of the 2019-20 season.

While Wadada was honoured by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) for the achievement, Azam have also come out to reward their player during a ceremony held on Monday at the club’s venue – Chamazi Stadium.

“Congratulations Wadada,” the club posted a photo of the player with a drawing of him being presented by official Tunga Ally.

“This is a reward from the club for his good performance in the last season which saw him named the best defender in the top-flight.”

Wadada has responded to the award, by stating: “One smile is nearly always inspired by another smile...Here's one for you and let it spread around!”

Last season, Wadada scored one goal for Azam and set up eight as they managed to score 52 goals in the league, and ended finishing third behind eventual winners Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga SC), who came second.

Meanwhile, Azam have confirmed they will play one more friendly before the season gets underway on September 6.

According to Azam CEO Abdulkarim Amin 'Popat' the coach has requested to have one more build-up match before they take on Tanzania Prison in their league opener on Sunday.

“We have already played two build-up matches but the coach is insisting we get another friendly, so we are likely to play another match on Thursday night before the season kicks off,” Amin told Goal on Tuesday.

“The coach is very worried about our striking area and he wants another match to test our new signings, so we will give him what he wants, we will make sure we get a team and the friendly is likely to be played on Thursday.”

Azam will start the season with a clash against Polisi Tanzania.

Mame Thiam revealed he missed the Fenerbahce fans in their 4-0 thrashing of Antalyaspor in Monday’s pre-season game. 

The striker teamed up with the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium outfit in August from Turkish Super Lig rivals Kasimpasa, signing a three-year deal.

The Senegalese forward has hit the ground running, delivering a spectacular performance against Tamer Tuna’s men. 

The 27-year-old centre-forward grabbed a hat-trick in the encounter and was deservedly named the man-of-the-match.

Thiam is delighted with his performance but admitted missing the Yellow Canaries supporters as the game was played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus-related restrictions.

“I am happy to be here. I can also say that it’s a pity that there was the Covid-19 outbreak because I wish we had fans in this match,” Thiam told the club website.

“The important thing was to win as a team. We have carried out everything we practice in training and what we have been taught. I think we did a good job too. We will continue to work hard ahead of the start of the league.”

Thiam played for Real San Marco, Treviso, Sassuolo and Inter Milan's youth teams before he was promoted to the Black and Blues first team.

The striker joined Lanciano in 2013 to end his stay with the San Siro outfit, during which he featured for Avellino and South Tyrol on loan.

Thiam returned to Italy to team up with Serie A giants Juventus but spent most of his time away from the Old Lady, playing on loan with Zulte Waregem, PAOK and Empoli.

The forward was also on the books of Esteghlal and Ajman before he moved to Turkey to join Kasımpasa in the summer of 2019.

Thiam will hope to replicate his eye-catching performances in the pre-season for Fenerbahce when the Super Lig gets underway.

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has formed a taskforce with England's food brand giants to combat child poverty across the country.

Rashford campaigned to extend free school meals for vulnerable children earlier this year, and the government eventually allowed the initiative to continue outside of term time amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 22-year-old wrote an impassioned letter to members of parliament while drawing on his own experiences as a child, and received a positive response from Great Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson.

However, the England international still feels that many families are in need of extra help, and has appealed to MP's to look into the issue even further.

The likes of Aldi, Asda, Co-op, FareShare, Food Foundation, Kellogg's, Lidl, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose have all united in a bid to help push through the National Food Strategy's three main policy recommendations.

These proposed changes centre around expanding free school meals and holiday food and activities, and increasing the value of 'Healthy Start' vouchers, with Rashford hopeful that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak will adjust the country's budget accordingly.

"Within two days of sitting with these families, I could better understand how food poverty is contributing to social unrest," the United striker's latest open letter to the government reads.

"Watching a young boy keeping it together whilst his mother sobbed alongside him, feeling like he has to step up to protect his family and alleviate some of that worry. He was nine-years-old.

"I know that feeling. I remember the sound of my mum crying herself to sleep to this day, having worked a 14-hour shift, unsure how she was going to make ends meet.

"That was my reality and thankfully I had the talent to kick a ball around to pull us all out of that situation. Many can’t find that way out and aren’t being offered a helping hand to do so.

"Those most at risk aren’t in a position and don’t have the platform to scream help from the top of the rooftops but, for those ready to speak, my intention is to offer them the platform to do so, and for those who aren’t, I will continue to be their voice and act on their behalf."

Rashford told the BBC of how his summer charity drive had merely been a "short-term solution" to tackling childhood hunger, while outlining his aims to affect change on a far wider scale with the help of a larger team of experts.

"We had to think about the best way to do it, to think about how these families can eat long term and not have any issues," he said.

"We wanted to do it the best way we could, introduce the best people into our group, and see if using them [we] can push it even more."

Rashford added on the importance of challenging long-held social stigmas: "I feel like at times people think they are being looked down on if they ask for help, and I think in this generation... that is something that should change.

"You should feel free if you want to ask for help for anything. Hold your head up high and if you need help go and get help."