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Nigeria’s Ikouwem Utin has completed a season-long loan to newly-promoted Israeli Premier League club Bnei Sakhnin from Maccabi Haifa.

Utin is the latest addition to join Eldad Shavit's team ahead of the commencement of the 2020-21 Ligat Ha`Al campaign on August 8.

The Nigeria international will be hoping to gather more playing time in Sakhnin after he was restricted to 176 minutes of football action in seven league appearances in Haifa last campaign.

Bnei Sakhnin are one of the two teams promoted to the Israeli Premier League this term after finishing second in the 2019–20 Liga Leumit table, behind champions Maccabi Petah Tikva.

Utin started his European career in Israel after completing a three-year deal to Maccabi Haifa from Nigeria Professional Football League outfit Enyimba in May 2019.

He developed his game with the Nigerian giants, rising through their youth ranks and he eventually earned promotion to the first-team in 2017.

The 20-year-old was named the NFF Young Player of the Year in 2018 after helping the home-based Super Eagles to a second-place finish at the 2018 African Nations Championship in Morocco.

He was part of Nigeria’s squad to the 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Niger where the country placed fourth after bowing to South Africa via penalties in the third-place play-offs.

The Akwa Ibom-born defender also travelled with the Flying Eagles to Poland for the 2019 Fifa U20 World Cup, and he played every minute of their games before they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Senegal.

Nairobi City Stars team coordinator Samson Otieno has revealed the club’s transfer plans as they prepare to return to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

City Stars were promoted alongside Bidco United and Otieno has confirmed key players have already extended their contracts after a successful campaign in the National Super League (NSL).

“The core unit that kept Simba wa Nairobi at the top of the NSL for a better part of the season to eventually promote the team is still intact heading to next season,” Otieno told the club’s website.

“This is important as it guarantees us continuity.

“When we started out last season a number of players were on one-year engagements but mid-way through we extended those contracts as the view to the Premier League became crystal clear.

“Just two teenagers – striker Vincent ‘Jamaica’ Otieno and midfielder Elvis Ojiambo started out with long-term deals.

“Part of the early players to extend their contracts were defender Wycliffe Otieno who added another year as well as midfielder Anthony Kimani, long-serving defender Calvin Masawa, defensive midfielder Charles Otieno Oduro and striker Davis Agesa who committed to a further two years.

“Others that followed in staying at City Stars for two more years include offensive midfielder Oliver Maloba, striker Ebrima Sanneh, defenders Salim ‘Shitu’ Abdalla and Edwin Buliba. Goalkeeper Ronny Kagunzi and left-back Wesley Onguso were the latest with each adding a year to their contracts,”

“January arrivals Peter Opiyo and Azizi Okaka have a season to go while keeper Jacob Osano, returning winger John Kamau and striker Ezekiel Odera have two more seasons.”

Otieno revealed a number of other players might extend their contracts after coach Sanjin Alagic signalled a willingness to work with them.

“We have some players whose contracts have since expired but the coach has hinted he’d still want to keep some of them for longer should they agree to,” he stated.

“Noah Abich, Eric Ochieng, Tedian Esilaba, Kevin Okumu, David Gateri and Jimmy Bageya are some of those players. That will give us a much more close-knit unit.”

The coordinator further said they will be looking to sign some players, especially a replacement for Levis Opiyo, who has already signed for Gor Mahia.

“Despite having the core intact we are also in the market to fill up some positions such as in goalkeeping after lead custodian [Levis] Opiyo officially left the club and just in case some of the out of contract players chose to head elsewhere,” Otieno explained.

“Had the coronavirus pandemic not struck, City Stars would have concluded its engagement with players for next season as far back as April.”

Former Manchester United scout Jorge Alvial has revealed that the Red Devils passed up the chance to sign Christian Pulisic when he was still a youngster on Borussia Dortmund's books.

Pulisic rose through the youth ranks at Dortmund before graduating to the senior squad in 2016, and went on to score 19 goals in 127 appearances for the club.

Chelsea were impressed enough to invest £58 million ($75m) into the United States international's potential last year, which he has gradually paid back over the course of an encouraging first year in the Premier League.

Pulisic has contributed 10 goals and 10 assists to the Blues' cause in his first 33 outings for the club, earning comparisons with club legend Eden Hazard, who joined Real Madrid in 2019.

The 21-year-old is already being tipped for a bright future at the very highest level, but Alvial has not been surprised by his rapid rise to prominence.

The Chilean worked as United's head international scout for two-and-a-half years, and he quickly set about trying to convince the board of Pulisic's unique talents.

"When I first got hired one of the people that I recommended right away was Pulisic because I knew him and his background," Alvial told the Manchester Evening News.

"I knew how well he was developing in Dortmund and he was just going to keep coming up, and become a superstar because he was doing very well.

"I have always believed in him, we always have kept close contact with his father, and I called him to say I was recommending him to Manchester United.

"So it was many times that I did recommend him, but at the same time because I was only doing North America, it wasn't my region because he was playing in Germany. We all had a list of targets and I had him first along with Alphonso Davies.

"Highly, highly recommended for them to sign him, and I know also the German scout was very into him, he really liked him too.

"It wasn't a case of 'look at this kid', it was 'sign this kid'.

"When I recommend a player usually it is an example of a player that I feel has tremendous potential.

"For Pulisic I jumped many levels that we are supposed to do and I went directly to the head scout and said: 'Listen, this player is extraordinary we need to see him right away and we need to make a decision right away because if we don't someone else is going to see him, and is going to beat us,' which has also happened with Alphonso."

Alvial could only speculate on the reasons behind United's decision not to submit an offer for Pulisic, but he suspects that the club had reservations over the winger's ability to perform in a major European league.

The ex-Red Devils official also expressed his belief that the ex-Dortmund star could follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if he continues on his current trajectory, as he added: "I think United, and I'm just guessing because I don't know the reason, but it is the same mentality of 'this kid is an American, is he really ready to play in the big league?' Which I had no doubts, but it was one of the discussions we had.

"If he was coming from the US then I can see their point, but he was coming from Germany and he was doing tremendously well. I mean he went to play against Real Madrid and did tremendously well, and he is still just growing. He has got another four years of development.

"So that is how I look at a player, I don't look at him in the moment, I look at the progression he is going to go through. If he is doing what he is doing now at a young age imagine if he is coached, if he gets developed. He is just going to explode.

"He is one of those boys that the more he watches the geniuses like Messi or Ronaldo, he learns from them and he can do something just as good because he knows he has the talent to do it. He is a unique player."

Yanga SC assistant captain Juma Abdul has explained how the departure of Luc Eymael will affect them.

Abdul said the sacking of the controversial Belgian will have effects on Timu Ya Wananchi going forward especially because the players and the coach had forged a close relationship.

“We have been affected by [Luc] Eymael's departure because as players we lived with him in good terms and as a family, when one of you leaves it is always hurting,” Abdul told Mwanaspoti.

“But all in all, life has to go on and I believe the club is in the process of looking for another coach. That is right because we have a short period before the next campaign starts.

“It is not going to be easy because it is always not right to have a new coach just before the next season begins. It will take time before the players understand his [new coach's] playing style and philosophy.

“That is why it is always ideal to have a coach for at least one year as that will help the players understand the coach and play as he wants.”

“I also understand that Yanga are going to make a lot of changes and it means many players will leave and many will consequently be signed.

“The new ones will come and join those who are left under a new coach and that is where the problem will be.”

The 27-year old defender has also called on the team’s leadership to ensure they scout and hire the best coach as well as players in order to have a successful 2020/21 season.

“What I am telling the club's management is to look for a coach who is of international standard and who we will easily get to understand in the shortest period possible,” he added

“They also need to sign better players in order to avoid the kind of instability we witnessed in the previous season.

“If better players are going to arrive and gel together with the rest of the squad, we will be far better going forward.”

Eymael was hired early in the year to replace Mwinyi Zahera who had been sacked for poor results especially in the Caf Champions League.

Jose Mourinho has taken a light-hearted swipe at Bruno Fernandes for his Manchester United penalty record, joking that the midfielder "had about 20 to score" in the second half of the season.

United set a new Premier League record for the most penalties won in a single campaign when Anthony Martial was brought down in the box during a crunch clash with Leicester on Sunday.

Fernandes, a €55 million (£50m/$65m) January signing, stepped up to convert the Red Devils' 14th spot-kick of 2019-20, which set them on their way to a 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men secured third place and Champions League qualification as a result, while extending their unbeaten run in the top flight to 14 matches.

United have picked up more points than any other Premier League side since Fernandes' arrival from Sporting CP, with the Portuguese recording 10 goals and eight assists in his first 20 appearances for the club in all competitions.

However, six of the 25-year-old's efforts have come from the penalty spot, and it has been suggested that the Red Devils have benefitted from a number of contentious refereeing decisions and VAR interventions since returning from lockdown in June.

One such incident took place when Solskjaer's men earned a 1-1 draw away at Tottenham last month, with Fernandes scoring an equaliser from 12 yards to cancel out Steven Bergwijn's opener.

Mourinho, who managed United between 2016 and 2018, made it clear post-match that he did not believe that Eric Dier's challenge on Paul Pogba warranted a penalty, and also criticised Fernandes for trying to win another spot-kick late in the game.

The Spurs head coach reignited the row with his former club before embarking on his summer holidays, while fielding questions on the impact Fernandes has had at Old Trafford over the past seven months.

Mourinho told Portuguese publication Record: “Bruno came in, was fit, played very well, improved the United team and also proved to be a great penalty taker, one of the best in the world, because he had about 20 to score."

Fernandes will be back in action with the rest of the United squad when the Europa League resumes next month.

Solskjaer's team beat LASK 5-0 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie back in March, and a last-eight showdown against either İstanbul Basaksehir or Copenhagen awaits if they finish the job at Old Trafford on August 5.

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siyanda Xulu has officially joined Hapoel Tel Aviv. 

According to Xulu's agent Paul Mitchell, the 28-year-old has signed a two-year deal with an option to renew for another year.

"He's signed for Hapoel. It's a two-year deal with an option," Mitchell told Goal. 

"Of course he hasn't travelled to Israel because of the current situation but the deal is done. His new club has announced it as well," he said. 

Mitchell confirmed that Xulu had offers both locally and abroad but he feels the move to Israel is the best for the South Africa international. 

Prior to leaving Maritzburg United, Xulu was heavily linked with a return to Gauteng with Orlando Pirates touted as his possible destination but nothing came out of the rumours.     

"Obviously, he left Maritzburg United on a free. We had a couple of options including him staying there until the end of the season but it didn't happen. 

"But we are happy with the move to Hapoel. It's good for his career," he continued. 

"He had a couple of offers both locally and abroad but we chose Hapoel," concluded Mitchell. 

Xulu returns abroad for the first time since 2015 when he joined Amakhosi on a free transfer from FC Rostov.

The lanky defender had a frustrating two-year stint at Naturena where he struggled for game time during the Steve Komphela era.

He was limited to just 10 appearances across all competitions before Amakhosi decided to let him go in 2017.

Maritzburg United then handed him a lifeline to revive his career, and he did just that, making 89 appearances and scoring four times for them. 

At one stage, Maritzburg United made Xulu the club's captain and he hardly put his foot wrong as he proved just why he was regarded as one of the best defenders in the country. 

His performances at the Team of Choice earned him a return to the Bafana Bafana setup in 2018. 

It was under the stewardship of Stuart Baxter that the Bafana Bafana technical team decided to make Xulu the team's captain at the Cosafa Cup tournament. 

Ghana coach CK Akonnor has disclosed the Football Association (GFA) have still not been able to win over former Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu to play for the Black Stars.

The 21-year-old, who is on the verge of joining English side Southampton, caught attention with a series of outstanding performances in the Spanish La Liga last season, reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United and Atletico Madrid.

Ghana's national team management quickly moved to hand him an international opportunity but the centre-back turned down his first call-up last November and has still not made himself available for national duty for the Black Stars.

“Yes, we’ve tried to reach out to him [Salisu Mohammed] but we’ve been unsuccessful," Akonnor has told Angel TV.

After Salisu announced his breakthrough with fine performances in La Liga last season, then Ghana coach James Kwasi Appiah handed the centre-back a first call-up for a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in November.

The Valladolid man, however, pulled out of the games, citing an injury as his reason.

In March this year, new Ghana coach Akonnor shockingly left Salisu out of a 23-man roster for an Afcon qualifying clash with Sudan, revealing he had been unsuccessful in making contact with the player.

The revelation generated controversy as many questioned the player's patriotism while others speculated a possible international future with Spain as the reason behind his perceived lack of interest.

“With Salisu, I tried to get into contact with him, that didn’t work,” Akonnor said at March's press briefing after announcing his first-ever squad as Ghana coach.

“The last time we played South Africa [and Sao Tome and Principe] he was invited [but] he didn’t come. I’m still in contact with him trying to find out his reasons.”

Salisu only left Ghana in 2017, joining Valladolid from the African Talent Football Academy.

He made 13 league appearances for the Spanish side's B Team in his first season, and doubled the number of outings in 2018-19.

He was drafted into the first team last season and he did not disappoint as he played 31 times in La Liga, starting 30 of the games, scoring once and providing one assist. 

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has clarified midfielder Kenneth Muguna is still a player of the club until next year.

The K’Ogalo captain has in recent weeks been linked with a move away from the club, with other reports indicating he has walked away and will not be at the club for the new season.

Polack has now told Goal the former Western Stima player is still a Gor Mahia player and has a running contract with them.

“Muguna has an 18-month contract remaining at Gor Mahia and so he cannot walk away just like that, it will not be possible,” Polack told Goal when asked about the situation of his captain.

“I have not heard from him whether he wants to leave, he has not told anyone in the club he wants to leave, I have just read stories Muguna is leaving Gor Mahia, but as far as I know, he has a running contract with us and he is part of my plans for the new season.”

Polack continued: “But sometimes we have to understand these players, you know we also have Fifa rules which are very clear, maybe if your club fails to pay you for three months, then you become a free agent unless Muguna is referring to that situation because you know the club is struggling to pay salaries to players and the technical staff.”

On why Gor Mahia released winger Dickson Ambundo, Polack explained: “It was on mutual agreement, I think both parties agreed not to renew the contract which had already run down and I want to wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Gor Mahia have not been actively involved in the current transfer window only managing to sign keeper Levis Opiyo from promoted side Nairobi City Stars.

Polack believes Opiyo is a good addition to the team now they have also released young custodian Patrick Odhiambo, who has been linked with a transfer move to Wazito FC.

“[Opiyo] is a good signing, I watched him play on several occasions last season and I know he can step up and play for a big club like Gor Mahia, but for Peter [Odhiambo], he demanded to leave for playing time and we could not stop him.”

Muguna has been linked with moves to Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga SC).

Kyetume FC goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa has revealed his desire to sign for Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC.

Mutakubwa has been on the Venom's radar for quite some time now and his latest revelations might have just confirmed he will join them with Kyetume also reportedly keen to engage potential suitors.

The goalkeeper is said to have also attracted interests from Express FC and Zanaco of the Zambian Super League.

“It would be every player’s dream come true to feature for their favourite club,” Mutakubwa told Sports Nation concerning the Vipers move.

“However, until the deal is done, I won’t say more about that.”

Mutakubwa is serving the last year of his Kyetume contract and could be a future replacement for Fabian Mutombora at Vipers.

He managed 11 clean sheets during the 2019/20 season and a string of good performances saw coach Johnathan McKinstry give him a national team call for the Cecafa Senior Challenge in 2019.

Uganda won the title at home to take their tally of the regional titles to 15.

“Generally, I would say I didn’t meet my expectations last season because I had set my goals but unfortunately they weren’t met,” he concluded.

“However, I was very happy to be summoned to the national team because I always wished to feature for my country.

“I just wish to improve on my previous performance and to be recalled to the national team and compete.”

Meanwhile, Busoga United’s Jerome Kirya has listed three achievements he would like to enjoy soon.

“I have a lot of dreams for my football career and among those are playing professional football, winning the league and earning a national team call up,” Kirya told Football256.

“I know it is a hard journey, but I trust in God and everything is possible if you trust the Lord, I am confident I will make it.” 

Kirya had a success story during his time as a student as he led Jinja SSS to their first Copa Coca-Cola title.

“Winning the Copa Coca-Cola trophy for Jinja SSS as captain and playing with some senior players in the same team during the inaugural Fufa Drum tournament with the likes of Denis Isinde, Boban Zirintusa, David Bagoole, Aggrey Madoi rank as my best moments so far as a footballer,” the attacking midfielder added.

The star also picked individuals he says have been key to his career development.

“I have passed through thick and thin but I can’t fail to thank my teachers of the game, coach Zungu Hassan, Charles Ayiekho, coach Denis and Wasswa at Busoga United and Jinja SSS respectively.

“I always would also like to appreciate coach Robert Kabanda and Douglas Ssemanda who believed in me and gave me a chance at Kitende SSS to feature for the school team.

"They gave me a challenge that moulded me to who I am.”

Kirya played in 17 out of the 25 Premier League games before the season was cancelled.

Crystal Palace skipper Luka Milivojevic has challenged striker Jordan Ayew to replicate his fine 2019-20 form next season.

The Ghana international capped a good campaign with a treble of honours when The Eagles held their annual End of Season Awards on Tuesday.

After scoring nine times to finish as the club's top scorer, Ayew won the Palace Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season and the Goal of the Season awards.

"When you win Players’ Player of the Season, that has the biggest vote in my opinion," Milivojevic said, as reported by his club's official website.

"It’s something you deserve this season. I think you’ve been amazing, you deserve it, so congratulations and hope to repeat again next season - we need you!"

Ayew's nine-goal haul saw him become Ghana's all-time top scorer in the Premier League, with 25 goals.

“Jordan Ayew has really improved and as the Black Stars coach I am very proud of him. Jordan’s progression has been a very good example, especially for the young players” Ghana CK Akonnor told local radio outfit Angel FM on Ayew's latest achievement.

The forward made 39 Premier League appearances last season, starting in each of the games.

It was a massive improvement on his first term where he netted just once in 20 outings involving 13 starts.

“I’ve worked so hard to get into the team and I think the first season I came into this team wasn’t the best but the club had faith in me, the club wanted me to stay and I wanted to stay as well,” Ayew said after picking up his awards.

"I had the desire to have a better season and things have gone so well. I’m just grateful.

"I want to thank everyone at the football club; I want to thank the fans especially, they’ve been massive for us this season, for me especially they’ve been massive. I’d like to thank all the people that supported me within the difficult moments that I had in my football career.

"When I have this type of award I just think of my family and obviously of the fans. And one man that’s been so influential in my football career: that’s [mentor and former Olympique de Marseille [president] Pape Diouf. I lost him within the period of Covid-19 and he passed away, I wish he was still here so I could present him this."

Ayew has previously played for Swansea City and Aston Villa as well as French sides Olympique Marseille, Sochaux and Lorient.

Neymar "could easily claim" three Ballon d'Or awards before he retires, according to Rivaldo, who says the Paris Saint-Germain star is on track to "become the best in the world".

After four successful seasons at Barcelona, Neymar became the most expensive player in history when he completed a €222 million (£200m/$260m) move to PSG in the summer of 2017.

The 28-year-old has since scored 70 goals in 81 appearances for the club, while picking up three Ligue 1 winners' medals.

However, he has yet to fully justify PSG's initial investment amid persistent struggles with injury and disciplinary issues away from the pitch.

Neymar made no secret of his discontent after a frustrating 2018-19 campaign, and pushed for a return to Barca, but the Spanish champions were unable to agree on a final fee with PSG.

The Brazil international was forced to stay put as a result, and his fitness problems continued in the first half of the new season, before he appeared to reach a turning point in his Parc des Princes career.

Since the turn of the year, the ex-Barca talisman has knuckled down in a bid to rediscover his best form, with his standout performances coming in a last-16 Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund.

Neymar scored decisive goals in both legs as PSG advanced to the quarter-finals, and he also netted the winner in the French Cup final last week, which marked the club's first game back since returning from lockdown.

Thomas Tuchel's men could go on to secure an unprecedented treble when the Champions League resumes next month, and Rivaldo believes his compatriot is finally ready to fulfil his full potential.

"Neymar has been receiving plaudits for the way he is focusing on his football. His attitude seems to be just right at the moment and that can only bode well for PSG in the Champions League," the former Brazil and Barcelona midfielder wrote in his latest column for Betfair.

"He's already 28-years-old, so perhaps he felt it was time to concentrate on being again that sensational player who could easily claim a Ballon d'Or or, in my view, two or three.

"It's not easy for a player to exclusively focus on football when they're surrounded by so much noise and distraction. But Neymar looks more controlled in his behaviour now and he's only showing up on the news for his achievements on the pitch which makes me very happy.

"I'm a great admirer of Neymar and I want him to become the best in the world. I believe that can happen naturally if he manages to keep this new attitude from now on as he is clearly on the right path."

Wilfried Zaha is proud to see the likes of Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford being vocal in the fight against racial discrimination but believes social media platforms must do more to tackle abuse.

Crystal Palace winger Zaha has long been targeted by racist trolls online, revealing he was first sent abusive messages approximately 10 years ago.

With social media platforms growing in popularity over the past decade, it has become something of a regular occurrence to see top-level athletes sharing screenshots of abuse they have received.

England internationals Sterling and Rashford have both found themselves in such scenarios, while Zaha took similar action earlier in July – with a 12-year-old boy arrested on that occasion.

The current generation of players are taking a stand, highlighting abuse in hope of creating change, and Zaha is glad to be witnessing such action.

"Yes, we are [aiming to effect change]," he told CNN Sport . "I'm so happy when I see these other young black players just not having it anymore.

"I'm proud to see it because it's been too long. You can't just sit back and accept it. Enough is enough.

"How are you cheering me when I'm scoring? Then if I'm not doing what you're happy with, I'm a monkey again? How does that make any sense?

"So, I'm proud to see Raheem and Marcus speaking up and making a change."

But Zaha is convinced social media companies must take greater responsibility with respect to eliminating racist abuse.

"Even after the 12-year-old, I reported 50 accounts that I was racially abused from that week," Zaha added. "What happens? Those accounts get blocked then they just make a new one straight afterwards?

"With everything that we register for these days, we have to give some sort of I.D. Why is it not the same for Instagram, or Twitter? Because that's where people tend to say what they really feel about people, no matter how hurtful or racist it is.

"I've gone through my Instagram account and there's a section where you can block certain words.

"I've had to go and write racist words that I don't want to see on my account - the monkey sign, 'black this', 'black that'. All of it. I've tried myself because the social media platforms are obviously not doing enough.

"I know I speak for the majority of people going through this. I've seen Ian Wright and Raheem speak about it. It's not okay. Things have to be done. Words are not enough now. No more statements.

"You can register as a nine-year-old on Instagram and they [the company] wouldn't know. What age is it to register? Thirteen. The boy who abused me is 12. How does he even get on there? What checks are they making?"

Following the Premier League's resumption in June, the competition supported the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained traction after George Floyd – an African-American man – died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.

Club jerseys were adorned with a 'Black Lives Matter' patch, while all players and officials took a knee at the start of every match until the end of the season, but Zaha is bemused that such lengths have to be taken in 2020.

"We shouldn't have to put Black Lives Matter to show that we matter on the back of our shirts," he continued.

"It's 2020. Why is it even in dispute? We shouldn't still be sat here saying we matter and giving reasons why.

"So, yes, it's nice to see this effort now being put towards it, but I hope that pressure is sustained. There's no point me having a full-blown interview here and then going back to racial abuse on my phone again."

Rivaldo says a return to the Premier League is the "best option" for Philippe Coutinho to take this summer, and that the Barcelona flop "could be a regular starter" at Arsenal or Tottenham next season.

Coutinho is due to head back to Barca at the end of the season following a loan spell at Bayern Munich, who have already decided against signing the midfielder on a permanent deal.

Quique Setien, who inherited the managerial reins at Camp Nou in January, insisted that the 28-year-old could be a part of his plans for next season when addressing speculation over his future during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

However, Coutinho's agent revealed this week that there's been "a lot of genuine interest" in his client over the past few months, and that he would like to secure a move back to England if he is forced out of Barcelona.

Kia Joorabchian told talkSPORT  of the Brazil international's current situation: "We've not kept it a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can.

“He adores playing in the Premier League and I think it's one of his priorities, but he's also not against staying in Barcelona so it's very open."

Coutinho established himself as one of the finest young playmakers in Europe during a five-year stint at Liverpool before joining Barcelona for £142 million ($184m) in January 2018.

However, he hasn't been able to reach the same heights in Spain, and Rivaldo thinks he would be wise to retrace his steps.

Arsenal and Tottenham have been among a number of clubs credited with an interest in Coutinho this year, although no formal offers have been submitted as yet.

Rivaldo is adamant that his fellow countryman would fit in well at either club, and has also suggested Leicester as another potential next destination.

"Philippe Coutinho will soon return from his loan at Bayern to Barcelona but I doubt he can revive his career there," the Barca legend told Betfair.

"His best option could be returning to English football where he spent the best seasons of his career and in which his qualities seem to be best suited, as he proved at Liverpool when he was one of the best players in the Premier League.

"At Arsenal, Tottenham or Leicester, Coutinho could be a regular starter next season. It would be a good opportunity for the Brazilian to rediscover his best form and show that he continues to be an excellent player who belongs to the elite."

Zambian side Napsa Stars have confirmed 19 of their members have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The number is the second-largest since Forest Rangers confirmed 28 of their members had tested positive for Covid-19 before the league restarted on July 18.

Buildcon and Zesco United each had two cases confirmed.

“Napsa Stars Football Club wish to inform its supporters and the football fraternity that on Monday, July 2020, Napsa Stars FC undertook Covid-19 tests in line with Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) directive to all clubs to undertake the tests before resuming the league,” Napsa Stars said in a document seen by Goal.

“The results of the tests came out yesterday [July 28] and a total of 19 players and officials [15 players and four staffs] tested positive for Covid-19. All the positive players and officials have so far gone on self-isolation in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines.

“The club is in touch with the Ministry of Health that these are closely monitored to avoid further spread of the virus. The rest of the team has continued with the preparations for the upcoming matches."

Napsa Stars board chairman Choka Nsofu called for proper adherence to prescribed health practises as the club confirmed their first cases.

“The health of our players and officials is of utmost importance to us,” said Nsofu.

“Therefore, we will continue to monitor our football activities under very strict health guidelines that are recommended by our health authorities and the Football Association of Zambia.

“I would like to make an appeal for our players, the fans and the general members of the football fraternity to adhere to all measures including wearing of masks, social distancing and hand sanitisation.”

The club, however, stated they are eager to honour their upcoming matches.

“Napsa Stars further commit to fulfilling its fixtures despite the current circumstances that have forced the team to make some important adjustments,” the statement concluded.

Zambian Super League fixtures are expected to continue being honoured as Green Eagles will face off with Zanaco FC on July 29 at Independence Stadium in Choma.

On July 31, Napsa Stars will host Buildcon at Woodlands Stadium while on Saturday, four matches will be played.

Lusaka Dynamos will be up against league champions Zesco United at Nkoloma Stadium, and the Red Arrows vs Nkana FC clash will be the second match at the same venue.

A single match has been scheduled for Lumwana Stadium with Lumwana Radiants hosting Kabwe Warriors while the Kansanshi Dynamos vs Green Eagles tie will be played at Independence Stadium in Solwezi.

On August 2, Green Buffaloes will host KYSA at Edwin Imboela in Lusaka, Mufulira Wanderers will play Nkwazi at Shinde Stadium while the Nakambala Leopards against Zanaco encounter will be hosted at Nakambala Mazabuka.

Finally, the Power Dynamos vs Forest Rangers match will be played at Arthur Davies Stadium.

Kenyan legend Mike Kisaghi has opined Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should leave the club for greener pastures ‘if they cannot pay him what he wants.”

The future of the Gabon star, who finished the season as Arsenal's top scorer and joint-second in the Premier League with 22 goals, has been up in the air throughout the season, after being linked to various clubs.

There are fears the North London club will be required to cash in on Aubameyang this summer if he refuses to put pen to paper, rather than risk losing him for nothing in a year’s time.

The 31-year-old club captain has just one year left on his deal at the Emirates and is understood to be a seeking £250,000-a-week salary.

The Gunners striker has been strongly linked with a transfer to Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid for a price as low as £20million.

Kisaghi, who played for Gor Mahia in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), believes winning trophies should not be considered as a key factor for Aubameyang to decide his future but he should instead look at what the Gunners are offering him financially.

“Number one it's all about if he feels really wanted at Arsenal, that is clear, he is needed considering his goal returns since he joined,” Kisaghi, who also played for Kenya’s Harambee Stars, told Goal on Wednesday.

“Two is about how he wants his contract to read. He is in his thirties and that’s the age of when a strikers’ graph starts to bend downwards, so he has to sign a big contract - moneywise.

“Is the club ready to give it to him [a new contract] as much as they need him? A question Arsenal has to answer, he wants a big payday, forget about wanting to win trophies, that’s a scarecrow, not the real reason.

“He has won trophies at Borussia Dortmund with Jurgen [Klopp] and if the club can't pay him what he wants, well there are clubs which are able to pay him better, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, and Inter Milan. It’s all in Arsenal’s hands now.”

Aubameyang is currently on a £180,000-a-week contract and negotiations are believed to be moving in the right direction and he recently hinted at staying at the Emirates in an Instagram live video with his brother Willy.

Aubameyang, who joined Arsenal from Dortmund for £60m in 2018, will finally get the chance to get his hands on some silverware with the club when the Gunners face Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Sunday.

A reunion with Jose Mourinho could be on the cards for Willian this summer, according to Darren Bent, who says that the Chelsea star would be a better fit for Tottenham than Arsenal.

Willian will become a free agent at the end of the season unless he agrees on a contract extension with the Blues.

The 31-year-old would reportedly like to commit his future to Chelsea through to 2024, but the club are only prepared to grant him an extra two years at Stamford Bridge.

Kia Joorabchian, who represents Willian, has revealed that two Premier League clubs have already submitted offers for his client, and he has also been sounded out for a potential move to MLS.

Spurs and Arsenal have been the two clubs most heavily linked with the Brazil international this year, while Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in his services.

Bent thinks the Gunners already boast plenty of depth in attacking areas, but he can see Willian slotting into Mourinho's starting line-up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium seamlessly.

Mourinho was the man who lured the midfielder to the Bridge from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013, and the ex-Spurs striker would not be surprised if the pair were to link up again next month.

“I think Spurs would be in for him with the whole Mourinho factor, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal were interested – they want all of Chelsea’s leftovers… this is one I’d actually take, though!" Bent told talkSPORT.

“But, you look at Arsenal’s front line and they’ve got Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah, Bukayo Saka… there are quite a few there so he might not suit Arsenal.

“He might not get as much game time and signing him could also stunt the growth of a player like Martinelli.

“But as far as Spurs, he’d fit right in there.

“Their right-hand side has been a problem, they’ve tried Steven Bergwijn and they’re tried Lucas Moura out there and its hasn’t quite worked.

“But if you now go Willian, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, that changes the whole dynamic of that team going forward.”

Bent did, however, insist that Chelsea would be making a mistake by allowing Willian to join a main rival, with it his belief that the Brazilian still has plenty to offer despite heading towards the twilight years of his career.

He added: “If I was Chelsea I’d give Willian a three-year contract. What’s the issue?

Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng has admitted that he would consider any propositions made to him from Premier League sides.

The 31-year-old’s future is currently unclear, and while the likelihood is that he will remain with the Allianz Arena side, who he helped to the Bundesliga title this season, there is no certainty as to where he will play next term.

He played 34 fixtures this season with Bayern, whose Champions League campaign is yet to conclude, but though he is a starter, that does not guarantee anything.

“I wouldn’t say no,” the former Manchester City man told CGTN Sports, China’s global television network, when asked about his prospects of a return to England.

“I love watching the Premier League and I loved playing there. It helped me a lot to train with world-class players.

“I don’t know what will happen next. You never know but it’s not like I would say that I don’t want to play there. It’s definitely one of my favourite leagues.”

Boateng’s previous spell in English football’s top flight saw him turn out during the 2010-11 season with Manchester City, but he struggled to impose himself at the Etihad Stadium, where he played 24 times without getting a goal or an assist. His campaign, however, was cut short due to a knee injury.

Frustrated at playing largely as a right-back in Manchester, which he believed hampered his chances of playing with the Germany national side, he pushed for a move to Bayern that was granted in July 2011 and he has subsequently established himself as one of the game’s foremost central defenders.

He has won eight Bundesliga titles with Bayern, while he has also picked up the DFB Pokal five times and the 2013 Champions League title.

He successfully broke into the Germany team and was memorably involved in their 2014 World Cup-winning run in Brazil, which included a fixture against Ghana that saw him square up against brother Kevin-Prince in a 2-2 draw in Fortaleza. 

In total, he made 76 appearances for Germany, scoring a single goal against Slovakia at Euro 2016, before being infamously axed by head coach Joachim Low along with Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller in March 2019.

Lille have contacted Tout Puissant Mazembe for the transfer of the Democratic Republic of the Congo international striker Jackson Muleka.

Following some impressive showings in this season’s Caf Champions League in which he managed seven goals in 10 games, Muleka has attracted widespread interest, especially from North Africa.

Ligue 1 returnees RC Lens, as well as Belgian giants Anderlecht and Standard Liege, were also reportedly after the Congolese forward.

But it is Lille who appear likely to win his signature and the French side have since opened talks with the five-time African champions.

TP Mazembe sporting director and general manager Frederic Kintengie confirmed that Belgian First Division A side Royal Mouscron approached the Congolese side on behalf of the Ligue 1 outfit.

Mouscron, who are Lille's satellite club, are reportedly keen on securing Muleka on a loan deal from Lille if they sign the player.

The striker is, however, being touted as a possible replacement for Lille's Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, whose services are seriously being sought after by Napoli.

"At the end of last week, Lille acknowledged that Mouscron was acting on their behalf and that from this week, Lille will come to TP Mazembe and we will discuss," Kintengie told Top Congo FM as per Media Congo.

Some reports have indicated that Mazembe are asking for €2.5 million for Muleka’s services.

“Regarding the money, Mazembe has not yet spoken of the amount. This is speculation by agents and the press. Mazembe is not here to ask for too little or too much money,” said Kintengie.

Portuguese Primeira Liga side Boavista have also emerged as angling to sign Muleka on loan from Lille if the Ligue 1 side manages to sign him.

“We absolutely have to bypass the influence of the agents. Lille are keen on having Jackson Muleka and would like to place him first in either Mouscron or Boavista before he returns to France,” continued Kintengie.

Muleka has been capped four times by DR Congo and has managed one goal for the national team.