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A late goal from Bienvenu Evan Nga sealed a victory for Bidvest Wits when they beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Sunday afternoon at FNB Stadium.

Against the run of play, the big Cameroonian striker outpaced the Chiefs defence before beating oncoming goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma on his left corner.

The result leaves the Naturena-based club at the top with 53 points from 28 games whilst the Braamfontein outfit occupies third spot with 49 points.

Coach Ernst Middendorp made changes in the starting eleven from the team that started against Mamelodi Sundowns where striker Samir Nurkovic returned from suspension, Kearryn Baccus partnered with Anthony Akumu for Willard Katsande, Lebogang Manyama, and Keletso Sifama whilst Leonardo Castro was ruled out of the clash through injury.

The Clever Boys had Sifiso Hlanti returning to replace Keegan Ritchie, Thabang Monare was a notable absentee and his place was taken by Mpho Mathebula whilst Rowan Human was sacrificed for an experienced Mxolisi Macuphu upfront.

The two PSL giants met for the second time in a month and as early as the second minute, Wits skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo came close to drawing the first blood through a header in the box, yet his attempt sailed inches off goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi’s left corner.

However, it was the Students' keeper Ricardo Goss who was called to produce an acrobatic save to deny Nurkovic from a header on the far post.

Amakhosi dominated the ball possession in the first 15 minutes but they could not penetrate the opposing defence led by Hlatshwayo.

There were few chances heading to the cooling break after 25 minutes but the battle for aerial balls between Nurkovic, Hlatshwayo and Lorenzo Gordinho took centre stage as Kgotso Moleko continued to deliver dangerous crosses.

After the half-hour mark, coach Gavin Hunt’s charges demonstrated good touches building from the back but Terrence Dzvukamanja had his effort comfortably saved by Akpeyi before Hlanti’s clever chip was punched away by the Nigerian.

Chiefs would appeal for a penalty in the 39th minute when Reeve Frosler looked to be fouled by Hlatshwayo in the box, but the protest fell on referee Victor Hlungwani’s deaf ears.

On the stroke of half-time, the log leaders suffered a massive blow when Akpeyi collided with Macuphu, the West African keeper suffered a concussion and he was replaced by Bvuma.

The first test for Bvuma came from Deon Hotto’s dipping free-kick in injury time and the Bafana Bafana keeper punched the set-piece over the crossbar for a corner.

There were no goals at the interval and Goss was equal to the task to easily collect Nurkovic’s header as the Soweto club enjoyed a bright restart.

In the 57th minute, Moleko wasted a glorious opportunity to grab the lead for the visitors with only goalkeeper Goss to beat, the defender ballooned his effort over the bar.

With 20 minutes to go, Middendorp turned to the experienced Katsande who came on for Baccus, the change made an immediate impact when Akumu’s shot was converted by Nurkovic but the lanky striker was in an offside position.

Chiefs upped the ante as far as their attack was concerned, and Frosler also came close to beating Goss with a low shot on the left corner after a brilliant pass for substitute Katsande in the 80th minute.

Following immense pressure, Gordinho was forced to go back to his keeper two minutes later and the header was saved by Goss as it was sailing into the net for an own goal.

Right on the 89th minute, Nurkovic could not believe his miss when what should have been an easy tap in, went over on the near post from a wonderful delivery into the box.

In injury time, substitute Eva Nga broke the Glamour Boys’ hearts against the run of play when he beat an off-side trap to slot the ball into the net, beating Bvuma on the left corner as they clinched all three points.

Moudou Sougou has hoped for his records at Mumbai City FC to be broken "as soon as possible" as the club celebrates six years of existence in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday.

The Senegalese winger turned striker at the Ranbir Kapoor co-owned club raked 15 goals from 32 games over the last two seasons to be the side's all-time top scorer. In fact, he scored at least eight more than the next highest top scorer at the club - Sunil Chhetri (7 goals from 17 appearances), who now represents Bengaluru FC.

Speaking to the club via Instagram Live, he expressed, "I am happy about that (having records at Mumbai City). It means that I did a good job because when I arrived in India it was to do great things. 

"It was an honour to represent Mumbai City and to be the club's top scorer. I hope these records will be broken as soon as possible because the club can only grow when records are broken. This is my wish for the club."

Sougou followed former players Andre Moritz, Sunil Chhetri and Diego Forlan to bag a hat-trick while at the club but took it a notch further by scoring two in a single season. That of course, after Iain Hume with Atletico de Kolkata (later ATK now ATK Mohun Bagan) in 2015, Stiven Mendoza with Chennaiyin FC in 2015 and Ferran Corominas with FC Goa in the 2017/18 season achieved the feat earlier.

It is no surprise that Sougou would name the two occasions he scored three or more goals in a match among his favourite moments at the club. "I have two favourite moments," he said. "The game against Kerala [Blasters], I think it was on 16th December (2008) - I scored four goals [in the 6-1 win].

"The second was the game against ATK when we won 3-1 because that game helped us to get to the play-offs [in ISL 5]."

With Sergio Lobera set to replace head coach Jorge Costa and Bartholomew Ogbeche to replace Sougou at Mumbai City, the former Marseille player also conceded why the Portuguese gaffer played him and Rafael Bastos in different teams during training.

"Rafa was my brother off the pitch. The coach (Costa) knew this and so he used to put us in different teams to keep us always in competition. This helped me increase my level and for him (Bastos) too. To work under Costa was a pleasure and a good opportunity for us because Jorge Costa was a high level coach," Sougou stated.

Clinton N'Jie found the back of the net to inspire Dynamo Moscow to a 1-1 draw against FC Ufa in Sunday’s Russian Premier League game.

The forward teamed up with the White and Blues last summer from French side Marseille but did not have the best time in his debut season in Russia.

The striker only scored one goal in 19 league appearances but has hit the ground running in the 2020-21 season.

N'Jie was handed his fifth start in this campaign by manager Kirill Novikov against Vadim Evseev’s side and made the most of the opportunity.

The centre-forward shone in the encounter to ensure his side avoided defeat and stretched their unbeaten run to two games after securing victory over Zenit last time out.

N'Jie opened the scoring in the 43rd minute for the White and Blues after both sides had failed to convert the few chances that came to their ways.

Timur Zhamaletdinov then levelled proceedings moments before the hour mark after he was set up by Aleksandr Sukhov.

The draw is Dynamo Moscow’s second this season, having also won three games and lost one in six outings so far.

N'Jie featured for 78 minutes before he made way for Vyacheslav Grulev while Nigeria international Sylvester Igboun was a second-half substitute for the White and Blues.

The Cameroon striker has played for French side Lyon and Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur before he signed for Marseille permanently in 2019 after impressing while on loan with the side.

N'Jie has been a key member of the Cameroon national team since he made a scoring debut for the West Africans against the Democratic Republic of Congo in September 2014.

The forward has featured 32 times for the Indomitable Lions, scoring seven goals and was part of the side that won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title.

N'Jie will hope to continue his fine start to the season when Dynamo Moscow take on Rubin Kazan in their next Premier League game on September 12.

Simba managed to defend the Community Shield Cup after beating Namungo FC 2-0 at Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium in Arusha on Sunday.

Goals from John Bocco and Bernard Morrison were enough for the league champions to record another win against Namungo, having beaten them 2-1 to lift the FA Cup on August 2.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi went ahead in the eighth minute after captain Bocco scored the opener from the spot.

The FA Cup winners won a penalty after their new boy Morrison was brought down at the edge of the left-wing when he was tripped by Steven Duah.

Bocco took the penalty and with tangible composure, planted the ball into the bottom right corner after decisively beating Namungo's goalkeeper Nurdini Balola.

Simba got the second goal at the hour mark when Morrison managed to drive the ball into the top corner after receiving a neat pass from Clatous Chama. It was the second goal for the former Orlando Pirates and Yanga SC man after scoring against Vital’ O seven days ago.

Joash Onyango was given another start but was paired with Kennedy Juma at the back as Ibrahim Ame – who was recently signed and started with the Kenyan in their match against Vital’ O – enjoyed a place on the bench.

Ghanaian Morrison was another new player who was given a straight starting position as David Kameta and Larry Bwalya were not.

Simba were missing the services of Luis Miquissone, Brazilian Gerson Fraga, Chrispine Mugalu and Serge Wawa who have not joined the team for various reasons.

In the absence of Fraga, coach Sven Vandenbroeck had to play Muzamiru Yassin in the deep of midfield.

On the other hand, Shiza Kichuya – signed from Simba – and former Kariobangi Sharks and Nakumatt defender Peter Amani Kyata were Namungo’s new players who started from the bench.

Simba will now be boosted by the win in Arusha as they hope to start their league title defence on September 6 on a strong footing.

For coach Thierry Hitimana, he has a lot to ponder about especially on the fact that they will participate in the Caf Confederation Cup for the first time.

Simba SC starting XI: Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Joash Onyango, Kennedy Juma, Jonas Mkude, Hassan Dilunga, Muzamiru Yassin, John Bocco, Clatous Chama, Bernard Morrison.

Subs : Beno Kakolanya, David Kameta, Ibrahim Ame, Said Ndemla, Larry Bwalya, Meddie Kagere, Ibrahim Ajibu. 

Namungo FC starting XI : Nurdini Barola, Rogers GabrieL, Jafari Mohamed, Steven Duah, Hamis Fakh, Humudi Gaucho, Abeid Athuman, Lukas Kikoti, Stephen Asey, Steve Nzigamasabo, Sixtus Sabilo.

Subs : Lucas Chembeja, Shiza Kichuya, Aman Kyata, Hashim Manyanya, Hamis Halifa, Haruna Shamte, Bigrimana Blaize.

Cyriel Dessers failed to convert from the penalty spot, Emmanuel Dennis grabbed an assist as Youssouph Badji scored the winner in Club Brugge’s 2-1 victory over Genk in Sunday’s Belgian First Division A game.

Dessers missed an opportunity to score his second goal of the season as the Blue and White's unbeaten run was halted by Philippe Clement’s men.

Dessers teamed up with the Luminus Arena outfit following his impressive form for Dutch side Heracles Almelo during his one-year stay. 

The centre-forward emerged as the 2019-20 Eredivisie joint-top scorer with 15 goals and delivered fine showings during Genk’s pre-season.

Dessers was handed a starting role in his fourth appearance for Genk, spearheading their attack while Nigeria international Dennis was included in Club Brugge’s line-up along with 18-year-old Senegalese forward Badji.

Dennis ignited his side’s victory in the encounter when he set up Hans Vanaken to open the scoring in the 22nd minute.

Dessers then was handed a glorious chance from the penalty spot to level for the Luminus Arena outfit in the 47th minute but missed his strike.

Theo Bongonda then equalized for Genk at the hour mark from a similar position which Dessers earlier missed.

With the game looking to end without a winner, Badji then scored the all-important winning goal seven minutes before full time to ensure his side clinched all three points.

Dessers featured for the duration of the game while his teammate and Ivorian midfielder Eboue Kouassi played for 85 minutes before making way for Benjamin Nygren.

Badji and Nigeria U23 striker David Okereke were on parade for the entirety of the match for Club Brugge while Dennis featured for 75 minutes before he was replaced.

The African stars will hope to help their teams secure victory when Club Brugge take on Waasland-Beveren and Genk square off against Beerschot on September 12 and 14 respectively.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is unsure whether defender Joel Matip and midfielder Jordan Henderson will be fit in time for the Premier League champions' season opener against Leeds next month.

Reds skipper Henderson has not played since suffering a knee injury in the win at Brighton on July 8, meaning he missed the remaining four games of the 2019-20 season.

Matip, meanwhile, suffered a foot injury against Merseyside rivals Everton in their first game of the Premier League restart at the end of June, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.

Both players travelled to Austria with the rest of the Liverpool squad for a pre-season training camp last week, though neither featured in friendlies against Stuttgart and Red Bull Salzburg.

They were also absent at Wembley on Saturday, when Klopp’s side were beaten on penalties by Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Henderson has been left out of the England squad for Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark in early September to allow him to focus on regaining his fitness.

He and Matip are expected to take part in some full training sessions at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground next week, though neither are certain to be fully fit for when the Reds begin the defence of their title against newly-promoted Leeds at Anfield on September 12.

When asked about Henderson’s possible participation in that game, Klopp told the club’s website: “For that we have to see when he trains.

“I think Joel and Hendo will be in parts of team training next week and we will see. Of course, the longer they have the better the chance is, but I don’t know in this moment.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be fit for the clash with Leeds despite missing the Community Shield and Austrian training camp through injury.

The 21-year-old was pencilled in to take part in a training session on Sunday for those who were not involved in Saturday’s game at Wembley.

He is then due to link up with Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for their Nations League double header, before returning to Merseyside just three days before the start of the new campaign.

Thiago Silva will add some much-needed experience and leadership to a young Chelsea team, manager Frank Lampard believes.

The Brazilian centre-back, who turns 36 next month, joined the Blues on a free transfer this week after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired after their Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich.

The ex-AC Milan star signed a one-year deal with an option for a second season and Lampard expects him to be a valuable addition to the squad.

“With Thiago Silva, we are looking at a player I know very well, pretty much as we all do,” he told the club’s website.

“He brings great experience for us, he is still playing at a massively high level, as we saw in the Champions League final and games towards the final, so I expect him to come and bring that, bring his experience, leadership and his qualities. It is going to be very important for us.

“We have a relatively young squad, we saw that last year, there were games afterwards when I was probably asking for more voice and some more leadership in different ways and he brings that naturally straightaway, and also on the pitch he can help talk and be the player that he is which means affecting others. On those levels I hope he brings that.

“I am pretty sure he will with the qualities we know he has, so I am excited for when he joins up.”

The Blues coach went head-to-head with his new signing during his playing days and was recently reminded about the time they both captained their countries in a 2-2 draw in an international friendly seven years ago.

"I got sent that picture the other day, of us shaking hands at the kick-off. Unfortunately, I am a bit older now and memories of all these games are not crystal clear!” Lampard added.

“But I do have memories, it was a special game, I think it was the reopening of the Maracana.

"It was a very difficult game and I remember Thiago Silva and Neymar and all those players. It was a tough game, we got a good result there.

“It was a pleasure to play up against him because when a player has had the career he has had and achieved what he has achieved, it is not by luck, it is not by anything other than hard work and pure talent and hopefully he is bringing that to the club.

“Now we are in slightly different roles, I am doing my job here and he is coming in to help on the pitch, and let’s hope it works.”

Italy boss Roberto Mancini insists he is not interested in returning to club football before his work with the Azzurri is complete.

Reports in Italy had claimed a number of Premier League clubs had contacted the former Manchester City boss.

Mancini has also coached teams such as Lazio, Inter, Galatasaray and Zenit, and he took on the Italy job in 2018 with the national team at a low ebb.

The side's failure to qualify for that year's World Cup left Mancini with a rebuilding job, and 10 out of 10 wins in qualifying for Euro 2020 suggested they were moving in the right direction.

Asked about reported interest in him, Mancini said on Sunday: "My goal is to do well in the European Championships and do well in the World Cup. It would be a regret to leave the national team to someone else.

"No one tried to hire me this summer."

The 55-year-old, who steered Manchester City to the 2012 Premier League title and Inter to successive Scudetto successes from 2006 to 2008, believes the future looks bright for Italy, with the rescheduled Euros to be followed by the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Mancini added, quoted widely in the Italian media: "We started this job two years ago with great difficulties and despite everything I think we managed to do a great job and we hope to improve it even more."

The postponement of Euro 2020 until next year has disrupted plans, with Mancini's focus now falling on the Nations League games that lie ahead for Italy.

They face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Florence on Friday, before tackling Netherlands in Amsterdam on the following Monday.

Mancini also spoke about the appointment of former Italy coach Marcello Lippi to the role of technical director with the Italian federation (FIGC), following speculation he was disenchanted at not being consulted.

He said: "I don't think it is such an important thing, absolutely nothing has changed. The president told me about it because it was already in the papers, but it all ended there. I didn't need any reassurance or explanation."

Barcelona must pay €14 million (£12m/$17m) to cancel Luis Suarez's current contract, Goal understands.

A new era is being ushered in at Camp Nou under Ronald Koeman, who replaced Quique Setien in the managerial hot seat following a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in last season's Champions League quarter-finals.

The Dutchman has already started making plans for his first year at the helm, with wholesale changes to the squad expected after the club's first trophyless season in 12 years.

Lionel Messi could be the first out the door in the coming weeks, as the six-time Ballon d'Or winner has submitted a formal transfer request amid interest from Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Goal has learned that Suarez is also being touted for the exit, having been informed by Koeman over the phone that he does not feature in his plans for the upcoming campaign.

The Uruguayan striker is contracted to remain at Camp Nou until next summer, but is open to an early exit after being deemed surplus to requirements.

However, Suarez intends to continue training with the Barca squad until the club decides whether to cancel his contract, which will cost them a total of €14m in compensation fees.

The 33-year-old will leave Catalonia as a free agent if he is released, with Goal reporting that five clubs have already officially registered their interest in his services.

Suarez spoke out on his future via social media last week in the wake of comments from his former lawyer Alejandro Balbi, who suggested that the frontman's next move will hinge on the path Messi decides to take.

“There are people talking about me or on my behalf when I have not had a relationship with them for years,” Suarez said. “When I need to speak, I'll speak for myself.”

The Barca forward has been linked with a return to Ajax and a possible move to MLS with Inter Miami, and Goal has reported that he has also been offered to Italian giants Juventus.

Suarez joined up with the Blaugrana from Liverpool back in 2014, and has since scored 198 goals in 283 appearances for the club. That puts the Uruguay international third in Barca's all-time top scorer's list, with only legendary figures Cesar Rodriguez Alvarez and Messi boasting higher tallies.

Suarez has won 13 major trophies during his time at Camp Nou, including four La Liga titles and the Champions League.

Kenyan Premier League heavyweights Gor Mahia have completed the signing of Andrew Juma from Mathare United.

The centre-back becomes the fourth signing Gor Mahia have completed in the ongoing transfer window after confirming Levis Opiyo, John Macharia and Tito Okello.

Gor Mahia have not confirmed the length of Juma’s contract yet.

Macharia, a former Thika United, FC Kolkheti and FC Saburto-2 of Georgia star, signed a two-year contract to serve the Green Army whereas Okello signed a three-year deal.

“We are pleased to announce our fourth signing, centre-back [Andrew] Juma who joins the club from Mathare United. Welcome, Juma,” Gor Mahia confirmed on their Facebook page.

Opiyo was the first signing the record league champions made ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Juma is arriving at Gor Mahia with huge expectations placed on his shoulders since he is expected to fill the void the immediate former assistant captain Joash Onyango left.

Onyango departed and headed to Simba SC of Tanzania leaving a gaping hole in Gor Mahia’s defensive department.

K’Ogalo secured Juma’s deal since he is thought to be the most talented local product, not only to replace Onyango but also to help in the Caf Champions League campaign.

Goalkeeper Opiyo was signed from Nairobi City Stars and came after the Green Army lost David Mapigano – who had featured for them for just a season – to Tanzanian side Azam FC.

Okello signed for the Kenyan giants and is expected to replace his Ugandan counterpart Juma Balinya, who is understood to be in advanced talks with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC).

Burundian striker Jules Ulimwengu has been reported to be on the radar of Gor Mahia, as is Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Konfor.

Malawian star Andrew Numero, currently playing for Africa Warriors FC of South Africa, has also been heavily linked with the 2019/20 Caf Champions League participants.

Gor Mahia lost Boniface Omondi to rivals Wazito FC while goalkeeper Peter Odhiambo was released and later joined Omondi.

The Green army are set to unveil more players soon, especially after chairman Ambrose Rachier confirmed a number of players are set to exit either because of their expiring contracts or because the club considers them surplus to requirements.

Rennes midfielder Steven Nzonzi hailed the performance of Eduardo Camavinga in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at home to Montpellier, asserting the 17-year-old knows how to influence a match.

The Red and Blacks had a 1-0 lead for much of the game, with the visitors down to 10 men after Florent Mollet was sent off in the first half.

The same fate then befell Julian Stephan’s men in the 73rd minute with Martin Terrier getting his marching orders, but it did not deter them from adding more goals with Camavinga netting the second in fine fashion.

It comes on the back of the Franco-Angolan teenager being called up to the France national team ahead of their Nations League ties against Sweden and Croatia.

" It was important to start well for the first home game in front of our supporters. I think it's deserved,” Nzonzi said on the club website.

“We created a lot of chances, we could have killed the game before. We put ourselves in a bit of danger at the end, but apart from their goal I think we were serious from start to finish.

“During the preparation, we worked very well physically and tactically. There is room for improvement and we must continue to work well. The recruits have integrated well. It feels like they've been in the team for a long time. They are smart and attentive players.

“Cama put in a great goal. He knows how to make the difference individually. He brings in defensively and offensively, he is complete. There will be two of us in the French team, it's good for him. It will be a first.”

New signing and Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd was making his second appearance for Rennes, playing the entire 90 minutes and said he has been able to quickly adapt in a short space of time.

“We showed some interesting things. We got chances but we couldn't kill the match. There is a good state of mind. The group is united. We were present in the duels and on the second balls,” Aguerd said.

“The club did everything to make me adapt as quickly as possible. In the field, we have a common language. I felt comfortable from day one. When it's like that, it's easier to give 100%.

“The supporters were only 5,000 but we could feel them behind us. We thank them."

Dylan Kerr believes defender Joash Onyango is a good addition for Tanzania Mainland League champions Simba SC.

The team has been restructuring for the new campaign and has been in the market for established players, and one of them is the 27-year-old Kenya international.

He has been a rock in the Gor Mahia defence in the recent past, leading them to back-to-back Kenyan Premier League (KPL) titles.

"[Onyango] is a simple, hard-working defender that has a good work ethic," Kerr, who worked with the player at K'Ogalo, told Goal on Sunday.

The tactician has, however, warned Onyango against changing his style of play since it might not work for him especially in a team with massive following and pressure from the fans.

"If he changes how he plays, it will affect him," the 53-year-old told continued.

"But he is an honest, no-nonsense defender who is disciplined in his position and that is good for the team."

Simba did not, however, confirm the length of the 27-year-old’s contract.

Onyango, who earned his maiden Harambee Stars call-up under coach Sebastien Migne, made his debut against Ghana at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani during an African Cup of Nations qualifier in 2018.

He was part of the 2019 Afcon squad in Egypt that was eliminated in the group stage after losing two matches and winning against Tanzania in Group C’s last encounter.

Onyango, nicknamed 'Berlin Wall' due to his defensive performances, had established himself as one of the outstanding defenders in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) while serving the Green Army.

He never looked back since he became a regular first-team member for Gor Mahia when Musa Mohamed left for KF Tirana of Albania in 2018.

His outstanding partnership with Harun Shakava and later on Charles Momanyi saw him consequently appointed the K’Ogalo’s assistant captain.

Onyango is set to make his competitive debut on Sunday when the Msimbazi-based side will play Namungo in the Community Shield match. It is the first time the two teams are meeting in the fixture.

This will be the fourth time Simba and Namungo are meeting in all competitions. The former have managed to get two wins and one draw in the last three meetings.

Lionel Messi failed to report for pre-season medical tests at Barcelona on Sunday as he continues to seek a transfer, Goal understands.

First team stars have been arriving at the Blaugrana's Sant Joan Despi training centre at staggered intervals to undergo health checks ahead of the new season, amid the continued threat of coronavirus.

New head coach Ronald Koeman was in attendance with the rest of his coaching staff, with Jordi Alba and Martin Braithwaite the first players to arrive at the facility.

Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal also checked in, despite having both been linked with moves away from Camp Nou in recent weeks, but Messi deliberately avoided the screening.

Goal reported on Saturday that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner would skip the tests to reinforce the message that he no longer wishes to be a part of the squad.

Messi is still hoping an amicable parting of ways can be arranged, and wants to sit down with the board to finalise the terms of his exit as soon as possible.

The 33-year-old had a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave Barca on a free transfer at the end of each season, but this expired in June.

However, Messi's legal team are planning to argue that the coronavirus-enforced break in the 2019-20 campaign ensured that the clause in question remained valid until August.

The Argentine international handed in a formal transfer request on Tuesday, and Goal understands Pep Guardiola has been in touch with the playmaker over a possible switch to Manchester City.

Messi's strained relationship with senior officials at Barca reached breaking point following an 8-2 defeat to Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Blaugrana's record goalscorer still harbours ambitions to add several more major trophies to his collection before hanging up his boots, and no longer feels he can remain competitive at the highest level in his current surroundings.

Several other high-profile potential suitors have been linked with Messi in addition to Man City, including Inter, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Manchester United.

Former PSG midfielder Fabrice Pancrate wants to see the Barca superstar make his way to Parc des Princes, and has predicted that Guardiola and Juve talisman Cristiano Ronaldo could join the Argentine in the French capital next year.

"There are plenty of things that make me say that Messi is going to Paris. Ronaldo will join him in 2021. Guardiola too," Pancrate told Le Parisien.

Thiago Alcantara looks set to leave Bayern Munich and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expects an offer for the midfielder in the coming days.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Thiago, although Rummenigge said this week that Bayern had received no contact from the Premier League champions.

However, asked about Thiago in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Rummenigge replied: "It looks like he will leave us. It was important for him that he showed that he can play well in the big games. When it comes to that, it's a finish that hurts a bit. I expect an offer for him in the next few days."

Thiago helped Bayern to a treble-winning campaign as they lifted the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League under Hansi Flick.

He may not be the only Spain international to depart the Allianz Arena ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Defender Javi Martinez also appears to have his heart set on pastures new, with Rummenigge confirming Bayern would not prevent him from seeking a move.

"Javi thinks about leaving us. It will be difficult for him now, too," Rummenigge added. "His contract is still valid for one year and we have given him to understand that we are not going to put any obstacles in his way."

One player who certainly will not be leaving Bayern Munich is Robert Lewandowski, after the Polish striker enjoyed the most prolific year of his professional career.

Lewandowski was the pick of many to win the Ballon d'Or, however France Football - who organise the award which recognises the world's best player in the calendar year - have said it will not be given in 2020 because of the disruption caused by coronavirus.

Rummenigge is disappointed Lewandowski will not get the recognition he feels the forward deserves and praised the 32-year-old's professionalism and commitment to the Bayern cause.

He said of Lewandowski: "He is probably the best professional out there, it couldn't be better. He pays attention to everything. His diet, his lifestyle - everything is geared towards success. When I'm in the dressing room sometimes and see his upper body - he is like Adonis. It couldn't be better."

"He deserves the Ballon d'Or like no other. He played the season of his life and he lives Bayern Munich."

Simba SC captain John Bocco has said they expect a competitive Namungo FC during the Community Shield tie at Sheik Abeid Amri Stadium on Sunday.

The teams met in the FA Cup final last time around and Wekundu wa Msimbazi emerged the victors after winning the league title.

Bocco feels the match will need a concerted effort from his side and pegs his hope on the preparations they have done towards the match

“We know we are meeting a good team in Namungo. They have always been a competitive side and that is why the game is not going to be easy at all,” Bocco told Mwanaspoti.

“On our part, we have had good preparations and we hope we are going to have a successful day which will end with us winning the title.

“We will always remember to be thankful to our fans who have been there to support us every other time. In that regard, we would want to appeal to them that they come and support us and we will try and fight to win the title on our part.”

Bocco feels the kind of players that have been signed already will help the team in a great way.

“The addition of new players brings about high-level competition and also the morale in the team goes high. I hope they are going to ensure we win more titles,” the Tanzanian added.

Joash Onyango, Larry Bwalya, Chris Mugalu, Ibrahim Ame, David Kameta, Charles Ilanfya and Bernard Morrison were the players signed.

Meanwhile, Simba’s Arusha coordinator Suleiman Ally believes the previous matches the team has engaged in will help them defeat Namungo.

“We started the preparation a very long time ago,” Ally told Mwanaspoti. “We started with the friendly during the Simba Day and thereafter we played against KMC FC. The two matches gave us a hint on what we should do during the match against Namungo.

“Namungo are not a new side to us given that we met thrice last season where we defeated them during the FA Cup final and in one league match.

“We will walk into the pitch with the aim of beating them again.”

The match is primed to start at 15.30.

William D'Avila, the agent of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, has stated that the Nigerian does not feel under pressure at the club.

The 21-year-old has been making headlines since his big-money move from Lille and showed a glimpse of his quality when he scored a hat-trick and provided an assist in an 11-0 routing of L’Aquila in the Partenopei’s training camp at Castel di Sangro on Friday.

Such a performance only makes the excitement around Osimhen even stronger, something which the former Wolfsburg man is pleased about.

"We are extremely happy with Victor's performance. He called me and confessed that he was extremely happy for the first goals for the Azzurri,” D’Avila told Radio Punto Nuovo.

“If he feels the pressure now? No, why should he? He's not experiencing any kind of pressure, he knows how to be a great striker. His goal is to score a lot of goals, so no pressure.

“His first impressions on Napoli and Gattuso? Perfect, everything. Victor already feels at home."

When quizzed on whether Napoli will be able to return to the Champions League next season, having settled for a Europa League spot by winning the Coppa Italia, D’Avila said: “Absolutely yes, it is the goal of Victor and all his teammates. The team will row all towards the same direction. Napoli is full of great players who will help Victor to give his best."

Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso is, however, of the opinion that there should not be too much pressure on Osimhen as he still needs time to adapt and is not someone like club legend Diego Maradona.

“It’s too easy to get excited now, we’ve got to give him time and let him work, not put pressure on,” Gattuso told Radio Kiss Kiss and Sky Sport Italia as reported by Football Italia.

“He is an important player and we paid a lot for him, but there were no doubts he would give us something different that we haven’t had in my time here. There’s a long way to go.

“It’s not like we suddenly signed Pele or Maradona, we simply brought in a player with certain characteristics that can help us.”

Following a day of rest on Saturday, Napoli continue their pre-season training in Castel di Sangro on Sunday.

Mason Greenwood can be Harry Kane's deputy for England, according to Wayne Rooney, who has described the Manchester United star as a natural goalscorer.

Greenwood has been handed his first international call up ahead of the Three Lion's UEFA Nation's League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark in September.

The 18-year-old scored 17 goals across all competitions for United in 2019-20, establishing himself as a key member of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first team in the process.

Greenwood was one of the most prolific marksmen in the Premier League post-lockdown, and the young forward's impressive run of form convinced Gareth Southgate that he was ready to step into the senior fold.

"If you said to me three or four months ago, I would have said we know he is a high-quality player who is having a good season but maybe it is a bit early to put him up to the senior team, but the reality is that his performances and goalscoring has been so good that he has earned the right," Southgate said last week.

At the moment, Kane serves as England's focal point in attack, but Rooney thinks Greenwood should be the first man off the bench on the occasions that the Tottenham talisman is unavailable.

United's all-time record scorer has ranked the teenager ahead of his Old Trafford team-mate Marcus Rashford and Chelsea's Tammy Abraham in terms of ability, while comparing him to former Liverpool striker Michael Owen.

Rooney wrote in his latest column for The Times: "Greenwood made 40 appearances in Europe and the Premier League in 2019-20, compared with Foden’s 28, and he is a natural scorer, good with both feet, a taker of chances, calm in front of goal.

"He is probably the best finisher at United already at the age of 18 and in goalscorers you can just see it from day one — Harry Kane and Michael Owen had the knack and it’s the same with Greenwood.

"As I’ve said before, I wasn’t a natural scorer.

"That knack is rare and Gareth needs a proper deputy for Kane, someone he can slot in if Harry is injured or suspended.

"For me, Marcus Rashford is not such a natural scorer and nor is Tammy Abraham. But Greenwood can be that player."

England take on Iceland on Saturday September 5 before playing Denmark on Tuesday September 8.

West Ham’s Declan Rice has the “ability and character” to establish himself as one of England’s first choice central midfielders, says former Three Lions captain Wayne Rooney.

The 21-year-old has been a regular in Gareth Southgate’s squad since making his debut against Czech Republic in March 2019, having switched his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland, who he represented at youth level.

He has made more than 100 appearances for West Ham since making his debut as an 18-year-old at the end of the 2016-17 season.

Those performances have seen him linked with an £80 million ($105m) move to Chelsea, although the Hammers have made it clear they have no intention of selling the midfielder, who still has four years left on his contract.

Rice has once again been included in Southgate’s squad for Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark next month, and with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson out injured, there is a place in the starting XI up for grabs.

While the likes of Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Kalvin Phillips will also be hoping to stake a claim for a place in the side, Rooney believes Rice has all the attributes required to become a first-choice pick.

"The biggest gap England have is in the middle - after Jordan Henderson, who is recovering from injury, they have no other established, top-class midfielder,” he told The Times.

“It is the position where England are most lacking. I’d like somebody to make that spot alongside Jordan their own. It is why Gareth brought in Kalvin Phillips and the Leeds youngster deserves his chance.

"Declan Rice has the ability and character to do it. It’s a big season for him. After a couple of good campaigns at West Ham and showing promise for England, can he cement his spot?”

Rooney also believes Southgate should consider a change in goal. Everton’s Jordan Pickford has been Southgate’s regular No 1, but struggled for form in a Toffees shirt at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, the performances of Nick Pope and Dean Henderson has put Pickford’s place under further scrutiny, with Rooney joining those calling for a possible change.

"Gareth has a decision to make about his goalkeeper: whether to stick with Jordan Pickford or go with Dean Henderson or Nick Pope,” he added. “Pope is the calm one whereas the other two are more unpredictable. Pickford and Henderson can give you 9/10 performances but then have a 4/10, whereas Pope is always a solid 7/10 at Burnley."