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Juventus have decided against offering Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic a potential return to Turin as they close in on the signing of PSV starlet Mohamed Ihattaren, Goal can confirm.

Pjanic moved to Barca from Juve in an exchange deal involving Arthur last summer, committing to a four-year contract at Camp Nou.

The Bosnian midfielder has since struggled to live up to expectations with the Blaugrana, and Goal has reported he is one of several first-team players the club are trying to offload before the August 31 transfer deadline.

What is the situation?

Juve had been discussing the possibility of bringing Pjanic back to the club with his representatives over the last few days, but have now decided not to submit an official loan offer to Barca.

Massimiliano Allegri, who previously worked with the 31-year-old at Allianz Stadium between 2016 and 2019, had given the green light to the deal but the club have chosen not to pursue the transfer.

Goal understands Barca would have been open to a loan agreement and Pjanic was eager for the move to go through to reignite his career after a frustrating year in Spain.

Juve are lacking strength in depth in the middle of the park as evidenced in their 1-0 loss at Empoli on Saturday - but they will be looking at other targets before Tuesday's deadline.

Juve close in on Ihattaren

One man who definitely will be joining the Bianconeri's ranks in the coming hours is PSV teenager Ihattaren, who is on the verge of leaving Philips Stadion in a €6 million deal.

Goal can confirm the 19-year-old, who made the 2021 NxGN top 50 list of the best wonderkids in world football, will sign a permanent contract at Juventus before heading to Sampdoria on loan for the rest of the season.

The Italian giants have won the race for Ihattaren ahead of a whole host of top clubs, with the playmaker's future at PSV having been up in the air ever since falling out with head coach Roger Schmidt back in March.

Further reading

Paul Pogba has insisted the current Manchester United squad is the "strongest" he's played in and he is "happy" at Old Trafford, while outlining his silverware goals for the 2021-22 season.

Speculation over Pogba's future had been raging earlier in the summer transfer window, with the midfielder now less than one year away from reaching the expiration date in his contract.

However, the 28-year-old has shown he remains fully committed to United's cause by starting their latest campaign in impressive form, and has his sights firmly set on winning trophies under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

What has been said?

The Red Devils have strengthened by signing Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho with club legend Cristiano Ronaldo also set to make a sensational return before the August 31 deadline, and Pogba is excited by the potential of the squad.

Speaking before the team's 1-0 win at Wolves on Sunday, he told TV2: "There have always been strong Manchester United teams, but this is definitely the strongest [I've played in]. It is obviously in this club's DNA to win trophies. We have a strong team that can become champions. We know how hard it is, but we will do our best to lift the trophy this season."

Pogba refused to give anything away when quizzed on his long-term future, but did admit he is enjoying his football in Manchester amid reports that the club are working to tie him down to fresh terms.

"To be honest, I am very happy, I enjoy myself. The Premier League is back, I play football again after a nice holiday, so it is very, very good," he added.

"There is a huge difference from last season. Last season I had corona[virus] and no seasonal run-up, so it took a long time to get back in shape. This season I have trained, I have had a good start and I have been healthy. I feel much better and it makes a huge difference physically."

Pogba's praise for Solskjaer

Pogba went on to praise Solskjaer for the work he's done at Old Trafford since replacing Jose Mourinho as United's head coach in December 2018, highlighting his man-management skills and intimate knowledge of the club.

Asked whether Solskjaer can bring the Red Devils' five-year trophy drought to an end, he replied: "Yes for sure. He is the manager of this club for this reason. He knows the players and has got the ability to do it. I'm sure he is in the position to do that.

"I have known Ole for a long time and we have always had a good relationship, and he is good with all the other players as well. He was here as a player, so he knows the club very well. It has been very good since he came in."

Further reading

Edinson Cavani will remain at Manchester United over the international break after Uruguay announced their decision to cancel his call-up for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

All 20 clubs in the Premier League unanimously agreed last week not to release players for the latest set of international fixtures if they were being staged in the United Kingdom's 'red list' countries.

The majority of South America has been flagged up on that coronavirus travelling list, meaning that any players who still decided to play for their country would be required to enter into quarantine for 10 days upon their return to England.

Cavani's situation

Cavani was originally included in Oscar Tabarez's final Uruguay squad for their Qatar World Cup 2022 qualifying matches against Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador at the start of September.

Had the 34-year-old linked up with his country as planned, he would have been forced to miss two Premier League fixtures - United's third-round Carabao Cup tie against West Ham and their Champions League group stage opener against Young Boys.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer addressed the situation before his side's latest outing at Wolves on Sunday, insisting that both Cavani and Brazilian midfielder Fred should prioritise their club responsibilities.

"It's a fact that if you have to have 10 days in a hotel quarantining with no chance to train, no chance to keep your fitness up, then you'll need another 10-14 days to get back up to fitness again and then you've got to fly again," he said.

"I don't want to be the moaning one but if there was a choice for me, playing for Norway or playing for Man United, I know who my employer is. Yes, it's my country but the rules are as they are at the moment. Anyway, I'm not a player any more."

What's been said?

Uruguay have now officially withdrawn their call-up for Cavani, meaning he will continue regular training with the Red Devils over the next fortnight instead of travelling to South America.

A statement from the Uruguayan Football Association reads: "According to the situation that has occurred for players from England, the Uruguayan Football Association has decided to cancel the call up for Edinson Cavani."

Which Premier League players will be heading to South America?

Tottenham duo Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero are still set to join Argentina's latest squad despite the advice from the Premier League.

Spurs head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has admitted that they cannot prevent them from leaving due to lack of support from FIFA and government officials, with Aston Villa left in a similar bind.

Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and summer signing Emiliano Buendia will also be available for Argentina's World Cup qualifiers, but they have at least been given formal permission to travel by their club.

Further reading

Chelsea have told a host of players, including Callum Hudson-Odoi, that they cannot seek loan moves after encountering issues negotiating for both Sevilla's Jules Kounde and Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez.

In the case of Saul, the Blues are keen to do a deal if it can be done as a straight loan but the Spanish champions want a clause that makes it likely to become a permanent deal for £34 million ($47m). The 26-year-old is keen to move to Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, for Kounde, Chelsea have found Sevilla have taken a non-negotiable stance and are requesting €65 million (£56m/$77m). The Blues have arguably weakened their negotiating position by selling Kurt Zouma to West Ham for £29.8m ($41m) without a guaranteed replacement.

How does it affect outgoings?

Even though the Blues can force through a move for Kounde using his release clause, they will likely wait until the final hours of the window in a negotiating 'cat and mouse' game.

With doubts over a deal for the 22-year-old, Callum Hudson-Odoi's proposed switch to Borussia Dortmund is among the moves being blocked, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek's situation is also tied to Saul. 

Hudson-Odoi is open to joining the German giants after being an unused substitute in Thomas Tuchel's first three games, but the Blues manager wants the 20-year-old around as cover.

Ethan Ampadu has also been told that he will remain at the club and will not be able to seek a loan move.

What deals will go through?

Tiemoue Bakayoko's move to AC Milan will not be blocked by the situation and will soon be announced. 

The Blues are set to earn €1 million per year from the deal and a further €1 million if Milan qualify for the Champions League. There is a mandatory €17 million (£15m/$20m) purchase option under certain conditions.

Similarly, Dujon Sterling is close to joining Blackpool after renewing his Chelsea contract.

The likes of Malang Sarr, Danny Drinkwater, Ross Barkley and Lewis Baker will be allowed to leave regardless of situations elsewhere.

Further reading

Leicester City stars Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, Everton’s Alex Iwobi, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and Abia Warriors centre-back Adekunle Adeleke have arrived in the Nigeria camp for their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying games against Liberia and Cape Verde.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to take on their West African rivals Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Friday before flying to Cape Verde for their second Group C fixture, on September 6.

The five players joined Nantes winger Moses Simon at the team’s camp in Victoria Island, Lagos as they await the arrival of other invited stars.

Over the weekend, Ndidi played the entire duration while Iheanacho came off the bench in Leicester City's 2-1 win over Norwich City while Iwobi was introduced as a 69th-minute substitute in Everton's 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Nigeria squad for Liberia and Cape Verde

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Troost-Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Paderborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Seven others on standby: Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France); Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF, Sweden); Valentine Ozornwafor (Sporting Charleroi, Belgium); Tyronne Ebuehi (Venezia FC, Italy); Kingsley Michael (Bologna FC, Italy).

Borussia Monchengladbach coach Adi Hutter believes his team should have committed a professional foul to stop Taiwo Awoniyi from scoring in Union Berlin's 2-1 win on Sunday in the Bundesliga game at An der Alten Forsterei Stadium.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Genki Haraguchi crossed the ball in the danger zone and Niko Giesselmann pounced on it, giving Yann Sommer in the visitors' goal no chance.

After being denied in the 34th minute, Awoniyi doubled the advantage seven minutes later. In a well-executed counter-attack, Max Kruse picked the Nigeria international who smashed a rocket into the top corner to ensure his team had a massive advantage.

Jonas Hofmann halved the scoreline in the second minute of added time, but it was too little too late for his team to get anything from the game. The tactician has now commented on where his charges failed.

"It is an unfortunate and unlucky defeat for us because I don’t think we deserved it based on our form," Hutter told the club's website.

"Unfortunately, we conceded off two individual errors. On the first goal [scored by Giesselmann], we were dispossessed far too easily and on the second, [scored by Awoniyi] we should have committed a professional foul.

"Despite the setbacks, my team still gave it everything and played well against a side that was sitting deep. However, we were lacking that final touch and pass. We cannot be satisfied with one point from three games, but at least we played well in two of our three games so far."

Awoniyi, who is a former Liverpool youngster, – has been in fine goalscoring form this season – but was excluded by coach Gernot Rohr when he announced his 30-man squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde.

Heading into the fixture, the Iron Ones had gone on a run of 14 games without losing, with their last outing a 0-0 draw against KuPS in a Uefa Europa Conference League encounter.

Heading to the international break, Union Berlin are eighth on the table with five points from three matches. They have managed to get a win and two draws.

Liverpool insist they are relaxed about the future of sporting director Michael Edwards, amid reports he could leave the club at the end of the season.

Edwards’ contract at Anfield expires next summer, and a report in The Athletic on Monday suggested he had already informed the Reds of his desire to leave.

Club sources however insist that is not the case and that negotiations remain ongoing, with Liverpool eager to persuade the 42-year-old to remain on Merseyside beyond 2022.

What is Edwards’ back-story at Liverpool?

Edwards was brought to Liverpool in 2011 by Damien Comolli, the club’s former director of football. He had worked with Comolli previously at Tottenham, having initially moved into football as a performance analyst at Portsmouth.

In November 2016, long after Comolli had departed the club, Edwards was promoted to the newly-created role of sporting director at Liverpool, a move that was welcomed by club owner Mike Gordon as well as manager Jurgen Klopp.

Since then, Liverpool have developed into one of the world’s premier club sides, winning the Champions League in 2019, the Premier League a year later and the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in between.

Edwards and his team have taken plenty of credit for that development, with signings such as Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Gini Wijnaldum and Fabinho proving crucial.

Edwards was also heavily involved in the purchase of Roberto Firmino back in 2015.

Who would replace Edwards if he was to leave?

Liverpool, it should be noted, have already begun succession planning in that department, with the promotion of Julian Ward to assistant sporting director last year.

Ward was formerly the club’s head of loan pathways and football partnerships - a role now held by David Woodfine - and is highly regarded both inside and outside the club.

He would appear the obvious candidate to step up should Edwards leave, although club insiders insist that is far from a cut and dried situation at present.

Further reading

Moroka Swallows head coach Brandon Truter has explained why his players visibly struggled against Cape Town City during the MTN8 first-leg semi-final game on Sunday at Athlone Stadium.
 
Although the game ended in a 0-0 draw, Truter's charges struggled to contain their rivals and the coach has laid down reasons why that could have happened.

"We did not train for 48 hours and we were coming for a match like this, but the boys did well, mine is to keep them up," said Truter in his post-match presser with SuperSport TV.
 
"City is a good team and this was their home ground and they have good players. Credit to them. They managed to get their tactics right, pressing us and making it hard for us, but we also created some moments, great moments.
 
"In the first half, good football was played, and in the second half as well, but, as I said, after the 60th minute or the 70th minute, our legs were gone, we were already tired. We were hoping to get them on the counter, but we did not press and we had to drop our lines, but well done to them.
 
"With pressing, it comes with intensity and aggression. There can not be aggression when the legs can not move."

Few transfers to have taken place during the summer window will have split opinion quite like Percy Tau’s move to Al Ahly from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The deal was confirmed earlier this week, as the Bafana Bafana star ended his unfulfilling stay in English football by signing for the Cairo giants.

On one hand, the appeal for Tau is clear to see.

He’s moving to a massive club, will have the opportunity of representing Africa’s biggest team, and will also be reunited with former mentor Pitso Mosimane.

The pair enjoyed great success together at Mamelodi Sundowns, with the head coach leaning heavily on Tau as the Brazilians won the Caf Champions League title in 2016.

It was the victory that set Mosimane on his way to becoming the finest African coach of his generation, whereas Tau’s performances in that Sundowns team ultimately saw him making the move to European football.

It’s understandable that the forward would want the chance of a fresh start, and a reunion with Jingles represents a safe move.

However, surely the switch represents a massive lack of ambition on the part of Tau, who, at 27, still should have a lot to offer European football.

Despite only talking, weeks ago, about his desire to make an impact and prove himself in the Premier League, we’ll now never know if Tau could have cut it in the top flight.

It’s such a shame, that arguably the finest Bafana Bafana player of his generation opted out of trying to prove himself with Brighton, having waited so long—all of those work permit problems, all of those loan deals—to actually get his chance with the Seagulls.

Since leaving Sundowns for Brighton in 2018, Tau featured for Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge and Anderlecht before actually making his league bow for the south-coast club earlier this year after his temporary stay with the Purple & White was curtailed.

Head coach Graham Potter opted only to use the forward sparingly, and after a smattering of appearances, he was wholly absent during the run-in as Brighton retained their Prem status.

Ultimately, perhaps the writing was already on the wall then; that the wideman had not convinced Potter of his worth and would not be in the coach’s plans moving forward.

Either way, his underwhelming stay with Brighton is now at an end, although Tau may regret opting to take the easier option and sign for Ahly, rather than attempt to try and carve out a future for himself in Europe.

Chelsea have agreed on a two-year contract extension for Dujon Sterling and will send him on loan to Blackpool in the Championship for the season.

The 21-year-old will also have an option for an extra year at Stamford Bridge after impressing in pre-season under Thomas Tuchel.

It marks a huge turnaround for the youngster who debuted for Chelsea under Antonio Conte in 2017, but had a 13 month lay-off due to an injury and then a seperate illness that was not related to Covid.

What do Chelsea think of Sterling?

Tuchel used Sterling in several matches in pre-season, playing him at centre-back rather than his preferred wing-back role.

The Chelsea manager is known to be impressed by Sterling and considered promoting him to the first-team having seen him train and play reserve matches behind the scenes.

Trevoh Chalobah has perhaps seized the opportunity that Sterling almost had with the Blues rejecting the possibility of sending him on loan. It ended his loan interest from clubs like Lille, Valencia and Club Brugge.

The willingness to promote Chalobah will also provide some hope to Sterling that Tuchel will take a chance on academy products who do everything right.

What else is going on at Chelsea?

Chelsea are weighing up loan options for more players with Malang Sarr, Ethan Ampadu and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all gaining offers.

Tiemoue Bakayoko is on the verge of signing a two-year contract extension and going on loan to AC Milan. The Blues are set to earn €1m per year and a further €1m if Champions League qualification is achieved. There is a mandatory €17 million (£15m/$20m) purchase option under certain conditions.

Meanwhile, the Blues are hoping to sell Danny Drinkwater, Ross Barkley and Lewis Baker.

Chelsea are attempting to sign Sevilla's Jules Kounde, but have hit a wall in negotiations with the Liga club now holding out for close to the £77m ($106m) release clause.

Further reading

FKF Premier League champions Tusker have continued with their rebuilding process by confirming the signing of midfielder Teddy Osok from Kitwe United of Zambia.

The 23-year-old joined the Zambian outfit as a free agent on October 2, 2020, after leaving AFC Leopards and he could not see through his contract as it was terminated forcing him to return home.

Tusker, who won the top-flight title for the 2020-21 season and will represent the country in the Caf Champions League, have confirmed the arrival of the player, who has also played for Wazito FC and Gor Mahia.

What did Tusker's statement say?

“We are glad to confirm the signing of Teddy Osok, who joins Tusker on a two-year deal,” the club said in a statement on their official website. “Osok joins the Brewers after leaving Zambian side Kitwe United and comes in to reinforce the midfield ahead of the new season.”

In joining Tusker, Osok said: “I am glad to be joining a big and organized team such as Tusker FC. It is a great honour and a challenge that I am ready for. This is a bigger stage and the team is playing in the Caf Champions League which is a huge stage. I am ready to do my best and help the team improve.”

Speaking after sealing the transfer, Tusker chairman David Aduda, who was at hand to receive the player said: “As a team, we are always focused on getting in quality players and Teddy is one of the quality midfielders we had in our sights. We are glad to have him in the team.”

Tusker’s CEO Charles Obiny added; “Osok is a very versatile player with lots of experience and he comes into an area that we needed to strengthen a lot. We are glad to have him and we have no doubt he will be a great success to the team and a positive addition.”

Tusker to pitch camp in Mombasa

Meanwhile, Tusker will pitch camp in Mombasa to prepare for the upcoming season where they are lined up to face Djibouti’s Arta Solar 7 on September 10 in the preliminary round of the Champions League.

The Brewers’ coach Robert Matano has termed the move to camp in Mombasa as ideal adding he will use the occasion to help the new players integrate with the rest.

“The week in Mombasa will be very vital for us because we have new players who need to gel and integrate with the team. It will also be an opportunity for us to work on what we need to do to be ready for the first match of the Champions League,” Matano said.

“We started the training on a slow tempo just to make sure the players are not pushed too much because we have also come from a very tight season. Now we need to focus in Mombasa and get everyone’s mind ready for the massive task ahead of us.”

On Saturday, Tusker who have already confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, Charles Momanyi, Kalos Kirenge, and Joshua Ibrahim, played a friendly against the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars where they lost 1-0.

Further FKF Premier League reading 

Manchester United legend Paul Ince was left impressed with the way Emmanuel Dennis played in Watford's 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's Premier League assignment in London.

The Super Eagle played the entire game which was decided in the 42nd minute by Heung-Min Son. The South Korea attacker took a free-kick from a good area, and goalkeeper Daniel Bachman seemed to hesitate, thinking the defenders would clear it, but it was not the case.

Prior to the incident, the Super Eagle gave his best to help the Hornets get a positive outcome, but it was not the case. His zeal, however, did not go down unnoticed.

"I think [Watford manager] Xisco [Munoz] will be happy with the way it has gone," Ince told Premier League Productions as quoted by AllNigeriaSoccer.

"The disappointment is conceding a goal in the last minute before half-time.

"They have to stay patient, pick the times when they go forward. We have seen [Ismaila] Sarr can be a problem, Dennis can be a problem, and they will get one or two chances, they just have to be ruthless when they get it".

The forward was signed by the Hornets from Club Brugge in the summer and has so far had decent displays.

In his debut game against Aston Villa, he provided an assist as his team won the match 3-2. In the second game against Brighton & Hove Albion, where the team lost 2-0, the West African did not have much of an impact.

He came in as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last week in the League Cup. 

In a recent interview, Munoz conceded the promoted side was aware of the qualities of the forward before signing him.

"We knew about him, we saw videos of him and we knew his level," he told the club's website.

"It is important he continues with the same. He gives us very good things in the last games and it is important to give this attitude and level in future games."

Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler has claimed Moroka Swallows did not know how to contain his side during the MTN8 first semi-final tie on Sunday at Athlone Stadium.

The semi-finalists ended up drawing 0-0 and although Tinkler believes Swallows were unable to block them, he pointed out areas that worked against Cape Town City.
 
"Overall, I think we dictated the game, created so many opportunities and I really do not think they knew how to contain or block us. We penetrated really well, but crossing from the wide areas should be better because we did not put quality crosses into the box," Tinkler said in his post-match presser with SuperSport TV.
 
"The chances that we got, I think twice, we should have scored, but we did not do that."

The former Orlando Pirates head coach revealed what their strategy was against Swallows and how their opponents almost hurt them by using counter-attacks.
 
"We tried something new; the approach towards the game and the formation. We had two days, in fact, one day really to try and work on that and I think the players did very well," Tinkler added.
 
"We know they are a team that tries to play from the back and we tried to press them and made it difficult for them to play their usual game from the back and we created chances. Every time we won the ball we created chances. But you have to put the ball in the back of the net because if you do not do that, you are putting yourself under pressure on the counter.
 
"Once or twice we were caught on the counter and we did not play with a natural holding midfielder. If you do not punish them in the final third, they will catch you on the counter and we had one or two such situations right at the death. 
 
"We were caught on the counter and I think at half time we rectified that and people understood their roles a little better and so we did not allow them to catch us on the counter. We saw a great difference in the second half."

The second semi-final will be played on September 29.

Ruben Dias has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Manchester City until 2027.

The Portuguese defender only joined last summer from Benfica in a £62 million ($79m) on a five-year deal.

However, a new contract is reward for outstanding season where he won the Football Writers’ Player of the Year as City lifted the Premier League title and reached the final of the Champ[ions League.

What has been said?

“I’m very happy to sign the new deal. I have enjoyed every single minute of my time at City since joining last year," the 24-year-old said. “Playing for City has surpassed all my expectations and it’s an absolute pleasure to be part of such an incredible squad.

“I would also like to thank Pep and the coaching staff for the way they have helped me to develop as a player and keep pushing me to improve.

“To be part of the squad that achieved so much last season was incredible and made us all hungry to achieve even more. Now I just want to try and play my part in helping us be successful this season and beyond.”

The bigger picture

Dias struck up a formidable partnership with John Stones at the heart of City's back-four last season as Guardiola's side finished with the best defensive record in the Premier League.

The Portuguese international made 50 appearances across all competitions and emerged as a natural leader as City overcame a disappointing to the season. City had been searching for such a big influence in the dressing room and in the backline ever since club legend Vincent Kompany left the club.

“Although he only joined us less than a year ago, in that time Ruben has already proved to be such a vital part of our squad," director of football Txiki Begiristain said. “It tells you everything about his quality and importance to the club that we wanted to recognise his impact with this new contract.

“He is everything you would want in a central defender and so much more and he will be a big part of our drive to bring even more success to the club over the next few years.”

Further Reading

Ronald Koeman has criticised Barcelona fans for booing "unlucky" Antoine Griezmann during their victory over Getafe.

Barca moved up to fourth in the Liga standings after beating Getafe 2-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday, thanks to first-half goals from Sergi Roberto and Memphis Depay.

However, Griezmann had an afternoon to forget as he was subjected to heckles from the home support every time he touched the ball and ultimately failed to make an impact before being substituted late on.

What has been said?

Koeman condemned the supporters in his post-match press conference, insisting Griezmann was not the only member of his team to underperform in the final third.

"As a coach I can't understand why fans whistle at one of our players," said the Barca boss. "It's not good. You can shout if he doesn't have the right attitude or does not work. Griezmann had difficulties in the game, he was unlucky, but it was just a game.

"Like all forwards, he has good days and others which are not [good]. There are games in which you can't find space and it also depends on the opponent. We didn't create chances for him either."

Koeman went on to praise his players for grinding out an important win, adding: "It's normal to suffer in football. You don't always play at your level. It was a slower-paced game compared to the one against Real Sociedad, but it also depends on the opposition and Getafe pressed us well.

"In games like today's, last season we lost points and today we won. This is very important. I am very happy with the three points. It was a difficult game and we know how to suffer.

"Our game with the ball has not been so good. Psychologically it has been very important. We know how to suffer and play to win games."

Griezmann's struggles at Barca

Much was expected of Griezmann when Barca paid €120 million (£103m/$142m) to prise him away from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019, but he has so far failed to live up to that price tag.

The 30-year-old has only recorded 35 goals in 102 games for the Blaugrana with just 21 of those coming in La Liga, but he did help the club secure their 31st Copa Del Rey crown in 2020-21.

Griezmann will be back in contention for a place in Koeman's starting XI when Barca welcome Bayern Munich to Camp Nou for their first Champions League group stage fixture of the new season on September 14.

Further reading

Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister has praised the performance of defender Leon Balogun after they secured a 1-0 win against rivals Celtic in the Old Firm Derby at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday.

With Rangers missing a number of players owing to Covid-19 protocols, the 33-year-old Nigeria defender was moved from his regular centre-back position to right-back as back-up for Nathan Patterson, who was isolating, and the player did not disappoint.

Balogun was particularly impressive as he shut out the new Celtic signing Kyogo Furuhashi and helped his team to pick maximum points courtesy of Filip Helander’s powerful header in the 66th minute giving the champions a memorable victory in front of their 49,402 fans.

McAllister was impressed by the Super Eagle, who was named man of the match for his outstanding performances and especially in the way he dealt with the threat from Furuhashi.

“You would have to say Leon was obviously signed here as a centre-back but he's very much in our thoughts as a third-choice right-back,” McAllister told the club’s official website after the game.

“I thought today [Saturday] he handled it and he showed defensively that he is very capable of playing there against a difficult opponent - it was a proper man's performance.

“I know it is something Graeme Souness uses a lot, but that was a proper man's performance."

During the game, Balogun was given a nickname by Rangers fans, who labeled him ‘Leon Ballon d'Or’.

Speaking afterward, Balogun laughed off the nickname suggestion and said it is something he has never heard before.

“That’s a new one,” Balogun told the media as quoted by Scottish Sun. “I think after we scored and I realised the noise just wouldn’t stop, I got goosebumps running into my half.

“It’s amazing for me personally; I love that [nickname] though. I’ve had Cafu before and Lucio before, but that one is a nice one.

“For me, it was a first time to meet the supporters during an Old Firm, and I would say it feels like I’m addicted.”

Another Nigerian Joe Aribo was also in action for the entire 90 minutes as Rangers ended Celtic’s unbeaten start to the season.

Harambee Stars head coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee has reduced the number of players in his World Cup qualifying provisional squad by releasing eight players.

Nahashon Alembi and Baraka Badi of KCB, Benson Omala, Clifton Miheso, and Samuel Onyango of Gor Mahia as well as Wazito FC's top scorer for last season, Kevin Kimani have been released, according to a document obtained by Goal.

Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper Brandon Obiero and former AFC Leopards defender and Tusker transfer target Clyde Senaji complete the list of players who have been released.

Defender Alembi's withdrawal from the national side has come at a time when Joseph Okumu of KAA Gent is expected to arrive and join teammates. He is an outright preferred choice to play at centre-back. 

The players had been in the training camp for a few days preparing to host Uganda in a World Cup qualifier on September 2 in Nairobi before facing Rwanda later in Kigali.

Mulee came under criticism when he announced his squad, especially for picking two goalkeepers from Kariobangi Sharks. Meanwhile, Ayub Timbe, Victor Wanyama, Johana Omollo, Joash Onyango, and Jesse Were are the high-profile players who were not considered for the World Cup qualifier against the Group E rivals.

The local players started their training sessions on August 24, while the foreign-based ones are expected to start arriving on August 30.

Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Joseph Okoth (KCB, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Brandon Obiero (Kariobangi Sharks)

Defenders: Joseph Okumu (KAA Gent, Belgium), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Eugene Asike (Tusker, Kenya), Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari, Kenya), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Bolton Omwenga (Nairobi City Stars, Kenya), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya)

Midfielders: Richard Odada (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Duncan Otieno (Lusaka Warriors, Zambia), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Patillah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Enock Momanyi (FC Talanta, Kenya), Jackson Macharia (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Johanna (Jonkopings Sondra IF, Sweden) Boniface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari, Kenya)

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Nicholas Meja (Tusker, Kenya).

Raphael Varane "showed his class" on his Manchester United debut according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has praised the £40 million ($55m) star for his "top performance" against Wolves.

Varane completed a big-money move to Old Trafford from Real Madrid on August 14, bringing to an end an illustrious 10-year spell at Santiago Bernabeu.

The Frenchman finally took his Premier League bow on Sunday at Wolves and played a key role in helping the Red Devils secure a 1-0 victory, leaving his manager hugely impressed.

What has been said?

Solskjaer told his post-match press conference of Varane's display at the back: “This was ‘welcome to the Premier League’ – tempo, the hustle-bustle, tackle, have to defend counter-attacks.

“Top, top performance. He’s good in the air, he’s so composed on the ball and he’s so experienced and nothing phases him. He was good in the dressing room before the game, half-time and so I’m delighted with his performance. I thought he showed his class.”

United's No 1 goalkeeper David de Gea also hailed Varane, telling MUTV: “He was very good, we kept a clean sheet so it’s always very good to start with a clean sheet.

“He’s a great lad, I think he’s good for the group. Very experienced centre back. Many, many games and I think he showed today he’s calm with the ball, he’s good in the air, he’s very quick, so a great defender – a great signing for us.”

Solskjaer on Ronaldo

Mason Greenwood fired home the Red Devils' winning goal after being tasked with leading the line at Molineux, but it has been suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo will fill that position when his return to the club from Juventus is finalised.

Solskjaer has now confirmed that he plans to use the 36-year-old as a No 9, but Greenwood, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho will all still have a part to play.

“Cristiano has evolved as a player. He used to play wide right, wide left, up front but he’s more of a centre forward for me at the moment, definitely," he said. "There will be games we play with two upfront or three up front but I want him in the box, I want him scoring goals."

Solskjaer added on how United managed to re-sign a club legend: "Everyone that cares for Man Utd wanted this to happen and everyone played a part, but the biggest thing is that Cristiano wanted to come here.”

Further reading