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Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray have confirmed the signing of Mostafa Mohamed on loan from Egyptian Premier League side Zamalek, with an option to buy.

Mohamed, 23, joined the Turk Telekom Stadium giants after Zamalek’s talks with French top-flight side Saint-Etienne broke down.

“Galatasaray Sportif A.S have announced to the public that an agreement has been reached on the temporary transfer of professional footballer Mostafa Mohamed Ahmed Abdalla with an option to buy. We wish Mostafa Mohamed, who will continue his career in yellow and red, success with Galatasaray,” a statement from the Turkish side read on their website.

The forward began his youth career with the White Castle before he was promoted to the first team in 2017.

Subsequently, he was loaned to Cairo-based outfit El Dakhlia during the 2016-17 campaign in a bid to get regular playing time.

Having completed his short-term spell at the Police Academy Stadium, he was loaned to Egyptian sides Tanta and El Gaish.

Upon his return to Zamalek, he was a regular figure in the squad – making 53 appearances and scoring 19 goals across all competitions.

He also helped the team win Egyptian Cup (2018-19), Egyptian Super Cup (2019-20) as well as the Caf Super Cup (2020).

On the international scene, he was drafted into the U23 squad having excelled with the U20s. He helped his country win the 2019 Africa U23 Cup of Nations – scoring four goals in five games to emerge as top scorer.

He made his bow for the senior national team in the Pharaohs’ Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Niger Republic on March 23, 2019, before going further to earn three more caps.

With this move, he becomes the seventh African in Fatih Terim’s squad after Henry Onyekuru (Nigeria), Peter Etebo (Nigeria), Younes Belhanda (Morocco), Christian Luyindama (Congo), Valentine Ozornwafor (Nigeria) and Sofiane Feghouli (Algeria).

Mohamed, who has commenced training with the side on Monday evening, has been handed jersey number 31.

He is unlikely to feature when Galatasaray host Istanbul Basaksehir in Tuesday's league game. However, he could make his bow on February 6 when Terim's men visit leaders Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

RB Leipzig are set to beat AC Milan to the signing of Mohamed Simakan from Strasbourg. 

The Bundesliga side have agreed a €15 million (£13m/$18m) deal with the French club, Goal understands, and he is expected to have a medical in Germany in the next week. The centre-back will not be moving to Leipzig until the summer, however. 

Simakan, 20, is expected to succeed Dayot Upamecano at Leipzig, whose agent said on Sunday that he is likely to leave the German side at the end of the season. Bayern Munich have confirmed they have had positive talks with the France international, though the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are also rumoured to want him.

Simakan had reached a personal agreement with both Leipzig and AC Milan, who made an offer worth a similar amount as Julian Nagelsmann's team earlier this month.

Milan had been tracking the defender since last month, as technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed in November.

"At this moment, especially for our way of playing but also the situation of football in general, I would go and get a defender who is strong in one-on-one situtations," he told DAZN.

"That’s why we tried to sign Mohamed Simakan from RC Strasbourg."

"The French league is not very tactical. As a result, the defenders develop the ability to defend well one-on-one. Whether it’s Simakan or someone else, our idea is to sign this kind of player. Maybe they'll have things to learn tactically, but they'll be physically strong and good defensively one-on-one."

Simakan has started 19 Ligue 1 games for Strasbourg, but missed their last three matches after having keyhole surgery on his knee. He is expected to be out of action for two months.

He spent four years in the youth academy of local club Marseille but left at the age of 15, eventually joining Strasbourg in 2017.

Simakan made his debut for the senior side in July 2019 and has gone on to make 44 appearances in all competitions for the club.

He is yet to feature for France's youth sides and is eligible to play for either Les Bleus or Guinea at international level.

Brighton have confirmed the signing of Moises Caicedo from Independiente del Valle.

The 19-year-old joined on a contract that runs to 2025.

Manchester United were rumoured to be eager to wrap up a  €6 million (£5m/$7m) January deal for the midfielder, though Independiente said earlier this month that the Old Trafford side had not made a bid. 

Caicedo made his breakthrough at the Ecuadorian Serie A side in 2019, going on to make 31 appearances in all competitions and was handed his debut for the national team last October.

“It's no secret we have been working to bring Moises to the club, and we are very pleased he is finally here," Seagulls coach Graham Potter told the club's website.

“He will need time to settle in with the group, for us to get to know him and vice versa, as well as get up to speed and ready for the demands of the Premier League.

“He has done very well in Ecuador and made his debut for his country at just 18. He's an exciting signing, but it is important we give him time to adjust.”

Technical director Dan Ashworth reiterated that the new arrival will need time to get used to his new surroundings but is convinced of his potential to shine in the Premier League.

“Moises has had a lot of interest from clubs across Europe, which is understandable given how well he has done," he said.

“He's been one the recruitment team has been aware of for some time and we are confident he is a player with a very exciting future ahead. 

“It has been a complicated transfer, due to the current restrictions, and there has been a lot of hard work across several of the club's departments to get the transfer completed.

“Moises is still a young player, moving away from his country for the first time, so we allow him the time he needs to adjust and adapt.”

Caicedo is Brighton's only signing of the January transfer window, while they have seen the likes of Bernardo, Jayson Molumby, Mat Ryan and Viktor Gyökeres sent out on loan.

Abby Dahlkemper is hoping her United States team-mates Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle will stick around at Manchester City as she prepares for an opportunity with the club that she says she “just couldn’t pass up”.

Dahlkemper signed a two-and-a-half year deal with City in January, making her debut in Sunday’s 4-0 win over West Ham.

It sealed a reunion with two of her international team-mates, whom she won the World Cup with in the summer of 2019, but with Mewis in particular.

Dahlkemper has played with the midfielder for over 10 years now, a spell that dates back to their days at college together.

“She’s one of my best friends so being reunited with her has been awesome,” the 27-year-old told reporters on Monday, facing the press for the first time since her move.

“To be able to see her grow as a person and a player has been really inspiring and we've been there for each other through the ups and downs.

“It's really special to continue this journey together, on and off the field.”

Mewis joined City back in the summer, with Lavelle following her a week later. Mewis has been one of the best players in the Women’s Super League this season and, although the latter has contended with injuries during her stay in England so far, Dahlkemper says both had plenty of positives to tell her when she asked about the club.

“Ultimately, [the move] was 100 per cent up to me, but they said nothing but good things. That definitely helped,” the defender explained.

“I think the difference in the technical and tactical side of the game is just elevated [in England].

“Having world-class facilities and gym access, recovery tools and the field all there is really exciting. You’re able to be a professional footballer and have that be your main focus.

“You’re in your office from 7-2 and that’s your workday. It’s been really cool to experience that - and live in a different country and experience new things.

“Then, the talent of the team is unbelievable. You have top international talent from all these teams so I just know I’m going to get better here. I’m really excited for the opportunity and to get challenged and to grow.”

Her departure is yet another blow for the North Carolina Courage, who won back-to-back NWSL Championships in 2018 and 2019.

The club, coached by Englishman Paul Riley, lost Mewis last summer and recently traded Crystal Dunn, the highest-ranked USWNT player in last year’s Goal 50, to the Portland Thorns.

But Dahlkemper admitted she just couldn’t refuse the opportunity that Man City presented.

“It was really hard to decide to leave. There’s never really a right time for change and change is hard in general,” she said.

“I was just very, very thankful and am very thankful for everything [Riley] has done for my game and for the person he was for me on and off the field.

“It was a very difficult decision but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to grow and learn and experience something different.”

The defender certainly isn’t alone in moving to England this season, with a number of her international team-mates having done so, but her move is unique in that it is for more than a year.

The likes of Alex Morgan and other United States-based players, such as England international Rachel Daly, have already returned across the Atlantic for the new NWSL season, while Mewis and Lavelle are expected to be among those who go back to their home country this summer.

Dahlkemper is hopeful that they will remain beyond the end of the WSL season though.

“I obviously hope that they stay,” she said. “Ultimately, it's their decision and what they feel is right for their game. That may look different to each individual.

“But I hope they stay. That would be really fun.”

Teden Mengi has been loaned to English Championship side Derby County from Manchester United, the Premier League side announced on Monday evening.

The 18-year-old centre-back of Angolan background shot into the limelight last term having featured for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in their 2-1 Europa League win over LASK at Old Trafford.

However, in a bid to get regular first-team action, he has been transferred to Pride Park Stadium, where he will continue his development under United all-time leading goalscorer, Wayne Rooney.

“Manchester United defender Teden Mengi has joined Derby County on loan for the remainder of the 2020/21 season,” a statement from the Manchester United website read.

“The 18-year-old, who made his senior United debut in the Europa League against LASK in the 2-1 win at Old Trafford, embarks on his first temporary move away from the club.

“The Manchester-born prospect has regularly trained with the first-team squad this season whilst featuring ten times for Neil Wood’s Under-23s side.”

Speaking to the Rams website for the first time, Mengi described his deadline day move as a "no-brainer" and is looking forward to testing himself in a competitive environment.

“I’m really excited and I’m buzzing to be here,” he told RamsTV.

“When I first heard Derby County were interested, it was a no-brainer for me to be in the Championship against good opponents and to be playing men’s football. I am really happy to be here.

“I think I did well in the Under-23s last season so I think I need a new challenge. I am a fighter with a willingness to defend and a ball-playing centre back and vocal as well. I am ready to kick on and this is a brilliant opportunity for me.”

Mengi went a step further, disclosing that United great Rooney played a crucial role in his move to the English second-tier side.

“As soon as I found out Derby were interested, Wayne was on the phone. He was telling me what the club is about and what he wants from me. He has been brilliant with me so far,” he added.

He could make his Rams debut on Tuesday against Rotherham United.

Wayne Rooney has raided his former club to bring Teden Mengi to Derby County from Manchester United on loan.

The teenager will spend the rest of the season with the Championship side, who are in the bottom half of the table and looking to pull away from danger.

Mengi, 18, made his debut for the Red Devils against Lask Linz in the Europa League in August 2020 - when he came off the bench in a 2-1 win - and he said after the game that it was "just the start" of his United adventure.

He has not played for the first team this term, but has been involved in matchday squads in the Carabao Cup and Champions League.

The deal ties Mengi to the Rams for the remainder of the season, and he has made a little piece of history by becoming Rooney’s first signing since taking permanent charge of the club.

Mengi brings pedigree to Derby, as he has been capped by England at Under-15, 16, 17 and 18 level - and will have learned plenty by working his way through the ranks with the Red Devils’ academy.

The defender lacks experience, but will hopefully pick that up at Derby in the second half of the season - and it is a boon to Rooney as Mengi had attracted significant interest when United confirmed he was available on loan.

There was little prospect of him breaking into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defence this season.

Pace is seen as a key component of his game, and that can be a valuable asset at Championship level.

Rooney and his staff will look to shape Mengi's defensive game in the second half of the Championship season.

He is not the only player who has headed out of Old Trafford this January.

Facundo Pellistri, Ethan Laird, Jesse Lingard, Tahith Chong and James Garner have left the club on loan, while Timothy Fosu-Mensah joined Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent basis.

There could be further exits from Old Trafford in the final hours of the transfer window.

For Mengi, his focus will be on impressing Rooney in training.

The Rams have won three on the spin, all by one goal to nil, to ease their relegation troubles.

Mengi will add to Rooney’s defensive options, and his first possible appearance for the club could come against Rotherham on Tuesday.

Tusker coach Robert Matano has claimed he is not under any pressure after his team moved top of the FKF Premier League table on Sunday.

The Brewers are now leading the 18-team table after they managed to edge out Mathare United 1-0 while KCB, who have enjoyed the top spot since the league kicked off, dropped to second spot following a 0-0 draw against Ulinzi Stars at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

The former Sofapaka and Ulinzi Stars tactician has said he does not feel any pressure now they have assumed the lead and insisted it will help his players to work extra hard to keep the spot.

“I am very happy about that [moving top of the table], I know we have played a game more than our rivals but it is good to be at the top because it will motivate my players to continue working hard,” Matano told Tusker online.

“We know we can still make it, we know we can still do it, we only need to keep working hard and keep the position and make it ours, and I have been in this game for a very long time and don’t have any pressure because we are on top, maybe someone else but not me.”

On this team’s display against Mathare United, Matano explained: “It is good to win, but we did not play very well in the first period because we started at a slow pace and Mathare United came all out because they had lost the previous fixture and when you play such a team [which had lost previously], it is very difficult to handle them.

“But we managed to contain them in the second half and we also squandered several chances plus a penalty and even though they lost their penalty, we came up and managed to get the goal and the most important thing from the fixture is that we bagged three points.”

Midfielder Luke Namanda scored the lone goal with 15 minutes to go and ensured coach Matano went home smiling, with the Brewers increasing their tally of points to 23 from 10 matches while KCB, who have played a match fewer, have 22 points.

Tusker will next come up against high-riding Wazito FC while KCB will confront Vihiga United on Saturday.

Alex Morgan and Christen Press are back for the U.S. women's national team as head coach Vlatko Andonovski named his 23-player roster for the 2021 SheBelieves Cup on Monday.

Morgan was left off the USWNT roster for last month's training camp and friendlies against Colombia due to contracting Covid-19, but the star forward has recovered.

Press, meanwhile, was suffering from a non-Covid illness and, like Morgan, has now recovered.

Press's teammate at Manchester United, Tobin Heath, will miss out after she was ruled out for 10-12 weeks with an ankle injury.

Orlando Pride duo Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris are also notable absentees, while Jaelin Howell, Mallory Pugh and Emily Fox missed the roster but will be in camp as training players.

The USWNT will face Canada on February 18, Brazil on February 21 and Argentina on February 24 in the four-team SheBelieves Cup, which will take place in Orlando. Argentina were a late addition after Japan pulled out due to coronavirus concerns. 

“We will hit the ground running in Orlando with most of our roster and will get in some great work in the first part of camp before we start focusing on the games once all the European-based players arrive,” said Andonovski.

“I think we made a lot of progress on and off the field during the January camp and games, so we’ll be looking to build on that for these three matches and we want to continue to test different players in tough environments.

"Each game will present its own unique challenges and the matches are not only a step up in competition from January, but as I’ve said before, are extremely valuable as a test run for group play at the Olympics.”

GOALKEEPERS: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

DEFENDERS: Alana Cook (Paris Saint-Germain), Abby Dahlkemper (Manchester City), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit), Margaret Purce (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit)

MIDFIELDERS: Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (Manchester City), Catarina Macario (Olympique Lyonnaise), Kristie Mewis (Houston Dash), Samantha Mewis (Manchester City)

FORWARDS: Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Manchester United), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Lynn Williams (North Carolina Courage)

United States youth international Bryan Reynolds has completed his move to Roma from FC Dallas.

The 19-year-old has joined the Giallorossi on an initial loan deal after passing a medical at Stadio Olimpico on Monday.

Goal reported earlier this month that Roma became frontrunners in the race to sign Reynolds after offering him a contract worth €800,000 (£700,000/$1m) per year.

Juventus decided against matching the bid from their Serie A rivals, and the youngster will now continue his development in the Italian capital instead of Turin.

Reynolds will complete a permanent transfer to Roma in the summer, with Major League Soccer club Dallas confirming a franchise-record fee has been received.

“I love this game so much and I’m excited for my future,” Reynolds told Dallas' official website.

“I grew up with FC Dallas and wouldn’t be where I am if I didn’t have the opportunity with the club. I’m going to fight and give everything to Roma like I did here.

"I would like to thank the fans and FC Dallas for their support. I’m just super excited for my future and I’m going to learn Italian as fast as possible.”

Reynolds began his professional journey with Dallas back in 2015, where he spent two years in the academy before graduating to the senior squad.

The defender took in 27 appearances for the MLS club over the past two seasons, and contributed six assists to their cause, but never managed to open his scoring account.

He started 14 games in 2020 as Dallas made it to the MLS Cup playoffs, with his final outing coming in a semi-final defeat to the Seattle Sounders in December.

Reynolds has already played for his country in three different age groups and has been touted to break into the USNMT first-team squad if he continues on his current trajectory.

Roma supporters will hope that Reynolds can build on the promise he showed in his homeland by establishing himself as a regular in Paulo Fonseca's set-up over the next few months.

The Giallorossi moved up to third in Serie A after picking up a 3-1 home win over Verona on Sunday, with Gianluca Mancini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Borja Mayoral all getting on the scoresheet.

Fonseca's side are now just six points behind leaders Milan in the race for the Scudetto, and they could hammer home their title credentials with another win against reigning champions Juve on Saturday.

Liverpool and Chelsea are interested in Dayot Upamecano, according to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who says Bayern Munich are also planning to swoop for the RB Leipzig defender.

Upamecano has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in Europe over the past two years, having enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence at Red Bull Arena.

The 22-year-old has helped Leipzig challenge Bayern for the Bundesliga title in Germany, while also starring in the Champions League, showing maturity and physical strength belying his age.

The likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with Upamecano in recent months, with his stock seemingly rising with each passing game.

Rummenigge has now confirmed that Bayern will be in the market for the Frenchman in the summer transfer window as they look to bring in a replacement for exit-bound David Alaba, whose current contract is due to expire at the end of June.

"In addition to Bayern Munich, there are at least two quite attractive clubs interested," the Bayern CEO told Sky Germany.

"The fact is that the player is interesting, and the fact is that we will almost certainly lose David Alaba in that position.

"I can't say if there will be other departures in that position."

Rummenigge is expecting Bayern to face competition from two Premier League giants in the race for Upamecano's signature, with the former forward claiming that Liverpool and Chelsea are also weighing up moves for the Leipzig star.

However, he believes the German champions will have an edge in any negotiations due to their history with Upamecano's agent Volker Struth.

"You have to let things grow in peace. We have a good relationship with Mr Struth. The player will know what he wants at some point," Rummenigge added.

"We have a good relationship with RB Leipzig as well. I have had a conversation with Oliver Mintzlaff. When things become concrete, we'll talk again.

"The fact that Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in him proves that he has very good qualities. He can replace David Alaba."

Upamecano still has two-and-a-half years to run on his current deal at Leipzig, which includes a €42.5 million (£38m/$51m) release clause, and will be back in action for Julian Nagelsmann's side when they take on Bochum in the third round of the DFB Pokal on Wednesday.

Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis has joined Blackburn Rovers on loan until the end of the season. 

The highly-rated centre-back has made four appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this season and has now gone out on loan to gain experience. 

A number of clubs were interested in taking the 19-year-old until the end of the season but he has decided to join Blackburn for the next six months.

The Championship club are three points off a play-off place and have a growing reputation for helping youngsters to develop under manager Tony Mowbray.

Former City defender Tosin Adarabioyo enjoyed a fruitful year-long loan spell at Ewood Park before completing a switch to Fulham in the summer.

Liverpool starlet Harvey Elliott has gained valuable experience there this season, making 23 appearances and scoring four goals, while Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has also gone to Ewood Park.

Harwood-Bellis’s move to Blackburn does not include any option to buy, with the Stockport-born defender seen as having a potentially big future at Etihad Stadium.

He signed a new contract in December 2020 that will keep him at the club for another four years.

A boyhood City fan, he joined the club’s Academy as an eight-year-old and played a major part in them winning the FA Youth Cup for the first time in 12 years earlier this season, but with four senior centre-backs - Ruben Dias, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake - at the club, his chances of first-team experience are limited.

Guardiola also has the option of Spain international Eric Garcia to fall back on, with his move to Barcelona not expected to happen until the summer when he will be available for free.

Harwood-Bellis has trained regularly with the first team since he made his debut in September 2019 as a 17-year-old.

He played in two Carabao Cup games and two FA Cup matches this season, most recently the 3-1 victory over Cheltenham Town in January.

The deal was confirmed on deadline day and Harwood-Bellis will go into the squad for Blackburn's Championship clash with Queens Park Rangers at the weekend.

Simba SC communications officer Haji Manara believes the Simba Super Cup has given new coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa an opportunity to see the potential of his players before analysing who to use in the Caf Champions League and who to use domestically.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi had invited Congolese heavyweights Tout Puissant Mazembe and their counterparts from Sudan, Al-Hilal, for a three-team mini-tournament. The hosts won after a 4-1 win and 0-0 draw with the Sudanese side and Mazembe, respectively.

Al-Hilal defeated the Ravens 2-1 to halt their chances of lifting the trophy.

"I would like to thank Simba supporters, [Tanzania Football Federation], sponsors, as well as Al-Hilal and TP Mazembe for accepting our invitation to play in the Simba Super Cup which has been a success," Manara said on Simba social media platform. 

"As we said, we wanted to give our players match fitness through playing in high profile friendly matches and playing against TP Mazembe and Al-Hilal has given our players match fitness.

"The competition has also given the coach an opportunity to analyse his players and get the best for the Caf Champions League as well as domestic competitions - Tanzania Mainland League and the FA Cup."

The official was, however, far from impressed with the mechanisms used to sell matchday tickets. The vocal administrator believes the fans had a tough time getting tickets and challenged those responsible to ease the process in the future.

"We had our challenges, for example, the match between Al-Hilal and Mazembe that did not attract many supporters," Manara continued.

"I believe it happened because the marketing and distribution of tickets by those responsible especially in the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium were not good. 

"You cannot expect a fan to buy bundles, go online, use again his money to purchase a ticket.

"In big competitions, tickets are easily accessible to ensure fans do not get a hard time getting one. It is something that should be addressed in future.

"Even in places where fans were to pick tickets physically, the sellers did not reach on time and it led to unnecessary human traffic. It is not something we would want to be repeated."

On Thursday, Simba will be playing Dodoma Jiji FC in a league assignment.

Kenya international Michael Olunga has explained how Al-Duhail can beat Al Ahly and book a semi-final berth against Bayern Munich in the Fifa Club World Cup.

Olunga’s Al-Duhail were paired against the African champions after they secured a place in the competition when Auckland City of New Zealand withdrew.

The Harambee Star, who has played three games for the Qatari side since he signed from Kashiwa Reysol, has now offered how they can navigate past the Egyptian club.

“It is not a friendly game that we will be playing,” Olunga told beIN Sports. “Al Ahly are the Africans champions and they are strong but of course we respect them but we do not fear them.

“We will be playing at home, we will have our fans and it is going to be a good and balanced game but at the end of the day, we will have to stick to our philosophy as a team.

“I believe with a good tactical approach I believe we have a chance.”

Olunga, however, did not want to talk about a possible showdown with Bayern Munich – which he says would be a dream – as he insisted on the need to focus on Al Ahly first.

“It is every player’s dream to be at the semi-final of Fifa Club World Cup. Beating Al Ahly and facing Bayern Munich is a dream for everyone in our dressing room,” the former Gor Mahia star explained.

“It is going to be a big moment if we can achieve the fete and compete against the best European club of last season.

“We cannot skip the fact that we have to play Al Ahly, and you cannot prepare for something that you do not know it is going to happen. But I can say for sure we are preparing hard for the Al Ahly game and it is going to be a big test for us.

“I know each player is yearning for the next phase. As the coach said, we have to plan for the job that is in front of us and later if we can progress we can see how to approach the [Bayern Munich] game.”

As he is about to make a first appearance in the global club competition, Olunga is hopeful of the full support from the fans as Al-Duhail make history by participating in the competition for the first time.

“All the Duhail fans and of course all the Qatari fans will be rallying behind us and they would want us to go as far as possible and that is going to be a big fete for the club just founded in 2009,” he added.

“And ten years later, they are playing in the Fifa Club World Cup. That is quite a great achievement and imagine going further in the competition it is going to be really massive progress for the club and its future.”

The Fifa Club World Cup will begin on February 4.

Harry Redknapp has rejected suggestions that Gareth Bale has lost his appetite for football and does not care how his loan spell at Tottenham plays out, with Jose Mourinho urged to do his “job” and bring the best out of the misfiring forward.

An emotional return to north London was made by the 31-year-old during the summer transfer window of 2020.

Bale was, after a couple of unhappy seasons at Real Madrid, expected to rediscover his spark back in familiar surroundings.

A loan switch to the Premier League has not played out as planned, with niggling fitness issues holding the proven performer back, and Mourinho has appeared reluctant to hand out the game time required to recover full match sharpness.

That has led to questions being asked of Bale’s ability and attitude after slipping from a standing at the very top of the global game, but Redknapp believes a player that once thrived under his tutelage merely needs the right man-management in order to start firing once more.

The former Spurs boss has told talkSPORT: “People say to me that he looks like he isn’t interested or he doesn’t care. If he didn’t care, he would have stayed at Real Madrid earning the same money. He has come here because he wants to play and prove himself again.

“He’s not the most confident boy in the world. Even though he was up there among the top five players in the world in the time he was at Tottenham and went to Real Madrid, you have got to make him feel like he is the main man. You have got to give him confidence.

“You have got to find a way – that is a manager’s job now – to unlock that talent and get him going again because I’m sure it is still in there, it just needs bringing out. Bringing him on, taking him off, little cameos here and there – let him play and give him a run.

“Dele Alli, why not get him back on board? The kid was one of the best players in the country a couple of years ago and we have to find a way to get him playing again.

“Don’t just discard people. That’s your job, to make them feel important and as though they have something to offer.”

Mourinho has come in for criticism again over recent weeks, with Spurs – who have lost talismanic striker Harry Kane to an untimely injury – winning just one of their last four Premier League fixtures.

They have slipped to sixth in the table as a result, 11 points adrift of leaders Manchester City, and Redknapp believes anything less than Champions League qualification will be considered a failure for such an ambitious club.

He added: “Anything other than a top-four finish for Tottenham will, in the eyes of the owners, be a disaster. I think with their squad, with what they have got, anything outside of the top four is a disaster.

“Forget winning the League Cup. It would be nice, they have got to beat Man City, but a top-four finish and Champions League next season, if they don’t get that then I think that will be looked upon as a poor season.”

Liverpool need to “move on” from Joel Matip and look to bring in another proven centre-half during the summer transfer window, says John Aldridge.

The Reds are seeking reinforcements in that department on the final day of the winter market.

Various options are being mulled over, but many are short-term solutions that will plug gaps until senior stars nursing injuries return to action.

Matip was supposed to be aiding that process, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez picking up serious knee problems, but he has been splitting his time between the dressing and the treatment room.

The 29-year-old has made just 13 appearances in the whole of this season, and Aldridge believes the time has come to sever ties with an injury-ravaged performer.

The former Reds striker told the Sunday World: “The win at Spurs came at a cost as Joel Matip picked up yet another injury and harsh as this might sound, Liverpool may need to move on from him now.

“He is a decent defender and when he is fit, he has been a great player over the last couple of years, but his body just won't stand up to the rigours of the Premier League. Liverpool need defenders who can play three games a week if required and Matip has confirmed now that he can't fulfil that need.

“I'm sure Liverpool will look to sign a defender next summer with a view to him being either first or second choice partner for Van Dijk when he is back to full fitness.”

Aldridge added on struggles at the back for the reigning Premier League champions: “I stated as far back as November that Liverpool needed to have a centre-back lined up and ready to play on January 1st. The events of the last few weeks confirm I was right in that assessment.

“Back then, Klopp was producing minor miracles with a team denied the services of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez and was doing his best to cover holes in his defence with temporary plasters.

“Using Fabinho at centre-back worked well, and captain Jordan Henderson also did his best when he dropped back from midfield to play in defence, However winning a title without proven defenders was always going to be an impossible task.

“Klopp was trying to get Rhys Williams up to speed by giving him some game time, but the kid is not ready for first-team football and the desperate slump in form that included defeats against Southampton and Burnley may have ended Liverpool's title defence.”

Rob Holding has been “fantastic” for Arsenal this season, says Sol Campbell, with a player who was “touch and go” to stay at Emirates Stadium not all that long ago proving his worth now clear of niggling injury issues.

At 25 years of age and having moved to north London from Bolton in 2016, the highly-rated defender is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

Untimely knocks have stunted Holding’s progress at times, while there has always been fierce competition for places on the Gunners’ books.

Mikel Arteta appears to have settled on a defensive unit that can be trusted to deliver, with Arsenal currently boasting the second meanest back line in the Premier League – with only leaders Manchester City proving to be a tougher nut to crack.

Holding has played a key role in that progress, with Campbell saluting the efforts of a versatile operator who is enjoying his most productive campaign to date.

“I think Rob Holding has been fantastic,” a man who helped Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ to title glory in 2003-04 told Stadium Astro.

“He has had a few injuries, been in and out, but he has come in solid and held his own. He has really come on and I’m really happy for him.

“It was touch and go for him leaving Arsenal and he’s had a few injuries, but he’s come on strong. He has definitely been one of the pluses since he got back into the side.”

Asked about the Gunners’ new-found defensive resilience, Campbell added: “It’s all about getting yourself right.

“Sometimes you go through a sticky patch. As long as it’s not two or three goals a game that you’re letting in, it’s the odd goal here and there, then you can build on that.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all. Defending is really all about whether you want to go for it or not. You want to have those willing guys who get in the right position, play as a unit and want to defend. That’s the first thing you need to build on.”

Arsenal have found those qualities this season, with Holding impressing alongside the likes of Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Magalhaes.

David Luiz has also added consistency to his game that has been lacking in the past, with Campbell seeing the experienced Brazilian filling an important role at the Emirates.

The ex-England international said: “He’s one of the older pros, experienced pros, so you want him to be in the changing room keeping everyone focused and moving in the right direction.

“You need that experience leading the youngsters. Arteta needs them as well to do the policing and make sure everyone stays on track. He’s doing the training and making sure everyone is fit and focused, so it’s a collaborative thing.

“Everyone has to buy into it, and it seems everyone is.”

Peter Ridsdale, who works as an advisor to the owners of Preston North End, has lifted the lid on a deal that will take “Rolls Royce” Ben Davies to Liverpool and see Sepp van den Berg head to Deepdale on loan.

A shock agreement between the Reds and Preston is being lined up on transfer deadline day.

Jurgen Klopp’s search for defensive reinforcements has led him to explore Championship options, with a talented 25-year-old now being presented with a chance to link up with the Premier League title holders.

Ridsdale believes Davies is deserving of that step up, despite boasting no top-flight experience, with those at Deepdale delighted to see a home-grown talent getting the recognition he deserves.

“We are very happy with the deal, when you think that the alternative was that he was going to go to Celtic for nothing,” Ridsdale told talkSPORT of a defender who was due to drop into the free agent pool this summer when his contract expired.

“We do have the investment in his future because there is a sell-on clause.

“We are very happy with the deal we have done with Liverpool and from the young man’s point of view, he has been outstanding for us and to have a chance to play for a club like Liverpool is brilliant.”

Ridsdale added on Davies and his potential to shine on a Premier League stage: “He is an outstanding young man. He’s down to earth, very professional.

“At our level he has looked like a Rolls Royce. When he was in the academy I used to go and watch him play and he stood out and was by far the best player there.

“He then went out on loan to York and Newport County, Fleetwood, and has got a lot of games under his belt before he has been playing for us. He deserves this chance. He is a very good player.”

While Preston are disappointed to be parting with such talent, they have moved to ensure that they are not left short on numbers.

An approach for Dutch defender Van den Berg had already been made prior to Liverpool asking about Davies, with the highly-rated 19-year-old now set to see out the 2020-21 campaign in the second tier of English football.

“We have done a deal to take on loan one of their young players,” Ridsdale confirmed.

“This came about in part because we were enquiring about their player anyway and once everything is tied up we hope to get a player back on loan for the rest of this season.”

Antoine Griezmann is “enjoying” having “legend” Lionel Messi alongside him at Barcelona and hopes the mercurial Argentine can deliver more magic as summer transfer talk rumbles on.

Serious questions continue to be asked of how long the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will be sticking around at Camp Nou.

Messi’s contract is running down, with no extension yet agreed by the 33-year-old frontman.

Exit rumours are not proving a distraction at present, with the all-time great rediscovering his spark in 2020-21 to find the target on six occasions in his last five appearances. Despite the ongoing speculation, he has scored 15 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions this season, while providing a further four assists.

He is now up to 24 goals for the season and remains a talismanic part of Barca’s plans, with another vital effort registered last time out in the 2-1 victory over Athletic Club.

Griezmann was also on the scoresheet in that contest, with the France international quick to recognise the importance of the man playing alongside him.

“We are enjoying Messi, he's a legend,” the World Cup winner told Movistar. “Hopefully we can keep enjoying him and he can keep helping us win.”

Another club colleague to have caught Griezmann’s eye of late is fellow countryman Ousmane Dembele, with the 23-year-old winger finding form as questions are also asked of his future.

“He's doing very well, he's taking care of himself and working really hard off the pitch,” Griezmann said.

The efforts of Griezmann and co have helped to fire Barcelona back into title contention this season, with Ronald Koeman’s side now sat second in La Liga, 10 points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid.

High standards will need to be maintained from this point in order to rein the Rojiblancos in, but Griezmann added on the pursuit of major silverware: “There are lots of games to go and we have to focus on ourselves. We have to try to win every game we have left and then we'll see.”

Barca will be back in action on Wednesday in their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash with Granada.