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Luka Jovic is close to an end to his horror spell at Real Madrid and will be allowed to depart the club on loan this month and return to former club Eintracht Frankfurt..

The Serbian striker's agents are working with Real to secure him a loan away from Santiago Bernabeu, with AC Milan and Wolves having been among the clubs credited with an interest.

However, he will go back to Frankfurt, the club from where he moved to Madrid in 2019.

Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bobic confirmed the talks on Tuesday night, telling Sky of Jovic: "If everything works out, he will be with us again soon."

Bobic said only details like the medical are to be done ahead of the official confirmation. The loan will be until the end of the season, but Bobic also did not rule out a purchase option for Jovic.

He said: "We will see next summer. We can still think about everything what will happen in the summer."

Jovic is not part of manager Zinedine Zidane's plans, and while Goal has learned that he is not happy about being forced out of Madrid and feels he can still prove himself and work his way into the first-team picture, the boss is set on getting rid of the Serbian and has no interest in keeping him even as a squad back-up option.

Injuries, off-field problems and a lack of opportunities have hampered Jovic at Real, and his time with the club looks to be over - at least until the end of the season.

Having joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2019, Jovic made only eight starts and played just 806 minutes in total during the 2019-20 campaign, scoring a meagre two goals and assisting twice more.

The 2020-21 campaign has scarcely gone any better, the forward making only three starts and playing a total of just 208 minutes. He has not scored nor created an assist this season.

Goal can confirm that Real only want to loan Jovic out and are not interested in a permanent sale at this point, giving some hope that he could have a successful career at Santiago Bernabeu at some point. For now, though, this looks unlikely.

He joined Real in a €60 million (£53.5m/$73m) deal but has not come close to justifying that investment. A strong showing on loan, however, could allow Real to recoup a large amount of that fee should they sell him in the summer.

Jovic will be going back to Germany with Frankfurt, the club where he caught the eye between 2017 and 2019 and earned his move to Madrid. He scored 36 goals in 75 appearances in all competitions, again during a loan spell, on that occasion from Benfica over two years.

With Frankfurt he won the DFB-Pokal in 2017-18 and helped them to the Europa League semi-finals the following campaign, only losing on penalties to eventual champions Chelsea.

The Football Association (FA) will launch an investigation into Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze after he appeared to breach Covid-19 rules during his visit to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

The midfielder attended his former club’s FA Cup third-round tie against Fulham and was pictured without a face mask in the directors’ box at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

The Nigerian midfielder teamed up with Premier League side in the summer after leaving QPR, where he spent four years.

Eze is believed to have complied with the coronavirus protocols before he was allowed to go to the game, including undergoing a test, which came out negative.

Sky Sports have confirmed the FA investigation and QPR boss Mark Warburton admitted the club should have denied the request of the midfielder.

"We know the situation that society is facing in this country, we are all very aware of it," Warburton said.  

"QPR as a club have stringent protocols in place that we apply very strongly to every single player and staff member. On this occasion, we should have declined the request. It's as simple as that. We made the error.

"Eberechi is an outstanding character. I can't speak highly enough of him. He made a request, we should have said no. On this rare occasion, we have made a mistake, it's as plain and simple as that. It will not happen again."

Crystal Palace have also revealed the club will deal with the situation internally and confirmed they were not aware of Eze’s visit to QPR.  

"QPR have acknowledged they made a mistake in hosting Eberechi Eze in the directors' box at Saturday's FA Cup match against Fulham without our knowledge,” read a statement from the club website.

"Whilst we recognize Eberechi's desire to support his former teammates, he accepts it was an error of judgement to attend the match.

"We were also concerned to see pictures of Eberechi not wearing a mask at certain moments and are speaking to him about these apparent lapses, which will be dealt with internally."

Eze has featured 15 times for Crystal Palace since joining the club, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

The midfielder will be expected to continue his impressive performances when Palace take on Arsenal on Thursday.

Jose Mourinho has shrugged off Mesut Ozil’s claim that he would rather retire than join Tottenham, with the Spurs boss pointing out that nobody has presented the German with that dilemma.

A World Cup-winning midfielder finds himself firmly frozen out at Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta taking to leaving the 32-year-playmaker out of his Premier League and Europa League squads in 2020-21.

Ozil is being edged towards the exits at Emirates Stadium as a result, with his lucrative contract running down towards free agency.

He has admitted that moves to Turkey or MLS would appeal, amid talk of interest from teams in both of those areas, but no deal has been struck as yet to get him off the Gunners’ books.

Ozil is a proven Premier League performer, with questions asked of whether Arsenal have taken the best course of action this season, but he cannot see himself representing another club in England – particularly one on the opposite side of a fierce north London divide.

Mourinho is not overly concerned about that, with the Portuguese telling reporters when asked about comments in which an experienced performer said he would hang up his boots before heading to Spurs: “Who told him that Tottenham would be interested in signing him?”

While brushing aside that jibe from Ozil, Mourinho does have transfer matters to contend with in the January window.

Harry Winks has seen a move away from Spurs mooted, with La Liga giants Valencia said to be keen on taking him on loan, but the England international’s boss insists he is going nowhere.

Mourinho said of the speculation surrounding a 24-year-old midfielder: “What do I have to say to stop with this talk? I said already that he's going nowhere.

“When I say he's going nowhere, what more do you want me to say? He played the last matches. He didn't play the last one because it was a chance to let players like Gedson get minutes.

“Tomorrow [against Fulham] he's selected again. If someone's talking to other clubs I'd say don't waste your time.”

Mourinho went on to reveal that Erik Lamela, who has been left out of recent squads following a breach of coronavirus protocols, could come back into contention for a meeting with the Cottagers.

Spurs have been handed a midweek derby date at late notice, having seen Aston Villa forced to postpone their intended home meeting with Mourinho’s men due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

Tottenham saw similar action taken when they were due to host Fulham back in December and they have no sympathy for rivals having to tweak their plans at the last minute.

Mourinho added: “Are you serious? They [Fulham] had 48 hours to prepare for this game. Look, I had the news that I wasn't going to play them two hours before the game started.”

Edinson Cavani is “off the charts”, says Phil Bardsley, with the former Manchester United defender admitting that the striker’s output is “outstanding” given that he is now 33 years of age.

The experienced Uruguayan has been a prolific presence throughout a distinguished career at the very highest level.

Cavani hit over 100 goals during his time at Napoli, before going on to become Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time leading scorer across seven productive years in France.

He dropped into the free agent pool in 2020 and was duly snapped up by United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sought to bring added firepower into his ranks.

The Red Devils have eased Cavani into their fold, while also seeing him spend time out injured and suspended, but the target has been found on four occasions through 14 appearances.

His value is not lost on those around him, while Premier League rivals are also aware of the considerable threat he continues to pose.

Bardsley could line up against Cavani for Burnley on Tuesday, with the United academy graduate pleased to see his former club thriving again as title talk builds in Manchester.

He told MUTV: “I think Ole is doing an incredible job with the players, especially with the recruitment, which has been outstanding.

“Bruno [Fernandes] has been a great signing, as well as Cavani. I think his stats are off the charts when he plays. His physical output for his age is outstanding and, as a whole, everybody’s nose is pointing in the right direction.”

The Scotland international added: “Competing for the title again is good to see. I think the mentality is there and they’ve got the right players to challenge.

“If they keep the focus – I know Ole’s been there before and he’s got the experience and now he’s got the right people around him.”

While Cavani has settled quickly in English football, Portuguese playmaker Fernandes remains the go-to man for United when it comes to flashes of inspiration.

Burnley are yet to face the talented 26-year-old who completed a big-money move from Sporting 12 months ago, but Bardsley is well aware of the headache he will give the Clarets at Turf Moor.

He said of Sean Dyche’s plans to try and contain the talismanic presence: “We’re quite disciplined in our setup. We’re a well-organised side and he’s certainly somebody we’ll have to keep an eye on playing in that 10 slot.

“The midfielders are going to have a busy night unfortunately! As long as he doesn’t drift out left, I’ll be alright! He’s an outstanding player, but the way we set up, we probably wouldn’t set up to specifically man-mark somebody.

“With our system and our approach, as I said before, we’re well-organised so hopefully we can fill those gaps he likes to take up, and hopefully try and stop him at source if we can.”

Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of Manchester City’s clash with Brighton on Wednesday with the striker still in self-isolation.

The Argentinian has tested negative for Covid-19 but has been ordered to quarantine after close contact with someone that tested positive.

Aguero, who has made just three starts this season after knee surgery and a hamstring injury, had been set to start City’s FA Cup clash with Birmingham at the weekend. But he is also set to miss Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace, in addition to the visit of Brighton.

“[He is in] quarantine, self -isolating,” City boss Pep Guardiola said. “After nine or 10 days he will be back.”

City were hit by a coronavirus outbreak in the first-team squad that forced the postponement of the Everton game over Christmas and the closure of the first-team training ground.

But Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus returned at the weekend and Ederson, Ferran Torres and Tommy Doyle are back with the squad after missing the last three games following positive tests.

However, City are without Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake through injury ahead of the visit of Brighton.

While Graham Potter’s side are facing a relegation battle and have won just once in their last 17 league and cup games, Guardiola has warned his players they offer a dangerous threat.

“They are a joy to watch, a joy to analyse,” he added. “At the same time when you see them you are concerned about their quality.

“I said to the players today that we will have to be in the highest standards to complete against them. They have better stats in all the departments except the final third. I am a big fan of Graham Potter.

"They have the courage to play. I like a lot how they play and it will be a big test. That is why I am only concerned about the game tomorrow."

After Brighton, City have home games against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa with the real opportunity to put pressure on Liverpool and Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.

But Guardiola says City cannot afford to look too far ahead, adding: "The momentum arrive and disappear in one instant.

"We cannot forget the teams we beat recently especially in the Premier League and Carabao Cup - two strong teams away and we did well.

"But the momentum can disappear tomorrow so we have to do it again. Especially for the way we are playing."

Ismaila Sarr should remain an option on Liverpool’s recruitment radar, says John Barnes, as the Watford winger would be a “fantastic player to have as part of the team” at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a move to bring another Senegal international onto his books in a number of transfer windows.

Liverpool witnessed firsthand how devastating Sarr can be on his day during the 2019-20 campaign, with the talented 22-year-old inflicting a first defeat of the season on the champions elect.

Watford are understandably reluctant to part with such ability, even after slipping back into the Championship, and will demand a sizeable fee from any deal.

It has been suggested that £40 million ($54m) may be required in order to prise Sarr from Vicarage Road, but Barnes believes that would be money well spent if Klopp looks to land another exciting forward.

The ex-Reds and Hornets midfielder told BonusCodeBets when asked if a move for Sadio Mane’s international colleague should be made: “Yes, if he wanted to be one of the front three, but, and I’ve said this before, we need a centre-back.

“Although a great player and looking forward he’d be fantastic player to have as part of the team, it’s not what we need at this very moment in time.

“If they want to sign him as a long-term investment, then I think that’s great. But right now, this very season, we need to strengthen our defence so to find suitable players for this should be the priority.”   

Liverpool are mulling over centre-half options at present, with injuries having taken their toll on the defending champions.

Klopp’s men are still very much in the hunt for another top-flight crown, but the chasing pack have closed in and Barnes expects a much tougher fight to the finish than the Reds experienced last term.

He added: “Although this season is much more unpredictable than the previous one, Man City is most definitely Liverpool’s biggest threat.

“At the moment, Man United can go on top of us if they get a point, but I think over the season, and of course we're not even halfway yet, a lot can happen and I do think it’ll end up being Liverpool and Man City battling it out.

“Liverpool still terrify teams when they pour forward and they very much got that winning mentality in mind. 

“And if you go to the bookies, they're not going to tell you that Man United are favourites. They're going to say Liverpool and City are still the two favourites and, in my opinion, they very much are.” 

Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour admits to using Cesc Fabregas as inspiration in his game, with the talented teenager looking to follow in the footsteps of a World Cup winner.

The highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder grew up watching a player who collected major honours with Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and Spain.

Fabregas is still going strong with Monaco at 33 years of age and has cemented a standing as one of the finest playmakers of his generation.

Many have looked to him for advice and guidance, with Gilmour among those seeking to become as productive in the middle of the park.

The Scot told Chelsea’s official website of a former Blues star that has been singing his praises on a regular basis: “When I was watching Cesc, it was all about his forward passes to the striker, whether that was a lofted pass, a clipped ball or just a simple through ball.

“He was one of the best at doing that, especially at Chelsea, and I want to add that more to my own game, but it comes first of all from being aware of what’s around you.

“He speaks a lot about the boys because he obviously used to be here but it’s always nice seeing a top midfielder like that comment on your game.”

Gilmour boasts the technical ability of Fabregas and is not short on confidence when it comes to expressing himself on the field.

A big break was passed his way by Frank Lampard last season, with 11 appearances taken in across all competitions, and the challenge now is to earn a regular role in a star-studded squad.

On the qualities that he brings to the table, Gilmour added: “You have to be confident in yourself to go and receive the ball.

“You need to be always checking your shoulders and knowing where you are on the pitch. If you don’t do that, you’re going to get yourself in a lot of trouble.

“The game gets quicker and more tactical in the Premier League so you always need to know where you are on the pitch.

“It’s then about not taking too many chances, making sure you do things full of confidence, receive the ball with both feet and just trust your own ability.”

Marc Roca is not seeking a move away from Bayern Munich in the January transfer window despite speculation surrounding his future.

The defensive midfielder, who joined Bayern from Espanyol in a €15 million (£14m/$18m) deal last October, has been linked to a return to Spain, with reports in his homeland claiming Valencia want to land him on loan.

Goal and SPOX has learned that Roca, who has played only 20 minutes of Bundesliga football and featured twice in the Champions League this season, feels settled in Munich and would rather stay at the club for the time being.

Bayern have not held discussions with any potential suitors for the 24-year-old.

A source close to the Spain Under 21 international said: "Everyone who knows Marc knows that he is a tireless worker who does not give up. He has been in Munich for only 13 weeks and just moved into his new apartment in December. Do you think he just wants to move on now? No chance!"

Roca, who made 121 senior appearances at Espanyol before moving to Germany, could be called into action again on Wednesday when the Bavarian side take on Holstein Kiel in the second round of the DFB Pokal. He played the full 90 minutes when they beat Duren 3-0 in the previous round in October.

Despite his lack of playing time, Roca insisted last month that he is happy at Bayern 

"I am very happy to be here," he told Marca. "It is a new experience and I am looking forward to learning, improving and continuing to grow. I can't be in a better place, so I'm super happy."

Roca is not the only Bundesliga midfielder Valencia are interested in signing. Goal and SPOX can confirm that Schalke captain Omar Mascarell is also on their list of candidates.

Mascarell, who joined the Gelsenkirchen side from Real Madrid in 2018, is the captain of the club and has made 14 appearances this season. 

Schalke are second bottom of the table with just seven points from 15 matches, having picked up their first Bundesliga win of the campaign on Saturday when they beat Hoffenheim 4-0.

Forward Innocent Wafula has announced his departure from Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC.

The player was part of the Venoms squad that put up a consistent battle to topple former champions Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club (KCCA FC) from the summit of the Ugandan top-tier in the abandoned 2019/20 season. However, the 26-year-old has now opted to go for another challenge elsewhere.

"It has been an incredible two years that has come to an end," Wafula posted on his official social media account.

"I take this opportunity to say thank you to Vipers Sports Club, the fans, players and coaching staff for the amazing moments we shared together.

"It has been a learning curve in my career and I am [really] grateful to have been here. 

"As I leave to begin another journey elsewhere, the memories we shared together will stay with me. Thank you and all the best."

Wafula ditched Gor Mahia in January 2019 and penned a three-year deal with Vipers 

The utility player fell out with K’Ogalo and the former Chemelil Sugar player finally ditched the Kenyan Premier League heavyweights for the Ugandan league.

He became the first signing for Vipers in the aforementioned transfer window

In the Ugandan Premier League, the Venoms have started the 2020/21 season with two wins and a draw from the three matches they have played. They have scored eight goals in the process and conceded five and as a result, they are placed in eighth position with seven points.

The reigning champions started their campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Wakiso Giants. They made a return to winning ways in their home fixture against Airtel Kitara. They won the game 2-1.

Their last game was away to Busoga United where they managed to win 5-3.

Promoted side The Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) FC lead the race with 12 points from the five games they have played. They are followed by URA who have a point less from the same number of matches. 

Police FC are in third position with 10 points from five games as well. 

Kenya striker Michael Olunga has finally completed his transfer to Al Duhail SC.

While the Qatari club and his former club Kashiwa Resyol in Japan are yet to make the transfer official, Olunga has been named in the starting 11 to face Xavi-managed Al-Sadd on Tuesday, January 12.

According to the line-up published on Duhail’s website, Olunga will start as a lone striker and will wear jersey number 26.

On Monday after a photo of the former Gor Mahia striker leaked on the internet, a source close to the player confirmed to Goal the deal to Duhail was as good as sealed since the player had already landed in Qatar.

“He has already arrived in Qatar and what remains now is for him to be unveiled,” the source told  Goal . “He has discussed everything including contractual terms and he is happy to move to the Gulf after almost three years in Japan.”

Last week it was reported in Japan that Kashiwa Reysol had already accepted a transfer fee of 7 million Euros (approximately Ksh890m) from the Qatari club.

The former Gor Mahia striker recently clinched the Golden Boot in the Japanese J-1 League after notching 28 goals from 32 matches while in the 2019 season, he finished with 27 league goals as Reysol ended the J2 season as champions, winning promotion to the first division.

Al-Duhail formerly Lekhwiya SC, is a Qatari sports club that plays in the Qatar Stars League. The club is based in the Duhail district in the city of Doha and plays its home games at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium and is the first team in Qatari football to win the first division title on its debut season.

They are currently sitting second on the 12-team table with 27 points from 13 matches, eight fewer than table-toppers Al Sadd, who are on 35 points.

On Tuesday, Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama waded into the transfer issue by saying he will support any move Olunga makes in this transfer window.

Wanyama, who currently features for Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer (MLS) and was in the same situation before leaving Tottenham Hotspur, has now said Olunga is mature enough to make a good decision.

“In football, it is always difficult to try and advise someone who has played the game and knows what’s next in his move,” Wanyama said as quoted by  Standard Sports .

“But Olunga is a mature player and he knows what’s next for his career. All of us have ambitions and they cannot be the same. So, I’m supporting him in every step he is going to take and I wish him all the best in whatever move he is going to take.”

Fenerbahce have made progress in their pursuit of Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, says the club's president Ali Koc.

The Turkish giants are one of the leading candidates to sign the Germany international, with coach Erol Bulut saying last week that he expected a decision to be made within days.

However, MLS side D.C. United have also been touted as a possible destination for the 32-year-old, whose contract at Arsenal expires at the end of the season.

Ozil is keeping his options open as he admitted on Monday that he wants to join either Fenerbahce or play in the United States before he retires, adding of the Super Lig side: “I grew up as a Fenerbahce fan as a kid in Germany."

Koc says his side are still working on striking a deal with the former Real Madrid and Schalke star, but insists it is far from wrapped up. 

"It is still a dream," he told reporters after his side's 3-0 win against Erzurumspor in the Super Lig on Monday.

"We can confirm that we have made some progress in this matter. But nothing is perfect yet.

"It is important that Mesut discuss things with his current club."

He added: "Not a single person from Fenerbahce made a statement. There are issues between Mesut and Arsenal.

"It is a subject that we are closer to than before. Nothing is finished. It may or may not go through. The news reports that an agreement has been made weakens our hand."

Ozil has not played for Arsenal this season, having been left out of the squad for the Premier League and Europa League.

While the attacking midfielder has not yet decided where he will end up, he has ruled out the prospect of joining Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham, insisting he would rather retire than become part of Jose Mourinho's squad.

Spurs boss Mourinho dismissed Ozil's jibe when asked for his reaction on Tuesday, responding: "Who told him that Tottenham would be interested in signing him?"

Ozil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 and has made 254 appearances in all competitions and won the FA Cup four times.

Simba SC assistant coach Selemani Matola has explained the reason Namungo FC took control of the second half of their Mapinduzi Cup semi-final clash played in Arusha on Monday.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi qualified for the final of the tournament after a hard-fought 2-1 win against Namungo in the match played at Amani Stadium.

Meddie Kagere and Miraji Athumani scored the goals for the Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions, to set up a Kariakoo derby final against rivals Yanga SC, while Ghanaian Stephen Kwame Sey grabbed a consolation for his team.

However, Simba did not find it easy against Namungo, who were seeking revenge having lost to the same team 2-1 in the final of the domestic cup last season as they put up a spirited fight in the second half, and almost forced the match into penalties.

Matola, who is standing in as the coach of the side after the exit of Belgian Sven Vandenbroeck has now told Goal they were overpowered by Namungo after the two injuries to Tadeo Lwanga and Joash Onyango, which forced them to shift their style of play in the second half.

“We thank God for the win against Namungo, from the first day I knew it will not be an easy game, and I even said it before the match [they are not an easy team], we knew they have a strong team and knew they will come to give us a strong opposition,” Matola told Goal.

“I thank my players because they took the advantage of their good display in the first half to score the two goals which disjointed Namungo, in the second half after picking two injuries [Tadeo Lwanga] and Joash [Onyango], it forced us to change our game plan and when you look at our bench we have a slim squad so we needed to change the system of play, we had to use two strikers and asked one to drop back and help the team to defend.

“It was the reason Namungo got the chance to control the game in the second half and managed to push us to the end even after they scored their goal, at first we were level in terms of strength and power but the changes we did in the second half, changed the game in their favour but we thank God we came out on top and play in the final.”

On meeting their sworn rivals Yanga in the final on Wednesday, Matola said: “A final is a final, there is no easy final if you check now, we had many teams in this tournament but now we have remained two [against Yanga], and I know the game will not be easy, we will plan ourselves, we know the difficulties of playing against them, and our aim is to win the title.”

The last time the two teams met in the final of the tournament was in 2011 when Simba emerged winners after a 2-1 win.

Arsenal defender Rob Holding has signed a new long-term contract at Emirates Stadium.

The 25-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a three-and-a-half year deal through to the summer of 2024, with the option of a further year.

The former Bolton defender reportedly came close to leaving the club on loan over the summer but has established himself in the Gunners first team under Mikel Arteta this season, making more Premier League appearances than any other central defender so far.

“Since I started as manager, I have been hugely impressed with Rob’s contribution to the club and the dressing room, on and off the pitch. The quality of his work every day on the training pitches is excellent and he is translating this into consistently high performances in matches," said Arsenal boss Arteta.

Technical director Edu added: “We are very happy to have signed Rob on a new contract extension. He is 25 years old, so is still coming into the peak of his career, and we are delighted that he’ll be with us during these important years.

"Rob has shown great quality and maturity on and off the pitch in recent months and is developing well. We are looking forward to Rob continuing his progression in the years to come.”

Holding has made nearly 100 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Bolton ahead of the 2016-17 season and was part of the Gunners side that beat Chelsea to lift the FA Cup at the end of that campaign.

However, the following year he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that would keep him out of action for nine months.

He returned to fitness in September 2019 and won his second FA Cup medal at the end of last season as the Gunners once again overcame Chelsea at Wembley.

Despite that success Holding was rumoured to be considering his future at the club during the close season as he wanted guaranteed first-team football. Newcastle were tipped to sign him on loan but Arteta ruled out a move, with Holding since becoming a regular in the side.

"We all know Rob’s quality, which he has shown in his displays during the intense moments of those two FA Cup final victories," added Arteta. "We are all very happy that Rob has signed a new contract, he is very popular with all the players and staff, and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to grow with us in the coming years.”

European champions Lyon have completed the signing of highly-rated youngster Catarina Macario, dealing a huge blow to the NWSL.

Macario signs on a two-and-a-half year deal after announcing earlier this month that she would forgo her final year of college at Stanford to turn professional.

The 21-year-old, who was born in Brazil but recently acquired American citizenship, was expected to be the No.1 pick in the NWSL Draft this week, a pick held by Racing Louisville.

Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have all been linked with Macario this month. However, the exciting young talent will instead begin her professional career with Lyon, who won their fifth successive Women’s Champions League title back in August.

Macario picked up the Hermann Trophy, awarded annually to the best male and female soccer players in the United States, in both 2018 and 2019 – an accolade previously won by players such as World Cup winners Christen Press and Crystal Dunn.

She also scored 63 goals in 68 games for Stanford during her college career and won two NCAA College Cup titles.

“It is a pleasure to start my professional career at OL and to find myself surrounded by the best players in the world,” Macario said. “OL represent victories, titles, trophies and I can't wait to arrive in Lyon and be part of this team.

“I know a lot of American players have worn this jersey before me. It is a great pride to be able to perpetuate this heritage and to be able to contribute to the success of the team. I hope I can progress to become a better player.”

Macario will become the 11th American to represent the club, with the likes of Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe among those to have done so before her.

She will join up with her new team-mates later this month, following the conclusion of the USWNT training camp which ends on January 22.

Lyon are currently second in the Division 1 Feminine table, one point behind rivals PSG, who beat them 1-0 at the end of November.

However, Jean-Luc Vasseur's side remain favourites for the title, having been crowned champions of France every year since their first triumph in 2007.

The club are also through to the last 16 of the Women’s Champions League, a competition they have won for the last five years running, after beating Juventus 6-2 on aggregate in December.

Tanzania giants Simba SC have confirmed they will take time to appoint a new coach after the exit of Sven Vandenbroeck.

The Belgian tactician parted ways with the club on mutual agreement a day after guiding the team to the group stage of the Caf Champions following a 4-1 aggregate win against FC Platinum of Zimbabwe.

Simba CEO Barbara Gonzalez has now come out to explain why it will take them time to hire a new coach from 55 applicants, despite the team playing in the group stage of the Champions League and also fighting to retain the Mainland Premier League.

“When it comes to getting a new coach, the process is usually lengthy since it requires much attention by going through all the available documents,” Gonzalez said as quoted by Daily News.

“If you make decisions in a hurry to find him, it may affect you throughout the whole season,” she noted. She named some of the nationalities of people whose CVs have reached at the club as from Serbia, France, Portugal, and many others from different parts of the world.

“We have put in place key requirements of the incoming coach we need like club coaching experience. If you remember, when Vandenbroeck came in, he had vast experience at the national team level only and it took more time for him to catch up.

“He should also have experience in Caf club tournaments as among other essential requirements for the job’s qualification.”

Gonzalez has further explained the club did not fire Vandenbroeck, who has already signed for Moroccan club ASFAR Rabat, but insisted they parted ways on mutual agreement.

“I already wished him all the best during his new coaching responsibilities in Morocco," Gonzalez added.

Goal understands Rene Weiler is among the favourites to take up the job after a source within the club confirmed the 47-year-old tactician from Switzerland is likely to replace Vandenbroeck.

“Weiler has become the clear favourite to take over the reins at Simba,” the source, who did not want to be named, told Goal.

“He is currently a free agent after leaving Al Ahly of Egypt and that puts him ahead of the rest of the coaches who have applied for the job.”

Vandenbroeck left Simba in second position to Yanga with 35 points, nine behind the leaders, but with three matches in hand.

The champions, after dispatching FC Platinum, booked a group stage spot in the Champions League.

Currently they are in Zanzibar where they are set to participate in the Mapinduzi Cup final.

Liverpool remain “a better team” than Manchester United heading towards their crunch clash at Anfield, says John Aldridge, with the Red Devils considered to be “pretty ordinary” when Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are taken out of the equation.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have been leaning heavily on the brilliance of individuals during the 2020-21 campaign.

That approach has served them well, with there a chance that United could head to Merseyside on Sunday perched at the top of the Premier League table.

Liverpool are aware that, having dominated the domestic scene in 2019-20, the chasing pack has closed in on them this season amid struggles for consistency and keeping key men clear of injury.

Aldridge is, however, of the opinion that Jurgen Klopp’s side remain considerably stronger than rivals from Old Trafford and will prove as much when given a chance to put down a title marker.

The former Reds striker told the Liverpool Echo: “You can give the strikers as much finishing as they want or work through drills with the defence but Jurgen Klopp will be making his players aware of what United are good at this week.

“What they are good at is getting the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford on the ball - they’re the danger.

“The rest of their team is pretty ordinary, they’d be coming in fifth or sixth place but those two make them into a team.

“Klopp won’t be going overboard on United this week because we are a better team and we’ve proved that. They’ve simply come closer and it’s about getting the lads to show we mean business.

“We’re in the business part of the season and we need to start now, with the likes of United in particular. It’s time to get back on track.”

Aldridge added on what Liverpool need to do in order to avoid coming unstuck against the Red Devils: “United can only play one way and they can’t defend.

“They’ll back themselves on the break with the pace they’ve got up front but I don’t think the fans would be allowing that!

“I think it’ll be a pretty open game and they’ll sense our weaknesses in trying to hit long balls between young Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“That’s what teams do, they pinpoint that area because our full-backs get forward and take up advanced positions, so then we struggle.

“The left channel is not too bad, because Fabinho looks up and sees it but for the young lads - as well as they’re doing and they are doing superbly - it’s really hard.

“Teams have a lot of quality and players who can put the ball in difficult areas with people chasing them - the likes of which Rashford will do.

“United will be working to capitalise on that area but it’s up to us to do what we’re good at. And that is scoring goals at Anfield.”

Asante Kotoko midfielder Fabio Gama Dos Santos is delighted by his output on his full debut as the club handed Liberty Professionals a 2-0 defeat in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) on Monday.

Having joined the Porcupine Warriors in October, the 28-year-old made his first start for the Porcupine Warriors in the matchday eight fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.

He capped his outing with a pair of assists.

“I am used to the weather because I played in Brazil all my life and it’s the same weather," Gama said after the game, as reported by 442 Ghana.

"I have not started a game for a year, so it is hard to keep the physique for the match. But I'm happy to play for 80 minutes.”

Without a doubt, the biggest beneficiary of Gama's presence on the pitch was striker Kwame Opoku, who was at hand to score twice from the Brazilian's set-ups.

"I am very excited to play with Fabio Gama because he is a very fine player and would love to see him feature in every match with me on the field," Opoku said, as reported by Kickgh.

"He's my best friend and we have good talking conditions on the training grounds and this is just the beginning with a matter of time and fitness people see more than what they saw."

Monday's win has taken Kotoko to sixth on the league table.

"You don’t need intensive training to bring the best out of the players but sometimes you have to psyche the players because they’re very good individually, so you have to build their confidence and not pressure them too much. So you can attribute our recent display to confidence and determination," coach Johnson Smith said, as reported by GNA.

“Since our loss to Sudanese side Al-Hilal, we have learnt the transitional play tactics that is playing from defence to midfield and to attack and we have also worked on our finishing at training.

“So the players are gradually getting used to the system we have adopted because at first we did little running but now things have changed with the players making more incisive runs and it has changed our play."

Former Brazil U17 and U20 attacker Gama could make his second Kotoko start when they face Wafa in their next game.

Vicky Jepson has left her role as manager of Liverpool Women, it has been confirmed.

The 32-year-old was appointed Reds boss in October 2018, having previously worked as assistant to Neil Redfearn before taking over the first team, initially as caretaker manager.

But Jepson was unable to prevent their relegation from the Women's Super League last season.

"Liverpool FC can confirm that women's manager Vicky Jepson has left the club by mutual consent," a statement read.

"It brings an end to a partnership which has lasted more than a decade and included various roles at the club."

The 2019-20 campaign was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic with the Prenton Park side having collected six points from 14 matches, leaving them a point behind Birmingham.

They are currently third in the second tier and eight points behind leaders Leicester with a game in hand, but the club have decided to part ways with Jepson, who also spent five years as the women's development squad manager and a further two as first-team analyst.

"It’s with a heavy heart that my time has come to an end with Liverpool Football Club; the place I love and have been lucky enough to call home for over a decade," she said.

"Over the years I have been fortunate to work across the entire pathway at this club. During this time, I’ve seen so many youth players go on to wear the first-team red shirt, which fills me with immense pride. It’s been a privilege to have contributed to their careers.

"I’m also grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside the talented people at the LFC Foundation. Seeing the increase of girls’ participation in football has been truly inspiring.

"To the many senior players, both past and present, that I’ve worked with, I thank you. Thank you for empowering me with your relentless efforts, professional attitudes and sacrifices that you make daily as a professional footballer. I will be forever grateful for our time together and will be supporting you all from afar this season."

She added: "For now, I’ll be taking some time out with family, but I’m excited and looking forward to my next challenge in the world of football."