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Raul Jimenez may be generating talk of interest from the likes of Manchester United and Juventus, but Wolves legend Steve Bull sees no reason for the Mexican to push for a move.

The 29-year-old has been enjoying the most productive season of his career to date, with 26 goals recorded across the 2019-20 campaign.

Those efforts have attracted admiring glances from afar, with Jimenez embracing the speculation he has been generating.

He considers the links to United and Juve, along with Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, to be “cool” and has been doing little to douse the transfer flames.

Bull, though, believes that Molineux is the best place for Jimenez at this stage of his career – with Europa League football already being taken in – and hopes a prolific frontman will stay put.

The Wolves icon told the Express and Star: “The Mexican striker continues to be the subject of lots of speculation, linking him with sides such as Manchester United and Juventus.

“It would take something special for him to leave, but why go when Jimenez has everything at Molineux?

“This is a great set-up, a great club, a great manager, and he does not need to go.

“Of course, he wants to win medals, but he can do that at Wolves. Sooner rather than later, too.

“At his age, you could look at it as a chance to earn a big move on big money, but I think we can match his ambitions, and finances are not a problem either.

“Having been involved with Wolves for 34 years, I can safely say the ambition of the club is huge. And it is not just Premier League football. It is Europe as well.

“We have not been in this situation for a long time, and Jimenez has started something, so why not finish it here?

“I think Wolves have the fire-power to keep players like that now. They can pull the stops out to keep him.”

Wolves have Jimenez tied a four-year contract, so are under no pressure to sell, having made the Mexico ace their £30 million ($39m) club record signing in April 2019 after initially seeing him catch the eye in England during a loan spell from Benfica.

Simba SC have been warned that there will be no underdogs when they take on Namungo FC in the final of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi will be keen to seal a treble this season, having won the Mainland Premier League title and the Charity Shield Cup - as they come up against a Namungo side who finished fourth on the league table - at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga, Rukwa this weekend.

The club’s Information Officer Haji Manara has cautioned the players against complacency, despite the difference in stature between the two sides, saying a cup final can go either way and therefore that they should be ready for a tough battle.

“In a cup final you don’t have a favourite winner,” Manara told Goal. “Anything can happen in a cup final, you must be alert and always avoid committing silly mistakes that can complicate matters for you.

“We all know we don’t have underdogs in such a final, the two teams in final are all equal, they won matches to reach the final and so it will be a huge mistake to underrate your opponent.

"I am hoping our boys will be keen to avoid mistakes especially at the back and give us the best result we want to end the season in style."

Despite Manara's comments, Simba will be favourites to lift the crown when they meet a team who only scraped past lowly Sahare All-Stars to reach this stage of the competition. 

“From the fans, the playing unit, and the technical bench we all need to know anything can happen in the final and get prepared for a good final, go with confidence and avoid being complacent.”

In an earlier interview, Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck explained the importance of the FA Cup final by revealing he will field his best team on the day.

“It will be our final match of the season and we will, therefore, field our best squad to finish the job,” Vandenbroeck told Goal on Saturday. “I will not underrate [Namungo], they are not a team to look down upon and therefore, I have told my players what to do and what to expect in such a final, it will be difficult because they can also spring a surprise, so we must be ready to deal with them.

“I am happy we have been training for the last few days since we ended the league and all the players are fit to play, I will go for my best squad, to finish the job and give us another trophy.”

Simba defeated Yanga SC 4-1 in the semi-final to advance to the final, while Namungo narrowly defeated minnows Sahare All-Stars by a solitary goal.

Barcelona should be making a new contract for Marc-Andre ter Stegen “one of their priorities this summer”, says Bojan Krkic, with the Liga giants told their German goalkeeper is deserving of a lucrative deal.

Discussions regarding fresh terms have been held between those at Camp Nou and their first-choice shot-stopper.

Talks were, however, put on hold during a coronavirus-enforced break and no agreement has been reached as yet.

Ter Stegen has been generating speculation regarding a possible move elsewhere, with Premier League heavyweights Chelsea said to be among his suitors.

He is already tied to Barca through to 2022, but the Catalan giants had been hoping to have an extension in place by now.

Bojan believes they should be doing all that can to get Ter Stegen tied down, with a proven performer key to their future plans and in a strong position when it comes to demanding parity with some of the club’s top earners.

“I've got a lot of faith in Marc-Andre ter Stegen,” the former Barca playertold Sport.

“I believe that, during these years at Barça, he's improved massively as a keeper and is now one of the best in the world.

“He's only 28 which makes me think there's still room for further improvement and he could eventually become the best.

“For that reason, in my opinion, his renewal should be one of Barca's priorities this summer. His role is key in the present and future of this club.

“We're talking about an extremely solid goalkeeper and that's something which makes it uncomfortable for the opposition's forwards.

“His qualities are extensive: he closes the angles down quickly in one-on-ones, makes himself big and isn't one of those goalkeepers who guesses what the forward will do. Instead he stands strong, covering as much of the goal as possible and is very agile.

“And that doesn't even go into the fact he's capable of assuming the responsibility when the team needs his help. He always wants the ball and is another outfield player when the team has possession.

“He's also comfortable with facing the cameras after a bad performance and, in a measured and respectful way, point out the errors of the team.

“He's a very hard worker. I can attest to that because we completed a pre-season together, just before I joined Stoke. I remember not long after signing he was already trying to speak in Spanish and took an interest in Catalan.

“For all of those reasons, I don't believe the club can allow a player like him to leave.

“There's no risk when it comes to ter Stegen but, without him, everything becomes less clear. This is why the idea of not handing him a new contract can't be considered.

“Furthermore, I believe he's proven himself to rightly be amongst the best-paid members of the squad for years to come. And in doing so, it would remove a great uncertainty as we enter the transfer window.”

Barca are having to carefully manage their finances in the current window, as they also look into acquiring the likes of Inter forward Lautaro Martinez, but funds are expected to be made available for any deals deemed vital to the club’s plans.

Mainland Premier League giants Young Africans have completed the signing of Bakari Mwamnyeto from Coastal Union.

The Taifa Stars defender had been heavily linked to the Kariakoo clubs but at last, Yanga have won the battle to his signature ahead of Simba SC.

Mwamnyeto has been one of the outstanding defenders in the Premier League and his prowess rightfully attracted interest from local giants, including Azam FC.

Having put pen to paper on a two-year deal, he will now set about proving that he proves to be the successor to his international teammate Kevin Yondani.

The 35-year-old has been a regular figure at the centre of defence alongside Lamine Moro, and the addition of Mwamnyeto is a sign that Yanga are now preparing for life without him.

Mwamnyeto’s arrival is expected to generate more debate on Andrew ‘Dante’ Vincent’s future at Timu Ya Wananchi.

Vincent had fallen out with Belgian Luc Eymael, who had made it clear that he was not going to renew his contract due to disciplinary issues, although the coach has since departed the club.

Mwamnyeto played a pivotal role in Coastal Union’s season, which saw them just concede 30 goals; a fifth-best record, which was only bettered by Simba, Yanga, Azam and Biashara United.

The Tanzanian’s performance also saw him earn a place in a provisional list of 30 who will vie for the Most Valuable Player Award for the 2019/20 season. Mwamnyeto entered into the list alongside other defenders including Ugandan Nicholas Wadada who is playing for Azam, Yanga’s assistant captain Juma Abdul, and Lucas Kikoti of FA Cup 2020 finalists Namungo FC.

He is the second player the record league champions have signed in the transfer window that was opened on August 1.

The Jangwani street-based club has already confirmed the acquisition of midfielder Zawadi Peter Mauya from Kagera Sugar on a two-year deal as well.

As Tanzania Football Federation confirmed the transfer period will run until the end of August, it emphasised that no extra time is going to be granted for clubs once the window shuts.

“TFF emphasises there will be no additional time to be granted for transfers and that is why the clubs are urged to complete their activities - both signing and releasing players - within the prescribed period,” TFF said in a statement on Saturday.

Azam have also made two signings so far, while Simba, who will participate in the Caf Champions League once more, have not signed any player so far but Chief Executive Officer Senzo Mazingisa earlier said there will be minimal transfer activity.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang refused to be drawn on his future after netting a match-winning brace for Arsenal in the FA Cup final.

The Gabonese striker underlined his value to the Gunners cause with two goals against Chelsea on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s side have continued to look to their captain for inspiration throughout the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation.

Aubameyang is yet to agree an extension to a deal at Emirates Stadium that now has less than 12 months to run.

The 31-year-old has remained coy on his plans, with plenty suggesting that major silverware would be required in order for a prolific presence to put pen to paper.

Arsenal now have that, along with qualification for the Europa League, but Aubameyang continues to give little away.

Asked if he had a message for the club’s supporters on his future after guiding them to another trophy triumph, he told BBC Sport: “Nothing. Today is about the trophy.”

Arteta was also quizzed on the plans of his talismanic skipper, with the Spaniard reiterating his belief that a deal will be agreed at some stage.

"He knows what I think about him," said Arteta. "I want to build the squad around him. I think he wants to stay and it is just about getting the deal done.

"But I think these moments will help him to realise and believe that we are in the right path and he is a big part of that. He is loved by everybody at the club. Hopefully he can continue with us."

When asked if Aubameyang will extend his time at Emirates Stadium, Arteta replied: "I think he will, yes."

Talks are, however, on hold for now as the Gunners revel in ending their 2019-20 campaign on a high.

It has been a testing season for the north London outfit, with another managerial change made, but optimism has returned under Arteta and they now have tangible reward for their efforts.

“We enjoyed it and we are all happy,” Aubameyang said on sealing FA Cup success.

He added on the job done by Arteta, who took the reins in December and is filling a first managerial post of his coaching career: “I think he deserved this win. He did a great job and we are all happy to have him on board and we all follow him.”

Aubameyang played a leading role in giving his boss something to celebrate against Chelsea.

The Blues took the lead early on through Christian Pulisic, who later limped off, with Arsenal restoring parity from the spot.

Aubameyang’s second of the game was worthy of winning any game, as he wriggled through the Chelsea defence and fired past Willy Caballero with his left foot.

He said of that finish, with Gunners legend Ian Wright among those in attendance: “It was Wrighty of the 90s.

“[Kurt] Zouma knows me well and knows I am right footed but that’s why I said ‘ok, I’ll go on my left’.”

Mikel Arteta was left celebrating a unique feat on Saturday as he capped his debut season in charge of Arsenal by leading the Gunners to victory in the FA Cup. 

The former Arsenal captain was appointed as Unai Emery's replacement on the bench in December 2019, with the club languishing in mid-table following a disappointing start to the Premier League season. 

But while results have picked up under Pep Guardiola's former number two at Manchester City, a late dip consigned the Gunners to eighth place, finishing outside of European qualification. 

Arsenal therefore needed victory at Wembley to seal a spot in the 2020-21 Europa League, which duly arrived with a 2-1 comeback victory over 10-man Chelsea. 

Christian Pulisic fired the Blues ahead after just five minutes, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalised from the spot to send the two sides into half-time deadlocked at 1-1. 

Aubameyang then fired home his side's second after some excellent footwork in the penalty area, while Chelsea saw Mateo Kovacic receive his marching orders for a second yellow card and also lost Cesar Azpilicueta, Pulisic and Pedro to injury across a hard-fought 90 minutes. 

No man before Arteta had ever led Arsenal to FA Cup glory as both a captain and manager, the Spaniard having previously lifted the trophy on two occasions during his time at the Emirates. 

Arteta also became the first Gunners boss to taste success in his debut season on the bench since George Graham, who clinched the League Cup shortly after his appointment in the 1986-87 campaign. 

Saturday's win consolidates Arsenal's status as the most successful club in the competition's history, pulling two clear of Manchester United with their 14th triumph in the all-time FA Cup standings. 

The Gunners may have been far from their best in recent seasons, but their record when it comes to deciders is nothing short of lethal: in seven FA Cup final appearances since 2002, the north Londoners have won every single one.

They are also more than accustomed to ending Chelsea's trophy dreams, with no fewer than three of their 14 victories coming against the Blues - another competition record. 

Ghana's special advisor on health at the presidency Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare hints fans could only be allowed back in stadiums for football games when a vaccine is found for the coronavirus disease.

The pandemic has disrupted many events worldwide, forcing the world's major football leagues into a temporary halt or permanent cancellation, and the medical expert is concerned about the impact that significant crowds - such as those attracted by Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak - could have given the current context.

Ghana has been no exception, as the disease, also known as Covid-19, has resulted in premature termination of the domestic football season including the Premier League (GPL).

“[The] government have much interest in football," Dr. Nsiah-Asare told Kumasi FM. "Everything we do as government is in phases, reason we have allowed for national teams to train for now.

“We are in talks with the Ministry Of Youth and Sports and the GFA [Ghana Football Association] on the resumption of the league. The government wants every sector of the economy to function normally. We do not want to rush in doing things, reason why we are doing it in phases.

“President Akuffo Addo has football at heart, he is a football person and wants to see its return but not in a manner that will resurrect other problems.

“Football is a contact game, we will conclude everything with the GFA, MOYS [Ministry of Youth and Sports], NSA [National Sports Authority] and government will give the needed update in his next address."

Ghana has currently banned all contact sports as part of measures to curb spread of the coronavirus disease.

However, the national female U20 side and the national male and female U17 teams have been granted special permission to regroup for training ahead of upcoming international assignments.

The standing ban on football casts a doubt over prompt possible return of domestic football due to safety concerns, but there have been calls for the West African nation to consider playing matches behind closed doors.

“In Europe, games are played behind closed doors. We cannot allow for supporters to go to the stadium and watch games just because that is where the clubs derive their funding," Nsiah-Asare added. “Churches are filled with not more than 3,000 people, but Kotoko and Hearts games will attract more than 30,000 people so I will plead with football loving fans to exercise patience.

“If a vaccine is found, the government will allow for supporters to go to the stadium."

Ghana's 2019-20 domestic football season was permanently cancelled in June following three months of a standstill due to Covid-19. 

Victor Osimhen can be a '30-goal striker' for Napoli after signing from LOSC Lille, according to club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

The 21-year old Nigeria international officially became a Partenopei player on Friday, signing a five-year deal having joined from LOSC Lille in a deal reported to be worth an initial €50 million, potentially rising to €80 million.

Negotiations have been ongoing between both clubs for more than a month with the player growing frustrated at some points, but De Laurentiis is clearly happy that everything has been sorted out.

“It is certainly a costly investment, but he is a strong striker who our sports director [Cristiano] Giuntoli advocated,” De Laurentiis told Corriere del Mezzogiorno. “He is a 30-goal striker.

"I met him and he made an excellent impression on me, I hope he quickly settles in our championship.”

Osimhen scored 18 competitive goals in 38 outings in his sole season with Lille which won him the club’s Player of the Season and the best African player in Ligue 1 award.

All these were strong enough reasons to convince the Napoli hierarchy to bring him to the San Paolo. He changed agents in the course of negotiations, and his current representative William D'Avila admitted the trio of De Laurentiis, manager Gennaro Gattuso and sporting director Giuntoli were key actors in convincing Osimhen to sign.

“Each of them have been very important. Each of them have talked to Victor and each of them are a part of the reason why he chose Napoli, with all of them he spoke individually,” D'Avila told Naples-based Radio Kiss Kiss.

“De Laurentiis told him what is expected of him and he immediately put him at ease with regards to the project. Giuntoli was the key man, he worked hard, non-stop phone calls to convince the player.

“He also had single talks with Gattuso, with whom he immediately developed a great feeling. Special mention also for Maurizio Micheli, one of Giuntoli's collaborators.”

Osimhen’s arrival puts a doubt on Arkadiusz Milik’s future, with De Laurentiis confirming the Polish striker is on the market and is reportedly attracting the interest of reigning champions Juventus.

“Our centre forward [Milik] is on the market, he will go away to the best bidder,” the Napoli president said. “Juve? If they are interested, they will have to pay without discounts If he were to stay he might not be part of Gattuso's choices.”

Osimhen will meanwhile have fight for a place in the Napoli starting XI alongside the club’s all-time top scorer Dries Mertens. Andrea D'Amico, an associate of D’Avila does not think it will be a problem having both players involved in the game, stressing that it will create a healthy competition.

"It is clear that when you join an important team, there is always competition,” D'Amico told Radio Marte.

"Napoli have had many champions who have been able to coexist to create healthy internal competition. When you compete on many fronts, you need more roses."

Bayer Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz says Kai Havertz has made a decision regarding his future and admits he could make a transfer any day now.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Bundesliga side this summer, though Leverkusen want around €100 million (£90m/$118m) for him.

Chelsea are the main contenders to land him, but Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes insists they have not received any offers for the Germany international .

Bosz has been impressed by the way Havertz has handled the constant speculation around his future, but says there is no guarantee he will be staying put.

"I talk to Kai a lot and try to feel what all this does to him. For example, these daily rumours about transfers," he told Deutschen Presse-Agentur .

"I keep finding that Kai is handling all of this very well. I don't think he will stop playing at 29 [like Andre Schurrle].

"Yes, I know what he wants to do, but of course I'm not going to give it away, it's up to him."

Asked when a decision will be made, Bosz added: "I couldn't say. Perhaps the crucial call will come today, maybe next week, maybe not at all."

Havertz scored 17 goals and registered eight assists for Leverkusen in 2019-20 and is already being tipped to become one of the best players in the world.

While Bosz is not sure if he will reach the level of current global superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Dutchman says he is already being regarded as among the best in Germany. 

“You never know [if Havertz will become world-class player like Messi or Ronaldo]. But in Germany he is treated as if he was already one," he said. "That is why I try to do something about it when the headlines are always about Kai. We have a lot of great players in the squad."

Leverkusen finished fifth in the Bundesliga, narrowly missing out on a place in next season's Champions League. 

They will continue their Europa League campaign on Thursday when they meet Rangers in the second leg of their last-16 tie, having beaten Steven Gerrard's men 3-1 in the first leg in Glasgow.

Lazio striker Ciro Immobile has beaten the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi to the coveted Golden Shoe for 2019-20.

The Italy international has enjoyed a remarkable season in front of goal, with his best-ever return posted in league competition at 30 years of age.

Veteran frontmen have set the standard in what has been an eventful campaign for all concerned.

While Immobile tops the charts with 35 Serie A efforts to his name, his closest challengers are all seasoned performers who have made a career out of terrorising opposition defences.

Lewandowski, with 34 Bundesliga goals at Bayern Munich, is now 31 years of age, while five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo – who sits third on the Golden Shoe list after netting 31 times for Juventus – has passed his 35th birthday.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, who registered 25 La Liga goals, is 33, and the leading marksmen on a Premier League stage – Jamie Vardy of Leicester (23 goals) and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (22) have both passed their 30th birthday.

They will all be expected to maintain their stunning standards when competitive football returns after a short break for the 2020-21 campaign.

It is, however, Immobile who can revel in the fact that he currently sits at the top of the European goal charts.

He also has one more opportunity to raise his tally even further, with Serie A the last of the major divisions in Europe to finish the campaign.

Lazio will bring the curtain down on their season with a trip to Napoli on Saturday, with their top scorer needing just one more goal to match the Italian top-flight record haul of 36 set by Gonzalo Higuain when he was in Naples in 2015-16.

Immobile is already guaranteed to finish as the most potent frontman in Serie A, as Juventus have taken the decision to rest Ronaldo for their final outing against Roma – with Maurizio Sarri keeping one eye on a Champions League clash with Lyon on August 8.

The Portuguese superstar is still waiting to get his hands on a first Capocannoniere, but that wait will be extended by at least another 12 months – as will Ronaldo’s pursuit of a fifth Golden Shoe.

The only other member of the top 10 that can add to their tally from this point is Romelu Lukaku of Inter – who is set to face Atalanta on Saturday – but the Belgian has only 23 goals to his name at present and would need to break all kinds of records in order to top Immobile.

Emiliano Martinez can expect to attract interest from Premier League suitors this summer, claims Ray Parlour, with the Argentine goalkeeper needing to decide whether he would be happy slipping back into a No.2 berth at Arsenal.

The South American earned an unexpected opportunity to impress when Bernd Leno suffered an unfortunate injury at Brighton shortly after the Premier League restart.

Martinez, who had previously made only six Premier League appearances across nine years with Arsenal, was asked to step in and provide cover between the sticks.

He has excelled in that role, earning plenty of plaudits along the way, and is now being tipped to receive tempting offers from afar in the current transfer window.

Former Gunners star Parlour told talkSPORT of Martinez, who is set to line up in the FA Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday: “It’s very difficult to be a No.2 because you must get very frustrated by not getting an opportunity.

“But now he’s got his chance and I had no doubt that he would prove to be a very good goalkeeper because I’ve seen him pre-season, I’ve seen the way he trains and the way he conducts himself.

“He’s just had to be patient. He’s 27 years old now. The interesting thing for me now will be does he want to stay being a No.2? Because Leno will be fit very soon, probably for the start of next season. What happens with the selection?

“Now if he’s the match-winner [against Chelsea] and has an unbelievable game and Arsenal go on to win, it’s going to be a big dilemma for Mikel Arteta going forward.

“It’s a good headache to have. You want your No.2 to be ready to go and when he did get in the team at Brighton when Leno got injured, I had no doubt that he wouldn’t let anybody down. He’s been the best player, some of the saves he has made.

“It’s whether he wants to stay No.2. Leno would still be No.1, but I’m sure there’s lots of clubs now hovering over and saying: ‘We wouldn’t mind taking him to be our No.1’. A Premier League club would be straight in saying: ‘We’re struggling in the goalkeeper situation, would you want to come and play for us week in, week out and be our No.1?’”

Legendary former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman agrees with that assessment, but he is hoping to see Martinez stick around and compete with Leno for minutes in 2020-21.

He told The Sun “Martinez has been out on loan with a lot of other clubs in his career and he has been playing good football. He is still young, only 27.

“I was 26 when I signed for Arsenal and I had a lot of experience before that in first team football. He is similar to me in that respect.

“Mikel has a real decision on his hands. Martinez has all the capabilities and qualities but he has only done it for a short period of time. Leno has done it for a few seasons now.

“It bodes well for the club to have two good quality keepers at the club but how do you keep them happy?

“Martinez has to realise that if Arteta stays with Leno, then he has to accept that. He is at Arsenal. The club cannot just have one good goalkeeper, and Martinez may not be kept in.”

Manchester United need to “go and get” Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho, says Ryan Giggs, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer urged to add greater depth to his squad with proven performers.

The Red Devils are being linked with a number of players now that the summer transfer window has swung open.

Grealish and Sancho are said to have registered on their radar for some time, with United still in the market for added creativity and cutting edge in the final third of the field.

Raids on Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund would make sense within that recruitment project, although big money would be required in order to get either deal done.

Giggs hopes that funding will be made available, with the United legend of the opinion that a talented playmaker and exciting winger would be useful additions at Old Trafford.

He told the Webby and O’Neill YouTube channel: “Two good players. I think the thing with Grealish is he’s obviously used to the Premier League and doesn’t need to adapt to it so that’s good.

“For me from the outside, it looks like he’s got the mentality to come to this place and not bother him. Certain players can get overawed.

“Also, the good thing this year is he’s got 10 goals and got into double figures so that would be one question mark I would have had with him: does he score enough goals? To get to double figures with no penalties for Villa is impressive.

“Sancho is quick, direct but also an intelligent player.

“What I like about him is when he gets into those areas with the final ball, he doesn’t panic. A lot of quick wide players sometimes do but he picks out the right pass.

“He’s someone who can counterattack if we’re going to play that but also if a team are going to sit back, he can beat players and make things happen.

“They are two signings that may be available and if we’re able to get them, I would go and get them.”

Giggs added on the need for United, who will have Champions League football back on their agenda for 2020-21, to bring more options into their ranks: “With the lads getting a bit tired, having that strength in depth where you’re able to change it and you’re not really weakening… I think that’s what City have had. [Leroy] Sane doesn’t play and [Riyad] Mahrez comes in or Bernardo Silva doesn’t play and [Phil] Foden comes in.

“So that sort of thing where it doesn’t weaken them and you’re able to keep them fresh.

“And also, something I experienced at United, every day in training it’s competitive. The quality of training goes up because of the quality of players that are coming in. ‘

“All of a sudden, the players that have done so well at the end of the season are looking over their shoulders.

“You sign Sancho and you sign Grealish, everyone’s looking over their shoulders and thinking: ‘Is he going to be taking my place? No he’s not. I want to take it onto that next level’.

“So you need that strength in depth but also quality and good lads as well.”

Leon Balogun made his debut while Joe Aribo was in action as Glasgow Rangers secured a 1-0 win over Aberdeen in their first game of the 2020-21 season.

The 32-year-old defender joined the Ibrox Stadium outfit from Championship side Wigan Athletic after reaching the end of his short-term contract with the Latics.

Balogun teamed up with Wigan initially on loan from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion before the deal was made permanent. He subsequently played 11 games for the side.

The defender was immediately handed a starting role by manager Steven Gerrard after he proved his fitness in training along with his compatriot Aribo.

Balogun formed a four-man defence along with Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson and James Tavernier and delivered a solid performance.

The former Werder Bremen centre-back made three clearances, blocked one shot, had eight touches and recorded a 100-percent pass-success rate to help the Ibrox Stadium outfit keep a clean sheet in the encounter.  

Ryan Kent scored the only goal of the game after benefitting from Alfredo Morelos’ assist in the 21st minute.

Aribo, meanwhile, struck three shots, with two on target, made two key passes and had a 100-percent pass-success rate to ensure his side clinched their first win of the season.

The midfielder was recently named the club’s 2019-20 Young Player of the Season following his impressive showings in the campaign.

Aribo also scooped the Goal of the Season, after his fine effort against Sporting Braga helped the Gers advance into the Round of 16 of the Europa League.

The Super Eagles players featured for the duration of the game, while Belgian-born Nigerian Funso Ojo was on parade for 78 minutes but could not help Aberdeen to avoid a home defeat.

Balogun and Aribo will hope to help Rangers continue in the winning ways when they take on Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League Round of 16 second leg tie on August 6.

The duo are key components of the Nigeria national team, with Balogun helping the West Africans secure their eighth bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Christian Pulisic will “prove to be better than Eden Hazard” if he sticks around at Chelsea, says Tony Cascarino.

The United States international is approaching the end of a productive debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

After overcoming a slow start to life in English football and working his way back from an unfortunate injury suffered at the turn of the year, the highly-rated forward has shown that he could be a superstar in the making.

An impressive return of 10 goals and as many assists has been posted across all competitions, with there an FA Cup final date with Arsenal and second leg of the Champions League last-16 encounter with Bayern Munich to come.

Pulisic’s numbers are comparable to those Hazard managed in his first season at Chelsea, with the Belgian going on to become a modern day legend in west London.

Cascarino believes the man filling the same left-sided attacking post is capable of securing a similar standing, with the potential there for Pulisic to raise the bar even further.

“I’ve watched him develop and become a player,” Cascarino told talkSPORT.

“I looked at Hazard’s stats - first season, nine Premier League goals in his very first season, the 2012-13 season for Chelsea.

“I keep thinking: ‘Was Hazard as good as Pulisic has been?’ Pulisic has been out of the team at times through injury, he was brilliant in the Super Cup against Liverpool, but I think he has progressed into a player.

“He has got nine Premier League goals as well this season. I think Pulisic is going to be one hell of a player.

“He has got one advantage over Hazard, because Hazard was at Chelsea for a long time and over those years there were a few dips and sometimes he looked out of shape. Pulisic is a total pro, everything about him is professional.

“His pathway has been planned, from his parents down to him. The clubs, to get him to the Holy Grail of the Premier League, it’s all been programmed in a bit like an android, robot sort of form.

“Boy is he dangerous. If he stays in England for five, six, seven years for Chelsea, I think he’ll prove to be better than Hazard, and that’s a big call.”