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Fiorentina star Federico Chiesa should ignore links with Manchester United and remain in Italy, according to Nuno Gomes.

United, Chelsea, Juventus and Inter have been among the European heavyweights credited with an interest in Chiesa ahead of the summer transfer window.

Gomes represented Fiorentina between 2000 and 2002, during which time he won the Coppa Italia, and thinks the Italy international would be best served by further development before leaving Serie A. 

However, the ex-Portugal forward also acknowledged that the 22-year-old has impressive experience for his age, and says he has the ability to play in the Premier League or La Liga should he wish to do so.

"In my opinion, a young player like him should stay in Italy," Gomes said to Stats Perform News.

"It would be his best choice. He is still 22 so another couple of seasons will make him improve before leaving to another country. 

"But for sure he would be ready for LaLiga or the Premier League. He has already been an international many times and has much experience under his belt in Serie A, a very tough league. 

"He will be ready for an adventure abroad but the choice must be his and Fiorentina's."

Chiesa has contributed six goals and three assists to Fiorentina's Serie A cause this season, the highest totals in both categories across the entire squad for 2019-20.

Gomes played alongside Chiesa's father, Enrico, during his time with La Viola, and sees plenty of similarities with his former team-mate.

"When I watch Federico, I see his father Enrico who was such a great striker," added Gomes.

"I have almost never seen anybody shooting like him. His eyes were always set on the target to strike, he was amazing at set pieces. Left or right foot, the shot was so easy for him. 

"When I watch Federico I see a bit of his father, the style, the speed, the easy way at shooting without any preparation and a powerful kick like his father. A lot in Federico resembles his dad Enrico."

Chiesa will be back in action with Fiorentina when Serie A resumes later this month, as Giuseppe Lachini's look ahead to a meeting with Brescia on June 22.

Cristiano Ronaldo has improved a lot at Juventus after initially struggling to adapt to the demands of Serie A football, according to Nuno Gomes.

Ronaldo has scored 21 goals in 22 league games this season, the same tally he reached in 31 appearances in 2018-19 - his first term in Italy following his €112 million (£100m/$127m) move from Real Madrid.

Although only Ciro Immobile can match Ronaldo on 42 goals in the past two Serie A seasons, it has been suggested the 35-year-old's spectacular scoring prowess is on the wane, as he never failed to score fewer than 26 league goals per season during his nine years with Real Madrid.

Gomes, though, believes Ronaldo is actually getting better as he has become more used to the strong defences in Italy's top flight.

The former Fiorentina and Portugal striker, who spent two years in Italy after leaving Benfica in 2000, told Stats Perform News: "For a while, Serie A has not been at its usual level.

"Before 2000 and until 2005, all the best players were in Italy. Italian clubs were so strong and, in the nineties, they almost won every year [in Europe], the managers were of the highest level.

"I experienced a lot of difficulties at the beginning because there was a lot less space to attack than in Portugal.

"Italian defenders were tactically so good and were able to do everything the manager requested.

"The defensive system is a united block, they all move together and even Cristiano struggled a bit when he arrived.

"He was used to drawing the ball to him, having space and time to think, while in Italy you have to be quicker in your mind, you have to think football.

"Cristiano understood that and adapted and in so doing he improved. He saw he had to change his ways with less space than in Spain.

"So, he got closer to the box to maybe think more about scoring. He improved a lot."

Juve's season is set to resume on Friday when they face Milan in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, with the aggregate score at 1-1.

The Serie A leaders will then face Bologna on June 22 in their first league game since the competition was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis in March.

Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi teaming up at Barcelona would have a positive impact on Argentina, according to the national team's assistant coach Roberto Ayala.

Having scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for Inter in 2019-20, Lautaro is a target for La Liga champions Barca and it was last week reported he had agreed a five-year deal at Camp Nou.

Former Napoli, Milan and Valencia centre-back Ayala has been impressed by the 22-year-old's development under Antonio Conte this season and the partnership he has struck up with Romelu Lukaku.

With the coronavirus pandemic meaning the Copa America has been postponed until 2021, Ayala thinks Lautaro potentially playing with six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi at club level next term would be of huge benefit to Argentina.

The South American heavyweights have not won a senior international trophy since 1993, with Messi on the losing side in four finals during his career.

"The more matches they play together, the more they can get to know each other, it can be an advantage [for Argentina]," Ayala told Ole.

"But we will have to see if Lautaro plays for Barcelona or not because we can't forget [Luis] Suarez is there. We will see.

"It's an important decision Lautaro will have to make. Whatever he decides you have to respect because he's managing his career.

"The more chances of them playing together, the more they're going to understand each other.

"Lautaro is in a very important club at the moment and scoring goals in Italy is not easy.

"At Inter he's grown a lot and learned to earn his place. Inter trust in him a lot, his coach is empowering him, he found a partnership that complements him very well."

Inter are set to play their first game in over three months with a Coppa Italia semi-final against Napoli on Saturday, having lost the first leg 1-0 before football was suspended amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Lautaro and company will be back in Serie A action eight days later, with Sampdoria set to arrive at San Siro in a must-win clash for Conte's side.

Inter are currently third in the Italian top flight, nine points behind leaders Juventus with a game in hand, and cannot afford any slip-ups in their final 13 games.

Former Mumbai City FC defender Anwar Ali has labelled Uruguayan football legend Diego Forlan as the most inspiring leader he has played with.

The 35-year-old Indian defender, who has 33 caps with the national team, and has represented the likes of JCT, Dempo, Delhi Dynamos, Mohun Bagan, Mumbai FC, East Bengal, ATK and Punjab FC during his illustrious career, interacted with Twitter users and answered their questions on Tuesday. 

He was part of the Mumbai City side that topped the Indian Super League (ISL) league table in 2016, with Forlan playing a key role in making it happen.

“During both my season at Mumbai City, we had so many leaders in the dressing room. But I think the one that stands out the most is Diego Forlan. Being on the same team and learning so much from him was the best experience in my career so far,” he said.

The centre-back reminisced arguably one of the best campaigns in the team's history and called it his best memory in a Mumbai City shirt. He also named his then-teammate Matias Defederico the best player he has played alongside.

“(The best moment) has to be topping the table and making the semifinals in 2016. It was the first semifinal in Mumbai City's history too and that made it even more special for me.

“There were so many (great players) but if I have to pick one, it will be Matias Defederico from our 2016 side,” Anwar responded when asked about the best player he has played with.

A compliment for a striker carries an added weight of credibility when it arrives from a centre-back. Anwar showered ace goal-scorer Odafa Okolie with praise when he named him the toughest player he has played against.

The Nigerian forward was the top-scorer of the I-League for three consecutive seasons between 2007-2010.

“As a defender, we've had a tough time facing strikers. I think the toughest one I have played against in my life was Odafa Okolie,” he said.

The veteran had words of praise for Sandesh Jhingan and expressed his desire to partner the India international defence. Portuguese and former Chennaiyin FC defender Henrique Sereno was another name that popped up.

Among the youngsters, it was Sarthak Golui and Sumit Rathi who were recipients of encouraging words from the Punjab defender.

“Among the Indians, Sandesh Jhingan. And Lucian Goian from the foreigners,” he replied when asked about his favourite defender in the ISL.

“(I would like to play with) Sandesh Jhingan - we played together at United Sikkim, it was when he was very young. It would be nice to play with him now. (Also) Henrique Sereno - he's a top-class defender, very experienced & well-respected world over and I would've liked to play alongside him too.

“Sarthak (Golui) is definitely one (player who has impressed). If I have to pick outside of Mumbai, Sumit Rathi from ATK,” he concluded.

Manchester United have been warned off moves for Saul Niguez and Jack Grealish, with Dimitar Berbatov baffled as to why the Red Devils are considering investing more funds in a midfield unit that has Paul Pogba back fit and Bruno Fernandes starring.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be in the market for more ball-playing talent when the next transfer window swings open.

Aston Villa playmaker Grealish has been a long-standing target for the Red Devils, with an official approach expected once the 2019-20 campaign comes to a close.

Spain international Saul has emerged as another potential option to fill a deeper role in United’s engine room, with assistance being sought for January addition Fernandes.

He will get that from World Cup winner Pogba when competitive action resumes, with the Frenchman having shaking off the niggling knocks which have been holding him back.

If an £89 million ($113m) asset is able to prove his worth alongside Fernandes – who has hit the ground running in English football – then Berbatov sees no reason why United would want to splash out on reinforcing a department in which they are already well stocked.

The former Red Devils striker told Betfair: “Manchester United have been linked with Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid again, and for me looking at the situation, Pogba is back, Fernandes is there, they have [Scott] McTominay who needs to play regularly because he's young and is doing so well, [Juan] Mata is there, [Nemanja] Matic is there who is great at what he does, and to put one more in the mix is only okay if you are going to use them and have them playing regularly because that transfer will probably cost a lot of money.

“In my opinion, I think they have enough quality in the team anyway, especially with Pogba coming back, but maybe Solskjaer has a different decision and he has decided that they need someone to strengthen there.

“There have also been reports about United being interested in Jack Grealish, last week [Jadon] Sancho was their top target, this week it's Grealish, next week it will be somebody else.

“There are so many players associated with a move to United at the moment, it is a good thing I suppose and for the players it boosts their reputation.

“I can see Grealish being a better fit at United than someone else, he is used to the Premier League and he is producing great goals and assists. But, he is similar to Fernandes, Pogba and Mata in a way and you don't want too much similarity in your team.

“With all these names mentioned it is going to be interesting to see if they actually sign any of them or maybe nobody will go because for me they have enough midfield players.

“Once they have finished this season, and players are out of contract or leave, then they may need someone. But if all of them stay, and they buy two more, then they will have to let a couple go, or if players aren't happy then they need to go to the manager and tell them they aren't happy with all other players in the same position.”

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns will have to wait for a new date for their Shell Helix Ultra Cup match.  

According to Stadium Management South Africa, the one-day tournament has been postponed until further notice. 

This is due to the coronavirus pandemic as well as the delay by the South African Football Association (Safa), the PSL as well as the government to find solutions on the immediate future of football in the country. 

The government has allowed contact sport to resume training but the season remains suspended as the league awaits the go-ahead to open doors for players to return to the training grounds. 

The annual event was launched two seasons ago and both Chiefs and Sundowns came on board to play part in the initiative. 

While it was played in the off-season in 2018 when Sundowns beat Chiefs 2-1 at the FNB Stadium, the organisers moved the match to October in 2019 due to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament which took place in Egypt. 

Sundowns failed to defend their title as they were thumped 4-2 by a rather ruthless Chiefs team last year.  

The Shell Helix Cup is a pre-season friendly between the two high-profile clubs - and it has given certain players an opportunity to impress their coaches. 

Leonardo Castro, in particular, used last year's match against his former club to win the hearts of Amakhosi and force his way into Ernst Middendorp's starting line-up after being sidelined for the first few games of the 2019/20 season.

On the other hand, Sundowns gave as many of their fringe players a chance to stake a claim in Pitso Mosimane, including Aubrey Ngoma and Oupa Manyisa - but the majority of them didn't come to the party. 

Unfortunately for Manyisa, that was the match where he suffered a long-term injury - and his lack of game time this season could cost him a place in the Sundowns squad for next season, especially with his contract set to expire

NorthEast United FC assistant coach Khalid Jamil suggested that the club is trying to sign as many local players as possible for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season.

The Highlanders have not been as busy as other ISL clubs in the transfer window this time but Jamil suggested that the club is in no hurry to sign players as they still have a lot of time left in the transfer window that only ends on August 31, 2020.

During an online chat with the club, Jamil spoke about their plans for the upcoming season. He said, “We have signed some Indian players. We have taken some local boys. Our target is to get as many local boys as possible. We are also looking at some foreign players. But we are not in a hurry. We still have a lot of time.”

The Mumbai-based coach who is also the head of youth development at NorthEast suggested that they had started scouting for the youth teams as well as their reserves side but due to the nationwide lockdown amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, their activities got halted.

“Before the lockdown, we had started scouting for the U-13, U-15, U-18 and also the reserve team. After the lockdown, we will resume the process again.”

Jamil had taken charge of the club as their interim head coach for the final three matches of the ISL last season after Robert Jarni parted ways with the club. The Highlanders ended the season at the ninth position on the league table.

Speaking about the team’s poor performance last year, the former East Bengal coach said, “Last year the circumstances were different. Unfortunately due to injuries to key players we suffered. But this year we will work hard and aim for a play-offs spot.”

NorthEast United have signed midfielder Rochharzela from Aizawl FC this season and coach Khalid Jamil heaped praise on the 21-year-old midfielder. He even suggested that the youngster is worthy enough to replace Redeem Tlang who left the club to join FC Goa.

“Rochharzela is a very good player. He was with me at Aizawl FC. I think he can be a good replacement for Redeem (Tlang).”

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has aired his regret at pushing so hard for the introduction of current Financial Fair Play regulations and is not convinced that a move towards MLS-style salary caps would work in Europe.

Restrictions on how much any given side can spend over the course of any given three-year window were implemented in a bid to stop teams from living beyond their means.

Loopholes have been found, though, with action – such as the two-year European ban Manchester City are currently contesting – often doing little to counter the problems which still exist.

Wenger concedes that the rich are getting richer and rivals who are forced to abide by the rules being left further and further behind – with the financial implications of the Covid-19 pandemic doing nobody any favours.

“I did fight a lot for Financial Fair Play,” Wenger, who was famed for his frugal approach to recruitment across 22 years at Arsenal, told The Athletic on the current state of football.

“What I regret is that when I did fight, teams were allowed to do what they wanted and these teams are in charge now in strong positions in the league.

“They are, of course, now supportive of financial fair play because it suits them. But they do not want anybody new to come in and be a threat. 

“Maybe we should open the door by being very cautious ethically. To create more flexibility in results, maybe we have to open the door or make sure everyone has the same resources.

“It is too predictable now. For example, in France, before the championship starts, everybody asks, ‘Who will be second?’”

Wenger believes solutions can be found which will help to level the playing field, but the Frenchman is not convinced that an American model can be followed – with salary caps used across major sports in the United States such as MLS, NBA and NFL.

 “Yes, I’m convinced UEFA is conscious of that,” Wenger added on what can be done.

“Although I am not completely convinced a salary cap works.

“People speak of salary caps in America but you have, in the same team, someone who makes $5 million and another who makes $50,000. That also doesn’t work.”

Wenger is FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, with the 70-year-old – who appears to have brought a distinguished coaching career to a close – in a position where he can impact the direction in which football heads from this point.

Former Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits winger Daine Klate has completed his Uefa B License with the Irish Football Association. 

The 35-year-old followed in the footsteps of Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar by advancing his coaching skills in Ireland. 

Klate has been working on his coaching badges since retiring from professional football about a year ago. 

And in May, he was handed his biggest coaching qualification to date - the Uefa B Diploma and he shared his latest success with his followers on social media. 

Klate previously revealed that the coronavirus pandemic disrupted his plans to acquire his Uefa A License and he would hope to go back and complete it once the situation gets better. 

The retired winger will return to SuperSport United to do practicals for his coaching badges after striking an agreement with club CEO Stanley Matthews. 

He started his professional at Matsatsantsa in 2004 before playing for the likes of Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits. 

Klate retired at the end of the 2018/19 season whilst on the books of Chippa United. 

He left the game as a player having played almost 350 professional matches - scoring 58 and recording a whopping 77 assists across all competitions. 

He joined the side's MDC team as their head coach until he was released from his contract mid-way through the 2019/20 season. 

Klate, one of the most successful players of his generation, will hope to return to the dugout as head coach in the near future - and realise his dream of imparting his knowledge to the younger generation of players in the South African football. 

The Port Elizabeth-born star won six league titles, three MTN8 and three Telkom Knockout Cup titles among other major trophies.

He enjoyed huge success at both SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates but it was at Wits where his sixth league medal would come as Gavin Hunt steered the Braamfontein-based side to a league and cup double during the 2016/17 PSL season.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed what David Luiz told him before Didier Drogba's iconic goal in the 2012 Champions League final.

Chelsea pulled off a stunning upset to knock out Barcelona in the semi-finals and set-up a meeting with Bayern, who conquered Real Madrid in a similarly dramatic last-four encounter.

The German giants were strong favourites heading into the final, which was held in their own backyard at the Allianz Arena.

Indeed, it was Bayern who dominated proceedings in terms of clear-cut chances, but Chelsea's resolute defence stood firm as the likes of Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller toiled to find a way through.

Petr Cech produced a man-of-the-match performance in the Blues' goal although he was powerless to stop the German giants from taking the lead with just seven minutes left to play.

Muller headed home a pinpoint Toni Kroos cross to send the home supporters into raptures and leave Bayern on the verge of a fifth European crown, but Chelsea were not to be denied.

Drogba powered an unstoppable header past Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after meeting a Frank Lampard corner in the 88th minute, which sent the match into extra time.

Chelsea held on for penalties and ended up winning 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Drogba also converting the winning kick, to secure the famous trophy for the first time in their history.

Schweinsteiger, who was left crestfallen with the rest of the Bayern squad after a dramatic encounter, says Luiz predicted his Chelsea team-mate Drogba would equalise when Lampard stepped up to swing in a late set-piece.

The ex-Bayern midfielder said during the Amazon documentary 'Schw31ns7eiger Memories - From Beginning to Legend': "David Luiz came into the box and said to me: 'And now: Goal!'"

Schweinsteiger went on to admit that Jupp Heynckes struggled to raise volunteers for the shoot-out, adding: “Almost all of them p*ssed off. They flocked away, raised their hands and said: 'I don't want to,' "

The former Germany international did step up to the mark himself but fluffed his lines from 12 yards and says he was unable to face the crowd after buckling under the intense pressure of the situation.

He said: "I didn't want to see the disappointed faces. You knew: Now you can't do better, it's over."

Cameroon international Gaelle Enganamouit has announced her retirement from football at the age of 28, Goal understands.

The striker has been without a club since she mutually parted ways in April 2019 with Spanish side Malaga, who she joined four months earlier after leaving Norwegian outfit Avaldsnes.

Despite her fitness worries, she made Cameroon's squad for the 2019 Women's World Cup but did not feature in any matches as the Indomitable Lionesses reached the Round of 16 in France.

Goal has learnt that the former Rosengard, Dalian Quanjian, Avaldsness and Malaga striker has decided to temporarily hang up her boots, with high hopes of bouncing back in the near future.

On Tuesday, Enganamouit made the low-key announcement as she marked her 28th birthday, having struggled to recover from a recurring anterior cruciate ligament injury.

In club football, Enganamouit is most well known for her time with Eskilstuna United DFF, for whom she made 41 appearances and scored 24 goals for the Swedish Damallsvenskan side in 2015.

Before arriving in Sweden, she shot into prominence on the global stage when she scored the fastest goal in women's football history in 2012, after just two seconds, for Spartak Subotica in Serbia.

On the international stage, the Lorema of Yaounde product starred in Cameroon's first Olympic Games in London 2012 and then their first Women's World Cup three years later in Canada.

She scored a hat-trick in the 6-0 group win over Ecuador to become the first African to score three in a Women's World Cup match during the 2015 edition, and capped that year by winning the Damallsvenskan top scorer award with 18 goals.

The African women's football legend also won the 2015 African Women's Player of the Year prize, and was nominated for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award in 2016.

Clubs can breathe a sigh of relief as the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has given them the green light to continue playing friendly matches in preparation for the league restart on June 13.

In a statement dated June 8, the federation had suspended all preparatory matches, until a meeting was held with clubs. Fans had entered the fields to cheer their respective teams without taking into consideration the guidelines given to curb the spread of Covid-19.

This meeting had since taken place and clubs are once again allowed to continue with their warm-up matches.

"Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has allowed friendly matches to be played but with permission from TFF to ensure all guidelines and measures to curb coronavirus are followed," read a statement signed by the federation's head of communications and obtained by Goal.

"The decision has been reached after sitting with Azam, KMC, Simba, Transit Camp and Yanga who engaged in a friendly match without following the guidelines and measures given by the Ministry of Health.

"From the meeting, all the clubs agreed to adhere to the guidelines and measures given, including employing Social Distancing Agents whose main job will be to ensure fans respect the social distancing rule."

The clubs involved have also shown remorse after failing to control the supporters who attended the matches.

"The clubs have requested to be pardoned following the situation witnessed in their friendly games regarding the supporters who attended. The teams will also sensitize the fans on the importance of adhering to the guidelines by respective authorities," the statement added.

"Simba will also not use their facility Mo Simba Arena to play their friendly matches since the facility is only fit for training sessions."

The new development gives the friendly match between Azam FC and KMC the green light to be played as scheduled on Wednesday.

The FA Cup champions played out a goalless draw with Trans Camp in their friendly played at Azam Complex in Chamazi on June 7. 

KMC will be playing their third friendly match - they defeated Yanga SC 3-0 before falling 3-1 to 20-time champions Simba. 

After almost three months, the Tanzania Mainland League resumes this weekend. Wekundu, who are on 71 points, need a maximum of five wins from the remaining 10 games to be crowned as champions.

Yanga and Azam are targeting the FA Cup to represent Tanzania in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has attributed his progress to his ability to listen to criticism from his coaches, friends and wife.

The Nigeria international has been in top form since teaming up with the King Power Stadium outfit in 2017 from Belgian side Genk.

Ndidi’s stock has risen very high in the Premier League and he is currently regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the English top-flight.

Reflecting on his success, the Super Eagle praised the people who surround him for their sincere criticism which has helped him to improve on his performances.

“My circle of friends is very small, and they are people who are straight in their assertions. Even at Leicester City, the players, the coaches, and the staff are straight with me,” Ndidi told the Super Eagles media team.

“That alone is like an encouragement to me; they make me understand life in general and how I am performing.

“Kudos also must go to my wife; she is always honest with me as it concerns my game, telling me the right things and I don’t joke with her criticisms because I know she wants me to be a better player and my boss at Leicester too.”

Ndidi has made 111 Premier League appearances since his arrival at King Power Stadium and this season he has played 29 times for the Foxes across all competitions.

The midfielder has consistently ranked among the top three best tacklers in the Premier League and currently ranks third on the list, behind his teammate Ricardo Pereira and Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

His solid performances ensured Leicester’s current third position on the league table, behind leaders Liverpool and Manchester City.

Ndidi has also been in excellent form for the Super Eagles and in 2019, he played a key role as Nigeria clinched their eighth bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The 23-year-old was also one of the standout players as Nigeria defeated the Republic of Benin and Lesotho in their 2021 Afcon qualifying games, which saw them sit atop Group L with six points.

He was part of Gernot Rohr’s team scheduled to face Sierra Leone in their third qualifying game before the match was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The combative midfielder has made 36 appearances for the three-time African champions since making his debut against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2015.

Ndidi will hope to continue his solid defensive displays for Leicester when the Premier League resumes on June 17. 

Former Harambee Stars midfielder Crispin Ochieng' Olando is being detained in the United States for allegedly breaching immigration rules.

The 32-year-old former international was arrested on March 18 and taken to the Jackson Parish Correctional Centre where he was detained. The Kenyan was booked because he was not in possession of the necessary immigration documents and was not granted a bond.

After moving to the US in 2013 in search of greener pastures, Olando managed to secure trials with Houston Dynamo and Vancouver Whitecaps but failed to convince their technical benches to sign him.

He resorted to playing in the lower tiers of domestic football in the country before eventually retiring and settling with his family.

While in Kenya, the midfielder turned out for then-Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Thika United before joining Tusker FC.

At the Ruaraka-based side, Olando won back-to-back league titles in the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

In 2011, Tusker managed to collect 58 points from the 30 matches played, one more than Ulinzi Stars who finished in the second position. Sofapaka finished third after managing just 52 points.

Olando was at it again the following year, helping the Brewers win their 11th league title. Under Robert Matano, the team once again managed to beat their rivals on the final day, finishing with 60 points ahead of favourites Gor Mahia who had 59.

AFC Leopards finished third with 57 points; while Tusker played in Caf Champions League, K'Ogalo won the FKF Shield Cup and played in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Olando was among the players who were dropped after the conclusion of the 2012 season. Others were Dennis Mukaisi, Andrew Murunga, Isaac Otieno, Allan Kateregga, David Nyanzi, Charles Odette, Joseph Emeka and Fredrick Ajwang. 

The club stated later on that Olando was dropped owing to his struggles on the pitch, after sustaining a metatarsal injury in April that year.

Other reports indicated the player refused to extend his contract at the club which was to expire in December that year.

Olando was reportedly targeting a move from the club at the end of the 2012 campaign and the Brewers were keen on tying him down with a new contract.

It is for that reason the Brewers opted to release him.

RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano has been told he will be sold when the transfer window reopens unless he commits to a new contract, as rumours linking him with Arsenal and Bayern Munich continue to swirl.

Upamecano has developed into one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe since joining Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2017.

The 21-year-old has impressed consistently at the heart of the defence, although his form has tailed off since the Bundesliga season restarted and he was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Paderborn last Saturday.

Upamecano, whose current contract runs until June 2021, has a release clause of €60 million (£54m/$68m) that will expire at the end of this month.

Arsenal reportedly saw a bid for Upamecano turned down before the start of the 2019-20 campaign and are expected to revive their interest this summer, while Bayern have also been tipped to submit an offer of their own.

Leipzig sporting director Oliver Mintzlaff has made it clear that the Frenchman will not be allowed to leave on a free transfer in 2021, while suggesting the club could cash in on a prized asset at the end of the season.

"'Upa' is an extremely important player for us and one of the most sought-after talents in Europe," Mintzlaff told Bild.

"And we can assure that we have a clear understanding with him and his agent he won't leave us on a free. We can't afford that as a club.

"There are only two options: prolong or leave. I am sure we'll soon find out in which direction it's going."

Upamecano will be missing from Julian Nagelsmann's squad when Leipzig take in a trip to Hoffenheim on Friday as he serves a suspension following the red card received last time out.

The Saxony-based outfit are sitting third in the Bundesliga table after 30 fixtures and must get back to winning ways to stay ahead of their rivals in the race for a top-four finish.

Leipzig, whose stalemate against Paderborn saw their title aspirations slip away, are only three points ahead of fourth and fifth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen with four matches left to play.

Marco Silva claims to be unaware of whether any bid from Barcelona for Richarlison was received during his spell as Everton boss, but he is tipping the Brazilian to reach the very top of the game.

The Toffees spent big luring a South American forward away from Watford in the summer of 2018.

That deal, which saw Silva reunited with a player he had previously worked with at Vicarage Road, could end up being worth as much as £50 million ($63m).

Richarlison has justified the faith shown in him at Goodison Park, with 26 goals recorded through 69 appearances – landing him a new contract in the process.

He has also become a senior international with his country, earning 19 caps, with his rise to prominence said to have caught the eye of those at Camp Nou.

Talk of a big-money offer being tabled circulated at one stage, with a talented 23-year-old said to have become a top target for the Liga champions.  

“I don’t know if it was true or not, you know how it is with rumours in football,” Silva told Sky Sports when quizzed on the Barca links.

“When the market is coming, then you start to see the names of clubs for your best players. I don’t know if it was true or not but what I do know is that when I was in charge of the player he was always really focused on Everton Football Club in that period, and he is the same now.

“If big clubs come for him in the future it will not distract him because he likes the club and the way everyone welcomed him.”

While reluctant to speculate on what happened in the past, Silva admits that Richarlison is an exciting talent in the present and hot prospect for the future – with the potential there for him to earn further interest from European heavyweights.

“He has to prove his quality and keep improving,” added Silva, who left his role with Everton in December 2019.

“I did everything to get him to the Premier League when he was in Brazil, to come to Watford. I was not sure that he would make an impact so fast but I was sure about his skills.

“What he gets now depends on himself because with his skills, being so young, he has already been in the national team of Brazil with the quality that they have, for them to choose him is a fantastic step.

“He needs to keep working hard at Everton and achieve important things. Everton won’t be thinking of selling him and it will be difficult for a club if they want to buy a player like Richarlison.”

West Ham United manager David Moyes has described Jeremy Ngakia’s decision to leave the club as a "kick in the teeth".

Ngakia, who rose through the ranks at West Ham, was handed his first-team debut in January against Liverpool, and he made three more Premier League appearances before the league was suspended in March due to the coronavirus lockdown.

He joined the Hammers at the age of 14 and he is set to seek a new adventure when his contract expires on June 30, after rejecting a new offer which is reportedly worth £5,000-a-week.

Moyes said he is disappointed by the 19-year-old’s decision to leave and also confirmed ongoing talks with the teenager to stay until the end of the 2019-20 season.

“We are really surprised and disappointed that Jeremy is not going to stay at West Ham,” Moyes told Standard Sport.

“We like him a lot, we’ve given him his debut and I’m a manager who has done that many times in my career, including Wayne Rooney, Ross Barkley, Jordan Pickford and others.

“Jeremy is another one and I feel he is making a mistake choosing not to stay with us. We’ve trusted him in big games and everyone likes him at the club.

“I also feel it’s a kick in the teeth for the academy, because they have developed a player for the first team and he’s not going to stay. We’re also really disappointed with his decision not to stay beyond June 30.

"I don’t agree with that and I also think it’s something the Premier League should not allow to happen, because it means the season is not starting and finishing in the same way.

“There’s nothing we can do about that, though, and we are still working with him. We like him, we want him to feel he’s been given the best service we can give and maybe there’s still a little hope that we can change his mind.

“We haven’t given up all hope of Jeremy realising he has got it wrong, but I have to say he has told me directly that it is not his choice to stay.”

West Ham United are 16th on the Premier League table but they find themselves struggling against relegation, level on 27 points with 18th-placed Bournemouth after 29 games.

Bayern Munich can afford to sign Leroy Sane and Kai Havertz in the same transfer window and should be considering raids on Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen, claims Lothar Matthaus.

The Bundesliga giants are forever in the market for the best domestic talent, and two more Germany internationals are registering on their radar.

Efforts to lure Sane away from the Etihad Stadium were made in 2019, prior to a serious knee injury forcing the tricky winger onto the sidelines.

Interest has been retained there and the next window could be the one in which a long-standing target is finally acquired by those at the Allianz Arena.

Havertz could be another that comes into Bayern’s thinking, with the 20-year-old seeing his stock rise considerably, and Matthaus believes those in Munich should be speculating to accumulate.

The Bayern legend told Sky Deutschland on the need for ambition and long-term vision to be shown: “Leroy Sane and Kai Havertz may make this team better. But you only know that when they are there. Of course there is no doubt that both are outstanding and that Bayern Munich would certainly not get weaker, on the contrary.

“Bayern could economically handle both transfers and buy Sane and Havertz at the same time.

“Before a big change, though, every top player asks himself the question: Where can I be almost sure to play if I perform? The Leverkusen player [Havertz], who is sure to be hunted by the vast majority of clubs, should in my eyes have the character and quality to assert himself at Real, Barcelona, ​​Juventus or the top English clubs.

“A change may be more apparent at a club like Real. [Toni] Kroos and [Luka] Modric will no longer establish an era there.

“Havertz has made a very good impression on me and that, paired with insane talent, means he has what it takes to show his class abroad. But of course Bayern will also be a factor.

“It could also be an option to agree on the season after next, with Bayern allowing him to stay in Leverkusen for another year – especially if they qualify for the Champions League. 

“Then Thomas Muller will be a year-and-a-half older and the prospects for Kai are even better than they are already. He will certainly cost at least 80 million, and only because of the current crisis. Otherwise we would be talking about a three-figure amount.

“Bayern must and will strengthen with top players. I assume that [Corentin] Tolisso may have the desire to change clubs in order to get more appearances, because he currently cannot get past [Joshua] Kimmich, [Leon] Goretzka, Thiago and [Thomas] Muller. [Javi] Martinez doesn't matter anymore either, and [Philippe] Coutinho won't play at Bayern next season. That means transfer income and salary savings.

“That's why I think FCB could buy Sane and Havertz. Whether they do this or wait for the situation with the coronavirus to be over is open to debate.”

Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Bradley Carnell said he is happy in the United States of America as he is part of the New York Red Bulls bench, and suggested he would stay as long as he is needed.

Although he is still taking his coaching career step by step, Carnell would like to ply his trade and further his career in Europe whenever an opportunity avails itself.

On the other hand, the former Bidvest Wits and Kaizer Chiefs defender is also open to a move back to his homeland, South Africa.

"It is all about building blocks and baby steps. How long am I intending to stay in the US? I don’t know. As long as I’m needed here, I’ll give everything here,” Carnell told IOL.

“If I have an opportunity to go back to Europe or do something else, wherever the profession is calling me... I’m always ready for it. I’m really happy here.

“We have good people and a good organization. It is really high quality every day. It is just about getting better, helping the team, and making sure that I’m also getting better.

“I want to hone my craft and get into step, where I’m coaching at a higher level...Getting back to Europe is a big goal of mine. But right now I’m really happy and giving my all for the Red Bulls.”

Having spent more than a decade in the Bundesliga with VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Mönchengladbach, he still harbours ambitions of a possible return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL). 

“Obviously, in the future, yes, I’ll consider a move to South Africa,” he added.

“That’s my heritage and that’s my roots. Right now, I feel that I have unfinished business in the market here in MLS, or even in Europe.

“We don’t know, maybe in a couple of years but we’ll see how it goes. There are always ongoing contract negotiations. My deal comes up in December. We will see where that takes us.

“There were one or two things back in Europe in late November for a couple of teams and those didn’t transpire. As I said, I’m very happy at this current moment.”

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) has now confessed it would be a big challenge to play the remaining matches in the 2019-20 season.

The KPL has been advocating for the top-flight to be played to the end despite the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) moving to end the season and declare Gor Mahia champions while promoting Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United, owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

On two occasions, the KPL's plans to issue a stand on the league have been jolted by the extension of the nationwide curfew, with the latest being on Saturday when Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed the ban on all sporting activities and social gatherings will remain in force for another 30 days.

The move by Kenyatta came just a day after the KPL had issued a statement signed by CEO Jack Oguda, in which it was said the Governing Council will meet in the course of this week to make a decision on the league because they had high hopes the previous curfew would be abolished with sporting activities allowed to resume.

Owing to the move by President Kenyatta, Oguda has now confessed they are running out of time to have the season concluded.

“It is going to be a huge challenge now,” Oguda told Goal on Tuesday. “I don’t want to talk more but will let the Governing Council make the decision but as it stands, it will be a huge task.”

Asked on when the Governing Council will meet to decide the fate of the league, Oguda explained: “I am not sure, but I will reach out to my chairman today [Tuesday] and discuss on the matter, he will be in a position to confirm the availability of other members so that they can meet and make a decision.”

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack and AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda were among the officials who called on the KPL to make a final decision on the league after the curfew was extended for another 30 days.

The British coach called for the KPL to give Gor Mahia the title or nullify the league while Shikanda wanted the KPL to annul the season and allow teams to focus on the new season set to kick-off in August.

At the time the league was suspended, Gor Mahia were leading the 17-team league table on 54 points, seven more than second-placed Kakamega Homeboyz, who had a game in hand.