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Young Africans (Yanga SC) had to dig deep to settle for a 1-1 draw with their hosts Tanzania Prisons in a Tanzania Mainland League game played on Thursday evening. 

Jumanne Fadhili scored for the administrative side before debutant Saidi Ntibazonkiza equalized matters.

The Jangwani Street-based charges came into the match as favourites owing to their good record in the first leg. However, they were not going to find it easy against their hosts who were among the four teams that had managed to get a point from Wananchi in the first round.

It explains why the two teams settled for a goalless scoreline in the first half.

After the break, Prisons upped their tempo and managed to get a deserved opener in the 52nd minute courtesy of Jumanne Fadhili. It was a reward for their good play.

Timu ya Wananchi struggled to get clear cut chances against an organized Prisons team. But their resilience to maintain their unbeaten run paid off in the 78th minute.

Burundi international Saidi Ntibazonkiza, who was making his debut, broke the hearts of the home fans with a timely equalizer. It was the goal that took Yanga's points tally to 44 from the 18 games played.

After getting the point, Tanzania Prisons moved to the ninth position with 22 points.

In another league game, 2014 champions Azam FC scored with three minutes to go and got maximum points against hosts Polisi Tanzania.

The Ice-cream Makers had an inconsistent first round which led to the firing of Romanian coach Aristica Cioaba. George Lwandamina was brought to salvage the seemingly sinking ship and it seems he is managing to do so.

A trip to Polisi Tanzania was not going to be an easy one and it looked like the spoils were going to be shared. However, in the 87th minute, Ismail Aziz scored an all-important goal to hand the Chamazi-based charges maximum points.

Finally, Coastal Union and Namungo FC played to a 1-1 draw.

Iddi Kipagawile scored first in favour of the visitors in the 10th minute. It happened to be the only goal in the first half. 

Rashid Mohamed managed to equalize with 15 minutes to go and ensure the points were shared.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles will “pursue an exit in the summer”, says Kevin Campbell, with Arsenal warned that a waiting game for the versatile 23-year-old is “not going to last”.

It appeared at one stage as though the Emirates Stadium academy graduate would seek out a switch in 2020.

Wolves were said to be leading the chase for his signature, with a £20 million ($26m) offer put on the table.

Arsenal and Maitland-Niles ultimately shunned that interest, with the highly-rated performer opting to remain in north London and compete for regular outings under Mikel Arteta.

He has been restricted to just four Premier League starts in 2020-21, despite breaking into the senior England squad, with the majority of his minutes coming in the Europa League.

The ambitious midfielder had been hoping to fill a more prominent role, especially as Arsenal have struggled for consistency this season, and patience is now wearing thin.

Campbell expects that to snap in the near future, with Maitland-Niles being tipped to push for a move elsewhere.

“I think he will pursue an exit in the summer,” former Gunners striker Campbell told Football Insider.

“Although he loves the club, he is an England international now – he has to play football.

“There is no point loving the club and being a bit-part player. You have proven you can do it on numerous occasions, you are a full England international and you are on the bench…

“That is not going to last.” 

Campbell has been forced to change his tune in a matter of weeks, with the ex-Arsenal frontman previously stating that Arteta was set to do all he can to keep Maitland-Niles on his books.

“I hear Mikel Arteta is trying to convince him to stay and sign a new contract because he is now an England international,” Campbell told Football Insider in early December.

“Which clubs let England internationals go? You do not do that.

“He wants to play, of course he wants to but we know football is a squad game. He wants to play in central midfield and they have just bought Partey to play there.

“Maitland-Niles is a good player but he is no Partey, that is for sure.

“He has a great engine on him, tough and can take a penalty because he is calm as a cucumber. He has loads of pluses going for him. He can fit in multiple positions and every team needs a utility man, and when your utility man is an international you need to keep him even more so.

“I can see Mikel Arteta going on the charm offensive to try and keep him at the football club.”

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been banned by the Football Association for three games after he was find guilty of misconduct following an Instagram post in November.

The striker made the decision not to challenge the charge and will consequently miss United’s upcoming games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Watford. 

He has also been fined £100,000 and ordered to complete face-to-face education after it was deemed his post was insulting, abusive, improper and brought the game into disrepute. 

It is understood the club have asked the FA to use the money from the fine for anti-racisim projects and initiatives. 

The charge came after the 33-year-old responded to a celebratory message sent by a friend with the words "Gracias negrito".

The 33-year-old quickly deleted the post and apologised for his actions, saying: “The message I posted after the game on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game.

“The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone. I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently. I would like to sincerely apologise for this.”

Goal understands Cavani decided not to appeal the charge - despite his insistence that it was an honest mistake - out of respect and solidarity with the fight against racism in football. 

A new ruling meant that if found guilty the minimum ban term for this breach is three matches and it is understood the club is pleased the governing body imposed the lowest possible sanction. 

A statement from Manchester United on the ruling read: “As he has stated, Edinson Cavani wasn’t aware that his words could have been misconstrued and he sincerely apologised for the post and to anyone who was offended.

“Despite his honest belief that he was simply sending an affectionate thank you in response to a congratulatory message from a close friend, he chose not to contest the charge out of respect for, and solidarity with, The FA and the fight against racism in football.

“While it is clear that context and intent are key factors, we note that the independent Regulatory Commission was required to impose a minimum three game suspension.  

“The club trusts that the independent Regulatory Commission will make it clear in its written reasons that Edinson Cavani is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post.”

Timo Werner is not “ice-cold” in front of goal and should have a further “seven or eight” efforts to his name this season, says Scott Minto, with the German said to be presenting Chelsea with a tactical dilemma.

The Blues were considered to have pulled off quite the coup when luring the prolific frontman to Stamford Bridge over the summer.

Despite boasting no prior experience of life in the Premier League, Werner was tipped by many to hit the ground running in England.

His qualities have been put to good use by Lampard, with blistering pace and predatory instincts allowing the versatile 24-year-old to play across Chelsea’s front line.

Eight goals were recorded by Werner by early November, as he offered an immediate return on a £47.5 million ($65m) price tag, but he has since gone 11 games without finding the target.

Minto feels that a fixed role needs to be found for the German frontman, as he struggles to settle and find a spark, but remains convinced that value will be found in a big-money signing.

The former Chelsea defender told Stadium Astro of Werner: “He’s a player. He’s a defender’s nightmare.

“If he’s going to play on that left-hand side, Frank Lampard has a decision to make. If they are going to play him on the left and have a big man up front, then you have to accept that he is going to come inside and try to link up with [Olivier] Giroud or [Tammy] Abraham and defensively that is going to leave you open – as we saw against Arsenal.

“Or, you stick him up front - you play him on the last defender, try and bring everybody a little bit short, make the opposition defence compact for a ball over the top or slide passes for his pace.

“In terms of his finishing, he is another one that should have, and this is his fault, another seven or eight goals to his name this season.

“He has got himself, either by good movement or by doing it himself, into some fantastic positions, one-on-one with keepers, and just not been that ice-cold striker you need to be in front of goal. But I have no doubts whatsoever that he will come good.

“I do have a problem with him tactically, in terms of playing left and defending as a team, so is Frank willing to sacrifice having that protection having him on the left-hand side and coming in or are you going to stick him up front?

“I have no doubts he will be a big player for Chelsea over the coming years.”

Chelsea, who have taken just four points from their last five Premier League fixtures, will be back in action on Sunday when they open 2021 with a testing home date against fellow title hopefuls Manchester City.

Manchester United have triggered the one-year extension option on Jesse Lingard’s contract, theoretically ensuring that the midfielder could remain at Old Trafford until the summer of 2022.

The England international’s current deal was poised to expire in the summer, at which point the 28-year-old was expected to seek new opportunities elsewhere after falling out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season.

Lingard has only played 99 minutes of football across two Carabao Cup games this season - with a single start against Luton Town - and has struggled to even get onto the bench for the vast majority of Premier League matches.

Yet, following now-typical procedure at the club, United have activated his contract clause to extend his current deal in order to prevent the possibility of losing him on a free transfer.

It is understood that a potential January loan deal is being explored in order for Lingard to pick up more minutes this season and that any extension would have little to no bearing on his long-term future with United.

“Jesse is a part of the club and he’s worked really hard,” Solskjaer previously said in July when questioned on the playmaker’s position within the Norwegian’s plans.

“He deserves his chance to come back in and we know his qualities. We know that Jesse’s got different qualities to other players and he knows that we value him.”

Lingard most recently made United’s squad for their 2-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Everton earlier this month, though he failed to feature off the bench again, further stretching a near-three month on-field exodus.

If the right deal can be agreed, it remains possible that he could leave next month on a short-term move further afield, with Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo also anticipated to be outgoing faces in a relatively quiet window.

Amad Diallo, meanwhile, is expected to arrive from Atalanta, having agreed to a Premier League move from the Serie A outfit in October.

The teenage winger remained in Italy for the first half of the current campaign but is expected to finalise his switch in the coming weeks, a month after making his Champions League debut against Midtjylland.

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been charged by the Football Association following his criticism of referee Lee Mason.

In the aftermath of Wolves' 2-1 loss to Burnley in the Premier League on December 21, Nuno did not hold back in his criticism of Mason.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Nuno said: "Honestly I don't like to say it, but I must say it because I will not feel right: the referee does not have the quality to whistle a game in the Premier League.

"This is a problem that we knew. We already had Lee Mason before. It is not about the crucial mistakes or the decisions, it is about the way that he handles the game.

"The players get nervous. Too much voices. He whistles by the voices when some players shout. He does not have [it]. We are talking about the best competition and clearly he does not have the quality to whistle the game.

"I am very disappointed to say this, really disappointed to say it, but I would not feel right if I did not say it. It happened before."

Nuno went on to qualify his comments and subsequently apologised for the timing of the interview, but not the subject matter.

The FA has taken a dim view of Nuno’s actions, and charged him with improper conduct.

“Wolves Nuno Espírito Santo has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to their Premier League match against Burnley FC on Monday 21 December 2020,” the FA said in a statement. 

“It is alleged that comments made by the head coach during a post-match interview constitute improper conduct as they were personally offensive to the match official and/or bring the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3.1.”

Nuno has until January 5 to respond to the charge.

FA regulations allow for post-match comments to be critical of performance or competence of a match official but must not imply bias, attack the official's integrity, are personally offensive, are prolonged, or are unreasonable.

Prior to having to respond to the FA charge, Nuno will take his charges to Brighton for a Premier League clash on Saturday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is pushing his luck at Manchester United, despite guiding them into second place, and needs to be bringing in a right-back such as Kieran Trippier or Max Aarons, says Paul Parker.

The Red Devils have picked up a useful habit of grinding out results this season and are now the closest challengers to defending champions Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

A team that has gone eight years since they last lifted the English top-flight crown is daring to dream that a barren run on that front could be brought to a close in 2021.

Parker admits that United are in the mix, but he feels fortune has favoured them at times and that vulnerability has been exposed when facing rivals of similar stature and ambition.

The former Red Devils defender told Eurosport: “There are seven or eight teams involved in the title race.

“It’s great because there’s been nothing like this since the early days of the Premier League, when it was really up for grabs. It’s like the old football leagues.

“The inconsistency and struggles of the campaign have allowed us to identify the mentally strong teams, and it has exposed those who are mentally weak.

“However, that doesn’t mean that United are necessarily psychologically resilient. They are failing to do their jobs properly, despite their comebacks.

“When you’re away from home, when there’s a crowd, you have to make sure that the home fans don’t get a lift. You don’t want the opposition to get the first free kick or corner, let alone the first goal. That should be the same task even without fans.

“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must know that his time is running out in these situations. When they went behind against Leipzig, it was against a better team who could control the situation. And when they did go in front against Leicester City, one of the better sides in the league, they lost their lead - twice.”

Parker believes leaks at the back should be offering United the greatest concern, with the January transfer window set to present Solskjaer with an opportunity to find an upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back.

The ex-England international added: “If they want to maintain their title challenge then the squad they have is not good enough.

“I’m a fan of Kieran Trippier at Atletico Madrid, because he’s become a better defender there. If you can’t defend well then Diego Simeone will not pick you in defence. He’s become more disciplined playing for Simeone, and is exactly the type of player that United need for their current weaknesses.

“He’s a player of real stature on the right-hand side, who can offer plenty in attack. That’s not really on offer from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, I wonder if Trippier actually wants to leave Spain. I don’t see why he would want to swap Madrid for Manchester, unless his family aren’t enjoying it.

“Even though he’s 30, he might still get one more big move as people are prepared to gamble on his experience, but I wouldn’t rush back from a side like Atletico - he might regret having to start again at that age.

“Max Aarons is also a decent option. For Norwich he bombed up-and-down a lot in the Premier League, and while they conceded a lot of goals, it certainly wasn’t all down to him.

“I am not sure if at his age [20] he is the right one to sign, but I’ve liked what I have seen of him, moreso in the first half of last season. He wanted to attack, cover ground and was tenacious.”

United, who kept a clean sheet when edging out Wolves 1-0 in their last outing, will take in their first match of the new year when playing host to Aston Villa on Friday.

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has indicated that some of their key players are still unavailable due to an assortment of injuries and illness.

Hlompho Kekana and Kermit Erasmus have missed Masandawana's last three matches, while Themba Zwane was a noticeable absentee against Lamontville Golden Arrows and Jwaneng Galaxy.

However, Rhulani Mokwena remains optimistic that they will field a strong team when they face Orlando Pirates in a mouthwatering Premier Soccer League (PSL) match on Saturday. 

"The squad status in relation to unavailability of certain players hasn't changed, we're still struggling a little bit with certain players in regards to injuries and many other medical conditions," Mokwena told the club's media team.

"Because we need to be extra careful and extremely sensitive because we are still in the middle of the pandemic and any signs of illness and any other potential related issues are taken seriously and with the advice of our doctors.

"We try to adhere to the caution and red flags raised by our medical department. It also allays fears and concerns from Masandawana who think we tamper too much with the squad."

The Tshwane giants have a formidable squad with depth and Mokwena has been pleased by midfielder Mothobi Mvala's scoring form.

The Bafana Bafana international netted on debut against Arrows in a PSL match on December 19, before scoring again in the Caf Champions League clash with Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy on December 22. 

"Of course it may look like that but in certain moments our hands are really forced to play certain cards," Mokwena continued.

"In the absence of some players, it gives an opportunity to other players. We have seen how Mothobi Mvala has come up.

"Mothobi has scored two goals in two games and has put up his hand to say 'I have the capacity to play for Mamelodi Sundowns' and he has shown that," he added. 

"So at times, another man's poison is another man's meat. We just have to continue to make sure we put the best eleven possible and put our focus on the game against Orlando Pirates."

Sundowns will host their Gauteng rivals Pirates at the 2010 Fifa World Cup Round of 16 venue, Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane. 

The biggest event of the FIFA gaming calendar is nearly here as the FIFA 21 Team of the Year will arrive this January.

The world's best players will be released in packs during the week during the Team of the Year event, with gamers eager to get their hands on the best players in the game.

Some of these players will have huge overall scores, which mean they will be the highest-rated players during the entire season, while others will not be overtaken until the Team of the Season.

Which players will make the FIFA 21 TOTY squad and when they will be available in packs?

On this page

What is FIFA 21 Team of the Year?

The Team of the Year (TOTY) is an annual event in FIFA, celebrating the best players from the last 12 months.

The 11 players chosen for the team receive massive upgrade boosts in the game, with some players even rated 99 in TOTY.

In the past, the Team of the Year was connected to the FIFPro World XI, but since that award has moved to December to tie in with FIFA's the Best awards, the in-game equivalent has become a standalone team.

In recent years, the final team has been voted by fans of the game from a longlist of players selected by EA Sports.

When is the FIFA 21 Team of the Year released?

The FIFA 21 Team of the Year is expected to be released either on January 8 or 15.

For the last two years, the TOTY event began in early January, but was not released until January 15 in FIFA 18.

The final TOTY XI is released in batches during the week, before the entire squad will be available from Wednesday to Friday.

Players are only available in packs and can be bought and sold on the transfer market.

Which players will be in the FIFA 21 Team of the Year?

The FIFA 21 Team of the Year will be separate to the FIFPro World XI, but it is expected that the majority of the players will be the same as they are widely considered as the best performers over the past year.

Alisson was named as the goalkeeper in the World XI, but is not expected to be in the FIFA 21 squad as Manuel Neuer was named the Best Goalkeeper of the Year by multiple outlets.

FIFPro World XI:

GK: Alisson (Liverpool)
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
CB: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
CB: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
LB: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
CM: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
CM: Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
CM: Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich/Liverpool)
RW: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
ST: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
LW: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)

What players are available in Objectives and Squad Building Challenges?

Each promotion so far this season has had a special Objective player, but it is unlikely that TOTY will have a player available through Objectives.

Instead, it is likely that a special Team of the Year kit will be available through in-game Objectives, with special packs likely to be given as rewards.

There is usually a vote for a 12th man in the TOTY squad, with users able to vote for their favourite player who missed out on the final TOTY XI.

It is predicted that Neymar will prove most popular and be named as the TOTY 12th man for FIFA 21.

James Milner has saluted the “top class” qualities of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, with the Brazilian there when required during a freezing night in Newcastle to help Jurgen Klopp’s side collect another point.

The Reds were rarely tested at St James’ Park, with the visitors controlling proceedings for the most part, but end product proved to be in short supply on Tyneside.

Liverpool squandered the chances that came there way, ensuring that Newcastle remained in the game throughout.

Steve Bruce’s side came close to snatching the spoils in the dying moments, but Alisson was switched on enough to overcome any frostbite that was setting in and produce a sprawling save to deny Ciaran Clark.

Such heroics are expected from the commanding South American, with Milner telling the Reds’ official website of the most reliable of No.1s: “We restricted them most of the game but Ali is top-class – everybody knows that.

“Especially on a night like tonight, it's going to be pretty cold for him I can imagine, standing at the back with not too much to do and then having to pull a save out like that towards the end. So that shows how good he is and what a big player he is for us.”

Liverpool had been hoping to head home from the North East with much more than a share of the spoils to show for their efforts, but the defending champions remain at the top of the Premier League table – three points clear of Manchester United – and Milner expects them to kick on.

He added on a title race that has already delivered a number of twists and turns: “I think it's a positive but it seems to be at this moment in time that nobody wants to take it by the scruff of the neck.

“We've dropped points, everyone seems to be dropping points. United have had a good run and they're probably the only team who are putting a run together.

“It's important that we need to kick on now and try to get a few three-pointers. But the world is in a very strange place at the moment and it's the same in football. Everybody's lives are upside down, it's tough mentally for everybody and it's the same in football. Hopefully we can get out of this the other side and it's the same with football – we just need to keep plugging away.

“It is different, it's different times and that time where you maybe need the crowd to give you that lift and get it over the line. That might've happened on another day. But it's where we are and we need to keep working hard.

“As you can see, we've given absolutely everything. The boys are doing well. The amount of minutes some of the lads have played, it's nice to see a few of the boys getting back – obviously Thiago getting on and showing his quality.

“We'll stick together, we'll keep plugging away and we just need to get that final piece of the puzzle right. Like I say, I thought it was a good performance, we just needed that final bit to get the goals. If we keep playing like that, hopefully we can go on a run and put some more points on the board.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he does not want “fake” players in his squad as he hailed the improved mentality of his Manchester United team.

United host Aston Villa on New Year’s Day and a win would take them level on points with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League after 16 games.

Solskjaer, who saw his team secure a 93rd-minute winner over Wolves on Tuesday, has been impressed with the improvement in mindset from his squad.

The United boss said they had focused on improving the team’s mentality, focus and drive during pre-season and that they’re now starting to see the development.

“One, they’re two years older than when I came. Two, some of them are really strong personalities that we’ve brought in and they have been a really good influence,” Solskjaer said.  

“We have competition for places, which means you cannot go around and think you can just fake your way into being part of this team. You only deserve to be in a team that you contribute to.

“I think everyone has realised they are privileged to be part of Man Utd, such a fantastic club with a fantastic history. When you’re here, enjoy it as much as you can and maybe you’ll experience some fantastic times.

“You’ve got winners like Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic. They don’t play every single game but they are so influential in the group and the build-up to games and during games when they’re not playing.”

Solskjaer made six changes for the Wolves game and with Villa arriving on Friday at Old Trafford before a semi-final Carabao Cup clash against Manchester City next Wednesday, he is likely to make more changes to his team.

But the United boss is confident the depth of the squad can see them through all competitions.

“We have a strong squad and have rotated a lot. We’ve not really called it a settled XI because I don’t think this season is going to be about that anyway,” Solskjaer explained. “It’s going to be about the squad. It’s going to be about the 25 players. I think towards the end of the season that will help us. It has to be done this way.

“When you leave Scott [McTominay] and Fred out, it’s not easy. They deserve to play every game, but Nemanja [Matic] and Paul [Pogba] played so well against Everton. Injuries and suspensions will happen, so I think our squad is well capable of being ready for every game.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta does not believe a temporary suspension of Premier League action is needed to slow down the spread of coronavirus.

On Tuesday, the Premier League confirmed 18 new positive Covid-19 tests in the week commencing December 21 - the highest number of positive cases in a single round of tests this season.

Manchester City's game at Everton was postponed at four hours' notice due to a coronavirus outbreak at the Etihad Stadium on Monday, while Fulham's match against Tottenham on Wednesday was also called off.

Eighteen positive cases surpasses the previous high of 16 recorded in the week commencing November 9, and mirrors the wider situation in England, with more people now in hospital due to the virus than at the peak of the first wave in April.

There have been growing calls for a circuit break – a tight set of restrictions, likely including the suspension of games, designed to reverse the tide of the pandemic – but Arteta, who contracted Covid-19 in March, believes the Premier League's current system is working well.

"We are all concerned with our own health and what is going on around us," he told a news conference ahead of the Gunners' clash with West Brom on Saturday.

"But at the same time, with all the protocols we have in place, everything we do around the training ground, around football matches, the fact that we play our sport outdoors, it minimises the risks a lot.

"If you see the records since we began to test, it is incredibly positive and I think as long as we can, we have to keep on doing that.

"Obviously we can't put anybody at risk but I think we have shown that the system is working.

"Okay, in the last week or so something has happened and I think we will have more restrictions and more tests to try to be as efficient as we were before, but I think it can work and I think we can carry on doing it."

Arteta is well aware that football is providing people with much-needed entertainment and escapism as restrictions tighten across the country.

Given the comforting role it is playing for so many, Arteta believes it is important the sport continues in its current guise for as long as it is safe.

"Well, the importance of football in this society is massive I think," Arteta said.

"When you ask and you talk to people and discuss what it means to have football games in this difficult period for everybody where there is not so much to do, I think it's really, really important and what we have to do is just try to do it in a safe way, as we have been doing recently.

"I think there are many, many positives."

David Alaba would prefer to head for Spain rather than Liverpool once the day comes for him to leave Bayern Munich, claims Dietmar Hamann, with it unlikely that the Reds will able to land any of their top defensive targets in January.

Jurgen Klopp continues to explore all of the options available to him ahead of another winter transfer window swinging open.

The reigning Premier League champions have seen their ranks decimated by injury in 2020-21, with tactical tinkering becoming the order of the day at Anfield.

Much of that pack shuffling has taken place at the back, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip taking in untimely spells on the treatment table.

With so much experience stuck on the sidelines, it has been suggested that Liverpool will look to bring in reinforcements at the next opportunity.

Versatile Austria international Alaba, who continues to run down his contract towards free agency, has seen a move to Merseyside mooted.

The 28-year-old is, however, also said to be of interest to La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, meaning that he could be out of reach for Klopp.

Hamann expects that to be the case, with Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig expected to be another centre-half option that will not hit the market until the summer of 2021 at the earliest.

Discussing Liverpool’s links to Alaba with Stadium Astro, former Reds and Bayern midfielder Hamann said: “I think his preferred destination was always Spain. I’m not sure if he wants to go to the Premier League and come to Liverpool.

“The fact that Liverpool are interested is not a surprise because Alaba has probably been one of the best centre-backs – after Van Dijk – for the last 12-18 months. I just don’t see Bayern Munich letting him go in January.

“Upamecano from Leipzig, who is absolutely tremendous at the back, Leipzig won’t let him go.

“I don’t think there is any chance whatsoever that they get a centre-back who will improve them for the next six weeks or next few years.”

Hamann added on Upamecano and the big recruitment calls facing Liverpool: “I think he has a clause in the summer. These clubs won’t sell.

“He [Klopp] needs to see what he can get in January. You look at players who are not in the Champions League, maybe a bit lower down, and I’m not sure this is the type of player that Liverpool need to improve.

“If you have to play Fabinho and Matip, yes he hasn’t stayed fit but maybe you get eight or 10 games out of him. [Jordan] Henderson can fill in. Fabinho is hardly injured. I would stay put for now.

“If an opportunity arises then of course you have to think about it, but I don’t see any of the top clubs letting their best players go in January. I think it’s unlikely they are going to buy one.”

Liverpool have returned to the top of the Premier League table this season, but now have Manchester United breathing down their neck and are aware of the need to have no chinks in their armour as they chase down back-to-back title triumphs.

Bruno Fernandes is following in the footsteps of iconic countryman Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, with the Portuguese now adopting the mindset of a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

The Red Devils have found Iberian inspiration on a regular basis down the years, with star turns from that part of the world becoming talismanic figures at Old Trafford.

Fernandes currently fits that bill, with the 26-year-old continuing to star for a side that is daring to dream of challenging for the Premier League title in 2021.

Ronaldo once led that charge for United, with the current Juventus frontman claiming nine pieces of silverware during his time in England.

Continuous improvement was sought by a modern-day great as he rose to superstardom in Manchester, with Fernandes looking to do likewise as he seeks to rekindle former glories.

“In everything in life, you have to improve and understand you’re not the worst and you are not the best,” Fernandes, who has contributed 26 goals and 17 assists to the United cause through 45 appearances, told the club’s official website.

“There is always time to improve. It’s impossible to be the worst because you have time to improve, and it’s impossible to be the best because you always have time to improve.

“If you see Cristiano and [Lionel] Messi, they are improving all seasons. How is this possible? Everyone says it’s impossible to do better but, every season, they do better and better and better.

“It is 11 years fighting for a Ballon d’Or and this will never happen again. It will never happen again in the story of football because they are still improving and I have the chance to be with Cristiano in the national team.

“I see the way he wants to improve every time, in free-kicks, in shots, in headers, in penalties and you want everything. You want to improve every time.

“When you lose, he knows he has to improve more and when you win, he understands he needs to go to the details of the good [work] to improve a little bit more.”

Fernandes wants that approach to be embraced by everyone at Old Trafford, with United having come through some testing times to put themselves back in contention for major honours.

“I think it’s important for us inside to understand,” Fernandes added.

“The club have a lot of media behind, a lot of people talking. They will be talking all the time. They want to talk when you lose, they don’t want to talk when you win, because it is better to attack than to defend the club.

“I think the most important thing is, inside of the group, we understand what we have to do, what we have to improve, where we are and where we want to go. For me, the most important thing is like when we lose, we are not the worst.

“Of course if you lose, you did mistakes and you need to go into training the next day and think what can we improve now to not make the same mistakes in the next game.

“For me, in life, it is always like that. In your entire life, you do mistakes. It is impossible not to do mistakes in your personal life, in football, in other sports. You always make mistakes because without mistakes, goals do not exist. It’s impossible in a game of football.

“Of course, if someone takes the ball and shoots from 40 yards in the first two seconds of a game, you can say maybe nobody did a mistake. But someone maybe needs to mark him and maybe the coach of the other team will think it’s a mistake from my midfielder or my defender who didn’t mark him and gave him too much space.”

Netherlands great Clarence Seedorf has been training with Virgil van Dijk, and has talked positively about the Liverpool defender’s determination to return to action.

Van Dijk suffered what appeared to be a season-ending injury against Everton on October 17, with Jordan Pickford’s wild lunge at the defender resulting in cruciate knee ligament damage.

Liverpool are putting no timeframe on their towering centre-back’s return to the fold, but he is working hard on a tailored training programme.

Van Dijk has been in Dubai working on his rehabilitation, and he was joined in the warmer climes of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex by fellow countryman and multiple Champions League winner Seedorf.

Seedorf posted an update on Instagram, where he talked in positive terms of Van Dijk’s efforts to return to full fitness as quickly as possible.

“I joined the captain Virgil van Dijk for some training today,” Seedorf said. “Happy to see his determination and hard work to be back on the pitch stronger than before! 

“In these type of journeys, patience and focus are key to succeed. 

“Keep it up my brother!”

Liverpool are on a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions, with their defensive record fairly solid, but they have not enjoyed a positive festive period as they drew 1-1 at home to West Brom and 0-0 at Newcastle.

The Reds will welcome in the New Year as Premier League leaders, but they could be joined at the top by Manchester United should Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils win their game in hand.

As well as being without Van Dijk, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed another injury absence to a centre-back, with Joel Matip facing a number of weeks on the sidelines with a groin complaint.

"The normal situation with this kind of injury is around about three weeks," Klopp said of the injury Matip picked up against West Brom.

If Van Dijk makes a return before the end of the season, it will be viewed as a huge positive by the Reds.

The key for Klopp will be to get back to winning ways, starting with the trip to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton on January 4.

Manchester United are interested in Norwich City right-back Max Aarons, but it is understood a deal in the January transfer window seems unlikely.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rates the 20-year-old full-back and the club looked into the possibility of a move during the summer window but nothing ever came to fruition.

A deal has been discussed, with United looking to bring more competition in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been at the club just over a year, on the right side of defence.

Diogo Dalot, who also plays in that position, was sent on loan to AC Milan at the start of the current campaign and Solskjaer was left to play Victor Lindelof at right-back in the recent draw against Leicester in the league.

It is understood Aarons is open to a potential move and United have discussed the possibility of a transfer. However, there are a few different factors as to why it is unlikely. 

He has started all 22 of Norwich’s league games this season as they look to push back to the Premier League and has established himself as a regular in the squad, while the overall fee was an issue when they were considering a move in the summer window.

But while United are expecting to have a relatively quiet winter window, with the club preferring to do their business in the summer, there should be at least one incoming as Amad Diallo is expected to arrive from Atalanta.

The club agreed a deal for the 18-year-old winger in the summer window but he stayed in Italy ahead of his move this January. 

Brexit means new rules governing the signing of overseas players come into force after December 31, but the club are confident they will be able to complete the signing, which was agreed in October, ahead of the teenager moving in the coming weeks.

Another young player who the club have registered their interest in is Moises Caicedo. It is understood United have been exploring a transfer for the 19-year-old midfielder from Independiente del Valle but, contrary to reports in South America, they have not agreed a deal for the teenager.

Transfer funds are available for Solskjaer in this window but United will only move for players if they are summer targets who become available at the right price.

Manchester United’s rise to second place in the Premier League table is “no accident”, says Tomasz Kuszczak, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer considered to be doing “something fantastic” at Old Trafford.

A Norwegian tactician filling the most demanding of posts has not always enjoyed such lavish praise.

Questions have been asked of his ability to deliver on expectations throughout an eventful spell that has delivered a number of highs and lows.

United are very much back on an upward curve at present, having moved to within three points of the Premier League summit while boasting a game in hand on Liverpool, and optimism is building again in Manchester.

Much of that had been eroded in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, with the Red Devils regressing horribly, but patience is now being rewarded.

A title challenge appears to be on the cards, with Kuszczak impressed by what he has seen from a rejuvenated United.

The former Red Devils goalkeeper, who formed part of three title-winning squads in his playing days, told Stadium Astro: “In football we have waves where you dominate the league and European football – United had that.

“Sir Alex Ferguson did what he did for 26 years. He built the team and had big titles. After he left, we saw what happens – quick buy, quick sell, big decisions.

“The fans wanted to see United on top but it doesn’t always happen like that. Everyone could see a period of transition was needed and now something new is there.

“I can feel the trust that Ole has from the owners and supporters. It’s building up and he deserves that.

“He came in during a difficult moment and there were doubts about his name across experts – was he experienced enough?

“He is starting to do something fantastic. They are second, let’s build on that. It may change quickly but it’s no accident. There must be something in it.”

Kuszczak added: “If you look across the season it has been a bit up and down. It’s nice to be on top. You have to start to build on something.

“They can think ‘we are there’. They are second now, so hold on to that. Every game have the same mentality and see what happens. That is the right mentality for the team, to be humble and want to win trophies.”

While talking up United’s impressive form in 2020-21, as they rediscover how to grind results out, Kuszczak believes there is still room for improvement from Solskjaer’s side.

He said: “The strength of Manchester United in the past was not only scoring goals, it was defending as well. The great results and end of season trophies come from not just scoring goals.

“I think they have improved as a team. But against Leicester they had the lead twice and lost goals. Games like that happen all the time.

“If you want to achieve something in the Premier League and win trophies, you have to learn how to play and win games like that. If you look at records in the past and teams winning trophies, they have been fantastic at that – home and away.”

Radja Nainggolan has fired a parting shot at Inter after returning to Cagliari on loan, claiming the "joy of playing football was taken away from me".

Nainggolan made his way back to San Siro in the summer following a successful temporary spell with Cagliari last season.

Unfortunately, the midfielder has been starved of regular minutes since then, with Antonio Conte only using him in five of Inter's last 20 games across all competitions.

Rather than continue playing a bit-part role in the Nerazzurri squad, Nainggolan has opted to re-join Cagliari until their end of the current campaign, with the Sardinia-based club confirming his arrival on Thursday morning.

An official statement on Cagliari's website reads: "Cagliari Calcio is pleased to announce that it has acquired the right to the sports services of the player Radja Nainggolan who moves from Inter with the loan formula until the end of the season. 

"Like a long love story, tinged with red and blue: Cagliari and Nainggolan once again together. Because the little boy who became a man and a footballer on the island, who left to take flight and rise to an absolute level champion, has always carried the flag of Sardinia with him, the Quattro Mori tattooed in his heart. 

"Radja Nainggolan is back, ready to wear his 4 again, to battle in the middle of the field, to write new pages in Cagliari."

Nainggolan couldn't resist a final dig at his parent club when quizzed by reporters at the airport on his way to Sardegna Arena, as he admitted that his passion for the game had dwindled during his last few months at San Siro.

"I'm happy to be here, I want to rediscover the joy of playing football that was taken away from me in this first part of the year," said the Belgium international.

"The team is strong and competitive and with many promising young players. Maybe it lacks a bit of continuity during the game, it's not easy with so many new features.

"I'd like to put my experience at the service of the team. I've read absurd things, I'm intact and can't wait to play. If I will stay permanently? Now I'm being moved left and right, let's see."

Nainggolan could make his first appearance of the season for Cagliari when they play host to Napoli on January 3.

Eusebio Di Francesco's side are currently struggling down in 15th in the Serie A standings, some 19 points behind Inter, who are sitting second behind leaders and local rivals Milan.

Juventus have ruled themselves out of the running for Diego Costa, Goal has learned, with the Serie A champions not about to join the transfer race for a fiery Spain international despite being in the market for another striker.

A proven 32-year-old frontman, Costa has dropped into the free agent pool. Atletico Madrid have agreed to the early termination of Costa’s contract, allowing him to seek out another employer.

While a second spell with the Rojiblancos did not play out as planned for the Brazil-born forward, he continues to boast an impressive CV.

Costa helped Atletico to La Liga title glory and the Champions League final during his first stint in the Spanish capital, before going on to lift the Premier League crown on two occasions with Chelsea.

That success could not be replicated back in Madrid, as he netted just 19 times through 81 appearances, but plenty of interest in his services is expected to be shown.

Leading sides in Serie A are mulling over their options, with AC Milan and Juventus eager to add more goal threat to their respective ranks.

A switch to Italy for Costa is, however, unlikely.

Juve certainly have no intention of making a move to bring in the ex-Chelsea man alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

An approach would make sense to the Bianconeri in terms of finding a rotation option that would be happy to spend time on the bench and become an impact player for Andrea Pirlo.

Costa, though, would bring plenty of baggage with him and is not considered to be worth the risk for those in Turin.

As a result, Juve will be scouring the market for alternative targets that can be acquired at a reasonable price – with CEO Fabio Paratici already charged with the task of unearthing a hidden gem.

With the Italian title holders looking elsewhere, the path is clear for others to put offers to Costa.

A number of teams in Brazil are said to be keen on returning the burly striker to his roots, but heading to South America is not a priority for the player at this stage.

Costa would prefer to remain in a competitive European division for now and there is every chance that he will head back to England – amid talk of interest from Wolves, Tottenham and Arsenal – as he seeks to rediscover the spark that once delivered 59 goals through 120 outings for Chelsea.