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Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi teaming up at Barcelona would have a positive impact on Argentina, according to the national team's assistant coach Roberto Ayala.

Having scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for Inter in 2019-20, Lautaro is a target for La Liga champions Barca and it was last week reported he had agreed a five-year deal at Camp Nou.

Former Napoli, Milan and Valencia centre-back Ayala has been impressed by the 22-year-old's development under Antonio Conte this season and the partnership he has struck up with Romelu Lukaku.

With the coronavirus pandemic meaning the Copa America has been postponed until 2021, Ayala thinks Lautaro potentially playing with six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi at club level next term would be of huge benefit to Argentina.

The South American heavyweights have not won a senior international trophy since 1993, with Messi on the losing side in four finals during his career.

"The more matches they play together, the more they can get to know each other, it can be an advantage [for Argentina]," Ayala told Ole.

"But we will have to see if Lautaro plays for Barcelona or not because we can't forget [Luis] Suarez is there. We will see.

"It's an important decision Lautaro will have to make. Whatever he decides you have to respect because he's managing his career.

"The more chances of them playing together, the more they're going to understand each other.

"Lautaro is in a very important club at the moment and scoring goals in Italy is not easy.

"At Inter he's grown a lot and learned to earn his place. Inter trust in him a lot, his coach is empowering him, he found a partnership that complements him very well."

Inter are set to play their first game in over three months with a Coppa Italia semi-final against Napoli on Saturday, having lost the first leg 1-0 before football was suspended amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Lautaro and company will be back in Serie A action eight days later, with Sampdoria set to arrive at San Siro in a must-win clash for Conte's side.

Inter are currently third in the Italian top flight, nine points behind leaders Juventus with a game in hand, and cannot afford any slip-ups in their final 13 games.

Cristiano Ronaldo has improved a lot at Juventus after initially struggling to adapt to the demands of Serie A football, according to Nuno Gomes.

Ronaldo has scored 21 goals in 22 league games this season, the same tally he reached in 31 appearances in 2018-19 - his first term in Italy following his €112 million (£100m/$127m) move from Real Madrid.

Although only Ciro Immobile can match Ronaldo on 42 goals in the past two Serie A seasons, it has been suggested the 35-year-old's spectacular scoring prowess is on the wane, as he never failed to score fewer than 26 league goals per season during his nine years with Real Madrid.

Gomes, though, believes Ronaldo is actually getting better as he has become more used to the strong defences in Italy's top flight.

The former Fiorentina and Portugal striker, who spent two years in Italy after leaving Benfica in 2000, told Stats Perform News: "For a while, Serie A has not been at its usual level.

"Before 2000 and until 2005, all the best players were in Italy. Italian clubs were so strong and, in the nineties, they almost won every year [in Europe], the managers were of the highest level.

"I experienced a lot of difficulties at the beginning because there was a lot less space to attack than in Portugal.

"Italian defenders were tactically so good and were able to do everything the manager requested.

"The defensive system is a united block, they all move together and even Cristiano struggled a bit when he arrived.

"He was used to drawing the ball to him, having space and time to think, while in Italy you have to be quicker in your mind, you have to think football.

"Cristiano understood that and adapted and in so doing he improved. He saw he had to change his ways with less space than in Spain.

"So, he got closer to the box to maybe think more about scoring. He improved a lot."

Juve's season is set to resume on Friday when they face Milan in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, with the aggregate score at 1-1.

The Serie A leaders will then face Bologna on June 22 in their first league game since the competition was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis in March.

Fiorentina star Federico Chiesa should ignore links with Manchester United and remain in Italy, according to Nuno Gomes.

United, Chelsea, Juventus and Inter have been among the European heavyweights credited with an interest in Chiesa ahead of the summer transfer window.

Gomes represented Fiorentina between 2000 and 2002, during which time he won the Coppa Italia, and thinks the Italy international would be best served by further development before leaving Serie A. 

However, the ex-Portugal forward also acknowledged that the 22-year-old has impressive experience for his age, and says he has the ability to play in the Premier League or La Liga should he wish to do so.

"In my opinion, a young player like him should stay in Italy," Gomes said to Stats Perform News.

"It would be his best choice. He is still 22 so another couple of seasons will make him improve before leaving to another country. 

"But for sure he would be ready for LaLiga or the Premier League. He has already been an international many times and has much experience under his belt in Serie A, a very tough league. 

"He will be ready for an adventure abroad but the choice must be his and Fiorentina's."

Chiesa has contributed six goals and three assists to Fiorentina's Serie A cause this season, the highest totals in both categories across the entire squad for 2019-20.

Gomes played alongside Chiesa's father, Enrico, during his time with La Viola, and sees plenty of similarities with his former team-mate.

"When I watch Federico, I see his father Enrico who was such a great striker," added Gomes.

"I have almost never seen anybody shooting like him. His eyes were always set on the target to strike, he was amazing at set pieces. Left or right foot, the shot was so easy for him. 

"When I watch Federico I see a bit of his father, the style, the speed, the easy way at shooting without any preparation and a powerful kick like his father. A lot in Federico resembles his dad Enrico."

Chiesa will be back in action with Fiorentina when Serie A resumes later this month, as Giuseppe Lachini's look ahead to a meeting with Brescia on June 22.

Football has slowly started resuming with the Bundesliga's return from May 16 and now with the LaLiga Santander set for a restart on Friday after the Coronavirus pandemic put a pause to action world over.

After France have ended the 2019-20 Ligue 1 season early, the Premier League and Serie A are still aiming for a June restarts. 

*All times are IST.

Friday, June 12

LaLiga returns after three months with the matchday 28 clash between Sevilla and Real Betis - the El Gran Derbi - and 109 of the remaining fixtures to compete this season's campaign.

Saturday, June 13

Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich continue with their Bundesliga title race wherein the later hold a seven-point advantage while more LaLiga encounters await.

*All Bundesliga matches can be streamed online on Disney+ Hotstar VIP

Sunday, June 14

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are separated by just two points at the summit going into their weekend fixtures as Atletico Madrid hope to recover their standing.

*All Bundesliga matches can be streamed online on Disney+ Hotstar VIP

Monday, June 15

More action in the LaLiga!

More to follow...

You can also download the Goal Live Score App , available for both Android and iOS, to get real-time updates of all the matches.

Jadon Sancho's next step is "going to be a challenge", according to Gareth Southgate, who insists the Manchester United target is still "maturing".

The Borussia Dortmund attacker has emerged as one of the most sought-after young talents in European football since moving to Germany from Manchester City in 2017.

He is currently enjoying his best season yet at Westfalenstadion, having contributed 20 goals and 20 assists to BVB's cause in 40 outings across all competitions, and has also established himself as a regular in the England squad.

Sancho has been tipped for a return to his homeland this summer, with United reportedly ready to fork out a fee in excess of £100 million ($127m) to lure the winger to Old Trafford when the transfer window reopens.

Southgate has been keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old's progress in the Bundesliga, and says that although the ex-City starlet is "developing really well", he is still "learning the game".

The England manager also believes that the German top-flight pales in comparison to the Premier League, and that Sancho should look to follow the example of his international colleagues as he embarks on the next chapter of fledgling career.

"He's a very talented young player - that's clear. The Bundesliga is getting a lot of profile at the moment but it's no surprise to us," Southgate told Sky Sports .

"I think the interesting challenge is that Bayern [Munich] are the best team in the Bundesliga; RB Leipzig and Dortmund are performing well but the gap when you then work down the league is an interesting one when you compare it to the Premier League.

"The top teams have certainly been a challenge for English teams in the Champions League but the level I don't think is quite the same in Germany in terms of the depth because the finances aren't quite the same.

"Any step for Sancho is going to be a challenge but he's developing really well.

"If I look at his age and his contribution, he's learning the game, he's slowly maturing - there are bits he's still got to learn - and he has some fantastic role models in Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, not only in terms of how they play but also their professionalism, their desire and hunger."

Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick has heaped praise upon in-form full-back Alphonso Davies ahead of Wednesday's DFB-Pokal semi-final.

Signed as a winger from Vancouver Whitecaps in January last year, the Canada star has developed into one of Europe's best left-backs this season and earned a contract extension until 2025.

The 19-year-old's form has helped Bayern to sustain their challenge for the treble in 2019-20, and Flick has no doubt he can get even better.

"Alphonso is doing outstandingly at the moment," Flick said at a press conference on Tuesday. "In addition to his speed on the pitch, he's very adept defensively. 

"Now, he's setting up goals in attack and has scored some himself. He's on a very good path. He's young - he can and wants to learn.

"Despite his young age, he's currently one of the top performers."

Bayern will come up against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, against whom they lost the 2018 final, but their 11-game winning run in all competitions places them as firm favourites to progress.

They beat Frankfurt 5-2 last month in the Bundesliga, too, although Flick is not prepared to underestimate their opponents.

"We approach the game like all the others," he said. "We are analysing Frankfurt for the third time in a season.

"We have to be very focused over 90 minutes, or longer in the cup. The team know about Frankfurt's strengths but also know about their own."

Another Bayern player to enjoy a strong run of performances since the return of German football last month is Leon Goretzka, who got a goal and an assist in last Saturday's 4-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen.

Flick thinks the midfielder reflects the positive team spirit within the squad.

"He has a healthy aggression and so wins the ball a lot, and then he can start dangerous attacks," he said.

"But I don't want to single out one man. The whole team is excellent off the ball and also with the ball. Everyone feels a responsibility without the ball, and everyone wants to support each other with it.

"Not having an atmosphere [in behind-closed-doors games] may also help, since we speak a lot with each other. You can tell on the bench how everyone is, too – they also want to support. I like that. It shows the team spirit."

Gabriel Jesus admits that he had much to learn when arriving at Manchester City, with the Brazilian revealing that he “loved pizza and burgers” before taking on a personal performance coach.

A highly-rated South American striker was taken to the Etihad Stadium during the winter transfer window of 2017.

Jesus was still a teenager at that time and was very much still learning his trade when it came to the demands and expectations placed on elite performers.

He was, however, to quickly learn the error his ways and has made a point of now ensuring that he is in the best possible shape on and off the field.

“Before I came to Manchester City, I worked differently at my old club Palmeiras. I came here and I stayed for the first year and I felt something different,” Jesus told Sky Sports.

“Pizza, bread, I loved all that. I loved burgers. That was all so bad for me and my body. But this was my life before Andre came.”

With his physical condition having been scrutinised by those in and out of Manchester – and with Pep Guardiola the most demanding of managers – Jesus moved to add Andre Cunha to his support team.

“I asked Manchester City if I could try to do something at home with somebody who could come to see me so I found Andre and he is a top guy, a top professional,” he added.

“He knows everything so he has helped me a lot. Now my nutrition is much better than before, for sure. I don't go crazy. I had to think ahead so I stopped with all that.

“Always in my life, I want to learn more, improve more, everything. On the pitch, it is the same. When I feel something is wrong with me, with my body, with my quality, I try to improve. So I found Andre. I think it was a very good decision in my life.”

Jesus has now taken in 138 appearances for City, recording 63 goals, and will be looking to hit the ground running when Premier League action resumes amid the coronavirus pandemic on June 17.

“I am very fit and I am ready to play with my friends,” he said. “We are ready because we are training so, so much. It is hard every day, every single day, every single session. We are training hard.

"Everybody knows this Premier League is done but we don't have to give up because we have the Champions League as well and the FA Cup. We have to do everything to stay fit and play good. I think everyone is ready.”

Move over Twitter, rest in peace Vine, there's a new king of the social media world.

In 2020, anybody who is anybody is on TikTok - the video-sharing app known for its collaborative videos, dance crazes and non-stop supply of memes.

Wherever a social media craze goes, footballers soon follow, and TikTok is no different.

Plenty have shown their creative side, particularly during lockdown in recent months.

Check out the list below for the best TikToks football has to offer - and make sure to follow Goal (@goalglobal) first of all!

Which football players are on TikTok?

@alphonsodavies

Can’t believe that worked ##fyp ##fypage

@viniciusjunior

@joaofelix79

##woah ##fyp @tiagotiago518 We almost had it�ª��‚�‚

@christianmpulisic

Quarantine vibes�º

@davidluiz_23

@hherrera16

Perdón @shanm165 pero con esta de Román no fallo ��»�Š�š�» ##golazo ##riquelme ##HH ##quedateencasa

Which football clubs are on TikTok?

Jamie Carragher has saluted the efforts of Jordan Henderson at Liverpool, with a man who faced plenty of criticism early on at Anfield proving himself to the perfect successor to Steven Gerrard as Reds skipper.

An iconic presence in the middle of the park opted to walk away from his boyhood club in 2016, with Gerrard taking the decision to play out his career in MLS with the LA Galaxy.

A serious void was created by his departure, with Henderson asked to fill it by taking both the armband and a central role in the engine room.

Questions were asked of whether he was ready for such responsibility, but any fears in that department have been calmed by a model of consistency.

Henderson has shown himself to be an inspirational presence on and off the pitch, with his efforts across the last 12 months seeing him held up as potential PFA Player of the Year winner.

He has already got his hands on Champions League and Club World Cup crowns, with the Premier League title set to follow at some point over the coming weeks.

Carragher is delighted to see his former team-mate getting the recognition he deserves, with a hard-working 29-year-old having fended off doubters and big-money signings to remain a key cog in Jurgen Klopp’s well-oiled machine.

"When he first came in, it raised eyebrows in some ways, it was 'where is he going to play', we already had Steven Gerrard at the club, we had bought Charlie Adam as well," Carragher told Sky Sports.

"There were a lot of midfield players as well. It was Damien Comolli who brought him in, young England player, loads of energy. He found it tough early on because he was played out of position in right-midfield.

"The thing I love about Jordan Henderson and it's a little similar to my journey because at times I found it tough and people said I wasn't good enough and they have said that to Jordan Henderson. That just shows the character of who he is.

"You can use words like great professional, great character, and these are just words. What does it mean? It means the way he trains every day, people questioned why he was captain. I used to argue with Jordan all the time and I know the character and personality I want at my club and that is him.

"Who else could be captain after Steven Gerrard? I'm delighted and people like Jordan have something special about them, where you never write them off. At different times of his Liverpool career, someone has come in and you thought he might not play.

"[Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain, central midfield, Naby Keita, big-money signing, young, lots of qualities but Jordan Henderson still plays. Playing for nine years at a club like Liverpool is testament to his abilities and personality.

"Whether player of the year or footballer of the year gets done this year, I'm not sure. I thought Sadio Mane was Liverpool's best player when the season stopped and I wouldn't change that view.

"In terms of who has been the outstanding footballer of the year, it's about more than what you do on the pitch, I don't think there's a more outstanding character than Jordan Henderson."

Diego Milito can appreciate why reported interest from Barcelona will be turning the head of Lautaro Martinez, with it easy to see the Inter forward slotting in seamlessly alongside fellow Argentine Lionel Messi at Camp Nou.

A big-money move to Catalunya continues to be mooted for the highly-rated forward.

Barca are said to have a lucrative contract drawn up for the 22-year-old, with efforts set to be stepped up when it comes to agreeing terms with those at San Siro.

Lautaro has given little away when it comes to his future plans, with the South American allowing speculation to rage around him.

Many have called for the opportunity to join Messi in Spain to be snapped up, with the Blaugrana looking to land a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez.

Others, however, have urged caution when it comes to leaving a steep learning curve in Milan and making a step up to one of the most demanding clubs in world football.

Milito, as a former Nerazzurri star, would like to see a compatriot remain with Inter for the foreseeable future, but can understand why exit thoughts may be mulled over.

A man who saw his spot at Racing filled by an emerging Lautaro in 2016 told Infobae: “Lautaro can play for any team in the world, he's a fantastic attacker, an exceptional boy, I appreciate him a lot. I'm especially happy that things are going so well for him.

“I think he's happy at Inter, one of the best teams in the world. But if he has to go to Barca, I wish him the best. It will be great for him, I'm sure.

“How could he not gel with Messi? I'm convinced he can play with Leo. He's done it for Argentina.”

Lautaro has taken in 17 appearances for Argentina to date, recording nine goals for his country.

His potential is clear for all to see, with Barca’s interest coming as no surprise, and Milito believes an precocious talent can follow in the footsteps of Messi by forming part of the next generation of top talent.

He added: “Lautaro will be a top player during the next decade, he's got everything to make that happen.

“He's young but has very clear ideas. He's a boy that always wants to improve and he's got a lot of quality.”

Former Mali striker Frederic Kanoute has advised African countries to work on their organisation, dedication and their professionalism if they aspire to go beyond the quarter-final stage at a Fifa World Cup tournament.

No African country has gone past the last-eight in the global competition with Cameroon the first to achieve it in 1990 before Senegal and Ghana followed suit in 2002 and 2010 respectively.

At the most recent edition which took place in Russia two years ago, the five countries who represented the continent - Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia - all failed to make it past the group stage.

When asked about the chances of an African team to go further in the World Cup, Kanoute admitted that it is a matter of time because of the inadequate facilities in the continent.

“Every time there is a World Cup, I hope that an African country can go past the quarter-finals,” Kanoute told Goal with La Liga.

“I'm sure we will get there, this is just a matter of time but we can't just rely on time, we will have to rely on the work we do on the pitch, our organisation, our dedication and professionalism. That was what we were fighting for when I was playing for Mali but we knew we have not progressed in order to qualify first for a World Cup and after that, it's just not enough to go there and just entertain everybody and go back home at an early stage.

“We have to go to the next level but it will take a long way, we have to remember that we don't have the same facilities, we don't have the same organisation right now. Most of the countries have been independent for only a little time and we have to acknowledge these factors, these challenges to overcome them slowly but for sure, we are going to get there.”

The former Sevilla star played for Mali between 2004 and 2010, scoring 23 goals in 39 matches and he was crowned the African Footballer of the Year in 2007.

He recalled how proud he was when South Africa hosted the world for the first time on the African soil in 2010 and the mixed reactions that followed after Spain won it and France, his country of birth, failed to progress from their group.

“I have good memories because I used to play in Spain at the time and obviously, they won it so they were talking a lot about it,” he added.

“I remember it went really wrong for France, I'm from France as well, so they were speaking the other way round. Alot of good and bad comments that come. Obviously, I was really proud for the first World Cup to be in Africa. I hope much more will be hosted there.”

Simba SC chairman Mohammed Dewji has assured club fans they will not sell any of their players in the coming transfer window.

The Mainland Premier League giants are keen to build a strong team ahead of next season’s Caf Champions League as they are likely to represent the country in the competition for the second season in a row.

Dewji has now confirmed in a statement posted on the club’s Facebook and Twitter pages that the club will not let go of any player from the current squad and they will sign new players as per the request from their coach.

“My fellow lions,” Dewji wrote in the statement. “I want to assure you none of our players will leave Simba but we will also sign any player, from anywhere if our coach will need him in his squad.

“We want to remain consistent and will not let our squad change.”

Meanwhile, Simba have already been linked with the services of two Gor Mahia players – defender Joash Onyango and midfielder Kenneth Muguna.

Goal understands the club is already talking to Muguna, who has 18 months left on his contract with K’Ogalo but has expressed his desire to leave for greener pastures because of salary problems.

Onyango’s contract is also set to end in June and the former Western Stima defender is not keen to extend. Though Onyango has also been linked with a move to rivals AFC Leopards, he will definitely fancy the chance to play in the Champions League.

Gor Mahia have turned into a something of a feeder club for Simba recently - in the last two seasons, they lost two key players, Meddie Kagere and Francis Kahata, to the Mainland giants.

Simba are currently chasing a third straight league title, as they top the league table on 71 points from 28 matches, while Azam FC are second on 54 points and rivals Yanga SC are lying third after accumulating 51 points.

Simba will resume the league with a home game against Ruvu Shooting at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on June 14 while Yanga will come up against Mwadui FC.

Michael Owen believes Timo Werner could have added Fernando Torres-esque qualities to Liverpool, but admits signing the German would have presented a “problem” to the Reds as they have already offered their backing to Divock Origi.

A move to Anfield for another talented forward appeared to be on the cards when exit talk at RB Leipzig was ramped up.

Jurgen Klopp was considered to be in need of greater depth in his attacking ranks, with Werner ticking plenty of boxes when it comes to playing style and productivity.

Liverpool have, however, resisted the urge to make a move and left a door open for Premier League rivals Chelsea to trigger a £54 million (€60m/$68m) release clause.

Questions have been asked of whether the Reds will live to regret that decision, with Owen admitting that the 24-year-old would have been a useful addition.

The former Liverpool frontman told Premier League Productions of Werner’s strike rate, which has seen him net 92 times in 155 appearances for Leipzig: “They're great numbers aren't they? And he's not playing in a poor league. The Bundesliga is a very strong league and you would say that he can translate that.

“He does it at international level as well.

“I've been watching him quite closely since the restart and he's already started scoring goals, he's very quick, can cut in from wide, times his runs brilliantly and he's very direct as well, straight at the goal, a bit like Torres.

“I don't think he plays exactly the same but I always used to feel that Torres would take that first touch and then be motoring forward. I like him a lot.

“I'm sure Liverpool wanted him but maybe the financial implications and where we're standing in the world at the moment put them off… but I'm pretty sure they wanted him.”

While suggesting that Liverpool may have been scared off by Werner’s asking price, Owen concedes that the fresh terms handed to Origi in the summer of 2019 have also made it difficult for Klopp to commit to another forward.

“That's the problem,” added Owen.

“Liverpool gave Divock Origi a long-term contract not so long ago… they’ve almost nailed their colours to the mast in terms of, 'Right, he’s our back-up in case anyone gets injured'.

“Werner is a top player and I think if Klopp had the choice to have Werner come in as that fourth striker then absolutely he would.

“But you’ve got to balance it in terms of where we are financially at the moment and I just think that probably Chelsea need him more.

“I think he’d love to go to Liverpool but I think Chelsea at this minute need him more and are willing to go that extra step.”

Paulo Dybala has revealed there were "conversations" with Manchester United and Tottenham over a move to the Premier League in 2019 although he didn't want to leave Juventus without proving his worth to the club.

Dybala has been a key player in Juve's squad over the last five years but had to play second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo at times last season following his arrival from Real Madrid.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner became the focal point in attack in Massimiliano Allegri's starting XI, while Dybala was shifted to a role out wide, which reduced his effectiveness in the final third.

The Argentine finished the campaign with a career-low five goals and four assists to his name from 30 appearances, leading to question marks over his future at the club.

The 26-year-old claims Juve deemed him surplus to requirements, but he chose to fight for his place at the Allianz Stadium instead of entertaining the advances of Premier League duo United and Spurs.

Dybala says Paris Saint-Germain also made contact with his entourage before he informed the Juve board of his "intention" to stay put, as he told CNN: "It was more or less last year at this point when Juventus didn't want to count on me, didn't want me to continue playing here.

"That's when I was contacted and there were some clubs that were interested in me. Among those were Manchester United and Tottenham.

"I think for a long time there were conversations, then Paris Saint-Germain also appeared.                      

"I did not speak directly to any of them, but there were conversations with the clubs. However, my intention at the time was to stay. I hadn't had a good year or a positive last six months, so I didn't want to leave with that image because I think I had given the club a lot of nice moments and it wasn't fair that I went like this.

"So I also communicated that my intention was to stay, work to grow and give my best here. Obviously it was not easy because Juventus' intentions were different, but after the market closed, there was no more time and with the arrival of [Maurizio] Sarri I grew a lot.

"The team started playing football much better and that made me stay and I've had a great year until today."

Dybala has rediscovered his best form in the 2019-20 campaign under Maurizio Sarri, who arrived from Chelsea last summer after Allegri's decision to step down.

The diminutive forward hit 13 goals and assisted another 12 in 34 outings before the season was suspended in March due to the coronavirus outbreak, and will likely continue to play a vital role in Juve's pursuit of a ninth successive Serie A crown when the action resumes on June 20.

With media reports suggesting Bidvest Wits is being sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzihandila and winger Deon Hotto is close to securing a move to Mamelodi Sundowns, Namibian legend Henrico Botes shared his thoughts on the move.

The former Clever Boys striker explained it will be a good move for the Brave Warriors international, saying playing under coach Pitso Mosimane could definitely benefit the former Golden Arrows player.

On the other hand, Botes believes the move could make the South-West African nation proud, but warned Hotto to work hard because the Brazilians are serial winners and have a quality squad in the top-flight.

“I think he’s done well in the past couple of seasons in the PSL [Premier Soccer League]. So, it’s always difficult to move a big team, the so-called big teams in South Africa,” Botes told Goal.

“Sundowns is a successful team, they have been competing in Africa and the main thing will be the competition for a place. Sundowns always acquired the best players in the PSL. So, I think monetary wise it will be a good move for him.

“But playing-wise, he will have to prove his quality and do well. He must work and hard and prove his worth all over again. It’s not going to be easy but all I know about Pitso is that he looks for good players.

“Players that are multi-faceted and can play in different positions. With Hotto, it will help him because he played as a left-back at [Bloemfontein] Celtic.

“He can play all along on the left, he can do the job as a left-back and as a winger. Just like [Thapelo] Morena, he does well at right-back and as a winger. Hotto has a good engine, he’s fit and that’s a strength for him.

“I think he has to keep fit on the ground should the move happen.”

On the fact there is only one Namibian who has featured for the reigning PSL champions in the form of Rinie Kanalelo, the retired striker said working under Gavin Hunt has prepared Hotto well for any big move.

“For me personally, it doesn’t matter where you play. You can play for [Kaizer] Chiefs, [Orlando] Pirates, or in Europe, you just need to work and deliver when you get a chance,” added the 40-year-old.

“I mean Pitso is one of the best coaches in SA [South Africa] now and obviously it will be great for Hotto to work with Pitso. He’s been working with Gavin which he’s also up there as one of the best in the country. It’s just for him to work hard.

“Namibians, [Sydney] Plaatjies was there for a while, and although he didn’t get his chance, Ronnie spent almost eight years, close to a decade at Sundowns.

“He knows the culture and I’m sure he will advise him. Sundowns are serial winners, I mean everyone wants to play for a club like that. I trust Hotto, he’s got a good head on his shoulders and I believe it’s up to him if the moves does happen.

“It’s up to him to prove himself. I have no doubt he can do it.”

On the possibility of going overseas and competing in the Caf Champions League, the former Platinum Stars hitman backed the 28-year-old to succeed at Chloorkop.

“There’s a shortage of natural left-footed players all over the world. Even myself growing up, I always admired natural left-footed players,” he continued.

“Hotto is one of the best players that can play well. I know Hotto well during my time in the national team. I always tried to advise the young boys especially those in SA. The likes of Peter Shalulie, Hotto, [Virgil] Vries, and I always tried to give them advice.

“It’s a chance for him to take his career to the next level and start winning trophies on a regular basis. He must compete with the best, in Africa and he can go overseas. Why not?

“He’s got the talent and it’s now up to him to put in the hard work. It’s exciting and I didn’t know that there were talks he could move to Sundowns. I’m excited for him. I just hope he will do himself and Namibia proud.”

Nabil Bentaleb has praised his Newcastle United teammates for their hard work in training ahead of the Premier League restart.

The English top-flight will resume action on June 17, more than three months after it was suspended due to coronavirus lockdown and Steve Bruce’s men are scheduled to host Sheffield United at home four days later.

Newcastle intensified their preparation with a behind-closed-doors training match at St James' Park on Saturday with the Algerian midfielder scoring a stunning goal from outside the penalty area.

He was delighted with his contribution, and he believes they will be prepared to kick on when the league resumes in a week’s time.

"No matter how much you run in training you need to get match fitness and to get match fitness you need to play so that's what we did,” Bentaleb told the club website.

"It is good for the legs and I think everybody is happy.

"We've all been craving Premier League matches and are getting close to this. We've worked really hard and hopefully, we will be ready on the day."

Bentaleb joined Newcastle United on loan from Bundesliga club Schalke 04 in January, with the Premier League outfit holding the option to make the deal permanent.

He has made six appearances for the Magpies with four yellow cards received so far.

The inter-squad match ended 1-1, however, the 25-year-old believes they are getting back their form and he praised Joelinton, who found the back of the net as well.

"For a striker, it is always good to score," he added. "You always want to create opportunities for him [Joelinton] and it is great he managed to score.

"I was looking more for getting 90 minutes in my legs but I managed to score a goal.

"We are getting back to our automatism."

Newcastle United are placed 13th on the Premier League table after gathering 35 points from 29 outings.

Express FC forward Baker Lukooya has already set his eyes on next season to help the team do well in the Ugandan Premier League.

The winger joined the Kampala-based side in January this to help them get their footing after a poor start to the season.

However, it took time before he received his paperwork and when he eventually did, the league came to an abrupt end owing to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Despite his short contract with the club coming to an end at the end of the season, the 24-year-old is keen on extending his stay.

"I would want to stay at the club because I and the coach [Wasswa Bossa] have been getting along well," Lukooya told Football256.

"The club and I are in talks and I am hopeful we shall come to an understanding. I am already preparing for the new season and I can’t wait for it to get underway."

The former AFC Leopards player has also shed light on his brief stint with the club before the league was suspended.

"I have had a good time at Express since I joined, we all know the team had a change in management and we all had to adjust which we did," Lukooya added.

"But unfortunately, just when we were turning the corner, the pandemic struck."

After the league annulment by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa), Express ended in the ninth position having accumulated 31 points from the 25 matches played.

They had managed nine wins, four draws and 12 losses in the games played.

Vipers SC were declared champions of the cancelled UPL as confirmed by President Moses Magogo.

The Venoms, who were leading with 54 points, won their fourth title.  

Maroons FC, Uganda Cup defending Champions Proline FC and Tooro United, who had recently reportedly got a new owner, were relegated.

In the Fufa Big League promotion tussle, Myda FC and UPDF earned slots in the top-tier while Kiboga, Kataka, Kitara and Ndejje will face off in the play-offs to produce the third team that will grace the top-tier in the 2020/21 season.

Jack Grealish may be a better fit for Manchester United than Paul Pogba, claims Michael Owen, with the Red Devils advised to open themselves up to offers for a World Cup winner.

Transfer talk is raging once again at Old Trafford, with comings and goings aplenty being mooted ahead of the next window.

Much of that speculation has focused on Pogba and Grealish, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having some big decisions to make.

He has expressed excitement at the potential of a new midfield pairing that could see a France international thrive alongside January signing Bruno Fernandes.

The United boss is, however, said to be in the market for added creativity, with Grealish figuring prominently on that wish list.

Playing the 2019-20 campaign to a finish should allow Solskjaer to finalise his recruitment plans, with a fit-again Pogba set to be given another chance to prove his worth.

Former United striker Owen told Premier League Productions on the posers facing those at the Theatre of Dreams: “That’s going to be probably the most fascinating thing when they come back, whether he puts them both [Pogba and Fernandes] in the same team.

“I think it’s taken a huge bit of pressure off him that Fernandes has done fantastically well. Now he doesn’t necessarily have to put Pogba in straightaway because there’s going to be questions about whether they can play together.

“It might also accelerate the departure of Pogba now Fernandes is a brilliant player because all of a sudden, when you’re watching Manchester United you’re missing someone with creativity, you’re missing someone with vision but now since Fernandes has come in you’re not missing any of that.”

Owen added on Pogba and why moving the 27-year-old on could prove to be the best course of action: “Now he [Pogba] might just be dispensable if they get a big bid.

“If I was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, I would get big money bearing in mind they’ve got Fernandes now and then you could go and invest in someone like Grealish.

“He might have the style that compliments Manchester United better than Pogba does at the moment”

With a green light having been given for Premier League action to resume amid the coronavirus pandemic, United will be back in action on June 19 when they take in a meeting with Tottenham.

When Lionel Messi decides his time at Barcelona is over, Wesley Sneijder says Frenkie de Jong will step up and become “even more of a leader” for the La Liga giants.

The reigning La Liga champions invested heavily in a Netherlands international midfielder during the summer of 2019.

De Jong’s current ability and future potential was noted during a productive spell at Ajax, with the 23-year-old proving himself on domestic and European stages.

A testing debut campaign in Catalunya has seen the odd question asked of whether a creative talent can make the expected impact at Camp Nou.

Sneijder is in no doubt that a fellow countryman will thrive in time, with De Jong still finding his feet in the most demanding of surroundings.

The ex-Real Madrid star even believes that a natural heir to Barca skipper Messi could present itself over the coming years.

De Jong fills a different role to a mercurial Argentine forward, with his game drawing more similarities to Blaugrana legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta, but he could take on more responsibility.

Sneijder expects that to be the case, telling the Daily Mail: “Holland and Barcelona have always had a great feeling.

“De Jong made the best choice because he understood that his football is perfect for Spain and Barcelona. 

“[Mattijs] De Ligt chose differently [in joining Juventus] but Frenkie made the perfect decision for his life. De Ligt a different choice but in my opinion De Jong is forward-looking. 

“He did very well to choose Barcelona: it is a club suitable for him, when Messi will stop with football Frenkie will become even more of a leader.”

Barca are back in the market for more game-changing talent heading towards the next transfer window.

Lautaro Martinez has emerged as a top target for those at Camp Nou, with efforts being made to prise an Argentina international forward from the clutches of Inter.

Ex-Nerazzurri star Sneijder is hoping to see the South American stay put for the foreseeable future, allowing him to deliver tangible success at San Siro, with the 22-year-old then urged to make a move to the other side of a fierce Clasico divide in Spain.

“I don't like Barcelona, I played for Real Madrid. Winning at Inter is a unique feeling, I did it and I wish he does it before leaving,” Sneijder said.

“I recommend Real Madrid to him. A player who is physically strong and mentally strong. I can only tell him to try to play for Real Madrid but only after many years at Inter.”

Bayern Munich's dominance of the Bundesliga is "boring and sad", according to Arsenal and Germany goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

An eighth successive top-flight crown looks destined to arrive at the Allianz Arena in the coming weeks, with Bayern once again setting unprecedented standards in terms of performances and consistency.

Hansi Flick's side are seven points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the league at the moment, and their latest coronation will be confirmed if they pick up two wins from their final four fixtures.

Bayern have been in electrifying form since the Bundesliga restart on March 18, picking up maximum points from five games, including comfortable victories over Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

The Bavarians will be expected to extend their winning run when they play host to Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, but Leno thinks their recent success counts for little due to the lack of competition in Germany's top tier.

"Bayern is already a champion, as always. It is boring and sad," Leno, who spent seven years at Leverkusen before moving to Emirates Stadium in 2018, said on the SWR podcast 'Steil'.

"One wishes an exciting championship fight, but I don't see any exciting championship in the near future. Bayern is too strong there."

Leno has made the number one spot at Arsenal his own over the last two seasons, racking up 65 appearances for the club in all competitions.

The 28-year-old added on his decision to move to the Premier League: "I really wanted to go abroad, London is a mega city for me."

The ex-Leverkusen shot-stopper is currently preparing with the rest of the Gunners squad ahead of the Premier League's return on June 17.

Arsenal are first up as English football gets back underway following a coronavirus-enforced three-month hiatus, with a trip to Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on the cards next Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta's men will need to finish the season strongly in order to secure a place in the top-four, having slipped to ninth in the standings before play was stopped in March.

Chelsea are occupying the final Champions League spot at present, eight points above the Gunners with nine matches remaining.