Looking for Soccer News?

U.S. men's national team fullback Reggie Cannon isn't focused on reports linking him with a move to Serie A, although he did admit he hopes to take a step up to the "next level" someday soon.

A report from CBS Sports linked Cannon with a move to newly-promoted Spezia after the defender impressed during his first season with Boavista in Portugal.

Cannon, meanwhile, says he is thankful to be at a club like Boavista and isn't actively looking to move, although being with the national team for the Nations League and a pair of friendlies is motivating him to consider a potential step up in competition.

What did Cannon say?

"Obviously, there's a lot of speculation about what's going to happen this summer," he said. "I'm very excited for what's to come but right now my focus is with Switzerland and then ultimately Nations League because this group is going to go very far and there's not really time to focus on individual goals because this group is what's important.

"There's going to be some rumors and everything going on, and I feel I've learned so much this year that I am ready to get to that next level and whatever comes my way, I'm going to be ready for it. Boavista certainly has given me a great platform to learn about myself and about European football as a whole.

"With these guys at camp here, these guys are at Barcelona, Chelsea, Man City, such big clubs and it's motivation for me to get to that next level."

Cannon's first season abroad

After making the move from FC Dallas to Boavista ahead of the 2020-21 season, the defender instantly became a key player for the Portuguese side.

He made 31 league appearances for Boavista this season, helping the club survive relegation with a 13th-place finish.

Cannon had originally been linked with a move to Lille, but reports say that the potential move has died down after owner Gerard Lopez sold the club. 

"I've obviously communicated with Gregg [Berhalter, USMNT head coach] a lot during this year because this was a very up-and-down year in terms of standings and relegation battles and everything," Cannon said.

"But honestly, I've learned so much about myself this year, about football, about what I'm capable of, more so than just going to a big club and not playing at all.

"Playing every single game at Boavista, realizing the European mentality, it has helped me be so strong this year. It ultimately made me a better player, a better man, and that's exactly what I wanted from this move."

Further reading

U.S. men's national team attacker Tim Weah admitted that an injury-derailed debut season with Lille took a toll on him before his title-winning return to form this season.

Weah was limited to just three appearances during his first season with Lille, with hamstring injuries keeping him off the field during what was supposed to be a breakout campaign after a move away from PSG.

However, this season, a healthy Weah was a regular for Lille en route to the club's stunning Ligue 1 title, which Weah called the "cherry on top" of his comeback story.

What did Weah have to say?

"Mentally, it took a toll on me," he admitted of his injury struggles. "I had goals set and I knew what I wanted to accomplish when I first signed there, so not doing that really took a toll on me.  

"I was just in a state where I just really didn't want to do anything but, with the help of family, the coaching staff with the USMNT and my club team, I got back home, up on my feet and just started to work on the things that I need to get better at.

"I came into the season really positive and just knowing that I want to take my game to the next level and just improve as a player. I feel like I got a couple of opportunities to play this season, and it's been great. I'm getting my feedback so I'm super happy about that and winning the league was just the cherry on top.

"Now it's just time to go into next season and obviously this summer with the national team and just continue on that positive step forward. I'm doing great stuff so I'm just super happy, excited to get going again and glad to be back with the boys."

A positional debate

Although generally deployed as a central striker during his time at Lille, Weah is primarily viewed as a winger with the national team as he'll compete with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson and Gio Reyna in the coming weeks.

It's in those wing positions that Weah says he feels most comfortable, although he did admit that he could be open to a surprising drop further back on the field.

"In camp at the moment, I'm training as a winger," he said, "and obviously on my club team I was playing No.9 and on the wing occasionally.

"Personally, my favorite positions are on the wing, and people are shocked when I say this, but I love playing like the No.8 or the No.10 because I love when everything's in front of me. I hate playing my back to goal, so those are my favorite positions.

"I've been training a lot on the wing and I enjoy it. Me and Gio, we've been doing our thing on the wing so it's gonna be super interesting to see what we have to offer to the team.

"On a personal note, I'm still finding myself because I missed out on a big year last year. I'm still finding myself and still finding what positions that I'm most comfortable in."

Further reading

This year, it gets even madder as Pepsi presents the most epic Uefa Champions League opening ceremony, ever!!!

It’s the #PepsiShow featuring global headline acts like Marshmello, Selena Gomez, and Khalid.

Pepsi is bringing excitement to you. Literally!

Watch the show live on and follow the conversation on social with the hashtag #PepsiShow

Follow Pepsi Nigeria on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
 

Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus has put many on transfer alert after posting a photo of himself and reported Manchester United and Liverpool target Kamaldeen Sulemana on social media.

With a string of fine performances for Nordsjaelland in the Danish Superliga, Kamaldeen has drawn strong interest from Ajax, Liverpool and United, who are reportedly the top contenders for his services this summer.

German side Bayer Leverkusen, Belgian outfit Club Brugge and French fold Olympic Marseille have also been linked with the teenager.

On Thursday, media reports said the 19-year-old has all but agreed to join Ajax, a move that will see him link up with former Nordsjaelland teammate and compatriot Kudus, who has urged the winger to snub Manchester United in favour of a move to Johan Cruyff Arena.

The two players are also set to link up on international duty, having both been named in Ghana’s 30-man squad for friendly fixtures against Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire next month.

Friday’s post has fueled the Ajax transfer speculations even more, drawing a lot of reactions, some sampled below:

Oladapo Afolayan has appreciated West Ham United after completing a permanent move to Bolton Wanderers on Friday.

The 23-year-old teamed up with the Hammers in 2018 but struggled for game time and had to make do with loan spells away from the club.

Having previously spent time with Oldham Athletic and Mansfield Town, he joined the Trotters for his third spell away from the Hammers in February.

The forward made 21 appearances for Bolton in League Two and his performances were convincing enough to earn a permanent deal.

Afolayan has thanked the Hammers for the time he spent with the club and expressed his delight with his move to Bolton.

“I want to thank all the staff at the Academy and the Club for giving me the opportunity in professional football. I’ve learnt a lot, had my ups and downs, and developed into the man and player I am today,” Afolayan told the club website.

"I want to thank Dmitri [Halajko], Pottsy (Steve Potts) and all the backroom staff with the team for helping me over the last few seasons, Konch (Paul Konchesky) for helping while I’ve been on loan and all the staff at Chadwell Heath and Rush Green for all the hard work they put in for us every day!

"I’ll always remember my time at the Club, especially my debut, and will keep supporting them from a distance. I wish everyone at the club success in the future!

“I’m delighted to have made the move permanent. Since I joined on loan at the end of January, it has been amazing. For me, it’s the best thing for me to do – to keep playing regularly for a club that has embraced me.

“It was only right for me to repay that loyalty back to the club, back to the manager and the owners, and the fans as well.”

Afolayan has featured for the England youth team and but he still eligible to represent Nigeria and previously revealed his readiness to play for the Super Eagles, although he is aware he will have to deliver outstanding club performances to earn a call-up from the three-time African champions.

James Rodriguez has been ruled out of Colombia's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Argentina, and the subsequent Copa America this summer.

The Everton midfielder had been called up by manager Reinaldo Rueda for the qualifying fixtures and the South American regional tournament, but will no longer be available as Colombia look to take steps towards reaching Qatar in 2022.

James, the primary creative force in the Colombian team, has suffered from injury issues throughout the 2020-21 campaign and was rested for Everton's final Premier League game against Manchester City in a bid to be fit - but to no avail.

What has been said?

A statement from the Colombian FA read: "The coaching staff of the Colombia men's senior team reports that the player James Rodriguez has been ruled out for the games against Peru and Argentina for the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the CONMEBOL Copa America 2021.

"In recent days, the midfielder was subjected to medical examinations, which determined that he is not at the optimal level of competition, therefore he will not be able to join the group called by Reinaldo Rueda for the aforementioned commitments and the South American championship.

"The coach and his team of collaborators regret not being able to count on James this time and hope that soon the midfielder will be able to be part of a squad, representing our country with the height and professionalism as he has always done."

How big a miss will James be?

The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich attacking midfielder remains an essential part of the Colombia set-up and will be sorely missed at the Copa America, which they were due to co-host with Argentina, only to recently lose hosting rights due to ongoing protests against president Ivan Duque.

They are in Group B alongside holders Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru for the 10-team tournament. The top four in each pool qualify for the quarter-finals.

Before that, Colombia travel to Peru on June 4 and then host Argentina five days later in the CONMEBOL section of World Cup qualifying. They open their Copa America campaign on June 15 against Ecuador.

Colombia have made an underwhelming start to World Cup qualifying with just four points from their opening four games in the 10-team league, with only the top four qualifying automatically. This included a 6-1 defeat to Ecuador in their opening match.

Further Reading

Saturday’s Champions League final, for the second time in three years, features two English sides doing battle for Europe’s most prestigious club trophy.

While for Manchester City it is the culmination of a long-held ambition, for Chelsea it is something of an unexpected boon.

Credit must go to both managers: Pep Guardiola for bringing City to the cusp of a truly historic first, and Thomas Tuchel for defying expectations (including those of his predecessor, no less) in guiding the Blues to the final for only the third time in their history.

To arrive at this point, both teams have been bolstered by stand-out performances by African stars, of course. So, in much the same way as for the Group Phase, Goal picks through the notable African performers in the Champions League Knockout Stage.

Star performance: Edouard Mendy vs Real Madrid (Semi-final 2nd Leg)

Following a 1-1 first leg draw at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, Chelsea’s semi-final second leg against Real Madrid was finely poised indeed.

Chelsea would ultimately prove too much for their visitors, running away with the game in the second half and creating chance after chance. However, given Madrid’s quality and need to score in order to remain relevant in the tie, shutting them out completely at Stamford Bridge was never a realistic expectation.

Los Blancos had spells of success in attack, especially in the opening period, but found Mendy in impassable form.

The Chelsea stopper had little to do in terms of repelling shots, but what he did have to he did with distinction.

In total, he made five stops, two from shots inside the penalty area, and one in particular that drew a disbelieving gasp from all watching.

Karim Benzema’s curled effort looked to be bending in, not least because Mendy was initially unsighted. However, the 29-year-old somehow propelled himself across his goal line, and showed strength in his wrists to divert the shot wide of the goal. A superb outing.

Honourable mentions: Youssef En-Nesyri vs Borussia Dortmund – Round of 16 2nd Leg; Riyad Mahrez vs Borussia Monchengladbach – Round of 16 2nd Leg; Riyad Mahrez vs Paris Saint-Germain (Semi-final 1st Leg)

Worst performance: Idrissa Gueye vs Manchester City (Semi-final 1st Leg)

There is some context here, in that in the first half, Gueye (and PSG) seemed to have the measure of their visitors at the Parc des Princes.

The Parisians had Manchester City flustered and harried beyond all recognition, and took the lead when Marquinhos rose highest to head home Angel Di Maria’s corner-kick.

All that changed in the second period, when Pep Guardiola’s side asserted their natural game, slowing down their possessions and stretching PSG more.

Suddenly, the hosts had longer distances to cover, and cracks began to appear. No one in navy blue typified this more than Gueye, who completely lost his head in the middle of the park. The Senegal midfielder is a terrier on the best of days, but can be impulsive and loose in his positioning when his discipline goes.

City levelled through a fortunate Kevin De Bruyne goal, but the winner – a Riyad Mahrez free-kick – was earned after a clumsy Gueye tackle. Six minutes after, he was shown a straight red card, effectively nixing any possibility of a comeback for PSG.

Honourable mention: Sadio Mane vs Real Madrid – Quarter-final 2nd Leg

Star player: Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)

Chelsea’s remarkable ascension in status since Thomas Tuchel took over midway through the campaign has been built on a stout defence. The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain manager has installed a back three and instilled a possession-heavy style that means the Blues’ rearguard is rarely troubled.

When breaches occur, however, opponents have found Senegal international Mendy nigh-on impossible to breach.

The West African has been absolutely tremendous between the sticks for Chelsea, keeping four clean sheets in six knockout appearances against the collective might of Atletico Madrid, Porto and Real Madrid. By no means has it been an easy run for the Blues, but as the challenge has intensified, so has their goalkeeper’s resolve.

There have been one or two precarious moments, mostly when playing out from the back as Tuchel demands (one incident in the quarter-final 2nd Leg against Porto comes to mind), but he has always recovered in time to forestall a concession.

When he has been breached, it has been via unstoppable volleyed finishes by Mehdi Taremi and Karim Benzema.

Honourable mention: Riyad Mahrez

Disappointment: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Liverpool went one better this term than last in the Champions League, but their exit had a similar tinge of disappointment to it.

On the face of it, losing out to Real Madrid in Europe is no shame. However, not only will the fact this was hardly a vintage Los Blancos smart, but the knowledge they did not do themselves justice will probably sting Jurgen Klopp’s men even more.

Over the two legs, very few stood up to be counted.

Mohamed Salah pulled one back in Madrid to buy some hope, but Liverpool huffed and puffed at Anfield to little effect and went out on a whimper. It was troubling to see an effervescent Liverpool attack lose all its fizz, best encapsulated by the fact that, when Mane was substituted with eight minutes still to play, it was an act of mercy.

The Senegal international has endured a poor season by his own standards and admission.

Although he scored in both legs of the Round of 16 tie against RB Leipzig, the performances were error-strewn and lacking in certainty on a number of occasions.

Against Real Madrid, it all just come to a head: Mane only managed one shot (off target) over the two legs, struggled to get the better of out-of-position winger Lucas Vazquez, and could not bring even his renowned physicality to bear on the tie in any meaningful way.

Ajax and Brazil winger David Neres was questioned by police after violating coronavirus restrictions by attending a party in Sao Paulo.

The 24-year-old was held by police along with Sao Paulo defender Robert Arboleda and the pair were released on Friday.

Police shut down the night club after an inspection found that 124 people were at the party. The owner attempted to give everyone face masks when inspectors arrived at around 2am, but 15 attendees could not put them on.

What happened to Neres and Arboleda?

The Brazil and Ecuador internationals were taken to the police station and gave testimony, as was the owner of the club.

It is not yet known if the players will be charged with crimes for violating public health laws.

The club owner faces a R$200,000 (£27,000/$38,000) fine as event and concert venues in Sao Paulo cannot open after 9pm and crowds are prohibited.

How have the players and clubs reacted?

Neres' management told reporters that he has only been given a warning, suggesting he will not be charged

"He was literally outside the police station within five minutes and got off with a warning," said a spokesman. 

"Several people were taken to establish their identity and record data."

Ajax have not made a statement, but Sao Paulo have confirmed that Arboleda will be left out of the team until it is proven he does not have Covid-19.

He will miss Saturday's game against Fluminense as a result.

"Sao Paulo regrets what happened to the player Robert Arboleda, this morning, in the East Zone of the capital," a statement read. 

"In view of this fact, the athlete will be isolated in the coming days, being tested daily until we are convinced that he was not infected.

"The player will be fined, and the administrative punishment converted into basic baskets donated to the G10 Favelas.".

Arboleda posted an apology on his Instagram story, saying: "I would like to apologise to everyone for what happened this morning. Impulsively, I made a decision that I know is not the best.

"Of course, I am aware of the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, as well as in my home country, Ecuador, and I reiterate that I made a wrong and impulsive decision to come to the scene, even though I took all the necessary precautions and wore a mask all the time."

Further reading

Juventus have confirmed the return of Massimiliano Allegri to their managerial hot seat, with the path cleared for him to arrive by the departure of Andrea Pirlo after just one season in charge of the Turin giants.

Goal learned on Thursday that a familiar face - one that previously guided the club to five Serie A titles - was being lined up for a second stint at the helm.

Pirlo had experienced a baptism of fire in management and the top-four finish he secured, along with Coppa Italia glory, has not been enough to keep him in a post that will now see Juve turning the clock back.

What has been said?

A statement on Juve's official website read: "Massimiliano Allegri is the Juventus manager once more.

"Allegri finds a bench that he knows very well, a club that he loves and that loves him back, as today a new journey begins together, towards new goals.

"What he achieved in his first adventure at Juventus are engraved in the club’s history: five Scudetti, four-consecutive doubles, coupled with the Coppa Italia and to the two Super Cups, reaching two Champions League finals in just three seasons, in what were epic feats both in Italy and in Europe.

"We said goodbye two years ago with the message, 'History Alone', the message on the back of the shirt given to Massimiliano Allegri by president Andrea Agnelli with an embrace and a shirt, on which in just two words encapsulated Allegri's experience at Juve.

"The beauty of the story, however, is that it never stops. In football, this means a concept that we have ingrained in our DNA: the best victory is the next one. Always.

"Now we are ready to begin again with Allegri, to build our future together; with his enormous professionalism, his moral strength, with the brilliant ideas of a coach capable of shuffling the cards, both on and off the pitch.

"With his smile, a sort of 'signature'. With his way of understanding football and life with simplicity, with his desire to play things down and with the commitment to enjoy every beautiful moment that being at Juventus can give and will give."

What has been said of Pirlo?

The Bianconeri had previously said when parting with Pirlo: "Thank you, Andrea. These are the first words that all of us need to say at the end of this special experience together.

"A few months ago, Andrea Pirlo, an icon of world football, began his new adventure, his first as a coach.

"To do this, first of all, it takes courage, as well as awareness of one's own means, especially in a period marked by thousands of difficulties, with the world forced by the pandemic to reinvent its own rules day after day.

"Pirlo has just begun the first steps of what will no doubt become a brilliant career as a coach. An adventure of transformation, seeking, and often managing, to bring his ideas and his experience as a champion on the pitch from the 'other side' of the fence.

"Since in football, what counts are the victories, let's remember them. In the space of a few short months Pirlo's Juve has raised two trophies: the Italian Supercup and the Coppa Italia. He, as coach, brought home brilliant victories on the most prestigious of fields, from San Siro to Camp Nou.

"For all this, for the courage, the dedication, the passion with which he demonstrated every day, our thanks go to the Maestro, the Coach and to Andrea, that really comes from the heart. As well as our good luck for the future that will surely be a wonderful one."

Pirlo's record as Juve boss

A man who spent four years with Juve as a player returned to the club in 2020 with the intention of taking on a coaching role with their U23s. The decision was, however, taken to promote him into a top job once Maurizio Sarri was sacked.

Pirlo was unable to keep the Bianconeri's high standards, with Inter breaking their stranglehold on the Serie A crown.

An early exit was also suffered in the Champions League, with Cristiano Ronaldo and co unable to inspire Juve to continental glory.

Pirlo oversaw 52 games at the helm, collecting 34 wins and suffering eight defeats.

What has Pirlo said?

He wrote in an Instagram post: "My first season as a manager has ended. It has been an intense, complicated but in any case wonderful year.

"When I was called by Juventus I never thought about the risk I was running, although it was quite evident. Respect for the colors of this shirt and the desire to get involved at the highest levels for the project that was proposed to me prevailed.

"If I had to go back I would make exactly the same choice, although aware of all the obstacles I encountered in  such a difficult period for everyone, which prevented me from planning my intentions and my style of play in the best possible way, but during which I have achieved the objectives that were asked of me.

"This adventure, despite an ending that I did not expect, made it even clearer what I would like my future to be, which I hope is as complete and full of satisfactions as what I experienced as a footballer. It's time to get back in the game and face new challenges. However, I want to thank the Juventus family and all those who have been close to me this season."

The bigger picture

With Juve ready to embrace change once more, Allegri is now stepping back into a role that he vacated in the summer of 2019. The 53-year-old has been out of work since.

He had been wanted by La Liga giants Real Madrid, as they prepared to bid farewell to Zinedine Zidane , but the Bianconeri have moved quickly to win the race for a sought-after signature.

Further reading

Aymeric Laporte cannot guarantee that he will be sticking around at Manchester City after the centre-half lost his place in Pep Guardiola's starting XI.

The 27-year-old was expected to strike up a formidable partnership with Ruben Dias at the Etihad Stadium, but that role has gone to John Stones.

Laporte admits that life as a back-up option is not that appealing, as he prepares for Euro 2020 duty after switching international allegiance to Spain, and it may be that he has to push for a move elsewhere in the summer transfer window.

What has been said?

Quizzed on his future by The Independent, having previously stated his happiness at City back in February, the France-born defender said: "When you asked me that in this period I was playing more I think or maybe less but I don’t know, the situation is very different now. I will not say nothing here, it’s something personal."

Where does Laporte stand at City?

Laporte has made 27 appearances for City across all competitions this season, but only 14 of those have been Premier League starts.

He is in line to play in the Champions League final with Chelsea on Saturday, but has not graced that competition since March and only four times in total across the Citizens' run to Porto.

On his lack of regular game time, Laporte said: "It’s a very different challenge because I never played less than this year. For me it’s very different, that is difficult to accept.

"I try to train every day like normal. I try to keep my rhythm and when I have to play I try to do it as best as possible. Personally, I’m happy with what I’ve done this season.

"When I’ve played, I’ve played really good. Of course you can always improve but I am happy with all that, and I hope I can do a very good Euros, then we’ll see what can happen."

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool new boy Ibrahima Konte will immediately challenge for a place in the Reds’ starting line-up.

The 22-year-old’s move to Anfield was confirmed on Friday, with Liverpool having triggered the release clause - understood to be worth in excess of £35 million ($50m) - in the defender’s contract with RB Leipzig.

Konate has agreed a five-year contract and will move to Merseyside on July 1, becoming the first signing of the summer for the 2019-20 Premier League champions.

What’s been said?

Reflecting on the move, Klopp told the club website: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to add a player of Ibrahima’s quality to our squad and he is someone I’ve admired for a long time, ever since I first became aware of his potential when he was at Sochaux.

“After the problems we had with injuries in the centre-half position last season, there’s no doubt it was clear it was an area of the team we needed to strengthen, but I first have to say that the job Nat [Phillips], Rhys [Williams] and Ozan [Kabak] did was incredible. Unbelievable really.

“In Ibrahima we are signing a player who will add to the quality we already have here. His physical attributes are very impressive; he is quick, he is very strong and he is dominant in the air.

“He comes to us after playing more than 90 times for Leipzig in the Bundesliga and European football. I’m sure that number would have been more but for some injury, but even so that means he already has experience of what it takes to compete in two outstandingly difficult competitions.

“He also played for a team in the Champions League in high-pressure matches, who have a similar football vision to ourselves.

“I am confident we are signing a player who can play for us right away, but he is a boy of 22 years of age who has room to improve because of his massive potential. I know that’s something he is eager to work on with us to become an even better player.

“For me, that’s really exciting because I have seen how good he is already and I’m looking forward to working with him when he joins up with us in pre-season.”

What are Liverpool’s centre-back options now?

Having struggled at times to find two central defensive options this season, Klopp could find himself with an embarrassment of riches heading into the new campaign.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are closing in on a return after both suffering serious knee injuries last autumn, while Joel Matip should be back from an ankle problem in time for the start of pre-season training in July.

Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams, so impressive during the closing weeks of the campaign, remain at the club, with decisions to be made on their respective futures.

Williams, 20, is likely to be loaned out, as is Sepp van den Berg, who moved to Championship club Preston for the second half of the season.

Ben Davies, meanwhile, has not played a single minute since moving the other way, with Klopp giving the 25-year-old time to settle. Davies has also been troubled by a calf injury, though it is understood that he has now completed his recovery. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool give the former Preston man a chance to prove himself.

Billy Koumetio, the 18-year-old Frenchman, is viewed as a player with significant potential, but is still some way of being ready for first-team football despite making his debut in the Champions League at Midtjylland last December.

Liverpool have already informed Schalke they will not be taking up the £18m ($23m) option in Kabak’s loan deal. The Turkey international will return to Germany, though it is understood he has interest from a number of clubs about a permanent move this summer.

Further reading 

Raphael Varane is ready to delay any decision on his future at Real Madrid until after this summer's European Championship, with the France international paying little attention to rumours linking him with Manchester United.

The World Cup winner is approaching the final 12 months of his contract in Spain and is seeing a move mooted as no fresh terms have been put in place.

Leading sides across Europe, including plenty in England, are said to be keeping a close eye on developments around Varane, but the 28-year-old is set to keep his suitors waiting.

What has been said?

Quizzed on the speculation he is generating after linking up with the France squad for Euro 2020 duty, Varane told reporters: "This is not the time to talk about my future, I am focused on the selection, on this Euro, it is normal and logical to ask the question and for my part it is normal and logical to focus on the upcoming deadlines.

"We are all human beings. We can think about it. As for my personal case, I am focused on the objectives that we have in the France team, it is not a subject that I will discuss every day in my room at Clairefontaine.

"I am focused on my goal, and now is not the time to discuss it. If I have to talk about it, it will be directly with the people concerned."

The bigger picture

It may be that Varane forms part of what is shaping up to be a summer of much change in Madrid.

Zinedine Zidane has stepped down as head coach of the Blancos, with the Frenchman walking away from the final year of his contract.

With a fellow countryman heading through the exits, Varane could take a similar approach.

Many have billed him as the perfect addition for United, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the market for another proven performer to slot in alongside club captain Harry Maguire.

Further reading

The passing statistics from Swansea City’s semi-final play-off success over Barnsley made for interesting reading: the Welsh outfit completed 47 percent of their passes in the narrow first-leg success, a return that fell to 43 percent in the 1-1 stalemate at the Liberty Stadium.

Compare this to Brentford, the side they face in Saturday’s decider, whose average pass completion against Bournemouth was 78 percent.

Without a doubt, the seemingly contrasting styles suggest it wouldn’t be out of place to suggest that the unbiased supporter will be rooting for the London outfit over the Swans.

Throw in the Bees’ defeat by Fulham at Wembley Stadium last year and the fondness for Thomas Frank’s team probably doubles.

Having said that, Swansea and Andre Ayew are unlikely to care about extraneous factors when they cross the white line at the Home of Football. They’ve been away from the Premier League since 2018 and were denied a playoff final place last year by…you guessed it…Brentford.

Despite their flawed style against Barnsley, they’ve battled to be where they are and have earned the right to play in Saturday’s momentous final, looking to match the elation felt in 2011 when they beat Reading 4-2.

On that day, Scott Sinclair netted a hat-trick against the Royals to end an incredible campaign on a positive note and Ayew is looking to do likewise.

Despite not scoring as many as the ex-Chelsea player’s 22 Championship goals (including the play-off final hat-trick), the forward has a whole lot riding on Saturday’s game.

The Ghanaian is the club’s leading scorer this term — with 16 goals in the regular season and that amazing strike in the narrow 1-0 triumph at Barnsley taking his league total to 17 — but he’s out of contract at the Welsh side and is likely to depart if they lose on Saturday.

Having failed to make the desired impact upon his return to the club in January 2018, the West African is motivated to give it another shot in the big time after going 12 games without scoring following his deadline day comeback which ultimately ended in relegation.

“It’s very important to me to get this club back to the Premier League,” Ayew said, as reported by his club’s official website. “I wake up every morning with that thought – it’s always on my mind – and it’s what keeps me going.

“Finals are not there to be played; they are there to be won. There is a big prize on offer. We are one game away, and we have to be ready on that day.”

While promotion to the Premier League at Brentford’s expense may not necessarily guarantee the Ghana forward’s stay in Wales, victory at least increases the possibility of player and club negotiating new terms for the 31-year-old.

Success on both fronts will be gratifying for Steve Cooper, whose faith in Ayew convinced the West African to remain at the club in the summer of 2019 after a loan spell with Fenerbahce in 18/19.

“The manager said, ‘I want you - you don't have to move; the club is ready to keep you',” the Swansea man told FourFourTwo in April via Wales Online. “That message was big for me. A few things came in, but whether it was the league, the club or maybe not what I wanted financially, I never felt like everything was there, so I continued at Swansea.”

Games between both sides in the last two seasons have tended to go Brentford’s way, with the Londoners winning three of six meetings between the pair, including that 3-1 playoff semi-final turnaround post-lockdown last year.

Having said that, the respective departures of Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins to West Ham United and Aston Villa last summer has seen Frank’s team fail to punish the Swans twice this term, despite dominating both games and creating the better chances.

After last year’s extra time disappointment against Fulham, Brentford will believe they are primed for a debut Premier League season. It will be an amazing story for the club, and they may even have neutrals on-side due to their tactical approach and general modus operandi.

Swansea, though, will be unperturbed about that and focus on upsetting the Bees hoping to return to the top flight for a second adventure. Ayew influence has, by and large, brought the Swans this far and, on Saturday, he gets the perfect opportunity to finish the job.

Success wouldn’t only mean promotion and all the financial benefits, but it could see the club hold on to their talisman for another year, as they look forward to rubbing shoulders with the big boys again after a three-year wait.

Kevin De Bruyne has no "bad feelings" towards Chelsea despite being forced out of Stamford Bridge by a lack of game time and missing out on an invite to the 2012 Champions League final.

The Belgian midfielder agreed a move to Stamford Bridge in January of that year and was all set to link up with the Blues when they faced Bayern Munich in a continental showpiece at the Allianz Arena.

De Bruyne was not asked to come along for that ride, as the Blues secured a historic triumph, with the Manchester City superstar now looking to make his own European memories when facing his former club in another final on Saturday.

What has been said?

Asked about 2012 and his association with Chelsea as they claimed a prestigious piece of silverware, De Bruyne told The Sun: "I wasn’t there. I don’t think I was invited. I don’t remember much about it to be honest.

"With Champions League finals, sometimes I watch them – sometimes not. It just depends on the situation. I don’t recall too much about that one."

Quizzed on whether that will make an outing in Porto this weekend extra special, with just nine appearances taken in for Chelsea before he moved on, De Bruyne added: "Not really.

"I’ve not really got any bad feelings towards them. It was a part of my life that happened. It was a good step for me but I just wanted to play.

"People think about the couple of months that I didn’t play but before then I’d done the pre-seasons, I’d been on loan to my old team and to Germany. I grew up a lot as a player.

"Then I came back and I didn’t play a lot so I made a decision and in the end everyone was happy with it. So I don’t think anyone looks back at it as a bad decision."

Is De Bruyne fully fit for final duty?

Niggling knocks over recent weeks had cast some doubt over De Bruyne's involvement in the Champions League final clash with Chelsea.

Three separate knocks have been suffered, with knee, calf and hamstring complaints limiting his game time.

The 29-year-old did, however, play the full 90 minutes as Everton were crushed 5-0 on the final weekend of the Premier League season and he is raring to go as City look to chase down a first European Cup triumph.

De Bruyne said on his fitness: "I could have played against Brighton but the manager decided not to put me in.

"But I’m happy I was able to play the full 90 against Everton and show that I’m in a good rhythm."

Further reading

Liverpool have triggered the release clause in Ibrahima Konate's contract at RB Leipzig, with a five-year contract agreed with the French defender.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with the Reds for some time, and a big-money move to England has now been pushed through.

A long-term deal has been agreed with the highly-rated defender and he is all set to open a new chapter in his career at Anfield.

What has been said?

Upon completing a switch to England, Konate told the Reds' official website: "I’m really happy to be joining such a massive club like Liverpool.

"It’s a really exciting moment for me and my family and I am really looking forward to meeting my new team-mates, the staff and getting started on this new chapter.

"Right now, my focus is on the U21 European Championships with France, but after this competition I know I will be joining one of the best teams in the world and that gives me a great feeling.

"I have worked very hard for many years to get to this point, but I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at RB Leipzig and all the people I worked with there – the coaches, my team-mates, the staff and especially the fans.

"Your support helped me grow up during my time there and become not only a better player, but a better man and I will always be grateful for it."

What is the deal worth?

Konate's release clause at Leipzig was worth in excess of £35 million ($50m), with Liverpool investing heavily in securing his services.

All of the relevant paperwork is now in place, with signatures added where required.

A medical has also been completed, with a top target snapped up early in the summer by Jurgen Klopp.

Why have Liverpool signed Konate?

Klopp saw best-laid plans decimated by injuries in 2020-21, with his defensive ranks feeling the full force of those blows.

Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were among those to take in lengthy spells on the sidelines, forcing academy graduates to be promoted and fresh faces to be drafted in.

Ozan Kabak was among those acquired in January, in a loan agreement with Schalke, but an £18m ($26m) purchase option will not be taken up there.

With Konate on his way to Merseyside, Klopp must now decide what to do with a number of other options at his disposal.

Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips impressed during a late surge for Champions League qualification, but could both be loaned out in 2021-22, while a decision also needs to be made on the future of winter arrival Ben Davies - who is yet to take in an appearance for the club.

Who else did the Reds have their eye on?

Konate has figured prominently on Klopp's recruitment radar ever since the decision was taken to bring in another centre-half.

Alternative options were, however, mulled over, with Liverpool eager to ensure that they were not solely reliant on Plan A.

Brighton defender Ben White, who has made England's preliminary squad for this summer's European Championship, is another that the Reds considered, along with Marseille star Duje Caleta-Car.

Further reading

Chelsea continue their partnership with Nike for their 2021-22 kits as they enter into the fifth year of a collaboration that began in the 2017-18 campaign.

While they were some distance from Premier League glory last season, Thomas Tuchel's side reached the Champions League final and will be keen to look the part next season, at home or away, as they attempt to build on that foundation.

Ahead of the new campaign, Goal takes a look at what the Blues will be wearing and release dates, as well as leaks and rumours about potential styles.

Chelsea 2021-22 home kit & release date

Chelsea's 2021-22 home kit was officially launched on May 13 and it was worn for the first time in the FA Cup final defeat to Leicester City on May 15. The full retail launch followed on May 20.

The kit design is said to have been inspired by 1960s subcultures and the kit is certainly more vibrant than its predecessor, with a mixture of zig-zag and chequered print on the fabric.

While the 2020-21 home kit was characterised by darker, more solid, blues, the new home kit brings back the yellow tinges that featured in many of the 1990s kits.

A slick promotional video was produced to herald the new look, with the likes of Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi accompanied with a remix of The Zombies' classic 1960s hit 'Time of the Season'.

Like many kits worn by the biggest sports teams in the world nowadays, Nike has manufactured the fabric using recycled plastic.

"This shirt is the most eye-catching yet and is so unique from the others I’ve worn," Blues playmaker Mason Mount said of the kit in the press release. "I think it’ll be a big hit with Blues across the globe."

He added: "I feel like it really represents this younger generation rising up the ranks and I love the sustainability behind it.

"It’s really important to be mindful of our impact on the environment and it’s great to see football leading the way on sustainability."

Chelsea 2021-22 away kit & release date

The Chelsea 2021-22 away kit is expected to be launched in late June or early July in time for the new campaign.

There has been no confirmation on the design of the away kit, but leaks online suggest that yellow and black will be the colourway. Chelsea last had a yellow away kit for the 2018-19 season.

A continuation of the zig-zag and chequered 1960s-inspirated pattern has also been touted.

How much will they cost & where to buy?

A short-sleeved adult home replica jersey is priced at £69.95, with a children's jersey costing £54.95. 

Chelsea fans can purchase the kits from the club's official webstore or the stadium megastore at Stamford Bridge.

Kits will also be available to buy at most high-street sports retail shops in the UK, such as Sports Direct, JD Sports and so on.

Note: prices may vary.

Read more

Matheus Fernandes has accused Ronald Koeman of having a "personal problem" with him, with the Dutch coach telling the Brazilian that he does not "have the quality to play for Barcelona".

The highly-rated 22-year-old midfielder was snapped up by the Blaugrana in January 2020 and allowed to take in a loan spell at Real Valladolid before making his way to Camp Nou.

Koeman had inherited the reins before a debut campaign in Catalunya was opened, and Fernandes found himself restricted to just 17 minutes of game time off the bench in a Champions League group-stage clash with Dynamo Kiev.

What has been said?

Asked by Mundo Deportivo on why he was frozen out, a puzzled Fernandes said: "I think Koeman has some personal problem against me.

"A month after my debut against Dynamo and not having played after, I went to Koeman’s office and asked ‘Did I play badly?’. He replied: ‘No, you played well, but I can’t give you chances. I don’t count on you. You don’t have the quality to play for Barca'."

The South American added: "In training, I was always in defence or on the wings – out of my natural position. 

"And there were days when I didn’t even train. I just warmed up but I wasn’t involved with the whole group."

Confusing saga

Fernandes got an early indicator that life at Barca may not play out as he had hoped when his official unveiling was cancelled amid the furore sparked by Lionel Messi's bid to leave the club.

Josep Maria Bartomeu was then forced out of his presidential office, leaving a new arrival in limbo and wondering what his immediate and long-term future holds.

Fernandes added on the confusion around his arrival: "I can understand that because it was a very delicate moment. 

"The day they were going to present me was the day Leo’s burofax arrived. Then, there was no president.

"It is not a good thing, but it can happen. Although, I hope that this will not happen again. 

"It is a bit strange and there are some things that I don’t understand. I know the same as you – nothing – because they [the board] never talked to me.

"For me, the best option is to stay here, but I don’t know what the club thinks. If I have to leave to get minutes, I will."

Further reading