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Goal can exclusively reveal Gift Motupa's proposed move to Mamelodi Sundowns will only be finalised next week. 

According to a source privy to the situation, the deal is as good as done after both the Brazilians and Bidvest Wits reached an agreement this week. 

Motupa has been discussing personal terms with the Tshwane giants, and contrary to reports that he has put pen to paper, Goal has been told otherwise. 

"There is a deal in principle but until he has put pen to paper, we cannot say the deal is done," the source told Goal.

"Having said that, we expect him to finalise everything with Sundowns next week. They are the only team he has been in talks with at this stage," added the source. 

The 24-year-old marksman is set to have been offered a five-year deal but that will be split into a three-year contract with an option to renew for two years, the source revealed. 

"It's a five-year deal but the final two years will be optional, meaning he will sign a three-year deal with an option to renew for a further two years."

"However, I think the club will announce the deal at the end of the [current] season," concluded the source. 

Motupa has been in top form for the Students since his arrival in July 2018. 

He scored 11 goals across all competitions in his first season - the goals that came on the back of a difficult period which saw Orlando Pirates loan him out to Baroka FC. 

With lesser expectations, Motupa has proved that he can reach his full potential provided he's given enough of a chance to showcase his talent.

This season only, the former Bucs marksman has scored 12 goals in 25 games to take his tally of goals with Wits to 23 in 50 appearances.

He still has an opportunity to increase the number of goals he's scored already this season after it was confirmed earlier this week that competitive football can resume under strict medical measures. 

Motupa will get to compete with the likes of Mauricio Affonso, Lebohang Maboe and Phakamani Mahlambi among other attackers at Sundowns.

Odion Ighalo opened the scoring in Manchester United’s FA Cup quarter-final game against Norwich City on Saturday, extending his fine scoring record for the Red Devils.

After a scoreless first half at Carrow Road, the former Nigeria international handed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men a 51st-minute lead.

Luke Shaw dashed into the hosts’ penalty area, looped a cross onto the penalty area with Ighalo firing past Tim Krul after Juan Mata managed to poke the ball through to him.

That stretched his fine goalscoring run this term, with the ex-Watford man justifying his loan extension from Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua.

This was only his fourth start for United, but he has found the net five times across those appearances.

Todd Cantwell cancelled out the goal with his 75th-minute strike as the game went into extra-time.

The 31-year-old was a surprise addition at Manchester United at the end of the mid-season transfer window following Marcus Rashford’s injury worries.

However, his stay was extended to allow him to finish this campaign, with his original spell due to finish at the end of May.

Ighalo has had limited time to make an impression, as he did not make his debut until February 17, with the coronavirus pandemic halting the season a month later.

The 30-year-old made a total of 10 appearances for United across all competitions, four of which were starts, accumulating over 400 minutes on the pitch.

Also, he has created eight chances for his team-mates, which includes his one assist.

No player has scored more than his five goals across all competitions since February 17, and the only forward who matches him in that tally is in fact team-mate Anthony Martial. 

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has scored three, comes the closest.

Solskjaer’s side who are now unbeaten in their last 14 games [with 90 minutes] across all competitions are guests of Brighton and Hove Albion in Tuesday’s Premier League encounter before welcoming Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth on Saturday.

Victory for them in those games would be very crucial as they continue their chase for a place in Europe next term. Currently, they are sixth in the log having accrued 49 points from 31 league outings.

Luis Suarez admitted Barcelona's 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo left a bitter taste as there was a potentially crucial twist in the La Liga title race on Saturday.

Barca led twice but were pegged back on both occasions, Celta grabbing an 88th-minute equaliser through captain Iago Aspas' free-kick.

Suarez scored both goals for the visitors, ending a personal drought that stretched back to early January before he suffered a knee injury, but was left frustrated by the teald the head-to-head advantage over the reigning champions, having picked up four points from the two Clasico meetings in 2019-20.

m's failure to see out the win.

While Quique Setien's side moved back top of the table courtesy of the point picked up on their travels, Real Madrid have the chance to leapfrog over them again if they avoid defeat at rock-bottom Espanyol on Sunday.

Zinedine Zidane's side also ho"It was a vital match to fight for the title," Suarez admitted in his post-match interview for La Liga TV.

"We had a good first half, creating chances, but in the second half it was different, Celta wanting to be more aggressive.

"It [the result] leaves a bitter taste, one of sadness and frustration because we have lost two points."

Lionel Messi set up both goals for Suarez, the first of which saw him head in a clever free-kick from close range after Celta had put players on the line to protect against a direct shot.

The Uruguayan striker found the net again in the 67th minute following Fedor Smolov's leveller earlier in the second half, but his brace was not enough as Aspas swooped late to put a further dent in Barca's title aspirations.

Barca, who next face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, have now won just once in their last four away games in the league.

"For my part, I am happy to help with both goals, but you are angry because things have to be corrected," Suarez added.

"This was a complicated away game, as will be the trip to Villarreal. Then, in between, we host Atletico."

Arsenal’s decision to extend David Luiz’s contract is understandable, says Paul Merson, as the experienced Brazilian defender “never goes hiding” after making mistakes and remains a “proper player”.

Eyebrows were raised when the Gunners revealed that they had taken up a 12-month option on the enigmatic South American centre-half.

For many, Luiz is too error-prone to plug defensive leaks in north London, while at 33 years of age he is also no long-term option.

He will, however, be sticking around at Emirates Stadium after Mikel Arteta decided to keep the larger-than-life character on his books.

Merson believes the right decision has been made with the former Chelsea star, who is a Premier League and Champions League title winner, with the positives he brings to the fold helping to counter the obvious negatives.

“On his day, he is a proper player and there's no grey areas, he's black or white,” former Gunners star Merson told Sky Sports.

“You've seen it at Chelsea where he's absolutely outstanding and we've seen him at Arsenal where he's been atrocious. But for me, on his day, I think he's top drawer.

“If he can help the centre-halves coming through and the youngsters there with his experience, because he's won everything in the game, I don't think it's a bad year.

“I hear people saying 'oh get rid of him, he makes mistakes' - of course he makes mistakes, but he might be able to help other players while he's there.

“The one thing I like about him is that he never goes hiding, he always keeps getting on the ball, he's always in the thick of it and sometimes, that's probably why he makes too many mistakes. But I can understand where Mikel Arteta is coming from.”

Luiz’s only outing since the Premier League restart saw him endure a nightmare evening at Manchester City.

After being introduced off the bench, he proceeded to tee up Raheem Sterling for the opening goal of the game before conceding a penalty and being sent off.

Arsenal came unstuck in that outing, and in their next against Brighton, but did return to winning ways last time out against Southampton and will be hoping to carry that momentum through an FA Cup quarter-final clash with Sheffield United on Sunday.

That competition represents their best chance of ending the 2019-20 campaign on a high, with top-four dreams having been dashed for another year as they sit 11 points off the pace.

Captain Harry Maguire scored a late extra-time winner to secure Manchester United's place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 victory at Norwich City.

United forward Odion Ighalo and Norwich midfielder Todd Cantwell scored with their respective sides' first shots on target as an entertaining second half followed a forgettable first.

Norwich took the contest to extra time despite seeing Timm Klose receive a straight red card in the 89th minute.

The game looked destined to be decided by penalties but Maguire popped up in the 118th minute to book United's place in the last four at Wembley.

The first half was most notable for Maguire blocking a goal-bound Lukas Rupp effort, but both teams emerged from the break with greatly improved intent and Ighalo broke the deadlock with a clever show of improvisation.

Juan Mata deflected Luke Shaw's left-wing cross into his half and Ighalo's hooked volley beat Tim Krul from point-blank range.

Norwich responded well to going behind, though, and Cantwell superbly restored parity with a swerving long-range drive that beat the dive of Sergio Romero.

Yet their hopes of a cup shock were dealt a substantial blow when Klose correctly saw red for holding back Ighalo as the last line of Norwich defence just outside the area.

The hosts survived six additional minutes to force extra time thanks to successive Krul saves to deny substitutes Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood.

Norwich were again grateful to Krul in the 22nd minute of extra time as he clawed away a Maguire header and then turned behind a fierce effort from Bruno Fernandes.

However, Krul was finally beaten for a second time as Maguire slid in to convert from close range after Norwich failed to deal with Pogba's ball into the box.

What does it mean? United still on track for double

United are through to their 30th FA Cup semi-final, more than any other club in the history of the competition. While the focus has been on their top-four chase, their narrow victory keeps them on track for a FA Cup and Europa League double.

Their cup run over, Norwich's hopes of salvaging something positive from the campaign look slim. Daniel Farke's men are six points adrift of safety with seven games left.

Ighalo maintains 100 per cent record

Eyebrows were raised when United brought in Ighalo on the final day of the January transfer window but he continues to justify that decision.

He has five goals in his four starts - scoring in each of those games - and his intelligent play in leading the line saw Klose dismissed.

Too Klose for comfort

There was no doubt about Klose's red. Having allowed Ighalo to get the wrong side of him, he then denied a clear goalscoring opportunity by holding onto the Nigerian and left Norwich with an arduous task in extra time.

Key Opta Facts:

- Manchester United have reached their 30th FA Cup semi-final, more than any other team in the competition.
- The Red Devils have won 11 of their last 13 away games at Norwich in all competitions (L2), winning each of their last four.
-  Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the first manager to make six substitutions in a competitive match in English football.
- Cantwell's seventh goal of the season ended Man Utd's run of 448 minutes without conceding in the FA Cup, last conceding in last season's quarter-final against Wolves.
-  Ighalo has scored in all four of his starts for Man Utd (five goals), scoring with his first shot in this match, with what was the game's first shot on target.

What's next?

Three points behind fifth-placed Wolves after their win at Aston Villa earlier on Saturday, United will look to pull level when they visit Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Tuesday. Norwich's increasingly desperate survival bid next takes them to Arsenal on Wednesday.

The Nigeria Professional Football League season should be negated, according to Authentic Nigeria Football Supporters Club boss Abayomi Ogunjimi.

Football in the country has been on a hiatus following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which crippled several activities globally.

Leagues in several countries have resumed owing to the relaxation of lockdowns, albeit, the future of the NPFL remains undecided.

Recently, the Nigeria Football Federation disclosed consultations are in top gear on how to end the 2019-20 league season,

Nevertheless, the supporters club’s chief feels it would be rewarding calling off the league rather than risk the spread of infections – owing to the shortage of clinical amenities in case of emergencies.

“Life is more important to me than anything. Do we have the medical facilities and the structure to rescue lives [in case of emergency] when we resume?,” Ogunjimi told Goal.

“You know the way things work here; this is Africa and we are still growing. You cannot compare the NPFL with the Premier League, La Liga, or the German Bundesliga – we will get there someday hopefully – but I don’t think we should gamble with peoples’ lives.

“We have few matches left to play and I feel the government, LMC and the sports ministry should observe the situation and take a positive decision as soon as possible.

“For the supporters’ club which is my primary zone, I don’t think I would love to risk the lives of my members.

“All I know is that we will return to our normal lives, so why are we in haste? I feel we should be patient before we make decisions.

“However, if we have adequate facilities to start the league again, then why not? But if the reverse is the case, I think we should call it quits.”

The League Management Company (LMC) had proposed four options to end the league, including a points-per-game (PPG) method, which was subjected to a vote some days ago.

Plateau United currently lead the table with 49 points from 25 games while Rivers United are second with 45 points, both in the Caf Champions League spots.

Lobi Stars are third with 43 points while Nasarawa United, Jigawa Golden Stars, Kwara United and Adamawa United occupy the last four spots on the table.

Roberto Firmino is as important to the Liverpool cause as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, says Graeme Souness, with the Brazilian likened to “a big cat walking through the jungle waiting for an opportunity to do damage”.

The South American frontman is not the most prolific attacking option that Jurgen Klopp has at his disposal.

He is, however, a perfect fit in a system that has delivered Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League crowns over the course of the last 12 months.

While Salah and Mane are all about end product, team player Firmino is the glue that holds Liverpool’s frontline together and allows others to thrive around him.

Reds legend Souness considers the 28-year-old’s qualities to be integral to Klopp’s plans, with the Scot telling Sky Sports: “Mo Salah might score the most goals but it would be totally wrong to say this side’s attack is just about him. He’s one of three very special players.

“I love watching Roberto Firmino play. A couple of years ago, I likened him to Kenny Dalglish. He’s like a big cat walking through the jungle waiting for an opportunity to do damage.

“His radar is on all the time and he’s got a great football brain, whereas Salah and Sadio Mane, they will catch your eye more because they are direct and they score more goals.

“They are a wonderful attacking unit, but it’s so important to have a really good defence because you can’t play super football in every single game you play.

“When it’s not going well, you need to know that you won’t be conceding goals. Then, if you’re on the back foot but you don’t concede, you know that at some point in the 90 minutes, one of your special players is going to create something for someone else or score himself.

“That’s what we had with Ian Rush. We would be under the cosh, we would clear our lines and a couple of passes later Rushy would be on the end of something, putting the ball in the net, and we would nick the game.

“Liverpool have that now with their attacking players and that’s what makes them so dangerous. Even when they are not at their very best, they defend well and they're capable of nicking games.

“It’s so important to have those players, those goal-getters who can get you 25 in a season.”

Firmino is yet to find the target at Anfield in a Premier League game this season, but he does still have 11 efforts to his name – including a couple of match-winning strikes at the Club World Cup – and has taken his overall tally to 77 in 237 outings for Liverpool.

Juventus have said that they continue to count on midfielder Adrien Rabiot, despite rumours linking him to the Premier League.

The 25-year-old arrived in Turin last summer from Paris Saint-Germain on a Bosman move but has struggled to establish himself in Maurizio Sarri’s plans.

With the player reportedly discontent due to a lack of playing time, he caused further controversy in May when he refused to cut his wages in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

This increased whispers that he could be on his way to England, with former PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti among the more interested parties with Everton.

Although the player seems to have re-established himself in Juve’s plans, starting in victories over Bologna and Lecce since the coronavirus suspension of the league, his long-term future remains uncertain.

Seeking to put an end to the speculation, Fabio Paratici, the technical coordinator of the Serie A side, has spoken of the player’s situation.

“Let’s not forget that Rabiot is in his first year in Italy, and the first year is always special,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “At the start of the season, we could see the same doubts over Matthijs de Ligt, who happened to be the best defender in the Champions League [with Ajax last season] at the age of 19. Now I see there is a different opinion of him.

“Rabiot also arrived from PSG after six months of inactivity. He had to catch up with his physical condition. That said, he is a great player, someone who is very important for Juventus today and will be for the future.”

Juve, however, are closing in on the addition of another central midfield player, with Goal able to confirm on Thursday that Barcelona player Arthur has agreed terms with the club, albeit with Miralem Pjanic likely to move in the opposite direction to Camp Nou.

The Turin club are closing in on another Serie A title as they lead the standings by seven points following a 4-0 victory over Lecce on Friday, although Lazio, the side who sit in second, have a game in hand against Fiorentina on Saturday.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Abednigo Netshodzwe says he understands how Bidvest Wits players feel following the club’s sale to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

The retired midfielder also shared advice to the Clever Boys players, urging them not to make decisions on their futures in haste because they might make bad decisions.

As things stand, both TTM and Wits have confirmed the sale of the club whilst coach Gavin Hunt’s future has attracted media interest.

“Bidvest Wits players' situation is sad. I know it very well. Not all the players will get new clubs, even if they get new clubs, they will not get the same money they used to get at Wits,” Netshodzwe told Isolezwe.

“[All] The players cannot all get new clubs as soon as possible and they must be patient and not put themselves under pressure because they might make bad decisions.

“If they get new contracts or offers, they must be careful not to be exploited when it comes to contracts.”

Following the Braamfontein-based club’s sale and news that it will relocate to the Limpopo province, a number of players are set to leave the club.

Skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo along with Sifiso Hlanti and Buhle Mkhwanazi are some of the key players linked with big moves to Orlando Pirates.

On the other hand, midfielder Thabang Monare and winger Deon Hotto are also linked with moves to the Buccaneers, while reigning PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns are also gunning for the duo.

Although the likes of Gift Motupa, Haashim Domingo, and goalkeeper Ricardo Goss have reportedly signed long-term deals with coach Pitso Mosimane’s troops, their futures are also the subject of speculation.

In addition, the move to sell the club has received contrasting remarks from legends and football bosses as the 2016/17 PSL champions’ heritage is set for an immediate demise when the 2020/21 season resumes.

Borussia Dortmund have formally given up in the race to sign Achraf Hakimi from Real Madrid on a permanent basis.

The right-back has been with Lucien Favre’s side for each of the last two seasons on loan, but he will not remain at Signal Iduna Park beyond the end of the current campaign.

Although Real Madrid will recall the player, reports suggest that he is set for a move to Inter, where he will be guaranteed the first-team football he craves under head coach Antonio Conte.

The 21-year-old has contributed significantly to Dortmund’s push to secure second in the Bundesliga, scoring five goals and adding 10 assists to date, but Saturday’s encounter against Hoffenheim, in which he was named only as a substitute, will be the last time he appears on a teamsheet for BVB.

“There have been developments only this week. The price is much higher now. And there is a point where we have to say: we do not want this and we cannot do this,” Michael Zorc to Sky Sports . 

Previously, Zorc had insisted that Dortmund were very much in the race to retain the player.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, he said: "His deal with Dortmund is ending. But we're interested in finding a solution with Real again and find a solution where he will be back playing at BVB next season."

It is reported that Inter will make a €40 million (£36m/$45m) offer for the player and will offer him a healthy salary, too.

In total, Hakimi has played 44 times in all competitions this season, notably scoring four goals in eight Champions League appearances, notching a crucial double in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Inter that helped his side progress to the knockout stages of the competition.

He has been contracted to Real Madrid for the duration of his professional career to date, having joined the Santiago Bernabeu side when he was only seven years old.

He made his debut for the reserve side in 2016 and graduated to the first-team squad in August 2017. Thus far, he has featured 17 times in all competitions for the Primera Division title hopefuls and scored two goals.

Meanwhile, the Madrid-born player has featured 28 times for Morocco, scoring two goals for his international side.

Ex-England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has described his former Manchester City teammate Marc-Vivien Foe as “the most amazing man” he met as he pays tribute to the fallen Cameroon legend.

Foe collapsed and died of a heart defect during a Fifa Confederations Cup semi-final match between Cameroon and Colombia on June 26, 2003.

Prior to his sudden death at the age of 28, the former midfielder had spent a season at City while on loan from Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon.

“He was the most amazing man I met as a young lad growing up,” Wright-Phillips told the official Manchester City website.

“He was so soft, humble, and whenever I needed help or a bit of guidance, he was one of the people that was always there for me.

"And as a player, he was just a beast. He was a big unit, he carried himself well, tackled, and he played good football. You could see that he was moving onto the next level.”

City have since retired the number 23 shirt Foe wore during his brief spell at the club, which was his second Premier League home, having previously spent one and a half-seasons at West Ham United.

Another former teammate of Foe at City, Kevin Horlock, remembered the former Lens midfielder as a player who brightened the Citizens' dressing room with his beaming smile.

"He was a great athlete, a great footballer and even more than that, a great bloke. He was a fair, old size and he covered every blade of grass,” said Horlock.

"He did a lot of my running and he took some stopping. He was one of those players who gave everything and the fans loved that and so did the players.

"I don't think I have ever seen a picture of him where he doesn't have a big smile on his face. He made the changing room a better place."

Despite Foe lasting 73 minutes during that fateful match against Colombia, Cameroon went on to edge the South Americans 1-0 to qualify for the final of the Confederations Cup.

The death of Foe attracted global sympathy and Cameroon went on to lose 1-0 to hosts France after extra time of an emotional encounter.

Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller has set a single-season record for assists in the Bundesliga with his 21st of the season, surpassing the previous mark, which was set by Kevin De Bruyne.

Going into the final day of the 2019-20 campaign, the FCB attacker was on par with the Manchester City star, who chalked up 20 assists in the 2014-15 season while playing with Wolfsburg.

Before four minutes of the match had elapsed, he had set up winger Kingsley Coman to open the scoring.

The 30-year-old, who was a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014, has featured in all but one league fixture for Hansi Flick’s side this season, missing the recent 2-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach due to suspension.

His first assists of the season arrived in a thumping 6-1 victory over Mainz on August 31, while he chalked up multiple decisive passes on six occasions in the league this term, also doing so against Borussia Dortmund and Fortuna Dusseldorf in back-to-back November fixtures, against Koln and Hoffenheim in February, and versus Bayer Leverkusen earlier in June after the league restarted following the coronavirus suspension.

Previously, his highest tally of assists in a top-flight season had been 16 in the 2017-18 season, although he has hit double figures in all but one of the seasons in which he has been a regular in the starting XI.

While he has produced more assists than ever before, his goal scoring record has dropped, with seven scored in the Bundesliga this term. Indeed, his first goal did not arrive until the final day of November, when he found the net in a 2-1 loss to Leverkusen.

Muller has not scored double figures in a Bundesliga season since 2015-16, when he hit a personal best of 20, coincidentally recording a career low of seven assists.

The forward’s form has helped Bayern to secure another German title, while they retain an interest in the Champions League, which will be finished in August in a mini tournament that will be played in Lisbon. 

To reach that stage, though, Bayern will have to complete the second leg against Chelsea at the Allianz Arena, though they hold a 3-0 advantage from the first encounter, which was played at Stamford Bridge on February 25.

Manchester United cannot allow Liverpool to equal their league title record and “dominate again”, says Dimitar Berbatov, with the Red Devils urged to fight for the right to remain on their “perch”.

Sir Alex Ferguson lifted those at Old Trafford to the top of a domestic tree, with 13 Premier League crowns secured during his iconic reign.

That remarkable haul saw United edge above their arch-rivals from Anfield and onto a record-setting tally of 20 title wins.

Liverpool have closed back to within one triumph of the Red Devils with their dominant displays in 2019-20.

Many have suggested that another dynasty is being pieced together by Jurgen Klopp, with the potential there for many more successes to be savoured by the current kings of English football.

Berbatov, who helped United to two titles during his time at Old Trafford, hopes the men from Merseyside can be reined in, with it up to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the Red Devils to force their way back into contention for major honours.

“When I was a player at Old Trafford, we thought United's success would go on forever, Liverpool are now dangerously close to United's record, and I'm sure they'd love to equal that,” Berbatov told Betfair.

“I'm not at United anymore, I can't stop it from happening, but I hope the current players will see Liverpool getting closer and try to make sure it never happens.

“They suffered and waited for so long, the way they play now that the way they won it will give them more ambition to win more. Klopp can make them title contenders for years to come.

“The United lads shouldn't need a message from anyone to tell them, they can't let them equal the record and dominate again, if they do then we have a problem. 

“They will have seen Liverpool, they will know they are close to the record and they must do everything to stop this happening.

“You want to be on top yourself and not let anyone take over, so they need to up their intensity. The United players cannot let Liverpool knock them off the perch that we fought so hard to take as our own.”

United’s last Premier League crown was secured in 2013, as Ferguson prepared to head off into retirement.

They have found themselves a long way off the pace since then, but there are considered to have been signs of encouragement under Solskjaer as he continues to oversee a long-term rebuilding project at the Theatre of Dreams.

Liverpool have no need to bring in “big signings” during the next transfer window, says John Barnes, with there a danger that high-profile additions will disrupt the “harmony” that has been established at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp has worked hard to bring the right amount of talent and character into his squad.

Considerable value has been found in both identifying and acquiring the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Mohamed Salah.

Further additions are being mooted, although Klopp has already resisted the urge to join the race for Timo Werner – who will now be linking up with Chelsea – and played down links to Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

Barnes believes any moves made from this point will be minor ones, with the Reds likely to only look into countering the loss of Adam Lallana as a free agent.

They are not expected to invest heavily in ensuring that they retain depth in the creative midfield department, with the record-breaking 2019-20 Premier League title winners having already shown that they have enough quality on their books to compete for the grandest of prizes.

Reds legend Barnes told BonusCodeBets: "If Liverpool were to make big signings but then suddenly, those signings cannot play, and they cannot get into the team because of Salah and [Roberto] Firmino, it damages the harmony of the club.

"How does that big signing feel when he’s always on the bench? I don’t think they need to do it at all.

"And I don’t feel this was the reason Manchester City didn’t win the title this season.

"Pep [Guardiola] and Klopp, the two most successful managers in world football, both feel like they don’t have to make big signings to compete.

"So, who are we to question that? They are successful every year."

Barnes added: "If you have players you can put in the squad like [Takumi] Minamino and [Divock] Origi, Liverpool still have a large squad with people that can make an impact from the bench.

"It is not an issue to go and sign someone. I don’t see why there is a necessity to sign big.

"They are 23 points better off than everybody else...

"Lallana is on his way so maybe they will replace him, but I can’t see Liverpool making big signings.

"If they do there is pressure on their reaction, and the harmony they bring to the team."

Dimitri Payet has signed a new deal with Marseille – and has taken an “unprecedented” pay cut in order to do so.

Having played a key role in Andre Villas-Boas’ side finishing second in Ligue 1, there was some doubt over his future at Stade Velodrome due to the club’s financial difficulties.

Payet still had two years to run on his deal but has elected instead to sign to fresh terms that contract him to OM until the end of the 2023-24 – by which time he will be 37.

But instead of these offering the player a boost in his salary, he has elected to take a substantial drop in his earnings to help the club.

“I’ve often said that I love this club and that my family feels good here,” the club's vice-captain explained. “The idea came into my head when the president said that the players should make an effort. And who better than me to lead by example?

“Saying you love the club is one thing, but showing it is better. I really want to be part of OM and help it grow.”

President Jacques-Henri Eyraud explained: “Dimitri came to me to tell me that he wanted to be, and I quote: ‘Marseillais for life.’

“He explained to me that he really wants to end his career here. And beyond finishing his career, pursue a real reconversion at the heart of the club he loves so much.

“He’s accepted to cut his salary for 30% for the 2021-22 season. In the two additional years, he has agreed that his basic salary will be cut between 40% and 60%. 

“He’s given up his qualification bonuses for European competitions and a very large part of his payment over the last two years of his deal will only be guaranteed if he is a starter. If he’s not in a position to speak on the park, then his wage will be dramatically reduced for a player of his experience and his quality.

“This unprecedented effort shows the attachment that Payet has to this club.”

During the 2019-20 season, which was aborted after 28 matches, Payet scored nine times and laid on a further four goals for OM.

Eberechi Eze delivered an impressive performance although his efforts were not enough to save Queens Park Rangers from a 1-0 loss to Charlton Athletic in Saturday’s Championship game.

The midfielder’s stock has continued to rise and at the Valley, he again delivered an eye-catching display after he was afforded his 28th league start and 31st appearance in the English second tier this season.

The 21-year-old played on the left-wing for QPR while his companion Bright Osayi-Samuel was deployed on the right-wing.

QPR’s six-game unbeaten run was halted last weekend by Barnsley and manager Mark Warburton made frantic effort to ensure his side bounced back to winning ways but it was not to be as Charlton secured all three points at the Valley.

Darren Pratley scored the only goal of the encounter in the 12th minutes after he was set up by Josh Cullen.

Every effort from Rangers to level proceedings was frustrated by Lee Bowyer’s men as Charlton held their nerve to secure a home win.

Eze, who has become the toast of the Championship fans with his dazzling skills, had an 88% successful pass rate, struck two shots and completed two dribbles in the game.

The midfielder featured for the entirety of the contest and has now played 40 matches in this campaign for QPR across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists.

His compatriot Osayi-Samuel played for 71 minutes before he was replaced by Nigerian forward Aramide Oteh.

Olamide Shodipo was introduced for Ilias Chair on the hour mark while Charlton’s Chuks Aneke replaced Tomer Hemed, and Adedeji Oshilaja made way for Ben Purrington.

With the result, QPR are 13th on the league table with 50 points from 39 games while the victory steered Charlton clear of the relegation zone as they moved to 17th position with 45 points from the same number of matches.

Eze, who has long been a target for the Super Eagles, will hope to continue his impressive performances along with Osayi-Samuel in their next league outing.

QPR will take on fourth-placed Fulham at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on June 30 and will look to return to winning ways in the match.

Manchester United are only one Virgil van Dijk-esque signing away from being Premier League title challengers, claims Phil Neville.

The Red Devils have slipped a long way off the pace in recent years, with serious regression endured since Sir Alex Ferguson delivered the last of their record-setting 20 top-flight crowns in 2013.

Those at Old Trafford have seen their arch-rivals from across the North West secure domestic dominance this season, with Liverpool surging over the line in style.

Reacting to that success and closing a sizeable gap is the challenge now facing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Co.

Positive progress is considered to have been made in that quest over recent months, with much expected from January signing Bruno Fernandes and World Cup winner Paul Pogba.

United have also seen Anthony Martial find his shooting boots in a central striking role, while Harry Maguire is now club captain on the back of an £80 million ($99m) move in the summer of 2019.

Neville believes the England international centre-half could still do with somebody being brought in alongside him, with there defensive leaks for Solskjaer to plug.

Beyond that, though, a man who helped the Red Devils to six title triumphs in his playing days believes there is not a lot else to be done at the Theatre of Dreams, with the club already possessing plenty of potential to unlock in an exciting young squad.

Neville told Premier League Productions when quizzed on how far away United are from competing with the likes of Liverpool for the most prestigious of prizes: “I think one more signing.

“You think about Liverpool signing [Virgil] Van Dijk and Alisson in goal.

“One or two more signings or [Paul] Pogba and one more signing playing to their absolute best. I think United can get closer.”

Pressed further on the positions in which Solskjaer needs to add, Neville added: “Centre-back, you look at the impact Van Dijk had.

“Maguire has had a really strong impact but another real strong centre-back.

“They’ve still got to be defensively sound. One more signing and United can challenge.”

United have been linked with moves to bolster their ranks of centre-halves, with the Red Devils said to be among those mulling over a bid to prise Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly away from Napoli.

Andrej Kramaric netted four goals as Borussia Dortmund's campaign ended in a humiliating manner with a 4-0 thrashing by Hoffenheim.

It was the Croatian, rather than Dortmund forward Erling Haaland, who stole the show at Signal Iduna Park with a goal glut to ensure Hoffenheim finished sixth - good enough to qualify for the group stages of next season's Europa League.

BVB were already assured of a second-placed finish, and they left Achraf Hakimi and Jadon Sancho on the bench until half-time, but they suffered a heavy loss just two days after it was confirmed boss Lucien Favre will be back next season.

Former Leicester City striker Kramaric scored twice before the break and added another two within five minutes of the restart to take his tally for the season to 12.

Favre's men fell behind just eight minutes in as an unmarked Kramaric loitered at the edge of the box before curling home from Pavel Kaderabek's pull-back.

More lax Dortmund defending saw them fall 2-0 behind on the half-hour mark as Robert Skov's shot was turned in by Kramaric, who had been played onside by Lukasz Piszczek.

Favre called for Hakimi and Sancho at the break but it quickly went from bad to worse.

Mats Hummels twice failed to clear the ball and Piszczek had not accounted for Kramaric, who cut inside Dortmund's captain and rolled a finish through Roman Burki's legs for his hat-trick.

Moments later, Hoffenheim had a penalty, Hummels adjudged to have barged Munas Dabbur to the ground, with Kramaric squeezing a shot under Burki from the spot to give him a fourth of the afternoon.

Had it not been for Burki, the defeat could have been even heavier as he made smart stops to deny Dabbur, Skov and substitute Christoph Baumgartner.

For departing Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze - only in the stands because he had been unable to take the required coronavirus tests to allow him to play - this was a farewell he was probably glad not to be part of.

What does it mean? Embarrassing end for disappointing Dortmund campaign

This campaign had promised so much for Dortmund, particularly when Haaland arrived in January and hit the ground running, yet they have finished behind Bayern Munich again having lost three of their final four home games.

The absence of fans can perhaps explain that to a certain degree but, with Real Madrid loanee Hakimi seemingly not returning next term, and rumours persisting about Sancho's future too, you have to wonder if Dortmund will actually take a step back in 2020-21.

Goal glut for Kramaric

For the fourth successive season Kramaric reached double figures in the Bundesliga - a feat all the more impressive this term given his injury issues.

The 29-year-old, who has only made 14 starts this season, delivered a display of ruthless finishing, one that the much hyped Haaland would have admired.

Horror show for Hummels and Piszczek

Dortmund's two senior centre-backs were run ragged by Kramaric, failing to pick up runners and committing basic errors that you do not expect to see from players of their calibre.

BVB had kept three clean sheets in their past four games so we will put this one down to a bad day at the office.

What's next?

Dortmund's second-placed finish means they will be in the Champions League next term, while Hoffenheim will compete in the Europa League.