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Stephen Gopey scored on his debut for FC Inhulets Petrove in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in a Ukrainian Premier League encounter.

Having replaced Artem Sitalo at the beginning of the second half, the 21-year-old justified his inclusion with a goal although Serhiy Lavrynenko’s side began the 2021-22 campaign on a losing note.

Thanks to his impressive displays at Nigeria Professional Football League outfit Wikki Tourist, the youngster was signed by the Ukrainian elite division side on a three-year contract.

That move would see the Super Eagles prospect remain at the Inhulets Stadium until 2024.

Twelve minutes into the encounter, it was the hosts who took the lead courtesy of Burkina Faso international and ex-Ajax star Lassina Traore.

Benefitting from a fine cross by Israeli midfielder Manor Solomon, the 20-year-old beat his marker to score against goalkeeper Evgen Galchuk.

Before then, Galchuk had produced two great saves to deny Brazil’s Dodo.

That goal was a reality check for Inhulets who were made to work hard while their efforts to level matters got foiled by a good defensive display from the 13-time Ukrainian Premier League kings.

11 minutes to the half-time break, Roberto De Zerbi’s men doubled their advantage through Alan Patrick. The Brazilian midfielder fired past the goalkeeper after receiving a lob from Taras Stepanenko.

In dire need of goals, manager Lavrynenko threw Gopey into the fray for Sitalo and that change added attacking bite to the Inhulets frontline.

Patrick completed his brace in the 67th minute, albeit, his effort was canceled by referee Dmytro Kryvushkin as Traore was punished for being in an offside position.

Nine minutes from full-time, Gopey gave his team something to share as he reduced the deficit. Well-positioned in the penalty area, the African star poked Yevhen Opanasenko’s pass past goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin.

Despite a late rally from FC Inhulets, they returned home with their heads bowed low.

For Gopey, his performance was a massive feat having in mind that he had little time to train with the Ukrainian side. He would be hoping to get another shot at action as his team would be hoping to return to winning ways against Zorya on August 2.

Chivas will be out to ensure that their new Liga MX campaign gets off to a winning start when they host last term's bottom dwellers Atletico San Luis at Estadio Akron.

Watch Chivas vs Atletico San Luis on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The hosts arguably underperformed last term, but will be full of confidence heading into the new season, while their visitors will be desperate to avoid another rat race near the bottom of both the Apertura and Clausura.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Liga MX matches can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Reclassification finishes in both phases of last season - and a semi-final spot in the Guardianes 2020 - marked something of a pick-me-up for Chivas, but still saw them some way off the highs of 2018, when their CONCACAF Champions League triumph followed a domestic double the year before.

They'll hope to make it a winning start to the new campaign this time around though, as Victor Manuel Vucetich - a former Champions League winner with Monterrey - looks to further his side's prospects this term.

Predicted Chivas starting XI: Rodriguez; Sanchez, Sepulveda, Olivas, Ponce; Brizuela, Molina; Antuna, Angulo, Vega; Zaldivar.

The only way is up for Atletico, after they came bottom of the Liga MX coefficient table last season, following a disaster of a campaign that saw just six league wins in 34 games.

With new coach Marcelo Mendez at the helm now, they face the first serious test of whether they can bounce back to avoid a foot-of-the-table scrap again this term.

Predicted Atletico San Luis starting XI:  Barovero; Chavez, Pinuelas, Bilbao, Emmanuel Garcia; Duque, Cantu; Batallini, Castro, Clemente; Bareiro.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Mexico will look to back up something of a surprise victory over France when they meet hosts Japan on matchday two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic men's tournament in Group A in Saitama.

Watch Japan vs Mexico on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

El Tri scored a major win against Les Bleus despite their restricted squad, but will know that there is no easy test against the Samurai Blue's young guns, who are also looking to go two from two after edging South Africa on the opening day.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), this year's Olympics soccer games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Having ensured a spot at every Olympic tournament since the shift to the Under-23 format, Hajime Moriyasu's hosts will be hoping to make a good impression on home soil as they hunt a potential medal finish.

The nearest they have come was fourth at London 2012, beaten by South Korea in Cardiff - but with the evergreen Maya Yoshida still at the back, a medal is a possibility.

Predicted Japan starting XI: Tani; Sakai, Yoshida, Itakura, Nakayama; Endo, Tanaka; Doan, Kubo, Soma; Hayashi.

Despite a squad stretched between Olympic and Gold Cup commitments, Jaime Lozano's side still delivered a huge result in their opener against Les Bleus to put themselves firmly into quarter-final contention.

The coach is likely to stick with a side similar to the one that notched up that victory, which would see veteran Guillermo Ochoa - one of three overage picks - keep his spot between the posts while Henry Martin fronts up the attack.

Predicted Mexico starting XI:  Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Erick Aguirre; Rodriquez, Romo, Cordova; Lainez, Martin, Vega.

Recent results

Last five results

Juventus vice president Pavel Nedved says Cristiano Ronaldo will stay with the club this season.

Ronaldo has been linked to a move away from the Serie A giants this summer after a disappointing 2020-21 campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain are rumoured to be interested in landing the Portuguese star, who has one year left on his contract.

What has been said?

Nedved, however, says the 36-year-old is going nowhere and will come back from his summer holiday at the start of next week.

He told Sky Sport after the Bianconeri's 3-1 friendly win against Cesena: "Ronaldo has been called up for July 26, he 'll be back on Monday and will stay with us."

How has Ronaldo performed at Juve?

Ronaldo joined the Turin side from Real Madrid in 2018.

He has registered an impressive 81 goals in 97 appearances in Serie A since his arrival.

Despite Juve's underwhelming performances, he finished last term as the league's top scorer with 29 goals from 33 games.

What about Dybala and Chiellini?

Ronaldo is not the only Juventus player whose future has been the subject of speculation.

Paulo Dybala has also been flirting with a departure in recent years, while star defender Giorgio Chiellini is now out of contract after his expired at the start of July.

But Nedved expects both players to sign new deals before the new campaign begins, saying: "[Dybala's] agent is expected in Turin in the next few days, everything will be resolved. Relations were not cold, we are on time.

"[Chiellini] is on vacation. Let's give him time to recover and then we'll talk calmly about his renewal."

Further reading

Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti has outlined the crucial roles Victor Osimhen and Kalidou Koulibaly play in his team after Saturday's pre-season friendly win over Pro Vercelli.

Spalletti described Osimhen as a very clinical and athletic player after he scored the match-winning goal in their 1-0 triumph over the Serie C club.

The first-half effort extended the Nigeria international's tally to five goals after two pre-season friendly matches and Spalletti is full of praise for his impact in front of the goal.

"Osimhen is a striker who has the ability to transform every ball that comes his way into chances," Spalletti told the club's website.

"He is a generous player who runs a lot and every now and then this intense race can cause him some mistakes, but he is an important player, complete and we aim a lot on him."

The Italian manager went further to laud Senegal captain Koulibaly for his defensive qualities and his leadership role in the team.

"I like this team here and I am willing to chain myself for everyone because I have respect for the squad," he continued. "I have never coached a player as strong as Koulibaly, both as a player and as a man.

"He is one who tells the story of this team even when he passes in front of the fans."

Next up for Napoli is a fixture against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena on July 31.

Before the trip to Germany, the former Roma boss expressed his satisfaction with his team's progression as they prepare for their opening league match against Venezia on August 21.

"Tonight we had a good game, the players were attentive and put into practice the plots we had to propose," Spalletti said.

"Many men were tired but no one was spared. I'm sorry for Demme, he took a blow and we await the outcome of the exams.

"Overall, I found a group available and ready to sacrifice themselves for this shirt. This is a shirt that stays on even when not playing, every day. We owe it to our audience, which deserves total belonging."

Harry Kane's comments about wanting to play with Kevin De Bruyne mean that the "writing has got to be on the wall" for Tottenham, says Teddy Sheringham, with the prolific striker being heavily linked with a move to Manchester City.

When recently quizzed about which Belgian player he would most like to play with, Kane named De Bruyne to accelerate speculation he could leave Spurs.

The reigning Premier League champions reportedly have Kane in their sights, with there talk of nine-figure bids being in the offing, and Sheringham expects the talented 27-year-old to push for the exits in north London.

What has been said?

Ex-Spurs star Sheringham, who went chasing trophies himself at Manchester United, has told talkSPORT of the Kane speculation: "As soon as he put out his statement a couple of months ago, just before the Euros, it was happening, for me.

"I think he’s probably had a chat with Daniel Levy. I know there’s been even more speculation over the last couple of days, but I think he’s probably had a chat and said, ‘look, you’ve been a great servant to the club, if we get the right money for you, you can go’, I would think.

"Everyone is being very quiet on it at the moment, but for Harry to come out and say he wants to play with someone like Kevin De Bruyne and the players at Manchester City, the writing has got to be on the wall, hasn’t it?"

Does Kane need to leave Spurs?

A man with 166 Premier League goals to his name has never shied away from the fact that he wants to start landing the major silverware that his standing in the global game deserves.

Sheringham feels that will lead to a move being made, with Spurs struggling to match his ambition.

The ex-England international added: "He’s played at the top of his games for the last five or six years and for me he’s been the best centre-forward, the best No.9 in the world at that time.

"It hasn’t quite happened for him [winning trophies at Spurs], but it was a little bit different in my time because I felt the club weren’t being ambitious, and Tottenham have been very ambitious over the last two or three years.

"I think it’s taken a little dip recently and you might claim now with the new manager coming in that he’s not a big name, so are the club going in the right direction for Harry?

"But even with all that Harry has given his best for Tottenham and it hasn’t been good enough for the club to win something.

"He’s only got one career, I know it’s hard for the Tottenham fans to understand, but he’s got one career and he’ll look back and if he hasn’t won anything by the time he’s 33 or 44, he will be a very disappointed man.

"He has seen that and he wants to sample playing in the top games in the top competitions at the very highest level.

"When you’re a professional footballer that’s what you want to do, the money falls into place after that, you just want to play at the top level and test yourself and say: ‘Am I really the best? Let’s have a look…’

"I think Harry Kane has got to leave Tottenham to do that."

Spurs will be reluctant sellers if a deal is to be done as they have their talismanic presence tied to a contract through to the summer of 2024.

Further reading

Hearts of Oak captain Mohammed Fatawu has stated it is too early for the club to start focusing on their upcoming Caf Champions League campaign.

After a long absence, the Phobians are set to make a return to the elite continental championship after beating archrivals Asante Kotoko to the Ghana Premier League title.

A domestic season may well end with a double for the Accra-based side who face Elmina Sharks on Saturday.

“We haven’t started thinking of playing in Africa yet because the season is not yet over,” Fatawu said, as reported by Kickgh.

“The focus now is to win the FA Cup and end the season as double champions and we are working towards that.

“Until that is done, we are not immediately thinking of next season’s Champions League participation which could be detrimental to our double target."

The 2021 league success ended a long run of disappointments for the Phobians who last won the title in 2009.

Now, they have 20 GPL titles in all in their locker.

"It is an honour to lead a team like Hearts of Oak to win the league title and that really excites me," Fatawu added.

“But I don’t have to take the credit alone because everyone in the club played a major role in seeing us end this jinx."

Hearts coach Samuel Boadu, who took over the club in March, is over the moon by their league victory.

"It’s like there is something unique in the Hearts of Oak team," Boadu, who joined Hearts from Medeama in March, has said, as reported by Africa-Foot.

“When I came, they welcomed me and supported me a lot, especially the management and the supporters as well. They were always advising me, encouraging me, they told me that I can do it so I should push it up.

“I will make sure I will not be swollen-headed. I will make sure I work extra. This is a motivational cup or win, so it will prepare me to go higher and higher.”

Hearts won the Champions League in the year 2000.

Emmanuel Adeyemo put up an impressive performance but Vizela were sent packing from the Portuguese League Cup after losing 2-1 to Estrela da Amadora on Saturday evening.

Although a midfielder, the 19-year-old was drafted to centre-defence – and that did not deny him the opportunity to shine against the Portuguese second division outfit.

Heading into the encounter played at the Estadio Jose Gomes, the hosts had gone on a run of four games without losing in their pre-season friendlies. For the Portuguese elite division outfit, they bowed 1-0 to Maritimo last time out.

After intense opening minutes, Xavier Fernandes put Estrela ahead in the 15th minute.

Profiting from shambolic defending from Cote d’Ivoire’s Mohamed Aidara – who failed in his bid to stop onrushing Leandro Tipote, the midfielder slotted the ball past helpless goalkeeper Ivo Goncalves.

Despite numerous attempts to equalise, Vizela’s attacking forays were resisted by a well-organised Tricolours backline.

Adeyemo was thrown into the fray before the commencement of the last 45 minutes as a replacement for 22-year-old Brazilian Marcelo Vilela.

The teenager’s presence brought calmness to his team’s backline as his team continued their push for the leveler.

Vizela’s persistence paid off in the 66th minute through Cassiano. Having been teed up by Raphael Guzzo, the Brazilian striker beat his markers - Matheus Dantas and Edu Duarte before blasting the ball past goalkeeper Nuno Hidalgo.

A minute before full time, super-sub Paulinho had the final say with Aidara the culprit again. With the Cote d’Ivoire star failing to clear Sergio Conceicao’s cross, the Portuguese star had the simple task of heading inside the net.

The remaining minutes were not enough for Vizela to come back into the game and they sadly crashed out at the first hurdle.

While Aidara and Ghana’s Richard Ofori were in action from start to finish, Ghana’s prospect Francis Cann was introduced for Nuno Moreira in the 46th minute.

For the home team, Mali’s Mamadou Traore was on parade for Rui Santos’ team from start to finish. Whereas, Ugandan star Lubega Edrisa was brought in for Fernandes with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Ex-Tripple 44 Academy star Adeyemo would be hoping to be given a chance when Vizela take on Sporting Lisbon in their league opener against Sporting Lisbon on August 6.

Chivas defender Antonio Briseno says his side does not need to sign reinforcements to cover for the players currently on international duty.

The Guadalajara side kicks off the Liga MX Apertura campaign on Saturday with a home game against Atletico de San Luis.

But the team will be without Gilberto Sepulveda, who is competing with Mexico in the Gold Cup, and members of El Tri's Olympic team Alexis Vega, Uriel Antuna, Alexis Angulo and Fernando Beltran.

What has been said?

Chivas did not make any new signings over the close season, either, Briseno is confident the team is strong enough to get off to a good start.

He told TUDN: "We do not need reinforcements because young people came and we have high quality players who acquired a lot of experience.

"No player wins matches alone, not five, we need 11 and obviously we are going to try to ensure that when the five players, who are very important for us because they are selected, return we have a nine-point cushion."

How did Chivas perform last season?

The Guadalajara club reached the final phase of the Clausura campaign last season after finishing ninth in the table.

But the team was eliminated in the reclassification stage after losing 4-2 to Pachuca.

Further reading

Qatar take on El Savador in the first of the Gold Cup quarter-finals on Saturday before Mexico face Honduras.

Watch Gold Cup on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The winners of the early game will take on either USMNT or Jamaica, while Mexico could face Costa Rica or Canada if they can defeat Honduras.

Ahead of the games, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), the games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Qatar vs El Salvador team news

Next year's World Cup host has impressed at the Gold Cup so far, winning two and drawing one game in the group stage.

It is now 10 games without defeat and looks confident ahead of the game with Group B runner-up El Salvador.

Predicted Qatar starting XI: Barsham; Kheder, Hassan, Khoukhi, Ro-Ro, Salman; Hatem, Boudiaf, Al Haydos; Ali, Afif.

Alex Roldan made his first tournament start in El Salvador's final group game and could be in line to start ahead of Bryan Tamacas.

A win over Qatar would be historic for El Salvador, who have never reached the Gold Cup semi-final before.

Predicted El Salvador starting XI: Gonzalez; Larin, Gomez, Zavaleta, Tamacas; Monterroza, Ceren, Orellana, Perez; Henriquez, Rivas.

Mexico vs Honduras team news

Mexico is the current holders of the Gold Cup and is one of the favorites to win the tournament again this year.

El Tri is yet to concede a goal at this summer's competition, but has also not been too impressive in front of goal, with just four goals in the three group games.

Hirving Lozano's absence is being felt up front, after the forward was forced off injured in the opening game.

Predicted Mexico starting XI: Talavera; L. Rodriguez, Salcedo, Araujo, Gallardo; Gutierrez, Alvarez, Herrera; Pineda, Funes Mori, Corona.

Honduras scored seven goals so far at the 2021 Gold Cup, with Jerry Bengston in line to return to the starting XI in attack against Mexico.

A decision will be made whether to play Diego Rodriguez at full-back or in midfield as he has played in both roles so far.

Predicted Honduras starting XI: Lopez; Crisanto, Alvarez, Figueroa, Leveron; Flores, Acosta, Garcia, Martinez; Bengtson, Quioto.

Recent results

Nice have completed the signing of Mario Lemina from Southampton on a three-year deal.

Lemina becomes the latest recruit in Christophe Galtier's team following the arrivals of Jean-Clair Todibo, Justin Kluivert, Calvin Stengs and Melvin Bard at the Allianz Riviera.

The Ligue 1 club paid €4 million with €2.5m of bonuses for the 27-year-old who was also a reported transfer target for Newcastle United and Watford.

Lemina spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Fulham after he found it difficult to cement a regular first-team spot at Southampton.

The move to Craven Cottage was his second loan stint away from St Mary's Stadium after he spent the previous campaign in the Turkish Super Lig with Galatasaray.

During his Premier League stint, the Gabonese midfielder played 74 matches and he contributed three goals and two assists in total.

Lemina started his career at Lorient and after eight years at the club, he left for Marseille where he played 41 Ligue 1 matches with two goals to his name.

He then moved to Juventus in 2015 where he won the Serie A title twice and the Coppa Italia twice.

He also played a part in the Old Lady's run to the Champions League final in the 2016-17 campaign where they lost 4-1 to Real Madrid in Cardiff City.

Before his goalscoring debut for Gabon in an international friendly outing against Tunisia in October 2015, Lemina played for France's youth teams and he won the Fifa U20 World Cup with Les Bleuets in 2013.

He is a key fixture in Patrice Neveu's selection with over 10 appearances for the Panthers.

Neco Williams has suggested that he will remain at Liverpool for the 2021-22 campaign despite seeing a £10 million ($14m) move elsewhere speculated on.

Goal confirmed earlier in the summer that the Reds were willing to open themselves up to offers for the Wales international defender.

No deal has been done, though, and the 20-year-old is ready to battle with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson for regular minutes under Jurgen Klopp.

What has been said?

Williams, who took in his first pre-season minutes during a meeting with Mainz on Friday, has told Liverpool's official website: "It’s good to dust the cobwebs [with the] first 45.

"To be honest, I’m feeling good, I’m feeling fit. I got a nice little break off after the Euros but on my break I was working hard and staying fit. I’m just looking forward to what’s to come now.

"Every season you play it only gets bigger and bigger. Last season was good for me, I’m getting the minutes in and getting the game time.

"Hopefully this season I can play a bit more, keep working hard and keep pushing Trent and Robbo, and hopefully get some game time."

Williams' record for Liverpool

The Anfield academy graduate made his senior debut for the Reds in a Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal in October 2019.

He is now up to 25 appearances for the club, with 14 of those outings taken in last season.

Questions have been asked of him at times on a steep learning curve, with exit talk sparked as a result.

Williams is, however, tied to a contract through to 2025 and appears to be in no rush to take on a new challenge.

Game time will be required in order to remain part of the Welsh set-up, with 14 caps earned so far, but he does have major tournament experience under his belt having figured at Euro 2020.

Further reading

Oghenekaro Etebo made his Watford bow as the Hornets played to a 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion in Saturday’s pre-season friendly.

The midfielder increased the number of Nigerians in the Hertfordshire-based outfit having joined them on loan from Stoke City.

Nonetheless, he waited for 15 days before realising the ambition of representing Xisco Munoz’s side.

In the keenly contested encounter played at Vicarage Road, the 25-year-old was handed a place in the starting XI alongside compatriot William Troost-Ekong, Morocco’s Adam Masina and Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr.

Although the Baggies dominated ball possession, it was the hosts who had the best chance to score first, albeit, Sarr was unable to beat goalkeeper David Button.

For the visiting side, Grady Diangana tested Ben Foster twice before attempting to lob the former Manchester United man who was required to retreat to save his blushes.

At the beginning of the second half, Scotland youth international of Nigerian descent Dapo Mebude was brought in as a replacement for Tom Cleverley to strengthen Watford’s midfield.

In the 52nd minute, Mebude almost put his team ahead but he shot wide of the left upright after dragging it across goal.

On the hour mark, Sarr forced an impressive save off goalkeeper Button. Two minutes later, Etebo was replaced by Henry Wise.

The game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note as both teams failed to find the back of the net.

Emmanuel Dennis - who made his debut earlier in the day against Brentford was kept out of the clash against the English Championship team.

On the other hand, Semi Ajayi was handed a place in West Brom’s starting XI before he was replaced by Frenchman Cedric Kipre.

Prior to this fixture, Etebo had vowed that the Hornets would give their best when the 2021-2022 season commences.

“I’m excited, I’m happy to be part of the family. It’s been a joy to me since I came in. The lads, the management, everyone in the club have been good. I see it is a family club. I’m just trying to settle in, which I think is going to be fine for me," he told the club's website.

“It’s going to be a long season, but let’s see. The most important thing is for us to keep our heads up, and make sure we’re going to give everything.”

Before their first game against Aston Villa, Munoz’s team would take on Stevenage, Barnsley and Crystal Palace in subsequent friendlies.

Jose Mourinho "doesn't care if we play good or bad football", says Roma star Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with a Portuguese coach looking to breed a winning mentality in the Italian capital.

A proven winner has returned to the dugout in Serie A, having previously tasted title success in that competition with Inter.

Mourinho has faced accusations of falling behind the times during stints at Manchester United and Tottenham, with detractors considering him to be overly defensive, but his record speaks for itself and those at Stadio Olimpico will not care how results are delivered.

What has been said?

Mkhitaryan shares that mindset, with the Armenia international telling Sky Sport Italia of working again with a coach that he enjoyed trophy success under at Old Trafford in 2016-17: "Mourinho is very ambitious, he always wants to win. He doesn’t care if we play good or bad football, it’s all about the three points.

"Everyone knows he has won almost everything there is to win. 

"I don’t want to talk about the past, we discussed it together and started from scratch on a different level. I know what he asks of his players and I am ready to give my all."

Why did Mkhitaryan remain at Roma?

The 32-year-old was moved out of United by Mourinho as a part of a deal that took Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal to Old Trafford in January 2018.

He could have been forgiven for wanting to walk away from a reunion this summer, as he prepared to hit free agency, but offers from elsewhere were shunned in order to commit to a new one-year contract.

Explaining that decision, Mkhitaryan said: "I remained because I believed in the project of this club, I liked it from the first day.

"I am happy here, I like the team and the city. I believe we can win something with the Giallorossi. 

"I had some offers from Italy and abroad, but I chose to remain and I’m pleased with that."

Mkhitaryan has been with Roma since September 2019, having initially joined on loan, and has taken in 73 appearances for the club, scoring 24 goals.

Further reading

Newcastle remain open to permanent or loan deals for Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock, with Steve Bruce hoping that a transfer call is imminent now that the Gunners have added two more midfielders to their ranks.

Mikel Arteta has bolstered his ranks at Emirates Stadium with the signings of Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga, which could mean that departures will soon be sanctioned.

Willock may form part of that process, having starred on loan at Newcastle last season, with the Magpies determined to bring a talented 21-year-old back onto their books.

What has been said?

Asked for an update on his pursuit of Willock, Newcastle boss Bruce has told reporters: "Of course we want him back, he did great with us and gives us another dimension in midfield that we haven't got.

"We'll keep bashing away at it.

"With Arsenal, what are they going to do?

"They've brought in two midfield players. That's our starting point, with Joe, because let's be fair, he had an unbelievable three or four months with us. But there has to be a time where we know – is it going to be yes or no?

"We're only allowed two domestic loans, and we're only allowed one from each club. So, there has to come a time when there's a cut-off, and we have to find out what's happening.

"We're still trying our utmost, whether it's on loan or to buy him. We're still trying."

Why do Newcastle want Willock?

The Magpies took the England U21 international on a short-term loan during the winter transfer window.

He made a remarkable impact in the North East, with eight goals recorded through 14 appearances.

At one stage, Willock netted in six successive Premier League outings, becoming the youngest player to achieve that feat - claiming a record once held by former Everton and Manchester United star Romelu Lukaku.

He headed back to Arsenal at the end of his loan, with Arteta claiming that a role could be found for him in north London, but Newcastle remain desperate to do another deal.

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United are still in talks with Paul Pogba over a new contract. 

The Frenchman’s current deal expires in the summer of 2022 which means that should United fail to get the midfielder to agree new terms they risk losing him on a free transfer next year. 

Solskjaer is hopeful of continuing to work with the France international as he admitted all parties are still in discussions over a deal. 

What was said? 

Solskjaer was asked about Pogba’s future after Manchester United lost 4-2 in their second pre-season friendly against Queens Park Rangers. 

He said: “Talks are ongoing between Paul’s representative and the club representatives. All the dialogue I’ve had with Paul is that he’s looking forward to the season.” 

Pushed on whether or not he wants him to stay he added: “Always speculation about Paul and there’s always clubs being interested and of course we’ve seen Paul at his best and Paul knows what we feel about it and I’ve enjoyed my time working with him and hopefully we can work together.” 

Will he sign a new deal?

At the moment that is the million dollar question. United opened talks with Pogba and his representatives a while ago and there has been no movement on the midfielder committing to new terms. 

Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola said last season his client would not be signing a new contract at Old Trafford as he was looking for a new challenge away from the club. 

Since then Pogba and Solskjaer have put the transfer saga behind them with the midfielder impressing for club and country but with no deal agreed speculation around his future continues to intensify. 

Paris Saint-Germain are one of the clubs interested in signing Pogba but United would not be willing to let him go for cheap and it is not known whether or not the French side could afford the demanded fees.

What else was said? 

Away from Pogba, Solskjaer was asked about new Manchester United signing Jadon Sancho and he confirmed he would be joining up with his new teammates for the first time in 10 days ahead of their final pre-season fixture against Everton. 

“The English players and Fred, the ones who played Euros and Copa America and went all the way to the finals, needed a break as well, they're back with us in about 10 days time,” Solskjaer said. 

Further reading

Genk striker Cyriel Dessers is eager to prove himself and fight his compatriot Paul Onuachu for regular playing time this season.

The 26-year-old was restricted to the role of a substitute in the 2020-21 campaign where he made just six starts in the Belgian First Division A but he managed a tally of seven goals, while Onuachu was John van den Brom’s first-choice striker.

During Genk’s league opener against Standard Liege on Friday night, Dessers was introduced as a 62nd-minute substitute for his compatriot and he went on to produce the assist that led to Theo Bongonda’s stoppage-time equaliser in the 1-1 draw.

With Onuachu’s future at the Luminus Arena uncertain amid reported interest from several European clubs, Dessers sees it as an opportunity for himself to make a statement ahead of the upcoming Champions League qualifiers against Shakhtar Donetsk.

"Paul had a fantastic season last season, everyone saw that,” Dessers told Sporza.

"Whether he will stay or not is the question for everyone, I also think for himself. All I can do is show in the minutes that I get, that I am ready when he leaves and that I can stand there.

"And I think I better show myself quickly, especially with the Champions League matches coming up. So that Genk also has the feeling that I'm there and they can give me the confidence."

The Super Eagles striker joined the Smurfs on a four-year deal from Dutch club Heracles last June and Friday's match came with an unusual atmosphere.

Dessers had a feel of Belgian fans in the stadium and he disclosed their presence spurred them on to grab a late point at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne.

"The release was great. And that is also due to the fact that there are supporters in the stadium again," he continued.

"Even if they are "enemy" supporters or they whistle us out for the entire match, that gives a very nice feeling with that equaliser.

"That gives an extra emotion, especially if you can still take a point in the last minute against Standard. That is also a very good feeling with an assist."

Erling Haaland has signed plenty of autographs during the course of his career, but few will have been as bizarre as the one he gave to a child pitch invader during a friendly clash with Athletic Club.

The Borussia Dortmund striker is now  one of the most talked about performers in world football, with his standing in the global game making him of obvious appeal to clubs and supporters across the planet.

One young fan took matters into his own hands on Saturday, with a signature sought out just before a corner kick in a meeting between Bundesliga and La Liga sides.

What happened?

With half-time approaching at Kybunpark, the game was halted as one of those in attendance entered the field.

Dortmund were preparing to defend a corner at the time, but Haaland saw his attention briefly diverted by a strange request.

He was happy to oblige, with the 21-year-old striker granting the autograph request before escorting his young admirer from the pitch.

Will Haaland be sticking around at Dortmund?

It remains to be seen how many more appearances Haaland will take in for Dortmund.

A big-money transfer is rumoured for the prolific Norwegian as his stock continues to soar.

He has hit 57 goals for BVB through just 59 appearances and is now registering on the recruitment radar of leading sides across Europe.

Chelsea are said to be keen , as Thomas Tuchel looks to add more firepower to Champions League-winning ranks at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United have held long-standing interest in a player that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows well from his time at Molde, while the Red Devils' arch-rivals at City are also looking for another No.9.

La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are forever in the market for such talent, and would welcome any opportunity to do a deal.

Dortmund have, however, already parted with Jadon Sancho this summer and have made it clear that they will not be listening to offers for another prized asset that is tied to a contract through to 2024.

Further reading

Matheus Fernandes has slammed Barcelona for ripping up his contract without warning, with the Brazilian midfielder claiming that La Liga giants "didn't treat me as a footballer".

The 23-year-old, who was snapped up by the Blaugrana in January 2020, was informed of his release at Camp Nou back in June after taking in just 17 minutes of competitive game time.

He had been firmly frozen out by Ronald Koeman, much to his surprise, but claims no warning was given that his deal would be ended during a cost-cutting summer in Catalunya.

What has been said?

Asked by Globoesporte to explain his stunning exit at Barca, Fernandes - who has since returned to Palmeiras in his homeland - said: "I didn’t know, and when they told me I couldn’t believe it.

"I was at home, I was going out with my wife and I received a message from the club asking if I had the same email address. I confirmed and then received it.

"I didn’t understand it, I sent it to my manager and lawyer. They said it was my dismissal. Time passed and my name came out in the press. No conversation, nothing, they didn’t even call to say hello and goodbye.

"I always had the dream as a child to play for Barcelona. When I got there, they didn’t treat me as a footballer. I told the director that he didn’t treat me like a professional Barcelona player.

"I was a Barcelona player, and I wanted to be treated like one. The other signings had a presentation and I didn’t. I was upset. 

"Looking at it from the outside I thought one thing but when I got there they treated me differently."

Who did Fernandes' only appearance come against?

Barca have been forced to clear their decks this summer in a bid to meet salary cap demands in Spain.

They are looking to register a number of new signings while also getting talismanic captain Lionel Messi tied to a new contract after seeing him hit free agency.

Fernandes has been a victim of that, with the South American having been hastily moved on.

His solitary outing for Barca came in a Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv on November 24, 2020, with 17 minutes seen off the bench in a 4-0 win.

Further reading