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Nigeria 0-1 Cameroon: Super Eagles player ratings

How did Gernot Rohr’s players fare in the narrow defeat by the Indomitable Lions on Friday night?
Original author: Seye Omidiora
  332 Hits

How England's starting XI should look at the 2022 World Cup

The 25-year-old featured for 86 minutes for the Super Eagles but struggled to make much of an impact in the encounter

Football enthusiasts have slammed Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi for his performance in Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in Friday’s international friendly in Austria.

Cameroon claimed  the victory after Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa scored the only goal of the encounter in the 37th minute.  

Iwobi was handed a starting role in the encounter but struggled to make much of an impact before he was replaced by Abraham Marcusin the 86th minute.

Fans have taken to social media to lambast the 25-year-olf for his uninspiring showing in the game.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  151 Hits

Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubtful for England duty with broken toe

A first-half strike from the Fulham midfielder ended the Super Eagles' three-game unbeaten run against the Indomitable Lions

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa scored the only goal as Cameroon defeated Nigeria 1-0 in an international friendly match on Friday. 

Gernot Rohr's side started the encounter on the front foot with on the front foot with Paul Onuachu close to breaking the deadlock in the third minute. 

His header was parried by goalkeeper Simon Omossola, some moments later he tried another attempt but it was wide off target. 

Despite Nigeria's constant push for an opener, Cameroon opened the scoring through Zambo Anguissa's strike in the 37th minute.

Nigeria struggled to grab an equaliser but the goal separated separated both teams in the entire duration.

Despite the injury crisis that struck his initial 28-man squad, Rohr fielded a strong starting XI with William Troost-Ekong wearing the captain's armband.

Later in the second half, Abraham Marcus, Terem Moffi and Valentine Ozornwafor were handed their international debuts after replacing Alex Iwobi, Paul Onuachu and Troost-Ekong respectively. 

It was the first time Gernot Rohr's men suffered defeat against the Indomitable Lions after going unbeaten in their last three matches.

They stopped them from qualifying from the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia with a  4-0 win at home before a 1-1 draw at the Yaounde.

The Super Eagles followed it up with a 3-2 victory at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt that knocked Cameroon out of the competition. 

Nigeria have an opportunity to make up for Friday's defeat when they tackle Antonio Conceicao's men again in another friendly match on Tuesday. 

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
  193 Hits

Tierney and Partey return 'unlikely' ahead of Arsenal's Benfica tie, admits Arteta

The 17-year-old is among five players to have touched base in the Black Stars camp in Cape Coast 

Liverpool-linked attacker Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has joined Ghana's camp ahead of their upcoming international friendly matches against Morocco and Cote d'Ivoire.

The 17-year-old uncapped forward, who plays for Ghanaian second tier side Steadfast, has linked up with the Black Stars at their camp base in Cape Coast, shortly after touching down from Europe where an attempted transfer to Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen fell through amid links to Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.

It is his second time of joining the senior Ghana squad having received a call-up for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in March.

Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew, Strasbourg defender Alexander Djiku, Saudi Arabia-based winger Samuel Owusu and Chelsea left-back Abdul Rahman Baba have also joined camp, taking the number of players to 23.

"Jordan Ayew is one of the latest arrivals in the camp of the Black Stars in Cape Coast ahead of next week’s International friendly matches against Morocco and Ivory Coast," the Ghana Football Association announced on their official website on Friday.

"The Crystal Palace forward trained with the rest of the squad at the Cape Coast stadium on Friday, June 4.

"Also joining the camp are defender Alexander Djiku and winger Samuel Owusu, left-back Baba Abdul Rahman and youngster Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.

"The quintet brings to 23 – the number of players currently in the camp of the Black Stars."

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, captain Andre Ayew and Ajax, Liverpool and Manchester United-linked winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, all part of Akonnor’s expected squad, are yet to join camp.

“Coach C.K Akonnor’s side continued preparation at the Cape Coast Stadium for the two games scheduled for Tuesday, June 8 and Saturday June 12 respectively," the GFA publication added.

“The Black Stars will play the Atlas Lions of Morocco in Rabat on June 8 before hosting the Elephants of Ivory Coast in Cape Coast on Saturday, June 12, 2021.

“The team has been training at Cape Coast stadium ahead of the two matches.

“Meanwhile Rashid Awako (Medeama SC), Ismail Ganiyu (Asante Kotoko) and Gladson Awako (Great Olympics) have been released to join their clubs for this weekend’s Ghana Premier League games.”

The upcoming games are part of Ghana’s preparations for commencement of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in September, where they play Ethiopia and South Africa.

 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
  189 Hits

Everton confirm release of Bolasie and Adeniran

The 32-year-old and the Anglo-Nigerian are among the 13 players who learnt their contracts will not be renewed when they expire at the end of June

Premier League side Everton have announced the release of Yannick Bolasie and Dennis Adeniran from the club. 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo international has been with the Toffees since the summer of 2016 when he teamed up with the club from Crystal Palace.

The forward made only 29 Premier League appearances for Everton during his stay at Goodison Park and also spent time on loan with Aston Villa, Anderlecht, Sporting CP and Middlesbrough.

Adeniran has been with the Toffees since 2017 but spent last season on loan with Wycombe Wanderers, where he made 21 league appearances.

Everton announced their decision on the release of the 13 players on Friday as their contracts will not be renewed.

“Everton can confirm Joshua King, Theo Walcott, Yannick Bolasie and Muhamed Besic will leave the club when their current contracts expire at the end of the month, while on-loan goalkeeper Robin Olsen will return to his parent club Roma,” read a statement from the club website.

“In the Under-23s squad, Josh Bowler, Dennis Adeniran, Matthew Pennington, Con Ouzounidis, Callum Connolly and Bobby Carroll will be released at the end of this month.”

Bolasie also reflected on his time at Goodison Park and how he managed to get back to his feet after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament which sidelined from action for more than a year.

“If you don’t play for a considerable amount of time, it’s definitely harder. Where I’ve played games and shown that I’m alive and kicking, it’s put me in a better situation,” Bolasie told the Express.

"It might get a bit tense if I’m in September and I haven’t found a club though. That might be when it gets a bit different.

“When I left Bristol City for Palace, I just wanted to be playing football. I didn’t care about the money I was getting or anything. I just wanted to play because I’ve always been like that, that’s just my character.

“Hence why I’ve probably killed myself going out on all of these loans from Everton, when other players might have said: ‘Actually, I’m coming back from my injury and I’ve got a five-year contract. I can sit here while I build myself up slowly’.

“But me, I’ve always wanted to play and going on loan has given me some good experiences. Obviously, no-one’s going to watch Belgian football. Nobody is going to watch Portuguese football. But I’ve played with some players who right now are killing it in the Premier League.

“I've managed to play and I feel good, because obviously I felt like I lost two and a half years of my career just on the injury.”

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  428 Hits

Nodada set for Cape Town City farewell against Mamelodi Sundowns in PSL finale?

The midfielder might play his final Citizens game against the Brazilians amid Kaizer Chiefs links

Thabo Nodada may play his last game for Cape Town City when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in the Premier Soccer League's final day of the season.

The Cape Town side will finish their campaign with a trip to Pretoria but have little to play for, having secured their spot in the top-eight already.

One of the side's leaders and longest-serving members, Nodada, may line up in City colours for the last time as he has once again reiterated his desire to seek newer challenges.

The Capetonians' boss John Comitis previously invited interested suitors to pay the clubs asking price for the 26-year-old midfielder who - despite confessing his desire to represent childhood favourite club Kaizer Chiefs, has reiterated that his first choice destination would be a move to Europe.

''I think now with coach Eric [Tinkler] coming back, it paints a little bit of a different perspective, Nodada told Goal.

''I think before coming to the realisation, that the past two seasons we finished seventh. It didn't feel like quite home anymore, it didn't feel like the club I joined, the club I started my career at, the club I won my trophies at.

''And that comes at a point where both me and the club are feeling that it’s time for me to fly my wings at a different market, it’s time to show the world your talent.

''So, I think at this time, irrespective of where the club is headed, I think the club knows where my ambitions lie and what I want for myself.

"And in them bringing Eric back, they are trying to re-establish, I think, that part of themselves that no, no, we are a competitive club and we compete for everything.

''But at this point in time, it’s my dreams and ambitions that matter, and I think the clubs knows that and that's what we are going for.

''And yeah, I think the club can still go on and win, the players don’t change, there is amazing talent here. you are going to see it, you've seen it. there are a few things that may be changed the narrative and didn't make us the golden boys we thought we were.''

When pressed on whether or not he would be playing his football in the Mother City next season, Nodada responded:

''I don’t know, I don’t know. I don’t know because we've reached the point where it’s not just about the football," he continued.

''it is also about my development as a human being, my development as a player.

''I’ve been here five-six years and before I reach the ceiling, I [should] fly my wings and have a new set of problems. Which is obviously something that the club is trying to make happen for me as well.

''With the plan being, giving me the chance to Europe. if you are to talk locally then, then you start putting conversations and Ideas in my head but right now that hasn’t been the talk.

''So, I haven't really paid attention to anything South Africa, with that, anything Cape Town City."

Nodada has played 29 times in all competitions for City this season, scoring four goals and registering three assists.

Overall, he's made 121 appearances for the club, scoring 13 times, and assisting nine.

  549 Hits

'Relieved' Koeman looking forward to Barcelona future after being confirmed by Laporta

The Dutchman was made to sweat for several weeks before finally receiving the green light to continue at Camp Nou

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman admitting to feeling a sense of relief after being confirmed in his post for another season. 

The Dutchman had to wait until Thursday to receive the final approval of new Barcelona president Joan Laporta, amid reports suggesting the chief could look elsewhere on the bench. 

But his future now appears clearer and Koeman is looking forward to getting back to work once preparations for 2021-22 begin. 

What was said?

“I’m relieved to say that my players and staff can fully focus on the new season now,” Koeman explained on his official Twitter account.

“The last few weeks have been intense, but I’m glad that President Joan Laporta gave his support to me and calm has been restored.

"The focus of everyone at the club is the same; building a winning Barcelona and achieving success.”

What did Laporta say? 

"We will give continuity to the current contract that Ronald Koeman has," Laporta said in a statement on Thursday.

"We are very satisfied because the talks have resulted in a unity of criteria for what has to be done during the season."

Could Koeman stay beyond next season?

Goal has learned that Koeman could even earn a one-year extension if he oversees strong results next season while ensuring that the team plays fluid, attack-minded football to entertain the returning fans after the coronavirus pandemic.

However, if the campaign does not go to plan, Barca have the option to terminate his contract without having to pay a compensation fee.

A new-look Barca

Koeman will have the chance to take a host of new faces under his wing after the summer break. 

Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero have already joined on free transfers from Manchester City, while Dutch duo Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay are likely to do the same as they prepare to leave Liverpool and Lyon respectively. 

Further reading

Original author: Goal
  579 Hits

Fan View: How did Partey perform at Arsenal in his debut season?

The Black Stars midfielder played 33 matches for the Gunners in all competitions and contributed two assists

Thomas Partey's debut season at the Premier League heavyweights has been about average, according to the majority of Goal readers.

The Gunners completed the signing of the Ghanaian from Atletico Madrid on October 5, 2020, with Lucas Torreira heading in the other direction on a one-year loan. 

The Black Stars midfielder came to London after the English side were able to complete a £45 million (€50m/$58m), four-year deal with the option of an additional season. 

In his debut season, the 27-year-old struggled for consistent form, partly occasioned by injuries.

It is for this reason 54.7% of Goal readers believe it has been an average debut campaign for the West African.

However, 13.1% of the readers believe Partey has been a success at the North London-based team.

The remaining 32.2% have not been impressed with the Ghana international and believe he has flopped.

In the 2020/21 season, the Gunners finished eighth with 61 points from the 38 matches they played. They managed 18 wins, seven draws, and 13 losses, and went on to score 55 goals and concede 39.

The Mikel Arteta-led charges went on to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League where they were eliminated 2-1 on aggregate by eventual winners Villareal of Spain.

In the Premier League, Partey featured in 24 matches and created two goals. In Europe's second-tier club competition, the Ghana international made eight appearances.

"[Missing out on Europe] is disappointing, but now we have the opportunity to come back next season and fight for everything we can," Partey said after seeing the club missing out in European competition for the first time in 25 years.

The club has promised to make some quality signings to ensure the team compete for major trophies next season.

The team is aiming at qualifying for the Uefa Champions League in the 2022/23 season after staying in the cold for the last three seasons.

Original author: Seth Willis
  536 Hits

How long was Virgil van Dijk unbeaten at Anfield?

Mama Joy, who is also a Bafana Bafana superfan, questioned the real motive behind the planned protest by the Bucs fans

Prominent Orlando Pirates supporter Joyce Chauke has backed under-fire coach Josef Zinnbauer ahead of the team's clash with Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) on Saturday.

A victory for the Buccaneers will see them finish the current campaign on position three on the PSL standings and qualify for next season's Caf Confederation Cup.

Zinnbauer has been under heavy scrutiny in recent months with some Pirates fans calling for his dismissal, but Chauke has pledged her support for the German tactician, who guided Bucs to their first major trophy since 2014 when he led the team to the 2020 MTN8 triumph.

“I think the team has done well. And to finish the league in the top four plus winning the MTN8 Cup is very good. I wish them the best for their last game of the season against TTM," Chauke told City Press

Some Pirates supporters are expected to march to the club's home ground, Orlando Stadium, as they display their unhappiness with the team and also calling for Zinnbauer's dismissal. 

However, Chauke, who traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to rally behind South Africa's under-23 national team at the 2016 Olympic Games, distanced herself from the planned march arranged by her fellow Pirates fans. 

“I’ve been hearing a lot of things about this strike. A lot of people I know aren’t going there just like me. I really don’t understand why people are going there," she continued. 

"It's game day and the team will be focusing on the match. Who are they going to there? If there are Pirates fans who are not happy with the management or anything they should go to the team’s offices."

Popularly known as Mama Joy, Chauke feels that it doesn't make sense for the fans to urge the club's management to fire Zinnbauer. 

"I mean, it’s not up to the fans to get the coach fired, it’s all up to the chairman and the management. If they don’t want to fire him then he will continue as Pirates coach," she added. 

“Another thing I’m asking myself is if it will be safe and there won’t be people who end up getting hurt. Then comes Covid-19, we are facing the third wave now.

"And personally as someone who survived it [Coronavirus]], I don’t think it’s wise to go out there. I will be sitting here at home supporting the club.”

Last month, Kaizer Chiefs fans marched to the club's headquarters in Naturena to hand a memorandum to the management expressing their dissatisfaction with the team's poor performance in the PSL this term.

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  169 Hits

Celta Vigo 2-1 Barcelona: Player ratings as Barca lose final game of the season

The German tactician is confident his side will approach their encounter against the Indomitable Lions with a determination to win

Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr has assured of his side’s desire to deliver a good performance against Cameroon on Friday.

The three-time African champions will square off against the Indomitable Lions in a double-header in Austria with the second game slated for June 8.

The matches have been arranged as part of the Super Eagles' preparation for the World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde Islands, in August and September, respectively.

Rohr is pleased with the atmospheric conditions in Austria and has revealed his side’s target against the Indomitable Lions.

"We are faraway from Nigeria, a lot of players were already in Nigeria, had to come back to Europe for this game and so we could not play in Nigeria unfortunately but we have good conditions here and yes the players want to do well,” Rohr told the Super Eagles media team.

"They want to do a good match to test themselves, the season is finished. It was a long year with the pandemic, not easy with a lot of restrictions and so we are happy to have a game here in good conditions."

The German tactician also expressed his satisfaction with the Super Eagles training sessions and revealed his side are well-motivated against Cameroon.

"We have Cameroon, it's one of the best teams in Africa. The three last games against Cameroon we put them out of the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations so they want to take revenge but we want also to win the game - to test some players,” he continued.

"A lot of players are not here, you know them, more than eleven players could not come but it's opportunity to see other players, to give them chance to play and to get the result I hope.

"It will be two games, this is the first leg so that's why we have to do well with good organization. We have now two possibilities, 4-4-3, 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1

"The players are motivated, they want to do well. They did two training sessions, they are already happy to come together again, the last time was end of March when we had two victories against Benin and Lesotho.

"Now June we have the last preparation , end of June the draw for the AFCON, then September, October, November the World Cup qualifiers so this is the last preparatory game for the World Cup. Very, very important.

"All the players who are here want to do well and to show the best, to be in the 23-man team for the World Cup."

 

 

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  154 Hits

Dortmund wonderkid Bellingham makes Champions League history with sublime opener against Man City

8' Gaya plays a one-two with Torres down the left to open up some space for himself before curling a deep cross into the box. It's way too high for Morata and Sarabia can't keep it in play at the far post.

6' Jota spins away from Sarabia before trying to pick out Guerreiro's overlapping run ahead of him down the left wing just as Thiago slides in. Simon is quickly out of his box to clear the danger though.

4' Llorente plays a hopeful pass down the right and Sarabia does really well to keep it in play at the byline and fizzes a cross into the middle. Fonte gets an important touch on it to take it away from Morata.

2' Portugal have made a bright start and are putting Spain under some early pressure. Pereira plays a good throughball into Ronaldo, who drops deep to reach it, but he came back from an offside position and the flag goes up.

1' Morata gets the game underway for Spain! 

The teams are out on the pitch now, with kick-off just moments away.

Portugal are winless in their last three meetings with Spain (D2 L1). Their last win against the hosts came back in November 2010 when they beat them 4-0 in a friendly match.

Fernando Santos also makes six changes, with some key players missing due to playing in the Champions League final. Ronaldo once again leads the line, with Jota, Joao Felix, Sanches and Fonte also retaining their places.

Luis Enrique names a strong side and makes six changes to the one that started their last game in March. Laporte makes his first start after switching his international allegiance from France. Pau Torres, Gaya, Ruiz, Thiago and Sarabia also come in.

PORTUGAL SUBS: Joao Moutinho, Anthony Lopes, Bruno Fernandes, Pote, William Carvalho, Joao Palhinha, Andre Silva, Rafa, Ruben Neves, Rui Silva, Nuno Mendes.

PORTUGAL STARTING XI (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Nelson Semedo, Pepe, Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro; Sergio Oliveira, Danilo Pereira, Renato Sanches; Diogo Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix.

SPAIN SUBS: Eric Garcia, Pedri, Cesar Azpilicueta, Dani Olmo, Rodrigo, Koke, David de Gea, Diego Llorente, Gerard Moreno, Robert Sanchez, Jordi Alba, Mikel Oyarzabal.

SPAIN STARTING XI (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Marcos Llorente, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Jose Gaya; Thiago Alcantara, Sergio Busquets, Fabian Ruiz; Pablo Sarabia, Alvaro Morata, Ferran Torres.

Both sides are starting their preparation for the Euros, with the tournament now just around the corner. It's a different Spain side from previous tournaments, but they come into the game in good form, having lost just one of their last 22 in all competitions (W14 D7) and are unbeaten in their last six outings. As for Portugal, they've lost just one of their last 11 games in all competitions(W8 D2) and are unbeaten in their previous four.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the international friendly between Spain and Portugal at the Wanda Metropolitano!

  143 Hits

Fan View: 'Barcelona should look sharp with Andre Ayew' - Where is Black Stars captain headed next?

The attacker has left Liberty Stadium after a second spell, prompting a lot of speculations about his future

Swansea City’s announcement of Andre Ayew’s departure on Friday has generated a lot of discussion about his next possible destination.

The Ghana international left the Jack Army as a free agent following the expiration of his contract this summer and the club’s failure to successfully secure a return to the Premier League after losing to Brentford in the Championship play-off final on Saturday.

He scored a total of 35 goals in the last two seasons, each time finishing the term as the club’s top scorer.

It is unclear where the 31-year-old’s next destination will be but with such fine scoring form in recent times, transfer speculation have been heightened by Friday’s announcement, with Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal mooted by a section of fans as options.

Interestingly, Ghana Premier League sides Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, and lower division outfit Real Tamale United have also been mentioned, although they are admittedly, very unlikely destinations.

Below are the best reactions from Ghanaians after the exit announcement:

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
  415 Hits

'Super League was not a coup' - Juventus chief Agnelli insists football reform is still needed

The Turin club are one of just three sides from the original 12 that remain committed to the much-criticised breakaway plan

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has once more defended his side's participation in the aborted Super League, arguing that football still needs a radical overhaul despite the project's failure.

The Italian giants are one of just three clubs, along with Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are yet to withdraw from the Super League. 

The plan, which emerged in late April, caused huge uproar across the football world and may yet lead to sanctions from UEFA for the clubs involved.

What was said? 

"I remember a proposal from 2019 between the ECA [European Clubs Association] and UEFA, which I thought was excellent, and in fact was supported by clubs in the second, third and fourth division," Agnelli said in a press conference on Friday.

“You cannot help but recognise European football is concentrated into a monopoly of executive, economic and juridical power, reserving UEFA the almost arbitrary responsibility of assigning licences.

“The system is nowadays inefficient. The Super League was not a coup d’etat, but a desperate warning cry for a system that was already on the verge of collapse before the pandemic, and is heading towards a state of insolvency."

"The legal basis is solid"

While UEFA considers what action to take against Juventus and their peers, Agnelli insists that there is no legal grounds for punishment.

“The clubs always asked for communication with UEFA, who reacted by slamming the door shut and making grave, arrogant threats towards the three clubs who remain in the Super League, totally ignoring the verdict of the tribunal in Madrid and awaiting the verdict of the European tribunal. We can assure that the legal basis for the project is solid," he added.

“This sort of attitude from UEFA is not how you reform football. Our desire for dialogue with UEFA and FIFA is unchanged. Other sports modified their format over the years, such as the basketball Euroleague, bringing great benefits to fans, clubs and players.

“Almost all stakeholders maintain football has to be reformed, yet those who do make proposals are demonised. Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona intend to continue with our proposals, also in solidarity with those who were too afraid to stick to them.”

Further reading

  405 Hits

Romero and Pereira among EIGHT Manchester United players to leave as Mata discussions continue

The two goalkeepers will depart Old Trafford this summer after the Red Devils confirmed their retained list

Manchester United have confirmed that eight players will leave the club this summer, including goalkeepers Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira. 

Each year clubs announce a list of retained players, and this year the two biggest names are first team goalkeepers Romero and Pereira. The other six players are all from the club’s youth team.

The news also signifies that Juan Mata may not leave the club despite his contract coming to an end this summer, as negotiations continue over a new deal. 

Who has been released? 

Romero has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford following Dean Henderson’s return, and his camp tried to get him a move away in the last two transfer windows. The Argentine has not been involved all season after making 61 appearances for the club since signing in 2015. 

Pereira has made one senior appearance and has had six loan spells away from the club, with his most recent being at Huddersfield Town. 

The other players on the released list are goalkeeper Jacob Carney, midfielder Mark Helm, defender Lestyn Hughes, midfielder Arnau Puigmal, defender Max Taylor and midfielder Aliou Traore.

What about Juan Mata? 

Mata’s contract expires this summer with the club having an option to trigger it for another year. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed the club are in talks with the 33-year-old over a new deal. 

United also confirmed they are also in discussions with goalkeeping duo Lee Grant and Paul Woolston over new deals, with both of their current contracts expiring this summer. 

What about incomings? 

The Glazer family have promised to back Solskjaer again in the window and the United manager is hoping for two or three new faces to arrive this summer. Jadon Sancho remains a priority and they are also looking into signing a centre-back, a right-back and a defensive midfielder. 

Further reading

Original author: Charlotte Duncker
  517 Hits

Bale expects to discuss Real Madrid future with new coach Ancelotti

The pair helped Los Blancos to their landmark 10th Champions League crown and enjoyed a good working relationship during the Italian's first stint

Gareth Bale says he will be happy to sit down with new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after Euro 2020 and decide whether he has a future at the club. 

Ancelotti was at the Madrid helm during Bale's first season at the club in 2013-14, which ended in glory as they claimed their 10th Champions League title. 

The pair enjoyed a warm relationship prior to the Italian's exit in 2015, and his second spell at Santiago Bernabeu could prompt Bale into staying put following a year on loan at Tottenham.

What was said? 

“I know Carlo Ancelotti, he’s a great manager. I get on with him really well,” Bale explained to Sky Sports from the Wales camp as the nation gears up for the European Championship.

“We had some great times in the past, but I haven’t spoken to anybody, I’m not thinking about my future. As soon as the Euros finishes I’m sure I’ll have a conversation and go from there.”

Ancelotti's opinion

The ex-Everton coach also has a high opinion of Bale, who was left out in the cold during the last years of Zinedine Zidane's tenure in Madrid before leaving for Spurs. 

"Gareth hasn't played much in the Premier League, but he did score goals," Ancelotti told reporters during his introductory press conference. "He was effective in the final games of the season when he played consistently.

"He is coming back, I know him well. If he is motivated to play, he can have a great season. I have no doubt. I have a lot of love still for Gareth, Isco, Marcelo, they will have the motivation to show they can still play for Real Madrid."

Further reading 

  462 Hits

What Real Madrid can expect from new signing Camavinga

The Nigerian descent drove through the Blades' defence to score the wonder goal during a Premier League match in January

Eberechi Eze’s solo strike against Sheffield United has won Crystal Palace’s Goal of the Season award.

The 22-year-old saw off competition from Christian Benteke and Jean-Philippe Mateta after he collected 48 per cent of the total votes.

Back in January, after Jeffrey Schlupp opened the scoring for the Eagles against Sheffield United in a Premier League match, Eze dribbled his way past several defenders before slotting home the second goal from the edge of the box.

Crystal Palace won the match 2-0 and the strike was nominated for the club's Goal of the Month and Premier League Goal of the Month prizes.

“Palace fans, thank you so, so much for your support and votes this season. I love you guys so much and it’s greatly appreciated, man. God bless you all,” Eze told the club’s website after winning the award.

Eze had a fantastic debut season in the Premier League following his switch from Queens Park Rangers last year, as he managed four goals and six assists in 34 matches.

Meanwhile, Chelsea legend Steve Sidwell compared Eze to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry after that finish at Selhurst Park.

"We thought Eberechi Eze was cool and calm and composed but this goal! He just weaves in and out of the Sheffield United team," Sidwell said.

"If there's a player you could compare that finish to it would be Thierry Henry - he just slots it in the bottom right corner.

"He glides through the Sheffield United team and slots a cool finish past Aaron Ramsdale. What a goal! I always love watching Eze he's just got so much talent."

Unfortunately, the Nigerian descent could not end the season after he ruptured his Achilles tendon in training.

It remains to be seen if Eze will recover in time for the start of the 2021-22 season with several reports ruling him out of action until the start of next year.

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Goal takes a look at the words to the Tartan Army anthem and the background to how it became a dressing room hit

Scotland returned to a major tournament for the first time in more than 20 years when they booked their place at Euro 2020, and the Tartan Army quickly adopted an unofficial anthem.

When David Marshall saved Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty to pave the path to the European Championship, a nation erupted in a chorus of 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie'.

Marshall himself earned his own tribute song, but Baccara's 1977 disco hit is the one that will feature most prominently at Hampden Park and further afield in the years to come.

So, in case you're brushing up on your lyrics or you're wondering what it's all about, Goal brings you all the details of Scotland's new unofficial anthem

Yes Sir, I Can Boogie Lyrics

Mister
Your eyes are full of hesitation
Sure makes me wonder
If you know what you're looking for

Umm, baby
I wan't to keep my reputation
I'm a sensation
You try me once you'll beg for more

Ooooh!
Yes sir, I can boogie
But I need a certain song
I can boogie, boogie-boogie* all night long!
Yes sir, I can boogie If you stay, you can't go wrong
I can boogie, boogie-boogie all night long!

No sir,
I don't feel very much like talking
No neither walking
You wanna know if I can dance...

Yes sir,
Already told you in the first verse
And in the chorus
But I will give you one more chance...

Ooooh!
Yes sir, I can boogie
But I need a certain song
I can boogie, boogie-boogie all night long!
Yes sir, I can boogie If you stay, you can't go wrong
I can boogie, boogie-boogie all night long!

Ooooh!
Yes sir, I can boogie
But I need a certain song
I can boogie, boogie-boogie all night long!
Yes sir, I can boogie If you stay, you can't go wrong
I can boogie, boogie-boogie all night long!

Ooooh!
Yes sir, I can boogie
But I need a certain song
I can boogie, boogie-boogie all night long!
Yes sir, I can boogie If you stay, you can't go wrong
I can boogie, boogie-boogie all night long!

Ooooh!
Yes sir, I can boogie
But I need a certain song
I can boogie, boogie-boogie all night long!
Yes sir, I can boogie If you stay, you can't go wrong
I can boogie, boogie-boogie all night long!

*sometimes sung 'boogie-woogie'

Click here if video does not play

Why do Scotland fans sing 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie'?

The adoption of 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie' by originally came as a tribute to Aberdeen defender Andrew Considine after he took part in a joke video of the song on his stag party.

Considine was part of the Scotland squad that qualified for Euro 2020 and the song quickly became a dressing room hit before a video of the players celebrating to it went viral.

The Dons icon was in the thick of the singing and dancing, alongside Scott McTominay, Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney. Unfortunately, John McGinn and Ryan Christie missed "the boogie" in order to undergo a UEFA-mandated drug test.

Fans have embraced the catchy number and the official Scotland social media channels have even promoted a Spotify playlist featuring the song for supporters ahead of games.

Click here if video does not play

Who are Baccara?

Baccara is the name of Spanish singing duo Mayte Mateos and Maria Mendiola, who sang the 1977 hit 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie'.

The band had four studio albums, including the eponymous debut album and follow-ups, Light My Fire, Colours and Bad Boys.

Yes Sir, I Can Boogie is their undoubted best-selling hit, reaching No 1 in the singles charts in a variety of countries, including the UK, Ireland, West Germany and the Netherlands.

What is Scotland's official football anthem?

Flower of Scotland is the name of Scotland's official football anthem. It was written by folk musician Roy Williamson, who performed in the band The Corries.

The song, also used by the Scotland rugby union team, is played before international games, as is customary, and occasionally a rendition will be performed during the action.

While the official anthem of Scotland remains that of the United Kingdom - God Save the Queen - Flower of Scotland has become a de facto anthem.

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The former Red Devils defender says the star performer at Tottenham would be a welcome addition at Old Trafford, at the right price

Manchester United would "send a message" to Premier League and European rivals if they were able to put a deal in place for Harry Kane says Gary Pallister, with the Tottenham striker "worth his weight in gold".

A big-money move is said to be on the cards for the England captain, with personal ambition and a desire to start winning trophies set to lead him away from north London.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to form part of the hunt for a prolific presence and Pallister can appreciate why the Red Devils would be keen on the talented 27-year-old, if he could be acquired for the right price.

What has been said?

Former United defender Pallister told Goal of Kane: "He ticks all the boxes. He's a guarantee of goals, Premier League proven. 

"Looking at the way football is at the moment, who can actually afford to buy Harry Kane? What would the price be? It's going to be a huge fee to bring him to your club and who is going to be able to afford him? I'm hoping that United are at the front of the queue. 

"[Edinson] Cavani has been fantastic and he'll play a big part next season as well. He has proved to everyone that he isn't here to pick up a few quid at the end of his career.

"If you're looking into the future, Harry Kane is at the perfect age now, you are going to get the best years out of him. He's somebody that all of the top clubs in Europe would love to have in their side. It might be about striking early, it might be about a bit of patience. 

"Has Harry Kane already made his mind up and set his heart on where he wants to go? He's said that he'd love to play with De Bruyne, which you can understand."

Pallister added: "It's all about the quality. Someone that guarantees you goals like Harry Kane are worth their weight in gold. 

"Whether Tottenham have struggled, he has had a consistency of scoring goals. It's not just that, he's a very clever player, he can draw fouls, he can hold the ball up, he has a good imagination when he's on the ball. He ticks a lot of boxes. That's why he's the complete forward and everyone is hungry to get him. 

"Him and Cavani would be ready-made centre-forwards if he did go there, but it would also be great for someone like Mason Greenwood, who probably wants to play in a more central role as his career goes on, to learn from them. It also sends a bit of a message as well if you were to get him."

What about in defence?

United are not only in the market for another striker; they are also looking to bring someone in to help keep opponents out at the other end.

Raphael Varane, Marquinhos and Pau Torres have been mooted as targets for the Red Devils, with Pallister keen to see Solskjaer land another leader alongside captain Harry Maguire.

A man who knows all about playing at centre-half added: "I'd like to bring in Virgil van Dijk but I don't think they're going to sell him! If you can get hold of somebody who's like a Vincent Kompany or a Virgil van Dijk or a John Terry, Tony Adams, somebody of that ilk, then you bring them in. 

"I'm not sure how many of those are out there. If a top-class centre-half becomes available, I'm sure Ole will be looking to bring one in as well. I think more important at this stage is that right-sided midfield player. 

"Mason [Greenwood] has been occupying that berth but he's still at an age where you don't want him to play week in, week out. He still needs rest and to be nurtured through these early parts of his career because there is so much expectation on the lad.

"I think for that right-sided midfield role, to give the team a bit of balance, someone like [Jadon] Sancho is probably more important."

Who are the key men?

Whoever United bring in, Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes is likely to remain centre of attention at Old Trafford.

He has become a talismanic figure for the Red Devils, with Pallister - who worked with Eric Cantona and Paul Scholes in his playing days - admitting that the 26-year-old deserves a standing in the most illustrious of company.

Asked if Fernandes can be compared to icons of the past, Pallister said: "You have to say that his stats say yes. His impact on the team was phenomenal when he walked into that dressing room, right from the get go. It's not just what he does with the ball, it's what he's telling others to do with it. 

"I think United have lacked that until he got there. I think Harry Maguire does it a little bit, he's becoming more and more vocal as his role is expanded and he has become more comfortable with it.

"You need players in the team that dig other people out. If they are not putting a shift in or doing the right things, then you need a player of that ilk to stamp a mark on the side and tell people.

"I was fortunate to play with a host of players like that - [Bryan] Robson, [Paul] Ince, [Steve] Bruce, [Roy] Keane and [Mark] Hughes. They didn't accept second best and if things weren't going right, they would be screaming and demanding more of the players alongside them. I think that's what Bruno has brought to the team, as well as fantastic ability. 

"He had a quiet end to the season, and you're maybe saying that because of the heights he hit in that first year, but I think he's getting to the stage where he's as important as a Scholes or a Cantona were to the side."

Gary Pallister previewed Euro 2020 with SBK. Download the SBK sportsbook app for the latest Euros odds and betting, where England are 26/5 to lift the trophy (18+ please bet responsibly)

Further reading

Original author: Chris Burton
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