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Toni Payne was Sevilla’s hero having found the net in Saturday’s 2-1 comeback triumph over Espanyol.

With the Primera Division encounter looking destined to end in a 1-1 draw, the Nigeria women’s star netted the winner with 16 minutes left on the clock.

Having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Athletic Club in their last time out, Cristian Toro’s side welcomed the Periquitos with the ambition of ending the season on a high.

Nonetheless, it was the visitors who struck first in the 33rd minute courtesy of Marianela Szymanowski.

Profiting from shambolic defending from the hosts, the Argentine forward sent the ball past goalkeeper Noelia Ramos.

That goal was a reality check for Sevilla; however, they were unable to level matters despite pouring attacks.

Regardless, they went into the half-time break with a one-goal deficit inside Estadio Jesus Navas.

In the second half, Las Rojiblancas were made to work very hard. To cap their impressive display, they equalised in the 51st minute through Raquel Pinel – who profited from an assist from on-loan Barcelona star, Claudia Pina.

With the game now evenly balanced, coach Jordi Ferron’s team pushed harder to regain their lead, albeit, the attacking trio of Cristina Lucena, Irene Calderon and Elba Verges were unable to deliver the goal.

However, Super Falcons star Payne put her team ahead for the first time in the 74th minute thanks to an assist from midfielder Ana Franco.

That proved to be the winner with no more goals in the keenly contested affair as Ferron and her squad returned home with their heads bowed low.

The Super Falcon star’s goal was the 26-year-old’s fifth strike in 33 appearances in the 2020-21 campaign. Subsequently, she was substituted for Sejde Abrahamsson.

With this result, Sevilla have ended the current season in eighth position after accruing 45 points from 34 games.

For already-relegated Espanyol, they finished the season in 16th place after picking up 25 points from the same number of matches.

Born in the United States of America, Payne’s two-year contract ends in June 2021, and she would be hoping that her contract is extended ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Erling Haaland has dismissed reports he spent €500,000 in six hours at a restaurant in Mykonos and left a €30,000 tip for the staff as “fake news”.

A report in a Greek newspaper made the outlandish claim on Saturday, with the Borussia Dortmund striker currently enjoying an end-of-season holiday on the Greek island.

The story understandably caused a stir on social media where it was noticed by Haaland himself, who was quick to deny its veracity.

What did Haaland say?

The story was first published by Greek newspaper Sportime on Saturday morning, with the report also claiming Haaland himself drank four bottles of Cristal Vintage champagne at €70 each.

It was soon picked up by several English-speaking journalists, with Haaland replying to one tweet saying: “I think they forgot the main courses. Fake news.”

He also included the clown and facepalm emoji to emphasise his frustration at the report.

Sportime appeared to stick to their story however in a subsequent article, saying they would “forgive” Haaland for making his “fake news” claim.

What about Haaland’s future?

While Haaland has been enjoying himself on holiday, his future is still the subject of fevered media speculation.

The 20-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers, having scored 57 goals in 59 games since joining Dortmund in January 2020 , including 41 in 41 this season.

As a result, Haaland has been linked with a number of clubs, most notably Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Manchester City have also been touted as a potential destination, with rumours increasing when Haaland was seen partying with City forward Riyad Mahrez earlier this month.

Mahrez added fuel to the fire by declaring himself as an agent on duty – before quickly clarifying that he was only joking.

Further reading

Wydad Casablanca coach Faouzi Benzarti was frustrated by his side's inability to penetrate a stubborn Kaizer Chiefs defence in Saturday evening's 0-0 Caf Champions League second leg semi-final encounter.

While Benzarti congratulated the Soweto side in the post-match interview, he was also disappointed with how the game at the FNB Stadium panned out for his team.

In terms of the stats, the visiting club enjoyed 68% of the ball possession and had 18 goal opportunities to Chiefs' six.

"We played very well, we dominated the majority of the game. We created most of the chances, Kaizer Chiefs didn't have any chances," said the 71-year-old Wydad head coach.

The Casablanca team failed to score over 180 minutes in the semi-final, although when the teams had met in an earlier group encounter, Wydad had won 4-0. They have in fact been prolific all season long, for the most part at least.

"We have the most goals scored in the Morocco league," Benzarti lamented. "With the same players and the same team. But today we had an unbelievable defence from Kaizer Chiefs.

"We needed the last touch, we needed the players wanting to score, to put the ball in. The boys tried their best, but they just couldn't get there.

"We just needed that one goal, but we couldn't get it right. Overall we dominated, we did what we were supposed to be doing, but we lacked that one goal."

This is the first time Kaizer Chiefs have reached the final of Africa’s most prestigious club competition. Should they win that, they would join up with fellow South African clubs Mamelodi Sundowns (2016) and Orlando Pirates (1995) as Champions League winners.

It would also qualify Amakhosi for the Club World Cup.

Making defeat all the more bitter for Wydad is the fact that this season’s final is taking place in Casablanca, on July 17.

Wydad won the Champions League in 2017, were runners up in 2019 and have reached the semi-finals for the past two years running.

Former Asante Kotoko star Samuel Opoku Nti has urged the Porcupine Warriors to keep focus on the prize ahead of Sunday’s clash with Hearts of Oak.

Tied on points, the two clubs are set for a top-of-the-table showdown on matchday 31 of the Ghana Premier League.

With four more rounds to the end of the season, three points for either side will heavily boost their chances of lifting the trophy.

“This game is quite historic looking at the dynamics and I know both clubs will do everything to ensure they get a win. This game has the potential to cost a coach his job and also make fans label allegations of bribery against a player,” Nti, who won the 1983 Caf Champions League with Kotoko, told Silver FM ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

“Whenever we were set to play Hearts of Oak, I would thoroughly prepare for the game, because it’s that kind of match that offers several scenarios.

“My advice to the Kotoko Players is that they should stay away from unnecessary distractions and risk factors that can affect their chances of playing well.

“They should get enough rest to be fully fit. They need to get much sleep so they should put their phones down and rest.”

Whereas Kotoko come into Sunday’s game on the back of a 2-1 home victory over Karela United in the Premier League on Wednesday, Hearts are equally high in confidence after handing Legon Cities a 2-1 defeat on Thursday.

The Phobians and the Porcupine Warriors are not only the two biggest clubs in Ghana but also the most successful clubs in the history of the Premier League.

With 23 titles, Kotoko are undoubtedly the kings of GPL, having won four more golds than Hearts.

While there is obviously pride and bragging rights to play for on Sunday, both teams are also highly motivated to clinch this season’s league to end a disappointing streak in recent times.

Kotoko won the last of their titles in 2014, beating now-relegated Heart of Lions to success, while Hearts picked their last of 19 titles in 2009.

The Federation of International Football Association, Manchester City, Olympique Lyon and West Ham United have paid tribute to Marc-Vivien Foe who died on June 26, 2003.

Aged 28, the midfielder passed away following a cardiac arrest during a Fifa Confederations Cup semi-final encounter between Cameroon and Colombia inside Stade de Gerland, Lyon.

With Saturday marking the 18th year of his death anniversary, the world’s football ruling body alongside his former teams have taken to social media to remember his legacy.

Born in Yaounde, Foe began his career at local side Canon Yaounde before joining French top-flight side RC Lens in 1994.

The box-to-box midfielder won the French title on two occasions, playing 18 matches in Lens’ amazing title triumph in 1998—a victory that prompted his first move to the Premier League.

He also represented Olympique Lyonnais when they won the first of their seven consecutive titles in the 2001-02 season.

In addition, the Cameroonian also won the French League Cup with Lyon in 2001. Before then, he was signed by Premier League outfit West Ham United and helped them win the now-defunct Intertoto Cup in 1999.

On the international scene, Foe was part of the Cameroonian squad that won back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 (Nigeria/Ghana) and then again in 2002 (Mali).

He wasn’t present for the team’s Olympic success in 2000 but featured in both Afcon finals.

His runners-up medal at the 2003 Confederation Cup was hung on a giant photograph of the player carried by both French and the Cameroonian players after the match.

Foe was awarded the Bronze Ball for his performances in France after finishing third in the media voting for the Player of the Tournament.

After his demise, he was awarded Cameroon’s Commander of the Nations Order of Valour, while Manchester City retired the No. 23 shirt in his honour and installed a memorial to Foe at their former Maine Road home.

In Lens, there is a street named after him near the team’s stadium, while they and Lyon have retired his No. 17 shirt.

Samuel Eto'o believes Kylian Mbappe is the natural heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the "God" of football, with the Paris Saint-Germain striker ready to follow in the footsteps of Argentine and Portuguese superstars.

Iconic figures at Barcelona and Juventus have set the standard for well over a decade now, with 11 Ballons d'Or shared between them.

Various successors have been mooted to that legendary duo down the years, with France international Mbappe considered to be the best fit as a promising 22-year-old with the world at his feet.

What has been said?

Cameroon great Eto'o, who played alongside Messi in his younger days at Barca, has told La Nacion: "Cristiano is another God. Together with Messi, they are the players who mark current football with the highest grades. 

"But another God is coming for when Messi and Cristiano get tired of giving us these joys. That new God will be Kylian Mbappe."

What about Messi?

The South American forward is not going anywhere any time soon, with the 34-year-old still performing at the peak of his powers - as Ronaldo is at the age of 36.

Questions are, however, being asked of Messi's future, with no new contract signed at Barcelona as he heads towards free agency.

Fresh terms are being mooted, though, and Eto'o remains convinced that a one-club man will remain at Camp Nou.

He added: "I can't imagine Leo with another shirt. It is his club, his home, his love.

"I do not think that his continuity is due to a question of money. Leo is Barcelona and Barcelona is Messi. 

"I know [president Joan] Laporta is preparing a reliable, interesting project for him."

Further reading

Football Kenya Federation Premier League reigning champions Gor Mahia have initiated a campaign dubbed '2-Million Dollar Harambee' to help the club raise funds for their smooth running.

K'Ogalo have been struggling off the pitch with players going for months without pay. It is for this reason top management has come up with a way to try and raise money from members and all supporters at large.  

"With regard to the current financial challenges the club is facing and which have been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, and further in view of the financial constraints experienced by the club in the past, with the executive committee having studied various financial models adopted by some successful football clubs around the globe, have resolved to adopt a hybrid of some of these benchmarks and to roll out a fundraising scheme that should ensure the financial sustainability of the club in the future," read a statement from the club, signed by chairman Ambrose Rachier obtained by Goal.

"The main source of the funds shall primarily be the club members, supporters, and any other well-wishers.

"The mode of collection shall be by remittance to a newly designated... pay bill number whose signatories will be the nominees of the club members and who shall be accountable.

"Members, supporters and well-wishers are encouraged to make regular monthly contributions of such sums as they will see fit.

"In due course, the club shall establish and launch a vehicle into which members shall be invited to invest, have a stake in and get returns from consideration will be given to a partnership with a joint venture."

Meanwhile, K'Ogalo suffered a huge blow in their quest to retain the FKF Premier League title after losing 2-1 against Western Stima in a match at Thika Stadium on Saturday.

K’Ogalo went into the fixture seeking to bounce back to winning ways and put pressure on table-toppers Tusker and KCB, but it was not the case as the Powermen scored through Rodgers Ouma, in the fourth minute, and Michael Karamor in the 60th minute to take home maximum points.

Although Gor tried a late comeback after defender Geoffrey Ochieng scored in the 82nd minute, Stima held on to earn revenge against a side that had beaten them 3-1 in the first round meeting.

Denmark made European Championship history after thrashing Wales 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.

Two goals from Kasper Dolberg and late strikes from Joakim Maehle and Martin Braithwaite completed a convincing victory for Kasper Hjulmand's side in Amsterdam.

In doing so they became the first team to score four or more goals in successive games in European Championship history, with their 4-1 win over Russia still fresh in the memory.

Denmark gaining momentum

Denmark are currently riding a wave of emotion that stems from the horrendous scenes at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen a fortnight ago, when midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Thankfully, the Inter midfielder is on the road to recovery, but the sight of their stricken team-mate fighting for his life on the pitch was a traumatic experience for the team to endure.

However, that experience seems to have brought the squad closer together as they play on in the tournament in honour of Eriksen.

The result was an outstanding performance in their final group game against Russia in Copenhagen on Monday, with goals from Maehle, Mikkel Damsgaard, Yussuf Poulsen and Andreas Christensen securing a 4-1 win that sealed a place in the last 16 - the first time a team has ever survived the group stage despite losing their first two matches.

They continued that momentum at the Johan Cruyff Arena, with Dolberg putting them ahead with a fine strike from the edge of the box midway through the first half - the third goal they have scored from outside the penalty area already this competition.

Dolberg doubled Denmark's lead at the start of the second half when he took advantage of a poor clearance from Neco Williams to blast the ball past Danny Ward from close range.

The impressive Maehle made it three with a powerful left-footed strike from inside the area with two minutes left, before Braithwaite stroked home in stoppage-time to complete the victory and seal their place in the record books.

What's next?

Denmark progress through to the quarter-finals, where they will play the winner of Sunday's game between the Netherlands and Czech Republic in Baku.

Further reading

Zesco United midfielder Thabani Kamusoko has pointed out the kind of a striker Yanga SC would need in order to be a competitive club in Africa.
 
Yanga are in the market for a prolific striker and were recently in talks with Kaizer Chiefs' Lazarous Kambole and Kamusoko, who previously played for the Tanzanian heavyweights, has said the club needs an experienced and proven goalscorer. The Zimbabwean international also stated the possible return of businessman Yusuf Manji as a sponsor for Yanga would be a great boost financially.
 
"I have read a couple of articles saying Manji will be back in Yanga, he is somebody I have worked with and he uses his money in a competitive manner. If his presence is combined with GSM [current Yanga's sponsors], they have the potential to do a good job for the club," Kamusoko told Mwanaspoti.
 
"Getting good strikers is very expensive and this does not apply to Yanga alone, since strikers the world over cost a lot. If Manji and GSM come together, they will surely go on to get a striker that will make Yanga a competitive force in Africa.

"I understand Tanzania will field four teams in Caf competitions and I am only speaking about my former club and I believe they are planning to get the right players before then. I believe they already know what kind of players they want."

The midfielder explained that Yanga have struggled because of the kind of players they have gone for and also advised patience while searching for competitive players.
 
"In recent seasons, Yanga have been unstable because they were signing inexperienced players. To play for a club like Yanga, you need to be competitive, both on the pitch and psychologically," he added.
 
"Yanga must go for a striker who has been on top for quite some time and not one who is looking to come and rise while at the club. They need a striker who is lethal in front of goal like Amissi Tambwe in his heydays. Tambwe sometimes flopped, I agree, but he would react to the criticism with good performances.

"The pressure at the club is huge and it does not take just any striker to perform and such players are available, but it depends on how one approaches them. The approach also needs patience."
 
Yanga are expected to look beyond the current strikers who have not had the impact expected of them at the beginning of the season.

Amad Diallo has picked out his preferred playing position at Manchester United, but the 18-year-old forward says he is "ready for everything" in a bid to see more competitive game time.

The highly-rated Ivorian was acquired by the Red Devils in January, with a deal put in place with Atalanta during the summer transfer window of 2020.

Diallo has taken in Premier League and Europa League outings under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is ready to challenge the likes of Mason Greenwood and Daniel James for his favoured role on the right flank.

What has been said?

The promising youngster told the UTD Unscripted series: "I play here like I played in Italy. Obviously, coaches set up teams in different ways but playing wide-right here, having freedom, having to attack and defend.

"In Italy it is a case of go and attack but then defend and it is the same here. I see myself more as a wide-right player, but I have always said that, in football, you should never have a preferred position.

"Okay, perhaps you have a preference, but you should be ready for anything. I have played wide left, wide right, and I have played through the middle, so all of the positions are the same to me. 

"If the coach tells me to play in a specific position, there will be a reason for that. I will not argue, I will just play in that position. 

"If I really have to say a favourite position, I would say wide-right, because, from there, I can dribble and carry the ball deep into the opposition’s half. So I guess it is the position I like best, but I have to be ready for everything."

The bigger picture

Diallo made his debut for United in a Europa League clash with Real Sociedad in February.

He also faced AC Milan in that competition, with a first goal for the Red Devils registered in that contest at Old Trafford.

Eight appearances were taken in altogether during the 2020-21 campaign, with the youngster starting to repay a show of faith that could cost the Premier League heavyweights around £37 million ($51m).

Impressive progress is also being made at international level, with senior recognition coming Diallo's way.

He made his bow with the Ivory Coast against Niger in March, before going on to score a stunning free-kick in a June meeting with Burkina Faso.

Further reading

On the eve of the biggest match of the domestic Ghana football calendar, a rainbow after a heavy downpour in Accra has generated a frenzy on social media.

On Sunday, Hearts of Oak are set to welcome archrivals Asante Kotoko to the Accra Sports Stadium for a matchday 31 showdown in the Ghana Premier League.

With both teams tied on points atop the league table with only four more rounds of matches to end the season, a win will not only earn bragging rights but could also prove the difference in the fierce battle for the title.

A day to the big game, popularly called the Super Clash, Hearts fans are excited following a rare appearance of a rainbow after heavy rain.

Hearts are also called the Rainbow Boys and their home jerseys are typically decorated with rainbow colours. 

For this, The Phobians are reading meaning into Saturday's rainbow in Accra, suggesting it is a good omen.

Below are the best social media posts in the countdown to Ghana's version of El Clasico: 

Kaizer Chiefs reached the Caf Champions League final for the first time after drawing 0-0 with Wydad Casablanca in the semi-final second-leg match on Saturday evening.

Amakhosi were looking to avoid a defeat in order to qualify for the final following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Moroccan giants courtesy of Samir Nurkovic's goal in the first-leg encounter last weekend.

Daniel Akpeyi and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo were recalled to the starting line-up as interim coaches Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard made two changes to the team which started in Casablanca.

Meanwhile, Wydad were under pressure to overturn the deficit and progress to the final having claimed a morale-boosting 2-0 win over RS Berkane in the Moroccan Botola League game on Tuesday.

Veteran coach Faouzi Benzarti named deadly attackers Mohamed Ounajem, Ayoub El Kaabi and Walid El Karti in the starting line-up after they were rested against Berkane. 

Wydad dominated the match from the start with Akpeyi being the busier of the two keepers as made early saves to deny El Kaabi and Ounajem with Chiefs sitting back and absorbing pressure then try to hit the visitors on the counter. 

Akpeyi, who had started ahead of Amakhosi's first-leg hero Bruce Bvuma between the sticks, made a mistake as he gave away possession, but the Nigeria international recovered well and made a good save from Walid El Karti's low shot.

The Chiefs were struggling to deal with crosses that were played into their box and they nearly conceded when unmarked El Kaabi missed the ball completely from close range, before the former Hebei FC striker was denied by Akpeyi from inside the area.

Aymane Hassouni was then afforded space and time on the edge of the box and he unleashed a curling shot that was heading for the top left corner, but Akpeyi produced a magnificent diving save to deny the 26-year-old attacker and the score was 0-0 at half-time. 

The Red Castle continued to apply some pressure on the Amakhosi defence with 1994 Caf Champions League title-winning coach Benzarti having introduced Muaid Ellafi, who became an instant threat to the hosts with his sharp movement.

The Wydad winger should have handed Wydad the lead after he connected with Ayoub El Amloud's cross at the far post, but he directed his header just over the crossbar from close range with Akpeyi rooted to the ground.

Amakhosi did threaten against the run of play when Reeve Frosler delivered a wonderful cross for Nurkovic, whose header was fantastically finger-tipped over the crossbar by a well-positioned keeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele replaced Yagan Sasman in the closing stages as Zwane and Sheppard refreshed the defence and Chiefs managed to contain Wydad, and ultimately, the match ended in a 0-0 draw on the night.

The draw saw Chiefs win the tie 1-0 on aggregate and they progressed to the final where they will take on either defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt or Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis on July 17.

Netherlands coach Frank de Boer has no concerns regarding Denzel Dumfries' focus at Euro 2020, with the highly-rated PSV full-back being backed to "deal with" rumours of interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

A talented Dutch squad have caught the eye on European Championship duty, taking maximum points from the group stage, and have hot prospects drawing admiring glances from across Europe.

Buccaneering right-back Dumfries forms part of that group, with two goals scored at a major international tournament, but De Boer is confident that transfer speculation will not become a distraction for the 25-year-old defender.

What has been said?

De Boer told reporters when quizzed on the Dumfries talk ahead of a last-16 showdown with the Czech Republic on Sunday: "I don’t really have these conversations. 

"It’s great for Denzel the way he performed. When you perform on a stage like this, you know people are looking and some clubs will get interested in your performances. 

"You want to show yourself at your best. This is great for everybody. So, when there are rumours, it’s normal but I’m quite sure Denzel can deal with it. 

"He knows why he is here and this is the most important thing. He will read about it, he will hear about it but I’m not scared he will do strange things because of those rumours."

Any other business?

Another of those in the Dutch ranks to be generating plenty of gossip in the summer window is Donyell Malen - a second exciting talent on PSV's books.

Liverpool are among those to have been linked with the 22-year-old forward, but have seen just 93 minutes of him across three games at the European Championship.

De Boer said of a player with considerable promise and why he is not figuring prominently: "The international breakthrough, this is the highest level. Everybody is looking. It’s also about performing against other opponents.

"He needs to show this every game over and over again. He has the qualities to become a great international player but first he has to show this not only in one game but over several games. 

"We are all definitely convinced he can do so and when you know your football you can see the quality of this player, it’s obvious, and it’s normal that everybody likes his quality.

"I know my football and I love the boy. I also like to win."

Further reading

Loris Karius is preparing to make a decision on his Liverpool future, with the German goalkeeper admitting that a loan move to Union Berlin in 2020-21 was a mistake.

The 28-year-old headed home as he remained some way down the pecking order at Anfield and was unlikely to edge his way above the likes of Alisson and Adrian.

Having previously spent time with Besiktas in Turkey, another short-term deal was put in place, but just four appearances were taken in for Union by a man approaching the final 12 months of his contract on Merseyside.

What has been said?

Quizzed by Bild on his immediate past and future, Karius said: "Of course, when I moved (to Union), I was told that I would play, otherwise I wouldn’t have come either.

"We looked each other in the eye at the end of the season and shook hands.

"Everyone told me that I was incredibly important to the team and that they were sorry how it went. But when you look at it all, it was certainly not exactly fair. Simply because of what was shown to me in advance.

"As of now, I’ll be at Liverpool on July 12. There is still a lot going on at the moment. Because of the European Championship and corona, the transfer market will pick up rather late. I’ll keep everything open and will make the right decision for myself."

He added: "I want to prove something to myself and the people. I am extremely hungry and motivated.

"You should never exclude anything. Last year I had left and I would have been in the Liverpool goal two weeks later due to injuries in the goalkeeping position.

"But I don’t always want to be dependent on such factors, you don’t want your colleagues to do that either. I keep all options open and will make the right decision for myself.

"It is important to me that it fits. The club has to be up for it, I have to be up for it and the coach has to be up for it. Last year taught me again that you have to exchange ideas intensively with those responsible and that you really have to pay attention to your intuition.

"I don’t know if it has to be something completely exotic. But Spain, Italy – I can already imagine something like that, if it fits."

The bigger picture

Karius has not figured for Liverpool since his error-strewn showing against Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final.

Reinforcements were drafted in by Jurgen Klopp that summer, with a reliable option between the sticks being sought.

Alisson has been that, Adrian provides experienced back-up and 22-year-old Caoimhin Kelleher has just committed to a new long-term contract.

That is all helping to nudge Karius towards the exits, with his expiring contract also taken into account, but it remains to be seen whether La Liga and Serie A interest can be found.

Further reading

Gary Neville is among those growing tired of the incessant Jadon Sancho rumours at Manchester United, with the Red Devils legend admitting he has "never been more bored by a transfer in my life".

The Old Trafford icon is eager to see a deal done with Borussia Dortmund that allows the England international winger to return to his homeland.

That agreement has, however, been in the pipeline for well over a year now and a protracted saga is starting to grate on those watching on from afar.

What has been said?

Neville has posted on social media amid renewed talk of a big-money deal being close to completion: "Manchester United closing in on Sancho.

"Again! 

"A transfer should be a joy and a moment of excitement. I’ve never been more bored by a transfer in my life to the point I feel like he’s already signed and I want to know who is next already. Not the lad's fault at all I should say!"

How much will Sancho cost?

Goal can confirm that United have a £72 million ($100m) bid on the table.

They have already seen an offer of £67m ($95m) knocked back this summer, with Dortmund refusing to buckle under intense pressure.

Personal terms have been agreed, but striking a deal between two European heavyweights is proving tricky.

Sancho is, however, currently away on Euro 2020 duty with England, so has more pressing concerns at present than where he will be playing his club football in 2021-22.

A deal may be done at some stage, though, with United having made the 21-year-old a top target.

The bigger picture

United are so keen to get a transfer completed as Sancho has starred for Dortmund since leaving Manchester City for Germany in 2017.

He has hit 50 goals and provided 64 assists through 137 games, marking him out as one of the most productive creative forwards in world football.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to buy into that ability, with the Red Devils looking to further bolster their attacking ranks.

Mason Greenwood has often lined up on the right of their frontline, but the expectation is that the 19-year-old academy graduate will become a central striker at some stage.

Further reading

Mason Mount admits to being left baffled by his meteoric rise to prominence at Chelsea, with the England international now a Blues centurion and Champions League winner.

Scaling such heights appeared a long way off when the 22-year-old spent time on loan at Vitesse and Derby between 2017 and 2019.

He was, however, to be handed a big break by Frank Lampard - who worked with him at Pride Park - and has not looked back while racing to the very top of domestic and continental games.

What has been said?

Mount, who saw Thomas Tuchel replace Lampard as manager midway through the season, told the Blues' official website of his transformation from virtual unknown to household name: "I’ve learnt a lot.

"I had never experienced a new manager coming in halfway through the season but Thomas brought different tactics and had a different look on football. All the boys bought into it.

"For me personally, everything has happened so quick. You don’t have time to pinch yourself or look back at what’s happened. I made my 100th appearance for Chelsea in April and it baffles me how that’s gone so quickly but football is a short career.

"The seasons fly by so you have to make the most of every season and enjoy it, which is always something I try to do. Don’t look too far ahead or too far back, just stay in the moment and try to do the big things in football, which is winning trophies."

Will Mount star for England?

Success at club level has helped Mount to earn 18 senior caps for his country, with the most recent of those coming against Scotland at Euro 2020.

He had to sit out a meeting with the Czech Republic after being forced into self-isolation, but is expected to come back into contention for a crunch last-16 clash with Germany on Tuesday as the Three Lions seek to keep themselves in contention for major silverware.

Mount added on that quest: "It’s such an honour to represent your country.

"It’s the pinnacle of the game so when you come to a major tournament, it’s always playing on your mind about what the opportunity can be and what you can achieve.

"It can be a massive summer for us all and we’re such a close group, almost like a family, which can definitely help us. We all want to achieve big things. We’re young and hungry so it could be a very exciting few weeks."

Further reading

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has described teammate Thomas Partey as a "great player" who will be brilliant for the Gunners next season.

Partey ended his eight-year adventure in Spain last September, to boost the midfield options in Mikel Arteta’s side.

He produced some impressive performances in the middle of the park even though the Gunners failed to qualify for European football for the first time in 25 years.

Last season, the Black Stars midfielder made 32 appearances in the Premier League and Uefa Europa League combined with three assists to his credit.

Following the confirmation of his contract extension on Friday, Tierney - who signed a new five-year deal with the Gunners - held a question and answer session with fans on Arsenal’s Twitter page.

When asked about the quality Partey brings into the team, the Scotland international said, per the club's website: “Great player with massive quality. Will be brilliant for us going forward.”

After wearing the no. 18 shirt in the maiden season with the Gunners, reports have hinted that the Ghana star will swap to the number he wore at Atletico Madrid.

The no. 5 shirt became available after the departure of Greece centre-back Sokratis to Olympiacos in January.

During the Q&A session, Tierney was also quizzed about the toughest wingers he has faced in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old named Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez and Wolverhampton Wanderers star Adama Traore as the two who gave him the toughest time in the 2020-21 season.

“All tough for different reasons. But this season probably Riyad Mahrez or Adama Traore,” he said.

Mahrez was one of the standout performers in Pep Guardiola's team that won the domestic double of the League Cup and Premier League last season.

The 2016 African Footballer of the Year racked up an impressive 14 goals and eight assists in 48 matches across all competitions last season.

Meanwhile, Tierney's latest verdict might come as an assessment for the Gunners who have been reportedly linked with a move for the 30-year-old this summer.