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Brazil begin their defence of their 2016 Olympic Games men's football title on Thursday with a tough test against Germany in Yokohama.

Watch the Olympics on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The Selecao took the gold medal on home soil in Rio de Janeiro five years ago inspired by Neymar, and while the Paris Saint-Germain forward is not in their squad this time round, with the likes of Dani Alves and Richarlison they still have plenty of star power as they look to retain the crown.

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

* Denotes over-23 player

Brazil fell short in their bid to defend the Copa America title this summer, but will be hoping for better fortunes in the Games. 

Just one player, Everton star Richarlison was chosen for both tournaments, with Dani Alves chosen as captain in Japan after sitting out the Copa. 

Predicted Brazil starting XI: Santos, Daniel Alves, Diego Carlos, Nino, Guilherme Arana; Douglas Luiz, Bruno Guimaraes, Claudinho; Richarlison, Matheus Cunha, Antony.

Germany's Olympic preparations have been far from straightforward, with many clubs declining to release their star players for the tournament. 

Max Kruse, Nadiem Amiri and Maximilian Arnold make the cut as over-23s, while the team does include five members of the squad which lifted the U21 European Championship in June. 

Predicted Germany starting XI: Muller; Henrichs, Pieper, Torunarigha, Raum; Arnold, Amiri, Maier; Kruse, Teuchert, Richter.

Matchday one fixtures

Mexico and France clash on Thursday as they begin their men's Olympic campaigns in Tokyo.

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

While France have included veterans such as Andre-Pierre Gignac and Florian Thauvin (who in a fun twist play club football in Liga MX) in a strong squad, Mexico have been required to split their talents between the ongoing Gold Cup and Olympics.

Still, the likes of Diego Lainez and Guillermo Ochoa make El Tri a formidable opponent.

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

The French were disappointed to learn that the clubs of several top prospects including midfielder Eduardo Camavinga would not allow their players to go to Tokyo.

But they remain among the favourites to make a deep run in the tournament, with Gignac and Thauvin top candidates to lead the way in scoring.

Predicted France starting XI: Bernardoni, Michelin, Sagnan, Kalulu, Caci, Toussart, Savanier, Le Fee, Mbuku, Gignac, Thauvin.

Mexico will be led in the attack by Lainez, who stood out in the Nations League earlier this summer. Henry Martin also participated in that tournament as part of El Tri's front line.

The Olympic roster will have seen their compatriots advance to the knockout round of the Gold Cup and will look to replicate that feat.

Predicted starting XI: Ochoa, Erick Aguirre, Vasquez, Angulo, Sanchez, Antuna, Esquivel, Rodriguez, Romo, Lainez, Martin.

Olympic results

France won gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, while Mexico took home top honours in 2012.

This is France's first appearance at the Olympics since 1996.

Boca Juniors have condemned the two VAR decisions they claim robbed them of Copa Libertadores victory over Atletico Mineiro, but played down the subsequent violent incidents that caused the team to spend Tuesday night sleeping outside of a police station in Belo Horizonte. 

The Xeneize went down on penalties in the last 16 after drawing both legs 0-0. 

But they also had a goal ruled out in both of those games for marginal infractions - Diego Gonzalez's strike in the first leg was chalked off for a foul in the build-up, while on Tuesday, Gonzalez was judged to be slightly offside in the move leading up to Marcelo Weigandt's second-half goal - either of which would have been sufficient to send them through to the quarter-finals. 

What was said? 

"Boca Juniors suffered in this Copa Libertadores tie against Atletico Mineiro two inexplicable decisions overturning legal goals which have destroyed the sporting spirit of the continent's most prestigious tournament," read a statement from the club, published on Wednesday and signed by president Jorge Amor Ameal. 

"Today our members, fans, players and coaching staff have been harmed in this foul manner, with this malicious and biased use of VAR technology. 

"The events mark something which is unprecedented, the only case where a club has been eliminated from competition having won the two games of the tie. 

"Situations like those we have experienced in the last games expose the biased manner in which our continental football is managed. 

"Neither can we overlook the fact that the management of Atletico Mineiro encouraged violent and threatening messages for several days before arriving at the regrettable events in which our players, staff and directors were physically harmed, and who were held for more than 12 hours in awful conditions so as to not break the sanitary bubble. 

"Once more we have been harmed by decisions unrelated to sport and connected far more closely to the standard of refereeing in a competition which does not deserve that." 

Homeward bound

Back in Brazil, the entire Boca delegation camped outside a police station in Belo Horizonte overnight while officers took statements from eight team members who were involved in a violent altercation with security staff and police following the end of the second leg. 

Sebastian Villa and Cristian Pavon were charged with throwing a water dispenser at security guards, while new signing Norberto Briasco allegedly assaulted an Atletico member of staff and attempted to hit the individual with an iron bar. 

Ex-Manchester United and Argentina defender Marcos Rojo was also mentioned as an aggressor, with the police's report additionally claiming that he grabbed and brandished a fire extinguisher pinned to the Atletico dressing room door.  

Around midday local time (4pm BST/11am ET) on Wednesday Boca were permitted to leave the station, following the intervention of Argentina's Ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Scioli, and went straight to the airport ahead of returning to Buenos Aires. 

Further reading 

The Nigeria Football Federation has vowed to unmask the unidentified man who harassed the national women's team, the Super Falcons, while in transit in Vienna.

The nine-time African champions started a training camp in Austria last Thursday ahead of the six-nation Aisha Buhari Invitational tournament, which will take place in Lagos in September.

According to the NFF’s Fifa match agent Jairo Pachon, Randy Waldrum's team opted for public transport after Tuesday's morning training session, but they were greeted with irritating comments about the political landscape in the country.

In the viral video, players and officials tried to caution the man who criticised their international commitment alongside Swedish-born Evelyn and Josephine Ijeh, who just got their maiden call-ups to the Nigeria team.

He was later removed from the train and the issue has been reported to the Nigerian embassy in Austria and the police authorities for further investigation.

“It is unfortunate. The girls were on the way to the city centre which was just a few minutes from the hotel,” Pachon told the NFF website. “They entered this train and the guy got inside and started insulting them.

“He was bundled out at the next station and we have reported the matter to the Embassy of Nigeria and the Austrian Police. We have never had this kind of case with any of our teams and lessons have been learnt and we will be guided appropriately going forward.

“This incident will not in any way affect the team’s camping programme and they will remain in Austria until Saturday, 24th July as scheduled.”

In the viral video, the self-acclaimed Nigerian accused President Muhammadu Buhari of the various security challenges in the country, including the kidnapping of youths.

However, NFF president Amaju Pinnick reacted to the situation and described the man’s comment as a "dastardly act" that will be reported to Fifa as well.

“We are infuriated because these are young ladies who are our ambassadors and are there in Austria preparing for major international competitions,” Pinnick remarked.

“That was a dastardly act by that fellow and we are not taking it lightly. The girls simply wanted to go on sightseeing and there is nothing wrong with that. They do not deserve to be subjected to such diatribe by a so-called fellow Nigerian.

“We will unmask the fellow and then take it from there.”

Southampton have agreed to a £1.5 million deal to poach one of Chelsea’s best young defenders, Goal can confirm, after having their three-year contract offer to Dynel Simeu accepted.

The Blues have inserted a sizable sell-on fee into the deal with the Saints and the transfer is set to be finalised in the coming days. 

Simeu opted against signing a new contract with Chelsea after being offered a fast-tracked pathway into the St Mary's senior set-up.

Who else is leaving?

With Goal having already first revealed that Lewis Bate will join Leeds United, the Blues are set to lose more players from their youth team.

Chelsea's Academy Player of the Year Tino Livramento is closing in on a move to Brighton that could be completed in the coming days. Brighton are expected to beat out the likes of the Saints and Aston Villa, who both made late efforts to get the full-back.

Likewise, Myles Peart-Harris has also rejected a contract with Chelsea with Brentford closing in on a deal.

What's the fuss about with Simeu?

The England Under-19 international has made his presence felt across Chelsea's various youth age groups in the last few years, securing himself a place on the bench last year against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

It was in the same 2019-20 season that Simeu was a key player as Chelsea won the Premier League 2 title.

The centre-back is a strong leader having captained Chelsea's development squad for much of last season and England at various youth levels. He is also tall, fast and good on the ball.

Born in Cameroon, the teen star has so far opted for England but he could yet make the switch to the African nation in the future.

Having only signed for Chelsea at the age of 13, Simeu is a late bloomer compared to most of the players at Cobham's training facility.

“I came from a Sunday league team in Southampton and with my background, I didn’t know many footballers and didn’t even know how Chelsea Academy worked, I thought playing here was unrealistic,” he told the club's in-house media channel earlier this year.

“I admired Portsmouth and Southampton because that’s all I knew, I always dreamed of becoming a footballer but my family and I never thought it was realistic, then when I got the chance everything happened quickly and it was unbelievable.”

Further reading

Inter have joined Arsenal in withdrawing from the Florida Cup due to concerns over the current state of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The two sides had been expected to clash in the pre-season tournament in the United States on July 25, at Orlando's Camping World Stadium, but members of the Gunners' travelling party have tested positive for Covid-19 and the Nerazzurri are now out of the competition as a precaution. 

Neither team will travel across the Atlantic Ocean and must seek new friendly opposition ahead of the upcoming 2021-22 campaign. 

What was said? 

"FC Internazionale Milano announce that they will not be travelling to the USA for the Florida Cup due to the current risks involved in international travel as a result of the spread of the pandemic, risks that have already caused Arsenal F.C. to withdraw from participation," the Nerazzurri signalled in a statement published on their official website on Wednesday . 

The previous evening, Arsenal had pointed to a number of Covid-positive cases in their own squad as their motivation for dropping out of the Cup . 

"Following a small number of positive Covid tests among the planned party to travel to America tomorrow, we have sadly been forced to withdraw from the Florida Cup," the club wrote in a statement late on Tuesday night," the Gunners' statement read.

"This difficult decision is based on ensuring the health and wellbeing of our players and staff.

"We fully understand what a disappointment this is for our supporters in America who were looking forward to seeing us compete in the Florida Cup as part of our pre-season build up.

"Our apologies also go to the organisers of the Florida Cup who had done a fantastic job making the preparations and our partners who had arranged events around our participation in the competition.
 
"We are glad to say the members of staff are not currently displaying any Covid symptoms. They are now in self-isolation at home."

The bigger picture

Inter and Arsenal's decision comes amid a significant uptick in cases in United States, with Florida among the worst-affected regions. 

Driven by the Delta variant of Covid, the state reported over 45,000 positives in the week ending July 15, double the number of the previous seven days. 

That number means Florida is suffering the highest number of infections in the entire country, with an estimated one in five new cases nationally originating in the state.

Further reading 

Amid a topical potential match-fixing scandal in the Ghana Premier League, King Faisal president Karim Grunsah has revealed his club sought help from Asante Kotoko ahead of their meeting in the top light.

He, however, fell short of mentioning the help in question, but his comments about how Faisal were caught up in a relegation battle until the final matchday of the season has left many thinking about a possible match-fixing attempt.

This in the wake of alleged fixed games in Inter Allies' encounter against Ashanti Gold and Legon Cities' tie against Eleven Wonders.

“We [Faisal officials] went to see a [local] chief for him to talk to Kotoko, so that they do something to help us when we were about playing them [Kotoko] in Obuasi,” Grunsah told Fox FM.

“We wanted them to help us but they refused.

“I had even talked to Nana Yaw Amponsah, the Kotoko CEO and he said he cannot do anything about it for me.

"The chief too did not do anything about it for us.”

After the last round of GPL matches on Sunday, Inter Allies defender Hashmin Musah has confessed he deliberately scored two own goals in their meeting with Ashanti Gold to "spoil" the standing 5-0 score, which he believed was playing into the hands of a betting syndicate.

The match, which ultimately ended 7-0 in Obuasi, is currently under investigation by the Ghana Football Association and the Ghana Police. 

“Inter Allies have issued a statement to investigating anybody involved in this incident,” Ashanti Gold sporting director Nana Kwasi Darlyn told Happy FM.

“We scored them five great goals. If anybody has any investigation to do they should ask Inter Allies. If any AshGold member is involved they should also point him.

“For now they should ask Hashmin Musah because he said it was a fixed match and he will be the best to help out with the investigations.

“I don’t condone and support match-fixing and betting that is why the club has issued a statement in that regard.”

Musah has been scheduled to make a defence before the GFA on Wednesday.

Kenya international midfielder Kenneth Muguna has stated he will not feel pressure to perform well at his new club, Azam FC of Tanzania. 
 
Muguna, who joined the Mainland Premier League side from Gor Mahia, signed a two-year deal and has now confirmed his readiness to help the Ice Cream Makers achieve their ambitions.

Expectations and Pressure

"I am very happy after signing my contract with Azam and according to me, they are the best team in Tanzania and it is a great opportunity for me to come and represent the biggest team. I know expectations are going to be high but I am ready to work," the former Western Stima attacking midfielder said as was quoted by the club's social media pages.
 
"Expectations are high and this is because big teams are expected to do better and I have been in that situation and so, I am not under pressure at all. I am hopeful I am going to settle and work. I have come here to work and hopefully, I am going to give everything from my side. I will strive to ensure Azam have achieved their targets."
 
Meanwhile, former Gor Mahia treasurer Sally Bollo praised Muguna after joining the Chamazi side: "[Kenneth] Muguna was introduced for the first time at Azam. I'd want to congratulate the captain on his new club," she tweeted.
 
"He was a fantastic player who put forth a lot of effort for us, and I enjoyed working with him. The sky is the limit."
 
Muguna became the fourth player to be signed by the former Premier League champions after Charles Zulu, Rodgers Kola from Zambia, and Tanzania international defender Edward Manyama.

The former KF Tirana star left the Kenyan heavyweights after winning multiple Premier League titles with them, as well as the Shield Cup and took part in the Caf Champions League and in the Confederation Cup for a number of seasons.

Further FKF Premier League reading 

Kenneth Muguna: Azam FC sign ex-Gor Mahia captain

Gor Mahia have replacement for Azam FC-bound Muguna - Omollo

Muguna to earn four times more at Azam FC than Gor Mahia

Itumeleng Khune’s showing against Brazil at the 2016 Olympic Games may have been one of the greatest moments of his career.

Certainly, memories of that outstanding showing against the hosts in Rio de Janeiro comes in stark contrast to King Khune’s plight in Saturday’s Caf Champions League final.

This fixture may well be one of the toughest moments of his career, as the one-club man had to watch on from the sidelines as Kaizer Chiefs faced Al-Ahly in the biggest match in African club football.

With Daniel Akpeyi picked as Amakhosi’s No. 1 by incoming coach Stuart Baxter, Khune was left on among the reserves, forced to experience the match as a bystander…it should have been one of the biggest games of his career.

Still only 34, Khune ought to still have many more years in the tank, but fitness and injury problems in recent years have dimmed his star at Chiefs, and have left him way down the pecking order under Baxter and his predecessor Arthur Zwane.

The stopper never made the move to Europe—to test himself at the highest level of competition—but here was a golden opportunity to become an African champion, and to help his beloved Chiefs follow in the footsteps of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns to win the Champions League.

It passed him by.

It wasn’t the first time that Khune was absent for what should have been a major moment of his career; he was, of course, suspended for South Africa’s memorable 2-1 victory over France at the 2010 World Cup on home soil, having been sent off in the defeat by Uruguay.

Moeneeb Josephs—the beneficiary on that occasion—also had to step in for South Africa’s final African Nations Championship 2014 Group Stage game against Nigeria, where a 3-1 victory for the Super Eagles sent them into the knockouts.

Another big moment, another Khune absence, another opportunity gone.

One fixture where he did stand up and be counted, however, proving his quality in the truly big occasions, was South Africa’s meeting with hosts Brazil at the 2016 Olympics.

This was a star-studded Selecao side, gunning for the title and featuring the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, and Felipe Anderson.

In front of almost 70,000, they went all out to dispatch Bafana, who were reduced to 10 men with half an hour still to play following the dismissal of Mothobi Mvala for a second yellow card.

Brazil dominated the ball, enjoyed a slew of chances—many from corners—but never got closer than a Gabriel Jesus effort that touched off the post; Khune held firm and South Africa picked up a valuable point.

Ultimately, they failed to escape the group stage, but for the Chiefs No. 1, it’s a match that serves as a vivid reminder of just what he was capable of in his prime, and his capacity for rising to the big occasions.

Inter have announced online fan token creator Socios will be their new main kit sponsor for the 2021-22 season after 26 years with Pirelli written across their chests.

As far as recognisable kits over the past few decades, few come close to the striped Pirelli shirts the Serie A club has worn during six Serie A title charges and a Champions League triumph. While many other top European clubs have dramatically altered their appearance over the years, the Nerazzurri have largely remained the same since the early 90s.

So while it may seem a trivial shift to care about - these are just brands, after all - many fans have nonetheless reacted strongly to the news of Inter's decision.

What does the new Inter kit look like?

What is Socios?

Socios is a digital fan token platform where each club has a special collectible currency that can be bought and sold through cryptocurrency and also used for real-life rewards such as team merchandise discounts.

They have rapidly expanded over the past year, just this week adding Arsenal to their vast network.

Reactions to sponsor switch

The initial kit reveal without the sponsor logo on it received rave reviews, but the appearance of Socios in the middle of it may take some getting used to going off the immediate reactions.

Inter kit sponsor history

Before settling on Pirelli for 26 years, Inter went through several sponsor eras in quick succession. There was Fiorucci (1992-94), FitGar (1991), Misura (1982-90) and Inno Hit (1981).

Further reading

Liga MX is one of the most exciting soccer leagues in the world, with a highly competitive collection of teams battling it out to get their hands on Mexico's prestigious league trophy.

Games from the Mexican top division can be watched on a variety of networks, including TUDN, Univision, ESPN Deportes, UniMas, Galavision and Fox Deportes.

There is usually no shortage of televised games, with Friday through Monday packed with action.

To help you plan your viewing schedule, Goal has the Liga MX games on TV tonight, tomorrow and this weekend.

See here for football on TV in the UK this week

Thursday July 22

The 2021-22 Liga MX Apertura begins on Thursday night as Queretaro faces Club America live on TUDN and UniMas.

Friday July 23

Last season's Torneo Guardianes runner-up Santos Laguna is in action on Friday night against Necaxa while Juarez faces off against Toluca. Both games are live on TUDN.

Saturday July 24

On Saturday evening, Pachuca takes on Leon live on TUDN and later that night Chivas collides with Atletico San Luis live on UNIVERSO.

Sunday July 25

A nice spread of games is in store on Sunday, kicking off with the Pumas versus Atlas game (TUDN, Univision NOW).

Later that night sees a Fox Deportes double-show, with Monterrey against Puebla and Tijuana playing Tigres.

Monday July 26

The first week of the Liga MX 2021-22 season concludes on Monday night when defending champion Cruz Azul plays newcomers Mazatlan live on TUDN.

Four records tumbled for Zambia captain Barbra Banda when the Copper Queens were pummeled 10-3 by the Netherlands in Wednesday’s Olympic Games fixture.

Taking part in the competition for the first time, the Shanghai Shengli striker – who was her team’s shining light - etched her name in the competition’s history books.

With the Lionesses leading 3-0 in the first 15 minutes at the Miyagi Stadium in Rifu, the 21-year-old reduced the deficit for her team in the 19th minute.

Profiting from an Esther Siamfuko pass, Banda fired the ball past goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal.

In the process, she wrote her name in the history books, becoming the first Zambian to score in the women's football tournament.

Her maiden appearance went sour as Vivianne Miedema’s hat-trick gave the Europeans a 6-1 advantage at half-time with Lieke Martens also finding the net on two occasions.

In the second half, the Lionesses continued their harvest of goals as they raced into a 10-1 lead with ten minutes left on the clock.

Nonetheless, the China-based star got something to cheer about after scoring her side’s second and third goals in the 82nd and 83rd minutes to achieve three more landmarks.

Following her treble, Banda became the first African and Zambian to find the net on three occasions in her first game in the quadrennial sporting showpiece.

In addition, she became the leading African goalscorer at the tournament after overtaking Nigeria’s duo of Mercy Akide and Perpetua Nkwocha, who are tied on two goals each.

She was in action from start to finish as the Southern African national suffered their heaviest defeat ever.

That eclipsed the mark set when they were dismantled 6-0 by Nigeria during an Africa Women’s Cup of Nations encounter played at Windhoek’s Sam Nujoma Stadium on October 14, 2014.

They will hope to bounce back when they take on China PR on July 24 in a Group F fixture. The Asians suffered a 5-0 hammering by Brazil in their first game.

Zambia was picked as Africa’s representative at the women's Olympic football event after defeating Cameroon 2-1 in the final of Caf's qualifying tournament.

Bafana Bafana international Vincent Pule won the most accolades during Orlando Pirates' end-of-season awards.

The speedy winger was one of Bucs' most influential players during the 2020/21 season which saw the Soweto giants end their six-year trophy drought by clinching the 2020 MTN8 title. 

Pule has now been named Pirates' Player of the Season on the club's official Twitter page on Thursday having played 39 matches across all competitions and he scored nine goals.

However, the left-winger will share the accolade with his teammate Deon Hotto after the duo received the same number of votes from the fans, who voted on the club's official Twitter page.

Hotto, who is a winger-come-striker, quickly established himself as one of Pirates' key players after joining the Buccaneers from the now-defunct Bidvest Wits in September 2020.

The Namibia international scored seven goals and provided nine eight assists from 43 matches across all competitions in his debut season with the Soweto giants.

Pule also walked away with the club's Golden Boot accolade after scoring the most goals for the Houghton-based giants during the recent season.

The Free State-born player hit the back of the net nine times and it was his best season in front of goal since he joined Bucs from Wits in July 2018.

His teammate Tshegofatso Mabaso, who is a centre forward by trade, narrowly missing out on the top scorer award after netting eight goals. 

Furthermore, Pule scooped Pirates' Goal of the Season accolade for his stunning goal against Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-final first-leg match in October 2020.

The talented attacker controlled a cross from Thembinkosi Lorch very well in the box and he beat his marker, before firing past goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi as Pirates secured a 3-0 win. 

While Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori walked away with the club's Save of the Season award for his wonderful save in the MTN8 final against Bloemfontein Celtic in December 2020.

The Ghana international produced a quality reflex save to deny Celtic striker Ndumiso Mabena in the closing stages of the encounter.

Lastly, promising striker Boitumelo Radiopane was named Pirates' Prospect of the Season after he caught the eye with his goalscoring ability.

Radiopane won the DStv Diski Challenge Rewired Golden Boot award having netted six goals and he was also nominated for the Player of the Tournament accolade.

Contract negotiations between Leon Goretzka and Bayern Munich may have reached an impasse, but the Manchester United target is still hopeful of signing an extension at the Bundesliga giants. 

Goal and Spox have learned that talks have stalled due to differences over salary expectations, although reports that Goretzka is holding out for an annual wage packet of €20 million (£17m/$24m) have been denied. 

Nevertheless, Goretzka believes his future lies at the Allianz Arena and is not considering any other offers. 

The current situation

While no agreement has yet been struck between the two parties, negotiations are ongoing and there is a constructive and conflict-free exchange.

The midfielder remains on track to sign an extension to his current deal, which expires in June 2022. 

Goretzka has informed Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn, sports director Hasan Salihamidzic and president Herbert Hainer that he is planning for a long stay at Bayern despite these recent difficulties, a message he has communicated on several occasions over the past few months. 

His situation, then, differs greatly from that of Kingsley Coman, who has hinted during his own talks that he would be willing to follow the example of new Real Madrid signing David Alaba and seek new horizons. 

No outside offers

The 26-year-old's contract situation has naturally attracted attention from some of Europe's most powerful clubs. 

Real Madrid, Barcelona and United have all been mentioned as possible suitors for Goretzka, rated as one of the world's most accomplished midfielders. 

The stumbling block to a new deal, though, remains purely financial, and there is little prospect of the player lining up elsewhere from 2022 onwards. 

His management team therefore has declined to answer any enquiries from other clubs while talks remain ongoing. 

One man hopeful of a swift resolution is Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann who said upon arriving at the club at the start of July: "I would be very happy to have many years together with Leon because I think very highly of him, because I will have an excellent collaboration with him and because he is one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe."

Further reading 

East Bengal fans organised a peaceful protest against the club officials on Wednesday afternoon but it eventually turned violent as the local police had to resort to lath-charge to disperse the crowd.

The protest was related to the ongoing tussle between East Bengal and their investor Shree Cement regarding signing the final agreement of a joint venture between the two parties.

Why were the East Bengal fans protesting and what happened at the protest rally?

Several Red and Golds fans had gathered near the club premise with banners and they raised slogans against the club officials in a peaceful manner demanding them to sign the final agreement.

But the peaceful protest suddenly turned violent and the police lath-charged to disperse the protesting crowd to maintain law and order. A couple of fans were injured while three or four fans were arrested as per police claims.

Another section of fans backing the club officials was also present at the venue who urged the club officials not to give in to the investors' demands and sign the final agreement

What did the East Bengal officials say?

East Bengal senior Santosh Bhattacharya condemned the fan protest and said, "This was definitely not a good advert for the club. The people who are demanding we sign the agreement do not know the clauses of the final agreement. We cannot bring the final agreement to the public as it violates the understanding of the investors. This attack on the club is heartbreaking.

"Both the fans and us officials wish well for the club. We want them to send their representatives to the club so that they can look into the agreement. We cannot allow the club to go into private hands completely. 

"Playing in the Indian Super League (ISL) ISL depends on the party who has the sporting rights of the club. Common ground can be reached through discussions but the investors do not want to meet us. They are constantly asking us to first sign and only then will they discuss the matter. ISL will start soon and they will not wait for East Bengal forever."

What is Shree Cement saying?

A senior official of the investors condemned the attack on the fans and suggested that the investors' stance is the same. If there is any difference between the final agreement and term sheet signed in September 2020, the officials must point that out in writing to them.

What did the Police say about the fans protest which turned violent?

Describing the incident, a senior police officer said, "We patiently waited as two sets of fans protested. But after some time things went out of hand as the crowd turned mob so we had to charge and disperse them. No lathi-charge happened. Three or four people have been arrested and action will be taken against them."

What is going on at East Bengal?

After Quess Corp parted ways with East Bengal in June 2020 after being the club's investor for two seasons, Shree Cement came on board as their new investor which facilitated the club's move to the Indian Super League (ISL).

They then proceeded to establish a joint venture named Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation, in which the cement giants held 76 per cent stakes while the club had 24.

After Shree Cement's arrival, a term sheet was signed by both parties in September 2020 in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who had played an important role in bringing the company on board as the club's new investor.

Based on the term sheet, the club’s sporting rights as well all its assets and properties (including intellectual) were reportedly transferred to the newly formed joint venture between the two parties.

Even though the term sheet has been signed, a final binding agreement of the deal is yet to be signed by the officials despite multiple reminders.

The club officials have remained firm on the claim that certain points in the final agreement are different from the term sheet that the parties had signed. The new management, on the other hand, claims otherwise. 

Kariobangi Sharks sealed a double over Gor Mahia after a 2-1 win in an FKF Premier League match at Thika Stadium on Wednesday.

It was forward Erick Kapaito, who opened the scores in the 42nd minute before Robert Onyango grabbed the second in the 71st minute and despite second-half substitute Jules Ulimwengu pulling a goal back in the 89th minute, Sharks held on for maximum points, six from Gor Mahia, having won the first round meeting 4-2.

K’Ogalo went into the game seeking to get a win and close the gap on table-toppers Tusker, who are ahead of them on nine points, but they never looked dangerous from the opening minutes as they allowed Sharks under William Muluya to dictate the proceedings.

It was the second match in charge of interim coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo since the exit of Portuguese tactician Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto and it was Sharks who hit the woodwork in the 12th minute courtesy of a thunderous effort from Kapaito, who had combined well with Peter Lwasa.

Sharks continued to press for the opener and in the 33rd minute their midfielder Peter Oudu was booked for a reckless tackle and in the 36th minute, Gor were forced to make an early change as injured John Ochieng was replaced by Nicholas Omondi.

In the 42nd minute, Kapaito put Sharks ahead after racing onto a cross from James Mazembe, side-stepped two K’Ogalo defenders before placing it to the top corner past keeper Gad Mathews.

The goal saw Kapaito break breaks Jesse Were's record of Premier League goals in a single campaign by netting his 22nd of the season and he will likely walk away with the Golden Boot at the end of the season.

Sharks then went into the half-time break enjoying a 1-0 lead and on resumption, they resorted to playing a defensive game, restricting Gor Mahia to their own half as they looked for a counter.

In the 65th minute, K’Ogalo defender Geoffrey Ochieng was booked for a foul on Ibrahim Ochieng as the champions tried to find an equaliser and five minutes later Ibrahim Ochieng of Sharks was also punished with a yellow card for a foul on Samuel Onyango.

In the 71st minute, Sharks grabbed the second when Ronald Odede set up a sprinting Onyango, who had acres of space, and he made no mistake as he beat the onrushing Mathews with a right-footed effort.

Sensing danger, Gor coach Omollo moved to make a double change - Ulimwengu and Fred Nkata replacing John Macharia and Ochieng – and the changes somehow helped Gor to snatch something from the game as Ulimwengu pulled a goal back in the 89th minute.

Gor Mahia: Gad Mathews (GK), Geoffrey Ochieng, Philemon Otieno, Andrew Juma, Haroun Shakava, Ernest Wendo, John Ochieng, Abdoul Karim, Samuel Onyango, Tito Okello, and John Macharia.

Subs: Jackson Njau (GK), Fred Nkata, Joachim Ochieng, Sydney Wahongo, Nicholas Omondi, Lyson Muyonga, and Jules Ulimwengu.

Kariobangi Sharks: Brandon Nathan (GK), John Kuol, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Onyango, Ibrahim Ochieng, Peter Oudu, Patillah Omutiti, Peter Lwasa, James Mazembe, Robert Onyango, and Erick Kapaito.

Subs: Brian Olang’o (GK), Thomas Omenda, Erick Juma, Ibrahim Kitani, Ronald Odede, Julius Masaba and Mathew Kibiwott.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Kerala Blasters will be looking to script the tale of a comeback after the disappointing 2020-21 season that saw them finish tenth in the standings. 

Former Mohun Bagan boss Kibu Vicuna was sacked after the club failed to qualify for the knockout rounds and struggled to register wins on the board. 

The club replaced VIcuna with Serbian head coach Ivan Vukomanovic who is hell-bent on improving the squad and the on-field results of the Yellow Army in the upcoming 2021-22 ISL season. 

Kerala Blasters will kick-off its preseason preparations on July 30. Ivan Vukomanovic, coaching staff, and players will arrive in Kochi to commence the first leg of their preseason before flying abroad to complete the rest of their pre-season training.

The month-long training camp will allow the players to complete their vaccinations and medical checks before focusing on physical conditioning. 

Vukomanovic is set to give the first-team exposure to at least 6 academy players, 4 of whom are from Kerala.

Reserve team players Sachin Suresh, Sreekuttan VS, Shahajahas Thekkan, Bijoy V, Sukham Yoihenba Meitei, and Anil Gaonkar are all in line for playing time across the Blaster’s preseason friendlies. 

As he prepares the team for the new season,  Goal  brings you all you need to know about Kerala Blasters' plans for pre-season.

Kerala Blasters pre-season fixtures & results

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Which players are involved in Kerala Blasters pre-season?

GOALKEEPERS: Albino Gomes, Bilal Khan, Prabsukhan Gill, Muheet Shabir, Sachin Suresh. 

DEFENDERS: Shahajas Thekkan, Sandeep Singh, Bijioy V, Abdul Hakku, Hormipam Ruivah, Jessel Carneiro, Sanjeev Stalin, Denechandra Meitei, Nishu Kumar. 

MIDFIELDERS: Harmanjot Khabra, Jeakson Singh, Sukham Yoihenba Meitei, Lalthathanga Khawlring, Sahal Abdul Samad, Ayush Adhikari, Givson Singh, Rahul KP, Prashant K, Naorem Mahesh, Seityasen Singh, Vincy Barreto, Anil Gaonkar.

FORWARDS: VS Sreekuttan, Subha Ghosh. 

When does Kerala Blasters season start?

Kerala Blasters will most likely begin their 2021-22 ISL season in November. The fixtures have not been announced yet.