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CONCACAF's World Cup qualifying campaign will look different this time around after FIFA confirmed that the September international window has been cancelled.

FIFA confirmed on Thursday that the September window would not go ahead for federations outside of Europe and South America.

The start of World Cup qualifying was set for that window, with the Hexagonal set to kickoff during that period with the top six teams per the FIFA rankings.

With the coronavirus continuing to hit hard across parts of North America, CONCACAF will now be forced to alter plans in the run up to the 2022 World Cup.

"CONCACAF welcomes the decisions made by FIFA regarding the men’s and women’s international match calendars," the federation said in a statement. "Many of our Member Associations and their communities continue to face significant challenges due to COVID-19 and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

"The rescheduling of competitions, and agreements on new international match dates, provide some encouragement across the football world and enable Concacaf to progress our planning to resume men’s and women’s international football when it is safe to do so."

The federation had been preparing for this to happen for some time, with CONCACAF discussing the uncertainty surrounding World Cup qualifying since the outbreak of the coronavirus.

CONCACAF still intends to hold the finals for the federation's inaugural Nations League as well, adding another complication to scheduling going forward.

Without an international break since February due to the cancellations of the March and June windows, the next opportunity to take the field would be in October if all goes to plan.

FIFA has helped matters a bit by pushing back the start of the from March 2022 to June 2022 while lengthening the June 2021 window by one week,

"The challenges presented by postponements to the football calendar, and the incomplete FIFA rankings cycle in our confederation, means our current World Cup Qualifying process has been compromised and will be changed. We will now work with the new framework provided and liaise with FIFA to finalize a new World Cup Qualification format for the CONCACAF region

"We will also work with our stakeholders to reorganize the CONCACAF Road to Gold Cup Qualifiers (originally scheduled for March and June 2020), the Concacaf Nations League Finals (originally scheduled for June 2020) and a range of other suspended competitions.

"A further update on World Cup Qualifying and other CONCACAF men’s international competitions will be provided in the coming weeks. We will also continue to work with FIFA and the other Confederations on the international match calendar process for women’s football to ensure we are well placed to support the return of the international women’s game as soon as possible."

Qatar are all set to host a a pan-Arab tournament in 2021 as a preparatory event before the 2022 World Cup, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and FIFA announced on Thursday.

The proposal by Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) was ratified by the FIFA Council which met on Thursday.

It is expected that the tournament will allow the SC to use and test the facilities developed for the 2022 World Cup and assess its operational readiness.

The invitational tournament is expected to feature 22 Arab nations from Africa and Asia. It will be held in Qatar from 1-18 December 2021 and will be played outside the international match calendar.

It is interesting to note that the tournament will take place during the exact period when the 2022 World Cup is scheduled for in Qatar which will give an idea on what to expect during the World Cup. The final of the pan-Arab competition will be played exactly one year before the 2022 World Cup final.

All the matches will be played at the stadiums developed for the 2022 World Cup.

President of the QFA, H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al Thani, said, "This is an exciting moment for Qatar and football fans across the region and around the world. This new pan-Arab tournament will see teams from across the region go head-to-head in state-of-the-art FIFA World Cup venues and allow teams and fans to experience Qatar as a tournament host country.

"This tournament marks an important footballing milestone for the country and the region, and everyone involved in delivering it will gain more essential experience ahead of the Qatar World Cup.”

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the SC, said, "This exciting tournament will act as a perfect preparatory event for Qatar ahead of the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.

“Qatar has hosted many events since it was awarded the World Cup hosting rights back in 2010, but this will be our biggest yet and it will prove essential in utilising facilities and services ahead of 2022. The tournament is also being held at exactly the same time as the World Cup, meaning fans, players and officials will get a taste of what’s to come in 2022."

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed Wilfried Zaha is suffering from a calf injury and will undergo a scan to determine the extent of the damage.

The 27-year-old only played for 14 minutes in his side’s 4-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday before making way for Max Meyer.

The loss ended the Selhurst Park outfit’s impressive four-game winning streak and ensured they dropped to ninth on the league table with 42 points from 31 games.

Hodgson revealed the nature of Zaha’s injury and hopes the forward along with Christian Benteke will be ready for their clash against Burnley on June 29.

"It's a calf muscle strain. There were some discussions as to whether he [Zaha] should attempt to play but he was adamant it was something he could try to get away with,” Hodgson told the media.

“It became obvious he couldn't and we don't want him to be out for a long period.

“We’re in tomorrow morning and they [Zaha and Christian Benteke] will be assessed further, and I imagine both will be assessed up until Sunday – the day before Burnley.

“Benteke definitely has a strain that has been scanned and diagnosed, so I think he will be battling to get ready for that one.

“With Wilf we don’t know the extent of damage – so until we get that scan on him, we’re on a wing of prayer, and hoping we won’t be without the pair of them again.”

Zaha, who has endured various injuries since his promotion to Palace’s first team in 2010 has been playing a prominent role for the side.

Last season, the winger scored 10 goals in 34 league appearances and won a number of penalties for his side with his dazzling displays to help the Eagles maintain their Premier League status.

The forward was heavily linked with Arsenal and Everton last summer but remained at Selhurst Park as the clubs failed in their bids to secure his signature.

Zaha has scored three goals and provided five assists in 31 Premier League appearances in this campaign and Hodgson will hope the forward will be available for their clash against Leicester City on July 4, should he miss the Burnley game.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah was thrilled his gamble to close down Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy resulted in the opening goal of his side’s 2-0 win, with the young forward claiming he could “smell the uncertainty” from the Saints No.1.

Midway through the first half, McCarthy fielded a routine back pass but under pressure from Nketiah gifted possession to the Arsenal man, who had a simple job of putting the ball in the net thereafter.

It proved a key moment in a tight fixture, with the Gunners not kicking clear until the closing stages, when Joe Willock pounced on a McCarthy fumble to put the result beyond doubt.

Nketiah’s goal, though, was inevitably the game’s big talking point and the 21-year-old was pleased that his industry was rewarded.

“I could smell a bit of uncertainty from the goalkeeper – I followed it in, I’ve done that a hundred times so it’s nice one of those leads to a goal,” he told Sky Sports .

“We work a lot on our high press and I think we did it well today, and for me personally I try and give it all to the team.”

Although Saints made it tough for Mikel Arteta’s side, victory was critical to get back on track after successive defeats to Manchester City and Brighton.

“It was a very important three points,” Nketiah said. “I think we’ve been unfortunate in the first game and the last game, the results didn’t go our way.

“We knew we had to roll our sleeves up and really fight for the three points and hopefully we can build on this and keep pushing forwards.

““It was difficult, they came out really strong in the second half, and I thought all the boys fought and worked hard. It’s really hard in the heat to keep going but i think we did that.”

“Luckily at the end we were able to wrap it up and add a bit of gloss to the scoreline.”

Victory lifts the Gunners to ninth in the standings on 43 points with seven matches of the season remaining.

They will move up at least one place if they overcome eighth-placed Sheffield United away from home on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola has offered his congratulations to Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp’s side prepare to confirm their status as Premier League champions.

With Liverpool holding a massive lead at the top of the table, they will win the title if Manchester City fail to win away at Chelsea on Thursday evening.

That could mean a guard of honour for Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium next Thursday – if coronavirus restrictions allow – but Guardiola isn’t entertaining any thoughts of a dramatic collapse.

City will switch their attention to the FA Cup, as they travel to face Newcastle in the quarter-final on June 28.

"I have other options. We have a few players injured,” Guardiola told BT Sport.

“Listen, we cannot win titles. But we cannot deny this tough week.

“Congratulations to Liverpool, they have won it.

“Champions League qualification, we are in a good position so the FA Cup becomes important. We have three or four academy players on the bench.

"I think all the managers didn't know how the teams would be after these exceptional situations. We got a good result [against Burnley] and that was the important thing.”

Phil Foden starred with two goals in City’s 5-0 thrashing of Burnley on Monday, but he was missing from their squad at Stamford Bridge.

"He picked up a little injury after Burnley,” Guardiola confirmed.

“The day after he could not train. We have Newcastle so we need him, and for Liverpool too.”

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard also admitted some amusement at the thought of Liverpool fans cheering for the Blues against City – but also that he knew the title race had been over for some time.

"That is an unusual combination! I think Liverpool won the league months ago, but not taking anything away from them if they were to win it tonight,” Lampard told BT Sport.

“They have been outstanding. They should celebrate for their brilliant performances. That's for them to celebrate whenever and we will just focus on our performance tonight.

"You want to deliver against Man City. Tonight won't be pivotal [in the top-four race] but we want a result.

“We have one of the best teams in the country or the world coming to the Bridge - it's going to be a tough match.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold has suggested that he will look to spend his entire playing career as a one-club man at Liverpool, with the Anfield academy graduate eyeing up another “14 more chances” of Premier League title glory with the Reds.

The Merseyside native is approaching the end of his third full season as a regular first-teamer. Despite still only being 21 years of age, Alexander-Arnold is already up to 127 appearances for Liverpool and has Champions League and Club World Cup winners’ medal to his name.

He is about to add an English top-flight crown to that collection, as Jurgen Klopp’s side close in on a long-awaited domestic triumph, and the hope is that they will be many more to come.

Alexander-Arnold intends to play a leading role in the pursuit of more silverware, with the England international right-back hinting at a lengthy stay on the Reds’ books.

He told MR PORTER: “I want every trophy and as many of them as possible. I remember Alex Inglethorpe breaking it down into a thought process that I’ve never stopped thinking about since.

“It was when I was around 18 and he asked me ‘When do you retire? Maybe when you’re around 34 or 35.’ That’s 17 years. So, you’ve only got 17 attempts to win the Premier League, 17 attempts to win the Champions League or any other trophy.

“As much you think that’s a long time, the reality is you get only 17 tries and there will be failure, which is natural and will reduce that number.”

Alexander-Arnold, who made his Liverpool debut in October 2016, added on his ambition: “I’ve been in the senior team fully for three seasons. The first try ended in a Champions League final defeat. The second, we missed the title by one point, but became champions of Europe.

“This season, we’re about to win the Premier League. So, I’m already thinking I’ve only got 14 more chances.

“Even though you can play hundreds of games, the fact is you only get a few attempts at silverware. I really pour everything into each season and focus on the here and now.

“It doesn’t help to think about the future and winning five or six trophies or whatever because you’re then losing sight of the opportunity in front of you to do something special.

“I know that if you get into that relentless habit, with a great team, a great manager and a great support structure, the chances will automatically be maximised.”

Alexander-Arnold caught the eye once again on his most recent outing, which has put Liverpool on the brink of title glory, with a spectacular free-kick recorded in a 4-0 mauling of Crystal Palace.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has admitted that he "felt a yard off" the pace during Chelsea's win over Aston Villa on Sunday, but has vowed to regain his mental and physical "sharpness" after returning from injury.

Loftus-Cheek was handed his first start of the season as Chelsea earned a 2-1 victory at Villa Park in their first game back following the coronavirus-enforced break.

The 24-year-old had to watch on from the sidelines for the Blues' previous 29 fixtures due to an Achilles injury, which has kept him out of action since May 2019.

The England international had just begun to establish himself as a vital member of the squad before his progress was halted, but he is now on the comeback trail under the stewardship of Frank Lampard.

Loftus-Cheek played 55 minutes on the right-hand side of midfield against Villa before being substituted for Christian Pulisic, and struggled to affect the game in any meaningful way.

However, the talented playmaker says he was "just grateful to be back", and that his "smell for the game" will soon be rediscovered if he continues to take in regular minutes.

"Honestly it felt amazing after so long without playing, 13 months since my last competitive game," Loftus-Cheek told Chelsea's official website. "To get on the pitch, even though there were no fans and it felt slightly different, it was amazing to feel that competitive spirit again.

"I’m just being grateful to be playing. I started against Aston Villa and I didn’t play as well as I wanted to play, but I just came off the pitch thinking I can’t be angry about that. I’ve just been out for 13 months.

"I did feel a yard off at times, physically and mentally, the feel of the game, how you would when you’re sharp and playing every week. I couldn’t say I felt like that. It’s hard to explain. You don’t have that smell for the game but it will come back the more I play.

"I wasn’t too hard on myself, I’m just happy to play and grateful to be back on the pitch. Slowly as I play more that sharpness will get better, and physically I will feel much better as well."

The Chelsea midfielder added on his desire to win back a spot in the middle of the park as he gets back up to speed: "I want to do as much as I can for the team.

"I played on the wing at the weekend, but I’ve played in midfield most of my career. Wherever I play I hope to bring what I can bring, my power and my strength, and try and get as many goals as possible.

"That’s what I did last season, getting in the box and trying to get goals, and using physicality in the middle of the park. I can’t wait to feel that power back and get my strength and speed to where it was last season."

Lampard's men are now looking ahead to a crunch showdown against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, and Loftus-Cheek is hopeful the Blues can still make home advantage count in the continued absence of supporters.

"The mood in the dressing room is really good, really bubbly and excited for it, especially coming off the back of a win," he said. "We’re obviously coming up against a really good team, and they can pose a threat, but we can pose a threat as well. We’ve got a really good team.

"They’re coming to our ground and even though our fans aren’t there, we are used to being at Stamford Bridge. Hopefully, that has an impact. As a team, we are looking to win, as always, and we’re really excited."

Jurgen Klopp is known for his charismatic personality and his tactical nous has helped him enjoy success at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

The German manager enjoyed a respectable, but not outstanding, playing career in his native country before moving into coaching and it is in that realm that he has become a star.

Since then, he has become an attractive partner for a variety of brands, who are keen to latch on to his infectious, smiling persona.

But just how much is the Liverpool boss earning and what is his net worth? Goal takes a look.

What is Jurgen Klopp's net worth?

Klopp's net worth is understood to be in the region of £20 million to £40 million ($25m - $50m), with reports varying regarding the exact figure.

Financial magazine Spear's estimates that Klopp's net worth is £21 million ($26m) - a figure that has grown considerably since he helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019.

The website Celebrity Net Worth puts Klopp's net worth at a significantly higher footing of $50 million (£40m).

Klopp's wealth has been accrued through football, naturally, but also via off-field interests, such as endorsement deals.

How much does Jurgen Klopp earn?

Klopp is believed to be earning roughly £10 million ($12m) a year at Liverpool.

That figure means he has benefited from a hefty pay rise since leaving Dortmund, where he earned an estimated £4 million ($5m) a year.

On top of that, Klopp signed a new five-year contract with the club in December 2019 which will keep him at Anfield until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

What sponsorship deals does Jurgen Klopp have?

Klopp is a brand ambassador for New Balance, the company that manufactures Liverpool's kits, and you'll rarely see him without his trademark cap-and-coat look on the sidelines and in interviews.

In addition to the deal with the kit manufacturer, Klopp also has sponsorship deals with German beer Warsteiner, car manufacturers Opel, electronics giants Philips and TV network Sky Deutschland.

Klopp promotes the German beer company's non-alcoholic beverage, designed as the perfect refreshment for sports, meetings or to enjoy between meals.

"I am a German football coach and one of the ambassadors of our national sport, just like Warsteiner beer is one of the best ambassadors for the German beer tradition," he said about the beer. 

"My grandparents owned a small brewery and I do enjoy a good beer."

What charity work does Jurgen Klopp do?

Klopp is a noted philanthropist and once donated £4,000 to a cancer charity in 2018. The Reds coach donated the money to Liverpool sporting director Mike Edwards’ Men In Lycra Just Giving page as the Anfield sporting director was preparing to run a half marathon in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

"I have this helping syndrome. I really care about people," Klopp said at the time.

The German manager also participated in James Milner's 2018 charity match in Scotland. Named 'A Match For Cancer', the friendly was co-sponsored by the James Milner Foundation and featured Liverpool players on one team and Brendan Rodgers managing the other. The likes of Dirk Kuyt, Robbie Keane and Luis Garcia all featured.

“The people saw a lot of big names, still in a good shape," the German manager said after the game. "That they all came over here and did what they did is really nice. It was for something really good and that’s why we were all here.

“I really respect a lot what 'Millie' is doing with his foundation. It’s great. The gala is once a year and I was there three times. It’s a fantastic event and everybody is so generous. He invests a lot of time and money and all the people on the night invest a lot of money. It’s all for a really good project, I like that a lot."

Klopp is also invested in the club's charity events and fundraisers, a frequent visitor to Alder Hey hospital and participates in LFC Foundation events raising money for those who have cystic fibrosis.

He also is a participant of Juan Mata's Common Goal initiative, in which he donates 1 per cent of his salary to charity.

What cars does Jurgen Klopp drive?

Unlike his colleagues on the pitch, the German drives a rather modest Opel Insignia (priced at around £18,000) and has even appeared in a series of commercials for the car .

FC Goa midfielder Brandon Fernandes feels that the team's newly-appointed head coach Juan Ferrando will need time to build a squad to continue his predecessor's work. 

The India international, in an Instagram live chat with the Indian Super League (ISL), said that Sergio Lobera has left a mark at FC Goa and that his replacement should not be judged too quickly. 

"Sergio Lobera has left a mark. Whenever we played under Lobera, everyone would say Goa would win. Now the expectations will be even more. Juan Ferrando will have to build a team which can perform at the same level.

"It is going to take a while because it is never easy. Even when Lobera came, he got his players but we still struggled a bit in the first season. It will be difficult at the start but I hope we will reach that mark.," Brandon said. 

Brandon is into his fourth year with the Gaurs after having been picked up through the domestic player draft in 2017. With two more years left in his renewed contract, the player is pleased with how his career has shaped up so far. 

He said, "Before the draft, I knew three to four clubs were interested in me. I was hoping Goa would pick me. I knew they would go for me but did not know when. I spoke to the Mumbai City guys and they told me that if Goa had not picked me in the fourth round, they would have gone for me in the fifth round. My dad called me first and he was so happy that FC Goa picked me."

While FC Goa has managed to make a mark with their style of football in the ISL, they are yet to win the trophy. They went close in the last two years and were league winners last season but the trophy has remained elusive. 

"Last year (2018-19) season it was heartbreaking for us. We went on to win the Super Cup (after losing the final). Our main aim then was to win the ISL and it was a bit disappointing (not to win in the 2019-20 season). Hope that we can win the ISL soon."

Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has confirmed that the club are attempting to sign Achraf Hakimi for the 2020-21 season, while young talent Youssoufa Moukoko will soon be integrated into the first-team squad.

Hakimi is currently on a two-year loan from Real Madrid and has made a huge impact during his time with the Bundesliga club, developing into one of Europe's top attacking full-backs.

Indeed, the Moroccan has scored nine goals in 44 games for Dortmund this season, with four of those coming in the Champions League as Lucien Favre's side exited at the last-16 stage at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

Hakimi has always stated it is his intention to succeed at Madrid in the long-term, with his agent Alejandro Camano having said that talks with the Liga title hopefuls will be held at the end of the current campaign.

Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has been pleased with Hakimi's development at Dortmund but gave nothing away in regards to whether he has a future at the Bernabeu.

Dani Carvajal has been Madrid's first-choice right-back for some time now, and 21-year-old Hakimi is unlikely to want to settle for a squad rotation role at the Spanish club as he aims to continue his impressive career trajectory.

Zorc has confirmed that Dortmund plan to take advantage of any possible opportunity they may have to extend Hakimi's time at Signal Iduna Park, with the Bundesliga outfit potentially looking at another loan deal.

BVB's sporting director said: "His deal is ending. But we're interested in finding a solution with Real again and find a solution where he will be back playing at BVB next season."

Zorc also confirmed that 15-year-old forward Youssoufa Moukoko, who has made headlines having scored well over 100 goals for the club's various youth sides, will be joining up with the Dortmund first-team and could even make his Bundesliga debut when he turns 16.

He added: "The coach and I talked this week about the fact that we want to integrate him into our team, that he immediately learns to train and play with adults.

"As a result of the rule change, he can be used in the Bundesliga from November when he turns 16. We are very interested in involving the boys from the youth area with us.

"Of course, we know that we want to be at the top of the Bundesliga, that we want to do well in the Champions League. That means it's a big leap from the U-19s to the Bundesliga."

Dortmund have already wrapped up second place in Germany's top flight and will be looking to end the season on a positive note as they face Hoffenheim in their final game of the 2019-20 campaign on Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of former Paris Saint-Germain right-back Thomas Meunier on a free transfer.

The Belgium international had been linked with a switch to the Premier League over the past 12 months, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham having all been mentioned as possible destinations.

However it is Bundesliga giants Dortmund that have won the race for the 28-year-old, with Meunier signing a four-year contract that will run until 2024.

Explaining his reasons for joining the club, Meunier referenced BVB's passionate support, with the defender having witnessed the famous Yellow Wall up close as PSG dumped the German side out of Europe this season.

The Belgian told the club's official website: "Borussia Dortmund plays exactly the football that I want to play: exciting, authentic and natural. BVB are known for their enthusiastic fans and the atmosphere during the game with PSG at Signal Iduna Park really influenced my decision. 

"I am ambitious and, like when I was in Bruges and Paris, I would like to win titles with Dortmund."

As confirmed by Goal, Meunier, along with his former PSG team-mate Edinson Cavani, had already decided that he wouldn't make himself available for the remainder of the Ligue 1 club's Champions League campaign.

Thomas Tuchel's side are in the quarter-finals of the competition, which will now be staged in Lisbon in August as a mini-knockout tournament after the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a change in format.

However both Meunier and Cavani will be departing when their contracts expire on June 30, dealing a blow to the French capital club's hopes of winning the competition for the first time.

As for Dortmund, sporting director Michael Zorc, who himself signed a new contract with the club until 2022, also revealed that head coach Lucien Favre will be remaining in his position for next season.

He told reporters: "We have a lot of trust internally and will have talks [with Favre] in due course."

Dortmund will finish the 2019-20 campaign in second place, with BVB playing their final match of the Bundesliga season on Saturday as they host Hoffenheim.

Anthony Martial looks happier at Manchester United on the back of his first senior hat-trick, says Mark Hughes, but the Frenchman is still not considered to be a natural No 9.

The highly-rated 24-year-old inherited that prestigious jersey from Romelu Lukaku at the start of the 2019-20 campaign. His efforts so far have lived up his billing as United’s main man in the final third of the field, with a personal-best return of 19 goals recorded.

That haul includes a treble against Sheffield United, with Martial inspiring Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to their latest triumph.

He looked like a predatory marksman in that contest, but questions continue to be asked of whether he can be converted from a speedy winger into a fearsome frontman, like fellow countryman Thierry Henry.

Hughes believes the potential is there for Martial to nail down a role as the go-to man at Old Trafford, but the United legend also concedes that a forward who can look disinterested at times is far from being the finished article.

“He’s always had that potential,” Hughes, who scored 163 goals for the Red Devils across two spells, told talkSPORT.

“He’s a young guy trying to find his potential in a Manchester United shirt. I think he’s maybe looking to take on responsibility, and he needs to do that.

“His first two goals [against Sheffield United] were great finishes, striker’s finishes, which you always like to see from the guy playing down the middle.

“I think he is enjoying playing with the two guys either side of him – [Marcus] Rashford and [Mason] Greenwood – there is a lot of interchanging of positions, and that is the way he likes to play that role.

“He doesn’t like to be stuck in the middle of the park. At times, he looks like that movement to get involved doesn’t come naturally to him when he’s got his back to the goal, he’s happier when he links the play in a deeper position and then drives into the box and gets on the end of things.

“He looked like he was enjoying his game more than maybe he usually does – he gives this impression that it’s all a little bit too much like hard work for him, but he worked his socks off and got the reward with the goals.”

Pressed further on whether Martial can be regarded as a long-term option down the middle for United, Hughes added: “I think everyone accepts that around 26/27/28 years of age, that’s when you are at your peak as a top-line player. So he has got a number of years to go before he gets to that point.

“He is never going to be an out-and-out scorer who will score you 20-30 goals a season.

“I don’t think he’s scored anywhere near 20 goals in a Premier League season yet, but if he nails down that position in the middle rather than being put out onto the wing, then that will affect his ability to get on the end of things.

“If he says to himself ‘I’m going to be the main striker here, I’m going to be playing down the middle’, then I think he’ll get more goals.”

Martial is up to 14 Premier League goals for the current campaign and still has seven games left to take in, as United look to chase down a top-four finish.

Andy Carroll and Javier Manquillo have signed new deals with Newcastle United, while Matty Longstaff has agreed to a short-term extension.

Longstaff's long-term future still remains unclear, however. The midfielder's contract was due to expire at the end of June but he has now signed on for the rest of the campaign.

The 20-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season and he is the subject of widespread interest from clubs across Europe, with Serie A side Udinese having already made him an offer.

He burst onto the scene in October last year when he scored the winner on his Premier League debut against Manchester United at St James’ Park, however he is reportedly still only on wages of £850-a-week and will only remain with Newcastle long term if they offer a significant raise.

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has previously said he is "desperate" for Longstaff - whose old brother Sean is also a first-team midfielder for the north-east club - to stay on Tyneside.

Carroll meanwhile has yet to score since re-joining his boyhood club prior to the start of the 2019-20 season, making 16 appearances in all competitions but only four starts in his second spell at St James' Park. 

The striker, who left for Liverpool on deadline day in January 2011 and then moved on to West Ham, will remain at Newcastle for another year. 

As for Manquillo, the Spanish full-back is now tied to the Premier League club until 2024 after penning a four-year contract, with Bruce delighted to retain the duo. 

"I'm delighted Javier Manquillo and Andy Carroll have extended their contracts longer term," Bruce told the club's website . "They have both made important contributions this season and I'm really pleased we can continue to call on them beyond the summer." 

Nabil Bentaleb and Danny Rose will be staying beyond this month too after their loan deals from Schalke and Tottenham respectively were extended. 

Newcastle also confirmed they have an agreement in principle with Inter to keep Valentino Lazaro, who arrived on loan in January, but Rob Elliot, Jack Colback and Jamie Sterry will all be leaving when their contracts expire. 

Manchester United have confirmed they will release nine of their academy players when their contracts expire next week.

Demetri Mitchell, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Ethan Hamilton, Dion McGhee, Largie Ramazani, George Tanner, Aidan Barlow, Kieran O’Hara and Alex Fojticek will not be given new deals so will all leave the club when their contracts end on June 30.

The departing players have been offered a support package and been invited back to the club’s Carrington training base for pre-season training to maintain their fitness, while the club have been supporting them in trying to find new clubs.

No player under the age of 19 has been released as the academy are reluctant to let players leave during the current Covid-19 period.

Of the players that have been released Ramazani, who made his senior debut against Astana in the Europa League this season, was offered a new deal but turned it down.

Goal understands the 19-year-old asked for more money but his demands were deemed excessive given his current standing in the squad and he was asking for far more than established first team players were on. It is understood he is likely to join a Spanish second division side.

As well as Ramazani, Mitchell, Borthwick-Jackson, Hamilton and O’Hara have all had first team experience at United, be that on the bench or getting minutes on the pitch.

Head of academy Nick Cox said: “With some of the younger pros that are ending their contracts, we are putting packages in place so that when the season resumes they will come back for a few months with some financial support and a training programme to help them with the next stage of their career.

“This club is a family and looks after its family members. The last thing we wanted to do during this situation was to deliver bad news and release boys into the unknown”

“We made the decision not to release any of the boys [under-9s to under-18s]. The number one priority was getting them back with smiles on their faces, and we will deal with those decisions at another time. We have a duty to help them through this difficult time.”

The only first team player who is out of contract this summer is Angel Gomes. The club have offered the midfielder a new deal but the teenager has yet to agree terms and his contract expires at the end of the month.

Chelsea should be looking to thrash out fresh terms with Willian, says Glen Johnson, as the Brazilian remains a “top player” and would cost upwards of £20 million ($25m) to replace.

As things stand, an experienced South American forward is only tied to the Blues until the end of the 2019-20 campaign. He has agreed a short-term extension that will allow him to see out the current season at Stamford Bridge, but free agency beckons beyond that.

Various landing spots have been mooted for the 31-year-old, from Arsenal to Barcelona, but it may be that an opportunity presents itself for him to remain in his current surroundings.

Willian has been with Chelsea since 2013, making 330 appearances and contributing 59 goals to a cause that has included two Premier League title wins and a Europa League triumph.

As a proven performer at the highest level, Johnson believes those in west London should be looking to accept any demands that are put to them when it comes to extension talks.

The former Blues defender told talkSPORT: “I still think he’s a top player. Those sort of players, those players with that level of professionalism, they are hard to replace.

“Financially, business-wise, trying to replace Willian – how much is that going to cost? You are going to let a top player walk out of the door for nothing. It’s going to cost you a good £20m to replace him.

“I’d definitely like to see him stay there for another year.”

Frank Lampard has suggested that Willian may yet be talked into prolonging his association with Chelsea, with it possible that he could be kept on as World Cup winner Pedro departs.

The Blues boss said, with two seasoned professionals committed through the next few weeks: “Yes, we are still talking with the players and Willian in particular we are talking with him. I always felt confident that they would remain.

“They have been fantastic professionals for the club and servants in all senses and when you have that level of professionalism within you it was a sign that they wanted to stay and see out this season at least. 

“So we will carry on talking and see but I think everybody’s focus now is on these next games, the individuals themselves and us as a club.

“I’m pleased negotiations were relatively easy because both sides wanted the same thing. The two players wanted to make sure they could see the season out with us. At this point we need them in the squad they are both important players for us so I’m happy.”

Chelsea, who continue to occupy a standing inside the Premier League’s top four, will be back in action on Thursday when they take in a home date with Manchester City.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has once again stressed on the need to integrate wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko into the first team.

The 15-year old Cameroonian-German forward has dazzled for BVB in the various youth categories with more than 150 strikes to his name including 34 in 20 outings during the cancelled Under-19 Bundesliga West championship.

Moukoko’s continuous fine displays meant it was difficult for the Dortmund senior team management to turn a blind eye on him and pushed to have the DFB lower the age limit to be drafted into the first team from 17 to 16 which was eventually granted.

This paves way for the Yaounde-born player to make his debut when he turns 16 on November 20.

"The coach and I talked this week about the fact that we want to integrate him into our team, that he immediately learns to train and play with adults," Zorc said in a press briefing ahead of Dortmund’s final Bundesliga game of the season at home to Hoffenheim.

"As a result of the rule change, he can be used in the Bundesliga from November when he turns 16.

"We are very interested in involving the boys from the youth area with us. Of course, we know that we want to be at the top of the Bundesliga, that we want to play a good role in the Champions League. That means it's a big leap from the U-19 to the Bundesliga."

“Introducing young players from their own youth to the professional squad will always remain our focus, that's what Borussia Dortmund stands for".

Dortmund have nothing to fight for in the Bundesliga after Bayern Munich clinched an eighth consecutive title.

The North Rhine-Westphalia outfit are however guaranteed second spot and a place in next season’s Champions League as they hold a seven-point lead over third-placed RB Leipzig heading into Saturday’s finale.

Lucien Favre’s charges lifted the German Super Cup at the start of the season, seeing off Bayern 2-0 at the Signal Iduna Park. They reached the round of 16 of the Champions League but lost out to Paris Saint-German 3-2 on aggregate.

The men in yellow and black also lost out in the same round of the German Cup by the same 3-2 scoreline in a single leg to relegation-threatened Werder Bremen.

David de Gea looks as though he “does not trust his back four” at Manchester United, says Paul Parker, with the Red Devils urged to snap up Bournemouth centre-half Nathan Ake as an option to provide greater assurance all round.

Questions are once again being asked of a goalkeeper at Old Trafford who was once untouchable. De Gea was, for several seasons, a model of consistency for the Red Devils as they struggled for such qualities as a collective under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.

Various opinions have been offered in the debate regarding the slump from De Gea, with a man now tied to a lucrative new contract seemingly taking his eye off the ball.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has, however, continued to speak out in defence of his favoured No 1, with there no indication that Dean Henderson or anybody else will be taking on starting duties any time soon.

Parker can understand that decision, but the former United full-back does believe that further reinforcements are required in an area of the field that continues to pose unnecessary problems.

He told Eurosport: “It wouldn’t surprise me if De Gea is on edge because he does not trust his back four. When you trust your defence, you play much better.

“I think that United need to make changes in the transfer window. Harry Maguire should not be on the left of the central defence. He should be on the right where he is more comfortable.

“I’d drop Victor Lindelof and bring in Nathan Ake from Bournemouth. Chelsea don’t seem to want him, so now is the time to make a move. He has proven that he is a good defender in a poor team. He’s comfortable on the ball.

“Being left-footed, he would bring the ball forward better than Maguire does from that side, which is needed because Luke Shaw isn’t good enough in attack either. Ake would balance the whole side.

“Every player has a blip, and it’s up to the manager to coach De Gea, to sort him out and stick him out. He can’t just throw him out.

“De Gea knows he needs to justify his contract, and the club can’t afford to stick his £300,000-a-week wages on the bench.”

United have been linked with a number of possible additions ahead of the next transfer window, but the vast majority of their top targets are said to be options for the final third of the field – such as Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish and Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

Liverpool have announced that England international full-back Nathaniel Clyne’s contract with the club will not be renewed.

The right-back, who has been capped 14 times for his country, will depart the Anfield club upon the expiry of his current deal on June 30, having not played a single match this season.

Clyne joined Liverpool in July 2015 for a £12.5 million fee from Southampton, signing a five-year deal with the Reds and initially making a very positive impression as he played 52 times in his first season, scoring the only goals he would get for the club in a 6-0 rout over Crystal Palace and in a 1-0 League Cup victory over Bournemouth.

In the following campaign, he featured in all but one of the club’s Premier League matches but injury problems restricted him to a handful of appearances in subsequent years and he featured only four times in the 2018-19 season, including three times as a substitute, making cameos that lasted under 10 minutes.

A loan switch to Bournemouth was secured and under Eddie Howe’s charge he became a regular in the second half of the campaign as the Cherries finished comfortably clear of relegation. He was unable to win back a place at Anfield however and will, therefore, depart the club.

“Liverpool can confirm Nathaniel Clyne will depart the club at the end of this month upon the expiry of his contract,” the Reds posted on their website. “Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to thank Nathaniel for his service and wish him all the best in his future career.”

He will be searching for the fourth club of his career, having turned out for four seasons in the Championship with Crystal Palace before his switch to the south coast. At Selhurst Park, he played more than 120 times in the league, scoring a single goal.

The Premier League champions-elect, who could see the title in their grasp should Manchester City fail to win away to Chelsea on Thursday, also announced the departure of a number of academy players from their ranks.

Dan Atherton, Isaac Christie-Davies, Shamal George, Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Jack Walls, Alex Turner and Abel Rodrigues will all leave the side come the end of June.

Inter will have to do without head coach Antonio Conte in the dugout for Sunday’s Serie A clash with Parma due to suspension.

The ex-Chelsea boss saw his fifth yellow card of the season on Wednesday, as he watched his side play out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Sassuolo at San Siro.

The Nerazzurri led 2-0 in that encounter thanks to goals from Ciccio Caputo and Romelu Lukaku, but were pegged back to 2-2.

Another strike from Borja Valero after 85 minutes seemed to have won the match for Conte’s side but Giangiacomo Magnani’s late equaliser cost them two points and dealt them a major blow in the title race. It was shortly after that effort that Conte saw yellow.

“I think we deserved much more considering how much we created, whereas I don’t recall any Samir Handanovic saves,” Conte said of the match in his press conference. “It’s something we keep repeating in this pattern and are paying a heavy price.

"I am very disappointed and so are the lads. When you play this type of game and put so much into it, you have the chance to win despite the difficulties in the key area of midfield, you have to take home the three points. We didn’t do that, it’s disappointing and troubling.

“We had the chances to finish it and we didn’t. I don’t know what more we can do other than keep working.

“I am happy with the performance, we’ve got to be more careful on the details. That is where we can grow and improve.”

To make matters worse for Inter, who are eight points behind leaders Juventus with 11 fixtures remaining and four back from second-placed Lazio, they will have to do without centre-back Milan Skriniar after he was dismissed, rendering him unavailable for the next three games.

The Slovakia international, who was dismissed for “making an offensive remark to the referee along with a blasphemous exclamation” has also been fined €10,000 (£9,000/$11,200). 

As well as the trip to Parma at the weekend, he will sit out a home encounter with Brescia next Wednesday as well as a clash with Bologna in Milan on July 5.

Chippa United have denied that releasing Rhulani Mokwena had anything to do with allegations of conducting an unsanctioned group training session.

On Wednesday, Chilli Boys confirmed that they had decided to part ways with Mokwena after he joined the club as the head coach last March.

Mokwena took charge of only one match which they drew 0-0 against Bidvest Wits in a PSL clash on March 07 and shortly after that, the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Chilli Boys allegedly broke the government's Level 3 lockdown regulations by holding a group training session at Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth last week.

Chippa's chief operations officer Lukhanyo Mzinzi has revealed what transpired between the 35-year-old tactician and the club.

"His departure has nothing to do with the reports that the club trained in one place which is not authorized under the lockdown regulations.It had nothing to do with that. It is a business decision," Mzinzi told IOL.

"We had a short-term contract with coach Rhulani. Some call it a loan contract. That contract is ending next week Tuesday or at the end of the month if I may say.

"We worked well with the coach, he was just unfortunate to have only overseen one match because of circumstances beyond our control."

Mokwena had joined the Eastern Cape-based club on loan from Orlando Pirates and he is now expected to return to the Soweto giants.

“So, we've not extended the loan deal. We've allowed him to go back to Orlando Pirates," Mzinzi continued.

"The decision was taken based of the business interests of the club. In as much as we love our coach, it was a business decision that we took.

"There's uncertainty at the business and we had to take business decisions. What is happening at the club affects everyone. We will allow him to go back to his parent club."

Mzinzi added that they did not have an idea of who would replace Mokwena, but he indicated that they have options.

"No one can tell when the league will kickstart. We have to comply with all the rules and regulations before we can start to think about playing," he added.

"We have assistant coaches and development coaches. We haven't discussed that matter."