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Everton have completed the signing of France Under-19 left-back Niels Nkounkou on a free transfer from Marseille, fending off reported interest from Juventus.

Nkounkou has agreed a three-year deal with the Merseyside club following the expiration of his contract at Marseille.

The 19-year-old played 14 times for Marseille's B team in National 2 in 2018-19, France's fourth tier, while also being named on the bench for the first team twice.

He was a rumoured target for Serie A champions Juve but will now be working under Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park, though Nkounkou will first bolster David Unsworth's Under-23 side.

Everton, who are unbeaten since the resumption of the Premier League, have Lucas Digne – France's first-choice left-back – and Leighton Baines as their options on the left side of their defensive line.

Baines, however, is yet to agree to a contract extension, with the 35-year-old's current deal set to run out at the end of the season. The veteran has been offered a one-year deal by the club's board.

Speaking on the clear potential possessed by the teenager, Everton's director of football, Marcel Brands told the club's official website: “Niels is a young, talented player with good technical and physical skills. We have been following him for months.

“Hopefully he can learn a lot from Lucas Digne and Leighton Baines, as well as Carlo Ancelotti and David Unsworth, and follow the same pathway into the first team the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Mason Holgate have taken in recent years.”

The news is likely to be music to the ears of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who recently stated that his young squad should be competing for the Premier League title, no matter how long it takes.

“Everton has to be competitive and fight for the first position of the Premier League with Liverpool, with Chelsea, with Tottenham, with Manchester United, with all the big teams,” the Italian told Sky Sports.

“I don't know how long it will take but I hope that soon we are able to compete. We have a young squad with young players with a lot of skills, a lot of ability. I think just the fact that we can improve this skill and this ability can give us more opportunity to stay at the top.”

Achraf Hakimi has officially moved from Real Madrid to Inter, with reports suggesting the Milanese club have spent around €40 million (£36m/$45m) to secure the services of the youngster until 2025.

It is also said that Madrid have included a buy-back clause in the wing-back's five-year deal.

A statement on Los Blancos' official website reads: "Real Madrid CF and Inter Milan have agreed to transfer Achraf Hakimi. The club wants to thank Achraf for all these years of dedication, professionalism and exemplary behaviour since he came to our academy in 2006 and wishes him good luck in his new phase."

Hakimi had been widely expected to return to Santiago Bernabeu after two stellar seasons at Borussia Dortmund, the 21-year-old announcing himself on the Champions League stage in style with important goals and assists.

Indeed, the player's agent, Alejandro Camano, had said his client was bound for the Spanish capital once his loan deal had been completed, but it seems the prospect of battling Dani Carvajal for a starting spot after being a regular starter at Signal Iduna Park forced the player to consider his options.

In linking up with Antonio Conte's Inter, the youngster is likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet, with Antonio Candreva entering the twilight of his career and Victor Moses only on loan from Chelsea.

In Conte's preferred system, Hakimi would likely line up on the right-hand side of a midfield five in a 3-5-2 formation, operating in his natural right-wing-back role.

Hakimi is a full international for the Morocco national team despite being born in Madrid, already has 28 caps to his name and has scored two goals along the way.

Former Morocco international Houssine Kharja, who also played for Inter before hanging up his boots, claims that his old club have been monitoring Hakimi's development for over two years, with  Nerazzurri director Piero Ausilio allegedly asking for his opinion.

“Ausilio has been following him for a long time,” Kharja told Gianluca Di Marzio . “Two and a half years ago, when he was still at Real Madrid and was not playing, he started asking me about him several times. Inter is a major club, and Conte's tactics will be perfect for him.

“He is very strong, in all the years of the national team I have never seen anyone like him. He is very intelligent, he will be able to adapt to Italian football. 

“He may struggle in the defensive phase, perhaps at the beginning, but he will certainly be helped. After all, even Maicon had some difficulties, then he won the treble. Hakimi is ready and will improve. 

“Playing in a stadium like San Siro will be an extra stimulus: he's not afraid of anything, like me. He played in Madrid and Dortmund, also winning a Champions League. The [Giuseppe] Meazza can only charge him up.”

Barcelona cannot afford to “depend on Lionel Messi’s magic all the time”, admits Rivaldo, with it becoming increasingly apparent that Antoine Griezmann has been written off as a “bad signing”.

The Blaugrana worked hard to bolster their attacking ranks in the summer of 2019, with a long-running transfer saga bringing the World Cup winner into their squad from domestic rivals Atletico Madrid.

France international Griezmann was expected to star alongside Messi and Luis Suarez, with a prominent role being filled that Brazilian star Neymar once thrived in.

Barca have been trying to bring the South American superstar back onto their books, but turned to alternative options after being frustrated in their bids to do business with Paris Saint-Germain.

Griezmann appeared to be a shrewd addition when arriving in Catalunya, but questions have been asked of his form and working relationship with Messi and co throughout 2019-20.

He now finds himself on the bench, with Quique Setien waiting until the 90th minute to introduce him in a 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid that could prove costly in a title scrap with Clasico foes Real Madrid.

Rivaldo is puzzled as to why a proven performer, who is only 29 years of age, is already being phased out, with Griezmann having contributed 14 goals to the collective cause across what has been a testing campaign.

The Blaugrana legend told Betfair: “Barcelona cannot depend on Lionel Messi's magic all the time. He reached his 700th goal with Barcelona which is absolutely astonishing and only proves how fantastic he is as a player, always delighting his fans - but he can't carry the team.

“Playing behind closed doors harmed Barcelona against Atleti as the visitor didn't face a hostile environment at Camp Nou, but that's not an excuse for Barca's disappointing performances since the return after the lockdown.

“The lack of creativity and unpredictability in attack also comes from a lack of options on the bench for Quique Setien. I can't see a player on the Barca bench entering the game and deciding a match like the one against Atleti.

“Furthermore, if you want to change anything you can't wait for the end of the game and expect that Antoine Griezmann will solve anything by coming on in the 90th minute.

“I can't understand why a world champion for France, former Atletico Madrid star for years and multi-million euro signing from Barcelona can only come on in the final minutes of such an important game as the one against Atleti.

“That shows me that something is not good in the team, because if you don't put Griezmann in a game of such importance you are assuming that he is not at his best and might have been a bad signing. It's a bit concerning, the situation at Barcelona right now, and they could end up losing La Liga.”

Stalemate against Atletico has left Barca stuck in second spot, a point behind Real with Madrid set to play their game in hand when welcoming Getafe to Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday.

The unique competition between the Champions League last eight in August is likely to produce a surprise winner, according to Abel Xavier.

Former Portugal international Xavier is thrilled the country's capital city of Lisbon will host one-off matches from the quarter-final stage onwards as the competition ends with a mini-tournament.

Atalanta and RB Leipzig are among the teams already to have secured their place in the last eight, along with Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid.

Lyon and Napoli are hoping to upset Juventus and Barcelona respectively when the last-16 stage is concluded, while Bayern Munich and Manchester City – who lead their own ties – are rated as favourites to win the competition.

But Xavier feels the unique format and environment could benefit the sides who are not used to playing in the final stages.

"Yes, I think from my analysis of what I've seen with surprising results that have been happening in the [domestic] leagues, there is an extra buzz with the top teams because of the fans," Xavier said to Stats Perform News.

"There is a moment where fans give a buzz to the top teams. I think there is going to be a surprise in this last stage. There are teams who are in the group and they can surprise because the teams are more exposed. 

"The teams who aren't used to being in this stage, they are more strong mentally because they play more freely, they play more open and the gap [in quality] will reduce, making games more competitive.

"For that reason, I honestly believe that it is going to be difficult and there will be a surprise in the end."

Xavier hopes the Champions League conclusion will be a fitting reward for those who have worked hardest during the coronavirus pandemic.

The former Liverpool defender added: "It's a completely different environment because of the pandemic situation and everybody readjusts. There is sporting reasons and also economic reasons.

"When you're looking at the leagues and what options they have to play and finish the leagues, there are a few countries that have decided to not continue playing, repeating the health issues.

"They for me are the priority - before football comes health. Of course, everyone must be protected and safe. 

"Portugal is one of the countries that has managed the crisis very well. I think when you look at the impact, now things are becoming better, I think it's a safe place [to play football]. 

"For that reason, I believe that the opportunity to receive the eight best teams and play this kind of format in Lisbon is also a way to appreciate and say thanks for all those who made these events possible. 

"We are talking about people who work in health, hospitals because we are talking about health matters. If you are not safe you cannot have football either. 

"For that reason, I think Portugal, if things keep going the same way [with Covid-19], the teams will come here and it's going to be a great competition in a positive way.

"It's also going to attract a very positive image in Portugal because when you look back, Portugal was able to organise the big events in the best way possible. 

"For that reason, I think the final stages will be possible and I hope we can have a percentage of the public in the stadium, that would also be an upgrade if things stay like this with safety."

Former Borussia Dortmund youth coach Benjamin Hoffmann has stated Youssoufa Moukoko has what it takes to keep up physically with the first team.

The 15-year old who holds a Cameroonian and German passport and is dubbed ‘New Eto’o’ in reference to the goalscoring prowess of Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o, has done so likewise with BVB at youth level with more than 150 goals to his name including 34 strikes in 20 games for the Under-19s last season.

His consistency put pressure on Dortmund to get him into the first team but age limits restrictions did not allow. However, with the DFB lowering the age to make a senior debut from 17 to 16, Moukoko is set as he turns 16 in November this year.

He is expected to start training with the first team from July.

“I think he can keep up physically and football-wise there,” Hoffman told Goal and SPOX.

“Despite his footballing qualities, he has developed extremely personally under Sebastian Geppert over the past two years and has matured significantly.”

Sports director Michael Zorc is keen to integrate Moukoko into the first team, which keeps up the tradition of raising exceptional talent from their academy that has raised the likes of Marco Reus, Mats Hummels, Mario Gotze, Christian Pulisic, among others.

"The coach and I talked…about the fact that we want to integrate him [Moukoko] into our team, that he immediately learns to train and play with adults," Zorc said in a press briefing prior of Dortmund’s final Bundesliga game of the season at home to Hoffenheim.

“We are very interested in involving the boys from the youth area with us. Of course, we know that we want to be at the top of the Bundesliga, that we want to play a good role in the Champions League. That means it's a big leap from the U19 [division] to the Bundesliga.

“Introducing young players from their own youth to the professional squad will always remain our focus, that's what Borussia Dortmund stands for.”

Dortmund finished the Bundesliga season in second place, 13 points behind eventual champions Bayern Munich, three ahead of RB Leipzig and four ahead of Borussia Monchengladbach to make up the Champions League places for next season.

Roberto Firmino would be “the perfect striker” for Manchester United, says Eric Djemba-Djemba, but the Red Devils have been told they will “never get him” and should be favouring a move for the likes of Tottenham frontman Harry Kane over a raid on Aston Villa for Jack Grealish.

Plenty of supposed transfer targets are being mooted for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of the next window.

With United rediscovering their spark in 2020, the expectation is that more funds will be invested in a bid to recapture former glories.

It could be that there is movement from back to front, with all areas of an already star-studded squad set to be assessed.

Djemba-Djemba hopes that the addition of a proven striker will become a top priority for United, with there plenty of useful options on the books of Premier League rivals that could make telling contributions at Old Trafford.

The former Red Devils midfielder told BettingApps.com: “I would love to see one more tinker in the [Ruud] van Nistelrooy mould come in.

“Someone who can score the goals, who can bring everyone into the play and someone who knows the league.

“Unfortunately I think the perfect striker for United is at Liverpool. Roberto Firmino would be the perfect striker for United, but they will never get him.

“If United were willing to spend so much on [Anthony] Martial, they should definitely go and spend £100m on Harry Kane. He would be worth it.”

Djemba-Djemba would also like to see a raid launched on Serie A giants Napoli for a centre-half that is generating plenty of speculation when it comes to a Premier League move.

The ex-Cameroon international added: “I would love to see [Kalidou] Koulibaly come into the defence, I think he would make a really big impact on the team.”

While calling for the back four and attacking unit at the Theatre of Dreams to be strengthened, Djemba-Djemba is not convinced that United need to be splashing out on Villa playmaker Grealish as they already have enough quality options in the middle of the park.

He said: “I think that [Bruno] Fernandes and [Paul] Pogba are both a lot better than him, so he would be joining as a substitute.

“He would struggle to start over [Marcus] Rashford, Martial or [Mason] Greenwood as well, but he would definitely be a good signing.

Yanga SC head coach Luc Eymael is crossing his fingers hoping star striker David Molinga will be fit for their next game against Biashara United.

The Congolese hitman has been in fine form for the Jangwani based side in the last three games where he has managed to score as many goals. However, the striker was injured in the FA Cup's 2-1 quarter-final win over Kagera Sugar on Tuesday, June 30.

"It is not a serious injury as we had initially thought considering the way he came out of the game [against Kagera]," Eymael told Goal on Thursday.

"I spoke with the team's physiotherapist and he told me it is not that bad but will carry several tests on the player. I hope it is not bad and will not put him out for long.

"We will have a clear picture by the end of the day [Thursday]."

The striker revealed his displeasure from mockery by the fans and stated in an earlier interview that he will be leaving after the current campaign expires.

The Congolese striker has been under immense pressure from the fans who feel he is struggling to lead Wananchi's attacking front.

"I am leaving after the completion of the current campaign, [Yanga] can sign better strikers than me," Molinga said as quoted by Mwanaspoti.

"The fans should also stop shouting to players and giving abusive remarks as they did against me.

"The goals I scored against Namungo were enough to silence those fans who have been mocking me. I was amazed to see them asking for forgiveness from me.

"However, I want to state that I have no problem with them and I have unconditionally forgiven them. But the words they uttered hurt me, they wronged me."

The forward went on to state he has not been given enough time to prove his worth.

"I needed to play consistently, and by doing so I would score 15 or more goals," Molinga continued.

"Others have been given more playing time but they have not matched me in terms of goals. Now imagine, if I was given let us say five matches in a row, how many goals would I have?"

Harry Kane would have left Tottenham had Erik ten Hag been appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor, says Andros Townsend, but a prolific frontman is expected to stick around under Jose Mourinho and help deliver long-awaited silverware.

Transfer talk is starting to build again around the England captain as questions are asked of Spurs’ ability to deliver on his ambition.

Kane, who has seen a big-money move to Manchester United mooted, has conceded that he may have to weigh up his options if a 12-year-long wait for trophies in north London is extended much further.

He has, however, seen a proven winner drafted into the dugout, with Mourinho appointed in November 2019 on the back of successful stints at the likes of Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid.

Townsend, who graduated through the same academy system as Kane, believes the Portuguese tactician will get Spurs back on the trophy trail and convince key men to stay put – which may have been difficult had Ten Hag, who has favoured youth and long-term projects at Ajax, been brought in.

“If Spurs had gone for another project, if maybe they had got the Ajax manager in, then maybe he has to leave because he can’t be waiting for or five years to get back to the top and win a trophy,” Townsend told talkSPORT of Kane.

“But I’m certain that Jose Mourinho will win a trophy during his time at Spurs.

“Whether that is the League Cup or the FA Cup or the Premier League and the Champions League, I don’t know. But I feel with the manager that they have, they can fulfil Harry Kane’s ambitions and I hope they do.”

Townsend, who is now on the books at Crystal Palace, hopes that Kane can be retained by Spurs as he has come a long way from humble beginnings to become one of the most fearsome frontmen on the planet.

“In his younger days, he was an incredible finisher,” added the England winger.

“I remember before I broke through that I used to tell people that he’s the best finisher I’ve ever played with, and people used to laugh at me.

“What he didn’t have back then was mobility, maybe a bit of speed, strength, his ability in the air. In the next three or four years, slowly he started adding those to his game and came to a point where he had it all and he has it all.

“I’m sure he will go on to do great things and hopefully win many things with Spurs.”

Ugandan Premier League (UPL) 2019/20 champions Vipers SC have completed the signing of Ibrahim Orit from Mbarara City.

The Venoms have started their transfer business in earnest as they prepare for a Champions League appearance next season after they were declared champions of the abandoned season.

Orit becomes Vipers' second signing as the winger joins on a three-year contract. On July 1, Vipers confirmed they had signed Disan Galiwango from Express FC.

"The Soroti-born Cranes winger joins the four-time league champions as a free agent on a three years agreement subject to renewal after its expiration in June 2023," Vipers said as they confirmed the arrival of the 22-year old star.

"Orit becomes Vipers' second signing as coach Fred Kajoba tries to fill all yawning gaps identified during the few months he has been at the club's helm.

"Having spent three competitive seasons at the Western Uganda based club, the proud Itesot brings pace, artistry combined with a huge work rate to the newly-crowned league champions."

Orit launched his career at Junior Eagles Football Academy before he landed at Future Stars which is a regional league club. He joined the UPL side Mbarara City in 2017.

He scored four goals as he turned out to be one of the main stars for Mbarara City as they finished seventh on the UPL log.

"I‘m happy to be here as it has always been my dream to feature for this competitive club and when the coach called to express his interest, it wasn’t a hard decision to make," Orit told the club's website after putting pen to paper.

"Allow me also to thank the Mbarara City administration for the wonderful time I have had with them and all fans for the love they showed throughout my stay at the club."

Coach Kajoba will rely on the winger to solve issues in an area he had pointed out as one that needs to be seriously strengthened. Orit is expected to fight with Allan Kayiwa for a position in the first team once the new season starts.

"The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes and Orit’s squad number will be confirmed soon," Vipers concluded.

Diego Simeone reiterated his surprise after Antoine Griezmann was used sparingly by Barcelona against Atletico Madrid, but suggested the forward still had time to make an impact.

Griezmann was introduced in the 90th minute of Tuesday's 2-2 draw against his former club at Camp Nou and registered just six touches of the ball.

The France international has been a sub in three of Barca's last four games and has been linked with a move away at the end of the season, just a year after arriving from Atleti in a €120 million (£108m/$135m) transfer.

Simeone said after the game he was lost for words at Griezmann's struggles at Camp Nou but, speaking at a news conference on Thursday, he refused to criticise the 29-year-old for swapping clubs.

"I don't want to be disrespectful," he said. "At the moment we are playing a lot in this season finale and that point is not important for us today."

Asked for his opinion on the substitution, Simeone said: "I am without words. Speechless.

"I don't drive a truck, I drive a team of footballers who work for a major club like Atleti. 

"In our team, three minutes can be decisive. We lost a Champions League final in the space of three minutes and for me they are very important."

Atletico's away draw with reigning champions Barca made it 13 games without defeat in all competitions, including a 4-2 aggregate win over Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Simeone credits the victory at Anfield prior to the suspension of football due to coronavirus as the key to his side's recent resurgence in La Liga, with four wins and two draws since the restart lifting Atleti into third place ahead of Friday's clash with Mallorca.

"We played a great match against Liverpool with a result that we knew was going to give us a major boost in La Liga," he said.

"In La Liga you are awarded for consistency. It is not over yet, but we know the Liverpool result was important for us before the break. 

"The players trained well at home and we returned as we wanted. The group is good, with good relationships between the players.

"We have to continue improving and achieve our objective against Mallorca. Hopefully we can finish as high as possible in the league."

Jadon Sancho is a "street dog" who was always motivated to get to the very top, according to a former Borussia Dortmund youth coach who helped the England international on his way to stardom.

Benjamin Hoffmann, now a coach with Mainz Under-19s, worked in the academy at Dortmund while Sancho was progressing through the system.

Sancho, now aged 20, is one of the most feared attackers in European football, starring for club and country, as well as being tracked for a potential big-money transfer by several top clubs, including Manchester United.

Hoffman says Sancho had to be given the freedom to play because of his immense talents, and recalled one game against Real Madrid's youth team as a prime example of how the winger was incredibly determined to reach the very top.

Speaking exclusively to Goal and SPOX, Hoffman said: "Jadon is a real street dog who always wants to be the best. I had to give him his freedom because otherwise I couldn't have motivated him for the U19s.

"His best game was in the UEFA Youth League against Real Madrid. There he played with Jacob Bruun Larsen and Alex Isak to make up the offensive three. He knew that everyone was watching, the game was being broadcast on TV, and he could prove that he really shouldn't be here. We won 5-3."

Hoffman was a central figure in Dortmund's very productive academy during his time at the club, and named Sancho as one of the very best talents he has worked with, as well as another current Dortmund star in Gio Reyna.

He also worked alongside former Dortmund head coach Jurgen Klopp, who has just guided Liverpool to their first English league title in 30 years having won the Champions League last season, and was full of praise for the German.

Hoffman said: "Jurgen Klopp was simply sensational. It's amazing how approachable he is. He builds an individual connection to each player. To see how he deals with the players and how authentic he stays with them."

Of the current Dortmund youth crop, Youssoufa Moukoko is the most highly-regarded young player, with the 15-year-old forward all set to step up to the senior squad next season. Hoffman is backing the youngster to live up to the hype and believes he has the maturity to succeed.

He said: "I think he [Moukoko] can keep up physically and football-wise there. Other than his footballing qualities, he has developed personally under [Dortmund U-17 manager] Sebastian Geppert over the past two years and has matured significantly."

Bukayo Saka has mentioned Davis Luiz as the Arsenal player that has been most helpful to him.

The 18-year old put pen to paper on a new contract that will tie him to the Emirates Stadium until 2024. He had a year left to run on his previous deal and it looked as though he was not going to commit.

Luiz on his path had committed an extra year having joined from Chelsea last summer. He is somewhat of a divisive figure with his often-mixed performances on the pitch which draws criticism from fans and pundits. His display in the 3-0 defeat by Manchester City where he caused a goal and also got a red card was an example of such.

Coach Mikel Arteta however sees the Brazilian as an important player and so does Saka.

“I would say a lot of them have been really helpful. It would be unfair to really pick people out and stuff like that because since I've come there, I've felt welcomed, I've felt loved,” Saka was quoted saying in the Express.

"Now they feel like brothers to me and I can speak to them, I can say anything to them and they'll always be there for me.

"But one player in particular I would have to say is probably David Luiz.

"He's a man with a big heart and he just has so much experience in the game as well.

"He goes out of his way all the time to advise and help all the young players.

"I'm sure if you asked them as well they will tell you how much he is there to support us.

"He is a very important member of our squad."

The Anglo-Nigerian has played 37 times in all competitions since making his debut in 2018. The current campaign has been his breakout season with three goals and 10 assists in the 34 matches. He has played a more dominant role under Mikel Arteta, showing his versatility in playing at left-back during a period when Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac were out injured.

“Bukayo is a talented and intelligent young player. He has impressed me with his work ethic and attitude to learn and adapt, and it has paid off in his performances,” Arteta said when Saka’s new contract was announced.

“I am excited to continue working with him to develop him further, and for him to help us achieve our goals.”

Former Manchester United Rio Ferdinand meanwhile is of the opinion that Arteta should build the Arsenal squad around players like Saka because of his commitment.

“I think Arsenal need people with the right attitude, right characters and people that want to be at the club,” the 41-year old told BT Sport.

“Looking at his statement [Saka], he buys into the philosophy, and he wants to move forward with the club.

“I would build the club around him, around players like [Joe] Willock.

“The badge means something to these boys. They need to move forward together.”

Jurgen Klopp should be considering a reunion with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Liverpool, says Stephen Warnock, with the former Borussia Dortmund striker stalling on a new contract at Arsenal.

Discussions on that front have dragged on for some time, with the Gabon international remaining coy when it comes to his future plans.

If no agreement is reached in north London, then the Gunners will have little choice but to cash in on another player who would be heading towards becoming a free agent.

Various clubs have been mooted for Aubameyang he leaves Arsenal, from Manchester United to Barcelona, but Warnock believes Liverpool should be in the mix for another proven option to compete with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

The former Reds defender told BBC Radio 5 Live: “If I was Jurgen Klopp, I’d be going for him with a year left on his contract.

"You’re wanting a goalscorer who can either come off the bench or play on a regular basis. “He will challenge the front three, he doesn’t need time to settle, you know he’s proven, he knows the manager and the manager knows what he’s about.

“Aubameyang will be on big wages, but he won’t cost you big money to get him out with a year left on his contract and the age that he’s at.

“Would Aubameyang like to go to a club like Liverpool, Manchester City or Manchester United? From his point of view, being a squad player at 31, competing for the Champions League, competing for leagues, and he will win some trophies going to one of those three clubs - that’s what he wants at the end of his career.

“When you retire, to have that association with one of those clubs, as well as Arsenal, as well as Borussia Dortmund, what a CV you’ve got then.”

Arsenal are still hoping that Aubameyang can be talked into extending his association with them, but the clock is ticking ahead of the next transfer window and many have suggested that the experienced forward will seek a new challenge in an effort to capture more major silverware in the latter stages of his career.

Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba would have only made the bench at Manchester United in Sir Alex Ferguson’s heyday, says Eric Djemba-Djemba, but plenty is expected of the midfield talent in the present.

The January arrival of the Portugal international at Old Trafford is considered to have been a turning point in the Red Devils’ 2019-20 campaign. Fernandes has slotted seamlessly into the fold, with the 25-year-old quickly becoming a talismanic figure in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.

He now has World Cup winner Pogba alongside him to offer assistance in the creativity department, with the weight of expectation being spread a little more than it was at the turn of the year.

Djemba-Djemba is among those to have been impressed by a rejuvenated United, but thinks the modern day heroes would find it hard to win a place in star-studded sides of the past.

Asked by BettingApps.com as to whether Fernandes and Pogba would be substitutes under Ferguson, the former Red Devils midfielder said: “For sure! Fernandes and Pogba would definitely have been on the bench behind [Roy] Keane and [Paul] Scholes.

“Those two were amazing together. Roy Keane was like a coach, like a manager to the team.”

While admitting that Fernandes and Pogba have some way to go before they can claim to stand alongside the greats, Djemba-Djemba believes the latter – who has faced plenty of criticism during his second spell at Old Trafford – still has the potential to become a legend.

“I think that Paul Pogba can still get a lot better,” he added. “He still a young lad, and we can still expect better things to come from him.

“Now you will see, with Matic and Fernandes, Pogba will become a world-class player again. He needs them to push him, to tell him that he can do these things, to turn him into an even better player."

Djemba-Djemba believes the midfield trio currently being favoured by Solskjaer should be the go-to option heading forward, with there no need for United to further bolster their ranks amid talk of Jack Grealish and Saul Niguez being targeted.

The ex-Cameroon international said: “I would just play Matic behind Pogba and Fernandes. I think that Matic is the best defensive midfielder at United at the moment. I don’t think that United need to sign any other midfielders.”

Former France striker Christophe Dugarry has been roundly criticised for insensitive comments made towards Lionel Messi, in which he referred to the Argentine as a "1.5m tall kid" who is "half autistic".

Dugarry was speaking on RMC Sport as part of the broadcaster's coverage of Barcelona's 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, a match in which Griezmann was subbed on for the final minutes of yet another disappointing display under Quique Setien.

The 48-year-old maintains that Griezmann's struggles to nail down a starting spot at Camp Nou are down to a lack of harmony and caused outrage when proposing a solution to the problem.

"What is [Griezmann] afraid of? A kid who is 1.5 metres tall and half autistic?" the 1998 World Cup winner said. "All he has to do is show some balls at some point.

"I've been saying for a year that he has a problem with Messi. He has to hit him in the face.

"It's true that Messi could give him more passes, but honestly I am not surprised. Griezmann loses balls, doesn't play with confidence. Griezmann should go and talk to Messi to solve the problem."

Of course, Dugarry's comments caused outrage throughout the football world and he has since issued an apology, albeit later deciding to delete the response from his social media account.

"I’m sincerely sorry for the breadth and depth of my remarks about Lionel Messi," he tweeted. "I didn't want to stigmatise people with autism disorders, that was not my intention. I apologise to the people I shocked and will do it again (apologise) on Team Duga (TV show) this evening."

Messi was not the only Barca employee Dugarry singled out for criticism, however, with under-fire coach Setien getting both barrels from the Frenchman.

"He is not a decisive coach. Setien is very nice but he doesn't have the right credentials – he didn't know who to change," Dugarry said. "He replaced Sergio Busquets in the 85th minute to bring in Ansu Fati and launched Griezmann in in the 90th.

"I don't think it's anything against Griezmann, he just doesn't know how to get this team to play. He's completely overwhelmed. I'm convinced that he has nothing against Griezmann, but rather he is just incompetent."

Jurgen Klopp is proof that patience will be rewarded in modern-day management, says Steve McManaman, with Liverpool praised for bucking what has become a trend of constant change.

The Reds have made plenty of alterations in the dugout themselves since they last got their hands on an English top-flight crown.

Plenty have offered cause for optimism, but those on Merseyside were always demanding and expecting more.

Klopp’s arrival in October 2015 helped to put the Reds on a different path, with the German boasting both the respect and ability to deliver in the most pressurised of posts.

He has, however, been given time in which to get things right, with the trophy floodgates only flung open again in 2019 after previously falling at the final hurdle across a number of competitions.

Liverpool never considered starting from scratch again and have been rewarded for that show of faith with title triumphs in the Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League.

“I've always asked for patience, even my job as a pundit, I don’t like this hiring and firing of managers really quickly. How are they supposed to bed down and grow some roots for the team if they’re in the job for eight months?” former Reds star McManaman told the Gary Newbon Sports Show.

“Klopp, from day one, he gets the club. It's as if he read up on the history of the club before he got here. He was given time by the owners, but more importantly every single year there’s been an improvement. 

“Every year there’s been a progression in what he's been trying to achieve - the players know it's going to be long term.”

Despite history proving that stability and continuity are key ingredients for success, many clubs continue to favour a different approach.

Manchester United fall into that category, having once seen Sir Alex Ferguson spend 27 years in their dugout, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer facing plenty of criticism prior to a recent reversal in fortune.

McManaman is disappointed by the sack culture in 2020, with Klopp having cemented a standing alongside the very best coaching brains in the business after being trusted over a prolonged period of time.

“If you look at Solskjaer, some of the criticism he’s had off former United players has been atrocious, but you can see the steps he's trying to make is great,” added McManaman.

“You can see the fruit starting to bear now - they look like a team. [Paul] Pogba and [Bruno] Fernandes look good, [Anthony] Martial and [Marcus] Rashford look good. And you think two or three big signings and they could be a force again. 

“We need to be patient with the managers. As long as they sit down with the right ethos, the right idea, the right style of football - I think that's the way forward. You need to give them patience, let them work their magic and Jurgen Klopp has absolutely done that. 

“He's excelled to get to two Champions League finals. To achieve what he’s achieved - we speak about the Zinedine Zidanes, we speak about Pep Guardiolas, the Madrids and the Barcelonas - now is the time to talk about Jurgen Klopp.”

Like many sports, football has plenty of traditions which are tightly woven into the pageantry of the game at all levels.

Etiquette and good sportsmanship have been important aspects of the game, with the idea being that, while you compete with an opponent, you should also respect them.

Hence, we see things such as handshakes before and after the game - albeit not anymore due to restrictions brought in to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Another common tradition in football is the guard of honour, but what exactly is it and why do football teams do them?

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What is a guard of honour in football?

A guard of honour is a display of respect that is usually reserved for the winners of a league or cup competition.

Before a match kicks off or prior to a trophy presentation, players from the opposing team create two parallel lines to flank the champions as they enter the pitch or make their way to lift the trophy.

As part of the guard of honour, players usually applaud the champions in acknowledgement of their feat - a show of basic respect that transcends customary rivalries.

In Spain, the guard of honour is known as a pasillo, which translates literally into English as 'hallway' or 'corridor'.

Testimonial games, where an individual player's service is publicly acknowledged, usually see the players from both teams form a guard of honour for the person being celebrated.

Why do clubs perform a guard of honour?

Clubs perform a guard of honour in order to acknowledge the achievement of the champions in a respectful manner.

In 2020, ahead of the meeting between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola indicated that his team would grant the Reds the honour for winning the Premier League title.

"We are going to do the guard of honour, of course," said the Catalan coach.

"Always we receive Liverpool, when they came to our house, in an incredible way. They cannot complain. Of course we are going to do it because they deserve it."

However, it is not always done in such a magnanimous fashion and is very often carried out through gritted teeth, particularly in the case of bitter rivals.

Gary Neville was famously bitter about giving Chelsea a guard of honour in 2005, likening it to having your wife leave you then "being asked to hang the new bloke's clothes up in your old wardrobe!!"

When Arsenal gave Manchester United a guard of honour in 2013 it was particularly painful for Arsenal fans, who watched on as their team applauded former Gunner Robin van Persie onto the field.

Van Persie's controversial decision to leave Arsenal for their long-time rivals Manchester United was driven by a desire to win trophies and the Premier League triumph in his first season vindicated his move.

Of course, it was not particularly pleasing for Gunners fans, with many booing the Red Devils, or indeed the players, though Bacary Sagna reveals that, on reflection, he does not begrudge the Dutchman his moment.

"It probably felt special for him because when he left he was criticised by many people," Sagna said in an interview with the Telegraph. 

"We all felt the same in the team and we respected him. I was happy for him. He did a lot for our team. He was a top player and a top striker and he deserved it."

Is a guard of honour compulsory?

There are no rules that state clubs must perform a guard of honour for the champions elect. It is very much a voluntary expression of respect and is not always done.

It is not exactly clear when the tradition began, but 1955 is usually marked as the first example of it being performed in England's top tier, when Matt Busby's Manchester United honoured Chelsea.

Of course, nowadays when a guard of honour is not performed, it can become a source of consternation for fans, players and, indeed, managers.

Real Madrid infamously refused to honour Barcelona with a guard of honour, or pasillo, in 2018, despite Barcelona doing so 10 years previously in similar circumstances.

Zinedine Zidane accused Barca of breaking the tradition and so Real would not return to honour, while Sergio Ramos declared it would not happen "full stop".

At the time, then Barcelona boss Ernest Valverde was nonplussed by their Clasico rival's refusal to put on a show of respect.

“On the notion of a guard of honour, I wouldn't do it for anyone, nor would I want it to be done for us," said Valverde. "It has now lost the essence that it had a few years ago."

Miralem Pjanic’s story so far has been a fascinating one, taking him from Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina to Barcelona by way of Luxembourg, France and Italy. In a long-awaited announcement, it was confirmed this week that the 30-year-old midfielder will join Barcelona from Juventus for the 2020/21 season on a contract that will run until 2024.

At the Camp Nou, Pjanic will look to add to the three Serie A titles he has won with Juventus – which could be four by the time he arrives – and he’ll also continue his quest for the trophy that has eluded him so far during his glittering career, the Champions League.

La Liga Santander will be the third of Europe’s top leagues to enjoy Pjanic’s talents. After leaving his home country with his family for Luxembourg, where his father played semi-professional football for Schifflange 95, Pjanic developed his skills there and was soon spotted and signed by French side Metz at the age of 14. He made his professional debut for Metz aged just 17 and impressed so much that he was picked up by French giants Lyon after just a season.

After three years in Lyon, his Italian journey began with a move to join Roma. It was there that Pjanic’s profile really rose as he displayed his versatility by playing in a variety of positions across the midfield and scored freekick after freekick, a craft he perfected together with the legendary Juninho Pernambucano at Lyon.

Roma’s own legend Francesco Totti quickly came to appreciate what Pjanic could bring to the table, praising his football brain and insisting that this was far more important than the Bosnia and Herzegovina international’s perceived lack of pace. As Totti told reporters back in 2011: “Pjanic is technically formidable, even if he seems a little slow on the outside. He thinks a second quicker than you and that makes it very difficult for opponents.”

That quick thinking and beautiful style of play earned Pjanic the nickname in Italy of ‘Il Pianista’, or ‘The Pianist’ – a play on words referring to his name, and also his ability to move so gracefully while on ball.

After five years in Rome, Juventus came calling. Pulling the strings in midfield, it was in Turin where Pjanic won the first major trophies of his career with a Serie A and Coppa Italia double, as well as reaching the Champions League final in Cardiff, though the Bianconeri would ultimately lose to Real Madrid.

Pjanic will now renew his rivalry with Real Madrid, not in black and white but in Blaugrana colours. Barcelona are acquiring a player whose technical ability should see him fit comfortably into the midfield at the Camp Nou.

He also already speaks Bosnian, Luxembourgish, French, Italian, English and German and, with language skills like that, it won’t be long before ‘The Pianist’ learns the local language and the footballing language at Barcelona too.

Newly crowned Tanzania Mainland League champions Simba SC have been awarded TSh100 million ($43,159) by their sponsors Sportpesa. 

The Msimbazi based side retained the title despite a 0-0 draw against Tanzania Prisons on Sunday.

Simba needed just a point to ensure they kept the league title and their performance at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya gave them just that even though the hosts gave an equally brave fight to keep the champions at bay.

An additional eight minutes did not frustrate Wekundu wa Msimbazi in ensuring they went back to Dar es Salaam as champions again.

The draw means Simba collected four points at Sokoine Stadium after their previous encounter against Mbeya City which they won to close in on their 21st league title. It is for this reason the betting firm decided to reward the team for their efforts on the pitch.

"Sportpesa has congratulated Simba SC and today [Thursday], we have given them a gift for successfully defending their title," read a brief post on their official Facebook page.

The league giants also posted their acknowledgement message on their social media accounts, stating it was part of the agreement between the two parties.

"Our main sponsors Sportpesa [handed] us a TSh100 million cheque after winning the 2019/20 season league.

"The monies have been given to us as part of the agreement in the sponsorship contract signed by the two parties in 2017."

The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) settled for July 8 as the date to award Simba SC the Mainland Premier League trophy.

The Wekundu wa Mzimbazi were crowned champions with six matches to spare after their tally of 79 points proved too much for Azam FC and Yanga SC to catch, and they finally got their hands on their third title in a row and the right to represent the country in the Caf Champions League next season.

The TPLB had earlier ruled out feting Simba in Mbeya, where they managed a 2-0 win against Mbeya City before securing a 0-0 draw against Tanzania Prisons, to be crowned.

Goal can now reveal the league managers have settled for July 8 as the date to hand the trophy to Simba, which they will keep for good, after their match against Namungo FC at Majaliwa Stadium in Lindi.

"We asked Simba to tell us when we can give them the trophy and they have settled for July 8 and that is when we will be able to hand them the trophy," TPLB said in a signed statement.

"The trophy presentation will be done at Majaliwa Stadium in Lindi after their match against Namungo."

Simba still have other league matches against Ndanda FC, Mbao FC, Alliance FC, and Coastal Union to play before the season concludes.

Cameroon international Ajara Nchout is in shock by the move of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to cancel the 2020 Africa Women's Cup of Nations.

On Tuesday, Goal reported Caf's cancellation of the continental women's showpiece earlier slated for November 23 to December 20 after its Executive Committee meeting in a virtual-conference.

The decision was largely due to the global health crisis arising from the Covid-19 outbreak, which forced the indefinite postponement of its qualifying series earlier billed for April and June.

"Due to challenging conditions, the 2020 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been cancelled," Caf confirmed in a statement.

This development means the tournament held biennially since 1998 will not take place for the first time as scheduled, having staged the last edition in Ghana in 2018, which was won by Nigeria.

And the Indomitable Lioness, who finished second in the race for the 2019 Africa Women's Player of the Year prize, believes the cancellation will be a serious setback for women's football. 

"An Africa Women's Cup of Nations is more than a competition," Nchout wrote on her Instagram page.

"Since yesterday [Wednesday], I have been saddened by the news of the cancellation of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2020. Even if I understand the decision, I find it hard to accept. 

"Whatever, African women's football will fall behind. African women's football does not offer much opportunity to see one's talents. Afcon is a door of opportunity for us.

For many women's football players, the Awcon represents the major opportunity to defend their country and expose themselves to a career in Europe and America.

"Many of us have emerged with the Awcon. Three years in a lifetime is far. I am sad for my young sisters and African women's football."

To appease women's football fans, Caf announced the inauguration of the new Africa Women's Champions League, which begins in 2021.

Despite her disappointment over 2020, the Valerenga striker has applauded Ahmad Ahmad's led administration for approving the establishment of the continent's women's club competition.

"Nevertheless, I congratulate Africa Football Confederation for the creation of the Africa Women's Champions League. We take RDV to 2022," she concluded.

Cameroon finished three times as Awcon runners-up in the past 11 editions and the cancellation of this year's edition has dashed the quest of Nchout and her side to win their first continental prize.