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Marco Verratti cannot wait for the challenge of Paris Saint-Germain's first-ever Champions League final, describing the upcoming clash as the "most important 90 minutes" of his life as a footballer. 

Despite dominating French football since the arrival of the Qatar Investment Authority in 2011, PSG have yet to see that success pass over to Europe's biggest club competition. 

But after disposing of German duo Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig as well as Atalanta in the knockout stages to date, Thomas Tuchel's charges now face Bayern Munich in Sunday's decider with the chance to make history. 

Verratti has been at Parc des Princes since moving from Pescara at just 19, and he admits that the final is the biggest game of his career to date. 

"The Champions League is always difficult. So far, we've had an incredible journey," the Italy midfielder explained to reporters in Thursday's press conference.

"We have 90 minutes left, these are the most important 90 minutes of our lives as a footballer and of the history of the club. You have to be prepared.

Verratti missed out on PSG's quarter-final clash against Atalanta due to a calf injury, but made an appearance off the bench for the final eight minutes of their last-four win and insists that he is nearing a full recovery and hopes to feature on Sunday. 

"I'm better, I started again slowly with the team. This injury was a bit hard to digest," he added.

"I have resumed with the group for 2-3 days and I will do everything to play the match. I was available in the semi-final. It is the coach who will make his decision."

In his absence former Manchester United star Ander Herrera has come to the fore in the engine room, and Verratti could not be more delighted for his team-mate. 

"For us, this is no surprise. We already knew Ander. He's a very important player," he explained. 

"This season he has had injuries that have kept him from being available on several occasions, but he still gives 100%. He made two incredible matches. We are very happy with what he does, but we do not just finding out about him here.

"He's 31, he's already won the Europa League with Man Utd, he's won the Premier League too. He has shown his many qualities here."

Philippe Coutinho says he is "fully focused" on winning the Champions League with Bayern, and insists that he hasn't yet thought about his future amid links with Arsenal.

Coutinho looks set to take in his final appearance for Bayern in Sunday's European Cup final, which will see the Bundesliga champions take on Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon.

The 28-year-old scored twice against his parent club Barcelona in a stunning 8-2 quarter-final victory last week, and also featured from the bench as Hansi Flick's side beat Lyon 3-0 in a last-four clash on Wednesday.

Bayern have already passed up the chance to sign Coutinho permanently at the end of his season-long loan, which means he is due to return to Camp Nou ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

The Brazilian is still tied to the Blaugrana until 2023, however, it has been suggested that the club will cash in on the playmaker rather than re-integrate him into the squad.

Coutinho struggled to live up to his £142 ($187m) price tag after joining Barca from Liverpool in January 2018, and is now being tipped to return to the Premier League after a mixed year at Bayern.

Arsenal are reportedly keen on bringing in the former Reds talisman, while Manchester United are Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in his services.

Coutinho isn't looking past this weekend's showpiece event though, as he told Esporte Interativo when quizzed on rumours of a possible transfer after Bayern's win against Lyon: "My mind is fully focused on the competition. It’s a unique opportunity for us. I’m very happy to be in the Champions League final.

"On my future, I haven’t thought about it because I’m only thinking about the final."

The Barca loanee will come face to face with fellow countryman Neymar in the Champions League final, and is well aware of the threat the world's most expensive player will pose Flick's Bayern.

"We haven’t spoken yet because of the match. I’m sure he is focused on his team and me on mine," said Coutinho.

"PSG is a very strong side with really quick forwards. I don’t even need to say how great of a player Neymar is because the whole world knows it.

"They also have a solid defence. It’ll be a great match, a great final."

Ugandan Premier League (UPL) official broadcaster StarTimes has secured rights to air La Liga matches for the next four seasons.

In a development that was confirmed on Thursday, StarTimes also unveiled the second edition of Uefa’s latest international tournament; the Uefa Nations League.

The pay-TV has secured the La Liga broadcasting rights and will have their subscribers across 47 Sub-Saharan African countries enjoy the action.

“We are delighted to announce our acquisition of La Liga Santander broadcast rights this being one of the most prestigious football competitions in the world,” said the StarTimes regional marketing director Aldrine Nsubuga in a document seen by Goal.

“Soccer has been core to StarTimes’ sports content strategy and this latest acquisition highlights our commitment to provide the best football experience to our subscribers.”

La Liga will be aired on StarTimes channels and through the broadcaster’s streaming platforms from September 12.

“This agreement provides an exciting new way for French-speaking fans across sub-Saharan Africa to get closer to our competition,” Melcior Soler La Liga’s director of the audio-visual department said.

“StarTimes has a strong presence in the region and proven expertise in sports in general and football in particular, which will help us all to reach as wide an audience as possible.”

The broadcaster is also set to air the second edition of the Uefa Nations League from September 3, 2020. 55 European nations will face off in four groups with the highlight of those fixtures being Germany vs Spain and France vs Sweden ties.

Portugal will play against Croatia in the opener of those qualifications.

“StarTimes subscribers can equally look forward to the new Europa League season where Arsenal will carry the flag for the Premier League. [There are] European cups including Coppa Italia and the Spanish Copa del Rey,” added Nsubuga.

The La Liga-StarTimes development comes as numerous reports indicate the television company has secured rights to broadcast the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) matches for the season 2020/21.

KPL has been running without an official broadcasting partner since SuperSport TV quit in 2017 citing a breach of contract.

While Football Kenya Federation (FKF) insisted 18 teams were to play in the top-tier, SuperSport TV said they would only continue to partner with KPL if the total teams remained at 16.

FKF had their way on the matter and the South African company left.

Olympique Lyon forward Karl Toko Ekambi has admitted success was not on the side of the French club after they fell 3-0 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.

Les Gones were hoping to make it into their first-ever European final and also making it an all-French final after Paris Saint-Germain dispatched RB Leipzig in the other semi.

It was however not to be with a brace from former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski’s 15th European goal of the season destroying those ambitions.

Toko Ekambi had a chance to give Lyon the lead in the 17th minute but his shot hit the post after showing beautiful skill and ghosting past Liberian-born Canadian Alphonso Davies. It was not long after that moment Gnabry opened the floodgates.

“We said to ourselves that we could have done better, to score goals, me first,” the Cameroon international said.

“Success was not on our side. We missed opportunities, there was a great goalkeeper [Manuel Neuer] in front, ours [Anthony Lopes] also made saves. It was an open game, there were chances, but congratulations to Bayern.”

The defeat brings an end to what was a strong campaign for Lyon. They finished second in Group F behind Leipzig and ahead of Benfica and Zenit Saint Petersburg before going on to end Juventus’ hopes of Champions League glory in the round of 16 followed by a 3-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester city with Ivory Coast international Maxwel Cornet netting in the game, his fourth against the Citizens under Pep’s watch, the same tally as Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

Franco-Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar has been at the heart of Lyon’s progress, providing six assists, four of which came against Juventus and City. The 22-year-old - who has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest sides including Man City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal, took to social media to express his thoughts, feeling honoured and proud to have been part of the journey.

“It is with immense sadness that our adventure comes to an end. What an honour and pride to have been able to experience these moments with my training club.  A big thank you to the supporters for the support they have given us. Congratulations to all. Thank you,” Aouar posted on Twitter.

Toko Ekambi and Aouar will now focus their attention on the 2020-21 Ligue 1 season which they will kick off with a home tie against Dijon on August 28.

Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes is likely to decide between Arsenal and Napoli in the next 24 hours, according to club president Gerard Lopez.

The 22-year-old has excelled in Ligue 1 this season and has long been linked with a move to one of Europe's elite sides.

Speculation in England has suggested Arsenal are confident the former Brazil youth international will choose to head to Emirates Stadium for 2020-21.

Lopez expects Gabriel to make a decision soon after suggesting Lille have received at least two satisfactory transfer bids, reportedly in the region of €24 million (£21.5m/$28.5m)

When asked about interest from the Gunners, Napoli and Manchester United, Lopez told talkSPORT on Thursday: "That and a couple of more clubs. I think he's narrowed it down.

"I think it's fair to say that Arsenal are a high interest to him, Napoli is a high interest to him.

"We've given him plenty of time to make up his mind. We've always said, 'Look, if we have an agreement with two clubs or three clubs and the agreements are the same then we are not going to create a bidding competition', and that choice, I don't think I'm giving up too much if I tell you that that choice is probably today or tomorrow.

"I'm unable to tell you what that choice is. We've given him some recommendations but we don't like to talk about it in public because we don't want people to feel bad. We've talked about where he should go, but at the end of the day he and his environment make a choice and we support that."

Lopez added that he did not want to "speak for the player" about his preferred destination.

Gabriel's team-mate, Jose Fonte, has meanwhile claimed the player has been asking questions about the Premier League and life in England.

The former Southampton and West Ham centre back told talkSPORT yesterday: “Everybody’s dream is to play in the Premier League and he’s been asking me questions about the Premier League and asking questions about clubs in the Premier League, so I tried to give him the best and honest opinion.

“Hopefully he’ll make his decision and he’ll be very successful, I have no doubt about it.”

Gabriel made 34 appearances in all competitions last season.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Hyderabad have brought in Thangboi Singto and Shameel Chembakath as their technical director and reserve team head coach respectively,  Goal has learnt. 

Singto was with Odisha FC last season and was not only the assistant coach of the first team but also took care of the club's youth development. The former Shillong Lajong head coach has also had stints with NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters and will now take on a similar supervisory role at Hyderabad for the 2020/21 season. 

Shameel, who is an AFC A License holder, had a successful stint at Kerala Blasters as the head coach of their reserve team and the U-15s. He has decided to move on and join Hyderabad for a fresh challenge and has signed a long-term contract. In addition to being the head coach of the reserves. he will handle the U-18 team as well.

Hyderabad appointed Albert Roca as their head coach after a disappointing debut in the ISL last season. They finished at the bottom of the table and could only win two matches. The team will be hopeful of assembling a competitive squad for next season. 

The club has also recently announced a multi-year partnership with Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. The partnership was officially launched during Dortmund's Virtual Asia Tour. 

Victor Moses revealed Inter Milan players want to win the 2019-20 Europa League for their manager Antonio Conte.

The Italian tactician has never won the highly coveted European trophy either as a player or as a coach despite his numerous accolades he has gathered during his career.

The former Nigeria international starred under Conte at Premier League side Chelsea, winning the Premier League and FA Cup titles.

 Moses reunited with the Italian tactician in January after cutting short his 18 months loan with Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce.

The forward has made 19 appearances across all competitions, including four in the European tournament since his arrival at San Siro.

Moses, who won the Europa League title during his time at Stamford Bridge, is hoping to help Conte clinch the diadem for the first time in his career.

“He’s a passionate coach who plans ahead. He wants us to give 110 per cent in every game,” Moses told Inter Podcast. 

“Then you see his reactions during the games, along with those of his staff. We want to play and win for him, but in the end, we want to enjoy our football.

“In the end, we are here to play football, that’s the most important thing. We are professionals."

Having already landed in Germany for their Europa League final against Sevilla at RheinEnergieStadion, Moses stated he is enjoying the atmosphere in the country ahead of the all-important clash.

 “These days are quite different. But we are enjoying the days in Germany, also because we are winning. I like to relax and spend time for myself. As a footballer, you need it," he added. 

Moses’ loan deal is expected to end at the end of the 2019-20 season but Inter Milan are believed to be interested in securing his signature permanently.

The forward had 38 caps and 12 goals for the Nigeria national team before his retirement from international duty after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Moses was a prominent figure for the Super Eagles as they won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa under the guidance of Stephen Keshi. 

The winger has also previously featured on loan for Liverpool, Stoke City, West Ham United and Fenerbahce since joining Chelsea in the summer of 2012 from Crystal Palace.

Nicolas Pepe is no £72 million ($95m) flop, claims Lille owner Gerard Lopez, saying Arsenal got themselves “one hell of a deal” in landing the Ivorian winger at that price.

The Gunners smashed their transfer record when snapping up the highly-rated forward in the summer of 2019.

Having seen Pepe star in Ligue 1, big things were expected of the 25-year-old in English football. He was, however, to find the going tough during his debut campaign at Emirates Stadium, with eight goals and 10 assists recorded in 42 games in all competitions.

Arsenal have seen questions asked of their willingness to invest so heavily in Pepe, with little return enjoyed so far.

Lopez, though, believes a proven performer will come good in time and is eager to point out that the Gunners got themselves a bargain as there were bigger offers on the table for Lille to consider.

“Arsenal did one hell of a deal,” Lopez told talkSPORT. “They got a player that other people wanted and they got a player who one club were offering more money for.

“It was Pepe’s management team that asked us to go to Arsenal and so we accepted slightly less money than we would have got somewhere else.

“Some people know that, I know publicly some agents have said that but something that needs to go on record – we didn’t sell him to the highest bidder.”

Lopez added on a player he expects to thrive now that Unai Emery has been replaced by Mikel Arteta at Emirates Stadium: “The second thing that is important is that talent is always there and you can’t take it away from people.

“He’s a young player and a player that functions on people believing in him. Giving him opportunities but also responsibilities.

“I’m not going to question tactically how he was played for half a season.  What I’m going to say is that, in his case, the best is yet to come.

“When he came to us, the six or seven first months were not even average. You could see glimpses of talent. He suddenly got into his stride in the second half of the season and he really came into it in the second season.

“I have no doubt that he can do the same thing. I watched him play in the cup game, for example. Yes his goal was not given but it was one of the top goals he can make.

“I watched him throughout the season, every time he gets the ball something happens. He’s very tough to stop, especially when he’s in the last 30 or 40 metres. You either have to foul him or he’s going to make a pass or create a goal opportunity. That kind of talent is very rare. Players who on their own can dismantle or make something happen.

“I wasn’t kidding when I said Arsenal got a good deal. Other people were willing to pay more and if he delivers, he can deliver, he can be a player who will be key to them finishing higher up the table.”

Serge Gnabry has been praised by Bayern Munich icon Oliver Kahn after his “world-class” goal in the Champions League semi-final win over Lyon.

Bayern had been unexpectedly put on the back foot against the Ligue 1 side before a stunning run and finish from Gnabry gave them the lead.

Gnabry scored a second soon after, putting his side on their way to the Champions League final and moving to nine goals in the competition this season.

"His goal can be called world class with a clear conscience,” Kahn told reporters. “He is a player who has developed in the last few months.

“His performance curve goes up from year to year. He is far from reaching the top, but he is really good, he gives top performances.

“It also has to do with the coach, with the coach's communication. That is one of Hansi [Flick’s] strengths. He can deal with different types of players, he always finds the right words. As a coach, you always have to deal properly with people’s characters, with the players. That is bringing us success at the moment.”

Bayern are in relentless form going into Sunday’s final against Paris Saint-Germain, still unbeaten in 2020 and having won their last 20 games in all competitions.

Flick’s side have scored 23 goals in their last five matches, with a squad seemingly boasting the perfect blend of experience and youth.

Younger players like Gnabry and Alphonso Davies have snatched headlines in recent weeks but Kahn was also keen to pay tribute to the older heads.

"I've made a lot of comparisons thanks to my own experience,” he said. “It's impressive how goal-oriented these players are. They want to win the Champions League. They'll do everything for that, but you have to have a clear framework for that.

“We have Manuel Neuer as the captain, who can lead players. Thomas Muller has grown into a role; he speaks a lot. Joshua Kimmich is very aggressive, he does everything for success.

“The extraordinary thing is that many of them have already won everything, but they don’t get tired of it.”

Kalidou Koulibaly remains an option that Manchester City should consider, claims Richard Dunne, telling Pep Guardiola he still needs a “leader” to replace Vincent Kompany at the heart of his back four.

Long-serving stalwart Kompany departed the Etihad Stadium during the summer of 2019. At that stage, Guardiola opted against dipping into the transfer market for a suitable successor.

Questions have been asked of that recruitment call, with defensive lapses having cost City dear at home and abroad in the 2019-20 campaign.

Nathan Ake has now been acquired to help plug those leaks while John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Nicolas Otamendi are still on the club’s books – but there could be further additions to come.

Dunne believes the Blues should move for Napoli centre-half Koulibaly, while RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano should be another in Guardiola’s thinking.

The former Citizens skipper told Sky Sports: “Defensively they have got numbers, they have got Stones and Otamendi, who have been playing, and [Eric] Garcia has been there.

“Whether they are the ones that they want, I don’t know. The way they play football, Stones and Otamendi certainly fit that bill perfectly.

“They have spoken about Koulibaly for a while and they are looking for a leader, they are looking for someone to replace Vincent Kompany. It’s been a problem when Vince was here and he was injured, they missed a centre-back of that style.

“If they do go for him [Koulibaly], it’s a good signing. He’s a bit older than the usual age bracket of signing players and we’ve seen in the Champions League how good Upamecano has been, so maybe he’s a player that might be of interest to them.

“I’m sure if he doesn’t get another centre-half that he’ll be happy with what he’s got because he likes how the players play. If he does, then great.”

Dunne added on the calls for Guardiola to address issues at the back: “I don’t think it can be pinpointed on the centre-halves, there were defensive-minded lapses – and they might come from a midfielder at times.

“It’s difficult because City have so much of the ball, to switch from attacking to defensive mindset so quickly is tough. They do get caught out from time to time but you watch the games and you think they’re amazing.

“If they could just change those lapses then they would be unstoppable. Maybe they do need that little bit of experience, someone who can organise the defence.”

City ended the 2019-20 campaign with just a Carabao Cup success to show for their efforts, but the countdown is now on to the new season and Guardiola will be looking for his side to compete across multiple fronts once again.

Declan Rice is worth as much as Harry Maguire and West Ham will sell the versatile 21-year-old if an offer of around £80 million ($105m) is tabled, claims Frank McAvennie.

Manchester United made one England international the most expensive defender on the planet when parting with a fee of that size in the summer of 2019.

It could be that another Three Lions star finds himself on the move in the current transfer window. Rice, who can operate as a centre-half or holding midfielder, has proved himself with club and country over the last two seasons and is now seeing a big-money switch mooted.

Chelsea are said to be keen on reuniting with a player that they previously allowed to leave their academy. United have also been credited with interest in the past, with the Red Devils investing heavily in young, home-grown talent.

West Ham have made it clear that they have no intention of parting with Rice, but McAvennie believes their hand would be forced if a tempting approach were made.

The Hammers legend told Football Insider: “You’re talking about £80m for Harry Maguire.

“I think that if he’s worth that then West Ham will be thinking that Declan’s worth somewhere between £60 to 80m, but listen, the owners will have a figure in mind, and I think it’s the same with every club, if someone matches that, they will sell him. Every club is a selling club now, especially with the pandemic and no money coming in from supporters.

“They’ll have a price, and if it’s met, he’ll be on his way – if he wants to, that is. It’s down to the player as well.”

Rice has offered no indication that he is looking for a way out of the London Stadium, with his current contract due to take him through to 2024. Interest in his services is building, though, and West Ham should brace themselves for offers.

Chelsea and United would have few problems finding the funds required to get a deal done, even at £80m, and a scramble could be sparked if one Premier League heavyweight decides to open the bidding.

Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund (BVB) and Indian Super League Club Hyderabad FC (HFC) have entered into a two-year partnership with an option to extend for an additional three years until 2025.

BVB, renowned for its success and specialization in nurturing and developing young players, will focus on building and supporting Hyderabad with its academy structure and coaching education. The partnership will also include BVB’s expertise in technology to drive innovation; enhance connectivity between the clubs, and positively grow and expand its fan base. 

HFC will look to make the most of Dortmund's know-how in setting up their youth infrastructure and in turn help the German outfit in extending their footprint across India. 

"It is important for a club like us to do the right thing from the beginning. This partnership with BVB is a step towards that. It will help us learn and understand how they have built a strong brand across the world and the key ingredients required to set up a robust youth programme. It is important to revive the history of football of Hyderabad. Hopefully, benefitting from this partnership we will have a few representations in the Indian national team as well. The vision of the two clubs are similar and it goes beyond just the black and yellow colours. This will hopefully benefit both the clubs," stated Varun Tripuraneni, co-owner of Hyderabad , during a webinar.

It is understood that there will be coaching and fan engagement webinars conducted by BVB to help the ISL side. One goalkeeping coach is also likely to fly down to India and there will be players who shall travel to Germany utilising the partnership to get a first-hand experience to learn the best practices. 

Carsten Cramer, managing director of BVB, made it amply clear that this is not a short-term partnership with instant gains in mind. But, the club will look to involve the community at large to make it a more effective venture for both parties in the medium and long-term. 

"We always look at long-term objectives. We will assess the coaches at Hyderabad FC and guide them through the whole programme. Hyderabad is not looking for success in the short term and they have a long term vision to build their own identity. The identity is built by young players who go on to play for the club. BVB will help them in doing that.

"People will love a club when the young players perform at the highest stage. We should look to involve as many people as possible from the community. The current situation does not allow us to be on the ground but we will be doing that as soon as it permits. Without the partnership, no one would believe that we have a serious interest in the region," he stated 

While BVB is keen on helping the Indian club to spot and nurture future talents, they are not looking for their next superstar from this enterprise. 

"The two primary pillars of this partnership are fan engagement and youth programmes. We are not looking for the next superstar of Bundesliga from this project. We want to give the youngsters a chance to train in Dortmund. Our coaches will look at how capable they are in playing with their European counterparts. With this partnership, we want to plant a flag in India and bridge the two cultures. This gives us the perfect opportunity. 

"We want to have a bigger presence in India. We will be pushing our own merchandise. We will be pushing more through the media. We want to build more with Indian brands those who want to collaborate with us. So, we want to be visible and seen in India and at the same time be loved as well," said Suresh Letchmanan, BVB APAC (Asia Pacific) managing director. 

Tripuraneni also informed that Hyderabad will be looking to inaugurate a fully residential academy by the end of next season and this agreement with BVB will be a major help in realising that project. Moreover, BVB's fan-engagement expert is also expected to come down to India and work with Hyderabad so that both the clubs can build their brands across the length and breadth of the country. 

Mohamed Salah does “want to score more than Sadio Mane” at Liverpool, admits Dejan Lovren, but their rivalry is friendly and “different” to the picture painted by some outside of Anfield.

Questions have been asked of whether the two superstar forwards are on the same page. Both are eager to contribute as much as possible to the Reds cause, with their respective goalscoring records playing key roles in the success that has been enjoyed by Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Salah has faced accusations of being self-centred on the field throughout his spell on Merseyside. Mane took to airing his frustration during an infamous outing at Burnley in August 2019, although those at Liverpool were quick to sweep reports of an internal rift under the carpet.

Lovren insists the emotions seen that day are merely part of professional football, with in-house battles to be found at just about every team on the planet.

Lovren, who struck up a close bond with Egyptian forward Salah during his time at Anfield, told KingFut of the supposed rivalry: “I see it in a different way.

“It is good to have competition between players. It is normal, Salah wants to score more than Mane, and this is football. If both players are in good form, then it serves the team well and that’s the most important thing.

“When Salah doesn’t score in a game, he doesn’t blame Mane for not scoring. Instead, he focuses on his mistakes to improve for the next game.”

Lovren will now be keeping an eye on Salah and Mane from afar, with the experienced Croatian defender having sealed a summer switch to Russian giants Zenit.

Those he has left behind in England are determined to build on the solid foundations that they have constructed, with the reigning Premier League champions now aware of their schedule for the 2020-21 campaign.

Salah and Mane will be expected to be prominent figures for Klopp’s side once again, with the former having netted 94 times through 152 appearances for Liverpool while the latter has 81 goals from 170 outings.

Lovren was a fringe player in Liverpool's title triumph, making just 10 league appearances in 2019-20 before departing for Russia.

Lionel Messi and Barcelona could be heading for a sensational split, and the man who hopes to become president at Camp Nou next year says: "It gives me nightmares."

There are continuing doubts over Messi's interest in staying on at Camp Nou after a painful end to the season in La Liga and the Champions League.

Victor Font, who is rivalling Joan Laporta in the race to succeed current Barca chief Josep Maria Bartomeu, says he fears the prospect of the club's record scorer departing.

The Argentinian forward has been notably quiet since Barcelona were trounced 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Messi allowed Gerard Pique to explain away the torrid night in Lisbon, and there has been silence since.

Bartomeu said he had spoken to Messi's father, but not to the player himself, while new boss Ronald Koeman declared he needed to speak to the 33-year-old to determine his intentions.

Font said in an interview with Catalan newspaper Sport that he did not discount the possibility of Messi leaving.

"I believe there's a risk and it gives me nightmares. Messi is vital to this club, the most important player in its entire history and it'll only grow after he retires," Font said. "The relationship between Messi and Barca must continue after he's hung up his boots. He should be the image of this club and its growth throughout the world."

Such comments are to be expected from a man seeking to bolster support for his campaign, and going after Bartomeu during Barcelona's time of crisis is also unlikely to damage Font's standing.

He stuck the boot in on the incumbent president by saying the sacking of Quique Setien and appointment of Koeman was "an escape route" for the board, and made it clear Koeman would not remain boss under his tenure.

Font had previously stressed Xavi would helm first-team operations under his regime, and he appeared to indicate the best he could promise Koeman was a role elsewhere on the staff.

"I wish, and I mean this from my heart, Koeman and Barca win the treble," Font said. "I'm sure that Xavi, at the head of this project, would find a place for Koeman's talent too."

He said it was "nonsense" that "the same people who caused this crisis are still making the decisions", including newly-promoted technical director Ramon Planes, calling for a clearout from the top down and saying it was "irresponsible" that Bartomeu had not already resigned.

Font's concern is that players he would want to keep at the club could be swept out by the current regime, with Bartomeu having spoken of "drastic measures" being planned and the anticipated departure of "legendary" figures.

From Font's perspective, the sporting side of the club is discredited, after the Champions League humiliation and the slump since lockdown that saw Barcelona overtaken by Real Madrid in La Liga's title race.

"What if the new technical secretary and coach in 2021 believe Luis Suarez or Pique, for example, are still important members of the squad as the team evolves but Planes and Koeman have already sold them?" Font mused. "It doesn't add up. There needs to be more perspective. Look beyond today, think about tomorrow and what's best for FC Barcelona."

Newcastle United kick off the 2020-21 Premier League season with games against West Ham, Brighton and Tottenham.

Steve Bruce’s side will open their campaign with a trip to West Ham on Saturday, September 12 before Brighton are the first visitors to St James’ Park a week later.

There follows a return trip to the capital to tackle Tottenham, while Bruce’s former club Manchester United will head to the north east in October.

Christmas is set to prove a testing time for Newcastle as they face Manchester City away on Boxing Day before a home date with champions Liverpool two days later, then Leicester in their opening game of 2021.

February could also prove to be a tricky month for the Magpies as they will face Chelsea, Manchester United and Wolves in successive games.

Sheffield United are the final visitors to St James’ Park before the season concludes with a trip to promoted Fulham on May 23.

Check out Newcastle's Premier League fixture list for 2020-21 in full below.

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Wazito FC have completed the signing of Kevin ‘Chumsy’ Okumu from Nairobi City Stars.

Okumu was previously targeted by KPL heavyweights Gor Mahia but his Wazito arrival has now ended the speculation that had surrounded his future for some time now.

Okumu and Levis Opiyo, who has so far signed for Gor Mahia, were key in Nairobi City Stars 2019/20 National Super League (NSL) campaign where they topped and eventually got promoted back to the KPL.

The two had their contracts expire and according to Nairobi City Stars Chief Executive (CEO) Patrick Korir, they were not keen to renew them as they explained they had already got offers from elsewhere.

“We are elated to announce the signing of exciting right-back Kevin ‘Chumsy’ Okumu from Nairobi City Stars,” Wazito said as they confirmed their sixth signing.

“Chumsy is an alumnus of Uhuru Secondary School and brings speed, hard work and good defending to the team.”

The full-back offered hope to the fans and said he has come to help the team have a better outing in the new season.

“Finally, I am here and I am really happy,” Okumu said.

“Wazito have been my dream team for some time now and I am glad that the move has materialised.

“To the management and the fans, I want to tell them that I have come here to work hard and challenge for a position in the team. We have to finish in a better position than last season."

Wazito’s head coach Fred Ambani heaped praise on the defender after joining his side.

“He is a young, talented, and hardworking player, a very good addition to the team,” Ambani, who worked as Stewart Hall’s assistant before he was confirmed as a head coach recently, said.

“In as much as we are working for immediate success, we have to build for the future and with players like him on board, we will have a good foundation.

“I have watched him play and I know that he will perfectly fit into our system, I am looking forward to working with him.”

Vincent Oburu from AFC Leopards, Mark Otieno from Leeds United, former Mathare United winger Kevin Kimani, Boniface Omondi formerly of Gor Mahia, and Edwin Omondi from Western Stima are the other players who have been signed.

Okumu’s acquisition is another low profile signing made by Wazito who were ambitious in the last transfer window and went for big names.

Sheffield United begin the 2020-21 Premier League with a match against Wolves at Bramall Lane on Monday, September 14.

Having earned a top-half finish on their return to the top flight, the Blades will have to redouble their efforts in order to preserve their place in the division this term.

After a meeting with Wolves, Chris Wilder’s side tackle Aston Villa in their first away game before a Yorkshire derby date with promoted Leeds at home.

October will see the Blades encounter Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, while November begins with a fixture against Chelsea.

Manchester United travel to Bramall Lane in mid-December, while Boxing Day will see Everton visit South Yorkshire. The Blades go to Burnley two days later and start 2021 with a trip to Crystal Palace.

The end of January brings back-to-back away dates with Man United and City, while the return meeting with Leeds at Elland Road is at the start of April.

The season ends for the Blades with a home game against Burnley on May 23.

Check out Sheffield United's Premier League fixture list for 2020-21 in full below.

Manchester City open the 2020-21 Premier League season with a game against Wolves on September 19.

City were scheduled to face Aston Villa in the opening gameweek, but that fixture has been postponed due to the club's Champions League exploits, which saw them play into the middle of August.

Pep Guardiola's side were, of course, beaten to the title by Liverpool last season and they will be desperate to get as many points on the board as they possibly can in order to set the pace.

After kicking things off against Wolves, City face games against Leicester City on September 26 and Marcelo Bielsa's newly-promoted Leeds United on October 3.

They then welcome Arsenal to the Etihad on October 17, while their first meeting with reigning champions - and their nearest rivals - Liverpool is scheduled for November 7.

The first Manchester derby of the season against cross-town rivals Manchester United will take place at Old Trafford on December 12.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Red Devils will then visit the Etihad for the corresponding derby match on March 6, 2021.

There will be a total of six league fixtures to play in December, including the derby match with United.

Among City's opponents in that busy period are Fulham, West Brom, Southampton, Newcastle United and Everton.

They will ring in the year 2021 on January 2 with a trip south to Stamford Bridge in order to face off against Frank Lampard's Chelsea.

The home game against the Blues will form part of City's final run-in of the season in May, as they welcome them to the Etihad on May 8. 

Games against Newcastle United and Brighton follow on May 12 and 15 respectively, before they wrap up the season at home to Everton on May 23.

Check out the full Man City fixture list for the 2020-21 Premier League season below.

Leeds United are back in the Premier League after a 16-year hiatus and they are set for a baptism of fire against reigning champions Liverpool in their opening game on September 12.

Marcelo Bielsa's side also face Fulham, Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in their opening four fixtures.

The Whites secured promotion to the Premier League by winning the Championship in 2019-20, doing so in classic Bielsa-ball style. However, life in the Premier League will be much more difficult.

Most Leeds fans will be particularly looking forward to their meetings with Manchester United and the first game between the sides will be played at Old Trafford on December 19.

They will welcome the Red Devils to Elland Road in the corresponding match on April 24.

Leeds will have a tough period to navigate at the end of November into December as they play Arsenal on November 21, Everton on November 28 and Chelsea on December 5.

The December festive run-in will see them play West Ham, Newcastle, Burnley and West Brom - as well as Manchester United - with their first match of the new year coming against Jose Mourinho's Tottenham.

When May comes round and the season approaches a conclusion, Leeds will have to navigate games against, Brighton, Spurs, Burnley and Southampton, before bringing the curtain down against West Brom.

Check out Leeds United's full Premier League schedule for 2020-21 below.