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Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar has been named an official PES ambassador after announcing his partnership with Japanese entertainment company KONAMI.

Neymar has signed up to promote all KONAMI football games, starting with the 'eFootball PES 2021: Season Update', which will include an appearance in the Iconic Moment Series on the MyClub mode.

The Brazilian expressed his delight in a post to his followers on Twitter, which reads: "So excited to announce that I’ve partnered with KONAMI as an Official Ambassador for #PES2021 and beyond. We’ll have an iconic PES moment soon, so come and play!"

Neymar will now also be one of the faces of the upcoming PES 22, and Goal is on hand to provide you with everything you need to know about the latest edition in the hugely popular football simulation series.

When is PES 22 released?

An official release date for PES 22 has not yet been revealed, but it has been reported that the game could launch on September 7.

PES 2021 came out eight days later, but an earlier release is possible this time around now that fixture schedules across Europe have returned to normal following coronavirus pandemic-related congestion.

What other ambassadors does PES have?

Neymar has now joined an illustrious list of PES ambassadors which includes his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi and Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies is also on board, as is Manchester United talisman Marcus Rashford, who appeared alongside those three men on the 2021 game's front cover.

How to download PES 22 demo

Fans were able to get their first taste of PES 2022 when the demo version of the game was officially made available to download between June 24 and July 8.

The Online Performance Test demo was released as a free download on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.

Customers could access the download via online stores on both PlayStation and Xbox, with the final download size occupying around 6.7GB of storage space on the respective consoles.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has spoken of his concern over seeing the club's owner Roman Abramovich face anti-semitic attacks for the first time on social media.

The Blues owner has often been described as a Russian billionaire after his takeover of the club in 2003 but, in recent years, his ethnicity has come into focus.

Shortly after conducting a rare public interview and expressing concern about the racism faced by his club's players, he became the victim of abuse himself. It came after he launched the Say No to Antisemitism campaign through Chelsea and became a citizen of Israel.

What has Buck said?

"He was certainly disappointed in a broader sense, not just because things were directed at him, but because of generally what was going on," Buck said as attacks rolled in during rising tensions in the Middle East in May. 

"I think that's the way everyone at the club felt. The interesting thing about today's event (a breakfast with people from across football and politics involved in fighting anti-semitism), in a certain sense it was depressing but in a certain sense, it was very hopeful. It has not been an easy time for those who fight discrimination in the last year and a half.

"It's important also to remember that when we do stand up for what we believe in and, causes like this, it leads to good things."

Buck's thoughts on football's response to the situation

As with the England national teams, football clubs have almost entirely found themselves on the right side of the debate against racism.

Typically, it has focused on the discrimination of other groups but Chelsea hope that, after a recent four-fold rise in anti-semitic hate crimes in the UK, it can become part of the agenda across the Premier League and beyond.

"We honestly aren't interested in taking all sorts of credit for this, we'd love to share all our resources, all our thoughts, even some of our people to other clubs, to engage in similar, or in dissimilar activities related to fighting discrimination," added Buck.

"The only way this is really going to work is if there's a geometric multiplier in there. We'll be happy if we can move the needle a little bit, this is a very big issue and Chelsea will not solve this by itself.

"It needs lots of people participating in it and that's what we'd really like to see."

Will Chelsea keep up the fight?

Yes, they have launched an exhibition at the Royal Air Force Museum in London which celebrates the contribution of Jewish people during World War II. They will also fund a campaign in Israel that sees Jewish and Arab children playing football together to improve integration.

There's hope that the ideas will spread beyond the club though and Chelsea hosted a breakfast event with leaders from the anti-semitism fight in the UK. It has led to antidiscrimination charity Kick It Out saying that it intends to increase its focus on anti-semitism.

"Historically, it's been alleged that Kick It Out was formed to fight racism against black players and coaches," Anthony Burnett, CEO of Kick It Out, said.

"But we're very much of the belief that you can't just fight one form of discrimination, because discrimination is wrong in all its forms.

"We looked at our strategy and realised we weren't doing enough on anti-semitism. Chelsea have been a shining light, and it gives us the opportunity to follow in the slipstream.

"We're going to do more on anti-semitism because not enough has been done in football. We've got a model to follow now, and we can hopefully add to that as well."

Further reading

Tottenham are in talks with Sevilla to sign Bryan Gil in a deal worth £25 million ($34m) plus Erik Lamela, Goal can confirm.

Spurs are closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window as new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo steps up his preparations for the 2021-22 campaign.

The north London outfit are currently locked in negotiations with Sevilla for highly-rated Spanish winger Gil, who is set to star for Spain's Under-23 side at the Tokyo Olympics later this week.

What are the terms of the potential deal?

Gil has a €50m (£43m/$59m) release clause in his current contract, but Tottenham are attempting to snap him up for half that amount by including Lamela in the deal.

The Argentine attacker is ready to commit to a three-year contract at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, with Sevilla prepared to match the salary expectations specified in his existing agreement at Spurs - which is due to run until 2023.

Why do Spurs want to sign Gil?

Gil has emerged on the radar of a number of top clubs across Europe after an impressive loan stint at Eibar in 2020-21.

The 20-year-old, who graduated to Sevilla's first team back in 2019, was powerless to prevent the Basque club from finishing bottom of La Liga, but still managed to stand out with his dynamic displays in the final third, recording four goals and three assists in 28 La Liga games.

Gil even managed to earn a maiden call-up to Spain's senior squad in March, making his international debut in a 1-1 2022 World Cup qualifying draw with Greece.

Lamela's record at Spurs

Big things were expected of the 29-year-old when he signed from Roma in 2013, but persistent struggles for form and fitness have ultimately prevented him from reaching his full potential.

Lamela has racked up 257 appearances in all competitions for Spurs to date, scoring 37 goals, while also setting up another 47 for his team-mates, but has yet to win a single piece of silverware in north London.

Further reading 

Tottenham have been told that "offers must match the players' value" as they look to complete a double raid on Atalanta for Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero.

New Spurs boss Nuno is looking to put his own stamp on a squad inherited from Jose Mourinho in north London, with raids for star turns in Serie A being planned.

Italian goalkeeper Gollini and Argentine defender Romero are figuring prominently on the recruitment radar of the Premier League heavyweights, but no deals have been done yet.

What has been said?

Atalanta are open to sales at the right price, with CEO Luca Percassi telling reporters at the unveiling of the club's new kit: "There are many options that we are evaluating. 

"Gollini is an important player for us, but there is nothing decided yet. Tottenham are a concrete option.

"Romero is one of the best defenders in Serie A and it’s normal that many clubs are interested in signing him. Atalanta allowed him to develop and play Champions League football.

"Let’s see what happens, if we are to sell players, we must do it in a smart way and offers must match the players’ value."

The bigger picture

Reports suggest that Spurs are closing in on Gollini, but they are yet to meet Atalanta's valuation for Romero - who is currently revelling in a Copa America triumph with Argentina and will need a purchase option in a loan from Juventus to be triggered before he moves on again.

An agreement may still be reached, with no exit doors being closed in Italy.

Josip Ilicic is another of those that Atalanta are prepared to listen to offers for, with the Slovenia international striker seeing his output dip in 2020-21.

Percassi added on a forward that has hit 56 goals for Atalanta through 149 appearances: "Ilicic has given a lot to Atalanta, we know what he can give, but we are ready to consider the offers that will arrive.

"Atalanta’s goal is to gain Serie A survival, it’s not rhetoric. We know where we come from, we are a medium-small reality of Italian football, we are still in Serie A and for us, this is worth a Scudetto."

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs have announced the signing of defender Austin Dube from National First Division side Richards Bay.

The Bafana Bafana star joins the Soweto giants on a three-year deal with the option to renew for a further two years.

The move ends speculation as the defender was being linked with Chiefs since last season.

“We would like to confirm the signing of Thabani Austin Dube” Chiefs announced on social media.

“The central defender joins Amakhosi from Richards Bay United on a three-year contract with a further two-year option. The 28-year-old Dube recently lifted the Cosafa Cup with Bafana Bafana.”

Dube’s star shone brightest at the just-ended Cosafa Cup tournament where he started five of Bafana’s six matches as they ended up being crowned champions.

Joining Chiefs presents the left-footed central defender with an opportunity to play Premier Soccer League football for the first time ever.

His professional career has so far been marked by stints at National First Division sides Witbank Spurs, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay where he spent just a season before Chiefs came calling.

He arrives at Naturena to find another new centre-back signing Njabulo Ngcobo as well as already established defenders at the club in Erick Mathoho and Daniel Cardoso.

Dube’s former coach at Richards Bay, Sio Dladla, explains why the defender will thrive at Chiefs.

“When he joined the team [Richards Bay] he was like a God-send to me because I had always wanted a left-footed centre-back. I am a coach who likes building from the back and that requires you to have right and left-footed centre-backs,” said Dladla as per Phakaaathi.

“It made my job easy because he is so talented and can read the game so well. He is very articulate in his duties and does them with a sense of calm which inspires confidence in his teammates. 

“The other good thing about him is that he has a big heart and is good in the air. He is an asset when you are defending set pieces and when you get attacking set pieces. He can also take the free kicks and has a good accurate shot.”

Dube was part of the TS Galaxy squad which beat Chiefs in the final of the 2019 Nedbank Cup.

Francisco Trincao has been told that he moved to Barcelona at the wrong time, with the Wolves loanee's former academy coach expecting trouble at Camp Nou with Ronald Koeam at the helm and a Lionel Messi contract saga raging.

The highly-rated winger saw a deal done with the Liga giants in January 2020, with his potential being noted after stepping out of the academy system in his native Portugal at Braga.

Trincao did take in 42 appearances for Barca last season, scoring three goals, but there was always drama in Catalunya and he is now being allowed to spend the 2021-22 campaign in the Premier League at Molineux.

What has been said?

Jose Carvalho Araujo, who worked with Trincao at Braga, believes a spell in England will prove beneficial, telling Sky Sports: "It [a move to Spain] was the first challenge that he had outside of his comfort zone and I do not think it was the best moment to be joining Barcelona as a young player. 

"It was a transition stage for the club with all the troubles that they had with Lionel Messi and the board."

Araujo added on the difficulties endured by a player of considerable promise: "I do not know Ronald Koeman but he did not seem like a guy who would develop young talent.

"[Wolves boss] Bruno Lage did that at Benfica. He took several young kids and did an amazing job there. He is the guy to develop young talent and I think that will help a lot.

"Knowing Bruno Lage, he understands how to motivate young players and give them the tools to improve. 

"Trincao will be more mature for his experience at Barcelona and he will also know some of the players at Wolves. It is more of a family environment for him."

The bigger picture

While seeing plenty of game time for Barca in 2020-21, Trincao was handed just three starts by Koeman in La Liga.

The vast majority of his minutes were seen off the bench, making it difficult for consistency to be established, and Wolves will hope that they can be the ones to unlock full potential in the forward.

There are a number of Portuguese players in the West Midlands, and another coach from that part of that world following Nuno's departure, and that should make Trincao's adaptation process easier as he looks to hit the ground running in new surroundings.

Further reading

Lewis Bate is close to joining Leeds United from Chelsea after rejecting a contract offer to remain at Stamford Bridge, Goal can confirm.

The 18-year-old is widely regarded as the most talented midfielder from his age group to emerge from the club's academy set-up last season.

Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton are other clubs that were interested in the midfielder, but he has opted to join Marcelo Bielsa's side as he goes in search of more regular first-team opportunities.

Who is Lewis Bate?

The England Under-19 international is a left-footed midfielder that is known for his impressive passing and ability to drive through the middle of the pitch.

Standing at 5'6" (1.68 metres), he is known for being a 'terrier' in midfield, positioning his body well to make him effective in tackles despite his short stature.

It's these qualities that attracted the eye of Chelsea's former assistant manager Jody Morris, who held a similar playing style.

Furthermore, he is known for his leadership qualities in the youth team having led Chelsea's U-15s to treble-winning glory, leading to him making his U-18s debut as a 15-year-old.

Bate has never played for Chelsea's senior team but he has been an unused substitute on two occasions. Still, the Blues were keen to keep him and have only opted to sell after he reached the final year of his contract and pushed for a move away.

What else is happening at academy level?

Chelsea have sold Marc Guehi to Crystal Palace after he excelled in an 18-month loan spell at Swansea City.

Tino Livramento, Myles Peart-Harris and Dynel Simeu could also leave the Blues as they face up to an exodus from their youth groups.

However, Armando Broja has signed a new five-year Chelsea contract and could get a chance in Thomas Tuchel's senior team next season.

Thierno Ballo could move on loan later in the transfer window, with Rapid Vienna, Sturm Graz, Mainz and Arminia Bielefeld all interested.

Meanwhile, Wigan are among the clubs interested in taking Henry Lawrence on his first loan move away from the Blues, and Anderlecht and Genk are interested in Ike Ugbo as Chelsea consider raising the asking price for the young striker.

Tiemoue Bakayoko is keen to move to AC Milan, while Trevoh Chalobah is attracting interest from across Europe after a successful loan spell at Lorient.

Further reading

Scott Carson has, on the back of two seasons on loan at Manchester City, signed a one-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper joins the Blues as a free agent after seeing his deal at Derby expire.

A veteran shot-stopper has taken in just one competitive appearance for City since first linking up with them in 2019 - with that solitary outing coming against Newcastle back in May - but he is a reliable back-up option behind Ederson and Zack Steffen.

What has been said?

On linking up with City on a permanent basis, Carson has told the club's official website: "It's a pleasure and a privilege to be part of the setup here at City.

"To be around Pep [Guardiola] and his backroom staff is fantastic and I feel I have learnt so much since I joined in 2019.

"The lads made me feel at home straight away and I have loved every second of my two years here.

"To commit for another year was such an easy decision. I want to continue pushing the other goalkeepers we have here and I want to make sure my experience rubs off on them."

Director of football Txiki Begiristain added on reaching another agreement with a man that has four England caps to his name: "Scott brings a wealth of knowledge to the squad.

"He is a former international goalkeeper who has played in lots of big games during a long career.

"We know he is always ready to play, if we need to call upon him. 

"The lads love him, and I know his experience has been a huge help to Ederson and Zack Steffen."

The bigger picture

While Carson has settled for a third-choice role in the latter stages of his career, he does boast plenty of Premier League experience.

Having started out at Leeds United, regular top-flight football was taken in at Charlton, Aston Villa and West Brom.

He has also spent time in Turkey with Bursaspor and saw over 200 appearances in the Championship across spells at Wigan and Derby.

City have now agreed to keep him on their books for 2021-22, with Guardiola's defending champions counting down the days to a Community Shield clash with Leicester on August 7 and a Premier League season opener away at Tottenham the following weekend.

Further reading

Juventus have set a €40 million (£35m/$47m) asking price for Everton-linked defender Merih Demiral, Goal can confirm.

The Bianconeri paid €18m (£16m/$21m) to bring Demiral to Turin from Sassuolo in 2019, but he has since been unable to earn a regular place in the starting XI.

The 21-year-old was restricted to just 15 Serie A outings for Juve last term, and it has been suggested that returning head coach Massimiliano Allegri will sanction his departure before the summer transfer window closes.

Juve's stance on Demiral

Demiral has just returned to the Allianz Stadium following his appearance at Euro 2020 with Turkey, and is set to sit down for talks over his future with Allegri in the coming days.

Goal can confirm that Juve officials have set the centre-back's valuation at €40m in case he is not in Allegri's plans for the new season.

The Italian manager will have the final say on Demiral, who still has three years left to run on his current contract with the Serie A giants.

Where could Demiral end up?

Everton are currently being touted as the most likely next destination for Demiral if Juventus do eventually decide to cash in on the Turkish defender, with new Toffees boss Rafael Benitez reportedly eager to bolster his options at the back.

However, Goal has learned that Roma and Atalanta are also weighing up respective moves for Demiral, but it remains to be seen whether any potential suitors will be willing to meet the Bianconeri's demands regarding a final fee.

Demiral's record at Juve

Demiral has only featured in 32 games across all competitions for Juve over the past two years, recording one goal and two assists.

The former Sassuolo star has also claimed a Serie A title and Supercoppa Italiana winners' medal at the Allianz Stadium, but finds himself behind the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt in the squad pecking order.

Further reading 

Brentford have confirmed the signing of Nigeria international Frank Onyeka from Danish side FC Midtjylland.

The promoted side has announced the arrival of the Super Eagle on a five-year contract, and he becomes the first signing for the club ahead of the new season.

“Brentford have completed the signing of Nigeria international midfield player Frank Onyeka, subject to an international clearance,” Brentford said in a statement on their official website.

“A work permit for the 23-year-old was received at the weekend and he has completed a medical. Frank will join from FC Midtjylland, where Brentford owner Matthew Benham has the majority shareholding, for an undisclosed fee and has signed a five-year contract.

“He arrived in the UK yesterday [Monday], July 19, and will now undergo a period of quarantine before joining with the squad for training.”

The statement continued: “Frank has spent his entire professional career with FCM, as they are known, and has been a regular for them in the Danish Superliga for most of the past four seasons. He arrived in Denmark as an 18-year-old from FC Ebedei, a Nigerian club with links to FCM. He progressed to the first team and made his breakthrough in the 2017-18 season.

“Frank was part of the FCM side that won the Superliga in 2017-18, playing 15 games. He helped them win the title again in 2019/20 and the Danish Cup in 2019. Frank played in the Uefa Champions League and Uefa Europa League for FCM, and leaves Denmark having made 123 appearances and scored 17 goals.”

Brentford coach Thomas Frank has termed the acquisition of the player as a strong one for his squad.

“I am looking forward to getting Frank in the building. We think he is a strong addition to the squad, and we are looking forward to working with him. He is a very dynamic player,” Frank told the same portal.

“Frank plays as an eight in our system, he is very good at getting from box to box and will be valuable to us when we don’t have the ball. He has come from the Danish league and was one of the best midfield players in that league; we think he has the potential to develop further.

“All the coaches here are looking forward to working with Frank and pushing him to a higher level.”

On his part, Brentford Co-Director Rasmus Ankersen said: “Frank [Onyeka] is a player we, for obvious reasons, know very well. Over the last two years he has grown to become the dominant midfielder in the Danish league and his performances in the Champions League last season convinced us that he is ready for the Premier League.

“With his pace, power, and ability to win the ball, I am sure Frank will be a great addition to the Brentford squad.”

Onyeka received his first call up to play for Nigeria last season and was selected in the friendly against Algeria where he made his debut.

Brentford will face Arsenal in their league opener on August 13.

Newly signed AC Milan defender Fode Ballo-Toure has revealed he did not believe the Italian heavyweights were chasing his services until he officially signed for them.

The French-born Senegal player joined the Serie A charges on a four-year deal from Monaco, that will keep him at San Siro Stadium until June 2025. The former Monaco player has now revealed his feelings after realizing AC Milan wanted to sign him. He has further explained what the fans should expect from him.

"At first I didn’t even believe it. For me, it is just incredible," Ballo-Toure told Milan TV as quoted by RossoneriBlog.

"When I heard that it was true I still couldn’t believe it until I got to Milan. It is so exciting, I am really happy. It is a dream come true for me."

"How to describe me… I play aggressively, I am quick, focused, and mentally strong. I am a good person! I would like to tell the fans that I will give 200% for the shirt. It won’t always be easy but I hope they support me. 

"Football has ups and downs, I hope they help me in tough moments. I’ll give everything to succeed and make them happy."

AC Milan finished second on the table and as a result, they will play in the Uefa Champions League.

"Yes, I have never played in it. With Lille we finished second, then I went to Monaco who had not qualified," Ballo-Toure continued.

"The Uefa Youth League is not a senior tournament, it is for young players. It is similar, but not at the same level. The Champions League is incredible so I hope to play in it soon to showcase my level and go as far as possible with Milan."

On why the 24-year-old decided to feature for Senegal

"My mother is Senegalese. I played for the French youth teams, but then the Senegal coach called me. I saw it as a big chance and we got on well. I wanted to honor my mother who was born in Senegal, so I chose Senegal."

Midfielder Kenneth Muguna has confirmed his exit from Gor Mahia while Goal understands he should move to Azam FC.

The 23-year-old Harambee Star has taken to his social media pages to thank the club for giving him the opportunity to turn out for them and confirmed he had refused to renew his contract with the club.

What has been said?

“When I arrived at this great club I was just a young man with dreams of representing the biggest club in the country, I didn't expect things to go as well as they did but you made it a lot easier for me and not to forget the high level of players with so much quality who were always there to support and make me feel comfortable,” Muguna wrote.

“Looking at what I have achieved at the club is so satisfying, I was lucky enough to play under great coaches and great management as well a bunch of good players.

“Thanks to the chairman [Ambrose Rachier] and the whole management for their effort in renewing my contract though I felt like I needed a new challenge.

“Thanks for the years we spent together and I hope that we enjoy the remaining matches.”

Muguna, who joined K’Ogalo from Western Stima, has already held talks with the ‘Ice-cream Makers’ in the Tanzanian league and Goal understands his move to the club is now imminent.

What next for Muguna?

A source behind the move confirmed to Goal on Tuesday: “[Muguna] has agreed on everything with Azam and what remains for him is to sign the contract.

“At first, he was supposed to move to Yanga but Azam came with a good offer and they even offered to pay his fine by Caf, and it is the reason he accepted to join them.”

Azam have already signed two players, Charles Zulu and Rodgers Kola, as they hope to boost the squad for duties - including continental ones - that lie ahead next season.

Should he finally complete the move, Muguna will join his fellow Kenyan internationals plying their trade in the Tanzanian top flight. Farouk Shikhalo is at Yanga SC while Joash Onyango is at Simba SC. 

Further FKF Premier League reading 

Bayern Munich have entered into talks with Barcelona over a possible loan deal for Sergi Roberto that would potentially include an option to buy, sources have confirmed to Goal and SPOX.

The Bundesliga club, who are also in contact with the right-back's agent via an intermediary, are keen to sign a new right-sided full-back and have also considered Sergi Roberto's team-mates Sergino Dest or Emerson, albeit a move for either appears unlikely to happen.

Sergi Roberto's contract expires next summer and Barcelona do not want him to leave without a fee, with transfer discussions potentially boosted by a positive relationship between the clubs following the loan deal for Philippe Coutinho in 2019-20.

Bayern's transfer motivations

Bayern are looking for a right-back in the wake of Benjamin Pavard and Bouna Sarr's underwhelming 2020-21 campaigns. Youngsters Josip Stanisic (21) and Chris Richards (21) could play a role, but are not believed to be serious first-team competitors yet.

Like many clubs, Bayern have been hampered financially by the Covid-19 pandemic. They are not looking to spend on any more permanent signings this summer, having brought in Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig, and so are exploring loan deals with an option to buy to address their area of need.

As a result, they could have an ideal transfer partner in Barcelona as the Catalan club look to clear wages from their books amid their salary-cap crisis.

Sergi Roberto's record at Barcelona

The 29-year-old played in just 15 La Liga matches last season, but before that, he had featured in at least 30 domestic games in four of the previous five campaigns.

He has a long-term affinity with the club and has been in the first team on a regular basis since 2015-16.

However, injuries have taken a toll of late, as he missed extended time with muscle problems in 2020-21.

Further reading

Crystal Palace have confirmed former defender Pape Souare will be allowed to train with the U23 squad during pre-season.

The Premier League club has said in a statement they have accepted to have the 31-year-old Senegalese player train with the youth side in a bid to help him find a new club.

“Former Crystal Palace defender Pape Souare will play for the U23s during pre-season, as the club is supporting him in his attempts to find a new playing opportunity,” read a statement from the club.

“Souare has been training at the Academy since the start of pre-season, which has helped him maintain fitness.

“It has been a mutually beneficial arrangement, as Souare’s presence has provided an extremely positive experience for the club’s younger players.”

Following the expiry of his contract with Palace in 2019, Souare secured a one-year contract with French Ligue 2 club Troyes with the option of a further year.

Born in Mbao, Pikine Department, Souare spent his early career with Diambars, Lille II, Lille, and Reims. He moved to Palace on a three-and-a-half-year deal in January 2015 for an undisclosed fee, reported as £3.45 million.

He made his Palace debut on February 14 in the fifth round of the FA Cup, a 2-1 home loss to Liverpool, and on January 22, 2016, it was announced that Souare had signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Palace.

He was sent off on February 13 at the end of a 2-1 loss to Watford at Selhurst Park, for fouling Valon Behrami.

Souare made his international debut for Senegal on February 29, 2012, in a goalless friendly draw against South Africa at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, he later competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics and was also a squad member at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

He scored his first international goal from a 20-yard free-kick on March 29, 2016, as the Lions de Teranga won 2-1 away to Niger in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

On Monday, Palace under coach Patrick Vieira confirmed the signing of Marc Guehi from Chelsea on a five-year deal.

On signing the deal, Guehi said: "I’m very excited. It’s a great opportunity for me to come to such a big club in the Premier League. I’m really excited to get going," he told Palace's website.

"[The club is taking] a really exciting direction with the new gaffer that’s come in. A lot of good young players are here and obviously, such a stable club with top players really enticed me and made me want to come."

The agent of Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli insists his client will not be used as a makeweight in any bid for Sassuolo star Manuel Locatelli, with Arsenal apparently leading that chase at present after putting a €40 million (£35m/$47m) offer on the table.

A Euro 2020 winner with Italy has become the subject of intense transfer speculation during the summer window.

Goal has learned that a €30m (£26m/$35m) approach from Juve for Locatelli has been knocked back, with the Bianconeri reportedly keen on including a player such as Fagioli or Radu Dragusin as a part-exchange option in their efforts to get a deal over the line.

What has been said?

Fagioli's representative says the promising 20-year-old will not be leaving Turin any time soon, while also claiming to be aware of a move from Arsenal that meets Sassuolo's supposed asking price.

Andrea D'Amico has told Sky Sport Italia: "I think Massimiliano Allegri wants to see him [Fagioli] in training to understand if he can be useful during the season.

"When he played against SPAL and Crotone last term, he proved he can be a protagonist of Juventus’ future.

"Juventus would like to sign Locatelli and Arsenal have already offered €40m.

"But I can ensure you that, as of today, Fagioli has not been included in the deal."

Where will Locatelli end up?

Locatelli saw his stock rise during a memorable European Championship campaign for Italy.

He started that competition in Roberto Mancini's starting XI as cover was sought for Marco Verratti during his recovery from injury.

Locatelli registered two goals during a group stage meeting with Switzerland and impressed many with his energy in the middle of the park.

Juve were already keen at that stage, having had a domestic rival in mind for some time, and interest in a proven performer has been stepped up over recent weeks.

Arsenal are also in the running, though, and - with the potential of Belgian starlet Albert Sambi Lokonga already snapped up - Mikel Arteta is looking for another option in his engine room.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter says it is difficult to tell how many more new signings would be needed by the Soweto giants in the current transfer window.

The British tactician is now hands-on at the Naturena-based giants after receiving his work permit last week and he was on the bench as the team succumbed to a 3-0 loss to Egypt's Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League final on Saturday.

Baxter, who replaced Gavin Hunt as Chiefs' coach last month, has adopted a team that finished eighth in the PSL during the 2020/21 season and Amakhosi have been active in the current transfer window as they prepare for the new campaign. 

The Glamour Boys has signed goalkeeper Brandon Peterson, defenders Njabulo Ngcobo, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Sifiso Hlanti as well as midfielders Phathutshedzo Nange and Kgaogelo Sekgota.

Baxter indicated that there is a gap between the Soweto giants and the best teams in the PSL at the moment as he discussed challenges facing him at the four-time PSL champions. 

“I think we’ve got to do a proper debrief of the game. The players have got to do a proper debrief individually of their experiences for the whole journey,” Baxter told the club’s media department.

“The problem we’ve got is that we don’t have time because we’ve had such a good run in the in Caf [Champions League]." 

The two-time PSL title-winning coach pointed out that if they decide to bring in more new players, they need to do it quickly because they have little time to prepare for the 2021/22 season which is expected to start next month. 

"We don’t have a lot of time to prepare, even if we do get new players in," the former South Africa national team head coach continued. 

"So it’s a little bit of a conundrum for us. Now, how many do you bring in? How quickly can you do it? And how much time do you have to turn that into a fighting unit? 

“This is as we’ve seen with the capitals, it is going to be a work in progress for a while. So, we need to get back to the drawing board very quickly," he added.

“Take heart from the fact that we’ve done so well in the in Caf, realize that we’ve got a little bit to go because there is a gap between the absolute top and where we are at the moment.”

Baxter remains the last coach to win a major trophy with Chiefs having guided the team to the 2014/15 PSL title.

Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Crystal Palace should go for Matheus Pereira if Ivorian Wilfried Zaha leaves.

Arsenal have been consistently linked with the former Manchester United player Zaha. Now, 55-year-old Palmer believes the Brazilian, from WBA, can fill Zaha's place at Palace.

"Yeah, he is [a good replacement], especially if you are going to lose Zaha, but we still don’t know what’s going to happen with him," Palmer told The Transfer Tavern.

"Obviously Palace will be desperate to keep him, but he’s always intimated that he wants a move away. So somebody like that coming into the club would be a suitable replacement for Zaha if he goes and maybe that might be in their thinking."

Pereira scored 11 goals for relegated West Brom in the 33 matches he played for the club. On his part, Zaha scored as many goals but in 30 league matches for the Eagles.

Meanwhile, Somali national team manager Said Abdi Haibeh believes Patrick Vieira will make Eberechi Eze, Jordan Ayew, and Wilfried Zaha better players at the club.

The Arsenal legend, who was formerly the manager of Nice until his dismissal in December last year, will take charge of the South London outfit on a three-year deal.

"All these Africans are very good players and also some of the best players Crystal Palace have," Haibeh told Goal.

"When you look at Eze who came from Queens Park Rangers, he is a really top talent. I think Vieira will definitely influence them and he would make all of them better players. That's my opinion.

"Zaha has got the sparkle to take on players as well as Ayew who is a good goalscorer if he is assisted well. So, I believe he would impact all three of them in a good way. 

"The players would like to see somebody who has done it on the pitch to be on the sidelines and give them advice."

Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic's agent has disclosed his client convinced new Mamelodi Sundowns striker Pavol Safranko to come to play in South Africa.

The 26-year-old marksman, who is a Slovakia international, recently joined the reigning PSL champions on a five-year deal following a two-year spell with Romanian outfit Sepsi OSK.

Safranko scored 17 goals from 68 matches in the Romanian Liga 1 and he helped the team qualify for the newly formed Uefa Conference League, before moving to Sundowns. 

Nurkovic's representative, Dajan Simac stated the Serbian marksman had a chat with Safranko, who is a well-traveled player having played in Slovakia, Denmark, Scotland, and Romania. 

“First of all, Safranko wasn’t cheap [various reports indicated Sundowns paid around R12m for the Slovak]," Simac told Sowetan. 

"They [Nurkovic and Safranko] had a chat. Safranko was impressed when he saw everything about South Africa." 

Nurkovic has established himself as one of the top strikers in South Africa since he joined Chiefs from Slovakian club KFC Komarno in July 2019.

“He [Safranko] first read about Samir on the internet and they got close then Samir encouraged him to come because South Africa is a good country and the PSL is a good league," Simac continued.

"Seeing Samir doing well for Chiefs also made it easier for Pavol to see that he can also come and see how things go for him.”

In 2017, Nurkovic and Safranko were both plying their trade in Slovakia with the new Sundowns player on the books of Dunajska Streda, while the Amakhosi star was playing for Vion Zlate Moravce at the time. 

Simac, who is a German-born Croatian agent, went on to reveal that he is working on bringing another European player to the PSL in the current transfer window.

“I am working on building my network in SA. I am close to bringing one more European to the SA league in the current window,’’ he said. 

Simac doesn't represent Safranko. He is a retired defender having turned out for Croatia's under-20 national team during his playing days.