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Jack Grealish has not seen sufficient ambition from Aston Villa to tempt him to stay with the club, according to former captain Stiliyan Petrov.

Relegation from the Premier League looks a near certainty for Villa now, after Watford and West Ham claimed potentially decisive wins on Saturday to pull clear of the bottom three.

It will mean Villa's return to the top flight has lasted just one campaign, after Grealish spent three seasons in the Championship helping his boyhood club battle their way back to the elite level.

Grealish is widely expected to leave, having been linked with a host of leading clubs including Manchester United , and the 24-year-old may risk his potential going unfulfilled should he drop into the second tier again.

Although Villa were among the big spenders leading into the 2019-20 season, Petrov suggests the 1982 European Cup winners have still not matched Grealish's needs.

And in turn that leads to the inevitable suspicion he will call time on his Villa career.

Speaking to Stats Perform News , Petrov said: "As a Villa fan I'd love him to stay. Jack likes to compete, he wants to do that at the highest level. He loves the club. He showed that in the Championship, he helped us get promotion, he battled hard in the Premier League.

"If that moment comes [when Grealish leaves], it would be sad to see because he is an exceptional person, not just player. But as a club, have we done enough to keep him?

"I don't think so and it's a big problem going forward as a club, because we may get good players through the youth system, but can we do enough to keep them?

"If he goes, I don't think he can be blamed."

Former Bulgaria star Petrov, who made over 200 appearances for Villa from 2006 until 2012, says it would be a natural progression for Grealish to step up to an established Premier League club.

"Jack has a growth mindset," Petrov said. "He likes to improve, he wants to achieve.

"He likes to be in the spotlight, wants to be counted. He wants to compete at the highest level.

"Of course, he will generate interest from the top clubs because he does perform. If you remember, Pep Guardiola said he's one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

"That compliment comes from one of the best managers in the world. Those managers don't waste their words saying this about someone who doesn't deserve it.

"That's why Pep came out and said he's one of the best and his performances this season have attracted attention. It's completely normal."

Chelsea will be “stuffed” if they agree to sell Jorginho and do not bring in another defensive midfielder, claims Craig Burley.

The Blues boast alternative options to fill that position, with N’Golo Kante a World Cup winner and two-time Premier League champion.

Frank Lampard also has the potential of Scottish starlet Billy Gilmour to call upon, while Mateo Kovacic has filled a holding post in the past.

Burley, though, believes that another experienced option would be required if Jorginho is moved on.

The former Napoli star has been linked with a return to Italy, with another reunion with former Blues boos Maurizio Sarri being mooted at Juventus.

Lampard has given limited game time to the 28-year-old of late, but Burley believes he fills an important role in the squad at Stamford Bridge.

The former Blues midfielder told ESPN FC: "Well you'll have N'Golo Kante to play the defensive role, which looks likely.

"Billy Gilmour's come in but he's a young man learning the game and that's a lot to ask, but he'll get some game time.

"Kovacic is there, Barkley's had game time, [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek is back although he's more attacking.

"But I suppose the answer would be to have protection, if Frank Lampard sees it that way, if there's an injury to N'Golo Kante, they're kind of going to be stuffed for somebody who can play a deeper-lying midfield role and protect that back four."

Lampard has claimed to be happy with his options in the engine room, with the Chelsea boss offering no indication that he is planning for possible comings and goings.

He has said ahead of a meeting with Sheffield United on Saturday: "I have selection issues in midfield. Good issues because I have N'Golo Kante, Billy Gilmour, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic.

"And then in slightly more advanced areas I have Mason Mount, Ross Barkley and I have Ruben Loftus-Cheek now.

"There are always players who are maybe unhappy or have moments out of the team, and that's Jorginho at the moment.

"If a player is missing for one game or a few games, it doesn't mean in any way that they are out of my thoughts going forward.

"There have been times when he has been pivotal for me this year, certainly on and off the pitch. That doesn't change and I am very happy with him."

Quique Setien is not a coach that Barcelona are “backing for the future”, claims presidential candidate Victor Font, with those looking to take control at Camp Nou planning on bringing Xavi back to the club.

The reigning La Liga champions only made a change in the dugout back in January, as two-time title winner Ernesto Valverde was ushered through the exits.

Setien was appointed in his place, but has struggled to convince many during his time at Camp Nou.

Barca have been knocked from the top of the table by arch-rivals Real Madrid, with star man Lionel Messi said to be concerned by leadership issues on and off the field.

Font admits that Setien is not viewed as a long-term solution in Catalunya, telling Ole: “He's the current Barca coach so for that reason alone he deserves all our respect and support.

“For me personally he's a coach I've always liked but it's true too that he's not the coach we're backing for the future.”

Barcelona are due to hold presidential elections in 2021, with Font among those looking to seize control from Josep Maria Bartomeu.

If he proves successful in that quest, then his intention is to have former fan favourite Xavi filling a prominent coaching post

“Absolutely,” Font said on a World Cup winner who is currently working at Qatari outfit Al Sadd.

“It's true that Xavi will be the coach when he decides, whoever is president, because Xavi is Barcelona and their biggest hope.

“I'm sure there will not be another project that has worked for so long to ensure that the sporting project that Xavi has in his head can be executed with the maximum chance of success.

“Xavi perfectly fits the profile of a player from here, formed in the youth academy, and knows and defends the style we defend ourselves.

“In the case of having the honour to be in charge, he will be the centre around which the whole football project will pivot in the coming years.”

Mikel Arteta has been backed by Gilberto Silva to do “good work” for Arsenal after taking important lessons from managerial mentors Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.

A promising Spanish coach was appointed by the Gunners in December 2019 in the wake of Unai Emery’s dismissal at Emirates Stadium.

Arteta boasts strong ties to the north London outfit from his playing days, having captained the club prior to hanging up his boots, but is a coaching rookie at the very highest level.

At just 38 years of age, he has only previously worked alongside Guardiola in an assistant role at Manchester City.

Early signs of encouragement have been offered, though, at Arsenal and the general consensus is that he will get things right if given the time and support he needs to be successful.

Ex-Gunners star Gilberto is among those expecting positive things from a highly-rated tactician, telling the Daily Mail of a man who has learned from some of the best around: “He knows the club, he played under Arsene, he worked with Pep and I’m sure he learned from both of them and the other managers he worked with.

“He can do good work for the club.”

Arsenal are leaning heavily on familiar faces when it comes to future planning as Arteta is in the dugout, Freddie Ljungberg and Per Mertesacker form part of the coaching and youth development teams and Edu fills a technical director post.

Gilberto, who was a member of Arsenal’s iconic ‘Invincibles’ squad from 2003-04, admits he would not be against returning to the Emirates if a suitable position was put to him.

The Brazilian said when asked about a possible retracing of his steps: “I’m enjoying my other work.

“But you never know. Arsenal hold a special place in my heart and if one day I get an invitation from the club of course I’d think in a special way about it.

“But for now I’ll be following from the outside and if I can help Arsenal in a different way at the moment, I’ll do my best.”

Arsenal remain in contention for European qualification and FA Cup glory this season, with Arteta’s side set to be back in action on Sunday when they take in a derby date with north London neighbours Tottenham.

Sahare All-Stars' exciting adventure in the FA Cup came to an abrupt end on Saturday after falling by a solitary goal to Tanzania Mainland League side Namungo FC.

The two teams were meeting for the first time in the competition's history, but it was the top-flight side that came into the match as clear favourites.

All-Stars had sealed the semi-final berth after eliminating Ndanda FC in a shootout while Namungo defeated Alliance FC 2-0 on their way to the last four. On paper, it looked like an easy match for the league's fourth-placed side.

The first-half was a balanced affair with both teams playing cautiously to avoid conceding.

After putting up a brave fight for the better part of the game, a Sahare concentration lapse allowed the opponents to get what turned out to be the winning goal when Charles Manyama managed to beat the custodian and break the hearts of the fans of the second-tier side.

Despite putting up a spirited performance to get an equalizer, perhaps a lack of experience in top-flight football and poor finishing came back to haunt Sahare All-Stars.

Namungo will have to wait for the second semi-final match on Sunday between Simba SC and Yanga SC to find out who their opponents will be.

It will be the third Kariakoo Derby in all competitions this season. The initial two were in the league.

Earlier on, the Tanzanian government confirmed only 30,000 tickets will be available for the derby to be played at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

"The Covid-19 is not completely eradicated in the country that is why we still need to take precautions hence 30,000 is a good number during this period," Government's Director of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports Yusuph Singo said as quoted by Daily News.

"Those who will not have tickets should just remain at their homes and watch the game via television since we will not allow people to congregate outside the venue and we will have enough security personnel to facilitate that."

The government also increased ticket prices for the fans keen to watch the derby with VIP A, B, and C tickets going for 30,000/-, 25,000/- and 20,000/-, respectively, while those who will occupy ordinary seats will pay 10,000/-.

"We hope the Covid-19 pandemic will end soon and after that then normal attendance will be allowed," Singo concluded.

Chelsea have made “so many mistakes” at the back this season and need to cut them out in order to become serious Premier League title contenders, says Glen Johnson.

The Blues have made impressive progress under the guidance of Frank Lampard in 2019-20.

Few knew what to expect from the west London outfit when they were stung with a two-window transfer embargo and forced into a managerial change when Maurizio Sarri headed for the exits.

Club legend Lampard quickly helped to steady the ship and, with considerable faith shown in youth, set about piecing together challenges for a top-four finish and major silverware.

Chelsea’s attacking prowess has carried them towards those targets, with the likes of Willian, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount starring for an exciting side.

There have still been issues in defence, with questions being asked of Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, and members of the back four in front of him.

Johnson feels those need to be addressed, either on the training field or in the transfer window, if Lampard’s side are to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in 2020-21.

The former Blues full-back told The Mirror: "We know what they can do going forward in terms of keeping the ball but you see some of the errors they’ve been making against West Ham and Crystal Palace, they’ve made so many mistakes, you do that against someone like Liverpool or City they’re just going to rip you apart.

"But obviously what’s good in their favour is they are scoring a lot of goals, and at the moment they can afford to make these mistakes because they’re outscoring people."

Chelsea have even more firepower coming into their ranks, with deals already wrapped up for Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.

The hope is that they will have a Champions League stage to grace next season, with Johnson expecting the Blues to secure a top-four spot.

"I think it will be Chelsea and United," added the ex-England international.

"It would have been a different answer if you’d asked me six weeks ago but I just think United the way they’ve found some form, they’re blowing teams away.

"They’re probably the hottest team right now and I know Leicester have got a couple of tough games, and they play United last game so it could boil down to that.

"But I think I’d go Chelsea third and United fourth."

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential aspirant Nicholas Musonye has stated why he is not the right person to judge Nick Mwendwa.

Musonye is among the contestants seeking to replace Mwendwa at the top of the FA and he says he can only woo delegates by what is in his manifesto and not by pointing out Mwnedwa’s perceived failures.

“I am seeking this [presidency] post so that we can help one another build football and move forward. When seeking an opportunity, you need not pick the failure of your opponent,” Musonye told Radio Jambo.

“I can only sell my manifesto and I am not going to say Mwendwa has erred or has done how many wrongs. Ask me what I am going to do instead.

“Mwendwa is a human being, has been working for the last four years and has his advantages as well as disadvantages. I am not going to speak about him and I will also not make a ruling that says he has done a good job of what percentage.

“That is the work of the delegates to assess what has been done by the current office. As a candidate, it would be wrong for me to speak about my opponent or rate his work for that is the function of those charged with electing officials.”

The veteran football administrator also acknowledged his manifesto may be similar to those of the opponents, the difference lies in how they are put into practice.

“It is not a must that I should be elected. I have just come out as a candidate, will sell my manifesto to the delegates and if they see it good then it is upon them to make the judgement,” he added.

“Delegates must read my manifesto, compare it with my opponent’s and see who is fit to be elected to lead.

“Manifestoes look the same but it all depends on how it is implemented.”

Musonye left Cecafa after serving for 19 years as the secretary-general.

The FKF elections have been cancelled the previous two times it was scheduled to take place.

The Sports Disputes Tribunal [FKF] stopped those efforts after stakeholders petitioned it, citing a biased electoral code and the expiry of the tenure of the FKF National Executive Committee as the reasons.

Said Benrahma found the back of the net twice in Brentford’s 3-1 win over Derby County in Saturday’s Championship game.

 The 24-year-old forward has been turning heads since his arrival at Griffin Park from French club Nice in the summer of 2018.

The Algeria international has racked up 25 goals in 77 league games which have generated interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal.

Last weekend, he struck a hat-trick, his third in the 2019-20 campaign, a feat only bettered by Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.

At Pride Park, Benrahma was handed his 35th start and delivered a spectacular performance, scoring twice in the encounter.

Ollie Watkins put Thomas Frank’s Brentford in front only three minutes into the encounter after a fine individual display.

Just before the half-hour mark, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney set up Jason Knight to level proceedings for Phillip Cocu’s men.

Shortly after the restart of the second half, Benrahma restored the lead for his side, capitalising on an error from Derby goalkeeper Ben Hamer.

The striker then completed his brace in the 64th minute with a curling effort from the edge of the box to give his side a comfortable win.

The forward has now scored 17 goals this season and will hope to continue the performance in his side’s next league game against Preston North End on July 15.

Norwich have been relegated from the Premier League after suffering their 24th defeat of the season, losing 4-0 at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

The Canaries needed to avoid a loss against the Hammers at Carrow Road to keep their slim hopes of survival alive.

Prior to the match, Farke admitted that his team were destined for the drop, telling reporters: "Even if we win the last four games, I would say with at least a 99 per cent guarantee it would not be enough to stay in this league."

The German manager's prediction proved correct, as Norwich got off to the worst possible start when Michail Antonio turned the ball into the net for the visitors following a Jarrod Bowen corner with just 11 minutes on the clock.

The home side didn't allow their heads to drop after the opener as the game turned into a real end-to-end contest, but top scorer Teemu Pukki squandered their best chance when he headed a pinpoint Jamal Lewis cross wide of the post.

Farke then watched his side concede from another set-piece right on half-time, as Antonio latched onto Mark Noble's expert delivery to divert a header past Tim Krul and into the far corner of the net.

Antonio completed his hat-trick early in the second half before adding a fourth to round off a comfortable 4-0 victory for West Ham, who have now moved six points clear of the relegation places.

Norwich's relegation was confirmed at the final whistle, as they remain rock bottom of the table on 21 points with only three matches remaining.

Norwich can no longer mathematically make up the ten-point gap on 17th placed Watford, as they missed the chance to gain some ground on their rivals following the Hornets' 1-1 draw with Newcastle at Vicarage Road.

Farke's men have only won a total of five games all season, conceding 63 goals while only managing to score a measly 23 at the other end of the pitch.

Pukki's prolific form in the first half of the campaign looked set to inspire the Canaries to safety, but results began to take a turn for the worse when the Finland international stopped finding the back of the net.

Norwich have lost all six of their games since the resumption of the season on June 17, and they still have trips to Chelsea and Manchester United to come.

A home clash against Burnley is wedged in between on July 18, which will be the Championship-bound outfit's last chance to restore some pride before they return to English football's second tier.

Talk of Liverpool making a move for Napoli centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly is “a bit harsh on Joe Gomez”, says Jason McAteer, with Jurgen Klopp expected to continue favouring “the team, not the individual” when piecing together his summer transfer plans.

The Reds have worked hard to plug defensive leaks over recent years.

The £75 million ($95m) signing of Virgil van Dijk in January 2018 proved to be inspired, with the Dutchman having played a leading role in the Champions League and Premier League successes that have followed.

He is considered to have helped raise the game of those around him, including England international Gomez.

With that in mind, McAteer sees no need for the Reds to invest heavily again in another centre-half – especially as they have been careful not to disrupt team spirit in a happy Anfield camp.

The former Liverpool midfielder told the Racing Post: “Liverpool have been linked with a move for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly, along with plenty of others, and with Dejan Lovren leaving people have obviously put two and two together.

“But that might be a bit harsh on Joe Gomez, who I think has worked well with Virgil van Dijk and has done nothing wrong, so we will have to see.

“Liverpool will always be linked with big-name players but it is not just about what you do on the pitch.

“There are other considerations to make and how you fit in with the club and the way things are done at Anfield. And Klopp has embraced this completely.

“It's about the team, not the individual.

“Roberto Firmino is a good example. People may be concerned that he hasn't scored a league goal at Anfield for more than a year, but I'm not worried.

“You need all the ingredients to make a great cake and his movement is incredible. He creates so much for Mo Salah and Sadio Mane and sacrifices his own scoring output.

“He's not really a centre forward. He links everything and is a massive piece of the jigsaw. You can really appreciate what he does if you just concentrate on what he is doing.

“It's about all the ingredients working together. That's why Liverpool have been so successful over the last couple of years.”

It remains to be seen whether Klopp will dip back into the transfer market this summer, with Liverpool also being heavily linked with the likes of Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Kai Havertz.

Peter Olawale has named Brazil and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo Nazario as his role model.

The 17-year-old is on the verge of joining French top-flight outfit Lille thanks to his impressive outing at the 2019 U17 World Cup in Brazil with Nigeria.

Still in the nascent stages of his career, his playing style has already prompted fans to draw comparisons with Arsenal great Thierry Henry, but the youngster has revealed that it is another striker in Ronaldo who he looks up to.

“My role model is Ronaldo Nazario. I love the way he plays, he is fast, skilful and he’s got power-packed shots too and these are the characteristics I possess,” Olawale told Goal.

“I watch his video always and I keep working hard to do better than him.

“My coaches in my academy and national team feel I share some traits with Thierry Henry, but deep down my heart, it is Brazil’s Ronaldo that I cherish and try to emulate.”

Referred to as ‘Little Ronaldo’, the Tripple 44 Academy starlet claims he sees that as a motivation to do more rather than a burden on him.

“Not at all! As much as I feel honoured getting compared with this football icon, I try to be myself always,” he continued.

“I would love to make my own mark and hopefully someday, those coming behind would see me as their role model.”

Olawale is not short of suitors having been linked with Victor Osimhen’s Lille, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Fenerbahce and Besiktas.

Nevertheless, the introverted Nigeria youth international, who turns 18 on July 26, is hoping that his future can be resolved soon to commence "another chapter" in his career.

He added: “Everything is still on hold due to the pandemic but it’s one of those things I try not to think about.

“It will be a special experience to finally put pen to paper but I don’t want to think about it. I can’t just wait to start the next chapter of my life and more importantly make the best out of it.

“Looking at what has been happening over the last few months, I have no clear idea about my destination but I’m very positive and I know that everything will work out well.

“I just want to take it one step at a time because I believe in my ability so much and I want to take the first step and continue to build on it.”

Like every other upcoming African talent, the teenager has a very big dream for the future.

“I have got a target, a very big dream and I’m aware that that takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and a little bit of luck for it to come true,” he stated.

“My dream is to become the best player in Nigeria and also in Africa while I cross my fingers to see what happens globally.”

Cristiano Ronaldo made team-mates at Manchester United “allergic to defeat”, says Nani, with the Portuguese forward’s relentless pursuit of perfection rubbing off on those around him.

The Red Devils plucked a rough diamond away from Sporting in the summer of 2003, with Sir Alex Ferguson impressed by the potential in a wiry teenage winger.

The legendary United boss would polish Ronaldo into a global superstar, with the needless tricks and theatrics removed from his game as he was morphed into a powerful goal-scoring machine.

By the time he left for Real Madrid in 2009, an all-time great already had a Ballon d’Or to his name and an enviable haul of collective honours – including three Premier League titles and a Champions League crown.

Nani had joined a fellow countryman in England during the summer window of 2007, with the same path taken from Sporting, and he admits to having been turned into a winner by a superstar colleague .

On his arrival at Old Trafford and early experiences in what would be an eight-year spell, Nani told the Players’ Tribune : “Not many mentioned Manchester United. But my agent, Jorge Mendes, wrote down the names of all the clubs and said, 'For me, the best team you can choose is this one'. He pointed at Man Utd.

“Before I knew it, I was looking for a house in Manchester.

“At the start I was supposed to move into a hotel, but Jorge asked me 'Would you mind staying with Cristiano?'

“So I moved in with him and Anderson, who had just arrived at Man Utd.

“Cristiano had a swimming pool, a ping-pong table, a tennis court — and every day we would compete at something.

“By the time Anderson and I left that house, we had become allergic to defeat.”

Ronaldo was not the only big character to help shape Nani into becoming a senior star himself , with there plenty of advice to be found in a star-studded squad.

Nani, who is now on the books of MLS side Orlando City, added: “Sir Alex was like a father to me. Guys like Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs gave me so much good advice.

“I became friends with Antonio Valencia, Fabio and Rafael, Cristiano, Anderson and many others.”

During his time with United, Nani took in 230 appearances and helped the Red Devils to four Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph and Club World Cup success.

Returning Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena has questioned the logic behind those insisting that he should have stayed at Orlando Pirates to work under Josef Zinnbauer, saying being part of Pitso Mosimane’s backroom staff is his best option.

The youthful coach rejoined Sundowns earlier this week following a brief spell at Chippa United and a period at Pirates highlighted by a largely unsuccessful stint as interim head coach.

In what could have exposed his capacity to lead a traditional giant like Pirates, Mokwena managed just four wins, five draws and as many defeats before Zinnbauer was roped in last December.

Mokwena then reverted to being an assistant coach, now under Zinnbauer, but lasted just one match in which he cut a lone figure, suggesting that he might not have been happy under the German.

Then after retracing his roots back to Chloorkop, Mokwena gave a brutal assessment of his mentor Mosimane and Zinnbauer.

“Apart from making this thing about Zinnbauer and Pitso Mosimane, there were opportunities to be head coach both locally and outside the country,” Mokwena told Marawa Sports Worldwide on Metro FM.

“But the reality is [that] I am still a young coach and I still have a lot to learn which is also a major consideration because with coach Pitso you know that he is going to stay for long and he is a man who is loyal.

"He is a man that history has shown that he gives himself time and sticks to his contract.

“I can’t say the same about the Pirates coach because I don’t know him. But it was made easier for me because I didn’t think that even now when everyone keeps saying that you would have learnt more from Zinnbauer because he is a foreigner. But who said so?

“Because with all due respect if we were to put the two CVs on the table, I mean, coach Pitso is head and shoulders above JZ and this is the humble truth.”

While Mosimane has a proven track record of sweeping silverware on the domestic scene as well as, at one stage, conquering Africa, Zinnbauer is yet to prove himself on the continent.

It is the German’s first job in Africa where he arrived without a trace of success in Europe where he coached in the Bundesliga and Swiss Super League.

But after leading Pirates to seven victories, two draws and two defeats in the 11 matches he has been in charge of so far, Zinnbauer has shown potential to become a big force in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Mokwena, however, still insists that Pitso is the right man to guide him.

“And if you were to ask me, who do I want to learn from? I want to learn from a man who has won trophies repeatedly, who is loved in his own country, who is appreciated in his own country by his own people, who is a black coach that continues to be an inspiration to many other black coaches including myself,” continued Mokwena.

“Then the answer would be that because I am also fortunate but I sit in a position where I know that a lot of people would have said ‘ahh he should have gone to be a head coach somewhere else’ but it’s not about what I want, it’s about when the time is right and we feel it should happen.”

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has confirmed Lille striker Victor Osimhen called him to make an enquiry about racism in Italy ahead of a potential switch to the Stadio San Paolo outfit.

The Super Eagle delivered impressive performances in his debut season with the Mastiffs which have seen a number of European clubs jostle for his signature.

The forward scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 38 appearances to help Lille finish fourth in the French top-flight last season, and won the club’s player of the season for his displays.

Napoli is leading in the race to sign the 21-year-old forward but recently, his agent expressed his concern about racism in Italy.

Koulibaly arrived at Stadio San Paolo in the summer of 2014 from Belgian club Genk and has developed into one of the best defenders in the world.

The Senegal international, who has experienced racist abuse in the European country, revealed the advice he gave to Osimhen when he reached out to him.

“It is true that he called me. We talked about racism, I told him that coming to Naples he won't have these problems, he will choose the right city,” Koulibaly told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I too felt the bitterness of the racist insult, but never in Naples. I reassured him, I told him that if he comes, he will have the best choice. Then, the rest will have to be done by the leaders. "

Koulibaly has also been linked to a number of European clubs, including Manchester United, Juventus and Manchester City, but has revealed he is enjoying himself with the Parthenopeans and suggested he could end his career with the side.

“My family is doing very well in Naples and this makes me happy. If I have been here for six years, it is only thanks to them, because if they had not been well, I would have already gone away,” he continued.

“My children speak Italian as well as French. At home, we speak both languages. Here we live peacefully, I hear that I will go away, but here I am fine, I do not understand why we should talk about the market when there is nothing on the horizon. Every day there is a new one.

“In football, you never know what happens. I never spoke to the club that I wanted to leave. If we have to find a solution, we will find it, but I have never talked about the market.

“I also read in the newspapers of my future. But I only want to think about playing, I am 100% of Napoli and it bothers me to be approached, every day, to this or that European club.

“We will see what the President will decide, if he proposes to me to extend the contract, which, therefore, would allow me to end my career here.

"At the moment, I still have a three-year contract: there are many, and I am not thinking of anything else but Napoli.

“I wouldn't say no [to end my career in Napoli]. But I don't want to deceive anyone. We know how things are in football. Maybe you say you stay for life and then you are sold.

“So I tell the fans that I will give 200-300 percent until I wear this shirt. I have a special relationship with the people of Naples, a pure feeling ”

The defender has not been at his best in this campaign owing to injury problems and other issues, which have limited his playing time, as he has only featured in 19 Serie A games.   

The 29-year-old, who helped Senegal finish as runner-up in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, however, admitted the coronavirus lockdown has helped him to work on himself and hopes to regain his fitness soon.

“The quarantine has done me a lot of good, I have worked at home, I have equipped a gym in the garage to regain physical fitness: I am getting there,” he added.

“I know I haven't been to the top this year, even though I did well in the Champions League. This will not be my worst season. I paid for the participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, I took the fatigue with me.”

Koulibaly will be expected to play a part when Napoli take on AC Milan in their next league game on Sunday.

Borussia Dortmund's valuation of rumoured Manchester United target Jadon Sancho must be met 100 per cent if he is to be sold this summer, according to the club's sporting director Michael Zorc.

Sancho has been a revelation in Germany since his move to Dortmund from Manchester City in the summer of 2017.

The 20-year-old has scored 58 goals in 143 appearances for BVB in all competitions, while also contributing a staggering 54 assists, establishing himself as one of the most deadly attacking players in Europe in the process.

The 2019-20 campaign has been arguably the England international's best yet at Westfalenstadion, and he is now being tipped to make the step up to an even bigger club in the summer transfer window.

Zorc has already admitted that Dortmund are preparing for Sancho's departure, with a return to the Premier League being mooted as a strong possibility.

United have identified Sancho as a priority transfer target, but the German outfit are reportedly set to demand a fee within the region of €120 million (£107m/$136m) for a prized asset when the market reopens.

Zorc says the winger won't be sold for a penny less than their asking price, and he is still holding out faint hope of the ex-City starlet staying put for another season.

The Dortmund chief told German publication Waz: "Jadon has a valid contract with us and we would be very happy if he is still with us next season.

"To think about anything else at all, the timing would have to be right, and secondly, our price expectations would have to be met 100%."

A number of former United players have endorsed Sancho's potential arrival at Old Trafford, including Andy Cole, who enjoyed a hugely successful spell in Manchester between 1996 and 2001.

When asked to comment on the Dortmund attacker's future during an interview with MUTV earlier this month, the ex-Red Devils striker responded: "Would he give Manchester United something different? Of course he would.

"I’m not going to sit here and say, 'Oh no, he’s not good enough!' because of course he’s good enough. He’s got pace, he’s got the ability to go past players, score goals and create."

Liverpool got a good look at Bruno Fernandes long before Manchester United made their move, with Jason McAteer of the opinion that the Reds should have snapped up a “huge influence”.

Jurgen Klopp’s side faced Sporting in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium in New York during the summer of 2019.

Fernandes opened the scoring in what would end up being a 2-2 draw, with his playmaking qualities and keen eye for goal clear for all to see.

Tottenham had already been sniffing around the Portugal international by that stage, while a door remained open for Liverpool to make a move.

Neither opted to put a deal in place, though, and the 25-year-old is now starring on a Premier League stage at Old Trafford.

"Manchester United were in disarray not long ago," ex-Reds midfielder McAteer told the Racing Post.

"There seemed to be a lack of characters in the dressing room but the lockdown now looks to have provided them with a welcome break and they have benefited from some work on the training ground.

"They have started back well and Bruno Fernandes has been brilliant.

"I saw him play against Liverpool for Sporting Lisbon in the summer in America and he was brilliant. I was hoping Liverpool would sign him and he’s been a huge influence.

"He has made Paul Pogba look a better player and you can tell the younger members of the team have been given more confidence.

"They know that they have a player who is capable of finding them when they are in good positions.

"Their defence is still a concern and I think they are prone to sulking if they go a goal behind but they are lying in wait for Leicester to continue slipping up and they look ready to pounce.

"Much of their rejuvenation is down to their Portuguese midfielder."

Liverpool have fared admirably without Fernandes, with a first title triumph in 30 years wrapped up in record-breaking style.

There is, however, a sense that Klopp still needs to find another creative influence in the middle of the park after choosing not to bring in a replacement for Philippe Coutinho when the Brazilian headed to Barcelona in January 2018.

He is being linked with a number of options ahead of the next window, such as Thiago Alcantara and Kai Havertz, but will be lining up against Fernandes again next season as the Portuguese seeks to help force United back into contention for a domestic crown.

Rumoured Liverpool and Manchester City target Kalidou Koulibaly has played down rumours of a summer move away from Napoli.

Koulibaly has been a solid presence in the heart of Napoli's defence since his arrival at Stadio San Paolo from Genk in 2014.

The 29-year-old has racked up 239 appearances for the club in all competitions, including 27 this season, emerging as one of the top centre-backs in Europe in the process.

The Senegal international has been tipped to undertake a new challenge away from Naples this summer, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain among those being credited with an interest in his services.

Liverpool and City have also been strongly linked with Koulibaly, who still has three years left to run on his current contract at Napoli.

The highly-rated defender has now come out to address ongoing speculation over his future, revealing that he has yet to sit down with the top officials at Stadio San Paolo to discuss a potential transfer.

Koulibaly also admitted that he would be open to seeing out his playing days at the Serie A club, telling Gazzetta dello Sport: "In football, you never know what happens. I never spoke to Napoli about leaving. If we have to find a solution, we will find it, but I have never talked about the transfer market. 

"I also read in the newspapers about my future. But I only want to think about playing, I am 100 per cent [committed to] Napoli and it bothers me to be linked, every day, to this or that European club. 

"We will see what the president (Aurelio De Laurentiis) will decide and if he proposes to extend my contract, that would allow me to end my career here. 

"At the moment, I still have a three-year contract and I am not thinking of anything else but Napoli."

Pressed further on the possibility of retiring at Napoli, Koulibaly responded: "I wouldn't say no. But I don't want to deceive anyone. We know how things are in football. Maybe you say you stay for life and then you are sold. 

"So I tell the fans that I will give 200-300 per cent while I wear this shirt. I have a special relationship with the people of Naples, a pure feeling."

The Senegalese star will be back in contention for a place in Gennaro Gattuso's starting XI when Napoli play host to Milan on Sunday.

Paul Merson has expressed his belief that "Arsenal are a bit behind Tottenham", while admitting Spurs have a better chance of a top-four finish next season.

Sunday's north London derby could have a huge bearing on who finishes in the final Europa League places this season.

Arsenal are currently sitting eighth in the Premier League standings, one point behind seventh-placed Sheffield United and one ahead of arch-rivals Tottenham, who slipped to ninth after being held to a 0-0 draw away at Bournemouth on Thursday.

Jose Mourinho's side have only won two of their last five matches, while the Gunners have been in impressive form since suffering a shock 2-1 defeat away at Brighton on June 20.

Mikel Arteta's men have picked up four victories in all competitions since then, and were unfortunate not to extend that winning run after a 1-1 stalemate with Leicester at Emirates Stadium last time out.

Spurs missed a great chance to beat Arsenal when they met at the Emirates in the first half of the season as they squandered a 2-0 advantage during a thrilling 2-2 draw, which marked the final derby of Mauricio Pochettino's reign.

Mourinho has faced plenty of criticism for his perceived negative style of play since succeeding the Argentine, but Merson believes he has a strong enough squad at his disposal to fight for a place in the Champions League in 2020-21.

Despite the fact that Arteta has overseen a significant upturn in results recently, the Arsenal legend is not so sure that his old club can achieve the same goal, as he wrote in his latest column for the Daily Star: "Sunday’s derby is a close one to call. But I think Arsenal are a bit behind Tottenham.

"Neither of them are going to finish in the top four this season but there’s more chance of Spurs doing that next season than Arsenal. 

"Over a 38-game season, with the squads they have, and if everyone stays fit, I’d be surprised if Arsenal finish above Tottenham. I saw Arsenal against Leicester and they impressed me.

"But I liked what I saw from Spurs against Everton as well."

Wazito FC President Ricardo Badoer has promised to award anyone with enough proof of alleged match-fixing in Kenya KSh10 million.

Badoer had claimed in January there was an anonymous person who has been frustrating him with extortion and alleged match-fixing.

In a statement carried out by Wazito’s Twitter handle, the businessman has come out to promise any whistle-blower with millions concerning these revelations.

“I challenge anyone with proof of match-fixing in Kenya to come forward. Anyone who gives me the names of these people will get KSh10 million from me,” Badoer is quoted as saying.

The president also revealed why the club had to part ways with 11 players who were mostly signed at the beginning of the 2019/20 season.

“We are looking at some players from other teams to sign. We are going for young hungry players as we want players who want to play football for Wazito,” the businessman added.

“We released players based on performance, future goals and financial aspects.”

He also admitted it was not an easy decision to see head coach Stewart Hall leave especially after helping Wazito stabilise and remain in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) after a turbulent start at the beginning.

“It was a tough decision to let [Stewart] Hall go because he had done a good job. But I always wanted a Kenyan to be in charge of Wazito,” he added.

“Fred Ambani [former head coach and now an assistant coach] is a good guy, he knows how to do the job and I have full confidence in him.”

The club owner also talked about the much-anticipated Wazito Stadium and plans to invest in a girls’ team.

“Construction of our stadiums will start soon. Covid-19 has affected the project but once we are able to travel things will take off really fast. We want to finish it in one year,” Badoer explained.

“I have plans of investing in women's football. It will show how much I love Kenyan football and how much I want to change the issues.”

Wazito players continued to enjoy salaries despite the league suspension and Badoer revealed why he had to ensure that was happening.

“We are a professional team and during this Covid-19 period we are paying our players, they have insurance. We are taking care of our players,” he concluded.

Wazito were 13th when the KPL was abandoned due to the restrictions brought about by the emergence of the coronavirus.