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Cedric Bakambu continued his superb form in front of goal in Beijing Guoan’s 2-2 draw against Shijiazhuang Ever Bright in Thursday’s Chinese Super League game.

Having found the back of the net in his last two games against Qingdao Huanghai and Shanghai SIPG FC, the forward again was on the scoresheet at Suzhou Sports Center.

Bakambu spearheaded Beijing Guoan’s attack along with Alan and delivered a commanding display against Afshin Ghotbi’s men.

The Imperial Guards hit the ground running in the encounter with Alan opening the scoring in the 24th minute after he was set up by Taiyan Jin.

Muriqui levelled proceedings for Shijiazhuang Ever Bright 10 minutes later after benefitting from Yifeng Zang’s assist.

Beijing Guoan were reduced to 10 men after Quanbo Guo was shown a straight red card for a serious challenge on Matheus, and the Yutong International Sports Center outfit soon capitalized on their numerical advantage with Stoppila Sunzu scoring in the 64th minute.

With 17 minutes left to play, Bakambu was brought down in the box by Xuan Cao and the Democratic Republic of the Congo international calmly dispatched his effort.

The 29-year-old forward has now registered three goals and one assist in seven appearances in the 2020 Super League campaign.

With the draw, the Imperial Guards are winless in their last three matches, having last recorded a victory against Hebei CFFC.

Bakambu has been delivering eye-catching performances since he teamed up with the Workers' Stadium outfit in February 2018 from La Liga club Villarreal.

The striker has found the back of the net 30 times in 44 league games, and last season he helped the Imperial Guards finished second in the Super Lig.

Bakambu has 29 appearances for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 13 goals since he made his debut against Cameroon in June 2015.

The former Bursaspor and Sochaux marksman will hope to continue his impressive goalscoring form for Beijing Guoan when they take on Chongqing Lifan in their next league game on September 1.

Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano and Rennes' rising star Eduardo Camavinga have been called up by France for the first time.

The youngsters of African descent have been included in Didier Deschamps’ team to face Sweden and Croatia in the Nations League scheduled for September 5 and 8 respectively.

Aouar has been delivering eye-catching performances for Lyon since his promotion to the senior level in 2017.  

The midfielder, who holds Zinedine Zidane as his role model, has bagged 16 goals in 96 league appearances for the Jean-Michel Aulas outfit.

Aouar is eligible to feature for Algeria despite playing for the French youth teams at the U17 and U21 levels, but he is now set to follow in the footsteps of his role model Zidane, who is also of Algerian descent.

Upamecano has been delivering solid defensive performances for RB Leipzig since teaming up with the German club in 2017.

The defender has since made 83 league appearances for the Red Bulls and featured prominently as Julian Nagelsmann’s side reached the semi-final of the 2019-20 Champions League.

The 21-year-old starlet of Bissau-Guinean descent has featured for France at the U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 levels, and is now set to make his debut for the Blues.

Camavinga, meanwhile, has been a consistent figure for Rennes, making 33 league appearances since his promotions to the Red and Blacks senior team in 2019 at only 17 years.

The midfielder has featured for France U21 and his chances of representing Angola, where he was born, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country of his parents, will end if he makes an appearance for France senior team in September.

France have regularly been bolstered by players of African origin, with World Cup winners Samuel Umtiti of Cameroon and Paul Pogba, whose family are from Guinea, notable recent examples.

The champions of Germany will not be entering the summer’s biggest recruitment race, with Dietmar Hamann saying “as stupid as it may sound, a Lionel Messi transfer would make little sense for Bayern Munich at the moment.”

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has revealed the club passed on the chance to join the bidding for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, as he headed to Juventus, and a similar stance will be taken with Messi.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is pushing for the exits at Camp Nou, but the Allianz Arena will not be his next port of call. That is because Bayern, who do not possess the funds required to pursue a deal even if they wanted to, are already well-stocked for attacking talent in a treble-winning squad.

Hamann, who emerged through the academy system in Munich to launch his own career, told Sky Deutschland of the Messi saga: “I was not really surprised by the news that he wanted to switch.

"After the 2:8 debacle against Bayern, I had expected that something could happen. Barca have rarely been as far away from a Champions League triumph as they are at the moment.

“I'm pretty sure Messi didn't like making that decision. His first option was always to end his career with the Catalans. He has been in Barcelona since he was a child, lives there with his family and is adored in the city and by its followers.

“The question now will be who can and wants to afford Messi? For me the chances are currently 50/50. In the club they will do everything they can to ensure that this worst-case scenario does not occur. Should a change in leadership or a restructuring of the boardroom be necessary, Barca's leadership will have to consider that too.

“However, should that not happen and not be enough for Messi, I see the Premier League as the most likely option. It will definitely be very exciting times.

“It will also be exciting to see what FC Bayern is doing now. If a club can get the opportunity to sign the best player in the world, then you have to at least explore the option. And if there is a good time, it is now after the CL triumph. Everyone is happy and I think any player would understand that the club should at least try.

“However, I'm pretty sure that Hansi Flick is very happy with the current situation and his team would possibly even use his veto. The trainer has a functioning team and all positions are practically doubly occupied.

"Now Leroy Sane joins the team. Then you already have three of the best wingers in the world with him, Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman. In addition, Bayern icon Thomas Muller is back in top form and almost indispensable for the team.

“As a fan, I would like to see Messi at Bayern, but for me it's just not realistic. Because as stupid as it may sound, a Messi transfer would make little sense for Bayern at the moment!”

Mikel Arteta would love to see Lionel Messi move to the Premier League should he depart Barcelona - even if the Argentine attacker ended up at a rival club to Arsenal.

Messi shook the world of football on Tuesday evening when he informed Barcelona, where he has spent his entire senior professional career, that he wants to leave Camp Nou.

The 33-year-old is unhappy after Barcelona ended the 2019-20 season trophyless, losing the Liga title to Real Madrid and being thrashed 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich.

This has led to widespread speculation as to which clubs can make bids for Messi, with Premier League clubs Manchester United and Manchester City among the few sides who could afford the superstar's wages, even if he were to cancel his contract at Barca and leave on a free transfer.

Arteta, who came through Barcelona's La Masia academy and confesses to still being a fan of the Spanish side, would welcome Messi moving to the Premier League, saying it would be good for the competition.

Speaking at a press conference, the Gunners boss said: "He’s been linked everywhere. He has more clubs than any other player in history after him.

"I’ve been a Barcelona fan since I was young so it’s always sad to see what in my opinion has been the best player in football history leave that football club, but, I don’t know, let’s see what happens and if he comes to England, we are all going to enjoy it.

Asked about whether he would enjoy Messi being in English football if he had to face him with Arsenal in the Premier League, Arteta said: "It doesn’t matter, it’s good for football. If it’s not there we might find him in the Champions League. You want the best players in your league. For me, that is the best thing as an athlete, to have the most competitive league in the world.

"The Premier League always had that. With Ronaldo, I played against him when he was great, it raises the level of every individual and every team as well."

Goal has learned that Messi's intention is to give his version of events in the coming days, with a desire on his part to send a message to Barcelona fans that remain fiercely loyal to him.

He has been vocal about a range of problems at Barcelona this season, including the presidency of Josep Maria Bartomeu, the sacking of manager Ernesto Valverde and his replacement Quique Setien, and criticism from dismissed sporting director Eric Abidal.

Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Magalhaes is a player who will improve Arsenal’s squad - but added that a deal for the Brazilian defender is yet to be finalised.

The 22-year-old has been in England since Monday when he arrived from France and underwent a medical ahead of finalising his £25m ($30m) move from Lille.

Confirmation of the transfer was expected earlier this week, but has yet to arrive.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield clash with Liverpool, Arteta said there are things that still need to be done before the centre-back is announced as an Arsenal player.

“Regarding Gabriel we can’t announce anything yet,” said the Spaniard. “The deal is not finalised.

“You all know that he is a player that we have followed for a long time and hopefully we can get it done.

“Everything is OK when both parties sign, the club and the player agrees the terms and he goes through the medical.

“Sometimes in the final stages it is not as easy as it looks but, again, we are pretty positive that we can do it.”

Arsenal saw off competition from Napoli and Everton to win the race for Gabriel, who was also of interest to Manchester United.

The centre-back was Arsenal’s priority target at centre-back going into the transfer window and Arteta admits he will be overjoyed to get the deal over the line.

“When we get it, I will be very pleased,” he said.

“He’s a player we followed and were very determined that he was the right profile for us to improve our squad. If we are able to finalise it we will be delighted.

“We are trying to finalise the deal, that’s what I can tell you at the moment.”

Another deal Arsenal fans are impatiently waiting to hear news about is the new contract for captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 31-year-old striker is understood to have agreed a new three-year extension to his current deal, which is due to expire in 2021, but Arsenal have yet to officially announce the news.

When quizzed on the future of his top scorer, Arteta said he was confident of a swift conclusion.

“I keep being positive,” said Arteta. “We've had some really good talks with him and his agent and I am pretty confident we will find an agreement soon. That’s my feeling."

When asked whether Aubameyang signing a new contract would give the club a huge lift, Arteta added: "Absolutely, for him as well.

"I think he should be very happy he is able to stay at the club for a long time and I think he will be delighted with the news."

Ryan Giggs hopes the struggles being endured by Gareth Bale at Real Madrid do not tarnish the 31-year-old’s reputation and that he will be “remembered for the fantastic footballer that he is”.

Another testing domestic campaign for the Wales international has come to a close.

A second La Liga title triumph was savoured by a man who has been part of the Blancos set-up since completing a record-breaking transfer to Spain in 2013.

Notable highs have been enjoyed in Madrid – including four Champions League successes - but there have been as many lows.

Bale now finds himself frozen out of the Real picture by Zinedine Zidane, with questions being asked of his commitment and attitude.

Giggs has never had any issue with the talented forward and continues to select him for Wales.

The Manchester United legend is, however, aware that the criticism Bale has attracted over recent years could lead some to forget just how good the former Tottenham man can be when at the peak of his powers.

Giggs told BBC Sport: “I hope he is remembered for the fantastic footballer that he is.

“To score twice in Champions League finals, to win it four times and to score one of the best goals ever seen in a final - things like that don't happen every day.

“I hope he is remembered for those things. He is a player that I've always said can make the difference for me.

“He has also made a difference in key moments for Real Madrid as well. That's what great players do. Big players turn up in the big moments in the big games and he has certainly done that.”

Giggs claims to have no issue with Bale’s lack of club football at present, but admits he may need that situation to change in order for a talismanic figure to remain part of his plans.

The Wales boss added ahead of UEFA Nations League fixtures against Finland and Bulgaria: “It is something I've become accustomed to.

“I have always said the ideal situation is I want my players playing and coming into camp with that match rhythm, but Gareth has been in this situation for quite a long time now.

“He played every game in the qualifiers and when he comes on to camp, he has never been a problem.

“He looks after himself, is experienced and professional enough to do that. So at the moment is it a worry for me? No. That might change, we will have to see in the future.

“But it is something I got used to last year and he played every game for me, so I can't really complain. Gareth is a special player. He's someone who can make the difference.”

Wayne Rooney has aired his surprise at seeing “outstanding” Jack Grealish left out of the latest England squad, with the Manchester United-linked playmaker told he may need a move in order to get the recognition he deserves.

Many expected the Aston Villa midfielder to make Gareth Southgate’s selection for upcoming UEFA Nations League ties against Iceland and Denmark.

Having proved himself on a Premier League stage in 2019-20, Grealish was seemingly ready to take the first steps in a senior international career.

Southgate has, however, taken to leaving the 24-year-old out once again, with the likes of Mason Mount, James Ward-Prowse, Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips getting the nod ahead of him.

Rooney is stunned to see Grealish being overlooked, given his creative qualities, and admits that a big-money transfer may be required in order for his potential to be fulfilled.

A switch to Old Trafford has been mooted for some time, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking to add more match-winning talent to his squad, and a grander domestic stage may aid Grealish’s cause.

Red Devils legend Rooney, who is also England’s all-time leading goalscorer, considers that to be the case, telling talkSPORT of Southgate’s latest snub: “It’s very surprising. The season he had he was outstanding.

“I’ve been there when I was a young player at Everton and the team probably weren’t to the standard I was. And I think that’s where Jack is at now – Aston Villa are not at the standard of the player he is.

“I can’t work it out why’s he’s not in the squad – I have no idea. He should be in that squad.

“Even if he is just in the squad to train and you just bring him on for 10 minutes to see his character and see how he reacts to it. It was shocking that he wasn’t in the squad.”

Grealish had been asked to make an impact at Premier League level before coming into contention for an England call-up.

Many feel he did that in 2019-20, with his efforts as captain – which included eight goals and six assists – helping Villa to beat the drop on the final day of the season.

Despite taking the lead in their Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Bloemfontein Celtic, Bidvest Wits drew their 27th match 1-1 on Thursday afternoon at Tuks Stadium.

Both goals came through penalties as the Students drew the first blood courtesy of Keegan Ritchie in the 3rd minute and Ndumiso Mabena made it 1-1 36th minute.

In the wake of the result, coach Gavin Hunt’s men sit fourth on the log table with 46 points whilst the visitors occupy the eighth spot with 34 points, both from 27 games.

Having already secured a spot in the finals of the Nedbank Cup, Siwelele come from a win over Kaizer Chiefs and a draw to AmaZulu, the clash in Tshwane gave them an opportunity to fight for a spot in the top eight.

On the part of the Clever Boys, they defeated AmaZulu, they were held by Maritzburg United in their previous match and were out to push for a third-place finish.

Coming to the actual encounter, Wits were awarded a penalty in the opening minute when Terrence Dzvukamanja was fouled by defender Wandisile Letlabika and Ritchie gave the Students the lead from the spot.

Coach John Maduka’s side was handed a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area in the 11th minute, but Ricardo Goss parried the effort away Mabena’s shot before his defence cleared the danger.

In the 15th minute, Dzvukamanja came close to making it 2-0 but his glancing header sailed agonizingly wide from the right corner, keeper Sipho Chaine was beaten following a cross from the right flank.

Striker Motebang Sera was denied by Goss from close range after an initial shot came off the right post and rebounded off the goalkeeper’s feet who was ball-watching in the minute.

In the 35th minute, Siwelele were also given a penalty when Mabena was floored by Lorenzo Gordinho in the box, the former Orlando Pirates striker converted beating Goss on the right corner to level the scores.

There were no goals at the interval but the Braamfontein-based club looked more threatening in the second half as they dominated the possession in Celtic’s half.

However, it took Wits the 56th minute to have a shot on target when Phathutshedzo Nange picked out Mpho Mathebula whose half-volley could not beat Chaine, who collected the effort.

The clash was a balanced affair in the 66th minute and Celtic looked to respond but defender Thato Lingwati saw his free-header going over the crossbar from the box.

After 80 minutes of action, Maduka brought in Tebogo Potsane for Sera as they looked for pace in the final third whilst Hunt rested Deon Hotto who had a quiet and opted for Kgaogelo Segota.

With two minutes to go, Sekgota nearly made an immediate impact when he raced into the final third, but he could not find Mxolisi Macuphu with his final, but the two sides would settle for a point apiece.

Unquestionably, Kelechi Iheanacho had an encouraging 2019/20 season at Leicester City.

Just when it seemed like the former Manchester City striker was withering away, after stalling in Manchester and failing to be reinvigorated in Claude Puel’s last months in the East Midlands, the mini-renaissance under Brendan Rodgers last term revived expectations that were either disappearing or had evaporated.

Still, 19/20 wasn’t as perfect for the forward as many remember it. Following watching briefs in the opening two games at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers and away at Chelsea, Iheanacho’s absence from the squad for subsequent matches was telling.

In the EFL Cup, he was snubbed against Newcastle United, suggesting that the Nigeria striker was nowhere near Brendan Rodgers’ plans. At the time, with the window across Europe still in progress, there were strong calls for frontman to seek a move before any transfer opportunities ended.

However, Iheanacho stayed, much to the surprise of many observers and Nigerians...and he’s reaped the rewards.

Despite Leicester’s wobble in the second part of the season, the West African’s performances and output in front of goal by measure of goals and assists and his underlying numbers were definitely encouraging.

Statistics provided by Fbref show that the ex-Man City prodigy hit more shots on target per 90 than anyone else in the Foxes squad, while also having a higher percentage of his shots on target than any of his teammates as well.

Similarly, only Premier League top scorer Jamie Vardy outdid his deputy for goals and assists per 90, as well as Expected Goals and Expected Assists per 90 among Foxes players in 19/20.

Iheanacho, significantly, outperformed the ageless English striker when penalties were excluded from both metrics, further strengthening the belief that the forward was near back to his best.

There was a notable improvement from his first season at Belvoir Drive, where he posted average stats closer to Shinji Okazaki in those metrics than to Vardy, despite curiously being in the top five at Leicester. Last season’s boost to battling the 2016 league winner was indicative of a promising year at the King Power Stadium.

Interestingly, Iheanacho’s progress last term wasn’t surprising to Manu Garba, the man who was in charge of Nigeria’s U-17 side that won the World Cup in 2013, with the former claiming the Golden Ball after scoring six times and registering a staggering seven assists.

For context, this was 50 percent of the Golden Eaglets’ 26 strikes in the tournament held in the United Arab Emirates seven years ago, so maybe that explains just why the 54-year-old manager still rates the 23-year-old highly.

“I’m still wondering how Kelechi didn’t emerge as one of the best in England,” he told The Athletic recently. “He might have fallen under bad influences from friends, coming from a poor background to an improved status. That can become a distraction when you are so young, but I have seen the old Iheanacho at Leicester.”

The experienced boss then went further by suggesting how the former prospect can reach his peak levels with the Foxes and perform even better than he did in his third season at the club.

“Iheanacho is an asset to any club if the manager understands him, helps him and works on his off-the-ball contribution,” Garba stated. “He will be useful coming behind the main striker because his final passes are inch-perfect and he can shoot from distance.

"He will be a good player for Leicester.”

With Iheanacho, the danger has always been heightened expectations. This is understandable owing to his teenage years with the Eaglets as well as in Manchester but that pressure has placed an undue burden on the forward to shatter a glass ceiling that was probably never going to be reached.

The lack of patience was evident in how critical Nigerians became with his performances after Pep Guardiola took charge of City, eventually leading to his departure in 2017, and in a below-par second season under Puel.

His 19/20 rebirth at the King Power has awakened those strong beliefs of old over the 23-year-old forward who had the world at his feet at only 16. Therein, though, lies the problem.

Maybe Iheanacho isn’t going to the protagonist at a major club as many expect, but rather a decent-to-good player capable of playing a part in the team’s overall success like he did in the preceding campaign.

Rodgers recently suggested that he expects Iheanacho to pick up the mantle when Vardy expectedly declines but the jury’s still out on whether he can truly be the main man at a top club or one with aspirations as high as Leicester’s.

Having already left egg on the face of critics with last season’s revival, the former prospect will now look to kick on in 2020/21 and in subsequent seasons to live up to Garba and Rodgers’ hopes and expectations about his potential.

Former Bloemfontein Celtic and Black Leopards goalkeeper Dino Visser has signed for Port Vale on a one-year deal, the club have confirmed.

The Limpopo-born net-minder joins the Valiants after a successful trial with the club, having previously had a stint with Exeter City.

According to the club’s official website, the 31-year old keeper signed a deal after a successful trial.

“Port Vale Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Dino Visser, after a successful trial with the club,” reads the statement from the club. “The South African goalkeeper has signed a one-year deal, keeping him at the club until June 2021.

“The 31-year old started his career in his native South Africa in 2010, playing for a number of teams including Platinum Stars, Bloemfontein Celtic, a loan spell at Black Leopards, followed by permanent spells at Polokwane City, Santos, another spell at Platinum Stars before signing for Cape Umoya United, his final destination before moving to English football.

“In October 2019, he signed for Exeter City on a short-term deal, before joining Crewe Alexandra at the expiry of his loan with the Grecians," the statement continued. “He has joined the Valiants after a successful trial and pre-season with the club over the last month.”

The ex-Phunya Sele Sele keeper completed his switch to English League Two outfit Exeter on a short-term deal in October last year, but told Goal that despite interest from a number of English clubs, there were no further negotiations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, despite the outbreak of the ravaging pandemic but has since opted to join Port Vale, Visser will look to establish himself as one of the top South African exports.

Looking at his contribution to the English outfit, Visser featured in two matches across all competitions.

Lionel Messi is capable of thriving alongside fellow Argentine Sergio Aguero at Manchester City, says Richard Dunne, with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner considered to be a “dream” signing for the Blues.

A switch to the Etihad Stadium for the mercurial South American could soon become a reality.

Messi is said to be pushing for a move away from Barcelona after growing disillusioned with the direction in which the Liga giants are heading on and off the field.

Few could tempt the 33-year-old away from Camp Nou, but City boast the financial muscle and sporting ambition to pursue the very best in the business.

Dunne admits that Messi falls into that category, with it exciting to think that an all-time great could potentially be plying his trade in the Premier League during the 2020-21 campaign.

A move to City would reunite him with former Barca boss Pep Guardiola and international colleague Aguero.

That partnership would be expected to deliver an impressive haul of goals, while long-awaited Champions League glory could also be savoured if the Blues were to land another proven performer in that competition.

Asked about Messi and Aguero at City, former club captain Dunne told Sky Sports: “They can play together, definitely. Messi plays in a deeper role than Aguero would normally, so he add something that little bit more special to Man City.

“In terms of trying to win the Champions League. City have looked like they lack that little bit of experience in winning the competition, and who better to bring in than a person who’s won it four times?

“He will help the club massively if he does come, and fitting him into the side won’t be a problem.

“All the players will be desperate to try and play alongside him, and Pep used him previously at Barcelona by trying to find new formations to get him free, and on the ball, and he’ll try to do the same if he does come to City.

“It would be a dream if he did come here, for all City fans, if he was in a City shirt. It’s a certain possibility now.

“Barcelona have pushed him a couple of times over the last couple of years, where you’ve thought he might want to leave, but this year it seems a bit different. If there was ever an opportunity for him to come here, it seems it’s this summer.”

City have made a habit of pulling off marquee signings since Sheikh Mansour took control of the club in 2008, with Dunne forming part of the set-up when Robinho became the first notable addition to their ranks under a new ownership regime.

The former centre-half added: “It was brilliant. It was a change from one day to the next, when the club became a club with massive expectations, and the first thing we did was we went and signed Robinho, a world star at the time.

“The excitement around the place when he came in… there was an instant desire to try to play alongside players like this, and it will be the same now.

“We’ve got some great players at Man City but when Messi comes in, or if he comes in, those players will want to up their game. They will want to prove they are on the same level and deserve to be playing alongside him.

“It makes a huge difference, even at a big club who have huge superstars already. If you can bring in a player on the next level, it really helps around the place.”

Chelsea have announced the signing of former Nice defender Malang Sarr on a five-year deal, with the 21-year-old set to spend the 2020-21 season out on loan to “gain valuable game time” in order to be ready for Frank Lampard's first-team squad.

Sarr can be deployed at centre-back in a back four, the left side of a back three or at full-back and was the subject of interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke and unnamed Italian clubs. 

Arsenal were also understood to have been tracking the youngster, but opted not to offer him a deal as they eventually opted to move for Gabriel Magalhaes.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said of the Blues' latest acquisition: “The opportunity to sign Malang was one we could not miss. He is a tremendous prospect and we will be monitoring him closely during his loan period, hoping he will soon be back at Chelsea. 

“We are very happy to welcome him to the club today.”

A graduate of Nice's youth academy, Sarr made the leap to the French side's first-team set-up at just 17 years old, scoring the only goal of the match on his debut in a 1-0 win over Rennes in August 2016.

A France Under-21 international of Senegalese descent, Sarr made a total of 119 appearances for Nice, bagging three goals along the way.

Sarr becomes Chelsea's fourth signing of the transfer window, with Hakim Ziyech having completed his move from Ajax, Timo Werner being brought in from RB Leipzig and Ben Chilwell making the switch from Leicester City.

It is unlikely that Sarr will be the Blues' final import of the summer, with a big-money move for Leverkusen's Kai Havertz thought to be nearing the final stages before he trades the Bundesliga for the English Premier League.

Furthermore, Chelsea are also on the brink of announcing the acquisition of former Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil captain Thiago Silva, with the veteran centre-back on the verge of joining the London club.

Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign on September 14 with a trip to Brighton, although Lampard's pre-season preparations have been thrown into disarray after eight members of his first-team squad were forced to self-isolate in line with the UK government's Covid-19 protocols.

Luis Suarez has hit back at comments made by his former lawyer Alejandro Balbi that suggested the Uruguayan's future would be linked to that of Lionel Messi, with both players looking likely to leave Barcelona ahead of the 2020-21 season.

Messi recently rocked the football world with the revelation that he longer wishes to see out the remainder of his career at Camp Nou, expressing his desire to leave Barca amid one of the most tumultuous periods in the club's history.

Indeed, there have been widespread calls for club president Josep Maria Bartomeu to step down, with his time in office seen as a disaster both on and off the pitch.

The appointment of Ronald Koeman, a club legend, was seen as a move to appease players and fans, but the Dutch head coach is reported to have told Suarez to find a new team as he is not part of his long-term plans in Catalunya.

With the striker being close friends with Messi, a destructive fall-out ensued, with Balbi among those to have weighed in on where both Messi and his former client may end up come next season.

“Messi's future will have an influence on Suarez's because they are best friends, they get along on and off the pitch,” the lawyer claimed in an interview with TyC Sports. “There is a lot of brotherly love between Messi and Suarez, they are inseparable, always together.”

While there can be no doubting that Messi and Suarez, whose families have holidayed together several times, are indeed close friends, the latter took to social media on Thursday to distance himself from Balbi's comments.

“There are people talking about me or on my behalf when I have not had a relationship with them for years,” Suarez said. “When I need to speak, I'll speak for myself.”

Barcelona fans will want to hear from both Suarez and Messi sooner rather than later, with supporters having already been protesting outside of Camp Nou in the wake of recent developments.

While official news regarding Suarez's future may take time to appear, Messi himself is expected to address the public in the coming days regarding his decision to leave the club at which he has spent his entire senior career.

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana winger George Lebese continues to fly the South African flag high in the United States of America. 

The left-footed player produced a man-of-the-match performance for Colorado Springs Switchbacks on Thursday morning after coming on as a second-half substitute.   

Switchback were trailing Austin Bold 4-0 at half-time but the changes in personnel made by Alan Koch and his technical team sprung Lebese's side back to life. 

Lebese was among the three players introduced at the start of the season, replacing Luke Ferreira in midfield. 

Switchbacks would then pull one back three minutes into the second-half through Christian Volesky. 

Volesky completed his brace in the 64th-minute but before that goal, Switchbacks had already netted their second on the night in the 59th-minute through Andre Lewis who benefitted from Lebese's superb assist.

At 4-3 and with only six minutes to go, Lebese scored a left-footed scorcher from outside the penalty area to make it 4-4 and complete Switchbacks' incredible comeback.

This was Lebese's second goal since joining Switchbacks, and subsequently, ensuring his side rewrites the history books. 

With that 4-4 draw, Switchbacks became the first USL Championship club to come back from four goals down and not lose the match.

Lebese's latest achievements have certainly made his fans want to see him more in action for Switchbacks. 

Thus far, the former Mamelodi Sundowns man featured just seven times, most of which came from the bench. 

The pressure is now on manager Koch to play Lebese even more in the upcoming matches, starting with Sunday's encounter against Mexico United.  

Lebese should be proud of his performances since leaving the PSL; because he left South Africa for the USA under the dark cloud as no team, wanted to give him a second chance to revive his football career soon after his departure from the Brazilians.  

His fans had urged Chiefs to re-sign the 31-year-old but those calls fell on deaf ears as the management and the technical team opted against the idea of bringing Lebese back to Naturena. 

The player, himself, also made peace with the fact that his chances of returning to Amakhosi were non-existent after signing for Switchbacks. 

Serie A club Roma have announced an exclusive deal with Konami, makers of the football video game series Pro Evolution Soccer - meaning they will not feature in the upcoming release for the main rival franchise, FIFA 21.

Roma's name, crest and kits will be exclusive to PES 2021, which is scheduled to launch on September 15. Their home stadium, Stadio Olimpico, will also only appear in the Japanese-made game.

The deal, which was described by Roma in a statement on their website as a "long term, exclusive partnership", means supporters of the Giallorossi will have only one upcoming video game option should they want full access to their favourite team.

"We are delighted to welcome Konami, a world-leading company in the design and development of video games and esports, to our family," said Roma's commercial director, Giorgio Brambilla.

“Thanks to this agreement we will be able to implement the volume of interactive experiences and the involvement of the new innovations of the Giallorossi fans all over the world.

"We are already working hard with the new partner to set the activities for the coming months and to support the launch of PES 2021.

"Within the club, we are sure that Konami will be the perfect strategic partner for the development of the activities that will involve the AS Roma eSports team, which is increasingly aimed at a public who loves football video games."

Signing Roma exclusively is a boost for Konami, after FIFA creators EA Sports announced an exclusive partnership with two other major Serie A clubs, AC Milan and Inter, for their upcoming video game earlier this month.

The multi-year partnership, beginning with the release of FIFA 21 in October, will see the Italian giants feature exclusively in that franchise – meaning the game will boast full access to the Rossoneri and Nerazzurri players, kits, training grounds and stadia.

Nick Wlodyka, vice president and general manager of EA Sports told Goal: "You look at Serie A, and Milan and Inter obviously are two of the top three clubs in that particular league. We’re making sure that we're able to represent them fully, authentically, and now exclusively.

"They’re very storied clubs, with all sorts of incredible history behind them and alternately, that's a fantastic partnership for us.

“We look at all the pieces that are important. We make sure you have the right stadium, the kits, the crest, and we make sure that we capture the atmosphere in those stadiums appropriately.”

Liverpool luring Thiago Alcantara away from Bayern Munich would be “a better signing that Lionel Messi going to Manchester City”, claims Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.

Two stunning deals are being explored in the summer transfer window.

Premier League title holders at Anfield are said to be closing in on the acquisition of a ball-playing midfielder who just helped his current club to the Champions League crown.

On the other side of Lancashire, City have joined the hunt for Barcelona superstar Messi.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has swung open an exit door at Camp Nou, sparking a clamour for the most sought-after of signatures.

A reunion with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium would put City in a strong position to compete for more domestic and continental honours.

Rooney, though, believes that Thiago’s presence on Merseyside would make defending champions Liverpool favourites to retain their crown in 2020-21.

The former United striker told talkSPORT: “I think it is City or Liverpool [for the title].

“Chelsea are making a lot of signings, some good signings.

“Man United have a lot of potential in the players they have got but I still think they are a year away.

“Chelsea with the new signings will possibly need a year to get everyone on the same song sheet.

“So I do think it is between City and Liverpool. And if Liverpool get Thiago from Bayern Munich, I think it is done [the title].

“That is a better signing than Messi going to Man City.”

While suggesting that a deal for Messi could be trumped in the current market, Rooney admits to being a big admirer of a man who has also seen a switch to Old Trafford mooted.

The ex-England international added: “I know Messi is getting older but he’s a player who no-one has seen before.

“Messi has everything – he can create goals, score goals, dictate the game and is the best player of all time.

“If he can come to the Premier League, whatever team it is, and I believe it’s only Manchester United and Manchester City that can sign him… well, I’d take Messi at United.

“He’s one of the only players I’ve sat there and watched and just been in awe of.

“Don’t get me wrong, I played with Cristiano [Ronaldo] and the two of them have set a standard I don’t think we’ll ever see again.

“But, for me, Messi is just different level.”

Daryl Dike scored twice to help Orlando City secure a 3-1 comeback victory over Nashville SC in Thursday’s Major League Soccer game.

The 20-year-old striker teamed up with Oscar Pareja’s men in January after graduating from Virginia Cavaliers academy, where he bagged 15 goals in 36 league appearances.

The forward made his professional debut for the Lions against Montreal Impact during the MLS is Back Tournament round of 16 game.

The Nigerian-American, who scored his first professional goal against Inter Miami last week, has continued to turn heads and was afforded a starting role at Exploria Stadium.

The Lions started the game unimpressively when David Romney opened the scoring as early as the 15 minutes of the encounter for Nashville SC.

Chris Mueller then levelled proceedings for Orlando City in the 21st minute after receiving a timely assist from Joao Moutinho to ignite his side’s comeback.

Dike gave the Lions the lead for the first time in the game in the 52nd minute with a well-taken effort after he was set up by Mauricio Pereira.

The forward then completed his brace, sealing the victory in the 71st minute of the match after slamming home his strike past goalkeeper Joe Willis.

Dike featured for the duration of the game while Nigerian descent Jalil Anibaba played for 46 minutes before making way for Alistair Johnston in his side’s defeat.

The victory is the third for Orlando City in the 2020 campaign, having secured two draws and two losses in their opening seven games so far.

Dike will hope to continue his impressive goalscoring performances when the Lions square off against Atlanta United in their next league game on Saturday.  

The 20-year-old is eligible to play for the Nigeria national team and has not represented USA at any age-grade competition.

Dike’s sister Courtney currently plays for the Nigerian women’s team and featured at the 2015 World Cup with the Super Falcons.

The forward is also the cousin of former Super Eagles goal poacher Emmanuel Emenike, who helped the West Africans clinch the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Lionel Messi is planning on breaking his silence and explaining the reasons behind his decision to leave Barcelona.

No date has been set for that revelation, but Goal has learned that the Argentine's intention is to give his version of events in the coming days, with there a desire on his part to send a message to the fans that remain fiercely loyal to him.

On Tuesday, Messi’s lawyers sent a fax to the legal services of Barcelona announcing the decision to leave the club.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner now intends to explain why he feels the need to walk away from what has been his home for the last 20 years.

Indeed, the Argentine has previously suggested all is not well at Camp Nou as he aired his grievances during the 2019-20 campaign.

Early on in the season, as the Blaugrana stumbled their way out of the blocks, he conceded that things were not going well and collective improvement was required.

He then expressed his disappointment at the dismissal of Ernesto Valverde in January, with a two-time La Liga title-winning coach shown the door at Camp Nou.

Messi has also questioned whether the Barca board, headed up by under-fire president Josep Maria Bartomeu, have done all they can to bring Neymar back to the club from Paris Saint-Germain.

Eric Abidal, who recently departed amid the calls for change on and off the field in Catalunya, was another to be targeted by Messi after the former director of football accused certain members of the playing staff of not pulling their weight.

With Barca’s struggles for consistency holding them back for much of last season, further concerns were raised ahead of a Champions League last-16 encounter with Napoli.

The Blaugrana made it through that contest, but Messi’s claims that the club would struggle to compete for the top prize were proved correct in a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Indeed, sources confirmed to Goal that Messi did not speak in the wake of that crushing European reversal, with the 33-year-old deciding against venting his anger and doing even more damage to the club.

An outpouring of emotion is coming, though, and his side of the story will be delivered in public before he completes a move away from Camp Nou.

Saviors FC President Johnson Adupa has complained Onduparaka FC signed their two players Emmanuel Okech and Emmanuel Odur without their knowledge.

The Ugandan Premier League (UPL) side confirmed the signings of both Okech and Odur with deals of different lengths but the move has been fiercely contested by the lower league team.

“We have learnt unfortunately from the media that a few of our players have been unveiled as players of Onduparaka FC,” Adupa said as per Sports Nation.

“We cannot confirm anything, in fact, we have not been contacted or offered a penny by Onduparaka.

“And yes, some of these players might have their contracts expiring soon but they should at least let us know and get released officially.

“If they decide to get released by Fufa, it is also okay because we know some of these clubs have people in high places in Fufa.

“But then this is not professional, you need to appreciate someone for their efforts in giving a player a platform to express their talent.”

Saviors became the second club to blame Onduparaka for the alleged player tapping after Nebbi Central claimed the Arua outfit signed Jerry Jakisa without involving them.

“We paid some money to Light SS FC when we acquired Odur, likewise for Okello Jasper from Sansiro FC and also a good token for Opiyo to Patongo FC and these players know this clearly,” the president added.

“As for Okech, it is a wonderful opportunity if you signed him at the Fufa Big League when he hasn’t played competitive football before.”

According to Onduparaka, Okech signed a three-year contract while Odur agreed to a one-year deal that is renewable.

“These two [Odur and Okech] are part of the many players our scouts identified as they toured the northern region,” Onduparaka stated.

Akoch Augustine, Okello Jasper, and Opiyo Nelson were also scouted during the tour and later signed. Matata Gabriel, Atibuni Kennedy, and Musema are the other new players who have agreed to play for the Caterpillars.

Onduparaka previously accused their top-tier rivals Express FC of signing and unveiling Abel Eturude who they said still had a running contract with them.