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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has backed Donny van de Beek’s move to rivals Manchester United, saying the Ajax midfielder is joining a “great club”.

Goal understands the Red Devils are closing in on a deal for the 23-year-old after agreeing a fee in the region of £40 million ($53m).

The midfielder was left out of the Ajax squad for Saturday's friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt, fuelling speculation a move to the Premier League was imminent.

Ajax boss Erik ten Hag later confirmed Van de Beek's future at the club was up in the air and a key reason behind his omission.

Van Dijk knows Van de Beek’s talents well, having played alongside the midfielder for the Dutch national team.

The 29-year-old centre-back is currently with the Netherlands squad as they prepare for their Nations League matches against Poland and Italy.

When asked by reporters about Van de Beek’s move to Old Trafford, he gave it his seal of approval, despite the fierce rivalry between United and Liverpool.

He also expressed his delight for fellow international team-mate Nathan Ake, who completed a move to Manchester City earlier this summer.

"[The Van de Beek transfer] looks like it's going to happen indeed," said the former Celtic and Southampton defender.

"From my heart, I wish him the best. It's wonderful for him, it's a nice step for him to move to a great club as a Dutch player.

"Also the same for Nathan Ake, who moves to Manchester City. I'm glad for both of them.”

Once the deal is confirmed Van de Beek will become United’s first major signing of the summer, ending weeks of frustration in the transfer market for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Solskjaer had hoped Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho would be the first player through the door, but the club have been unable to agree a fee with the Bundesliga club.

Dortmund are holding out for a fee of €120m (£108m/$142m) for Sancho, but United believe that is not a realistic figure given the state of their finances due to the impact of Covid-19.

Kakamega Homeboyz have announced their first signing this transfer window following the arrival of Linox Eric Ochelle.

The 17-year-old has inked a three-year contract to join the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side ahead of the new season set to kick off in October.

“We have sealed our first signing and it is young [Ochelle],” Homeboyz chairman Shimanyula told Goal on Tuesday. “He has joined us on a three-year contract and we are happy to have him join the club.

“As I had told you before, Homeboyz is not a club to go for experienced players, we only sign youngsters, whom we nurture and Ochelle, will walk straight into the first team ahead of the new season.

“He has good qualities, and we spotted him while playing for his school Lenana National School, he was also once called to the Kenya national U17 team handled by coach Stanley Okumbi and so we are happy to have him here.

“Several teams were after his services, but he has settled to come to Kakamega County and it shows you he is a player ready to learn and play for Homeboyz.”

Shimanyula has further revealed they will not go for big signings, insisting he has a squad capable of challenging for the title again this season.

“We don’t need to panic and go for signings like I have seen other teams doing, we have a good squad, even if we lose two or three players, our squad is still intact and will be a force come the new season,” Shimanyula continued.

“We are not running scared just because AFC Leopards have claimed to have signed Peter Thiong’o, we have no problem, let them sign him and we will produce other Thiong’o’s for them to come and take again, we want the league to even start now, we don’t have to wait until October, we are ready to play in the league.”

Homeboyz are likely set to lose Thiong’o to Ingwe after the player confirmed to Goal he had already signed a two-year pre-contract with the club.

Last season, Homeboyz was not far off from winning the KPL title but the campaign was ended prematurely owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic with Gor Mahia, who were sitting at the top of the log, being crowned the champions.

Former Sofapaka and Gor Mahia striker Ronald Okoth has urged Kenyan fans to let players make moves without insulting them.

In the ongoing transfer window, some players have made moves that have generated a lot of heated online debates, with some fans showing open hostility to players who have ditched their clubs.

High-profile moves that have so far happened are Boniface Omondi’s step to join Wazito FC from Gor Mahia and Joash Onyango’s K’Ogalo move to pen a deal with Simba SC.

Lawrence Juma has also left many guessing as to what could be the next step he is going to take as many reports have linked him with a move from Gor Mahia to either AFC Leopards or Sofapaka.

Although the debate around AFC Leopards’ Austin Odhiambo has gone down, his next steps will, of course, attract similar online discourses as many think he is poised to join Gor Mahia.

To Okoth, the players make decisions that suit them most and those decisions should be respected.

“I’ve noticed a trend going on of people just hating on anyone out of nothing for making certain moves in their careers especially during this transfer window when local players are changing clubs and moving to new work stations,” Okoth said in a Facebook post.

“Someone may not be your cup of tea but at least for heaven's sake respect the hard work they put in behind the scenes that you never even bother to be concerned about.

“You wait for people to get better jobs and opportunities that is when you come up with some rubbish opinions meant to make the person look like they got an opportunity out of connections or through godfathers.

“Let these young unknown players enjoy the fruits of their hard work, continue celebrating your celebrity friends. There’s no harm in clapping for others for achieving things you never got to achieve while chasing a career in football, be happy for everyone.”

“I experienced that a lot in my career where those who thought were much talented than me kept stagnating with all their ‘talent’ and eventually giving up on soccer while you - who believed in your hard work - kept getting opportunities after opportunities eventually and you end up having the last laugh.”

The 2013 Kenyan Premier League winner said there is a need to feel happy and celebrate each other’s success.

“Clap for every lad when they make money moves, please. It won’t cost us anything. Everyone has their own time to shine,” the former Western Stima star urged.

“Success in anything you do doesn’t come overnight, behind it there’s a lot of sacrifices, hard work, sweat and even tears as well as pressure.

“People think you wake up and get opportunities out of the blues, but don’t give a damn about the hard work you put in that you and a few who notice your value know.”

As the transfer window is not yet closed, some more surprising moves could be on the way, especially given KPL giants AFC Leopards are yet to confirm any new deals.

Manchester United still need four or five more players to challenge the elite again, including a "world-class centre-back", according to Gary Neville.

United improved on a dismal sixth-place finish in 2018-19 by securing third place in the Premier League and Champions League qualification last season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been able to add the likes of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Bruno Fernandes to his ranks since being named the club's permanent manager in March 2019, all of whom have made a huge difference to the squad.

However, despite the improvements made over the past 12 months, the Red Devils still finished 33 points behind champions Liverpool and 15 adrift of second-place Manchester City, while their trophyless run was extended to three years.

Solskjaer has been tipped to add to his ranks once again in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane, Dayot Upamecano and exit-bound Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi among those being linked with moves to Old Trafford.

Goal has reported that Donny van de Beek looks likely to be the first man through the door, as United have agreed on a £40 million ($54m) deal with Ajax for the talented midfielder, but Neville is growing frustrated with the club's lack of urgency in the market.

The ex-Red Devils full-back believes his old club should be prioritising the signing of a new central defender, but says Solskjaer will need at least three new additions in total to start closing the gap on Liverpool and City.

"The Manchester United squad, as it stands today, cannot challenge for the Premier League title this season," Neville told Sky Sports.

"The squad needed four or five improvements and it still needs four or five improvements. I've been saying that for a year and I've even nominated the positions I feel they need to improve.

"They have to sign a world-class centre-back. For me, another midfield player. I also think a right-winger, a centre-forward and you have to look at left-back because of Luke Shaw's injuries and the fact he has obviously been in and out of the team in the last two or three years.

"So, I think there are definitely four or five players required and to not get three I think it would be a problem because of what the other clubs are doing. If Liverpool get Thiago, if Manchester City do what they are looking like they are going to do and with Chelsea doing what they've done, they are your competitors and they all look like they are improving and moving forward.

"So, United have to do business but I do believe more in the strategy of what's happening, they just have to get the deals over the line. That's not always easy but they have to try and do it quickly to give Ole the time to build to get this team moulded for the start of the season."

Neville went on to address United's well-documented pursuit of Sancho, insisting there are plenty of alternatives targets for the club to consider should a deal for the Borussia Dortmund starlet prove to be out of reach.

"The fans I speak to aren't saying we desperately want Sancho," he added.

"They are saying we want the right calibre of signing brought into the club. It could be anybody that fits that bill. Yes, Sancho may fit that bill, but I'm not sat here as a United fan thinking I desperately want him.

"It could be any number of players that become available that would improve United. If Harry Kane became available, and Tottenham fans will be saying why are you trying to get him out of Spurs again, but if he became available, he'd obviously improve United's squad. So it doesn't have to be a certain player."

David de Gea "definitely starts as number one" for Manchester United next season, according to Gary Neville, who says Dean Henderson still has "a lot to prove".

Not so long ago, De Gea was revered as the world's finest goalkeeper, having spared United's blushes on numerous occasions as the last line of defence during a frustrating transitional period.

However, the Spaniard has occasionally seen his standards slip under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with basic handling and positioning errors creeping into his game over the past two seasons.

The 29-year-old has cost the Red Devils valuable points in the Premier League, while also letting the team down in cup competitions, with calls for him to be dropped from the starting XI widespread since an FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea in July.

United decided against sending Henderson for a third season on loan at Sheffield United last week, and also handed the 23-year-old a bumper new five-year contract.

The England shot-stopper has been tipped to replace De Gea between the sticks when Solskjaer's men kick off their latest campaign against Crystal Palace on September 19, but Neville doesn't think his old club will give up on an experienced performer just yet.

"De Gea definitely starts as number one because there was a point where Ole could've dropped him towards the end of the season," the Red Devils legend told Sky Sports. "However, he stuck with him at that point and we are only around four weeks later.

"I still think Henderson's got a lot to prove. Playing in goal for Sheffield United is a lot different than standing out there in that vacuous, empty, massive space which is the goal mouth at Old Trafford, when the team are up at the other end of the pitch most of the time attacking and then all of sudden you've got your first interaction with the game after 15 minutes and your concentration is tested like never before.

"I think it's a very different expectation. It's not a given that he's going to go into the team at Manchester United and be everything that everyone thinks he's going to be.

"He hasn't got the experience yet to handle Old Trafford or to show us that he can handle Old Trafford. We hope he can show the potential he's got but that's the hardest position on a football field by a long way.

"It's the biggest pressure on a football field and I think the Manchester United goalkeeping position, I would argue, is one of the most pressurised positions in English football."

Neville added on the negative impact rotating De Gea and Henderson regularly could potentially have on the team: "The easiest thing in the world would be that they both play lots of games.

"Henderson plays in the cups and De Gea plays in the league. They've got an agreement of how it's going to work this season and then there's a transition in a year's time.

"That might be something that could happen, but it doesn't feel like that's going to happen because De Gea will want to be number one, he'll want to be the undisputed number one and Henderson will want his spot.

"It's the one position where you can't have uncertainty. You have to be definite with it because it really unnerves the rest of the team, the defence and the stadium.

"I believe it creates anxiety when the goalkeeper isn't settled."

With the dust still settling on Tottenham Hotspur’s capture of Matt Doherty from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the amusing unveiling of the supposed Gooner deleting tweets associated with Arsenal from social media, the next port of call seems to be how he fits in at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The consensus seems to indicate that Ivory Coast's Serge Aurier would instantly vacate the right-back spot for the Republic of Ireland full-back, but should that conclusion be reached so soon by observers?

In truth, the West African hasn’t always been everyone’s cup of tea since he moved from Paris to London, owing to his rap sheet whilst playing for the dominant force that is Paris Saint-Germain. This list grew longer in North London as mistakes, ranging from a sending off on his league debut to unbelievable losses of concentration in his defensive third, marring the 27-year-old’s time in the Premier League.

The challenge for players like Aurier is that, given their supposed character flaws, critics seem to focus excessively on their limitations, ignoring apparent merits for their teams. The African defender has been on the receiving end of so much opprobrium, to the extent where his strengths are glossed over but weaknesses are magnified.

Why the bias, uneven assessment and unfair crack of the whip?

If asked to evaluate the wide defender’s 2019/20, observers will point to some of his errors during the season to justify why the Ouragahio-born full-back shouldn’t be first choice right-back for Jose Mourinho next season.

In fairness, blunders in defeats by Chelsea in December and RB Leipzig in Europe before football’s suspension in March were quite indisputable. The latter led to Rio Ferdinand tagging him a ‘weakness’, while Peter Crouch asserted that it was a ‘terrible mistake’.

However, pundits conveniently ignore the fact that Aurier was Tottenham’s second-highest assister, highlighting his influence in the Lilywhites’ attack, and their top tackler, indicating some defensive astuteness, despite an intermittent knack for being erratic.

Furthermore, statistics provided by Fbref show that not only has the Ivorian been Spurs’ most successful tackler, he’s also made the highest interceptions in 19/20. When tackles and interceptions are added, the full-back equally leads the way with 141 combined. The next highest was Moussa Sissoko with 87. That wasn’t a close race in the slightest but a chasm in every sense of the word.

Aurier’s leading role in the team’s press also reflects in the numbers. Only Son Heung-min (544) and Lucas Moura (532) applied pressure on the opponent more times throughout the league campaign than the defender (521) who was third. Dele Alli came in at fourth (479) and Harry Kane with 448 pressures was fifth.

The defender’s reading of the game is magnified by how he prevented passes from getting to its intended target more times than any of his colleagues in the team.

Going further forward, the former PSG man played the third-highest volume of key passes – again only pipped by Son and Moura – while he sat in fifth spot for passes into the final third. Interestingly, though, the West African played the highest number of progressive passes in the Spurs team as well as most passes into the penalty area.

Usually the more attacking of Mourinho’s wide defenders, it was no surprise Aurier played the most crosses in the side with 16, 10 higher than Ben Davies with six.

A quick comparison with new signing Doherty in the aforementioned metrics shows that the incumbent was the more accomplished tackler last season and made more tackles and interceptions (141-103) than the Irishman despite playing fewer games.

Similarly, the 28-year-old didn’t press as often as Aurier, although he made more blocks than the Ivory Coast captain. Despite sitting in fifth at Wolves for passes sent into the final third, Doherty played a higher volume than the African, while he also outdid the Spurs man in 19/20 for progressive passes by a lot, 239 to 162.

The ex-Toulouse defender sent in more crosses into the penalty area in the preceding campaign and played more passes into the box than the new buy last term.

The aforementioned comparison suggests that very little separates both right-backs, although Aurier seems to edge their duel. While Doherty is seemingly favoured by critics to supplant the Ivory Coast skipper from the side, letting the AC Milan target leave outright may be ill-advised.

With the situation with the pandemic leaving 2020/21’s schedule extremely tight and potentially arduous, having two Premier League proven defenders for what will be a marathon campaign would be helpful. Spurs also play in the Europa League and will have to contend with the dreaded Sunday-Thursday-Sunday fixtures, so having bodies to rotate in and out of the side won't be harmful.

Given one of the challenges Mourinho faced in his first few months at the club was a lack of depth or quality replacements in some key positions, having Doherty and Aurier as wide defenders on the right leaves that position filled, on paper at least, for the new season.

Mauricio Pochettino had Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier in Tottenham’s ascent in the mid-to-late 2010s, while Aurier and Trippier battled it out to be number one pick after the former’s sale to Manchester City.

That year was a bedding-in season for the ex-PSG man, so a friendly rivalry with the signing from Wolves ought to create some healthy competition in the full-back position at the club again.

Even though observers remain reluctant to jump on the Aurier train, his strengths make him an asset to the current set-up at Spurs. A potential rivalry with Doherty would not only be intriguing to see but it could also be one of the fascinating sub-plots of Tottenham’s season as they seek to end in the Champions League positions after a disappointing sixth-place finish in 19/20.

Rana Gharami will turn out for Bengaluru United in the upcoming 2nd Division I-League, Goal can confirm. 

The defender has signed a two-month contract with the club after his deal with Odisha FC expired at the end of last season. He has already flown to Bengaluru and is waiting to join practice.

He came into prominence in 2011 after winning the National Games with the U21 West Bengal team.  He has represented Mohun Bagan, and later joined Indian Super League (ISL) side Delhi Dynamos.

Gharami introduced himself in style as he scored a cracking goal from range in his debut match against FC Pune City, making him the first Indian goal scorer in ISL 2018-19. He played 14 matches in his first season in the ISL.

He continued to be a part of the team when they shifted to Bhubaneswar and rebranded themselves as Odisha FC. But in the previous season, he played only four matches for the side.

Bengaluru United has also signed former Mohun Bagan starlet Azharuddin Mallick for the 2nd Division. 

LA Galaxy head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto said he would love to see Lionel Messi play in MLS as the Barcelona superstar reportedly eyes a move to Manchester City.

Messi did not feature in Barca's first day of pre-season training under new boss Ronald Koeman on Monday after the six-time Ballon d'Or winner handed in a transfer request.

As with Sunday's coronavirus testing for members of Koeman's first-team squad, Messi did not attend because he believes a clause in his contract allowing him to leave on a free transfer is now active, meaning he is no longer a Barcelona player.

Pep Guardiola's City are believed to be the frontrunners to sign Messi and the Premier League giants have reportedly offered a long-term contract that would end with the 33-year-old playing for sister club New York City in MLS.

Schelotto, whose Galaxy were previously linked with a move for Messi, was asked about the Argentina skipper possibly moving to the United States.

"I was shocked when I heard about Messi's decision about abandoning FC Barcelona because we all thought he was going to retire there," fellow Argentinian Schelotto told reporters.

"But he must have his reasons and as a fellow Argentine I wish him the best always and I hope he comes to the MLS, it would be great."

According to La Liga, Messi can only leave the Catalans if his €700 million (£624m/$823m) release clause is met or if another club negotiates a lower transfer fee with the Camp Nou club.

Messi handed in a transfer request to the Barca board last week, with a view to triggering the clause in his contract which allows him to leave the club at the end of each season.

The clause in question expired in June, but the Argentine's legal team are ready to argue that he should be allowed to terminate his deal unilaterally due to the 2019-20 season being extended into August because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Messi has called Barca home since 2001, emerging from the club's famed youth system in 2004.

Since making his debut 16 years ago, Messi has won a club-record 33 trophies – including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.

Messi – linked to Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Inter – also holds the records for most goals scored for La Liga giants Barca.

TP Rehenesh is all set to join Jamshedpur FC for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season, Goal can confirm.

The Calicut-born custodian, who had joined the Blasters last season from NorthEast United, will leave the club after just one season.

Rehenesh had played 13 ISL matches last season in which the Blasters conceded 25 goals. He had managed to keep two clean sheets and had made 23 saves in total.

The Malayali goalkeeper started his professional career with ONGC in the I-League during the 2012-13 season and then moved to Rangdajied United the succeeding season.

He came to limelight in the maiden season of the ISL while playing for NorthEast United wherein he had played 12 out of the 18 matches and kept five cleansheets.

His impressive show for the Highlanders had prompted Kolkata giants East Bengal to sign him during the 2015-16 I-League season. In the following I-League season, again he had joined the Red and Golds on loan from NorthEast.

Kerala Blasters have signed Albino Gomes from Odisha FC and Prabsukhan Gill from Bengaluru FC this season to fortify the goalkeeping position. On the other hand, in Jamshedpur FC, veteran custodian Subrata Paul left the club after three seasons to join Hyderabad FC.

The Men of Steel have already procured the services of goalkeeper Pawan Kumar from NorthEast United this season. They also have young goalkeeper Neeraj Kumar but have decided to bring in some experience with Rehenesh.

Jesper Olsen said there is "no doubt" Hakim Ziyech will be a success for Frank Lampard's Chelsea after leaving Dutch giants Ajax.

Ziyech is preparing for his first season in the Premier League following his €40 million (£33.5m/$43.3m) arrival at Stamford Bridge from Ajax in July.

The Morocco international winger, who provided at least 10 assists in each of his six previous campaigns in Amsterdam, impressed in his first appearance for Chelsea as the Blues drew 1-1 against Brighton and Hove Albion in last week's friendly.

Olsen, who won back-to-back Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup during his time with Ajax between 1981 and 1984 before joining Manchester United, told Stats Perform News: "There's no doubt he will be a success at Chelsea.

"I think Frank Lampard has done a really good job. He knows the club inside out. Seems to be very good in terms of management and playing style. This is the important thing, he wants to attack and play offensive football. That will not be a problem [for Ziyech].

"The players coming out of Ajax, they are like that. Being a defender or midfielder, you are attacking-minded. No doubt about that."

Meanwhile, former Denmark international Olsen's countryman Christian Eriksen has endured a difficult start to life at Inter.

Eriksen swapped Tottenham for Antonio Conte's Inter in January, however, the Danish star was unable to establish himself in the starting line-up.

Of Eriksen's 17 Serie A appearances, only eight of them were starts as Inter finished second behind champions Juventus, while he only started two of the club's six Europa League fixtures en route to the final.

"I'm sure a big change from the Premier League," Olsen – a 43-time Denmark international winger – said. "London and then you go to Milan, a fantastic place. A very good team as well. I'm sure the way they do things is different to how they did things at Tottenham.

"It takes time I'm sure to settle in. Christian can play in any team really. He is probably one of those players you sometimes don't notice as much but he always does his job. Always solid and you can rely on him. I'm sure he will come good.

"He is probably happy the season has come to an end so he can get to know the place a bit better and to settle in for the new season. The way he is as a player, I'm sure he will come good."

Anticipation for FIFA 21 is steadily increasing ahead of the game's launch on October 9 , with fans eagerly awaiting when they can get their hands on an early demo version of the game to play.

Certain lucky users have been given the chance to play the closed beta version, but those who don't manage to get access will be able to play the public demo for an early taste of the game.

Goal has what you need to know about how to play the FIFA 21 demo, when it will be released and more.

When is the FIFA 21 demo released?

EA Sports have not yet confirmed when the FIFA 21 demo will be released, but based on previous releases, it is expected to arrive in the second half of September.

The FIFA 20 demo was launched on September 10 ahead of a September 27 full-game release.

FIFA 21 was delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, pushed to an October date instead of the normal end of September timeline, and it is expected that the demo version will also be given a later release date to align with the full launch.

With previous demo releases made two weeks prior to the full game, the FIFA 21 demo could arrive between September 20-22.

Early access is granted to those who pre-order FIFA 21, meaning they are able to play in advance of that date - this year, FIFA 21 Early Access will be available on October 6.

How can I play the FIFA 21 demo?

The FIFA 21 demo will be available to download for PS4, Xbox One and PC.

Players will need to the online store of their respective gaming platform, search for FIFA 21 and install the demo once it is officially available.

What will be in the FIFA 21 demo?

Demo versions of FIFA games always serve as a teaser of what's to come, and there are always huge differences between the two.

The demo is a bite-sized taste of the full release, with crucial differences observed in game modes that players are able to access, teams and some of the more intricate details.

Gameplay graphics are not expected to be different between the demo version and the full version - with the FIFA 21 graphics set to be more hyper-realistic and smooth - but fans should expect shorter match times and decreased gameplay options for the demo version.

FIFA 21 will be released on October 6, 2020.

Ndubuisi Egbo’s KF Tirana failed to win the Albanian Super Cup title following Monday’s 2-1 defeat to Teuta Durres.

Rubin Hebaj’s first half brace were all the Sea Boys needed to defeat the team handled by the former Nigeria international at the Elbasan Arena, with Jurgen Vrapi’s goal a mere consolation.

Following their elimination from the Champions League after losing 1-0 to Red Star Belgrade, the reigning Albanian champions came into the game with the ambition returning to winning ways, albeit, Edi Martini’s men had a different idea.

Teuta Durres took the lead after 21 minutes through Hebaj who fired the ball into an empty net after

Hebaj gave Teuta Durres the lead after 21 minutes after goalkeeper Ilion Lika fumbled Lorenco Vila’s well-taken free-kick.

The forward doubled his team’s advantage in the 35 minutes. With Lika saving Vila’s penalty following Filip Najdovski’s foul, Hebaj slotted the ball into an empty net before Tirana defenders could clear their backline.

Egbo’s team put up a strong attacking display in the second-half but would have themselves to blame for fluffing several scoring opportunities.

Durres were dealt a major blow in the 66th minute after Renato Arapi was sent off by the referee for a second caution.

However, Tirana reduced their deficit in the 77th minute courtesy of Vrapi who replaced Ghana midfielder Winful Cobbinah. He drilled the ball past goalkeeper Stivi Frasheri after receiving a pass from Grent Halili.

That spurred the league champions to serve for the all-important second strike but their attacking forays met a strong resistant from Teuta Durres.

While Cobbinah was in action for 68 minutes, his compatriots Derick Sasraku, Ibrahim Sulley, Isaac Gyamfi and Richard Danso were not listed for the encounter.

Following this defeat, Egbo and his team will continue with their preparations ahead of the new season.

They are guests of KS Kastrioti Kruje in the opening game of 2020-21 campaign on September 12, while Teuta Durres take on KF Skenderbeu at the Niko Dovana Stadium.

47-year-old Egbo played for Tirana during his playing career, before returning to join the club's backroom staff as a goalkeeper coach in 2014 before his appointment as a manager in 2019.

Virgil van Dijk says that he was "disappointed" to see Ronald Koeman take over at Barcelona although he understands why the now-former Netherlands national team boss wanted to coach the Spanish giants.

Koeman was recently announced as Quique Setien's replacement at Barca after the Spanish boss was dismissed following the club's 8-2 Champions League beating at the hands of Bayern Munich.

The Dutchman, a former Barca defender, had to leave his post as Netherlands boss after previous reports confirmed his intention to manage through Euro 2020.

But, after the tournament was postponed due to the coronavirus, Koeman opted to accept the opportunity to coach Barca, leaving the Dutch team in the process.

And Van Dijk says he understands why Koeman made that decision and added that he was happy for the Barca boss.

“We are all disappointed to see such a great national team coach leave, but we give him this wholeheartedly," Van Dijk said.

"You can ask each player in the squad piece by piece, everyone will have that feeling. This was his big dream. 

"This time in which we live, the corona time with all the uncertainty that comes with it, the European Championship that will not take place with one hundred per cent with certainty, if such an opportunity comes along, I can understand it.”

Van Dijk also revealed that Koeman called him to inform him of his decision before putting pen to paper on his contract with Barcelona.

And the Liverpool star said that he did not try to talk Koeman out of leaving as he understood the situation from the start.

“I didn’t try to persuade him to stay then. It was of course also coming for a while. Nobody expected it to have happened so quickly, but we are very happy for him. Now we have to move on.”

The Netherlands are being managed by interim boss Dwight Lodeweges for Nations League matches against Poland and Italy.

Lodeweges had been an assistant for the Netherlands since 2018, and he too gave Koeman his blessing as he prepares for his first match in charge.

"You know how it works in the football world. He has turned down Barcelona twice. If he then gets a third chance, then you just give him that," he said.

"For us, it is a shame, we were of course not happy that he left, but we certainly give it to Ronald.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says that Hakan Calhanoglu has the potential to play like a "real AC Milan No. 10" as he believes the attacking midfielder can live up to the pressure that comes with the historic shirt.

Calhanoglu has been with the club since 2017, having joined from German side Bayer Leverkusen.

The Turkey international has fired 23 goals in 129 appearances since making the move to Serie A, being an ever-present player since joining.

Calhanoglu currently wears the No. 10 shirt at Milan, a number previously worn by several club legends.

Ruud Gullit and Clarence Seedorf are among the Rossoneri icons to have worn that shirt number, and Ibrahimovic says he believes that Calhanoglu can reach that level if he continues on his current path.

"When I first met Calhanoglu, I knew hew who he was. I said to him: 'Wearing the No. 10 of AC Milan is a great thing because all the players who wore the 10 were great. It comes with enormous pressure. It's a huge responsibility, but if you work hard you can do it,'" Ibrahimovic told the club's website.

"And in the last six months, I saw him work very hard. A player like Calhanoglu can do it. He did it and has to continue to do it because it's never enough.

"You have to have the mindset that you're never satisfied. In the last six months, he played like a real AC Milan No. 10. I hope he continues like that because he can do great things and can do even more."

Ibrahimovic's stay with AC Milan is set to continue after he signed a new one-year contract on Monday, having rejoined the club in January following a stint in MLS with the LA Galaxy.

The striker will now wear the No. 11 shirt after previously wearing 21 last season.

"I've chosen the No. 11 to play for AC Milan this season," he said. "The fans know me with his number and I wanted to bring it back. Wearing 21, I didn't feel like the same Ibrahimovic of the past, so I asked to have the 11 because it's my number. Simple."

He added: "I've come back here to bring AC Milan back to where it should be and I'll do everything to achieve my goals. We need to work hard and make sacrifices but I think in the last six months of the last season everyone understood what is needed to achieve our goals.

"But we must not forget that we haven't won anything yet. In my mind, my objective is to always win something. That's my objective. I start the season with the objective to win."

Porto striker Moussa Marega is aiming to play in the Premier League and he has been contacted by several clubs in England, according to his agent Aziz Ben Aissa.

Marega is said to be attracting interest from Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and West Ham United this summer after contributing 14 goals and seven assists for Porto who won the domestic double of Primeira Liga and Portuguese Cup last season.

The 29-year-old Mali international has been at Porto since 2016 and his current deal is expected to expire in June 2021.

"At 29, Moussa is no longer old enough to have dreams,” Ben Aissa told A Bola.

“Playing in the Premier League, more than an illusion, is an objective, as it will be for most footballers.

“Yes, it is true that I have been contacted by several English clubs.

“If a business arises that allows FC Porto to earn good money with the transfer, that would be perfect and would make Moussa very happy, because what he liked most was to repay FC Porto for the investment made by the club in so many years of contract."

Two years ago, Marega expressed his admiration for the Premier League and his desire to continue his career in England.

"For me, I think this is perhaps the best time to try my luck elsewhere, to live a new experience, to know a new championship, the Premier League, for example,” he said.

"And it hurts me to say that because I am very attached to this club, to its supporters who give me a lot.

"I like this championship for a long time. At the same time, who does not like the Premier League. It's a very big league, with very big players.

"It's flattering when clubs are interested in you, but I have always dreamed of playing there. I want to be happy, with my family, in a championship that I love."

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed the death of former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles goalkeeper John Felagha on Monday.

Felagha died at the age of 26 in Senegal on Sunday but the cause of his death is yet to be disclosed.

He was a member of the Nigeria U17 team that finished second at the 2009 Fifa U17 World Cup hosted on home soil and was also part of the Nigeria U20 squad that travelled to Turkey for the 2013 Fifa U20 World Cup.

Felagha also made the Flying Eagles cut for the 2013 Toulon Tournament in France and he played in their 1-1 draw against Brazil U21 at the Stade Louis Hon.

At club level, the 26-year-old joined Belgian outfit AS Eupen from Aspire Academy, Senegal in July 2012.

He played two games for the Pandas in the Belgian second division before departing in 2013.

Felagha’s last competitive football outing was in 2013 and he proceeded to coaching at Aspire Academy.

“The sad passing of John Felagha, ex-Flying Eagles goalkeeper, came to us all as a rude shock,” Nigerian Sports Minister, Sunday Dare tweeted.

“He represented Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Youth Championship (AYC) & 2015 U20 Fifa World Cup. He was coaching future stars before his sudden demise. May God comfort his family and friends.”

“Former National U17 and U20 goalkeeper John Felagha has died,” the NFF tweeted. “Felagha died on Sunday in Senegal. He was aged 26. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

“KAS Eupen offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of John Felagha,” Eupen wrote on their website.

Franck Acheampong missed from the penalty spot as Tianjin TEDA were defeated by Shanghai SIPG in the Chinese Super League on Monday.

The Tianjin Tigers were heading into this game winless in Group B of the abridged league format and coming up against the group leaders and 2018 champions was going to be a heavy task to achieve.

It proved to go that way with Odil Akhmedov and former FC Porto striker Hulk netting for SIPG in the 29th and 25th minutes respectively.

Acheampong had the opportunity to half the deficit from the penalty spot after Shiyuan Yang handled the ball in the penalty area, however, his effort was saved by SIPG goalie Junling Yan.

The Red Eagles then continued from where they left off in the second half with former West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic making it 3-0 before former Chelsea playmaker Oscar added the fourth via a penalty in the 82nd minute.

Honglue Zhao pulled one back for Tianjin in the 90th minute but it was too little too late.

Acheampong played for the whole 90 minutes, having two shots on target, 33 touches, 19 accurate passes at 82% and 100% accurate long balls (three from three).

The Ghana international who was appointed the club captain this season has played in six of the eight Super League games this term with his only contribution being an assist in the 2-1 defeat at Wuhan Zall the last time out.

The 26-year-old first joined TEDA on loan from Anderlecht in 2017 before making it permanent in 2018. He has since played 73 times in all competitions and has scored 30 goals, providing 17 assists.

Baoshan Wang’s team remain rooted to the bottom of the log with just one point which they secured a 2-2 draw away to Chongqing Dangdai Lifan on matchday two.

They will face Chang Woe-ryong’s side next at the TEDA Football Stadium on Sunday.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has joined Roma on a permanent basis, it has been confirmed.

The attacking midfielder spent last season on loan at the Serie A side and made 27 appearances in all competitions as the capital club finished fifth in the league.

The 31-year-old had one year left on his contract with the Gunners, but they have terminated his deal to allow him to make a free transfer to Roma.

Mkhitaryan was pictured training with Roma on Monday as they returned from their summer break before the side splits up for the upcoming international matches.

He then took to Instagram to confirm his switch to Paulo Fonseca's side and thanked former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for the faith he showed in the Armenia international by bringing him to the club.

"I’m delighted to announce that I have permanently joined the Giallorossi," he wrote in the caption.

"Firstly, I would like to thank Arsenal, its personnel and the millions of Gunners, all whom supported me over the past year and a half. A special thanks goes to Arsene Wenger for having brought me to the club and for his trust in me.

"Now the preparation begins with my new challenge and my second year adventure in Serie A.

"I love the city of Roma , I love this club and I count the fans in my heart. I will give all of my effort in helping us achieve our goals!"

Mkhitaryan moved to north London from Manchester United in January 2018 and went on to make 59 appearances for the club.

The former Borussia Dortmund star impressed in his first start for the Gunners with three assists in a 5-1 victory over Everton in the Premier League. He scored nine goals and made 13 assists overall.

Roma have already signed Carles Perez, Gianluca Mancini and Jordan Veretout on permanent deals after they all spent the 2019-20 season on loan in the Italian capital.

Meanwhile, 33-year-old Pedro made the move to the Stadio Olimpico in a free transfer after his contract at Chelsea expired. The former Barcelona winger has signed a three-year contract with the club.