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Zinedine Zidane is “untouchable” at Real Madrid and can become the Blancos’ version of Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger, says Luka Modric.

Santiago Bernabeu is not renowned for being a place in which coaches spend a prolonged period of time.

The Liga giants are forever looking to the future, with their sights set on acquiring the next ‘Galacticos’ on and off the field.

Zidane has ticked those boxes as a player and manager, with the iconic Frenchman boasting the respect and reputation that has allowed him to prosper where others have struggled.

Two domestic titles and three Champions League crowns have been secured under his guidance, across a couple of spells at the helm, and Modric believes the World Cup winner could emulate Manchester United and Arsenal greats if he decides to stick around in the Spanish capital.

Assessing all of the coaches that he has played under across an eight-year stint with Real, Croatian playmaker Modric told El Partidazo de Cope: “[Jose] Mourinho was key in my signing for Madrid. I am sorry I only worked with him for a year. I will always be grateful to Mourinho for taking me to Real Madrid. He is tough and strong, but he is honest and always tells the truth to your face.

“[Carlo] Ancelotti is a spectacular coach. And even more as a person. We played very well with him. We had two spectacular years with him, winning the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, playing great football. I still talk to him from time to time.

“[Rafa] Benitez hasn’t done well at Madrid but he’s a great coach. That’s football. Not every football coach arrives at a team and has success. I did not have any problem with him. The outside of the boot thing was something that happened in a training session, but it was nothing, we didn’t get on poorly.

“Zizou is a top manager. What he has done with us over the years is unrepeatable. It gives me the feeling that people do not appreciate him as a coach, he is always questioned. He’s one of the best! I wish that all of the world saw him as untouchable at Madrid.

“When you listen on TV or to the radio there are complaints and criticisms of Zidane. There are some criticisms that don’t even make sense. He’s a spectacular coach. The way he fits us is like a glove. He is ideal for Real Madrid. Zidane could be like Ferguson or Wenger in England.”

While Modric has continued to shine under Zidane, not everybody has won over the French tactician.

Gareth Bale finds himself back at Tottenham on a season-long loan after being frozen out of the fold in Madrid.

Modric feels for the Welshman, with the struggles he has endured on form and fitness fronts over recent years clouding the success that he initially enjoyed in Spanish football.

“I have been here with Bale for a long time,” Modric said.

“He’s a spectacular, shy guy. The press are judging him for his recent years, but you have to remember him for everything he has given. He has not had any problems in the dressing room. He spoke Spanish with us.

“People quickly forget what Bale has done. Gareth didn’t socialise much, but in the dressing room he was fine. I’m sorry many forgot what he has done.”

Fulham completed a deadline day loan deal for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, a player Cottagers owner Tony Khan described as “world class”.

With the prospect of game time at Stamford Bridge limited, the 24-year-old has elected to move away on a temporary basis. 

The 10-time capped England international will spend his second such spell away from the Blues, having previously impressed during the 2017-18 season with Crystal Palace.

It is a deal that the player and the club are delighted with.

“I’m really happy to come ‘next door’, if you will!” Loftus-Cheek said via a statement on the club’s official website. 

“I watched Fulham at the start of the season and they looked like they’re playing decent football. With this manager, I think I can get back to my best football. That’s the main thing for me, to find my form and help this team win games.”

Meanwhile, Khan is particularly excited about the new arrival, having billed him as “world class”.

The owner said: “I’m thrilled to announce the arrival of Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Fulham Football Club on loan from Chelsea FC.

“Ruben is a world-class player in the prime of his career, he has earned great experience in the Premier League, and we believe he will be so valuable to our club in our fight ahead of us. Come on Fulham!”

Meanwhile, Fulham have also moved to sign 23-year-old centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo from Manchester City.

On the books of the Citizens since 2003, the Manchester-born player never managed to play a Premier League game for Pep Guardiola’s side and has elected to move to London in search of first-team opportunities, having previously had loan spells at WBA and Blackburn in the Championship.

“I’m very excited, very excited to get going and finally be playing Premier League football,” he said after signing a three-year deal that has the option of one more. 

“I felt like the time was right to leave the [Man City] and push on. It was the right time in my career to move on and hopefully get a lot of Premier League games.”

Khan added: “Tosin has developed as a player and grown into a formidable defender out on loan to the Championship the past two seasons, where we saw his contributions at Blackburn Rovers first hand last season during our promotion campaign.

“Tosin has received positive ratings from our data team and our coaches, and most importantly Tosin himself badly wanted to join us.”

The club rounded out the day by also adding Joachim Andersen on loan from Lyon.

Andersen, a Danish international, featured 35 times for Lyon last season as the club reached the Champions League semi-finals.

The defender has previously played for Sampdoria in Italy and the Eredivisie's FC Twente.

"It is crucial for me to play a lot. I have scrutinized the situation, watched their matches and I got a really good impression of the club and the manager, with whom I have had some in-depth discussions," Andersen said. 

"Of course, I have also spoken to my good friend and team-mate from both Twente and Lyon, Kenny Tete, who has only good things to say about Fulham. I am really looking forward to getting settled and to show my skills in the best league in the world."

Fulham have secured the services of Tosin Adarabioyo on a permanent basis after working out a transfer with Manchester City, the Premier League side announced on Monday.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan with English Championship side Blackburn Rovers. At Ewood Park, he featured in 34 league games and got three goals but Tony Mowbray’s men failed in their quest to earn an English topflight berth.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the club announced that the Anglo-Nigerian was handed a three-year contract with the Cottagers holding the option to extend by an additional 12 months.

"I’m very excited, very excited to get going and finally be playing Premier League football,” an elated Adarabioyo told club website.

“I felt like the time was right to leave the [Man City] and push on. It was the right time in my career to move on and hopefully get a lot of Premier League games."

To Fulham’s director of football Tony Khan, the signing of Adarabioyo is a great addition to Scott Parker’s squad.

"I’m very excited to announce the addition of Tosin Adarabioyo to Fulham Football Club on a permanent transfer from Manchester City,” he said.

“Tosin has developed as a player and grown into a formidable defender out on loan to the Championship the past two seasons, where we saw his contributions at Blackburn Rovers first hand last season during our promotion campaign.

"Tosin has received positive ratings from our data team and our coaches, and most importantly Tosin himself badly wanted to join us, and he will come in and fight for our Club! Come on Fulham!"

Born in Manchester to Nigerian parents, the centre back began his career at Manchester City – a team where he progressed through their youth ranks.

He made his first team debut in February 2016, and ended the season featuring in eight games – four of which came in the Champions League.

On the international scene, he has featured for England at the U16, U17, U18 and U19 levels yet remains eligible to play for the Super Eagles at the senior level.

He could make his debut when the Cottagers take on Sheffield United in an English topflight clash on October 17. Parker’s men have made a false start to the 2020-21 Premier League season where they have lost all games played so far.

Sergino Dest admitted he didn't understand a single instruction from Lionel Messi during his Barcelona debut on Sunday, although the U.S. men's national team star believes he's off to a good start with his new teammate.

The former Ajax fullback made his first Barca appearance during the club's 1-1 draw with Sevilla, coming off the bench to replace Jordi Alba.

Dest recently joined the club in a deal worth €21 million (£19m/$25m), joining fellow American Konrad de la Fuente at the Catalan club.

De la Fuente was also named to the bench on Sunday, but it was Dest who made his debut, becoming the first American to ever appear for Barca in an official match.

And, after the game, Dest admitted that it was special to play alongside Messi, even if the two still have some communication issues to work out.

"Today I saw everyone, Messi too," Dest told Dutch outlet NOS. "Messi doesn't speak English, but it was very special to meet him. 

"If I'm honest, I don't know what he told me, but we were both smiling, so everything must be fine, right?"

Dest turned down Bayern Munich to make his move to the Camp Nou , having emerged last season during his breakout campaign with Ajax.

The 19-year-old defender made 35 appearances across all competitions while also earning three caps for the USMNT, confirming his allegiance to the U.S. by turning down overtures from the Netherlands.

Coincidentally, Dest is now managed by Ronald Koeman, who was in charge of the Netherlands team he rejected.

Koeman was one piece of convincing Dest to choose Barca, as was Messi and another former Barca star: Ronaldinho.

"I chose Barcelona because I have always dreamed of playing for Barca," he said. 

"Ronaldinho is my idol and a legend at this club. When I found out about Barca's interest, I didn't have to think twice."

Barca currently sit fifth in La Liga, having earned seven points through three games to start the campaign.

Next up for the club is a visit to Getafe following the international break with the club then turning focus towards a Champions League clash with Hungarian side Ferencvaros.

Sergio Romero's wife took to Instagram to blast Manchester United after the goalkeeper was unable to secure a move away from Old Trafford on Monday.

The Argentinian goalkeeper was expecting to leave Manchester United on Monday, having fallen down the pecking order this season.

Romero has spent several seasons as David de Gea's backup but, with Dean Henderson returning to the club, opportunities will be few and far between for Romero this season.

As a result, Romero had been linked with Everton, but no move came to fruition before Monday's deadline expired.

Romero could still move to a lower-league side, as the window remains open for Football League sides, but there will be few teams in the lower divisions that would be able to afford the goalkeeper's wages.

That means that Romero seems likely to remain at Manchester United, even after his wife, Eliana Guercio, took to social media to express her hopes that he could move on.

"Sergio Romero worked hard for his club. Last trophy they won, they lifted it with him. He helped the team [reach] 4 finals/semifinals, and then he was left on the bench only to lose them all. It is time to return the opportunity and let him go.  RESPECT FOR ONCE."

Romero originally joined Manchester United in 2015, having previously featured for the likes of Monaco, Sampdoria and AZ Alkmaar after moving to Europe from Racing in his native Argentina.

He's made only seven Premier League appearances for the club in five seasons, but has featured in 61 total games as he's established himself as Man Utd's cup goalkeeper.

Romero has featured 23 times in the Europa League, with 12 of those starts coming in the club's run to the title in 2015-16.

During his time at Manchester United, Romero has also lifted an FA Cup, Carabao Cup and a Community Shield.

Manchester United currently sit 16th in the Premier League, having lost two of their first three games to start the domestic campaign.

Following Sunday's disastrous 6-1 loss to Tottenham, Man Utd will now look ahead to a meeting with Newcastle following the international break.

After that, they'll look towards the Champions League and a match with last season's runners-up Paris Saint-Germain.

Charlotte FC have completed a deal to add Australian midfielder Riley McGree as the club's second-ever signing.

McGree joins the MLS club from Adelaide United, having been named the club's Player of the Year after the 2019-20 campaign as well as winning the A-League's Young Player of the Year award.

The 21-year-old midfielder fired 13 goals across 26 appearances for the club, including a goal against Melbourne City in a 4-0 win in the FFA Cup final.

He will join Championship side Birmingham City on loan this season before joining up with Charlotte FC ahead of the club's 2022 MLS debut.

“I’m so excited to be part of something special with Charlotte FC,” said McGree. “The opportunity to play in a fast-growing league like MLS is perfect for me and I’ll give everything I have to make our fans proud. After speaking with Zoran and learning about the club’s ambitions and goals, I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this team.”

“Riley is a young international player who has already proven to be an impressive goal scorer,” added Charlotte FC sporting director Zoran Krneta.

“We are building our team with young talent that matches the aggressive style of play, and intensity in the game, that our fans will love to watch. Riley is a perfect fit for us, and we are thrilled to secure his signature for Charlotte FC with so many clubs in Europe fighting for him.

"His loan move to Birmingham City in England’s Championship, one of the top competitive soccer leagues in the world, will help Riley get to the top of his game and ready for our start in 2022.”

McGree originally broke through from the Adelaide academy in March 2016, making his debut for the club before scoring two goals in 22 appearances the next season.

His performances earned him a move to Club Brugge in 2017 before being loaned back to the A-League with Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City.

McGree scored five goals in 12 appearances during his half-season with the former, earning a nomination for the Puskas Award for a scorpion kick goal in the A-League semifinals.

He went on to add eight more finishes in 30 appearances with Melbourne City the year after before returning to Adelaide on a three-year deal.

Internationally, McGree has featured for Australia up to the U-23 level, having previously been called up to the senior team in 2017. McGree had been suspended by the national team program last year for breaking curfew while with the U-23s, with that suspension ending in April.

The midfielder was singled out by former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Bosnich as one of Australia's brightest talents in April, with Bosnich adding that McGree may need to head overseas to truly test himself.

He will do so with Charlotte FC, the MLS expansion club that is set to begin play in 2022 after seeing their original start date of 2021 pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic.

McGree is the club's second signing following Sergio Ruiz, who is currently on loan with Las Palmas in Spain's second division.

Charlotte FC was announced as MLS' 30th expansion franchise in 2019, with Austin FC the next team to join the league after Inter Miami and Nashville SC began play this season.

Austin will be introduced to MLS next season, with Charlotte entering in 2022 and St. Louis City SC and Sacramento joining in 2023.

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old winger Amad Diallo Traore for a deal rising to €41 million (£37m/$48m).

The right-sided attacker is expected to join the club in January and the deal is subject to a medical, personal terms and work permit. However, an agreement has been reached with Atalanta over a fee which is believed to be €21m with €20m in add ons.

The Ivorian, who is said to prefer the name 'Diallo', has made just three substitute appearances in Serie A but club chiefs believe he has great potential and think he is one of the most exciting young players in Italy.

It is understood he has been on United’s radar since 2016 and has been continually recommended by scouts ever since.

Despite his age, he is expected to go straight into the first-team squad when he finally arrives at the club in January.

Traore is the first of what is expected to be two teenage attacking signings on transfer deadline day. Highly rated Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri is another to have undergone a medical at the club’s training ground on Monday ahead of completing a transfer.

It is understood a deal could be around £10m ($12m) and the winger comes under the recommendation of former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan who managed the winger during his spell at Penarol.

The likes of Real Madrid, Juventus, Lyon and Atletico Madrid have also shown interest in the Uruguayan, who is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in South America.

With United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho and efforts to secure a loan deal for Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele not coming to fruition, it is likely that these teenage wingers will be the only additions in that position, with time running out to bring in anyone else.

The club did announce their second signing of the summer with Alex Telles agreeing a four year deal from Porto and Edinson Cavani is expected to be confirmed after completing a medical on Monday.

Meanwhile, Chris Smalling has left the club on a permanent deal to go back to Roma where he enjoyed a successful season on loan in the last campaign.

Manchester United have completed the signing of former Paris-Saint Germain striker Edinson Cavani.

The 33-year-old has signed an initial one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. 

He is set to earn €11 million (£10m/$13m) per season at Old Trafford, with a potential further €2m in performance-related add-ons, and a €4m signing-on bonus.

“Manchester United is one of the greatest clubs in the world, so it is a real honour to be here," Cavani said of his signing. "I’ve worked really hard during the time off and I feel eager to compete and represent this incredible club.

“I have played in front of some of the most passionate supporters in football during my career and I know that it will be the same in Manchester. I cannot wait to experience the Old Trafford atmosphere, when it is safe for the fans to return.

“I look forward to continuing to write my little story inside the book of football and I know that’s why my focus has to remain the same as always - work, work, work. I have had a conversation with the manager and this has increased my desire to wear this beautiful shirt.”

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added: “Edinson is an experienced ultimate professional who always gives everything for his team. His goalscoring record for club and country is fantastic and we are delighted to sign a player of his calibre.

“He’ll bring energy, power, leadership and a great mentality to the squad but, most importantly, he’ll bring goals. He has had a brilliant career so far, winning trophies at almost every club he has played for, and he still has so much more to give at the highest level.

“The opportunity for our young players to learn from one of Europe’s top goalscorers over the last 10 years is fantastic and it will really benefit them going forward.

“Edinson knows exactly what it takes to succeed and we are all looking forward to seeing him make an impact at Manchester United.”

Cavani had been without a club since leaving PSG after the Ligue 1 season was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic. He was one of the players who did not sign a short-term contract extension in order to play a role in their Champions League campaign in Portugal, so he has not played since early March.

Over seven seasons in Paris, Cavani became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, finishing with a remarkable 200 goals in 301 appearances in all competitions.

His influence waned in his final season as he neared the end of his deal and Mauro Icardi was signed as a replacement alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Cavani made his name in Serie A at Napoli, scoring 104 goals in 138 games after previous spells at Palermo and Uruguayan side Danubio.

It is hoped the seasoned Uruguay international will prove an upgrade on Odion Ighalo, who is set to return to Shanghai Shenhua in the new year. After his initial burst of good form at Old Trafford, Ighalo has struggled to make an impact since English football returned from lockdown.

Cavani arrives as only United’s second major signing of the window, following the capture of Donny van de Beek from Ajax.

He will also arrive as United’s oldest signing under Solskjaer. Solskjaer has generally preferred a policy of signing younger players with room to develop after a number of high-profile flops in recent seasons, but it is hoped the experienced Cavani can make an instant impact and assist the development of United’s younger players.

Odion Ighalo’s extended time at Manchester United wasn’t supposed to end like this...or perhaps the writing was always on the wall but supporters of the Nigeria forward were too emotional to realise it months ago.

The story of the retired Super Eagle’s Deadline Day move to boyhood club in January sparked so much fanfare and goodwill, while his subsequent efficiency in the cup competitions lifted the mood around the club — although Bruno Fernandes’ instant impact largely contributed to the feel-good factor at Old Trafford at the time.

However, then came the imposed lockdown in March owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

When it looked likely that the forced hiatus to football across Europe would be extended, the signs were clear that Ighalo wouldn’t play often upon the sport’s return.

Even though this was predicted months ago, there was a sense that the Shanghai Shenhua loanee deserved to finish the season at Old Trafford, thus signing off on what was seemingly an elating ‘dreams do come true’ tale. Man United obliged, extending his loan deal to January 2021, but the return of Marcus Rashford, as well as other injured heavy-hitters, meant the West African was unlikely to get minutes.

This proved to be the case as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leaned on a select few after the Premier League restarted in June, for better or worse. Admittedly, this worked a treat with results going the giants’ way. However, they tailed off in the final gameweeks and seemed to be running on fumes.

The biggest ignominy — for lack of a better word — came in the Red Devils’ FA Cup exit against Chelsea in the semi-final, where the Norwegian didn’t leave room for the ex-Watford frontman in the XI despite resting four of his preferred starters.

Ighalo was only introduced with 11 minutes remaining — for context: United were 3-0 down at the time with the game unsalvageable, barring a turnaround akin to Liverpool’s unbelievable comeback vs AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005 — probably confirming the lack of trust in the Nigerian.

Consequently, this led to feeling that nothing would improve in the much-changed Europa League format in August as regards significant time on the pitch. This was proved right as the on-loan marksman played three paltry minutes in the one-off games in Germany.

Fast forward to the start of 2020/21, having played just nine league minutes and having to rely on the EFL Cup for match action, the club has signed former Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani on a free transfer.

While the reaction to the move has been mixed, the logic behind the transfer needs to be understood.

If the Red Devils always had the South American frontman as a stop-gap option from the get-go, with the plan being to swoop if they couldn’t acquire their top targets, then Cavani joining Man United temporarily makes sense — they add a live body and will attempt to bring in their primary options in January or next summer.

However, if this is a panic buy — the club didn’t consider going for the 33-year-old as a primary target, an alternative or last resort until recently — then the opprobrium directed at the board from supporters isn’t an overreaction as it shows a discouraging lack of planning and seriousness.

As for Ighalo, where does the arrival of the six-time Ligue 1 winner leave him?

In truth, despite Cavani’s advanced years (he’s two years older than the Nigerian), he remains a step above the former Nigeria international and arguably even superior to current number nine, Anthony Martial.

Perhaps the club hopes the South American would have the same impact as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who thrived in 2016/17, despite joining the club at 34 following the expiration of the Swede’s contract at, wait for it, PSG.

Zlatan scored 17 times — seventh in the Prem — and recoded 22 goal contributions — the ninth highest in the top flight — proving that age is nothing but a number.

Jose Mourinho’s United may have struggled for results in the league to end sixth but the self-assured forward proved his worth.

Be that as it may, the fact Cavani arrives from PSG like the current AC Milan striker in his thirties is where the comparisons end. The Uruguay star joins Man United having suffered niggling injuries and fitness issues in his final year in Paris, causing him to start only seven of PSG’s 27 Ligue 1 games before the 19/20 season was curtailed.

Also, having not played a competitive fixture since March 11, it may take a while to get the now injury-prone forward up to speed before he’s ready to feature for Solskjaer’s side.

There’s a caveat, though: Martial’s straight red card in Sunday’s 6-1 humiliation vs Tottenham Hotspur might tempt the United boss to risk throwing Cavani in immediately before the Frenchman’s expected league return in early November.

This scenario may not come to pass, but dropping lower in the pecking order may not sit well with Ighalo. Still, with only three months left on his loan spell in Manchester, terminating his loan early as some have suggested makes no sense now even though he’s likely third-choice out-and-out striker at the club and probably fifth-choice attacker in the side.

An encouraging start to life at his boyhood club hasn’t panned out as Ighalo may have imagined. Despite the underwhelming, inconspicuous climax to his dream move, the Nigerian should have no regrets even though he may have wanted a different ending to what was initially a beautiful story.

Bafana Bafana midfielder Bongani Zungu has officially joined Rangers from Amiens SC. 

According to Rangers, Zungu has signed a season-long deal with an option to purchase at the end of the current season. 

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson said the club had been keeping an eye on Zungu since the transfer window was officially opened but couldn't sign him earlier because of the prolonged lockdown in South Africa.  

"Bongani is a player whose situation we have monitored throughout the window. We are excited to have him join Rangers," Wilson told the Rangers website. 

"Following a difficult and prolonged period of lockdown in South Africa, it would have been hard for him to have joined us at an earlier stage of the window.

"However, we have kept an open and positive dialogue with Bongani and Amiens, and the structure of this agreement works well for all parties.

"The financial impact of coronavirus is being felt by all clubs in a market that has been like no other that I’ve ever experienced.

"We are pleased with the work we have done during the window across the squad and despite the clear challenges brought by the virus, our board have been keen to continue to invest in the development of the squad and the club."

Zungu's new manager Steven Gerrard stated that the technical team wanted a player who would add strength and depth to the midfield, and he feels the South Africa international fits the profile.

And the Liverpool legend is already looking forward to working with the Duduza-born midfielder. 

"Bongani fits the profile of player that adds further strength and depth to our midfield. We made it clear that we wanted a player who will enhance our squad and starting XI. We believe Bongani does this," said Gerrard. 

"We wanted a dominant midfielder with the right profile who can enhance the team and complement other players we have. We have monitored this situation all summer and now feel it’s the right time.

"Our board have been very supportive throughout the window with seven new signings. We believe we have a squad in place that will compete in all competitions, both domestically and in Europe. This is a pleasing transfer for us and we look forward to Bongani joining up with the squad."

Randy Wandrum has expressed his joy over his appointment as the head coach of Nigeria's senior women's national team on Monday.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that Waldrum will be replacing erstwhile trainer Thomas Dennerby after beating over forty applicants to land the Super Falcons head coach role.

In 2017, the 64-year-old was handed the role but he eventually turned down the job for personal reasons before joining the University of Pittsburgh as women's head coach.

Explaining the choice of Waldrum, Amaju Pinnick, the NFF president, said the experienced American coach landed the coaching job after being selected from a final shortlist of four candidates.

"For the Super Falcons, I'm happy to announce that Randy Waldrum will be the man tasked with taking our Women to the next level," Pinnick tweeted on Monday evening.

"Waldrum was one of over forty coaches interviewed by our consultants, Phillips Consulting, with that list pruned to four and Waldrum getting the job.

"I'm extremely happy with the professional work Phillips Consulting has done and I'm hopeful that our coach will turn our dominance on the continent to dominance worldwide.

"Hopefully, with a new man in charge, our Women can start proper preparations for football again."

Before accepting the Super Falcons role, Waldrum has previously handled the US U23 women's team and Trinidad and Tobago's women's team.

At club level, he spent three years at Houston Dash, where he signed up Nigeria defender Osinachi Ohale in 2014 after helping the University of Notre Dame to the NCAA National Championship twice.

While the more details are awaited, Waldrum, who will likely retain his role at Pitts, has taken to the social media to share his joy after landing the task to lead the African champions.

" Very excited to head up the #NigerianWomensNationalTeam and look forward to working with this amazing team," he wrote on twitter.

"Gives me a chance to reconnect with some of the players I know! Big thanks to Pitt for allowing me the flexibility to work with them!" 

Waldrum is expected to at least lead the Super Falcons to the 2022 Africa Women's Cup of Nations and 2023 Women's World Cup.

Ex-Nigeria U23 forward Umar Sadiq has joined Almeria from Partizan Belgrade on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee, the Spanish second division side confirmed.

The 23-year-old teams up with the Rojiblancos where he is expected to resuscitate his stuttering career in Jose Gomes’ squad.

The Kaduna-born striker began his career in Spezia before joining AS Roma on a one-year loan alongside compatriot Nura Abdullahi. Having impressed in his maiden season, his was signed permanently by the Stadio Olimpico giants.

However, his inability to a command regular place in the Yellow and Reds' squad saw him loaned to Bologna, Torino, NAC Breda, Rangers and Perugia with the space of five years.

In July 2019, he was shipped to Serbian club Partizan which included an option to buy. On August 4, he bagged his first goal for the club in a 4-0 league triumph over Macva Sabac.

In the 2019-20 campaign, he accounted for six goals and two assists in 10 Serbian top-flight games as the Black Whites finished second in the log.

“Umar Sadiq, a 23-year-old Nigerian striker, becomes a new UD Almeria player for the next five seasons after an agreement was reached with the footballer himself and Partizan de Belgrade,” a statement from the club read.

“The young African attacker came to European football through Spezia and then made the leap to Rome, which over the last few years has had him on loan in different teams from Italy, Holland and Scotland.”

On the international scene, he was part of Samson Siasia’s Dream Team squad that won a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics. There, he appeared in all six of his team's games, scoring four goals in the process - including a brace in the third-place victory over Honduras.

That feat earned him a place among Goal NxGn 2016's 50 best footballing talents from around the world born on or after January 1, 1997.

Sadiq will wear the number nine jersey and is expected to make his club debut against UD Logrones on October 10 in a second division tie. As it stands, the club are ranked 14th in the log having accrued three points from two games so far.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid, the club has confirmed, with Lucas Torreira heading in the other direction on a one-year loan.

The Ghana midfielder comes to London after the Gunners were able to complete a £45 million (€50m/$58m), four-year deal with the option of an additional season.

Arsenal had been linked to Partey for some time, with negotiations with Atleti proving difficult for the London club.

On Monday, though, the Gunners got their man - who will wear number 18 at the Emirates - paying the midfielder's release clause to finally complete a deal for the 27-year-old star.

Technical director Edu said of the signing: “Thomas has all the right attributes to be a top player for Arsenal. He is a leader on and off the pitch and he is exactly the kind of player and person we want at the club. 

“We already feel like we know Thomas very well based on the work we have done analysing his performances closely in recent times.

“With his all-round game and positive aggressive style, he will be a brilliant addition to our squad. We’ve made a strong start to the season and we want to continue to build on this with Thomas now part of our club.”

Manager Mikel Arteta added: “We have been watching Thomas for a while, so we’re now delighted to add such a high quality player to our squad. He is a dynamic midfielder with great energy. 

“He brings a lot of experience from a top club that has competed at the highest level in La Liga and the Champions League for several years.

“We’re very impressed with his attitude and his approach to the game. He’s an intelligent footballer and we’re looking forward to him integrating into our system and contributing to the progress we’re building at the moment at the club.”

While one midfielder heads to London, another will move to Madrid as Torreira will join Atleti on a season-long loan.

Torreira has made 89 appearances since joining Arsenal from Sampdoria in 2018.

Arsenal defeated Sheffield United 2-1 over the weekend as the Gunners sit fourth in the Premier League heading into the international break.

Their next match comes on October 17, when they visit Manchester City.

Spain international Eric Garcia will stay with Manchester City after Barcelona failed to meet their valuation with a deadline day move.

The 19-year-old was seen as a priority target for the Spanish giants but the two clubs could not reach a deal on the final day of the transfer window.

Despite being in the last year of his contract, City refused to drop their demands for a defender who was capped by his country earlier this year.

Barca had been confident of completing a deal on the last day of the window but an offer believed to be around £9 million ($12m) with £6m in add-ons was rejected.

Ronald Koeman was particularly keen on signing the centre-back and could potentially make a return for him in January.

Barca created space for Garcia in their squad when they allowed centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo to join Benfica on a two-year loan deal on deadline day.

Garcia will be free to speak to European clubs after the turn of the year but he is thought to be only interested in joining Barca, where he started his career as a youngster.

City manager Pep Guardiola is understood to be happy to have Garcia as part of his first-team squad for the season.

City have offered him a new contract that has been turned down and he has made it clear that he will not be signing a new deal.

Garcia made his first Premier League appearance last season and went on to feature 20 times in all competitons.

But he was also in the team that lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup and Lyon in the Champions League, while his last appearance came in the 5-2 defeat to Leicester City.

Guardiola will have five senior centre-backs in his squad after adding Ruben Dias from Benfica for £62m ($79m) and Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for £40m ($53m).

Along with Aymeric Laporte, John Stones remains at the club, despite the possibility of him leaving during the transfer window.

Ake could be used as a back-up left-back after coming on as a substitute for Benjamin Mendy in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

Academy graduate Tosin Adarabioyo, who had a successful season on loan at Championship side Blackburn, has joined Fulham in a deal worth £8m.

Manchester United have secured the signing of 18-year-old winger Facundo Pellistri from Penarol on a five-year deal with option for a further year. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been keen to add a right-winger to his squad and, with efforts to land Jadon Sancho failing, attentions turned elsewhere.

Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele was considered but negotiations failed with United wanting a loan deal and the La Liga side keen on a permanent sale. Watford were contacted over Ismaila Sarr but, again, they were not keen on a loan deal.

While no deals could be agreed for senior right-sided attackers, the club have ended the window with two teenage wingers after they agreed a deal with Penarol for highly rated Pellistri worth to be €10 million (£9m/$11.8m).

The 18-year-old was linked with Real Madrid, Juventus and Atletico and first came on United's radar in September 2017, and their scouts have continued to monitor him ever since. 

That follows the announcement they had finalised an agreement with Atalanta for 18-year-old winger Amad Traore. The deal will see the teenager move to Old Trafford in January once a work permit, medical and personal terms have been agreed.

Pellistri said: “To join a club with the history of Manchester United is a dream come true. I have learnt a lot at Penarol and I would like to thank them for everything they have done for me. To have the confidence of the manager is an amazing feeling and I know that working with him will be perfect for my development.

“I am coming into a squad full of great players who I will learn from every day. Everyone knows that Manchester United is a club that gives young players an opportunity and I am ready to work hard every day to earn those chances and prove myself in England.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added: "Our scouts have followed Facundo for a long time and we believe that he will be a real talent for the long term. Whilst we understand it will take time for him to adapt to the English game, he is capable of having an impact with his pace and ability to beat his opponent.

“Facundo has the perfect platform at Manchester United to develop and he has all of the technical qualities and the right mentality required to become a top player here. We are all looking forward to working with him to fulfil his potential over the coming years.”

It was a busy deadline day for United with deals for left-back Alex Telles and free agent Edinson Cavani being announced. Chris Smalling’s departure to Roma on a permanent deal was also confirmed in a move believed to be worth €15m (£13.6m/$17.7m) plus add ons.

Sergio Romero, who was keen to make a move away from the club having fallen down the pecking order as Dean Henderson returned to the club, looks set to stay for the season after failing to move anywhere before Monday’s international deadline.

Deals can be agreed with Football League sides up until October 16 but it remains to be seen whether any club at that level would be interested in taking the Argentine due to his wages.

Strasbourg have announced the signing of Senegal international Habib Diallo from Metz for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old has penned a five-year deal with the Stade Saint-Symphorien outfit who have struggled since the commencement of the 2020-21 Ligue 1 season.

A centre-forward, who can also operate as a winger, Diallo has been capped for Senegal at senior level, scoring one goal in four games for the West African giants.

Last season, he scored 12 times in 26 French topflight games having helped the team secure promotion from Ligue 2.

He teams up with Cote d'Ivoire's Lamine Kone, Ghana's Abdul Majeed Waris, Algeria's Idriss Saadi, South Africa's Lebo Mothiba and Mali's Kevin Zohi in Thierry Laurey's squad.

"I am very happy to join Racing for the next five years," Diallo told club website.

“I don't know the city yet but I can't wait to find out. Kader Mangane (the sports coordinator) told me about the fervour of the public and the incredible atmosphere of the Meinau.

“I hope to bring all my qualities to the team. I already know Eiji Kawashima who was my teammate at FC Metz and Ibrahima Sissoko with whom I played in Brest.

“I can't wait to get back into the competition and I hope to score as many goals as possible with Racing.”

In the same vein, club’s president Marc Keller believes the arrival of the Senegalese will provide the team a solution following the Lebo’s long-term injury.

"With Habib's arrival, our [trouble] is now over," said Keller.

“ We are very happy to have been able to finalise his arrival before the end of the transfer period.

“Habib will join the group after the international break and will work with the entire team to help us achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.”

The striker is expected to join the club after the Teranga Lions’ international friendly against Morocco and Mauritania. The games would afford Aliou Cisse’s men to prepare for November’s double-header Africa Cup of Nations qualification versus Guinea Bissau.

Diallo is expected to make his Strasbourg debut against Olympique Lyon on October 18.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Randy Waldrum as the Super Falcons head coach, the organisation announced on Monday.

The announcement comes more than 12 months after Thomas Dennerby left the role to take up a U17 coaching job with India.

Before his latest appointment, Waldrum was the University of Pittsburgh women's head coach, a job he took immediately after rejecting the Nigerian offer in December 2017.

The 64-year-old is no stranger to the women's game on the global stage as he served as the US U23 coach and head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago team from 2014 to 2016.

He will be assisted by former Nigeria goalkeeper Ann Chiejine as the first assistant coach, Wemimo Olanrewaju as the second assistant and Auwar Bashir Makwalla will be goalkeeper trainer.

Commenting on the American's appointment, Amaju Pinnick, the NFF president, voiced his belief the Pittsburgh-born coach has what it takes to excel with the senior national team.

“The predominance of the Super Falcons on the African continent has never been in doubt, with nine titles out of 11 editions of the Women AFCON competitions held so far," he told the NFF website.

"We envision a new Super Falcons squad competing favourably for laurels at the global level, and I believe the new technical crew led by Mr. Waldrum can take us to that level.” 

Waldrum has been tasked to lead the Super Falcons through two major campaigns, the African Women's Cup of Nations which double as the qualifying event for the 2023 Women's World Cup.