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Rennes president Nicolas Holveck has admitted he wishes the French club can be paired with Real Madrid during the 2020-21 season which will give teenage sensation Eduardo Camavinga the opportunity to play against them.

The 17-year-old has been one of the most-talked-about transfer subjects all summer with reported interest from Los Blancos, but Holveck has insisted no offer has been tabled for the player and believes Camavinga is committed to staying with the Red and Blacks.

The Brittany outfit is going to be among Europe’s elite for the first time in their history having finished in third place during the 2019-20 Ligue 1 campaign.

“The pursuit of Eduardo Camavinga started for a very long time. We already knew where we wanted to go,” Holveck said.

“I think that for him it is a huge satisfaction to play in this competition [Champions League], but what is certain is that he will spend the season with us.

“Which opponent I want in the group stage? Why not Real Madrid, whom I have never met?”

As much was Rennes want to keep their key players, Holveck has also acknowledged some recruitments need to be made if they are going to have a strong outing in the Champions League. Franco-Guinean and Amiens striker Serhou Guirassy, as well as Anglo-Nigerian and Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori, are some of the reported targets.

"The transfer window is not going to be oriented differently. We already had well-defined targets,” Holveck continued.

“We still have three positions [two central defenders and a striker] to fill. I said that 'in the event of qualification in the Champions League we could further expand the workforce. We could possibly recruit some additional staff and expand the workforce for the Champions League.

"Guirassy and Tomori? In any case, these are positions that must be filled. These are positions that we are looking to fill with Florian Maurice. We are looking to compose a well-balanced team.

“If Rennes is there, it is because there is a well-built and balanced team, with strong points everywhere, and we are going looking to improve that, and that will not be done with a big name for sure, but rather with very good players."

Arda Turan has said his former team-mate Lionel Messi is superior to Cristiano Ronado, hailing the Argentine's all-round game. 

The Barcelona and Juventus stars have defined their era of football, establishing themselves as the two best players in the world over the last decade-plus. 

Messi has taken home six Ballons d'Or while Ronaldo has five, with Luka Modric in 2018 the only player to have won the award other than Messi or Ronaldo since 2008.

Turan got an up-close look at Messi during his three seasons at Barcelona, whom he joined in 2015 after four seasons with Atletico Madrid. 

During his time in Catalonia, Turan teamed up with Messi to win La Liga once and the Copa del Rey twice. Having had the chance to play alongside the Argentine superstar, Turan has voiced his opinion that Messi's all-around game make him a better player than Ronaldo.

"Messi is present in every moment of football. He can dictate the game in every aspect," Turan told beIN Sports Turkey.

"There's nothing bad to say about Ronaldo but he's a goalscorer, albeit a very special one. Messi does everything in this game. He does things you can't even imagine to do. His intelligence, his vision, his passing are all much different. And every person I have talked to about this agrees with me.

"Except the people who are close to Ronaldo, his team-mates, who say it's Ronaldo as they answer politically. Ronaldo is my friend and it's not my place to question his quality. But I think Messi is better."

Turan recently returned to his childhood club Galatasaray after a spell with Istanbul Basaksehir. The 33-year-old admitted it was emotional for him to come back to a club he initially departed in 2011.

"Emotions are very deep," Turan said. "Now is not the time to comment and talk too much. It's time for me to get on the field and fight. I would like to thank Mr. Mustafa Cengiz and members of the board of directors.

"I hope everything will be good: the most beautiful days, successful days again both in Turkey and in Europe. I miss the fans very much. I am waiting for the day I will meet with them. I hope to see you as soon as possible."

Idrissa Gueye will start for Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Ebrima Colley’s Atalanta.

The French side must beat the Italians to reach the competition’s last four, and manager Thomas Tuchel will be relying on the combo of Gueye, Ander Herrera and Marquinhos to hold sway in the Parisians’ midfield.

Meanwhile, Cameroon international Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will be starting the encounter billed for Estadio da Luz as a substitute.

Gambia international midfielder Colley did not make Gian Piero Gasperini’s starting XI and he is expected to make a substitute appearance as the Goddess eye a place in the Champions League semis.

Gasperini made two changes from the Atalanta side which was beaten by Inter Milan in their final Serie A game of the season, with goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, who suffered an injury last time out, and right wing-back Timothy Castagne dropping out.

Winners of this tie will tackle either RB Leipzig or Thomas Partey's Atletico Madrid for a place in the final that will be played on August 23 in Lisbon.

Jadon Sancho has sent a message to Manchester United amid his ongoing transfer saga, insisting that he's happy at Borussia Dortmund and that he loves playing with his youthful team-mates.

Sancho played 45 minutes in Wednesday's friendly against Rheindorf Altach, with Dortmund emerging 6-0 winners over the Austrian side. 

Man Utd are in hot pursuit of the 20-year-old winger, who has emerged as one of Europe's top players since joining Dortmund from Man City in 2017.

Dortmund have continued to stonewall the Red Devils, with the club's sporting director Michael Zorc declaring on Monday that Sancho will stay with the Bundesliga runners-up.

“Jadon Sancho will play with us next season,” Zorc said. “The decision is final. I think that answers all the questions."

United, though, have not given up hope despite Dortmund sticking to their €120 million (£108m/$142m) asking price for the England star.

Sancho did appear to have a message for United on Wednesday, however, as he underlined his happiness at his current club.

"I love playing with this lot," Sancho told BVB-TV. "It is a special bunch. We've got some special young players coming up. I am really happy to share the pitch with them and guide them.

"I was once in their shoes, playing with the seniors. I am happy for them."

Despite being only 20, Sancho has said he is beginning to take on a leadership role in a squad that will utilise a number of teenagers, including 17-year-olds Gio Reyna and Jude Bellingham.

"I joined [Dortmund] when I was 17," Sancho said. "Some of the lads are the same age. I've been there and done that. I can guide them in what’s good and what isn’t. I can hopefully motivate them as well."

Bellingham paid tribute to Sancho on Tuesday in a Q&A on Dortmund's Twitter account, saying his fellow Englishman has helped him settle in after a €25m (£23m/$29m) off-season move from Birmingham.

"Jadon has been very helpful for me, not only is he great to play with but he always makes sure I understand what information the coaches are giving to us," Bellingham said.

Bellingham and Reyna both started in the friendly against Altach, with Reyna scoring the first goal. Erling Haaland netted a brace, with Thorgan Hazard, Emre Can and Julian Brandt also scoring.

Nigeria U15 coach Danladi Nasidi has died at the age of 68, the Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed.

According to the country’s football ruling body, Nasidi passed on Wednesday morning and has been buried according to Islamic rites.

Born on January 1, 1952, Nasidi was among the elite class of coaches in the country to bag a Caf A coaching licence.

After a brief stint as handler of the Gabonese national team in 1986, he helped his former team Stationery Stores escape relegation in 1994 before taking charge of Niger Tornadoes for several years.

On the international scene, he was Ismaila Mabo’s first assistant coach to the 1999 Fifa Women’s World Cup – where the Super Falcons reached the quarter-final in the United States.

As handler of the Future Eagles, he led the team to a silver medal finish at the 2019 African Games in Algiers.

With condolences pouring in, chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee who doubled as boss of Niger State Football Association Yusuf Ahmed said the deceased served Nigeria passionately and diligently in every role he found himself.

“It is a very sad day for Nigeria football, because Nasidi has been playing a huge role in grassroots development programmes for our football,” said Ahmed.

“He was very passionate about youth football and has moulded our U15 boys into a solid and formidable unit over the years. We will surely miss him.

“He was someone who evinced passion for youth and development every time and everywhere you met him. I am crestfallen. When I started my journey into football administration, Nasidi was one of the coaches who spurred me into investing in grassroots development. His passion was infective.

“I never regretted our relationship and my foray into grassroots development. Late Danladi Nasidi was a good man inwardly and outwardly and while we loved him, God loved him more.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation and the Nigeria football family, I pray to God to grant late Nasidi eternal rest and also grant all those he has left behind the fortitude to bear the big loss.”

Yanga SC have revealed they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) regarding the decision by Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to clear their former player Bernard Morrison to play for their bitter rivals Simba SC.

The Ghanaian was sued by the 27-time league champions for breach of contract by signing for the newly crowned Tanzania Mainland Champions while, allegedly, still contracted to them.

However, on Thursday, August 12, the Federation ruled the striker is free to play for Wekundu wa Msimbazi but will have to refund the Jangwani Street-based side $25,000 to be fully cleared and be allowed to turn out for his new side.

"Yanga management is not satisfied with the ruling made by TFF regarding Bernard Morrison," Timu ya Wananchi said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"It is for this reason, the management has decided to appeal the same in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) immediately the ruling from TFF is made available to the club.

"The management is urging all the members and supporters to be calm and continue working hand in hand with the team's leadership regarding the development of the club.

"The club will continue working with the sponsors to ensure the club grows."

After getting signed by the Msimbazi-based side, the striker urged his former team to accept and move on after he signed for their rivals on Saturday.

The Ghanaian forward, who has been at loggerheads with the Yanga management, was unveiled as a Simba player on Saturday after he signed a two-year contract with the Mainland Premier League champions.

However, immediately after Simba made the transfer official, Yanga came out with a statement in which they claimed Morrison was still their player as he still has a running contract with them until 2022, and that his case will be discussed by Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) on Monday.

"The leadership of Yanga have seen stories and rumours going round in social media which has unsettled our fans and the followers at large," read the statement from Yanga seen by Goal.

"Yanga is following keenly and closely the transfer revolving around Morrison to Simba and tough disciplinary action will be taken against those who violated the set rules."

Kaizer Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Bidvest Wits side in a PSL match which was played in Soweto, Johannesburg on Wednesday night.

Coach Ernst Middendorp surprisingly named Nkosingphile Ngcobo in the starting line-up as the 20-year-old sensation is filling the void left by George Maluleka, who recently left Amakhosi for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ngcobo started alongside Willard Katsande in midfield with the latter making his return from an injury having missed Chiefs' defeat to AmaZulu FC in March, which was the log leaders' last competitive match.

On the other hand, coach Gavin Hunt was forced to make changes with Buhle Mkhwanazi (injury) and Sifiso Hlanti (suspension) missing following the Students' defeat to Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup clash last weekend.

They were replaced by debutant Keenan Phillips and Zitha Macheke in the starting line-up, while Brighton Mhlongo, who was criticized after making goalkeeping errors against Sundowns, was replaced by Ricardo Goss in goal.

Chiefs got off to a promising start with their leading marksman Samir Nurkovic looking lively as he placed his header wide of the target from close range, before forcing Goss into a magnificent finger-tipping save with pressure mounting on the away side's defence. 

Middendorp's men were dominating aerial battles with the Clever Boys missing their towering central defender Mkhwanazi and they were conceding many set-pieces and corner-kicks.

Nurkovic got the goal he had been searching for when he headed home Lebogang Manyama's corner-kick to make it 1-0 to Chiefs in the 36th minute with the latter registering his ninth assist of the season which is the most in the league.

The 28-year-old Nurkovic continued to torment the visitors' defence and he had a chance to double the Glamour Boys' lead after Wits were exposed at the back, but he placed his low shot wide of the target and Hunt's men survived a scare.

The Clever Boys came close to levelling matters just before the half-time break when Cole Alexander's goal-bound shot was blocked on the goal-line by Kgotso Moleko and Chiefs were leading 1-0 at the interval.

A lively second half followed with Hunt having introduced Bienvenu Eva Nga and the Cameroonian centre forward tried to make an immediate impact, but he was brilliantly denied by Daniel Akpeyi in Chiefs' goal.

The hosts were not prepared to sit back and defend their slender lead as they pushed forward in numbers and Castro burst into the box and unleashed a low shot which was well-saved by former South Africa under-23 international Goss.

The Clever Boys upped the tempo after the hour mark as they looked to restore parity and Middendorp decided to introduce defensive-minded Njabulo Blom as the home side then looked to contain Hunt's men.

Wits pushed forward in numbers, but they were left vulnerable at the back and they nearly conceded when Nurkovic's curling effort hit the crossbar with Goss well-beaten in the closing stages of the encounter.

Chiefs were then caught napping at the other end and they were punished by Alexander, who scored a late equalizing goal from close range to ensure that the match ended in a 1-1 draw on the night.

The draw saw Chiefs remain at the top of the league standings - four points above second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, while Wits moved up to fifth spot on the table.

Timo Werner's departure does not mean RB Leipzig will be "outnumbered" against Atletico Madrid, with Julian Nagelsmann confident his squad still carries a sufficient goal threat.

Chelsea shelled out a reported £45million (€50m) to secure the signature of Werner, who opted to link up with his new team-mates in west London rather than remain with Leipzig for the rest of their Champions League campaign.

The Germany international scored 34 goals and supplied 12 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga side in 2019-20.

Leipzig consequently head into their quarter-final against Atletico on Thursday without their most potent attacking weapon, but Nagelsmann believes they can still do damage at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

"We don't have to play outnumbered, we will replace [Werner] with a capable player," Nagelsmann told a pre-match news conference.

"I can reveal that 11 will start the game, but I will not reveal who will play instead of him. We have quality.

"Timo would have started tomorrow, but we can replace him and we have the ability to get in front of their goal.

"We have players who didn't play when Werner was here and will now get their chance to show what they can do and score plenty."

Nagelsmann's attacking options could be further limited by Patrik Schick being on the way back from a knee injury, while Marcel Halstenberg has been dealing with a back problem.

"We'll see how they are doing. On Friday they were good; we'll see if they can start and play 90, or if they'll start on the bench," said Nagelsmann.

"If they can play 90 minutes, if they're at 100 per cent is a question for all my players, though, and we'll see that tomorrow."

Atleti have been regulars in the latter stages of the Champions League under Diego Simeone but Nagelsmann feels the fact remaining matches will be played as one-offs rather than over two legs makes up for Leipzig's inexperience in European competition.

"We'll look to play our game, we're focused on ourselves," said the Leipzig boss.

"We know that they have a lot of experience over two legs - but anything can happen in just one game as opposed to two legs. Atleti don't have experience in one-off games, just as we don't in this new Champions League format.

"They're physical, they have a really strong centre-back in the shape of [Jose] Gimenez and [Stefan] Savic next to him. We obviously want to look get down the sides and move the ball out wide and try and find gaps in their backline; we won't change our style.

"There's pressure and nerves. But we want to relax the players and not increase the pressure ahead. There's always tension. We've spoken through different scenarios - if we score, if they score.

"We're focused on the game, it'll be exciting and we want to make the first step and take the lead. We will be ready."

Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has cleared Ghanaian Bernard Morrison to play for Simba SC.

His former club Yanga SC had sued the player for breach of contract, at the same time accusing Wekundu wa Msimbazi of player tapping. After a sitting which took the better part of Wednesday, TFF has cleared the attacker of any wrongdoing.

However, the player will have to refund the Jangwani Street-based side $25,000 to be fully cleared and be allowed to turn out for the newly crowned Tanzania Mainland League champions.

The 27-year old has since expressed his delight by joining the 21-time-league champions.

"I am here with you [Simba supporters] because from today [Wednesday] ... I am officially a Simba player," the Ghanaian told the club's media team.

"I hope you guys will welcome me and love me the way you love your players because I am very happy to join your club and I am hoping to make you guys happy."

The player has been accused of indiscipline especially by his former team, Timu ya Wananchi, but he has hinted on turning a new leaf and ensuring he respects everyone at his new home.

"So can you please accept me in your homes? I am going to respect this club and every supporter, respect the management and make you guys happy," Morrison concluded.  

Former Yanga captain Papy Tshishimbi is also reportedly on his way to the 21-time champions.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) player was among the 14 players who left Yanga a week ago.

Goal now understands, Tshishimbi, who was the captain of Yanga, has now agreed on personal terms to cross over to the Mainland Premier League champions.

"Simba have completed talks with [Tshishimbi] and he will be unveiled anytime this week, to become the second player arriving from Yanga this window," the source, who did not want to be named, told Goal on Monday.

The rivalry between the Tanzanian giants hit a dizzy height over the weekend when Simba CEO Senzo Mbatha Mazingiza resigned from his post at the club and moments later was unveiled by Yanga in the same capacity.

Simba, who clinched a treble in the just-concluded 2019-20 campaign, have come out to state the exit of Mazingiza will not affect their plans for the new season, nor deny them the chance of winning three titles again.

Uganda international Fahad Bayo has delivered an emotional message to Vipers SC as he prepares to start a new life with new club FC Ashdod.

The towering Bayo, has left the Venoms after a one-year spell which saw him make 24 appearances, score 15 goals in all competitions and win the Fufa Super 8 and Uganda Premier League (UPL) medals.

The burly forward penned a four-year contract to join the Israel Premier League giants a week ago.

Bayo has now delivered a moving statement to Vipers on his social media pages to express his gratitude to the coaches and players he has worked with, and for the support of the fans, during his time at St Mary’s stadium.

“After one season at Vipers, the time has come to say goodbye,” Bayo wrote. “It’s been an incredible honour to represent one of the biggest clubs in Uganda, and to achieve things that few players ever managed to achieve.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the fans for their support during the good times and the bad. I also want to thank all the coaches I’ve worked with during my spell here; their knowledge and expertise have been invaluable.

“I’ve shared the pitch with some fantastic players in my season at Vipers, but the squad is the best I’ve ever been a part of. I’ll never forget my debut in the Fufa Super 8 final in Wankulukuku, and I’m glad I got to share it with such a terrific group of lads.”

Bayo continued: “It’s been a great ride. There have been ups, downs and everything in between, but I’ll always look back on my time at St Mary’s Kitende with fondness. I have no regrets – I’ve given my all, and I’ve always done my best to wear the shirt with pride, and to represent the club with dignity and professionalism.

“Once part of the family, always part of the family. Deep inside I’ll always be a Venom. Thanks for the memories Vipers, and good luck for the future.”

Bayo, who has also played for local club Proline FC, joined Vipers last year from Zambian outfit Buildcon FC.

He inspired Vipers to the 2019/2020 league title after scoring 12 goals in their hunt for domestic football's biggest title.

Over the last 12 months, Bayo's impressive run had earned him calls to the national team. He was part of the Cranes side that won the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup and scored a wonder goal against Malawi last year during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo has confirmed he tested positive for Covid-19 after the club stated earlier on Wednesday that they had one positive test result on their playing squad.

Todibo announced the diagnosis in a statement on Twitter, saying: "Hello everyone, I am informing you that I have tested positive for Covid-19, I am asymptomatic and I feel fine.

"I am at home following the proper health protocol. I really want to get back to training, but now it's time to stay home until the virus has passed.

"Thank you all for the support and I offer my encouragement to all the people who are also experiencing the virus."

Earlier in the day, Barcelona revealed that an unnamed member of the squad had contracted coronavirus, but said the player had not been a part of the team's squad for Friday's Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich and had no contact with any of the 22 players traveling to Portugal on Thursday.

"Following PCR tests conducted this Tuesday afternoon on the group of nine players due to begin the pre-season today, one of them has tested positive for Covid-19," a club statement read.

"The player has no symptoms, is in good health and has been quarantined at his home. The club has reported the matter to the relevant sporting and health authorities.

"All persons who have been in contact with the player have been tracked to perform the corresponding PCR tests.

"The player has not been in contact with any of the senior team players who are scheduled to travel to Lisbon this Thursday to compete in the Champions League."

Todibo was part of a nine-player group who had returned to the club to begin pre-season training, which also included Pedri, Trincao, Matheus Fernandes, Moussa Wague, Carles Alena, Rafinha, Juan Miranda and Oriol Busquets.

The 20-year-old defender played sparingly for Barca in the first half of the 2019-20 season before heading to Bundesliga outfit Schalke on a half-season loan. Todibo made 10 appearances for Schalke before his loan expired. 

Barcelona originally landed Todibo from Toulouse in January 2019. The centre-back has made five appearances for France at Under-20 level. 

SuperSport United are open to selling their first choice striker Bradley Grobler at the end of the current 2019/20 season.

This has been confirmed by the club's chief executive officer Stan Matthews with the prolific marksman having impressed with his goalscoring form this term.

Grobler hit the back of the net 15 times across all competitions before the current season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic in March. 

Matsatsantsa will once again look to the Bafana Bafana international when they resume their league campaign against Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday.

Matthews explained that the club is ready to let go of Grobler if they receive a lucrative offer and he also indicated the 32-year-old player is free to decide on his own future.

“With Grobler, it is about whether he wants to see it out (at SuperSport) or make a move,” Matthews told the South African Football Journalists Association (Safja) on Wednesday.

“Right now he probably only has one more move in him. We will have to sit down with him and see how he feels at the end of the season.

"We (SuperSport) have offered him something until the end of his football career, and potentially beyond, we have offered him a coaching spot. But at the same time, money is money."

Grobler was heavily linked with a move to Orlando Pirates at the beginning of the current season after Matsatsantsa bought Kudakwashe Mahachi and Thamsanqa Gabuza from the Soweto giants.

However, Matthews dismissed the reports and he indicated they are yet to be contacted by Pirates regarding the player's services last month.

The Tshwane giants are now willing to part ways with Grobler, who has been on their books since January 2013 having joined the club from Ajax Cape Town.

“If Bradley is offered something big I don’t think anyone at SuperSport can be saying he must be seeing out the rest of his career here, when he can earn double elsewhere in the twilight of his career," he added.

“(With) the proceeds of what we sell Bradley for, we would need to get another very good striker, which is not easy to do.”

Grobler has enjoyed some success with Matsatsantsa having helped the team clinch two MTN8 trophies, two Nedbank Cups and the Telkom Knockout Cup.

Leeds United will be back in the Premier League in 2020-21 thanks to the hard work and persistence of Marcelo Bielsa and his players.

Having gone agonisingly close to achieving promotion in 2018-19, the Argentine cracked the code in 2019-20, guiding the Yorkshire club to an automatic elevation to English football's top table.

However, despite the elation of the glory associated with that feat, Leeds fans are concerned that Bielsa has not yet signed a new deal with the club.

So, will he stay or will he go? Goal takes a look at why the contract has been delayed and whether the renewal will happen at all.

Why has Marcelo Bielsa not renewed his Leeds contract?

Bielsa is an assiduous individual and prefers to take time to carefully consider all things, from preparing for a game and scouting a player to signing a new contract.

As the conclusion of the Championship season approached at the end of July, the Argentine explained, when asked about his future, that he wanted to savour the glory of promotion to the Premier League with his players, the supporters and the people of Leeds first. Then he would turn his attention towards addressing his new contract with the club.

"The sign of our times is we want to make things happen before the process requires," the typically philosophical Bielsa told reporters ahead of the final match of the season. "Always, everybody answers, they don’t want to take the time for things to happen as they wish." 

He added: "I think the ideal is try to keep this moment as long as we can. After, naturally, this moment will go. I don't want to put another feeling on this moment that is very special.

"Maybe I am so happy in this moment I don’t want to make this moment pass quickly."

Leeds director Angus Kinnear vowed that negotiations would commence as soon as the season ended, indicating that they did not happen sooner because club officials did not want to risk distracting Bielsa from the task of managing the club to promotion. 

"We wanted Marcelo to enjoy the moment and we're also very conscious that he focusses incredibly diligently on the next match and he wanted to win tonight," Kinnear told reporters after the final game against Charlton Athletic. "He wants to honour the competition, then we'll be sitting down and having that conversation."

Will Marcelo Bielsa sign a new Leeds deal?

The good news for fretting Leeds supporters is that Bielsa is strongly expected to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Figures at the club remain very confident that the renewal will happen, despite the delay, and believe that he is the person to lead them into their first Premier League campaign in 16 years.

“We’re having very positive talks with Marcelo daily,” Leeds director Victor Orta said in an interview with The Athletic at the beginning of August.

"We’re hoping that we’re going to be working towards the Premier League season (with him) because we’re planning a really good project there."

Indeed, if the words of Orta do not reassure doubters, there are other positive signs that Bielsa will remain at Elland Road for the 2020-21 Premier League season. 

For example, he has been seen around Leeds in recent weeks, apparently working on things such as scouting reports from his usual seats at the city's coffee shops.

In one notable instance, he was pictured with a piece of paper that appeared to show the name of St Pauli midfielder Finn Ole Becker, suggesting that he is very much invested in a future at the club.

Furthermore, a number of the club's new signings, such as Joe Gelhardt, have spoken in enthusiastic terms about the prospect of working with Bielsa, so all the signs point to a prolonged stay in west Yorkshire.

That said, one can never be quite sure with Bielsa, and he has been known to stick to his guns on points of principle - such as when he walked away from the Lazio job in 2016 despite agreeing to take charge.

Juventus have confirmed the departure of Blaise Matuidi, with the France midfielder set to move to MLS and sign with David Beckham’s Inter Miami.

Goal reported on August 10 that Matuidi had reached an agreement with Juve, allowing him to leave for free despite having a contract until 2021.

Matuidi spent three seasons in Serie A after joining from Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Italian title each year and proving an important part of the Juventus squad throughout his time at the club.

In all, he made 133 appearances for Juve, also winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana – as well as lifting the World Cup with France in 2018.

During his time at the club, Paulo Dybala was the only player to make more appearances for Juventus.

That underlines his status at the club, and perhaps gives an indication of the level Miami will be expecting from him.

While Matuidi turned 33 in April, he made 45 appearances for Juve in 2019-20 and the MLS side will be hoping to have signed a midfielder still near the top of his game.

Head coach Diego Alonso will no doubt be eager to integrate him into his squad as soon as possible, with Miami having lost all six of their games so far.

They have suffered five defeats in the regular MLS season and the MLS is Back tournament, all by a single goal.

Juventus wished Matuidi a fond farewell in their official statement, which read: “It was, above all, his substance in the midfield that made the difference, and which made him a player much loved by the Juventus fans: for his determination, for his grit and for his ability to never give up.

“And it is because of all these characteristics, and for the great commitment he has always put in place with us, that we thank him.

“Blaise is someone who will always be in our hearts and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Previous to his time at Juventus, Matuidi had spent his entire career in France with PSG, Saint-Etienne and Troyes.

Express FC have confirmed their second signing after unveiling goalkeeper Denis Otim.

The 20-year-old has arrived from Mbarara City to join the Red Eagles after agreeing to pen a four-year deal ahead of the new Ugandan Premier League (UPL) season set to kick off on October 17.

A statement in the club’s official website confirmed: “Express have on Wednesday August 12 confirmed the capture of Uganda Hippos goalkeeper Denis Otim.

“The 20-year-old, formerly at Mbarara City joins the Red Eagles on a four-year deal and can’t wait to get started.”

Speaking after being unveiled, Otim said: “I have joined the Red Eagles because it’s a big club in the country and I expect to use it as a spring board to further my career.”

Otim, who was also being trailed by UPL champions Vipers SC and Nyamityobora FC becomes the second custodian to join Wasswa Bossa’s charges after Cryspus Kusiima who joined on Monday August 10, 2020.

The young keeper was in the Uganda Hippos U20 squad that reached the quarter-finals of the Cecafa tournament held in Uganda and his arrival now means he will have to fight for a starting role alongside first choice Matthias Muwanga and Kusiima.

The goalkeeping department could be very competitive for Express, with Kusiima, who arrived from Tooro United a two-year contract, already promising to keep 18 clean sheets if he gets the chance to play in the league.

The 24-year-old confirmed on Tuesday why he had signed for the Red Eagles stating it is because they are a big brand in the top-flight and revealed his target is to keep as many clean sheets as possible next season.

“I joined Express FC because it’s a big brand and club, the target is to create as many clean sheets in my case am looking at 18 because I know if I achieve that, we shall be in the top three a position I want us to finish in as well,” Kusiima told reporters.

On how he will cope fighting for a place with the keepers already at the club, Kusiima said: “I know I’ve joined a team with competitive players but the good thing is its healthy competition and I also believe if we work as a unit, we shall all win as a team.”

Juventus have announced that centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has undergone shoulder surgery and will be sidelined for three months. 

With the new Serie A season set to begin on September 19, the Dutch international could be sidelined for the first two months of the domestic campaign. 

"This morning, Matthijs de Ligt underwent stabilisation surgery on his right shoulder, at the UPMC Salvator Mundi clinic in Rome," a statement from Juventus read on Wednesday.

"The operation, performed by Dr. Volker Mushal, assisted by doctors, Bryson Lesniak and Fabrizio Margheritini and in the presence of Juventus’ Head of Medical Department, Luca Stefanini, was a complete success.

"The estimated recovery time is approximately three months."

The 21-year-old defender made 39 total appearances in his first season with Juventus, all but three of which were starts.

There were major expectations on De Ligt's shoulders after he rejected interest from all over Europe to join Juventus for €75 million (£68m/$85m) from Ajax in July 2019.

De Ligt came in for major criticism at times during his debut season in Turin, but his performances stabilised as the season went on and he admitted he felt much more comfortable near the end of the campaign. 

"I feel much better physically now and mentally I am in a much, much better place," he told Sky Sport Italia last month.

De Ligt admitted he heard the criticism early in his Juve career but said that scoring the winner against city rivals Torino early in the season helped to make him feel more at home in Turin.

"It wasn't an easy time for me, I received a lot of criticism and I was under pressure. That goal raised my spirits and made me and my team-mates happy. Thanks to that goal, I became the footballer I am today."

De Ligt went on to help Juventus clinch their ninth consecutive Serie A crown, but their European season ended in disappointment last week when they were eliminated from the Champions League at the last-16 stage at the hands of Lyon.

That defeat saw head coach Maurizio Sarri sacked and replaced by former Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

Safa has appointed Frans Mogashoa as the new acting Technical Director.

Mogashoa replaces Neil Tovey who exited the role in June and has since moved back to his hometown Durban.

Described as “highly qualified” by Safa, the new acting Technical Director’s highest level of club coaching was a three-year stint with Winners Park FC in the then National First Division between 2002 and 2005.

He, however, comes in with vast experience in coaching education, including being a Caf A Licence external assessor outside South Africa as well as being a local coaching instructor.

“Mr Mogashoa comes into this position with lots of experience and is not new in this environment. He has worked closely with Mr Tovey and his profile on the continent is well documented,” Safa acting chief executive officer, Tebogo Motlanthe said.

“We need to develop a huge number of coaches in the country to help in the development of the sport at grassroots level and Mogashoa has already been doing that. He has the passion and zeal required for this demanding job.”

According to Safa,some of the high profile Premier Soccer League (PSL) coaches who have come through Mogashoa’s hands include Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama, Kaizer Chiefs legends Arthur Zwane, Doctor Khumalo and Ace Khuse.

Lesotho coach Thabo Senong, South Africa Under-23 coach David Notoane, Rhulani Mokoena and SuperSport United’s Kaitano Tembo have also been taught by Mogashoa.

He becomes another key office-bearer working on an acting capacity at Safa after Motlanthe.

Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams has taken to social media to announce that he has contracted coronavirus.

The 26-year-old, who is eligible for play for either Spain by birth or Ghana via his parents, confirmed the result after taking a test ahead of the club’s preparations for pre-season.

He admitted he has no symptoms and will undergo the necessary self-isolation measures in a bid to control the spread of the virus.

“Today they confirmed that I have tested positive in the PCR test. I am asymptomatic and I feel fine. It is time to be at home in isolation until I overcome the virus. I really want to join the pre-season,” Williams posted on his Twitter account.

Williams played the entire 38 games during the concluded 2019-20 season, scoring six goals and providing two assists. All his strikes came before the league was suspended in March due to the spread of Covid-19 of which Spain was one of the most affected countries in the world at that time.

Spain has the 11th most infections in the world with 326,000 confirmed cases, 28,500 deaths and 150,000 recoveries.

The rate of infections in the Iberian country had slowed down at some point, but a recent resurgence in some places like Catalonia has put the region under partial lockdown.

During the forced lockdown in March, Williams had narrated how he was keeping in touch with family, especially his Ghanaian mother, and keeping in shape with his teammates.

"At home, I am with my girlfriend, I train, I watch series like La Casa de Papel," he told Cadena SER.

"I honestly expected worse. My mother instead gets bored and makes me a video call, we talk a lot.

"It's sad to see the city of Bilbao like this, all empty. Athletic has provided us with the tools to keep us in shape, but I can't wait to get back in."

Bilbao are the third club in Spain to have a team member test positive for coronavirus in as many days after Atletico Madrid confirmed two cases ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with RB Leipzig at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon on Thursday. Barcelona announced one positive case.

Athletic finished the La Liga season in 11th place with 51 points, five points short of Europa League qualification.

Williams has played 196 times for the Basque club since his debut in 2014, scoring a total of 40 goals and providing 26 assists.