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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not ruled out Manchester United signing a striker this summer despite Edinson Cavani signing a contract extension. 

The club are hoping to bring in a number of new faces when the window opens but with Cavani putting pen to paper on an extension that keeps him at the club until June 2022 it is understood a striker has been pushed down the priority list with right-wing taking precedent. 

But the United manager refused to rule out the possibility of the club adding another striker to their ranks. 

What was said? 

Asked if he could rule out United signing a striker this summer he replied: “No, of course I can’t.

"Yeah Edi (Cavani) signed but how many good strikers have we had at this club? And I can’t say we’re not signing a striker, of course not because we’re building towards a better squad.

"We’re top three two years on the bounce but we’re still nowhere near where we want to be. Hopefully we’ll end up with a stronger squad at the start of next season and be more consistent and challenge the ones in front of us."

What about Kane?

The news on Monday night that Harry Kane has asked to leave Tottenham has intensified speculation that he could be on his way to Old Trafford. 

United are long-term admirers of the England international but know a deal would be far from straight forward and would cost a lot. 

Chelsea and Manchester City are also believed to be interested in the striker and Solskjaer was asked about whether his future and potential transfer away from Spurs would set the tone for the summer window. 

Solskjaer said: “I can’t comment on other teams players and what’s been speculated and said. I want to show the respect Tottenham deserve and not talk about their players.” 

What else was said? 

Speaking about the wonderful goal his own striker, Cavani, scored in the 1-1 draw against Fulham he said: “If that was in the vote for goal of the season I think he might have had a chance to win it. 

“This chance was amazing, very pleased with him.” 

Further reading

Karim Benzema’s return to the French senior national team has sent social media into a meltdown.

The Real Madrid star was named in the European side’s 26-man squad for this summer's Euro 2020 tournament, with the striker earning a recall from Didier Deschamps for the first time in six years.

With this development, the 33-year-old rejoined the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann in the French squad as reigning world champions Les Bleus hope to shine at the Euros this summer.

As expected, football fans went on social media to celebrate the return of the former Olympique Lyon man to international football.

Kaizer Chiefs head of scouting Walter Steenbok is reportedly among the favourites to become the new South African Football Association technical director.

The nation's football governing body has been without a permanent technical director since the departure of former Chiefs captain Neil Tovey after his five-year contract expired in June 2020.

Frans Mogashoa, who is Safa's head of coaching education, has been acting in this position since Tovey’s departure, but iDiski Times are now reporting that Steenbok has emerged as a favourite for the job.

Safa's chief executive Tebogo Motlanthe has disclosed three candidates have been shortlisted as they look to replace Tovey. 

“Like I did with all staff I put technical director for last because I need to also get the technical input because when you get a technical director, it must be someone who understands where the association is going," Motlanthe told the same publication. 

"So I got three shortlisted names. And hopefully, I’ll sit with the technical committee this weekend, we finalize that appointment because I can safely tell you that our restructuring, our old section 189 process is 99% done. We tried to reduce salaries while we protect jobs at all cost. 

“All of them, South Africans, all of them top candidates within their own rights, it’s just for the technical committee to also say these are the people we want, who can take us forward," he continued. 

"Then once we have agreed we are on the same page with the technical committee will make the announcement."

Mauritius Football Association (MFA) technical director Zunaid Mall and a former Safa technical officer in Gauteng Joe de Oliviera have also been linked with Safa's technical director job. 

However, Motlanthe insisted the names of the three candidates are a secret. 

“I’m not a technical person as you know, but these are good names. Well, I looked at the CVs the standard is high," he added. 

"So it’s just for the technical committee to say, do we have the right person or must we go again and interview people. The candidates are a very big secret. They don’t even know they’re shortlisted as we speak."

Steenbok, who is a former Mamelodi Sundowns chief scout, coached Basotho Tigers in the NFD and Benoni Premier United in the PSL. 

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores is up and running once more, with the group stage now underway for 2021.

Thirty two teams from across the South American continent have won passage into the first round proper of the competition, either through automatic qualification or by fighting through Libertadores' preliminary rounds.

Both the Argentine and Brazilian clubs have tasted glory in this tournament and will be desperate to make a claim for one of those spots with a strong performance. 

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores group stage can be watched through Fanatiz with a 7-day free trial followed by $7.99 a month . 

The streaming platform offers the option to watch each game.

Copa Libertadores Group Stage: Round Five Fixtures

Group positions as of May 17 in (brackets). 

(Q) Already qualified for last 16

(C) Already eliminated (but can still make Copa Sudamericana)

(E) Already eliminated 

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

What has happened so far in the 2021 Copa Libertadores?

The 2021 Copa Libertadores began less than a month after the 2020 edition came to an end with Palmeiras' narrow victory over Santos in the final, due to delays in its playing caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

On February 23 Uruguay's Liverpool met Catolica of Ecuador in the opening match of the first preliminary phase, officially kicking off the new tournament. 

Watch now with Fanatiz English

With four rounds of the group stage already completed in this accelerated Libertadores, both Palmeiras and Atletico Mineiro have already secured safe passage to the last 16, the former with a perfect record so far. 

A whole host of teams could be joining them this week, with the likes of Flamengo, Fluminense and Argentinos Juniors needing only a draw to progress while others, such as Sao Paulo and Racing Club in Group E and Group C leaders Barcelona, can clinch their knockout place with victory.

Elsewhere, though, things look set to go down to the final day: particularly in Group B, where all four teams are deadlocked on six points so far.

It is important to remember as well that there is still plenty to play for even for those teams who look set to miss out on the knockout stage, as third place guarantees a spot in the Copa Sudamericana last 16.

Watch the Copa Libertadores live on Fanatiz. Sign up for a free trial now followed by $7.99 a month

Kwadwo Baah revealed why signing for Watford is his ‘biggest achievement’ in life so far.

Following his impressive performance for English League Two side Rochdale, the English U18 star of Ghanaian descent penned a five-year contract with the Hornets.

The 18-year-old who can play as a forward or on either wing was in fine form for Brian Barry-Murphy’s side, albeit, he could not prevent them from getting demoted to the English football league’s fourth-tier.

In his first interview with the Hornets, the teenager hailed his move to the Premier League side while assuring that he would prove his worth.

“I’m very excited to join Watford,” Baah was quoted by the club website.

“It’s been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League so for Watford to give me that opportunity, I’m very grateful.

“Watford showed me they really wanted me. They want me to prove myself to them and to show I can play in the Premier League and show the world what I can do.

“Getting called up by England was a big achievement, but Watford signing me this summer, so I can have the opportunity to play in the Premier League, is my biggest achievement in life so far. I’m really happy for that.

“I’m very excited to meet all the players and I’ve had a couple of messages from the coaches and other staff welcoming me to the club already, which is very nice.”

Having spent four years in Crystal Palace’s academy, Baah teamed up with Rochdale in 2019. He properly made a mark in the 2020-21 campaign where he contributed three goals and two assists in 13 League One starts.

“Rochdale helped me a lot at the start of my footballing career,” he continued.

“Going into the professional game, they have helped me mature into the player I am today. They have helped me show people what I can do with the ball.

“And they have helped me off the pitch too, which means I know what to do to take care of myself.

“I’m a fast player, I like to dribble a lot and I like to think I’m an exciting player as well. I like scoring goals and creating them too.”

Throughout his time at the Spotland Stadium, he scored three goals in 44 appearances for Barry-Murphy's side.

Having joined the Hertfordshire-based side, he becomes the seventh African at Watford.

Tusker FC coach Robert Matano has stated they must contain the pressure and focus on their matches in the FKF Premier League after dropping points in their last assignment.

The Brewers returned to action with a 0-0 draw against KCB in a match at Ruaraka grounds but according to Matano the team must start playing as a unit to help them get the results they want and be in a better position to challenge for the title.

“It was always going to be a very tough game because playing the first game after two months of stoppage is not easy,” Matano said in an interview.

“KCB is a very good team but I know we will pick up from there. We now have a good time to prepare for the next game and I know we will improve.

“We are just in the first leg and we have finished top, now we have to move forward into the second half of the season, pressure to win the title is on everyone, not just us. We have to contain the pressure on our side and make sure we improve in the next game.

“We have to be more organized in attack because against KCB, we didn’t see much of any attacking play. We also didn’t play as a unit as usual but I know with time we will be okay.”

Meanwhile, KCB coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was equally impressed with his side's resilience to snatch a draw from the Brewers insisting the result was fair for both teams.

“It was a well-balanced game and I feel a draw was a fair result to both teams,” Otieno told Goal. “We troubled them mostly in the first half but in the second period, it was a balanced affair until we got our player sent off.

“It somehow affected our rhythm and the reason we resorted to defending to avoid losing in the last moments.”

Despite the draw, the Brewers remained top of the log with 34 points, but second-placed AFC Leopards are only two points short, having beaten Nzoia Sugar 1-0.

Tusker will next face Wazito FC, who are reeling from losing 2-0 against Sofapaka in a match at Wundanyi grounds.

Dylan Kerr believes only five clubs can sign striker Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has reportedly asked to leave the North London club after growing frustrated over the club’s inability to compete at the highest level, having seen his side fall out of contention to secure Champions League football for next season.

Though Spurs have long been reluctant to entertain bids for their talisman, the England captain is hoping they will soften their stance after his long service to the club.

The British tactician, who is currently handling Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League has backed Kane’s reported stance to leave Spurs this summer but maintained only five clubs – Manchester City, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, Juventus, and PSG - are able to sign him.

“It is good for him to move because he wants to win trophies but his price will dictate the team he will sign for,” Kerr told Goal on Tuesday.

“He’s served the club well and it can be good for him to leave but only five clubs will be in for his services and that is Man City, Barcelona, and Real Madrid in my opinion or if possible Juventus and PSG.

“But Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal they’re going to be priced out unless he’s a free agent.”

Kerr has maintained Kane will not make a mistake leaving Spurs, by stating: “Yes he’s hungry for trophies and he deserves to move, it’s not okay being a top goal scorer but not have anything to show for it as a winner.

“Like I tell all my players wherever I go, you should always want to be the best and win trophies to show in the future when you retire, and Kane needs that for the future.”

Already, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea have been mentioned as potentially viable destinations for Kane, although it is still unclear as to whether a move will materialise.

With 22 Premier League goals, Kane is level with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in the race for the golden boot. Furthermore, he has 32 goals and 16 assists in 47 games in all competitions, ranking him among the world's best strikers this season.

Martin Odegaard has revealed that he is "happy" at Arsenal, but accepts that Real Madrid will make the final call about his future.

Odegaard has been a big hit at Emirates Stadium since joining the Gunners on loan from Real in the January transfer window.

The Norwegian has nailed down a regular spot in Mikel Arteta's line-up, but is due to return to Santiago Bernabeu this summer with no purchase option included in the deal which saw him leave Madrid on a temporary basis.

What's been said?

Although Odegaard is quite content at Arsenal for the time being, he concedes that Real hold all the cards with regards to his next move due to the fact he is still under contract with the Spanish giants until 2023.

"I am happy here at Arsenal, we will see after the season what will happen," the 22-year-old told Sky Germany.

"I’m owned by Real Madrid, so we have to speak to them. It’s important to understand what they want."

What has Arteta said about Odegaard?

Arteta said that Arsenal will decide whether to take their "relationship forward" with Odegaard at the end of the season following his bright start to life at the Emirates, and has been effusive in his praise for the midfielder on a number of occasions.

One of Odegaard's best displays to date came in a dramatic 3-3 draw with West Ham on March 21, after which his manager stated: "I think he had an incredible performance.

"He was very intelligent the way he read the game, the way he affected the game. The way he steps on that pitch and always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing, he’s been really influential.

"I think we have all been surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps in that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football."

Odegaard's record for Arsenal

Odegaard has appeared in 18 matches across all competitions for the Gunners to date, scoring two goals.

The Norway international will likely have the chance to add to his tally when Arteta's side take in a trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday before they wrap up their season at home to Brighton four days later.

Further reading

The Indian national team is all set to travel to Qatar to play their remaining 2022 World Cup qualifying games against Qatar, Bangladesh and Afghanistan respectively in the month of June.

Igor Stimac's side are scheduled to face hosts and group toppers Qatar on June 3 followed by playing against Bangladesh on June 7 and then they will lock horns against Afghanistan in their final qualifying game on June 15.

India started their journey in the qualifiers with a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Oman at home followed by a historic goalless draw against Asian champions Qatar in Doha. In their third and fourth matches, the Blue Tigers managed 1-1 draws against Bangladesh and Afghanistan respectively and then they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Oman away from home.

While India does not stand a chance of qualifying for the next round of the World Cup qualifiers but they still have a lot to play for in the remaining three fixtures. If India can finish at least in the third position then they will qualify for the third round of the Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers.

Here's how you can watch India's World Cup qualifying games.

Where to watch or stream FC Goa's ACL matches

The  Star Sports Network have bought the rights to show India's World Cup qualifiers in Qatar.

Matches will also be available on the streaming platform  Hotstar, allowing supporters to watch the game and catch the replay of matches. 

India's ACL fixtures

*All the matches can be watched online on Hotstar

Crystal Palace have announced that Roy Hodgson will step down as head coach at the end of the season amid reports that former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is in line for the top job at Selhurst Park.

Hodgson, who has previously managed the likes of Liverpool and England, initially took charge of Palace in 2017 and has since kept them in the Premier League for four consecutive seasons.

The 73-year-old has overseen 160 games across all competitions as Eagles boss, but has decided to walk away from top-flight coaching after their final two fixtures of the 2020-21 campaign against Arsenal and Liverpool.

What's been said?

“After more than 45 years of coaching I have decided that the time is right for me to step away from the rigours of top-flight Premier League football, so our final two matches will be my last ones as manager of Crystal Palace," Hodgson told the club's official website.

“It’s been a particularly rewarding period of my football life and career to have been able to spend these last four seasons with Palace. I feel now that at the end of another successful season, in which we have secured our Premier League status, the moment is right for me to step down from my responsibilities of being a full-time manager.

“I have really enjoyed my time at Palace, I have been privileged to work with an outstanding group of professional and dedicated players, most of whom have been with me throughout the four years. A manager is only as good as the players who perform on the pitch. I have been fortunate that those in my charge have certainly given me that and I thank them for it.

“I would also like to thank our chairman Steve Parish, his partners David Blitzer and Josh Harris and sporting director Dougie Freedman for all their support over the years. They gave me an opportunity to return to my hometown club and I have always felt we were singing from the same hymn sheet in trying to achieve our joint goals.

"I can only wish them all the very best of luck for a successful future and I am convinced that the club will go from strength to strength.”   

Parish's tribute to Hodgson

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has paid tribute to Hodgson ahead of his departure, talking up the impact he has had both on and off the pitch at Selhurst Park over the past four years.

“It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to work alongside Roy, who is both a magnificent human and an outstanding football manager," he said.

"I know how much it has meant to Roy managing the club he supported as a child, adding to his distinguished and unparalleled career in football management. 

“His record with us simply cannot be overstated, he is the only Palace manager to secure four years in the Premier League and he has helped give us stability in the most turbulent of times. We will be forever grateful for his immense contribution and I am delighted that we will have the opportunity to show our appreciation at Selhurst Park after the Arsenal match, alongside 6,500 supporters.

“Roy will leave us after our final Premier League match of the season with our enormous thanks for his incredible contribution to our club, and with our very best wishes for the future.”

Will Lampard be Palace's next manager?   

Lampard is being touted as the most likely candidate to replace Hodgson at Palace, having been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in January.

It has been reported that talks between club officials and Lampard's representatives are already underway, with the south London outfit eager to get their new manager in place as soon as possible.

Further reading

Reports of Arsenal tabling a bid for Sander Berge have been rubbished by interim Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom, with the Blades yet to receive any offers for a player with a £35 million ($50m) release clause.

There have been suggestions that interest in the Norway international from Emirates Stadium is being stepped up, with a £17m ($24m) approach made from north London.

Heckingbottom insists that is not the case, with there still no substance to the rumours that continue to link a talented 23-year-old midfielder with the Gunners, Liverpool, Everton and Aston Villa.

What has been said?

Quizzed ahead of a Premier League meeting with Newcastle as to whether any bids for Berge have been knocked back, Heckingbottom has told Yorkshire Live : "No, no offers.

"We know how things work.

"If there is anything happening for our players it's bubbling away behind the scenes until [transfer] windows open and things can possibly happen, but it is all paper talk.

"Most of the questions you get asked about possible targets never, ever comes to fruition. Ninety-odd percent of it will never surface.

"At the minute it is all just rumour and speculation. We've had no bids for our players."

Why is Berge in demand?

Sheffield United broke their transfer record to acquire Berge from Genk for £22 million ($31m) in January 2020.

He caught the eye as the Blades secured a top-half finish in their first campaign back in the big time.

The going has proved tougher this time around, however, with relegation back to the Championship confirmed with just 20 points taken from 36 games.

Berge has proved to be a big miss through injury, with just 16 appearances taken in across all competitions.

He has returned from a hamstring problem that required surgery over recent weeks, but sat out 21 games between mid-December and early May.

His ability remains without question, despite the fitness setbacks, and a deal is expected in the summer window as the Blades prepare for life back in the second tier of English football.

Further reading

Former Gor Mahia assistant coach Frank Ouna is set to take over at Mathare United after the sacking of Salim Ali.

The Slum Boys management opted to make the changes in their bid to save the team from relegation in the ongoing Football Kenya Federation Premier League campaign. 

The 2008 league champions have been struggling to get positive results consistently since the start of the campaign. They started the league late after tussles with the federation regarding the broadcasting rights before being reinstated later on.

However, the tactician has failed to steady the ship.

"It was a tough decision but we have eventually decided to let Salim go because of the poor results we have been having," Mathare United CEO Jectone Obure told Goal.

"We had to make some changes to see if we can turn the results around. Ouna is a great coach, we believe he will help us get off the bottom and help the team survive relegation."

When reached for comment, the axed tactician revealed it was easy working at the club.

"Pushing demoralized players to give their best in matches has not been easy," Salim said.

"Players have gone for months without pay and there are some issues as well that make it hard for the team to deliver. I wish whoever coming in the best since everybody wants to see the team remain at the top. But more is needed."

Prior to his sacking, the former Ulinzi Stars tactician had led the team in 14 matches where he managed one win, four draws, and nine losses. The latest assignment was against Vihiga United where they managed a goalless draw.

"Though small, the draw is a step in the right direction," the former player said afterwards.

"I said before the game that we consider it a new campaign and that we will not dwell on what happened prior to the two-month break. So we take the point and now turn our attention towards our next assignment.  

"I saw plenty of positives against Vihiga, one of which was the fighting spirit and I want to foster that as, without it, you are dead before a ball is kicked."

Ouna's first assignment will be on Wednesday against his former team KCB.

Former Kenya international Boniface Ambani is happy that Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has asked to leave the North London club.

The 27-year-old has grown frustrated over the club's inability to compete at the highest level, having seen his side fall out of contention to secure Champions League football for next season, and has reiterated his stance to leave Spurs this summer.

Spurs have long been reluctant to entertain bids for their talisman but the England captain is hoping they will soften their stance after his long service to the club.

His decision to demand an exit has delighted Ambani, who played for the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, and a host of clubs in Kenya and the East African region.

“Great players win trophies, he has overstayed in Tottenham,” Ambani told Goal on Tuesday. “You can't be scoring lots of goals, the likes of Harry [Kane], and go to waste.

“Your goals should translate into trophies, remember Robin Van Persie had to leave Arsenal to play for rivals Manchester United and he won the Premier League with Man United, his goals counted so much.”

According to Ambani, Kane deserves to play for a big club in Europe that wins trophies, revealing during his playtime he never entertained playing for teams that could not win trophies.

“Great players such as Harry Kane should be in bigger teams that win trophies,” Ambani, who locally played for AFC Leopards and Tusker continued.

“I knew personally I was a great striker, and that’s why I refused to play for lesser clubs, why? I wanted my goals to help teams win trophies.

“Who will remember Harry [Kane] after he retires from playing? Very few, but if those goals could have translated into trophies, then his name will always be remembered across the globe.

“He falls under the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Van Persie, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Luis Suarez, but the difference is, all the above have won trophies with their respective clubs, but he hasn’t.

“It’s time for him to leave.”

Already, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea have been named as potentially viable destinations for Kane, although it is still unclear as to whether a move will materialise.

With 22 Premier League goals, Kane is level with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in the race for the golden boot. Furthermore, he has 32 goals and 16 assists in 47 games in all competitions, ranking him among the world's best strikers.

Suarez has admitted that he didn't expect to "suffer" so much at Atletico Madrid amid a tense La Liga title race which has gone right down to the final day.

Atletico are on the verge of winning their first domestic crown since 2013-14 as they sit two points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid with only one game left to play.

Suarez's goals have been crucial in the Rojiblancos' rise to the top of the standings, with his latest effort completing a dramatic comeback against Osasuna on Sunday, but he concedes it has been a difficult journey.

What's been said?

The Uruguayan striker, who joined Atletico from Barcelona last summer, told reporters of the 2-1 win over Osasuna: "I don't think we deserved to suffer as much as we ended up doing because we had one of our best halves of the season.

"We missed lots of chances, including me. We have to get used to suffering in order to win La Liga and that's what happened.

"Everyone says that [suffering] is Atletico's thing. I didn't think there was as much [suffering] as this!

"But anyway, the effort, the sacrifice that this team is making... there are lots of people working to achieve our goals. Now it's time to enjoy it, stay calm and prepare in the week ahead."

Suarez debut season at Atletico

Barca reportedly sold Suarez due to doubts over whether he could still deliver the goods in his mid-thirties, despite his 21-goal contribution in the 2019-20 season.

The 34-year-old has since proved that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level with Atletico, scoring 20 goals in his first 37 outings across all competitions for the club.

All of his goals have come in La Liga, along with the three assists he has provided for his team-mates.

Atletico's destiny in their own hands

Atletico will be crowned champions of Spain if they beat Real Valladolid at Jose Zorrilla Stadium on Saturday, with Real set to be in action on the same day at home to Villarreal.

Diego Simeone's men could still be pipped by their cross-city foes if they slip up against Valladolid due to their inferior head-to-head record, with Suarez well aware of what's at stake.

"It's in our hands," he added. "It's the most important game of the season. We've had many, but this is so important in achieving our goal."

Further reading