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Minio Raiola has rubbished suggestions that he has brokered a deal with a Barcelona presidential candidate to take Erling Haaland to Camp Nou.

Haaland is in his first full season at Borussia Dortmund, but such has been his impact at the Signal Iduna Park that he is being linked with a move to a European giant.

The likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all been linked, and Barcelona presidential candidate Emili Rousaud has reportedly made Haaland’s signature one of his priorities.

Josep Maria Minguella is advising Rousaud and claims the fundamentals are in place for a deal to be done.

"We know all the conditions and if we win, the following day I will call Mino Raiola and we will accept those conditions. I have already advised him of that," Minguella is quoted as saying by AS . "We have a world-class sports project that is not showing just now, but Emili Rousaud has a plan that will turn this unfortunate situation [at Barcelona] around."

Raiola was contacted by Sport1 and he has claimed the reports are “fake news” and that he has never spoken to any Barcelona presidential candidate.

"Fake news!" Raiola said. "I’ve never talked to any presidential candidate of Barcelona regarding Haaland or any other of my clients and I will not do that either. 

“If there is a new president of Barcelona elected in January he can call me.”

Raiola’s comments would appear fairly unequivocal, but Minguella said he had held talks with the agent and not the presidential candidate himself.

As such, it may well be true that Raiola has not spoken to Rousaud, but it does not mean that the groundwork is not in place for a deal to be pushed through should he win the election.

The speculation will not please Dortmund, as they are looking to steady the ship following a torrid December that saw coach Lucien Favre depart following the 5-1 loss to Stuttgart.

The club are also hoping that the New Year will see Haaland return to the side following a hamstring injury .

Ruvimbo Mucherera has joined Finnish Naisten Liiga outfit KuPS for a one-year deal, beginning in January 2021.

The US-born Zimbabwean forward parted ways with Lithuanian champions Gintra Universitetas and starred for Rimantė Jonusaite's team, including in the Women's Champions League.

The 24-year-old, who was born in Oviedo, USA started out at the University of North Carolina before signing her first professional contract with Gintra in the summer of 2020.

Commenting on her signing, the team's head coach Ollipekka Ojala told the club website: “Our manager Vesa Kauppila has done a lot of work in mapping the players and as a result of this work we attached a player to the team who with her strengths can make us even more dangerous in the attacking direction and bring more speed to our line of defence.

"We wanted a player who can also play a little higher when needed and who has the ability to lead a team within games. 

"He comes from a high-level university team and already has some experience of playing in Europe, so we believe he will adapt quickly to our operating environment."
 
Celebrating her move, she reflected on her short spell at Gintra and is looking forward to excelling on her new adventure in Finland.

“In Lithuania, the team was good and it was my first professional contract, so I didn’t know what to expect," she told the club. 

"But in the end the experience was wonderful and I am grateful to the club for the time and the possibility there. 

“I now chose the Kuopio Ball Club because I want to reach the highest level in football and I believe that this agreement will help me towards my goals. 

"I am excited about the upcoming season and team meeting. I hope to be able to help the team win the league next season, whatever comes up and I will do my best in front of the team."

Following a brief spell in Lithuania, Mucherera will be hoping to raise her profile in Finland when she joins her teammates in January for the new season.

Arsenal legend Liam Brady has taken aim at Mesut Ozil, claiming the former Germany international is “not a good guy in the dressing room" as well as "not a good guy on the pitch.”

Ozil appears to have no future at Arsenal, as he has not featured for the club since March and is not part of coach Mikel Arteta’s Premier League squad.

The souring of the relationship is disappointing for all concerned with the club, as Ozil is one of the most gifted players in the game when on song.

With the Gunners struggling for form, plenty of focus has been on Arteta and his handling of the squad.

Arsenal have been crying out for the type of creativity Ozil can produce, but Brady feels the coach was right to cut him adrift.

“I don't blame Arteta over Ozil,” Brady, who won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 1979, made 307 appearances for the club and was named their eighth greatest player in their history, told the Keys and Gray podcast. “He gave Ozil plenty of chances and he performed for a couple of months. 

“Ozil just reverted back to type. 

"He's not a good guy in the dressing room; he's not a good guy on the pitch. 

“I've no problem with Mikel bombing him.”

Arteta said at a press conference on Thursday that there would be departures from the club in January. 

Ozil’s close friend Sead Kolasinac has already headed out of the club, joining Bundesliga side Schalke on loan, and there are likely to be further departures.

Whether Ozil heads for pastures new in January will likely depend on if the player can be persuaded to take a pay cut.

He signed a deal reported to be worth £350,000 per week in January of 2018 and that runs until the summer of 2021. 

If Ozil cannot be persuaded to move on in January, he will almost certainly depart the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer in the summer.

Arteta will hope the focus is on his side’s form in the second half of the season. They closed 2020 with back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Brighton and kick off 2021 with a trip to West Brom.

Former Manchester United and Scotland manager Tommy Docherty has died at the age of 92.

His family issued a statement saying Docherty - known as The Doc - passed away at his home in the North West of England following a long illness.

A family spokesperson said in a statement: "Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home.

"He was a much-loved husband, father and papa and will be terribly missed.

"We ask that our privacy be respected at this time. There will be no further comment."

Born in Glasgow, Docherty had spells in charge of Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa among the 12 clubs he coached during a 27-year managerial career.

Docherty made over 300 appearances for Preston as a player and the Lilywhites issued a statement on Twitter which read: "Everyone at Preston North End is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player and manager Tommy Docherty, who made over 300 appearances for the club.

"Our thoughts are with Tommy's loved ones at this sad time."

He represented Celtic, Preston, Arsenal and Chelsea during a playing career that saw him earn 25 caps for Scotland, but it was in management that he forged his status in the game.

He won a League Cup in charge of Chelsea in 1965, but he took his career to another level at Manchester United.

He was persuaded to leave his role in charge of Scotland to take on a United side that was on the way down due to an ageing squad.

Docherty kept them up in his first season in charge, but the following campaign in 1973-74 they were relegated to the Second Division.

The Red Devils bounced back into the top flight at the first time of asking and in 1975-76 they finished third in the table and lost an FA Cup final.

The following season, Docherty secured a major trophy with United when they beat Liverpool 2-1 to win the FA Cup.

A United statement on Twitter read: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tommy Docherty, who led us to FA Cup victory in 1977 with a thrilling, attacking team in the best traditions of Manchester United.

"Everyone at the club sends sincere condolences to Tommy's loved ones."

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter believes Tariq Lamptey's absence in Saturday's Premier League encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers will be a big miss.

For the third time in a row, The Seagulls are set to be without their first-choice right-back amid concerns about his fitness.

He has been among their top men so far this season, having made 11 appearances, scored one goal and assisted another goal.

"It [Lalana's injury] is not as bad as we first thought, he has an outside chance of playing against Wolves. Tariq probably won’t be involved, but he is not far away which is also good news," Potter said in team news ahead of Saturday's game, his club's official website has reported.

"Danny Welbeck felt the side of his knee after West Ham. He was okay for the bench on Tuesday, but I decided to be safe with him. We just need to try and get Adam and Tariq back as quickly and safely as we can.

"It's clear Tariq is a miss, he gives us a different dimension, but during the season players will all have injuries. We have a squad and have to get on with it."

After struggling for first team action at Chelsea where he developed through the youth ranks, Lamptey left for Brighton in January, making eight appearances to help The Seagulls finish the 2019-20 season in 15th position.

After a run of fine performances this term, the 20-year-old has been touted among the revelations of the season, his exploits reportedly drawing interest from Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and most recently Arsenal.

Brighton will be hoping to promptly welcome Lamptey back in action to boost their early relegation fight so far this season.

After 16 rounds of matches, Potter's outfit finds themselves just one place and two points above the relegation zone.

Lamptey’s fine performances for Brighton have also attracted interest from Ghana, for whom he is eligible to represent at international level despite currently playing for England at U21 level.

The fullback was born in Hillingdon to Ghanaian parents, a status that allows him to switch international allegiance should he decide to do so.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have come out to clarify they don’t have plans to let go of their new signing Carlos Carlinhos.

The Angolan star joined Yanga at the start of the 2020-21 season but has struggled to claim his starting role with injuries putting him out of the starting squad.

Despite starting well, earning three assists and two goals, Carlinhos got injured and even missed the derby against Simba SC.

His situation has kept Yanga fans guessing with others feeling the player should be allowed to leave.

However, the Jangwani giants, through vice-chairman of the Yanga Registration Committee Hersi Said have said they still have plans with the player and that he will not be leaving any time soon.

“Carlinhos has been injured and was injured for some time now,” Said told Mwanaspoti as quoted by Sokalabongo. “There was a time when he was given a break while receiving treatment and he has now begun to practice slowly on the instructions of doctors.

“The club is monitoring everything and we have been told he can be ready maybe from January, we are all waiting and it is not true that we want to fire him, this is still our player until his two-year contract expires.”

Yanga are currently in Mbeya preparing to start the second round of the Mainland Premier League with a clash against Tanzania Prisons at Nelson Mandela Stadium.

However, the team has suffered a huge blow after coach Cedric Kaze confirmed that three key players - Saidi Ntibazonkiza, Yacouba Sogne, and Ditram Nchimbi are doubtful to face the Prison Warders owing to injuries and family issues.

“Both Ntibazonkiza and Yacouba picked up injuries during the Ihefu match while Nchimbi has been permitted to go and settle family problems but we still have a room for the named injured players to see how they will respond to the final training session and then we will know whether to feature them or not,” Kaze told Daily News.

On facing Tanzania Prisons, Kaze said: “Each game is different and we are aware that Tanzania Prisons are a good side too as they play as a team and they have a coach with vast experience of the Mainland Premier League but we have prepared in accordance with the status of the game itself.”

Yanga will head into the first match of the second round still topping the league table with 43 points after 17 matches while Prisons are 11th on the table with 21 points accumulated following 17 outings.

Uganda midfielder Tony Mawejje has stated his colleagues are prepared and ready for the pre-African Nations Championship (Chan) tournament and eventually the competition itself.

Cranes were invited for the mini-tournament alongside hosts Cameroon, Zambia and Niger. The experienced midfielder has further confirmed every player is ready and psyched up for the matches.

"All the players are in great condition," Mawejje, who has made 83 appearances for the East Africa nation said.

"Obviously we travelled well and have been able to have our first training session here in Cameroon.

"The mood in the camp is tremendous, the boys are bouncing and are giving their all in training. The attitude and mentality are superb. You can see that everyone is in peak condition and we look determined to take on the task as we continue with our preparations. 

"We cannot wait for the tournament underway because the players are bracing to go out there and prove they deserved their spot on the team."

Cranes will start their campaign on Friday against the Indomitable Lions on Friday, December 1. 

They will then return to action on January 4 against Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s Zambia before concluding with a game against Niger on January 7.

Uganda are among the teams invited for the mini-tournament, which will be used by most of the participating teams to gauge their preparedness ahead of the Chan tournament that will also be held in Cameroon.

Cameroon have been pooled in Group A of the Chan tournament with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Zimbabwe while Group B comprises Libya, DR Congo, Congo, and Niger.

Group C has Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, and Togo while Group D has Zambia, Guinea, Namibia, and Tanzania. Two top teams will make it to the knockout phase.

The Cranes, who will be taking part in their fifth consecutive Chan tournament after featuring in 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2018 editions, will face Rwanda on January 18 at the Stade de Unification in Douala, before tackling Togo on January 22 at the same venue.

The final group game will be on January 26 against Morocco.

KCCA Players will be joining their colleagues for the tournament after their Caf Confederation Cup game with As Kigali.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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."

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.”

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.”

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?

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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.

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.