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Jordan Henderson says there has been no title talk at Liverpool ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, with the Reds focused on the present and future after securing a record-breaking Premier League last season.

That success brought a 30-year wait for English top-flight glory to a close at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have savoured that triumph, with a lot of hard work finally being rewarded, but now face a quick turnaround in the defence of their crown.

The new campaign is due to get underway on September 12, with Liverpool opening up at home to Leeds, and everyone on the red half of Merseyside is looking to wipe the slate clean.

Club captain Henderson told the Reds’ official website: “To be honest, we haven't spoken about it.

“It's more about, 'Have you enjoyed your holiday?' We've been cracking on, really working hard. New season, new start and a lot more things we want to go on and achieve.

“[I'm] really excited to see what we can do this season, another big season for us. Hopefully we can take confidence from the last year or two but we need to stay hungry and need to keep the desire to go and want more.

“I can certainly see that from the first days that I've watched training in pre-season.”

Henderson is currently working his way back from a knee injury that brought his 2019-20 campaign to a premature conclusion.

He is unlikely to figure in a Community Shield clash with FA Cup winners Arsenal on Saturday, but is excited by the potential in Liverpool’s squad as they seek to keep their recent run of medal collecting going.

The England international midfielder said: “You've got to look at the players in the squad and the manager as well, it's always about looking forward and wanting more and improving.

“I think that's just natural to us now. We've always looked at the next game as we always see it as the biggest one and that 90 minutes we give everything to win.

“Pre-season is no different, you know you've got to train so hard to be ready for the first game of the season, which for us comes against Arsenal in the Community Shield – so a little bit earlier than everybody else.

“We've got to be right at it come that first game and we've got another chance to win silverware. The Premier League starts pretty quick after that as well, so you need to be ready, as you do in every season. As I say, by the looks of it, we are.”

Henderson added on Liverpool’s ambition: “Just to keep going and win as many trophies as we can because we've proven that over the last few years we're a top, top team.

“But that's all down to the hard work and dedication that's been over the whole season or the whole two, three, four years – however many years you want to go back – every single day in training was top level, 100 per cent.

“No matter whether you were playing, maybe playing every game or you hadn't played that much, training has always had a high level and we've got to keep that going forward. If we do that, we'll always have an opportunity to be more successful in the future.”

Simba SC midfielder Clatous Chama has stated the team has to give their best in the new campaign to ensure they replicate the success achieved in the 2019/20 season.

During the campaign, Wekundu wa Msimbazi started with winning the Community Shield after defeating Azam FC 4-2. They went on to win the league with six matches to spare before defeating Namungo 2-1 in the FA Cup final.

The Zambian played a vital role in the campaign and ended up being named the Tanzania Mainland League Most Valuable Player (MVP) as well as the season's best midfielder.

With the new campaign around the corner, the creative midfielder has pointed out it is time to forget about last season's achievements and start focusing on the upcoming one.

"We cannot depend on the last season's anointment and grace, hence, we need to request for them again prior to the [new season]," Chama said as quoted by Daily News.

"I expect a lot from my colleagues especially following the good signings which have been made so far and it is our responsibility to make sure that we make fans happy throughout the next season."

On Sunday, the 21-time league champions will be playing Namungo FC hoping to win the Community Shield. 

The Msimbazi-based side has been having an excellent pre-season. They started with a 6-0 win against Burundi side Vital'O before claiming a 3-1 win over fellow top-tier charges KMC. 

On Wednesday, they defeated second division side Transit Camp and they hope to extend the run on Sunday.  

The first league assignment for the Sven Vandenbroeck-led charges will be an away game against newly-promoted Ihefu FC at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.

This will be the first time the two teams are meeting in the top-tier assignment. Ihefu managed to get promoted after defeating Mbao FC in the play-offs. The match ended 4-4 on aggregate but the Mbeya based side advanced on the away goal rule having won the first leg at home 2-0 before losing 4-2 away.

Simba will also be aiming at doing better in both the domestic and continental assignments. The team will be playing in the Caf Champions League after winning the league last season.

Croatian club Hajduk Split have confirmed the departure of Emem Eduok to Turkish Super Lig side Konyaspor on a season-long loan.

The forward joined the Stadion Poljud outfit last summer after leaving BB Erzurumspor and made an impressive contribution during his debut campaign with the Whites.

Eduok scored 11 goals in 30 league appearances amid other dazzling displays to help Hajduk Split finish fifth in the Croatian Prva HNL.

The Super Eagles striker will now continue his development at Konyaspor, who also have an option to sign him permanently.

“Hajduk striker Samuel Eduok goes on loan to Turkish first division club Konyaspor Kulubu,” read a statement from the club website.

“The loan has been agreed until the end of the current season, at the end of which the Turkish club has the right to buy his contract.

“We wish Samuel a lot of luck and success in the new club.”

Eduok is not a stranger to the Turkish league, having featured for Kasımpasa and Erzurumspor between 2016 and 2019.

The 26-year-old forward starred in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), playing for Dolphins and Akwa United.

The striker emerged as the second top-scorer in the Nigerian top-flight with 20 goals in 2014, performances that caught the attention of clubs abroad.

Eduok signed for Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 before backtracking to join Tunisian club Esperance in January 2015.

He signed for Kasimpasa permanently in 2017 after impressing during his loan stay with the Turkish Super Lig side.

Eduok found the back of the net 19 times in 78 appearances before teaming up with Erzurumspor in 2019.

The forward made his debut for Nigeria against Tanzania in 2017 but has not been given a further invitation to the national team.

Eduok will hope to make his mark with Konyaspor to boost his return to the Super Eagles.

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) outfit Wazito FC have confirmed the signing of Maurice Ojwang from Western Stima.

The defender becomes the ninth signing the club has made and the second from the Kisumu club after previously acquiring Kevin Omondi.

Wazito have been the busiest side in the Kenyan transfer window up to this time as the majority of their KPL rivals have not done a lot of signings.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Maurice ‘Fadha’ Ojwang from Western Stima,” Wazito confirmed.

“Ojwang, a defender, is expected to beef up our central defence department ahead of the 2020/21 season.

“The defender has been with Western Stima for the better part of his career. He had a short stint with Gor Mahia in 2019 before returning to the Kisumu-based side in January.”

The centre-back stated he was happy to be part of the Wazito family and said he was hopeful of good performances in his maiden season with the former National Super League (NSL) champions.

“I am happy to join Wazito FC,” Ojwang said.

“This is an ambitious team and it’s an honour to be part of this great project. I am here to work hard and do my best for the team.

“To the fans, I want to promise them that we will deliver good results.”

Head coach Fred Ambani praised Ojwang’s qualities and hopes his arrival at Wazito will help him become an even better defender.

“Ojwang is a very good defender and definitely a good addition to the team. He is a good tackler, strong, and very good in the air,” Ambani said.

“He has all the qualities of a good defender and he can only get better.”

Other players who Wazito have signed are Stephen Odhiambo, Jackson ‘Pogba’ Juma, Kevin ‘Chumsy’ Okumu, Vincent Oburu, Mark Otieno, Kevin Kimani, Boniface Omondi, and Edwin Omondi.

After signing former KPL champions and experienced players in the last windows, Wazito were unable to mount a good campaign in the top-tier.

Most of the players who were signed before the season began were released in January and the arrival of coach Stewart Hall, who later left in July, helped them stabilise and survive from going down.

Wayne Rooney says Lionel Messi would be capable of landing a seventh Ballon d’Or if he left Barcelona for Manchester and linked up with either United or City.

A move to the Premier League is being mooted for a modern day superstar.

Struggles at Camp Nou are said to be edging Messi towards the exits, with the Argentine growing increasingly frustrated at events on and off the field in Catalunya.

He is only tied to a contract through to 2021 and could break that agreement in order to take on a new challenge elsewhere.

City and United form part of an elite group of clubs that could afford to finance a move for Messi, while also matching his ambition to compete for the biggest prizes on offer.

Both of the Premier League heavyweights are said to be sounding out a stunning swoop for an all-time great.

Former United star Rooney, who remains the Red Devils’ all-time leading goalscorer, would love to see Messi in England.

He told talkSPORT: “I know he’s 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.

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

“Him and Cristiano Ronaldo have set a standard which I don’t think will ever be seen again but, for me, Messi is just different level.”

City appear to hold a number of strong cards in any bid to lure Messi to the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola having worked with the South American before at Barcelona while Sergio Aguero is another notable Argentine on their books.

United, though, could launch an ambitious raid and Rooney feels Messi would thrive alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne, with there potentially another Golden Ball there for him to claim.

Rooney, who is a now filling a player-coach role at Derby, added on Messi’s next move: “The United States shouldn’t be in his mind because he’s too good.

“He could come to the Premier League and be a Player of the Year. One million per cent.

“If he surrounds himself with Bruno Fernandes or Kevin De Bruyne, he could win a seventh Ballon d’Or.”

Kenyan Premier League side Sofapaka FC have confirmed the arrival of defender Michael Bodo from Kariobangi Sharks.

Batoto ba Mungu struggled at the back in the abandoned 2019/20 KPL season, and they are keen on strengthening the weak areas. It is the reason why they have gone for the experienced player who they believe will strengthen their rearguard for the new campaign.

"We are pleased to announce we have secured the signature of defender Michael Bodo from Kariobangi Sharks," the club confirmed on their official portal.

"Bodo, who played a critical role in the promotion of Kariobangi Sharks in 2016 and participated in Caf Confederation Cup tournament in 2018, joins our defensive department in a bid to tighten our back."

The team has also confirmed the defender will be with them for the next three seasons.

"The former Thika United player has inked a three-year deal with the club that will see him with Batoto ba Mungu for the next three seasons.  

"Bodo becomes our third signing ahead of the new 2020/21 season. Welcome to Sofapaka family Bodo."  

The 2009 league champions had initially signed goalkeeper Kevin Omondi and midfielder Roy Okal.

Omondi, who had a promising outing with relegated Sony Sugar in the 2018/19 season, did not settle at his immediate former club Wazito FC.

Omondi was among the players who were signed by Wazito but they did not make much of an impact for a side that was looking for instant dominance in the KPL after winning the National Super League (NSL) title before.

The goalkeeper was among another 12 players released by Wazito ahead of the upcoming season but he has now found himself a new home in the top-tier.

His arrival at Batoto ba Mungu means he will fight for first-team chances with Richard Aimo, who previously played for Chemelil Sugar and Isaiah Wakasala.

He is also a direct replacement for Ugandan goalkeeper Nicholas Ssebwato who left the 2009 KPL champions after his half-a-season contract ended and was not renewed.

Okal has been signed from former KPL champions Mathare United and is expected to fill the void that was left by the former Tusker and Gor Mahia midfielder Cercidy Okeyo.

Kenyan midfielder Sven Yidah has confirmed his departure from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Kariobangi Sharks.

Yidah has served the Eastlands side since 2016 when they were playing in the National Super League [NSL] and helped them earn promotion to the top-tier in 2017.

He has been linked with a number of Premier League sides but Nairobi City Stars, according to close sources for Goal, have been seen as his probable destination.

Nairobi City Stars are strengthening their team as they hope to return even stronger after their promotion to the KPL.

At Kariobangi Sharks, Yidah won the FKF Shield Cup in 2018 and was part of the squad that participated in their maiden campaign in the Caf Confederation Cup.

They were eliminated by Asante Kotoko of Ghana in the first round though. In 2019, they also fought hard and reached the FKF Shield Cup final but lost to Premier League rivals Bandari.

“My time at Kariobangi Sharks FC has come to an end today [Thursday],” Yidah announced on his Facebook page.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from management, coaching staff, my fellow players and our fans throughout the time that I have been here.

“From January 2016 when I joined this project we have done a lot together. I am happy to be part of the history-making teams that saw us earn promotion to the Premier League, winning the first major trophy in the FKF Shield Cup and many other great things, together.

“I have learned a lot as a player from this family and for this reason, I wish the club all the best in the future.”

Yidah’s exit comes on the same day Michael Bodo was confirmed at Sofapaka. The two have been teammates at Kariobangi Sharks and their exit could be a beginning of more departures.

The Nairobi club was lucky to remain in the Premier League after struggles for better results in the 2019/20 season. Various reports have indicated head coach William Muluya could also leave after failing to replicate good performances last season as was the case in the previous campaigns.

In the previous transfer windows, Kariobangi Sharks lost Duke Abuya who had become a dependable team player. The forward left for Nkana FC of Zambia and won the Super League title in his maiden season.

Trabzonspor winger Anthony Nwakaeme has debunked rumours making the rounds that he is looking forward to joining Turkish Super Lig rivals Fenerbahce this summer.

The 31-year-old has been in superb form since teaming up with the Black Sea Storm from Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Be'er-Sheva.  

The Nigeria international has bagged 21 goals in 52 league appearances for the club since his arrival at Medical Park Stadyumu in the summer of 2018.

In the 2019-20 campaign, the forward found the back of the net 14 times and provided seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.

The Super Eagles player has reportedly been linked to the Yellow Canaries according to reports in Turkey following his eye-catching displays for the Black Sea Storm.

Nwakaeme, who has two years left on his current contract has, however, revealed his club is yet to receive any offer for him and explained his aim to continue with the Medical Park Stadyumu outfit.

“I have heard many things that have been said in the media. I’m still a player of Trabzonspor, my goal isn’t to leave at the moment,” Nwakaeme told the Punch.

“I have two years left on my contract and if I have to leave, there must be an offer officially made to the club.”

Nwakaeme started his career with Vejle Football Academy in 2006 before he moved to Romania to join Universitatea Cluj.

The forward scored eight goals in 37 appearances in his first spell with the side before leaving to sign for Petrolul Ploiesti in 2012.

He then returned to Universitatea Cluj in 2013 before he teamed up with Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Ra'anana in the summer of that year after only featuring 10 times and scoring two goals for the Red Caps.

Nwakaeme spent two years with Hapoel Ra'anana and then left to join rival club Hapoel Be'er Sheva in 2015, where he scored 35 goals in 95 league games during his three-year stay which propelled Trabzonspor to secure his signature.

The forward made his debut for Nigeria against Algeria in November 2017 but has not been given a further invitation to the national team.

Ben Chilwell claims the heel problem which had cast doubts over his £50 million ($66m) move to Chelsea is “healing well”, with an “easy decision” made to link up with the Blues.

A big-money transfer for the England international had been in the pipeline for some time.

In a summer of heavy investment from those at Stamford Bridge, Frank Lampard quickly identified the acquisition of a new left-back as a top priority.

Chilwell was an obvious target, as a player with Premier League experience and the potential for future improvement at 23 years of age.

Doing a deal was not easy, though, as Leicester were understandably reluctant to part with a prized asset, while a niggling knock suggested that medical issues may arise.

All hurdles have been cleared, though, and Chilwell expects to hit the ground running in new surroundings.

He told Chelsea’s official website of the foot complaint that has been holding him back and prevented him from figuring in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad: “I’m feeling really good.

“The injury is healing really well and I’ve been doing a lot of fitness work over the past four or five weeks.”

Chilwell is eager to make his mark at Chelsea as quickly as possible, with the highly-rated defender happy to have secured a step up the ladder that will allow him to further his career.

A man who broke through Leicester’s academy system to become a senior star, added: “I tried not to listen to the speculation, I was just focused on giving my all for Leicester while I was there.

“Testing myself at the next level is something I’ve wanted but while I was a Leicester player, my focus was solely there.

“Obviously it’s a tough decision for me in the sense that I’m leaving behind a lot of good friends and it’s felt like home to me, as I’ve been there since I was 11 or 12.

“So in that respect it was difficult but for my career, it wasn’t a tough decision because you just have to look at what a great club Chelsea is. That made it a pretty straightforward and easy decision for me.

“I remember coming here [to Chelsea] and playing in youth games and seeing what a huge club this is, even at that age.

“It was also a daunting thing, to come and play against Chelsea, so to be part of such an elite club is really exciting for me and I can’t wait to get started.”

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential aspirant Twaha Mbarak has hit out on the Federation's Electoral Board stating they have proved they cannot hold a credible exercise.

The aspirants have been against the Kentice Tikolo-led Board insisting it was illegally formed, and have filed a petition with the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) on the same. The administrator has further stated the Board is not independent and is being used to rubber-stamp a predetermined outcome of the polls.

"I reiterate that the purported voter register verification exercise was not just shambolic but a mockery of what is universally acceptable of such an exercise," Twaha said in a signed statement obtained by Goal.

"What has been made public as the final register is evidence of an exclusionary plan to rig the results in favour of certain well-known individuals.

"Having concluded the first phase of this coronation conspiracy, the board has now moved to the second phase which is the mere public relations gimmick of opening up the ground for aspirants in their final quest to justify an illegal process. 

"Well-meaning Kenyans must reject this preposterous projection that everybody is welcome to contest the election when it is evident that with an already manipulated register, anyone not party to the rigging cartel is destined to lose."

The candidate has now made it clear he will not be part and parcel of the elections with current settings stating he will only take part when assured off a credible process.

"I wish to state in no uncertain terms that I will not participate in this flawed exercise disguised as an election and call on all my supporters to boycott the sham process until we have a process that can guarantee a credible electoral exercise for the good of our game," Twaha continued.

"Our quest for electoral justice and fair end to the polls is on course and we shall pursue it to its logical, just end."

The administrator insists the rule of law must be followed on March 17.

"I have the full confidence in the SDT which I believe, as has done on two occasions in the past, that it will mete out the same fate of this sham process so as to protect the law and the fundamental rights of every Kenyan as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010."

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have declined to release Bernard Morrison’s work permit even after the government’s efforts to secure it.

Morrison’s controversial move to Simba SC after the Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) ruled he was free to secure another club, was not received well by Yanga who have not handed over the critical document to Simba yet.

“We have Morrison’s work permit. We received guests from the Ministry of Labour who came with a letter demanding Morrison's work permit but we have told them we cannot hand it over to them,” Yanga’s media officer Hassan Bumbuli told Mwanaspoti.

“Morrison is our player and we are not done with him yet.

“They have walked past our coaches here on their way out. We are wondering because we have never been asked to return work permits of players.

“We have been doing it voluntarily. Why are they coming for Morrison's? What influence has he got?

“We are not declining to get back his permit. Even Simba have written to us through a letter and via online correspondences but we have made it clear to them that we are not done with Morrison.”

The Ghanaian has already played and scored for Simba in the build-up match against Vital’ O of Burundi as his transfer continues to generate questions and heat.

Meanwhile, new Yanga winger Farid Mussa has spoken about Simba’s full-backs Mohammed ‘Tshabalala’ Hussein and Shomari Kapombe and their qualities.

“We who are playing against [Mohammed] Hussein are the ones who know how good he is. He is a good passer but I do not see him scoring from his position on the pitch,” Mussa told the same outlet. If he has to score he has got to do more than he has been doing.

“Look at [Shomari] Kapombe. His work is incredible because he can do a lot of things that are not expected. He can pass, he defends well and can also score.

“These things are not done by many people.

“Everyone is good but what makes the difference is how each tries to differentiate himself from the rest. One has to do more in order for your work to be loved by people who watch you.”

The Taifa Stars forward signed for Timu Ya Wananchi from Tenerife CD of Spain.

Bartholomew Ogbeche has sent a farewell message to his Kerala Blasters' teammates, as the forward is set to join Mumbai City, Goal has learnt. 

The Nigerian texted that he won't be a part of the team for the upcoming season. He appreciated the time he spent with Kerala Blasters and wished them good luck before signing off. 

Goal had earlier revealed that Mumbai City were in advanced talks with the player to sign him from Kerala Blasters for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season. 

Last season, Kerala had scored 29 goals and of those, 15 goals (51.72%) were scored by Ogbeche.

The Nigerian's 15 goals not only placed him in the race for Golden Boot but also helped him surpass Iain Hume as Blasters' all-time top scorer in his debut season.

The former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) footballer came to India during the 2018-19 season and had joined NorthEast United FC. He was the top goal scorer for the Highlanders and played a pivotal role in guiding them to the play-offs for the very first time in the club's history.

After an epic season at the Guwahati-based club, Ogbeche followed coach Eelco Schattorie to Kerala Blasters last year. But now with Eelco Schattorie gone from the club after just one season, Ogbeche too is moving on to join Sergio Lobera's project at Mumbai City.

Kerala Blasters are already working to secure a replacement to boost their attacking arsenal after the departure of Ogbeche. 

Odion Ighalo’s transfer to boyhood club Manchester United ahead of January's transfer deadline promised to be one of the feel-good stories of 2020.

The striker made little secret of his love for the Red Devils—an authentic love, underpinned by years of dedication and affection for the Manchester heavyweights.

A dream had come true, and despite his advancing years, the forward appeared primed to take the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on English football, having gone out with a whimper during his previous stint with Watford.

During his time with the Hornets, Ighalo had excelled in the second tier, and then immediately took to life in the Premier League after firing the Hertfordshire side to the big time.

However, a significant slump then followed, as the forward began to be neutralised a little too readily by defenders, and Watford fans became increasingly frustrated by his lack of killer touch.

A return to England—on loan from Shanghai Shenhua—represented an opportunity for Ighalo to write a successful final chapter to his career in one of Europe’s major leagues.

At first, everything seemed to be going well, as Ighalo enjoyed a superb scoring record in club competitions when called upon by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Strikes came against Derby County, Club Brugge and LASK, and while Ighalo didn’t net in Premier League outings against Chelsea, Everton and former club Watford, it didn’t matter, he was achieving what he had been brought in to do; take the strain from the likes of Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood, and help to compensate for injured Marcus Rashford.

Coronavirus and lockdown changed things, of course, denying Ighalo the chance to build momentum after scoring and assisting away in Austria in a 5-0 victory over LASK.

By the time football was paused, he had scored four and contributed one assist in his previous five games for the Red Devils.

The suspension in play proved costly for Ighalo for several reasons.

Firstly, it allowed Rashford to return from an injury that had initially appeared set to rule him out for the rest of the season, thereby increasing the competition for playing time and reducing the opportunity for Ighalo to make an impact.

Then, there was the emergence of Greenwood, who offered incisive movement, pace in wide areas and superb finishing to end the season with 10 goals in the Prem and a further five in the Europa League.

The reorganising of the football calendar once the sport resumed also proved costly for Ighalo; with the Europa Leauge conclusion pushed back until after the Prem was concluded, Solskjaer had no need to rotate his squad between the two tournaments.

Fit-again Rashford was paired along with Martial and Greenwood in the Premier League as the Red Devils pressed on to secure top four qualification, and then once that had been wrapped up, the trio were able to focus on the UEL.

United ultimately came up short, but their run to the semi-finals represented a further achievement for Solskjaer during his first full season at the helm.

Intriguingly, and for reasons that aren’t entirely clear, the Norwegian coach also appeared to lose faith in Ighalo in the big games.

Against Southampton in the league, as United wilted, allowing Michael Obafemi in to score a late equaliser that may have proved costly in the race for the top four, Ighalo wasn’t introduced to freshen up the front line.

Against Leicester City in the top four decider, he was only introduced at the death, with no time to make an impact.

In cup competitions, he was only given an 11-minute run-out against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final—by which point the match was beyond the Red Devils—and was just given a few moments at the conclusion of the Sevilla semi-final to try and help United into the Europa League final.

Again, predictably, it was too little, too late.

Few could have expected, when Ighalo scored against Norwich in the FA Cup on June 27, that it would be his last goal of the season for United, who were, at the time, still fighting on three fronts.

That goal equalled a United record that had stood for 95 years, as Ighalo became only the second player in the club’s history to score in his first four competitive starts for the Red Devils.

Since then, he’s played in eight matches without netting—albeit only playing for more than 12 minutes in one game—and ends the season with only one goal in 11 matches post-lockdown.

It’s a meagre return, and disappointing that Ighalo failed to net in the Premier League all season, and didn’t make a single start in the top flight under Solskjaer.

After 11 goalless substitute appearances in the league, he’d surely be heading for the exit door during the brief offseason had he not already penned a new deal keeping him on loan at Old Trafford until 2021.

There have been rumours of a move to Paris Saint-Germain, although the practicalities of that deal aren’t immediately clear, although both United and Ighalo may well question the wisdom of him sticking around for another six months.

Of course, there will be EFL Cup games, the Champions League group stages, and a few Premier League cameos, but unless there’s a commitment from Solskjaer’s part to play the striker more often—or if Rashford gets injured again—then Ighalo’s loan spell is destined to end in further disappointment.

A transfer that promised so much, and then threatened to deliver—despite the obstacles—is falling very short of its fairytale potential.

East Bengal players have knocked on the doors of All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Player Status Committee over unpaid salary,  Goal  has learnt. The committee has given the club a deadline of September 4 to explain their position.

It is understood that around 16 players have long term contracts with the club that runs till the end of the 2020-21 season and in some cases, beyond that. Seven of them had already voiced their grievances to the Football Players Association of India (FPAI).

Now, the seven have taken a step forward and have registered a formal complaint with the Player Status Committee. A couple of players are still negotiating with club and are expected to follow the same path in the next few days. 

They have also terminated their contract unilaterally and are now free agents. 

"The case will be ruled in favour of the players as the club is legally bound to pay them. We also tried to talk to East Bengal to find an amicable solution but nothing came of it," stated a FPAI official to Goal,  confirming the developments. 

As per FIFA's regulations of status and transfer of players, Article 14.b (Terminating a contract with just cause for outstanding salaries) states that in case a club unlawfully fails to play a player two monthly salaries on the due date, the player will be deemed to have just cause to terminate his contract, provided he gives the club 15 days (or a period specifically mentioned in the contract) notice to fulfill his dues.

In case the player's salary is not on a monthly basis, the pro-rata value corresponding to two months will be considered. Delayed payment of such an amount is enough for the player to terminate the contract and move on to another club, provided he gives the due notice.

Of course, the player can still take legal action against the club to obtain whatever compensation is owed to him as per the contract. But he can do so while playing for another club, with the current club not getting monetary benefits from the transfer whatsoever.

It must be noted that after the termination of contract with Quess Corp concluded, all the liabilities fall back to 'East Bengal Club Private Limited', including all contracts and clauses, entered into with a player by 'Quess East Bengal Football Club' (QEBFC). Therefore, the onus is now on East Bengal to honour those contracts.

A club can spend lots of money and build a squad full of stars. But there's a more challenging way to run a club, but also one that's more rewarding and indicative of its commitment to the future - by creating stars. I-League club Chennai City fall in the second category. 

Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC recently announced the signing of full-back Ajith Kumar from Chennai City. The 23-year-old's sale to the ISL club is the latest feather in the cap of the management at Chennai City. Ajith joins Nandhakumar Sekar (Odisha FC), Michael Soosairaj (to Jamshedpur and then ATK Mohun Bagan), Romario Jesuraj (FC Goa), Edwin Vanspaul (Chennaiyin) and Sinivasan Pandian (Chennaiyin) in the list of players transfers which has earned Chennai City a sizeable fee in the last few years.

Add Pedro Manzi's sale to Japanese second division club Albirex for a record fee and the numbers become even more impressive. 

At Chennai City, they are okay to sell talented players because they are supremely confident in their ability to keep finding new ones. "There are certain players who will do well for a few years and when it is time for them to go to the next milestone, we let them leave with our best wishes," club owner Rohit Ramesh told Goal. 

"Even if we lose players, we are not going to be in a situation where we can't find more players. We know exactly where to dip in to find these players.

"The person who is coaching and the management carry that vision come what may. Fortunately for us, with Akbar Nawas at the helm, we found Ajith Kumar, and now we will find someone else. He has to get complete credit along with Jordi Vila (former assistant coach). My supporting staff also has that vision. In Ajith's case, I was contemplating what to do and everyone around me was like, we will find someone else. That is the best way to rebuild, that has been part and parcel of this club."

Singaporean head coach Akbar Nawas replaced V Soundararajan at the Coimbatore-based club in 2018 and the club has since managed to step up their proceedings on and off the field. They stormed to an I-League title win in the 2018-19 season using a well-balanced mix of foreign and local talents in the squad, all the while sticking to the club's vision of promoting local talent. 

"From the start of our tenure in I-League, the predominant focus was to ensure that we give a chance to our state players. we felt that local players have the potential," Rohit added.

"With regards to the club philosophy, that is something we try to explain to whoever comes on board. It depends on the coach, if they believe in the philosophy, that is when things click automatically. In that way, I should give 200 per cent credit to Akbar Nawas. If it wasn't for him, we would not have achieved this kind of a level," Rohit credited the club's head coach and his former assistant coach for taking up the project in the way he envisioned it. 

Rohit feels that the club do not want to stand in the way of players because of the fact that it helps the player develop and grow in his career while fetching the club a good transfer fee as a return on their investment on him. Moreover, it paves the way for more local talents to get the opportunity to experience football at the highest level.

"Initially, when he came on board, we had an open discussion and I told him that these are the players which we have and we want to use them as a benchmark. Slowly, when these players leave, we can add more players. He believed in this project and that is when the project really kickstarted and it had more value."

"We are also not in a position to hold onto a player (like) he has to be here.  Our vision is clear. If a proper evaluation is met and if we feel that the player will develop in his career with another club, we show him the path. We tell them about the offer and what he is getting. There were instances where players could have gotten paid but they preferred this path (to stay at Chennai City)."

Regardless of the player sales, Chennai City continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the field and that is where the club's talent management scores top the charts. They are currently playing in the group stage of the AFC Cup and are set to resume their continental sojourn next month.

With players leaving, you expect officials at the Chennai City headquarters to be worried. But they should not be worried. What does Chennai City do when their stars leave? They make new ones. 

Former Mohun Bagan player Arijit Bagui is set to join Bhowanipore FC, Goal can confirm. 

The defender was Mohun Bagan's 'Player of the Year' in the 2018-19 season. But struggled to get minutes on the pitch in the previous campaign under Kibu Vicuna. 

He started his career at Kalighat MS and then went on to join Peerless SC where he was converted into a right-back from a winger by coach Fuja Tope. He proved his mettle in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) and was roped in by Mohun Bagan in the following season. 

In his debut I-League season under coach Sankarlal Chakraborty, he was an undisputed starter and went on to play more than 1100 minutes.

In the next season, he notched up his game a level higher and helped Bagan reclaim the CFL after a hiatus of eight years. He continued his rich vein of form in the I-League and although Bagan was struggling as a team, his contributions in defence and attack were decisive.

His performances were given due recognition by the club and he was awarded the Player of the Year gong. 

However, in the following season, he could not replicate the form under Vicuna.

At the back of a forgetful campaign, Bagui would like to re-establish himself under Chakraborty and strive to fire the club to I-League. 

Major League Soccer has cancelled five games that were due to kick-off on Wednesday in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake. 

Blake, a 29-year-old African American, was shot and injured by police on Sunday in front of his children with protests since breaking out in Wisconsin and across the country. 

While MLS matches had gone ahead this week, players and fans had called on the league to take a stand and cancel games in a show of support for the black community. 

Though Orlando City's match against Nashville did go ahead on Wednesday evening, MLS ultimately decided to call off the remaining five games that were set to take place. 

"The entire Major League Soccer family is deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless shooting of Jacob Blake and events in Kenosha," an MLS statement read.

"We continue to stand with the black community throughout our country - including our players and employees - and share in their pain, anger and frustration. 

"The entire Major League Soccer family unequivocally condemns racism and has always stood for equality, but we need to do more to take tangible steps to impact change. We will continue to work with our players, our clubs and the broader soccer community to harness our collective power to fight for equality and social justice." 

While US President Donald Trump has condemned the resulting protests, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has called on the country to come together peacefully to instigate change. 

"Once again, a Black man — Jacob Blake — was shot by the police. In front of his children. It makes me sick," Biden tweeted.

"Is this the country we want to be? Needless violence won’t heal us. We need to end the violence - and peacefully come together to demand justice." 

In an article of the official MLS website, the league called on fans to make their voices heard. 

"The fight must continue against racism, racial injustice, bigotry, hate and the use of violence by police against the Black community," the article read.

"Real change needs to happen: The shooting of Jacob Blake and the murders during the protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin are the latest incident and it has to stop.

"Everyone in the MLS family is united on this. Make your voice heard. We fully support our players in the ongoing struggle." 

Josep Maria Bartomeu is treated as a "black sheep" and gets unfair criticism at Barcelona, according to former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.

Bartomeu is under fire at Camp Nou after Lionel Messi asked to leave the Blaugrana at the end of a hugely disappointing season.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner's transfer request followed Barca's humiliating 8-2 Champions League defeat to eventual winners Bayern Munich.

But Calderon, who previously served as president at rivals Real Madrid, has sympathy for Bartomeu, whose position is up for election in March.

"Being sat in this chair is very difficult," Calderon told Stats Perform News. "It is much more difficult than what people can imagine.

"There are so many critics and yet, when things go well, the praise is for players and managers. It is normal that the president is the black sheep.

"This is the person who is accused of not signing a player or letting a player who fans consider important for the team leave. I don't like it.

"I don't have the information [to properly analyse], but I think Bartomeu has been a good president. From what I see and from what I know of him, I think he is a good president.

"It is very complicated. Even more so in this time when the team start to lose and get that humiliating defeat. The fans don't forgive."

Attempting to explain Bartomeu's actions, Calderon added: "As all presidents do, he has looked for the best for the club.

"Whatever he has done or said, I am sure it has always been for good and trying to get the best for the club he represents."

With Messi now set to leave La Liga behind, Calderon believes the competition will struggle to cope after seeing their two biggest stars depart. 

"It would be really hurtful for the image, the quality, the show," he said. "We have been really lucky having Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi playing in our league for the past 10 years, the best two players in the world by far.

"They won't be here anymore, neither of them will be with us. It is really hurtful for our league and for the fans."

At least four Chelsea players have been forced to quarantine in line with government guidelines, the club confirmed on Wednesday. 

The Blues squad underwent coronavirus testing at the end of last week upon their return to training, in line with Premier League protocol ahead of the new season which begins on the weekend of September 12. 

While it's unclear whether any members of Frank Lampard's squad tested positive, the club have confirmed a handful of their players are now in quarantine. 

"We have a number of players that are following government guidelines regards quarantine but we are not briefing or confirming names," Chelsea explained in a statement released on Wednesday.

As the missive suggests, the club will not reveal the players affected on confidentiality grounds, but the news will put a dent in Frank Lampard's pre-season plans on the same day they confirmed the signing of Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell. 

Sheffield United, West Ham and Brighton have all recorded positive cases upon their return to training, with a total of 14 positives confirmed across no less than 12 clubs in the English top flight. 

Chelsea's quarantine news comes on the same day that the UK government announced that the Blues were to form part of a pilot scheme designed to welcome football fans back into stadiums for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic first brought the sport to a halt in March. 

Lampard's charges travel to Brighton for a friendly on Saturday, with the Seagulls' Amex Stadium set to hold 2,500 spectators respecting social distancing protocol. 

"I know fans and their teams can't wait to be reunited in stadia across the country, but it's imperative we take a cautious and phased approach to get fans back in safely," Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced on confirming the relaxation of restrictions on fans for the clash.

The revised measures will also be applied in a women's friendly between West Ham and Arsenal on the weekend as well as fixtures in cricket, rugby and certain horse racing meets among other activities.

Chelsea will begin their 2020-21 campaign away against Brighton on September 14.