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Loic Remy has offered advice to Arsenal's £72 million ($95m) record signing Nicolas Pepe, urging him to retain his focus to avoid becoming an expensive flop at Emirates Stadium.

The 25-year-old played alongside Remy for a single season at Ligue 1 club Lille, with Pepe scoring 22 goals in 38 league games to convince the Gunners to sign him in the summer of 2019.

Pepe has struggled to reach similar heights since his switch to Emirates Stadium, scoring just seven Premier League goals in 42 appearances, and Remy, who had two seasons at Chelsea earlier in his career, has urged him to knuckle down.

"He was flying in Lille and he was the best player in the team," Remy told Goal. "Then, when you get to the next step, the expectation is really high. You cannot have one day of being lazy or late. The intensity in big clubs is like that.

"You can’t complain and there’s not much time to adapt. You can't get away with mistakes anymore like you can at smaller clubs. There are always players waiting on the bench to take your spot.

"They will be training their hardest to replace you and that’s the biggest difference between big clubs and a smaller club.

"For him, the whole team are having a difficult season. Arsenal is Arsenal, so I think they will get back to having good results even if there are no easy games in the Premier League."

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen is another who starred at Lille before making a £63m ($84m) move to Napoli and, although fitness issues have hampered his progress in Italy, Remy is confident he will turn out to be a success.

"I was surprised by how good he was and the fact he seemingly came from nowhere," Remy added. "No one knew him before he came to Lille. When I saw him I saw how hard he works, it is unbelievable. I haven’t seen many players like him.

"I really hope that he will become a great striker. He deserves it, especially when you hear his story and where he came from. He came from zero to this level. I am really happy for him and to play with him was good.

"We had a good connection up front. He helped me a lot with his energy and running. At my age, I run less but he runs a lot! We scored some nice goals together and we keep in touch. I am happy for him and he really deserves it.

"I really enjoyed playing with him and I tried to give him advice. The Napoli move is a big step. I don’t think there's any problem and I know he will bounce back and play his normal way again."

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to affect clubs financially, there is the suggestion that Lille will be forced to sell young talents Jonathan Ikone and Boubakary Soumare.

Soumare has attracted interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United, and Remy believes that he will likely be the next to leave Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

"This guy is full of skill, he is strong and the modern-day midfielder," he added. "He is still young and is the same as the others. The new generation needs to understand they must keep quiet and work harder than the others.

"He is a player who can get to the top but he has a lot of work to do. He is a really good player."

Manchester United “could do a lot worse” than snap up Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, says Dimitar Berbatov, with the Red Devils urged to join Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain in the hunt for the World Cup winner.

Uncertainty continues to reign at Santiago Bernabeu when it comes to the future of Ramos.

Despite being club captain and a long-serving stalwart of 15 years in the Spanish capital, Ramos is yet to be offered an extension to his expiring contract.

That lack of movement is attracting interest from afar, with leading sides from England and France keeping a close eye on developments in Madrid.

United have been linked with Ramos in the past and may be tempted to explore that option again despite the Spain international now being 34 years of age.

Berbatov believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be mulling over a move for a player who is free to speak with teams outside of La Liga, with experience always a useful commodity to have at centre-half.

The former United striker told Betfair: “I have read the reports about Sergio Ramos and there is a lot of speculation about his future. He could bring a lot of experience and steel to any team.

“Although he is 34, he is still a top player and United could do a lot worse. If he is available I can see a lot of teams interested in signing him.

“At his age of course Real Madrid are reluctant to offer him a long contract. Maybe they are arguing about money because it always comes down to money, but both sides should think long and hard about it because the grass isn't always greener.

“I have no doubts that players would love to join United but January is a tough time to move. Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Bruno Fernandes did it, and turned out to be great signings, but the same was not true for others who joined at this time of year.”

Despite talking up a possible raid on Real for Ramos, Berbatov admits that a welcome return to form for Eric Bailly at Old Trafford could keep Solskjaer out of the market.

The Bulgarian added: “I have always said that United need another defender, but looking at the recent performances of Eric Bailly, if he stays focused and injury free then he can be a rock at the back of defence.

“But if United are going to buy someone, especially at this point in the season, they need to be a perfect fit for the team. I don't think they need anyone at the moment.”

West Ham have sold their club record signing Sebastian Haller to Ajax, with the Ivory Coast international joining the Eredivisie giants in a €22.5 million (£20m/$28m) transfer.

Haller moved to the London Stadium in a £35m ($48m) transfer in summer 2019 from Eintracht Frankfurt but never truly caught fire in the Premier League, and has now left for Ajax - where he has become their most expensive ever signing.

West Ham reported the fee as undisclosed, however, Ajax announced the €22.5m price tag on their website, meaning the Hammers have taken a £15m ($20m) loss on a player who scored 14 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions for the London club.

Haller, 26, has previous experience in Dutch football from a two-and-a-half year stint with Utrecht, where he played under current Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.

He netted a total of 51 goals in 98 games for Utrecht, form which earned him a transfer to the Bundesliga with Frankfurt.

After two years in Germany, during which he continued to score regularly and was a key part of the Frankfurt side who reached the Europa League semi-finals in 2019 only to lose on penalties to eventual champions Chelsea, West Ham swooped to make him part of their squad.

Haller only sparked occasionally for West Ham, however, with rare highlights including a stunning overhead kick against Crystal Palace. This season, he started only 10 games under David Moyes and has now been allowed to depart.

A statement on the Hammers' club website said : "West Ham United would like to thank Sebastien for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for his future career."

Haller has reportedly signed a four-and-a-half year contract with Ajax, until the summer of 2025, and will wear the No 22 shirt.

Ajax are currently top of the Eredivisie with 34 points from 14 games, one ahead of PSV. However, they are suffering a shortage of attacking options due to injuries to Lassina Traore, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Brian Brobbey.

They have therefore broken the bank to bring in Haller, who will be available for their next Eredivisie game on Sunday - which happens to be at home to PSV.

Gor Mahia have insisted assistant coach Patrick Odhiambo will be in charge of the team when they resume FKF Premier League action on January 10.

The Kenyan champions were involved in the Caf Champions League where Posta Rangers coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo was hired on a temporary basis to handle the team.

Omollo led the team against APR of Rwanda where they managed to qualify to the next round after losing 2-1 in Kigali and winning 3-1 at home, and was also in charge when the team exited the competition after losing 8-1 on aggregate to Algerian side CR Belouizdad.

With Omollo now returning to handle Posta Rangers and Gor Mahia without a coach following the exit of Roberto Oliviera, club secretary-general Sam Ochola has confirmed assistant Odhiambo, who was absent when they played against CR Belouizdad, will take charge of the team as they resume their hunt for the fifth straight title against Kariobangi Sharks.

“We know we don’t have a full-time coach and we are working round the clock to have a new one come on board but for the time being, assistant Patrick [Odhiambo] will handle the team,” Ochola told Goal on Friday.

While Odhiambo had been linked with a move to Bandari, the coach has not reported to Gor Mahia training since the team returned from the humiliating 6-0 defeat away in Algeria. However, according to Ochola, Odhiambo is still contracted to Gor Mahia.

“Odhiambo is still our coach, he is contracted to Gor Mahia and he will be the one in charge against Sharks,” Ochola continued. “I am not aware if he has left us, I don’t know anything to do with that, all I know, he is part of us.

“We also have our coach in the youth team, he will come in to assist Odhiambo as we search for a new coach, I know in a weeks’ time or next few days, we will announce a new technical bench, it will not take time.”

Odhiambo had been rumoured to join Bandari as the assistant to Casa Mbungo, who was unveiled on Monday, but the former Sony Sugar coach did not make the Dockers’ technical bench.

Gor Mahia have already played two matches since the 2020-21 season kicked off – beating Ulinzi Stars 2-1 before losing 2-1 against Tusker.

The 2021 January transfer window has opened and Premier League clubs are busy trying to sort out new signings before the deadline at the beginning of February.

Falling roughly mid-way through the season, the January window provides clubs with an opportunity to bring in reinforcements and to officially conclude previously agreed deals.

This season, there is plenty of intrigue around the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, while Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City are always forces in the market.

As transfers are wrapped up through the month, Goal will keep you up to date on all the Premier League's January comings and goings.

(Click on the club to see their confirmed signings and departures)

Last updated: January 8, 2020

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Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha has revealed the conversation he had with Unai Emery before Arsenal signed Nicolas Pepe for a club-record deal in August 2019.

Emery was keen on having Zaha but they eventually moved for his Ivory Coast teammate who scored 22 goals in 38 Ligue 1 matches in the 2018-19 season.

The Gunners spent £72 million to sign Pepe, however, Zaha disclosed what went down when the Spaniard approached him.

"I had a conversation with the manager. [Unai] Emery was just like, 'We don't really need to go through much'," the 28-year-old told the Greatest Game Podcast.

"He said he'd seen me play, he knows I can change games at any time and stuff like that.

"He was like, 'Yeah we'd love to have you' and I was just like, 'Yeah I'd love to come'.

"The conversation was rather straightforward because I played against him when he was manager of Arsenal. He saw what I could do, saw my work-rate, and what I could add to the team.

"Obviously, it was up to the club who they chose and they chose Pepe over me."

Emery was sacked in November 2019 after a poor run of results in all competitions but he admitted that he preferred signing Zaha to Pepe.

The Crystal Palace talisman who has been the subject of reported transfer interest from several clubs in recent years, has contributed eight goals and two assists in the Premier League this season and he said Arsenal’s choice for Pepe was an easy decision.

Zaha explained; "You’re seeing a player come from Brazil or another league - they’re always going to attract more attention.

"But, I just think if there’s a player that plays in the Premier League, you see him week in, week out. You know what he does.

'I feel like it’s a no-brainer. The other leagues are totally different."

Avram Grant, a man who knows all about the pressure that comes with managing Chelsea, has advised Frank Lampard on how to steer clear of Roman Abramovich’s axe at Stamford Bridge.

Another change in the dugout is being mooted in west London after an inconsistent start to the 2020-21 campaign.

There have been signs of progress, with a 16-game unbeaten run taken in at one stage.

An expensively-assembled squad has, however, taken just four points from its last six Premier League outings to slip off the title-chasing pace.

With Abramovich having invested heavily in new recruits last summer, Lampard is expected to deliver an immediate return.

He has vowed not to quit his post, but that decision may be taken out of his hands if results do not improve.

Grant, who succeeded Jose Mourinho at Chelsea in 2007, believes the Blues legend remains the right man to carry the club forward.

The Israeli has, however, told Lampard that “fighting spirit” and “patience” will be required in order to keep his job and ultimately hit the targets that have been laid out for him.

Grant told Sky Sports: “What I can say to Frank and the others at the club is be patient, and, more than this, do whatever it is necessary to do, that's for sure.

“Two things: never lose it even when things are going well, don't lose your fighting spirit at the highest level.

“And second, don't lose what you have here [points at head] you need to think right and look for solutions.

“If you do that then everything will be okay because the quality is there and there is a potential like there was [at Chelsea] in my time.”

He added: “About the current situation I can say only this: You need to be strong when things are not going well, when things are going well everyone is a genius and knows what to do.

“But in the situation like this when things aren't going well you need to be strong, look for solutions and show a lot about your character.”

Lampard, who spent 13 years with Chelsea as a player, claims to be unfazed by the questions that are being asked of him, with the ex-England international aware that life in a prominent Premier League post would present plenty of challenges.

He has said: “The reality is that one month ago and at the beginning of the season there was talk over whether we could win the league, but I was pretty sure of the fact of where we were at in terms of the ban and the rebuild and the youth.

“I knew there would be periods of pain we would go through as a club.”

Tanzania champions Simba SC have openly admitted it is not good news to part ways with head coach Sven Vandenbroeck.

On Thursday, the Wekundu wa Msimbazi confirmed the exit of the Belgian tactician only a day after he led them to the group stage of the Caf Champions League after eliminating FC Platinum of Zimbabwe 4-1 on aggregate.

The decision has shocked many across the country with some wondering why they had parted ways with a coach, who had guided them to the group stage of the competition for the third time in history.

It seems his exit has also affected the club’s Information Officer Haji Manara, who has termed it as sad news but asked for calm as they search for his successor.

“It is not good news for this period,” Manara wrote on his Facebook page after the exit of Vandenbroeck. “But let us pray we relax and leave the task of getting a good successor to our leadership so that we can cross the line together.”

On the coach’s exit, Simba said in a statement obtained by Goal: “The Board of Directors of Simba Sports Club announces to its members and fans that we have parted ways with our head coach Sven Vandenbroeck by mutual consent.

“Simba thank coach Sven for the success achieved during his time with the club where we won the Tanzanian Premier League, the FA Cup, the Community Shield and qualified for the group stage of the Caf Champions League.

“In light of the above, assistant coach Selemani Matola will hold the position vacated by Sven up until we announce a new person for the role," the statement continued. "We recognize that Sven will always be part of the Simba family.

“We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Simba appointed the 41-year-old Belgian to take charge of the team in December 2019 after sacking Patrick Aussems a month earlier.

Aussems was relieved of his duties when the Wekundu wa Msimbazi claimed the Belgian left the club without official permission during the last international break.

The former AC Leopards tactician failed to further guide Simba SC in the Caf Champions League as they faltered against UD Songo of Mozambique in the preliminary round.

They turned for help on another Belgian, Vandenbroeck, who had left his role as the head coach of the Zambia national football team in February 2019.

Vandenbroeck served as the caretaker coach of Greek side Niki Volos Football Club in 2014. The former defensive midfielder was Hugo Broos's assistant when the Indomitable Lions won the Africa Cup of Nations two years ago.

Bengaluru FC face East Bengal on Saturday evening in what promises to be an intriguing tie. The Blues come into the game on the back of three consecutive defeats while the Red and Gold picked their first win earlier this week.

Carles Cuadrat has been relieved of his coaching duties and for now, Naushad Moosa, who served as the assistant coach, has been handed over the reins. The former Air India coach has promised that Bengaluru FC will play an entertaining brand of football under him, starting this weekend against East Bengal.

“East Bengal are a decent side. They are getting better. Bright (Enobakhare) is a talented player. We will be playing more entertaining football. We can assure you that. We have to remain compact when we lose the ball. We have had fewer clean sheets. The focus is not to concede early goals,” said Moosa.

Bengaluru FC are placed fifth on the table and still are very much in the mix for qualifying for the play-offs. In fact, their next seven matches are against teams who placed below them. 

Moosa said that while the club is reeling from the embarrassment of three defeats and the departure of Cuadrat, the players are very much focussed on getting three points against the Kolkata outfit. He added that they will approach the game aggressively.  

“It is not an easy situation for the club. We are professionals. We have an important game tomorrow. The players know it. In these seven years, this has happened for the first time that we have lost three games in a row. It is not easy for them to digest. They want to bounce back. We have to leave behind everything and focus on the next game.

“I had my first training yesterday. There were lots of positives. Looking forward to a more positive and aggressive game tomorrow,” he mentioned.

Moosa stated that his team will look to start on the front foot and look to attack East Bengal from the off.

“The work that Carles and (Albert) Roca have done is amazing. There is nothing more I have to do. We do not have enough time. We play two games in quick succession. For now, it is just simple. Play the way we have been playing. Concentrate on having the ball and try to play more attacking football,” he shared his thoughts.

Bengaluru FC have scored 12 goals in nine matches this season. Moosa believes that more players must enter the final third if they are to make the most of the little chances that they are creating.

“That is one part we are working on (not scoring many goals). We have gone through all videos. We felt that we were falling short in numbers in the attacking third. We will look to have more numbers in attacking third and look to create more scoring opportunities,” he said.

Harmanjot Khabra is suspended for the game against East Bengal which means Moosa will field a makeshift right-back or probably move Rahul Bheke in that position.

“For tomorrows' game itself, we will have two or three youngsters those who will be playing. But at the same time, we don't want to bring in too many changes. After losing three games there is pressure on all player but I am trying to keep them relaxed. Khabra is out with four yellows. We will have a youngster there. Maybe we need some more time, and we will bring in more youngsters,” he mentioned.

Moosa admitted that he has spent a lot of time with Cuadrat in order to seek his inputs. He has also had meetings with most players to establish a working relationship with them which will be mutually benefitting.

“To be honest, I had two sleepless nights. It’s not easy to manage a team like Bengaluru FC. The expectation is so high. The pressure has sunk in. But the players are working so well, it is giving me confidence that they want to do it for me. With a positive result tomorrow, the pressure will go down more for me and I can work with more confidence.

“I have been meeting every player. We are trying to understand what they feel me for me as a coach. If they don't have the respect, I doubt they will give their best. After talking I felt really good. I was with Carles till 12 at night yesterday. We were discussing about each and every player. We are not finished as we have 11 games in hand. We will work as a team, try to win and try to be in the playoffs,” he signed off.

Orlando Pirates will be without attacking midfielder Vincent Pule for the original Soweto Derby clash with Swallows FC at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Pule is suspended for one game, having picked up a yellow card last weekend in the 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, making it four bookings this season for the former Bidvest Wits and African Warriors star.

The 28-year-old Pule has been in good form and recently scored a brace for Pirates in a 2-2 draw against Cape Town City.

Pule's ability make something out of nothing; the creative spark he brings to Bucs, could be missed against a Swallows team which has conceded just five goals in nine league matches this term.

Pirates do however have a ready-made replacement in Deon Hotto, with Thembinkosi Lorch likely to start on the opposite wing.

Pule's teammates, defenders Thulani Hlatshwayo and Innocent Maela are meanwhile just one booking away from their own suspensions.

Swallows also have a suspension - Zaphaniah Mbokoma, a player in a similar mould to Pule, will miss the clash in Orlando after being sent off in the Birds' 3-2 midweek win over Cape Town City.

This will be the first time Pirates have played Swallows since December 2014, following the Birds’ relegation at the end of that season.

Brandon Truter’s side is flying high on their return to the top-flight this season. They are joint top of the league standings, together with defending champions Sundowns.

Sundowns face Baroka FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

There are four other suspensions for this weekend's Premier Soccer League (PSL) action, including Kaizer Chiefs' left-sided player Philani Zulu.

Amakhosi are up against Zulu's former club, Maritzburg United, at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening (5 pm).

Cape Town City striker Tashreeq Morris will sit out his side's match against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila after his late red card against Swallows.

Zitha Macheke is suspended for Stellenbosch's home clash with Black Leopards on Friday evening while Moeketsi Dithebe will not be available due to suspension when Bloemfontein Celtic host AmaZulu on Sunday.

Sven Vandenbroeck surprisingly left Tanzania Mainland Premier League giants Simba SC after leading them to the Caf Champions League group stage.

The group stage qualification for Wekundu wa Msimbazi was the third such achievement they have registered at continental level.

The Belgian came in to replace Patrick Aussems in December 2019 after the latter had failed to guide them further in the Champions League. The 1-1 home draw against UD Songo was one of the key factors that ended Aussems reign at Simba but Vandenbroeck came in and got the giants rejuvenated.

The former Zambia head coach won three titles in one year after stellar performances in the domestic competitions.

He helped the Msimbazi side defend the league title for the third time in a row, won the Azam Shield Cup as well as the Community Shield Cup.

In 55 matches he oversaw, Vandenbroeck registered wins on 39 occasions, 10 draws were recorded and they got just six losses.

The win includes a 4-1 defeat inflicted on their archrivals Yanga SC during the Azam Shield Cup semi-final on their way to winning the second title in the year. In the six draws, one of them came during a highly-contested Kariakoo Derby on January 4 where they ended up conceding two goals to help Yanga fight back for a 2-2 scoreline.

The 10 losses in his reign at Msimbazi includes a 1-0 defeat to Yanga in the return leg of the Kariakoo Derby last year. Bernard Morrison, who Simba ended up signing in August in controversial fashion, was the scorer of the goal that handed Wekundu wa Msimbazi the loss.

In the ongoing season, Simba have lost two matches against Polisi Tanzania and Ruvu Shooting and the two encounters ended with 1-0 scorelines. The defeats led to a reshuffle in the technical bench where team manager Patrick Rweyemamu and goalkeeper coach Muharami Mohamed were let go.

Vandenbroeck has left Simba who are currently second to Yanga with 35 points but have three matches in hand. The champions, after dispatching FC Platinum and booked the group stage in the Champions League, have travelled to Zanzibar where they are set to participate in the Mapinduzi Cup tournament.

Tanzania coach Etienne Ndayiragije has named Simba SC defender Ibrahim Kisiki to replace Aggrey Morris in the squad for the Chan tournament.

The veteran Morris is set to retire officially from international football on Sunday and with this development, the Burundian tactician has opted to hand Kisiki a place in the squad for the Chan competition to be held in Cameroon from January 16.

“We have picked Ibrahim Kisiki to replace Morris as the veteran is retiring on Sunday,” Ndayiragije told reporters in Dar es Salaam on Friday, ahead of the team’s friendly against DR Congo, which is organised to bid farewell to the player.

The friendly will be played at Benjamin Mkapa on Sunday in honour to Morris’ unconditional services to the national team and will also be used to gauge the team’s preparedness ahead of the Chan competition.

The two teams will again play in January 13 in another build up encounter before Tanzania names their final squad for the finals in Cameroon.

In a recent interview, Morris revealed his decision to quit the game by explaining to Daily News: “If you can see now, there are good defenders like Bakari Mwamnyeto, Ame Ally and others who are really doing a good job and it is high time for them to seize the challenge.

“There are many better centre backs which the country is blessed with and I cannot mention them all but, the bottom line is that now, Taifa Stars is rich with prolific central defenders and this is the best time for them to play.”

Morris also remembered his first match for Taifa Stars – a friendly against Kenya in 2010 – where he came on in the second half to replace Kelvin Yondani.

“After that, we went to play in Rwanda where I was also featured and that is when my international career with Taifa Stars commenced until now when I am hanging my playing boots for the national team,” Morris continued.

Idd Cheche, who coached the player at national and team level, has described Morris as a player who always played his heart out for the national team and also the team he turned out for.

“Even at training sessions, he used to entice his colleagues to work hard and whenever the final results went against his side, you can see how painful he felt deep in his heart,” Cheche told Daily News.

“As he retires, it will be wise for him to help other emerging players such that even though he will not actively be involved, he can render his support through the provision of good manners on how players ought to live both on and off the pitch.”

Tanzania full Squad: Aishi Manula (Simba SC), Juma Kaseja (KMC FC), Dan Mgore (Biashara United, Abdutwalib Mshery (Mtiwa Sugar), Shomari Kapombe (Simba SC), Israel Mwenda (KMC FC), Edward Manyama (Namungo FC), Yassin Mustapha (Young Africans).

Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans), Erasto Nyoni (Simba SC), Aggrey Moris (Azam FC), Carlos Protas (Namungo FC), Said Ndemla (Simba SC), Baraka Majogoro (Mtibwa Sugar), Yussuf Mhilu (Kagera Sugar),

Ayoub Lyanga (Azam FC), Feisal Salum (Young Africans), Rajab Athuman (Gwambina FC), Ditram Nchimbi (Young Africans), Deus Kaseke (Young Africans), John Bocco (Simba SC), Lucas Kikoti (Namungo FC), Farid Mussa (Young Africans), Adam Adam (JKT Tanzania), Dickson Job (Mtibwa Sugar),

Abdulrazack Hamza (Mbeya City U20), Khelfine Salum (Azam U20), Samuel Jackson (Ihefu FC U20), Omari Omari (Tanzania U17), Pascal Gudance (Azam FC U20).

Te All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das believes that the new clubs joining the I-League should have a sustainable model. 

In the past, numerous clubs have shut down or pulled out from the I-League but clubs like Chennai City FC have invested into the league and have performed well. Now, the likes of Sudeva Delhi and Sreenidhi are set to make their mark in the I-League from 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons respectively.

"I think this is a scenario (clubs shutting down) is not just in India but across Asia. Clubs have to find a method to sustain themselves. We are always there to support them in terms of technical support and advice, but ultimately the clubs will have to sustain themselves.

"I believe that some of the newer clubs (Sudeva and Sreenidhi) that are coming in, have a fairly good sustainable model. They understand that, while it's important to get into the top league, they need to come in a way they can sustain themselves," he stated.

With Mohun Bagan and East Bengal deciding to join the Indian Super League (ISL), Das backed the roadmap for Indian football that would allow for an I-League club to be promoted to the top tier on sporting merit by the 2023-24 season before the 2025-26 season will also be open to clubs getting relegated from the ISL.

"I think we have already given a very clear roadmap so as to how the I-League, ISL and the whole Indian structure fits in the whole scenario and everyone has accepted it.

"We have Mohammedan Sporting in Kolkata. We have a new team in Sudeva and going forward, we will have more teams from places like Vizag (Sreenidhi), etc. So I don't think that the I-League in any way will lose its relevance. We have a roadmap where the I-League clubs, in a few years from now (2023-24), will be playing in the ISL on sporting merit and from 2025-26 there will be a promotion and relegation in all the leagues. All the leagues will have relevance there."

And while the 2020-21 I-League is set to kick off on Saturday, Das mentioned that even if the government regulations allow for 50 percent attendance for outdoor sports no risk can be taken while hoping for youth and other tournaments to be resumed from next season.

"Whatever the government regulations, we feel that the health of players and officials is of paramount importance. So we are not in a position to take any risk. So even if the government does allow us to have some crowd, we can consider it going forward," he said.

Julian Nagelsmann has no intention of swapping RB Leipzig for Borussia Dortmund despite being suggested as a permanent successor to Lucien Favre. 

Leipzig boss Nagelsmann is considered one of the most promising coaches in European football and led his team to the Champions League semi-finals last season. 

The 33-year-old, who has a contract at the Red Bull Arena until 2023, has been touted as a candidate to take over Dortmund next season, with Edin Terzic having replaced Favre on an interim basis in December. 

However, former Hoffenheim coach Nagelsmann insists there is no need for anyone associated with Leipzig to worry about what the future holds because he intends to stay put. 

"There is no reason to be tense regarding Dortmund," Nagelsmann told reporters ahead of a Bundesliga meeting with BVB on Saturday. 

"The situation with Dortmund has remained the same as it was during my time as Hoffenheim coach. There was and there is no match. 

"I am comfortable and I have big targets to achieve with Leipzig. As I said, there is no reason for anyone at RB Leipzig to get nervous regarding Dortmund."

Leipzig sit second in the Bundesliga table, six points ahead of Dortmund, who are fourth, and two adrift of leaders Bayern Munich after 14 matches. 

Asked about Nagelsmann during a pre-match news conference on Thursday, BVB sporting director Michael Zorc said: "Despite his age, Julian has had a remarkable managerial career. With Hoffenheim, he was able to work sensationally well, now he's having a just as sensational season with Leipzig. 

"I believe, it is undisputed that he's a complete football expert. He always implements innovation into his coaching technique. He is always able to get his team to work well. 

"We need to try to fight against that on Saturday. We already came up against each other a few times and it's not like we had no success at all in these match-ups. 

"I see ourselves, also due to the position in the table, in the role of the hunter. We want to minimise the gap between us and to the top of the table."

Moussa Dembele is not interested in a move to West Ham despite reports suggesting the Hammers have enquired about the Lyon striker, Goal understands.

The Premier League side are on the brink of selling Sebastien Haller to Ajax and so are on the lookout for a replacement this month.

Reports in France suggested David Moyes' side had identified Dembele as a possible target and made preliminary enquiries. However, the former Celtic striker is not interested in a move to the London Stadium, though he has not ruled out leaving Lyon during the January window.

Reports also indicate that Atletico Madrid have contacted the French club about the possibility of signing the 25-year-old, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current deal. Like West Ham, Atleti are also on the lookout for a new striker after releasing Diego Costa from his contract six months early.

Diego Simeone’s side are proposing an initial loan deal with the option to buy in the summer for a fee in the region of €35 million (£32m/$43m) including bonuses. No agreement has yet been reached, but if Lyon do sell Dembele they are expected to approach Leicester over a deal to sign Islam Slimani as his replacement.

The Algeria international is into the final six months of his contract at the King Power Stadium and appears to have no future at the club. He has made just one appearance for the Foxes this campaign and has been sent out on loan in each of the last three seasons, most recently with Ligue 1 side Monaco.

Dembele meanwhile was linked with Manchester United over the summer after a dazzling 2019-20 campaign that saw him hit 24 goals in all competitions. However, the former Fulham youngster has struggled badly this term, hitting the back of the net just once in 16 appearances.

He is currently recovering from a broken arm suffered in training shortly before Christmas and is not expected to return to full fitness until mid-February.

In total, he has scored 45 goals in 105 appearances for Rudi Garcia’s side since joining from Celtic in the summer of 2018.

NorthEast United (11) and Hyderabad (12) are separated by only one point before they face each other in an Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, on Friday evening.

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

 TEAM NEWS

NorthEast United Possible XI:   

Injured - Kwesi Appiah 
Doubtful - None
Suspended - None

Key Players - Idrissa Sylla, Federico Gallego

Hyderabad Possible XI: 

Injured - Nikhil Poojari 
Doubtful - Fran Sandaza
Suspended - None

Key Players -  Aridane Santana, Joel Chianese