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Paul Pogba "can get Manchester United competing for titles" if he adds consistency to his game, says Roy Keane.

Pogba was tipped for stardom after rising through the youth ranks at Old Trafford, but ultimately decided Juventus was the best place for him to continue his development in 2012.

The World Cup winner emerged as one of the finest midfielders of his generation in Turin, while getting his hands on four Serie A titles.

United forked out £89 million ($110m) to lure the 27-year-old back to Old Trafford in 2016, as he declared he still had unfinished business in Manchester.

Pogba has since contributed 31 goals and 32 assists in 150 appearances for the Red Devils, while adding the Europa League and Carabao Cup to his trophy collection.

However, the France international has often been criticised for his perceived lack of commitment, amid persistent links with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Speculation over Pogba's future was raging before the coronavirus-enforced break in the current campaign, which has proved a frustrating one for the playmaker due to a persistent ankle injury.

However, the ex-Juve star regained full fitness while in lockdown, and has forced his way back into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans since the Premier League restart earlier this month.

Keane is now hoping to see Pogba fulfil his full potential at Old Trafford, and prove his doubters wrong in the process.

“Obviously Pogba has had his critics because he is so talented,” The United legend told the Irish Independent. “If you are not performing week in, week out people are going to get on your back. I always say there is a compliment in that.

“People know he’s an outstanding talent but for some reason, it hasn’t gelled. He obviously had the injury problem this season.

“Just because a player is having a difficult time doesn’t mean they aren’t giving their all. Sometimes a player might be carrying a few knocks. Players lose a little bit of confidence.

“Everyone is quick to criticise Pogba for his off-the-field stuff, but let me tell you if Pogba was winning week in and week out for United people would tolerate his off-the-field activity, his social media activity.

“The key for Pogba, if he wants to become a really important player for Man United, is consistency. It’s no good turning up every two or three weeks and producing your piece of magic.

“I think he is more than capable of doing it, he has done it before. But do it week in and week out and get Man United competing for titles. I have a lot of time for him. I think he’s a talented boy.”

Lille star Victor Osimhen has been announced as the winner of 2020 Marc-Vivien Foe prize.

The Nigeria international saw off competition from compatriot Moses Simon (Nantes), Saint-Etienne’s Denis Bouanga, Montpellier’s Andy Delort, Monaco’s Islam Slimani plus Rennes’ trio of Mbaye Niang, Hamari Traore and Edouard Mendy.

Thanks to his awe-impressive form in his maiden season in France, the youngster had the votes of the jury made up of African sports journalists.

Osimhen joined the Mastiffs from Belgian First Division A club Sporting Charleroi as a direct replacement for Cote d’Ivoire star Nicolas Pepe who joined Premier League outfit, Arsenal.

He became an instant hit at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, delivering admirable performances that endeared him to the club’s fans.

With French football cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Super Eagles star ended up with 18 goals and six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions – a feat that earned him Lille’s player of the season accolade ahead of Benjamin Andre and Renato Sanchez.

Thanks to this achievement, he succeeds last year’s winner Pepe as well become the second Nigerian after Vincent Enyeama (2014) to claim the individual prize since inception in 2009.

Osimhen burst into the football scene at the 2015 U17 Fifa World in Chile, where he bagged the topscorer’s award, Silver Ball as well as helped Emmanuel Amuneke’s Golden Eaglets to the world title.

The same year, he was named as Africa’s Youth Player of the Year by the Confederation of African Football.

After a failed stint at Wolfsburg, he joined Charleroi on loan where he scored 20 goals in 36 outings across all competitions for the Zebras.

The Ultimate Strikers Academy product also caught the attention of senior national team selectors and earned his Eagles’ debut against Togo in 2017.

He played a part in Gernot Rohr’s team third-place finish at the 2019Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Although Osimhen is expected to remain at Lille until 2024, his French outfit has received several offers for the Nigerian with owner Gerard Lopez recently disclosing to that there are a number of suitors from three different leagues in Europe.

Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool supporters to celebrate the club’s Premier League title win responsibly, as he condemned the mass gatherings seen in the city last Friday. 

In an open letter to the Liverpool ECHO newspaper, the Reds boss insisted it was vital that fans “stay at home as much as possible”, promising that they will be able to “paint the city red” when the time is right and the threat of coronavirus has subsided. 

Klopp said he was dismayed by the sight of thousands of Liverpudlians gathering after their first league championship since 1990 was confirmed by Manchester City’s defeat at Chelsea on Thursday night.

Fans congregated outside Anfield in the immediate aftermath, but it was Friday night’s scenes at the Pier Head in the city centre which Klopp referenced specifically. 

He wrote: “I love your passion, your songs, your refusal to accept defeat, your commitment, your understanding of the game and your faith in what we are doing. 

“Even though you cannot be at our games at the moment I love that you still made sure that you were with us by making the Kop look like the Kop even if it cannot sound like it. I cannot begin to tell you how much the players and myself appreciated that and I have no doubt that it was one of the reasons why our performance against Crystal Palace was so good.

“What I did not love – and I have to say this – was the scenes that took place at the Pier Head on Friday. I am a human being and your passion is also my passion but right now the most important thing is that we do not have these kind of public gatherings. 

“We owe it to the most vulnerable in our community, to the health workers who have given so much and whom we have applauded and to the police and local authorities who help us as a club not to do this. 

“Please - celebrate - but celebrate in a safe way and in private settings, whereby we do not risk spreading this awful disease further in our community.”

The Pier Head gathering has been condemned by council officials and Merseyside Police, who confirmed that two men had been arrested, one on suspicion of assault and another on suspicion of arson after a firework struck the city’s iconic Royal Liver Buildings, causing at least £10,000 worth of damage.

Klopp added: “If things were different I would love nothing more than to celebrate together, to have a parade that would be even bigger than the one after we won the Champions League last year, so that we could all share this special moment but it just is not possible.

“We have all done so much to fight Covid-19 and this effort cannot go to waste. We owe it to ourselves and each other to do what is right and at this moment that means being together and being there for one another by being apart.

“When the time is right we will celebrate. We will enjoy this moment and we will paint the city red. But for now, please stay at home as much as possible. This is not the time to be in the city centre in big numbers or to go near football grounds. 

“At the start of this crisis I said that we did not want to play in an empty stadium but if it meant that it helped just one person stay healthy we would do it no questions asked and nothing has changed to make me alter this view.

“I already knew and liked the German word solidarität before I came to Liverpool and now I have learned that the English word is solidarity because I have heard it used by our supporters during the last few months. 

“For me, it is the word more than any other that captures what Liverpool people are about. It is why they have come together to make PPE, it is why they have delivered food parcels and medicines to people when they have needed it most and it is why they come together in so many different ways during such a difficult time.

“If we can keep on coming together by being separate we will hopefully play a big part in the fight against this disease. I know that we can do this because I have experienced what a difference can be made and the players and myself have benefited from it. 

“Hopefully in a few months from now, or longer if necessary, I can write another letter to the Liverpool Echo to thank you for putting the health of our people ahead of everything else. Nothing would make me prouder.”

BUL FC defender Musa Walangalira has revealed the secrets of his career's longevity.

Born on December 25, 1980, Walangalira has been in football since he launched his career during his Secondary School days. 

“Self-discipline, for instance, foregoing women, alcohol, and avoiding wrong and misleading peer groups,” Walangalira told Fufa's official website.

“Of course, I am one of those most disciplined players any coach would want to work with. But discipline alone is not enough to see you prosper to any level of playing football if you don’t work hard.

“I give coaches the utmost respect they deserve. I don’t pretend but I was brought up like that. Meanwhile, my on-pitch strength is to balance the defence, clearing aerial balls and game reading.

“Otherwise, I am hard but not rough like many say and that is why I rarely get yellow cards.”

He had the taste of the Ugandan Premier League first at Police FC under coach Sam Timbe.

“I could study in the morning and train in the afternoon with my club Police FC. However, I concurrently played for my village team Budondo United too during holidays while at home,” added the experienced defender.

Walangalira has played against KCCA FC's Mike Mutyaba, Allan Okello and Tito Okello and accepts the fact they are the best he has encountered.

“These players are brave and rarely receive the ball close to the opponent. So, you must be so intelligent to stop them anyway,” revealed the Ugandan.

For his experience, Walangalira has a special message to young players.

“Each player should always have a target wherever given the chance to play. It helps one to perform better,” says the defender.

“They should play knowing there is life after active football.”

Although time might not be on his side, Walangalira hopes to lead the Cranes in international assignments.

“Winning trophies and representing the country on the continent,” he stated when asked of what he would want to achieve.

“I feel I have one season from now. I will then concentrate on personal business immediately when I retire. I have a retail electronic shop business in Jinja Central market,” Walangalira said on his future desires.

The star is also confident the change in Uganda's soccer is coming.

“Gone are the days when football was built only at the top. I mean super league levels but now the reverse is true,” he explained.

“Structures are put in place and you will see everyone realize his/her potential in the beautiful game.”

Walangalira's football idols are Ibrahim Ssekajja a former Uganda captain and ex-Manchester United defender and captain Rio Ferdinard.

He has won a number of accolades including the UPL Best Defender in 2016 and also guided JMC Hippos FC to gain promotion in the 2015/16 season.

He started playing at Naggalama Islamic SS in 2000 and also had stints at Budondo United and Buwenda FC before joining Old Timers for a poor season in 2003.

Wazito FC have reportedly turned down a huge transfer offer to sell key defender Johnstone Omurwa to Petro Atletico.

According to the player, the Angolan giants have shown a keen interest to go for his services and have been calling him on many occasions to help finalise the move.

“Petro Atletico officials first approached me last month, but I never knew they were serious,” Omurwa is quoted by Standard Sports. “So, I jokingly referred them to the club because I still have a running contract.

“They [Petro] told me they were ready to give Wazito about Sh10 million for my release. But coach Stewart Hall called me and told me he still needs me in his team and promised to engage the club to review my contractual terms. 

“Interestingly, that has not stopped Petro officials from calling me. It seems they have not given up on me. But I have told them to be patient as I engage my club.”

However, Wazito CEO Dennis Gicheru says they have not been contacted by any club seeking the services of the player and went further to state even if they got offers for the player, they are not ready to sell.

“Nobody has approached us about Omurwa and we are not aware of Petro Atletico’s interest. If they reach out to us, the board of directors will make a decision. But Omurwa is one of our key players and basically, he is not up for sale,” Gicheru is quoted by Standard Sports.

Petro are not new in Kenya having raided champions Gor Mahia for their lead striker Jacques Tuyisenge last season.

Omurwa, who also featured for national team Harambee Stars, is a key player for Wazito, who earned promotion to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and managed to survive relegation when the league was ended prematurely owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Angolan clubs also signed Kenyan striker Allan Wanga in 2007, before the striker returned to Kenya. Wanga currently features for Kakamega Homeboyz in the top-flight.

Arjen Robben always had belief in the skills which would make him one of the most successful wingers in European football, according to former team-mate Johan Vonlanthen - who revealed the Dutchman was also a dab hand on the PlayStation.

Robben and Vonlanthen played together in the Eredivisie for PSV in the 2003-04 season - although they did not win a trophy that season, coming second in the league, the Dutch winger showed enough ability to earn a move to Chelsea in the summer.

He went on to enjoy a stellar career, winning titles in England with the Blues, in Spain with Real Madrid and in Germany with Bayern Munich, including the Champions League.

Robben retired in 2019, but last week announced he will come out of retirement for the 2020-21 season with Groningen in the Netherlands, his first ever club.

Former Switzerland international Vonlanthen revealed his admiration for Robben, saying that even as a young player he was fully focused on making the most of his talents and having a successful career - although he did find time to occasionally defeat his team-mate in football's video game equivalent.

Speaking exclusively to Goal and SPOX, Vonlanthen said: "Arjen's apartment was just around the corner, at most a hundred metres from mine. I was with him very often and got to know his girlfriend and parents. His life, unlike mine, was very well organised, nothing was left to chance regarding Arjen's future.

"However, we often found the time to play PlayStation. You couldn't beat him in Pro Evolution Soccer. The way he played on the football pitch, he also gambled on the PlayStation. It was absolutely amazing what this boy was able to do on the games console."

On the real pitch, however, was where Robben truly shone with total confidence in his skill - even if it rubbed team-mates up the wrong way on occasions.

Vonlanthen said: "Arjen didn't care whether he got the ball on the wings or in the middle - he grabbed the ball, went with it alone and tried to finish. Many team-mates were upset that he kept dribbling. Then he said, 'Okay, that's fine. Next time I'll give you the ball'. A few seconds later he started to go alone with the ball again.

"Even then, he had outstanding qualities. I met him when he was 18 years old. I admired how focused and mentally stable he was despite his age. He knew exactly what he could do.

"Usually, young players struggle with fluctuations in performance, this is completely normal. In Arjen I could never see such fluctuations, he just didn't make any mistakes. Instead, he was the deciding man in almost every game I've played with him."

Majeed Ashimeru, Jerome Onguene, Sekou Koita, Mohamed Camara, Patson Daka, Karim Adeyemi and Enock Mwepu have won the 2019-20 Austrian Bundesliga league with Salzburg after defeating Hartberg 3-0 on Sunday at the Red Bull Arena.

Goals from Andre Ramalho, Hwang Hee-chan and Daka were all Die Die Mozartstadter needed to secure victory in the empty stadium.

With the first-half heading goalless an unmarked Ramalho headed past goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger a beautiful cross from Domi Szoboszlai.

In the 53rd minute, Hee-chan doubled the lead after connecting to an Albert Vallci cross after beating two Hartberg men.

Hee-chan turned provider for Daka six minutes later as the Zambia international tapped in from close range.

With that strike, Daka who was in action from start to finish now boasts of 24 goals in 29 games for Jesse Marsch’s men in the Austrian topflight this season.

His compatriot Enock Mwepu who was handed a starter’s role was replaced in the 70th minute by Zlatko Junuzovic while Adeyemi and Ashimeru were thrown into the fray as substitutes for Hee-chan and Andrea Ulmer respectively.

Salzburg hold an incontestable nine-point lead at the summit of the log meaning that with two games to play nobody can catch the runaway leaders.

With 30 matches played, they have won an impressive 20, with eight draws and just two defeats. The champions have scored 102 times and conceded on 32 occasions.

This triumph also means that they have won the title in the last seven seasons as well as the seventh time they would win a double in their history.

Rapid Wien, meanwhile, will attempt to hold onto second place and automatic qualification into the Champions League group stages next term.

Despite losing 1-0 at home to Wolfsberger AC, LASK can still challenge for the automatic place in Europe’s elite club championship as well as Hartberg with Sturm Graz hoping to qualify for Europa League play-offs.

Unbeaten in their last eight games, Daka and his teammates host Sturm Graz in a dead rubber game before ending the season with an away encounter at LASK on Sunday at the Raiffeisen Arena.

Zinedine Zidane believes Karim Benzema's incredible assist in Real Madrid's win over Espanyol may be one of the plays of the season.

Benzema produced a moment of magic to set up Casemiro in Madrid's 1-0 victory that sent them two points clear atop La Liga on Sunday.

The forward's outrageous backheel through the legs of defender Bernardo Espinosa gave Casemiro a simple finish.

Madrid head coach Zidane was unsurprised and believes Benzema's skill could go down as one of the best moments of the campaign.

"It doesn't surprise me. He is a player who invents things," he said, via AS. "And then Casemiro is there. It can be one of the plays of the championship."

Benzema himself was quick to talk down the importance of his contribution, but explained he saw the play evolve before he made the backheel.

"It was a good play, but the most important thing is the goal afterwards," he said afterwards. "Casemiro gets it right. We are very happy."

Pressed on the piece of skill, the French forward added: "I see football like that! I knew Casemiro was coming from behind."

The man who profited from the assist - Casemiro - wasn't surprised by the piece of skill from his team-mate and insisted full credit should go to the target man.

"What Karim did, for me is normal. We all know that the qualities he has aren't of a number nine, but of a number 10," Casemiro said.

"I know him, I know how he plays and the quality he possesses. I asked for the ball in space, and his backheel pass was incredible.

"It's Karim's goal. It's the backheel pass of a number 10 and you have to congratulate him."

The stunning touch swiftly prompted comparisons to ex-Madrid great Guti, who famously teed up Benzema for an open goal with a similarly stunning touch against Deportivo La Coruna in 2010.

As clips were shared of both goals on social media, Guti joined in the conversation to praise his former team-mate.

Sharing a picture of his own assist, the 43-year-old tagged Benzema and posted a series of clapping emojis.

"Magic, friend," he wrote. "Brutal."

The goal lifted Madrid two points clear of rivals Barcelona with six games remaining in the La Liga season.

Churchill Brothers have amicably resolved the dispute over non-payment of dues with Ghanian forward Sadat Bukari, Goal understands. 

FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) had previously ruled in favour of the player who filed a case against the club over unpaid salary. But since both parties have mutually agreed to settle the issue at hand, the case has been closed by FIFA. 

Bukari was signed for the 2018-19 I-League season but as necessary arrangements to bring him in India could not be made, the player did not make a single appearance. However, since the contract was signed and the player was willing to play, the club was obligated to pay his salary in its entirety for the contracted period.

Churchill were keen to appeal against this decision in the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS), an international quasi-judicial body established to settle disputes related to sport but missed the deadline to do so. They did not even file an "Intention to Appeal" within 21 days of the order. 

The former I-League champions had written to CAS requesting them for a fresh window to file a suit but their plea was rejected. 

Bukari last plied his trade with Cypriot First Division side Aris Limassol and is currently without a club. 

Lately, non-payment of salaries to players has been a subject of discussion in Indian football. The AIFF had pulled Hyderabad FC for non-payment of dues. East Bengal physical trainer Carlos Nodar Paz also lambasted the club over unpaid remuneration. 

Xavi has revealed his staff are preparing "a lot" to coach Barcelona as the Camp Nou great eyes a return.

The current Al-Sadd boss was linked with the Barca vacancy earlier this year when the La Liga champions sacked Ernesto Valverde, before they turned to Quique Setien in January.

Barca have struggled to convince this season – the titleholders now two points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid in the race for La Liga glory with six matches remaining.

While outlining his future plans for Barca, the 40-year-old insisted he will not come back unless he has the control to make decisions.

"The biggest hope I have now is to be Barca coach and get Barca back to winning ways," Xavi, who has led Al-Sadd to Qatari Super Cup and Qatar Cup silverware, said via Sport.

"Not me but these players and Barca triumphing. And as a consequence, our technical staff, who are preparing for it a lot and it makes us really excited."

Xavi, who won 25 trophies during his playing career with Barca, added: "I'm a club man. I would like to return at the right moment to start a project from zero.

"I've said it a lot of times but I want to take footballing decisions at Barcelona.

"It's clear that after the elections the stage would be set, of course. I'm not ruling anything out.

"They came for me in January, we were speaking. I told them the circumstances and timing weren't right."

Barcelona's next presidential election will take place in the summer of 2021 - usually a date in June - with current leader Josep Maria Bartomeu not seeking re-election.

Xavi's former team-mate Juan Antonio Pizzi believes the club legend is the 'future of Barcelona' and he is destined to return to his roots at manager when the right opportunity presents itself.

"I think he evaluated the situation very well – there is the fact that he would be coaching former team-mates – but also the fact that he would be going home perhaps without the experience of having managed in La Liga," Pizzi said. 

"I think that led him to take the decision that he eventually took, to say: ‘Give me some time. I want to coach Barcelona and I think I’m prepared to do it but I think I have to develop myself a little bit more’.

"I am absolute convinced that the future of Xavi and the future of Barcelona will come together at one point, I don’t know if in two years or five years or eight years but Xavi is going to be Barcelona coach, there is no doubt about that."

Olanrewaju Kayode continued his fine scoring form in the Turkish Super Lig with a goal in Gaziantep's 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor.

The 27-year-old opened the scoring at the Gaziantep Arena on Sunday with his 10th league of the season in the 58th minute.

The effort was close to securing the hosts’ first league win since February until Adis Jahovic scored an 88th-minute equaliser for Antalyaspor from the penalty spot.

Kayode alongside Senegal's Papy Djilobodji and Cameroon's Jean Kana-Biyik were in action for entire duration while Ghana's Patrick Twumasi played for 62 minutes as Gaziantep recorded their third straight draw since the restart of the Turkish top-flight.

The draw left Marius Sumudica's side 10th in the league standings with 35 points after 29 matches, two points behind ninth-placed Antalyaspor.

Gaziantep visit Denizlispor for their next Super Lig fixture on July 3 and Kayode will be aiming to help them end their seven-game winless run.

The Nigeria international has been in fine form since he moved to Turkey on a season-long loan from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer.

He has contributed 10 goals and six assists in 25 league appearances for Gaziantep this campaign.

On the international scene, the former Manchester City striker played for the Nigeria at the U17, U20 and U23 levels before making his Super Eagles debut in a friendly match against Senegal in March 2017.

Kayode's last invitation to Gernot Rohr's team was in October 2017, and he was an unused substitute in their 1-1 draw against Algeria during the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

Inter chief executive Beppe Marrotta says the club have yet to agree an extension to Alexis Sanchez’s loan from Manchester United, which is due to expire next week.

The Chile forward joined Antonio Conte’s side on a season-long loan at the end of the 2019 summer transfer window.

But with the coronavirus pandemic delaying the European football season by nearly three months, a fresh agreement is needed if Sanchez is to remain at San Siro beyond the end of the original deal and cover the club’s final 10 Serie A matches and Europa League campaign.

Nigeria winger Victor Moses, who joined on a six-month loan from Chelsea in January, is in a similar predicament.

Bayern Munich meanwhile hope to extend Ivan Perisic’s loan from the Nerazzurri so he can feature in the German champions’ DFB-Pokal final against Bayer Leverkusen next weekend as well as their Champions League round of 16 second leg against Chelsea.

Marrotta says Inter remain in talks with all three clubs over loan extensions, but has revealed his frustration at how discussions are progressing.

“This is a great regulatory anomaly that needs to be resolved because we are still dealing with Chelsea and Manchester United today to try to extend their loans,” Marrotta told Sky Sports.

“It is not a beautiful thing. We are also dealing with Bayern Munich over Ivan Perisic.”

It was hoped that a return to Italy, where he had thrived at Udinese before later joining Spanish giants Barcelona, would give Sanchez a fresh start following his struggles at Manchester United.

However, the niggling injuries and loss of form that dogged Sanchez’s time at Old Trafford has followed him to Inter, where the 31-year-old has scored just once in 18 appearances in all competitions so far this campaign.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed earlier this month that Sanchez would only be a squad player should he would return to Old Trafford. Though with reported wages of around £400,000 per week, the Red Devils may seek to move Sanchez on then have such an expensive asset sat on the substitutes bench.

Inter relied on two defenders to get them out of trouble as Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni scored late on to snatch a 2-1 win at Parma in a dramatic Serie A clash.

With Antonio Conte watching on from the stands as he served a touchline ban, Gervinho's 15th-minute goal looked set to be enough for Parma to secure a valuable win in their push for Europe.

Yet Inter fought back in the closing stages – De Vrij rather fortunately turning home Lautaro Martinez's header before Bastoni headed in the winner three minutes later to consolidate Inter's place in third.

Bastoni's goal came almost immediately following the restart after Inter's equaliser, with Juraj Kucka's dismissal for dissent having caused a lengthy stoppage.

After drilling wide with his first attempt, Gervinho made no mistake with his second opportunity, calmly rounding Antonio Candreva and Danilo D'Ambrosio before slotting into the bottom-right corner.

A VAR check for an Andreas Cornelius handball looked set to result in Inter being awarded a penalty four minutes later, only for the officials to spot Diego Godin had been marginally offside.

Cornelius squandered two great chances to put Parma 2-0 up prior to the break, first blazing over when one-on-one with Samir Handanovic before slicing wide from Jasmin Kurtic's cross.

With Inter's substitute goalkeeper Tommaso Berni having received a red card for complaining from the bench, the visitors' comeback efforts seemed set to prove fruitless when Romelu Lukaku curled wide and Alexis Sanchez saw a stinging strike saved.

Yet their luck finally turned in the 84th minute – De Vrij in the right place to flick Martinez's header on into the net.

Kucka was given his marching orders while Inter celebrated, and Inter swiftly made their numerical advantage count as Bastoni headed in from point-blank range to deal the final blow to his former club.

What does it mean? Inter fending off Atalanta… for now

Atalanta's victory over Udinese earlier had lifted them to within a point of Inter, whose slim title hopes all but faded with a draw against Sassuolo last time out. However, the Nerazzurri have just about managed to keep their rivals – who they face in their final league game of the season – at bay.

Bastoni the hero from the bench

With Godin having struggled up against Cornelius and Gervinho, Bastoni was introduced in the 73rd minute, yet it was at the other end of the pitch that the former Parma youngster made a telling impact, having been in the right place at the right time to turn in his second Serie A goal for Inter.

Cornelius' misses prove costly

Inter were made to pay for Roberto Gagliardini's glaring miss against Sassuolo, but this time they were the benefactors of two dreadful attempts from Cornelius, who could have put Parma out of sight before the break.

Key Opta Facts

Inter have gained 32 points away from home this season, the most of any team in Serie A.
Inter have scored 13 headed goals in Serie A, at least two more than any other team this term.
De Vrij has been involved in six goals for Inter this season with three goals and three assists.
Gervinho is just the third Parma player to be involved in 10 or more goals in back-to-back Serie A seasons since 2004-05, joining Domenico Morfeo (2004-05 and 2005-06) and Sebastian Giovinco (2010-11 and 2011-12).

What's next?

Inter take on struggling Brescia on Wednesday, while Parma face Hellas Verona in a game that could prove key to both teams' European hopes.

Real Madrid moved two points clear at the top of LaLiga on Sunday, capitalising on Barcelona's draw at Celta Vigo by beating the Espanyol 1-0.

Zinedine Zidane's men led the league by virtue of their superior head-to-head record going into the weekend and were boosted by Celta's late equaliser against Barca on Saturday.

Madrid made sure not to pass up the opportunity to build a gap at the summit as Casemiro scored following a wonderful Karim Benzema assist in an entertaining if ultimately narrow away victory.

The capital club have control of the title race with just six matches remaining, although it was not all one-way traffic at RCDE Stadium despite bottom side Espanyol's accommodating defending.

Madrid looked similarly shaky at times in the first half as Sergi Darder saw an early deflected shot trickle wide before Wu Lei wastefully blasted over.

Former Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez scrambled to keep out an ambitious Casemiro attempt and watched both Sergio Ramos and the Brazil international head over, the captain missing the target from point-blank range.

Benzema was next to try his luck and draw a save from Lopez, whose busy outing continued with a double stop from Casemiro and Eden Hazard in a goalmouth scramble prompted by his own failure to deal with a high cross.

Casemiro's fifth effort before half-time finally evaded Lopez to break the deadlock, though, as Benzema teed up his team-mate with a cute backheel through Bernardo Espinosa's legs.

Madrid's momentum was slowed by the break, yet subsequent speculative Espanyol efforts from distance did not cause Thibaut Courtois significant concern as another win was sealed.

What does it mean? Madrid reinvigorated since restart

Defeat to Real Betis in March saw Madrid hand pole position back to Barcelona, but the coronavirus pandemic swiftly prompted the suspension of the season.

Zidane's side have entertained since the restart and could have run up a handsome scoreline against Espanyol. Crucially, though, they have won five straight matches, striking a balance between style and substance, while Barca have twice dropped points.

Casemiro in control

Nominally a holding midfielder, Casemiro provided Madrid's chief attacking threat in the first half. He appeared to be involved in each and every attack and deserved a goal long before it arrived courtesy of a gorgeous piece of skill from Benzema that meant, this time, Casemiro could not miss.

Wu wide of the mark

Madrid may have given up more chances than usual in recent weeks, but opponents must still make sure to take their opportunities when they arrive. Wu's profligacy saw Espanyol fail to do so. He should have hit the target when well placed in the first half and then aimed a tame shot into Courtois' clutches shortly after the break.

Key Opta Facts

- Madrid have conceded 21 goals after 32 games in LaLiga this season, their second-best total at this stage in the competition, after 1987-88 (20 goals).
- Benzema is the third LaLiga player to reach double figures for goals (22) and assists (10) this season in all competitions, after Lionel Messi (26 and 21) and Luis Suarez (16 and 11).
- No team has recorded more wins against a single opponent in LaLiga history than Madrid versus Espanyol (W104 D33 L35).
- Benzema has been directly involved in six goals in his past six LaLiga away games against Espanyol (four goals and two assists), this after having not been involved in any of his previous three such matches at RCDE Stadium.

What's next?

Madrid host stuttering Getafe on Thursday, the same day Espanyol's unlikely bid to avoid the drop takes them to Real Sociedad.

Newcastle United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City on Sunday, but Steve Bruce clearly liked what he saw from Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne was typically influential in City's dominant 2-0 win at St James' Park , opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half after Fabian Schar's foul on Gabriel Jesus.

That goal set the holders on their way to a quarter-final victory that Raheem Sterling wrapped up after Dwight Gayle improbably missed a chance to equalise from point-blank range.

So taken was former Manchester United captain Bruce by the performance of De Bruyne, who also scored a wondergoal for City in their Premier League meeting with the Magpies in November, he joked Newcastle would be signing the Belgium superstar.

Interrupting De Bruyne's post-match interview with City's club media, Newcastle boss Bruce grabbed a grinning De Bruyne and told the reporter: "He's going to stay here.

"He's going to stay here, come here - that's an exclusive out of Newcastle tonight. He's had enough of Manchester City and he's going to come and play for Newcastle."

Bruce was able to confirm the arrival of one new signing post-match: former Motherwell goalkeeper Mark Gillespie on a free transfer.

Newcastle could soon be in a position to make more expensive signings with a controversial Saudi takeover still being investigated by the Premier League . 

With question marks remaining over the deal however, Bruce has called for clarity so that the club can remain focused for the remainder of the season. 

"I think everybody needs a bit of clarity," he said post-match. "And if I am led to believe it is the Premier League that are stalling all of the negotiations then they have to come and make a decision sooner or later.

"It is not healthy for anybody. As I have said for me personally, and we have another game on Wednesday now and we have a wonderful opportunity.

"We can't use that [the takeover] as an excuse but we need a bit of clarity and get it put to bed one way or another."

Arthur and Miralem Pjanic have signed their contracts with Juventus and Barcelona, respectively, with both teams expected to make an official announcement regarding the midfielders on Monday.

The two clubs agreed a deal earlier this week that will see Arthur leave Camp Nou for Turin for around €70 million (£63m/$79m), while Pjanic will move in the opposite direction for a €60m (£55m/$67m) fee.

Both players underwent medicals at their respective new clubs on Sunday afternoon before putting pen-to-paper on their contracts.

Arthur has signed a five-year deal with Maurizio Sarri’s side, which will see him earn a basic salary of €5m per season, going up to €7m (£6m/$8m) with bonuses.

Though both players will remain at their current clubs for the remainder of the extended 2019-20 campaign, Barcelona wanted the deals completed by the end of June for budgetary reasons.

Given the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Juve would struggle to pull off an expensive transfer so needed to agree a swap deal that would include one of their high earners heading in the opposite direction.

The Catalan giants have been targeting Pjanic for some time, but the deal was held up as Arthur was initially reluctant to make the move to Italy.

However, a breakthrough was reached on Saturday evening that allowed the clubs to press ahead with the double deal.

Arthur has made 72 appearances for Barcelona since joining from Gremio in the summer of 2018. The Catalan giants viewed the midfielder as a key part of their first-team squad, but Goal revealed last month they would be open to selling the 23-year-old should the right offer arrive.

Pjanic, meanwhile, has been a regular in the Juventus line-up, making 36 appearances in all competitions this season for the Turin giants, who are on the brink of a ninth successive Serie A title.

They currently sit four points clear of Lazio at the top of the table with 10 games remaining.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina international has won three league titles and the Coppa Italia twice with the Bianconeri since joining from Serie A rivals Roma in 2016.

Chelsea signing Timo Werner has revealed his decision to abandon RB Leipzig's Champions League campaign 'hurt', as he prepares to officially head to Stamford Bridge.

The German striker will officially begin his contract with the Blues on July 1 after a £47.5 million ($59m) switch to the Premier League was announced earlier this month.

However, the decision to join Chelsea quickly after the transfer fee was agreed between the two clubs means Werner will miss out the rest of Leipzig's continental campaign.

The Bundesliga club had already progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a crushing 4-0 win against Tottenham across two legs.

Werner has contributed four goals in eight matches through Europe's premier club competition, including the winning strike in the first leg versus Spurs in London.

"Of course it hurts me that I can't help out [RB Leipzig] to play in the Champions League. But I'm a Chelsea FC player from July 1st and I'm being paid by Chelsea from then on, Werner told Sportbuzzer.

"It was clear that all parties - Chelsea, RB and my side - should and must settle this. Of course I tried to keep out of the Champions League issue as much as I could because it was clear that I would have to hurt one side. That's why my agent finally agreed it with the clubs."

Werner helped Leipzig finished third in the Bundesliga - contributing 28 goals in 34 matches - before he packed his bags for his London move.

The 24-year-old became Leipzig's record goalscorer in his final match for the club on Saturday, with his two strikes against Augsburg putting him on 95 goals, two more than Daniel Frahn's previous mark.

Despite being not able to participate in Leipzig's Champions League journey, Werner says he will still support his former team and hopes to even attend their quarter-final if the situation allows.

"I am forever connected to Leipzig and RB, will sit in front of the TV during the quarter finals and keep my fingers crossed - maybe I can even be on site in Lisbon," Werner said.

Despite joining Chelsea in the next couple of days, Werner won't be eligible to represent his new club until next season - meaning he can't help the Blues fight for the top four this campaign or feature in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

Inter Milan stepped up their Serie A title chase with a 2-1 victory over Parma in Sunday evening’s encounter, with Victor Moses providing an assist.

Late goals from Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni were all the Black and Blues needed to secure a comeback victory after going down to Gervinho’s opener.

Antonio Conte’s men came into the game following a disappointing 3-3 home draw against Sassuolo on Wednesday and were hoping to take a positive result from Stadio Ennio Tardini.

However, they were pegged back by 15th minutes strike by Gervinho thanks to an assist from Juraj Kucka.

The Ivorian coolly displaced Antonio Candreva and Danilo D'Ambrosio before slotting into the bottom-right corner of goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

Four minutes later, Inter were handed a penalty owing to Andreas Cornelius’ handball – but a VAR check ruled against the decision as Diego Godin had been offside before the incident.

The visitors’ ambition for a comeback was looking destined to end in vain after substitute goalkeeper Tommaso Berni was shown the red card for dissent from the bench in the 69th minute  - his ushered in Chelsea loanee Moses for Antonio Candreva.

That proved to be the turning point as Conte’s men levelled matters eight minutes from full time through defender Stefan de Vrij after heading home Lautaro Martinez's header.

Victory was guaranteed three minutes later through Godin’s replacement Alessandro Bastoni who headed past Luigi Sepe to the despair of Parma who had Kucka sent off two minutes earlier.

Nigeria’s Moses who was featuring in his sixth Italian elite division game of the season got cautioned by referee Fabio Maresca in the closing stages of the game for time-wasting.

After an impressive shift, Gervinho was replaced in the 86th minute by Gaston Brugman, while Ghanaian superstar Kwadwo Asamoah was an unused substitute by the San Siro giants.

Thanks to this victory, Inter remain third in the log having accrued 61 points from 28 league games – eight points behind leaders Juventus.

They take on struggling Brescia on Wednesday, while Parma face Hellas Verona in a game that could prove key to both teams' European ambitions.