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After Zambia's Barbra Banda scored a hat-trick in the 4-4 draw against China in their Olympic Games encounter on Saturday, it elicited a heated online debate among the fans, with some calling on Arsenal and Manchester United to sign her.
 
Banda registered her second hat-trick in the ongoing competition in Japan as Zambia shared the points with China in the second Group F game.

Zambia's other goal was scored by Rachael Kundananji, while Wang Shuang scored all four of China's goals.
 
The 21-year-old Copper Queens captain scored her first hat-trick in Wednesday's 3-10 defeat against the Netherlands. No other women's player has ever scored two hat-tricks at a single Games.

With six goals at the Tokyo Olympics, Zambia skipper Banda has equalled the record for most goals at one Games.

The record was set by Christine Sinclair of Canada at the 2012 games in London. Banda has also equalled the record of Brazil's Cristiane who also scored two hat-tricks set in 2004-2008.

Although Zambia are winless in the ongoing Olympics, Banda has certainly made her case as one of the outstanding stars of the competition and impressed some fans
 
Here's how Twitter reacted to Banda's hat-trick:

Orlando Pirates utility player Abel Mabaso says he feels more comfortable playing in midfield having endured criticism from the club's fans towards the end of the 2020/21 season.

The 30-year-old, who can operate as a right-back and central midfielder, came under heavy scrutiny following Pirates' 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy in a PSL match on May 5.

Having been deployed in his preferred position as a central midfielder, Mabaso struggled as he failed to make an attempt to stop Ebrahim Seedat in the build-up to Galaxy' goal, which proved decisive.

Mabaso then picked up two unnecessary yellow cards in the middle of the park which led to his dismissal which unsettled Pirates, and they never recovered.

“The most important thing was that I was definitely operating in my most familiar position in midfield‚” Mabaso said on Sowetan.

“And of course credit also to my teammates and the technical team just for also making it easier for me.

“And definitely it helped‚ and definitely I was enjoying myself in the midfield position."

Mabaso, who was nurtured in the Mamelodi Sundowns academy, joined the Buccaneers from Chippa United in July 2018 having impressed as a holding midfielder for the Chilli Boys.

The former Maritzburg United player was deployed as a right-back at Pirates by coach Josef Zinnbauer with right-backs Wayde Jooste, Thabiso Monyane and Siphesihle Ndlovu unavailable.  

“You’ll recall in my time before coming to Pirates‚ and even the season before at Chippa‚ I was playing in midfield. And that’s where I really played well," he continued. 

“In the development, I started off in midfield. The reason was that‚ because of my versatility I could slot in at right-back also. So, most people thought I was a right-back.

“So, because I could slot into different positions‚ and then the opportunity came when all the right-backs were injured [at Pirates]‚ they asked me‚ ‘Do you want to play there?'"

Mabaso missed Pirates' last two matches of the season, against Baroka FC and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, (now known as Marumo Gallants) due to suspension.

The former Mpumalanga Black Aces player played 15 matches across all competitions for the Buccaneers in what was his third campaign with the club.

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Emile Smith Rowe asked to be given the No.10 shirt at Arsenal, with the Gunners boss pointing out that a talented 20-year-old "knows the consequences" of taking on an iconic jersey.

A highly-rated product of the Emirates Stadium academy system is following in the footsteps of Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie and Mesut Ozil.

He has also committed to a new long-term contract, bringing any uncertainty surrounding his future to a close, with Arteta now looking for a confident character to fulfil his potential and embrace a prominent standing in an ambitious squad.

What has been said?

Arteta has told Arsenal Media of Smith Rowe landing fresh terms and a shirt number promotion: "I think he totally deserves that new contract, he has earned every right to be in the position where the club had to think about rewarding what he has done and he has shown his commitment to the football club.

"So when that relationship builds in the way that it is getting, that is a really strong and powerful message for everybody. We want and I want hungry, talented [players] who play with huge desire and Emile fits all of that. 

"If that is the case and you are on board and you show that commitment, desire, quality and talent every single day, you are at the right club at the right moment, and I think Emile feels the same way.

"He asked for [the No.10 shirt], so that shows you the ambition and desire. I prefer players who ask for more than maybe they can take but if they believe they can do it, don’t put a limit on it. When he asked me and asked the club that he would like to get that [number], okay, let’s go. 

"We talked a little bit, we discussed it and he knows the consequences of that, but he feels prepared to do it and if he is prepared to do it, then I am going to be right behind him to try to make him as comfortable and as happy as possible to do what he wants to do."

Smith Rowe's record at Arsenal

A competitive debut for the Gunners was taken in under Unai Emery in September 2018, but patience had to be shown after initial Europa League outings.

Loan spells at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield allowed Smith Rowe to get more minutes under his belt, before a breakthrough at Arsenal was made in 2020-21.

Arteta handed the youngster 33 appearances across all competitions last season, with four goals recorded through those outings.

His ability was clear for all to see, with admiring glances from afar being shot in his direction.

Aston Villa tabled big money bids when the current transfer window opened, but the Gunners shunned those and have thrashed out fresh terms with a player they have high hopes for.

Further reading

Alex Telles has handed Manchester United an untimely injury blow, with the Brazilian left-back picking up an ankle problem.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that the 28-year-old defender will be "out for a few weeks" after suffering a knock in training.

That setback has prevented Telles from figuring in a pre-season friendly clash with QPR on Saturday, while he also faces a race against time to make the start of the 2021-22 campaign.

What has been said?

United boss Solskjaer has told MUTV: "Unfortunately, Alex slipped and he twisted his ankle so he’ll be out for a few weeks.

"We hope it’s not too bad."

Man Utd's upcoming fixtures

The Red Devils have three more friendlies to come after facing QPR.

Those outings will see them take on Brentford, Preston and Everton.

A Premier League season opener on August 14 will see Solskjaer's men play host to old adversaries Leeds, with Telles now a serious doubt for that fixture.

Who could step in?

Luke Shaw is United's favoured selection at left-back, with the England international currently taking in a well-earned break after starring for his country at Euro 2020.

A back-up option will be required, though, with Telles hoping to push for more minutes this season.

As he heads for the treatment room, Brandon Williams may see transfer plans tweaked.

The 20-year-old has seen a loan move mooted, but his services could be required at Old Trafford.

Diogo Dalot, who is also generating exit talk, is another versatile option that could fill in on the left of a back four if required.

Further reading

Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has stated that his Egyptian Premier League club will sign a player based in South Africa.

The Red Devils have not added a new player to their ranks in the transfer window yet but Mosimane has said he is almost sure of getting one star from his home country.

However, he was quick to deny that Thembinkosi Lorch and Gaston Sirino were his targets, and also rejected suggestions that a player from his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns, was on his way.

"There’s a player that will come from South Africa," Mosimane told SAFM as was quoted by iDiski Times.

"It’s not Lorch or Sirino but the player will come. He’s not from my former team [Mamelodi Sundowns] because I don’t want to touch those players because they take me to court.

"I’d like a South African player to come here, but I don’t want to ruffle feathers. I want to do it the right way. You know what happened with Sirino.

"They said I’m stripping my former team, even though Ahly wanted him before I came here."

Previously, Al Ahly had expressed their interest in signing Mamelodi Sundowns' Sirino, but their $5 million offer was rejected.

 The Uruguayan star had recently made his desire to join Mosimane at Al Ahly known.

"Why Al Ahly? Because it is one of the best clubs on the continent and in the world, and they have a great history, and they perform well in all the tournaments they enter," revealed the 30-year-old midfielder.

Last week, Mosimane led Al Ahly to their 10th Caf Champions League title after beating Premier Soccer League side Kaizer Chiefs in what turned out to be a one-sided final.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly are set for stiff competition in their rumoured interest in Raja Casablanca's Soufiane Rahimi, as Emirati giants Al-Ain have reportedly entered into the race to acquire the services of the player.

According to KingFut, the Egyptian side had tabled an offer of $2 million for Rahimi but his club demanded $3 million in order to allow negotiations over a potential transfer to begin.

Apart from Al Ahly and Al-Ain, RC Strasbourg of France had also reportedly shown interest and had submitted an offer of their own.

Zambia captain Barbra Banda has set the target of becoming the best female footballer in the world after she grabbed her second hat-trick as Zambia drew 4-4 against China at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The 21-year-old continued her fine run of form on Saturday after she scored her second hat-trick for the African nation at Miyagi Stadium, the first coming up in the 3-10 defeat against the Netherlands in their Group F opener three days ago.

Banda, who features for Chinese club Shanghai Shengli, has said her main target is to make sure she writes history in the game and also make sure she becomes the best player in the world.

“I like the team spirit that we have, we are working as a team and we are looking forward to the next game against Brazil, we still have hope and we have a strong feeling that we can do something in the next game,” Banda told the Zambia FA official website after the draw.

“It’s good to make history when you have the opportunity so I just have to keep on working hard and break more history. I still have a long way to go; I just have to be disciplined because I am aiming to become the best footballer in the world.”

On her performances so far in the competition, Banda said: “I am very proud of myself and the team because without them I can’t score so I just want to say thank you to my teammates for the help that they are giving me.

“Playing in the stadium where they are fans gives more confidence; the supporters are the 12th player in the stadium so it gives morale.”

On the draw against China, Banda explained: “There is a lot of improvements from the first game [against the Netherlands]. What we wanted mostly [against China] is the win but unfortunately settled for a draw.”

In Saturday's fixture, Wang Shuang scored all four of China's goals while the other goal for Zambia was scored by Rachael Kundananji.

With six goals at the Tokyo Games so far, Banda has equalled the record for most goals scored in a tournament which was set by Christine Sinclair of Canada at the 2012 Games in London.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that he will be taking no risks on the fitness of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, with the defensive duo not about to be rushed back into action ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Reds are due to open their 2021-22 campaign away at newly-promoted Norwich on August 14, with three more friendly dates to take in before then.

Van Dijk and Gomez will not figure in the next of those, against Hertha Berlin on Thursday, with two centre-halves that have worked their way back from knee ligament damage being eased back into the fold by Klopp.

What has been said?

Liverpool's manager has told the club's official website when asked if Van Dijk and Gomez will come back into his plans any time soon: "It would still be a surprise, unfortunately. 

"But they look really good. Look, I think, they do everything, they play football, we keep them in training, we do the things we can do, they don’t too much and stuff like this. 

"We just have to be patient – we prepare for a full season, not for a pre-season game. I will not risk it for a game here, so we have to see. 

"We have a lot of games still coming, pre-season games, but I don’t see them being involved for the next one."

When did Van Dijk & Gomez last play for Liverpool?

Netherlands international Van Dijk has been missing for Liverpool since figuring in a Merseyside derby date with Everton on October 17, 2020.

A collision with Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in that contest saw a talismanic presence for the Reds forced onto the sidelines.

Injury setbacks for Klopp came thick and fast from that point, with many of those leaving him depleted at the back.

Gomez was ruled out a little under a month after Van Dijk saw his season brought to a close.

The 24-year-old damaged a tendon in his left knee while away on international duty with England.

His last appearance for Liverpool came in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City on November 8, 2020.

Further reading

Fulham are closing in on the £12 million ($16.5m) signing of Harry Wilson from Liverpool, Goal can confirm.

The Wales international is expected to finalise the move in the next 48 hours after a deal between the clubs was thrashed out this week.

Wilson was omitted from Liverpool’s pre-season friendly win over Mainz on Friday, and is already understood to have agreed personal terms on a four-year contract with the Cottagers, who were relegated from the Premier League last year. He has been given permission to leave the Reds’ training camp to seal the switch.

The Liverpool clear-out continues

Wilson will be just the latest in a growing list of exits at Anfield this summer.

Liverpool sold Taiwo Awoniyi and Marko Grujic for a combined £17m ($23m) earlier this week, and have already offloaded the likes of Liam Millar and Kamil Grabara.

Wilson joined the Reds as an U-9s player, and made his senior debut as a teenager in the FA Cup at Plymouth in 2016.

But he has spent most of the following five-and-a-half years out on loan, performing well with the likes of Hull, Derby, Bournemouth and, last season, Cardiff.

An established senior international with Wales, the 24-year-old was always likely to seek a permanent move this summer, and Liverpool fielded enquiries from a host of clubs including Burnley, Brentford, West Brom and Portuguese giants Benfica.

Fulham, though, have won the race, with new boss Marco Silva keen to add a goalscoring wide player as he seeks an immediate return to the top-flight.

Who could be next out the door at Anfield?

There are likely to be more exits before the end of the transfer window, as Klopp looks to reshape his squad for the new season.

Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri, in particular, face uncertain futures, with Lazio interested in Shaqiri. Nat Phillips is wanted by at least four Premier League clubs, including Brighton and Newcastle, while a number of younger players, including Ben Woodburn and Leighton Clarkson, may leave on loan.

Neco Williams, meanwhile, could also leave if an offer of £10m ($14m) is received, though Liverpool sources say they are not actively looking to sell the young full-back.

Further reading

Simba SC have confirmed Al Ahly's approach to sign winger Luis Miquissone who is also a transfer target for Kaizer Chiefs, Goal can reveal.

The Mozambican star was among the key players for the Msimbazi giants as they performed well in the Caf Champions League reaching the quarter-finals before they were eliminated by Chiefs on a 4-3 aggregate defeat.

The pint-sized winger was particularly impressive when Simba came up against the Egyptian giants, scoring a beautiful goal during their first meeting at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as Simba went on to shock them 1-0 in their Group A fixture.

Goal can exclusively reveal Al Ahly under coach Pitso Mosimane have made contact to sign the player, who is also a target for Amakhosi and Simba are weighing up their options of letting him go.

What has been said?

“It is true Al Ahly have approached us [Simba] for the services of Miquissone, in fact, they have come twice, the first one we did not take it seriously but the second one, we feel they are indeed keen to sign the player,” a top official at Simba, who did not want to be named, told Goal on Saturday.

“Mosimane has listed him [Miquissone] down as one of his prime targets and as Simba officials, we are discussing the matter, we want to meet again and talk after our FA Cup final against rivals Yanga SC on Sunday.

“Something to note also is the fact that Chiefs have also enquired about the player, but they did it once and never came back, they promised to return but we have not heard from them again.

“As it stands, he might go, the second offer looks good for Simba, and it is good because we can get a replacement and also save some money, we will look at it when we are done with the final of the domestic cup.”

Simba have Miquissone replacement?

A month ago, the same source confirmed to Goal Simba have settled for Zambian player Moses Phiri as a replacement for Miquissone.

“Initially Simba bosses were adamant, wanting to prevent Miquissone from leaving Msimbazi, but after seeing the offers on the table, they have decided to change their minds,” the source told Goal.

“Simba have made a minimum fee of $ 600,000 and while they are listening to the clubs, they have also started a search for a replacement, whose name is Moses [Phiri], who the Reds have already agreed to give Zanaco cash and one player on loan.

“We want to do business to get Phiri by giving them Zanaco, money together with Perfect [Chikwende] on loan but this if Luis leaves, as we will already have the money to pay for Phiri.

Further PSL reading 

Zambia captain Barbra Banda broke an Olympic record after scoring her second hat-trick as the African nation drew 4-4 against China in a dramatic encounter at the Miyagi Stadium on Saturday.

Banda's first hat-trick was scored in Zambia's opening game, the 3-10 defeat against the Netherlands on Wednesday. China lost their opening fixture against Brazil.

In Saturday's fixture, Wang Shuang scored all China's four goals while the other goal for Zambia was scored by Rachael Kundananji.

In the opening two minutes, Copper Queens came close to getting an opener, but in the first instance, Banda missed the target from close range before China's Shimeng Peng stopped Avell Chitundu's shot in the second instance. 

But China recovered and took the lead in the sixth minute when Shuang put them ahead to punish an otherwise adventurous and attacking Zambia. In the eighth minute, Irene Lungu was not clinical enough with his chance to restore parity for the African side.

Bruce Mwape's side levelled the score in the 15th minute when Kundananji scored, but Shuang restored China's lead as she grabbed her afternoon's brace in the 22nd minute. A minute later, Shuang registered a hat-trick when she stretched China's lead to 3-1 against a stunned Zambia.

In the 37th minute, Mwape made his first change as she brought on Mary Wilombe in place of Martha Tembo. Zambia scored the second goal two minutes before the half-time break, when Banda converted a penalty won when Kundananji was brought down.

Zambia came into the second half rejuvenated and their fighting spirit was rewarded in the 46th minute when Banda - with an assist from hardworking Kundananji - scored to make the score 3-3. Grace Chanda would have scored the fourth, but her 48th-minute close-range effort went high as Zambia looked more determined to go ahead.

Mwepu made a second change in the 62nd minute when she replaced Margaret Belemu with Esther Siamfuko. In the 69th minute, Banda grabbed a hat-trick when she struck the fourth goal for the Copper Queens, and the Zambian forward has now scored six goals in two games.

China won a penalty - after VAR confirmed Lushomo Mweemba had handled the ball - in the 84th minute and it gave them a chance to restore parity through Shuang who scored. China had to face Zambia with fewer players after Li Qingtong was red-carded in the 86th minute.

Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat has revealed how he used to hide from coaches before he signed a professional contract to play football.

The 30-year-old attacking midfielder is among the key players for the Soweto-based giants as they reached the Caf Champions League final where they lost 3-0 to Al Ahly in Morocco.

Despite missing matches in the Caf campaign due to injury, Billiat featured as a substitute in the final against the Egyptian giants where Pitso Mosimane's charges earned them a second straight trophy.

The Zimbabwean forward has now explained how he almost ended up not playing football and how he kept hiding from coaches.

What has been said?

“I stopped playing for a year when I was 19 years old,” Billiat said as quoted by idiskitimes.co.za. “I had a friend, who had a shop in town and then his mom gave us a laptop and we were making good money.

“There was a coach in my area, who didn’t like that. This coach came looking for me [because he wanted me for] this other club and play football. But football was not there (for me) at that moment, to be honest. At that moment, I was helping my family and it was working.

“It got to a point that every time [the coach came], everyone in that complex told me I should hide.”

On how he signed his first professional contract, Billiat said: “But one day, I said ok it's fine. He already got me football boots and he said I must go. And then coach Lloyd Chitembwe, who was the coach for CAPS United said ‘just come, let’s go’, like a joke.

“Next thing [he says] he needs to sign me, he liked me so much. 

“So I signed there in the car. I played for CAPS for just two months because it was pre-season and I think I played just three games.”

Further PSL reading 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has signed a new contract at Manchester United to keep him at the club until 2024, with the option for a further year.

The Norwegian replaced Jose Mourinho when he was sacked in 2018 and had one year left on his current deal but has put pen to paper on new terms. 

Solskjaer led United to second place in the Premier League last term and into the final of the Europa League and is hoping to bring silverware back to Old Trafford in the 2021-22 campaign.

What's been said?

Solskjaer told the club's official website: "Everyone knows the feeling I have for this club, and I am delighted to have signed this new contract. It is an exciting time for Manchester United, we have built a squad with a good balance of youth and experienced players that are hungry for success.

"I have a fantastic coaching team around me, and we are all ready to take that next step on our journey. Manchester United wants to be winning the biggest and best trophies and that’s what we are all striving for. We have improved, both on and off the pitch, and that will continue over the coming seasons. 

"I can’t wait to get out in front of a packed Old Trafford and get this campaign started."

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward added: "Ole and his staff have worked tirelessly putting the foundations in place for long-term success on the pitch. 

"The results of that have become increasingly visible over the past two seasons and we are all looking forward to seeing this exciting team develop further in the years ahead. 

"What is especially pleasing is the way this progress has been achieved with a blend of young, homegrown talent and top-class recruits, playing attacking football in the best traditions of Manchester United. We are more confident than ever that, under Ole’s leadership, we are heading in the right direction."

Progress under Solskjaer

When Solskjaer was appointed as interim manager when Mourinho was sacked he was tasked with changing the mood inside the training ground and within his squad.

Having successfully managed that, and overseen an excellent run of results which saw United beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, there was clamour for him to be given the job on a permanent basis. 

In March 2019 he was handed a permanent deal and in his first full season in charge he secured Champions League football for his side, finishing third behind champions Liverpool and runners-up Manchester City while getting to the semi-final of the Europa League. 

There was further progress last season with United finishing second behind champions Manchester City and getting to the final of the Europa League, where they lost to Villarreal on penalties. 

For Solskjaer and this team to make the next step they need silverware. He has lost four semi-finals and a final since taking over and the club have not won a trophy since the Europa League in 2017 under Mourinho. 

He has been given finance to add to his squad with the arrivals of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Bruno Fernandes, Alex Telles and most recently Jadon Sancho as he set about a cultural reboot of the team. Now he’s put his stamp on the team the real test will arrive as to whether he can really get United challenging again.

Further reading

South Africa's Tercious Malepe has recounted how his former teammates superbly contained Brazil's Neymar during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

South Africa faced the hosts - who eventually became champions - in front of 70,000 fans in the city of Brasilia and Malepe has revealed how impressed he was with how his teammates faced them. 

The home team was led by highly-rated forward Neymar in an opener that eventually ended in a 0-0 draw.

"What Neymar does on the pitch is amazing - just beautiful to watch," Malepe told Fifa.com. "But I was on the bench that day and I remember watching how our defenders, guys like Abbubaker Mobara, played against him. Cool, calm, collected - it was amazing.

"I could honestly watch the moments from that game over and over again: Neymar bringing everything he had to score, but our guys doing such a good job of containing him and keep a clean sheet. It showed me what you can achieve, even against great players and teams, if you believe in yourself.

"Character is so important; showing people ‘I might not be a big star, but I have what it takes to be here’."

The South Africa international also spoke about his career and experience after joining FC Mynai of Ukraine, although he returned to the Premier Soccer League with AmaZulu after the Ukrainian team was relegated.

"I feel I am a better player for playing on that stage and facing teams like Shakhtar Donetsk, Dynamo Kyiv and all the top players they have," he added.

"I remember going in to play Shakhtar the weekend after they’d beaten Real Madrid and, again, thinking, ‘This is all about character’. And I did well - I dominated my battles. When I was watching the Euro, I was watching Ukraine play, thinking, ‘That guy was chasing me when I played against him!’

"So yeah, I enjoyed my time in Ukraine. I think the way I see the game definitely improved while I was there. That’s one thing about me: I won’t stop learning. Whatever happens, I’ll always be a student of the game."

Malepe is in Japan with his teammates for the 2020 Olympics and he has revealed how he has helped the players understand the competition.

"When I tell the young guys here how important this tournament is, and how special it is for us to be here, they understand I know what I’m talking about," he continued.

"I’ve been in their position – I was the youngest player in our squad in 2016 – and I’ve been telling them: ‘The atmosphere of this event, the surroundings, the level of play, is something else.'"

In South Africa's squad, he is the only player with prior experience of Olympic football and made history by becoming the first South African star to feature in back-to-back editions.

Tottenham have completed the capture of Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini on a season-long loan deal, with a view to a permanent move at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

The 26-year-old shotstopper becomes the club's first major signing under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo and managing director Fabio Paratici since the pair's arrival in north London.

Gollini, an Italy international, joins Spurs for the upcoming season, with a £13m ($18m) option to buy should his stay prove a fruitful one, per Sky Sports News.

What has Gollini done?

A former youth starlet with Manchester United before making the switch to Hellas Verona in 2014, the goalkeeper rose steadily through the ranks with the club, becoming their first choice goalkeeper across the 2015-16 season.

He earned a switch to Aston Villa that summer, but remained with the club for only six months before making a year-and-a-half-long loan move to Atalanta.

Signing on a full-time basis in 2018, he initially struggled to assert himself as the club's number-one choice between the posts, before supplanting Etrit Berisha to help Gian Piero Gasperini's side achieve a top-four finish and secure Champions League football.

What does his arrival mean?

In bringing a regular starter to the club ahead of the new campaign, Tottenham seem to have suggested that one of their other senior goalkeepers is on borrowed time.

Hugo Lloris, a World Cup winner during his spell at the club, and former England shotstopper Joe Hart, shared duties between the Premier League and knockout football last term.

But with both men now 34, it is perhaps not too surprising that Spurs have seen fit to bring in a younger option - and while Lloris is expected to remain, Hart is tipped to be shown the door.

The bigger picture

Tottenham are facing a particularly intense transfer window as their new team at the top look to reshape the squad in the wake of Jose Mourinho's tenure at the helm.

Players such as Danny Rose have already exited the club, while other long-serving stalwarts such as Toby Alderweireld are expected to depart too.

The biggest transfer saga of the window however is almost certain to be over Harry Kane, with the England captain set to be the subject of a long-running battle between Spurs and Manchester City.

Further reading

Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl has admitted that Denis Zakaria wants to leave the club in the summer, amid links with Arsenal and Manchester City. 

The Switzerland international, who featured at two matches at Euro 2020, first arrived at Gladbach from Young Boys in 2017, and has emerged as one of the best young defensive midfielders in Europe.

The likes of City and Arsenal have been linked with a move, with the Bundesliga club struggling to tie the 24-year-old down to a new contract, and now Eberl has acknowledged that the player would rather leave.

What has been said?

"With Denis, we have been trying to extend his contract since October," Eberl told reporters.

"Denis and his management told us pretty clearly that they would prefer a transfer this summer."

In addition, Eberl also confirmed that the club would like to keep Matthias Ginter, who has been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid, adding ahead of the player's return for pre-season: "When he is back, we'll see what opportunities arise."

Zakaria attracting big-name suitors

Gladbach's underwhelming eighth-place finish last term - missing out on European qualification by a single point - may well have made up Zakaria's mind as to a switch away from Adi Hutter's side.

Having competed in the Europa League and Champions League across back-to-back seasons - a spell that has helped solidify his place in Switzerland's international setup - he could well make the jump from Germany to England and the Premier League.

Both Arsenal - who, like Gladbach, are not in Europe this coming season - and City have been linked with a move for his services although it remains to be seen if they'll make a move.

Further reading

Former AFC Leopards organising secretary Timothy Lilumbi has pointed out areas Gor Mahia must improve on in order to do well in the Caf Confederation Cup campaign.

Unlike previous seasons where K'Ogalo have been playing in the Champions League, the giants are set to feature in the Confederation Cup after winning the Shield Cup in early July.

After finishing the month of June at the top of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League table, Tusker grabbed the Champions League slot.

Lilumbi has picked factors that have made Gor Mahia struggle on the continental stage and feel if they are solved, then the Kenyan giants could post good results in the 2021/22 campaign.

"First of all, there was a combination of several things at play that made Gor Mahia struggle," Lilumbi told Goal.

"Finance, management, and planning have been the biggest issues at Gor Mahia. These things have to go hand in hand, because, for example, if you have money and you do not plan well, you will not succeed. People implementing that must be top-notch too, must be experienced and guided by the desire for success.

"Honesty and transparency should also be there because, without those virtues, everything will be affected negatively. Those are the things Gor Mahia must look into and correct where they might have been wrong.

"If they get all these things right, of course, they have not been doing right in the previous seasons, then I am sure they are going to be successful."

Gor Mahia are set to feature in the Confederation Cup with another head coach after Manuel Vaz Pinto - who has been incorporated into the CD Nacional technical team - left in July.

Last season, K'Ogalo had to appoint a caretaker coach, Sammy Omollo, after Roberto Gonzalez was disqualified from taking charge of any continental game because of questions about his papers.

The record Premier League winners are also expected to strengthen and especially fill the places that have been left by Kenneth Muguna and Wilson Silva. Muguna joined Tanzania's Azam FC, while Silva returned to his home country, Brazil.