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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he is trying to convince Folarin Balogun to remain at the club by inviting him to first-team training sessions.

Although he has not been included in the Premier League matchday squad, the 19-year-old had been introduced as substitute in the Europa League and League Cup this season.

Balogun has developed through the ranks at the Emirates Stadium but his contract is set to expire in June and both parties are stalled on contract renewal talks.

He has shone for Arsenal U23s in this campaign, however, his last competitive outing for Mikel Arteta's side was back in December when he came on as a 77th-minute substitute in the 4-1 League Cup defeat to Manchester City.

When asked if Balogun's lack of appearances is due to his contract situation, Arteta said in his press conference; “No. If anything - regarding his contractual situation with the club - I just wanted to convince him that he has a future at the club, not send him the opposite message.

“Before he wasn't training with the first team, we changed that and he's been training with us a lot. He's improving every single day, he's showing a real hunger and decided to be with us. We're trying to get something done because we want him to stay and we have to go step-by-step.

“I think he's made some big steps in the last few months, where he wasn't even training and then he had a few good games for us. So the steps are there in every way and we want to try to keep him.”

Balogun scored his first professional goal in the Europa League against Molde in November 2020 and he has two goals in four appearances in the competition so far.

Despite his fine run in Europe, the Spanish coach also cited the competition for places as a reason for Balogun’s absence in his matchday squads ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup trip to Southampton.

“Because of the competition we have now and because there are other players that haven’t had many minutes and they’ve played in the FA Cup. It takes time,” he added.

“We have to respect that with Eddie, he’s not been playing a lot recently as well and he’s in front of him at the moment and we have to be calm and respectful.”

The South African Football Association Referees Committee chair Natasha Tsichlas says errors made by match officials handling the Premier Soccer League do not necessarily constitute low refereeing standards in general.

The latest controversial decision was the disallowing of what looked like a Bloemfontein Celtic legitimate goal during Tuesday’s league match against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The game ended 0-0 with Thokozani Mkhize the centre referee while Lalelani Mingadi and Mncwango Andile were the linesmen.

“Yes, we might have had a few bad calls here and there by some officials but that does not amount to a blanket low standard of refereeing,’’ Tsichlas told the Safa website.

‘’We review all matches and results are provided, in most cases, the following day and where an official is guilty, we sanction that individual without fear or favour. The Review Committee is made up of knowledgeable individuals and one of them is renowned referee, Chris Harrison whose career was cut short by an injury. He is also a respected attorney.

“These are difficult times, our officials are trying their best but that doesn’t mean we can condone poor officiating.”

Apart from the bad calls by referees, they have also stolen the limelight by allegedly officiating without getting tested for the coronavirus.

Safa recently came under fire for deploying their match officials for duty without being tested despite South Africa experiencing a second wave of infections driven by a rapidly-spreading Covid-19 strain.

“It is true that the referees haven't been testing for Covid-19, the last time they tested was during the bio-bubble,” Safa Head of Referees Abdul Ebrahim told Marawa Sport Worldwide earlier this month.

“There’s always going to be a risk involved if the sport needs to continue then that's something that needs to be looked at. It is a huge concern, we take our lead from our medical department. We should be talking all the time with the medical department. If I were to give a personal opinion, I would advise everyone to lock themselves up at home.

“It is important that everybody involved gets tested for Covid-19. It’s concerning and alarming and I am sure we will hear from the joint-liaison team on a way forward.”

Mario Mandzukic says he is ready to return to top-level football with AC Milan – and he will play any position on the pitch if it helps the team win.

Milan have signed the 34-year-old former Juventus striker on a free transfer to bolster their Serie A title charge.

Mandzukic had been without a club since leaving Qatari side Al-Duhail in July, but the Croatian says he has been working hard on his fitness in the meantime and feels ready to make an impact.

"If I didn't feel ready I wouldn't come to a club like Milan. I would have stayed at home watching TV," Mandzukic told a press conference.

"The last months I was working hard and waiting for something like this. I've never had big injuries. I prepared my body for four more years of top football.

"You can trust me, I'm good. I told [Milan manager Stefano] Pioli, 'If you need me, I will play every position on the pitch to win'.

"Everyone knows the history of Milan and the successes that this club has had. I have big ambitions now the team is doing very well, but the season is still long."

Mandzukic's arrival has been greeted with enthusiasm by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who quipped: "There will be two of us to scare the opponents now!"

The new man will be expected to provide competition for Ibrahimovic in attack, and allow the 39-year-old’s playing time to be managed more effectively in the second half of the season.

Having played in Croatia, Germany, Spain, Italy and Qatar, as well as making 89 appearances for his country and reaching the World Cup final, Mandzukic will also add experience to a youthful Milan squad.

Ibrahimovic has revelled in the role of mentor to his young team-mates since returning to the club last January, and Mandzukic has been impressed with their performances.

"It's true that it's a very young team but I watched Milan's last games and I was happy to see how the team is playing," he said.

"Everyone is fighting, everyone is doing his job, everyone is running, everyone shows team spirit. We older players will be there for the younger.

"As Zlatan said, we have played many games, we have many minutes in our legs and I too think it is important to instil fear in our opponents and protect my team-mates."

Milan will look to hold onto top spot in Serie A when they host Atalanta at San Siro on Saturday, before a Coppa Italia quarter-final clash with city rivals Inter on Tuesday.

The recent reports linking Premier League side West Ham United to Sevilla centre-forward Youssef En-Nesyri have come at a quite peculiar time for all three potentially involved parties.

For the Hammers, the attraction is clear: earlier in the ongoing winter transfer window, the club decided to cut their losses, parting with club-record signing Sebastian Haller after an 18-month spell that had seen more lows than highs.

The Ivory Coast international arrived at the club on the back of an impressive season with Eintracht Frankfurt, where, as part of a devastating front three also featuring Luka Jovic and Ante Rebic, he powered the German club to the semi-final of the Europa League in 2019.

With his towering physique and neat hold-up play, he seemed perfectly suited for the challenges of English football, and an ambitious West Ham project also appeared to be an appropriate vehicle.

The reality, however, did not match up to the expectation. What West Ham got was a striker who, for his considerable size, was too timid in his approach to consistently lead the line in the Premier League.

An average of one goal every four games over the course of his time in London ultimately forced the club to sanction a cut-price deal to Ajax, where Haller has predictably hit the ground running, albeit in a markedly less physical and intense Eredivisie.

That, however, has left a hole in the squad for David Moyes to fill.

Whether En-Nesyri would be the man to step into that breach is, in light of a number of transfer mishaps by the Hammers over the years, impossible to second-guess.

However, what is not in doubt is the quality that the Morocco international brings, or his current form: five of his nine La Liga goals this season have come in his last five matches.

The 23-year-old is himself 12 months into life at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, having joined Sevilla from now-relegated Leganes in January 2020. Since his arrival at the club, he has had to time-share with Dutch international Luuk De Jong upfront, with boss Julen Lopetegui happy to chop and change from one match to the next.

However, while it was De Jong who got the nod in the latter stages of Sevilla’s Europa League run last season – and, in fairness, he repaid that confidence in impressive fashion against Manchester United and Inter in the semi-final and final respectively – this term it appears that En-Nesyri may have finally won the war.

He has started six of the last eight and, in the exhilarating 3-2 home victory over Real Sociedad on New Year’s Day, he hit his first hat-trick for the club in a storming performance that may very well have sealed the deal for good.

He may not offer the same level of link-up play as his Dutch competitor, but he is quicker across the ground, more dynamic and powerful in his running, and arguably a better finisher with his feet. He is also, at 6 ft 2 in and possessing a powerful leap, a not-insignificant threat in the air.

While a cursory appraisal of his style does appear to suggest he would be a good fit in the Premier League, the nagging question here is this: does leaving now, having finally won the confidence of Lopetegui, make a great deal of sense for En-Nesyri?

Of course, seizing the moment is, for a striker, the very essence of being. The Moroccan’s stock is as high as it’s ever been, and English football does have a very particular, very special allure all around the world. However, to pull up roots mid-season, and to do so only a year after joining, would a concerning degree of upheaval for one so young.

There is also, beyond the financial, little upside for En-Nesyri to swapping Sevilla for West Ham. Much as the Hammers are having a strong season under Moyes’ thumb, they still constitute a step down from a side in the latter stages of the Champions League and going strong in La Liga.

For Sevilla, losing their starting striker midway through the season would also be less than optimal.

Even granted that the fabled wizardry of sporting director Monchi in the transfer market can often make players seem expendable, strikers – more than perhaps any other position – need time, both to settle within the collective and for the rest of the team to understand them. It has taken En-Nesyri himself a whole year, which is a cautionary tale in itself.

There is a red flag for West Ham too, if they will heed it.

For all his gifts, En-Nesyri is not quite the finished article yet. He would no doubt offer the intrepidity and aggression that Haller lacked, as well as the pace to properly threaten in behind.

However, there remain concerns over his decision-making and passing, and while he is strong in his running, his work with his back to goal is still in need of perfecting. Considering the Hammers mostly play on the break, he would be required to hold the ball up and bring others into play, and that is not something he is proficient at...at least not yet.

Perhaps West Ham not having to worry about relegation this season would offer him greater latitude to learn, but considering the club’s poor track record when it comes to buying strikers, is it really a punt worth taking? Surely, it would be better to simply buy the correct profile to begin with?

Also, seeing as En-Nesyri has spent 18 and 12 months (so far) respectively at his last two clubs, a bit of stability at a critical point in his development would probably do him a lot more good than yet another transfer.

It is the proverbial poisoned chalice, this one: the glint of opportunity with the froth of disaster.

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed the Bundesliga giants want to sign Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig.

Bayern look set to find themselves short at the back with David Alaba widely expected to be on his way to Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Alaba’s departure is not yet arranged but it appears Bayern will move quickly to bring in a top-level replacement, with Upamecano one of the world’s most highly-rated young defenders.

The 22-year-old is nearing 100 Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig since his move from Red Bull Salzburg in 2017, and he made his senior international debut for France last year.

Speaking on Bild Live, Rummenigge said Upamecano would remain at Leipzig at least until the end of the season, so it was too early to say he would definitely be joining Bayern.

“We will of course deal with it, not only with this player, but in principle,” Rummenigge said, “on the positions where we want to do and have to do something.”

The Bayern chief also noted it was common knowledge that Upamecano has a release clause in his Leipzig contract. He signed a new deal to 2023 last year, with the clause reportedly worth around €45 million (£40m/$55m).

"In the time of Corona, the money situation is also an important factor,” Rummenigge added.

Bayern are four points clear of second-placed Leipzig at the top of the table after both sides recorded narrow victories on Wednesday.

Defender Jerome Boateng has earned praise for his performances this season and there have been rumours that the 32-year-old could be set for a new contract.

However, Rummenigge refused to be drawn on such speculation.

“Jerome is playing an important role again. The coach is happy with him,” he said. “Accordingly, you will have to ask him this question yourself if you speak to him.”

Rummenigge was also keen to quash rumours suggesting Bayern could be considering selling Leroy Sane, who has four goals and five assists from 15 Bundesliga appearances so far this season.

“He has a five-year contract," he said. "That would be nonsense. We need this type of player. Of course he will stay with Bayern. And I am convinced: He will be a success here.”

Wayne Rooney has backed Manchester United to win the Premier League title while singling out Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba for special praise.

United returned to the top-flight summit after beating Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side fell behind when Ademola Lookman opened the scoring for the hosts after just five minutes, but Cavani tapped in an equaliser 16 minutes later after Cottagers keeper Alphonse Areola fumbled a Fernandes cross into his path.

Pogba eventually grabbed the all-important winning goal mid-way through the second half, firing home an unstoppable long-range effort which nestled perfectly into the bottom-left corner of the net.

The Red Devils are now in a great position to win their first Premier League crown since 2012-13, having finally recovered a consistent streak which had been lacking under the previous managers tasked with filling Sir Alex Ferguson's boots.

Club legend Rooney, who has just started his own managerial career at Derby, thinks Solskjaer has the squad at his disposal to deliver English football's top prize come May, and has hailed Fernandes, Cavani and Pogba for the impact they've had during the team's thrilling run to the top of the table.

"In the last few years, Manchester United haven’t been ready to challenge for the title. But now they’ve built a strong of players," the former United striker told Sky Sports.

"[Bruno] Fernandes coming in has helped massively. [Edinson] Cavani, with that winning mentality, has helped massively. Now the squad is challenging for a Premier League title.

"I said six weeks ago to the coaches in the office that I thought Manchester United would win the league and I still think that today.

"Paul Pogba will have a massive part to play in that. They’ve brought players in with winning mentalities and now Paul can do what he does best and show his quality on the pitch."

The Red Devils will now turn their attention to a huge FA Cup fourth-round tie against arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday, which comes three days before their next top-flight outing against Sheffield United at Old Trafford.

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock revealed he is at ease regarding the contract situation of Britt Assombalonga.

The 28-year-old centre-forward teamed up with the Riverside Stadium outfit in the summer of 2017 for a club-record fee of £15 million from Nottingham Forest.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo international will reach the end of his contract in July as well as some of his teammates at the club.

"We don't worry about that [the contract] here. There are a lot of players out of contracts. What will be, will be, we'll worry about that when we have to," Warnock said, as per BBC Sport.

Assombalonga has been a consistent performer for the Boro, having featured in 152 games, scoring 47 goals across all competitions.

In the current campaign, the forward has found the back of the net five times in 22 Championship appearances, including his strike against Nottingham Forest which handed his side a victory.

Warnock has expressed his delight with the contribution of Assombalonga, who captained Boro at City Ground on Wednesday. 

"The only disappointment was not scoring more goals but we had some great chances," the 72-year-old told continued.

"I was pleased with Britt tonight, and Duncan [Watmore] and Tav [Marcus Tavernier], it makes a difference when your forwards play."

Assombalonga will be expected to help Boro continue their winning form when they take on Blackburn Rovers in a Championship game on January 24.

Middlesbrough are currently seventh on the league table after gathering 39 points from 24 games.

Besides previously playing for Nottingham Forest, Assombalonga has also starred for Watford and Peterborough United.

The centre-forward will hope to sort out his future quickly to enable him to concentrate on his game.

Cape Town City are reportedly set to sign former Nigeria under-20 captain Abdul Jeleel Ajagun.

The attacking midfielder is currently a free agent having been released by Belgian club KV Kortrijk in October 2020.

Ajagun made just three appearances in the Belgian First Division A for Kortrijk this season before he parted ways with the club. 

“Cape Town City are awaiting a visa for him to join the squad and do the medical,” Far Post reported.

Ajagun would be following in the footsteps of his compatriot Victor Obinna, who joined City in September 2017.

Former Nigeria international Obinna failed to make an impact at City as he netted just once in 12 PSL matches and he was released by the Citizens in February 2018.

Ajagun is a well-travelled player having started his career at Dolphins FC where won the 2010/11 Nigerian Premier League title.

The diminutive player was then snapped up by Greek side Panathinaikos FC ahead of the 2013/14 campaign and he scored on his official debut against Platanias.

Ajagun helped Panathinaikos clinch the Greek Cup in his first season and the team also finished second in the Greek Super League in 2014 and 2015.

The 27-year-old has spells with Greek club Levadiakos FC and Dutch club Roda JC on loan from Panathinaikos. 

His former coach at Roda, Yannis Anastasiou was behind his move to Kortrijk in July 2017 and he spent two-and-half years with the club before being loan out to Cypriot side AC Omonia in January 2019.

Ajagun returned to Kortjik ahead of the 2019/20 campaign and he scored once in 18 matches in the First Division A.

The Port Harcourt-born player was part of the Nigeria team that finished second in at the 2019 Fifa Under-17 World Cup finals - scoring two twice in the tournament. 

Ajagun went on to play in two Caf Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals and he captained his nation at the 2013 edition as they placed third.

As a result, Nigeria qualified for the 2013 Fifa Under-20 World Cup finals where he scored two goals against Portugal in their opening game. 

Danny Ings is no better than Gabriel Jesus and would struggle to see regular game time at Manchester City but a switch to Tottenham for the Southampton striker could be “perfect”, says Jamie O’Hara.

Transfer talk is building around the England international frontman, who has had in a prolific spell at St Mary’s.

Having endured injury struggles on the back of his high-profile switch to Liverpool, the 28-year-old has had to rebuild his reputation.

A healthy return of 40 goals through 81 appearances for the Saints has seen him do that, with further recognition from the Three Lions earned along the way.

It is now being suggested that a proven Premier League marksman could be offered another step up. Various landing spots are being mooted for Ings, from north London to the North West.

O’Hara believes Jose Mourinho should be looking to position himself at the front of the recruitment queue, saying a switch to Spurs makes plenty of sense for a highly-rated No 9.

“He’s in fantastic form, Danny Ings. I really like him,” former Tottenham midfielder O’Hara told talkSPORT. “I think he’d be a perfect fit for Man City, for Spurs, for Arsenal. He obviously played for Liverpool and it didn’t quite work out because he had a bad injury, but he can play in a top-six side for sure.

“I think he’s a very talented footballer. Is he better than Gabriel Jesus? I think Spurs should try and get him. If he is available, and there is talk of him going, why not. You play him up front. Harry Kane, in this system, is basically a No 10 so you play a 4-2-3-1 and Kane will drop in.

“I like Vinicius, I think he’s good, but Danny Ings is way better.

“If you are talking about Harry Kane and the way he plays in that system with Mourinho and you are talking about a project maybe over two or three seasons with Jose, Danny Ings would be a good signing.

"The only thing I say with Spurs that they struggle with is the fact that the only player that really goes beyond the line is [Heung-min] Son.”

Speculation continues to suggest that Kane’s days on Spurs’ books could be numbered as he seeks to complement a stunning strike rate with major silverware.

Paul Pogba says Edinson Cavani offers qualities to the Manchester United squad that Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood do not have.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added the experienced frontman to his ranks during the summer of 2020. Cavani had been without a club for several weeks before United made their move, with the Uruguayan running down his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.

Questions were asked of the Red Devils’ decision to sign a 33-year-old striker on transfer deadline day, with some accusing Solskjaer of lacking long-term vision.

Cavani has however proved to be a valuable asset at Old Trafford, with younger team-mates taking important lessons from him while five important goals have been contributed to the cause.

His latest effort came in the 2-1 victory at Fulham with predatory instincts on full display from a man who has now matched the return of regular No 9 Martial.

Pogba, who netted a stunning winner at Craven Cottage, has told MUTV of the importance being placed on Cavani’s presence in Manchester: “Everybody knows that Edi is a top-class striker and there’s few strikers like this in the world, and we had the chance to have one.

“We know the hardest goals are those goals. We have talented players – Anthony Martial, Rashy in front, even Mason, that they can shoot from outside and stuff – but they don’t have this, the experience of Edi, and they don’t have the same quality of Edi as well.

“So I think we complete each other with the players we have in front and Edi can obviously show his class like he did today. Those goals that we needed, at the right time, he’s always there at the right time and the right moment to help the team to win.”

Solskjaer would have known what he was getting when putting a deal for Cavani in place, with the United manager once a prolific frontman himself.

Quizzed on the South American’s most recent strike and whether it was his type of goal, the Red Devils boss said: “What are you saying!? That I just scored the scruffy goals!?

“No, but that’s a centre-forward’s goal. You’ve got to be there to score and that’s what he does, and I think you can see – if you just watch him, if you have a player cam on him – his movement is incredible, fantastic.

Liverpool do not have an “attack problem” says Jordan Henderson, with the Reds skipper looking for everyone at Anfield to pull together in what has become a “team issue” for the defending Premier League champions.

Jurgen Klopp’s star-studded side, after a period of domestic dominance, have become fallible in the 2020-21 campaign.

Goals and wins have dried up of late, leaving Henderson and co with work to do as they seek to manage their way through an untimely injury crisis and put themselves in contention to land more major honours.

Captain Henderson told the club’s official matchday programme for a home date with Burnley: “One of our greatest strengths as a team in the last few years is that we don’t dwell on previous games whether they have been good, bad or indifferent. What we have done, though, is take any lessons we have learned and put them into practice. 

“This is something that is particularly important during the current period when we are looking to get back to our best.

“We know we are not firing on all cylinders at the moment. Goals are not coming as freely as we would like them to, and games are becoming more difficult as a result. This is a team issue, not an 'attack' problem, because one thing that the gaffer has always drummed into us ever since he has been here is that we are all responsible for everything.

“Every single one of us is responsible for the team scoring goals and every single one of us is responsible for the team not scoring goals. It is that simple.

“This approach has always served us well and we will not deviate from it. I’m well aware that outside of the club there will be those who, justifiably at the moment, will be critical of our form and will also look at areas of the team and individuals who they feel could do better. This isn’t a path that we will go down.

“We are in mid-January and we have lost only two league games. We have lost some top players to injury and we are still within one win of the top of the league. We have conceded only two goals in our last five games. We have had young players come into the team and show their value and more senior players slot into unfamiliar roles without any fuss.

“These are all things to build on, but to do that we have to learn the lessons that I mentioned at the very start of these notes.

"Being more ruthless in front of goal, making better decisions in the final third, giving our attackers better support, playing with confidence and belief at all times and remembering the qualities that have served us so well would all make a positive difference right now. To reiterate what I’ve already said: that is down to every single one of us.”

Liverpool have slipped to fourth in the Premier League table, but can move back to within a point of leaders Manchester United with a morale-boosting victory over the Clarets.

Paul Pogba wants Manchester United to adopt an “arrogant” mentality in their Premier League title challenge, with the Frenchman pointing out the Red Devils are “still far from the trophy”.

After overcoming a slow start to the season, an impressive run of form has seen United hit the front and top the table with 40 points from 19 games. The chasing pack, which includes rivals Manchester City and defending champions Liverpool, are hot on their heels.

World Cup winner Pogba knows what is required to land the most prestigious prizes and he wants Solskjaer’s squad to retain focus and belief as they chase down a first top-flight crown in eight years.

The French midfielder told MUTV after netting a stunning match-winner in the 2-1 victory away at Fulham: “It's never enough. We are still far from the trophy. It's been hard to get here, it's going to be even harder to stay there.

“Be arrogant in the way that 'yes, we are proud to be there and we want to stay there', but we have done nothing yet so we need to keep working.

“We are happy with what's happening but we want this to carry on. We want this more and more. If we think 'we won and we have arrived', this is when we are going to drop.”

Pogba’s return to form, which has come on the back of more questions being asked of his future at Old Trafford, has helped to lift United to the summit.

He has made vital contributions over recent weeks, with his latest outing seeing a left-footed effort from the edge of the box crashed home at Craven Cottage.

“Paul doesn’t have a weak foot,” Red Devils captain Harry Maguire told MUTV. “You can see Paul, over the last month or so, he’s starting to get his fitness back and credit to Paul, coming back into the team and doing what he’s doing at the moment is great for us.

“He’s a big part of the dressing room, he’s a big player for us. We know he can produce moments of brilliance. For sure, I hope he carries on and I’m sure he will.”

United’s next outing will see them switch focus to the FA Cup, with old adversaries Liverpool due in Manchester on Sunday for a heavyweight fourth-round showdown.

Antonio Rudiger has been told he is not good enough to play for Chelsea, with former Blues goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer surprised that other options are being overlooked as Fikayo Tomori edges ever closer to joining AC Milan.

Frank Lampard has plenty of centre-half options available to him at Stamford Bridge.

Experienced Brazilian Thiago Silva was added to that talent pool during the summer of 2020, with the 36-year-old quickly taking on an important role in west London.

The South American has become a regular for Lampard, with the biggest decision facing the Blues boss appearing to be who to play alongside a former Paris Saint-Germain star.

Kurt Zouma has been a go-to selection, but Rudiger has come back into favour of late.

He has been unable to help Chelsea find the kind of consistency they require in order to mount a Premier League title push, with Schwarzer of the opinion that Lampard needs to shuffle his pack again.

The ex-Blues goalkeeper told Stadium Astro of a Germany international defender: “I’m very surprised Rudiger is back in the side because I don’t think he’s that great a defender.

“I don’t think he’s good enough to play for Chelsea. I think he has had enough opportunities.

“Yes, last season or the season before he had a lot of injury issues, but I think Kurt Zouma next to Silva is the best combination. They showed a couple of weeks ago how good they are together.

“They are going to have a dip in form sometimes but I’d look to keep it simple, play a way into form.

“[Andreas] Christensen, I think, is a good player to have there or thereabouts if you need him. Tomori as well, I would play him ahead of Rudiger. I’m surprised that Tomori is out of the side altogether. “

Tomori is out of mind at present and may soon be out of sight.

The 23-year-old England international is closing in on a switch to Serie A giants AC Milan that will include the option for a permanent move to be made once an initial loan spell comes to a close.

“If he does go there on loan, there is the potential for a buyout clause,” Schwarzer added.

“AC Milan will sign him with that option. He’s a good young player. He’s going to make mistakes but he’s still learning and has the potential to be a really good centre-half.”

Jean-Philippe Mateta has joined English Premier League outfit Crystal Palace on an 18-month loan deal, subject to international clearance, with an option to make the move permanent.

The former France U19 and U21 star of Congolese origin enjoyed a sweltering start to the 2020-21 season with the Bundesliga outfit – finding the net ten times in 17 appearances across all competitions.

His presence at the Selhurst Park is expected to reinforce Roy Hodgson’s attack in their quest to challenge for a place in Europe next season.

The 23-year-ol expressed his delight joining the Eagles, while disclosing that he is ready for the challenge ahead.

"I’m very happy to come to Crystal Palace and I look forward to training," Mateta told Crystal Palace TV.

"[Playing in the Premier League] was my dream when I was a child. Now I can play, I will show the fans of Crystal Palace what I can do.

"I spoke with him [Hodgson] over the phone but I want to speak with him face to face. [He spoke] French – good French. I know this manager is a good trainer with a good team.

"I have some friends who play in the Premier League and say it’s very intense physically. It’s hard but I will see!"

In the same vein, Palace chairman Steve Parish is glad Palace signed the striker, claiming his arrival resonances the club’s commitment towards having a well-balanced squad.

“We have followed Jean-Philippe’s development with keen interest for some time, and I’m so pleased that we have been able to bring him to south London.

“He is a player that is full of potential with a proven goal-scoring record, and his signing reiterates our commitment to ensuring we have a well-balanced squad in terms of youth and experience for the seasons ahead.”

Mateta commenced his professional career at French third-tier Chateauroux before moving to seven-time Ligue 1 kings Lyon.

Following his inability to tie a regular place at the Groupama Stadium, he was loaned to Le Havre before he teamed up with Mainz in 2018 on a four-year-deal. There, he established himself as a regular in the German topflight, scoring 27 goals in 71 games which included a treble against SC Freiburg on November 22, 2020.

FIFA has threatened to ban any player or club involved in breakaway competitions, amid renewed talk of a European Super League involving some of the world's biggest teams.

A breakaway continental tournament has been mooted and discussed for years, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and many leading Premier League clubs believed to favour a ring-fenced European league which would include some of the richest and most famous teams.

However, this has been vocally rejected by others, including Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, while UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and La Liga chief Javier Tebas are among the most ardent critics of the breakaway plans.

Now FIFA has made its stance clear, saying that players will be banned from playing in any of their competitions - including the World Cup and European Championship - should they take part in any unauthorised events.

The letter has been signed by the six heads of FIFA's continental confederations and reads: "In light of recent media speculation about the creation of a closed European 'Super League' by some European clubs, FIFA and the six confederations once again would like to reiterate and strongly emphasise that such a competition would not be recognised by either FIFA or the respective confederation.

"Any club or player involved in such a competition would as a consequence not be allowed to participate in any competition organised by FIFA or their respective confederation.

"As per the FIFA and confederations statutes, all competitions should be organised or recognised by the relevant body at their respective level, by FIFA at the global level and by the confederations at the continental level.

"In this respect, the confederations recognise the FIFA Club World Cup, in its current and new format, as the only worldwide club competition while FIFA recognises the club competitions organised by the confederations as the only club continental competitions.

"The universal principles of sporting merit, solidarity, promotion and relegation, and subsidiarity are the foundation of the football pyramid that ensures football’s global success and are, as such, enshrined in the FIFA and confederation statutes.

"Football has a long and successful history thanks to these principles. Participation in global and continental competitions should always be won on the pitch."

The statement is then signed off with the names of the presidents of the six supporting confederations, as well as FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has questioned Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer’s regular shuffling of his starting line-up in their Premier Soccer League games and attributed that to why the team is struggling for form. 

On Wednesday Pirates were held to a 0-0 draw by Golden Arrows and failed to recover from last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Black Leopards.

They have collected just five points out of a possible 15 points since the start of the year, a run which has placed them sixth on the standings and eight points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

“It is going to be difficult for Zinnbauer to earn my respect. Look now at the difference between them and Kaizer Chiefs is two points. They have dropped,” Khanye told iDiski TV.

“The reality is that Pirates have good players. They can match Sundowns pound for pound and compete more than other teams in the PSL. When Sundowns and Pirates lose or draw, I blame the technical team. They have quality players. You mix them.

“Check how Pirates started the season, they convincingly won the MTN8. Now they cannot just drop form dismally like this. There is something wrong, this chop and change thing and making wrong decisions. This and that player is performing and then the next game you don’t see him. This and that player doesn’t deserve to come out but is taken out and replace him with a player who doesn’t perform.

“So that is the reason you find out that some teams including Pirates and Sundowns are shooting themselves in the foot. Pound for pound, there is no team in the PSL that has quality players than Pirates and Sundowns.”

Zinnbauer has been changing his team especially in defence and on Tuesday captain Happy Jele started for the first time since early November 2020.

Jele was partnering Thulani Hlathswayo as a centre-back while Ntsikelelo Nyauza operated as a right-back in place of Wayde Jooste who was dropped to the bench despite being named Man of the Match against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila seven days earlier.

Bongani Sam featured in his second game of the campaign and was in the starting line-up for the first time this season, playing as a left-back while the better-experienced Innocent Maela sat on the bench for the entire match.

Upfront, Deon Hotto started from the bench together with Frank Mhango who is not being fielded consistently this season.

Khanye questions why attacker Terrence Dzvukamanja continues to be a regular feature as he has featured in 11 league games but with not a single goal or an assist to his name.

As Zinnbauer sought for solutions to break Arrows, he introduced Mhango for Thembinkosi Lorch on the hour mark and Khanye does not agree with that decision.

“I always ask why the coach is playing Dzvukamanja? What is he giving Pirates? I think for more than eight Pirates games he is giving us no sign that he deserves to start,” said Khanye.

“So I am very disappointed with the Pirates coach that he introduced Mhango in the second half when they were under pressure. And look at that substitute, you do not take out Lorch. You leave him, recently he won you the MTN8 while he was unfit. Take out Dzvukamanja and leave Lorch to continue with the game.”

Manchester United have no need to invest in another right-back says Rene Meulensteen, with the former Red Devils coach surprised by links to Kieran Trippier as Aaron Wan-Bissaka has proved to be an “excellent buy”.

It has been suggested that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will dip back into the transfer market for defensive reinforcements. There have been plenty of calls for a new centre-half to be added to the ranks at Old Trafford, with Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos billed as a potential target, but full-back may also be bolstered.

A raid on Atletico Madrid for England international Trippier has been mooted, but Meulensteen believes Premier League title hopefuls already have a long-term option in that area of the field.

Asked by Stadium Astro whether United need to be investing in another right-sided defender, Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant said: “Not at the moment. It’s always good to have two players for a position because you need back-up but Aaron Wan-Bissaka has done fantastically well.

“He’s young still, he’s very fit and learns every day in training. He is one of the best one-v-one defenders in the league and I’m sure the coaching staff are working hard with him on his game. He is there, for me, to stay for a long, long time. He was an excellent buy for United.”

On the opposite side of the field to Wan-Bissaka, United have two proven options at their disposal. Alex Telles was snapped up from Porto in the summer of 2020, but Luke Shaw has made the left-back spot his own with an impressive run of injury-free performances.

“He has done very well,” Meulensteen said. “When Telles came in, it spurred Luke on. There is a spring in his step, he is going forward again.

“We all know he has had some tough times at Manchester United, but it is great to see him playing at his best.”

Meulensteen added, with Shaw able to call upon the kind of support from Solskjaer that he lacked under the Norwegian’s predecessor, Jose Mourinho: “First of all I don’t think managers should publicly discuss players, never mind criticise them.

“Every human being performers better if they get praise and support in the right way. Every player has bad spells but the coaching staff are there to help him.

“It’s easy to criticise but the managers and staff have an obligation to improve players. Ole’s style has been different to Jose’s because he would never criticise players in public and he makes every player in his squad important. Ole is very clear about what a Man United should be. That is the right way forward.”

Jurgen Klopp will not allow the questions being asked of Liverpool’s form to become a distraction, with the Premier League title-winning coach keeping his focus on the present and future.

The Reds headed into 2020-21 knowing it would be difficult to maintain the lofty standards they have set over recent years. Injury struggles have done little to aid their cause, with key men such as Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Jordan Henderson, Diogo Jota and James Milner having spells on the treatment table.

Klopp’s men have gone four league games without a win, dropping them to fourth in the table, but he is determined to face every challenge head on.

“We have to earn the right to win through our commitment. This is what we are all about and I look forward to seeing my boys embrace this challenge,” Klopp told the club’s official matchday programme heading into their home clash with Burnley on Thursday.

“We come into the game with some focus on our recent form and I am fine with this. It is absolutely OK for those questions to be asked. When you are blessed to work at this club you know each and every performance brings close scrutiny. This level of interest in us is a privilege and it’s a pressure we should embrace.

“For us, even though we are aware of the questions around us, we must not be distracted by them. Our focus must be on the solution. We are our own solution. In this moment, it’s my job specifically to make sure we find a way.

“I have faced legitimate questions since the Christmas period which were often framed about ‘getting back to what we were previously’. I maybe have used this phrase myself – I wouldn’t be sure without checking. 

“Really that isn’t the solution. The mindset for us should always be about looking ahead and not backwards. Simply reverting to what has gone before, no matter how good it was, won’t be enough in a league as competitive as this one.

“We have some basic principles in how we approach our work and we must adhere to those. They include being brave, showing humility by aiming to work harder than your opponent, bringing the intensity in each moment and sacrificing for the team. These – plus other – guiding practices, are still very much embedded into our environment.

“This team finds a way. It has done consistently for us in recent seasons and it will do now and again in the future. We are in a tough moment – no-one hides from this – but we view it as an opportunity. Another challenge to be met.”

Bandari defender Bernard Odhiambo believes Danson Chetambe’s hard work will push the Football Kenya Federation Premier League side far.

Chetambe is leading the list of assist providers in the Premier League with six assists and after congratulating the midfielder, Odhiambo has said the rest of the players are bound to be encouraged by his output.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your great performances so far. Having six assists is not an easy task, but you have managed so far,” the centre-back wrote on his Facebook page.

“I urge you to keep it up and keep pushing to get even more good results till you take all the awards in the FKF PL.

“Your hard work will push the rest of us to perform even better and the team will grow from this seed. You are a joy to watch and a great human both on and off the pitch. I am happy to play alongside you and am always confident in everything that you give.

“May the Almighty God bless you and keep awarding you gift after gift and may you lead us to greater heights.”

Gor Mahia’s captain Kenneth Muguna is the second player on the chart with four assists although he has played three fewer games compared to Chetambe’s.

Lawrence Juma, who earned a hat-trick for Sofapaka against Mathare United – is third while Derrick Otanga of KCB is fourth.

Bandari are sixth on the log with 12 points and look a solid side now although they had to make a change when Ken Odhiambo left for Sofapaka.

After Twahir Muhiddin had taken care of them temporarily, former AFC Leopards coach Casa Mbungo was later appointed to steer the coastal side.

The FKF Premier League will enter week nine on Friday with two games lined up; Wazito FC will face Nzoia Sugar at Kasarani Stadium while Mathare United will host Bandari later on at the same venue.

On Saturday, Posta Rangers will clash with Ulinzi Stars, Gor Mahia will play Vihiga United, Zoo FC will face Tusker while Sofapaka will entertain Nairobi City Stars.

On Sunday three games have been lined up with KCB and Western Stima set to face off. Kakamega Homeboyz will be at home against Bidco United and Kariobangi Sharks will battle AFC Leopards.

Football agent Dimitry Seluk has claimed that his former client Yaya Toure will join the coaching crew of Ukrainian Premier League side FC Olimpik Donetsk.

Goal has reached out to the African football great and his current representative for confirmation of Toure's future and his potential coaching role at the time of filing this report.

The former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder has not joined any team since leaving Chinese side Qingdao Huanghai on January 1, 2020.

Toure trained with League Two side Leyton Orient for a brief period but wasn't offered a contract, and his agent reached out to several other clubs in a bid to revive his career.

Earlier in his career, Toure had joined Metalurh Donetsk (also in Ukraine) from Beveren in 2003. 

Now at the age of 37, after winning three Premier League titles during his eight-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, he has led a few coaching sessions at youth level in the Championship.

“The coronavirus pandemic has made things difficult in a lot of ways – it was the reason I left Qingdao Huanghai in China at the start of 2020 – but it has given me the opportunity to learn,” Toure wrote in the Coaches' Voice.

“I have taken the chance to start doing my coaching badges and think about the next chapter. I’ve already made good progress in gaining my qualifications.

“But sitting in an office the whole time – that’s not me.

“I want to be out on the grass, interacting with other people, exchanging ideas. I’ve been very lucky that Chris Ramsey (above) has given me the opportunity to do that at QPR.

“I’ve been able to lead coaching sessions with the younger age groups, watch Chris coach and learn from him, as well as lots of other good coaches like Andrew Impey and Paul Hall. Les Ferdinand has been great, giving me the chance to watch these coaches in action. They have pushed me to learn and have shown me what you need to do differently to be a top coach.

“I’ve also had the chance to go to Blackburn thanks to Stuart Jones (below), and the PFA – through Geoff Lomax – have given me great opportunities too. I’m learning all the time, and I love it!

“At QPR, after the sessions, I spend time with the players chatting to them. It really is amazing to see how committed they are. They want to achieve as much as I did, and they always want to learn how to be better. It’s amazing to be able to help them, and I’m delighted that I have that chance.”

With this development, Toure who enjoyed a hugely successful career spanning almost 20 years, could possibly follow a similar path as his brother Kolo, who is an assistant coach to Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City.