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David Silva “loves Serie A” and could play on “until he’s 40”, says the Manchester City midfielder’s father, with the World Cup winner being heavily linked with a move to Lazio.

At 34 years of age, the Spanish playmaker is preparing to take on a new challenge.

Silva has spent the last 10 years in English football, cementing a standing as a Premier League legend in the process.

He is committed to seeing out City’s Champions League campaign in 2020, but will then drop into the free agent pool.

Various landing spots have been mooted for the Spain international, from La Liga to MLS.

Italy could, however, be Silva’s next destination, with Lazio having made it clear that they would welcome the opportunity to add another proven performer to their ranks.

Everything may be falling into place for the Roma-based outfit, with a top target ready to listen to offers.

Fernando Silva can see his son heading to Stadio Olimpico, while there is no indication that he will be hanging up his boots any time soon.

“David had been telling me for some time that he wanted to leave Manchester City at the end of a decade-long era,” Silva senior told El Transistor.

“I would like him to remain in Europe. I can confirm that he loves Serie A and would really enjoy playing in Italy. He told me he could play there until he’s 40.

“At the moment, there are many offers and he has to decide, but I’d love it if he signed for Lazio, because even if Rome is quite far away, it’d be a huge opportunity for him.

“I know it’s unlikely he’ll come back to Spain, as he always tells me to rule out the idea of a return to Valencia.”

Silva emerged out of Valencia’s academy system to become a senior star and took in 168 appearances for Los Che before City snapped him up in 2010.

He was a World Cup and European Championship winner by that stage, with four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups added to his trophy collection during a memorable spell in Manchester.

Former Orlando Pirates defender Siyabonga Sangweni has shared a piece of advice to midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu, saying he must not focus too much on the number on his back.

The former Stellenbosch player has been handed jersey No.21 jersey at the Buccaneers and ‘Nsimbi’ says the 24-year-old must never forget that he will compete against quality players under coach Josef Zinnbauer.

Sangweni used to wear the same jersey number during his stay with the Soweto giants where he earned his legendary status.

“The number that is written on the shirt is just a number. It means nothing,” Sangweni told Isolezwe.

“I trust that Zungu will know that what’s important is to do well and excel because he will be competing against top-quality players.

“He should also know that Pirates have players that are at the top level because Pirates are a big club,” said Sangweni. 

The No.21 jersey was also worn by Sangweni's younger brother Thamsanqa, who failed to live up to the expectations during his time with the Buccaneers. 

Zungu made his name in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with the top-flight newcomers Stellenbosch and managed to catch the eye of the former African champions with his stellar displays under coach Steve Barker.

He is yet to feature for the Sea Robbers since his arrival due to injuries but prior to that, he amassed 17 appearances for the Cape Winelands-based club as well as providing a single assist before moving to Pirates in January.

Former AmaZulu boss, Barker, however, previously said the hard-tackling player was not mentally ready to earn a big move to the 2018/19 PSL runners-up.

It is unclear if Zungu will feature in the remaining matches of the season as league football returns next week.  

The Soweto giants will visit Mamelodi Sundowns at Dobsonville Stadium in a match which is expected to give an indication as to where the league trophy will go. 

Sundowns are second on the PSL standings, four points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs but Pitso Mosimane's men have a game in hand. 

Pirates, on the other hand, are in fourth position and eight points off the pace with seven more games still to play for them. 

Quique Setien says the thought that Saturday's Champions League last-16 clash with Napoli could be his last as Barcelona head coach has not crossed his mind.

Setien only replaced Ernesto Valverde in January but has had to contend with questions about his future early in his reign.

The 61-year-old, who signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, insisted before Real Madrid were crowned LaLiga champions last month he "does not spend a minute" thinking about whether he could lose his job.

Barca and Napoli will do battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League at Camp Nou in a tie locked at 1-1 after the first leg in February.

Setien says he has not even pondered whether he could be sacked if the Catalan giants crash out.

"It has not crossed my mind at any time that tomorrow is my last game. We have prepared for the game thinking that we are going to continue," he told the media on Friday.

Ousmane Dembele (hamstring) is not ready to return to face the Serie A side, but Antoine Griezmann (thigh) was named in the squad.

Setien feels Barca have benefited from a break following the conclusion of the domestic season.

He added: "When we finished the league, it was with a positive mindset. Both the players and myself needed a break because after so many consecutive matches it really took its toll on us.

"But I think now we have had sufficient time to prepare for this match; to recuperate physically, take a few days off and come back with a renewed energy that has allowed us to have some very good training sessions and prepare in the best way possible."

Setien says the Blaugrana are prepared to adapt if their game plan is not working in the decisive encounter.

He said: "We have thought about everything and assessed for a long time which was the best option to play this game. We have taken a variant that does not mean that we cannot change it at some point in the game.

"They are a team that can hurt us with the ball, combines well, has greatly improved in possession, is very disciplined defending. It will be a game with alternatives."

Cesc Fabregas has paid tribute to the “football brain” of Francis Cagigao after seeing Arsenal take the surprise decision to part with their head of recruitment.

After more than two decades in north London, a top talent spotter is being allowed to leave north London.

Those at Emirates Stadium are looking to freshen things up behind the scenes, with technical director Edu leading that process.

It has been revealed that 55 members of staff have been made redundant by Arsenal, although those leaving the club’s scouting department do not form part of that.

The Gunners are merely looking to move in a different direction, with Mikel Arteta overseeing what the Premier League giants hope will be an exciting new era.

There will be casualties along the way, with Cagigao among those to have been informed that their services are no longer required.

That call has shocked many, with a man who has spent 24 years unearthing hidden gems now being forced to open a new chapter in his career.

Fabregas, who is among those that Cagigao took to north London, has paid tribute to a man who oversaw a lot of positive work behind the scenes at Highbury and Emirates Stadium.

The Spaniard, who swapped life in Barcelona’s academy system for that at Arsenal in 2003 and went on to become club captain over the course of an eight-year spell, posted on social media: “Thank you for the 24+ years of devotion, respect, loyalty and love you gave to Arsenal.

“Nothing would have been the same for if you didn’t spot me at 15 years old.

“I wish you all the very best for the future. Your next team will be very lucky to have your football brain.”

Current Arsenal stars Hector Bellerin and Gabriel Martinelli are among Cagigao’s other notable success stories.

His contact book was considered to be the envy of many in world football, with his importance recognised by many at Arsenal.

The Gunners have, however, moved towards a more agent-led approach to transfers in recent times – with deals for David Luiz and Cedric Soares considered to be an example of that, while the Gunners are also looking to snap up experienced Brazil international Willian as a free agent.

Ki-Jana Hoever sees his long-term future at Liverpool but is leaving the door open for a loan move to be made in 2020-21.

The highly-rated teenage defender took in another three senior appearances during the 2019-20 campaign.

He is held in high regard at Anfield, but faces fierce competition for places at the Premier League champions.

Hoever has no issue with that for now, telling Bleacher Report: “I'm happy at Liverpool. I can't say there's any other club I'd rather play at.

“Before joining Liverpool I just liked to watch the Premier League for the competition, but my love is for Liverpool now.”

Part of the problem for Hoever is that he finds himself behind Trent Alexander-Arnold and Neco Williams in the pecking order, with both of those academy graduates having many years left in them.

“I see myself as a right-back at the moment. I'm a right-back that can play centre-back,” he said.

“I'm not physically ready to player centre-back for a whole season. Maybe when I'm 25 I might be ready, but as a right-back I like the attacking aspect.

“I have a vision in my game like Trent, where I can put people away. I think I can be somebody who sets up and assists other players.”

It may be that skill set has to be honed away from Merseyside, with Hoever admitting that a loan stint could aid his development.

He added: “It's important that I play games on the highest level possible.

“It's hard to balance a few games at the highest level or a lot of games at a lower level. I have to figure out what's best for me and the right answer will present itself.

“I'd like to play at the highest level possible and as many games as possible.

“I know I'm ready to play men's football. No more youth anymore. I'd like to do the big work now. If I go on loan, 30 games. If I stay at Liverpool, maybe more like 10 games.”

Hoever was acquired by Liverpool in 2018 having previously spent four years within the famed academy system at Eredivisie giants Ajax.

Sergio Busquets hopes Barcelona and Arthur come to a speedy resolution on the Brazil international's situation at Camp Nou.

Arthur has agreed to join Juventus at the end of the season in a deal worth up to €82 million (£74m/$97m), with Miralem Pjanic heading the other way for a fee that could reach €65m (£59m/$77m).

The former Gremio midfielder has not featured for Barca since his transfer was announced in June and did not return to training following the conclusion of La Liga.

Arthur has been left out of the Barcelona squad to face Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Saturday and is reported to be hoping to negotiate the termination of his contract.

"It was a surprise to everyone that Arthur did not return," said Busquets, who will be unavailable to face Napoli due to a suspension triggered by a booking in the 1-1 draw in the first leg.

"Arthur's situation has been difficult, but the only ones who know the situation are the player and the club.

"We know some of the news from what comes out, that he left and will now return, but we are on the sidelines and we hope they reach an agreement that will be the best for all.

"We will only focus on the game against Napoli."

Head coach Quique Setien said of Arthur: "I spoke with him before he left, the reality is that from then on I have not spoken to him again, what I have learned has been through the club. I would have liked it to be different, but I can't say anything else."

Barca held a two-point advantage at the top of La Liga when the season was paused amid the coronavirus pandemic but ended up finishing five adrift of champions Real Madrid.

Captain Lionel Messi made it clear they needed to improve to have a chance of getting past Gennaro Gattuso's Napoli and held talks with Setien to clear the air ahead of the resumption of their European campaign.

Busquets said: "Everything that is discussed in the dressing room to improve is welcome. These weeks have been very good for us to train, to better plan the game tactically.

"We really want to be able to continue in this competition and be in the final eight, but first we have Napoli, who have a great coach and he's not going to make it easy for us."

It remains unclear whether Setien will still be at the helm for the start of the 2020-21 season, but Busquets believes it will be a positive sign for everyone at the club if he is retained.

"It's a decision for the club whether Setien continues or not," he said.

"If Setien continues it will be a good sign for everyone, but that should not worry us now."

Manchester United Under-23s have been promoted back to the top tier of Premier League 2 after a decision was made at a meeting on Thursday.

The 2019-20 season was abandoned at the start of May after the coronavirus pandemic had originally forced the suspension of the league back in March.

Neil Wood’s side were sitting second in the table behind West Ham at the time, with only five games left to play. Ordinarily, league rules dictate the champions are promoted and that there is a play-off between teams in second to fifth to decide the second promotion place.

With the campaign coming to a premature end, however, there had to be a decision made on how the final standings would be calibrated, with the sides in all academy leagues voting to conclude the season via points per game.

This means United finished second and have been promoted back to tier one having spent the last two seasons in the second tier after they were relegated while Ricky Sbragia was in charge.

Wood has set about changing the playing style of the team since then and while the focus was primarily centred around getting talent into the first team, they will be happy to be back in the top division.

Indeed, Teden Mengi became the latest academy graduate to make his debut for the club in the 2019-20 campaign as he came on as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win over LASK on Wednesday.

The U-23s returned to training a couple of weeks ago to begin their preparations for the new campaign and it will now be a bigger test for the youngsters stepping up to the top division.

Wood spoke to Goal during lockdown about what he deemed to be a successful season before they knew their promotion fate.

He said: "The objective from the start wasn’t solely to get promoted, it was to get players as close as they can to the first team and get a team playing as close to Manchester United style as possible.

"As the season went on we were doing well and really pushing West Ham, and once we got to February we started to think we should go for this promotion. The lads were confident of catching West Ham and that they could get the automatic spot.

"I was confident they could do that as well. Obviously it was disappointing for the season to finish like it did. Hopefully they decide we can be promoted and get back to playing the likes of City, Spurs, Chelsea."

Following the verdict, Chelsea have now been crowned champions of the Premier League 2 top division, with the Blues gaining 38 points from their 18 games played in the 2019-20 campaign.

On-loan Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi has revealed he would not trade regular football for any top European club.

The 22-year-old forward joined the Reds in the summer of 2015 from Nigeria's Imperial Academy but has not played a single game for the Premier League side.

The Nigerian striker has spent his time with the Anfield outfit on loan due to his inability to secure a work permit in England.

The forward spent his sixth loan spell at German Bundesliga side Mainz in the 2019-20 season, having also featured temporary for FSV Frankfurt, NEC, Royal Excel Mouscron and Gent.  

Awoniyi, who praised Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp, hopes to get a chance in the side in the future but explains that playing regularly is the most paramount to him.

"Liverpool is a great and family club. I feel very proud to say I am part of that family. From the outside looking in, you can see a lot has changed within the club and it has influenced how people see Liverpool,” Awoniyi told BBC Sport.

"The manager [Klopp] is admired and respected by a lot of people. You can see the impact he has made at the club. The league title reflects his ethics, the work the whole team from the staff to the players have put together and it is very well deserved.

"Growing up I followed the league on television. There's just a different ethos at the club that experts now see Liverpool as one of the favourites for the title every season.

"It would definitely be great to be a part of the success but honestly, I would rather be where I am playing more and in a team that I can earn the medal of my own that I honestly worked for.

"It sounds a bit odd but that is the truth. To be compensated for not making any contribution is not fair."

Awoniyi suffered a concussion after receiving a blow do the head during Mainz’s 1-0 defeat to Augsburg in June and spent a night at the hospital.

The Nigeria U23 striker appreciated God who speared his life and also thanked referee Marco Fritz for stepping in, in the situation.

"I can never underestimate the impact of faith on my life and career. God used the referee [Marco Fritz] on the pitch before they took me to the hospital," he continued.

"I fell awkwardly and that image scared a lot of people including my family and friends, but the quick intervention of the referee and medics from both clubs was swift.

"Most significantly, I recovered remarkably quickly and it was a moment of deep reflection about God when I left the hospital.

"Faith means everything to me; I put it above football and faith provides one possible explanation as to why we are all here and alive."

Awoniyi has returned to Liverpool after his loan deal with Mainz ended but could again be sent on another loan as he is yet to secure a work permit.

The agent of Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has sought to distance his client from reports suggesting that a reunion with Maurizio Sarri could be on the cards at Juventus.

The Brazil-born Italy international is once again sparking transfer talk with another window open.

Frank Lampard is in the process of freshening up his ranks at Stamford Bridge.

It has been suggested that midfield departures could form part of that process, with the Blues eager to explore other options and free up funds.

Jorginho has spent two years in England, having followed Sarri to west London from Napoli in 2018.

His creativity has been embraced at times, but he also fell out of favour as Chelsea secured a top-four finish in 2019-20.

That has helped to keep the rumour mill ticking over, with Sarri said to be keen on adding a familiar face to his Serie A title-winning squad in Turin.

Joao Santos admits that his client will always welcome the opportunity to work with a coach he knows well, but is also eager to point out that a long-term contract is in place at Chelsea.

Jorginho’s representative told Radio Kiss Kiss of the Juve links: “Sarri has never called Jorginho personally to talk about Juventus.

“I know there’s talk in the papers, but we have never had direct contact with Sarri or even director of sport Fabio Paratici.

“When the directors Paratici and Marina Granovskaia find an agreement, if they find an agreement, then and only then can I talk about the situation.

“Everyone knows there is a very strong rapport between Sarri and Jorginho after five years working together, I’d be a hypocrite to deny that, but I also want to remind you that Jorginho has three years left on his Chelsea contract.”

Santos is ruling nothing out when it comes to possible discussions between Juventus and Chelsea.

There has, however, also been talk of the Blues looking to move N’Golo Kante out of their ranks, with the Premier League heavyweights leaving themselves open to offers.

If the World Cup winner were to move on, then Lampard may decide to keep Jorginho and ensure that he boasts the required depth in his squad for challenges to be mounted on multiple fronts in 2020-21.

Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Paul Lambert believes Bayern Munich are capable of going all the way in the Champions League this season and that they were a "class above" Chelsea in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski both struck to help Bayern to a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge, ensuring the Blues now face a monumental task to reach the quarter-finals.

Frank Lampard's side face the Bavarians on Saturday and will need a minor miracle to overturn the three-goal deficit, especially given the injury crisis that has hit the squad, with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pedro and Willian all set to miss out.

Added to the Blues' woes are the suspensions of both Jorginho and Marcos Alonso, while Billy Gilmour, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N'Golo Kante are also doubtful, leading to many young players being added to the squad for the clash at Allianz Arena.

And Lambert has been impressed with what he's seen from Bayern, believing that they have what it takes to win the Champions League this season and that it will take a "really good side" to knock out the German champions.

"That was a proper performance at Stamford Bridge," Lambert told Goal. "I thought they were excellent. Bayern looked a class above Chelsea in every department. That’s not being disrespectful to Chelsea. I just thought the better side on the night were Bayern Munich.

"Alphonso Davies has been unbelievable at left-back. He is top class at covering the ground with great energy. He has a wonderful left foot when he gets in those dangerous positions as well.

"I think Bayern have a real chance of winning it. Leipzig are a really good side as well but maybe lacking experience. Leipzig were excellent against Tottenham. We will see how it goes. Bayern will be there or thereabouts.

"You have to be a really good side to knock Bayern out. I think there’s a genuine chance of them doing it this year."

The winner of the Bayern vs Chelsea tie will face Napoli or Barcelona in the quarter-finals before meeting one of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Lyon or Juventus in the semis.

Rennes have registered an interest in signing Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori on a season-long loan deal but the Blues remain cautious about accepting an offer.

Several sources have confirmed the discussions as the French club prepare for a Champions League campaign next season by making an approach for the 22-year-old.

Tomori had initially suffered from injury upon the Premier League restarting in June after the coronavirus-enforced shutdown but he has been available in the last few weeks without being used by manager Frank Lampard.

The situation has led to concern but he has yet to discuss Lampard's long-term plans for him and whether Chelsea believe a season away from the club can help his long-term prospects in west London.

The Blues have signed up a host of academy players to new contracts this season, including Tomori, who agreed on a new five-year deal in December after his breakthrough season under Lampard.

However, Chelsea are open to changes in defence having conceded 54 goals in the league this season, which is the worst figure since Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003.

Alongside Tomori's interest from Rennes, Kurt Zouma's entourage has reportedly had contact with Paris Saint-Germain over a possible summer move.

Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both have less than two years on their current contracts with renewal talks having not been opened by the Stamford Bridge club.

All four defenders would happily remain at Chelsea but Lampard opened the door to changes after the 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup final last Saturday.

“Yeah, it’s true," Lampard said. "The numbers don’t lie. We are trying to play a certain way. I know that teams at the top of the game, Liverpool and Manchester City, have been through similar. I’m not saying we are going to get to that level, but there were similar periods in the early stages of their managers being at the club a few years ago.

"We are conceding too much; it is a work in progress for me. I can’t shelve it in another direction. We have to work defensively as a group. But some of the individual errors we are making, clear individual errors, some today clearly cost us goals, can’t be there if we want to keep moving forward.

"We have to work as a group to make that better. That is clear; we are not hiding from that. We have come fourth, we’ve had a good season. There are areas to improve and defensively we have to improve.”

The Blues are first prioritising both Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz and Leicester City's Ben Chilwell before they make changes to their central defensive positions.

They are also considering goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's future but their record £71 million ($93m) signing is proving expensive even to loan for interested parties such as Valencia and Sevilla.

Alternatives include Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak, although Diego Simeone would want the full €120m release clause (£110m/$137.5m) paid. There's also interest in Ajax's Andre Onana who is available for a significantly lower fee and who would welcome a move to London in the upcoming transfer window.

Chelsea next face Bayern Munich in the Champions League at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, having lost the first leg at home 3-0. They face a selection crisis with up to 10 players out and have called upon a host of youngsters including Ian Maatsen, Lewis Bate and Dynel Simeu.

Frenkie de Jong concedes he could have done “much better” in his first season at Barcelona, but is still happy to have fulfilled a dream by making a move to Camp Nou.

The Netherlands international agreed a switch to Catalunya prior to the 2018-19 campaign coming to a close.

Having starred at Ajax, big things were expected of the talented playmaker in Spanish football.

De Jong has struggled to produce his best on a consistent basis at Barca, with the 23-year-old not always being used in his favoured role, but there is still the promise of more to come.

He admits as much, telling Sport: “I am really happy to have fulfilled my dream (of playing for Barca), it was always my dream.

“I am happy with my life here, with the staff… I am really enjoying it.

“If I speak about my performances, I could have done much better this year. I don't think I've played many bad games, but I haven't been able to have a run of really good games, either. I think I've been OK, but not good enough.”

Barca boast a number of talented midfielders on their books, with Riqui Puig another highly-rated youngster who is looking to make a positive impression at senior level.

He could be about to grace a prominent Champions League stage, with Quique Setien being forced to shuffle his pack for the second leg of a last-16 showdown with Napoli.

De Jong has no fears when it comes to the 20-year-old’s ability, saying: “For me, he's more than ready to be a starter for Barca, but it doesn't depend on me.

“We have a lot of good player that can start games, so it's a question for the coach. For me, he has tremendous talent.”

While Puig is part of the future for Barca, Brazil international Arthur is about to become part of their past.

He has agreed a move to Serie A giants Juventus and initially delayed returning to Catalunya on the back of being awarded an end of season break.

“It's sad,” De Jong said of an unfortunate saga which has only recently seen Arthur end his self-imposed exile.

“The situation is difficult for everyone, for the club, for Arthur, for the players. I don't know the details or why it reached this point, though, so it's difficult to give my opinion.”

PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has confirmed the dates for the upcoming two transfer windows as well as the proposed start date for the new season. 

In a press conference held at the PSL offices on Friday, Khoza said the league has agreed that the transfer window be officially open on September 2 and close on October 17. 

The mid-season transfer will open for a month between February 1 to March 1, 2021. 

According to Khoza, the 2020-21 PSL season is scheduled to get underway on October 9.  

"The registration window for the PSL, as agreed by the executive committee, it will be 2nd of September to the 17th of October; that is the first window," Khoza said. 

"The second window will be the 1st of February 2021 to the 1st of March 2021," added Khoza. 

"The start of the season is presumed to be the 9th of October; the commencement of the new PSL season," he said. 

The confirmation for the dates will come as a huge relief to the majority of teams as it will give them enough time to prepare of the upcoming season. 

A few clubs, including Mamelodi Sundowns, have already bolstered their squads for the 2020-21 season and their signings can only be registered when the current campaign is done and dusted. 

These players include George Maluleka and Lesedi Kapinga while the likes of Ricardo Goss, Gift Motupa and Haashim Domingo are expected to join from Bidvest Wits. 

Kaizer Chiefs are certainly the big winners as this means they may be able to sign new players for the new season provided they win their appeal against the two-window transfer ban imposed by Fifa in February.

Amakhosi were given the September 9 date to plead their case and concerns were that the date could come after the closing of the domestic transfer window. 

While the Soweto giants have yet to make their transfer plans public, reports suggest they are already keeping a close eye on several players including Sfiso Hlanti and Thabang Monare from Bidvest Wits. 

The management had already written to Fifa's appeal committee to at least allow them to sign players while waiting to appear before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).  

However, they are likely to abandon their request now that the PSL has released the new dates. 

Ghanaian duo Lee Addy and Mohammed Muntari Tagoe have expressed interest in joining a team in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) following their coronavirus-induced evacuation.

The two men are among a contingent of footballers who arrived back home from Ethiopia last month and promptly went through 14-day mandatory quarantine following a distress call to the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for help.

Addy, who represented Ghana at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Angola and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, played for Berekum Chelsea during his days on the domestic scene.

“I am still playing and any team that comes to me that we should go into an agreement and it is good, then I think I will embrace it and play for them. If it is a local club or team from outside Ghana," Addy told TV3.

“Football is like a military or pastoral job, anywhere God directs you to go, you have to go. So anyone who comes to me that I need you to come and help my club, I will be very glad to go and exhibit the great talent God has given to me.

“This is my country and when you are playing in your country, it is a little bit easier because of the language and the culture but when you are playing outside it is very difficult.

"I have played all over the world and I know how it is, especially Eastern Europe like Serbia, Croatia, etc, but if you are playing in your motherland and the contract is okay, then you play to your very best and you excel.”

Tagoe left for Ethiopia last year following his exit from Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko. He made his breakthrough on the local scene with Medeama, with whom he won two FA Cup titles.

“It is an agreement between two parties; they come to me and I go to them, we sit down and negotiate," the Jimma Aba Jifar goalkeeper Tagoe said.

"Any Ghanaian player should not belittle himself because this is the work we do and you have to go all out for it and deliver for the club.

“Medeama is my home but it is going to depend on what is in the contract. If I am comfortable with it, I will deliver.”

The Ghana football season is currently in recess owing to the Covid-19 situation. The season is expected to return in October. 

Jamshedpur FC have announced Owen Coyle as their new head coach on a two-year deal for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

As reported earlier , Chennaiyin FC were only willing to offer a one-year extension to retain the services of the Scottish tactician but it is understood that Coyle was looking for a longer tenure on his contract.

The 54-year-old holds the distinction of propelling Chennaiyin FC to the runners up spot last season after a tumultuous start to the campaign. 

Coyle's win percentage with Chennaiyin (53.3) was the second-best of his coaching career after his co-managerial stint with Scottish side Falkirk (63.2) whom he led to the Scottish Football League First Division title in his debut season as a coach in 2003. He also won the 2009 Football League Championship play-offs with Burnley. He was also named the Premier League Manager of the Month on two occasions (November 2010, March 2012) during his time with Bolton Wanderers.

Coyle is set to be Jamshedpur FC's fourth manager in the three years of its existence in the ISL. The club finished fifth under Steve Coppell and Cesar Ferrando in their first two seasons that was followed by a disappointing eighth place to show for under Antonio Iriondo despite a good start. 

The Men of Steel  will hope that Coyle can finally ensure that they reach the playoffs for the first time ever. 

Jamal Lewis has “got all the attributes” to form part of a Premier League title-winning squad at Liverpool, says Ian Baraclough, with the Northern Ireland boss urging one of his charges to snap up the opportunity to head for Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp is in the market for another left-back during the summer transfer window.

Andy Robertson is the undisputed first choice to fill that role for the Reds, but there is little depth beyond him in that position on Merseyside.

Liverpool’s search for a suitable back-up is said to have led them towards Lewis, who took in 32 appearances for Norwich across the 2019-20 campaign and previously helped them to promotion out of the Championship.

The Carrow Road academy graduate is just 22 years of age, with plenty of potential to unlock in his game, but he already has 100 competitive outings at club level to his name and 12 international caps.

Baraclough believes the youngster could be a shrewd addition for Liverpool and would be in favour of a move being made even if it meant Lewis seeing less football that he has become accustomed to.

The Northern Ireland boss told The Irish News: “I've spoken to two or three people about the proposed move. There have been differing opinions.

“As a player, I'd be saying ‘Where's the contract, I want to sign it'.

“Why wouldn't you want to go to the European champions, the Premier League champions and the World Club champions?

“Some people might say you won't get as much game time, but if you're training day in, day out, with Jurgen Klopp and the calibre of players he'd be working with, you're going to improve as a player and it would take him to the next level.

“It would be up to him to knuckle down, if that move happens, and make sure he's at the forefront of the manager's thoughts.

“The amount of games they play, and the way they rotate players now, he'd certainly get game time and I certainly think it would bring him on as a player.”

Baraclough added: “He's got all the attributes, he's a level-headed kid and he's one that wants to improve.

“You'll find him in the gym before training and after training and he's probably one of those kids, having worked with him for a little bit of time, you have to keep the reins on a bit so he doesn't do too much.

“He wants to question you about how he can improve and I love players like that.

“I love players who invest time in themselves and don't just settle for what they've got.”

Express FC defender Arthur Kiggundu is keen on helping the team perform better by tightening the backline in the upcoming season.

The Wankulukuku-based side finished the abandoned 2019/20 Ugandan Premier League season in the ninth position. The defensive record was not good at all as the team shipped in 37 goals in the 25 matches played.

"Honestly, I can’t be proud of last season’s performance, we learned from our mistakes and we shall do better," Kiggundu said as quoted by the club's official website.

"The backline has to complement each other to get the desired target of not leaking in goals and am certain my partners have prepared well ahead of the new season."

The 29-year-old played in the left-back position but was occasionally played at the heart of the defence.

With an improvement in the defence in mind, Express FC have swooped for the services of defender Murushid Juuko ahead of the new season.

According to  New Vision, Juuko, a full Uganda international, has signed for the Red Eagles on a one-year deal but will be allowed to leave the club if he gets an offer from a foreign club.

His decision to sign for Express has left Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC and last season's winners KCCA FC in shock as they were both eyeing the services of the player.

The transfer of the 26-year-old player was made possible by the club’s CEO Isaac Mwesigwa and will see them get 20% of the transfer fee if he manages to get a move abroad.

Juuko has previously played for Vipers and Simba SC of Tanzania and becomes the fifth signing for Express after Godfrey Lwesibawa, Mahad Yaya Kakooza, Charles Busingye, and John Byamukama.

The arrival of the player will be a great boost to coach Wasswa Bossa, who is expecting a competitive 2020/21 UPL season.

Many teams are buffing up their squads in preparations for the new campaign which will begin in October. The tactician stated he is already aware of what to expect from opposing teams.

"We all know clubs are re-organizing themselves and that they will be competitive next season," Bossa said in an earlier interview.

"But actually if anything, we have already done our homework on all the teams. So I would say we are braced up for any team that will come our way."

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni has sent a strong indication that sporting activities could resume in the country soon.

The long-serving head of state has left Ugandan sportsmen and women in joy after he tweeted that he was considering lifting the ban of sporting activities so that sports can be played without fans.

"On the Covid-19 pandemic, I welcome the positive suggestions like the idea of sports without audiences that have been tried in other countries of Europe,” Museveni tweeted.

“There are also ideas of isolating the tourism areas that I saw in Cuba. However, all this must be subsidiary to life.”

Like many East African nations and across the world, Uganda moved to ban all its social gathering and sporting activities immediately after the coronavirus pandemic struck the country.

Football was not spared either as the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) was halted for some weeks before it was prematurely ended and the Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) moved to award the league title to Vipers SC, who were sitting top at the time the league was suspended.

On the other hand, Maroons FC, Tooro United, and Proline FC were relegated with KCCA FC, getting the nod to represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Museveni’s tweet comes just a day after Fufa met with government officials to discuss the resumption of the league.

Initially, the UPL was set to return on April 19 after the elapsing of the initial 32 days of lockdown, only for time to be extended after the situation failed to normalise.

Already, teams in the top-flight are currently busy in the transfer window as they wait for the date to resume the league.

Vipers, who will carry the country’s flag in the Champions League, have already signed three players among them midfielders Ibrahim Orit from Mbarara City, Jamil Kalisa from Bright Stars, and defender David Galiwango from Express FC.

KCCA have also signed midfielder Bright Anukani from Proline, midfielders Denis Iguma from Kazma FC, Stefano Mazengo Loro from Sheffield FC (Futsal), Charles Lwanga from SC Villa, Ashraf ‘Fadiga’ Mugume from Police FC and Brian Aheebwa from Mbarara City.

Axel Disasi has joined Monaco in a €13m (£12m/$15m) transfer from Reims, with the Ligue 1 club beating off rivals including one-time suitors Arsenal to the defender's signature on a five-year deal.

The former France youth international was widely regarded as one of the division's best young performers last term as, in an abridged campaign curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic, he helped the club to a sixth-place finish.

His move to Monaco represents something of a coup for the principality outfit, who unlike Reims will not compete in Europe next term after they finished outside the qualification places for both the Champions League and Europa League.

Wolves, Southampton and Roma were among the other clubs chasing the ex-Paris FC man's services, but Disasi has instead bought into Niko Kovac's vision for the club and put pen to paper on a long-term deal on the south coast.

"I'm delighted to be involved with AS Monaco," the 22-year-old told the club's official website. "This is a great opportunity for me to demonstrate my qualities at the highest level and to continue my progress at a club with high ambitions.

"I'm looking forward to starting training with my new team-mates and I'm going to put all my energy into helping the team achieve its goals at the end of the season."

Sports director Paul Mitchell expressed his elation at securing Disasi's talents too, adding: "We are delighted that Axel has chosen to join AS Monaco.

"His qualities as a defender, his maturity and his experience in the French league, despite his young age, will be additional assets that we are happy to make available to Niko Kovac's squad for the next five seasons."

Arsenal previously contacted Reims in April as the Gunners weighed up a defensive revamp under Mikel Arteta, with Disasi seen as a potential long-term talent to be nurtured at centre-back.

The club have welcomed back one young French talent, however, already this off-season, with William Saliba returning from his loan spell at Saint-Etienne.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are waiting on Pablo Mari's return to fitness after the Spaniard underwent ankle surgery, while Konstantinos Mavropanos has been loaned out to Stuttgart for the coming season.