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Kylian Mbappe would be a "stratospheric" signing for Real Madrid but a move is not financially feasible, according to the Spanish club's former president Ramon Calderon.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward has been strongly tipped to link up with Zinedine Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu at some point in his career, potentially as early as this transfer window.

However, Mbappe still has two years to run on his PSG contract and would command a huge transfer fee, which Calderon feels no team can justify in the current climate.

"No doubt Mbappe is a player who everyone would like to sign. He has great potential, and he is very young," he told Stats Perform News.

"He reminds me a lot of Ronaldo, the Brazilian, because of his strength and his capacity to score goals. No doubt, he would be a great transfer. 

"I don't know if Real Madrid are able to do it now. It would be a stratospheric transfer. He has a contract with PSG – they will not give him away for free.

"On the other hand, we are into a very expensive deal with the rebuilding of the new stadium. It is up to €1 billion. So, it is difficult.

"But if the president thinks it can be possible, he will do it. However, I guess the economy will not be the best, especially at this time, when there will be financial issues at every club.

"The costs of transfers will totally change. They will go down, and also the salaries of the players will go down.

"So, it is basically an economic point. First, the player needs to ask for a transfer request and the financial agreement will come after.

"But, again, the financial agreement for Mbappe is not easy – it cannot be done by anyone."

Madrid's most recent marquee signing, Belgium forward Eden Hazard, failed to make much of an impact in his debut season after joining from Chelsea last year.

Hazard suffered from a series of injury issues and featured just 22 times in all competitions, but Calderon expects to see a lot more from the 29-year-old this coming season.

"We know he was a great player in the Premier League," Calderon said. "A fantastic player – so much talent and skill.

"But he did not play as regularly as Madrid demand of their players. Chelsea are a big team, but Chelsea players don't have to handle the pressure that Real Madrid players have.

"I have dealt with it. When they come here, you face the most difficult time of your career. You have to give 150 per cent and the fans are extremely demanding.

"So, we have to wait. It is only the first year, a year of adaptation. He also struggled with injuries. I believe he could show his talent the following year.

"It has happened before with other players when they couldn't perform the first season and the second one has been totally different. Hopefully, that will be the case."

Zinedine Zidane guided Madrid to their first La Liga title in three years in 2019-20 – his 11th trophy in three seasons as head coach across two spells in the Spanish capital.

The Frenchman's future has sometimes been called into question, however, and Calderon has backed former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino to take over once Zidane does eventually move on.

"Pochettino is a very good manager. Of course he could manage Real Madrid," Calderon said.

"However, again, this is a very complicated club and so demanding of everyone. From that point, they have built their history.

"That demand makes every player know they need to be at 100 per cent in order to fight for all the trophies.

"I believe Zidane will stay, but it is true he already left once. He is not engaged to anyone, even though he has already shown his commitment to Real Madrid.

"I think he didn't plan at the beginning to become manager. But he finally decided to be manager and he has reached a point [that will be] very difficult to equal for many years.

"I hope he stays for many years, but nothing is forever. One day he will decide to leave and when it happens, it will be the time to think of another manager – and I think Pochettino would be really suitable."

Former Ghana coach and Asante Kotoko star James Kwasi Appiah believes new club chief executive officer (CEO) Nana Yaw Amponsah will need to put in place a long-term plan to attain success at the Kumasi-based outfit.

The former Phar Rangers chief, who contested in the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential race last year, has taken the reins at the 23-time Premier League champions, replacing George Amoakoh.

He was unveiled earlier this month.

"I personally think Nana Yaw Amponsah will be successful at the Porcupine club," Appiah told Light Sports. "A learned person with experience from all walks of the world speaks volume as to the competence he has to lead and make the club flourish.

"He will instill unity among the supporters and help generate money for the club so all and sundry must canvass their total support for him.

"We need to plan a four to five-year project to build a formidable team in order to compete very well domestically and internationally through the blend of quality young and experienced players," he added. "The supporters should be detailed about the project and exercise patience for it to grow."

The Porcupine Warriors are the most successful team in the history of the domestic top flight.

“Asante Kotoko is the biggest club in Ghana, no doubt. And for me, it’s the third biggest club in Africa, in structure. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of its content," Amponsah said at his unveiling. “I am here to help the board and the entire Kotoko fraternity to match this superstructure with befitting content.

“I dare say that Asante Kotoko is bigger than [Ghana's two main political parties] NPP [New Patriotic Party] and NDC [National Democratic Congress]. Kotoko transcends boundaries. Kotoko is a culture.

“The joy this club gives its teeming supporters cannot be matched by any political party in Ghana," he continued. “I, therefore, plead with you to give me double the support you give your individual political parties of choice, and we will make Asante Kotoko great again.

“I’m going to make sure Kotoko participate in the Fifa Club World Cup."

Kotoko, who ruled Africa in 1970 and 1983, last won the Premier League in 2014, three years to their last FA Cup title. 

Wayne Rooney says Lionel Messi would be capable of landing a seventh Ballon d’Or if he left Barcelona for Manchester and linked up with either United or City.

A move to the Premier League is being mooted for a modern day superstar.

Struggles at Camp Nou are said to be edging Messi towards the exits, with the Argentine growing increasingly frustrated at events on and off the field in Catalunya.

He is only tied to a contract through to 2021 and could break that agreement in order to take on a new challenge elsewhere.

City and United form part of an elite group of clubs that could afford to finance a move for Messi, while also matching his ambition to compete for the biggest prizes on offer.

Both of the Premier League heavyweights are said to be sounding out a stunning swoop for an all-time great.

Former United star Rooney, who remains the Red Devils’ all-time leading goalscorer, would love to see Messi in England.

He told talkSPORT: “I know he’s getting older but he’s a player who no-one has seen before.

“Messi has everything – he can create goals, score goals, dictate the game and is the best player of all time.

“He’s one of the only players I’ve sat there and watched and been in awe.

“Him and Cristiano Ronaldo have set a standard which I don’t think will ever be seen again but, for me, Messi is just different level.”

City appear to hold a number of strong cards in any bid to lure Messi to the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola having worked with the South American before at Barcelona while Sergio Aguero is another notable Argentine on their books.

United, though, could launch an ambitious raid and Rooney feels Messi would thrive alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne, with there potentially another Golden Ball there for him to claim.

Rooney, who is a now filling a player-coach role at Derby, added on Messi’s next move: “The United States shouldn’t be in his mind because he’s too good.

“He could come to the Premier League and be a Player of the Year. One million per cent.

“If he surrounds himself with Bruno Fernandes or Kevin De Bruyne, he could win a seventh Ballon d’Or.”

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) outfit Wazito FC have confirmed the signing of Maurice Ojwang from Western Stima.

The defender becomes the ninth signing the club has made and the second from the Kisumu club after previously acquiring Kevin Omondi.

Wazito have been the busiest side in the Kenyan transfer window up to this time as the majority of their KPL rivals have not done a lot of signings.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Maurice ‘Fadha’ Ojwang from Western Stima,” Wazito confirmed.

“Ojwang, a defender, is expected to beef up our central defence department ahead of the 2020/21 season.

“The defender has been with Western Stima for the better part of his career. He had a short stint with Gor Mahia in 2019 before returning to the Kisumu-based side in January.”

The centre-back stated he was happy to be part of the Wazito family and said he was hopeful of good performances in his maiden season with the former National Super League (NSL) champions.

“I am happy to join Wazito FC,” Ojwang said.

“This is an ambitious team and it’s an honour to be part of this great project. I am here to work hard and do my best for the team.

“To the fans, I want to promise them that we will deliver good results.”

Head coach Fred Ambani praised Ojwang’s qualities and hopes his arrival at Wazito will help him become an even better defender.

“Ojwang is a very good defender and definitely a good addition to the team. He is a good tackler, strong, and very good in the air,” Ambani said.

“He has all the qualities of a good defender and he can only get better.”

Other players who Wazito have signed are Stephen Odhiambo, Jackson ‘Pogba’ Juma, Kevin ‘Chumsy’ Okumu, Vincent Oburu, Mark Otieno, Kevin Kimani, Boniface Omondi, and Edwin Omondi.

After signing former KPL champions and experienced players in the last windows, Wazito were unable to mount a good campaign in the top-tier.

Most of the players who were signed before the season began were released in January and the arrival of coach Stewart Hall, who later left in July, helped them stabilise and survive from going down.

Croatian club Hajduk Split have confirmed the departure of Emem Eduok to Turkish Super Lig side Konyaspor on a season-long loan.

The forward joined the Stadion Poljud outfit last summer after leaving BB Erzurumspor and made an impressive contribution during his debut campaign with the Whites.

Eduok scored 11 goals in 30 league appearances amid other dazzling displays to help Hajduk Split finish fifth in the Croatian Prva HNL.

The Super Eagles striker will now continue his development at Konyaspor, who also have an option to sign him permanently.

“Hajduk striker Samuel Eduok goes on loan to Turkish first division club Konyaspor Kulubu,” read a statement from the club website.

“The loan has been agreed until the end of the current season, at the end of which the Turkish club has the right to buy his contract.

“We wish Samuel a lot of luck and success in the new club.”

Eduok is not a stranger to the Turkish league, having featured for Kasımpasa and Erzurumspor between 2016 and 2019.

The 26-year-old forward starred in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), playing for Dolphins and Akwa United.

The striker emerged as the second top-scorer in the Nigerian top-flight with 20 goals in 2014, performances that caught the attention of clubs abroad.

Eduok signed for Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 before backtracking to join Tunisian club Esperance in January 2015.

He signed for Kasimpasa permanently in 2017 after impressing during his loan stay with the Turkish Super Lig side.

Eduok found the back of the net 19 times in 78 appearances before teaming up with Erzurumspor in 2019.

The forward made his debut for Nigeria against Tanzania in 2017 but has not been given a further invitation to the national team.

Eduok will hope to make his mark with Konyaspor to boost his return to the Super Eagles.

Simba SC midfielder Clatous Chama has stated the team has to give their best in the new campaign to ensure they replicate the success achieved in the 2019/20 season.

During the campaign, Wekundu wa Msimbazi started with winning the Community Shield after defeating Azam FC 4-2. They went on to win the league with six matches to spare before defeating Namungo 2-1 in the FA Cup final.

The Zambian played a vital role in the campaign and ended up being named the Tanzania Mainland League Most Valuable Player (MVP) as well as the season's best midfielder.

With the new campaign around the corner, the creative midfielder has pointed out it is time to forget about last season's achievements and start focusing on the upcoming one.

"We cannot depend on the last season's anointment and grace, hence, we need to request for them again prior to the [new season]," Chama said as quoted by Daily News.

"I expect a lot from my colleagues especially following the good signings which have been made so far and it is our responsibility to make sure that we make fans happy throughout the next season."

On Sunday, the 21-time league champions will be playing Namungo FC hoping to win the Community Shield. 

The Msimbazi-based side has been having an excellent pre-season. They started with a 6-0 win against Burundi side Vital'O before claiming a 3-1 win over fellow top-tier charges KMC. 

On Wednesday, they defeated second division side Transit Camp and they hope to extend the run on Sunday.  

The first league assignment for the Sven Vandenbroeck-led charges will be an away game against newly-promoted Ihefu FC at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.

This will be the first time the two teams are meeting in the top-tier assignment. Ihefu managed to get promoted after defeating Mbao FC in the play-offs. The match ended 4-4 on aggregate but the Mbeya based side advanced on the away goal rule having won the first leg at home 2-0 before losing 4-2 away.

Simba will also be aiming at doing better in both the domestic and continental assignments. The team will be playing in the Caf Champions League after winning the league last season.

Jordan Henderson says there has been no title talk at Liverpool ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, with the Reds focused on the present and future after securing a record-breaking Premier League last season.

That success brought a 30-year wait for English top-flight glory to a close at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have savoured that triumph, with a lot of hard work finally being rewarded, but now face a quick turnaround in the defence of their crown.

The new campaign is due to get underway on September 12, with Liverpool opening up at home to Leeds, and everyone on the red half of Merseyside is looking to wipe the slate clean.

Club captain Henderson told the Reds’ official website: “To be honest, we haven't spoken about it.

“It's more about, 'Have you enjoyed your holiday?' We've been cracking on, really working hard. New season, new start and a lot more things we want to go on and achieve.

“[I'm] really excited to see what we can do this season, another big season for us. Hopefully we can take confidence from the last year or two but we need to stay hungry and need to keep the desire to go and want more.

“I can certainly see that from the first days that I've watched training in pre-season.”

Henderson is currently working his way back from a knee injury that brought his 2019-20 campaign to a premature conclusion.

He is unlikely to figure in a Community Shield clash with FA Cup winners Arsenal on Saturday, but is excited by the potential in Liverpool’s squad as they seek to keep their recent run of medal collecting going.

The England international midfielder said: “You've got to look at the players in the squad and the manager as well, it's always about looking forward and wanting more and improving.

“I think that's just natural to us now. We've always looked at the next game as we always see it as the biggest one and that 90 minutes we give everything to win.

“Pre-season is no different, you know you've got to train so hard to be ready for the first game of the season, which for us comes against Arsenal in the Community Shield – so a little bit earlier than everybody else.

“We've got to be right at it come that first game and we've got another chance to win silverware. The Premier League starts pretty quick after that as well, so you need to be ready, as you do in every season. As I say, by the looks of it, we are.”

Henderson added on Liverpool’s ambition: “Just to keep going and win as many trophies as we can because we've proven that over the last few years we're a top, top team.

“But that's all down to the hard work and dedication that's been over the whole season or the whole two, three, four years – however many years you want to go back – every single day in training was top level, 100 per cent.

“No matter whether you were playing, maybe playing every game or you hadn't played that much, training has always had a high level and we've got to keep that going forward. If we do that, we'll always have an opportunity to be more successful in the future.”

Saviors FC President Johnson Adupa has complained Onduparaka FC signed their two players Emmanuel Okech and Emmanuel Odur without their knowledge.

The Ugandan Premier League (UPL) side confirmed the signings of both Okech and Odur with deals of different lengths but the move has been fiercely contested by the lower league team.

“We have learnt unfortunately from the media that a few of our players have been unveiled as players of Onduparaka FC,” Adupa said as per Sports Nation.

“We cannot confirm anything, in fact, we have not been contacted or offered a penny by Onduparaka.

“And yes, some of these players might have their contracts expiring soon but they should at least let us know and get released officially.

“If they decide to get released by Fufa, it is also okay because we know some of these clubs have people in high places in Fufa.

“But then this is not professional, you need to appreciate someone for their efforts in giving a player a platform to express their talent.”

Saviors became the second club to blame Onduparaka for the alleged player tapping after Nebbi Central claimed the Arua outfit signed Jerry Jakisa without involving them.

“We paid some money to Light SS FC when we acquired Odur, likewise for Okello Jasper from Sansiro FC and also a good token for Opiyo to Patongo FC and these players know this clearly,” the president added.

“As for Okech, it is a wonderful opportunity if you signed him at the Fufa Big League when he hasn’t played competitive football before.”

According to Onduparaka, Okech signed a three-year contract while Odur agreed to a one-year deal that is renewable.

“These two [Odur and Okech] are part of the many players our scouts identified as they toured the northern region,” Onduparaka stated.

Akoch Augustine, Okello Jasper, and Opiyo Nelson were also scouted during the tour and later signed. Matata Gabriel, Atibuni Kennedy, and Musema are the other new players who have agreed to play for the Caterpillars.

Onduparaka previously accused their top-tier rivals Express FC of signing and unveiling Abel Eturude who they said still had a running contract with them.

Lionel Messi is planning on breaking his silence and explaining the reasons behind his decision to leave Barcelona.

No date has been set for that revelation, but Goal has learned that the Argentine's intention is to give his version of events in the coming days, with there a desire on his part to send a message to the fans that remain fiercely loyal to him.

On Tuesday, Messi’s lawyers sent a fax to the legal services of Barcelona announcing the decision to leave the club.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner now intends to explain why he feels the need to walk away from what has been his home for the last 20 years.

Indeed, the Argentine has previously suggested all is not well at Camp Nou as he aired his grievances during the 2019-20 campaign.

Early on in the season, as the Blaugrana stumbled their way out of the blocks, he conceded that things were not going well and collective improvement was required.

He then expressed his disappointment at the dismissal of Ernesto Valverde in January, with a two-time La Liga title-winning coach shown the door at Camp Nou.

Messi has also questioned whether the Barca board, headed up by under-fire president Josep Maria Bartomeu, have done all they can to bring Neymar back to the club from Paris Saint-Germain.

Eric Abidal, who recently departed amid the calls for change on and off the field in Catalunya, was another to be targeted by Messi after the former director of football accused certain members of the playing staff of not pulling their weight.

With Barca’s struggles for consistency holding them back for much of last season, further concerns were raised ahead of a Champions League last-16 encounter with Napoli.

The Blaugrana made it through that contest, but Messi’s claims that the club would struggle to compete for the top prize were proved correct in a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Indeed, sources confirmed to Goal that Messi did not speak in the wake of that crushing European reversal, with the 33-year-old deciding against venting his anger and doing even more damage to the club.

An outpouring of emotion is coming, though, and his side of the story will be delivered in public before he completes a move away from Camp Nou.

Daryl Dike scored twice to help Orlando City secure a 3-1 comeback victory over Nashville SC in Thursday’s Major League Soccer game.

The 20-year-old striker teamed up with Oscar Pareja’s men in January after graduating from Virginia Cavaliers academy, where he bagged 15 goals in 36 league appearances.

The forward made his professional debut for the Lions against Montreal Impact during the MLS is Back Tournament round of 16 game.

The Nigerian-American, who scored his first professional goal against Inter Miami last week, has continued to turn heads and was afforded a starting role at Exploria Stadium.

The Lions started the game unimpressively when David Romney opened the scoring as early as the 15 minutes of the encounter for Nashville SC.

Chris Mueller then levelled proceedings for Orlando City in the 21st minute after receiving a timely assist from Joao Moutinho to ignite his side’s comeback.

Dike gave the Lions the lead for the first time in the game in the 52nd minute with a well-taken effort after he was set up by Mauricio Pereira.

The forward then completed his brace, sealing the victory in the 71st minute of the match after slamming home his strike past goalkeeper Joe Willis.

Dike featured for the duration of the game while Nigerian descent Jalil Anibaba played for 46 minutes before making way for Alistair Johnston in his side’s defeat.

The victory is the third for Orlando City in the 2020 campaign, having secured two draws and two losses in their opening seven games so far.

Dike will hope to continue his impressive goalscoring performances when the Lions square off against Atlanta United in their next league game on Saturday.  

The 20-year-old is eligible to play for the Nigeria national team and has not represented USA at any age-grade competition.

Dike’s sister Courtney currently plays for the Nigerian women’s team and featured at the 2015 World Cup with the Super Falcons.

The forward is also the cousin of former Super Eagles goal poacher Emmanuel Emenike, who helped the West Africans clinch the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Liverpool luring Thiago Alcantara away from Bayern Munich would be “a better signing that Lionel Messi going to Manchester City”, claims Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.

Two stunning deals are being explored in the summer transfer window.

Premier League title holders at Anfield are said to be closing in on the acquisition of a ball-playing midfielder who just helped his current club to the Champions League crown.

On the other side of Lancashire, City have joined the hunt for Barcelona superstar Messi.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has swung open an exit door at Camp Nou, sparking a clamour for the most sought-after of signatures.

A reunion with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium would put City in a strong position to compete for more domestic and continental honours.

Rooney, though, believes that Thiago’s presence on Merseyside would make defending champions Liverpool favourites to retain their crown in 2020-21.

The former United striker told talkSPORT: “I think it is City or Liverpool [for the title].

“Chelsea are making a lot of signings, some good signings.

“Man United have a lot of potential in the players they have got but I still think they are a year away.

“Chelsea with the new signings will possibly need a year to get everyone on the same song sheet.

“So I do think it is between City and Liverpool. And if Liverpool get Thiago from Bayern Munich, I think it is done [the title].

“That is a better signing than Messi going to Man City.”

While suggesting that a deal for Messi could be trumped in the current market, Rooney admits to being a big admirer of a man who has also seen a switch to Old Trafford mooted.

The ex-England international added: “I know Messi is getting older but he’s a player who no-one has seen before.

“Messi has everything – he can create goals, score goals, dictate the game and is the best player of all time.

“If he can come to the Premier League, whatever team it is, and I believe it’s only Manchester United and Manchester City that can sign him… well, I’d take Messi at United.

“He’s one of the only players I’ve sat there and watched and just been in awe of.

“Don’t get me wrong, I played with Cristiano [Ronaldo] and the two of them have set a standard I don’t think we’ll ever see again.

“But, for me, Messi is just different level.”

Serie A club Roma have announced an exclusive deal with Konami, makers of the football video game series Pro Evolution Soccer - meaning they will not feature in the upcoming release for the main rival franchise, FIFA 21.

Roma's name, crest and kits will be exclusive to PES 2021, which is scheduled to launch on September 15. Their home stadium, Stadio Olimpico, will also only appear in the Japanese-made game.

The deal, which was described by Roma in a statement on their website as a "long term, exclusive partnership", means supporters of the Giallorossi will have only one upcoming video game option should they want full access to their favourite team.

"We are delighted to welcome Konami, a world-leading company in the design and development of video games and esports, to our family," said Roma's commercial director, Giorgio Brambilla.

“Thanks to this agreement we will be able to implement the volume of interactive experiences and the involvement of the new innovations of the Giallorossi fans all over the world.

"We are already working hard with the new partner to set the activities for the coming months and to support the launch of PES 2021.

"Within the club, we are sure that Konami will be the perfect strategic partner for the development of the activities that will involve the AS Roma eSports team, which is increasingly aimed at a public who loves football video games."

Signing Roma exclusively is a boost for Konami, after FIFA creators EA Sports announced an exclusive partnership with two other major Serie A clubs, AC Milan and Inter, for their upcoming video game earlier this month.

The multi-year partnership, beginning with the release of FIFA 21 in October, will see the Italian giants feature exclusively in that franchise – meaning the game will boast full access to the Rossoneri and Nerazzurri players, kits, training grounds and stadia.

Nick Wlodyka, vice president and general manager of EA Sports told Goal: "You look at Serie A, and Milan and Inter obviously are two of the top three clubs in that particular league. We’re making sure that we're able to represent them fully, authentically, and now exclusively.

"They’re very storied clubs, with all sorts of incredible history behind them and alternately, that's a fantastic partnership for us.

“We look at all the pieces that are important. We make sure you have the right stadium, the kits, the crest, and we make sure that we capture the atmosphere in those stadiums appropriately.”

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana winger George Lebese continues to fly the South African flag high in the United States of America. 

The left-footed player produced a man-of-the-match performance for Colorado Springs Switchbacks on Thursday morning after coming on as a second-half substitute.   

Switchback were trailing Austin Bold 4-0 at half-time but the changes in personnel made by Alan Koch and his technical team sprung Lebese's side back to life. 

Lebese was among the three players introduced at the start of the season, replacing Luke Ferreira in midfield. 

Switchbacks would then pull one back three minutes into the second-half through Christian Volesky. 

Volesky completed his brace in the 64th-minute but before that goal, Switchbacks had already netted their second on the night in the 59th-minute through Andre Lewis who benefitted from Lebese's superb assist.

At 4-3 and with only six minutes to go, Lebese scored a left-footed scorcher from outside the penalty area to make it 4-4 and complete Switchbacks' incredible comeback.

This was Lebese's second goal since joining Switchbacks, and subsequently, ensuring his side rewrites the history books. 

With that 4-4 draw, Switchbacks became the first USL Championship club to come back from four goals down and not lose the match.

Lebese's latest achievements have certainly made his fans want to see him more in action for Switchbacks. 

Thus far, the former Mamelodi Sundowns man featured just seven times, most of which came from the bench. 

The pressure is now on manager Koch to play Lebese even more in the upcoming matches, starting with Sunday's encounter against Mexico United.  

Lebese should be proud of his performances since leaving the PSL; because he left South Africa for the USA under the dark cloud as no team, wanted to give him a second chance to revive his football career soon after his departure from the Brazilians.  

His fans had urged Chiefs to re-sign the 31-year-old but those calls fell on deaf ears as the management and the technical team opted against the idea of bringing Lebese back to Naturena. 

The player, himself, also made peace with the fact that his chances of returning to Amakhosi were non-existent after signing for Switchbacks. 

East Bengal players have knocked on the doors of All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Player Status Committee over unpaid salary,  Goal  has learnt. The committee has given the club a deadline of September 4 to explain their position.

It is understood that around 16 players have long term contracts with the club that runs till the end of the 2020-21 season and in some cases, beyond that. Seven of them had already voiced their grievances to the Football Players Association of India (FPAI).

Now, the seven have taken a step forward and have registered a formal complaint with the Player Status Committee. A couple of players are still negotiating with club and are expected to follow the same path in the next few days. 

They have also terminated their contract unilaterally and are now free agents. 

"The case will be ruled in favour of the players as the club is legally bound to pay them. We also tried to talk to East Bengal to find an amicable solution but nothing came of it," stated a FPAI official to Goal,  confirming the developments. 

As per FIFA's regulations of status and transfer of players, Article 14.b (Terminating a contract with just cause for outstanding salaries) states that in case a club unlawfully fails to play a player two monthly salaries on the due date, the player will be deemed to have just cause to terminate his contract, provided he gives the club 15 days (or a period specifically mentioned in the contract) notice to fulfill his dues.

In case the player's salary is not on a monthly basis, the pro-rata value corresponding to two months will be considered. Delayed payment of such an amount is enough for the player to terminate the contract and move on to another club, provided he gives the due notice.

Of course, the player can still take legal action against the club to obtain whatever compensation is owed to him as per the contract. But he can do so while playing for another club, with the current club not getting monetary benefits from the transfer whatsoever.

It must be noted that after the termination of contract with Quess Corp concluded, all the liabilities fall back to 'East Bengal Club Private Limited', including all contracts and clauses, entered into with a player by 'Quess East Bengal Football Club' (QEBFC). Therefore, the onus is now on East Bengal to honour those contracts.

Odion Ighalo’s transfer to boyhood club Manchester United ahead of January's transfer deadline promised to be one of the feel-good stories of 2020.

The striker made little secret of his love for the Red Devils—an authentic love, underpinned by years of dedication and affection for the Manchester heavyweights.

A dream had come true, and despite his advancing years, the forward appeared primed to take the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on English football, having gone out with a whimper during his previous stint with Watford.

During his time with the Hornets, Ighalo had excelled in the second tier, and then immediately took to life in the Premier League after firing the Hertfordshire side to the big time.

However, a significant slump then followed, as the forward began to be neutralised a little too readily by defenders, and Watford fans became increasingly frustrated by his lack of killer touch.

A return to England—on loan from Shanghai Shenhua—represented an opportunity for Ighalo to write a successful final chapter to his career in one of Europe’s major leagues.

At first, everything seemed to be going well, as Ighalo enjoyed a superb scoring record in club competitions when called upon by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Strikes came against Derby County, Club Brugge and LASK, and while Ighalo didn’t net in Premier League outings against Chelsea, Everton and former club Watford, it didn’t matter, he was achieving what he had been brought in to do; take the strain from the likes of Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood, and help to compensate for injured Marcus Rashford.

Coronavirus and lockdown changed things, of course, denying Ighalo the chance to build momentum after scoring and assisting away in Austria in a 5-0 victory over LASK.

By the time football was paused, he had scored four and contributed one assist in his previous five games for the Red Devils.

The suspension in play proved costly for Ighalo for several reasons.

Firstly, it allowed Rashford to return from an injury that had initially appeared set to rule him out for the rest of the season, thereby increasing the competition for playing time and reducing the opportunity for Ighalo to make an impact.

Then, there was the emergence of Greenwood, who offered incisive movement, pace in wide areas and superb finishing to end the season with 10 goals in the Prem and a further five in the Europa League.

The reorganising of the football calendar once the sport resumed also proved costly for Ighalo; with the Europa Leauge conclusion pushed back until after the Prem was concluded, Solskjaer had no need to rotate his squad between the two tournaments.

Fit-again Rashford was paired along with Martial and Greenwood in the Premier League as the Red Devils pressed on to secure top four qualification, and then once that had been wrapped up, the trio were able to focus on the UEL.

United ultimately came up short, but their run to the semi-finals represented a further achievement for Solskjaer during his first full season at the helm.

Intriguingly, and for reasons that aren’t entirely clear, the Norwegian coach also appeared to lose faith in Ighalo in the big games.

Against Southampton in the league, as United wilted, allowing Michael Obafemi in to score a late equaliser that may have proved costly in the race for the top four, Ighalo wasn’t introduced to freshen up the front line.

Against Leicester City in the top four decider, he was only introduced at the death, with no time to make an impact.

In cup competitions, he was only given an 11-minute run-out against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final—by which point the match was beyond the Red Devils—and was just given a few moments at the conclusion of the Sevilla semi-final to try and help United into the Europa League final.

Again, predictably, it was too little, too late.

Few could have expected, when Ighalo scored against Norwich in the FA Cup on June 27, that it would be his last goal of the season for United, who were, at the time, still fighting on three fronts.

That goal equalled a United record that had stood for 95 years, as Ighalo became only the second player in the club’s history to score in his first four competitive starts for the Red Devils.

Since then, he’s played in eight matches without netting—albeit only playing for more than 12 minutes in one game—and ends the season with only one goal in 11 matches post-lockdown.

It’s a meagre return, and disappointing that Ighalo failed to net in the Premier League all season, and didn’t make a single start in the top flight under Solskjaer.

After 11 goalless substitute appearances in the league, he’d surely be heading for the exit door during the brief offseason had he not already penned a new deal keeping him on loan at Old Trafford until 2021.

There have been rumours of a move to Paris Saint-Germain, although the practicalities of that deal aren’t immediately clear, although both United and Ighalo may well question the wisdom of him sticking around for another six months.

Of course, there will be EFL Cup games, the Champions League group stages, and a few Premier League cameos, but unless there’s a commitment from Solskjaer’s part to play the striker more often—or if Rashford gets injured again—then Ighalo’s loan spell is destined to end in further disappointment.

A transfer that promised so much, and then threatened to deliver—despite the obstacles—is falling very short of its fairytale potential.

Bartholomew Ogbeche has sent a farewell message to his Kerala Blasters' teammates, as the forward is set to join Mumbai City, Goal has learnt. 

The Nigerian texted that he won't be a part of the team for the upcoming season. He appreciated the time he spent with Kerala Blasters and wished them good luck before signing off. 

Goal had earlier revealed that Mumbai City were in advanced talks with the player to sign him from Kerala Blasters for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season. 

Last season, Kerala had scored 29 goals and of those, 15 goals (51.72%) were scored by Ogbeche.

The Nigerian's 15 goals not only placed him in the race for Golden Boot but also helped him surpass Iain Hume as Blasters' all-time top scorer in his debut season.

The former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) footballer came to India during the 2018-19 season and had joined NorthEast United FC. He was the top goal scorer for the Highlanders and played a pivotal role in guiding them to the play-offs for the very first time in the club's history.

After an epic season at the Guwahati-based club, Ogbeche followed coach Eelco Schattorie to Kerala Blasters last year. But now with Eelco Schattorie gone from the club after just one season, Ogbeche too is moving on to join Sergio Lobera's project at Mumbai City.

Kerala Blasters are already working to secure a replacement to boost their attacking arsenal after the departure of Ogbeche. 

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have declined to release Bernard Morrison’s work permit even after the government’s efforts to secure it.

Morrison’s controversial move to Simba SC after the Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) ruled he was free to secure another club, was not received well by Yanga who have not handed over the critical document to Simba yet.

“We have Morrison’s work permit. We received guests from the Ministry of Labour who came with a letter demanding Morrison's work permit but we have told them we cannot hand it over to them,” Yanga’s media officer Hassan Bumbuli told Mwanaspoti.

“Morrison is our player and we are not done with him yet.

“They have walked past our coaches here on their way out. We are wondering because we have never been asked to return work permits of players.

“We have been doing it voluntarily. Why are they coming for Morrison's? What influence has he got?

“We are not declining to get back his permit. Even Simba have written to us through a letter and via online correspondences but we have made it clear to them that we are not done with Morrison.”

The Ghanaian has already played and scored for Simba in the build-up match against Vital’ O of Burundi as his transfer continues to generate questions and heat.

Meanwhile, new Yanga winger Farid Mussa has spoken about Simba’s full-backs Mohammed ‘Tshabalala’ Hussein and Shomari Kapombe and their qualities.

“We who are playing against [Mohammed] Hussein are the ones who know how good he is. He is a good passer but I do not see him scoring from his position on the pitch,” Mussa told the same outlet. If he has to score he has got to do more than he has been doing.

“Look at [Shomari] Kapombe. His work is incredible because he can do a lot of things that are not expected. He can pass, he defends well and can also score.

“These things are not done by many people.

“Everyone is good but what makes the difference is how each tries to differentiate himself from the rest. One has to do more in order for your work to be loved by people who watch you.”

The Taifa Stars forward signed for Timu Ya Wananchi from Tenerife CD of Spain.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential aspirant Twaha Mbarak has hit out on the Federation's Electoral Board stating they have proved they cannot hold a credible exercise.

The aspirants have been against the Kentice Tikolo-led Board insisting it was illegally formed, and have filed a petition with the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) on the same. The administrator has further stated the Board is not independent and is being used to rubber-stamp a predetermined outcome of the polls.

"I reiterate that the purported voter register verification exercise was not just shambolic but a mockery of what is universally acceptable of such an exercise," Twaha said in a signed statement obtained by Goal.

"What has been made public as the final register is evidence of an exclusionary plan to rig the results in favour of certain well-known individuals.

"Having concluded the first phase of this coronation conspiracy, the board has now moved to the second phase which is the mere public relations gimmick of opening up the ground for aspirants in their final quest to justify an illegal process. 

"Well-meaning Kenyans must reject this preposterous projection that everybody is welcome to contest the election when it is evident that with an already manipulated register, anyone not party to the rigging cartel is destined to lose."

The candidate has now made it clear he will not be part and parcel of the elections with current settings stating he will only take part when assured off a credible process.

"I wish to state in no uncertain terms that I will not participate in this flawed exercise disguised as an election and call on all my supporters to boycott the sham process until we have a process that can guarantee a credible electoral exercise for the good of our game," Twaha continued.

"Our quest for electoral justice and fair end to the polls is on course and we shall pursue it to its logical, just end."

The administrator insists the rule of law must be followed on March 17.

"I have the full confidence in the SDT which I believe, as has done on two occasions in the past, that it will mete out the same fate of this sham process so as to protect the law and the fundamental rights of every Kenyan as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010."