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Paris Saint-Germain could be without goalkeeper Keylor Navas for their Champions League semi-final after scans confirmed he has suffered a torn hamstring.

The Costa Rica keeper pulled up injured during PSG’s dramatic 2-1 quarter-final win over Atalanta on Wednesday.

Sergio Rico replaced him for the last 10 minutes of the game, which PSG won thanks to late goals from Marquinhos and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Now, Navas faces a race to be fit in time for his side’s next game on Tuesday, August 18, against either RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid.

A statement from PSG on Thursday said: “Keylor Navas left the field during the match on Wednesday evening after feeling some pain in his right hamstring after clearing the ball.

“The examinations and MRI have confirmed a tear in the femoral biceps. His condition will be examined again on Saturday but his involvement in Tuesday's match is uncertain.”

However, Thomas Tuchel has had better news on his captain and key defender Thiago Silva, who also picked up a hamstring problem during the Atalanta game.

A small tear has been confirmed but he should be fit to play the next match: “Thiago Silva ended the match with a right hamstring issue and the medical examinations and MRI have confirmed a low-grade tear and are optimistic that he will be able to take part in the match on Tuesday.”

PSG will also be buoyed by the further return to fitness of Kylian Mbappe, who played the last 30 minutes against Atalanta and had a major impact on the game.

Marco Verratti was absent on Wednesday with a calf problem, but he is continuing fitness work and will have a medical evaluation on Saturday, while Layvin Kurzawa is also working his way back to full fitness.

PSG had a training session on Thursday without the players who played the full 90 minutes against Atalanta.

Verratti and Kurzawa were both missing but Mbappe was on the field with his team-mates.

Mbappe had been widely expected to miss PSG’s return to European action entirely with an ankle injury, but his trademark burst of pace down the left channel provided the impetus for his side’s winning goal.

Ghana has summoned 30 players for camping ahead of their 2021 Fifa U17 Women's World Cup qualifying games against familiar foes Nigeria.

Baba Nuhu's team, announced via the Ghana Football Association's official website, that they are expected to assemble in Cape Coast on Friday for the two-legged play-off.

The Black Maidens were originally scheduled to regroup on August 1, having been granted special permission to regroup, despite a lingering national ban on all contact sports, including football, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Implementation of safety protocols, however, saw the camp start date rescheduled to a later time.

Ghana will host Nigeria in the first leg of the second-round showdown in October before travelling for the away fixture in November.

The winners over two legs qualify for the World Cup in India next year.

Whereas the Maidens are looking to seal a seventh straight appearance at the global championship, the Flamingos have set their sights on a sixth berth.

Indeed, Ghana are the only African side to have qualified for all six U17 Women’s World Cup tournaments held so far.  Their best performance was a third-place finish at Azerbaijan in 2012 where they beat Germany in the play-off fixture.

The 2021 World Cup was initially scheduled for November this year but had to be moved backwards due to the Covid-19 situation.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Ahamadu Amina (FC Savanah), Ziblim Farihana (Bagabaga Ladies), Amponsah Mary (Value Girls)

Defenders: Atinga Sandra (Kumasi Sports Academy), Seidu Faiza (Northern Ladies), Achiaa Anaesthesia (Sea Lions), Yahaya Asana (Bagabaga Ladies), Fuseini Zulaiha (Pearlpia Ladies), Opoku Abena Anoma (Ampem Darkoa Ladies), Aniwaa Luiza (Police Ladies), Yakubu Ayisha (Pearlpia Ladies), Mintah Sarfoah Linda (Prisons Ladies)

Midfielders: Acheampong Elshadai (Kumasi Sports Academy), Alhassan Basira (Pearlpia Ladies), Oppong Elizabeth (Samaria Ladies), Sarpong Elizabeth (Fabulous Ladies), Twum Tracy (Ampem Darkoa Ladies), Fodu Bless Matilda (Ideal Ladies), Akaheeh Doris (Northern Ladies), Alexia Ahoma (Holy Royals Ladies), Owusu Mavis (Ampem Darkoa Ladies), Agyemang Constance Serwaa (Halifax Ladies), Mafia Nyame (Rock Ladies), Aguadze Juanita (Police Ladies)

Attackers: Abdulai Salamatu (Bagabaga Ladies), Amponsah Ophelia Serwaa (Ampem Darkoa Ladies), Sarpong Alice (Sea Lions), Dejean Kubura (Zicom Stars Ladies), Abrafi Sarah (Dreams Ladies), Aoyem Georgina Aisha (Army Ladies)

Ihlas Bebou come off the bench and scored the final goal as Hoffenheim recorded a 7-1 win over German third division side Wehen Wiesbaden.

The game marked the beginning of pre-season for Sebastian Hoeness’s side and it was a very easy affair with Croatian forward and World Cup runner-up Andrej Kramaric getting a brace in the eighth and 16th minutes, the second coming from the penalty spot.

There was a 2-0 lead for Hoffenheim going into the half-time break and Christoph Baumgartner also added his own brace in the 65th and 69th minutes to make it 4-0.

Die Kraichgauer still had more in the tank with Mijat Gacinovic and Robert Skov also getting into the scoring act in the 83rd and 90th minutes respectively before Bebou registered his name in additional time to put his team in seventh heaven. He had come on in the 51st minute to replace Kramaric.

Wehen scored a consolation goal in the sixth minute of additional time through Tobias Schwede.

Bebou joined Hoffenheim from Hannover 96 in the summer of 2019 and made a total of 32 appearances in the Bundesliga, scoring six goals and providing three assists. Every game he was involved in a goal ended in victory. His biggest impact game in a 2-0 and 3-1 win over Schalke 04 and Augsburg, scoring one goal and also providing one assist.

The 26-year-old Togo international also gave an assist during the final game of the season which ended in a 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at the iconic Signal Iduna Park. Hoffenheim ultimately finished the campaign in sixth place, thus settling for a place in the qualifiers of the Europa League next season. The Baden-Wurttemberg outfit will next tackle fellow Bundesliga side Mainz with the season proper set to kick off on September 19 with an away trip to FC Cologne.

Bebou has spent his entire senior career in Germany, first playing for Fortuna Dusseldorf before joining Hannover in 2017.

He has been capped 12 times for the Togo national team, making his debut in a 5-0 home win over Djibouti on September 4, 2019 during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Sparrowhawks qualified for the tournament proper in Gabon but finished last in Group C behind DR Congo, Morocco and the Ivory Coast.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says they cannot wait to have their supporters back to rally behind the team and that football is not the same without the beat of the drums on the stands.

The Masandawana boss, however, says they are adjusting to life under the Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) so far as they have reached the final of the Nedbank Cup and drew against Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Tuesday night.

As they turn their focus to Highlands Park whom they face at Dobsonville Stadium on Friday evening, ‘Jingles’ expects a dedicated, hardworking opponent, and an emotional clash against the Lions of the North.

“Football without supporters, that’s not the game. I mean especially, you just feel that silence when you observe the moment of silence and before, just the 30 seconds before and after,” Mosimane told the media.

“You know it’s so quiet and you just feel the void left by the supporters. You miss the supporters and football will never be the same without the supporters.

“We are just adjusting and we are following the protocols, the rules, and regulations that life matters the most but we can’t wait, especially at Sundowns, we can’t wait to hear the drum beat - we miss them.”  

On their upcoming league clash against coach Owen Da Gama’s troops, Mosimane anticipates a tough match against what he called giant killers but says it’s not always about tactics.

“Well so far so good, we have played two games, the semi-final [against Bidvest Wits] which we have achieved our objective to reach the final. In the league, we are stagnant with the results. We are in the same position,” he added.

“We haven’t moved down and up, the only challenge is that the games are getting lesser. So, that’s the whole thing but you can see the team since we came back it is not as we want it.

“But if we have to be honest, when we play Highlands we play well but not very good. So, we are getting there. At least we are in the final and then we drew the tough one [against Pirates].

“They had more chances than us to win the game, let’ be honest. We were there and we managed to get a point. So, we move on.

“Highlands, you can ask any team in the PSL, they are tough customers. It’s a team that...is also a giant killer you must know that. 

“So, it’s a team that is very strong, that works very hard. It’s a team that’s committed and a team that we all know that you earn your win.  You can’t just win, but you fight and sometimes with Highlands, it’s more than the tactics – it’s more on the emotional side."

The reigning PSL champions have 45 points at number two on the log table, they trail log leaders Kaizer Chiefs by four points following their draw against the Clever Boys on Wednesday night.

Paul Gascoigne has racked up more than a few of his fair share of headlines, dating back to his playing career for England – not to mention other off-pitch events.

The 2015 documentary Gascoigne has already touched upon details of the ex-midfielder's infamy, though he is now set to be at the centre of his own movie with a fresh actor to portray him.

Goal has what you need to know about what the movie will be about, how to watch it, when it will be released and more.

What is the Paul Gascoigne movie?

Gascoigne has confirmed an upcoming movie based on his memoir Gazza: My Story, and that the search for an actor to play him is underway.

The film be an in-depth journey across the former England international's controversial life on and off the pitch , covering such subjects as his alcohol addiction.

A separate documentary focusing on Gascoigne's life is set for release this November, but the movie is a different project.

“Let’s face it, I have nothing to hide. It has all been in the press, the good and bad," Gascoigne told the Mirror about the potentially revealing nature of the film.

The documentary will use archive footage of his time playing at Italia 90, Euro 96 as well as brief stint with Lazio in Italy.

Speaking on the documentary, Gascoigne said: “The documentary is out in November. The makers have spoken to me and my family.

“But there are backers looking at a film and trying to find someone to play me. I will guide them and read the script, it will be about my entire life. They will use my books.”

The biopic is set to be a tell-all of the infamous former footballer's life and times, including the epochal moment of his crying on the pitch after England were knocked out of the 1990 World Cup by Germany.

His personal life is also expected to take centre stage, with topics such as his divorce from ex-wife Sheryl on the cards.

His arrest for sexual assault in 2018 is also due to be covered.

“I don’t have any regrets, none whatsoever. I am not going to change because I don’t know how to change," Gascoigne continued.

"People say I am not perfect but I don’t want to be perfect. I am happy the way I am.”

Who will play Paul Gascoigne in the movie?

There has yet to be an announcement about potential candidates to play the former midfielder in the film yet, but the Mirror have suggested the likes of Game of Thrones star Sean Bean, Skins star Jack McConnell, and Normal People actor Paul Mescal.

When will the Paul Gascoigne movie be released?

The Gascoigne film is still in pre-production, so it could be set for release late in 2021 or 2022.

How to watch Paul Gascoigne movie

Goal will update this page with information as soon as new details about how to watch the project are announced.

David Accam has described helping Nashville SC to their first Major League Soccer victory in history as a “different feeling”.

The Tennessee capital outfit kicked off their resumption of the MLS regular season with a 1-0 win over FC Dallas, Accam scoring the goal which was his first for the club after joining from Columbus Crew this year.

He came off the bench to replace Randall Leal in the 82nd minute and put the ball in the back of the net four minutes later.

It is clearly a relief for the 29-year old Ghanaian having not played since March because of the coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged the United States as the most affected country in the world with more than five million confirmed cases and also a Tornado that hit the city of Nashville in early March killing 25 people and injuring more than 100 people.

Accam’s short cameo was able to win him the Nashville Man of the Match award.

"It's amazing," he said on the MLS website. "It's a different feeling because I haven't had this in a long time. Last year and this year have been really tough for me and my family with everything, with the tornadoes and the virus, everything.

“So, I was just happy to be on the field and support us and to score and also help the team get our first win of the season."

Both Nashville and Dallas did not participate in the MLS Is Back tournament in Orlando, Florida because of a bulk of the squad players testing positive for Covid-19. The head coach Gary Smith was not involved in the game after his coronavirus test was inconclusive and later found to be negative.

Assistant coach Steve Guppy stood in for Smith and was equally thrilled with Nashville’s first win while also describing Accam’s goal as “unbelievable class”.

"Obviously, I'm absolutely thrilled for everyone connected with the club," Guppy said. "I know how hard it's been to start with a dream of trying to bring MLS to Nashville and the reality and the excitement. And of course, the knock-back with what's happening in the world.

“Things were going against us with all sorts of delays and obviously Gary not being here, the incredible heat — there was loads of excuses.

"We spoke about it before, there was a load of excuses to throw in for maybe not tracking someone or just not quite wanting it enough.

“So, it was a real team effort and obviously David Accam comes on, shows a bit of unbelievable class. But I have to say Walker Zimmerman's block in the last few minutes was every bit as good as Dave's shot. So, fantastic, for me there was a lot of heroes out there today, plus the subs who came on."

Nashville’s early two matches had ended in defeat against Atlanta United and Portland Timbers. Accam has been in the United States since 2015 and has played for Chicago Fire, Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew.

Bayern Munich are making plans for Lionel Messi, but Hansi Flick is well aware of the threat of the rest of the Barcelona team in their Champions League quarter-final.

Bayern face Barca in Lisbon on Friday in a match the Bundesliga champions are expected to win, having been in dominant form in recent months.

But the Blaugrana have Messi in their ranks, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner seemingly determined to get his hands on a fifth European crown, the most recent of those coming in 2015.

Questions at Flick's pre-match news conference focused on the threat of Barca's number 10, yet the head coach was keen to remind reporters there will be more to the match than Messi.

"It's not Bayern Munich against Messi, but against Barcelona," he said. "Of course we have thought about how we will play against him.

"It is possible that we will play together to counter him as a team. We have to recognise the spaces, put him under pressure and try to win the one-on-one duels."

Flick added: "We have the necessary respect for Barcelona because they have been the dominant team in recent years. Many coaches and clubs have been inspired by Barca.

"They're nice to watch, the way they play, the way they train, their enthusiasm.

"Messi is not the only player who stands out. [Gerard] Pique, [Antoine] Griezmann, [Ivan] Rakitic and [Luis] Suarez are top players. [Marc-Andre] ter Stegen is a world-class goalkeeper.

"They have enormous quality and experience and we have to go against that as a team and bring our quality. We have a plan and hope that it works."

While opposite number Quique Setien suggested Robert Lewandowski was not in the same class as Messi, Flick refused to be drawn into a comparison between his talisman and Barca's.

"You can't compare the two players," he said. "Lewandowski is a world-class striker and has tremendous quality. For us, he is someone who guarantees goals but also creates goals.

"Messi has been by far the best footballer over the past few years. He's an exceptional player and I don't know if someone like that will come around again."

Teenage left-back Alphonso Davies has been one of the stars of the Champions League campaign so far but may now be the man tasked with marking Messi.

Team-mate Thomas Muller is determined not to leave the Canadian to face his mammoth task alone, though.

"Messi is in good shape, but you never defend him alone," Muller said. "My experience from the games in which I faced him was that it worked when the whole team was there.

"We have to act together against this individual quality. Alphonso Davies is also key here, but he is not alone."

Bidvest Wits skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo has commended his teammates for their brave character in their 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday night but he is now setting his sights on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) clash against Orlando Pirates.

The burly centre-back says the likes of Samir Nurkovic and Leonardo Castro didn’t really give them many problems but hopes they will maintain their never-say-die attitude going forward.

‘Tyson’ says they cannot only focus on former teammate and Buccaneers hitman Gabadinho Mhango, but will also give Vincent Pule and Fortune Makaringe the same attention.

“Obviously my thought on the game is that we had a different team compared to the one that we used against [Mamelodii] Sundowns. I think the guys did well,” Hlatshwayo told Wits’ media department.

“Although we played in patches, what I would commend is the attitude and character from the guys.

"It seems like we haven’t been, it shows we haven’t been playing for so long but it doesn’t really show that much because when I look at the Sundowns game and yesterday’s [Wednesday] game – we tend to pick up in the second half.

“And that’ where the character we have to grind in and yeah, most importantly what has worked for us is it’s a never give up attitude.”

The Bafana Bafana skipper also shares insight on how they plan to tackle the eagerly anticipated encounter against coach Josef Zinnbauer’s troops at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday evening.

“We know what kind of a team is Pirates and they are speedy team, their front three or front four. They are quick and use their pace most of the time and it’s similar to the games we played against Sundowns and Chiefs,” he added.

“With their front three, as [Chiefs] much as they did not really give us a problem last night [Wednesday], with the combination play of Sundowns we had to do a lot of shifting, a lot of movement because they move a lot.

“They don’t really have an out and out striker. So, they play between the pockets and I believe Pirates will do that with [Augustine] Mulenga. I watched the game against Sundowns. Mulenga would drop and they will play the balls on the sides and try to use their pace.

“Obviously we have played against Gaba [Gabadinho Mhango] and we’ve played with Gaba. We know what kind of a player he is, he’s rational and he just goes, he plays, runs and shoots from anywhere.

“He has always done well for himself in the league and he’s our top scorer for the league and obviously he will want to add more on his tally. We wouldn't say we know his strengths and weaknesses.

"But we have to be alert at all times because as much as there’s Gaba, there’s also Pule, there’s Makaringe and they have quality going forward.”

Robert Lewandowski is a great player, according to Barcelona boss Quique Setien – but he’s no Lionel Messi.

The pair are set to go head-to-head when Barca play Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Friday.

Lewandowski is this season’s top scorer in the Champions League and is enjoying the most prolific season of his career to date, with a scarcely-believable 53 goals from 44 games in all competitions.

Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has had a predictably stellar campaign of his own on a personal note, with 31 goals and 26 assists in 43 appearances, though Barca missed out on the Spanish title to Real Madrid.

Ahead of Friday’s quarter-final, Setien made clear his admiration for Lewandowski – but he knows his own team is capable of magic.

“Lewandowski is a great footballer, but he is not up to [the level of] Leo. That's clear,” Setien said in his pre-match press conference.

“Now he is in a great moment. He has 13 goals in the Champions League and is very well assisted by his teammates, but we have already seen Leo the other day against Napoli. It's good that we can enjoy these players.”

Despite Barca’s reliance on Messi, Setien is adamant that if his side are to go through, the full XI needs to perform.

“He can help win the game, but I have always believed in the strength of the team,” he said.

“He is capable of making goals for himself, but without the strength of the team he would [score] less.

“We are concerned about many things about Bayern because they are a very complete team that press well, that arrive with many players at the top of the pitch, [and] that defend well.

“But we have the ability to overcome pressure and have the ball, and they know that if we overcome their pressure, we will do them a lot of harm.

“It will be up to both of us to defend and attack. There will not be a clear dominator and the one who will overcome the tie is the one that takes advantage of their chances.”

Summer transfer window season has been hotting up, with Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech's transfers to Chelsea already proving to be high-profile business.

More star-studded transfers are sure to unfold across Europe, with the summer transfer window's end having been pushed back a month due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

But could this summer's transfers be included in the release of FIFA 21, which will be launched this October? Goal takes a look.

FIFA 21 is set to be released on October 9, 2020, while the European summer transfer window will end a few days earlier on October 5  in line with UEFA's recommendation due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on football.

The transfer window across Europe was originally set to open on June 10, closing on September 1, so it will effectively be pushed back a month.

This means that while FIFA 21 could have a large majority of completed early summer transfers already in their system, a number of deals completed on or around deadline day could be added to the game by way of multiple updates.

Deals that were completed in the beginning stages of the transfer window, such as Werner to Chelsea or Leroy Sane to Bayern, for example, would likely already be in the game, while fresher transfers could be added with each update.

Those who decide to pre-order the hard copy of the game are sure to have the least updated version of transfers in the system.

EA Sports have updated their summer transfers on their system through free regular updates in previous iterations of the game, stating ahead of the release of FIFA 19:

"With the Summer Transfer Market in full swing, we have commenced moving players from their old squads to their new ones. Over the course of the next few months, as player transfers are approved in the real-world we will make those same changes in FIFA Ultimate Team.

"We will make these changes as quickly as possible, so expect multiple updates throughout July and August.

"Please note that this only applies to new items found in packs. If you obtained a player item prior to their transfer, their item will not change while in your collection."

FIFA 21 will be released on October 9, 2020.

Mtibwa Sugar have released nine players as they rebuild their squad for the new season.

Goal can reveal the Sugar Millers coach Meck Maxime has given out a list of nine players, he wants to leave the club as he prepares to sign the new faces before the new season kicks off on September 6.

The players axed include: - Juma Nyosso, Ally Shomary, Juma Shemvuni, Majidi Bakari, Frank Ikobela, Evarist Mujwahuki, Kelvin Sabato and Geoffrey Mwashiuya.

“It is true we have released the nine players as listed above and we are planning to sign the same number ahead of the new season,” Mtibwa official Ally Masoud told Goal.

“Those released is as per the recommendation made by our coach Meck [Maxime] and we have to respect what the technical bench wants us to do, we will now start looking for new players elsewhere.

“On behalf of Mtibwa, I also want to wish the nine players all the best in their future assignments.”

The Sugar Millers finished the last campaign in position 14 after managing to secure 45 points, and it was three places below the relegation line.

Lipuli FC, Ndanda FC and Singida United were also relegated to the lower-tier league.

Earlier on Thursday, Mtibwa also lost one of their key midfielders Abdulhalim Humud, who signed for Namungo FC.

The 33-year-old helped the Sugar Millers escape relegation, and his experience is what has enticed the Lindi-based side to go for his services. With the club set for bigger challenges next season, they have decided to bolster their squad.

Namungo FC will represent Tanzania in the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

The team finished fourth in the league after getting 17 wins in the 38 matches played, 13 draws, and eight losses to finish the season with 63 points. 

They earned the right to play on the continent after reaching the finals of the FA Cup. Despite losing the game 2-1, Namungo qualified since Simba had won the league and were eligible to play in the Caf Champions League.

In that final game, Captain John Bocco and Man of the Match Luis Miquissone provided the vital goals that ensured the Dar es Salaam side head back home as the champions for the FA competition.

Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama confirms he has been told of interest for his striker Peter Shalulile, who was wanted by an unnamed Egyptian club.

‘ODG’ says there is nothing he can do if management decides to sell some of his key players, suggesting that at the end of the day, it’s all about business.

With the MTN8 losing finalists rumoured to be on sale and that TS Galaxy owner Tim Sukazi is set to buy the club, Da Gama says he has no idea about such reports including interest from his top players.

“I’m not so sure about the sale of players, nothing has been communicated to me regarding the sale of the players, nothing has been spoken to me and nobody has even mentioned anything of that kind to me,” Da Gama told the media.

“I just heard there was an Egyptian club that was interested in Shalulile. But apart from that, nothing has come to the fore. Nobody has ever come to me and said to me there are teams interested in this or in that player.

“So, you know I can only cross that bridge when I get to that. If I’m told or the management decides if they want to sell a player there’s absolutely nothing I can do, I’m just employed like anybody else.

"I’ll give my pennies worth [two pennies worth] but at the end of the day if it’s a financial thing, then there’s nothing I can do about it.”

The former Bafana Bafana manager also confirms interest from Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) as the new Bidvest Wits owners look to secure Gavin Hunt’s successor.

“Somebody called from TTM and I made it clear I’m under contract at Highlands Park and if there’s anything they require because I’m contracted to Highlands Park, they should speak to Highlands Park but they have not done that as yet,” added Da Gama.

“I’m in a situation where I want to win things, I want to build things and you can’t build a team for two seasons, move away and build a team for two seasons.

“You want to build a team that can compete with the top five. Yes, I’m very ambitious but I want Highlands Park to do well. I think they’ve got the capacity and, we’ve got the backing from the directors and I definitely think we can still do better than where we are.

“I still believe Highlands Park has tremendous potential, we have already built a very solid foundation at Highlands Park and it’s truly my ambition to see if I can achieve more with Highlands Park.”

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke says that there is "no room for interpretation" when it comes to the club's stance that Jadon Sancho is not for sale, adding that "definite means definite".

Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc provided an update on Sancho’s future on Monday, claiming the club has made a "final" decision not to sell the winger this summer after the club's August 10 deadline came and went.

Still, Manchester United are hopeful of a deal, with the club refusing to give up despite the frustrating nature of negotiations.

Sancho himself came out and said that he "loves" playing for Dortmund amid the ongoing links, having fired 20 goals in 44 appearances for the Bundesliga side last season.

On Thursday, Watzke backed Zorc's initial claim, stating that Sancho won't be going anywhere this summer.

"We are Westphalians," said Watzke in an interview with RTL. “We agreed on this rule, which Zorc explained on Monday. For a Westphalian, definite means definite. Jadon will play with us for the 2020-21 season. There is no room for interpretation."

In addition to discussing Sancho's potential departure, Watzke also talked about the club's desire to bring players in this summer.

Watzke says that the club has "less income" as a result of the coronavirus, meaning that Dortmund don't expect to be too active when it comes to buying players.

Watzke says he ruled out the signing of a No 9, with youngster Youssoufa Moukoko listed as a potential option to backup starting striker Erling Haaland. 

Haaland himself has backed the teenager to shine, saying that Moukoko is even more talented than he was at a similar age. Moukoko, though, will not be eligible to truly join Dortmund's first team until he turns 16 in November.

“We have many options when Erling Haaland needs a break," Watzke said. "We will have a second nine in our ranks from November 20th. We're talking about eight weeks, so that's no problem."

Haaland scored 16 goals in 18 matches for the German club after making the move from RB Salzburg in January.

Dortmund are currently in pre-season, having defeated Altach 6-0 on Wednesday with a match against Austria Wien scheduled for Sunday.

Barcelona have Ousmane Dembele fit again for their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, with coach Quique Setien confident his side can hold their own.

Winger Dembele has been out since November after rupturing his thigh muscle but is in line for a long-awaited return in Lisbon on Friday.

Setien told a pre-match news conference: "We have arrived in good spirits. This is the game we are waiting for. We have prepared well.

"It is a satisfaction for all of us that Dembele is in the squad and I think he will be in a position to participate for a few minutes if we consider it appropriate. We are excited that he can play and get it right."

Bayern look well placed to go all the way in the competition, having romped to a domestic double in Germany and swept Chelsea aside in their previous European tie. Barcelona, on the other hand, lost their Liga title to rivals Real Madrid and have struggled to convince in recent months.

Nevertheless, Setien remains positive of their chances, saying: "Of course, we are convinced we can go through. We know the potential of the opponent, their numbers and their capacity, with extraordinary potential, but we have that, too.

"I think it will be an even game. We have a lot to say in this game."

Setien believes it is crucial that Barcelona concentrate on their own game and not get subsumed by countering Bayern, saying: "It will be important to have the ball because that will allow us to defend ourselves for less time without it, but everything will depend a little on the opposition, as it usually happens.

"Motivation is intrinsic in this team, it is a very important game against a great rival, so one thing is the statements and another what happens on the pitch. We are two great teams who will want to play according to their identity."

The coach is keen to ensure Lionel Messi is not left to do the job alone, however, even if he is highly likely to play a key role.

"Leo can help win the game, obviously, but I have always believed in the strength of the team," Setien said. "We will have to assist Leo because both Messi, like any other outstanding player, is weaker without the strength of the team."

Tout Puissant Mazembe have confirmed the transfer of striker Jackson Muleka to Belgian First Division A side Standard Liege on a four-year deal.

The contract which has the option to extend with one more season comes two weeks after TP Mazembe had announced that they were in talks with Ligue 1 side Lille for the striker's services.

He was being touted as a possible replacement for Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen who has since joined Napoli from Lille.

But Standard Liege won Muleka's signature after they were among the other rumoured suitors who included Ligue 1 returnees RC Lens, as well as Belgian giants Anderlecht and Royal Mouscron who are Lille's satellite club.

His move to Belgium following impressive performances in this season’s Caf Champions League in which he managed seven goals in 10 games.

"The transfer of Jackson Muleka to Belgian club Standard Liege has just materialised," TP Mazembe announced in a statement.

"Tout Puissant Mazembe are delighted with this development which has taken place, in the interest of the three parties, thanks to the close collaboration between the two clubs and without the intervention of intermediaries.

"This collaboration had already allowed in the past, the transfer of former TP Mazembe players, Christian Luyindima, Merveille Bope and Jonathan Bolingi, with the success that we know.

"TP Mazembe can only wish Jackson the best in a European adventure they wanted. If he works and continues to progress, it will undoubtedly be successful."

Muleka had also reportedly attracted interest from Egyptian sworn rivals Zamalek and Al Ahly as well as Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca.

Other reports also indicated Portuguese Primeira Liga side Boavista had emerged as angling to sign him on loan from Lille if Lille had managed to sign him.

Mazembe did not reveal the transfer figure Standard Liege paid for the transfer but their asking price was reportedly €2.5 million for the player who has been capped four times by DR Congo and has managed one goal for the national team.

Standard Liege are yet to confirm the signing for Muleka who joins compatriots Bope and John Nekadio at the Belgian outfit.

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has hailed his backroom staff for their work in shaping their players’ fitness, saying they have the endurance to last the entire match against Bidvest Wits at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Pirates resume their Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign following a 0-0 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.

Some teams who have already been involved in action since season restart have been attributing their match results to lack of fitness, while those yet to play have expressed great worry about being ill-prepared condition-wise.

Zinnbauer made just one substitution in regulation time, before three in injury time against Sundowns and the German is far from being concerned about fitness levels ahead of facing a formidable Wits side.

“We have worked normally on the conditioning. We have a very good staff‚ a very good fitness coach‚ a good rehab coach‚” said Zinnbauer as per Sowetan Live.

“We have a good medical team and good coaches in the staff and we always analyse what we do‚ what we can do and what we can do much better. Maybe like [looking at] the other teams or we have an input from the group and we discuss.

“I have the same feeling now that we can play 90 minutes or more. We have three days’ rest to our next game‚ and the players can make 90 minutes of play.”

While Pirates will be playing their second match since restart, they would be facing a Wits side that would be entering game three and whose players could now be in top condition.

But Zinnbauer says his squad’s richness in depth is another trump card for them.

“But we have a good squad‚ and sometimes four players in a position. And the players make pressure from behind – they want to be in the team and in the starting XI‚ and this is maybe the reason for what we [are able to] do,” Zinnbauer said.

“And also the medical team. I find in all this a circle of a solution for us. And I am very happy to see how we can run and find the short sprints and the long sprints. And all the conditioning I think was better than the opponents [Sundowns].”

Ghana have made contact with the family of Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah over a possible switch of international allegiance for the 21-year-old.

Born to Ghanaian parents in London, the striker currently represents his country of birth at youth stage.

His rise to prominence last season following promotion to The Gunners' first team has made him the subject of an international tug-of-war.

"We've been able to talk to Eddie Nketiah's parents. But even though we've tried, it doesn't mean it's a done deal," Ghana coach CK Akonnor has told Starr FM.

"Myself and the Ghana Football Association are working hard at it."

Talks about a potential international senior future with Ghana heightened when the nation's Football Association (GFA) sent out a congratulatory message to the striker on social media following Arsenal's 2-1 FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea earlier this month.

The attacker, who spent the first half of last season on loan at Leeds United, posted a team celebration picture with the caption "Champions Arsenal", a tweet the GFA quoted with a reply "Congratulations Eddie Nketiah".

The striker then responded "Thank you" in an exchange that would fuel nationality switching speculation.

Ghana were quick to calm the rumours, saying the exchange was not that deep.

“All his parents are from Ghana and he [Nketiah] has represented England in all youth competitions," GFA communications director Henry Asante Twum said, as reported by Citi Sports.

“He has won two trophies this season, that is with Leeds United in the Championship and then with Arsenal, so we congratulated him on Twitter for his achievement. He also responded to our tweet to show his appreciation.

“It is not far-fetched to strategically congratulate him to let him know that eyes are watching.

“Contacting his family has not come up yet. When the process begins, the media will be updated.

“That move cannot be made without the input of technical handlers. Where we sit, nothing of the sort has come to our table.”

Nketiah reportedly rejected a first Ghana offer ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt last year.

The Black Stars are also making similar approaches for Brighton and Hove Albion full-back Tariq Lamptey, Ajax striker Brian Brobbey and the Anderlecht duo of Jeremy Doku and Francis Amuzu.

Alphonso Davies is capable of managing Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi in the Champions League quarter-finals, according to Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Davies, still just 19, joined Bayern from Vancouver Whitecaps in January 2019 but has forced his way into Hansi Flick's first team this season.

The speedy Canada winger has forged a starting role at left-back, meaning David Alaba has played in the centre of defence while Lucas Hernandez has spent much of his first Bundesliga campaign injured or on the bench.

Davies was named the German top flight's Rookie of the Season and particularly excelled in both legs of the Champions League last-16 tie with Chelsea.

Now, in the final eight in Lisbon, Davies might be tasked with handling six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi.

But Rummenigge told Sky Sports Germany : "Alphonso had a great season and was rightly voted Rookie of the Season.

"Should Messi play on his left side, Alphonso will take care of him. It will be a difficult but interesting task. Davies hasn't been dribbled past or overrun much this season."

Davies is certainly relishing the prospect of taking on his boyhood idol, telling UEFA.com : "Growing up, I used to watch him all the time and now I'm defending against him; it's going to be a whole different ball game.

"But for me, it's just playing my game, changing nothing on my side and just hopefully doing my best against him.

"We know that he's a great player - we're not going to take that away from him - so the best you can do is try, I guess."

Davies’ breakthrough season has seen him rack up 43 appearances in all competitions so far, contributing three goals and nine assists to the Bavarian cause.

Bar the DFL-Supercup at the beginning of the season, he has also won every competition he has taken part in so far, lifting the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal – while Bayern are now many fans’ favourites to win the Champions League as well.

Bayern have beaten Red Star Belgrade, Tottenham, Olympiacos and Chelsea on their way to the quarter-finals, scoring 31 goals and conceding just six along the way.

Simba SC are set to unveil a new logo and jersey as they build towards taking the team to the next level.

The 21-time Tanzania Mainland League champions have been dominating the local scene for the last three seasons and they want to replicate the same in the continental competitions more so than in the Caf Champions League. 

On Friday [August 14 during the start of the Simba week], we will unveil a new logo," Simba Communications Director Haji Manara told reporters.

"We have modified the new logo for it to look decent and make it easy to be adaptable in the market. 

"Thereafter, we will unveil the new jersey that we will use [in the 2020/21] campaign. This is what it means by going to 'another level."

"On the same day, Friday, we will also present to the public, the players we have signed."

The Msimbazi-based side is also planning to visit children who are less fortunate during the Simba week and share with them what they have.

"On Tuesday, we will be visiting several children's homes with our sponsor SportPesa where we will be giving them jerseys and some goods," Manara continued.

"Then on Thursday, the team will visit Uhuru School with players. There are some children there who have special needs and we will be there to help them get some of them."

Wekundu wa Msimbazi had a good 2019/20 season where they won the Community Shield, FA Cup and the league.

It is for this reason their players dominated the team of the year for the 2019-20 Mainland Premier League season after the awards presentation was held on Friday.

According to the list, Simba had six players with goalkeeper Aishi Manula, who was crowned the best keeper for the season after keeping 18 clean sheets leading the squad from the back.

Other Simba players in the squad include defender Pascal Sergie Wawa, midfielder Clatous Chama - who was crowned the best player for the season and also the best midfielder, Meddie Kagere, captain John Bocco and forward Luis Miquissone from Mozambique.

New signing for Young Africans (Yanga SC) Bakari Mwamnyeto, who arrived at the club from Coastal Union also made it to the squad, the same as Azam and Uganda Cranes defender Nicholas Wadada, and Lukas Kikoti of Namungo FC.

Ghana coach CK Akonnor has advised Atletico Madrid ace Thomas Teye Partey to snub offers from Arsenal in favour of a stay with Los Rojiblancos.

The midfielder is reportedly a top target of The Gunners, with a speculated £45 million release clause a barrier to an imminent move. Premier League rivals Manchester United have also been mentioned to be keeping tabs on the 27-year-old.

From progressing through Atletico's youth system, Partey has become a regular feature in Diego Simeone's first-team set-up, having made a combined 100 league appearances over the last three La Liga seasons.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t want him to move to Arsenal because with Atletico, he will always play Champions League football. His position is guaranteed and he will always play,” Akonnor told Starr FM.

“With Arsenal, I’m not too sure. Arsenal fans will kill me [for saying he should not join the Gunners].

“I hope that, and I’m sure money issues will come in, but I hope that whatever he asks for, Atletico will be able to pay."

Akonnor also shed light on the international future of former AC Milan duo Sulley Ali Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng who have been out of Ghana's set-up since being sent home over separate acts of indiscipline during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Both players have expressed interest in making a return to the Black Stars but it is uncertain if they will ultimately have their wish, having been consistently snubbed for six years.

“I met Sulley Muntari a few weeks ago and I was honestly impressed with what I saw him do with the ball but time will tell," Akonnor said.

"With Kevin-Prince Boateng too, time will tell. I know he is doing well and he will return to Italy. So we are keeping track of him and we will see."

While Boateng has made a return to Italian Serie A side Fiorentina following a loan spell with Turkish fold Besiktas last season, Muntari, who is currently in search for a new club since leaving Spanish lower tier outfit Albacete last year, has been linked to Ghana Premier League (GPL) fold Hearts of Oak.

''We don't have a quota for local based players in the national team but if you're a home-based player and you work hard, you’ll be called," Akonnor added.

The former Wolfsburg captain was named Ghana coach in January, tasked to lead the Black Stars to Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) victory in 2022 and to guide the team to secure qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.