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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has rubbished reports suggesting that he is plotting a move to return Cristiano Ronaldo to Santiago Bernabeu.

A five-time Ballon d'Or winner called time on a previous stint in the Spanish capital back in 2018 when completing a switch to Serie A giants Juventus.

He has now entered the final year of his contract in Turin and has been linked with various clubs around the world, including Real.

What has been said?

Blancos boss Ancelotti is aware of the rumours suggesting that he is plotting a sensational swoop for a Portuguese superstar, but the Italian insists there is no substance to them.

He has posted on Twitter: "Cristiano is a Real Madrid legend and he has all my love and respect. 

"I have never considered signing him. We look forward. #Go Madrid"

More to follow...

Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan is hopeful of a good Africa Cup of Nations draw to be held on Tuesday.

The West Africans made it to the biennial competition and are placed in Pot 2 alongside record-holders Egypt, Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

Former Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora is also hoping the Elephants will be pooled in a favourable group.

"We are hoping for a good draw for Ghana with an affordable group because everyone wants to go through the first round and continue the adventure," Asamoah told CafOnline.

"All I can say is I wish Ghana the best of luck in the draw. Ghana is a country of football, with many talents. We have a team of young people who play well in their clubs. It's a rebuilding team with a new coach.

Former Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora is also hoping the Elephants will be pooled in a favourable group.

"I wish my country had a fairly understanding hen. All the qualified countries are great nations. We have to avoid the top teams and after the rest, we can manage," Zokora stated.

Meanwhile, Cameroon fans have expressed their diverse opinions ahead of the Tuesday evening draw.

"In view of the last performances of our team in the Afcon qualifiers, namely a defeat and a draw against Cape Verde, I keep my fingers crossed that we do not meet such teams, which we often refer to as second-zone teams." - Abdoul Nasser Toupendi.

"The opponents to avoid in my opinion are Egypt and Ghana in pot 2. They often caused us a lot of problems during the Afcon finals. In pot 3, we have to avoid the Gabonese neighbour with whom we have a political history. This Gabon is also made up of a fantastic attack with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga. In the same pot, there is Guinea Bissau which has always been difficult to beat. 

"We remember one of the recent confrontations in 2017 with the famous Piqueti Djassi Brito Silva who created doubts in the minds through his masterful goal. In pot 4, we have to fear the Comoros who present themselves as the Madagascar of the last Afcon, not much into individual style, but a collective team resistant to tough opponents." - Billy Houto

"They are among the 'natural' favourites. To them, I also add Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt. The Indomitable Lions that I classify among the outsiders will have to be wary of them in the rest of the competition." - Lawrence Kede

Tammy Abraham has completed his €40 million (£34m/$47m) transfer from Chelsea to Roma, with the England international striker signing a five-year contract with Serie A heavyweights.

Goal revealed on Sunday that the 23-year-old was in Italy to undergo a medical at Stadio Olimpico and put the finishing touches to a big-money move.

He has now linked up with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, with an ambitious performer eager to see the regular game time that was being denied him at Stamford Bridge taking on the No.9 shirt with new employers.

What has been said?

Abraham has told Roma's official website of taking on a new challenge outside of his comfort zone: "You can sense when a club really wants you – and Roma made their interest clear immediately.

"Roma is a club that deserves to be fighting for titles and trophies. I’ve had the experience of winning major trophies and I want to be in those competitions again – so I want to help this team to achieve that and get to the level where Roma should be.

"It’s a massive honour to be the No. 9 at this club and I just can’t wait to get started and to help the team."

More to follow...

Renato Sanches has undergone an operation on his injured knee at Lille, with a six-week spell on the sidelines seemingly bringing an end to the rumours linking the Portugal international with Liverpool and Barcelona.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a welcome return to prominence since securing a move to France in 2019, with struggles endured at Bayern Munich being put to the back of his mind.

His form has been so impressive that another high-profile transfer was being mooted in the current window, with Premier League and La Liga heavyweights said to be keen, but he has been forced under the knife and will be out of action until at least the end of September.

What has been said?

Lille have said in a statement released on the club's official website: "Renato Sanches underwent successful surgery on Monday for a meniscal lesion in his right knee. Our midfielder is doing well.

"Renato will be able to start his rehabilitation this week. The duration of his unavailability, estimated at six weeks, will be defined more precisely in the coming weeks.

"Speedy recovery Renato!"

Why is Sanches back in demand?

An all-action midfielder was one of the hottest properties in world football back in 2016.

Having burst onto the scene in his homeland at Benfica, European Championship glory was taken in with his country.

He was the youngest player selected for major tournament competition by Portugal at that stage, with a notable record taken away from Cristiano Ronaldo.

It came as no surprise when that summer also delivered a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, while the prestigious Golden Boy award was later secured.

Sanches found the going tough in Germany, though, while a loan spell at Swansea also did not work out, and he started to slip out of favour.

A move to Lille presented a talented performer with a fresh start, and he has made the most of that opportunity.

Consistency and energy has returned to Sanches' game, along with an international recall, and he became a Ligue 1 title winner last season while contributing one goal and three assists through 29 appearances in all competitions.

Further reading

Former Football Kenya Federation head Sam Nyamweya has asked President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to intervene and remove Nick Mwendwa from the summit of the FKF.

The veteran administrator has further hit out at his successor for hastily punishing Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards without following due procedure after recent happenings.

The two, arguably, biggest teams in the country, skipped the league assignment on July 31, protesting their unpaid grants and FKF Shield Cup prize money. The Federation went on to dock them three points each and fined the two teams a total of Ksh10 million.

Chairmen Ambrose Rachier and Dan Shikanda were also handed provisional suspensions.

'It does not work that way'

"He just wakes up like a mad man and decides to fine Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards a total of Ksh10 million. Then he wants to punish Gor Mahia chairman [Rachier] and [Shikanda] of AFC Leopards," Nyamweya told Radio Citizen.

"It does not work that way; before any step is taken, clubs must be called to the respective disciplinary committees to make their case.

"I am asking the government [under President Uhuru Kenyatta] and former Prime Minister [Raila Odinga] and all people at large to come together and remove this man from the helm of Kenya football because he has caused shame.

"It is not a must that Nyamweya should return but I want to help in removing these people."

'Give coaches a free hand'

Apart from questioning the high turnover of coaches recently, Nyamweya has also asked Mwendwa to stop interfering with national team selection.

"When I was heading the FKF, only a few coaches led the national team, about two or three top-class coaches. I respect [Jacob] 'Ghost' Mulee, but there is no way you can have about 10 coaches in your reign. It shows you have failed," he continued.

"I also challenge this man [Mwendwa] to allow coaches to select who they deem fit to represent the national team. Not to dictate Kariobangi Sharks players to be included or those players he wants to sell. It is shameful, it stinks."

Maritzburg United have announced the signing of Stellenbosch FC forward Leletu Skelem in a swap deal involving Judas Moseamedi.

Skelem was tipped to join Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the current season having established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers in the PSL with Orlando Pirates also said to be one of his keen admirers. 

However, Maritzburg have now beefed up their squad with the signing of the 23-year-old player in a deal that sees Moseamedi leave the Team of Choice for Stellies. 

"Maritzburg United have signed an exciting attacking player in Lelethu Skelem from Stellenbosch FC, with Judas Moseamedi set to move in the opposite direction," a club statement read. 

Skelem plans to flourish at the Pietermaritzburg-based side and he revealed high ambitions.

"I've received a nice warm welcome from the players, the coaches and the staff," Skelem told the Maritzburg media department.

"I'm 100 percent fully focussed and happy to work with coach Ernst Middendorp, more especially as an international coach. There's that space for him to teach me more about football.

"I will do my best for the team to help us get good results. To be in the top eight and to fight for the top four, that's the most important goal for me and also for the team."

The speedy attacker featured in 74 leagues games for Steve Barker’s team and hit the back of the net six times. 

Meanwhile, Moseamedi has left Maritzburg after two-and-a-half years with the club, having scored some memorable goals for the team against Chiefs.

Nicknamed 'Chiefs slayer', Moseamedi will fill the void left by Skelem at Stellies and Maritzburg have wished him all the best at his new club. 

"Judas Moseamedi departs after two-and-a-half seasons with Maritzburg, having scored some crucial, memorable goals in his time," another club statement read.

"The big man’s commitment and selfless attitude were appreciated by all at the club. The Team of Choice thanks Judas for his outstanding efforts and we wish him all the best." 

Maritzburg have also signed Alfred Ndengane, Zukile Kewuti, Lifa Hlongwane, Brandon Theron, Richard Zumah, Rowan Human, Thato Lesoma and Renaldo Leaner in the current transfer window. 

Chelsea duo Emerson Palmieri and Kurt Zouma could still leave the club during the summer transfer window amid interest from Lyon and West Ham, Goal can confirm.

Both players have been the subject of interest from various clubs across the summer, but no deal has been finalised.

Thomas Tuchel remains keen to trim his squad, however, and the duo could be moved on before the transfer window closes.

What's the latest on Emerson?

French side Lyon have approached Chelsea with a loan offer that includes an option to buy the left-back.

The Ligue 1 side are looking for a season-long loan deal, with Emerson's current contract set to run down at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

The Blues, however, have an option to trigger an additional year in the 27-year-old's contract, meaning they would almost certainly not allow the defender to leave for free.

Emerson, who has previously been the subject of interest from Juventus, Inter and Napoli, is currently priced at £20 million ($28m), although interested parties expect that number can be negotiated down.

Speaking about his future, the European Championship winner told ESPN Brasil: "I know it’s not easy, but I’m hungry to play. I want to play, I know I can be out on the pitch, I’ve proved that.

"So I’m going to do everything I can to be on the pitch. Of course, I still have two more years on my contract with Chelsea, which is a great club. I’ve already proved that I can play here, but at the same time I want to be on the pitch. I want to play, I want to feel important, like I already did.

"I want to have the same feeling I felt when I scored against Atletico Madrid, to have the same feeling when I won the Champions League. And I will really choose the best option. If it’s to stay at Chelsea, or if it happens to be Napoli or another team.

"I still have another 25 days to think about it, to be able to choose the the best place to be - where they really want me and where I can be happy."

What's the latest on Zouma?

It is understood that West Ham have reignited their interest in the France international after Tottenham scuppered the Hammers' chances of signing Nikola Milinkovic from Fiorentina.

Chelsea retain an interest in Sevilla's Jules Kounde and getting Zouma off their books would free up a spot in the squad for his countryman.

A sticking point for West Ham, however, is the Blues' £25m ($35m) valuation of Zouma, which is beyond what David Moyes' side are willing to pay.

Further reading

Hearts are interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn on loan, Goal can reveal.

The 21-year-old remains the youngest goalscorer in Reds’ history, but he will leave Anfield this summer in search of regular football.

Woodburn has a number of options to consider, including clubs in Denmark and Croatia, but it is Hearts of the Scottish Premiership that currently lead the race.

Why has Woodburn’s career not taken off at Liverpool?

Woodburn joined Liverpool at the age of seven and in November 2016 became the youngest player to score in a competitive game for the club. 

He was just 17 years and 45 days old when he netted in a League Cup win over Leeds at Anfield, and in September 2017 he became the second-youngest player to score for the senior Welsh national team. 

He made nine appearances for Liverpool in the 2016-17 season, and two the following year. But while his close friend Trent Alexander-Arnold has gone on to establish himself as one of the star’s of Jurgen Klopp’s team, Woodburn’s path has been more difficult.

A loan to Sheffield United in 2018 ended prematurely after only eight appearances, while another temporary move to Oxford a year later was ruined by two serious foot injuries. 

He joined Blackpool, under former Liverpool academy coach Neil Critchley, last summer, but contracted Covid-19 and was able to make only 13 appearances for the League One side before returning to Anfield.

This summer, Woodburn played a full part in pre-season and impressed in Liverpool’s final friendly against Osasuna last week. He was an unused substitute in the Reds’ Premier League win at Norwich on Saturday.

But with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Curtis Jones all ready to return to the squad, it is accepted that opportunities will be limited going forward. Klopp already has James Milner, Fabinho, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Harvey Elliott competing for midfield places.

Woodburn is into the final year of his contract and appreciates the need to go and play regular, senior football if he is to develop his career.

Further reading 

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of forward Caleb Chukwuemeka from Northampton Town.

The English midfielder of Nigerian origin has joined his brother, Carney, at Villa Park after completing a move for an undisclosed fee.

“Aston Villa is pleased to announce the signing of Caleb Chukwuemeka,” Villa confirmed on their official website.

“Caleb joins younger brother Carney in Villa’s ranks after completing a move from Northampton Town for an undisclosed fee.

“The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Cobblers during 2020-21, making 28 appearances across all competitions.”

On signing the player, Villa Academy manager Mark Harrison said: “We are delighted that Caleb has joined us. He has been a player we have been monitoring for a while now and has continued to develop well at Northampton, making a number of appearances last season.

“He is an exciting attacking player with an eye for goal and we feel has a lot of potential. We are really looking forward to working with him.

"I would like to thank Northampton for the way in which they've handled this transfer."

Northampton have also confirmed the exit of Chukwuemeka with club manager Jon Brady wishing him well at his new club.

"We wish Caleb all the best and given the path he wants to pursue, this deal is very much in the best interests of the club," Brady told the club’s website.

"I have worked with Caleb for a number of years both in the academy and with the first team so I know all about his game, where he is at the moment, his attributes and the ability he has and supporters will have seen glimpses of that at first-team level.

“He is still a young striker learning the game but I would hope, with the work our coaches have done with him and the help he will now receive at Aston Villa, he is well placed to enjoy a successful career.

"I know how good our academy has become at the club and Caleb is the latest player to either come through to the first-team squad or to attract the attention of other clubs, either through EPPP or outside of the scheme and that is a huge tribute to the work that goes on in our academy and the player pathway we have at the club.”

His brother Carney made his debut for Aston Villa as they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on May 20.

Nigeria youth star Tom Dele-Bashiru has explained how a long-term injury he suffered last season helped him to improve on and off the pitch.

The 21-year-old sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury last October while turning out for Watford against Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in the EFL Championship, which later ruled him out of action for the rest of the 2020-21 campaign.

After recovering from the injury, Watford loaned him out for a season-long deal to Reading for the current campaign.

Dele-Bashiru has now remembered the pain he went through after suffering the injury.

“It is a great feeling to be back playing again,” Dele-Bashiru told the club’s official website. “The ten months when I was out with injury were really difficult, so I’m over the moon to be back playing.

“It has taught me many things – about how to recover from setbacks, and how to keep your mental state clear as well. It is quite difficult with an injury like that but I’ve learnt a lot.

“Now I’m really happy to be back playing. I’ve been enjoying it, trying to get my fitness up – but I’m feeling good!”

The midfielder was in Reading’s matchday squad for the first time when they defeated Preston North End 2-1 on Saturday but he will hope to make his bow in blue and white in midweek when they host Bristol City at Madejski Stadium.

“It’s a great feeling, and I’m really excited to be here," Dele-Bashiru continued.

“I’ve had a tough ten months with my injuries…I’m just excited to show everyone what I can do, and being out there doing what I love.

“I heard of the interest from Reading during the week, a few days before. Then the move happened really quickly. There was interest, and I was excited to be able to come here and play – because I know Reading plays good football.

“The manager has spoken to me about the way he wants to play – possession football and to enjoy the game.

“I’m an attacking midfielder – I like to dribble with the ball, drive forward, create chances. And to chip in with a few goals as well!”

Harry Kane appears destined to leave Tottenham before the next transfer deadline passes, Alan Hutton admits, with Spurs set to find themselves in the market for a suitable replacement for their 221-goal star.

The north London outfit have faced plenty of speculation regarding the future of the talismanic figure in the past, but never have they come so close to parting with the services of one of the best number nines on the planet.

If Kane is to leave in the coming days and weeks, then Nuno and Fabio Paratici have decisions to make, with Heung-min Son starting as a central striker against Manchester City, while rumours suggest that Manchester United star Anthony Martial and Inter striker Lautaro Martinez could be targets.

What has been said?

Asked by Goal whether Spurs should prioritise Premier League experience or move for an overseas player, ex-Tottenham defender Hutton - speaking in an interview via Coffee Friend - said: "It's a good question. Ideally, I think you would want that experience in the Premier League, a proven goalscorer. 

"Is Martial the right person? Not for me, I don't think. I think they might look foreign - with Paratici there, he knows those markets in Serie A. They might go that way. 

"One of the biggest things has been holding on to Son and seeing him sign that new contract. That's brilliant for Tottenham. They know they can rely on him, he is going to score goals. If they can bring someone in to partner him, I think that could be a good option."

Is Son the new talisman for Spurs?

The South Korea international, who Tottenham have tied to fresh terms through to 2025, grabbed an opening day match-winner against City as Nuno's side started 2021-22 in style, and Hutton admits that he is now the star attraction in a talented squad.

The Scot added: "He's definitely that player that has got that aura about him, that people look to the way they did with Kane - when Kane was injured they would look to Son and be like 'you're the man now, you need to come up with the goods'. 

"He is the new talisman if Kane goes. It looks to me as though a lot of the squad look to him to do something. When they need a bit of magic, he is their go-to man. Moving forward, if it is him, he will be their main player this season."

Will Kane definitely leave?

Spurs are yet to open themselves up to offers for Kane, but talk of interest from reigning champions City refuses to go away and it appears to be only a matter of time before a proven performer takes on a new challenge.

Pressed on whether he expects Kane to move in this window, Hutton said: "I think so. He came out and put all his cards on the table early doors didn't he before the Euros when he said he wanted it finished and sorted as soon as possible. 

"I didn't think he would be involved [against City], it was only a couple of days' training so how could you expect him to play any part? He hasn't trained. He has set out his stall now, though, he's 28 and looking to go to a team where he is going to be challenging to win things. 

"I understand the frustration from the Spurs point of view, I do get it, but from a footballing point of view you sometimes need to take a step back and understand why he's doing it. They are going to get a lot of money for him and if they can reinvest it in the areas they need to, then they can also be a force."

How much will Kane cost?

City recently broke the British transfer record when luring Jack Grealish away from Aston Villa for £100 million ($138m) and may need to raise that bar again in order to land Kane.

Hutton expects that to be the case, saying: "I would think so. Jack is a fantastic player when it comes to ability and what he gives to the team in terms of assists and that. Jack has got room to get better. At 28, 29, Kane is a proven goalscorer every single year. 

"We know what he gives and he's in his prime at the moment. He wants to win things. I think the fee will buy goals. 

"He is going to go there [City] and score. There will be so many more opportunities for him. Note how defensively Tottenham played last season, and he still got so many goals, it's frightening. Imagine him playing in a team where it is all geared around getting the number nine chances. I think you are buying goals with that sort of money."

This interview was in association with Coffee Friend, an international retailer for coffee and coffee machines.

Further reading

Andrea Pirlo has given his verdict on Leeds United and England star Kalvin Phillips after hearing him being dubbed the 'Yorkshire Pirlo'.

Phillips enjoyed a stellar 2020-21 campaign at Leeds as he helped the club secure a top-ten finish in their first year back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence.

The 25-year-old's performances earned him a place in England's European Championship squad, where he played a key role in their run to the final, and many supporters have compared him with Italy legend Pirlo.

What's been said?

Pirlo saw his country beat England via penalties in the showpiece event at Euro 2020, with Marco Verratti and Jorginho both producing star turns in the centre of midfield.

The former Juventus head coach, who played in a similar role for the Bianconeri, Milan and Inter over the course of a stellar 23-year career, understands why Phillips has been mentioned in the same breath as him, but feels his style of play was slightly different.

"It’s true. In England, there’s never been this kind of player. There have been great midfielders over the years with different skills," Pirlo has told The Athletic . "There’s the boy at Leeds (Phillips), who’s a bit of a regista…

"But we’re a bit different. He doesn’t have the same characteristics I had. You’ve always had box-to-box midfielders, like Frank Lampard."

Phillips' career journey 

Phillips graduated to Leeds' senior squad back in 2014 having spent the previous four years working his way through the club's academy system.

He has since racked up 211 appearances in all competitions for the Whites, recording 13 goals, while reportedly attracting attention from a number of Europe's biggest clubs.

Phillips has also now played for England on 15 occasions, with seven of those outings coming in Euro 2020 as he started every game under Gareth Southgate at the tournament.

What's next for Pirlo?

Pirlo is currently on the lookout for his next job after being sacked by Juventus at the end of a disappointing 2020-21 season.

The 42-year-old, who finished his playing career at MLS outfit New York City FC, would like to take on a new challenge outside of Italy, and has even hinted at a possible foray into English football.

"I’d like to go abroad," said Pirlo. "I spent three years in the US, so I have no problems with English and I speak French too. I feel like I can go anywhere."

Further reading

Former Orlando Pirates technical director and coach Augusto Palacios has backed Mandla Ncikazi to succeed Josef Zinnbauer at the Soweto giants. 

Zinnbauer resigned as the Buccaneers' head coach on Monday after the team made a poor start to the 2021/22 season - losing 2-1 to their Soweto rivals Swallows FC on Saturday.

The defeat saw Pirates' hopes of successfully defending the MTN8 title end in the first round and it put Zinnbauer under pressure and he decided to quit ahead of the new PSL campaign which starts this weekend. 

Palacios believes Ncikazi, who recently joined the Bucs technical team as Zinnbauer's second assistant, has what it takes to lead the Soweto giants. 

“Ncikazi proved himself at Golden Arrows last season,’’ Palacios told Sowetan.

"He’s worked with top coaches as an assistant at Maritzburg and Arrows… he was with Steve Komphela [as his deputy at both clubs].

"He also worked with Clinton Larsen. The football he played at Arrows last season showed he must be given an opportunity at big clubs like Pirates."

Ncikazi joined the Buccaneers in June this year after guiding Arrows to their highest ever finish in the PSL with the team finishing fourth behind Pirates, AmaZulu FC, and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Fadlu Davids has been part of the Pirates technical team as an assistant since January 2019, but Palacios has tipped Ncikazi for the hot seat. 

“He started the pre-season with Pirates…now he knows everyone there, so it won’t be a matter of bringing in someone new," the Peru-born mentor added. 

"If Pirates gave a young coach like Rhulani Mokwena a chance, why not Ncikazi? The faith in local coaches must continue…I believe the chairman [Irvin Khoza] will take the right decision.’’

Ncikazi's arrival at Pirates added fuel to speculation that the club is considering replacing Zinnbauer with Komphela, who is currently serving as a senior coach at Mamelodi Sundowns. 

However, the rumours cooled off and Zinnbauer was on the bench as Bucs succumbed to a defeat to their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the 2021 Carling Black Label Cup match earlier this month. 

It remains to be seen whether Pirates will make a move for Komphela, who is working under co-head coaches Manqoba Mngqthi and Mokwena at Sundowns.