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Luciano Spalletti has claimed that he will chain himself to Manchester United-linked centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly in order to keep him at Napoli.

Koulibaly has established himself as one of the top defenders in Europe since joining Napoli from Genk back in 2014.

The 30-year-old has attracted a number of high profile admirers with his performances over the years, including United, who are now reportedly ready to launch a bid for his services, but Spalletti is adamant that the defender will be staying put.

What has Spalletti said about Koulibaly?

The Napoli boss, who replaced Gennaro Gattuso at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in May, has insisted that he will go to extreme lengths to make sure Koulibaly doesn't leave this summer.

"To keep him I will chain myself somewhere," Spalletti told a press conference. "Find me something and I'll chain myself there."

Could Kalidou Koulibaly depart this summer?

Koulibaly has been valued in excess of €80 million (£69m/$94m) in the past, but it has been reported that United are ready to try their luck with a €30m (£26m/$35m) offer as clubs in Italy continue to deal with the adverse financial repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It remains to be seen whether Napoli will accept a cut-price offer for a player that still has two years left to run on his current contract, particularly if they are unable to line up a suitable replacement, but the Red Devils look poised to test their resolve in the coming weeks.

What else did Spalletti say?

Spalletti was also quizzed on the speculation surrounding Lorenzo Insigne's future, with Napoli currently struggling to tie him down to a contract renewal.

The Italian tactician has revealed that the 30-year-old forward is due to sit down with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis to thrash out terms, and he is confident an agreement will be reached which sees him remain in Naples beyond 2022.

"Lorenzo and the president must first meet. I am convinced that two such strong personalities will find a point to start again together," said Spalletti.

"We are waiting for the meeting and what they will say. The opportunity makes the thief and the transfer market makes the absent-minded player. So we don't have too many speeches.

"There aren't any problems. I'm optimistic."

Further reading 

Indian national team and ATK Mohun Bagan defender Sandesh Jhingan received the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Men's Player of the Year award on Wednesday.

This is the first time that the 28-year-old defender has received this prestigious award. In 2014, Jhingan had received the AIFF Men's Emerging Player of the Year award.

After sitting out for the entire 2019/20 season due to an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury which he had suffered in 2019 while playing in a friendly match for the Indian team, Jhingan returned to action last season donning ATK Mohun Bagan jersey in the Indian Super League (ISL). The Kolkata giants with Jhingan on their side finished runners-up behind Mumbai City FC. 

The Green and Maroons' defender revealed how he overcame the injury setback and came back to action within a year's time.

What did Jhingan say?

"I was disappointed when I got to know about the ACL. I just went back and kept working. There's always players who have achieved more or suffered more than you, whatever happened was nothing. It's nothing compared to the real challenges of life.

"This injury or any other injury, everything happens for good, it's about keeping faith in your work and being positive," said the defender.

What are Sandesh Jhingan's upcoming targets with the Indian team?

The former Kerala Blasters captain is eyeing the 2023 Asian Cup qualification and wants to give his best in the upcoming qualifiers.

"Our aim is to be in the Asian Cup in China. We want to make it better this time, there's a lot of passion, determination, desire and enthusiasm going into this Asian Cup qualifiers."

"Now it's about doing well in the Asian Qualifiers and then stepping up each time. We want to do really well and play the Asian Cup. We want to do much better than last time and try to qualify from the group and play the knockout stage, that's the plan now," said the Indian defender.

What did Jhingan say about Igor Stimac?

The 28-year-old was in awe of head coach Igor Stimac's achievements as a player while speaking about him and suggested how the Croatian coach has helped him.

Stimac represented the Croatian national team at the 1998 World Cup where the Croats finished third. Stimac had also played in the Premier League representing West Ham United.

"He (Stimac) has played at the highest level - the World Cup, the Premier League. So just being around him is a learning process. He helped me a lot and I'm really happy to have him as the national team coach," stated the ATK Mohun Bagan star.
 

Sadio Mane has disclosed why Yaya Toure watched Liverpool’s training on Thursday morning.

The Reds – who currently preparing for the 2021-22 campaign in Salzburg – welcomed the former Barcelona and Manchester City star in their midst.

For many who might be questioning the former midfielder’s mission to the Anfield giants’ squad, the Senegal international explained why that happened.

According to the reigning African Player of the Year, he invited the 38-year-old to watch the training session in Saalfelden.

“I said, ‘Yaya, do you think it is the best idea to come to watch our training?!’ He said, ‘My friend, I’m coming there! Just ask your boss!’,” Mane told Liverpool website.

“He is a very, very good guy and I have known him since 2004. He’s a good friend of mine so we always keep in touch and when he asked me if I can ask the boss whether he can come to watch training I said, ‘With pleasure’ and I think the boss was happy to have Yaya with us today to watch training and learn something because I wish him all the best.

“He wants to be a manager in the future and all the boys were happy to see him, to have a quick conversation with him and have a little bit of a talk about City and Liverpool. It was nice to meet him again.”

Meanwhile, the four-time African Player of the Year winner took to social media to express his delight watching the six-time European champions, while reserving special words for German tactician Klopp.

“Great to meet coach Klopp and watch the Liverpool squad training! Top manager and what a humble man, really enjoyed my time with you coach Klopp and the lads here today,” Toure wrote on Instagram.

A legend with 101 Cote d’Ivoire caps to his credit, the towering midfielder spent eight memorable years at Manchester City between 2010 and 2018, winning three Premier League titles, two League Cups and the FA Cup.

He last played for Qingdao Huanghai in the Chinese League One, and he helped them earn a promotion to the Super League after winning the Second Division title.

Having begun his coaching career at Ukrainian side Olimpik Donetsk, he has now been handed a one-year deal that will see him at the Akhmat Arena for the 2021-22 campaign.

Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the signing of Sifiso Ngobeni from Bloemfontein Celtic.

Ngobeni has joined the Brazilians on a five-year contract and is the latest side to be confirmed by the Pretoria club after the arrival of Thabiso Kutumela from Maritzburg United.

"Mamelodi Sundowns are delighted to welcome left-back Sifiso Ngobeni from Bloemfontein Celtic. The Mamelodi-born defender returns to his hometown to represent the Brazilians following the signing of a five-year deal," Sundowns announced on Thursday.

"The 24-year old made 21 league appearances for Siwelele last season. Ngobeni played an essential part in the 2021 Cosafa Cup tournament, representing Bafana Bafana as they went on to win the prestigious tournament held in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape on Sunday 19, July 2021.

"The full-back becomes the second player from the Free State-based side that has joined the Yellow Nation this off-season and will join up with his former teammate Neo Maema at Chloorkop.

"Welcome home, Ngobs!"

Apart from Ngobeni and Kutumela, Sundowns had earlier confirmed the signing of Pavol Safranko, Divine Lunga, Neo Maema and Grant Kekana.

Kutumela, who scored 12 goals in 26 league games for Maritzburg United, also signed a five-year contract.

Safranko, who will have to compete with Mauricio Affonso, Gift Motupa, Peter Shalulile and Kermit Erasmus for places in the attacking department, was signed from Sepsi OSK SF of Slovakia.

The star - who found the back of the net on nine occasions and provided six assists in 33 games - made the move after helping his former side qualify for the 2021/22 Uefa Europa Conference League 

The 26-year-old Lunga - who made 26 PSL appearances for Golden Arrows - is a regular member of the Zimbabwe national side, the Warriors, and he was named in the squad that will take part in the World Cup qualifiers.

Maema, on the other hand, joined the Brazilians after his contract with Bloemfontein Celtic - a club he played for in 17 games and helped them avoid relegation, ended.

Kekana, who was signed from SuperSport United, joined his former teammate Aubrey Modiba after he also agreed to a five-year move.

The PSL champions began their pre-season preparations three days ago as they are camping at the University of Pretoria after undergoing medical and physical assessments.

Arsenal new boy Albert Sambi Lokonga is being backed to make a similar impact in the Premier League as fellow Belgians Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans.

The Gunners have invested £18 million ($25m) in the highly-rated 21-year-old midfielder.

He has been lured away from Anderlecht and is expected to emulate the efforts of proven senior internationals who took the same path before starring for Leicester, Everton and Manchester United.

What has been said?

Anderlecht's sporting director Peter Verbeke, who sanctioned his switch to Emirates Stadium this summer, told Sky Sports of Lokonga: "I think he will settle in really well in a new club because his technical ability is that good, I don’t think there will be any adaptation problems.

"Of course, the Premier League is a higher level than the Belgian league, but the boys that have been developed at Anderlecht like Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku, I think they settled in well because they got a good education at the Anderlecht academy. So, I expect Sambi will do the same thing."

What will Lokonga offer to Arsenal?

Lokonga is still learning his trade at the very highest level, but is considered to tick all of the boxes Arsenal are after.

Verbeke even believes Lokonga could be captain material in north London, with his qualities in the middle of the park expected to be embraced by the Premier League heavyweights.

He added: "Sambi of course is a very good player. He is one of the top talents coming from our academy. He can play as a defensive midfield player, he can also play as a box-to-box player. Especially in the last two seasons at the club, he has developed really well.

"Sambi is someone who is good on the ball. His technical ability in tight spaces is really good, good short and long passing.

"Sambi has been the captain of the club of a very young Anderlecht, of course. He was still a natural captain and leader on and off the pitch, and he is someone that I would say is really open-minded."

Further reading

Juventus may have missed out on winning Serie A for the first time since 2011, but the Italian giants will be gearing up to pose a fresh threat both domestically and on the continental stage.

It looked to be a summer of uncertainty for the club as they almost lost out on a Champions League spot, with Massimiliano Allegri re-appointed as head coach following Andrea Pirlo's exit.

Regardless, the Serie A veterans will be ready and raring to go for the 2021-22 season wearing all-new kits by adidas. Goal has what you need to know about when they will be released, what jerseys have been leaked, and more.

Juventus 2021-22 home kit and release date

Adidas' latest kits for Juventus will reintroduce the classic and signature look of the black and white stripes in the more traditional sense.

The last two seasons saw Juventus' home kits incorporate a redesign of the classic stripes, featuring the half-and-half look of last year and the brushstroke print from the season before.

But the latest home strip will include four black stripes and four white stripes on both front and back, with a new sponsor patch – 4XE – next to the Jeep logo.

Juventus and Adidas have stated that the home kit has been inspired by the 10th anniversary of their home venue, the Allianz, with the star and the pentagonal design of the legendary Walk of Fame incorporated into the shirt.

The stars, according to the club and manufacturer, pay tribute to both the many legends that have represented the club as well as the fans around the world.

“It was important for us to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Allianz Stadium with this shirt, because we know how much it means to the fans and integrating the Walk of Fame stars allows us to connect with all the people associated with the club," said adidas football designer Francesca Venturini.

"Juventus is a club synonymous with innovation and a global leader in the world of football, which is why we wanted to include a new and unique element in this shirt, whilst remaining faithful to its tradition.”

Juventus 2021-22 away kit and release date

The Juventus away kit was launched on July 22 and the leaks were confirmed with a black number being adopted in 2021-22.

It is all black, with an orange-purple blend featuring on the three stripes on the shoulder.

Broken lines adorn the body of the jersey, with blue-yellow and orange-purple being the colourway. 

The logos - club badge, manufacturer and sponsor - are all white.

How much will they cost and where can they be bought?

The 2021-22 Juventus kits will be available to buy from most high-street sports retail stores and online through the official Juventus club shop.

Juventus' web store sells replica jerseys (home and away) for €90 and that should remain the same for the 2021-22 jerseys.

What about other new kits for 2021-22?

Emile Smith Rowe has signed a new long-term Arsenal contract - and has been handed the No 10 shirt.

The Gunners youngster has been the subject of intense interest from Aston Villa this summer, with the Midlands outfit having seen two bids rejected for the playmaker.

However, Smith Rowe has now put an end to the speculation by committing his future to the club he has been with since he was 10 years old.

How long is the contract?

Smith Rowe has committed to Arsenal himself until 2026, signing a new five-year deal.

His previous deal still had two years to run and was due to expire in 2023, but Arsenal were keen to secure his future this summer and reward him for his impressive performances last season after he was handed his full Premier League debut by Mikel Arteta on Boxing Day against Chelsea.

Smith Rowe made 33 senior appearances for Arsenal last season, scoring four goals. He also found the net as Arsenal started their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Hibernian.

What has been said?

Arsenal technical director Edu said: “This is another important step forward for us and we’re all delighted that Emile has signed a new long-term contract.

"It’s great to see another young player develop through our academy system to become a key part of our first team. Emile is a player who represents the future of the club and this is why we have given him the No 10 shirt. We have trust in Emile and we know he has the potential to be a beautiful player for many years to come.”

Manager Mikel Arteta added: “As we all saw last season, Emile is an intelligent player with excellent ability. His sharpness on the turn and exceptional vision have already made him a key player for us.

"His attitude and willingness to learn have also been very impressive. Huge credit to our team in our academy who have given Emile a great education and have worked superbly to help with his development through the age groups.

“Along with the first team staff, huge credit also goes to our senior players, who have played such an important role to help Emile develop, gain confidence and perform the way he did last season.

"I know the fans will join us in being delighted that Emile has committed his future to the club. We’re now looking forward to helping him develop further and seeing him become even more important to the strong young team we’re building.” 

What else has changed?

As well as signing a new deal, Smith Rowe has also been handed the No 10 shirt at Arsenal.

The 20-year-old wore No 32 last season after breaking through into the senior team, but has been rewarded for his performances by being given one of the most famous shirt numbers in Arsenal’s history.

The No 10 had been vacant since Mesut Ozil’s exit in January, when the German left for Fenerbahce.

Other players who have worn No 10 at Arsenal include Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie, Paul Merton, Charlie Nicolas and Charlie George.

Further reading

Premier Soccer League side Orlando Pirates have confirmed the death of their former player and assistant coach Ian Palmer on Thursday.

Pirates did not reveal the cause of the death of the 55-year-old tactician, but unconfirmed reports in local media indicate he could have succumbed to pneumonia and Covid-19 complications.

Palmer last served Bucs as an assistant coach in 2008 after his playing career had been cut short by a kidney problem.

"On behalf of the extended Orlando Pirates family, we convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Palmer family," the club stated on Thursday. " Rest In Peace."

Apart from taking charge as an assistant at Bucs, Palmer had been the head coach at Manning Rangers from 2004 and 2005 before he was appointed by FC AK, where he served for one year between 2006 and 2007.
 
Between 2007 and 2008, the South African was in charge of Maritzburg United before a short spell with African Warriors in 2009.

His next work station was United FC, where he lasted from 2009 to 2010.

The Johannesburg-born tactician was then appointed as Blackburn Rovers coach between 2010 and 2011 before he returned to Maritzburg United, where he remained until 2012.
 
At Maritzburg United, where he replaced German coach Ernst Middendorp towards the end of the 2012 season, Palmer was offered a one-year contract extension to his initial short deal after saving the PSL club from what had looked like an imminent relegation then.
 
Between mid-2012 and 2013, he worked with Black Leopards, Santos, Chippa United and also had stints at Super Eagles and Mthatha Bucks FC.

The last side he coached was GladAfrica Championship side Richards Bay FC in 2019.
 
After leaving Richards Bay, he was linked with a move to a number of PSL clubs, although that never materialised at all as he made no return to the top tier.

Palmer, who received a kidney transplant in 2016, also featured for PG Rangers in his senior playing career.

Chelsea's mission to sign a world-class striker has seen them ask to be kept informed about Robert Lewandowski's situation at Bayern Munich, Goal can confirm.

Although Bayern are strongly opposed to a sale this summer, the 32-year-old could be tempted by a new opportunity overseas.

With just two years left on his contract at Allianz Arena, the Blues know their good connections with the Polish superstar could come in handy, having twice attempted to sign him in the past.

Are Chelsea still in for Haaland?

The main idea for this transfer window has been to add a new striker to Thomas Tuchel's squad.

However, Chelsea are attempting to shop at the very top table of world football and complete a complicated and costly exercise.

Like Bayern, Borussia Dortmund are resolute in their stance that they won't sell their 21-year-old unless it is for an exceptional offer of well over £100 million ($138m).

The Norwegian attacker is in pre-season again under manager Marco Rose and isn't currently forcing a move, with Haaland knowing s a clause will become active next summer that allows clubs to sign him for around £70m ($99m).

The problem for Chelsea is that the release clause will likely attract even more competition, with every major European club likely to be keen on signing him.

Will Chelsea give up and sign a different striker?

The Blues wanted to re-sign Romelu Lukaku,  but he has given his word that he will remain at Inter this summer.

Early in the summer, Harry Kane reiterated his desire to leave Tottenham and will address his future upon his return from holiday. The Blues have, however, found their local rivals difficult to work with in the transfer market and know they will be outsiders for his signature.

Chelsea have options lower on their list but understand that the further they drop down, the bigger the risk in terms of fixing their scoring problems from towards the end of last season.

After Olivier Giroud left the club, Tammy Abraham could well follow but the asking price of £40m ($55m) has slowed the market around him.

Youngster Armando Broja is at the front of the queue to be promoted to the squad should Chelsea not sign a striker this summer.

Who else could Chelsea sign?

Chelsea may also dip into the market for a central midfielder, with West Ham's Declan Rice and Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga being considered.

Meanwhile, talks with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger over new contracts are not advanced despite them having less than a year on their current deals.

The Blues have contingency options in mind at the back, including Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, Sevilla's Jules Kounde and Bayern's Niklas Sule.

There were attempts to bring in Inter full-back Achraf Hakimi this summer but PSG were more willing to pay his wage demands, along with the high fee, and won the race to sign him.

Although no deal has yet been done, the Blues are still expected to make a major impact on this summer's transfer market, having already raised over £50m ($69m) in player sales.

Further reading

Mason Greenwood has made his pick in the long-running Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate, with the Manchester United youngster putting club allegiances to one side.

The current Red Devils forward is a big fan of both superstar performers, who have shared 11 Ballons d'Or between them.

Favouring either in any discussion is no easy task, given what each has achieved across remarkable careers, but personal preference can help to separate Argentine magic from Portuguese power.

What has been said?

Asked during a Q&A session on United's official website to make his selection, Greenwood said: "For me, it’s always got to be Messi. He’s just on another planet. 

"Ronaldo is obviously amazing, a physical, great athletic footballer, but to do what Messi does at his size, what he’s done for Barcelona and winning that trophy [Copa America] for Argentina, he is just on another level."

Who else does Greenwood admire?

Overlooking one Ronaldo, given his strong ties to United, may come as something as a surprise, but Greenwood admits to taking inspiration from another.

He added on his favourite skill, which was once favoured by the iconic Brazil international striker: "My favourite skill move was the stepover and I still use it to this day.

"It’s my favourite skill move. I used to watch the Brazilian Ronaldo, as he would always pull one out on the goalkeepers and defenders. 

"I used to practice at the parks and stuff and used to do it in training sessions, then that would lead on to games. Now, it’s just stuck with me, it’s a little skill move that I practice.”"

Any other heroes?

Greenwood is, at just 19, in the process of carving out his own career at the highest level.

He has plenty of sporting heroes to look to for guidance, with one of those being a big United supporter who boasts eight Olympic gold medals.

Pressed on who he would most like to meet, Greenwood said: "Any celebrity in the world? For me, it’s got to be Usain Bolt. I used to love my athletics when I was younger. I used to love watching it with my parents and two sisters. He is a good inspiration, a world leader in what he used to do. It’s probably him."

Further reading

South Africa began their Olympics Group A campaign with a 1-0 defeat by Japan in a one-sided affair at Ajinomoto Stadium on Thursday.

Real Madrid new signing Takefusa Kubo struck in the 71st minute to separate the two sides.

Following the match, South Africa sit third in Group A by Mexico who beat France 4-1 earlier on, while Japan are second.

The result was arguably not a true reflection of the encounter., as South Africa were always on the backfoot at the mercy of Japan’s relentless attacking.

South Africa coach David Notoane started Evidence Makgopa as the centre-forward supported by Luther Singh and Thabo Cele on the wings.

Captain Tercious Malepe, Luke Fleurs and Thendo Mukumela formed a central defence set-up of three men.

From the first whistle, Japan were fired up and dominated play while threatening to get a breakthrough as Amaglug-glug survived attack after attack.

The hosts’ centre-forward Daichi Hayashi hit the side net on 14 minutes as South Africa were lucky to come out unscathed.

Pace increased in the Japanese attack, with their African opponents always on the back foot and struggling to cope up.

Malepe put pressure to prevent Koji Miyoshi, positioned at point-blank range, from connecting with a cross from Kubo in the 22nd minute.

Japan goalkeeper Kosei Tani largely had a quiet day, with no South African raid to deal with, while, by contrast Ronwen Williams had to save strongly to deny Hayashi on the half-hour mark.

The SuperSport United goalkeeper was again then invited to desperately deflect an effort by Miyoshi which narrowly missed the target in the 32nd minute in what was arguably the shot-stopper’s best save of the game.

A minute later, in a period of sustained pressure, Japan thought they had claimed the lead when Hayashi beat Williams but his effort was ruled to have been scored from an offside position.

Stray passes were Amaglug-glug’s biggest Achilles heel with Makhopa starved of supply, and South Africa’s first realistic chance at goal came in the first half stoppage time when Sibusiso Mabiliso was released by Teboho Mokoena but his effort was blocked for a corner kick.

Three minutes after the break, Hayashi picked up from where he had left off and almost forced Fleurs to beat his own goalkeeper Williams in a desperate attempt to clear danger.

Shortly after, Fleurs was forced to make another last-ditch defending as a breakthrough always looked imminent for Japan.

Within that short period, Williams was invited to make three desperate saves, including repulsing Hayashi’s close-range effort.

As the host’ persistence appeared to have subsided a bit, 20-year-old Kubo dribbled from the right to shoot on the far post beyond the reach of Williams to break the deadlock.

Five minutes after Japan’s goal, South Africa had a rare opportunity to hit back but Singh shot straight at Tani from inside the box in what was Amaglug-glug’s best chance of the game.

Veteran defender and Japan captain Maya Yoshida then headed just over bar from a corner kick.

The introduction of Kobamelo Kodisang for Reeve Frosler appeared to have breathed life into South Africa but nothing much meaningful was done as Japan threatened to double their lead until the final whistle.

Everton winger Richarlison has made history at Tokyo 2020, with the Brazil international becoming the first Premier League player to hit a hat-trick at the Olympic Games.

The Toffees forward has burst out of the blocks with an impressive treble against Germany.

Richarlison has etched his name into the record books as a result, with the 24-year-old achieving what no other English top-flight star has managed before him.

How did Richarlison make history?

It took just 30 minutes for Richarlison to achieve his record-setting feat.

He broke the deadlock for Brazil against Germany inside seven minutes, before doubling that lead 22 minutes in. On the half-hour mark, his hat-trick was completed as the South American nation ran riot against European opposition.

Richarlison's international record

The Everton attacker is a senior international with Brazil, having made his debut for the Selecao back in September 2018.

He boasts an impressive strike rate for his country, with the target found on 10 occasions in 32 appearances.

Richarlison formed part of Brazil's squad at this summer's Copa America, where the defending champions finished as runners-up to Lionel Messi and Argentina.

It was during that tournament that his selection in an Olympic squad was confirmed.  He is now chasing down gold medal glory, with a star-studded side that is fancied to go well getting off to the perfect start.

Further reading

Andreas Pereira is looking to force another exit at Manchester United, with the Brazilian midfielder admitting that he would welcome a return to Italy this summer.

The 25-year-old spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Serie A giants Lazio, making 33 appearances across all competitions.

Many of those outings came from the bench as struggles for starts followed him from Old Trafford to Stadio Olimpico, but a new challenge was embraced and another move may be sought in the current transfer window.

What has been said?

Pereira told Gianluca Di Marzio: "I know I could do even better if I was given more space. Even the fans agree, they wrote to me about it on social networks.

"At Lazio I have always given my best in the time I was granted. I think my performance could be better if I had more minutes and more freedom to play. When you come in at the end of the game, the task you have to do tactically is not the best.

"I’d like to go back to the Biancoceleste [Lazio] if I was given more time. Rome could be my definitive home, I had a great time.

"I love the style of play and the team spirit that exists in Serie A. Lazio have priority in my heart, but your country has won me over, why not come back one day if the opportunity arises?"

The bigger picture

Pereira's progress has stalled over recent years, with consistency proving hard to come by after failing to name down a regular role in England and Italy.

However, he believes the upcoming campaign could prove to be a memorable one for him.

"I hope next season will be the best of my life, I’m working towards it," Pereira added. "Physically and mentally I’m ready to take responsibility on the pitch: I want to play."

Pereira's contract with United is due to run until the summer of 2023, meaning that the Red Devils will not let him go cheaply.

Further reading

Valenciennes FC have completed the signing of Abou Ouattara from French elite division side Lille.

The 21-year-old has been handed a three-year contract for an undisclosed for by the Athenians, and he would be hoping to command a regular place in Olivier Guegan’s squad at Stade du Hainaut.

Thanks to impressive displays at Belgian side KV Mechelen, the Burkina Faso international was signed by Lille in 2019.

However, his inability to break into Les Dogues’ first team saw him loaned to Portugal’s Primeira Liga side Vitoria Guimaraes before heading to Amiens where he featured in 11 league games.

“LOSC confirm the permanent transfer of Abou Ouattara (21 years old) to Valenciennes FC. The Burkinabe international striker has signed a three-year contract with the northern club,” a statement from Lille website read.

“Arriving at LOSC in January 2019 from KV Mechelen (Belgium), Abou Ouattara appeared once in the Lille jersey in 2019-2020. Then loaned to Vitoria Sport Clube (Portugal) and then to Amiens SC last January.

“The Bouake native is preparing to return to Ligue 2 BKT with Valenciennes. LOSC wish the best of successes to Abou Ouattara under the Valencian jersey.”

The winger began his professional career at Burkina Faso topflight side Salitas before heading to Guinean giants Horoya AC for the 2016-17 campaign.

After just one season at the Stade 28 Septembre, Conakry, he was snapped up by Mechelen, but he was only able to play one time for De Kakkers' 2-2 draw at Gent on February 18, 2018 - coming in for Clement Tainmont with 11 minutes left to play.

That did not stop his move to Stade Pierre-Mauroy- where he spent most of his time with the B squad.

With his move, he becomes the tenth African in Valenciennes. Others include Aly Abeid (Mauritania), Sessi D'Almeida (Benin Republic), Maxime Spano (Algeria), Moussa Guel (Cote d'Ivoire), Arsene Elogo (Cameroon), Hillel Konate (Cote d'Ivoire), Aymen Boutoutaou (Algeria), Issouf Macalou (Cote d'Ivoire), and Emmanuel Ntim (Ghana).

Manager Guegan would be counting on his abilities as the club would be hoping to secure a promotion to Ligue 1 at the end of next term.

Franck Kessie of AC Milan scored to give Ivory Coast a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in the Olympic Games encounter on Thursday at the Yokohama International Stadium, while Egypt held Spain in the day's earlier kick-off.

Saudi Arabia's Abdulelah Al-Amri scored an own goal in the 39th minute before Salem Al-Dawsari equalised for the Asian country in the 44th minute. Kessie handed the African nation the win with his 66th-minute goal before they were reduced to 10 men when Aboubacar Doumbia was sent off in the seventh minute of added time.

Kessie, whose future at AC Milan continues to attract speculation given that his contract will end in 2022, opened his Olympic goal account when he found the back of the net after he received a cross at the edge of the box and fired into the bottom corner. 

Earlier, Egypt and Spain shared the points in a 0-0 draw in their early kick-off.

Spain launched a first-minute attack but Mikel Oyarzabal shot wide after he had been put through on goal by Pedri.

Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos was unable to continue after a collision with Mohamed Taher and the Spanish star, who was on loan to Arsenal last season, had to be replaced by Osasuna's Jon Moncayola, with Taher only getting a yellow card.

Oscar Mingueza attempted to find the top corner in the 27th minute, but his shot went wide as Egypt kept their shape at the back despite attacks from the rivals. Three minutes before the first half ended, Taher took a shot that found its way past the Spanish defensive line but flew over the bar.

Egypt's Mohamed Ashour did well to block Mikel Merino's effort in the 48th minute. The Real Sociedad star had been put through on goal by the Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio. 

Mikel Oyarzabal was stopped by Ahmed Hegazy in the 52nd minute when the Spanish star entered the box and was about to launch a close-range shot. 

The Pharaohs made their first changes in the 62nd minute, with Taher going out for Ammar Hamdy as Ahmed Yasser Rayyan left the pitch and his place was taken by Marwan Mohsen. Spain waited until the 67th minute when Merino was substituted by Carlos Soler, and a minute later, Asensio was replaced by rumoured Tottenham Hotspur target Bryan Gil.

Gerardo Miranda almost made his way into the Egyptian box in the 77th minute, Hegazy brought him down a few metres from the edge of the box, but Spain's cries for a penalty were dismissed.

Mohamed El Shenawy made a good save to deny La Roja an opener in the 87th minute after Raphael Mir had risen high enough to head a cross delivered by Miranda. The Al Ahly goalkeeper was also alert to stop Soler from scoring from close range in the first minute of added time. 

Premier League players and staff will need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 amid fears that the virus could disrupt football next season, Goal can confirm.

It's part of the UK Government's wider plan to require all attendees to football matches to show a Covid pass from October 1, with players needing to have had two doses of the vaccine.

With the guidance from above being issued earlier this week, the Premier League is actively encouraging clubs to get on top of vaccinating their employees immediately, to avoid further disruption.

What have the Premier League been doing before now?

Since June 2020, England's top-flight league had made it mandatory for players to be tested twice a week to ensure that the competition was able to continue.

However, this is no longer enough, with players and staff vaccinations to be required soon.

The measures in place previously had been working, with only a couple of matches needing to be postponed before then being played at a later date.

There are, however, new concerns within the game relating to Covid-19 after more than 46,000 coronavirus cases were recorded in the UK this week.

From a football perspective,  Arsenal have seen their pre-season tour of the United States cancelled , while there have been cases recorded at both Chelsea  and Manchester City in recent weeks.

Indeed, there are further concerns about whether footballers returning from their holidays will have to self-isolate having played at international tournaments this summer.

What does it mean for supporters?

Next season there will be full stadiums once again, but everyone will be required to have had both their jabs from October 1.

Many clubs are using pre-season to test their systems to handle the new arrangements that will allow stadiums to be full for the first time since March 2020.

Liverpool are planning two friendlies against Athletic Club and Osasuna at Anfield with 75 per cent attendance, while  the Mind Series friendly matches involving Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are due to be set-up in a similar way.

Furthermore, various Premier League stadiums have been used as walk-in vaccination centres to encourage people to receive their jab as soon as they are eligible across the country. Those who have had their first vaccination are told to return in eight weeks for a second dose in the UK.

The vaccines have been available at stadiums including Stamford Bridge, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Leicester's King Power Stadium and Wolves' home stadium, Molineux.

A number of Premier League players and managers have publicly posted pictures of them receiving their doses of the vaccine in a campaign dubbed #WeAreOneTeam, led by the league.

Further reading

Osian Roberts has resigned from his position as technical director of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

Having worked as assistant manager to Chris Coleman, Gary Speed and Ryan Giggs, the 57-year-old was handed the role by the North African country on a five-year deal.

Citing family reasons, he left his post two years into his contract with few months to the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations slated for Cameroon.

During his time, he played a key role as the Atlas Lions retained their African Nations Championship earlier this year.

His other achievements saw the North Africans win the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations as well as helping Morocco reach the U20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2005. That team crashed out in the quarter-finals after losing on penalties to Tunisia.

Despite his unexpected exit, he is proud of his success while expressing optimism about the future of Moroccan football.

"I am optimistic for football in FRMF. I believe it could be a football nation among the top 20 in the world," Roberts told BBC Sport Africa.

"I have put a foundation in place... but there is a lot of work still to do.

"My two years in Morocco has been an incredible experience in a beautiful country with lovely people and I have great friends here. I leave with many happy memories."

He highlighted other achievements especially on the development for coaches seeking Confederation of African Football recognised licenses.

Furthermore, his presence attracted top names like Patrick Vieira, Marcel Desailly and Thierry Henry to visit as guest instructors for the courses.

"Morocco was the first African nation to be accepted into Caf Coaching Convention following official evaluation of the A Licence courses we run," he continued.

"Our Caf Pro Licence courses continued to be formulated and will be finalised in September 2021 despite being laid due to Covid-19 and we have started the first ever African Caf B Fast Track courses for ex-internationals.

"I also created new and specific courses for the Botola Pro (Moroccan league) youth coaches and technical directors to help implement an overall philosophy within the clubs to help the transition of players from clubs to national teams."

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has laid new demands on Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Gor Mahia before they are cleared.

After lifting the Shield Cup for beating archrivals AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia earned a Confederation Cup ticket, but they must now answer critical financial questions from Caf before they are allowed to participate.

"In a letter, Caf has demanded that we produce audited accounts for the past year and also wants assurances that we have settled debts for players and coaches who have left," a top source at the club told Goal.
 
Among the people who have reported Gor Mahia to Fifa include Premier League-winning coach Steven Polack, who left after the 2019/20 season. In an interview with Goal, Polack claimed the club had yet to settle his dues.

"We had agreed on compensation, but the agreement was broken when they did not pay what was due to me on the dates we agreed on," said the former head coach Polack.

"So I put the case to Fifa who made a decision and gave notice to Gor Mahia to pay what is due to me in full."

"The timescale Fifa gave was 30 days, that time has elapsed and I have not received it, so it’s now in Fifa's hands and let’s see what the outcome will be."

Jackson Owusu had petitioned Gor Mahia through the Ghanaian Footballers Association for Ksh2.4 million owed to him before he left the club almost at the same time with Polack. Owusu was entitled to a monthly salary of Ksh190, 000, a monthly allowance of Ksh6, 000, a signing fee of USD 10, 000 and a monthly housing allowance of Ksh10, 000.

Dickson Ambundo, who is now with Dodoma Jiji in Tanzania, also reported the Kenyan side to the world governing body over dues amounting to Ksh1.2 million.

When Manuel Vaz Pinto left the club just after lifting the Shield Cup in July, he cited financial challenges and delayed payment of salaries, although the former St George SC coach did not indicate whether he would take action against Gor Mahia in order to have his money paid.