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Pep Guardiola sidestepped questions over his interest in Harry Kane following Manchester City's defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, indicating that he will not speculate over the Tottenham star's future.

The England captain has reportedly told Spurs that he wishes to leave this summer after losing confidence in their ability to challenge for trophies, with City, Manchester United and Chelsea mooted as potential destinations.

Kane, on course to nab the Premier League Golden Boot for a third time this term and preparing to lead Gareth Southgate's Three Lions in their latest international charge at success during Euro 2020, remains a highly respected talent - but Guardiola has refused to signal whether he is keen on acquiring his services.

What has been said?

Asked whether he would like to sign Kane during his post-match press conference, Guardiola offered a particularly short response, stating: “Next question please. He’s a Tottenham Hotspur player.”

Elsewhere, the Spaniard was in a particularly tetchy mood, following a game that saw his side reduced to 10 men early on following Joao Cancelo's controversial dismissal for a foul on Danny Welbeck, before tensions seemingly flared with opposite number Graham Potter at the final whistle.

"I'm not a referee, I cannot comment," he added to BBC Sport, before noting, in reference to Potter: "What I say to him is personal. Not here.".

Kane's future hangs in balance

The news that Kane wishes to depart north London, following another runners-up medal in this season's Carabao Cup final against City, indicates that the striker has grown tired of Tottenham's trophy drought, a run that stretches back to 2008.

However, with a long-term contract through 2024, the 27-year-old is tied to the club for the long-term future, meaning any potential move away would need to command a major transfer fee.

Even then, Tottenham would be loathed to lose arguably their linchpin player, particularly to a Premier League rival, while City's continued interest in Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, combined with United's renewal of Edinson Cavani's deal at Old Trafford, arguably narrows his options.

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not ruled out Manchester United signing a striker this summer despite Edinson Cavani signing a contract extension. 

The club are hoping to bring in a number of new faces when the window opens but with Cavani putting pen to paper on an extension that keeps him at the club until June 2022 it is understood a striker has been pushed down the priority list with right-wing taking precedent. 

But the United manager refused to rule out the possibility of the club adding another striker to their ranks. 

What was said? 

Asked if he could rule out United signing a striker this summer he replied: “No, of course I can’t.

"Yeah Edi (Cavani) signed but how many good strikers have we had at this club? And I can’t say we’re not signing a striker, of course not because we’re building towards a better squad.

"We’re top three two years on the bounce but we’re still nowhere near where we want to be. Hopefully we’ll end up with a stronger squad at the start of next season and be more consistent and challenge the ones in front of us."

What about Kane?

The news on Monday night that Harry Kane has asked to leave Tottenham has intensified speculation that he could be on his way to Old Trafford. 

United are long-term admirers of the England international but know a deal would be far from straight forward and would cost a lot. 

Chelsea and Manchester City are also believed to be interested in the striker and Solskjaer was asked about whether his future and potential transfer away from Spurs would set the tone for the summer window. 

Solskjaer said: “I can’t comment on other teams players and what’s been speculated and said. I want to show the respect Tottenham deserve and not talk about their players.” 

What else was said? 

Speaking about the wonderful goal his own striker, Cavani, scored in the 1-1 draw against Fulham he said: “If that was in the vote for goal of the season I think he might have had a chance to win it. 

“This chance was amazing, very pleased with him.” 

Further reading

Karim Benzema’s return to the French senior national team has sent social media into a meltdown.

The Real Madrid star was named in the European side’s 26-man squad for this summer's Euro 2020 tournament, with the striker earning a recall from Didier Deschamps for the first time in six years.

With this development, the 33-year-old rejoined the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann in the French squad as reigning world champions Les Bleus hope to shine at the Euros this summer.

As expected, football fans went on social media to celebrate the return of the former Olympique Lyon man to international football.

Bruno Fernandes has admitted that he did not get a touch on Edinson Cavani's magnificent long-range strike, as Manchester United were held to a draw by relegated Fulham in their first game back in front of fans in the Premier League.

The Red Devils looked on course to deliver a home victory at Old Trafford for their supporters before Joe Bryan netted a late equaliser to hand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side a hiccup in their Europa League final preperations.

Fernandes was credited for the assist in midfield, seemingly tapping on David De Gea's delivery near the halfway line for Cavani to blast home from 40 yards - but the Portuguese has now acknowledged that he didn't feel a thing in the build-up.

What did Fernandes say?

"Honestly I didn't feel the touch," the playmaker admitted to Match of the Day after the full-time whistle. "The referee said I touched the ball.

"How it is, I don't care honestly. I always say the most important goal is the one that hits the net, it doesn't matter who gets the goal or the assist.

Fernandes also weighed in on the return of supporters, adding: "It was really good [to have fans back]. It's such a good feeling, you know.

"We know how important fans are to football so it was really nice to have them back. We didn't give them what we wanted, with the victory.

"We pressed a lot. You shoot, you try and the ball doesn't go in but sometimes that happens. We'll put our heads down and focus on the next game."

Parker left perplexed by wondergoal

Cottagers manager Scott Parker was left equally flummoxed by Cavani's screamer, and was particularly irked that VAR did not pick up upon Fernandes' movements following the Uruguayan's strike.

"I don't understand how it's not offside," he told Sky Sports. "The fourth official said if Fernandes hasn't touched, it he's five yards offside.

"I've looked at it back. I can understand if we didn't have VAR, I get that that goal can be given due to human error, but when you can slow it down and look at the angles, you can see he's not touched it.

"I thought we were fantastic today. Nothing really different in our performance. We came here today and played like a big team. We had to be courageous.

"It's a difficult place to come Old Trafford, let alone today with 10,000 fans in. I'm very proud and overall pleased with the performance."

Further reading

Karim Benzema has been named in France's 26-man squad for this summer's Euro 2020 tournament, with the Real Madrid star earning a recall from Didier Deschamps to the national team for the first time in six years.

Benzema had been a key figure for France since making his debut in 2007, but the forward fell out of favour with the national team program due to his alleged involvement in the Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal.

However, he has now rejoined the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann in the French squad as world champions Les Bleus seek to shine at the Euros this summer.

France squad in full

GOALKEEPERS: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, Mike Maignan

DEFENDERS: Leo Dubois, Benjamin Pavard, Kurt Zouma,Jules Koundé, Raphael Varane, Clement Lenglet, Prisnel Kimpembe, Lucas Digne, Lucas Hernandez

MIDFIELDERS: N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot, Corentin Tolisso, Moussa Sissoko

FORWARDS: Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram, Kingsley Coman, Wissam Ben Yedder, Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Lemar, Ousmane Dembele

What has Deschamps said?

The national team coach, who guided the country to World Cup success at Russia 2018, weighed in on Benzema's inclusion, indicating that he previously refused to recall the player at the expense of Chelsea star Olivier Giroud.

"There is always competition," he added. "You quote Giroud and Benzema, but for more than three years they were together. By making this choice, it is for the good of the France team, as it always does.

"The France team is supposed to be better with Karim Benzema, but not at all by eliminating Olivier Giroud. Do not forget, however, that for years the French team has obtained very good results: vice-champion of Europe, World Champion ".

He added: "Why now? I don't have the capacity, nobody has, to go back and change anything. The most important is today and tomorrow.

"There were important steps. A very important one. We saw each other. We discussed it at length. After that, I had a long reflection to come to this decision today.

"I will not reveal a word of the discussion, that concerns us both. I needed it, he needed it I have already been confronted with difficult situations, I have always ignored my personal case.

"The France team does not belong to me, even if I am well aware that the responsibility that I have is important, by the choices that I have to make."

Benzema's national team history

The 33-year-old striker originally made his senior international debut as a teenager in 2007 during his time at Lyon and quickly became a regular for his country.

He amassed 81 caps and 27 goals before his exile began in 2016, appearing in the nation's squads for Euro 2008 and 2012, alongside the 2014 World Cup.

However, despite ongoing success at Madrid, Benzema's international career came to a screeching halt in 2016, with the striker subsequently stating that coach Didier Deschamps had bowed under "pressure from France's racist element"', which the manager has long since denied.

He was also left off the 2018 World Cup squad and, in 2019, Benzema campaigned to be allowed to play for a different national team due to his France exclusion.

“Know that it will be me and me alone who decides when my international career is over," he tweeted.

“If you think that I am finished, let me play for a country that I am eligible to play for and we will see.”

Benzema's France absence dates back to the Valbuena sex tape scandal, with the Real Madrid star currently facing trial over his alleged involvement.

He is accused of trying to extort money from his fellow France international ahead of a friendly against Armenia five years ago.

Benzema, however, has denied the allegations repeatedly.

He told L’Equipe in 2017: "He said he would not have lodged a complaint if he knew I was involved in the story. For more than a year and a half, I'm his worst enemy, a bad guy, a thug, I have to be punished, dragged through the mud, my name and that of my family, in the dirt.

"It has been almost two years since I was forbidden to see my best friend [Karim Zenati], if not we go to prison, and he is quiet, but he must stop his crap, and I do not know why he keeps talking about me already.

"[Saying] I am his enemy, I wanted to take money from him... he really has to stop inventing, it makes me mad to keep on lying.

"He just had to tell the truth about what really happened, and he would not have had all of this."

Starring at Real Madrid

While excluded from the French team, Benzema has been ever-present for Real Madrid, consistently proving himself as one of the world's best strikers.

He's scored at least 20 league goals in each of the last three seasons, taking his total to 278 goals in 558 games for the Spanish giants.

Since arriving, Benzema has won La Liga on three occasions, along with four Champions League titles, two Copas del Rey and four Club World Cups as part of an 18-trophy haul.

Further reading

Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy Omollo has conceded his charges are not yet fit but are psychologically prepared for their Football Kenya Federation Premier League assignment against Sofapaka.

K'Ogalo hope to get maximum points against inconsistent Batoto ba Mungu to stand a chance of representing the nation in the Caf Champions League. However, it will not be a walk in the park as the former Harambee Star explains.

"Nobody is fully in the right shape, we are just coming back from a break," Omollo told Goal on Tuesday.

"Yes, we are mentally ready for the game but not fully fit; but you can see the players are really giving their all in training and after a couple of matches, I believe they will be fit.

"It is not going to be an easy game, we all know Sofapaka are coming from a win, they defeated Wazito [2-0] and are riding high in confidence. But we are hopeful we will get a win."

The 51-year-old did not hide his joy from what he is seeing in training from the players.

"We have about 25 players, and it is encouraging to see how they are pushing hard to get positions in the team," Omollo continued.

"The young players in the team are also pushing the senior ones well. It is, for this reason, I remain optimistic whoever will be fielded will be deserving and will give us the result we want."

Is there anyone missing the Wednesday game?

"No, every player is available and ready to play the game, the only players missing are Jules Ulimwengu and Wilson Silva.

"Ulimwengu is not yet back, and even if he was, he would not have played any part because he was down with Malaria. As for Silva, we are hopeful he will be back soon. 

"He had missed home and had to travel, and with football back, he will be back as well."

Gor Mahia are currently placed sixth on the table with 22 points from the 14 matches they have played. They have seven wins, a draw, and six losses. The reigning league champions have scored 21 goals and conceded 17 in the process. 

Kaizer Chiefs head of scouting Walter Steenbok is reportedly among the favourites to become the new South African Football Association technical director.

The nation's football governing body has been without a permanent technical director since the departure of former Chiefs captain Neil Tovey after his five-year contract expired in June 2020.

Frans Mogashoa, who is Safa's head of coaching education, has been acting in this position since Tovey’s departure, but iDiski Times are now reporting that Steenbok has emerged as a favourite for the job.

Safa's chief executive Tebogo Motlanthe has disclosed three candidates have been shortlisted as they look to replace Tovey. 

“Like I did with all staff I put technical director for last because I need to also get the technical input because when you get a technical director, it must be someone who understands where the association is going," Motlanthe told the same publication. 

"So I got three shortlisted names. And hopefully, I’ll sit with the technical committee this weekend, we finalize that appointment because I can safely tell you that our restructuring, our old section 189 process is 99% done. We tried to reduce salaries while we protect jobs at all cost. 

“All of them, South Africans, all of them top candidates within their own rights, it’s just for the technical committee to also say these are the people we want, who can take us forward," he continued. 

"Then once we have agreed we are on the same page with the technical committee will make the announcement."

Mauritius Football Association (MFA) technical director Zunaid Mall and a former Safa technical officer in Gauteng Joe de Oliviera have also been linked with Safa's technical director job. 

However, Motlanthe insisted the names of the three candidates are a secret. 

“I’m not a technical person as you know, but these are good names. Well, I looked at the CVs the standard is high," he added. 

"So it’s just for the technical committee to say, do we have the right person or must we go again and interview people. The candidates are a very big secret. They don’t even know they’re shortlisted as we speak."

Steenbok, who is a former Mamelodi Sundowns chief scout, coached Basotho Tigers in the NFD and Benoni Premier United in the PSL. 

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores is up and running once more, with the group stage now underway for 2021.

Thirty two teams from across the South American continent have won passage into the first round proper of the competition, either through automatic qualification or by fighting through Libertadores' preliminary rounds.

Both the Argentine and Brazilian clubs have tasted glory in this tournament and will be desperate to make a claim for one of those spots with a strong performance. 

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores group stage can be watched through Fanatiz with a 7-day free trial followed by $7.99 a month . 

The streaming platform offers the option to watch each game.

Copa Libertadores Group Stage: Round Five Fixtures

Group positions as of May 17 in (brackets). 

(Q) Already qualified for last 16

(C) Already eliminated (but can still make Copa Sudamericana)

(E) Already eliminated 

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

What has happened so far in the 2021 Copa Libertadores?

The 2021 Copa Libertadores began less than a month after the 2020 edition came to an end with Palmeiras' narrow victory over Santos in the final, due to delays in its playing caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

On February 23 Uruguay's Liverpool met Catolica of Ecuador in the opening match of the first preliminary phase, officially kicking off the new tournament. 

Watch now with Fanatiz English

With four rounds of the group stage already completed in this accelerated Libertadores, both Palmeiras and Atletico Mineiro have already secured safe passage to the last 16, the former with a perfect record so far. 

A whole host of teams could be joining them this week, with the likes of Flamengo, Fluminense and Argentinos Juniors needing only a draw to progress while others, such as Sao Paulo and Racing Club in Group E and Group C leaders Barcelona, can clinch their knockout place with victory.

Elsewhere, though, things look set to go down to the final day: particularly in Group B, where all four teams are deadlocked on six points so far.

It is important to remember as well that there is still plenty to play for even for those teams who look set to miss out on the knockout stage, as third place guarantees a spot in the Copa Sudamericana last 16.

Watch the Copa Libertadores live on Fanatiz. Sign up for a free trial now followed by $7.99 a month

Kwadwo Baah revealed why signing for Watford is his ‘biggest achievement’ in life so far.

Following his impressive performance for English League Two side Rochdale, the English U18 star of Ghanaian descent penned a five-year contract with the Hornets.

The 18-year-old who can play as a forward or on either wing was in fine form for Brian Barry-Murphy’s side, albeit, he could not prevent them from getting demoted to the English football league’s fourth-tier.

In his first interview with the Hornets, the teenager hailed his move to the Premier League side while assuring that he would prove his worth.

“I’m very excited to join Watford,” Baah was quoted by the club website.

“It’s been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League so for Watford to give me that opportunity, I’m very grateful.

“Watford showed me they really wanted me. They want me to prove myself to them and to show I can play in the Premier League and show the world what I can do.

“Getting called up by England was a big achievement, but Watford signing me this summer, so I can have the opportunity to play in the Premier League, is my biggest achievement in life so far. I’m really happy for that.

“I’m very excited to meet all the players and I’ve had a couple of messages from the coaches and other staff welcoming me to the club already, which is very nice.”

Having spent four years in Crystal Palace’s academy, Baah teamed up with Rochdale in 2019. He properly made a mark in the 2020-21 campaign where he contributed three goals and two assists in 13 League One starts.

“Rochdale helped me a lot at the start of my footballing career,” he continued.

“Going into the professional game, they have helped me mature into the player I am today. They have helped me show people what I can do with the ball.

“And they have helped me off the pitch too, which means I know what to do to take care of myself.

“I’m a fast player, I like to dribble a lot and I like to think I’m an exciting player as well. I like scoring goals and creating them too.”

Throughout his time at the Spotland Stadium, he scored three goals in 44 appearances for Barry-Murphy's side.

Having joined the Hertfordshire-based side, he becomes the seventh African at Watford.

Tusker FC coach Robert Matano has stated they must contain the pressure and focus on their matches in the FKF Premier League after dropping points in their last assignment.

The Brewers returned to action with a 0-0 draw against KCB in a match at Ruaraka grounds but according to Matano the team must start playing as a unit to help them get the results they want and be in a better position to challenge for the title.

“It was always going to be a very tough game because playing the first game after two months of stoppage is not easy,” Matano said in an interview.

“KCB is a very good team but I know we will pick up from there. We now have a good time to prepare for the next game and I know we will improve.

“We are just in the first leg and we have finished top, now we have to move forward into the second half of the season, pressure to win the title is on everyone, not just us. We have to contain the pressure on our side and make sure we improve in the next game.

“We have to be more organized in attack because against KCB, we didn’t see much of any attacking play. We also didn’t play as a unit as usual but I know with time we will be okay.”

Meanwhile, KCB coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was equally impressed with his side's resilience to snatch a draw from the Brewers insisting the result was fair for both teams.

“It was a well-balanced game and I feel a draw was a fair result to both teams,” Otieno told Goal. “We troubled them mostly in the first half but in the second period, it was a balanced affair until we got our player sent off.

“It somehow affected our rhythm and the reason we resorted to defending to avoid losing in the last moments.”

Despite the draw, the Brewers remained top of the log with 34 points, but second-placed AFC Leopards are only two points short, having beaten Nzoia Sugar 1-0.

Tusker will next face Wazito FC, who are reeling from losing 2-0 against Sofapaka in a match at Wundanyi grounds.

Dylan Kerr believes only five clubs can sign striker Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has reportedly asked to leave the North London club after growing frustrated over the club’s inability to compete at the highest level, having seen his side fall out of contention to secure Champions League football for next season.

Though Spurs have long been reluctant to entertain bids for their talisman, the England captain is hoping they will soften their stance after his long service to the club.

The British tactician, who is currently handling Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League has backed Kane’s reported stance to leave Spurs this summer but maintained only five clubs – Manchester City, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, Juventus, and PSG - are able to sign him.

“It is good for him to move because he wants to win trophies but his price will dictate the team he will sign for,” Kerr told Goal on Tuesday.

“He’s served the club well and it can be good for him to leave but only five clubs will be in for his services and that is Man City, Barcelona, and Real Madrid in my opinion or if possible Juventus and PSG.

“But Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal they’re going to be priced out unless he’s a free agent.”

Kerr has maintained Kane will not make a mistake leaving Spurs, by stating: “Yes he’s hungry for trophies and he deserves to move, it’s not okay being a top goal scorer but not have anything to show for it as a winner.

“Like I tell all my players wherever I go, you should always want to be the best and win trophies to show in the future when you retire, and Kane needs that for the future.”

Already, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea have been mentioned as potentially viable destinations for Kane, although it is still unclear as to whether a move will materialise.

With 22 Premier League goals, Kane is level with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in the race for the golden boot. Furthermore, he has 32 goals and 16 assists in 47 games in all competitions, ranking him among the world's best strikers this season.

Martin Odegaard has revealed that he is "happy" at Arsenal, but accepts that Real Madrid will make the final call about his future.

Odegaard has been a big hit at Emirates Stadium since joining the Gunners on loan from Real in the January transfer window.

The Norwegian has nailed down a regular spot in Mikel Arteta's line-up, but is due to return to Santiago Bernabeu this summer with no purchase option included in the deal which saw him leave Madrid on a temporary basis.

What's been said?

Although Odegaard is quite content at Arsenal for the time being, he concedes that Real hold all the cards with regards to his next move due to the fact he is still under contract with the Spanish giants until 2023.

"I am happy here at Arsenal, we will see after the season what will happen," the 22-year-old told Sky Germany.

"I’m owned by Real Madrid, so we have to speak to them. It’s important to understand what they want."

What has Arteta said about Odegaard?

Arteta said that Arsenal will decide whether to take their "relationship forward" with Odegaard at the end of the season following his bright start to life at the Emirates, and has been effusive in his praise for the midfielder on a number of occasions.

One of Odegaard's best displays to date came in a dramatic 3-3 draw with West Ham on March 21, after which his manager stated: "I think he had an incredible performance.

"He was very intelligent the way he read the game, the way he affected the game. The way he steps on that pitch and always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing, he’s been really influential.

"I think we have all been surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps in that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football."

Odegaard's record for Arsenal

Odegaard has appeared in 18 matches across all competitions for the Gunners to date, scoring two goals.

The Norway international will likely have the chance to add to his tally when Arteta's side take in a trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday before they wrap up their season at home to Brighton four days later.

Further reading

The Indian national team is all set to travel to Qatar to play their remaining 2022 World Cup qualifying games against Qatar, Bangladesh and Afghanistan respectively in the month of June.

Igor Stimac's side are scheduled to face hosts and group toppers Qatar on June 3 followed by playing against Bangladesh on June 7 and then they will lock horns against Afghanistan in their final qualifying game on June 15.

India started their journey in the qualifiers with a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Oman at home followed by a historic goalless draw against Asian champions Qatar in Doha. In their third and fourth matches, the Blue Tigers managed 1-1 draws against Bangladesh and Afghanistan respectively and then they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Oman away from home.

While India does not stand a chance of qualifying for the next round of the World Cup qualifiers but they still have a lot to play for in the remaining three fixtures. If India can finish at least in the third position then they will qualify for the third round of the Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers.

Here's how you can watch India's World Cup qualifying games.

Where to watch or stream FC Goa's ACL matches

The  Star Sports Network have bought the rights to show India's World Cup qualifiers in Qatar.

Matches will also be available on the streaming platform  Hotstar, allowing supporters to watch the game and catch the replay of matches. 

India's ACL fixtures

*All the matches can be watched online on Hotstar

Crystal Palace have announced that Roy Hodgson will step down as head coach at the end of the season amid reports that former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is in line for the top job at Selhurst Park.

Hodgson, who has previously managed the likes of Liverpool and England, initially took charge of Palace in 2017 and has since kept them in the Premier League for four consecutive seasons.

The 73-year-old has overseen 160 games across all competitions as Eagles boss, but has decided to walk away from top-flight coaching after their final two fixtures of the 2020-21 campaign against Arsenal and Liverpool.

What's been said?

“After more than 45 years of coaching I have decided that the time is right for me to step away from the rigours of top-flight Premier League football, so our final two matches will be my last ones as manager of Crystal Palace," Hodgson told the club's official website.

“It’s been a particularly rewarding period of my football life and career to have been able to spend these last four seasons with Palace. I feel now that at the end of another successful season, in which we have secured our Premier League status, the moment is right for me to step down from my responsibilities of being a full-time manager.

“I have really enjoyed my time at Palace, I have been privileged to work with an outstanding group of professional and dedicated players, most of whom have been with me throughout the four years. A manager is only as good as the players who perform on the pitch. I have been fortunate that those in my charge have certainly given me that and I thank them for it.

“I would also like to thank our chairman Steve Parish, his partners David Blitzer and Josh Harris and sporting director Dougie Freedman for all their support over the years. They gave me an opportunity to return to my hometown club and I have always felt we were singing from the same hymn sheet in trying to achieve our joint goals.

"I can only wish them all the very best of luck for a successful future and I am convinced that the club will go from strength to strength.”   

Parish's tribute to Hodgson

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has paid tribute to Hodgson ahead of his departure, talking up the impact he has had both on and off the pitch at Selhurst Park over the past four years.

“It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to work alongside Roy, who is both a magnificent human and an outstanding football manager," he said.

"I know how much it has meant to Roy managing the club he supported as a child, adding to his distinguished and unparalleled career in football management. 

“His record with us simply cannot be overstated, he is the only Palace manager to secure four years in the Premier League and he has helped give us stability in the most turbulent of times. We will be forever grateful for his immense contribution and I am delighted that we will have the opportunity to show our appreciation at Selhurst Park after the Arsenal match, alongside 6,500 supporters.

“Roy will leave us after our final Premier League match of the season with our enormous thanks for his incredible contribution to our club, and with our very best wishes for the future.”

Will Lampard be Palace's next manager?   

Lampard is being touted as the most likely candidate to replace Hodgson at Palace, having been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in January.

It has been reported that talks between club officials and Lampard's representatives are already underway, with the south London outfit eager to get their new manager in place as soon as possible.

Further reading