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Belgian First Division A club Oostende have announced the departure of Joseph Akpala following the expiration of his contract.

The Super Eagles striker returned to the Versluys Arena outfit last summer, signing a year deal which ran out in June.

The 33-year-old forward only made seven appearances across all competitions for Alexander Blessin’s men last season due to injury problems.

The Kustboys revealed the Nigeria international’s contract will not be renewed along with Hasan Ozkan while Priestley Farquharson has also been released.

“Striker Joseph Akpala is not offered a new contract and is therefore again a free player,” read a statement from the club website.

“We thank 'Joske' for his boundless efforts and excellent mentality and wish him every success in the further course of his career.

“His contract with KVO ran until June 30 but was extended until last Saturday. Then he played in the friendly match against Varsenare, but now the collaboration ends.

“The contract of Hasan Ozkan is not renewed, Anton Tanghe and Jordy Schelfhout are still training. The trial period of defender Priestley Farquharson is over, he also leaves KVO."

Akpala made 62 league appearances in his first spell with the side, scoring 12 goals between 2015 and 2018 before leaving to join Al-Faisaly.

The forward started his career with Pepsi Football Academy in Lagos before joining Bendel Insurance, where he signed his first professional contract.

He departed the shores of Nigeria to team up with Sporting Charleroi in Belgium in 2006 before signing for rival side Club Brugge two years later.

The striker moved to Turkey in 2014 to team up with Super Lig club Karabukspor, where he managed to score seven goals in 25 league appearances during his one-year stay before signing for Oostende.

Akpala has represented Nigeria 13 times and will hope to secure a new club before the start of the 2020-21 season.

SuperSport United head coach Kaitano Tembo has confirmed the club will extend the contracts of Clayton Daniels and Siyabonga Nhlapo. 

While Daniels is in the twilight of his career, Tembo feels he still has a big role to play, especially to the younger players at the club.

The 35-year-old defender has been with Matsatsantsa for six seasons, and Tembo values his experience and contribution to the club. 

"Clayton has been a warrior for the club. He's got an option and we are exercising it. The same applies to Siya [Siyabonga Nhlapo] as well, because they still have a huge role to play in the team," Tembo told the South Africa Football Journalists Association.

"We've got young players like Luke Fleurs, who's only 19, and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe who is Botswana national team captain and is only 22."

"So, you can see we've got young players who have already been playing, but at the same time, you need to have a strong backbone, in order to guide those youngsters.

"Clayton plays a huge role, and we feel that we still need him because he can still play as well," added Tembo.

Since his arrival at the Tshwane giants, Daniels has played 184 matches across all competitions. 

He has also scored a few important goals for the club during that period - 14 to be exact despite being a defender. 

Daniels was instrumental as Matsatsantsa reached the final of the Caf Confederation Cup in 2017. 

He was equally impressive in the four major trophies SuperSport United won over the past four seasons. 

Nhlapo, on the other hand, arrived from Bidvest Wits in 2017 and has proven to be an asset to the club over the last three years. 

His contract with Matsatsantsa expired on June 30 but the club decided to offer him a short term deal until the end of the season while discussing his long-term deal at the club. 

It's unclear, at this stage, how long both Daniels and Nhlapo will sign for. 

Tembo is also expected to sign a few more players to bolster the squad after losing Dean Furman in midfield.   

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has ruled out Moussa Djenepo and Boufal from their Premier League game against Everton on Thursday.

Djenepo returned to the Saint’s squad, making the substitute bench, in their shocking win against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Mali international was handed a three-match ban after he was shown a red card in his side’s defeat against Newcastle United back in March before the outbreak of the coronavirus which forced the Premier League into a hiatus.

Subsequently, the 22-year-old midfielder missed the Saints victories against Norwich and Watford as well as their defeat to Arsenal.

Hasenhuttl has confirmed the former Standard Liege star has suffered an injury and will not be available for selection when they face the Toffees at Goodison Park.

“We have another injury with Moussa, which is not a coincidence for a player who has had a longer time off with a suspension,” Hasenhuttl told the club website.

“He’s had less training and games and sometimes this can lead to injuries during an intense programme like this.

“We have a few injuries, but I cannot say how many changes I will have to make. At the moment they’re all a little bit tired, but tomorrow we will look and decide who is and isn’t available to play.”

Morocco international Boufal, meanwhile, will also not be part of the game as he is yet to recover from his injury problems.

“Jannik [Vestergaard] will not make it with his quad injury, Sofiane [Boufal] is also still out and Yan Valery has a muscle injury still. Pierre [Højbjerg] is an option and could possibly make the bench.”

Boufal last featured for the Saints against Norwich City on June 19 and has made 25 appearances across all competitions in this campaign.

The 26-year-old winger will hope to return to action along with Djenepo when Southampton take on Manchester United on July 13.

Arsenal are looking to tie up a permanent deal for Dani Ceballos, but Charlie Nicholas says the on-loan Real Madrid star remains “unpredictable” and the Gunners are still “not right” defensively as a collective.

Mikel Arteta has expressed a desire to keep a player who was snapped up on a season-long agreement by his predecessor Unai Emery at Emirates Stadium beyond the end of the current campaign.

It remains to be seen if Ceballos can be retained, as he is keeping all of his options open, with Arsenal needing to prove to those already on their books and being eyed up from afar that they can make positive progress in the future.

In the present, the aim is to end the 2019-20 campaign as positively as possible – with European football and FA Cup glory still there to be shot at.

Their next outing is, however, set to be a testing one, with Arteta readying his troops for a meeting with Leicester.

Nicholas is hoping to see recent improvement maintained in that clash, with the Gunners going in search of a fourth successive Premier League win and a fifth in all competitions, but concedes that there remains a number of issues to be addressed by the north London outfit.

“Arsenal have formed a bit of momentum. It is still not right at the back but it is better,” former Gunners star Nicholas told Sky Sports.

“Emiliano Martinez is playing well and Sead Kolasinac on the left side of a back three is keeping it balanced. Kieran Tierney has been looking stronger and fitter. When Arsenal have wing backs, they can hit the byline and can be dangerous. It is where the danger is.

“Dani Ceballos is unpredictable. He has lovely ability, energy, but he and Granit Xhaka are weak defensively. That is the reason why you have a back five. They are not holding as they cannot tackle but they can get on the ball.

“The intent was there from Tierney for Bukayo Saka's goal [in a 2-0 win over Wolves]. Playing higher up the pitch can allow you to pin teams in. Cedric Soares deserves to be in the team too.

“Even with Alexandre Lacazette scoring, I still think Eddie Nketiah will start [against Leicester]. Saka can play anywhere, and scoring was ace for him off the back of the new contract, but I'm not sure whether he was at his best in that right-sided position. You could switch Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with him.

“Aubameyang is two goals behind Jamie Vardy now in the race for the Golden Boot, so he will be keen to get things going again. Eddie's pace gives teams problems, but at the same time, they have earned the right to be in the team. The goal helped Lacazette but I would not be surprised if he did not make it.”

Arsenal will welcome the Foxes to Emirates Stadium sat seventh in the table, eight points adrift of the top four but very much in contention for a Europa League spot.

While Liverpool “have been the best team” in the Premier League this season, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez considers Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to have been the standout player and a man deserving of the PFA Player of the Year award.

A star turn at the Etihad Stadium has been in contention for that prize on a number of occasions.

Since a man who previously struggled to make his mark at Chelsea was brought back to English football in the summer of 2015, he has been a model of consistency.

De Bruyne has been integral to the success enjoyed by City, with many surprised to see him miss out to Mohamed Salah in the 2018 PFA vote after helping the Blues to 100 points in a record-breaking title triumph.

The Belgian had previously been edged out by Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, with it possible that he could be left empty-handed again in 2020.

With Liverpool having dominated a domestic scene, the expectation is that one of those to have helped them to a first top-flight crown in 30 years will be picked out as the cream of the Premier League crop.

Martinez, though, believes that the remarkable standards set by De Bruyne deserve to be recognised, with it still possible for City to end the campaign with four trophies to their name.

The Belgium national team coach told The Mirror: "Obviously I watch all of Kevin's games. The other day I was watching the Man City game against Liverpool and for me it was very clear.

"Liverpool have been the best team this season and the worthy winners and champions, and then you could say easily Kevin has been the best player in the league.

"The way he affects the game, the way he can become that player who executes the pass that no other can do.

"A player that can play in different positions, that he can adjust to different needs, and for me it was very, very clear in that game that we saw the worthy champions, and on the other side we saw the best individual player in the league."

Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Virgil van Dijk are considered be the leading contenders within Liverpool’s ranks for the PFA award, with De Bruyne having tipped one of them to take the trophy.

The humble 29-year-old said back in April when asked who he would pick: "I would say Mane. I think he has been the total package this year for Liverpool.

"He has been important, so if I had to choose somebody, I would choose Mane."

Chelsea are in pole position to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havert, with Goal having learned that a number of rival suitors were put off by the €100 million (£90m/$112m) price tag being placed on him this summer.

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on club finances across the European football landscape means few clubs can match the resources at Stamford Bridge this summer and, as such, it has left them leading the race for the 21-year-old.

Havertz, however, wants to play Champions League football at his next club, and Frank Lampard’s side are yet to confirm their place in the competition for next season.

They currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, two points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United and five clear of Wolves in sixth with five matches of the campaign to play.

Should a club meet his valuation, then Leverkusen will agree to sell Havertz.

But the Bundesliga outfit's sporting director, Rudi Voller, is hopeful that he can keep his club's prized asset for another season .

"There is nothing specific, nothing to report. As of now, he is our player," Voller told  Bild . "We have our ideas, we know what he can do. I personally hope that he stays one more year. We have an agreement: if it works, he can go this summer."

If Havertz was to remain at the BayArena for one more season it would also be a boost for other clubs with a long-standing interest in the Germany international, such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Neither Bayern nor Real are ready to consider a move until 2021.

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently told  Sport1 : “I say very clearly, financially a transfer for Havertz will not be possible this year. It’s my wish for Rudi Voller that he stays one more year in Leverkusen.”

Havertz is happy to move to the Premier League, and Chelsea currently have no competition from within England at this stage, with their key rivals either not having the money or not prioritising a player of his profile.

After effectively sitting out two transfer windows due to a ban on signing new players, Chelsea have already moved to secure the signatures of Hakim Ziyech and Havertz’s compatriot Timo Werner ahead of next season, with the pair costing a combined £84m ($105m).

Werner has since declined the opportunity to return to Leipzig in order to play the Champions League quarter-finals in August and, should Leverkusen agree to sell Havertz before the resumption of the Europa League, he will not play in those matches either.

Leverkusen played their final domestic fixture of the season on Saturday, losing 4-2 to Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal final, with Havertz scoring his 17th goal of the season in what could be his final match for the club.

Chelsea are also seeking to reinforce their defence this summer, and are keen on the addition of a left-back in that shape of Leicester City's Ben Chilwell .

The Foxes are not keen on selling the England international, however, with Harry Maguire's world-record £80m move to Manchester United setting a precedent for how the club will deal with selling their best assets.

Elsewhere, West Ham's Declan Rice is a long-term target of Chelsea's, but the prospect of an imminent move is not looking likely after David Moyes' side's hopes of staying in the Premier League were boosted by a 3-2 win over Chelsea last week.

Chelsea are also considering players sales while  they plan to re-open talks over renewing in-form winger Willian's contract in the coming weeks.

Jose Mourinho has made Tottenham “a complete bore to watch”, says Jamie O’Hara, with the Portuguese warned that Spurs will look to “get rid” if no progress is made in pursuit of top-four finishes and major silverware.

A coach who boasts the most distinguished of CVs was appointed as successor to Mauricio Pochettino in north London back in November 2019.

Mourinho’s capture was considered to be quite the coup for a side that had taken a backwards step since gracing the Champions League final a few months prior to his arrival.

With success having been delivered at the likes of Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United, an experienced tactician was tipped by many to bring long-awaited success to Spurs.

Mourinho has, however, struggled to find a spark through the start of his reign, with there a very real threat of Tottenham falling out of the Premier League’s top six for the first time since 2009.

O’Hara admits progress has been slow, with the former Spurs midfielder telling talkSPORT: “The fact of the matter is that there is no excitement in the games anymore. Spurs are so boring to watch.

“I was a big fan when Mourinho came in and it was like ‘right, we’re going to win a trophy and I’m all for let’s just win a trophy, it doesn’t matter how we do it’.

“But actually, I’m now sat there thinking ‘I have lost all excitement of watching Spurs’.

“I loved it with Poch. Even though we had a bit of a poor start to the season and there was a bit of unrest in the dressing room, I still loved watching them. I loved seeing how they played.

“Now I’m watching them thinking ‘I’d rather put Come Dine With Me on’.”

O’Hara added: “There were no excuses for Mourinho now they’ve come back from lockdown. Everyone was back fit, he had a full squad, there were no excuses with Harry Kane and Son.

“I was excited to see how they came back and thought can they be – like Man United have been and like Chelsea have been – can they look fit and stronger?

“Tottenham have been the complete opposite. They have been a complete bore to watch.”

With Spurs in danger of alienating a fan base that cannot attend games during the coronavirus pandemic, O’Hara says Mourinho needs to find a quick fix and start proving his worth if another early departure is to be avoided from a prominent post in England.

The Spurs academy graduate said: “Give him a transfer window, see what he does next season. If he can bring a trophy to the club, then it’s been worthwhile.

“If it doesn’t look like we are going to win a trophy… the thing is with Spurs fans is the expectation.

“Poch did turn us into a consistently top four football team. If we’re not going to be that all of a sudden, with that stadium and where the club are trying to go, then we have to get rid.”

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford both reaching the 20-goal mark is "long overdue", according to Andy Cole, who says the Manchester United duo will now have to prove that they can deliver the goods "season in, season out".

Rashford was enjoying his best individual campaign yet in United colours before being sidelined with a back injury in January, having hit 19 goals in 31 outings across all competitions.

Martial took up the mantle through the middle in the England international's absence, and has also been able to add an end product to his game which had previously been lacking.

The Frenchman took his tally to 20 goals in a single campaign for the first time in his career after a netting a hat-trick in United's 3-0 win over Sheffield United on June 24, which also marked his first treble for the club.

Rashford, who returned to full fitness during the coronavirus-enforced break in the season, matched his team-mate's total by scoring a penalty in a 5-2 victory at home to Bournemouth at the weekend.

With Mason Greenwood also finding the net on a regular basis for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, it has been suggested that former glories will soon be revived at Old Trafford.

However, Cole has warned Rashford and Martial that they cannot allow their performance levels to drop if United are to start challenging for major honours once again.

The ex-Red Devils forward told MUTV: "I’ll be honest, I think it’s overdue, considering the talent of the pair of them. I was very surprised that it was Martial’s first hat-trick in his career, very, very surprised. 

"These kids have the talent to be getting these goals season in, season out. And if they don’t they’ve got to be asking themselves the question why they are not getting 20 goals a season.

"I look at the Premier League now, in my time playing you had to get 20 goals, there was no option, you had to give the club 20 goals.

"Now I see a lot of players finishing on 12, 13 goals and they are playing centre-forward. When you’re at a big club you’ve got to have someone who can get you 20, 25, 30 goals a season if you’re trying to win the Premier League or win in Europe."

Cole went on to express his belief that the presence of €55 million (£50m/$62m) January signing Bruno Fernandes has helped United's attacking players improve their output.

He also discussed the positive effect the Portuguese playmaker has had on Paul Pogba in recent weeks, with the Frenchman enjoying a new lease of life since coming back into the team in June.

Cole added: "I think it’s a massive plus (having Fernandes). If you look since he’s come into the football club, the way he’s galvanised the players, ultimately he creates chances because he always wants to get on the ball.

"That makes it really good for a centre-forward because you know you’re guaranteed whatever movement you make he’s always looking to pass the ball forward and slip you in.

"Having Bruno in there and the re-emergence of Paul Pogba as well, the way Paul has come back into the team has freed him up no end.

"And the last few games we’ve seen Paul play, you can see his quality, because he knows he’s playing with a quality midfield player that has a fantastic understanding who can create chances and score goals."

Bruno Fernandes has helped to make Manchester United “watchable” again, says Dwight Yorke, with the Portugal international midfielder helping to raise the game of the Red Devils as a collective.

Prior to bringing a 25-year-old playmaker onto their books during the January transfer window, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had once again been struggling for consistency.

That was threatening to undermine their efforts to push back into the Premier League’s top four and chase down major silverware.

Fernandes has, however, slotted seamlessly into the fold and become a talismanic presence at Old Trafford.

His arrival has coincided with a 16-game unbeaten run across all competitions, with United now very much in the hunt for Champions League qualification and prestigious trophies.

Solskjaer has seen his side rediscover their attacking spark, with the goals flowing once more, and Fernandes finds himself at the heart of a renaissance for the Red Devils.

Former United striker Yorke told JOE of the upturn in fortune: “The fact that we are unbeaten in 16 games now, that’s a run we haven’t had for maybe three or four years.

“And of course he’s got the addition of Bruno Fernandes, who’s hit the ground running and made an instant impact, which we needed.

“We needed something to lift us. It’s a little bit early to get above your station, but it certainly looks a lot more exciting and it’s looked a lot more watchable - rather than the way it used to be before. 

“You can actually now sit down to watch a game of football knowing that, at least we’ve got players who will attack defenders and try to score.”

Fernandes has contributed six goals and five assists through his nine Premier League appearances for date, with the Portuguese now setting the standard for all of those around him.

Yorke added on a charismatic figure in the middle of the park: “He’s animated with everything that he does.

“He’s involved from back to front. He works hard for the team and everyone seems to follow him in that sense. And it’s just great to see.

“He’s been huge for us. We needed somebody to really lift the team.”

Fernandes and United will be back in action on Thursday when they take in a trip to relegation-threatened Aston Villa.

Vipers SC have sealed their third signing this transfer window with the arrival of Jamil Kalisa from Bright Stars.

The newly crowned Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions have already brought on board former Express FC captain Disan Galiwango and Mbarara City midfielder Ibrahim Orit ahead of the new season.

And on Tuesday, the Venoms confirmed the signing of Kalisa on a four-year contract, after the player opted against extending his one-year deal with Bright Stars.

Vipers have confirmed the arrival of Kalisa on their official website and went further to state his signing will help coach Fred Kajoba to beef up the loop-holes within the team as they prepare for the Caf Champions League campaign next season.

“His arrival will help coach Kajoba patch up several loop-holes within the team as he also strengthens the squad in readiness for the forthcoming season that has already seen pundits predict it as ‘a demanding one’ already,” Vipers said in a statement on their official website.

Apart from taking part in the Caf Champions League, Vipers will also battle to defend the title they won after the Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) moved to end the 2019-20 campaign owing to effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Vipers will also take part in Uganda Cup, Fufa Super 8, and Fufa Super Cup.

Kalisa was a key player for Bright Stars, as he helped the side to avoid relegation last season which saw Proline FC among the teams to drop to the lower league.

The 21-year-old started his career at the National Sports Academy before Lungujja Galaxy – a Rubaga regional side – spotted him in 2017 en route to joining Bright Stars at the start of the 2018/19 season, and he now rejoins coach Kajoba having worked with him at his previous club.

In a recent interview, coach Kajoba revealed the importance of beefing up the squad to help challenge for titles and also do well in the Champions League.

“We have to make sure we have all the positions covered because next season, we will have a tough season, taking part in Champions League and we must also fight to defend the league title,” Kajoba said.

KCCA will represent Uganda in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Pep Guardiola has reiterated his desire to see Lionel Messi remain at Barcelona, with the Manchester City boss refusing to be drawn on speculation suggesting that he could be reunited with the Argentine in England.

Speculation regarding a move away from Camp Nou for a six-time Ballon d’Or winner has surfaced again over recent weeks.

It is not the first time that Messi has seen a switch mooted, with an all-time great holding obvious appeal to any team on the planet.

He has remained fiercely loyal to Barca down the years, with fresh terms agreed on a regular basis.

Reports have, however, suggested that Messi has shelved talks in the present as he waits to discover in which direction a rather rudderless Blaugrana side will head from this point.

His apparent reluctance to extend a contract due to run until the summer of 2021 has generated another round of exit talk, with City one of few clubs that could afford to finance a deal if a door were to be opened.

Guardiola, though, is reluctant to be dragged into a debate regarding targets with the 2019-20 campaign still ongoing and still expects a compromise to be reached in Catalunya that will see an iconic figure remain in his current surroundings.

“I’m not going to speak about transfers until the end of the season,” said the former Barca boss.

“My wish is that Messi is going to stay in Barcelona.”

Guardiola offered a similar response when pressed on whether he intends to bring in another centre-half in the next window, with many having called for a suitable successor to former club captain Vincent Kompany to be found.

“At the end of the season. We still have incredible targets to fight for,” said the City coach.

The Blues remain in contention for FA Cup and Champions League crowns this season, having already collected Community Shield and Carabao Cup winners’ medals.

Guardiola is eager to see his side finish with a flourish, but accepts that they have fallen well short in a Premier League title race that has been dominated by record-setting champions Liverpool.

On the back of seeing City suffer a shock 1-0 defeat at Southampton last time out, Guardiola said: “When you lose nine games you cannot win the Premier League right now - maybe years ago.

“The champions have to score above 90 points, so when you lose nine games you cannot win the league.

“I was not able to solve the problem that we have had since the beginning.

“I remember the game against Tottenham at home, they had two shots on target and we shot more than 20 and we drew. It happened in the second game in the league and the last game against Southampton was similar. I was not able to change this dynamic.”

Harambee Starlets coach David Ouma has revealed he is following up with his players to ensure they are keeping fit despite the Covid-19 pandemic which led to the postponement of games.

The national women's team have not been in action for some time now and with the leagues also suspended, it is tough for the players to maintain their shape, but the tactician has explained how they are kept in check.

"As a coach, I have been keeping track of the players to see to it that they remain fit," Ouma said as quoted by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) website. 

"I have been in close contact with their coaches to ensure that their training programs are sufficient. 

"I have also been following up on the newly called-up players, whom we went with to Turkey before the pandemic struck, to ensure that they remain fit for the resumption of football activities."

The former Sofapaka coach has also revealed his best moments with the national team.

"We played 22 high profile international matches in 2016, and the highlight was the Africa Women Cup of Nations (Awcon) [in Cameroon]. We also reached the final of the 2016 Cecafa Women Championship," Ouma added.

"In 2017, we continued to build this team, and it was encouraging when we posted stellar performances in the 2020 Olympics Qualifiers where we eliminated Ghana, which is a World Cup nation. Eventually, we won the 2019 Cecafa Women Championships in Tanzania for the first time ever."
  
It was also a year which players like Annette Kundu and Ruth Ingosi sealed moves to Lakatamia FC of Cyprus, while Corazone Aquino was also snapped up by Portuguese side Atletico Ouriense.

"It gives me joy when I see these players further their careers abroad. Every coach wants to see their products excel and I am not any different," Ouma stated.

He went on to challenge those who have not yet made it to the national team to give their best while challenging those already in the team to maintain their standards. 

"The door into and out of the national team is always open. Keep working hard wherever you are. For those who have gotten a chance, you need to act as role models and remained focused," he concluded.
  

Barcelona boss Quique Setien is clinging to the hope Real Madrid will falter to allow for a late twist in the title race.

Despite holding a narrow La Liga lead when the season resumed, Barcelona have slipped four points behind their great rivals with only four rounds of games remaining.

A coronation for Zinedine Zidane's team appears inevitable, given they have won seven straight fixtures since the league's suspension ended.

But Setien is refusing to wave the white flag, as he told a press conference on Tuesday: "Of course we can still win La Liga. Mathematics says it. We have to keep hope until the final day.

"We have to look at what we can do. Win, leave good feelings, make progress. And if not in this situation, everything we do is worth it for the next one."

Should Barcelona take the title battle down to the final day, that would be a small triumph in itself given the current circumstances at Camp Nou, but victory in the home derby against Espanyol on Wednesday is surely imperative.

They have the Champions League resumption to come in August, then a new La Liga season after that, and Setien wants to see signs of progress from a team who have struggled since COVID-19 caused the 2019-20 campaign to be stalled for three months.

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has indicated he plans to keep Setien on for at least one more year, with the coach speaking of "the circus that is football" as speculation surrounded his position.

"The club are happy with the work we do, I focus on that," he added. "I don't value whether we win a game or lose others. I don't live daily, I work with more perspective.

"We are quite happy, as I have said on numerous occasions. Results are one thing and the feelings are another."

Setien feels his team are performing better than their results have been indicating, as he highlighted "very good moments" in the matches where Barcelona have dropped points. Three draws, alongside the four wins they have achieved since La Liga returned, have proven costly.

The Spanish tactician was cheered by Antoine Griezmann's delicious chip in Sunday's 4-1 win at Villarreal, where the Frenchman was given a more central attacking role than in previous games and thrived on the responsibility.

"He has enough ability to show his level," Setien said. "The other day there was a moment of inspiration and the players who played on the inside and the threat on the outside were closely linked.

"Sergi Roberto helped and did things very well."

Mohun Bagan have announced they have cleared all the salary dues of their players on July 7. Last month, the club had promised that they would clear the salaries in two instalments on or before July 20.

A statement from the club read, “We are pleased to inform you that Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Pvt. Ltd has already cleared the due salaries of the Indian coaches, players and support staff, today, July 7, 2020.

“Kindly note, the club had made a commitment to clear the dues of all players, coaches and support staff by July 20, 2020.”

The Kolkata giants had cleared the first instalment of salaries on June 20 and now with the second instalment being paid, the club is free of all pay-related liabilities.

The I-League defending champions had merged with Indian Super League (ISL) winners ATK to form a single entity earlier this year to take part in the country's top division.

The two clubs have formed a new company ATK Mohun Bagan Private Limited which has been incorporated with the Government of India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs on June 17. 

Other than participating in the ISL, the new entity will also take part in the group stages of AFC Cup 2021 by using the slot gained by Mohun Bagan’s as the I-League 2019-20 champions.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has given his support to head coach Quique Setien, but believes club legend Xavi will inherit the managerial reins "one day".

Xavi, who holds the record for the most Barca appearances of all time, has long been linked with the top job at Camp Nou, where he spent 17 trophy-laden years as a player.

He was considered one of the front-runners to take the post when Ernesto Valverde was sacked in January, only to publicly suggest he was not ready, which led Barca to turn to Setien.

Xavi has since said he wants to become Barcelona coach and has been tipped to succeed the under-fire Setien, but on Sunday the ex-midfielder signed a contract extension as manager of Qatari club Al-Sadd.

And though the jury remains out on Setien given his side have fallen four points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, Bartomeu has given him his backing.

"Setien will continue, obviously," the Barca chief told RAC1.

"I do not regret Valverde's change. The team needed a boost. Setien knows our DNA, the model and has brought new airs and new ideas.

"The coaches are obviously subject to the results, but I am happy with the evolution of the team."

On Xavi's coaching credentials, Bartomeu added: "[Xavi is] a great coach who I am sure will one day come to Barca."

Barca's poor form and infighting behind the scenes has again led to speculation that Lionel Messi could do the unthinkable and actually depart the club when his contract expires in 2021.

Bartomeu has remained steadfast in his belief that the 33-year-old will retire with the Blaugrana and said the club will do all they can to extend his deal.

"He has a contract until 2021 – normally we do not explain the conversations with the players but it is evident that we have an obligation to renew him," he said.

"Messi is the best player in the world."

Messi and Co. will be back in La Liga action on Tuesday night, with Espanyol set to arrive at Camp Nou for a local derby clash.

A win would see Barca continue to put pressure on arch-rivals and current leaders Madrid, who are scheduled to take on Deportivo Alaves at Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder George Maluleka has officially bid farewell to Kaizer Chiefs following his departure last week.

Mauleka's contract with Amakhosi came to an end on June 30 and the Naturena-based side decided not to extend it until the end of the season. 

The 31-year-old said the road he travelled with Chiefs for the past six-and-a-half years can never be forgotten and admitted all he achieved with the club wouldn't have been possible without the support from the fans, staff members and Kaizer Motaung.  

"To the chairman, staff members and faithful Kaizer Chiefs fans, It’s a constant surprise of just how far a road we have travelled together. The continued love, commitment and support you’ve shown can never be forgotten," said Maluleka on his official Instagram account.  

"The road that I have travelled with Kaizer Chiefs could not have been done without your continued support.

"Thanks for always getting excited about the games we played as a team, despite it not always ending well. Your support expressed on social media and other platforms, also in real life and in real-time, will always be appreciated."

Maluleka further revealed that leaving Chiefs wasn't easy but he is already excited about the challenge ahead at Sundowns. 

He said Chiefs and everyone associated with them hold a special place in his heart and not only now that he's left for the Brazilians but for many years to come. 

"Endings are never easy but I celebrate it knowing that it precedes new beginnings," added the Tembisa-born midfielder. 

"As I enter a new season, I remember the powerful words of Martin Luther King JR, 'Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step’.

"You will all continue to hold a special place in my heart, both now and for years to come. And as I take my first step into the new season, I look forward to the new challenges that lie ahead in Mamelodi Sundowns."

Maluleka may have already left Chiefs but he is only eligible to play for Sundowns next season because of the extended season due to the Covid-19 outbreak. 

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has included Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in his Premier League Team of the Week.

The Anglo-Nigerian delivered a spectacular performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on Saturday.  

The 18-year-old scored his first Premier League goal in the encounter with a brilliant finish to help the Gunners clinch a 2-0 victory and keep their hopes of playing in Europe next season alive.

Following the eye-catching performance, Saka has been named as one of the standout players in the English top-flight in the week under review while his coach Mikel Arteta has been adjudged as the best manager.

The versatile player was promoted to the senior team after signing his first professional contract following his convincing showing in the Gunners’ youth setup.

Saka has since been impressive and was recently handed a new long-term contract to ward off suitors who have been jostling for his signature.

The forward, who has also played as a full-back for the Emirates Stadium outfit this season, has made 34 appearances across all competitions, including 22 in the Premier League.

In February, the young defender was named the club’s player of the month and he is currently in the running for the June award as well.

Saka’s solid defensive performance and fine showing upfront are instrumental to the Gunners’ current seventh position on the English top-flight.

The versatile player has featured for England youth teams but he is still eligible to play for Nigeria, where his parents hail from.

He will hope to continue his eye-catching performances when Arsenal take on Leicester City, who would be expected to parade Super Eagles duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, on Tuesday evening.

Jurgen Klopp has outlined his vision for a completely homegrown Liverpool squad in the future, insisting it his "dream to have a team full of Scousers".

Liverpool have enjoyed a hugely successful 2019-20 season, winning three major trophies in total including an elusive Premier League title.

To boost their bid for top-flight glory, Klopp took the chance to rest a number of first-team stars in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and as expected, his side exited both competitions early.

However, a number of academy prospects gave a good account of themselves when asked to step up, including Neco Williams, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.

All three youngsters impressed enough to force their way into contention for Premier League minutes, with Klopp set to shuffle his pack in the final weeks of the season with nothing left to play for.

Jones committed to a new long-term deal at Anfield on Saturday, and Elliott followed suit two days later, as the Reds continue to usher in the next generation of talent.

Klopp is hoping to see plenty more promising youngsters hop off the conveyor belt in the coming years, and would ideally like most of them to hail from Liverpool.

He told a press conference ahead of the Reds' clash with Brighton on Wednesday: "The biggest plus for young players is time. But the moment they lose patience is the moment things go not how they should.

"We try to help them as much as they can to become the best players they can be. I really like that these boys have committed their future. Our Academy is producing some great players in the past few years.

"We want to be the club where everyone with a Scouse soul wants to play. If you are talented and ready to work hard we want you here. To be able to do that we have to show there is a pathway through to the first team.

"The dream in the long term is that we have a team full of Scousers. Why not? They would fight like crazy."

Williams is also reportedly in line for a new contract at Anfield and Klopp is pleased with how he has developed since graduating to the senior fold.

The Liverpool boss added: "Neco will make exactly the same steps as Harvey and Curtis. It is a little bit easier for him to have minutes than it is, for example, Harvey, who has made really good steps and is unbelievable.

"The more players you can produce yourself the better it saves you money. Whatever we can save out there in the crazy transfer market that helps.

"I'm so happy with the two boys' new contracts. We are here for preparing careers until the boys are ready to play week in, week out.

"I proved in the past at [Borussia] Dortmund and here it is not about how old you are but how good you are."

The country was caught up with the central defender who was thought to have ties to Malaysia whether by blood or through his paternal links. As a 22-year-old player who has an impressive physique, Kalonda was seen as the answer to the shortage of quality options available to national team head coach Tan Cheng Hoe in that position.

Efforts were made to do the groundwork and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) themselves reached out to the Zesco United player to clarify the situation. However after an extensive check on his background via the documents that the player provided to the governing body, it has been proven that the tenuous link is not valid.

Through FAM's general-secretary Stuart Ramalingam, the statement released on Tuesday evening closed the book on the Kalonda chapter with FAM assuring the public that they do not take lightly claims such as this and at the same time warn people not to make false claims.

"After the stories surfaced regarding Kalonda and his subsequent claims that his father and grandfather came from Sabah, FAM too the first step of contacting Kalonda to get confirmation. He was informed of the criterias per the rules set by FIFA and we provided to him a checklist to get further confirmation.

"Upon receipt of the documents from Kalonda, FAM have contacted the relevant parties to validate those documents including Congo Football Association (FECOFOOT), Congo consulate in Mlaaysia as well as the National Registry Department (JPN). Yesterday (6 Jul), FAM received the response from JPN that one of the documents received is not valid.

"We have informed Kalonda on the result of the validation and with that, FAM have decided to stop all the process regarding this player," said Stuart in his statement.

While it was a long shot in the first place as FAM themselves already have a working committee to find heritage players from around the world and Kalonda himself has not surfaced in their checks, this confirmation is still a slight blow to the national team as the centre back position is a known problematic area.

Goal understands that Cheng Hoe himself was quite keen to have the chance to assess Kalonda after seeing videos of his performances for his club side but this latest development has certainly put a stop to that. With this, the attention looks likely to turn back towarsd Liridon Krasniqi who had early this year obtained his Malaysian passport.