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The Federation of International Football Association (Fifa) has appointed a normalisation committee to run the affairs of the Ivorian Football Federation.

Fifa’s decision was taken as a result of the country’s inability to carry out an electoral process for a new Executive Committee in accordance with requirement valid to all Fifa member association.

According a statement made available by the football governing body, the team will consist of members designated jointly by Fifa and the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and they will serve as an electoral committee and none of its members will be eligible for the positions to be filled during the elections.

“The Bureau of the Fifa Council has decided to appoint a normalisation committee for FIF pursuant to art. 8 par. 2 of the Fifa Statutes,” the statement read.

“This decision is the result of the failure of the country’s football governing bodies to carry out an electoral process for a new Executive Committee in accordance with the statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to all Fifa member associations.

“After several months of engaging with FIF, the failure was attributed to inherent weaknesses in the association’s governance structures and processes, including contradictions in the FIF Statutes and Electoral Code that have yet to be resolved, and which significantly impacted the flawed electoral process conducted. It was further taken into account the fact that the mandate of the executive had already ended.”

The mandate of the normalisation will expire on 31 December 2021.

FIF’s election campaign was brought to a stop in August after Didier Drogba’s bid was rejected as he only received the official support of two of a required four Ivorian clubs. The Cote d’Ivoire and Chelsea great was standing against Idriss Diallo and president of the league Sory Diabate.

Drogba, 42, played for the West African nation between 2002 and 2014 before calling time on his international career. He is the country’s all-time top scorer with 65 goals after 105 games, the country’s third-highest tally of international appearances after Didier Zokora (123) and Kolo Toure (120).

Also, he featured at five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013) and three World Cups (2006, 2010 and 2014).

Christmas has arrived and, just like millions all around the world, several big-name footballers are celebrating the holiday with those closest to them.

This Christmas is unlike any other, as it comes as the coronavirus pandemic continues worldwide, but several of football's biggest names have taken to social media to reveal their family's holiday celebrations.

From Cristiano Ronaldo to Kylian Mbappe, there was plenty of holiday cheer being spread as Christmas Eve turned into Christmas Day.

Goal has compiled several of the most prominent members of the footballing world celebrating Christmas. 

Mauricio Pochettino has the personality and expertise to make an immediate difference in sweeping fashion at Paris Saint-Germain, per former Argentina teammate Juan Pablo Sorin.

The former Tottenham boss is expected to return to management for the first time since he left north London as Thomas Tuchel's successor at the Ligue 1 champions.

The French titans are yet to officially comment on the German's exit following reports he had been sacked, but Pochettino has been rumoured by many to be the man that replaces him.

It will mark a reunion between the coach and a side he graced as a player, having tasted UEFA Intertoto Cup success during a two-year stay between 2001 and 2003.

PSG sit third in Ligue 1 this season after losing four of their 17 matches, but a 4-0 thrashing of Strasbourg on Wednesday has left them only one point behind Lyon and Lille.

Sorin, who like Pochettino had a playing stint with PSG, says the incoming head coach has exactly the right profile for the job.

"Pochettino to PSG? Hopefully!" the 44-year-old wrote on Twitter .

PSG were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich in the delayed Champions League final, which took place in August, but they swept to a domestic treble under Tuchel's leadership last term.

They also have reached the last 16 of the Champions League this season and will face Barcelona for a place in the quarter-finals.

That would be a major early test for Pochettino, particularly given he is a former player and coach of Barcelona's city rivals Espanyol.

He led Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final, where the north London side were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool.

The Parisians have never won the Champions League, and their Qatari owners are keen to secure the trophy that would confirm the club's place at Europe's top table.

Sorin, who joined PSG in 2003, just as Pochettino was leaving to join Bordeaux, played alongside his countryman in the Argentina national team at the 2002 World Cup.

The apparent move to bring in Pochettino saw praise for the coach come from former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker.

The former England striker tweeted : "Mauricio Pochettino is being lined up by PSG. A terrific coach whose only minus is the lack of winning trophies...well that’s about to change."

Steven Gerrard says that Joe Aribo has proven he is back after he starred in Wednesday’s Scottish Premiership game where Rangers defeated St. Johnstone 3-0.

Having silenced Motherwell 3-1 their last time out, the Gers went to the McDiarmid Park to pick all maximum points at the expense of Callum Davidson’s men.

For the Nigerian who featured from start to finish, he assisted Finland international of Sierra Leonean descent Glen Kamara for his side’s second goal, while having a hand in Ianis Hagi’s strike.

The performance represented one of the midfielder's most complete outings since he returned from a string of injuries across the opening weeks of the 2020-21 campaign.

“I thought Aribo really flexed his muscles and showed he’s back. He’s had a real tough start to the season with a big injury – probably the first of his career – and then a bit of an illness which held him back,” Gerrard told club website.

“He’s gone through the gears in the last three or four weeks and he looks close to being back to his best which is really pleasing.

“The through ball, the weight, to see it with the vision. Normally Glen Kamara tries to check back and pass that, but he wiped his nose and finished it away.

“I’m pleased for Glen because he could have felt sorry for himself after the weekend, but I thought he was outstanding all night."

Aribo boasts of four goals and two assists in 18 appearances across all tournaments for the 54-time Scottish first-tier League Championships winners this season.

The 24-year-old will hope to be involved when the Gers welcome Hibernian to the Ibrox Stadium on Boxing Day, and ahead of that fixture, the Liverpool legend said: "We will get the players recovered and we will see our families and enjoy our Christmas dinner.

“I'm pleased the supporters can enjoy their Christmas Day and hopefully stay safe and enjoy it with their families at home.

“Then Christmas night, we get back to work. We'll have a short, sharp session on Christmas night and our full focus will be on Hibs as it is such an important fixture."

Rangers will be looking to maintain their lead at the top of Scotland’s topflight following a blistering start to the new campaign.

Lionel Messi has heaped praise on Atletico Madrid shotstopper Jan Oblak, hailing him as "one of the best goalkeepers in the world" while admitting he relishes the challenge of trying to best him.

The Slovenia international, who joined Diego Simeone's side from Benfica in 2014, has established himself as one of the finest keepers in the game in recent years, and remains a lynchpin performer for  Los Rojiblancos.

Earlier this year, he became the goalkeeper to achieve a century of clean sheets in La Liga with the least number of games, beating out Miguel Reina's previous record of 222 by a whopping 40 matches.

He has picked up where he previously left off this term too, having kept out goals in nine of his 13 top-flight matches this season, to help establish Atletico as genuine title contenders against rivals and current holders Real Madrid.

He has conceded the fewest amount of goals in the league - just five - while only three goalkeepers have made more than his 39 saves.

That gives him a save percentage of 88.1 per cent, comfortably ahead of Yassine Bounou in second place, the Sevilla stopper saving just shy of 80 per cent of the shots he has faced.

Oblak made four saves when Atleti edged past Barca 1-0 last month, with Messi unable to find a way through on that occasion - and the Slovenian's form has earned the plaudits of the Argentine, who offered unequivocal praise for him as an opponent to best.

"It's nice to face one another," the 33-year-old told Bud Football . "He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment, and it's always good to fight against the best ones.

"It's an extra motivation to be able to, or to try to, score a goal, with what it means and how hard it is, as he proves in every game he plays.

"So, it's nice to see him outside but also face him in the games. It makes them more exciting."

Barca are next in action against Eibar on Tuesday, while Simeone's side take on Getafe a day later.

Kylian Mbappe has paid tribute to outgoing Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel, adding that "nobody will forget" the manager's time at the helm at Parc des Princes.

News broke on Christmas Eve that the German had been dismissed from his position at the club following his side's Ligue 1 triumph over Strasbourg on Wednesday.

Though PSG have yet to officially confirm the 47-year-old's exit, it brings to an end a two-and-a-half-year tenure that saw the former Borussia Dortmund boss complete a clean sweep of domestic honours and come closer to Champions League glory than any of his predecessors.

Striker Mbappe - who further established himself as one of the sport's most pre-eminent talents and continued to flourish under Tuchel's guidance in the 16th arrondissement - was quick to honour his manager, however, stressing his gratitude for the ex-Mainz man's contributions.

“It is sadly the law of football," the 22-year-old posted on his Instagram feed. "Nobody will forget your time here. You wrote a wonderful part of the club’s history and I say to you: thank you, coach.”

Tuchel's first major act after arriving to succeed Unai Emery in May 2018 was to sanction a permanent deal for Mbappe following a highly successful loan spell at the club from Monaco, and amid the latter's eye-catching World Cup-winning heroics in Russia with the France national team.

The German - who initially began his senior coaching career in charge of FC Augsburg II in 2007 - burnished his reputation at Mainz between 2009 and 2014, guiding them to a modern-day best finish of fifth in 2010-11.

His exploits earned him a move to Dortmund to succeed the outgoing Jurgen Klopp, where he continued to flourish as one of the most rated young coaches across Europe, claiming his first piece of silverware in the club's 2016–17 DFB-Pokal triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt.

It has been at PSG where he has enjoyed consistent success, however, notching up half-a-dozen trophies in total and guiding them to the Champions League final last term, where he was ultimately edged out by Hansi Flick's Bayern Munich.

Yet a relatively rocky start to their latest title defence, coupled with a nervy European group campaign that almost saw them crash into the Europa League, has seen Tuchel pay the price as the new year approaches.

Ghana striker Kwasi Okyere Wriedt is ecstatic to have scored for Willem II Tilburb against Ajax Amsterdam in the Dutch Eredivisie on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old came to the rescue of Tricolores in the matchweek 14 home fixture as his 54th-minute effort cancelled out Antony's 4th-minute opener for the visitors to ensure a 1-1 draw.

It was his second goal for Willem since sealing a three-year transfer from German heavyweights Bayern Munich in July.

"I know the qualities of my team and the result was possible," Wriedt told Brabants Dagblad.

"It is a dream for me to play against these kinds of teams. Ajax is the best club in the Netherlands, played in the Champions League. But that is great for our entire team, not just for me.

"I used my body to keep the defender away from me and put the ball in front of my left foot. Then I fired in hard and low. That's like I often do, yes. If I can shoot with the left, there is always something possible."

Wriedt has made four appearances for Willem so far, his career with the Dutch side slowed by an injury picked up shortly after joining the side.

He will be hoping for his fifth appearance and third goal in the Netherlands when league action resumes against VVV on January 10 after the Christmas break.

The forward no doubt has eyes on a recall to national duty when Ghana take on South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in their first batch of assignments of the New Year in March.

Born to Ghanaian parents in Hamburg, Wriedt earned his first call-up for the country of his parents for friendly matches against Iceland and Japan in 2018.

He has since been unable to add to his tally of international call-ups, having struggled for first team opportunities at Bayern Munich, for whom he made just two league appearances since the 2017-18 German Bundesliga season.

He was eligible to feature for Germany before deciding to pledge his future to the four-time African champions. 

Scottish champions Glasgow City have completed the signing of South Africa striker Ode Fulutudilu, on a one-year contract.

The Glasgow based outfit secured the Banyana Banyana star as a free agent after successfully seeing out her one-year contract with new Finnish champions Aland United this November.

The 30-year-old arrived at Wiklof Holding Arena in January 2020 and was in breathtaking form, scoring seven goals in 15 outings to help Aland United complete a historic domestic double.

The striker's latest switch to Scotland extends her impressive professional career sojourn in Europe, since starting at ONS in 2018 before a historic move to Spain, where she played for Malaga.

She also becomes the fifth signing during this transfer window for coach Scott Booth following the captures of Niamh Farrelly, Priscila Chinchilla Arna Asgrimsdottir and Julia Molin. 

Confirming her acquisition head coach Booth admits she is happy to sign the South Africa international while extolling her quality.

“Ode is a player who has an incredible ability to stretch the opposition," she told the club's official website. 

"Her pace will cause teams a huge headache and she is hungry to score goals.

"Ultimately, she brings experience, a fantastic work ethic, modesty and a huge cutting edge. I am very pleased with how the squad is shaping up.”

Commenting on her transfer, Fulutudilu revealed her delight about the move and shared her eagerness to hit the ground running.

"I am really excited about this opportunity of joining such a club as Glasgow City," she said.

"I am looking forward to playing my part in contributing to the future of the club and giving my all for the future success of the club."

Fulutudilu's signing explains the desire of Booth to defend the Scottish title and ensure participation in next year's Champions League.

Following her signing, Fulutudilu will become the second South African at the Scottish club after veteran defender Janine Van Wyk.

The South African will hope for a good start to life in Scotland if handed her debut against third-placed Celtic on January 17, 2021.

Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung has backed the club's head coach Gavin Hunt after the team's poor form.

Amakhosi extended their winless run to five matches across all competitions when they drew 0-0 with Angolan side CD Primeiro de Agosto in the Caf Champions League first-round first-leg match at home on Wednesday.

The Soweto giants have also been eliminated from the 2020 MTN8 by their archrivals Orlando Pirates and they are two points above the relegation zone on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings.

Motaung is optimistic that the current Amakhosi technical team which led by Gavin Hunt can bring back the glory days with the Glamours Boys having won their last major trophy in 2015 which was the PSL title.  

“The 2020/21 football season started with the changes by introducing the new coaching team of coach Gavin Hunt assisted by Dillon Shepard and Arthur Zwane," Motaung told the club's official website. 

"We have not made changes to the playing personnel at the start of the season due to reasons we all know.

"However, we have roped in the new technical team which is working hard now to turnaround the fortunes of the team to return to winning trophies."

Hunt has taken charge of 14 Chiefs matches across all competitions thus far this term - recording three wins, five defeats and six draws. 

Motaung urged the Amakhosi faithful to be patient with Hunt, who replaced Ernst Middendorp as the Chiefs head coach prior to the start of the current season. 

"We started the season slowly but we are working hard to turn the corner and return to winning ways," he added.

"We have also made our return to continental football after qualifying for the Caf Champions League.

"We must exercise patience and let the coaches work on the team. We will soon bring back the smiles on our supporter’s faces.”

Chiefs' next match will be against Agosto in the second-leg encounter which is scheduled to be played on January 5 in Angola. 

Amakhosi will then square off with Maritzburg United in a PSL match at FNB Stadium on January 9. 

Fifa has approved up to six slots to Africa in the 2023 Women's World Cup to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The development is coming after the expansion of the global showpiece to a 32-team competition, allowing eight additional participating teams.

Following Thursday's ratification by Fifa, Africa will get one additional automatic slot (when compared to the 24-team competition), that means four teams. This will take effect for the 2023 edition where two more can qualify.

The new 32-team competition has 29 direct slots and three other slots will be decided through a playoff tournament between 10 teams, with two countries from Africa to also battle for tickets. If these two do qualify then Africa will have six participants in total.

Besides Africa, Uefa got 11, Asia claimed six, Concacaf earned four, while Conmebol and OFC bagged three and one respectively.

For the playoff tournament, two slots each went to Asia, Africa, Concacaf and Conmebol, while Uefa and OFC got one each.

"The two host countries, Australia and New Zealand, will automatically qualify for the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023, and their slots have been taken directly from the quotas allocated to their confederations, namely the AFC and the OFC respectively," Fifa announced in a statement.

According to Fifa, the 10-team playoff tournament will be held in Australia and New Zealand as part of a World Cup preparatory event, with all participating teams to play at least two matches.

"Teams from the same confederation will not be permitted to be drawn in the same group," Fifa added.

"The play-off tournament will be used as a test event in Australia and New Zealand for the Fifa Women’s World Cup, and both hosts will be invited to participate in friendly matches against the teams in Group 1 and Group 2, thereby ensuring that all teams play two matches during the play-off tournament."

The qualifying matches are expected to start in 2021 and end in 2022 but no details have been released yet in Africa, following the scrapping of the 2020 Africa Women's Cup of Nations due to the coronavirus pandemic.  

The Women's World Cup will be held from 10 July – 20 August, 2023, with the USA being the defending champions.

Max-Alain Gradel and Mustapha Yatabare found the back of the net while Olanrewaju Kayode was in action to help Sivasspor secure a 3-1 win over Genclerbirligi.

Nigeria international Kayode was afforded his ninth league appearance after joining the side on a season-long loan from Russian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk.

Gradel, meanwhile, was handed his 18th appearance across all competitions in the encounter since he teamed up with Rıza Calimbay’s men in the summer from French club Torino.

The Ivory Coast international utilised the opportunity to score his third league goal of the season and help his side extend their winning run to three games.

Yatabare also played a key role in the victory, netting his first league goal of the season and second strike in 16 appearances across all competitions.

The game started with both sides aiming to outwit each other and Gradel broke the deadlock moments before the half-time break after he was set up by Claudemir. 

Hakan Arslan doubled Sivasspor‘s lead in the 71st minute after receiving a timely assist from Faycal Fajr.

Yatabare then sealed the victory with four minutes left to full-time, firing his effort past the reach of goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt to render Arda Kizildag’s late strike a mere consolatory goal.

Nigeria international Kayode featured for 64 minutes in the encounter while Gradel was on parade for 89 minutes before making way for Ziya Erdal.

Gabon international Aaron Appindangoye played for the entirety of the game in his fifth appearance of the season for Sivasspor.

With the victory, Sivasspor moved to 14th spot on the Super Lig table after gathering 17 points from 13 games.

The African stars will be expected to continue their impressive performances when the Braves take on Besiktas in their next league game on December 28.

Swallows FC head coach Brandon Truter has played down the suggestion his side is a Premier Soccer League (PSL) title contender.

The Birds have had a great start to the 2020/21 season as they remain undefeated having accumulated 18 points from eight matches.

As a result, Swallows are placed second on the league standings - level on points with log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a better goal difference.

Truter picked Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United as the contenders for this season's PSL title. 

“When you are talking about title contenders you can speak about Sundowns, Pirates and SuperSport, not us,” said Truter on Isolezwe.

“We will just keep on going and do the best we can in the next match, that is the only thing that matters, only when the season ends will we see where we are.

“We are new to this league, I am myself and a lot of players are as well. It is where we wanted to be, and we are there now, but we are not getting carried away."

Swallows are back in the elite league after winning last season's National First Division (NFD) title and they gained automatic promotion to the PSL. 

Truter, who is in his maiden season as a PSL head coach, indicated consistency has been key to their success thus far.

"We are a small fish in a shark pond … we respect everyone here but we will keep going. I knew we would be competitive," he continued. 

"We have a nice spirit, a structure and a playing philosophy and the players are enjoying themselves. 

“We just didn’t expect to do so well, it is about consistency … we will see in the next 10-15 games where we are.”

Swallows' next match is against Truter's hometown club, Cape Town City at Dobsonville Stadium on January 5.

A Soweto Derby clash with Pirates will then follow for Swallows at the Mecca of South African football, Orlando Stadium five days later. 

All the best teams in the world are successful because they have quality talent all over the pitch. This includes the very first name on the teamsheet, the goalkeeper.

FIFA 21 is no different. Teams live or die on having good goalkeepers and signing a competent No. 1 is essential to any long-term planning. It is why Chelsea decided to turn their back on the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of football to gamble on Edouard Mendy and put the mistakes of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the past.

Long-term investments are crucial in FIFA 21 as many of the world's most promising young goalkeepers have a low current rating and may not be good enough to start right away for top-tier sides. Match experience and the right training are crucial to the development of any wonderkid in FIFA 21, so any cheap backup you sign might need to be loaned out to get first-team minutes.

The majority of goalkeepers on this list are cheap at the start of Career Mode, with the vast majority of high potential No. 1s available for less than £1 million.

Here are all the best young goalkeepers in FIFA 21 Career Mode, ordered by their potential rating in the game.

PO. = Position(s)

CR = Current Rating

PR = Potential Rating

VA. = Value

*Clubs listed are the clubs the players are assigned to in FIFA 21 Career Mode, while ages shown are the age at the start of Career Mode

Manchester United should only enter the January transfer market if “the right player” becomes available, says Gary Neville, with the Red Devils warned off “panic” buys in a tricky window.

Patience at Old Trafford is being rewarded in 2020-21, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having overcome more questions of his future to edge his side into contention for major honours.

Many have United in the Premier League title race, as they sit five points off the pace with a game in hand, while progress to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup has also been made.

A useful habit of grinding out results on the road has been picked up, while a 6-2 victory over arch-rivals Leeds suggests that a spark has also been found on home soil.

With all of that taken into account, Neville is not convinced that United need to spend again.

Value can be hard to find over the winter so, despite the Red Devils not yet being the complete package, Solskjaer has been advised to steer well clear of any urge to add for the sake of it.

Red Devils legend Neville told his podcast for Sky Sports: “If the right player is available then yes, Manchester United should go into the January transfer market because they need to improve the team. But if the player is not there, they won't panic, they have been doing things a bit better in the market in recent years.

“What I would say is that Manchester United are a confusing bunch, two or three weeks ago you looked and this team and thought it would be a tough old season. They went out of Europe, the performance in the first half at West Ham was really poor, I was there.

“But if you look at the result at Everton, the glass is half full. The squad has been used after the performance against Leeds, where they were brilliant. Six goals against Leeds then nine changes against Everton, everyone is involved and playing.

“Leicester is a big game on Boxing Day, but if they were to go there and win, they would really be gathering some confidence. Contrast that to a couple of weeks ago where there were questions over the manager's job - not from me, I always thought Ole should get to the end of this season as a minimum.

“But as he walked off the pitch at Goodison with a smile on his face, the fans will be happy, the players on the pitch have a lot of quality and if they can just get into a rhythm and start to produce performances, real performances over 90 minutes, there's a bunch of players with big character and quality. They have not moulded together yet as a team, but they are getting better, they are getting stronger, they have match-winners.”

United, who have also dropped into the last-32 of the Europa League and have an FA Cup campaign to come, have seen belief returned to their ranks by recent displays and are daring to dream once more as they seek to bring a four-year wait for major silverware to a close.

The intrigue and excitement of transfers remains one of the most engaging aspects of football, with rumours of big-money moves fuelled all year round.

Naturally, transfer talk intensifies the closer we get to the opening of the window, often reaching a crescendo in the moments just before it "slams shut", as the saying goes.

Ahead of the new year, Goal brings you the all details about the upcoming January transfer window, when it opens and closes, as well as taking a look at the top targets.

When does the 2021 January transfer window open & close?

The 2021 January transfer window will open on Saturday January 2 for Premier League and English Football League clubs.

It will remain open for a period of around four weeks before closing on Monday February 1.

Of course, the transfer window varies from country to country, with some leagues adhering to different opening and closing dates.

In Spain, for example, La Liga clubs will be able to engage in transfer business from Monday January 4 - two days after the window opens in England - until February 1.

Italy will follow the same window dates, meaning Serie A clubs are harmonised with their Spanish counterparts.

The transfer window period for German and French clubs will be the same as in England - open from January 2 and closed on February 1.

Since 2020-21 seasons have effectively reverted to their normal schedules, the dates for the January transfer window are unaffected by Covid-19-related delays.

The summer transfer window in 2020 was pushed further into the year after lockdown measures played havoc with the customary competition calendars of the world's football leagues.

It was pushed back a month, opening at the end July and closing at the beginning of October, meaning it was more of a summer-autumn transfer window.

Who are the top January transfer window targets?

So, who are the top transfer targets in the upcoming January window?

A number of high profile stars are out of contract this coming summer, but deals could well be wrapped up early, while others find themselves out of favour at their clubs.

Lionel Messi | Barcelona

Uncertainty continues to swirl around the future of six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, whose contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2021.

He has been strongly linked with Manchester City in particular, though the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Inter have also been touted as potential destinations.

The Argentine pushed for an early Camp Nou exit in August, but ultimately relented in his efforts, though he outlined his reasons for wanting to leave in an exclusive interview with Goal.

One of the issues was Messi's relationship with Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barca's erstwhile president, who stood down in October and the club will soon elect a new president in January.

It is felt that Messi will wait to see the outcome of the presidential elections, which conclude on January 24, before making the final call on his future.

Mesut Ozil | Arsenal

Once regarded as one of the best footballers in the world, Mesut Ozil's star has faded considerably over the course of his last two seasons at Arsenal and he now finds himself excluded from the squad list.

The Gunners hierarchy appear keen to move the lucratively remunerated World Cup winner off their roster, but it remains unclear where exactly he could end up.

Ozil has expressed a desire to see out his contract with the north London club, but he is also eager to play games and he will probably have to move in order to do that.

His agent has confirmed that Fenerbahce are interested, while also revealing that the playmaker has had offers "from all over the world". 

David Alaba | Bayern Munich

David Alaba is one of the stalwarts of Bayern Munich and has collected nine Bundesliga titles as well as two Champions League winner's medals during his time in Bavaria.

However, it looks like his time there is set to end, with Oliver Kahn hinting that the Austria international is intent on leaving despite having the proverbial "red carpet" rolled out for him in contract talks.

Manchester United have been spoken of as a potential destination for Alaba, while Chelsea are also reportedly keen to lure him to Stamford Bridge.

Georginio Wijnaldum | Liverpool

Netherlands international Georginio Wijnaldum will be free to leave Liverpool this summer and it is thought that he has a number of suitors across Europe.

Barcelona have been most heavily linked with the midfielder, while Inter are also reportedly interested in securing his services as they seek to bolster their squad after a disappointing Champions League display.

It is possible that the Dutchman could remain with the Premier League club, but as January 1 approaches, it is looking increasingly likely that he will leave.

Christian Eriksen | Inter

One of the most highly regarded playmakers in Europe, Christian Eriksen's move to Milan looks set to become a disappointing sojourn after Inter confirmed he is on the market in January.

Nerazzurri CEO Giuseppe Marotta noted that Eriksen has struggled at San Siro, describing him as "not functional" to Antonio Conte's squad.

“That is not any insult towards his professionalism," Marotta told Sky Sports Italy after confirming the Dane had been place on the transfer list. 

"There is no punishment, it’s just a situation that has developed and it’s only fair to give him the chance to go where he can play more regularly."

Interestingly, Arsenal have been linked to the former Tottenham star, while he has previously attracted attention from Real Madrid.

Hakan Calhanoglu | AC Milan

It took him a while to get going at AC Milan, but Hakan Calhanoglu has really blossomed at San Siro this season and his form has not gone unnoticed.

The Turkey international is believed to be on the radar of Juventus, while Manchester United transfer chiefs have reportedly been monitoring his availability.

With 29 goals to his name and a further 45 provided for his team-mates across his 149 games for the club, he will have plenty of admirers.

Milan boss Stefano Pioli is hopeful that he can keep hold of the Turkey international, telling DAZN: "I don't think there are problems. Calha is with us and with the club. I'm sure that his will is to stay, there is a negotiation.

"The club, technical area, the player and I want the same thing, he has reached important levels and can still grow. He's a player to bet on."

Wayne Rooney has refused to be drawn on Derby’s links to Phil Jones, with the Manchester United legend keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to a reported raid on the ranks at Old Trafford.

An experienced England international defender is expected to be on the move during the January transfer window.

Jones has slipped out of sight and mind in Manchester, with the 28-year-old tumbling down the pecking order at United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Injuries have done little to aid his cause, but a versatile operator has been overlooked even when fully fit.

Jones’ last outing for the Red Devils came way back in January, when he figured in an FA Cup clash with Tranmere.

He has not been seen since and appears to have little hope of forcing his way back into Solskjaer’s plans.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof remain the go-to centre-half pairing for United, with Eric Bailly filling back-up duty.

Axel Tuanzebe is another that has risen above Jones, leaving the 2012-13 Premier League title winner with little choice but to seek regular game time elsewhere.

It has been suggested that Rooney, who is overseeing matters at Championship side Derby following the dismissal of Phillip Cocu, would be keen on a reunion with his former United and England colleague.

The Red Devils’ all-time leading goalscorer has played alongside Jones on 143 occasions in the past and knows the qualities that a proven performer could offer to his side at Pride Park.

Rooney is, however, reluctant to be drawn on supposed interest.

He told reporters when quizzed on the rumours: “Phil Jones is a Manchester United player and it is not my job to really speak on him.”

While Rooney is eager to steer clear of speculation for now, Red Devils boss Solskjaer has previously stated that Jones should be ready to kick-start his career around the turn of the year.

He said back in October: “Phil has been injured and had an operation and working really hard to be back, hopefully he'll get fit during December.

“That was a natural thing when you're injured, you can't be in the squad can you, but he's working really diligently and he’ll be coming back soon.”

Derby could do with adding Jones’ vast experience to their ranks, as they sit 22nd in the second tier, but interest from West Ham, Newcastle and Leicester has also been mooted in a man with 27 England caps to his name.

KCB FC have opened a four-point lead on top of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League table after defeating Wazito FC by a solitary goal. 

The only goal of the match was scored in the second half by Derrick Otanga.

Both teams came into the match with a cautious approach, avoiding conceding early.

It was the Bankers who came into the match full of confidence, after getting maximum points from their opening four games while their opponents have struggled for consistency.

Prior to the game, the Francis Kimanzi-led charges had managed to collect five points from the four games they had played which came from a win and two draws.

In the 29th minute, former Mathare United winger Kevin Kimani managed to bring in a good cross from the right. Michael Owino managed to head the ball but it went over the crossbar.

The former had a chance to test the goalkeeper from a free-kick in the 35th minute, but just like Owino, his effort went over the bar.

On the Banker's side, Derrick Otanga and Simon Munala had chances to score but were closed down quickly.

Henry Onyango managed to get in a good position in the 38th minute but his effort missed the target.

The goalkeepers of both teams had less work to do in the first half as the strikers failed to beat the defenders.

After the break, the Zedekiah Otieno-led charges upped their tempo hoping to get a goal. Their tactical change eventually paid dividends in the 50th minute when Otanga was slipped into the danger zone, and he managed to beat goalkeeper Otieno for an opening goal.

It happened to be the only goal of the game. Not even late attacks by the visitors would yield an equalizer.

The Bankers have now managed to collect 15 points from five games, while Wazito are on five from as many games.

KCB XI: Joseph Ochuka, Baka Badi, Dennis Odhiambo, Nashon Nanyendo, Rama Mwenda, Michael Mutinda, Simon Munala, Brian Ndenga, Derrick Otanga, Henry Onyango, David Ambulu

Subs : Daniel Odiwuor, Bethuel Achola, Martin Mbugua, Reagan Otieno, Vincent Wasambo, Victor Ochami, Brian Wepo, Enock Obiero, Samuel Mwangi, Thomas Harun, Abwao Antonio, Victor Omondi

Wazito XI: Lizarazu Otieno, Dennis Sikhai, Dennis Njire, Bernard Ochieng', Johnstone Omurwa, Fidel Otieno, Whyvonne Isuza, Kevin Kimani, Musa Masika, Boniface Omondi, Michael Owino.

Subs: Fredrick Odhiambo, Joseph Irungu, Vincent Ouma, Joshua Nyatini, Amos Asembeka, Kevin Okumu, Maurice Owino, David Odhiambo, Ali Abondo.

Ruben Dias says “winning is the only option” for Manchester City in 2020-21, with the Portuguese defender looking for the Blues to conjure up the “spirit” of “a champion”.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been uncharacteristically short on consistency this season, with a surprising lack of firepower shown by the star-studded Blues.

A side which once dominated the domestic season has already dropped 16 points in the current campaign, leaving them eighth in the table – eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

City were held to a 1-1 draw by West Brom in their last outing on home soil, with the Etihad Stadium no longer considered to be a fortress.

Away wins at Southampton and Arsenal in league and Carabao Cup competition have helped to get the Blues get on track, with Dias looking for further momentum to be established from this point.

He moved to England in a £62 million ($80m) deal with the intention of challenging for and ultimately landing major honours, with the 23-year-old not about to rein in that ambition.

Dias said in the Manchester Evening News: “Obviously, in this club and where I come from, winning is the only option. We know that a point is always a point, and it’s not the worst scenario.

“Sometimes it happens. Along the run, it happens.

“We just want to win and you have to have the stomach to know that when it doesn’t happen, you’ve just got to keep going. Obviously, we were so frustrated, especially after the home game [against West Brom], but it will be a decision of where we want to be at the end, and these one points at the end might be important.

“At the end of it all, we are always going for the three [points] and the ability, after a one or a zero, to go after three again and again. I think that’s the spirit that can make you a champion.”

While City have been struggling to catch the eye as a collective, Dias has impressed during his debut campaign at the Etihad.

He has quickly nailed down a starting berth in Guardiola’s plans, with the commanding centre-half embracing the challenges posed by life in the Premier League.

Dias added on his experiences in the most competitive of divisions: “I would consider that being the beauty of the Premier League because you play whoever, and they’re just going to try and win it.

“Obviously, you have different teams, different styles. But in general, every team can win a game. I think that’s the beauty of it. You’re watching a game and you might even not be watching a team from the top five, top ten, and you’re still watching a good game!

“That for me was the thing that I wanted the most; to have that feeling that I was in the right spot here. It’s pure, the purest football that might exist. I’m just really happy to be here.”