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Adama Traore has declined an invitation to Mali’s senior national team, having appeared in Spain’s camp ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Portugal.

The jet-heeled Wolverhampton Wanderers star was included in Mali’s 31-man squad for October’s international friendlies against Ghana and Iran.

In a twist of fate, however, the 24-year-old instead opted to join Luis Enrique’s squad as they prepare for three upcoming international games.

A video tweeted by Seleccion Espanola de Futbol saw the former Aston Villa man, who had featured for Spain U16, U17, U19 and U21, arrive at the European nation's camp.

Born in Spain to Malian parents, Traore had been a target for both countries thanks to his form for his English Premier League side.

Traore, who was born in Barcelona, has been a prime target by the two federations over the past 18 months.

The winger was forced to pull out of Spain’s team owing to injury after his maiden call-up, while missing out on making his senior debut for the 2010 World Cup winners after testing positive for Covid-19.

He had proposed he would still be happy to play for either country – even after his first call-up for Spain.

"My mentality is to work for the team and the performance for the team gives me half a chance with two international teams and I am happy for that," he told BBC Sport.

"I am grateful [to have the chance] with the two international teams - Spain where I was born and Mali where my origins are."

Meanwhile, coach Enrique had expressed his optimism on Traore linking up with his side.

"It's the third time, so I'll touch wood," he told a news conference after announcing his squad.

"It's the player who has to decide. What I know is that I have spoken with him and he wants to play for Spain."

Should the Wolves man feature in either of La Roja’s European Nations League qualifiers against Switzerland on 10 October, or Ukraine three days, later he would no longer be able to switch allegiances to the African nation.

It is still unclear whether Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure – who has represented France at youth level - would honour his invitation to the Eagles’ squad.

Thomas Partey is flying to London as Arsenal look to complete their £45 million (€50m/$58m) deal for the Atletico Madrid midfielder ahead of Monday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

The Gunners have been working throughout the day on the transfer after they informed La Liga - who hold Partey’s registration - that they will be paying his release clause.

With the way transfers work in Spain regarding players with release clauses in their contract, Arsenal did not have to negotiate with Atletico Madrid over the deal.

But Goal has learnt that Atletico have now been notified by La Liga that the Gunners have triggered the clause for the 27-year-old.

Partey had the first part of his medical in Madrid earlier today and will complete further medical assessments once he arrives in England later this evening and travels to Arsenal’s London Colney training base.

Arsenal’s legal team have spent the day at London Colney working on what has been a complicated deal to get done late on in the transfer window.

But the Gunners are hopeful they will beat tonight’s 11pm deadline to land a player they have chased throughout the summer and who has been on the club’s radar for the past two years.

Partey’s arrival will be a major boost to Mikel Arteta, who has been desperate to add to his midfield options.

Speaking about possible incomings after Sunday’s 2-1 win against Sheffield United, Arteta reassured fans that the club would be doing all they can to add to the squad before Monday night’s deadline.

“What I can guarantee is that we are doing our maximum for that to happen, whether we are going to achieve it or not, I don’t know,” said the Spaniard, when discussing the possibility of bringing in new signings.

“I cannot discuss the players that we want but we recognise certain positions that we believe we are short in. First of all in numbers and then adding different qualities to complement each other and this is what we are trying to do.

“I always try to be really honest and clear. Believe me that the ownership, the board, myself, are doing everything we can to maximise the resources we have to improve the team and to sustain and keep the players that are in this club to make this club successful.

“I have 100 per cent backing from them. It's not just words, it's reality. Whoever knows me, if it wasn't like that I wouldn't say it but I say it because I feel it and it's true.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also set to confirm the capture of teenagers Nikolaj Duus Moller and Omar Rekik.

Swedish striker Moller will join from Molde and Dutch defender Rekik from Hertha Berlin. Both will link up with Steve Bould’s Under-23s squad in north London.

Young African Sports Club (Yanga SC) star Carlos Carlinhos has lost his Instagram account to hackers.

The Angolan has been an instant hit at the 27-time league champions and his initial account was gaining followers fast. It is not yet known how it happened but a Timu ya Wananchi official confirmed the development.

"A hacker [who stole Carlinho's account] will be soon brought to book," Dismas Ten, who is in Yanga's Information and Technology (IT) department, confirmed on his Instagram account.

"However, you can still continue following this rock via @officialcarlinhos; do not be left behind. [The new account] has enough security details."

The midfielder has been an instant hit in the Tanzania Mainland League, and has so far managed to provide two assists and scored once in the four matches he has been involved, half of which he came on as a substitute.

The Angola international joined the Jangwani Street-based charges in the last transfer window.

The 25-year-old started developing at Petro Atletico in the youth team from 2009 and was eventually promoted to the senior team in 2013 but was loaned to Porcelana Cazengo. 

He eventually made a return to his parent team stronger and went on to make 87 league appearances, scoring 11 goals in the process. He later joined Interclube which also played in the Girabola.

Carlinhos is a full international for the Angola national team, which is commonly referred to as Palancas Negras, and has made 10 appearances. He also has continental experience having played eight times with Petro Atletico in the Caf Confederation Cup.

He was part of the team that won the Angola Cup in the 2017 season. 

Other foreign players who were signed by the Tanzanian giants include Mukoko Tonombe, Michael Sarpong, and Tuisila Kisinda. Farouk Shikhalo, Lamine Moro, and Haruna Niyonzima.  

Wananchi have collected four wins and a draw from the five games they have played this season. They are placed in the third position on the table with 13 points.

Defending champions Simba SC, who have the same number of points but with a superior goal difference, are placed second while Azam FC lead the pack having won all their matches.

Sassuolo star Jeremie Boga has taken to social media to announce he has recovered from coronavirus more than a month after contracting it.

The former Chelsea player was diagnosed with the disease - that has affected more than 33 million people globally - and the club released a statement on August 21 revealing he was asymptomatic.

Boga has been in quarantine since that period and it limited him from participating in any of the club’s activities. Now that he has recovered, he is eager to get back into the Neroverdi fold.

"Hi Guys, the virus is now behind me! Can't wait to go back to the camps with the group. Take care of yourself,” Boga posted on Twitter.

In Boga’s absence, Sassuolo have had a great start to the new Serie A season. After a 1-1 home draw with Cagliari, Roberto De Zerbi’s men bagged 4-1 wins against newly-promoted Spezia and Crotone and currently sit third on the table with seven points, two behind early leaders Atalanta.

Prior to his coronavirus diagnosis, Boga had been a reported transfer target for various clubs, with his former employers Chelsea and Rennes, as well as Juventus, Napoli, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan all rumoured to be interested in him.

However, Sassuolo general manager Giovanni Carnevali has stated that Boga, along with some of the club’s other star players, will be staying put at the Mapei Stadium.

“We are happy that [Francesco] Caputo, Boga, [Domenico] Berardi, [Manuel] Locatelli have stayed. It wasn't even that hard to hold them back,” Carnevali said at an event in Milan.

“On their part, too, there is a desire to remain in the project, there is time for the leap.”

Boga scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 34 Serie A appearances last season as Sassuolo finished an impressive eighth.

The 23-year-old was noted for finishing as the player with the highest average of successful dribbles in the top-flight (3.9 dribbles at 63%).

Spanish side Eibar have secured the services of South Africa international Noko Matlou, for the 2020-21 season.

The Primera Iberdrola outfit completed the signing of the Banyana Banyana defender from Sasol Women's League team Maindies FC.

The move will see the Moletjie-born striker-turned-defender to finally fulfil her dream of becoming a full professional at 35.

Matlou has been part of the Banyana Banyana squad since 2006 and became the first South African to be named African Women Player of the Year after scoring six goals at the 2008 African Championship.

With her signing, manager Jon Gallego will be keen to solidify his defence on their return to the Spanish top-flight for the first time since 2009 following Saturday's 1-0 triumph over Real Betis.

"South African player Noko Matlou has become the latest reinforcement of the women's first team," the club announced on its website.

"Matlou, 35, is a powerful centre-back who in 2008 was considered the best soccer player in her country.

"She sends it to the gunsmith club from the First Touch in her country, although she will not be able to be placed under the command of Iker Dorronsoro for a few days."

After her announcement, she now becomes the second South African at the club after Thembi Kgatlana, who joined this summer, and the third African after Nigeria striker Charity Adule arrived in 2019.

Her arrival in Spain will increase the number of South Africans in the country to five, after Kholosa Biyana, Amanda Mthandi, Nothando Vilakazi, and Kgatlana moved in this summer.

Matlou will aim to establish herself in one of Europe's biggest women's leagues and help Eibar retain a spot in the Spanish top-flight.

Simba SC defender Pascal Wawa has vowed to score many goals for the club after opening his account in the Mainland Premier League.

The Ivorian player grabbed his first-ever goal for Simba in the top tier against Gwambina FC, after rifling home a free-kick as the club went on to win 3-0 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Wawa has now said he was happy to score his first goal for the Wekundu wa Msimbazi and went further to state that he had waited for long to open his account for the club.

“I have been at Simba for the last four years and I never scored a goal for them, I had to be patient and I really waited for the day when I will also have my name in the scoresheet, I want to thank God that the day arrived against Gwambina,” Wawa is quoted by Sokaletu.

“I was very happy to have scored, it was my first goal in Tanzania and I knew one day the goal will come, but I was always asking God, give me a goal, and he did that, I want to thank the fans for the support they have always given me since I signed for Simba.

“Now I can proudly say, I will continue to work hard and make sure I score as many goals as possible this season, I want to help my strikers to score goals and I will continue to fight and I know God will repay me with goals.”

Wawa joined Simba in 2017 from Tanzanian rivals Azam FC, who had signed him from Al- Merreikh of Sudan and he played for them between 2014 and 16.

Simba are currently riding high in the league having won three straight matches since their 1-1 draw against Mtibwa Sugar.

On Sunday, Simba hammered JKT Tanzania 4-0 to put pressure on table-toppers Azam, who have won all five matches so far this campaign.

Against JKT, Simba grabbed their goals through striker Meddie Kagere, who scored a double, new signing Chris Mugalu, and winger Luis Miquissone.

Simba will now focus on the next match against Tanzania Prisons while JKT will entertain Ruvu Shooting on October 10.

Liverpool's worst defeat under Jurgen Klopp was the 7-2 loss to Aston Villa on October 4, 2020.

Since Klopp took over in 2015, Liverpool have been beaten by five goals on three occasions, but their humiliation at Villa Park is the only time they have conceded more than five goals.

Liverpool were without some key players, but it remains one of the most unexpected results in recent memory.

Sadio Mane tested positive for coronavirus ahead of the game and goalkeeper Alisson was out after an injury in training, but Klopp’s side were second-best all over the pitch.

Stand-in keeper Adrian set the tone with a disastrous early error to give Ollie Watkins a tap-in, and Villa’s record signing went on to score a first-half hat-trick.

Former Everton star Ross Barkley scored on his debut after signing on loan from Chelsea, while the excellent Jack Grealish scored twice and John McGinn once.

"We had big chances which we did not use, but when you concede seven I’m not sure you can say it would have been 7-7,” Klopp admitted to BBC Sport after the game.

"Who wants to lose 7-2? Years ago, we told ourselves we wanted to create history. That was history but obviously the wrong type."

It might have seemed as though Villa were simply a bogey team, as Dean Smith’s side had beaten Liverpool 5-0 the previous season – albeit in markedly different circumstances.

In December 2019, Under-23 coach Neil Critchley took a team of reserves and youth-team players to Villa Park in a Carabao Cup quarter-final, as Klopp and his first team were contesting the Club World Cup.

Liverpool were forced to split their squad in two but it arguably worked out well for both clubs. Klopp and co. won the Club World Cup while Villa reached the Carabao Cup final, where they were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City.

City were the other team to have put five past Klopp’s Liverpool. They thrashed their rivals 5-0 early in the 2017-18 season, eventually going on to win the Premier League with 100 points as Liverpool finished fourth on 75.

Sergio Aguero opened the scoring in the first half before Mane was sent off for a high tackle on goalkeeper Ederson. Jesus scored either side of half-time to make the game safe before a late double from Leroy Sane added gloss to the scoreline.

City also beat Liverpool 4-0 in July 2020, Pep Guardiola’s side restoring some pride after Liverpool had already won the title .

Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham beat Liverpool 4-1 during their temporary stay at Wembley in October 2017, one of four occasions Klopp’s side have been beaten by three goals.

They famously lost 3-0 at Camp Nou before their eventual 4-0 Champions League comeback win over Barcelona, while Watford have beaten them 3-0 twice.

The first occasion came early in Klopp’s reign in December 2015, and the second ended their 18-match winning run and destroyed their hopes of an unbeaten season in February 2020.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has agreed to share the coronavirus testing costs for the teams that will participate in the play-offs.

In the meeting, the Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru, was confirmed as the venue where all the play-offs will take place on a date yet to be confirmed, although Goal understands the ties will be held in October.

Kitara FC will clash with Kataka FC while Kiboga Young FC will face Ndejje University FC in the Big League play-offs.

“The different club representatives in attendance shared their respective ideas and by the end of the meeting, it was agreed upon that Fufa would cost-share the Covid-19 testing costs with the clubs,” a Fufa statement read.

“Fufa will meet the accommodation, feeding of the players and officials as well as the provision of medical services for all the teams during the matches.”

Fufa president Moses Magogo, who chaired the consultative meeting, acknowledged the need to ensure there are enough safety protocols before allowing football actions to return fully.

“Football clubs are the beginning blocks of football. Without clubs, you cannot have football. You are making a contribution to the game of football,” the Caf Executive Committee member stated.

“We are aware of the challenges everyone is going through because of Covid-19. We are in an abnormal year but football people want to play football but life is very important. It is not a matter of life and death.

“As football people, we have a responsibility to make fair as possible so that we take football to the next level. There is no time and already club licensing is taking place.

“We received standard operating procedures from the government and the Ministry of Health that included playing before under closed doors, regular social distancing, masking and sanitising as well as quarantine of the teams.”

In the Buganda Fufa Regional League, Luweero United will entertain Buwambo United while in the Eastern Fufa Regional League Admin FC will play Gadaffi FC for promotion play-offs in the respective competitions.

The Kampala Fufa Regional League play-offs will involve Edgars FC and Catida FC while in the Kitara competition, Asingya FC will play Booma FC.

In the North East Regional League, San Siro FC are set to compete against Team Church FC, whereas the Northern Fufa Regional League will see Northern Gateway FC entertain Elephants FC.

For the Western Regional League play-offs, Terrazo and Tiles FC will have to overcome Kigezi FC to seal promotion while in the West Nile Regional League, Hot Springs FC will face Calvary FC.

Newly-signed Mamelodi Sundowns striker Kermit Erasmus has opened up about the challenges he faced three years ago. 

Soon after his unveiling as a Sundowns player, the 30-year-old said his career was nowhere as he battled for game time at Rennes, and ended up being loaned out to Ligue 2 outfit Lens.

Erasmus moved around a lot in Europe as he tried to find a suitable club where he could settle, but it wasn't to be as he eventually returned to the PSL.  

However, Erasmus stated those are some of the things that made him stronger as an individual, more so because he kept working hard and believing in himself.  

"Three years ago I was nowhere in my career. It was a mental challenge that made me stronger as [a] person. I just kept grinding, had a lot going on but kept working and believing in myself," tweeted Erasmus  

"Don’t let this go to over your head!"

The marksman's tweet appears to be an appreciation post to what he has achieved in his career, including a big move to the Brazilians. 

He is also back in the Bafana Bafana fold after being overlooked for quite some time, including last year when the national team took part at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Erasmus has been in scintillating form since his return from Portuguese outfit Vitoria de Setubal. 

Last season, the speedy attacker scored 13 goals across all competitions for Cape Town City and his superb form caught the eye of Sundowns, who moved swiftly to secure his services in an attempt to reinforce their striking department. 

Sundowns arguably boast the best squad in the PSL but they have already signed over 10 new players, including Erasmus. 

This is the second big PSL club Erasmus will be playing for after turning out for Orlando Pirates. 

He spent three successful years at Mayfair, and was instrumental in the club reaching the final of the Caf Confederation Cup in 2015. 

Erasmus then attracted interest from Rennes, who signed outright from the Buccaneers, but the striker struggled to adapt and he was eventually released.     

Ghana international Albert Adomah has joined English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, the club announced.

The 32-year-old has completed a two-year deal to the Superhoops on transfer deadline day, a few days after cancelling his contract with Nottingham Forest.

"Albert Adomah has signed for QPR, agreeing a two-year deal with the club," QPR announced on their official website on Monday.

"R’s fan Adomah left Nottingham Forest last week so joins as a free agent."

London-born Adomah will wear the No.37 jersey at his new club.

"This is unreal, unbelievable! Imagine being a supporter and playing for the club you love. Words can’t even describe it. It’s just amazing, just a pleasure to be here," the winger said.

"They were my local side and going past the stadium when I was a youngster I thought one day I could play for this club. This is just surreal.

“All I can see right now is Bobby Zamora scoring at Wembley – I should be here talking about myself but that’s all I can think of right now!”

Adomah will be hoping to boost QPR's chase for Premier League promotion, having successfully aided Middlesbrough and Aston Villa to achieve the feat in the past.

“It’s a very competitive league,” the Ghanaian remarked.

“Every team wants to win promotion. I have managed it twice and it is a beautiful feeling.

“If I could get a third promotion that would be one of my great achievements. That’s my ambition.”

QPR are Adomah's seventh club in 10 years, a career largely based in the English second tier.

“It is fantastic that we have been able to bring Albert in," QPR manager Mark Warburton said.

“We only have Geoff Cameron and Lee Wallace above 30 in the dressing room, so I am delighted to add Albert – he will provide a wealth of experience.

“I spoke with people at Nottingham Forest who spoke glowingly about his professionalism, his character, and what he brings on and off the pitch.

“He is a proven player at this level, comfortable on both flanks, still a good age, a London lad and a QPR fan, so it is fantastic to have him on board.”

Adomah has also played for Barnet, Bristol City and Cardiff City.

He was a member of Ghana's squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. 

Paris Saint-Germain are seeking to sign Rafinha from Barcelona before the transfer window shuts, Goal can confirm.

After successfully completing the additions of Moise Kean from Everton and Danilo Pereira from Porto over the course of the last two days, plus youngster Sekou Yansane from Dijon, sporting director Leonardo is rushing to race through a deal for the Brazil international, with the transfer window in France due to shut at 2300 BST.

The speed of negotiations have picked up over the course of recent hours and discussions are presently underway between the two clubs. 

The terms of the deal promise to be a particular stumbling block, and while everything remains on the table, there is little time left in the window for a deal to be thrashed out.

Sources in the Catalan and Brazilian press confirm that the player is very interested in going to the Champions League runners-up, with his deal with Barca up in June 2021.

The 27-year-old has been at the Camp Nou side since his teenage years, having joined them in 2006 but has never been able to firmly establish himself as a first-team force due to a succession of injury issues. Indeed, when he played 24 matches in the Primera Division in 2014-15, it was the most he ever managed.

At the beginning of the following season, he suffered a serious knee injury away from home against Roma in a 1-1 draw and missed the remainder of the campaign, and though he returned the following campaign to score six times in 18 La Liga matches, more knee trouble meant an extended period on the sidelines. His career at Barca has not recovered since. 

Instead, he has spent much of the last two years away on loan, first at Inter in Serie A then at Celta Vigo, where he also spent the duration of the 2013-14 season. Last term in Vigo, he managed 29 Primera Division appearances and returned four goals. 

In total, he played 30 times for Celta – the most matches he had played since his breakthrough year with Barca.

The next stage of his career may, however, lie in Paris, where an attacking midfielder has been sought for several weeks. 

West Ham have released Jack Wilshere after coming to terms with the injury-hit midfielder to end his £100,000-a-week contract early, allowing him to become a free agent.

The 28-year-old had less than a year left on his deal and West Ham agreed to pay up a significant portion of the money owed to release him.

The midfielder's time at the Hammers has been beset by three significant injuries, two of which needed surgery, and he has played just 19 times since joining the club from Arsenal in an £18 million ($23m) move back in 2018.

It is unclear where Wilshere will move to next but he is currently fit and recently played in West Ham's 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Hull City in late September.

The Irons are currently struggling financially and it is hoped that releasing the midfielder can allow the east London club to do further business, with a centre-back being targeted.

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger was on the agenda but he rejected a move to the London Stadium, while the West Ham are also considering a deadline day move for fellow Blues centre-half Fikayo Tomori.

Felipe Anderson looks set to ease the club's financial burden by making a loan move to Porto, with the Premier League side having had around £20m ($26m) to spend late on in the transfer window.

Premier League deals must be completed before the 11pm deadline on Monday, with a host of smaller deals set to go through in the final hours.

He should join the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Jeremy Ngakia, Carlos Sanchez and Albian Ajeti, who have been shipped out to slim Moyes' squad. 

Elsewhere, Josh Cullen was sold to Anderlecht for £1m, while Grady Diangana was sold to West Brom for £18m ($23m), prompting criticism from supporters and several first-team players.

However, retaining Declan Rice is considered a major victory by David Moyes and his coaching staff after they rebuffed Chelsea's approaches to sign their star midfielder.

Chelsea will retain a long-term interest in the England international following his development after releasing him from their academy as a 14 year old.

West Ham's only incoming deal this summer has been Vladimir Coufal in a £5.4m ($7m) from Slavia Prague. Also signing from Slavia, Tomas Soucek's initial loan move was made permanent for £15m ($19m).

The club sits in tenth place in the Premier League after back-to-back league victories over Leicester City and Wolves. 

Moyes will pit his side against Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool in a tough return to action following the international break.

Algeria international Rachid Ghezzal has joined Turkish Super Lig outfit Besiktas on a season-long loan from Premier League side Leicester City.

The 28-year-old winger joined the Foxes in the summer of 2018 as a direct replacement for his countryman Riyad Mahrez, who left for Manchester City.

However, the former Lyon and AS Monaco man failed to live up to expectations and was sent on loan to Serie A outfit Fiorentina, with the Violets having an option to make the deal permanent.

In the 2019-20 season, he played in 19 Italian top-flight games and scored once in the 3-1 defeat of Lecce on July 15, 2020.

Following his failure to fit into Brendan Rodgers’ plans for the ongoing campaign, he has been shipped to Sergen Yalcin’s side with the ambition of getting first-team action.

Besiktas announced his signing after he passed his medical at the Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital.

With this move, he becomes the fourth African in Yalcin’s squad after Cameroon's Vincent Aboubakar, DR Congo's Fabrice N'Sakala and Bernard Mensah, who is on loan from Kayserispor.

At Vodafone Park, Istanbul, he will wear jersey No. 18. He is expected to make his maiden appearance for the Black Eagles when they face Denizlispor in a Turkish top-flight clash on October 26 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

As it stands, Besiktas occupy the 15th position in the log after accruing just four points in four fixtures played so far in the 2020-21 league campaign.

Despite featuring for France at U20 level, Ghezzal pledged his international allegiance to Algeria. In 2013, he made his debut for the North Africans before scoring his first goal in March 2016 against Ethiopia.

He was overlooked by coach Djamel Belmadi for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Egypt. There, Algeria emerged as champions after defeating Sadio Mane’s Senegal in the final.

Baroka FC coach Dylan Kerr has been suspended by the club for alleged insubordination. 

The suspension comes just over a month after the coach hinted that he was not freely performing his duties due to interference by the club chiefs.

He made the remarks after Baroka beat Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 during the Premier Soccer League bio-bubble in a result that contributed to their survival from relegation.

“I know my job. I know my job because I have studied it for 30 odd years as a player and a coach and if people leave me alone to do my job‚ I’ll make this club a success. And unfortunately, ‚ I should be happy with this result but inside I’m really‚ really angry," Kerr said on SuperSport TV at the end of August.

But club marketing manager Richard Mashabane said Kerr refused to take instructions from Baroka chairman Khurishi Mphahlele during a recent meeting in which he is alleged to have accused his bosses of meddling into his work.

The Englishman is now set to appear before a disciplinary hearing after he “disrespected everybody at the club.”

“The chairman was not interfering but advising him,” said Mashabane as per Sun Sport.

“It’s not like the chairman told him who to play and who not. It’s something like ‘it’s pre-season, what do you think about this?’ I was part of the meeting where the chairman tried to advice Kerr on certain technical matters and he burst into anger.

“It’s the chairman’s club and surely he has a say in the running of the club, whether technical or otherwise. He started telling us the way he has 30 years experience in football and none of us could tell him anything.

“He was referring to his Fifa accredited qualifications and boasted that none of his helpers are qualified, and they are clueless. How do you tell your colleagues that you work with daily that they are not educated? He was referring this to our goalkeepers coach and others on the technical bench. That is wrong."

Assistant coach Matsemela Thoka is currently in charge of the first team during Kerr’s suspension.

The former Black Leopards coach said he will not, at the moment, respond to the allegations he is facing.

“Let me get my head around... this is not easy, but I will not make any comments now, but you will soon know what is happening,” said Kerr.

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) newbies Bidco United have confirmed the arrival of 11 players ahead of the 2020/21 season.

The Thika-based charges have been strengthening the team after being promoted to the top tier alongside Nairobi City Stars.

Among those brought on board are veteran forward Stephen Waruru, who won the Golden Boot in the 2012 season while with Ulinzi Stars. He has also had spells with Sofapaka and KCB.

Another player who was unveiled is the unattached Noah Wafula, who has amassed top tier experience after turning out for Tusker FC and AFC Leopards. Former Wazito FC striker Pistone Mutamba has also joined the promoted side.

Former Zoo FC defender Wilson Anekeya makes a return to his former town. It was in this place where he made his name while with former top-flight football side Thika United. Luke Ochieng' has also been signed from Western Stima, same as Brian Opondo from Kariobangi Sharks.

Veteran Dennis Monda has also been roped in alongside former Nzoia Sugar forward Batts Awita, Anthony Gathu, who was with Murang'a Seal, goalkeeper Edwin Mukolwe from Wazito FC, and Victor Ayugi of KCB.

The signed players will take the positions of the nine who were released. Those who parted ways with Bidco are former captain Martin Mage who opted to retire after more than 10 years with the team. 

Eliud Emase, Frankline Mwenda, Collins Marita, Felix Otieno, Peter Mwangi, Castro Ogendo, Anthony Kamau and John Oginga have also been let go.

Club's coach Anthony Akhulia said the new players have not come to dislodge previous players but the arrivals are just part of the normal club restructuring.

"I had a team of 28 people and you cannot tell me all the 28 players performed better. Still, even if we were not promoted they could have left," the tactician told Goal.

"So, rumours are there, some may claim we let players go after helping us get promoted. But again, it would not have made sense to bench anyone for a season and we cannot guarantee that his time is coming.

"Even Liverpool won the league and ended up showing the door to some players. The truth of the matter is we had 28 players, seven left and we had to fill those vacancies because we need a team of 30.

"We made changes that we would have even if we could have remained in the National Super League.

"If you are a coach, at one point you have to let go of players because of indiscipline, jokes and related issues. Some decided to retire and others have been forced out by injuries.

"Some left and joined other teams and we must fill these slots."

Barcelona have announced losses of €97 million (£88m/$114m) for the 2019-20 economic year and blamed the coronavirus pandemic for a €203m (£184m/$239m) decrease in revenue.

The Catalan club finished the year with revenue of €855m (£775m/$1bn), which they said could have been a record-breaking €1 billion (£950m/$1.25bn) were it not for the Covid-19 outbreak.

Barca decreased their expenses by €74m (£67m/$87m) but still suffered significant losses, although the extension of the season beyond June 30 meant profit and loss items from the end of the season were transferred to the 2020-21 financial year.

There would have been a profit rather than a loss of €97m had it not been for the pandemic, according to the club.

A club statement read: "FC Barcelona has not been immune to the outbreak of Covid-19, but its consequences have had a massive effect on the entire sports industry.

"There has been widespread loss of revenue among all clubs in all the major leagues due to the restrictions that had to be applied to curb the spread of the disease, including competitions first being suspended and then resuming but with matches being played behind closed doors.

"The ECA [the European Club Association] has estimated the overall loss at around €4bn (£3.6bn/$4.7bn) and Barca, as one of the largest clubs in Europe and with such extensive diversification of its income, is one of the most affected.

"The club suffered financially from the consequences of games being played behind closed doors, as well as the total cancellation of the basketball Euroleague, and hence there was a considerable loss of income.

"The lack of tourists and visitors to the city of Barcelona due to the reductions and limitations applied to international tourism also meant far fewer visitors to Barca's premises, meaning major losses in terms of such areas as visitors to the Camp Nou Experience and the sale of products in official stores."

Barca are provisionally estimating €791m (£717m/$932m) in revenue for the 2020-21 financial year.

The disappointing financial news is the latest PR blow for Barcelona, who have been dogged by infighting off the field as well as poor results on the pitch, having lost the Liga title last season to Real Madrid and been thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Manchester United are in talks to sign teenage wingers Amad Traore and Facundo Pellistri ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.

Traore, who is currently at Atalanta, looked set to be joining Parma on loan but with that deal falling through United are pursuing a deal which, if successful, would likely see the 18-year-old move to the club in January.

The attacker is viewed as one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe and the club have scouted him for over three years.

He has impressed for Atalanta’s youth sides but made just three substitute appearances in Serie A last season, with reports putting the fee for Traore at €30 million (£27m/$35m).

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to build a young, exciting team and Traore fits with that philosophy.

Another teenager United are working on a deal for is Penarol's Pellistri.

It is understood a deal could be around £10m ($13m) and the winger comes under the recommendation of former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan, who managed Pellistri 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.

Meanwhile, United are edging closer to announcing the arrivals of Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles. Cavani passed his medical on Monday morning while Telles was pictured at the club’s training ground ahead of completing his move from Porto.

Any deal for Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho is not going to happen despite United refusing to give up on the England international and alternatives are being looked at with just a few hours left of the transfer window.

Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona is of interest but it is understood the Liga side want a permanent sale whereas United are only interested in a loan.

An agreement has still to be reached between United and Roma over Chris Smalling. All parties are keen to get a transfer complete, with the defender wanting to head back to Serie A on a permanent deal, but it could go down to the wire with the clubs still apart on their valuation.

Manchester City have not invested “millions and millions” in another striker, as signing a suitable successor to Sergio Aguero at this stage would create a “big problem” for Pep Guardiola, says Sven Goran Eriksson.

There have been calls for the Citizens to bolster their attacking ranks in the summer window.

Aguero, the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, has been struggling with fitness issues and has entered the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium.

If he departs in 2021, it will leave Brazil international Gabriel Jesus as City’s only senior option to lead the line.

Given the funds available to Guardiola, it has been suggested another prolific frontman is snapped up. Eriksson, though, can understand why no moves have been made, with it difficult to land world-class talent when there is no obvious role for performers in the current set-up.

The former City boss told Sky Sports: “If you buy a player for huge money, you have to be sure that he fits in and that he will be more than an ordinary player. You can’t put millions and millions and huge amounts of money in a player sitting on the bench.

“It’s not easy to have these big, strong teams because when you buy you have to be sure that you buy right. It’s too much money and these players you are buying will not be happy sitting on the bench. That would create a big problem for the manager.”

Eriksson is, however, aware that City are going to need to find further value in the transfer market.

City, along with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, have dominated a domestic scene in recent seasons. They are, however, finding the going a little tougher this term, dropping points against Leicester and Leeds.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have also suffered a wobble, with Aston Villa inflicting a 7-2 defeat on the Reds.

Eriksson believes those results prove that the chasing pack are starting to close in, with the ex-England boss adding: “When I saw Aston Villa, it was amazing to see.

“Villa were not afraid of Liverpool, they went out and tried to play. Of course they defended well but when they scored they were attacking with not one or two. Maybe the respect for the big two is not that big this season as it was during the last seasons.”

La Liga club Sevilla have announced the signing of Oussama Idrissi from Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar.

The winger has signed a five-year deal with the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan outfit after successful medicals, having scored 17 times last term to help Arne Slot’s men to a second-placed finish.

He ends his time with AZ with 24 goals, having impressed for the Cheeseheads since teaming up with the side in 2018.

The forward’s impressive displays for the AFAS Stadion outfit generated interest from a number of European clubs, and has now reached an agreement to continue his development with the Palanganas.

“Sevilla FC and AZ Alkmaar have reached an agreement for the transfer of winger Oussama Idrissi to the Nervionense team until 2025," read a statement from the club website. 

Idrissi started his professional career with DOSKO and featured for FC Bergen, Halsteren, Feyenoord, NAC Breda and Groningen youth teams.

The winger played more than 55 league games for Groningen first team and scored 12 goals for the club before teaming up with AZ in 2018.

He had played for the Netherlands U16, U17, U20 and U21 teams before he switched his allegiance to Morocco.

The forward made his international debut for the North African country against Malawi in African Cup of Nations qualifying game.

Idrissi now has seven caps for the Atlas Lions and will hope to continue his impressive performances, this time with Sevilla, to take a more prominent role in the national team.

The forward could make his debut for his new club after the international break when they take on Granada in their next league game on October 17.