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Arsenal and Roma-linked forward Andrea Belotti has a "very big" contract extension offer on the table at Torino, their club president Urbano Cairo has revealed.

Belotti has spent the last six years of his career at Torino, but his current deal is due to expire in 2022, and a number of top clubs across Europe are thought to be interested in bringing him onto their books.

Emirates Stadium has been mooted as a possible next destination for the 27-year-old, while Goal has reported that Roma are looking at him as a possible long-term replacement for Edin Dzeko, who is being tipped to leave Stadio Olimpico this summer.

What's been said?

Torino's president says the club are planning to sit down with Belotti for talks over his future when he returns from holiday after winning Euro 2020 with Italy.

Cairo claims that the Turin-based outfit have already offered a prized asset lucrative renewal terms, but has hinted that they may be forced to sell if he declines to sign a new agreement.

“When he returns, then we'll talk to him," the Torino chief told Tuttomercatoweb. "We have already made him a proposal that is very big for our financial capabilities.

"After that, if he does not accept the offer, then we will evaluate other things. I don't like to negotiate via the newspapers, but I will say we made an important offer.

"We'll see what happens, we have a month to close a deal or do something else."

Where will Belotti be playing in 2021-22?

It has been reported that Torino want to tie Belotti down until 2026 on a deal worth £3.4 million per year, but it remains unclear whether he will be willing to commit to a long-term stay at The Stadio Olimpico Grande.

Goal understands that new Roma boss Jose Mourinho identified the Italy international as a priority target upon his arrival in the capital, however, they are currently short on funds for transfers.

The Giallorossi can only afford to bid €20 million (£17m/$24m) for Belotti, and it is understood that Torino will demand at least €10m more if he decides against extending his stay in Turin.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have yet to make a formal approach, but head coach Mikel Arteta is thought to be in the market for an experienced new No.9, and Belotti fits the bill having scored 105 goals in 228 games for Torino across all competitions to date.

Further reading

Tristan Moses has revealed how the challenges experienced at the Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns helped him to grow as a player.

Moses' contract with Sundowns ended in June. He leaves the local champions without playing a competitive game for the first team. 

Moses spent time with Sundowns' reserve team, the M Tigers, which is featuring in the ABC Motsepe League, and he says he leaves as an excited man even though he did not get enough playtime.

"My contract came to an end in June with Sundowns. That's where I am at right now," Moses told Soccer Laduma.

"I am excited for the opportunity to show South Africa, to show the world my ability, you know what I mean? At the end of the day, you need a chance to play. I obviously want to be playing regularly in the PSL, game in and out, and show my qualities.

"At the end of the day, you just need a chance. Obviously, my time at Sundowns was challenging for me in a lot of ways, but at the same time, it was really good for my game. I grew a lot as a player. I’ve tweaked a lot of my games and I have refined my games a lot. To be surrounded by quality players helps you to grow. 

"Unfortunately, I did not get my chance to play in the PSL with Sundowns and that’s okay. That’s football. But obviously, I need to play, and I need a chance. I need a chance to show my qualities on the pitch, and that’s what I am looking forward to – playing at the highest level and competing. I am a competitor, I want to win and I want to achieve. 

"When I do get my chance and opportunity to compete, I am going to take it with both hands and run with it."

Moses joined the Brazilians in 2018 from Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs. He leaves when the Pretoria club is on a signing spree, having already acquired Sifiso Ngobeni, Thabiso Kutumela, Pavol Safranko, Divine Lunga, Neo Maema and Grant Kekana.

Leon Bailey says he is "ready for the next step" and eager to play at "the highest level" as Aston Villa look to put a big-money deal in place for the Bayer Leverkusen winger.

A move to England for the Jamaica international has been mooted for some time , with four-and-a-half productive seasons spent in German football.

Bailey has hit 39 goals for Leverkusen through 156 appearances, while also weighing in with a healthy number of assists, and believes the time has come for him to take on a new challenge.

What has been said?

The highly-rated 23-year-old, who is said to have been the subject of a £25 million ($35m) bid from Villa, has told ESPN on his future plans: "One hundred per cent, I’m totally ready for the next step.

"I’ve been working hard to be able to reach where I am today. I feel like I’m at an age and point in my life where I feel like I’m ready for the next step. Hopefully we can make that happen soon.

"For me, just playing at the top. The highest level. I feel like I need a new challenge so anywhere where it’s a good opportunity for me to really showcase myself and work hard."

Will Bailey be on the move this summer?

Villa's initial approach is said to have been knocked back, with Leverkusen having Bailey tied to a contract through to 2023.

His stepfather has, however, admitted that talks continue to be held with Villa and that a deal could be pushed through before the summer deadline passes.

Craig Butler has told BILD : "The clubs are holding talks.

"There are different interested parties from the Premier League. We are checking the options.

"It is important that Leon takes the right step. Therefore it has not yet been decided whether he will change this transfer period or later.

"Leon feels at home in Leverkusen. There will only be a change if everyone is satisfied."

Further reading

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to make a decision on whether or not to send Marcus Rashford for shoulder surgery, but admits he has not "got a Scooby-Doo" on the fitness levels of Luke Shaw, Fred and Harry Maguire.

The Red Devils are preparing to welcome international stars back into the fold following European Championship and Copa America duty.

Those that figured in the latter stages of those competitions with England and Brazil are yet to join pre-season training, with Rashford among those that a big decision will need to be made on as he nurses a niggling injury that could delay his start to the 2021-22 campaign.

What has been said?

Quizzed again on the possibility of a 23-year-old forward going under the knife after a 2-2 friendly draw with Brentford, Solskjaer has told reporters: "With Marcus, we'll probably make a decision in next few days when we check him up again, the last decision-making.

"What's best for him and best for the club has to be considered.

"With the boys who've not come back yet, I don't know (how they are). I haven't got a Scooby-Doo on how they are fitness-wise.

"Everyone's due in Monday for training and then we've got two weeks. That means they've had three weeks since the last game - Fred at the Copa America and English finalists.

"So we'll see how they are, what fitness levels they're at because it's down to them, what they've done during the holidays as well. I can't just throw them in if it's not safe or if they're not fit enough."

When will Man Utd be back in action?

Solskjaer's side have two more friendly dates to take in this summer before opening the new Premier League season at home to old adversaries Leeds on August 14.

They are due to face Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday, before then taking on Everton a week later.

The likes of Maguire, Fred and Shaw will have few minutes under their belt before Leeds pay a visit to Old Trafford.

Rashford will also be short of fitness regardless of what decision is taken on him, but United have acquired another England international winger in the form of £73 million ($101m) man Jadon Sancho.

Amad Diallo has also been catching the eye in pre-season, with the Ivorian teenager eager to make his mark, so cover is there for Solskjaer if he opts to send an established senior star for an operation.

Further reading

Arsenal don't aspire to be more like Chelsea, according to Rob Holding, who believes that the Gunners should look at the reigning European Champions as a "competitive rival".

Chelsea bounced back from a slow start to the 2020-21 season after Thomas Tuchel was drafted in to replace Frank Lampard in January, securing a fourth-place Premier League finish while going all the way in the Champions League.

In stark contrast, Arsenal ended the campaign down in eighth and dropped out of European competition for the first time in 25 years, but Holding is adamant that the two clubs are more closely matched than the final table suggests.

What's been said?

Speaking ahead of the Gunners' pre-season friendly clash with the Blues on Sunday, the defender told The Guardian: ‘"I see Chelsea as a competitive rival for us.

"I don’t see them as a team we aspire to be like, and I don’t think they see us that way either. There’s a mutual respect between us and a recent history with FA Cup finals and playing each other in big games.

"I don’t think that, because they won the Champions League, we need to be more like Chelsea. Our results and league position need to improve, of course, but when we play each other it’s competitive.

"We’ve got to be aiming to get back in the Champions League. With no Europe this season we’ve got no distractions or fixture congestion and can really focus on our Premier League games.

"I think Liverpool did the same a few years ago, and Chelsea similarly when they won the league in Antonio Conte’s first year. So it can be a blessing in disguise in some aspects.

"We’ve just got to think of it that way and hit the ground running."

Arsenal's record v Chelsea in 2020-21

Arsenal managed to do the double over Chelsea last term, starting with a surprise 3-1 victory at Emirates Stadium in December that snapped a seven-match winless run for Mikel Arteta's side.

They also triumphed at Stamford Bridge five months later, producing an impressive defensive display to earn a 1-0 win after going in front early through Emile Smith Rowe.

Holding on bouncing back from injury nightmare

Holding forced his way back into Arteta's plans in 2020 after a long recovery from knee surgery that stretched over a period of 18 months.

The 25-year-old was strongly linked with a loan move last summer, but the Spanish boss kept faith with him, and he signed a new three-year deal at the Emirates in January after winning back his place in the team.

“It was a grind to get into the manager’s thoughts after my injury,” said Holding, who made 30 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season. “In pre-season it was up in the air whether I’d go out and get a year of playing time, but he kept me around and I managed to repay that faith by putting in a decent shift all season.”

Further reading

In what was a cheeky gesture, Brazil players bid adieu to their rivals Argentina as La Albiceleste failed to progress from the group stages of Olympics men's football, currently underway in Japan.

Brazil and Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz uploaded a video on his Instagram story, where he along with teammates Matheus Cunha, Reinier Jesus and Richarlison were seen waving goodbye to the Argentinians.

The Brazilians were present on the stands at the Saitama Stadium in Tokyo were Argentina were playing Spain in their final group game. It was a must-win tie for the South American side in order to progress to the next round but they managed a 1-1 draw.

Mikel Merino had handed Spain the lead in the 66th minute but Argentina's Tomas Belmonte restored parity in the 87th minute. But that was not enough as Argentina finished third in the group behind leaders Spain and Egypt. They were tied on points (4) with Egypt but the latter qualified for the knock-outs on better goal difference. While Egypt's goal difference was (+1), Argentina's was -1.

Earlier in the day at the same venue, Brazil thrashed Saudi Arabia 3-1, courtesy Richarlison's brace in their final group match to progress to the next round unbeaten.

How have the Argentina men's football team performed at Tokyo Olympics 2020?

Argentina were placed in Group E alongside Spain, Egypt and Australia. They kick-started their campaign with a 0-2 loss against Australia. In the following game, they defeated Egypt 1-0 and then ended their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Spain. 

They scored two goals in three games which were scored by Facundo Medina against Egypt and Tomas Belmonte against Spain and conceded three goals.

How have the Brazil men's football team performed at Tokyo Olympics 2020?

Brazil were placed in Group D alongside Ivor Coast Germany and Saudi Arabia. Their campaign began with a 4-2 win over Germany. In their second match, they drew against Ivory Coast but came back strongly in their third game and thrashed Saudi Arabia 3-1. 

Richarlison has scored the most number of goals (5) for Brazil and is also the top goalscorer so far in the competition.

Which teams have qualified for the quarterfinals and when is Brazil playing next?

Hosts Japan, Mexico (Group A), South Korea, New Zealand (Group B), Spain, Egypt (Group C), Brazil and Ivory Coast (Group D) have progressed to the knockouts. The Selecao face Group C runners-up Egypt in the quarterfinal on July 31 at the Saitama Stadium. If they win the tie, they will face one of South Korea or Mexico in the semifinal on August 3 at the Kashima Soccer Stadium.

The final will be held on August 7 at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Japan.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will clash in the Carling Black Label Cup at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

It is a season opener and the two traditional giants will be fighting for bragging rights in this contest.

South African football will not be complete if clashes between Chiefs and Pirates are not mentioned.

A fierce rivalry exists between the two traditional giants based in Soweto.

How did it start? 

This is an old age fixture that was first played on January 24, 1970.

Pirates won the first-ever clash between the two sides in what was a 10-goal thriller.

The result ended 6-4 in favour of the Buccaneers.

Interestingly, Amakhosi owner Kaizer Motaung had assembled a competitive team against his former club.

He played for Pirates before going to the United States of America where he turned out for Atlanta Chiefs.

His return to South Africa saw him forming a team that would challenge Pirates for a rivalry regarded as one of the biggest in African football.

Derby Heroes

Statistics indicate Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe had scored the most goals in the Soweto derby.

The former Chiefs man scored a remarkable 19 goals against Pirates.

Nelson “Teenage” Dladla follows him with 11 goals in this famous fixture while Jomo Sono who turned out for Pirates has nine derby goals to his name.

Players like Marks Maponyane, Marc Batchelor and Donald Khuse have played and scored for both teams.

It was regarded as betrayal that the likes of Pollen Ndlanya, Jimmy Tau, Sizwe Motaung, William Twala, Bongani Ndulula, Dumisa Ngobe, Siphelele Mthembu, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Jabu Mahlangu and Lehlohonolo Majoro crossed Gauteng to play for their rivals.

Ebson “Sugar” Muguyo and Jerry Sikohosana have scored hat-tricks in the Soweto derby.

Current Chiefs assistant coach Arthur Zwane is also a former Pirates and Chiefs player.

Who has the bragging rights?

Interestingly, Chiefs edged Pirates 1-0 in March 2021 in a Premier Soccer League match to end their rivals’ dominance on them.

Pirates had beaten Amakhosi three times earlier in the season in a league game and two MTN8 fixtures.

Kaizer Chiefs' marquee signing Keagan Dolly has disclosed why he chose the club's number 10 jersey.

The Bafana Bafana international was recently unveiled as a new Amakhosi player alongside Cole Alexander, who joined the Soweto giants as a free agent after he terminated his contract with Indian club Odisha FC by mutual consent

Dolly also joined the Glamour Boys on a free transfer having parted ways with French club Montpellier HSC after his contract with the former Ligue 1 champions expired at the end of June 30 this year.

Chiefs' number 10 shirt was recently vacated by Siphelele Ntshangase, who failed to live up to expectations during his three-and-a-half-year spell with the club.

Dolly explained that former Bafana internationals Stanton Fredericks and Steven Pienaar made him fall in love with the number 10. 

"It's funny because growing up, I always enjoyed playing with number 10 because of Stanton Fredericks and Steven Pienaar," Dolly told the club's media department.

"So, I always liked the number and it's exciting to wear it again, and at such a big club too. I'm ready to step up and represent the number and the club."

Fredericks also wore Chiefs' number 10 shirt during his time with the Soweto giants between 2001 and 2004 and he was one of the best wingers in the country at the time.

While Isaac 'Shakes' Khungwane, Absalom 'Scara' Thindwa Siyabonga Nkosi and Mthokozisi Yende also wore the famous shirt at the Glamour Boys. 

Dolly, who was on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns before he joined Montpellier in January 2017, will be keen to help bring back the glory days at Chiefs.

The speedy attacker had a successful one-and-a-half-year spell with Sundowns as he played a key role for the Tshwane giants when they clinched the Caf Champions League title, PSL trophy, and Telkom Knockout Cup.

Dolly has joined a Chiefs side that has failed to win a major trophy in the last six seasons and they will be under pressure to win some silverware in the 2021/22 campaign.

Amakhosi are set to take on their archrivals Orlando Pirates in the 2021 Carling Black Label Cup clash at Orlando Stadium on August 1.

Manchester United have all but completed the transfer of star French defender Raphael Varane from Real Madrid for a record transfer fee of €50 million. Once the deal is finalised, the 28-year-old player will become the eighth most expensive player in the history of the club and joint 10th most expensive central defender of all time.

Other than Varane, the club has also secured the signing of 21-year-old English attacker Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for €85.3m which made him the third most expensive transfer in the history of the club.

Manchester United's most expensive player till date is French midfielder Paul Pogba who joined them in the summer of 2016 from Juventus for a record transfer fee of €105 million. 

The club's most expensive defender and second most expensive player till date is England's Harry Maguire, whom Varane will be partnering at the heart of the Red Devils' defence. The Englishman moved to Old Trafford from Leicester City in 2019 for a transfer fee of €87.1m.  

As Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United make two statement signings by roping in Sancho and Varane, we take a look at the 10 most expensive transfers in the history of the club.

With a move from Real Madrid to Manchester United all but done for a transfer fee close to €50m, Raphael Varane becomes the joint 10th most expensive centre-back of all time.

The 28-year-old, who spent the last 10 seasons at Real Madrid, won every single trophy in Spain including four Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles. He won a total of 18 titles at Santiago Bernabeu and is one of the most accomplished defenders of the current generation.

English international Harry Maguire is the most expensive central defender of all time after he moved to Manchester United in the summer of 2019 for a record fee of €87.1m from fellow Premier League club Leicester City.

Maguire's transfer overtook Liverpool's signing of Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk for €84.5m from Southampton which was the record transfer fee for centre-back until 2019.

In the list of most expensive transfers of central defenders, Manchester City have the most number of players, four out of the top 11 transfers.

Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann admits the club could have a slow start to the 2021-22 league campaign after they suffered another pre-season friendly defeat, this time at home to Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Bundesliga champions were defeated 2-0 by their domestic rivals to continue their underwhelming start to life under new manager Nagelsmann, who succeeded Hansi Flick at the end of the last campaign.

Nagelsmann admits turbulent recent months - with several players having been involved in international tournaments, plus the continuing fallout from the coronavirus pandemic - means things will not instantly fall into place once the Bundesliga season starts in two weeks.

What has been said?

Nagelsmann told his post-match press conference: "We don't have much time and we'll have to continue to develop through the league and competitive matches. So it's possible that one or two games won't run very smoothly at the beginning of the season.

"We are not the only club with this problems. Borussia Monchengladbach also have about ten international players and - like some other Bundesliga clubs - will need a bit of time."

Bayern's uneven pre-season

The Munich giants have won each of the last nine Bundesliga crowns and will expect to collect No 10 under Nagelsmann, who left league rivals RB Leipzig to succeed new Germany manager Flick in the Allianz Arena hotseat.

However, they have lost two friendlies against domestic opposition - going down 3-2 to Koln on July 17 before losing at home to Gladbach today - either side of a 2-2 draw with Ajax.

It means Nagelsmann has plenty to work on before facing Gladbach again in the Bundesliga opener, on Friday, August 13.

What else has been said?

Several Bayern players have come in for criticism during the friendlies, such as expensive new defensive signing Dayot Upamecano.

Nagelsmann said of Upamecano, who like him moved to Bayern from Leipzig this summer: "The classic role of the boss of the defence is no longer so 'in vogue'. Nowadays, everyone has to speak and coach. Upa is not a 'loudspeaker' and will not become one.

"Nevertheless, he is a leader because of the way he plays, because he wants to defend, because he has power and pace. Today he also played very good opening balls. He will gradually develop into an even bigger leader.

"He also has to arrive first and get to know all his teammates. Then he will also become louder. That was the same in Leipzig. Overall, however, he is a quiet player who does not constantly coach every teammate."

Further Reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he couldn’t have asked for any more from the Manchester United board than approving the signings of centre-back Raphael Varane and forward Jadon Sancho.

Sancho was confirmed as the club’s first major signing of the window and earlier this week they announced they had agreed a deal to sign centre-back Varane from Real Madrid. 

Getting deals wrapped up for two of their top targets so early in the window has been a boost for United, and Solskjaer is pleased with the ambitious direction of the club.

What was said?

Solskjaer was asked about getting his two new singings in early and replied: “I think as I've said before, every manager would be happy the sooner the earlier the deals are done and this year we've managed to get it sorted. 

“The two we've got in will make a huge difference for us, this season and long-term, Rapha is in his prime, he's the same age as Harry, a year older than Eric and a couple years older than Victor. 

“With Jadon, it's exciting, as a manager you can't ask for more backing when you've got these two in as early as we have. We've scrambled before towards end of the window and we're in a good position.” 

When will Varane arrive? 

Most of the players currently away from the squad, including Sancho, are expected to return to training on Monday having had a three-week break since the Euro 2020 final. But Varane needs to sort his visas and quarantine before he has a medical and his deal is completed. 

Speaking about Varane, Solskjaer said: “Of course, I’m very happy that we've managed to get a deal with Real Madrid. 

“He's a proven winner, a player we've followed for many, many years, Sir Alex was very close to signing him, this time around, we've got him at the other end of his career, he's proved what a good person he is, professional and he's won there.

"I'm very happy getting both our players in, the club shows ambition with one of the most exciting young forwards in world football and one of the most respected centre-backs in the world and one of the most winning CBs in the world, we've got different ways of playing as well, I can see different ways of playing with Rapha, I can't wait to see him, hopefully we can get him in as soon as.”

What else did Solskjaer say? 

The United manager, speaking after his side drew 2-2 in a friendly with Brentford, was pleased with the performance of teenager forward Anthony Elanga who scored another impressive goal. 

“He's giving me a great problem if you like, as you say, players who score goals, who've got that enthusiasm, energy,” Solskjaer said. “We want to play a pressing game, there are no thrills, if you ask him to run over to the cricket ground and get us a drink at half time, he'd do it. That's the type of lad he is.”

Further reading

Manchester United were back at Old Trafford for the first time since the final home game of the last campaign as they faced Brentford on Wednesday night.

This was United’s third pre-season fixture with a win against Derby and defeat to QPR proceeding it. Games against Preston North End at the weekend and Everton the week after complete their schedule - but it will be hard to top the level of goals on display on Wednesday. 

As pre-season friendlies go it was pretty entertaining affair at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Over 30,000 were inside as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were held to a draw by the Premier League new boys, but they can't have had any complaints about the goals.

Anthony Elanga got the ball rolling with a wonderful volley before Shandon Baptiste levelled through another brilliantly struck effort from the edge of the area - but it was Andreas Pereira who scored the best goal with a 25-yard wonderstrike, before Bryan Mbuemo brought the Bees level again.

Here's what we learnt from the 2-2 draw. 

Elanga giving Solskjaer a decision to make

Solskjaer admitted after the game against QPR that he is undecided about what to do with Elanga this season. The teenager made his first team debut against Leicester at the back end of the last campaign and has continued to impress the United manager with his pace and direct play. 

There is a strong argument and plenty of interest for the forward to go out on loan ahead of the start of the new campaign, but Solskjaer is contemplating keeping him at Old Trafford. After another impressive pre-season performance you can see why. 

"He’s giving me a great problem," Solskjaer joked after the game. 

Where he fluffed his first chances against QPR at the weekend before finding the back of the net with a fine finish, Elanga didn’t need a second chance against Brentford. He hit his volley perfectly first time to give United the lead. Another brilliant finish to add to his highlights reel.

With Marcus Rashford expected to miss the first few weeks of the season, the 19-year-old, who can play anywhere across the front three, would be a useful man to have in Solskjaer’s armoury. 

He won’t be starting every week but the chance to train with a higher calibre of player and the opportunity to get some minutes could really see him kick on this season. 

Pereira impresses in pre-season again

It seems that every pre-season Pereira manages to pull out the stops and provide the goods. This season the location may be different, in that we’re in a very wet and windy Manchester instead of sunnier climes across the globe, but his performances are no different. 

In fact this pre-season he may have outdone himself. Kieran McKenna had his hands on his head in disbelief on the touchline while Bruno Fernandes and Alex Telles, both in the stands for this game, rose to their feet for a standing ovation when his strike hit the back of the net. 

A formidable effort from 25 yards volleyed in off the under side of the cross bar. It’s unlikely to convince Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he should be starting every week but a reminder of what he’s got in his locker nonetheless and a sure winner of the unofficial goal of pre-season award. 

"I dare anyone to do a better one," Solskjaer said about his strike as he joked that it would be hard to beat this season. 

It wasn’t just his goal that was good. His all-round contribution, passing, movement and balls into the box made him standout on another evening where Solskjaer fielded a pretty young side. 

With United looking to boost their transfer kitty through sales Pereira is one who could make way. As he took his seat in the stand he chatted to Fernandes. No matter how good his goal was on Wednesday night, he won’t be keeping him out of the team. 

First team players on their way back

Next week should see the return of the full compliment of first team players return to training as they begin their final preparations for the first week of the season. 

Fernandes was back but watching in the stands and Donny van de Beek returned for the final 15 minutes of the draw. While Diogo Dalot was given the second half as he replaced Brandon Williams at half time. 

This pre-season has been a change for the younger players to shine, but Solskjaer will want the next two weeks to start to work on his plans for the opening game against Leeds. All of the players are expected back on Monday and the majority who have been involved in these last couple of weeks are unlikely to get a look in for that opening game. 

Premier League clubs making "patronising" bids for Hibernian youngster Josh Doig need to show the Scottish Premiership club more respect, according to their sporting director Graeme Mathie.

Doig has been the subject of much transfer speculation this summer, after the 19-year-old left-back hugely impressed in Scotland's top-flight last season.

Arsenal, Watford and West Ham have all been linked, but reports state that none have made bids of more than £2.5 million - only half of Hibs' £5m asking price.

What has been said?

According to Mathie, the English clubs have been making derisory bids because they are trying to sign a player from a Scottish team, and therefore think they can get him for a much reduced fee.

He told Vavel: "If Josh Doig performs how he performed last season in English League One and got to a national final, teams would be willing to spend far more money on him, rather than if he was in Scotland.

"We finished third in the league, we’re in Europe, we got to a cup final, and these bids are really disrespectful.

"I would love it if a club were to come to me and say that ‘we think we can turn this boy into a £50m player, here’s how we're going to develop him, we’ll give you x if he achieves this, and we’ll give you y if he does that, and within a certain number of years, we think he would be at the top level of the game’.

"That makes a conversation far easier, as it becomes less of a transaction and more of a relationship, but right now, we feel some clubs have been quite patronising and more transactional, and it is hard, and for the boy himself, obviously, he wants to go to a bigger club like every other young player, but he is also happy here."

Mathie also says that while they accept Doig will leave for a larger club, they have a responsibility at Hibs to ensure he gets the right move for his career.

He said: "We want to be in a position to say, ‘Thanks for trusting us with your development and we can’t wait to see you shine at the next level’, but no clubs are making that easy for us. The worst thing I could do is sell Josh to a club that then only plays him in the Under-23s!"

Who is Josh Doig?

The full back hugely impressed with the Edinburgh club in 2021-22, helping them qualify for the Europa League and being linked with Chelsea, Manchester City, Leeds United, AC Milan and Celtic at various points.

The defender - following in the strong recent tradition of left-backs set by Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney - has two years left on his current contract, meaning Hibs can hold out for a significant fee for one of their brightest young stars.

Further Reading

England manager Gareth Southgate has called for more footballers from South Asian communities to be scouted and discovered, saying deep-rooted prejudices have played a part in a lack of star players emerging from those communities.

Approximately seven per cent of the British population have South Asian heritage, however according to anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out, only 0.25% of professional footballers in the country come from that background.

Southgate says players from those communities have often faced greater challenges to succeed in the game than others, and that English football has to improve in identifying talent from under-represented backgrounds.

What has been said?

Speaking on the England Football YouTube channel, Southgate said: "We should be looking at how we scout. Historically, there has been a sort of unconscious bias, maybe the perception that some Asian players were not as athletic, they weren't as strong [as other players].

"That is such a ridiculous generalisation. In a lot of communities now, football is being played, in all sorts of variety of areas, so, I think [in terms of] scouting the Asian community, we've got to be creative in getting into the places where some of these kids might be playing.

"We have to be encouraging them into broader leagues where they can be assessed more easily against other players, and then making that step into the academy system."

What is being done?

July is South Asian Heritage Month, and in order to mark it, Southgate appeared in the first of a six-part video series from the FA to celebrate football and players from that community.

He appeared alongside two British South Asian footballers - Swansea City winger Yan Dhanda, and West Ham United Women defender Mayumi Pacheco.

Further Reading