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Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa has claimed the elimination of some traditional 'big' teams from the European Championship provides hope to other countries.

Mwendwa stated the surprise that came with the elimination of France, Portugal and Germany mean that even countries that are often viewed as outsiders in major tournaments can draw hope from those results.

"Euro has shown why football is for every nation. You have seen how big teams have been eliminated and that means football is no longer a game for the elite nations. France, Portugal and Germany have all been eliminated and how many thought that was even possible?" Mwendwa told Standard Digital.

"The teams that we thought were big have been eliminated and the football unpredictability is the reason why we love it. It gives everyone hope."

Spain progressed to the semi-finals after needing penalties to beat Switzerland while Italy, who have won all four of their prior matches at Euro 2020, eliminated Belgium in the second quarter-final.

In the third quarter-final on Saturday, the Czech Republic and Denmark will clash in what is their third meeting in the European Championship – the Czechs won both previous games, 2-0 in the Euro 2000 group stage and 3-0 in the 2004 quarter-final.

England, who are only the second side in European Championship history not to concede in any of their first four games of an edition of the tournament after Germany in 2016, will play Ukraine in Rome in Saturday's second game.

Fan attendance has been restricted since the coronavirus pandemic hit the world and Mwendwa has pointed out how central the supporters are to football.

"Football is a game of fans and I was a football fan before I became anything else. I was reading a piece about why Japan have to host the Olympics this summer. They will be whitewashed in terms of viewership if they host the games in the same year as the World Cup," he continued.

"The World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the globe and, at the centre of its attractiveness, are the fans, and that is why the Olympics did not want to clash with the event scheduled for next year in Qatar."

Kenya is among the countries that are yet to allow fan attendance but Mwendwa is hopeful things will return to normalcy in the near future.

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tefu Mashamaite has credited Reneilwe Letsholonyane’s clean lifestyle as the reason why his former teammate was able to have a long career as a player.

Letsholonyane hinted at hanging up his boots on Thursday at the age of 39, after a professional career spanning 15 years.

He is currently clubless after leaving TS Galaxy and Mashamaite paid tribute to his former teammate, having been in the same squad at both Chiefs and SuperSport United.

“We were a bit close but I can’t say we were friends. I played with him at SuperSport and at Chiefs and we chat now and then, we are still in touch,” Mashamaite told Phakaaathi.

“The relationship was really good, he is someone who was professional and dedicated and he respected his craft. I am not surprised that he has played for all these years, he is one of the few who can boast to have played in the Fifa World Cup.

"He is a very reserved man and he is a leader who leads by example instead of giving out instructions.

“For him, it was a matter of priorities, he knew what he wanted and we could see that in his dedication. He does not drink and he does not smoke and the kind of lifestyle you live helps you in prolonging your career.

“I remember when we were still at Chiefs and even SuperSport, we used to challenge each other without really saying much.

“If you are in a big team like Chiefs you need to up your game and he was always one of those players who always pushed himself and the rest of us and it was always good because the rest of the players had to push to come up to his level.”

Letsholonyane saw limited game time at TS Galaxy last season, making just 11 Premier Soccer League appearances and scoring no goals or contributing any assists.

He has started working on his coaching badges and is close to completing a Scottish Uefa B license.

He also plans to obtain Safa and Caf coaching qualifications by the end of the year.

Kaizer Chiefs are interested in the signing of Bafana Bafana midfielder Sipho Mbule, but an approach may not be entertained by SuperSport United.

The 23-year-old midfielder was consistent for Matsatsantsa in the concluded season, scoring four goals and providing seven assists in the 25 PSL matches he took part in. It is for this reason Amakhosi have shown interest in the South Africa international.

"Yes, there is. Yes, there is interest in Mbule," Mike Makaab, who is Mbule's agent answered the question of Chiefs' interest, as quoted by iDiskiTimes. 

"But again, we have not had formal discussions with any football club in South Africa, purely because, and I have said this before, out of respect to SuperSport United."

The agent went on to rubbish rumours that the player has already signed a pre-contract with champions Mamelodi Sundowns stating it will be a lack of respect for his current team.

He further revealed he is aiming at securing a deal for the midfielder abroad.

"Yeah, [SuperSport CEO Stan Matthews] is absolutely correct. There is no truth in the matter that he signed the contract with Sundowns.

"He is contracted to SuperSport United on a long-term contract. And whilst there is a lot of interest in the player locally, we’re also looking at opportunities for him abroad. 

"We have to respect the fact that he is a SuperSport player, and we want him to focus his energies on the upcoming Olympics. It’s important for him."

Recently, SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo opened up on the continuous talk of Chiefs being interested in Mbule.  

He's already in his fourth season in the top-flight and has 85 games under his belt. For months now there has been talk that he's on Chiefs' wanted list, and that he may be signed as soon as Amakhosi's transfer ban ends. 

Tembo sees it as complimentary when any of his players are linked to some of South Africa's biggest clubs such as Chiefs, although he is also concerned about the potential distraction.  

"It has always been the case with our team whereby most of our players are always targeted in terms of other teams wanting them," Tembo told the Citizen.  

"It also shows the quality that we have if most of the clubs are always looking to get players from, at the same time it is also difficult for the young players because that can also destabilize them and derail their progress because if you hear about big teams being mentioned alongside your name, it might also destract him, on the primary thing, which is playing football."

Ugandan international Uche Ikpeazu has penned an emotional message to Wycombe Wanderers after sealing his transfer to Middlesbrough on Friday.

The 26-year-old was unveiled as a Boro player after completing the formalities of his move ahead of the start of pre-season training after his new team agreed a deal with Wycombe for his services.

But in a message to his former club on his Instagram page, Ikpeazu said: “I didn’t expect to be saying bye so soon but sometimes in life opportunities come you just can’t turn down.

“I just want to say a big thank you to Wycombe Wanderers FC. I appreciate the opportunity you gave me! People say Wycombe is such a unique club and so I wondered what it would be like to play for them.

“I now understand why and feel really blessed and privileged to have been a part of such a special club.”

The player continued: “I also want to thank all the staff and everyone connected to the club, especially The Gaffer, Gareth Ainsworth, who has played an integral part in my development on and off the field! The amount of faith he has shown in me, bringing me to the Championship, and having the belief in me throughout is something I’ll never forget.

“Last but not least, I would like to thank my teammates who have played a key role in my progress both as a footballer and person in such a short space of time. I’m grateful for every single one of you and you are genuinely the best group of people I have shared a dressing room with.

“I wish the club the very best for the future and I will be watching and praying they get back to where they belong! You’ve gained a fan in me. Thank you.”

The player has also talked about his move to Boro by stating: “I’m absolutely delighted to have joined @theboroofficial a massive club with big ambitions and I’m now relishing the challenge to help us achieve something special this season.

“Let’s get to work.”

Ikpeazu scored against Middlesbrough at Adams Park last season with a terrific strike and he was Wycombe’s leading goalscorer in a campaign that ultimately saw them relegated from the Championship on the final day of the season, their fate sealed, ironically, at the Riverside.

The striker was a product of Reading’s Academy before he went on to join Watford. Loan spells with Crewe, Doncaster, Port Vale, and Blackpool all followed before a two-season spell at Cambridge produced 22 goals in 80 appearances.

He went on to be a runner-up in the Scottish Cup during a spell in the SPL with Hearts before returning south of the border at the start of last season when he signed for newly promoted Wycombe.

Last October, the then-Uganda coach Johnathan McKinstry named Ikpeazu in the provisional squad to face South Sudan in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match but he could not make his debut as the match was postponed.

Victor Moses celebrated his transfer move to Spartak Moscow by scoring a goal as his side settled for a 2-2 draw against Slovenian PrvaLiga side NK Bravo at Landskron Stadium on Friday.

The 30-year-old penned a two-year contract with the People's Team on Friday to end a nine-year stay with Chelsea after the club triggered a clause that allows them to sign him permanently following their qualification for next season's Champions League.

And immediately after making his move permanent, the former Super Eagle was in fine form for the Moscow side as he played for 72nd minutes in his first start this season and after they had gone down 1-0 courtesy of Miha Kancilija's opener, he leveled matters at the stroke of half-time with a well-taken volley.

On July 5, on the last day of the training camp in Austria, Spartak will play with Croatian Šibenik.

Last term, the former Liverpool midfielder helped Spartak finish second in the Russian top-flight with his contribution of four goals and two assists in 19 league matches.

His 82nd-minute strike earned Spartak a 2-2 draw against Akhmat Grozny in the final Premier League match of the season and eventually sealed their second spot on the table, and a return to the elite European competition next season.

Friday’s deal brought an end to Moses’ nine-year spell at Chelsea, after he joined the Blues from Wigan Athletic in 2012.

During his stint at Stamford Bridge, the former Nigeria international was loaned out six times with spells at Liverpool, Stoke City, West Ham United, Fenerbahce, Inter Milan, and Spartak Moscow.

He also won several laurels at Chelsea including two Europa League titles, the FA Cup, and the Premier League crown.

Across his different spells in the Premier League, the 30-year-old played in 220 matches and scored 20 goals.

Moses' last match for Chelsea came in the 2018-19 season, when he appeared as a second-half substitute in a 3-1 Europa League win over BATE Borisov.

Moses' last game in the Premier League was in the Hammers' 2-1 defeat to Stoke back in May 2016, with the winger then taking the decision to move to Turkey and join Fenerbahce, where he remained for two seasons.

Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure has lauded his former coach Roberto Mancini for guiding Italy to the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

On Friday night, the Azzurri advanced to the last four with an excellent 2-1 victory over Belgium, in a game full of opportunities. 

Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne got on the scoresheet for Italy, both producing superb finishes to fire their team into a 2-0 ahead, but Romelu Lukaku pulled one back just before the break from the penalty spot. 

The Red Devils then pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the second period, with Lukaku going the closest, but his effort was brilliantly blocked on the line by Leonardo Spinazzola. The Italian defence then used all of their experience to stand firm and hold on for the win.

"Have you all enjoyed the game? Well, I have very much!" Toure, who played for the tactician at Manchester City, posted on social media.

"Congrats Roberto Mancini on reaching the semi-finals with five straight wins! What an incredible manager, leading Italy to one of the winning contenders of Euro 2020! Mancini, what a man, what a coach!

"Italy progress to the semi-finals of Euro 2020." 

The Mancini-led charges will now play Spain in the semis. The latter advanced after eliminating Switzerland 3-1 on penalties. The two teams had played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Nigeria legend Tijani Babangida has lauded coach Louis van Gaal for the influence he had in his game.

The two worked together at Ajax after the former Super Eagle joined them in 1996 and was part of the squad that won the 1997/98 Eredivisie title. He left after making 77 appearances for the Dutch side, scoring 20 goals in the process.

"Louis van Gaal is a very principled manager. He never hides his feelings no matter the situation," Babangida said as quoted by TribalFootball . 

"He is my best coach. He discovered me and brought me to Ajax. He is one of the toughest coaches in the world. A completely blunt coach. He would look into your eyes and tell you what he thinks about you without pretense. He would tell you in training what he wants you to do.

"I learned so many things about football under him. I grew rapidly under his tutelage and he will always remain my mentor and my best coach."

The now 47-year-old tasted European football first at the age of 17. After impressing in the 1991 All-Africa Games, Roda JC went for his signature but he was loaned to VVV Venlo where he scored 19 goals in 34 matches.

His parent club re-called him and the Nigerian played 78 matches, scoring 26 goals and that is when the Van Gaal-led Ajax came for his services.

Meanwhile, former Nigeria internationals Ike Shorunmu and Garba Lawal have advised the Super Eagles to believe in themselves and give their best against Mexico on Sunday.

The Super Eagles squad is dominated by players from the Nigeria Professional Football League due to the unavailability of Gernot Rohr’s regular squad of players, who are preparing for their clubs' pre-season. 

Their last five meetings have ended in three draws and two wins for the North American giants.

Ahead of the friendly fixture at the Los Angeles Coliseum, former goalkeeper Shorunmu encouraged the NPFL players to display their abilities and prove themselves in front of a wider audience.

"One thing I want us to do is that we should believe in our own," Shorunmu told  Goal .

"I'm sure the players will not want to disappoint themselves if we show belief in them. The game is an opportunity for them to show their abilities because people have been clamouring for our home-based professionals. I hope they will give their best."

SuperSport United midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s agent Glyn Binkin has confirmed “a lot of interest” in the player but says his “primary ambition” is going overseas.

Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly interested in the Bafana Bafana star as they now resume transfer business after serving a Fifa transfer ban.

SuperSport’s Tshwane rivals Mamelodi Sundowns are also said to be in the race for Mokoena’s signature.

“His primary ambition is to go overseas,” Binkin told Phakaaathi.

“There has been a lot of interest locally and we have spoken to SuperSport, there is nice interest [in SA], but at the end of the day, his ambition is to play abroad. It is more and more difficult [for an SA player to move abroad].

“But I think SuperSport are the type of club who would prefer it if he can go abroad, even for less money. The likelihood is that they would get more money locally, because he is an unknown quantity in Europe and would have to prove himself.”

What could make Mokoena opt for Chiefs is the Stuart Baxter factor after the Englishman handed the midfielder his Premier Soccer League debut.

Mokoena was a 19-year-old when then-SuperSport United coach Baxter promoted him from the reserve side to make his debut in a 4-1 win over Highlands Park in October 2016.

Since that season, Mokoena has been clocking more than 20 league games per season, with his highest being 29 during the 2019/20 campaign.

This has seen him breaking into the Bafana Bafana squad and joining a big team would likely help him cement his place at Bafana.

Mokoena is also set to participate at the Olympic Games in Japan later this month.

A move from Matsatsantsa would be the first time for Mokoena to play his club football away from SuperSport from where he rose through the junior ranks. 

Also linked with Chiefs and Sundowns is Mokoena’s teammate Sipho Mbule. 

The two have formed a formidable partnership in midfield in what appears to have enticed their suitors. 

Gareth Southgate believes England will benefit from not playing their Euro 2020 quarter-final match against Ukraine at Wembley.

The Three Lions will meet Andriy Shevchenko's team at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome to fight for a semi-final place on Saturday.

The match comes a matter of days after England beat Germany 2-0 at Wembley, where the semi-finals and final will all be played.

What has been said?

The tie against Ukraine will be the only game that Southgate's men will play away from their home stadium in the tournament although he doesn't think that will hamper his side.

"I think there was clearly a big emotional toll from the game [against Germany] and everybody enjoyed the day but, even in the dressing room afterwards, the players were already talking about the next game and the need to prepare well," he told reporters.

"So we have shifted the mindset quickly on to that next challenge. We've achieved one challenge but that's not the Everest we set ourselves, really. We want to push on from where we've got to now.

"I think the psychological freshness is key. We've obviously got a strong squad as well. It's actually, for us, probably a good thing to be going away now. It would've been very hard, three days later, to replicate that experience at Wembley.

"So now we've got a different sort of test. We've got to go away from home, play a good team, without many English fans in the stadium, so it's all about our group, it's all about our team and what we do, and the energy and focus that we create."

Southgate warns of Ukraine danger

Ukraine finished third in Group C behind Netherlands and Austria to reach the knockout rounds of Euro 2020.

Shevchenko's team beat Sweden after extra-time in the last 16 to set up a tie with the Three Lions and Southgate believes they will pose a real threat if his side are not careful.

"Ukraine are a good side. I've been really impressed with what Andriy's done with them," he said.

"They had a couple of sticky results through the autumn, through the Nations League, but they've bounced back, and they got a very good result in France, in the World Cup qualifiers and again this week against Sweden.

"If we give them space to play, they'll play, and they've got some dangerous forwards."

Who will England or Ukraine meet in the next round?

The winner of the match in Rome will go on to face either Denmark or Czech Republic in the last four of the tournament.

Those two sides meet in Baku before England's clash with Ukraine kicks off.

Further reading

After the emotional high of dispatching old foe Germany at Wembley, England must refocus themselves on a very different prospect—a first trip away from London in the tournament, and a clash with Ukraine.

Andriy Shevchenko’s side are a much less ominous prospect than Germany on paper, but after dispatching Sweden in the Last 16 and pushing the Netherlands close in the group stage, they won’t fear Gareth Southgate’s heroes.

England vs Ukraine: Team News

Southgate will have a difficult decision to make ahead of this one; does he stick with the victorious side that ousted Germany, or shuffle his pack ahead of the potential challenges to come?

Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice, both influential in midfield, are each on a booking, and could be rested for Jordan Henderson in order to preserve them for the semi-final.

He will have a big decision to make regarding Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell, both now available once again following their coronavirus-enforced suspensions, and the former may be drafted back into the side after his lively performances in the opening games of the tournament.

Bukayo Saka was handed an unlikely start against Germany but faded as the match wore on, while Jack Grealish—so impressive off the bench—could be a contender for a starting berth.

Ukraine will be without Artem Besedin, who faces a long spell on the sidelines after being injured by Marcus Danielson in the previous match, while Denys Popov is absent through injury.

Oleksandr Zubkov could be back in action following a thigh problem.

Witness the journey to the crowning of Euro 2020 champions. Never miss a moment. Stream live on Showmax Pro. Go to Showmax.com today.

England vs Ukraine: Key facts & stats

Only once before—Germany five years ago—has a side ever kept clean sheets in each of their first four tournament matches, and England could equal a record set by Italy at Italia 1990 (five consecutive clean sheets at a major tournament) if they keep Ukraine out.

Worryingly, however, they have a tendency not to get the job done in quarter-finals; all of their appearances at this stage to date went to penalty shootouts.

While they defeated Spain from the spot on home soil at Euro ’96, they were undone by Portugal eight years later, and Italy in Kiev.

Only once have the two sides met before at a major tournament—with England winning 1-0 at Euro 2012—while England have lost just one of their previous seven meetings against the Eastern European side.

Catch every second, every tackle, and every defining save of the Euro 2020 games. Stream live on Showmax Pro. Sign up Showmax.com today.

England vs Ukraine:  Predictions

Buoyed by the euphoria of their triumph against Germany, England will be riding high and confident of seeing off Ukraine in Rome.

Southgate has a plethora of attacking options at his disposal, while defensively, the Three Lions have the kind of set-up and organisation that will be the envy of many of the other sides still standing in the tournament.

Ukraine, arguably the weakest of the eight quarter-finalists, will not be pushovers, but they conceded three times against a flawed side, and have their work cut out to secure a result.

Prediction: England 2-0 Ukraine

Live stream world-class sport with Showmax Pro, including every spectacular tackle and save of the Euro 2020 games. Sign up at Showmax.com.

After a chequered debut season at Chelsea, you wouldn’t blame Hakim Ziyech for considering his future at Stamford Bridge.

Brought in to enhance the Blues’ final-third creativity amid a summer of talent acquisition under Frank Lampard last year, a whole lot was expected from the Morocco superstar.

Having witnessed his impressive, intelligent displays for Ajax in the Champions League, supporters of the club had even more reason to be excited.

To say it hasn’t quite gone according to plan will be underplaying the disappointment. However, the same could be said for Kai Havertz and Timo Werner to varying degrees, who endured mixed debut seasons in England.

Regardless, Ziyech seems to be on his way out, while the aforementioned pair will have another year or more to prove their worth in English football.

Interest from AC Milan seems to be growing and it’s pretty easy to see why due to Hakan Calhanoglu’s departure to rivals Inter Milan.

"Milan are looking for an offensive midfielder to replace Calhanoglu, and Ziyech is certainly one of the favorite options for Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara," said Goal Italy's Simone Gambino. "They were monitoring his situation with Chelsea even before Calhanoglu’s choice to join Inter and refuse the Milan offer...and he is now one of the dream targets for this transfer window.

"They appreciate Ziyech's ability to play in several positions, and he could be a target for the No. 10 position but also to play as winger, on the right flank in their 4-2-3-1 scheme."

The Turkey international couldn’t agree to a new deal with the Rossoneri, and they now have to seek a replacement for the departing 27-year-old, who was a vital component in their return to the Champions League.

Even though he receives criticism for blowing hot and cold, the Turk was central to Stefano Pioli’s attacking set-up and was, by and large, the team’s top creator in 2020/21.

No player on the Milan roster got more than Calhanoglu’s nine assists, with Rafael Leao closest to the former Bayer Leverkusen playmaker.

He fashioned out the highest volume of big chances (10) and led the way for key passes per 90 (3.45 p/90), significantly clear of Ante Rebic’s average—1.73 key passes p/90.

In truth, the outgoing playmaker’s numbers are skewed by being on set-piece duty but his contribution to the team’s broader approach shouldn’t be diminished whatsoever. Calhanoglu was involved in 5.99 shot-creating actions per 90 in Serie A last term, unsurprisingly clear of every player that featured significantly under Pioli.

When set-pieces are excluded, this gap between first and second is reduced, but the Turk still ranked higher than his Milan teammates.

Ostensibly, Ziyech will be replacing Calhanoglu’s creativity, but his addition requires the necessary nuance.

Admittedly, the Morocco superstar packs a punch when in full flow, which was witnessed intermittently in 2020/21.

After missing out on Chelsea’s Premier League start, the North African returned to enhance the West Londoners’ quality in the attacking third as Havertz and Werner struggled for form and fitness.

His performances against Krasnodar, Burnley and Sheffield United on the continent and domestically offered supporters a glimpse into the damage he could do, and it appeared the PL were to be beneficiaries of his undoubted talent.

However, a hip injury sustained in early December curtailed his progress and the ex-Ajax man was absent for the remainder of 2020.

Ziyech returned to a side in turmoil as Lampard’s reign degenerated into chaos with on-field performances unrecognisable. In a sense, the Moroccan’s performances never recovered as he struggled to hit the heights of an impressive spell in the autumn.

Despite coming up trumps in some big games under Thomas Tuchel, he was nothing more than a rotational option under the German and was strangely played out of position at times.

Notwithstanding, no player bettered the 28-year-old’s 5.38 shot-creating actions per 90 and only Callum Hudson-Odoi marginally outdid the playmaker for in-play moves leading to shots. 2.62 key passes p/90 was only outshined by Hudson-Odoi (2.63) and Mason Mount (2.80), with the latter’s set-pieces possibly skewing the comparison in his favour.

It's by no means a done deal that Ziyech will depart, with Goal's Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella giving his opinion on any potential move.

"Milan's interest is to take him on loan which I find highly speculative with only a very high loan fee or obligation to buy likely to tip the deal in their favour," he began. "Amid their interest in Ziyech, they also want [Olivier] Giroud and [Tiemoue] Bakayoko, having also signed [Fikayo] Tomori.

"I don't think he will leave in the summer as Chelsea's wish will be to earn as much of the £33 million fee that they paid for him back through a sale. That's highly unlikely looking at the financial efforts of Covid."

Without question, Ziyech’s creativity and open-play contribution indicate Milan’s Calhanoglu loss won’t be damaging. However, could the team’s overall balance suffer?

The Turkey international mostly played in the hole — and sometimes as a wide playmaker down the left — but Ziyech’s time at Ajax and Chelsea have demonstrated how he fares better as a wide playmaker on the right flank.

Of course, the immediate reaction to posit the African simply taking up the creativity burden down his preferred side is the obvious suggestion, still, it potentially impacts the balance of Pioli’s team.

Alexis Saelemaekers and Samu Castillejo played down the right flank last season and their defensive shift was noticeable. The Belgian and Spaniard ranked highest for pressures per 90, whereas Calhanoglu didn’t press as intensely as the pair — 23.3, 25.0 and 13.8 pressures per 90 respectively.

Ziyech received excessive stick for his seemingly lethargic approach by Chelsea supporters and while he harried the opposition far more than Calhanoglu, his 17.2 pressures p/90 still falls short by a distance.

Saelemaekers and Castillejo are mostly unsuited to playing on the opposite flank, which immediately raises questions about the team’s overall balance if Milan sign the Moroccan.

All three are also more willing ball carriers than the ex-Ajax man, indicating how Pioli’s team may attack differently if they tempt the playmaker away from Chelsea.

Gambino believes that other transfer targets could be better fits for Milan.

"Keep in mind that Milan are following many offensive midfielders," he continued. "James Rodriguez is the hottest name at the moment, while that they are close to a deal with Real Madrid for Brahim Diaz's return and they could consider to make some investments for a striker and a right winger too.

"He could be an option if Chelsea would be open to a loan deal with option to buy, maybe also in the final days of this transfer window."

While there are obvious benefits of having Ziyech at Milanello if the deal goes through, it’ll be fascinating to see how Pioli alters his approach to suit the Morocco star as the Rossoneri hope to mount an assault on the Scudetto and thrive on their return to the Champions League.

Lesley Ugochukwu has secured a contract extension with Ligue 1 club Stade Rennes.

Ugochukwu gained promotion from the club’s youth ranks and made his senior debut in April 2021 at home against Dijon. He has been handed a one-year contract extension until 2024.

“The return to the professional group is accompanied by the first good news. Rennes-born midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, 17, has extended his contract with his training club,” the club confirmed on their Instagram page.

“A year ago, Lesley [Ugochukwu] signed his first professional contract. Twelve months later, leaders Stade Rennais have extended the young midfielder for another season, until 2024. Among his three appearances in Ligue 1, last season Uber Eats, most notable is that of the 36th day. Facing Paris, Bruno Genesio established him in the Breton midfield.

Speaking after signing the contract, the 17-year-old midfielder said: “It's a lot of pride. It is the reward for my efforts. I would like to thank Stade Rennais, my parents, and my agents.

“I am very happy. I worked for this. I was very well received in the professional group. It was not difficult to fit in. The leaders trust the young people. It's good for the future of the club.

“The objective is to impose myself in the group, to play more and more matches, and why not to impose myself as a holder? I am a kid of the club and I am very proud of it.”

Rennes Sports Director Florian Maurice explained on why they extended his stay: “It's deserved after what he showed. He's always been in the job. He's a very well-educated boy with a great mentality. It's a treat for a coach to have players like him in training.

“He is eager to learn without being too impatient. He had the chance to be on match sheets and play against Paris. When you're 17, it's still fantastic. What happens to him is deserved. It is not an end in itself. We must continue to work. He must have more ambition. The club is very satisfied with this signing.

“When you're that age, you still have to confirm a lot of things but everything that he puts into training will allow him to progress and take the stage step by step. He must continue to move forward. He really has a high profile. He must aspire to great things.”

Ugochukwu was born in Rennes to Nigerian parents in 2004 and is the nephew of former OGC Nice, Rennes, and Nigeria centre-back Onyekachi Apam, who hung up his boots in 2014 after an injury-hit spell with the Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer.