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Joselu ready for Real Madrid lead role if Mbappe stays at PSG

There had been suggestions that the Gunners have moved for the Norway international, but Paul Heckingbottom insists that is not the case

Reports of Arsenal tabling a bid for Sander Berge have been rubbished by interim Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom, with the Blades yet to receive any offers for a player with a £35 million ($50m) release clause.

There have been suggestions that interest in the Norway international from Emirates Stadium is being stepped up, with a £17m ($24m) approach made from north London.

Heckingbottom insists that is not the case, with there still no substance to the rumours that continue to link a talented 23-year-old midfielder with the Gunners, Liverpool, Everton and Aston Villa.

What has been said?

Quizzed ahead of a Premier League meeting with Newcastle as to whether any bids for Berge have been knocked back, Heckingbottom has told Yorkshire Live : "No, no offers.

"We know how things work.

"If there is anything happening for our players it's bubbling away behind the scenes until [transfer] windows open and things can possibly happen, but it is all paper talk.

"Most of the questions you get asked about possible targets never, ever comes to fruition. Ninety-odd percent of it will never surface.

"At the minute it is all just rumour and speculation. We've had no bids for our players."

Why is Berge in demand?

Sheffield United broke their transfer record to acquire Berge from Genk for £22 million ($31m) in January 2020.

He caught the eye as the Blades secured a top-half finish in their first campaign back in the big time.

The going has proved tougher this time around, however, with relegation back to the Championship confirmed with just 20 points taken from 36 games.

Berge has proved to be a big miss through injury, with just 16 appearances taken in across all competitions.

He has returned from a hamstring problem that required surgery over recent weeks, but sat out 21 games between mid-December and early May.

His ability remains without question, despite the fitness setbacks, and a deal is expected in the summer window as the Blades prepare for life back in the second tier of English football.

Further reading

Original author: Chris Burton

Ex-Gor Mahia coach Ouna takes over from fired Salim at Mathare United

The first match for the tactician will be on Wednesday against former team KCB on Wednesday

Former Gor Mahia assistant coach Frank Ouna is set to take over at Mathare United after the sacking of Salim Ali.

The Slum Boys management opted to make the changes in their bid to save the team from relegation in the ongoing Football Kenya Federation Premier League campaign. 

The 2008 league champions have been struggling to get positive results consistently since the start of the campaign. They started the league late after tussles with the federation regarding the broadcasting rights before being reinstated later on.

However, the tactician has failed to steady the ship.

"It was a tough decision but we have eventually decided to let Salim go because of the poor results we have been having," Mathare United CEO Jectone Obure told Goal.

"We had to make some changes to see if we can turn the results around. Ouna is a great coach, we believe he will help us get off the bottom and help the team survive relegation."

When reached for comment, the axed tactician revealed it was easy working at the club.

"Pushing demoralized players to give their best in matches has not been easy," Salim said.

"Players have gone for months without pay and there are some issues as well that make it hard for the team to deliver. I wish whoever coming in the best since everybody wants to see the team remain at the top. But more is needed."

Prior to his sacking, the former Ulinzi Stars tactician had led the team in 14 matches where he managed one win, four draws, and nine losses. The latest assignment was against Vihiga United where they managed a goalless draw.

"Though small, the draw is a step in the right direction," the former player said afterwards.

"I said before the game that we consider it a new campaign and that we will not dwell on what happened prior to the two-month break. So we take the point and now turn our attention towards our next assignment.  

"I saw plenty of positives against Vihiga, one of which was the fighting spirit and I want to foster that as, without it, you are dead before a ball is kicked."

Ouna's first assignment will be on Wednesday against his former team KCB.

Original author: Seth Willis

Chelsea news, transfers & rumours: Tuchel didn't want to take risks with Pulisic & live updates from Stamford Bridge

Goal brings you all the latest news and transfer reports from Chelsea and our Blues correspondent Nizaar Kinsella

Who is in the Champions League group stage?

The former Kenya international lauds the move by the England captain to demand an exit from Spurs, saying he deserves to win trophies

Former Kenya international Boniface Ambani is happy that Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has asked to leave the North London club.

The 27-year-old has grown 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, and has reiterated his stance to leave Spurs this summer.

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

His decision to demand an exit has delighted Ambani, who played for the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, and a host of clubs in Kenya and the East African region.

“Great players win trophies, he has overstayed in Tottenham,” Ambani told Goal on Tuesday. “You can't be scoring lots of goals, the likes of Harry [Kane], and go to waste.

“Your goals should translate into trophies, remember Robin Van Persie had to leave Arsenal to play for rivals Manchester United and he won the Premier League with Man United, his goals counted so much.”

According to Ambani, Kane deserves to play for a big club in Europe that wins trophies, revealing during his playtime he never entertained playing for teams that could not win trophies.

“Great players such as Harry Kane should be in bigger teams that win trophies,” Ambani, who locally played for AFC Leopards and Tusker continued.

“I knew personally I was a great striker, and that’s why I refused to play for lesser clubs, why? I wanted my goals to help teams win trophies.

“Who will remember Harry [Kane] after he retires from playing? Very few, but if those goals could have translated into trophies, then his name will always be remembered across the globe.

“He falls under the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Van Persie, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Luis Suarez, but the difference is, all the above have won trophies with their respective clubs, but he hasn’t.

“It’s time for him to leave.”

Already, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea have been named 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.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

Copyright

© UEFA

USWNT vs. England: Who needs to step up? Is this the next big rivalry? Who wins?

The Uruguayan expressed his relief after helping Diego Simeone's side seal a comeback victory over Osasuna at the weekend

Suarez has admitted that he didn't expect to "suffer" so much at Atletico Madrid amid a tense La Liga title race which has gone right down to the final day.

Atletico are on the verge of winning their first domestic crown since 2013-14 as they sit two points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid with only one game left to play.

Suarez's goals have been crucial in the Rojiblancos' rise to the top of the standings, with his latest effort completing a dramatic comeback against Osasuna on Sunday, but he concedes it has been a difficult journey.

What's been said?

The Uruguayan striker, who joined Atletico from Barcelona last summer, told reporters of the 2-1 win over Osasuna: "I don't think we deserved to suffer as much as we ended up doing because we had one of our best halves of the season.

"We missed lots of chances, including me. We have to get used to suffering in order to win La Liga and that's what happened.

"Everyone says that [suffering] is Atletico's thing. I didn't think there was as much [suffering] as this!

"But anyway, the effort, the sacrifice that this team is making... there are lots of people working to achieve our goals. Now it's time to enjoy it, stay calm and prepare in the week ahead."

Suarez debut season at Atletico

Barca reportedly sold Suarez due to doubts over whether he could still deliver the goods in his mid-thirties, despite his 21-goal contribution in the 2019-20 season.

The 34-year-old has since proved that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level with Atletico, scoring 20 goals in his first 37 outings across all competitions for the club.

All of his goals have come in La Liga, along with the three assists he has provided for his team-mates.

Atletico's destiny in their own hands

Atletico will be crowned champions of Spain if they beat Real Valladolid at Jose Zorrilla Stadium on Saturday, with Real set to be in action on the same day at home to Villarreal.

Diego Simeone's men could still be pipped by their cross-city foes if they slip up against Valladolid due to their inferior head-to-head record, with Suarez well aware of what's at stake.

"It's in our hands," he added. "It's the most important game of the season. We've had many, but this is so important in achieving our goal."

Further reading

MLS: Beckham´s Inter Miami beat Atlanta, Toronto win late

The 19-year-old speaks on his first day at work for K’Ogalo as they beat Simba wa Nairobi by a solitary goal on Sunday

Gor Mahia defender Frank Odhiambo has stated he did not feel pressure when he featured for the team for the first time this season, against Nairobi City Stars in an FKF Premier League match on Sunday.

The 19-year-old youngster, who was part of the Kenya U20 team, has explained he did not feel any pressure while making his debut against City Stars in a match K’Ogalo won 1-0 on their return to football.

Odhiambo, who joined Gor Mahia from Bongonaya FC last year, was handed a starting role by coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto and he partnered with experienced Harun Shakava in the heart of defence, as the team needed a 31st-minute goal from Burkina Faso forward Karim Nikiema to beat the Simba wa Nairobi.

“It was ecstatic…the joy that comes with that is all any footballer would wish for. I just wanted to play and having played the full match with a clean sheet to it was great – so it was a good one for me,” Odhiambo told the club’s official website.

“I didn’t feel any sort of pressure…I had been waiting for such a moment and when you are partnering with a player like Harun [Shakava], who is loaded with experience, you know you will be well guided.”

Odhiambo is now eyeing a chance to play in the Caf Champions League by stating: “The system of play is different…different energy and no room for mistakes in the top league, playing at the top tier had always been a moment I looked forward to and hoping to go on to play in Caf matches.

“I can promise you to expect more if given more chance, more clean sheets top the list of targets and helping Gor Mahia to achieve more. Getting to represent the U23 and national team when the opportunity arises will also be among my aims.”

Gor Mahia’s assistant coach Sammy Omollo admitted he was delighted to see the young player fit in well into the club’s backline, insisting he made it look stable against City Stars.

“The boy has arrived in style, I told him not to look back. He made the defence look stable [against City Stars] resulting in a clean sheet. He is on the right team that will propel him to great heights. He simply has a bright future ahead of him,” Omollo told the same portal.

Odhiambo will be keen to keep his place when Gor Mahia take on Sofapaka in another league match on Thursday.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

Solskjaer contradicts Mourinho's opinion on Man Utd as Red Devils close in on runner-up finish

The Norwegian believes positive progress is being made at Old Trafford, but admits second place is "not an achievement"

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not share the same opinion as Jose Mourinho when it comes to runner-up finishes with Manchester United, with the club's current coach pointing out that second place is "not an achievement".

The Norwegian's predecessor once claimed that ending the 2017-18 campaign as the closest challengers to champions Manchester City - despite being 19 points off the pace - was one of his finest moments as a manager.

Solskjaer appears set to emulate that feat three years on, with United once again the best of the rest behind title-winning neighbours, but ambition at Old Trafford means the current regime will take no pride from missing out on the ultimate prize.

What has been said?

Solskjaer, who claimed six top-flight crowns in his playing days, has told reporters ahead of a Premier League clash with Fulham on Tuesday: "The competition now is a lot harder than when I was a player. Three, four, maybe five teams that can challenge for the top two positions.

"For the last few years they have been taken by the same two teams and for us to go into them and divide them it’s good, it’s a good performance but we can’t say it’s an achievement, it’s not an achievement.

"We’ve taken steps as a team but we’re not where we want to be, we know we have some deficiencies as a group, there’s parts of the game that we need to improve on, but I’ve felt we’ve made strides in most places and I’ve been very pleased with the players and I’ve got to say I’ve been impressed by them, but we want to take the next step as well."

What did Mourinho say?

Back in January 2019, shortly after he had been relieved of his duties in Manchester and replaced by Solskjaer, a Portuguese coach well versed in the art of trophy collecting told beIN Sports: "If I tell you, for example, that I can see that one of the best jobs of my career was to finish second with Manchester United in the Premier League.

"You say ‘this guy is crazy. He won 25 titles and he’s saying that second position was one of his best achievements in football’.

"I keep saying this because people don’t know what is going on behind the scenes. And sometimes we, on this side of the cameras, we analyse things with a different perspective."

The bigger picture

Victory over Fulham will see United wrap up second place for 2020-21 with one game remaining.

They are already assured of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for next season, which was the ultimate target before a ball was kicked.

Attention at Old Trafford is now set to shift from domestic matters to continental ones, with major silverware still up for grabs.

United have brought their semi-final hoodoo to a close this term, but now need to see off Villarreal in the Europa League final on May 26 in order to bring a four-year wait for tangible success to a close.

Further reading

Original author: Chris Burton

Premier League Matchday 37 Stats Pack

Goal looks at key statistics between teams that will face off in the second last engagements of the 2020/21 season
Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Mwendwa: Caf representatives will not be automatic FKF Premier League winners

The federation boss reveals to Goal the top-flight will continue after June 30 to find a deserved winner for the 202-21 season

The Football Kenya Federation has come out to clarify the team that will be on top of the FKF Premier League table by the end of June 30 will only represent the country in the Caf Champions League, but will not automatically be the champions for the 2020-21 season.

On Monday, in a statement obtained by Goal, the FKF confirmed the team leading the table on June 30, the deadline provided by Caf for submission for representative clubs, will be given the slot to represent Kenya in the 2021/22 Champions League.

The statement left football stakeholders in shock, others wondering what will happen to the remaining matches after June 30, and if the league will not be played to a conclusion.

FKF president Nick Mwendwa has since told Goal they have been forced to take the route to save the country from missing out on the Champions League, but clarified the league will afterwards be played to the end and the deserved winner will walk away with the golden trophy and prize money.

“The team that will be at the top of the table by June 30 will only get a ticket to represent the country in the Champions League but the overall winner for the 2020-21 season will be decided at the end of the season, and they are the ones who will receive the golden trophy and prize money,” Mwendwa told Goal on Tuesday.

“It doesn’t mean whoever is at the top by June 30 will be the outright champions for the season, that will not be the case, after June 30 the league will continue and teams will have to fight to win the golden trophy and also the prize money, maybe the team at the top [by June 30], will be crowned if they keep the spot to the end of the season.

“So what we have only done is to make sure we beat the Caf deadline of June 30 and send a name of a team as requested by the African body, another option that we had was not to send a representative, meaning Kenya to miss out completely on taking part in Champions League.

“It is the reason as a federation we opted for the top team by June 30 to go for the competition, and this is well stipulated in rules governing FKF if we have played second leg matches and anything happens to the league, then the team at the top is crowned the champions, we have not violated any rules, that is the way it is.”

On whether Kenya will have a representative in the Confederation Cup, Mwendwa said: “We will be ready to beat the deadline since we want to resume the domestic cup in the first week of June, and so we will automatically have a winner and who will represent us.”

The statement by the FKF means Kenya’s regular representatives at the competition, Gor Mahia, risk missing out this season as they are placed sixth on the 18-team table behind Tusker, AFC Leopards, Kariobangi Sharks, KCB, and Bandari.

Tusker have been at the top for the better part of the ongoing season and stand a good chance to grab the slot while among the top five teams, only KCB have not participated in the continental competition as Kariobangi Sharks, AFC Leopards and Bandari have been there in the last four seasons.

The Brewers last played on the continental stage in 2016, after they won the league title and the Shield Cup under Ugandan coach Paul Nkata.

From 2017 to 2021 Gor Mahia have been representing Kenya although their performances have not been convincing, especially in the Champions League.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

Klopp: Liverpool sealing top-four finish would be one of the biggest achievements of all time

The German tactician is hopeful his side can salvage Champions League qualification after a turbulent campaign

FIFA Rankings: India stay 105th after progress in 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers

Attempted changes to the club's fabric last week were met by fierce opposition, ultimately prompting ownership to reconsider

Just a week after the club had announced it would strike "Crew" from much of its branding, Columbus co-owner Dr. Pete Edwards told MLS supporters through a video posted to social media on Monday night that "we're going to be the Columbus Crew forever".

The organization will now return to its original name and add "Crew" back to a reformatted crest. It will also add "96" within the the outline of the Ohio state flag in a nod to its status as a founding MLS member.

It has been a difficult beginning to the 2021 campaign for Columbus, with the off-field branding controversy introducing unwanted in-fighting amid a wobbly 11th-place start in the Eastern Conference through five matches.

What has been said?

The Columbus Crew issued two statements through social media on Monday night indicating their change in direction. One of the statements was delivered in video form by Edwards and co-owner Dee Haslam.

They were the culmination of meetings with fans over the past week.

"The importance of keeping the Crew as the Club's primary identifier was clear," said the written statement. "The decision that came from the discussion was that Columbus Crew will remain the team's official name moving forward.

"The Crew received Nordecke's support of the name, which will include Columbus Crew as a part of the new crest. In addition, '96' will be placed inside the outline of the Ohio state flag, recognizing the club's status as the founding member in Major League Soccer."

How have Columbus fans responded?

Fans presented a mix of emotions on social media in response to the announcement, with the majority generally pleased at the walk-back and some hoping a revised crest aligns closer to its traditional appearance.

The club is expected to reveal more exact information about its crest following further meetings with supporters about the best way to proceed.

When is the game between Mexico and Nigeria and how can I watch?

Mahdi Ali guided Shabab Al Ahli to win three Cup titles this season...

Shabab Al Ahli capped off a fantastic season with a win in the President’s Cup final and thereby, ended with three trophies since the appointment of Mahdi Ali in December 2020.

The Red Knights registered a 2-1 win over Al Nasr and are now unbeaten in their last 25 competitive matches.

“I’m very happy for the club, for the players, for the management. It is a result of all the hard work to get us to this point.

“We didn’t start very well in the league, but we ended in good shape and we won three trophies out of four. That’s very good for the club and for the players.

“Hard work, hard work and hard work; that is the secret behind this. There is nothing else. And the team spirit, from the players’ committee, the officials, the fans and all the staff. This is the main reason,” said Ali.

 

Under Ali’s tutelage, the club won the Super Cup in January followed by the Arabian Gulf Cup last month apart from the President’s Cup triumph. They also managed to finish third in the UAE Arabian Gulf League.

Since the time Ali took over the reins at Shabab Al Ahli, the club have suffered a mere three defeats in 31 matches. Interestingly, those defeats came in the AFC Champions League last month.

Shabab Al Ahli will certainly look to clinch the league next season after finishing seven points adrift of the league champions, Al Jazira.

“We have to review all our work for the past five months and see all the advantages, disadvantages, problems, weaknesses, strong points, and try to prepare for the next season from now,” Ali was quoted saying.

“The expectation for the club is always… it’s a big club, always you have to be at the top. So, we have to work hard, maybe harder than this season and prepare the team well to start in the beginning in good shape,” he mentioned.

Original author: Soham Mukherjee

M’Bia sent off as Wuhan FC bow to Tianjin Tigers

The former Cameroon international was given the marching orders as the Han Army’s miserable start to the season continued against the Tigers

Stephane M’Bia was given the marching orders as Wuhan FC suffered a 2-1 defeat to Tianjin Tigers in Monday’s Chinese Super League encounter.

The 34-year-old was handed his fourth start of the 2021 campaign; however, he did not complete the encounter after he was punished for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

M’Bia lost possession of the ball to Ba Dun while trying to dribble the Beijing Guoan loanee. With Dun heading for goal, the Cameroonian wrestled him down to prevent him from scoring.

That action prompted referee Jing Wang to show the African star the way out.

The African star has now been sent off nine times in his career, receiving his first red card on January 14, 2007, against Olympique Marseille during his time at Rennes.

Despite playing with a man down, the visiting side matched the Tigers in every department of the game.

Notwithstanding, the hosts took the lead a minute before the halftime break as Zihao Yang beat goalkeeper Zhifeng Wang from close range.

Profiting from a well-taken cross by Yumiao Qian, the defender took advantage of Wuhan’s shambolic defending to head past Wang.

Four minutes into the second half, Honglue Zhao levelled matters for the Han Army with a stunner. Receiving a pass from Tian Yinong outside the goal area, the onrushing left-back drilled a long-range beauty past goalkeeper Shangkun Teng.

Nine minutes after the hour mark, Jules Iloki restored the lead for Xiaopeng Li’s men via the penalty mark.

Following Ye Chongqiu’s challenge on Zhao Yingjie inside the box, Wang pointed to the spot after VAR replays.

Illoki converted the ensuing kick despite the goalkeeper guessing the right direction.

Even at their late rally, the visitors returned home with heads bowed low – to extend their unimpressive run.

Since the commencement of the new season, they are yet to win any of the five games losing thrice and settling for a draw on two occasions.

With their latest result, they sit at the base of the Super League table with just two points. Whereas, the Tigers climbed to the sixth spot after amassing four points from the same number of outings.

 

Original author: Shina Oludare

Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Palace in advanced talks with Lampard

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal

Guardiola warns Aguero may have played his last game for Manchester City

The club's greatest ever goalscorer will be absent from Brighton clash and is in danger of missing final home game and Champions League final

Pep Guardiola hopes that Sergio Aguero will recover from injury in time to say farewell to Manchester City fans on the final day of the Premier League season.

The Argentine striker, who has missed much of the campaign recovering from a knee injury before testing positive for coronavirus, was unavailable for the victory over Newcastle on Friday night.

Aguero, 32, will leave the club at the end of the season on a free transfer and is in a race to be fit for the final home match against Everton, when 10,000 fans are expected at the Etihad Stadium.

What’s been said?

“He has niggles. He’s a little bit disturbed in his leg, his adductor,” Guardiola said ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Brighton. “He felt something before the Newcastle game. Today he’s still not fit. Hopefully he’ll be ready to play against Everton.”

The City boss also admitted Aguero could be a doubt for the Champions League final against Chelsea if he is unable to prove his fitness.

“If Sergio is fit he is going to help us, that is for sure,” he added. “If he is going to help us score goals he is going to play, but it’s the final of the Champions League. 

“I have to take the decision that gives us the best chance of winning that game.”

The bigger picture

Guardiola admits he is facing a selection dilemma for the game against Chelsea, with the rest of his squad now fully fit after Kevin De Bruyne returned to full training.

“This is the toughest moment,” he said. “That is why the relationship between the players and the manager has to have a little bit of distance, because you cannot have too close a relationship when you have to make decisions that [affect their] careers.

“Sometimes I am unfair to them but it is what it is. I don’t have another solution. That is why they are lucky to find a manager who rotates a lot.”

While he has settled on a successful line-up in recent months, playing without an orthodox striker, Guardiola says he has not decided on his team to play in Portugal.

“Right now I am not clear on the way we are going to play and with [which players] we are going to play, so that’s why I have to take a look over these 10-11 days and after that we have to make the decision,” he said.

Further reading: 

Original author: Jonathan Smith

'I'm happy clubs have admitted their mistake' - Manchester United manager Solskjaer slams Super League proposals

The England youth international of Ghanaian and German background has teamed up with the Hornets from the English League Two outfit

Newly promoted Premier League side Watford has announced the signing of Kwadwo Baah from English League Two side Rochdale.

The English U18 star of Ghanaian background penned a five-year contract with the Vicarage Road giants and will join the rest of Xisco Munoz’s squad ahead of the 2021-22 English elite division campaign.

Baah, 18, who can play as a forward or on either wing contributed three goals and two assists in 13 League One starts. Nonetheless, Brian Barry-Murphy’s Dale got demoted to the English football league’s fourth tier.

He was due to be out of contract with Rochdale this summer, and was offered an improved deal to stay at the Crown Oil Arena, albeit, he indicated his desire to join the EPL team.

“Watford FC is delighted to confirm the signing of highly-rated youngster Kwadwo Baah,” a statement from the Hornets’ club website read.

“The 18-year-old, who is capable playing as a forward or on either wing, joins from Rochdale off the back of a 2020/21 season which saw him rack up three goals and two assists in 13 League One starts.

“Baah was born in Germany to Ghanaian parents but was raised in south London and spent four years in Crystal Palace's academy from 2013-17.

“He joined Rochdale in 2019 after a brief spell with non-league side Whyteleafe.”

On the back of an impressive performance for Rochdale in January 2021 – which included his brace against Charlton Athletic, the teenager was named English Football League’s Player of the Month for that month.

Also, his stunning first strike from the edge of the box was voted the club’s Goal of the Month.

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 in Watford.

Others include Achraf Lazaar (Morocco), Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria), Adam Masina (Morocco), Tom Dele-Bashiru (Nigeria), and Isaac Success (Nigeria).

On the international scene, he made his debut for England U18s during a 2-0 triumph over Wales in Cardiff.

Notwithstanding, he is eligible to represent either England, Germany or African side Ghana at the senior level.

Original author: Shina Oludare

Why Brazil vs. Croatia is also a battle of iconic kits and deeper meaning

The England striker has alerted rivals to his availability and told his current club that he is keen to make his next big career move

Harry Kane has reiterated his stance that he wants to leave Tottenham this summer.

The 27-year-old has grown 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.

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

State of play for Kane's future

Daniel Levy will demand a huge fee for Kane - who prefers a move within the Premier League – as he is on a long-term deal until 2024.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are potentially viable destinations, although it is still unclear as to whether a move will materialise.

All three of the aforementioned Premier League giants have significant financial might and are looking for attacking signings, even with the coronavirus pandemic causing monetary problems. 

In Man Utd's case, however, they have renewed Edinson Cavani's contract after a good run of form and are thought to have switched focus to signing a right-winger – potentially Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho.

Kane is keen to resolve his situation ahead of the European Championship but it is likely to rumble on throughout the summer.

What has Kane actually said?

In a host of recent interviews, Kane hasn't sought to sugar-coat his unhappiness in north London and vocalise his desire to represent a club that challenges for major honours.

“Individual awards are great, they are fantastic achievements,” the striker said . “When I look back at the end of my career, I will go over it and take in a little bit more. The goal right now as a player is to win team trophies.

“As much as this [London Footballer of the Year award] is great, I want to be winning the biggest prizes that there is to offer as a team, and we are not quite doing that.

“It is one of those [situations], it is bittersweet. I would rather be winning team trophies than this award. It is what it is. I am proud to win it. It means it has been a good season on the pitch, so I have just got to try and continue what I am doing.”

What have Tottenham said?

In a brief statement released to various media outlets, Spurs' commented: “Our focus is on finishing the season as strongly as possible. That’s what everyone should be focused on.”

Kane's stats this season

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.

Further reading

Original author: Nizaar Kinsella

How many goals will Success score for Watford next season?

Goal readers have predicted the number of goals the Nigeria international will contribute for the Hornets in next season's English top-flight

Isaac Success will score between one to seven goals for Watford during the 2021-22 Premier League campaign, according to most Goal readers.

Success, 25, was part of Xisco Munoz’s team that helped the Hornets return to the English elite division after a second-place finish in the English second tier.

Due to injury worries, the Nigeria international played just 10 games for the Vicarage Road giants, with a goal to his credit – which he achieved in the team’s last game of the Championship against Swansea.

That effort against Andre Ayew’s Swans ended his 30-month goal drought.

With the striker back to full fitness, we asked our readers how many goals the former Malaga and Granada man would turn in for Munoz’s men.

In a poll conducted on the Goal Africa Twitter handle, a huge 48.4% percent of total votes cast predicted he would score between one to seven goals for Watford.

Meanwhile, 25% of voters think the Super Eagle would find the net between eight to 14 times.

Success scored one goal in 19 appearances for the Hornets in his maiden English top-flight season. And with Munoz likely to bank on Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr and Troy Deeney for goals, 18.1 percent conclude that the African star would never get a single goal next time.

Lastly, 8.5% feel he will score at least 15 goals for the Hertfordshire based outfit. This mark looks unlikely having in mind that the 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup winner’s highest margin ever remains six goals – a mark he achieved in 2015-2016 at Spanish elite division outfit Granada.

Though his manager is not shy about the quality the African star possesses.

“Everybody knows about the quality of Isaac,” Munoz told media after his goal against Swansea.

 “I think Isaac is a very good player. He had bad luck because he was out for one year with an injury.

“After he came back, it’s important that everyone understands the process when a player is out for a long time without playing.”

In 2016, Success joined Watford on a five-year deal worth £12.5 million – a record transfer fee at the time.

Original author: Shina Oludare

Fan View: ‘Come to Chelsea’ trending as fans beg Kane amid potential Tottenham Hotspur exit

With the Englishman reiterating his desire to leave Spurs, football fans are appealing to the striker to join the Stamford Bridge giants

Football fans have swamped social media asking Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane to team up with Chelsea.

According to Sky Sports, the English international echoed to his London team that he wants to leave the club.

For Spurs, they are going so far as to make inquiries about potential replacements, leaving Manchester City and Manchester United on high alert.

Kane would prefer to stay in the Premier League and is looking to have his future club sorted before heading to the European Cup this summer.

This piece of news has sent African football fans into a frenzy and they are asking the 27-year-old to join Thomas Tuchel’s side. 

Original author: Shina Oludare

Memphis Depay to represent himself amid Barcelona transfer talk

The Dutch forward's contract at Lyon is winding down and he will manage his own negotiations

Memphis Depay is taking charge of his own future negotiations, amid talk of a move to Barcelona.

The Dutch forward has revived his career at Lyon since joining the club in 2017, but he is in the final weeks of his contract and no breakthrough over a new deal has been found.

With his future up in the air, the former Manchester United forward has revealed he will be representing himself in negotiations.

What has been said?

“It is time for me to take control of my career,” Depay wrote on Twitter. 

“As I have come to a point where I need to make important choices about my future, I have decided to negotiate my future deals together with my team of trusted confidants, backed by legal experts.

“I will decide about my destination myself. You will be the first to know.”

What next for Depay?

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said earlier this year that he was confident of persuading Depay to commit to a new deal with the Ligue 1 club.

There has been no breakthrough in talks, and links with Barcelona have grown stronger.

It was claimed over the weekend that a deal with Barca was close to being struck, but the Catalans could soon be in a state of flux with the future of coach Ronald Koeman in some doubt.

Depay and Koeman have a strong bond after working together for a couple of years with the Netherlands.

With Koeman’s future in doubt, Depay could well hold fire on any decision until there is clarity about the situation at Camp Nou.

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