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Osita Okolo, the representative of Victor Osimhen has stated the interest by Napoli in his player is “important”.

According to reports, the 21-year-old will jet off to Naples to complete a deal thought to be in the region of €50–60 million but his agent has raised serious concerns.

Interest in the Nigerian comes on the back of a fine season with Lille where Osimhen scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 38 competitive games which earned him the prize of the club’s player of the season and most recently the Marc-Vivien Foe award as the best African in Ligue 1. 

He beat off Moses Simon, Denis Bouanga, Andy Delort, Islam Slimani, Mbaye Niang, Hamari Traore and Edouard Mendy to win the award in France.

"Napoli's interest is important. De Laurentis and the manager [Gattuso] really like Victor. There have already been several contacts,” Okolo told TuttoMercato.

Osimhen’s agent revealed no agreement has been reached as some reports claim, insisting he is still a Lille player.

Okolo says Osimhen is fond of the city of Naples which is located in southern Italy and interest in him from a big club like Napoli that has sported greats like Diego Maradona and Gonzalo Higuain, is only natural.

"This is not true, to date no prior agreement has been reached with Naples. We will see what will happen with Lille, to which Osimhen belongs,” he continued.

“Victor likes Naples, a fantastic city, and obviously he also likes Napoli as a team. The interest of a big Italian [club] personally does not surprise me considering how well he did with Lille."

There is the question of racism which is very rife in Italy with players such as Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly targeted. Okolo acknowledges the problem and insists this is where the ball lies in Osimhen’s court to make a decision.

“If we talk about Serie A, however, many other factors must be considered,” Okolo stated.

"The racism issue. In Italy there is a big problem from my point of view, unfortunately, it is a widespread phenomenon. In any case, the final word on its future will be up to Victor and no one else.”

Osimhen has previously been on the books of Wolfsburg and Charleroi in Germany and Belgium respectively. He had a greater impact with the latter, having a hand in 24 goals (20 goals, four assists) in 36 appearances.

Mohamed Salah has revealed that the first question he asked Jurgen Klopp after signing for Liverpool was regarding whether or not he would be replacing Sadio Mane on the right wing.

Salah completed a £37 million ($46m) move to Liverpool from Roma in the summer of 2017, embarking on his second stint in the Premier League.

The Egypt international had previously failed to make the grade at Chelsea, which is why more than a few eyebrows were raised when the Reds forked out a club-record fee for his services.

However, the 28-year-old quickly justified his price tag by becoming the highest-scoring player in a single Premier League season, and has since built on that platform to help Liverpool win a whole host of major honours.

Salah won a second successive Golden Boot in 2018-19 while also helping Jurgen Klopp's side conquer the Champions League, striking up a fearsome alliance in the final third with Mane and Roberto Firmino in the process.

The former Chelsea flop has hit another 17 goals during Liverpool's run to Premier League glory this term, two more than Mane, who was shifted out onto the left after Salah's arrival at Anfield.

Salah has admitted that he initially sought out clarity from Klopp over a coveted role on the right of Liverpool's front three amid fears he would have to compete with Mane.

The Reds star told beIN Sports : “He talked with me a lot and his future plan which made me very excited. My first question for him was 'What about Sadio?' as we are playing in the same position and he said that Mane will play on the left." 

Salah and Mane made headlines in September after appearing to clash during Liverpool's 3-0 win over Burnley.

The former opted to shoot instead of passing to his open team-mate at one key point in the game, which left the Senegalese attacker visibly incensed as he was substituted late on.

Salah insists that the pair soon reconciled their differences for the good of Liverpool's collective cause, as he added: "It didn't take too much time. It was not a clash with its definite meaning it was just a situation in the match and we got over it quickly and assisted goals to each other."

Liverpool were crowned champions of England for the first time in 30 years last week after moving 23 points clear of Manchester City with seven games remaining.

Asked who has been the Reds' player of the season, Salah expressed his belief that club captain Jordan Henderson deserves to be acknowledged for his outstanding contribution in the middle of the park.

He said: “You can't say it, we have many good players, If you asked 10 people 'Is Alisson the best player?' Nine of them will say that.

"The same with [Trent Alexander] Arnold, Henderson, Virgil [van Dijk], Salah, Mane.

"We had a great season but if I have to choose one I will pick Henderson because he is our captain, he's been here for eight to nine years and faced criticism many times and got over it.

"He is a great person and always tries to help everyone."

Salah concluded by outlining his future ambitions at Liverpool: "We are a very good team now, if we perform in the same way we can win more and more trophies. This is our aim.

“I won't stop seeking to win championships, I can create new challenges for myself to win again and again. My ambition has no limits and I will work to be better in the next years."

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said that the only reason the club have not moved for the services of Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp is that the German has been under contract elsewhere when they have been looking for a new boss.

Klopp, now a Champions League and Premier League-winning manager, has often been linked with the Bayern hotseat, with the Bavarian side well known for poaching the best talent on and off the pitch from other clubs in the Bundesliga.

And despite Klopp's affiliation with Bayern's fierce rivals Borussia Dortmund, Rummenigge admitted that he is one of best coaches in Europe and that he might well have been an option for the Allianz Arena club had the timing been different in the past.

“Jurgen Klopp is a great coach and a very respectful person,” Rummenigge told Sport Bild. “He doesn't lord it over everyone or talk about what a great catch he is. He is, but he doesn't make a big deal about it.

“Whenever we've been looking for a coach, Jurgen was always under contract. But let's not forget that we have been blessed with other top coaches in recent years: Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal and now also Hansi Flick.

“When you're looking for a coach, the timing must be right.”

Fresh off the back of winning the Premier League, Klopp has earned himself icon status at Anfield and now faces the tough task of keeping the current European champions motivated for the seasons ahead.

With more glory being eyed by Reds fans, few would be happy if and when the day comes that Klopp is looking for a new adventure elsewhere. Having spoken about his plans in the past, however, the German insisted he has no idea what lies in store in the future.

“In the order which I'd like to do it: I want to coach the German national team, then Bayern Munich, then back to Dortmund and then Liverpool for life,” he joked.

“I really have no idea. I hope for now that the next two or three years will continue in the same way and then I'll decide. Everything is possible – maybe I'll just stop completely.”

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) President Moses Magogo has explained how departed Jackson 'Bell' Tushabe was a key figure in his administrative growth.

Tushabe, a founder of former Ugandan team Victors FC, died on June 30 and in a moving tribute, Magogo explains how the retired army officer helped him when they worked together at Fufa.

"Yesterday, 30th June 2020, I woke up to a text message from someone on the bedside of Colonel Bell communicating the passing on of the decorated soldier. It was just a few minutes from the moment he breathed his last," Magogo wrote on Facebook.

"'Afande is gone' that was all in the message. Agonising news but it was the reality.

"Although I had heard about a football enthusiastic, military man who owned a football club called Victors, I first physically met Brigadier General Tushabe Jackson 'Bell' on 17th December 2005 then popularly known as Colonel Bell [Afande].

"His first words to me were, 'Anatunda omupiira kati sasi' meaning whoever sells a match will now be shot by a bullet; of course humorous and joking as he always was."

The Caf Executive Committee member gave a detailed explanation of how the Brigadier at one point helped him keep his Fufa job.

"We had just been appointed members of the Executive Committee of Fufa by Dr Lawrence Mulindwa in his maiden term as Fufa president," Magogo explains.

"In the first Executive committee of Fufa, he was appointed Chairman of the Competitions Committee and I was appointed the secretary of the Competitions Committee. He became directly my boss.

"The Secretary Competitions Committee was one of the most demanding and yet powerful positions in football then and our revolution was to clean up competitions that had gone to the dogs with match-fixing and hooliganism.

"I signed my own player license on behalf of Fufa for two seasons before a coup was arranged by Mr Mugisha to stop me from playing [A story for another day].

"The success we made to restore the integrity and improvement of competitions had the great input of both Colonel Bell and Dr Mulindwa as my bosses.

"Colonel Bell my chairman provided me with all the support and cover I needed. I can confidently say I am the administrator that I am today because I was groomed and allowed to blossom directly by Colonel.

"Colonel Bell was my chairman for six years and he accommodated my mistakes, directed me where I was going off the rail, and protected me where I was right against many."

Simba SC have received a huge boost with the return of midfielder Jonas Mkude to face Azam FC in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Wednesday.

The Taifa Stars player has missed Simba matches since the Mainland Premier League resumed on June 13 owing to injury but after recovering he was further forced to sit out two matches because of a suspension he was serving.

The Wekundu wa Mzimbazi have now confirmed Mkude is available to face Azam after being cleared by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).

“Mkude is now available and the coach can use him against Azam if he wants, after serving his two-match ban,” the club confirmed on their official website.

In the absence of Mkude, Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck preferred to use either Said Ndemla, Gerson Fraga, and Mzamiru Yassin in his position.

Vandenbroeck has also revealed he has a fit squad to pick from despite playing two away matches against Mbeya City and Tanzania Prisons at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya City last weekend.

“We have a squad without injuries, everyone is looking good and ready to go, I know it will not be an easy task since Azam are keen to get a continental ticket but I can assure you the boys are ready to get a win and advance.”

Simba keeper Aishi Manula has also stressed the importance of winning a double this season stating their target is also to carry the domestic cup.

“Our main aim is to make sure we seal a double this season and the FA Cup is a trophy we all want to win, we are fighting to win the trophy and I am sure we will beat Azam.”

Meanwhile, Simba captain John Bocco is very optimistic about going past Azam.

“We know the game will be difficult because Azam are also keen to win the trophy, but what I can assure you is that we are also prepared for the battle, we have good news because we don’t have injuries so the coach can pick the best squad he wants for the match.

“We will strive to win the game, we want our fans to come and support us, we are ready to give them a smile and something to celebrate about.”

On Tuesday, Young Africans (Yanga SC), and Namungo FC made it to the last four of the completion after winning their respective matches.

Yanga beat Kagera Sugar 2-1 while Namungo edged out Alliance FC 2-0.

Hearts of Oak chief executive officer (CEO) Frederick Moore reveals his club would have preferred to continue with football after the termination of the 2019-20 season due to the coronavirus challenges.

On Tuesday, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council decided on a complete cancellation, the campaign having been on hold since March when a national ban on all public gatherings, including sporting and religious events, came into force.

The Premier League (GPL), where Hearts currently sit ninth on the standings, and the FA, where Phobians are on course to win their first title since 2000, headline the competitions affected by the latest decision.

“We are into football and would have preferred playing football but if the Exco [Executive Council] makes that decision that it’s been cancelled, we respect that," Moore told TV3.

“With everything that is going on, it is probably the best decision.

“Because we are bigger, the impact is felt much larger than a smaller club. We have been planning and managing our affairs within a revised budget we set for ourselves. We’ve got other things we are looking at doing.

“We are constantly reviewing our expenditure. It doesn’t matter how big your revenue is, if your expenditure is bigger than your revenue, you’ve got a problem.

"At this point when we are not getting a third of our money from gate proceeds, our job is to make sure we can tap into other revenue sources, and that is why we’ve been working with our strategic partners.”

Owing to Covid-19, football and all other contact sports remain suspended in Ghana until at least July 31 as part of measures to curb the spread of the disease.

Earlier last month, the GFA revealed it was engaging the Government of Ghana over the possible resumption of the football under strictly safe protocols such as playing matches behind closed doors, having had a first request rejected.

Football's governing body was hoping to follow the template of the likes of England, Spain, Germany and Italy, who resumed domestic football after a similar temporary suspension of their national leagues due to the pandemic.

The second most successful club in the history of the Premier League behind 23-time champions Asante Kotoko, Hearts have won the elite division title on 19 occasions, the last coming in 2009.

The Phobians have also lifted the Ghana FA Cup 10 times and the Ghana Super Cup twice. 

Midfielders are arguably the most valuable players in fantasy football, given their role and capacity to score points.

That is reflected in their prices, with some of the most expensive options coming in this category.

With the new Premier League campaign here, Goal takes a look at the best midfielders to select in your fantasy football team, including a few bargains.

Don't forget to listen to our brand new fantasy football podcast for more tips and advice throughout the season!

Contents

Best fantasy football midfielders

What makes a great fantasy football midfielder? Chiefly, goals and assists are what get points, as well as clean sheets.

It's important to remember that fantasy football is not the same as making a balanced dream team, so there is absolutely no need to pick defensive midfielders who don't score or set up goals.

Kevin De Bruyne | Man City | £10.7m

Kevin De Bruyne's terrible luck with injuries saw him endure a nightmare year as he was confined to the sidelines for most of the season, but he is making up for it in 2019-20.

His value dropped a little, but the Belgium international's vision and technical ability means that he is a top pick. Indeed, his price has risen since the beginning.

De Bruyne is the division's assist king and is adept from dead-ball situations, scoring plenty of goals himself too.

Sadio Mane | Liverpool | £12.5m

Senegal international Sadio Mane made tremendous improvements in 2018-19, adding more goals and finishing the season as the Premier League's joint-top goalscorer.

His value has shot up since the start of the 2019-20 campaign, but he is very much worth the investment, and has been directly involved in over 20 goals this season so far.

Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | £12.6m

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was the most expensive player on the official Premier League fantasy football game at the start of the season and with good reason: he scores goals and sets them up.

Salah's debut season for the Reds saw him amass over 300 points and, last season, despite not quite hitting the same heights, he scored 259 points.

The Egypt international is a pivotal player for Jurgen Klopp's side and, like his partner-in-crime Mane, has been directly involved in over 20 goals as the season heads into the final stage.

Raheem Sterling | Man City | £11.7m

Raheem Sterling has matured immensely under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, evolving into a key player for the champions.

The former Liverpool winger has added more goals and assists to his game - he was involved in 32 goals (17 goals, 15 assists) last term - which is ideal for fantasy football.

He was close to catching Salah last season and has continued on his upward trajectory in 2019-20.

Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | £8.8m

A big-money January signing, Bruno Fernandes has had a remarkable start to life at Manchester United and appears to be the missing piece of the puzzle for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Portugal international is a playmaker who scores and creates goals, something that had been sorely lacking at Old Trafford. He is also relatively cheap and it looks likely that his price will shoot up next term.

Richarlison | Everton | £8.3m

Brazil international Richarlison has been touted for bigger things ever since his arrival in the Premier League with Watford and he continues to show his worth at Everton.

The Toffees rely on the winger the unlock defences, but he also possesses a physical dynamism that causes difficulties for defenders in the box.

Richarlison is into double figures in the scoring charts and is also a regular in the assist department.

Riyad Mahrez | Man City | £8.5m

Riyad Mahrez has gradually established himself as one of Manchester City's key players and, by extension, that means he is great to have in fantasy football.

The Algeria international occasionally finds himself sacrificed in Pep Guardiola's rotation plan, but he has become one of the more reliable performers for the Catalan coach.

Heung-min Son | Tottenham | £9.8m

Heung-min Son is a fan favourite at Tottenham and he's also a popular pick in fantasy football, thanks to his exciting attacking play.

The South Korea international was involved in 20-plus goals - getting double figures in the goal charts, too - in each of the past three campaigns.

He is a creative outlet for Spurs and has great composure in front of goal, taking some pressure off Harry Kane.

Anthony Martial | Manchester United | £8.2m

France international Anthony Martial would have been a bargain buy in FPL at the start of the season, but his value has shot up a bit thanks to an upturn in fortunes.

He is enjoying his best season in fantasy football chiefly thanks to the system deployed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, which makes him a focal point for goals.

Best fantasy football bargain midfielders

Bargains can be found - or at least, players who represent good value for money - in midfielders who play for mid-table teams or those just promoted.

Here's a few suggestions that could end up bargains this season.

James Maddison | Leicester City | £7.4m

Leicester City have been enjoying a resurgence under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers and one of the players who is thriving for the Foxes is James Maddison.

The winger is a solid fantasy football pick given his status as a set-piece taker and is considerably cheaper than others who occupy a similar role at the bigger clubs.

Jack Grealish | Aston Villa | £6.2m

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has relished his role as the team's talisman and has led by example by pulling strings in midfield, scoring goals and laying team-mates on.

Todd Cantwell | Norwich City | £4.6m

Defiant and exciting, Norwich City's Todd Cantwell has been a true wildcard when it comes to fantasy football in the Premier League.

The youngster has a knack of getting onto the end of attacks and has set up a few goals himself.

Ayoze Perez | Leicester City | £6.1m

There were question marks hanging over former Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez when he joined Leicester, but the Spaniard has shone in Brendan Rodgers' system.

Mason Mount | Chelsea | £6.2m

The FIFA-imposed transfer ban that Chelsea have had to deal with has had a positive effect in that it has cleared a pathway to the Blues first team for a number of young players.

Mason Mount is one of them and he is continuing the sort of form that earned him plaudits under Frank Lampard while on loan at Derby County last season.

Adama Traore | Wolves | £5.8m

Earmarked for a bright future since his time as a youth at Barcelona, Adama Traore is finally making his impact felt and he is turning heads with his influence on games.

Still not quite as prolific as other wingers in the Premier League, Traore nonetheless chips in with plenty of assists for Wolves.

Best fantasy football midfielders: Honorary mentions

Each fantasy football squad can only have five midfielders, but there is a wealth of options available outside those we have already highlighted above.

Manchester City veteran David Silva (£7.3m) is priced reasonably, but may not play as often as Sterling and Co.

Chelsea's new signing Christian Pulisic, nicknamed 'Wonderboy' by the American media, is just £7m, while the more experienced Willian is £7m too.

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans has been a ball of energy for the Foxes, getting among the goals and can be picked for £6.1m.

Dele Alli, Tottenham's hardworking midfield playmaker, can be picked up for £8.3m and Arsenal forward Pepe is more expensive at £9.2m

Mesut Ozil is one of the worst players in the world without the ball, according to Paul Merson, who has slammed the Arsenal star for his "disinterested" demeanour on the pitch.

Ozil has been absent from three of Mikel Arteta's last four matchday squads since the Premier League restart on June 17.

The 31-year-old hasn't seen a single minute of action during that period despite Arsenal's struggles for creativity in the final third, but he continues to pocket £350,000 per week as the club's highest earner.

Arteta has hinted that Ozil's absence is down to his fitness levels, despite the fact that the German's commitment to the club's cause continues to be called into question.

He is contracted to remain at Emirates Stadium until next summer, and Merson doesn't think Arsenal will be able to offload a divisive figure before his current deal expires.

The former Gunners midfielder says Ozil is guilty of going through the motions while picking up his lucrative pay packet, and cannot see how he fits into Arteta's plans going forward.

Merson told Sky Sports: "I think Ozil is a prime example of a player who has to play in a proper team, that is going to be right up there, dominating football matches. He's got to play in a majorly successful team.

"He can't play in this Arsenal team, here's why: he's not going to change his game now in his 30s, and Arsenal aren't going to change their game for him.

"He isn't tracking back, chasing players, and you need him in a team where you're getting 70 per cent of the ball each week, and he'll play. You get players around him, let him play.

"We all know how Ozil plays, you give him the ball and he'll find you. If you don't have the ball, he won't win it back for you for love nor money. He's not interested when they don't have the ball. How can you give someone £350k-a-week when we all knew that was his style of play?

"If he hasn't got the ball he's one of the worst players in the world! I would say that. Name me a worse player in the world when their team doesn't have the ball? I've never seen somebody so disinterested when they don't have the ball, but he hurts you at the other end!

"Can Arsenal form a team around him? At the moment, it's at the stage where you can't do that. They're not going to change the team for him. He'll pick up his £350,000-a-week and everything is rosy for him.

"They have to come to a deal with him; maybe he'll take £200k a week somewhere else. I don't know how this gets resolved though. Does he want to play football? If he loves football, he has to come to a deal with Arsenal, but it's easy to say that.

"Nobody wants to lose £150k a week, no matter how much you earn! Who is mad enough to throw that money away, no matter who you are?"

Azam FC coach Aristica Cioaba has called on his players to sacrifice on the pitch and produce a winning mentality against Simba SC in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Wednesday.

The ‘Ice-Cream Makers are standing in Simba's way to win a double after they were crowned Mainland Premier League champions despite a 0-0 draw against Tanzania Prisons in Mbeya City on Sunday.

And with the quarter-final contest coming up at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the Romanian coach has called on his players, especially the strikers to make use of the chances they create because they will be playing against a very organised Simba side.

“Of course on Wednesday [today] is a big game for us against Simba, now Simba mathematically are the league champions, Simba have good players all over the pitch. In every position Simba have players who are good and I think they deserved to win the league title,” Cioaba told Goal.

“But on Wednesday, we need a fantastic determination on the pitch, a fantastic organisation on the pitch and also my players need to have a good spirit and sacrifice, and they should know it is a Cup game, which will be played only once, you play and lose you go home, you win, then you proceed to the next stage.

“I want my players to go and sacrifice on the pitch, they should give their all and should fight to the end, and for the fans, they need to trust our team, you know Simba have a huge fan base but they should trust on us, we are ready to fight, and I know after the game, we will have advanced to the next stage.

“Also I like Azam to have little luck, I have told my strikers to use the chances they make, I want more concentration from my strikers, I want my strikers to use the chances they create, and I am praying they will do exactly that and that is my message to my strikers, use the chances you create to score goals.”

On Tuesday, Simba rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC), and Namungo FC made it to the last four of the completion after winning their respective matches.

Yanga beat Kagera Sugar 2-1 while Namungo edged out Alliance FC 2-0.

Arsenal have hit back at Saint-Etienne after the Ligue 1 club slammed the Gunners for not allowing William Saliba to see out the remainder of the season in France.

The north Londoners paid £27 million ($33m) to sign the centre-back last summer, on the proviso that the Paris-born teenager would remain with ASSE on loan for the 2019-20 campaign.

The rescheduling of fixtures due to the coronavirus pandemic saw the Coupe de France pushed back to July 24, however, almost a month after Saliba was due to arrive in London.

Head coach Mikel Arteta had originally expected the defender to take part in the cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain with Arsenal's permission , but Saliba has since departed.

Saint-Etienne panned the Gunners' decision to recall their player, stating that the move was "absolutely unacceptable" .

Arsenal, however, have responded in kind, explaining that the terms set out for a loan extension were not accepted by the French side and that the well-being of their player is paramount.

A statement released on Wednesday reads: “Throughout our discussions with St Etienne, our aim has been to protect the welfare of William Saliba as well as the interests of Arsenal Football Club, while honouring the terms of the loan. 
 
“Despite the loan ending on June 30, we were willing to find a way for William to play in the [French] cup final on July 24, despite having no contractual obligation to do so. 
 
“As William is returning from injury, we asked that St Etienne follow a clear training plan with William in close collaboration with us, to ensure he is fully fit for the start of next season. 

“To our surprise we were unable to reach agreement to this plan which was proposed by our medical experts, and we are simply not prepared to risk the welfare of an Arsenal player. 

“While it was not our primary concern, and ultimately not relevant as our training plan was not accepted, we also expected not to be financially disadvantaged by extending the loan. This was also not acceptable to St Etienne. 
 
“We know this is a disappointment for William but he understands we are working to protect his long-term interests and those of Arsenal.”

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his hope that Everton can soon fight for the Premier League title.

Ancelotti inherited a team that had slipped to within four points of the relegation zone when he replaced Marco Silva in the Goodison Park hotseat back in December.

The Toffees have gradually played their way out of danger under the Italian head coach, and are now sitting just four points adrift of the European places.

A 0-0 draw against newly-crowned champions Liverpool in their first game back following the coronavirus hiatus on June 21 served as solid proof of Everton's recent improvement, and they followed up that result with a 1-0 victory at Norwich.

Ancelotti led Chelsea to Premier League glory in his only previous stint in English football, and is now targeting repeat success on Merseyside.

The former Milan and Paris Saint-Germain boss acknowledges the fact that Everton are a long way behind the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea at the moment, but he can see that gap being closed as he brings through the next generation of stars at Goodison.

"Everton has to be competitive and fight for the first position of the Premier League with Liverpool, with Chelsea, with Tottenham, with Manchester United, with all the big teams," Ancelotti told Sky Sports.

"I don't know how long it takes but I hope that soon we are able to compete.

"We have a young squad with young players with a lot of skills, a lot of ability. I think just the fact that we can improve this skill and this ability can give us more opportunity to stay at the top."

After watching Liverpool pick up a first domestic crown in 30 years, Ancelotti admits Everton can learn from Jurgen Klopp's blueprint for growth at Anfield.

"I think that Liverpool did a fantastic job in the last five years," the Toffees boss added: "When Jurgen came, and year-by-year they improved their squad.

"I think this is the way that we have to follow - to improve the squad year-by-year."

Ancelotti has been tipped to make several changes to his squad when the transfer window reopens, with Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes being mooted as a potential first-choice target.

Asked if Everton have a good chance of securing Gabriel's services later in the year, the 61-year-old tactician added: "You have to ask him.

"Honestly, we are looking around - this is absolutely normal as all the teams do at the moment - but the squad, the manager, the staff are focused on finishing the season."

Bafana Bafana international Lebogang Phiri has opened up about reports linking him with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor.

The central midfielder was one of EA Guingamp's best players during the 2019/20 French Ligue 2 season which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic last April.

Phiri's exploits have not gone unnoticed as Trabzonspor and French clubs Nimes Olympique, RC Strasbourg and Stade Brestois are all reportedly interested in his services.

According to Fotospor, Phiri and Nigerian midfielder Azubuike Okechukwu of Turkish side Istanbul Başaksehir have been identified as possible replacements for John Obi Mikel, who left Trabzonspor last March.

Phiri has confirmed the interest from the above-mentioned clubs having joined Guingamp three years ago on a four-year deal which means he has one year left on his contract.

"When I signed that four-year contract, I told myself I'll be dedicated for the next four years to this team and make sure they get the best of me and doing so I can improve myself," Phiri told Carol Tshabalala on an Instagram Live.

"I've had Strasbourg, Trabzonspor, I had Brest recently, Nimes were interested. But I'm not one to fight over club's coming to me because I've pushed and done so much for you but on the other hand I've received a lot too."

The former Bidvest Wits academy player is hoping to hold talks with the Guingamp management regarding his future with the club.

"So, I'm going to respect you if you respect me but if that doesn't happen [anymore] that's when I will consider moving.  Until then I feel Guimgamp have done an exceptional job grooming Lebogang Phiri to who he is today," he added.

"I appreciate that and respect it, but with a year left I need to discuss my future in the board room [soon]."

Phiri was appointed new Guingamp captain midway through the 2019/20 campaign and he made 25 appearances in Ligue 2 - scoring once and registering three assists in the process.

He joined the Red and Blacks from Brondby IF prior to the start of the 2017/18 season after playing a key role in helping the team finish second in the Danish Superliga.

Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold have been given the nod to represent Ghana in Caf inter-club competitions next season, the football association (GFA) has announced.

The decision follows the cancellation of the west Africans' 2019-20 football season on Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kotoko will play in the Caf Champions League while AshGold take a seat on the Confederation Cup train. The two teams were Ghana's representatives in the competitions this season.

"The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has taken a decision to cancel the 2019/20 football season following a marathon meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at the GFA Secretariat in Accra," the GFA announced on its official website.

"Accordingly, all records associated to the season has been expunged but fines accrued must be honoured by clubs.

"There shall also be no demotion and promotion.

"The Executive Council also decided that per the relevant provisions of the Caf inter-club football Regulations, Asante Kotoko SC and AshGold SC will represent Ghana in the Caf Champions League and the Confederations Cup respectively.

"The Executive Council will meet on Thursday, July 9, 2020 to discuss all issues relating to the next football season and Congress.

"The GFA will continue its engagement with all sponsors and all stakeholders following the cancellation of the season."

Winners of the Ghana Tier One Special Competition which replaced the Premier League last season, Kotoko participated in the Champions League this season but the adventure ended early as they were knocked out by Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia in the first round.

Ashanti Gold, who won the Ghana Tier Two Special Competition - which replaced the FA Cup last year - played in this term's Confederation Cup where their journey was ended by Moroccan fold RS Berkane in the first round.

Hearts of Oak, who won the Champions League in 2000 and the Confederation Cup in 2004, had expressed interest in the 2020-21 continental action.

Aduana were in pole position to win the Premier League this season and will consequently represent Ghana in the Champions League next season as they topped the standings as at matchweek 15 when the championship was initially just temporarily suspended because of Covid-19 fears. 

Chelsea have unveiled their new home kit for the 2020-21 season, with the herringbone-knit patterned jersey due to be available from July 9.

A simple design, said to be inspired by the traditional craft of London tailoring, will see a new sponsor emblazoned across the front in the form of mobile company Three UK, with Yokohama Tyres no longer the club's main shirt partner.

Announcing the new shirt, the west London club said: "Chelsea’s 2020-21 home kit brings a touch of Savile Row to Stamford Bridge by blending the latest in athletic innovation with the finesse of fine London tailoring.

"Inspired by west London’s long association with master tailors and their exquisite craftsmanship, the Blues’ new home jersey ventures into the realm of statement shirting. A luscious, textured, modern classic, wholly befitting the capital’s most stylish club."

Star striker Tammy Abraham, who will be competing with new signing Timo Werner for a spot in the starting XI next season, is a big fan.

"The kit is really, really smart – very Chelsea," he told the club's official website. "You can see the story behind the kit with how it looks and all the little touches that remind you of a good suit. I think we will certainly be the best dressed team next season."

Chelsea women's striker Fran Kirby added: "I’m really excited to be wearing this kit when we take to the pitch again for the 20/21 season. Winning the WSL was an incredible moment for the club and we’ll be proud to be wearing the new kit as champions next season."

The Blues are currently locked in a battle to finish in the top four in the Premier League, with Frank Lampard's side currently two points ahead of Manchester United but with a game in hand.

That fixture sees them face West Ham at the London Stadium on Wednesday night as they look to extend their impressive recent run of form that has seen them win their last five matches in a row in all competitions.

As well as beating Manchester City to hand Liverpool the title, the Blues knocked the Merseysiders out of the FA Cup, with their win at Leicester City in the quarter-final seeing them drawn against United in the semi-final at Wembley.

They are, however, facing an uphill task to progress in the Champions League, with Lampard's men 3-0 down from the first leg of their last-16 tie against Bayern Munich after a devastating loss at Stamford Bridge.

Sofapaka striker Ronald Okoth has revealed his dissatisfaction with the composition of the Advisory Committee on Resumption of Sporting Activities in the country.

The committee was formed by the Cabinet Secretary of Sports Amina Mohamed but Okoth has questioned its membership.

The Kenyan striker says footballers have been overlooked in a process that is set to make decisions that will directly affect them.

"So, in the list, Amina has released for the Sports Advisory Committee set to look into a possible resumption of sporting activities in the country, there is no one with a background of active involvement in football?" Okoth asked in a Facebook post.

"Being one of the most events that have been hugely affected by the effects of the pandemic, I would have at least expected some of us to sit in that committee, work hand in hand with the government like how Bundesliga, English Premier League, and Serie A did.

"Current and former players have been included in the vital decision in regards to a future road map for sports in respective leagues.

"We, current and former players, have a long way to go. Why can't we sit in the high-table and make the decision that affects us when we have the capability to? Challenge is over to us."

The former Gor Mahia and Western Stima striker asked his fellow footballers not to fear in demanding their voices to be heard.

"I don’t want to mention names but the names on that list are clear and nobody is against their appointments, let me clarify that," Okoth added.

"I’d be happy to see former players from different sports federations or associations come out strongly to ask why they’ve been left out rather than not see even one.

"Again, we need to stop being okay with being at the bottom of the barrel as local footballers.

"Otherwise, if we don’t step up we will keep on crying out loud when it comes to decisions that affect our welfares because they were made on our behalf by people who never got to experience the game or know where the shoe pinches most.

"That is why we are where we are today."

In Mohamed's list, the Cabinet Administrative for Sports, Hassan Noor Hassan will lead a panel that includes Pius Meto, Rose Wachuka, Walter Ongeti, Gerald Gitonga, Agnes Oluoch, Naim Bilal, Elias Makori, Wycliffe Makanga, Doreen Odhiambo, Japhpter Rugut, Rose Wasike, Barnabas Korir, Francis Mutuku, Christine Mangwana, Kweya Obed, James Ochola and Sylvia Kamau.

Mohamed, during the appointment of the committee, made clear what their mandate is.

"They will engage all the stakeholders but not limited to sports organizations and collect their views in regard to resuming sports," the letter of appointment read as obtained by Goal.

"Review the existing global trends in resuming sports activities and explore the possibility of resuming sports activities in the country."

Arsenal are hopeful Bukayo Saka will sign a new contract this week, sources at the club have confirmed to Goal.

Negotiations with the teenager winger, whose current deal is due to expire in 2021, have been ongoing for months and have moved forward dramatically in the last few weeks.

Final details are now being ironed out and Arsenal are hoping to make an official announcement that a new long-term contract has been signed in the coming days.

The news will be a massive boost to head coach Mikel Arteta, who has been desperate to keep Saka at the club amid interest from several of Europe’s top sides.

Speaking last week, the Spaniard raised hopes that a deal was imminent when asked about the future of the 18-year-old.

“I am very positive that everything is going to be done with Bukayo very shortly,” he said. “The communications between the club, agents and the family has been going on for months and are very fluent. 

“The player and family knows how much trust I have in him. He is just showing that every week and his consistency level is getting better and better.”

Arteta added: “He has a manager that has total belief in him, he has a club that really supports him and he has team-mates who adore him for who he is. 

“He's such a nice boy, he's very intelligent and he's so willing to learn. He's eager to be the best, he tries to be the best every day, and you can put him in different positions and he picks it up really quickly. 

“Every decision he makes, he takes risks. The maturity he shows on the pitch is really good.”

Saka joined Arsenal when he was seven years old and after a rapid ascent through the youth ranks, he was handed his senior debut in November 2018 by Unai Emery in the Europa League.

He made four senior appearances in 2018-19 but has been a near ever-present in the current campaign, having made 33 appearances so far - scoring three goals and setting up 11.

Saka is expected to start again on Wednesday night when the Gunners host Norwich City at Emirates Stadium.

Arteta’s side could be without Mesut Ozil (back) and David Luiz (knee) for the meeting with the Canaries, but Cedric Soares is available for selection for the first time since joining from Southampton in January.

Gor Mahia have revealed the forthcoming elections will be conducted through the electronic voting method owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants confirmed they had picked August 8 as the new date to conduct the exercise and elect new officials to run the club for the next four years.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has now confirmed the exercise will be conducted through electronic voting if the pandemic will not be contained by then and only registered members will be allowed to cast their votes.

“We will be having our club elections on August 8 and in view of the biting Covid-19 pandemic, an electronic method of voting will be used, and only registered members will vote,” Rachier told the club’s official website.

“We advise fans to register as members in order to participate in such a process.”

Rachier conceded they are in office illegally since their four-year mandate as already expired and clarified that only four officials will be elected to serve the club, unlike the outgoing regime which had 11 elective posts.

“It is only proper to conduct an election as indicated in the club’s constitution and that is after four years,” Rachier continued. “We will soon put up a board to oversee the exercise and we will give more direction to those wishing to vie for any post but only four posts will be available – chairman, vice-chairman, secretary-general, and treasurer,” Rachier continued.

Rachier is yet to confirm whether he will be seeking another term to lead the giants though in a recent interview with Goal, he revealed his intentions to hand over the mantle to another person but after steadying the ship.

“It is quite true that last year on several occasions, not just once I indicated I will hand over the leadership mantle of Gor Mahia to another chairman in an election that would have been held sometime early this year,” Rachier told Goal.

“But what then has transpired is that our boat has been locked, I have been the captain of the boat and the boat has been rocked, first by the departure of the sponsor and now the coronavirus pandemic and for that reason, I have decided as a captain you do not let the boat sink when you are kind of directing it.

“We are going to look at different aspects here and there and when the boat is stabilised I will still carry out my intention, that is to leave, and that is my position, that I am still running Gor and will run it to a point I think it has been steadied because if I leave it now, in the situation it is, I will be accused of neglect.”

In order to be eligible to vote, members must pay Sh1,200.

Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (Kefwa) President James Situma has stated the reasons why the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) should wait a little before providing a road map for the 2020/21 season.

FKF cancelled all leagues in May due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions and is expected to give a clear way on how next season will run.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has already given a tentative date of the resumption of its leagues following the abandonment of the 2019/20 season.

According to Fufa's projections, Ugandan teams might start their new season on October 17 but Situma feels FKF can wait a little longer.

"I think it is not proper for the federation to give a roadmap for the new season now because everyone is waiting to see what President Uhuru Kenyatta will say in the few coming days concerning the curfew and ban on public gatherings," Situma told Goal.

"We are still in partial lockdown and it is only wise to wait and see what the government will say. We will need a programme when everything is clear.

"We are hoping to re-open but again it is still a 50/50 situation and we should be ready to go with the decision of the state."

Following the recent approval of Fifa's further financial help for its Member Associations, Situma feels if the help is extended to players then it will be a great deal for them.

The FAs are expected to receive $1 million after the Fifa council unanimously approved the Covid‑19 relief plan.

"It is a plus for the players since they have experienced salary delays due to the ongoing pandemic," added the former Sofapaka and Tusker captain.

"These are men who earn their daily bread by playing and some have had their salaries cut so, I can admit it has been a very trying moment for our players indeed.

"So, something that brings a good initiative to take care of the players is welcome for us. I believe it will help so much before the players can get back to the pitch."

Fifa was clear its grants and loans can be extended to everyone in the footballing fraternity in each country.

"Both grants and loans can be directed by member associations to the wider football community in their respective territories, including clubs, players, leagues, or others that have been affected," Fifa said then.

The FKF is entitled to $1,000,000 from the Universal Solidarity Grant and $500,000 for Women's Football Support, which means the local FA would end up getting a total of $1,500,000 in the near future.