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Retired Black Stars defender John Paintsil dreams of becoming coach of the Ghana national team upon completion of his coaching badges, and has revealed that he once harboured hopes of becoming a policeman.

The 39-year-old had a playing career that spanned 17 years, featuring for clubs in his native Ghana, England, Israel and South Africa.

He called time on his career in 2016 and briefly had a spell as assistant coach of South African Premier Soccer League side Kaizer Chiefs between 2016 and 2017.

However, Paintsil is aiming much higher in wanting to lead his country, having represented the Black Stars 89 times from 2001 to 2013 and played at the two World Cups.

"Yes, I’m working on my badges," he said on Citisports. “We are just waiting on the FA to give us the green light as to when we can do the course.

“Coaching the national team will be a dream come true, so I’ll be praying towards that," he added. “Coaching the national team would be a very interesting [challenge].”

Paintsil further explained why he has decided to go into coaching after hanging up his boots, citing a desire to mentor those who want to take a playing path in football as he did.

“I want to use coaching to become a father, mentor, teacher and friend to the youth who want to use football as a career. I want to be very special for my players in particular and all footballers in general,” he told Graphic Sports. “I started from South Africa and acquired a Licence D.

"When I returned to Ghana, I wanted to acquire the A licence but the FA was not working at the time, so it affected my programme. I am still waiting for the right time to upgrade my licence, though with the experience gained in South Africa I can coach any team that comes my way.”

Paintsil had also revealed that he wanted to become a police officer while growing up because of his father and football being something of a distant ambition at that time.

”I’ve always admired police officers, because my father was a police officer,” he said. "I was only playing football because I enjoyed it, but what I really wanted to do was to join the police service.

”Growing up, I was only waiting to finish with my secondary education and join the police service, but then football came calling.”

South Africa are planning two friendly matches scheduled for October as they look to sharpen up before their qualifying campaigns resume.

Bafana Bafana will be back in competitive action in November and will complete their qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 in Cameroon in March next year. The Afcon qualification campaign was suspended in March this year due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

Before hosting and travelling to Sao Tome and Principe, Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki is organising two friendly matches between 5-13 October to get his charges ready for battle.

“I am trying to arrange two friendly matches in October to prepare for the two Sao Tome matches in November,” said Ntseki, as per a statement on the official South Africa Football Association site.

After the Sao Tome back-to-back qualifiers, Bafana Bafana will be back in competitive action between 22-30 March 2021 when they host Ghana in the penultimate qualifier before travelling to Sudan for the final encounter of the programme.

Meanwhile, a Safa Technical Committee meeting has been scheduled for all national team coaches including those for Banyana Banyana, U23s, U20s and U17s, with the new Technical Director set to present their plans in preparations for the resumption of international matches.

Part of the international matches include the Cosafa tournament for Banyana Banyana in Port Elizabeth from 19-31 October, the U20 Men’s national team in Mauritius in December and the U17 women’s national team, also in PE.

Other Cosafa fixtures for 2021 include an U15 boys’ tournament in Lesotho in April/May, U17 men in August, U20 men in eSwatini, U20 women in Lesotho, Banyana Banyana in Zambia, Beach Soccer in Durban and Futsal in Mozambique.

The U17 Women’s team will play Morocco home and away in November for the final Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

Safa have also written a letter to the government requesting that amateur football should start to officially play on Level 2.

“We are happy that the National Soccer League has resumed. Our compliance officers are working very well with the league and we want to thank the NSL and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture for their full cooperation,” said Safa CEO, Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe.

“The domestic season will be completed in time for Safa to register the PSL clubs for participation in the Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup,” he added.

Advocate Motlanthe also touched on the Association’s finances.

“When I was appointed, I undertook in my first report to the NEC to address a number of issues. We reported a loss of R96 million in the 2019 financial year but the 2020 financial year will see a tremendously improved position. I expect to report a surplus of plus minus R60 million,” said Advocate Motlanthe.

“I will report that I have paid all competition monies, paid R195 000 each to our 52 Regions, R10 million in total. I want to thank the President for his support and his engagement with Caf and Fifa to assist in generating the additional resources for Covid-19 relief. We have ensured progress in our financial and organizational efficiency and stability.

“I wish to state that Safa has, since 1991, presented audited financial statements for each and every year of operation. The last audited financial statement was presented by then Acting CEO Gay Mokoena on 8 December 2019 and the next audited financials will be presented later this year.

“It is therefore extremely disappointing that the person or persons who presented the audited financial statements to Congress for approval and who served on Safa for more than 10 years, recommended and received unanimous adoption of the reports, now seeks to create a negative impression of the organization,” added the Safa CEO.

The majority of the NEC members have given clear indication to the administration that the CEO should consider both legal and disciplinary action against this unbecoming conduct

Marseille police have confirmed that they have reversed a decision that would have seen Paris Saint-Germain shirts banned in the city centre on Sunday.

PSG, the great rivals of Olympique de Marseille, reached the Champions League final with a 3-0 win over RB Leipzig on Tuesday and will face off against Bayern Munich at the weekend as they seek to claim their first European title.

OM are currently the only French side ever to have won the competition, despite the likes of Reims, Saint-Etienne and Monaco having previously graced the final. OM are fiercely proud of their 1993 title and many of their fans do not want to see PSG equalling that achievement.

On Tuesday, there were clashes between Marseille fans and their PSG counterparts in the city. L’Equipe reported that there were around 50 OM ultras patrolling the Old Port district of the city to disconnect televisions and threaten PSG fans. There were some violent clashes and one man was arrested.

With tensions running high in the port city, a decision was taken on Thursday to ban PSG colours in the city centre, but there has now been confirmation that this has been overturned.

“The sole purpose of this decree was to protect Parisian supporters, and in no way aimed to restrict freedom of movement,” authorities said via a statement released on Twitter. “Faced with the incomprehension that came with this decree, the prefect of police has today decided to repeal it. 

“On Sunday, there will be forces or order deployed around the area of the Old Port and they will be particularly vigilant to stop any action that may result in trouble, without exception.”

Professor Paul Cassia of the University of the Sorbonne had previously told RMC that the decree was “clearly illegal”.

“The risk of an attack has not been demonstrated,” he said. “The measure was disproportionate. On Tuesday night, 250 PSG supporters gathered in Marseille. Two of them were attacked because of the jersey they were wearing. The role of the police is to reconcile the freedom of each person.”

PSG’s clash with Bayern kicks off at 8:00pm UK time (3:00pm US ET) on Sunday.

Biashara United have sealed the services of Ugandan duo Cleo Ssetubba and Joseph Zziwa in preparation for the 2020/21 Tanzania Mainland League.

With the season set to start on September 9, teams are busy rebuilding to ensure they can realise their set objectives.

Both players, who were free agents, have signed two-year deals at the club.

Ssetubba became a free agent after his former side Sony Sugar let most of the players leave owing to breach of contract. The Sugar Millers were financially crippled and could not honour Kenyan Premier League (KPL) matches, and as a result, they were relegated. He has also turned out for the Ugandan Premier League side URA.

His counterpart, Zziwa, was employed at Express FC and opted against extending his stay.

"We want to have a stronger team for the new campaign and it is the reason why we are going for both quality and experience," Biashara coach Francis Baraza told Goal.

"The two players will help us have a better team in the top tier. Getting them for free is also good because it is not easy to find such quality players available." 

In an initial interview, the tactician had revealed he will release up to 10 players and bring on board five in a bid to strengthen the Tanzania Mainland League side.

United were struggling to get off the relegation zone and prior to his arrival, they were placed 17th on the table after managing to get just two wins, two draws, and six losses out of the 10 games played. The former Kenya international went on to stabilize the team.

"We have too many players in the team, which makes it difficult to manage," Baraza revealed. "For [Biashara] to do well, the number has to be trimmed from the current 31.

"I want to have about 26, 27 players for next season; we will release about 10 and sign five in the next transfer window."

The Mara-based side managed to collect 12 wins, 14 draws and 12 losses in the 38 matches played in the concluded season to finish ninth on the table with 50 points.

Uganda coach Johnathan McKinstry has revealed he had a talk with striker Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru before he signed for Championship side Wycombe Wanderers.

The Chairboys beat Oxford 2-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley to secure promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time and in their bid to strengthen and be ready for the stiff competition in the division, they unveiled the East African player on a three-year-deal on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in Kampala, McKinstry has revealed the role he played in the forward's move.

“I have been in constant contact with Mubiru,” McKinstry began [as per Kawowo]. “We spoke about the prospect of moving to the Championship after he called to consult for advice and I gave him a go-ahead.

“The Championship is one of the most - if not the very best of the - competitive leagues in the world, with thrilling action week in, week out. It is definitely a great platform for Mubiru to develop further.”

Wycombe have already declared their high hopes for the forward following his successful spell in Scottish football.

"[Coach] Gareth Ainsworth has secured Wanderers’ first new signing as a Championship club, bringing Uche Ikpeazu to Adams Park on a three-year deal," the Blues announced, upon signing the player.

"The Chairboys’ new number 9 arrives from Scottish side Hearts, having earned a move to the Edinburgh club thanks to a blistering spell at Cambridge United, catching the eye in a number of appearances against the Blues.”

Mubiru was among the three new players invited by McKinstry ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against South Sudan on March 28 and 31.

The 25-year-old, born in London to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, has scored two goals in 23 Scottish Premiership games last season.

He previously played in the English League One with Crewe Alexandra, Port Vale, Blackpool, and Doncaster Rovers, and he has expressed his readiness to play on the international scene with the Cranes.

Upon being called up to Cranes squad before the qualifiers were suspended owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Mubiru said: “It’s always been a dream to represent my country.

"I thank God for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to testing myself at international level and hopefully achieving great things with Uganda Cranes.”

Former East Bengal and Kerala Blasters coach Trevor James Morgan has joined Philippines Football League club United City FC as their new head coach.

The veteran coach will replace Serbian coach Risto Vidakovic, who recently announced his resignation from the club.

The former Hull City youth coach expressed his delight on taking up the new challenge. He said, "I have been given a wonderful opportunity to help take an already very successful team to the next level, and I will give everything I have to help improve our team and to further establish Philippine football as a force to be reckoned within Asia.” 

United City FC was formerly known as Ceres Negros FC. In July 2020 after the former owner and chairman Leo Rey Yanson stepped down, Emirati-Philippine sports marketing firm MMC Sportz Asia took over the club and renamed it as United City FC.

Morgan had enjoyed two stints with East Bengal from 2010 to 2013 and then again in 2016. During his first stint, the Red and Golds had won a total of eight trophies in three years which includes two Federation Cup titles, three Calcutta Football League (CFL) titles, one IFA Shield and one AIFF Super Cup. In his second stint, he had won just the CFL title.

Under the British manager's tutelage, East Bengal had also enjoyed a very successful run in the AFC Cup 2013 when they had reached the semifinals.

Morgan had also served at Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters as an assistant coach as well as interim head coach.

Arsenal are hoping to allow fans back into Emirates Stadium in October.

Supporters have not been allowed inside English grounds since football was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The season was eventually restarted in June and the domestic calendar was played to a completion behind closed doors, with clubs only allowed to have a specified number of people inside stadiums, including staff, media and security.

But talks have been ongoing with the Government over how supporters will be allowed in for the 2020-21 Premier League season, which is due to get underway on September 12 with Arsenal travelling to newly promoted Fulham on the opening weekend.

And following those discussions, the club has identified the home game against Sheffield United on October 3 as a match when fans could be able to attend, albeit in numbers well below the Emirates’ full capacity of 60,000.

In an email sent to supporters, Arsenal said: “We are continuing to work hard with the Premier League and UK Government on plans to bring fans back to stadiums, initially with reduced capacities.

“We are disappointed that our home fixture against West Ham United on Saturday 19 September will be played behind closed doors, but based on current Government guidelines, we hope to be able to welcome supporters back to Emirates Stadium for the Sheffield United game scheduled for Saturday 3 October.

“We will share full information regarding fan attendance at reduced capacity matches by Wednesday 2 September.”

Getting fans back inside the Emirates is key to Arsenal, with 24 per cent of the club’s annual revenue usually being generated from matchday earnings.

The loss of matchday revenue and the knock-on effect that has had on commercial and broadcast revenue has contributed to the recent proposal of 55 redundancies across various departments at the club.

When announcing the proposed redundancies earlier this month, a statement released by managing director Vinai Venkatesham and former head of football Raul Sanllehi said: “We do not make these proposals lightly and have looked at every aspect of the club and our expenditure before reaching this point.

“We know this is upsetting and difficult for our dedicated staff and our focus is on managing this as sensitively as possible.

“These proposed changes are ultimately about ensuring we take this great football club forward, creating the right organisation for a post-Covid world, and ensuring we have the resources to return to competing effectively at the top of the game here and in Europe.”

Chelsea have been offered PSG centre-back Thiago Silva on a free transfer as they mull over replacements in the heart of their defence.

Fiorentina and AC Milan are reported to be among several other clubs also offered the defender, who turns 36 next month.

Silva is set to decide on his future after the Champions League final on Sunday.

The Blues have been cautious over switches to their central defensive positions as they prioritise signing both Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz and Leicester City's Ben Chilwell in the early phase of their transfer window.

There is optimism that the Blues will complete both deals in the coming weeks despite the huge expense on both transfers. Chelsea had meetings regarding the 21-year-old Germany international on Wednesday to work out how to pay closer to Leverkusen's valuation, which is €20 million (£18m/$24m) more than Chelsea's latest offer.

Despite playing almost all of last season in midfield, West Ham's Declan Rice is the clear standout target to improve Lampard's defence, with interest also having been shown in Brighton pair Ben White and Lewis Dunk.

Dunk, however, signed a new deal with Brighton on Friday.

Leeds United are more aggressively pursuing White, having made a £25m ($33m) bid this week for their loanee of last season.

Still, Neither Frank Lampard nor the club have told any of their players that they are surplus to requirements at this stage, despite poor defensive performances leading to 54 goals being conceded in last season's Premier League — the most of any of the top 10 sides.

It is the worst such total since Roman Abramovich bought the club. All four of Chelsea's centre-backs remain in limbo over their futures, with the club stalling on any decision over a loan move from Rennes for Fikayo Tomori.

Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger's futures are in doubt with less than two years left on their current deals and no approaches yet from the west Londoners over an extension.

Reports in France have suggested Kurt Zouma's representatives have sounded out PSG, while Everton are still thought to be admirers of their former loan star.

It is understood that several Blues stars will seek clarity on their future in pre-season with Ethan Ampadu and several other loan stars set to join up with the squad.

Chelsea begin pre-season training on Saturday having had a testing day at Cobham Training Centre following a brief holiday in between the two seasons.

Meanwhile, the Blues are also increasingly considering cutting their losses and reducing their asking price for Kepa Arrizabalaga in order to attract interest from Spanish clubs.

Lampard is aware that his side's defensive issues are partly down to Kepa's loss of form, with sources describing a loss of confidence within the squad in their side's No. 1.

The £71 million ($93m) goalkeeper was seen being criticised by his defenders at Anfield for not coming for a late cross that allowed Virgil van Dijk a clear chance in the 5-3 defeat in July.

The incident reflects the general concern in the squad over their goalkeeper's form with back-up option, Willy Caballero, turning 39 next month.

Like Silva, Ajax's Andre Onana has been offered to Chelsea as a solution, while Atletico Madrid would require Jan Oblak's €120m (£108m/$141m) release clause to be activated to lose their superstar goalkeeper, who is admired by the Blues.

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker believes his side are not under pressure ahead of their encounter with Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday.

Stellies have been in good form since the current Premier Soccer League season resumed, having recorded successive wins over Lamontville Golden Arrows and Cape Town City.

The two important victories have virtually guaranteed the PSL debutants another season in the South African top flight.

They are currently placed ninth on the league standings and only trailing seventh-placed Cape Town City on goal-difference with four matches left. 

Barker discussed his side's chances of finishing in the top eight and qualify for next season's MTN8 ahead of Sunday's meeting with a wounded Chiefs side who were defeated 3-1 by Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday. 

“It is a big battle, there are a number of teams in contention," Barker told The Citizen. "We have difficult encounters starting with Chiefs.

"It will not be easy, they have ambitions for the league and we have our ambitions. This [the win over City] has given us a good foundation to go out on Sunday."

The former AmaZulu FC head coach is hoping to mastermind a win over Chiefs in order to put pressure on the teams who are above them in the league standings.

"The pressure is not on us, we can just give a good account of ourselves and try and put pressure on the teams above us," he concluded. 

Chiefs will be desperate to get their PSL title pursuit back on track when they take on an in-form Stellenbosch side at the Mecca of South African football, Orlando Stadium. 

Amakhosi are six points above second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand and are set to face Maritzburg United on Friday evening.

The first round encounter between Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC ended in a 4-0 win in favour of Amakhosi in November 2019.

Goals from Samir Nurkovic (brace), Siyabonga Ngezana and Dumisani Zuma handed Chiefs an emphatic victory in an encounter which was played at Cape Town Stadium.

Goals from Rowan Human and Deon Hotto secured a 2-1 victory for Bidvest Wits over AmaZulu in the Premier Soccer League at the FNB Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Before this clash, Wits had taken three draws against Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows, but finally ended their wait for three points with victory over Usuthu.

AmaZulu enjoyed a bright start thanks to winger Talent Chawapiwa who used his speed to create some space, but Bonginkosi Ntuli failed to connect with his delivery which sailed across the face of the goal.

Wits nearly paid for their sloppy defending when goalkeeper Ricardo Goss came off his line to clear the ball, although his clearance was collected by Siphesihle Maduna whose attempt was blocked by Lorenzo Gordinho in the 18th minute.

The hosts would gain an upper hand towards the end of the first half, when Human and Kgaogelo Sekgota caused all sorts of troubles but failed to beat Siyabonga Mbatha between the AmaZulu sticks.

Midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe had a wonderful opportunity to break the deadlock in injury time, but his shot lacked venom, allowing Goss to collect easily.

The visitors started the second half stronger, but fired blanks when it came to hitting the target.

However, the Students finally found the back of the net through Human who finished a rebound from close range to beat Mbatha in the roof of the net before the hour mark.

With 20 minutes to go, Namibia international Hotto came on for Sekgota and doubled their lead with a sublime finish after a great pass from Phathutshedzo Nange in the heart of the park.

Although they enjoyed a comfortable lead, Wits continued to probe for a third goal, and Terrence Dzvukamanja was denied by Mbatha when his left-footed shot was parried away with 12 minutes to go.

In the 88th minute, veteran striker Lehlohonolo Majoro showed his quality in the box when he controlled a cross from the right flank, before unleashing a half-volley to beat Goss.

Their 14th defeat of the season demotes the KwaZulu-Natal outfit to the 15th spot with 24 points from 26 games in their campaign whilst Wits move to the fourth on 44 points.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has picked up an untimely injury in Liverpool’s pre-season programme, with a knee problem meaning he will play no part in the Community Shield.

Jurgen Klopp has ruled the England international out of the meeting with his former club Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 29.

It could be that he remains stuck on the sidelines when Premier League action resumes on September 12 with defending champions Liverpool set to open their 2020-21 campaign with a home game against Leeds.

Oxlade-Chamberlain will be denied the opportunity to work on his fitness in a non-competitive environment prior to top-flight action returning. That is because he has suffered a knock during a training camp in Austria which will force him onto the treatment table.

Klopp has told the Reds’ official website: “Really unfortunate. An unfortunate situation as well; it was a challenge [in training].

“It looks like it is very similar to what Hendo had, which keeps him out for we don’t know for sure exactly how long, but for sure this pre-season he will not make a game, Arsenal for sure not and then we will see. The next game is probably two weeks later, but I don’t know.

“We have to wait but it is far away from being perfect, of course. It is really hard for him and hard for us, but it is not to change.”

Liverpool saw club captain Jordan Henderson miss the end of their title-winning campaign in 2019-20 after damaging his knee. He did not require surgery and was able to lift the Premier League trophy alongside his team-mates on a memorable evening at Anfield.

Oxalde-Chamberlain will be hoping that he can also avoid the need to go under the knife.

The 27-year-old midfielder has spent more time that he would have liked in recent times stuck on the sidelines. A serious ligament problem picked up against Roma in April 2018 forced him to miss 12 months of football.

There is no indication that his latest ailment is anywhere near as problematic, but Oxlade-Chamberlain would have been hoping to hit the ground running in 2020-21 as Liverpool and England ready themselves for a return to action.

Nathan Ake would have been “a good buy” for Manchester United at £40 million ($52m), says Gordon Hill, with the Red Devils considered to be in need another centre-half to partner Harry Maguire.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has faced a number of calls for more defensive talent to be snapped up in the latest transfer window.

The option was there for Ake to be targeted on the back of Bournemouth’s relegation out of the Premier League, but he will be turning out in Manchester for City in 2020-21.

United are having to turn their attention elsewhere as a result, as they look to add again a year on from investing a record-breaking £80m ($105m) in England international Maguire.

Hill hopes another proven centre-half can be found – one to take Victor Lindelof’s place in the starting XI – with a man who graced two FA Cup finals in his playing days telling the Talk of the Devils Podcast: “We still need another centre half. Maguire is not the finished article and he needs help alongside him.

“Nathan Ake would have been a good buy, especially at that price, but he’s gone now – hopefully we can get another player of even better quality in.”

Regardless of the business that United are able to complete before the next deadline passes, Hill believes the club are back on the right track under the guidance of 1999 Treble winner Solskjaer.

He said: “There were some disappointments, but wow, didn’t United have a great time for the majority of that mini-season, and you have to say they exceeded expectations both from the start of the season and then even in March, when going into the lockdown they were some way behind Leicester and Chelsea.

“United finished third, they are back into the Champions League, and they fought until close to the end in three cup competitions. You can’t win them all, and United aren’t at the point where we can expect them to, so to be as competitive as we were has to be a big positive.

“Ole’s done a good job – there’s no denying he was very fortunate to be given such a job in football, but the club made that decision, they’ve also given him time and now they have done so they have to be patient for even longer in order to see the hopeful benefit of what he is putting together.

“United have the league and Champions League kicking off almost straight away when the season begins.

“Now we have seen the signs of settlement and consistency, and we know we have quality and other important ingredients – as much as we do need strengthening, the impetus is on this current group of players to step up as well.”

Dutch Eredivisie side Twente have announced the signing of Tyronne Ebuehi on a season-long loan from Portuguese club Benfica with an option of signing him permanently.

The defender joined the Estadio da Luz outfit in May 2018 after impressing for Nigeria at the World Cup in Russia and penned a five-year deal with the side.

The 24-year-old, however, suffered a career-threatening injury two months after teaming up with the Eagles in a Champions Cup defeat by Juventus.

The defender subsequently missed the whole of 2018-19 season and has not made a single league appearance for the Portuguese club since joining the side. 

Ebuehi has, however, featured four times for Benfica B since he returned from injury and has teamed up with the Dutch outfit to reignite his career.

The former ADO Den Haag defender is delighted to sign for the Pride of the East and looks forward to making his contribution for the club.

"It feels great to be here at FC Twente. The conversations I had with the club were very positive and I am looking forward to playing here,” Ebuehi told the club website.

“In the past, I played against FC Twente with ADO. Twente is a big club and I want to prove myself here, but of course, also help the club."

Benfica technical director Jan Steuer hopes the Nigeria international will add value to the team, given his experience at ADO Den Haag.

 “It is great that we can add Tyronne Ebuehi to our selection. In his time at ADO Den Haag, Tyronne has shown to be a talented player,” Steuer said.

“It is not without reason that he was selected for the national team of Nigeria and played at the 2018 World Cup.

“In his first year with Benfica, Tyronne had a difficult season due to an injury, but last year he made his appearance for Benfica B. He is top fit and will hopefully be able to fully join our selection soon. ”

Ebuehi has eight appearances for Nigeria since he made his debut against Togo in a friendly in June 2017.

He will hope to feature consistently for Twente to boost his chances of being recalled for national team assignment.

Alphonso Davies has, at just 19 years of age, already edged ahead of Andy Robertson in the battle to be considered the best left-back in world football, claims Liverpool legend John Barnes.

A former favourite at Anfield would have been expected to side with the Reds in that debate given his strong ties to the Merseyside outfit. Barnes is, however, of the opinion that a star turn for the Premier League champions has been knocked down the global pecking order.

Plenty have placed Robertson at the top of the left-back list in 2020, with the Scotland international proving to be a useful asset for Jurgen Klopp. Having been acquired from Hull City for just £8 million ($10m), Liverpool have found considerable value in the defender.

Davies, though, is showing at Bayern Munich that he can scale similar heights. The talented teenager boasts pace, allowing him to impact proceedings at both ends of the field, and still has plenty of potential to unlock in his game.

With that in mind, Barnes believes a man about to grace the 2020 Champions League final edges out one who claimed a winners’ medal in the 2019 European showpiece.

The Liverpool icon told BonusCodeBets: “I am not so sure if Andy Robertson is the best left-back at the moment, especially with the likes of Alphonso Davies coming through. For me, you always need to show consistency over a period of time, which is something he has shown at Bayern Munich.

“It comes down to putting someone in the right team, because I think that when you do find the right team that suits someone, they will thrive. Alphonso Davies has been extremely impressive this season, and he is only 19 years old, so he has many years of success coming his way.”

Robertson has acknowledged that Davies is an exciting prospect who could raise standards in his chosen profession to previously unseen heights.

He has said of the Canadian starlet: “He’s a phenomenal player, somebody I enjoy watching and I think the whole world is enjoying watching him at the minute and I’m no different. I think Alphonso Davies is already world-class and he can only get better.”

Liverpool will continue their pre-season preparations in Austria despite the players facing a 14-day quarantine upon their return to the UK.

UK transport secretary, Grant Shapps, announced on Thursday that as of Saturday morning people returning to the UK from Austria, as well as Croatia and Trinidad and Tobago, will have to go into isolation for two weeks.

Klopp says the Reds have not considered ending their training camp early to avoid complications, because they are confident the players are safe where they are.

"Wherever we would be in the moment – if we would be in England or anywhere else or here in Austria – we would do absolutely everything possible to make sure that we create a safe place," he told the club's website.

"This is our first concern obviously because we could have stayed in England, that wouldn't have changed the situation at all for us, just the big difference for us for the training camp is we have only a short of period to prepare. So a training camp makes complete sense for us.

"Since we are here we trained, apart from two days, every day twice, which makes it really intense. We could do that at home but then the boys have to drive home, have to go there.

"It's just from a training point of view, it makes no sense that you put an extra intensity just at lunchtime and say: 'Wherever you want to go, you can go, but see you at four o'clock or whatever'.

"A training camp is for us very, very important to focus completely on the preparation. We train a lot, apart from that we speak a lot and we eat the right things, sleep enough and all that stuff, so that's why we wanted to do it.

"Obviously the world is still in a difficult place in the moment, in Europe as well, so we had to find a solution for the moment when France came on the list. We found that solution.

"Austria – together with Germany, I would say – in that moment had the best numbers, is pretty experienced in training camps in the summer, so we found this hotel here and they did an incredible job and now we are here in the safe place.

"We are in our own bubble, do nothing to bring anybody or ourselves in danger and just focus on football. In a couple of days, four or five days, we will back in England and finish the preparation and play first really, really important game against Arsenal. So that's it.”

Liverpool will take on Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 29.

Jude Bellingham is eager to avoid comparisons with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, with the 17-year-old midfielder looking to become a star in his own right at Borussia Dortmund.

The talented teenager has been likened to the Liverpool and Chelsea legends since making a breakthrough at Birmingham.

As a powerful runner through the middle of the park, who also has an eye for goal, it is easy to see why Bellingham has been placed into an illustrious talent pool.

He is, however, just 12 months into a senior career and is aware that he has a long way to go.

Enjoying similar success to Gerrard and Lampard would be most welcome, but there is a desire on the part of a hot prospect to write his own story.

Bellingham told Sport1 on the back of his big-money move to Dortmund: “I am the first Jude Bellingham and I do not want to be compared with Gerrard or Lampard.

“They were great players without a doubt but I have different characteristics.

“I am a different player and a different person.”

Big things are expected of Bellingham, even when taking the Gerrard and Lampard talk out of the equation, but he claims to feel no weight of expectation from his transfer fee or standing under the brightest of spotlights.

He added: “To be honest, I do not feel any pressure. The pressure I put myself under is bigger than any price tag.”

Dortmund invested £25 million ($33m) in Bellingham’s potential when luring him away from Birmingham.

He had made just 44 senior appearances at that point, and never graced the top tier in England, but has settled quickly at Bundesliga giants.

The target has been found in pre-season outings, with Bellingham now looking to follow in the footsteps of team-mate Jadon Sancho by becoming the latest young Englishman to nail down a regular role for German giants.

He said of his plans for 2020-21: “Personally, I want to get as many minutes of play as possible - even in the big games.

“I want to provide assists, score goals and perform well.”

Dortmund are due to open their new domestic campaign with a home date against Borussia Monchengladbach on September 18.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is "to be charged with aggravated assault" after an alleged altercation on holiday in Greece, local police have stated. 

The defender, 27, is fully cooperating with Greek police, according to his club, having been on holiday on the Greek island of Mykonos with friends and family following the conclusion of the season.

A police spokesman, Petros Vassilakis, told media outlets: "When the brawl was all sorted out, one of the two groups - with the football players - started verbally abusing officers. 

"There were several policemen there. At some point, one of the three members of the group - they were aged 27, 28, and 29 - threw a swing at one of the policemen and a fight ensued.

"All of the three were arrested but during the effort to do so, the other two, including the football player, got violent also. They threw down at least two policemen, hit them with their fists and kicked them.

"I can't tell you what they were telling us. All English swear words against the authorities and against the work of the police. All three, including the football player, are being held in custody, locked up in Mykonos cell.

"They will appear before a state prosecutor on the island of Syros later today to be charged with aggravated assault."

A statement shared by police with Goal claimed that "one of the detainees then tried to offer money so that the trial against them would not be completed".

Manchester United issued a statement following the reports: “The club is aware of an alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos last night.

"Contact has been made with Harry, and he is fully cooperating with the Greek authorities. At this time we will be making no further comment."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad have been given two weeks off following their exit from the Europa League at the hands of Sevilla last weekend. Maguire is in Greece with family and friends to enjoy a break before the start of United’s Premier League campaign next month.

The players have been limited as to where they can holiday this summer due to the quarantine restrictions in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Greece is currently on the 'safe to travel' list, which would mean Maguire would not have to self-isolate when he returns to England.  

The squad are expected back at their Carrington training base at the start of September to start preparations ahead of the new campaign.

They were due to play Burnley at Turf Moor in the opening fixture of the 2020-21 campaign but that clash has been postponed to allow United’s players extra rest after their Europa League exploits.

Consequently it looks likely they will get the new season underway against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Maguire moved to Old Trafford last summer in an £80 million ($105m) move from Leicester City, and has quickly established himself as a key figure under manager Solskjaer.

The centre-back was made captain by Solskjaer during the course of last season, and was important to United as they finished third in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League in 2020-21. He played in all 38 domestic league games.

Maguire was also key in United's runs to the semi-finals of three competitions - the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.

Rangers have "strongly rejected" a bid from Leeds United for winger Ryan Kent, Steven Gerrard has confirmed, adding that the Premier League newcomers were "way, way off" with their opening offer.

Leeds are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the top flight, with Kent seen as an ideal recruit to increase the attacking options available to head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

However, Rangers are understandably loathed to lose a player they only signed permanently from Liverpool less than a year ago.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's game against Kilmarnock, Gers boss Gerrard confirmed Leeds' approach but made it clear that the Scottish club are determined to keep hold of the 23-year-old.

"Ryan's a player we admire very much here," Gerrard told the media.

"He's a player that we've seen develop at Liverpool for a long time. We bought him here on loan and he did ever so well, then we went and bought him and he's done ever so well and is progressing very, very quickly here. 

"He's in a good place and he's in good form. He's a player we want to keep hold of. 

"Yes, we have had contact from Leeds, and an opening bid has been really strongly rejected."

Kent managed seven league goals in the 2019-20 campaign for Rangers and has already scored twice at the start of the new campaign in Scotland.

When asked if Leeds would be given the same answer if they came back with an improved offer, Gerrard replied: "It depends on what that bid is, but they were way, way off with that opening bid.

"He's a player who is not for sale, we don't want to lose Ryan, he's a big part of what we've been trying to do here. 

"We want him to stay here for many, many years. But we know Premiership teams hold a lot of power - that's the reality, that's the way it is. We have to accept that. 

"But the message to Leeds is the opening bid is nowhere near the valuation of the player, and we obviously don't want to sell."