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A depleted Churchill Brothers were held to a 1-1 draw by Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) in I-League at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kalyani on Friday. The Margao-based side, however, maintained their top spot in I-league with 11 points from five matches.

Clayvin Zuniga scored the opening goal in the18th minute for Churchill Brothers while Bidyashagar Singh equalized in the 23rd.

It was an end-to-end contest between both the teams as Churchill Brothers began the match on an attacking note in search of an early lead. In the 2nd minute, they came close as Clencio Pinto got at the end of a croos by Luka Majcen from the left flank. But he missed the chance to convert from a close distance. Later, Zuniga came close on scoring but his shot went a few inches over the bar.

However, their constant attack, saw them break the deadlock in the 18th minute from a set-piece with Zuniga finding the net from Pinto's delivery. It, however, took minutes for TRAU to equalize as Bidyashagar Singh fired the ball home to cancel out the slender lead. 

Elvedin Skrijelj scored the winner for Chennai City against Indian Arrows

Elvedin Skrijelj scored the winner as Chennai City FC beat Indian Arrows 1-0 at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium. It was a fair result as Satyasagara’s men largely dominated the match.

Chennai City FC made a positive start to the match as they had the first chance in the fourth minute when Mohamed Iqbal was played onto goal. But Indian Arrows custodian Syed Hussain Bukhari saved it off the line. They continued to raid Indian Arrows' defence with intent and came close to breaking the deadlock on multiple occasions. 

The former I-League champions dominated possession while Arrows looked to break on the counter. The Coimbatore-based side finally broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute as Iqbal’ whipped in a ball from the corner and Skrijelj headed it in. 

RoundGlass share spoil with Sudeva Delhi 

RoundGlass Punjab FC shared spoils with Sudeva Delhi FC after playing out a goalless draw at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata. 

The first fifteen minutes saw end-to-end action between both the sides but both teams failed to break the deadlock. 

Sudeva Delhi FC sat back and played on the counter while RoundGlass Punjab FC enjoyed possession. Chencho Gleytshen got a couple of opportunities but he failed to hit the target. A free-kick right before the end of the first half for Sudeva Delhi FC saw Shaiborlang Kharpan’s header saved by Kiran Limbu as both teams went into the tunnel goalless. 

In the second half, Chencho continued to try to breach the defence but in vain. There were half-chances in the match but both sides could not capitalise. 

East Bengal failed to get the better of a 10-men FC Goa side as they managed a 1-1 draw in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash on Friday at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.

The Red and Golds dominated proceedings in the second half and also had the man advantage after Goa skipper Edu Bedia got sent off in the 65th minute but they failed to win the three points.

Coach Robbie Fowler was understandably frustrated and pointed out that his team have been devoid of luck for two matches in a row.

"We have been massively unlucky. We are a team who have massively improved. Performance-wise, in the second half of the game and in the last game against Mumbai City we were outstanding.

"We have played Goa twice now, who are winners of the league stage last year, and we should have beaten them twice. That shows how well we have done and how well we can be. They (the players) have the attitude we want as the coaching staff," said the English coach.

Irish attacker Anthony Pilkington had a golden opportunity to put his team in the lead in the very first minute of the game when opposition defender Mohamed Ali had brought down Narayan Das inside the box. But the former Norwich City player failed to convert the spot-kick.

However, Fowler refused to go after the player and backed him as the team's designated penalty taker. 

"(Anthony) Pilkington is our penalty taker," said the East Bengal coach. "Obviously Bright (Enobakhare) will be the penalty taker when Pilkington is not playing. Let us not have a go at any player for missing a penalty. All the greats of the game have missed penalties. Pilkington was our designated man."

The former Brisbane Roar manager rued the missed chances but he felt that creating those goal-scoring chances was a major positive for his team.

"The negative is that we haven't won the game. We dominated the game and had a lot of chances but couldn't put the ball into the back of the net. There are a lot of positives for us for the next games and we did not score but we had a lot of chances."

The British coach was in no mood to give up the fight of getting a play-offs spot as he felt hopeful that the Red and Golds will start getting the results.

"There has been a lot of draws in and around us. We are five or six points behind. Until its mathematically impossible to get it, we will keep working and I think we will get results. We are a team capable of getting results. We can play a little bit better. There's a lot to play for, a lot of points but there other teams in and around us who will think of the same thing," Fowler signed off.

FC Goa managed to walk away with a point against a 10-men against East Bengal on Friday in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa.

The Gaurs had taken the lead in the first half through Igor Angulo's strike but East Bengal's skipper Danny Fox restored parity in the second half, just before Edu Bedia got sent off after he was booked for the second time. 

However, Goa's assistant coach Clifford Miranda was happy to get a point out of the match and was impressed with his team's performance in the first half.

"Yes, I am happy with a draw. In the end, we played with 10 men, we suffered a lot. So yes I am happy with the draw but I will say the way we played in the first half, three points were there for the taking.

"We worked really hard for this point. In the first half, we had chances more chances than them (East Bengal) and that could have changed things. The penalty that they got, I am not sure whether it was a penalty or not.

"We pressed them really well in the first half especially. We recovered a lot of balls. We were really good in the first half and of course, it is the norm of the game, sometimes the momentum of the match switches towards the opponent." said Miranda.

Igor Angulo started for FC Goa after a very long time and found the back of the net for his team. Miranda was pleased that the Spanish striker got a goal but he also hailed the other players who supported Angulo ably.

"It is always nice when someone scores. Igor Angulo is a very important player for us, but then the rest of the players are also helping him a lot," said Juan Ferrando's assistant.

Skipper Edu Bedia was sent off in the 65th minute of the match after picking a second yellow card for a foul on Anthony Pilkington. The Goa assistant coach, though, did not want to comment on the decision as he claimed that he didn't get a proper look into the incident.

"I didn't see the foul, I was looking on the other side and I don't know for what he (Edu Bedia) got the red card. When any player gets a red card its a loss for the team. But I did not see."

The former India international winger heaped praise on midfielder Princeton Rebello and suggested that the youngster has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in Indian in future.

"For me, Princeton (Rebello) is a very good player. He is playing really well. He is evolving as a footballer. There are certain things he needs to improve further. He can possibly be one of the best central midfielders in the country," said the former Dempo star.

There will be an increased American flavour to Leeds United after the club struck a new deal with the business arm of American football team the San Francisco 49ers.

Rumours last year suggested that Qatar Sports Investments, which owns Paris Saint-Germain, were potential business partners, but the 49ers appear to be the preferred choice of Whites chief Andrea Radrizzani.

So what does the investment deal mean for Leeds United and how will it manifest in real terms? Goal takes a look.

What is the deal between Leeds United & the 49ers?

The deal involves an investment in Leeds United from 49ers Enterprises which will increase the entity's ownership stake in the Premier League club to 37 per cent.

Prior to this agreement, since 2018, 49ers Enterprises had a 15% ownership stake in Leeds, so the 2021 announcement sees an increase of 22% - a significant jump.

As part of the deal, 49ers Enterprises president Paraag Marathe, who already sat on the Leeds board, will become vice-chairman of the Yorkshire club.

When the deal was formally announced on January 25, 2021, Radrizzani expressed his happiness at the prospect of increased collaboration with the 49ers.

"We are delighted to welcome further investment into our club from 49ers Enterprises and I am confident that this latest partnership will help Leeds United continue to grow and develop into the team our supporters deserve," the Italian said in a statement.

"I have always been open to bringing partners on this journey with me, as long as these actions can benefit the long-term strategy of the club.

"Paraag and the team at 49ers Enterprises are uniquely positioned to collaborate with myself, Angus Kinnear, Victor Orta and our management team to help us achieve our goals."

What will the 49ers' investment in Leeds United mean?

The 49ers' investment in Leeds is worth £50 million ($68.5m) according to The Times and signals a move towards modernisation at the club in a number of areas, with hopes that they can continue to grow.

Elland Road & potential new stadium

Leeds' home stadium, Elland Road, is one 'brick and mortar' element of potential improvement that has been identified, but any expansion (or new ground) will not happen for a number of years at least.

Radrizzani has spoken of his "dream" to "have one of the big European nights in a new stadium", but acknowledges that such a vision will require sustained stability in the Premier League. However, Leeds fans can at least expect to see some minor refurbishment work in the coming years.

"I think we need to be in the Premier League for the next two or three seasons and then we can try to think about that," Radrizzani told reporters. "It's a project that requires a big investment so we need to be able to finance that and be solid enough and stable in the Premier League.

"So it has a certain condition before we can kick it off. In the meantime we can arrange some renovation here and there, partial renovation."

Paraag Marathe & commercial growth

Overall, the investment from the 49ers will see increased collaboration between Leeds executives and those from the American football franchise, with Marathe in particular set to become more heavily involved in day-to-day operations.

Commercial (including ecommerce) improvements are envisioned, so things such as merchandising and sponsorship, as well as media, will come in for what Marathe describes as an augmentation, noting that the club had been operating with a structure more suited to the Championship than the Premier League.

"We don't have all the right personnel and structure yet," Marathe told reporters. "It's now to be able to almost instantly augment that structure with 49ers resources, that sort of catapults us to having that Premier League structure that's needed."

Tapping into a global fan base outside of Yorkshire is also something that is high on the agenda of Marathe and the 49ers' contingent.

Marathe will no doubt be involved in Elland Road pursuits, having overseen the construction process of Levi's Stadium, but it is worth noting his previous work with the 49ers to get an idea of how his influence might be felt.

He played a big part in the hiring of Marcelo Bielsa as manager and the Argentine has shown himself to be an inspired choice, but recent history has shown the 49ers have not been shy about changing coaches in pursuit of their goals.

Competing in Europe & 'Big Six'

Radrizzani is hopeful that the 49ers investment will help Leeds achieve the goal of closing the gap to the 'Big Six' in the Premier League and qualifying for European competition such as the Europa League and the Champions League.

"The journey to [the top six] is still long. As I said before I give myself five to seven years to see the Leeds United I dream of," the Leeds chief told reporters. 

"It's a lot of micro-achievements to achieve that project, that goal, because a club that has come from the Championship in two or three years needs to enter a new cycle and gradually change the scheme.

"It's like you change the scheme and become new again. The club that reaches the Premier League needs to do this transition in two or three years."

So, to be clear, before any Leeds fans get carried away with immediate Champions League fantasies, Radrizzani is targeting Europa League qualification by 2024.

The idea is to establish Leeds as being on a similar footing as the likes of Leicester City, West Ham and Everton. Then the focus will be on making the step up to the Champions League.

Links with other European clubs

Lower down on the agenda as part of the new investment is the exploration and deepening of links with other clubs in Europe in order to expand Leeds' reach, both in a commercial sense and a football sense.

"We are learning, we are understanding what is available, which opportunities will integrate better with Leeds United to support the goal for Leeds United," said Radrizzani. 

"The integration could be at any level. It could be in different counties or in different levels. Both could bring different benefits. It could be sports and football benefits, it could be commercial benefits. There are pros and cons in different opportunities."

Who is Leeds United's owner?

While 49ers Enterprises increased their stake in Leeds to 37%, Andrea Radrizzani remains the majority stakeholder - and therefore, main owner - of the Premier League club.

An Italian businessman with interests in sports and entertainment, Radrizzani has been the chief owner of the club since 2017, when he bought the 50% stake of his former co-owner Massimo Cellini.

The ownership stakes are now divided 63:37.

Who is Paraag Marathe?

In addition to being Leeds United's new vice-chairman, Paraag Marathe is a long-standing 49ers executive, with over two decades of experience working with the NFL team.

A Stanford Graduate School of Business alumnus, Marathe is the 49ers' executive vice president of football operations and president of 49ers Enterprises.

He is the main man within the 49ers when it comes to negotiating contracts and salary cap issues, but he also has a particular focus on analytics and statistics, working closely with coaches.

Marathe's abilities have also seen him serve as a prominent member of the NFL's 'Future of Football' committee.

Who are the 49ers?

The San Francisco 49ers (sometimes simply referred to as the 49ers) are an American football team. Based in the Bay Area, which includes San Francisco, the 49ers compete in the NFL.

Currently playing out of Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, the 49ers have won five Super Bowls, four of which were won in the 1980s, with their last success coming in 1994.

Among the 49ers' most notable players are quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young, while O.J. Simpson concluded his career there.

The Uganda and Tanzanian U20 national sides will engage in a mini-tournament before they head to Mauritania for the African Cup of Nations finals.

As was the case with the senior national side before the African Nations Championship tournament, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has organised the mini-tournament against Tanzania’s Ngorogoro Heroes and Namibia to prepare the team for the continental competition.

“The mini-tournament will run from February 1 to 10 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,” Fufa announced. 

“Hippos will play against Cecafa regional qualifiers runners-up Tanzania before facing Cosafa representatives Namibia.

“The Team will travel to Tanzania on Monday, February 1 and will connect to Mauritania on February 10 immediately after the mini-tournament.”

The Hippos have already played two test matches where they emerged 3-2 and 4-3 winners against the Premier League side Kampala Capital City Authority.

They are set for more friendlies against top tier sides Uganda Revenue Authority (URA FC) and Sports Club Villa on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Morley Byekwaso's side were pooled in Group A alongside the host Mauritania, Cameroon and Mozambique. The coach is set to narrow his provisional squad to 25 players on Sunday. 

He said even though the time for preparations could be short, he has been impressed with what he has seen so far from the players.

“It’s a bit hard and I must say the time we have for preparations is a bit small and it’s really not easy,” Byekwaso told Football256.

“But it’s upon the technical team to measure and see that we go for the tournament with players who are physically and psychologically stable to face the challenge at the Afcon.

“For the time I have spent with the boys I have to appreciate them because they are very hardworking, honest and dedicated.

“I believe God will guide us through because we have tried to prepare them in the best way possible.”

Uganda provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: Komakech Jack (Ascent SA), Oyo Delton (Busoga United FC), Ssenyondwa Denis Kaala (SC Villa), Ochama Daniel (Boro Boro SuperSport FC)

Defenders: Kizito Mugweri Gavin (SC Villa), Semakula Kenneth (Busoga United FC), Musa Ramathan (KCCA FC) Kafumbe Joseph (KCCA FC), Kitabalwa Robert (Vipers SC), Begisa James Penz (UPDF FC), Baligeya Simon (Kibuli SS), Bbosa Richard (Express FC)

Midfielders: Mugulusi Isma (Busoga United FC), Yiga Najib (Vipers SC), Sserwadda Steven (KCCA FC), Alou John Kokas (URA FC), Eyamu Ivan (Mbarara City FC), Kawooya Andrew (KCCA FC), Asaba Ivan (Vipers SC), Ssekajja Davis (Bright Stars FC), Wabyoona Faisal (Big Talent SA)

Forwards: Bogere Ivan (Proline FC), Ssenyonjo Samuel (KCCA FC), Kakooza Derrick (Police FC), Basangwa Richard (Vipers SC), Bukenya Joseph Kizza (KCCA FC), Onyai Raymond (Mbarara City FC), Mulindi Ashiraf (Kataka FC), Ssali Alpha Thierry (Proline FC)

Antonio Cassano says he gained 14 kilograms at Real Madrid by eating Nutella straight from the jar.

The former Italy international arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu with a growing reputation in January 2006 after scoring 52 goals in five seasons at Roma.

The now-retired Cassano started promisingly enough with a match-winning performance against Atletico Madrid but eventually fell out with manager Fabio Capello and left for Sampdoria having scored only twice in 19 appearances in La Liga.

Cassano admits his self-destructive habits at Madrid remain the biggest mistake of his career, but he maintains he arrived at the club determined to hit the ground running.

"When I arrived at Real Madrid, I lost 12 kilos immediately," Cassano said in a conversation with some of his former Italy team-mates on Bobo TV, Christian Vieri's Twitch channel.

"Then I gained them back. Nutella was one of the club sponsors and each month they would give us five kilograms of the product.

"When Capello arrived [in the summer of 2006], I scored two goals in two games and I felt like I was the king of the world.

"He replaced me in the first half against Lyon, I had an argument with him in Jerez and he withdrew me from the team. In seven months, I gained 14 kilos, I ate Nutella directly from the jar and I couldn't care about anything. I was disgusting.

"My biggest mistake was the year-and-a-half at Real Madrid, because I did everything and more to ruin it. That's a huge regret."

Cassano scored 10 goals in 22 Serie A games at Sampdoria after leaving Madrid on loan, earning a permanent move in 2008.

He went on to play for AC Milan, Inter, Parma and Verona, and scored 10 goals in 39 senior caps for Italy, but he has admitted before that he wasted his prodigious potential.

“I am the greatest talent in recent years to have thrown everything away," Cassano once said.

"The ‘wild genius who breaks the rules’ thing only goes so far, and I really did cross the line too many times."

Last year, he told Sky Sport Italia: "The biggest regret is not making the most of the opportunity to play for the biggest club in history at the age of 23 with team-mates like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.

"I threw away a huge chance at Real Madrid. I was effectively replacing Luis Figo and Michael Owen, so I was good, but I caused one disaster after another.

"I lost my mind, and when you disrespect Capello, he cuts you out. He gave me another chance even after all that. He did so much for me, but I did precious little for him in return."

Express FC midfielder John Byamukama has set his sights on winning a regular playing position in the team.

The 23-year-old joined the Red Eagles from Tooro United and has so far managed to play four games for his new team. However, he has conceded the competition for places is stiff but he is up for the challenge.

"I have settled in well with the team since I arrived," Byamukama, who is commonly referred to as the 'Prince of Tooro' said as quoted by the club's official portal.

"The competition is stiff in the team but it is healthy and we all appreciate it although as an individual, I have always wanted to be a starter in the team. With the hard work I am putting in, I am sure I will [break into the first team] when the season resumes in February.  

"That said, we work as a team and I am always ready to help whenever I am called upon."  

Meanwhile, Uganda international Murushid Juuko believes Muzamiru Mutyaba will add quality to the team.

The former KCCA midfielder arrived at the Red Eagles on Wednesday as a free agent after agreeing to pen a one-year contract.

The arrival of Mutyaba has left Juuko excited as the two players are re-uniting having featured together for Victoria University in the Ugandan Premier League.

"I am so glad we [management] managed to sign Mutyaba," Juuko told the same portal.

"We played together at Victoria University and bonded very well.  

"Mutyaba brings a lot on the table both on and off the pitch, his creativity is unmatched, therefore, I am positive that as long as we double our efforts, this is going to be a fantastic season for the Express nation." 

Mutyaba will bring a lot of creativity to the Red Eagles - who are handled by Wasswa Bbosa - especially in the final third, where he will link up with Abel Eturude and Ibrahim Kayiwa.

Mutyaba is good at dead-ball situations and also has an eye for goal with his long-range shooting.

Mutyaba was a key figure at KCCA in all the success the club enjoyed since his arrival in 2015 from Victoria University, as he managed to win several titles including three league titles, Uganda Cup (two), and Pilsner Super 8 and Fufa Super Cup.

Sergio Aguero is still to return to training as the Manchester City striker continues his recovery from coronavirus.

The Argentine was set to make his first start since October in the FA Cup third round clash against Birmingham on January 10 but was forced to self-isolate after coming into close contact with someone that had tested positive.

He has since tested positive himself and suffered Covid-19 symptoms, but is now awaiting a negative result before he can return to the Etihad Campus.

Aguero will miss Saturday’s clash with Sheffield United along with Kevin De Bruyne, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Nathan Ake, who is still not fully fit.

“Sergio is not yet here,” Pep Guardiola said. “When he tests negative, he will come back. We still don't have the results backs.

“Nathan Ake is not yet available. It's the same [squad] as for the last games.”

Guardiola has also ruled out bringing in any more players before Monday’s transfer deadline, but Eric Garcia’s future remains in doubt.

The Spanish defender’s contract expires at the end of the season but Barcelona could still try to sign him before the end of the window.

Barca's presidential candidate Victor Font said City have agreed to sell Garcia for €3 million with the 20-year-old offering to play for free for six months, but Guardiola refused to be drawn on his future.

“I don’t want to say anything about this – he’s our player, the transfer window finishes in a few days,” he said.

“He’s fully committed, he’s an exceptional player and guy, that’s all.”

Meanwhile, Guardiola is wary of facing Sheffield United following their stunning 2-1 victory at title rivals Manchester United on Wednesday night.

The Blades may be 10 points from safety, but the City boss says he can see that Chris Wilder’s side are fighting for their lives.

“All I can say is that what I saw before the United game is a live team,” he said. “It is a team that is alive from their body language.

“That is not easy with the results they got and that speaks incredibly well about Chris, his staff and the players.

“The United result speaks for itself. Everybody knows how difficult it is to win at Old Trafford.

“I think the reason they are still a team and alive is because they are together for a long time and believe in each other a lot.”

Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Sofapaka are set to miss three players for Saturday's tie against Vihiga United.

According to Batoto ba Mungu, midfielder David Simiyu is ruled out with a foot injury while goalkeeper Isaiah Wakasala will be missed due to a knee problem.

Lawrence Juma, who scored a hat-trick against Mathare United, will be out as he is suspended. The Vihiga United match at Mumias Sports Complex will be the last game the midfielder misses as his suspension elapses.

Previously, head coach Ken Odhiambo insisted the need to fight for a win against the struggling Vihiga County-sponsored team.

“Definitely it’s going to be a tough match in Mumias, Vihiga won against Gor Mahia and that in itself gives them a huge confidence going into the match on Saturday,” the former Bandari head coach said as was quoted by the club’s portal.

“The Nairobi City Stars match was a tough one too on our end and having won over the weekend we want to get more wins moving forward to build on some consistency.

“We resumed our preparations on Tuesday and all has been well, we played a friendly match on Wednesday in getting ready for the clash. It’s been a boost too because nearly everyone is fit."

The tactician said winning Saturday's game will help them build some consistency as they try to overcome a poor start to the season which saw changes made to the technical bench.

“It’s very important to keep winning matches, we haven’t had a good run in our past fixtures and it is a huge concern. You look at the table you get two wins and you move up the log,” he said.

“We really want to build on our last weekend’s win over Nairobi City Stars and make it two wins in a row."

Sofapaka are set to bolster their squad once more especially with the exit of eight players in the ongoing transfer window.

“We have released eight players as per the recommendation of our coach and we will also try to sign areas that we feel need strengthening,” the club's president Elly Kalekwa told Goal earlier.

“I don’t know which areas will need to be strengthened because that is the work of the technical bench but what I know we are ready to help them get their targets, so if they pick on players, we will do our best to get them.”

Batoto ba Mungu have played eight games and are 10th with 10 points.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers expects Wilfred Ndidi to be out of action for about 10 days after suffering a hamstring problem.  

The midfielder only featured for 42 minutes before he was replaced by Papy Mendy in their Premier League draw against Everton on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old has now been confirmed to have suffered a hamstring injury which would see him sidelined a week or two

The midfielder will subsequently miss the Foxes’ Premier League game against Leeds United at the King Power Stadium on January 31.

The Northern Irish tactician has predicted when he is expecting the Nigeria international back to action.

"It’s just a slight tear [for Ndidi]. He will be [out for] a week to 10 days, which is unfortunate,” Rodgers said in a press conference.

“But sometimes hamstrings can be much longer than that."

Ndidi has been struggling with various injuries since the start of the 2020-21 season which have limited his playing time to 15 games across all competitions.

The midfielder recently returned from a groin injury he suffered in September which ruled him out of action for more than three months.

Ndidi has been a consistent performer for Leicester City since teaming up with the club from Belgian side Genk.

The midfielder has played more than 135 games across all competitions and last season he featured prominently as the Foxes qualified for the Europa League.

Ndidi remains a key member of the Nigeria national team and has 36 caps for the West Africans since his debut in 2015.

The absence of the midfielder contributed to the Super Eagles' struggle against Sierra Leone in November during their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The three-time African champions managed to pick up two draws in the outings which delayed their qualification for the continental tournament in Cameroon.

Watford have revealed Isaac Success and Tom Dele-Bashiru will not be involved in their Championship game against Queens Park Rangers on Monday.

Nigeria international Success suffered a hamstring injury in June during a training session and has been struggling to overcome the problems.

The centre-forward last featured for Xisco Munoz’s men in February due to his inconsistent performances for the club.

Success has struggled to establish himself at the Vicarage Road since teaming up with the club from Spanish side Granada in 2016.

The 25-year-old attacker has only managed to score two league goals in 54 games since his arrival at the Championship side.

The forward has now started an individual training session but will not be available for selection when Watford take on QPR.

“Striker Stipe Perica had a minor set-back and is continuing to work on his own right now. Fellow forward Isaac Success is working outside as he progresses his return,” read a statement from the club website.

“Domingos Quina has joined Success in working on his own outdoors, but likewise is not back with the main first-team group yet.”

Success compatriot Dele-Bashiru will also not feature against Mark Warburton’s at Vicarage Road as he is still undergoing rehabilitation.

The Nigeria U23 midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Reading in October and has only made two appearances for the Hornets this season.

“The absentee list is completed by Tom Dele-Bashiru, who continues to follow his rehab programme after his October ACL injury,” the statement continued.

Dele-Bashiru joined Watford in the summer of 2019 from Premier League side Manchester City, where he spent 14 years.

While Success has two appearances for the Nigeria national team, Dele-Bashiru is yet to get an opportunity to feature for the Super Eagles.

The 21-year-old midfielder represented England U16 before featuring for the West Africans at the U20 and U23 levels.

Former Paris Saint-Germain player and coach Luis Fernandez thinks Kylian Mbappe will stay at the club as no other major side can afford him.

Mbappe, who has a contract in Paris until 2022, has been linked with several other European giants. Real Madrid are long-term suitors, while Liverpool have also been linked, with manager Jurgen Klopp said to be a huge admirer of the 2018 World Cup winner.

If PSG were to sell this summer, Mbappe would come at a high cost with another 12 months still on his deal, while he would also command big wages that few clubs could afford amid the financial constraints imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Fernandez thinks this is a major reason why Mbappe will ultimately stay at PSG, while also urging the France international to remain in Paris and learn from the experienced squad around him as he continues to develop into one of the world's best players.

He told Onda Cero of Mbappe: "If the player leaves, who will it be to play for and under what economic conditions? Because what he has here, he will not necessarily have when leaving PSG.

"When you look at the other teams, and when you see players like Icardi, Neymar, Di Maria, Sarabia, Verratti, Paredes, there are people that can help him stay. I don't see him leaving, he will wait for the situation to improve elsewhere."

Mbappe has recently said he has not yet come to a decision on his future, but he is happy at PSG.

“I’ve had this question before,” Mbappe told Telefoot after scoring twice in a 4-0 win over Montpellier last Friday night. “We are discussing with the club to find a project. I am thinking about it, because if I sign, it will be in order to invest myself in the long term.

“I am very happy here. The supporters and the club have always helped me. I’m going to think about what I want to do in the next few years, where I want to be. I am reflecting on it, not trying to buy time or anything like that. If I sign, I will stay, so I have to think about it.”

Manchester City are closing in on deals for Fluminense youngsters Kayky and Metinho, Goal can confirm.

The two 17-year-olds have been scouted by the Premier League club and are expected to complete moves to the City Football Group.

Exciting attacker Kayky has recently been linked with a move to Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk but City are set to make their move for both players in the coming days with a deal expected to cost around £9 million ($12m).

Speaking to Globo Esporte, Fluminense President Mario Bittencourt said: "City informed us that they will make an official offer for these two players."

Goal has learned that City are still to decide which clubs in the City Football Group the duo will move to, with Kayky, who turns 18 in June, able to play as a winger or attacking midfielder and he has been compared to Brazilian superstar Neymar.

He has played for Brazil at Under-16 level, but despite being a big prospect is yet to break into Fluminense's first team.

Metinho, meanwhile, turns 18 in April and plays as a midfielder. He has cited Manchester United star Paul Pogba as an inspiration and has already trained with the Brazilian national team.

and had been linked with other European clubs, including Liverpool.

Born in Congo, Metinho, who has also been linked with other European clubs including Liverpool, emigrated to Brazil when he was one, with his father, Abel, deciding to leave the African country in search of football opportunities for his children.

City have recently signed several highly-rated youngsters from South America, with 17-year-old Peruvian defender Kluiverth Aguilar joining from Alianza Lima last April.

They also signed Brazilian defender Yan Couto from Coritiba before loaning him to Girona for the season.

Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, has been the most successful signing from the region after he joined from Palmeiras, going on to become a regular under Pep Guardiola.

The City boss also had high hopes for former Vasco da Gama midfielder Douglas Luiz, who joined in July 2017, although the club could not obtain a work permit and he has since become a key fixture at Aston Villa.

Arsenal’s January transfer window of 2021 will be best remembered for Mikel Arteta clearing out deadwood such as Mesut Ozil and Sokratis, rather than Martin Odegaard’s arrival from Real Madrid, says Alan Smith.

The Gunners have been working hard on the reshaping of a squad that underperformed badly at the start of the current campaign.

Those deemed surplus to requirements have either been moved on, with Sead Kolasinac another to have left on loan, or are in the process of being edged towards the exits, as the clock runs down on Shkodran Mustafi’s spell at Emirates Stadium.

Smith considers that to be a bigger positive than the deal which has brought Norwegian playmaker Odegaard to north London on an initial agreement through to the end of the season.

The former Gunners striker told the Evening Standard of Arteta’s business at Arsenal: “He will naturally be delighted the Mesut Ozil saga is finally over.

“The whole situation was an irritating distraction. Sokratis was different, in that the club just didn't need so many central defenders.

“Reiss Nelson, another possible departure before the window closes on Monday, maybe falls short of the standards required.

“You could say the same of Shkodran Mustafi, a centre-half who has rarely looked the right fit in red and white. But he has been a regular in previous seasons, which must make the situation difficult to bear. A World Cup winner with Germany, his pride must be hurting as a fringe player rarely considered for action.

“Players show their frustration in different ways: some quietly seethe, others loudly let rip. From day one, Mustafi has been a vocal presence within that dressing room. I wonder how he's reacted under Arteta. Managers will tolerate some noise if the player is worth it. If not, it becomes an easy decision for any coach.  

“There has been a lot of excitement about Martin Odegaard's arrival, a lot of conjecture about what the Norwegian playmaker can bring to the team. Arteta, I imagine, is pleased with the deal.  

“The Spaniard, however, might be even more chuffed with the flip side. If all goes to plan, January may be best remembered for those who left.”

Arsenal, who have rediscovered a spark of late to take 16 Premier League points from the last 18 on offer, will be back in action on Saturday – potentially with Odegaard in their matchday squad – when they take in a home date with old adversaries Manchester United.

Angel Di Maria is eager to see the dream of Lionel Messi making a move to Paris Saint-Germain become a reality, with the Argentine admitting he could retire happy if given the chance to work with an iconic countryman at club level.

The former Real Madrid winger, who was once a direct rival of a six-time Ballon d’Or winner in La Liga, has come close to linking up with a legendary compatriot in the past.

Moves to Camp Nou have been discussed, but nothing has come of those talks and Di Maria is now taking in a sixth season at Parc des Princes.

A seventh could see him line up alongside Messi, if a new deal is signed at PSG, with a stunning switch to France being mooted for an all-time great.

The Barcelona superstar continues to run down his contract in Catalunya, meaning that he will drop into the free agent pool this summer if no fresh terms are agreed.

PSG are among those looking to position themselves at the front of the transfer queue, alongside Premier League heavyweights Manchester City, and Di Maria is ready to throw open the doors for a potential marquee addition.

He has told TyC Sports: “I had the opportunity at one moment in my career to go to Barcelona but it was not done.

“We could say that there is another chance to be able to play with him but my contract is coming to an end and I do not know what will happen. But I would be very happy to play alongside him.

“I have already played with Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe. If I could play as well with Leo, I could happily retire after that!”

Di Maria added: “My wife told me, 'if Leo comes, we will at least stay and you will make him a barbecue’.

“It would be the best. I could not ask for anything more in football.”

One thing that Di Maria could do with at present is a contract extension in Paris.

A new deal has been mooted for the 32-year-old, but the 2020-21 campaign has delivered more change in the France capital – with Mauricio Pochettino taking the managerial reins – and things are still settling down.

Quizzed on his future, Di Maria said: “I am focused on what we can achieve this year.

“There is a new coaching staff. I am only focused on impressing them.

“I do not have the anxiety of when you are 25 years old. I handle it very calmly and I enjoy life day to day.”

David de Gea knows that his standards have “dipped a bit in the last year”, says Eric Steele, but the Spanish goalkeeper is still considered to be a “fantastic asset” for Manchester United.

Questions are once again being asked of the Red Devils’ go-to option between the sticks.

De Gea did not cover himself in glory during his last Premier League outing, with a finger of blame pointed in his direction for Sheffield United’s first goal in a shock 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

It is not the first time that a Premier League title winner has had to offer a response to supposed professional wobbles.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper is a four-time Player of the Year at United, with his consistency offering a rare glimmer of hope during the regression endured on the back of Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

Moves elsewhere have been mooted for the Spaniard on a regular basis, but he has committed to a long-term contract in Manchester and retained his No.1 spot.

That position is now under threat from England international Dean Henderson, with many calling for a change in approach from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Former United coach Steele, who worked with De Gea following his arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2011, feels any tactical tweaks would be hasty at this stage, with there confidence on his part that a seasoned performer will prove his worth once more.

“He’s won everything at Manchester United, alongside some of the individual awards – Player of the Year, being voted by his fellow pros into the PFA team,” Steele told Sky Sports.

“He has had a terrific career. You have little dips in form and I’m sure David will agree that he has dipped a little bit in the last year, but his experience, he’s 30 years of age and in his prime, he’ll come through that.

“He has been a terrific asset to the club and I’m sure it will long continue.”

De Gea has taken in 23 appearances for United this season and has remained the favoured option of Solskjaer in Premier League and Champions League competition, with Henderson having to make do with domestic cup outings and 224 minutes of top-flight action as injury cover.