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Pep Guardiola is happy with his squad even though Manchester City have not signed a striker in the summer with the transfer deadline ticking down.

City have been chasing Tottenham forward Harry Kane all summer but so far no agreement has been reached for the England international.

With fewer than two weeks until the end of the transfer window, Guardiola would be happy to go into the season with £100 million British record transfer signing Jack Grealish as his only new signing.

What has been said?

“Absolutely - more than happy," he told a news conference ahead of the Premier League clash with Norwich City when asked about the shape of his squad. "It’s the same team expect for Jack Grealish and Sergio Aguero that we had last season.”

Kane remains City’s top target if they are to get a deal done before the deadline despite the Premier League champions being linked with Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic and more recently Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich.

On his former striker, Guardiola said: “Lewy is such an important player for Bayern Munich and he will stay at Bayern Munich. I am not going to talk with 11 days left in the transfer market. I don’t what’s going to happen, nobody knows. Tomorrow we have a game then we will prepare for the Arsenal game.”

Team news

Guardiola was without many of his first-team players on the opening Premier League day of the season when they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham, while Kane also missed the match.

The City boss is hoping to have many of them back to face Norwich although Kevin De Bruyne faces a late fitness test after missing training.

Ilkay Gundogan suffered a shoulder injury in the defeat at Spurs but is available for Saturday’s game at Etihad Stadium.

“The rest of the team, everybody is fit except Phil Foden for after the international break and Kevin has a bit of a problem with his ankle,” Guardiola said. “Gundogan is fit and Kevin we will see tomorrow.”

Further reading

Julian Nagelsmann is unfazed by the speculation suggesting Robert Lewandowski is looking for a way out of Bayern Munich, with the prolific Polish striker offering no indication to his manager that he wants a move.

Rumours have started to circulate regarding the future of the 32-year-old frontman who has spent seven goal and trophy-laden seasons at Allianz Arena.

It has been suggested Lewandowski wants a new challenge before it becomes too late with Manchester United and Real Madrid among his long-standing suitors, but Bayern are taking the gossip with a pinch of salt.

What has been said?

Bayern boss Nagelsmann told reporters: "That doesn't bother me at all, if I'm being honest. That is part of the business. 

"If I were not a manager at Bayern, but at another big club, I would always ask about that name and hope that something would work. It's because he scores a lot and is the most dangerous striker out there. This is completely normal. 

"The only thing that matters to me is how the player reacts - and Lewy is in top shape. He talks a lot to me and the players in training. He is not a satellite that isolates himself and hopes that he will go away. 

"He feels good, which was also shown by his performance against Dortmund. Even in training. A player who wants to leave would not do that. 

"It is part of life that there are rumors. Live and let live, journalists and footballers alike. When the footballer is in a good mood, and that's the case, we're all happy."

What about new deals for Goretzka and Kimmich?

While batting away the Lewandowski rumours, Nagelsmann also remains calm when it comes to the respective futures of Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich.

Both men are said to be in line for new contracts, with Goal revealing the former has agreed terms, and those calling the shots at the Bundesliga champions are confident deals will be done.

Nagelsmann added: "In general, I don't sleep that badly (because of their contract situations). Josh and Leon's situations are similar to Lewy's. I don't talk to them about their contractual situation every day. I think things look good with both of them. 

"It's perfectly normal for them to want to hear what the new coach is talking about. Do I want to work with him or not. If we take a few more steps there, I think it will look pretty good too."

Bayern, who saw off arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund last time out in the DFL-Supercup, will be back in action on Sunday when playing host to Koln.

Further reading

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Christian Pulisic has tested positive for Covid-19, with the United States international set to sit out the Blues' derby date with Arsenal as a result.

The Champions League title holders are due at Emirates Stadium on Sunday for a Premier League meeting with their London neighbours.

Pulisic, who opened his goal account for the season in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last time out, will play no part against Mikel Arteta's side as he must serve a period of self-isolation.

What has been said?

Chelsea boss Tuchel told reporters when asked for an update on his plans, with Hakim Ziyech and N'Golo Kante in contention to figure: "Christian has unfortunately had a positive test and needs to follow the protocols. 

"He's not been training and is not available for the game.

"Hakim and N'Golo both trained yesterday (Thursday) so we need to have a more physically intense session tomorrow (Saturday) and decide tomorrow. Right now, it seems very positive that both can be in the squad for Sunday."

Will Lukaku make his debut against Arsenal?

While Pulisic's absence delivers an untimely blow to Chelsea's pre-match plans, they do have a new £98 million ($133m) attacker ready to step in.

Romelu Lukaku has been brought back to Stamford Bridge for a second spell, with Tuchel expecting the Belgium international to make his bow as the Blues' new No.9 this weekend.

He said of a big-money addition: "We have one more training session to go but the week was a heavy load. 

"He was with the group with the late starters, so it was an overload week so far. Today was low intensity and tomorrow we will have an important session before the match. We hope he will be on the pitch on Sunday and it looks likely."

Is Chalobah in line for new contract?

While discussing team selection matters, Tuchel was also quizzed on his future plans for 22-year-old defender Trevor Chalobah.

The promising youngster scored on his Premier League debut against Palace and is now being lined up for a new contract in west London.

Asked about those discussions, Tuchel said: "He did a fantastic pre-season with us. He is a top player and a top character. 

"He took his chance very impressively. He played very good matches in pre-season, performed for 120 minutes against Villarreal and another strong 90 minutes against Crystal Palace. 

"It's logical that he stays here. He is a guy we want to keep and this is his status."

Further reading

Karim Benzema has signed a new two-year deal at Real Madrid to continue leading the line as the club's No.9.

The France international forward was announced as having penned an extension to his current contract, keeping him at Santiago Bernabeu until summer 2023.

It is understood the 33-year-old striker will now have a €1 billion release clause, seemingly ensuring the remaining years of his top-level playing career will be spent in Madrid.

Benzema stays at Madrid

While Romelu Lukaku has joined Chelsea this summer, and other leading strikers such as Robert Lewandowski and Ering Haaland have been linked with moves, it never appeared likely that Benzema would ever depart Madrid.

The veteran striker has been open about wanting to renew his Real deal, and the long and successful partnership between player and club has now been renewed.

He is the sixth first-team player to sign a new Madrid contract this summer, following Luka Modric, Nacho, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez and Thibaut Courtois. 

A Real legend

His new deal gives Benzema a chance to continue setting records and landmarks as he has ever since moving to Madrid from Lyon 12 years ago, in summer 2009.

Benzema is number five in the Madrid list of all-time club top scorers with 281 goals, including 194 in La Liga - with two in the victory over Alaves to open the 2021-22 season - and 59 in the Champions League.

He has 71 Champions League goals in total across his career with Lyon and Madrid - only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Lewandowski have more.

In terms of titles, Benzema has accumulated 19 major trophies at Santiago Bernabeu, including four Champions Leagues and three Liga crowns.

Further Reading

Amad Diallo has been advised to seek a loan move away from Manchester United, with Ivory Coast coach Patrice Beaumelle eager to see the 19-year-old get minutes ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Elephants will be in continental action in January 2022, with there a number of European-based players set to play a prominent role in their plans.

Diallo will make the cut if fit, but he could be short on match sharpness if he sticks around at Old Trafford and plays a bit-part role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the Premier League heavyweights.

What has been said?

The talented teenager has seen a loan switch mooted and Beaumelle would like to see Diallo push a deal through, telling BBC Sport: "We are four or five months before Afcon and I would love him to play more games.

"When you have talent like Amad Diallo has, he needs to show it and to improve on the field.

"I think that if he is not playing too much for Manchester United for now it is better to go on loan to show he deserves to be in the line-up or to play more for Manchester United."

Beaumelle added, with Eric Bailly another Ivorian on the Red Devils' books that could struggle for game time in 2021-22: "Of course I would like them to play more games but to play at Manchester United is not easy.

"Like other players, like Serge Aurier at Tottenham etc etc. But I call them every week.

"To play for the country and with the orange jersey, for them it brings a lot of joy and happiness and it's very important. So I'm sure they will do the job."

Will Bailly be frozen out at Man Utd?

Diallo's club colleague and fellow countryman committed to a new contract with United in April.

He has, however, seen the Red Devils snap up Raphael Varane from Real Madrid since then, with the World Cup winner dropped into a centre-half talent pool alongside Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

Bailly was already struggling for recognition before ranks were further bolstered, but he is determined to prove his worth and help chase down long-awaited major silverware in Manchester.

He told United's official website: "We have a very strong squad – we have brought in Varane, who has good experience and is a very good player. Ten years, I think he had in Spain, winning many trophies and that is very good for the mentality of the team.

"Varane has played a few games against United and many other English clubs and I know he is ready to give everything for the team.

"For me, this season, the first thing is to be injury-free, to train well and wait for my time.

"That’s my mentality. With the team, I hope we win many, many trophies. Last season, we played well and were second in the league and we lost in the final to Villarreal, but always, in football, you have another chance and I think this year is one for us to try to win many trophies."

Further reading

Philippe Coutinho has been offered hope that he may yet have a future at Barcelona, but Ronald Koeman admits the path is clear for Miralem Pjanic and Samuel Umtiti to head out of Camp Nou.

The Liga giants have spent much of the summer desperately trying to get big earners off their books, with financial struggles in Catalunya forcing club legend Lionel Messi to walk away as a free agent and link up with Paris Saint-Germain.

Brazil international Coutinho has been one of those that Barca are open to offers for, but the former Liverpool star will have a part to play in the 2021-22 plans of his manager if no move materialises before the next deadline.

What has been said?

Koeman told reporters when asked about Coutinho, who will not be involved in a meeting with Athletic Club on Saturday: "Philippe is out because I think he needs one more week to train with the group before being called up. 

"I do count on him because he is a great player. He can be important for Barca. He started playing last year, then he had an injury. I really count on Coutinho for this season."

The Barca boss added: "Coutinho can play in various positions. He can play from the left wing. 

"We have lost goals with Messi and we have to look for them in other players. Philippe is one of them."

Who will be leaving?

While Coutinho could see a slate wiped clean by the Blaugrana, Pjanic and Umtiti have been advised to find themselves another club after being firmly frozen out at Camp Nou.

Bosnian midfielder Pjanic has seen a return to Juventus mooted, while World Cup-winning French centre-half Umtiti is being linked with clubs in Ligue 1 and the Premier League.

Koeman added on the out-of-favour duo: "There are players like them who have a very difficult time having minutes, but the final decision is always on the part of the players. 

"They have a complicated position, yes."

Koeman did, however, offer hope to Danish forward Martin Braithwaite and his chances of fending off transfer talk to become a key man in an ambitious side.

The Dutchman said: "We know the situation of the club, if there is interest in him, we listen.

"He showed that he is important to the team. I love working with him. Disciplined, he accepts his role. For me, I think that he has to stay.”

Further reading

United States men's national team midfielder Owen Otasowie has departed Premier League club Wolves after signing for Club Brugge on a permanent deal.

Otasowie, who has one senior cap for the USMNT, has joined up with the champions of Belgium after struggling for regular first-team minutes at Molineux.

The 20-year-old made his Premier League debut in December 2020 and went on to make six league appearances for Wolves, but has been sold by new manager Bruno Lage.

What has been said?

Club Brugge, who claimed the Belgian First Division A title last season, confirmed that Otasowie has signed a four-year contract until the summer of 2025.

Otasowie, who joined Wolves' academy in 2017 having previously been on the books of West Ham, was revealed in a video which showed images from New York - his home town - and Wolverhampton, as well as the Belgian city, before revealing he has been given the No.8 shirt, having donned No.54 for Wolves.

Wolves technical director Scott Sellars told his club's website: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Owen to further his career. Our academy brought a boy from London at 15 and really developed him to become a full international and play in the Premier League, which shows the great work being done here.

“Our job is to develop players to fulfil their potential. If it’s to play in our first team then great, but it is obviously very difficult to make the grade in the Premier League, so if it means we’ll develop them and sell them, that is an important part of our strategy as well.

“In this case we have worked hard to develop Owen as a player and a person, and we have turned a young prospect into a multi-million pound player, and that will only benefit the Wolves academy and our other young players coming through."

Otasowie at Wolves

Otasowie made his professional debut in December 2019, in a Europa League clash between Wolves and Besiktas.

The midfielder was handed his full Premier League debut in Wolves’ victory over Chelsea on December 15 last year, coming on as a half-time substitute in place of Leander Dendoncker. He made his first start six days later in a 2-1 league defeat against Burnley.

Born in the United States to Nigerian parents, the youngster began his youth career at Mass Elite Academy, before teaming up with West Ham and then Wolves.

Otasowie received his first call up to the USMNT for games against Wales and Panama in November 2020, and made his international bow in the 0-0 draw with the Welsh, coming on as an 87th minute sub.

Further Reading

Atletico Madrid are interested in Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, Goal can confirm, but the Liga champions will not be paying €70 million-plus (£60m/$82m) for the Serbia international.

Clubs from across Europe, including Premier League heavyweights Manchester City and Tottenham, have been linked with a player who scored 21 Serie A goals last season.

The title holders from Spain form part of that chasing pack, but those at Wanda Metropolitano are making it clear that they will not be dragged into a bidding war.

What is the current situation with Vlahovic?

Fiorentina have admitted to interest being shown in their prized asset, with club president Rocco Commisso acknowledging that he "would think about it" if a €100m (£86m/$117m) offer was put to him.

Atletico are said to have a €50m (£43m/$58m) bid on the table, with those terms including various other bonuses and a sell-on fee, and that approach is being mulled over.

There will be no raising of the bar, though, by the Rojiblancos if they are knocked back by the Viola, with there no way that they can push a fee towards the €100m mark.

Fiorentina would prefer to retain Vlahovic's services for another year, tying him to a new contract in the process that keeps his value high and allows him to bring in a bigger salary.

Do Atletico have alternative options?

Vlahovic is not the only forward that Atletico have their sights on, with long-term plans being put in place.

They will not pay over the odds for any player, with there a clear recruitment policy in the Spanish capital when it comes to living within collective means.

It would be irresponsible for them to push too hard for Vlahovic and end up investing more than they can really afford in a single player, so, with that in mind, alternative targets are being lined up.

One of those is a recent gold medal winner at Tokyo 2020, with Brazilian star Matheus Cunha another of those to be attracting plenty of admiring glances.

He is currently on the books of Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, but the 22-year-old could be lured to pastures new by an enticing offer.

Further reading

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A good football kit bag has a few jobs to do. It needs to keep your gear dry and protected, it needs to store your muddy boots safely, and it needs to be easy to carry.

More than that, additional features can improve your situation by ensuring your footwear stays ventilated, your wet kit is stored separately ready for the washing machine, your valuables get zipped away securely, or it could even be as simple as adding padding making sure the strap doesn’t dig in. 

These bags can take you from training to match-day and can even double up as handy bags for travelling with. Whether you prefer a professional backpack with all the bells and whistles or just a standard sturdy holdall, there is a perfect bag out there for you. Here are 24 football kit bags to make life a lot easier on any budget.

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3. This lightweight brightly coloured Nike Stash duffel bag can tuck away inside the front pocket when you aren’t using it. 

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7. This Mitre holdall has a padded strap for maximum comfort and comes in five different colours to coordinate with whichever team you represent.

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20. This classic gym bag from Amazon has a roomy side compartment for trainers.

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21. This large but compact hard-case Kipsta sports bag has 5 different compartments and was designed by observing footballers going to and from matches and training.

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22. Sick of getting your kit muddy but don’t fancy buying a whole new bag? This compact Nike Mercurial boot bag is perfect for keeping your boots stored safely.

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23. This classic no-frills Exxi duffel bag comes in five different colours and features the iconic Kappa logo on either end.

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24. And finally, this extra small Brasilia bag from Nike is perfect for those who don’t like big bags. 

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Jurgen Klopp will make a late decision on whether to involve Fabinho in Liverpool's Premier League clash with Burnley this weekend, following the death of the Brazilian's father.

The midfielder has been left devastated by the sudden passing of Joao Roberto, with his wife, Rebeca Tavares, confirming the news on Friday.

Tavares wrote: "Father-in-law, you will always be remembered with that smile and passion. I thank God for the privilege of having known you. Your grandchildren will know the amazing grandfather they had. I love you father-in-law! I will take good care of your son #RIP." 

What did Klopp say?

Liverpool tweeted their support for Fabinho on Friday morning, and speaking at his lunchtime press conference, Klopp told reporters: "It's a private situation. Fab is here and is doing what he is able to do. 

"We gave him our condolences. We all feel for him and are with him. We gave him all the warmth we have at this moment. The rest is private."

While Fabinho remains on Merseyside, it is unlikely that he will be asked to play against Burnley, with Liverpool able to use a host of alternative midfield options.

Team-mate Alisson Becker was left out of a game at Sheffield United following the passing of his father, Jose, back in February, while Klopp too suffered the loss of his mother, Elisabeth, in January.

Who is likely to play for Liverpool against Burnley?

Liverpool will at least have options in Fabinho's absence. James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started in midfield at Norwich last weekend, while Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Curtis Jones are all available for selection having missed the trip to Carrow Road.

Exciting teenager Harvey Elliott is another possible option, while Ben Woodburn was on the bench last weekend though is unlikely to make the squad this time around.

Woodburn, 21, is wanted by a number of clubs on loan, including Scottish Premiership side Hearts.

Further reading

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the signing of highly-rated winger Ntsako Makhubela from Golden Arrows.

The Bucs are strengthening ahead of the new campaign, and the addition of the forward will be a boost in the attacking department. With the Soweto heavyweights aiming at challenging for the PSL, the new development is, no doubt, a positive gesture for the supporters. 

"Orlando Pirates is pleased to announce the signing of Ntsako 'Neverdie' Makhubela from Golden Arrows," the team confirmed on Friday afternoon.

The 27-year-old joined Arrows from Real Kings who ply trade in the South African second-tier competition. He has been the key player for his immediate former team, playing 53 matches in the process.

In the 2019/20 season, he featured 23 times for his immediate former team and scored one goal, providing an assist as well. In the concluded season, he scored the same number of matches, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

Meanwhile, former Bucs striker Jerry Sikhosana believes Gavin Hunt is the best candidate to take over from Josef Zinnbauer. The German resigned on Monday after pressure from the fans after recent elimination from the MTN8 Cup.

Benni McCarthy and Zinnbauer's former understudy Mandla Ncikazi are also being tipped to take the helm of Pirates, Sikhosana insists that Hunt, who has won the Premier Soccer League title four times, would be the best man for the job.

"Mandla Ncikazi had a small team without any pressure. He had time to build Golden Arrows," Sikhosana told Power FM as quoted by SowetanLive.

"It is the same as [coach] Steve Komphela when he did the same with Arrows with Ncikazi as his assistant coach. We are now talking about Benni [McCarthy] at AmaZulu, there's no pressure there. Bring Benni at Orlando Pirates, I am telling you that five to six months down the line people will be speaking negatively about him.

"Sure, things did not work for Gavin at Chiefs, but it is because he could not sign players. And another thing, it was hard because he had players that he could not use as they could not register them and that frustrated him.  

"Gavin Hunt will bounce back. I believe Gavin can lead Orlando Pirates. I would prefer Gavin at Pirates."

US men's national team defender Matt Miazga has completed a season-long loan deal from Chelsea to Alaves until June 2022.

The Liga club will also have an option to buy the 26-year-old, who embarks on his fifth loan in his fifth different country.

It comes with Miazga having made just two appearances for the Blues since his £3.5 million ($5 million) transfer from New York Red Bulls in 2016.

How has Miazga performed on loan?

Miazga has played 156 games while on loan in various European leagues, beginning with Vitesse in the Netherlands, where he won the club's first-ever KNVB Cup.

It was followed by a troubled time at French club Nantes, where he played just nine times before the loan was cut short. Reading then signed Miazga on loan for 18 months where he excelled but couldn't secure a permanent deal.

Finally, Miazga spent last season at Vincent Kompany's Anderlecht, who qualified for the Conference League after narrowly missing out on the Europa League and Champions League in the Belgian league play-offs.

Before moving on loan to Belgium, Chelsea extended Miazga's contract until 2023.

What else is happening in and around Chelsea?

Chelsea are weighing up whether to add £68m ($93m) rated Jules Kounde to their squad after deciding that Trevoh Chalobah will remain with the club this season. The 22-year-old homegrown star will also get a new contract.

Marseille are pushing ahead to sign Ike Ugbo from under the noses of Genk after they had agreed on a £4m ($5m) deal.

Davide Zappacosta is in advanced talks with Fiorentina over a permanent move back to Italy. Meanwhile, Tiemoue Bakayoko is in talks with AC Milan over a move back to his former loan club.

Ross Barkley, Baba Rahman and Danny Drinkwater are also inviting offers over permanent moves. Dujon Sterling is set to move on loan and have his contract extended by at least two years after a good pre-season under Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea are accelerating exits from Stamford Bridge, with Emerson Palmieri having joined Lyon, Kenedy moving to Flamengo and Michy Batshuayi departing for Besiktas.

Further reading

Leon Goretzka has agreed a new contract with Bayern Munich, Goal and Spox can confirm, with the Germany international set to bring unwelcome exit talk at the Allianz Arena to a close.

With questions being asked of the Germany international's future, as his current deal is due to expire in 2022, speculation had suggested that Premier League giants Manchester United were among his many suitors.

Fresh terms have, however, been thrashed out in Bavaria and the highly-rated 26-year-old midfielder will not be going anywhere any time soon.

How long is Goretzka's new contract?

It is understood that Bayern have everything in place for Goretzka to sign his new deal.

A few minor details still need to be ironed out, but pen will be put to paper to shortly.

A long-term agreement is on the table, worth between 12 and 15 million euros (£10m/$14m-£13m/$18m) a year, with it expected that Goretzka's services will be retained through to the summer of 2026.

What had been said?

Bayern have always been confident when it comes to talks with Goretzka.

They were, however, keen to point out that they would not be held to ransom by any of those entering into contract discussions.

Club president Herbert Hainer said when asked about Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich, who is also seeing fresh terms mooted: "They will certainly not be kept at any cost.

"The players know what they have at Bayern, they are paid very well here too, everyone gets their salary. And they can win titles with us now, and also in the future."

Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann said when he was quizzed on Goretzka: "Of course I have talked to him about my plans for him. I’ve told him I’d be happy if he extended and I'm also confident.

"There are several topics involved when it comes to discussing a contract extension.

"I’ll continue to focus on the sports side of things and show him he can be one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe. He has potential to get even better."

Further reading

South African youth international Khanya Leshabela believes it is time for him to experience "men's football" after sealing a loan move to Shrewsbury Town from Leicester City.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been a regular for the Leicester U23 side, and with chances of getting a senior team spot limited, he opted to play for League One outfit to continue his development.

"I'm just grateful to be given the opportunity to start off my career in men's football," Leshabela said as quoted by ShropshireStar. "I am excited and looking forward to it."

"I have learned a lot [at Leicester], but I just felt it was a time in my career where I needed to experience men's football. It has been a great time there."

The youngster is keen on playing as many games as possible, and help in creating goals and convert those chances that come his way.

"I would say I am box-to-box, I like to get around the place; [I have] got a bit of flair," Leshabela continued.

"The main thing is just to play games and get minutes in men's football and to get my numbers up, goals and assists, and to help the team get to where they want to be.

"They spoke very well, the club, and I'm happy to be here and ready to get going."

Speaking after signing the player, Town’s Manager Steve Cotterill was delighted to welcome the midfielder to the club and was looking forward to working with the promising youngster.

"He's a lad we have been looking at for a while," Cotterill told the club's official portal. "He's been on trial with Luton for a little while and I think they were interested in a permanent deal.

"Leicester didn't want to do that, and as it's evolved as every transfer does, we were able to step in - we are pleased to have him.

"He's another young player that I wanted to add to our squad. I've said all along, I want a young squad with vibrance and full of energy - he's got all of those things.

"He’s a tough boy and a really nice lad. He gives us that extra competition in midfield where we've been light since Ollie Norburn left."

Born in Soshanguve, South Africa, Leshabela grew up in Northampton, England and he started his career at Leicester where he signed his first professional contract in January 2019 before making his Premier League debut in March 2021.

Though his parents were originally from Limpopo, he began his career with the academies of Parklands Tigers and Gregory Celtics, before moving to Leicester in 2013.

The new season has started, big Virgil’s back and the Reds are flying - life’s looking pretty good for Liverpool fans right now.

How much better would it look if you had a new 21/22 season Liverpool FC shirt in which to enjoy the games and impress your fellow reds? Well thanks to Standard Chartered you could be one of 50 Liverpool fans doing just that very soon by entering the #SCKitChallenge.

It could not be easier to enter - simply post yourself pulling on a shirt quickly or in your own style and post to any of your social media accounts using the hashtag #SCKitChallenge and you could be a winner.

But you’d better be quick - the competition closes soon.

Watch some of the Liverpool Women’s players show you how it’s done in the video below and get your entry in this weekend as the team look to make it two from two at home to Burnley.

James Rodriguez continues to see a summer transfer mooted before the August 31 deadline, with the Colombia international admitting: "I don't even know who Everton are playing".

The 30-year-old playmaker appears to have little future on Merseyside, with Rafa Benitez questioning his fitness during pre-season and leaving him out of a 2021-22 Premier League opener against Southampton.

The South American star is now waiting on updates regarding his next move, with little attention being paid to what his current colleagues have on their agenda.

What has been said?

Speaking on his personal Twitch channel, James said: "I will start training on Monday, I think.

"On the weekend I will not play, I don't even know who Everton are playing, can you please tell me?

"I think it is away because the last game was here at home. Ah, against Leeds they play, away from home, against [Marcelo] Bielsa, a difficult game, let's see what happens, hopefully they win."

Will James leave Everton?

The former Real Madrid star was reunited with ex-Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park during the summer of 2020.

He took in 26 appearances across all competitions last season, with six goals and eight assists contributed to the collective cause.

Ancelotti has departed, though, and James is now waiting to discover whether links to the likes of AC Milan and Atletico Madrid will deliver a change of scenery for him.

"I have faith that this season will be good for me, big things are coming for me," he added.

"Between now and August 31, anything can happen, I don't know where I'll play, I'll be where things go well."

Further reading

Kenyans have taken to their social media pages to register their displeasure at the Harambee Stars squad named on Friday ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.

Coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee announced a 36-man provisional squad ahead of the Uganda game but the fans have questioned the absence of Simba SC defender Joash Onyango and the inclusion of two goalkeepers from Kariobangi Sharks.

Sharks are owned by Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa and in the squad, they have produced five players among them two goalkeepers – Brian Bwire and Brandon Obiero - as well as defender Daniel Sakari, midfielder Patillah Omotto, and striker Erick Kapaito.

The inclusion of the two keepers from one team has left fans questioning whether the squad was indeed compiled by Mulee or Mwendwa's hand was on it.

Another talking point from the squad is the absence of defender Joash Onyango, who currently turns out for Simba SC of Tanzania, and captain Victor Wanyama, who features for CF Montreal in Major League Soccer.

Some of the notable inclusions in the squad include defender Joseph Okumu of KAA Gent (Belgium), Sweden-based Eric Johanna, Eric Ouma of AIK (Sweden), Al-Duhail SC’s striker Michael Olunga, and the Zambia-based trio of Ian Otieno (Zesco United), Duke Abuya (Nkana FC), and Duncan Otieno (Power Dynamos).

Kenya will compete in Group E alongside Rwanda, Mali, and Uganda and will open their campaign against the Cranes on September 2, at Nyayo Stadium, after which they will travel to face Rwanda on Friday, September 3, 2021.

Below is how the fans reacted on Twitter to the naming of the squad.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane believes it is not enough to celebrate goals with just his teammates but the fans too, and the return of spectators to stadiums is an extra motivation for him.

Supporters have been allowed back in stadiums this season after being restricted for the previous season and a half owing to Covid-19.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's home match against Burnley on Saturday, the Senegal international said the fans enjoy goals more than the scorer and it is special celebrating the moment with them.

"For sure, you need the fans [to celebrate properly]," Mane said as quoted by LiverpoolEcho. "You need those people."

"Celebrating with your teammates is not enough, I think you need to celebrate with the fans.

"It is always special to score goals in front of the fans, celebrate with them, and see the way they celebrate. I think sometimes they enjoy it more than yourself!

"So this gives you... I can’t explain it... it gives you extra motivation and an extra boost to go again for them and for the team."

The 29-year-old is optimistic the impact by the fans will be positive after the struggles experienced in the 2020/21 campaign where they laboured to a third-place finish.

"Like I always said, football without fans, I think it’s not football," Mane continued.

"Obviously last year, to be honest, we missed our fans a lot and honestly I think this season is going to be a different season. Especially because fans are back in the stadium and of course, we have the best fans in the world.

"I can say they played a big, big part in our success so having them back I think is another bonus for us, for sure. I can’t wait for it."

The Reds started their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. 

Diogo Jota converted a Mohamed Salah pass to open the scoring in the 26th minute before the Egyptian, once again, assisted Roberto Firmino in the 65th minute.

Salah was on target in the 74th minute to ensure his team secured a comfortable win. 

Didier Deschamps is prepared to shoulder the blame for France's Euro 2020 failings, with the reigning world champions suffering a shock last-16 defeat to Switzerland in a contest that they dominated.

Les Bleus, who were looking to add a continental crown to the global one they secured in 2018, looked to be easing into the quarter-finals when holding a 3-1 lead over the Swiss with nine minutes left to play.

However, they suffered a late collapse, with an uncharacteristic capitulation completed when Kylian Mbappe fluffed his lines from the spot and a penalty shootout defeat was confirmed.

What has been said?

Speaking for the first time since seeing his team slip out of a major international tournament that many expected them to win, Deschamps  told L'Equipe: "The hardest thing to digest - and I am only just doing that now - is knowing what we are capable of doing and seeing what we have done. 

"And, I'll say it again, to be 3-1 up in the 80th minute against Switzerland and see what happened afterwards...

"Solidity has always been our DNA. At 3-3, there is inevitably some nervousness but everything remains possible.

"There is the opportunity of [Kingsley] Coman and the ball which hits the bar. You have to be realistic. At 3-1, not a person in the stadium, or elsewhere, will have said we were not going to qualify.

"I don't want to look for excuses. I know that I am the only one in charge. When everything is going well, all is not rosy, and when things are going badly, all is not black either. 

"Our elimination is linked to many elements. It is my responsibility. The initial tactical choice did not work. Making three changes is not a mistake, it is a choice. I know what got me to that point."

Should Benzema have stayed on?

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who was brought back in from the international wilderness for Euro 2020, helped to put France in control against Switzerland with two well-taken goals.

He was, however, replaced by Olivier Giroud in extra-time and was not on the field to a take a penalty in the shootout.

Quizzed on whether he has any regrets there, Deschamps added: "Karim had nothing to do with it. Everything he had to do, he did it very well. 

"I had to change the team for different reasons. I know that is not an ideal scenario. But we were 3-1 up in the 80th minute and what had been our strength to that point, we lacked. 

"I could have done things differently, yes. But we were 3-1 up in the 80th minute. Neither he nor I can go back."

Further reading