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Cristiano Ronaldo has become the all-time top scorer in the World Cup and European Championship combined.

The Portugal star scored twice against France from the penalty spot in Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Euro 2020, marking his 20th and 21st goals in the two tournaments.

His first goal broke the record previously held by ex-Germany star Miroslav Klose, who netted 19 times combined in the World Cup and European Championship.

How did Ronaldo top Klose's record?

Midway through the first half Joao Moutinho whipped a free-kick into the France box, with Hugo Lloris coming out to punch away but instead making contact with Danilo's head.

The referee showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot after the French goalkeeper left the Portugal midfielder on the floor. 

Ronaldo stepped up from the penalty spot and sent Lloris the wrong way to give Portugal the lead.

The 36-year-old netted from the spot yet again in the second half after his cross was blocked by Jules Kounde's arm in the box, with the strike levelling the match at 2-2.

The brace meant Ronaldo scored five times at the Euro 2020 group stage, the most by a player in the group stage at the tournament since Michel Platini scored seven times in 1984.

Ronaldo ties Ali Daei's record

Ronaldo's goals also meant he has reached 109 with Portugal, which tied him with Ali Daei at the top of the all-time men's international goalscorer chart.

The former Iran star netted 109 international goals in an international career that took place between 1993 and 2006.

Further reading 

Cristiano Ronaldo is used to setting records, but his latest one is one of the most significant of his career.

The Portugal star netted twice from the spot against France on Wednesday, making him the joint-top scoring men's international player of all time.

Ronaldo reached 109 career international goals, tying former Iran star Ali Daei and inspiring plenty of reaction on social media – including from Daei himself.

What was said?

What's next for Portugal?

Ronaldo's brace helped Portugal draw France 2-2 in their Group F finale, clinching third place in the group.

The result secured Portugal's place in the last 16 as one of the best four third-place finishers, with France winning Group F and Germany finishing as runners-up.

Portugal will take on Belgium in the last 16 on Sunday.

Further reading

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the joint-top scoring men's international player of all time.

The Portugal star fired home two goals from the spot against France in a heavyweight Euro 2020 clash on Wednesday.

That takes him up to 109 goals in 176 matches for the national team, putting him at the top of the list of goalscorers on the international stage.

Whose record has Ronaldo equalled?

Ronaldo needs one goal to become the sole highest scorer.

He is currently tied with Iran legend Ali Daei, who scored 109 times in 149 matches between 1993 and 2006.

The pair are far ahead of any other player on the list, as Malaysia hero Mokhtar Dahari, who retired in 1985, is the third top scorer on 89 goals and Hungary icon Ferenc Puskas finished his career in 1956 with 84.

What records has Ronaldo broken at Euro 2020?

The 36-year-old set several records in Portugal's opening game of the competition, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner scoring twice in the latter stages of the 3-0 win against Hungary.

This tournament marks the fifth European Championship in which the Juventus star has played and scored and he is the first player ever to do so.

Ronaldo, who also found the net in Portugal's 4-2 defeat to Germany on matchday two, is now the all-time top scorer in Euros history, having broken Michel Platini's record of nine goals. Plus, no player has won more matches at Euros than he has.

Further reading

Manchester United have submitted an improved bid of around £72 million ($100m) for Jadon Sancho but are still short of Borussia Dortmund’s valuation. 

Dortmund already rejected a bid of £67 million ($95m) earlier in the month and while their latest offering is still short of the asking price there is confidence from all parties that a deal will go through. 

The England international has already agreed to personal terms after a deal to bring the right-winger to Old Trafford last summer failed to materialise over a disagreement over fee. 

What do we know? 

It is now looking more and more likely that Sancho will be Man Utd’s first signing of the summer. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been a long-term admirer of the former Manchester City man and tried to sign him last summer, only for United not to reach the price set by the Bundesliga side. 

It is believed the fee this year is around £77million (€90m/$107m) which means United’s current bid is short of the asking price. Despite the discrepancy, the hope this time is that a deal will be agreed upon despite the need to still work out how exactly the fee will be paid and in how many installments.

Who else do United want to sign?

A centre-back is also on the shopping list, with Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane leading the list. It is understood he is looking for a challenge away from the Bernabeu and United are keen on signing him although there would need to be an agreement on a fee. 

Villareal defender Pau Torres is also of interest should a deal for Varane not materialise. 

United are also looking into signing Kieran Trippier although the club and Atletico Madrid are apart on their valuations of the England right back. A central midfielder is also on the shopping list. 

What about other deals? 

In other transfer news, it is understood that United are decision has yet to be made on Diogo Dalot ahead of the new season.

The club are open to selling him but Goal understands the price they have given AC Milan, where he was on loan last season, is currently too high.

The Portugal international is open to going out on loan again but would also be prepared to fight for his place in Solskjaer’s side if he was needed. 

Further reading

Sergio Busquets was in tears after helping Spain defeat Slovakia 5-0 on Wednesday in his first game back after recovering from Covid-19.

The midfielder tested positive earlier this month and was forced into quarantine, missing both of Spain's first two Euro 2020 matches. 

Busquets made his return in a rout over Slovakia, and was named UEFA's Star of the Match in the process.

What was said?

"I had a really bad time with 10 days at home," an emotional Busquets said. "I didn’t know if I was going to be able to come back. Now I’m ready for anything.

“We didn't play how we wanted [in the first two games] and today was a boost for everyone. We did not depend on ourselves to finish first, but surely this will give us strength.

"This is a big boost for all of us, for the players and for the supporters. I think we all needed this. We went out switched on from the start. We missed the penalty but we kept going and the goals came."

What's next for Spain?

After drawing their first two games of the tournament against Sweden and Poland, La Roja clinched their spot in the last 16 with an emphatic win over Slovakia. 

As second-place finishers in Group E, Spain will face Croatia on Monday after the World Cup runners-up finished second in Group D.

Speaking about facing Croatia, Busquets said: “They are the runners-up at the World Cup, a very difficult opponent. 

"We know their players and their captain (Luka Modric) a lot.

"We have to continue along these lines. In one game we are very difficult to beat, we have confidence."

Further reading

The African Super League would "rejig" football in Africa, according to seasoned football administrator Adam Mouktar Mohammed.

This competition was suggested in 2020 by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, with the idea for a closed shop of 20-24 elite clubs to buy in with a view to generating up to $3bn in revenue.

Talk of a potential Super League in Africa have heated up in recent weeks, with football stakeholders weighing in their opinion on the proposed plans.

Unlike the European Super League which never became a reality, the FCT FA boss hopes that the African version comes to fruition because of the advantages it would bring.

“Why not? I think it’s a noble idea,” Mohammed told Goal.

“That of the Europeans was not a bad idea either but I think the circumstances were quite different.

“Uefa was already a power bloc and it would destabilise maybe their marketing, commercial rights and structure of the Champions League. That led to its rejection at that point.

“Looking at this from a football perspective, I think it would be a new rejigged approach to the Caf Champions League that exists.

“It would give it some life, probably there would be more money involved while marketing and sponsorship would be better.”

Mohammed added that he believes there are mouth-watering economic reasons to want a new league, which would see the best teams in Africa face off regularly.

Apart from that, the bigger picture would be seeing the beautiful game in Africa reach a greater height.

“It would definitely be attractive because I am sure they would design it in such a way that sponsors would be carried along properly, and demands would be met for TV rights,” he continued.

“There would be 20 permanent representatives and there would be revolving opportunities for other clubs to come in.

“So, you would see most clubs striving to go tops and become top brands in their countries so that they can participate in the Super League.

“In all, it is a very interesting concept and I’m sure it has been well-thought-out.

“I love this idea because it is very innovative and it will rejig football in Africa.”

Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Arthur Zwane is confident that they will win this season's Caf Champions League title. 

The Glamour Boys are in the driving seat in their semi-final tie against Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca having secured a 1-0 victory in the first-leg match which was played at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca last weekend. 

The two teams are set to meet in the second-leg encounter in Johannesburg on Saturday and Zwane and Dillon Sheppard will be in a charge of the team once again as new head coach Stuart Baxter is still awaiting his work permit.

Zwane revealed that Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung wants the team to win the Champions League title which would give Amakhosi the option of adorning their jersey with a star above the club logo. 

“We will make sure we are going to the final to bring it home, cause that is the ambition that we have,” Zwane told the media. 

“Everyone, including the players, wants to win it for South Africa, for Amakhosi and for the chairman, for everyone who’s behind the team.

“Because we know how much he [Motaung] wants the star, just to add onto that jersey. So we are going do it for him and for ourselves."

Zwane was promoted to first-team assistant coach from the club's reserve team coach position prior to the start of the current season following the arrival of head coach Gavin Hunt.

However, Hunt was dismissed by the Soweto giants late month due to the team's poor run of results in the PSL and his former assistants Sheppard and Zwane took charge of the team. 

Zwane, who is a former Bafana Bafana international, is pleased to be part of the Amakhosi technical team as they look to steer the Naturena-based giants to their first-ever Champions League title.

“We are very delighted to be part of Kaizer Chiefs because not many players and coaches have the opportunity to experience this," he concluded.

Chiefs will face a revitalized Wydad side when the two teams clash at FNB Stadium this weekend as the Red Castle claimed a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over RS Berkane in the Moroccan Botola League game on Tuesday.

Spain scored five goals in a European Championship match for the first time in their history with a 5-0 win over Slovakia on Wednesday.

La Roja started Euro 2020 with a pair of disappointing draws against Sweden and then Poland, scoring just one goal across both matches. 

But Luis Enrique's side erupted in their Group E finale, advancing to the knockout stage in style.

History for Spain

Spain scored five times in a Euros match for the first time in their history in their 43rd match in the competition.

Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka opened the scoring in the 30th minute with an unfortunate own goal, punching the ball into his own net after a shot rang off the crossbar.

Aymeric Laporte made it two just before half-time, before Pablo Sarabia, Ferran Torres and another own goal from Juraj Kucka completed the rout in the second half.

Torres's goal came just 44 seconds after he entered the game off the bench, the fastest goal for a substitute in a European Championship match in 17 years.

What's next for Spain?

Spain ended the group stage with a win but could only finish runners-up in Group E after Sweden's 3-2 win against Poland. 

The Swedes topped the group with seven points, while La Roja earned second place in the group, Slovakia finishing in third and Poland in fourth.

Spain will now face Croatia in the last 16 on Monday.

Further reading

Asante Kotoko have temporarily moved three points clear above arch-rivals Hearts of Oak atop of the Ghana Premier League table following a 2-1 matchday 30 triumph over Karela United on Wednesday.

Diawisie Taylor scored just after the hour mark for visiting Karela to cancel out Emmanuel Gyamfi’s opener but Brazilian attacker Fabio Gama Dos Santos converted a 68th-minute penalty to win the three points for the Porcupine Warriors.

The away side have consequently dropped down by two places to fifth on the league standings.

Kotoko are eagerly keeping an eye on Hearts’ away clash with Legon Cities on Thursday as three points for the Phobians will likely result in a drop to the second position, owing to an inferior goal difference.

Ghana’s two biggest clubs, Kotoko and Hearts are set for a big showdown on Sunday in what could have a big impact on the ultimate winner of the Premier League.

The former, with 23 titles, have not won the championship since 2014, while the latter, with 19 successes to their name, have not clinched gold since 2009.

Great Olympics are one of two sides who benefitted from Karela’s drop on the league table as Maxwell Abbey-Ashie Quaye’s 58th-minute strike ensured a 1-0 home win over Bechem United.

The ‘Dade’ Boys have been catapulted to fourth on the log while Bechem hold the 12th position.

Dreams FC are the second beneficiaries as a 2-1 win over Eleven Wonders, courtesy of Precious Boah’s double, secured a move to the third position. Abass Ganiu shot 15th-positioned Eleven Wonders in front in the 22nd minute.

In Sogakope, Wafa handed Aduana Stars a 3-2 defeat, thanks to goals from Augustine Boakye, Justus Torsutsey and Atte Youssifou.

On the other hand, Sam Adams and Flavien Kouassi registered consolation goals for the Fire Boys who occupy the eighth position, two places below Wafa.

At the Golden City Park, hosts Berekum Chelsea pipped Elmina Sharks 2-1 to go 11th on the log. Captain Stephen Amankonah and Abdul Basit were on target for the winners.

Aside from the Hearts versus Legon fixture, Medeama will take on King Faisal on Thursday as Ebusua Dwarfs and Liberty Professionals square off against Inter Allies and Ashanti Gold, respectively.

Ubong Ekpai has joined Czech First League giants Slavia Prague from Viktoria Plzen.

The 25-year-old midfielder teamed up with the Red and Whites after completing a two-season loan stint at Ceske Budejovice.

Ekpai has been handed a three-year contract that will keep him at the Sinobo Stadium until 2024.

While expressing his desire to win titles at Slavia Prague, the former Kano Pillars and Akwa United star is happy to reunite with his former coach at Liberec, Jindrich Trpisovsky.

" I expect a very challenging season ahead of us. I'm part of Slavia now, so I have to say, we won the league,” he told the club website.

“If we want to control it again, we will have to work hard and fight to achieve everything we want to achieve this year.

"I want to prove a lot of things. I want to win all the Czech Cups and play in the Champions League or the Europa League.

“I think we have the quality to win the league and the cup. Those are my ambitions.

"Coach Trpisovsky is like my father. We worked together in Liberec before and he knows me well.

“I understand what he wants me to do, we understand each other well. I wanted to leave in Liberec, but he said to me, 'Boy, you're not going anywhere, I really want you to stay here with me. There are still great things ahead of us that we want to do together.'

“I disobeyed him and left, but thank God we're meeting again now. He is good at working with foreigners, which cannot be said for every coach in the Czech Republic."

Despite the presence of Nicolae Stanciu, Lukas Provod, Oscar Dorley, Ibrahim Traore, Michal Beran and Denis Visinsky in Trpisovsky’s squad, Ekpai has vowed to work hard in a bid to get regular playing opportunities.

"Of course, it will be difficult because we have a lot of quality players. But I have a lot of qualities, too,” he added.

“It's going to be tough, everyone's going to have to work. The best who work the most, score the most goals, will play.

“That's football in big clubs. We have a lot of quality players; everyone has their own strengths that they can show on the field. It's going to be hard, but I'm ready for it."

AmaZulu central midfielder Makhlehene Makhaula believes they can remain competitive in the new 2021/22 season after finishing second behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 31-year-old was one of the key players for Usuthu in the recent 2020/21 campaign as they achieved their highest finish in the PSL when they finished second behind the Brazilians.

Makhaula is adamant that they can keep up with Sundowns as long as they beef up the team in all positions.

“If you have the right and competitive squad with many quality players like Sundowns, I think it would be simple because you can’t always play one team now and again," Makhaula told Far Post. 

“If we can get competitive players so that some can get rest, it will be easy to compete. I believe the club needs to strengthen the squad in all positions.

“In my position, the midfield there is a need to add more competitive players, the backline needs to be beefed up. Upfront also there is a need for more strengthening and on the wings."

The former Free State Stars player, who was one of the standout midfielders in the PSL in the recent campaign, feels that he needs competition in his position.

“I leave that one to our technical team because they are the ones who can see properly where the team needs to be strengthened," he continued. 

“So our technical team will decide where they add, as for me I’d love to have some competition so that I cannot relax.

"If you always play, you end up big-headed, so I need people to push me at least two or three players in my position."

The Mohlakeng-born player was nominated for the PSL Midfielder of the Season award which was won by Sundowns talisman Themba Zwane. 

Makhaula played 27 matches across all competitions for AmaZulu as one of coach Benni McCarthy's key players. 

The hard-tackling player, who known for his work rate and tackling ability, believes that he can win the Midfielder of the Season next season.

“I wish to play for Bafana Bafana but these days coaches look at the age of the player. But it’s one of my dreams to represent my country one day," Makhaula added. 

“As they say, it’s good to keep on dreaming it will happen one day, so I think if I work hard I think God will bless me but I wish to play there one day.

“This past season I did well and in the team, with the guys, they’re telling me that I might get the award for PSL midfielder of the season.

“I also believed that I’d get it because I played well in a lot of games and I got a couple of Man of the Match awards. I think maybe if I scored or assisted I’d have gotten the award.

“I also believe competing with one of the best midfielders in that nomination was good, Themba Zwane also deserved it, he did well for his team. I believe I can still get the award next season, if I put more effort."

Zwane has won the Midfielder of the Season accolade in two successive campaigns. 

Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has opened up on his penalty against the United States at the 2006 World Cup, joking he lost five kilogrammes on the spot due to the pressure to score. 

At the tournament in Germany, the ex-Juventus man sent Ghana into the Round of 16 with a spot-kick on the stroke of half-time after Razak Pimpong was fouled in the box.

The goal, ultimately the match-winner, put the Black Stars 2-1 up in the Group E fixture after Haminu Dramani's opener for the West Africans was cancelled out by Clint Dempsey's equaliser.

"It's always difficult to take penalties," Appiah said on Joy TV.

"Against the USA, we were down 1-0 and Haminu Dramani equalised and a minute to half time, we got a penalty and I had to take it and it was very very difficult.

"This is a situation everybody is looking at you when you think back home, Ghanaians, the streets, the family and you don't have to think about anything to put that ball in. I lost five kilos at that spot.

"Some of us, working under coaches like Arrigo Sacchi, [Fabio] Capello, Marcello Lippi and the rest, when you are taking a penalty [you need to] just target a spot and hit the ball there. That was what I did and buried it that day."

Ghana ultimately finished second in the group behind Italy, going on to face Brazil in the Round of 16.

It was a historic moment for the Black Stars as Germany 2006 marked their debut appearance at the World Cup.

“Most people don’t know but we [Ghana players] actually agreed among ourselves that we were not just going to add up [the numbers]," Appiah recounted last year.

"We went to that World Cup to make history and that made the difference. Our aim was to do something and I think we achieved it because we were united.

“If you came to our camp, you would not see any difference between the young players and senior players because we were all one.

"We were united and played like a team, so it was easy for us to come together."

Four years later, Appiah and Ghana made another appearance at the World Cup, going a step further to reach the quarter-final.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr was present at the first training session of selected Nigeria Professional Football League players in Abuja on Wednesday.

Before announcing the final 22-man squad, 25 NPFL stars are being groomed for the international friendly match against Mexico at the Los Angeles Coliseum on July 4.

Rohr turned to the home-based team since his foreign-based players are unavailable due to their various clubs' pre-season programmes, which will start next month.

He will also be absent for the match, and former Super Eagles coach and NFF’s technical director Augustine Eguavoen is expected to lead the NPFL players against El Tri while former Nigeria U20 coach Paul Aigbogun will be his assistant.

Following the players’ arrival at the Serob Legacy Hotel on Tuesday, Rohr was present at the Fifa Goal Project in Abuja to watch their training and he also charged them to make a statement in the upcoming match in Los Angeles.

“I am happy to see your good training session. I see that you are already fit, physically based on your training session,” Rohr told the media.

“You have the privilege to go to the United States to have a wonderful game against Mexico. So I am here to see you and to help you with my other staff.

“We are together and the technical director, Austine Eguaveon is working with me. We are family all together. What we want to see is collective football and not a one-man football. I wish you good camping and wish you all the best.”

Rohr further predicted a "tough" encounter for the home-based players as he seeks quality to add to his main Super Eagles selection.

“This is a team for Chan, the game is a good preparation for them. Mexico is a very good team, with good players and history, and so I expect very tough match from them," he added.

“As for our team, the match will be a very good test for them, and an opportunity to try and force their way into the Super Eagles A team."

Meanwhile, Mexico have named a strong 45-man squad for next month's match against the Super Eagles with Napoli winger Hirving Lozano, Porto's Jesus Corona and Real Betis' Andres Guardado included.

El Tri are scheduled to play Panama first on June 30 in Nashville before the Super Eagles clash.

Both games are part of their MexTour Series as they prepare to retain the Concacaf Gold Cup, with the 2021 edition set to start in the United States on July 10.

If you've been paying close attention to Germany at Euro 2020, you'll have noticed that their defender Antonio Rudiger is wearing a mask while he plays.

It's not a tribute to Batman, or even to Robin, nor is it a fashion statement, so what exactly is the Chelsea centre-back got it on his face during games?

In case you've been wondering what it's for, Goal brings you all you need to know.

Why is Antonio Rudiger wearing a face mask?

The face mask worn by Antonio Rudiger during games is a protective one designed to shield his facial bones and minimise the risk of further injury.

Rudiger first sustained a blow to his face during the first leg of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final clash against Real Madrid on April 27.

"He has a little bone injury on the side of the face," explained Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel at the time. "The collision [with Alvaro Odriozola] at the very end of the game was a bit unlucky." 

Since then, Rudiger has played games with a face mask as a protective measure and has continued to do so into June while playing for Germany at the European Championship.

The reason for the continuation of the mask is that Rudiger believes his national team will have to get stuck in if they want to beat the best.

"It’s still there for protection," said the no-nonsense 28-year-old ahead of Germany's meeting with France. "I’ll have to see what the Chelsea doctors say when I get back to London."

He added: "We have to be a little dirty, not always be nice or try to play nice football. Against players like them, you have to throw down a marker."

Tuchel indicated that it was a "little bone injury" but Rudiger later confirmed that he had suffered a broken jaw when he collided with Odriozola.

Protective face masks such as the one worn by Rudiger can also be used in cases where players have broken other bones in their face, such as the nose, cheek or orbital.

The defender is by no means the only footballer to have donned a face mask while playing and, interestingly, a number of Chelsea stars have had to do so in the past.

Cesc Fabregas wore one after having his nose broken during a game against Stoke City, while Cesar Azpilicueta had to put one on for a while after hurting his cheekbone in a game against Crystal Palace.

Midfielder Nemanja Matic wore a face mask for a number of games at Chelsea, as did John Terry, Ramires and Fernando Torres, so Rudiger is following a well-worn tradition at Stamford Bridge.

The nature of Rudiger's role as a defender, where he is likely to be challenging for headers and putting his body in front of goal-bound shots, means that a protective mask is a wise accesssory to have.

Can you buy face guards & how much do they cost?

Face guards such as the one that Rudiger wears can be bought online or sourced through medical supplies shops like pharmacies.

While not commonly worn in football, they are worn more often by athletes in sports where there is a higher likelihood of a facial injury while playing.

They can cost in the region of £60 or $60 and you should consult your doctor or a medical professional before using one.

Kevin-Prince Boateng has completed his return to Hertha Berlin after a season spent in Italy with Monza.

The former Ghana international began his career at the Olympiastadion before moving to Tottenham Hotspur on a four-year deal in July 2007 for a reported £5.4 million.

Having left the Serie B side, the 34-year-old returned to familiar surroundings as a free agent after spells at Borussia Dortmund, Portsmouth, Genoa, AC Milan, Schalke 04, Las Palmas, Eintracht Frankfurt, Sassuolo, Barcelona, Fiorentina and Besiktas.

“In 2006 he made his Bundesliga debut for Hertha BSC, now our homegrown team is back in his home country: Kevin-Prince Boateng returns to Berlin and wears the blue and white jersey again,” a statement from the Bundesliga side read.

“The attacking midfielder is moving from Italian Serie B team AC Monza to the Spree and signed a contract until 2022 on Thursday.”

Under manager Pal Dardai, Boateng will wear jersey no. 27. In his first interview, he explained the reason for returning to the Berlin-based outfit.

“Hertha BSC is not just any club for me,” he said.

“I'm here to give something back. I've been around a lot over the years and learned a lot, but all that, my whole career, I owe to this club. I have never forgotten that Hertha was always in my heart.”

With this move, the African star becomes the club’s second signing after 24-year-old Suat Serdar, and sports director Fredi Bobic expressed his delight with his arrival.

"Kevin-Prince Boateng knows Hertha BSC, the Bundesliga and Berlin,” Bobic said.

“It does not require a long acclimatization period. Prince, with his leadership qualities in the cabin and off the pitch, is a tremendous asset to our team.

“On the pitch, he has proven himself over many years at the highest level. The overall package in this transfer is absolutely right.”

Born to a Ghanaian father and a German mother in Berlin, the veteran represented the European country at U19, U20 and U21 level.

Nonetheless, he switched his allegiance to the Black Stars in 2010 – making his debut in a 1–0 victory over Latvia in June 2010.

KV Oostende have loaned Thomas Basila to French second division side Nancy after signing him from Nantes.

The former France international of Congolese origin penned a four-year contract with the Belgian First Division A club, nonetheless, he will continue his development with the Ligue Two outfit.

“KVO has been strengthened with 22-year-old central defender Thomas Basila,” a statement from Oostende website read.

“The Frenchman signed a four-season contract plus option and is on loan to AS Nancy for the first two seasons.

“Thomas Basila is a youth product of FC Nantes' renowned training centre. There, he grew into the first team and in 2019 he made his Ligue 1 debut against Lyon.”

Nancy failed in their bid to secure promotion to Ligue 1 in the 2020-21 campaign having finished in the eighth position after accruing 47 points from 38 outings.

They are happy to have the "promising defender" in their ranks as they crave to return to the French elite division when the new season commences.

“At the end of his contract at FC Nantes, Thomas Basila signed with KV Ostende, who then loaned him for two seasons to AS Nancy-Lorraine,” the Thistles wrote on their website.

“There is a clause providing for the possibility of this loan becoming permanent. He is the first central defender recruited by the AS Nancy and therefore becomes the second specialist in this position with the experienced Abdelhamid El Kaoutari.

“Trained with the Canaries, Basila was announced as the future leader of the Nantes defence during his debut in 2019 under Vahid Halilhodzic.

“However, the 22-year-old did not wish to extend his contract due to lack of playing time. He is a very promising defender, followed by many French and foreign clubs.”

On the international scene, he has featured for France at U16, U17, U18, 19, and U20 level.

He was part of Bernard Diomede’s squad that participated in the 2019 U20 Fifa World Cup staged in Poland.

There, the Little Blues crashed out in the Round of 16 after losing 3-2 to the United States of America at the Bydgoszcz Stadium.

Despite that, he remains eligible to represent DR Congo at senior level.

Norwich are one of many clubs to have registered an interest in taking Chelsea's Billy Gilmour on loan next season, Goal can confirm.

The recently-promoted Premier League side are looking to bolster their ranks with the 20-year-old midfielder, who excelled in his solitary appearance at Euro 2020.

There are thought to be more Premier League sides and some from overseas interested in the Scotland international but the Blues have yet to decide whether or not the club will allow him to move away.

What will it take for Gilmour to go on loan?

Thomas Tuchel has previously expressed his admiration for Gilmour's talents and blocked his potential loan deal to Southampton in the January transfer window.

However, Chelsea will now have more time to sign players and could look for a central midfielder in the summer. Their long-term target is West Ham's Declan Rice.

Either a move for another midfielder or the return of a loanee from last season to the squad, with Ethan Ampadu and Conor Gallagher among many pushing for a recall, could allow Gilmour to earn experience on loan.

Gilmour started just five games under Tuchel after he arrived towards the end of January, replacing Frank Lampard, who gave the former Rangers youngster his break at Stamford Bridge.

In the long term, the Blues believe Gilmour will break through and become a first-team regular.

What's happening at Norwich City?

Daniel Farke's side finished top of the Championship last season to secure promotion at their first attempt having been relegated from the top flight in the 2019-20 season.

They lost EFL Player of the Season Emi Buendia to Aston Villa in a £35 million ($50m) with add-ons move at the start of the transfer window, with Arsenal having also attempted to sign him.

They have added winger Milot Rashica from Werder Bremen, Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn and youngster Kenny Coker from Southend United.

Further reading

Royal AM CEO Sinky Mnisi says they turned up at Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday but did not enter the pitch after a Gauteng High Court judge confirmed just before kick-off that they are the National First Division champions.

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit was scheduled to play Chippa United in their opening Premier Soccer League promotion/relegation play-offs game but left the stadium 15 minutes before the match was set to start.

Royal AM are locked in a legal wrangle against Judge Roland Sutherland’s ruling that Sekhukhune United are the 2020/21 National First Division champions.    

They contest that the play-offs should be stopped as per the June 14 ruling by Judge Nyathi AJ of the Gauteng High Court, which ruled that matches should be called off. 

But on June 18, Judge Sutherland insisted that the KwaZulu-Natal side should proceed to participate in the play-offs as Judge Nyathi’s order no longer applies.  

Royal AM, however, insist that they are sticking to Judge Nyathi’s ruling after he confirmed to them again that they are the NFD champions, while they were at Chatsworth just before meeting Chippa on Tuesday.

“Our legal advisors told us to be there [at the stadium] as the team and wait for the legal judgement from Judge Nyathi AJ‚ and that judgement actually confirmed that we are top of the log as Royal AM‚” said Mnisi as per Sowetan Live. 

“We waited for the legal team to advise us and the legal team indicated to us that we don’t have to play the match because we are top of the log.  We just went there and waited for the judgement and Nyathi AJ confirmed that we are still top of the log.

"So there was no reason for us to play.” 

Royal AM are now scheduled to play Richards Bay in their second play-offs match on Thursday. 

It is another home fixture for them as the game is pencilled in for Chatsworth but Mnisi vowed not to entertain Richards Bay. 

“We are not going to play in any event tomorrow [on Thursday]. I don’t know how everyone understands this matter at this moment but the team that finished the log on top is Royal AM,” Mnisi continued.

“It is simple. We are not going to be participants in the playoffs simply because we are top of the GladAfrica Championship.

"I can confirm that we will not play the so-called playoff match against Richards Bay tomorrow [Thursday]. We won the Championship fair and square on the field of play.” 

The veteran football administrator said they also had not heard from the PSL by lunchtime on Wednesday on the matter.