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Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi feels Mandla Ncikazi is not yet ripe to become head coach of a big club like the Buccaneers.

After some calls from a section of Pirates supporters demanding the sacking of head coach Josef Zinnbauer, there were rumours Ncikazi could be handed the top job by the Soweto giants.

But Vilakazi believes the 52-year-old still needs time to grow and should not be rushed into the Buccaneers hot seat.

“Mandla Ncikazi is very good, his record says a lot. You see, I like following South African coaches,” Vilakazi told Phakaaathi.

“He was an assistant at Free State Stars, Maritzburg United before taking over as a head coach and at Golden Arrows as well. But I don’t think he should be appointed as a head coach at Pirates.

“I have my own reasons for saying that. He did well at Arrows. But now, let’s not put pressure on him and say he must be a head coach at Pirates. Because we will be killing his reputation and career.

“Pirates is a big team and when you coach Pirates…I played for Pirates, I know the culture of the team, I know how things work at the club. If you’re going to come and coach the team and you don’t do certain things you will be out. 

“It’s not going to be a good thing for him. He hasn’t been a coach for more than four or five seasons at a big team, even at Arrows.”

Ncikazi was hired by Pirates after guiding Arrows to fourth on the Premier Soccer League table in a season they were touted, at one point, for next term’s Caf Champions League football by securing a top-two spot.

Vilakazi applauds Ncikazi for building Arrows into a formidable outfit with a modest squad.
 
“You must also remember that he was coaching unknown players at Arrows,” said Vilakazi.

“The only player that a lot of people would say they know is Gladwin Shitolo. But the rest of the players, we see them when they play in the Cosafa Cup tournament for their national teams and that’s when we start remembering them.”

Orlando Pirates forward Frank Mhango has given himself a three or four rating out of 10 as he reflects on a tough term with the Buccaneers.

After ending the 2019/20 season as the Premier Soccer League joint top goal-scorer with Peter Shalulile, Mhango was expected to be one of Pirates’ leading marksmen last term.

But fitness issues, in what was his second season at Pirates, saw him coming on as a substitute in most matches he featured in.

He rose from the bench in 17 of the 32 occasions he played across all competitions and scored six goals while chipping in with two assists. 

“If I were to rate my season out of 10, I’d give myself three or four because I didn’t really reach my standards,” Mhango told Sowetan Live. 

“But at the end of the day it’s football... sometimes you drop form and sometimes you do so well.” 

The Malawian, however, ended the season on a high and crucially helped Pirates earn a Premier Soccer League top-three spot which guaranteed a return to the Caf Confederation Cup. 

As Pirates struggled to dislodge Golden Arrows from third position with four games to go, Mhango scored the all-important goal which handed Pirates a 1-0 win over AmaZulu, before being on target again in their penultimate league match, a 2-1 victory away at Baroka. 

But it is the beautiful free-kick he struck against AmaZulu which he fondly remembers. 

After earning Pirates the free-kick himself, he took the initiative to handle the set-piece, but not before Kabelo Dlamini had demanded to take it in what appears to be a scuffle between the two teammates. 

“First of all, it wasn’t a fight. We [him and Dlamini] always practise free-kicks together, so that day I told him ‘Today I feel like…this one is mine’. He said ‘papa, you’ve been in the game and I’ve just come in now’. I said I know but I will score it,” said Mhango. 

“I promised him that if I fail to score I will no longer take free-kicks. It [the disagreement with Dlamini] was just a fun moment from two players who just have one desire… that of helping the team [win]. 

“Even after the game we laughed about the incident. It’s something that happens when you have many dead-ball specialists in the team.” 

It is yet to be seen if Mhango reclaims his old form in the upcoming season. 

Cameroon prospect Gael Ondoua has announced his departure from Swiss Super League, Servette on Thursday.

The declaration, which has been made on the midfielder’s social media accounts, comes as something of a shock, with Ondoua considered one of the Maroons’ best players.

In his over two seasons at the club, Ondoua – who joined from Anzhi Makhachkala - featured in 54 league games with three goals to his credit.

“Dear supporters, after two and a half years spent in Geneva at Servette FC, it is time for me to go to other horizons,” the 25-year-old wrote on Instagram.

“First of all, I want to thank the first person to have believed in me, by giving me the chance to join this legendary club, Mr. Gerard Bonneau.

“I also want to thank the two presidents that I have had Mr Didier Fischer, Mr. Pascal Besnard and the entire coaching staff (Alain Geiger, Bojan Dimic, Mathieu Degrange, Anthony Garnier, Daniel Blanco, Mathieu Feigean, Frederic Dubrana, my friend Lionel Pizzinat, Loic Luscher, Maxime Reymond, Marc Estoppey and all the others) to the medical staff (Dr. Finn Malher, Dr. Laurent Coglin, Manu Bovin, Christophe Hartmann, Bastien Veillard), plus the stewards (Jean Campart and Jose Oliveros).

“To my representative, AC Link agency which has always been there and has supported me throughout all its years. My teammates, of course, you with whom I have had to share this adventure, in good times and in bad times.

“We shared the joys, the victories but also the defeats, the most difficult periods, but we have always remained united. Finally, to our 12th player, those to whom football is more than a passion, (the garnet section and the others) I had heard about it before my arrival, this audience that sings from the first to the last minute, those supporters who never whistle.

“Since my first step at the Praille stadium, you have supported me, in the good times and in the most delicate times. When our team was going through tough times, your love for the club gave me the strength to defend the jersey.

“I tried to give the best of myself every time I stepped on the pitch in this jersey. The Servettian is always moving forward and above all always #StrongerTogether, as a family. In both victory and defeat, the Servettians will always rise.

“Good luck to all my teammates, to the staff, to the management. Servettian one day, Servettian forever. The best is yet to come.”

Although, he has been linked with a move to either the English Premier League or the Spanish elite division, Ondoua is expected to disclose his destination in the coming days.

Everton captain Seamus Coleman is convinced that Rafa Benitez will win over his doubters at Goodison Park, with the long-serving defender pointing out that "every club has fans that overstep the mark" following protests against the appointment of a Spanish tactician.

Given his strong ties to the Toffees' arch-rivals Liverpool, the arrival of a man that spent six years at Anfield on the opposite side of Stanley Park has come as something of a surprise.

His presence has not been universally well received by the blue half of the city, with some supporters creating a banner which read "We know where you live, Don't sign", but Coleman believes the tide will turn once competitive action in the Premier League resumes.

What has been said?

Coleman, who has been on Everton's books since 2009, has told RTE: "Every club has got some fans that overstep the mark in some regard.

"Some of the banners weren't ideal but I think that's a small minority.

"You don't know how old these people are, you don't know how connected they are to the football club. When things happen in football like this, these things come across as being very big news but you actually don't know, is that a small group of people? Is it one person? You don't know but it looks like it's the whole fan base.

"I know the Everton fan base are a good bunch of people. They're really respectful, really hard working, love their football club. I think it would be very unfair to judge the Everton fans on one banner or two banners. We don't even know how connected or how often they go to the games... we don't know anything about the people who put them banners out.

"We understand how the fans feel about their football club. There's been a bit of unrest among the fans, we understand that, but I also know Everton fans, I know how they work, I know that once the manager signs that contract they will back him 100%.

"Once he gets in the stadium they will back him."

Is Benitez the right man for the job?

Everton found themselves in the market for a new manager after seeing Carlo Ancelotti agree to take in a second spell with Real Madrid.

Various options were mooted on Merseyside, but Benitez is the chosen one to have landed a three-year contract.

He famously branded the Toffees a "small club" back in 2007, but much has happened since then and a man who has also spent time in England with Chelsea and Newcastle is considered to be a good fit for an ambitious but success-starved outfit.

Coleman said on opening another new chapter: "I'm going to speak to him over the next few days, we're back at work on Monday.

"I'm sure I'll catch up with him properly then. We'll get over there and work hard and try our best to be in his plans and see what the future holds for us all.

"He's got a track record of winning trophies which is good for players to see as well."

The Republic of Ireland international added: "When you've been in football for 12 years, very little shocks you anymore. It's a crazy game, things happen at the drop of a hat.

"The manager went. It was disappointing, but he's gone on now to do what he's going to do. I wish him the best.

"He was good to work for. Football moves on. Now we're talking about going into the new season with a new manager.

"Everton is my concern now, Real Madrid is his concern. I can only say that I learned a lot from him... we had a very good relationship and I'm thankful for that."

Further reading

David Ariyo has challenged John Noble to prove his worth when Nigeria tackle Mexico on Saturday with Ikechukwu Ezenwa ruled out.

Ezenwa suffered an ankle injury during a training session and NFF technical director Austin Eguavoen confirmed he will miss the international friendly against Gerardo Martino’s men.

The absence of the 32-year-old leaves the Super Eagles with Lobi Stars’ Nwabali Stanley and Enyimba’s Noble – who is expected to be in goal against El Tri.

Notwithstanding, Noble has been urged by the veteran Sunshine Stars goalkeeper to make the most of his rare opportunity to shine.

“Ezenwa’s injury is no doubt a setback to the Super Eagles’ preparations for this big encounter versus Mexico,” Ariyo told Goal.

“He is the most experienced player in the squad and naturally, the new guys in camp would be looking up to him for inspiration and confidence.

“Injury is part of football, and it is sad that he will not be in the United States of America. However, the game must go on as planned and we wish him a speedy recovery.

“John Noble is another fantastic goalkeeper and I believe he has all it takes to shine.

“Importantly, he must take his chance in the absence for Ezenwa. A good game for him against El Tri would put him in good stead to be called up for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

“I have no doubts that he would do very well because he has been consistent for Enyimba so far this season.”

Since Gernot Rohr was named as coach of the three-time African champions, he has not hidden his preference for mostly foreign-based professionals to prosecute international matches.

Ariyo thinks the NPFL stars must prove a point against the North Americans to change this order.

“It gives me a lot of headaches seeing players from our league getting overlooked when it comes to international duties,” he continued.

“The NPFL is one of the toughest leagues in Africa and we have great players too.

“To prove the national selectors wrong, they must go out there and get a good result in the USA. If not, nothing would change.”

Juventus have been given "no signal from Cristiano Ronaldo" that he wants to leave the club, claims new CEO Federico Cherubini, with the Portuguese expected to see out the final year of his contract.

A five-time Ballon d'Or winner is entering the last 12 months of his deal in Turin and will be 37 by the time that agreement comes to a close.

An all-time great has, however, shown no sign of slowing down - finishing as Serie A's top scorer in 2020-21 - and the Bianconeri are reading little into reports linking a prized asset with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and teams in MLS.

What has been said?

Cherubini has told reporters when quizzed on the speculation surrounding a man who is now the quickest to 100 goals for Juve: "There has been no signal from Ronaldo.

"Especially the rumours that there should be a transfer and there’s no sign from Juventus in this regard.

"Last season he scored 36 goals in 44 games, the numbers don’t always say everything but hide many truths, we are happy that Ronaldo will join the team as soon as he has finished his holidays."

Pressed again on whether he expects Ronaldo to return for 2021-22, Cherubini added: "I don’t have the crystal ball, but right now there are no signals regarding a possible transfer."

Will Juventus be adding this summer?

While hoping to see Ronaldo stick around, Juve are keeping an eye out for fresh faces to bring in alongside him.

It is not expected to be the busiest of summers at the Allianz Stadium, with there the potential for more departures than arrivals, but Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli is among those that the Bianconeri have their eye on.

Cherubini went on to say of transfer plans, with Massimiliano Allegri back at the helm for a second stint as Juve boss: "We arrive from a few seasons where we have made important and targeted investments that put us in a position to reach the beginning of the season with a competitive team.

"We may not even carry out a transfer market, because we believe we have a competitive team, and our idea is our coach.

"Of course, in a logic of sharing strategies and objectives, we know that something can be improved but it doesn’t mean that this will happen.

"We have a plan for the progressive strengthening of the team over the years and above all to wait for those investments made in recent years, especially in the last two years with the rejuvenation of the squad.

"We are convinced that we already have ample room for growth with the technical assets at our disposal. 

"It will not be a market in which we will be very active, but we will be vigilant and ready to seize opportunities with technical and economic parameters in line with our plan."

Further reading

Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and the vast majority of European-based stars have been left out of the United States national team squad for the upcoming Gold Cup.

Fresh from tasting Concacaf Nations League glory in June, the games are coming thick and fast for the USMNT.

With that in mind, and with 2022 World Cup qualification to also take into account, rotation is the name of the game for Gregg Berhalter as his side look to chase down another international trophy.

United States squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Atlanta United), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

Defenders: George Bello (Atlanta United), Reggie Cannon (Boavista), Shaq Moore (Tenerife), Donovan Pines (D.C. United), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), James Sands (New York City FC), Sam Vines (Colorado Rapids), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

Midfielders: Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids), Gianluca Busio (Sporting Kansas City), Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Eryk Williamson (Portland Timbers), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes)

Forwards: Paul Arriola (D.C. United), Daryl Dike (Orlando City), Nicholas Gioacchini (Caen), Matthew Hoppe (Schalke 04), Jonathan Lewis (Colorado Rapids), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew)

What has been said?

Berhalter, who has named 19 MLS players in his 23-man Gold Cup party, believes the right approach is being taken when mixing experience and youth.

He has said: "When we were looking at both the Gold Cup and the Nations League, we were thinking about one big roster picture, not two separate rosters. 

"The idea was to prepare our entire player pool in a competitive Concacaf format for World Cup qualifying.

"When you look at this roster, it's basically another group of players that are going to get the opportunity to compete to win a trophy. 

"By the end of this tournament, we're going to have virtually the entire player pool prepared for World Cup qualifying."

Who will the USMNT face at the 2021 Gold Cup?

The United States have been placed in Group B alongside Canada, Martinique and a team that will progress out of the prelims.

All of the USA's group stage games will be played at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.

Berhalter is eager to see his team go all the way, with Gold Cup glory having proved elusive since 2017.

He said of his ambition: "Our priority is to win the Gold Cup. Anytime we're competing for a trophy, we want to win it.

"It's going to take a good effort by the group, but it's certainly a focus of ours. 

"We know the games are going to be difficult, and as we looked at the roster for this tournament, we focused on guys who are in form and can help the team win."

Further reading

Paul Pogba has refused to be drawn on renewed talk of Real Madrid forming part of his future plans, with the Manchester United midfielder steering around any transfer questions in the summer window.

A switch to Spain for the World Cup-winning midfielder has been mooted for some time, with the 28-year-old making no secret of the fact that representing the Blancos would be a "dream".

Speculation has resurfaced of late, with Pogba entering the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford, but he is reluctant to enter into a discussion regarding links to La Liga heavyweights.

What has been said?

Quizzed during an appearance on El Chiringuito as to why he does not play for Real, Pogba said: "I was expecting this.

"I've arrived [on the show] and I want to say thank you all, I'm going to continue with my holiday and I have to go now because they're waiting for me."

Any other business?

Prior to shutting down the transfer gossip, Pogba was asked about France's showing at Euro 2020.

A star-studded side fell at the round of 16 in that competition, with Kylian Mbappe - who failed to register a goal for Les Bleus - missing the decisive spot-kick in a penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland.

Pressed on whether fingers of blame inside the French camp are being pointed in the direction of a Paris Saint-Germain superstar, Pogba said: "Of course not. When we have great players, great things are expected.

"Everyone expects him to score five goals and to be Euro Golden Boot winner but in my opinion, he created chances, worked hard, gave his soul and left everything on the pitch which is the most important thing.

"He's a great player who will learn from it, he will grow and he'll come back like never before. He's not to blame, it's down to all of us because we're all in the same boat."

Further reading

Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United's Premier League rivals that Jadon Sancho's imminent arrival at Old Trafford is "terrible news" for them, with the England international winger being urged to "entertain" for the Red Devils.

A protracted transfer saga involving the 21-year-old forward is finally coming to an end, with a £73 million ($101m) deal agreed with Borussia Dortmund.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has had his sights locked on Sancho for some time and, after getting his man, a big-money recruit that has starred in Germany over the last three seasons is expected to terrorise defenders in the English top-flight.

What has been said?

Asked what Sancho will offer to United, former Red Devils defender Ferdinand has told his FIVE YouTube channel: "On the right-hand side and the left-hand side, we haven’t got a winger who goes on the outside and can cross the ball. That’s what you need.

"He can play on the right or the left, he plays with both feet. On that right-wing, as well as Mason [Greenwood] has done and I’m a massive fan of his, this is Manchester United, who are always associated with wingers.

"At any of our most successful times, there’s been wide players who can cross the ball. For a full-back, it’s terrible news!"

Will Sancho succeed at Old Trafford?

The hottest of prospects was on Manchester City's books as a youngster, but took the brave decision to head for Dortmund in 2017.

He is expected to take an iconic No.7 jersey at United when returning to his homeland, with Ferdinand confident that Sancho can emulate the efforts of Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo if he plays to his strengths.

The ex-England international said: "I don’t need to tell him this because he loves his football, but work hard and make sure everything you do is about being a success at Manchester United and being the best you can be.

"Don’t let nothing sidetrack you. Be yourself, entertain and the end product is what you’re about. Bring that to the table.

"The energy and the focus should be solely on football. Just immerse yourself in everything about the club."

Ferdinand added: "Sancho’s arrived, Sancho’s here! I feel beautiful.

"This boy, just look at his stats, they don’t lie. In terms of goal involvements he was the second most over three seasons – that’s a fact.

"He’s got to convert that to the Premier League which is difficult, we’ve seen that, but listen, I believe in Jadon Sancho.

"Since he was a kid, he’s had hot press, hot expectations, he had the bravery to leave Man City and go abroad. Personality, character."

Further reading

Liverpool assistant manager Peter Krawietz claims to see "world-class" potential in Ibrahima Konate, with a £36 million ($50m) addition at Anfield being backed to make an immediate impact.

Jurgen Klopp has moved to bolster his defensive ranks during the summer transfer window after being left alarming short in that area by an unfortunate run of injuries in 2020-21.

Promising Frenchman Konate is considered to be a "proper centre-half" in the Premier League mould, with the 22-year-old expected to slot seamlessly into the Reds' ranks.

What has been said?

Krawietz has told Liverpool's official website of a hot prospect: "In him we see the absolute potential to develop into a world-class centre-half. That’s what we want.

"He is a young player still, but also experienced. He played a few years in the German Bundesliga and for several of the French national teams. 

"His qualities are pretty obvious. He is a smart centre-half in terms of defending and of course he has the physical body to be a proper centre-half. 

"In England we all know what the things are they need to bring to the team: they need to be tall, they need to be quick, they need to be strong in the air and of course it’s important always for us as well that they fit in our tactical profile. In him, we see all of these qualities. 

"In defending, he was well educated in Leipzig and we saw that he will be able to learn all the details we want from our centre-halves. 

"He is also very, very comfortable and calm on the ball, which is so important for us and our style of football, which is to realise a really calm and safe build-up for our attacking situations. We see all these qualities in him and that is why he is such a promising and interesting package. 

"Now we are very much looking forward to adding him to our group of centre-halves. We are very, very positive about him and very optimistic about the development he will need to do. It will be a process to learn all these things, but his quality and talent are so obvious."

Who will Konate be competing with?

Liverpool have sanctioned a loan return to Preston for Sepp van den Berg and are expected to listen to offers - either short-term or permanent - for Rhys Williams, Ben Davies and Nat Phillips.

Konate will, however, face fierce competition for places on Merseyside when everyone is fit.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, who both suffered knee ligament damage last season, are edging their way back into contention.

Joel Matip is another experienced option at Klopp's disposal, but squad depth is key for any ambitious outfit.

Konate will be eager to make the most of any opportunities he does get in 2021-22, with Liverpool set to open their campaign with a trip to newly-promoted Norwich on August 14.

Further reading

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has hinted the concluded season might be his last in football.

The attacker recently parted ways with TS Galaxy after making 11 PSL appearances in the 2020/21 campaign. He struggled for game time at the club and in the appearances he made, the 39-year-old did not score or make any assist.

In his initial interview, the former Bafana Bafana player was undecided about his future. However, a video posted on his official social media account suggests he might have reached a conclusion.

In the short video, the veteran midfielder shares the moments he has had with different teams and throws his boots behind him. He ends with a 'thank you' poster.

Letsholonyane, who made 50 appearances for South Africa, played for Amakhosi between 2008-2016, playing 183 matches for them and scoring 22 goals in the process. He has also played for Jomo Cosmos and Supersport United.

He twice won the PSL, while with Chiefs, two MTN8 competition titles, two Nedbank Cups among others. 

He was part of the 2010 Bafana Bafana World Cup squad and he also played in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Here are the best reactions from Twitter:

New Watford acquisition Kwadwo Baah is eager to get his Premier League career started as he moves on to the next stage of his career.

The 18-year-old completed a move from lower division side Rochdale in May, signing a deal that keeps him at Vicarage Road until 2026.

The transfer came only a few months after he saw an earlier proposed transfer to Manchester City fall through at the last hour.

“I’ve got great people around me so I wasn’t too involved with all the transfer rumours,” Baah told his new club's official website.

“I just put my head down and focused on what I had to do at Rochdale until the end of the season and then made my decision.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but the people around me guided me here so they know what is best for me. I’m very grateful and I’m ready to start here."

Last season, Baah made 30 appearances for Rochdale in League One, making the starting XI on 13 occasions, scoring three goals and registering two assists.

His strike against Charlton won the Goal of the Month award. 

"You can have all the ability in the world, be the best player in your team or school, but mentality takes you forward,” said Baah.

“Being the best-behaved really shows that you want to be here and want to be the best you can. Without good behaviour I don’t think you can go far.

“League One is a very physical league so you have to mentally adapt to that. It makes you become a man, so taking my experiences from League One I think can benefit me in the Premier League.”

Baah was born in Germany to Ghanaian parents but moved to England at a young age, consequently, he is eligible to represent either nation at international level.

At the moment though, he is an England U18 international, making his debut against Wales in March.

The Ghana Football Association, meanwhile, have penciled him down among their England-born targets for a switch of international allegiance, alongside Brighton & Hove Albion right-back Tariq Lamptey, Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah. 

The Kenya Ports Authority paid Ksh17 million in allowance for its staff to attend Bandari Football Club matches as a cheering squad, the Auditor General’s report has claimed.

Bandari, formed in 1985, are one of the sports entities owned by KPA but runs independently from the parastatal. Each financial year, the Dockers are allocated money by KPA so that it can run its season assignments independently.

The report, which has been tabled in parliament, by Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu shows some staff members of the ports authority were paid the allowances to accompany the coastal team in its Premier League assignments.

The Ksh17 million is part of the Ksh96 million that Gathungu's report - that was tabled in the national assembly by the Majority Leader Amos Kimunya - has claimed is unsupported sports expenditure.

"The expenditure includes Sh17 million paid to staff to attend football matches of Bandari Football Club. However, it was not clear how and why the authority issued imprests to staff in the football cheering team given that the club is an independent entity with its own budget," part of the audit stated as reported by Business Daily.

The report further questioned subsistence and transport allowance given to Bandari's staff to attend various tournaments.

"The management did not provide details on how the team management units employees and no-employees players were selected to participate in various tournaments and subsistence allowance paid," Gathungu's findings added.

"Further, an approved policy on the terms of engagement with the team management units on the engagements of non-employees were not provided for audit review," says Gathungu in the report.

The government's financial watchdog body further raised questions on how Ksh53 million was paid to staff as bonuses. The report said the bonus evaluation was not based on individual evaluated performance but on a one-month basic salary for all employees.

Bandari is among the Kenyan clubs that have enjoyed financial stability over several seasons. 

A top official at Bandari referred Goal to KPA to explain the matter, "The Auditor General questioned KPA's financial use, not Bandari per se. So, KPA remains the best people to give an explanation even though we have been mentioned as a club in the report."

Arsenal are interested in signing Italy star Manuel Locatelli - but have not made a bid for the midfielder.

Locatelli has been one of the breakout stars of Euro 2020, producing some eye-catching displays in the heart of midfield for the Italians.

And his performances have seen him linked with a big money move this summer, with his current club Sassuolo open to letting him leave for the right price.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday, Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali stated that Arsenal had made an official bid for Locatelli, who is wanted by Juventus.

“Arsenal have made an official bid for Locatelli," Carnevali said. "They’re pushing hard to sign Manuel and it’s an important bid. We will see.

"Also Juventus want Locatelli and we’ve a special relationship with them. We’ve a new meeting scheduled with Juve.

“We are trying to leave the lad calm, so I haven’t spoken to him or his agents yet. We can think about Locatelli’s future, but above all we care about his present and that means Italy doing well at the Euros."

What do we know?

Sources at Arsenal have told Goal that the Gunners have not made any official bid for the 23-year-old.

There has been talks between the clubs over the midfielder, however, and a move this window has not been ruled out - but Arsenal are aware that Juventus are clearly leading the race for Locatelli.

There is a feeling that Sassuolo are using Arsenal’s name in public to prompt Juventus into meeting their demands for the midfielder, who they value at around £34m ($47m).

Why do Arsenal want Locatelli?

With Grant Xhaka expected to complete a move to Roma after Euro 2020, Arsenal are looking for a new central midfielder to partner Thomas Partey.

A deal is close with Anderlecht for Albert Lokonga, but the 21-year-old is viewed as a player for the future and Arsenal are wary about throwing him straight into the demands of the Premier League given his age.

As a result, they are also looking for a more experienced midfielder who has played in one of Europe’s top leagues, with Locatelli one of the targets on their list.

Ruben Neves is another, with Wolves potentially open to selling the Portugal international this summer.

Further reading 

Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Gaston Sirino has reiterated his desire to play for Al Ahly as he looks to push for a transfer to the reigning African champions. 

The highly-rated player handed in a transfer request in a bid to force a move to the Egyptian club during the 2020/21 season, but a move to the Red Devils did not materialize after the two clubs failed to agree on a transfer fee. 

Sirino stayed at Sundowns and he helped the Tshwane giants clinch the PSL title, even though, he did flirt with Al Ahly by stating, 'It would be a great challenge if I could someday wear this shirt' two months ago.

The Uruguayan playmaker has now stated he wishes the two clubs could resume talks over his potential transfer to the Cairo giants where he would reunite with his former Sundowns coach, Pitso Mosimane. 

"My contract with Sundowns expires after two seasons, and my relationship is great with Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane, and he signed me at Sundowns," Sirino told ON Time Sports 1 according to FilGoal. 

"But I have not communicated with him for a while because of the circumstances. I hope that negotiations will be easier if negotiations resume between Al Ahly and Sundowns to sign me."

Sirino, who turned 30 in February this year, hopes Sundowns will grant him his wish to play for the record nine-time Caf Champions League winners. 

"I will try to connect the two administrations and bring their views closer because it is my dream to play for Al Ahly as a club with a great history in Africa and internationally," he continued. 

"There is no contact [between the two clubs] at the moment, but there was contact in the past. I pray to God that the Sundowns administration will be more flexible this time if negotiations resume."

"I don't care about age because I feel that my physical fitness is excellent, and I work on myself well, so I don't worry about the age factor."

Al Ahly are set to face Sundowns' PSL rivals, Kaizer Chiefs in the 2020/21 Champions League final on July 17 and Sirino wished both teams the best of luck. 

"Why Al Ahly? Because it is one of the best clubs on the continent and in the world and they have a great history, and they perform well in all the tournaments they enter," he added.

"Therefore, playing for Al Ahly is a dream for me.

"I cannot say for sure who has the greatest chance of winning the Champions League final this season. I wish both teams success." 

Sirino, who is nicknamed AMG, has won three PSL titles, the Telkom Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup with Sundowns having joined the club in January 2018.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has played down talk of him coming into Ballon d'Or contention, with the Italy international prioritising collective success over individual honours.

The classy playmaker is currently chasing down Euro 2020 glory with his country and has helped the Azzurri to book a quarter-final showdown with Belgium in that competition.

If Roberto Mancini's side were to claim a presitigous continental prize, with Jorginho figuring prominently in that triumph, then a 29-year-old star from Stamford Bridge could force his way into the picture for a Golden Ball.

What has been said?

Lorenzo Insigne has already suggested that Jorginho should be in that debate, but a 2021 Champions League winner is reluctant to put himself in the frame.

He has told reporters when asked about a Ballon d'Or bid: "I don't think about it.

"Everything that is happening is the consequence of hard work.

"My priority is the group and celebrating together with my team-mates and friends. This is more beautiful than celebrating alone."

Who has talked Jorginho up?

The Brazil-born star has become a key part of Thomas Tuchel's plans at Chelsea, with a regular role found for him in the Blues' engine room.

He is also an integral cog in Mancini's well-oiled Italy machine, with composure on the ball allowing him to tick things over for club and country.

His value is not lost on those around him, with Insigne - who also played alongside Jorginho at Napoli - telling reporters of a talented team-mate: "We have quality players. You talked about Jorginho and it's correct.

"He had spent some fantastic years at Chelsea and I am proud to have him in our team.

"I'm not the one deciding if he deserves the Ballon d'Or, but I hope he'll be shortlisted, he deserves so, he is a great player.

"I call him 'the professor' and we are all happy to play with him."

Further reading

Al-Duhail SC striker Michael Olunga has revealed how difficult it was to compete with Jesse Were and other strikers at Tusker after the 2012 Kenyan Premier League season.

Olunga joined the Brewers after shining in the secondary schools' national games in Mombasa when he was at Upper Hill School and has explained how Were, Ismael Dunga, and Moses Arita were stiff competitors.

"My wish was to play for Gor Mahia, but at that time, I thought I was too young for that move and that is why I took the Tusker route. Remember that they had won the 2012 season, and coach Robert Matano promised me opportunities and offered confidence," Olunga told Jalang'o TV.

"At Tusker, it was not easy because they were league champions and it meant they had experienced strikers like [Andrew] Tololwa, [Jesse] Were, [Ismael] Dunga, Moses Arita. It was difficult, but it was a good step, I believe. The good thing is that there was the KPL U19 and that is where I featured most and I emerged as the top scorer."

Olunga moved to Gor Mahia in 2015 and helped them win the league title with an unbeaten run. He emerged as the club's top scorer and second on the KPL scoring chart behind Were. Then he struggled to settle at Swedish club Djurgardens IF.

"I decided to sign for the Swedish club because, since I was young, it has been my hope that one day I would play in Europe. But in the beginning, life was not easy for me because I arrived during the winter season," revealed the former Kashiwa Reysol centre-forward.

"For the first six months, I scored no goals. It was difficult because I was coming off a season in Kenya where I scored 40 goals in total in 2015, and now I'm in a six-month drought. I got accustomed to things around me and went ahead to score 12 goals in 13 games thereafter.

"The coach gave us a promise that he would only play those who showed determination. I grabbed the opportunity and scored two goals in the first game and, since it was always hard to change a winning team, I played in the next game and scored two goals."

Olunga joined Al Duhail - his eighth career club - in 2021 after emerging as the top scorer in the J1 League with Kashiwa Reysol in the 2020/21 season.