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Manchester City avoiding a European ban could work in Liverpool’s favour, claims John Aldridge, with the Reds’ closest rivals in the Premier League set to have continental distractions again in 2020-21.

It appeared at one stage as though that would not be the case, with the Blues about to see their focus narrowed on domestic matters.

UEFA stung City with a two-year ban from European competition, with those at the Etihad Stadium accused of breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has lifted those sanctions on appeal, with Pep Guardiola able to plan an assault on multiple fronts next season as a result.

Liverpool are doing likewise, having ended their 30-year wait for title glory in the current campaign.

Jurgen Klopp and his troops are determined to defend that crown over the course of the next 12 months, with Aldridge of the opinion that their cause has been aided by Monday’s ruling on City.

The former Reds striker told the Liverpool Echo: “From a Liverpool perspective, the Court of Arbitration of Sport's decision to overturn Manchester City's two-year ban from the Champions League will help them.

“If City were out of that competition for next season, then they would have so much more time to focus and dedicate their energies on domestic trophies and obviously that includes the Premier League.

“With this decision, it is more of a level playing field across the board for both clubs next season. So both teams will be going for the Premier League and the Champions League and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out again next time out.

“The only thing is perhaps some of City's top stars who were maybe contemplating leaving will now stay at the Etihad as it has been turned around for them.

“That will no doubt make Liverpool's job tougher next season but I think having all the competitions to focus on will make it an even keel for both.”

Liverpool and City still have three games left to take in this season, with it possible for the Reds to finish on 102 points and raise a bar that City set when reaching three figures back in 2018.

Aldridge is hoping to see them hit that mark, adding on a side that will next be in action at Arsenal on Wednesday: “What they have done is truly fantastic this season and I am pretty sure they will want to finish this season on a high and that will mean breaking the points record.

“If they do manage to get over 100 points then great, but if they don't, what they have achieved anyway has been quite magnificent.

“In a 12-month period they won the Champions League, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and, of course, the Premier League.

“Everything before them they have taken, pretty much. It has been an incredible year for Klopp's team and they remind me of the 1977 side.

“They were going for the treble but got beat in the final by Manchester United. That was a brilliant team like so many we've had in the past. But you have to say, Klopp's side are right up there and they have just got to keep going.”

Christian Eriksen has been warned that he needs to raise his game in order to deliver on expectations at Inter, with Antonio Conte pointing out that the playmaker is not in England anymore.

A Denmark international was taken to San Siro in January after enjoying six-and-a-half productive years in the Premier League at Tottenham.

He contributed 69 goals and 89 assists to the Spurs cause, allowing him to establish a reputation as one of European football’s top creative talents.

Inter were happy to buy into those qualities once it became clear that an exit door would be opening in north London.

Eriksen opted against committing to an extended contract at Tottenham, freeing him to head for Italy in the winter transfer window.

The 28-year-old has not made the impact expected of him in Milan, with a coronavirus-enforced break stunting his progress, and Conte admits improvement is required in order to earn a starting berth in his side.

The Inter boss told Sky Sport Italia after giving Eriksen just six minutes off the bench in a 3-1 victory over Torino: “He has to hold down certain levels, but balance is needed. He’s improving and he’s aware that he joined an ambitious club that is asking a lot of him.

“Expectations are high in Italy. The bigger the name you are, the more people expect from you.

“I’ve worked in England and the situation there is more enjoyable, more peaceful. He’s committed and doing well, but I have to make decisions for the good of Inter.

“When I pick a player, I don’t look from the neck up. I want them to carry on like this. This team have great spirit. Sometimes they need to believe in their quality more.”

Victory over Torino has lifted Inter back into second place in the Serie A standings, but they are eight points back on leaders Juventus and Conte says he is happy to step aside if his services are no longer required.

He added: “I was called to Inter for a three-year project, to bring them back where they deserve to be.

“Inevitably, that takes time. I came here with so much enthusiasm. I have faith. I started a three-year project and [my contract] lasts three years. After that, if they want to extend my contract...

“I’m happy, I know there’s a long way to go, but I don't want to overstay my welcome. If everyone’s happy with the job I’m doing, and I think that’s the case right now, from what I’ve been told, then I don’t see why we shouldn’t go on.

“If they’re not happy with the job I’m doing then I won’t hesitate to step aside.”

James Rodriguez is a "great talent" but he's not the right fit for Real Madrid's "tactical system", according to Fernando Morientes.

Madrid completed the signing of James following his stellar displays for Colombia at the 2014 World Cup, prising him away from Monaco for a fee of €75 million (£68m/$85m).

The 29-year-old has since racked up 125 appearances for the Blancos in all competitions, scoring 37 goals and laying on 42 assists, but has never quite managed to establish himself as a first-team regular.

Madrid decided to send the midfielder out on loan to Bayern Munich for two years in 2017, and he found himself even further down the squad pecking order upon his return to Santiago Bernabeu last summer.

James has only featured in 14 games for Zinedine Zidane's side this season, with just eight of those outings coming in La Liga.

He was left out of Madrid's matchday squad for the 2-1 victory away at Granada on Monday, which saw them move to within one more victory of domestic glory.

The former Monaco star still has one year left to run on his current contract at the Bernabeu, but the Blancos have been tipped to cash in on the out-of-favour star when the transfer window reopens.

A move to the Premier League has been mooted for James in recent months, with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton all credited with an interest in his services.

Morientes cannot see the Colombian forcing his way back into Zidane's starting XI, but he is certain that James is capable of rediscovering his best form at another club.

The former Madrid striker told La Liga TV: "He has a great talent and he is a special player but does not fit in Real Madrid's tactical system. I am sure he can succeed in any other team."

The Blancos are currently sitting top of La Liga by four points ahead of arch-rivals Barcelona, with only two fixtures remaining.

Karim Benzema notched his 24th goal of the season against Granada to ensure Madrid kept one hand on the title, and Morientes has been hugely impressed by the Frenchman's contribution this term.

"Benzema is having a fantastic season, he has assumed the role of leader with [Sergio] Ramos and if nothing prevents it, he will soon be a league champion," the Spaniard added.

"He has given the team what they needed after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure."

Zidane's men will be named La Liga champions if they can secure a 10th successive victory at home to Villarreal on Thursday.

Mikel Arteta is refusing to give up on Arsenal’s European qualification ambitions until it is “mathematically impossible” for them to finish inside the top seven.

Inconsistency continues to hinder the efforts of the north London giants in 2019-20 and that has been an issue for some time, with the Gunners regularly taking two steps back after establishing forward momentum.

A derby defeat to arch-rivals Tottenham in their last Premier League outing saw that sequence continue, with Spurs helped on their way to a 2-1 win by individual errors from Arteta’s side.

Arsenal are, however, just four points adrift of surprise package Sheffield United – who sit seventh – with three games left to take in.

They are also through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they will meet holders Manchester City.

Routes to continental competition remain open to the Gunners, and that is helping to keep Arteta upbeat.

He has told Arsenal’s official website: “I'm going to keep going and I'm going to try to persuade the boys to keep going, and fight until we have a little bit of hope and until it's mathematically impossible. This is where we are.”

Arteta is aware of the areas in which Arsenal must improve if they are to deliver on expectations.

Defensive leaks have been undermining their efforts for far too long, with more lapses in concentration costing them dear at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Sead Kolasinac teed up Heung-min Son to restore parity on derby day with a misplaced pass, before Toby Alderweireld was given a free run to nod home from a corner.

Quizzed on whether set-pieces have become a cause for concern, Arteta added: “It's one of them but in this league it's very difficult.

“It is part of the process we are trying to do. We will improve there and we know how important they are in big matches.

“We talked about it before the game that set-pieces in this game are crucial, and it cost us the three points.”

Arsenal will be back in action on Wednesday when they welcome newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool to Emirates Stadium.

Stoke City have announced Mame Diouf has signed a contract extension with the Championship club until the end the 2019-20 season.

The forward has been with the Potters since the summer of 2014 after joining the side from German Bundesliga side Hannover 96 on a four-year contract deal.

The Senegal international has made 144 league appearances for Stoke, scoring 24 goals since his return to England, having previously featured for Manchester United.

In the current campaign, Diouf has been limited to 11 appearances across all competitions, including eight in the Championship, owing to injury and other issues.

Stoke are currently five places and four points above the relegation zone after 14 wins, seven draws and 22 losses.

The Potters are now left with three games against Bristol City, Brentford and Nottingham Forest before the end of the season.

Following the expiration of his current deal with the side, Stoke have now extended the 32-year-old’s contract to enable him to participate in the remaining games.

“Stephen Ward and striker Mame Diouf, whose contracts were due to expire at the end of June, have both signed extensions until the end of the current season,” read a statement from the club website.

Diouf started his career from his home country in Senegal with Diaraf before moving to Europe in 2007, joining Norwegian club Molde.

The forward bagged 29 goals in 62 league games for the Aker Stadion outfit which generated interest from a number of clubs, including Arsenal, Feyenoord, Groningen, West Bromwich Albion and Red Bull Salzburg.

Diouf later signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2009 but only played five Premier League games under Alex Ferguson and had to make do with a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers before departing the Old Trafford in 2012 to join Hannover 96.

The forward has 47 caps for Senegal since he made his debut for the West Africans against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a friendly in 2009.

Teddy Osok has revealed he was shocked and in denial after learning of his release from Wazito FC.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side released 11 players and opted against extending the contract of Paul Modo Kiongera. The 25-year-old was released from the team he helped gain promotion to the top-tier after winning the 2018/19 National Super League title.

"I was shocked and in denial after receiving the dismissal letter, it was like a dream," Osok revealed to Goal on Tuesday. 

"This is a team I helped to get promoted from the second-tier, and when on the pitch I usually gave my best. I could not imagine, even in my wildest dreams, that I will be dismissed this soon.

"To date, I do not know the reason behind my release, only Wazito know, but I have accepted and I'm ready for the next move."

The lanky midfielder has also revealed his situation after getting released by his former side a couple of days ago.

"Currently I am doing everything to ensure my fitness level is good," Osok added.

"I have not been approached by any team since my release. However, I want to state that I am ready to play anywhere as long as we get to an agreement, that is all.

"My quality is there, and potential is also there for everyone to see, it is about time I move on."

Osok joined Wazito in November 2018 from 2009 league champions Sofapaka, signing an initial one-year deal with the team. He worked his way into the then-led Fred Ambani first team and helped the team gain promotion to the top-tier.

Injuries hampered his involvement in the abandoned 2019/20 season, but when fit, he always commanded a starting berth.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side axed foreigners Issioffu Bourahana, Paul Acquah, Piscas Kirenge and Augustine Otu. Others released include goalkeepers Steve Njunge and Kevin Omondi. Victor Ndinya, Derrick Otanga and Lloyd Wahome were not spared either.  

On Monday, July 6, Wazito and coach Stewart Hall parted ways. Hall left the team after joining them in November 2019.

The British tactician had managed to steady the club after it had struggled to cope with the pressure in the top-tier since their promotion at the start of the season.

Manchester United have become “exciting” to watch for the first time in years, says Paul Scholes, with the likes of Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford offering cause for optimism.

The Red Devils did drop points in their most recent outing, with a 2-2 draw at home to Southampton preventing them from clambering into the Premier League’s top four.

Champions League qualification remains very much on the cards, though, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side having gone unbeaten through their last 18 games in all competitions.

Bruno Fernandes has been a talismanic presence in that run, but the Portuguese is assisted by a star-studded supporting cast.

Home-grown talents such as Rashford and Greenwood have thrived, while Paul Pogba is looking to add consistency to his game after overcoming form and fitness issues.

United legend Scholes is encouraged by what he has seen, with a man who collected 11 top-flight crowns in his remarkable career telling Premier League Productions: “It’s such a difference from what we saw before Christmas.

“You just can’t wait to watch them play now and for the last five or six years it’s not been like that.

“It’s exciting and we can’t wait to watch these young players – Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, young players playing at the top end of the pitch in a really good team now.

“It’s exciting. They are local lads as well. You couldn’t get any better.”

United did miss the chance to establish further momentum during their meeting with the Saints.

Michael Obafemi snatched a late leveller at Old Trafford to ensure that the visitors left with something, but Scholes is not overly concerned by that slight setback as the Red Devils’ top-four fate remains in their own hands with three games left to take in.

A member of the fabled Class of ‘92 added: “I don't think it's changed that much.

“Obviously they would have liked to have won the game and get into the top three. But they've still got to win the games.

“Even if they'd won 3 or 4-1, it didn't really matter. They've still got to beat Crystal Palace, West Ham, and then Leicester. I still think that's the case.

“Leicester will be a difficult game, we know that. But it's exciting until the end of the season for neutrals to watch.”

United will be back in action when taking in a meeting with Palace on Thursday, before their attention then shifts away from Premier League matters and towards an FA Cup semi-final date with Chelsea at Wembley.

Kenya defender Joash Onyango has revealed he is ready for another challenge after his current contract with Gor Mahia expires. 

The K'Ogalo assistant captain has been consistent for the Kenyan side and has been influential both for the club and the national team. The Harambee Star is now keen on making a move but has not ruled out chances of staying at his current team.

"To be honest my contract with Gor Mahia expires in December," Onyango revealed to KTN.

"I am ripe for another challenge; Gor Mahia have not approached me regarding my contract extension.

"So if any team approach me with intentions to get my services, I will not think twice."

The 27-year-old has been strongly linked to Tanzania Mainland Champions Simba SC who are desperate to replace Ivorian Pascal Wawa.

"Yes, I have heard numerous reports linking me with a move to Simba," Onyango stated.

"However, to date, I have not been contacted by any representative of the team. I have been reading a lot regarding the move, but nothing tangible, those are just rumours."

Onyango joined K'Ogalo from Western Stima in 2017, and has gone to help them win back-to-back KPL titles and helping them in continental assignments. He was part of the team that qualified for the Caf Confederation Cup quarter-finals in the 2018/19 season.

The team went on to fall 7-1 on aggregate to RS Berkane of Morocco.

Other players whose contracts at K'Ogalo have or are about to expire include Charles Momanyi, who has been linked with a move to KCB, winger Nicholas Kipkirui and Ghanaian Jackson Owusu.

Skipper Kenneth Muguna had also stated in an earlier interview that he might not be at the club for next season.

"It is true I might be leaving the team," the Kenya midfielder answered when asked whether he will be at the club.

"But it will depend on the outcome of our negotiations. If it all goes well, I will be with the team next season, if not, I will be playing for another team."   

The midfielder is one of the best players in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and his quality has seen him get into the national team for Harambee Stars.  

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck has praised his players for a good display that saw his side hammer their rivals 4-1 in an FA Cup contest on Sunday.

Goals from Gerson Fraga, Clatous Chama, Luis Miquissone and Muzamiru Yassin were enough to make Simba fans smile wide at a half-packed National Stadium, and kept alive their hopes of sealing a double this season.

On the other hand, the defeat dashed Yanga’s hopes of earning a direct ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

The Belgian tactician has now thanked his players for showing the character and earning sweet revenge against the side that had beaten them 1-0 in their second-round league encounter.

“It was the kind of performance I had asked my players to produce and they did exactly that,” Vandenbroeck told the club’s official website.

“What else could I have asked from these players? The quality of the game was perfect, the passing was excellent our attacking was good and we scored well-taken goals, I think we deserved to win with this margin because we were the better side.

“It was also sweet for the win because we had lost against them in the league, it is a match which I would have never known how we could lose it because we were the better side, dominated them but they got one chance, from a free-kick and we scored to run away with the three points.

“My players were keen to revenge, and they had the chance on Sunday and they did it in style, they showed Tanzanians why they are the league champions, they proved they are good and I am happy for them and the entire team and also the fans for always rallying behind the team.”

Vandenbroeck also confirmed Simba players will take a two-day rest and resume training on Tuesday ahead of their league match against Mbao FC at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Thursday.

“I asked the players to take a rest, they have done a good job and deserve to rest then we can regroup again for the remaining matches and also the final.”

Simba will now take on Namungo FC in the final set for August 2 at Nelson Mandela, in Sumbawanga, Rukwa, seeking to seal a double as they had already been crowned Mainland Premier League champions with six matches to spare.

Harry Kane looks "isolated" up front at the moment, according to Michael Dawson, who says the Tottenham striker "misses" the service of Christian Eriksen.

Kane has struggled for form in the final third since the resumption of the Premier League season on June 17.

The England international has only managed to score twice in his last six outings, taking his overall tally for the campaign to 19.

It has been suggested that the 26-year-old is still working his way back to full fitness, having spent the majority of 2020 on the sidelines recovering from a hamstring injury.

However, Dawson believes Eriksen's absence is the main reason behind Kane's recent goalscoring woes, with Spurs now short on invention and guile in the middle of the park.

The Danish playmaker completed a move to Inter in the January transfer window, and Jose Mourinho's side have since been unable to string a significant run of wins together.

“When they let Christian Eriksen go we didn’t see the best of Christian before he left, maybe that’s because his head was turned and he couldn’t agree a new contract," former Tottenham defender Dawson told Talksport.

“Probably 18 months ago he was the best No.10 at creating goals for Harry Kane. He was incredible, he was different class.

“I don’t believe they’ve replaced him… I love [Giovani] Lo Celso, I think he’s incredible and before lockdown, he was finding his feet and coming back.

“You talk about Lucas Moura, Dele Alli in there but I think Harry Kane misses someone like Christian Eriksen in there. He finds those balls and makes opportunities for Harry.”

Dawson did, however, go on to back Kane to rediscover his clinical edge in front of goal despite a lack of support in advanced positions.

The 36-year-old, who currently plies his trade in the Championship with Nottingham Forest, added: “He scores goals, he’s incredible but maybe he’s a little bit more isolated now.

“He’s a fantastic player, he’ll be scoring goals. He’s done it for years and years and he’ll do it for the rest of his career because he’s a goalscorer. When you get chances, you never lose it.”

Heading to Celtic was always part of Andy Robertson’s career plan, but the Premier League title winner is now ready to shelve those ambitions and see out his playing days at Liverpool.

The Glasgow native has never shied away from the fact that he would welcome the opportunity to represent the club he supported as a boy.

Dreams of turning out at Parkhead were, however, formed before the 26-year-old made his way to Anfield.

Liverpool snapped Robertson up from Hull City in 2017 and found considerable value in an £8 million ($10m) deal.

The highly-rated left-back is now a European, world and English champion, while working on a contract through to 2024.

Robertson is now hoping to extend that agreement at some stage and hang up his boots on Merseyside, with a return to his roots no longer part of the long-term strategy.

“If you asked me when I was playing for Hull if I wanted to go back and play for Celtic, then I would have said that 100 per cent I wanted to play for my boyhood club,” Robertson told The Lockdown Tactics podcast.

“But now I’ve found my home at Liverpool and I love playing for this club. If I could retire at Liverpool, then I’d bite your hand off for it now. Playing at this club is amazing. To play in front of the fans every second week at Anfield is incredible.

“When I was younger, I wanted to play for Celtic and give my best years to Celtic. I didn’t want to be hanging on and going there at 33 or 34 when I knew my best years were gone.

“It might be something I’ll need to think about at some stage. I still follow Celtic and they still have a place in my heart. 

“It would be hard to say ‘no’ but, if I did have the option of retiring at Liverpool, I’d bite your hand off for it — and I’d probably sign the contract now.”

Robertson has seen his stock soar while at Anfield, to the point that many now consider him to be the finest left-back on the planet, and he is delighted to have played a leading role in what has been an historic run of success for the Reds.

He added: “For this club to go 30 years without winning the league was something we had to change. That’s why people were more emotional than usual.

“We had quite a few wet eyes in the small party we had (after Manchester City’s loss at Chelsea confirmed their coronation on June 25).

“When you play for Liverpool, winning just means so much. I’m hopeful we won’t have to wait 30 years for the next one. Hopefully, winning the league will become normal again for Liverpool.”

Arsenal will look to pick themselves up when they face Liverpool in Premier League action on Wednesday night, having been defeated by Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s North London Derby.

Spurs, out of sorts after their recent 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, came from behind to win 2-1 after goals from Son Heung-min and Toby Alderweireld cancelled out Alexandre Lacazette’s opener.

It’s a loss that threatens to undermine the Londoners’ recent progress under Mikel Arteta, and leaves their hopes of European qualification in tatters.

With three matches to play, they find themselves in ninth position on 50 points, two behind their local rivals, four behind Sheffield United in seventh and five behind sixth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Certainly, they’ll be desperate to take points from Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, otherwise they risk having to rely on the FA Cup in order to secure any kind of presence in Europe next season.

The Reds may have got their hands on the title, but they still have much to play for this season, with Jurgen Klopp’s side making little secret of their desire to claim the Premier League’s all-time points record.

Their 100-percent home record was ended when they were held 1-1 by Burnley at the weekend, when Jay Rodriguez’s equaliser cancelled out Andy Robertson’s opener, but they must win if they’re to overtake Manchester City’s 2017-18 haul of 100 points.

At the moment, they are seven points short with nine points still to claim, so even a draw would mean they could only equal the record set by Pep Guardiola’s side two seasons ago.

City are also in action on Wednesday, taking on Eddie Howe’s revived Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

The Cherries have the wind in their sails after downing Leicester City in style on Sunday, but will their momentum be halted in its tracks by City?

Also in Premier League action on Wednesday, Europa League hopefuls Spurs—surely buoyed by their North London Derby triumph—are away at Newcastle United as they look to round off the campaign in style.

SuperSport Fixtures

Monday 13 July – Manchester United vs Southampton (Premier League)

Monday 13 July – Granada vs Real Madrid (LaLiga)

Monday 13 July – Inter Milan vs Torino (Serie A)

Tuesday 14 July – Chelsea vs Norwich (Premier League)

Tuesday 14 July – Atalanta vs Brescia (Serie A)

Wednesday 15 July – Manchester City vs Bournemouth (Premier League)

Wednesday 15 July – Newcastle vs Tottenham (Premier League)

Wednesday 15 July – Arsenal vs Liverpool (Premier League)

Wednesday 15 July – Udinese vs Lazio (Serie A)

Wednesday 15 July – Sassuolo vs Juventus (Serie A)

Wednesday 15 July – AC Milan vs Parma (Serie A)

Earlier in the week, Manchester United host Southampton on Monday, while Chelsea welcome already relegated Norwich City to Stamford Bridge.

United are ending the season strongly—they’ve won their last four league games on the bounce—with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer getting the best out of the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and wonderkid Mason Greenwood.

Bruno Fernandes, of course, is receiving the vast majority of the plaudits for his instrumental role behind the front three, while Paul Pogba appears determined to play his part as United get over the line in Champions League qualification.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have proved that they’re not yet the real deal under rookie coach Frank Lampard, losing two of their last four.

They were hapless as they were thumped 3-0 by Sheffield United, and the visit of Norwich—already bound for the Championship—may yet be a banana skin.

Across the rest of Europe this week, we’re also set for crunch fixtures in Serie A and LaLiga.

All of the top three in Italy dropped points this weekend, with Lazio and Internazionale failing to capitalise on Juventus’ slip-ups.

The Old Lady have taken just one point from their last two matches—and were held by Atalanta on Saturday—but Lazio’s form has evaporated, and they’ve lost their last three.

Juve are away at Sassuolo on Wednesday, looking to return to winning ways, while Inter—held by Hellas Verona on Friday—will be desperate to take all three points when they face 16th-placed Torino on Monday.

Atalanta are also in action this week following their heroics against Juve on Saturday; twice the Serie A surprise package took the lead, and twice they were pegged back by Cristiano Ronaldo penalties.

They’re nine points behind Juve ahead of the visit of Brescia on Tuesday, so can they keep up on the leaders—and reduce the gap—before Ronaldo and co. take to the field on Wednesday?

In Spain, Barcelona’s return to form has put the pressure back on Real Madrid.

Barca have won their last three in a row, following a stutter in which they drew back-to-back games, and Real’s lead is only one point as we approach the final week of the campaign.

Zinedine Zidane’s side can take a giant step towards the title if they win their game in hand—away at Granada on Monday—which would leave them needing one more victory from their final two matches (at home against Villarreal and away at Leganes) to secure the title.

"It's the last week and we have three games," Zidane told journalists. "It's the most difficult week, the most important one.

"All the teams have things to play for and we want to put all our energy into [Monday]'s game."

Manchester United, who have been heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, need to be bringing in another right winger as competition for Mason Greenwood, claims Gary Neville.

The Red Devils already have Wales international Daniel James as an alternative option to fill that spot.

Marcus Rashford is also capable of operating on either flank, but Neville feels that greater depth will help United to hit their ultimate goal of challenging for the Premier League title.

The Old Trafford icon told Sky Sports: "He (Greenwood) will play, I think he can play centre-forward, I think he can play left-wing, I think he can play right-wing.

"To me, not signing a right-winger thinking he would be out of the team is not the right way to look at it.

"Manchester United have always signed great players to challenge other great players in positions. Manchester United had four centre-forwards in 1999.

"Sir Alex Ferguson signed Dwight Yorke having already had Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham at the club. It didn't stop him signing Dwight Yorke.

"You don't just say 'where will he play?'. Great players will challenge each other, they'll improve, they will find a way to get into the team.

"They won't feel belittled by it or challenged to the point where they sulk, they will step up to the task and they will go for it.

"I'm sure that's what Mason Greenwood will do. He's still young but so exciting it's untrue. I love watching him."

Neville feels that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be looking to bring in five players during the next transfer window, with a United side that has gone 18 games unbeaten in all competitions still requiring a further injection of talent in order to close on Liverpool and Manchester City.

He added: "I think they need a winger. I think they need a centre forward, I think they need a centre back, they need a proper challenge for David de Gea and then at left-back, they maybe need something if Luke Shaw gets injured.

"For me, they need four or five players still to challenge, whereby they can get into a position where they can challenge for a title and win in Europe – that’s where the club needs to get to."

Solskjaer is expected to add at the next opportunity, but it remains to be seen how much money he will be given to spend now that the coronavirus pandemic - and the financial implications of that - have forced leading clubs around the world to tighten their purse strings a little.

Jeremy Ebobisse scored as Portland Timbers secured a 2-1 win over LA Galaxy in Tuesday’s MLS is Back Tournament outing at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

The 23-year-old delivered an impressive performance in the encounter, finding the back of the net to help the Timbers clinch their first win in Group F.

The centre-forward was handed a starting role in the match and spearheaded his side’s attack along with Diego Valeri.

Portland Timbers could have been behind in the 12th minute of the contest but for the heroic display of goalkeeper Steve Clark, who saved Javier Hernandez’s penalty.

Despite efforts from both side to break the deadlock, the first half ended without any of the sides able to find the back of the net.

The second half, however, looked more entertaining and action-packed and Giovanni Savarese’s men seemed more revitalized than LA Galaxy.

Portland Timbers were duly rewarded for their work-rate when Ebobisse broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when he connected with Sebastian Blanco’s cross and calmly put his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper David Bingham.

Blanco then scored a goal of his own in the 66th minute to double his side’s lead with a fine finish but shortly after the strike, the Timbers were reduced to 10 men.

Having been booked in the 11th minute of the encounter, Dario Zuparic got his second in the 75th minute and was subsequently sent off.

LA Galaxy soon capitalized on their numerical advantage when former Manchester United striker Hernandez made amends for his earlier miss by reducing the deficit after he was set up by Gordon Wild in the 88th minute.

Portland Timbers, however, held their nerve to secure all three points in their first game of the MLS is Back Tournament.

Ebobisse featured for 80 minutes before he was replaced by Jaroslaw Niezgoda while Malian defender Diedie Traorewas was an unused substitute for LA Galaxy.

The victory saw Portland Timbers lead Group F with three points after Houston Dynamo and Los Angeles FC played out a 3-3 draw earlier in the day.

Ebobisse will hope to continue his brilliant performances in front of goal when his side takes on Houston Dynamo on July 19.

The forward was born in France to Cameroonian and Malagasy parents and has represented the United States at the U20, U23 level and played for the senior team in a friendly.

Notwithstanding, the striker is still eligible to feature for Cameroon and Madagascar, having not played a competitive game for the USA senior team.

Matteo Guendouzi continues to spark exit talk at Arsenal, and Stan Collymore claims the divisive midfielder is good enough to play for Liverpool or Manchester City.

A step up the Premier League ladder for an enigmatic 21-year-old appears unlikely.

Collymore admits as much, with there no indication that Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola would be considering a raid on the ranks at Emirates Stadium.

Guendouzi is, however, a player of considerable potential and somebody outside of north London may stand to benefit from that.

That is because Arsenal are said to be mulling over a sale in the next transfer window, with Mikel Arteta dropping the youngster from his plans amid more attitude questions.

“Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp might feel he’s not good enough for Manchester City or Liverpool, but I’d be inclined to disagree, because being around good players he could thrive,” former Reds striker Collymore told The Mirror.

“I’m not saying he’d get into either’s first XI now. But he could play for either club, the talent is that obvious.”

While there has been no talk of Liverpool or City entering the chase for Guendouzi as yet, La Liga giants Barcelona have been linked with a shock move.

Collymore’s comments suggest that he would not be surprised to see the former Lorient star end up at Camp Nou, but others are not so sure.

Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has already played down the Blaugrana talk, with the former Gunners left-back of the opinion that Guendouzi still has much to work on – both as a player and in his character.

“I think there would need to be a huge improvement in Guendouzi’s game for Barcelona to be willing to take him,” Winterburn told bookmakers.co.uk.

“He’s a young kid who’s made big improvements but there’s a long way to go, so that would surprise me if it turns out to be true.

“Arsenal wouldn’t just let him go easily even if they do decide to sell him, it would need to be a substantial fee, so would Barcelona think he’s worth the risk?

“If the price is right, maybe, but it seems like a bit of a long shot to me.”

Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna has revealed his mother remains the most important person in his life owing to her influence in his football career.

The midfielder is one of the best players in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and his quality has seen him get into the national team Harambee Stars. The 24-year-old has revealed the blessings from his mother as the moment he treasures.

"Best gift was my first boot given by my mother when I was still young," Muguna told KTN.

"I treasured it because that was like her blessings for me in the game. Tears flood my eyes when I recall the moment, it has contributed to my success. I feel happy because my mother was the first one to support me in my football career."

In his debut season in the Kenyan top-tier, the soft-speaking Muguna who was just 20 at the time, walked past established players to win the Most Valuable Players (MVP) Award.

"Winning the MVP Award while at Western Stima in 2016 is my most memorable moment considering it was my debut in the KPL," Muguna revealed.

"This will remain my best moment and will forever have it in my memory."

Kenya has arguably the most talented players in the region with the potential to be one of the best in the continent. However, it is not easy for players in the top-tier and Muguna has opined on the matter.

"In our league, many players are not paid for their services which is not a good thing. It contributes to a lack of taste in the league and has affected even the fans' attendance. 

"Most of these players come to play without salaries while others go for several months before getting paid and our quality has gone down as a result."

The K'Ogalo skipper has also revealed his contractual situation with KPL champions, Gor Mahia.

"It is true I might be leaving the team," the Kenya midfielder answered when asked whether he will be at the club.

"But it will depend on the outcome of our negotiations. If it all goes well, I will be with the team next season, if not, I will be playing for another team."  

Wakiso Giants have confirmed the signing of winger Pius Kagwa from Uganda Premier League (UPL) side Police FC ahead of the new season.

The Purple Sharks are strengthening their squad ahead of the new season after they managed to secure their top-flight status in the just concluded 2019-20 season.

The club has confirmed on their official website the arrival of the winger, who is comfortable on both flanks on a three-year deal.

“In a bid to strengthen our squad, the Purple Sharks have signed winger Pius Kagwa from Police,” the club confirmed.

“The highly-rated winger who is comfortable on both flanks joins us on a three-year contract with an option to extend for a further year and he becomes our second signing in the transfer window after midfielder Ibrahim Kasule alias Owen Kasule.”

On signing for the team, Kagwa said: “I am excited to be joining one of the best clubs in the country at the moment. I have had some great time at Police and would love to thank the management, former teammates, and my coaches for turning me into the player I am today.

“There is still a lot to learn for me but am ready for the challenge and can’t wait to get started.”

Kagwa has also featured for Synergy FC in the lower league before he moved to sign for Police in the top-flight.

Kagwa becomes the second signing for Wakiso after the club brought on board Kasule from Kampala Junior Team on a three-year contract and with an option to extend it for a further year.

The 22-year-old Kasule had previously turned out for Nansana United and Buddu Ssaza where he emerged as the Most Valuable Player in 2018.

He also won the MVP during the University Football League where he managed to captain Lawrence University in 2019 and also won the Best Midfielder of the season in the same competition.

Wakiso will play in the top-flight for another season after they avoided relegation in the 2019-20 campaign when the league was ended owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Wakiso finished the league in position 10 with Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) crowning Vipers SC, who were leading the league table, with former champions KCCA FC coming second.

Maroons FC, Uganda Cup champions Proline FC and Tooro United were all relegated, Myda FC and UPDF earned slots in the top-tier while Kiboga, Kataka, Kitara and Ndejje will face off in the play-offs to produce the third team that will grace the top-tier in the 2020/21 season.

SuperSport United head coach Kaitano Tembo says his side can only challenge for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title in two or three years.

The Zimbabwean tactician has been coaching the Tshwane giants since March 2018 having initially taken charge of the team as a caretaker coach.

Tembo was then appointed permanent head coach ahead of the 2018/19 season and he led the team to the 2018 MTN8 final where they lost to Cape Town City on penalties.

“I always look back to where I started as the interim coach. I think when I took over, the team was in 14th, two points above relegation, and with only about seven games to go – and we finished seventh," Tembo told Far Post.

"And the following season, when I was appointed full-time, we lost in the MTN8 final on penalties to Cape Town City and finished sixth in the league.

“And this is my second season, where we also got into the MTN8 final, and we won it [against Highlands Park], and we’re currently third in the league."

Tembo joined Matsatsantsa in 1999 and he has served as a player, academy coach, first-team assistant coach and now head coach.

The 49-year-old worked under coach Eric Tinkler when SuperSport lost to DR Congo's TP Mazembe in the 2017 Caf Confederation Cup final and he explained that they are rebuilding the team.

“So when I look back I see progress. And if you look at the team which I took over, to the team I have now, there’s a huge difference,” he said.

“A lot of players have left and we’ve brought in a lot of young players. For me, that’s what I look at if I want to judge myself.

“This season, I want to try and finish higher than we did last season. The team that got to the Confederation Cup final was very experienced, and most of those players are no longer with us.

“We are in a rebuilding phase, and it’s also made worse by the pandemic, and there are no budgets. So how I look at it is to bring in young players," he added.

“This team can still improve and in the next two or three years, we should be fighting for the league. So we’re cutting the budget, and at the same time staying competitive.

"I can see that in the next two, three seasons, we will be able to challenge."

SuperSport will be hoping to move up on the PSL standings when the current season resumes having been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic last March.

Tembo's side is placed third on the league standings - four points behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who have three games in hand.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Luc Eymael has confirmed only a few players turned out for training just a day after they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat against Simba SC in the FA Cup.

The Jangwani Street-based giants failed in their bid to reach the final of the domestic Cup after losing 4-1 in the semi-final clash played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

The huge defeat ended Yanga’s pursuit for a straight ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup but enhanced Simba’s chances of sealing a double this season since they had already been crowned the Mainland Premier League champions with six matches to spare.

The Belgian coach has now told Goal he was left a disappointed man after some key players, whom he did not want to name, decided to skip training on Monday which was aimed at discussing the Cup exit and also the remaining matches in the top-flight.

“A lot of players were not there on [Monday] for training, it is when you see the character when you are facing tough times, some players are there and some are not there but we will do with the players we have at hand,” Eymael told Goal.

“If people are not there perhaps they are thinking beyond the club, maybe their mind is not at the club and what can we do? We have to live with that and work with those players who are ready to play.”

Pressed further to name the players who skipped training and whether the club will take action against them,” Eymael said: “I don’t want to comment on that…okay, thank you very much.”

On whether the conduct of the missing players will affect the team’s quest to finish second on the 20-team league table, Eymael explained: “I don’t think so, but we will see, let us wait and see.

“We have to stay focused, now we have to prove if we are really men, if we can bounce back, unfortunately, this game [against Simba] is finished, and we cannot play it again, we have to see if we can bounce back and finish second on the table and we have to take some positives from this defeat.”

Yanga are now fighting to finish second with close challengers Azam FC as they lie third on the log.