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Watford have provided an injury update on Adam Masina ahead of their 2021-22 Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Morocco international suffered an injury during the Hornets’ build-up to the new English topflight season.

And that ruled him out of his team’s 3-1 defeat to Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace on Saturday at Selhurst Park.

However, the left-back has now returned to training with the rest of the team in preparation for their fixture against Dean Smith’s side at Vicarage Road.

While Domingos Quina is also back in the squad, the trio of Joao Pedro, Joshua King and Nathaniel Chalobah are unavailable for action this weekend.

“Xisco Munoz has a near fully-fit squad to choose from ahead of the Premier League season opener on Saturday,” a statement from the Hertfordshire based outfit read.

“Only strikers Joao Pedro and Joshua King, plus midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah, are unavailable for the visit of Aston Villa at Vicarage Road.

“Joao Pedro continues to work with the medical team to recover from a knee injury he sustained last month in the behind-closed-doors friendly against Millwall, whilst this weekend comes just too soon for King, who should re-join the squad for full training next week following a minor groin problem.

“Chalobah also misses out this weekend due to illness.

“Adam Masina and Domingos Quina have both returned to full training this week after sitting out the friendly at Crystal Palace last weekend.”

The 2015 Serie B Footballer of the Year joined the English team from Bologna after signing a five-year deal.

In his maiden season in England, Masina featured in 14 league games while appearing 26 times the next term, albeit, the club got demoted to the English second tier.

The 27-year-old played a key role in Watford’s return to the Premier League – featuring in 25 Championship games with two goals to his credit.

His sumptuous free kick in the Hornets’ 2-1 away defeat of Cardiff City was nominated for the 2020-21 Watford Goal of the Season prize alongside strikes from Tom Cleverley [vs Swansea], Ken Sema [vs Rotherham United], Frankie McAvoy [vs Preston North End] and Joao Pedro [vs Derby County].

Arsenal's search for another playmaker goes on, with Nigel Winterburn admitting that the Gunners are going to have to play a "waiting game" if former loan star Martin Odegaard remains a top target.

It appeared at one stage as though the Norway international midfielder would be out of reach for Mikel Arteta, with the talented 22-year-old heading back to parent club Real Madrid eager to prove his worth to new Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Questions continue to be asked of Odegaard's place in long-term plans at Santiago Bernabeu, though, and that could see a transfer door swing open for those at Emirates Stadium before the summer window closes.

What has been said?

Quizzed on whether Arsenal will hold out for a player they know well, former Gunners defender Winterburn - speaking in association with FreeSuperTips - has told Goal: "They'll have to play the waiting game if Odegaard is the one they want because he's a Real Madrid player.

"Unless he's going to get game time there, then I imagine he'll look to push for a move away either on loan or permanently.

"Arsenal will know that he's an option and they'll push for it if it becomes available, considering he was with us last season.

"I think it's one that goes to the wire, it'll be twitchy for the Arsenal supporters until we address that position.

"Obviously, we have Emile Smith Rowe, who can play in that area or out wide to allow Odegaard to come in. He could switch back into the middle and allow someone else to move out wide, but I think we need someone in as well.

"Arteta knows Odegaard and he was instrumental in bringing him in last season, so that will be a strong option again."

Is Odegaard the best option?

Arsenal saw Odegaard contribute two goals and as many assists through 20 appearances in all competitions last season, with a positive impact made in north London.

Arteta would welcome an opportunity to bring him back to English football, but plenty of alternatives have been linked with the Gunners - including Leicester star James Maddison.

Pressed on who would be the best pick for Arsenal, with Odegaard potentially the cheaper option, Winterburn added: "The fact he's been here and knows a lot of the players is an added bonus. He's got an insight into what Mikel Arteta wants and how he wants to play.

"I do like James Maddison, I've got to admit, he's someone playing Premier League football, so he knows what it's all about.

"The supporters don't look at the money, they want the best option for Arsenal, and they don't want to feel like they'll sign Odegaard just because he's cheaper.

"Both would fit, one has a lot of experience in the Premier League and the other one knows how Arteta and Arsenal work.

"I am always a bit nervous when these situations drag on though."

Further reading

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has claimed the club has been a victim of its own success over previous Premier League seasons.
 
Rachier said the financial challenges they have undergone have been piled on them by the continental duties they have had to honour without a regular source of income.

"Success has been part of our undoing and people will be a little bit surprised but let me elaborate that we have been champions seven times and that means we have been going for the African campaign," Rachier told Arocho Live.
 
"What this implies is that for every trip that we make out of the country, we need Ksh6 to Ksh7 million and when a team comes to play against us at home, we need at least Ksh3 million, which is a total of Ksh10 million per match and the return fixture. You can see that now."
 
However, Rachier explained how he has been able to lead the club to more success as its chairman since he took over in 2008.
 
"It is all about leadership, and the quality in that leadership. Tolerance is the most important virtue because the leader is criticised, abused and ridiculed in many ways and so to lead people you must practice tolerance," he added.
 
"You must be considerate, try to understand people and try to do the right thing, especially during a crisis. There is also integrity and it is central to leadership and, look, if I was a person stealing money at Gor Mahia and not being accountable, I should have been thrown out a long time ago.
 
"I will dare say, that in the 13 years I have been at Gor Mahia, you can not point a finger at me and say Rachier took money. Integrity is very important in any kind of leadership. But above all, try to understand the people you are dealing with."

Rachier also revealed the steps they have undertaken to build a stadium for the club and said it is a project he is passionate about and hopes to leave office when that is achieved.
 
"We have paid for the land and we are now processing the title deeds and I am determined to break ground before I retire," he concluded. "We have land in Kasarani, 15 acres, and we have paid for it. We intend to have joint partnerships with those who can provide the finance as we produce the land so that we can have some kind of co-ownership. 
 
"We are also looking to have an investor come and buy 49% of the club's shares as we retain the majority so that the club can have commercial sources of income rather than gate collections and sponsorship alone."

Rachier was elected unopposed when the club conducted its polls in 2020.

Edouard Mendy will remain Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper despite Kepa Arrizabalaga’s superb display against Villarreal, claims former Sunshine Stars keeper Olumide Akinroyeje.

With the Uefa Super Cup heading to penalties, the Senegal international was subbed off for the Spaniard to play in goal during the shootout.

Thomas Tuchel’s decision proved to be a masterstroke, as Arrizabalaga saved kicks from Aissa Mandi and Raul Albiol – to help the Stamford Bridge giants win their first silverware of the 2021-22 campaign.

Nonetheless, Akinroyeje states the Spain international’s brilliance does not automatically relegate the ex-Rennes star to the bench.

“Kepa [Arrizabalaga] was brave to have saved two Villarreal penalties and that is not a pointer that he would stroll back as Chelsea’s first-choice,” Akinroyeje told Goal.

“As it stands [Edouard] Mendy remains the first choice at Stamford Bridge and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

“Since his arrival from Rennes, he has brought consistency to the Chelsea backline line and played a key role in the team’s Champions League win. So, it would be irrational to have him not sit on the bench because someone saved two kicks.

“What this means is that Mendy should work harder in training so that he can be counted on when it comes to penalty situations.”

Mendy caused a stir in the 52nd minute when he slipped while taking a goal-kick. The ball landed at the feet of Yeremi Pino, teed up Gerard Moreno whose low strike could not find the target.

The Turkey-based goalkeeper does not see that as a sign of complacency on Mendy’s part blaming the quality of the pitch in Belfast.

“No it’s not [complacency],” he continued. “Things like that happen in football and as a goalkeeper, I experience that on numerous occasions.

“I am glad he made amends to save that but I won’t say he was overconfident. It was just about the quality of the field.

“Remember, that [Marcos] Alonso also slipped when taking his own penalty.

“That being said, he must keep working hard so that there would not be any course to question his ability.”

The reigning European champions begin their Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday. 

Coach Stuart Baxter has revealed Sabelo Radebe was so eager to impress him in training at Kaizer Chiefs, he was running like a 'headless chicken.'

The youngster will be part of the Kaizer Chiefs senior squad this season after being promoted from the junior team. He played well against Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup and is expected to be involved on Sunday in the MTN8 Cup against PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Radebe running 'like a headless chicken'

"Look, when I first came the very first day, his training was wretched. He was all over the place and was running about like a headless chicken," Baxter said in a presser as quoted by Sowetan.

"That I guessed, when I took him and spoke to him, was because he wanted to impress the new coach as much as he could. And he is a gifted player, he does have a lot of talent. We’ve all seen lots of talented players who don’t make it, for various reasons.

"But ‘Bibo’ [Radebe], I have to say, between that day, the Pirates game, and now, I think he got down to some work, he wanted to play within the structure of the team, play with other players and not just wanting to be individualist. So I think his progress has been excellent.

"I don’t like sitting here and saying anyone is going to play 20 or 30 games, because lots of things can affect that — lack of form, injuries, whatever. But Bibo has certainly surprised me with his progress. And I hope he continues that progress, because if he does then he’ll be a strong candidate."

Baxter's message to Sekgota

The Amakhosi coach has further revealed his conversation with Chiefs' new signing Kgaogelo Sekgota.

"KG is an exciting player and when he played his first game for us he gave an exciting performance, which in turn will excite our fans," Baxter continued.

"That word in football, we like that in football, don’t we? We like to have exciting games, exciting performances, and exciting players. KG is one of those players that can excite the crowd.

"The challenge that he has is to be focussed, so that you can do what you can do and be in a team structure so that we can also maximise that, getting the ball to you when you should get it.  

"You are getting the positions that we need you to take. That balance is keeping him grounded at the moment. We don’t encourage our players to become validation junkies on social media. I think the players should have a lot of confidence and dare to express themselves, even when social media is not making them the flavour of the month."

Mikel Arteta is "sure" that Arsenal will be involved in transfer business of some sort before the end of the summer window, but the Gunners boss admits that any further deals are likely to go down to the wire.

Three fresh faces have been welcomed to Emirates Stadium over recent weeks, with Ben White, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga joining the ranks in north London.

Further additions have been speculated on, particularly in the goalkeeping and playmaking departments, and Arteta is keeping his options open on the arrivals front.

What has been said?

The Arsenal boss has told reporters when quizzed on his plans ahead of a 2021-22 Premier League season opener against Brentford on Friday: "Well, in this first period of the transfer window I think we’ve done a few things we wanted to do and it’s going to help us to get the squad in a much better place. There is still a bit of the window to go, so I’m sure things will happen either way.

"I’m willing to work with the players that I have at the moment and get the best out of them, and we will see what we can do.

"We are talking about probably the most difficult transfer market in this industry over the last years for sure and we are trying to adapt. The club, the owners and myself, we all have the same interests, which is to make this team much stronger and we know that we still have things to do to get what we want.

"Things take time and there are all the time different parties and different interests there to get deals done. For sure we are trying to do what we can and as important as that is to make sure that the squad is healthy and we have the stability within that squad, which is something that we certainly missed last year after December so that is important as well."

Arteta added: "[Money is tight] for every club at the moment, we have an ownership that is willing to invest in the team and they want to get the team better and with bigger aims and we are trying to find the balance because at the same time we need to be really careful because we need 100 per cent a position that is sustainable and will help the club.

"Anything is possible and there is still a lot of things to be done and a lot of clubs involved and you can see that things have started to move at a different speed in the last week or so. It's been a really difficult transfer window and probably a lot of things will happen in the last week or so."

What is the priority for Arsenal?

The Gunners have been heavily linked with the likes of James Maddison and Martin Odegaard when it comes to creative additions, while Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is an option to have been explored between the sticks.

Asked for an update on his search for a shot-stopper, Arteta said: "I cannot tell you today I have no answers to that."

Pressed further on whether a No.1 is his top priority, the Spaniard added: "No, I wouldn't say that. It is trying to do what we have to do and it's not about the player or the position it's about where the squad should be finishing. That's what I would pick for the squad, the squad that we're going to have at the end of this transfer window. That is what I would be doing."

Could there be departures from the Emirates?

While looking to get more bodies on board, Arsenal are also in a position where funds could be freed up by sales.

Joe Willock is among those edging towards the exits, as Newcastle look to bring a former loan star back onto their books, and Arteta is ruling nothing out there either.

He said on potential departures before August 31: "I think everything is related to who we bring in, who is out, our capacity to hold foreign players in the squad. There are a lot of question marks still to be resolved. It's still pretty open."

Further reading

The USMNT and Mexico have been rewarded for their run to the Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League finals by climbing into the top 10 of the latest FIFA men’s world rankings.

The United States beat Mexico 1-0 to lift the Gold Cup for a seventh time earlier this month, while Gregg Berhalter's side were also 3-2 winners in the CONCACAF Nations League final in June.

In a busy summer of international football, there were also moves for the likes of Argentina and Italy following their triumphs in the Copa America and Euro 2020 respectively.

Where are USA & Mexico in the rankings?

The US have risen 10 places up to 10th place in the latest rankings, their highest position since 2006.

They won all six of their matches at the Gold Cup, conceding just once. They also won five out of their six games in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Mexico meanwhile have climbed eight places and above the U.S. in the rankings in ninth, despite losing to them in both finals. It is their first time in the top 10 for 10 years and their highest placing since 2006.

Why are the FIFA rankings important?

The rankings are significant as they will be used to decide the seedings for next year’s World Cup finals in Qatar.

If the U.S. and Mexico remain in the top 10, they could be seeded and therefore be handed a more favourable group stage draw by avoiding the other seeded sides.

Who else was on the move?

Italy moved up two places to fifth after their victory at Euro 2020 - though the opponents they beat in the final, England, remain once place above them in fourth.

Argentina, who beat Brazil in the Copa America final, move up two places to sixth.

Belgium remain top despite losing in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, with Brazil second and France third.

Spain and Portugal complete the top 10 in seventh and eighth respectively.

Further reading

Ugandan full-back Shafik Batambuze has rejected Gor Mahia's settlement plan for the Ksh1.83 million owed to him by the FKF Premier League club.

The defender is among the players and coaches K'Ogalo owes before Fifa allowed the local giants to come up with a method of clearing the outstanding debts, only for Batambuze to reject it and demand the world-governing body activate the transfer ban.

"You may recall that you were categorically informed that the player regrettably rejected the settlement proposals stipulated in the memorandum of understanding stating that Fifa had already issued a decision and enforcement of the same decision had already commenced," read the letter from Batambuze's lawyer to Gor Mahia as per the club's portal.

"In view of the above, we regret to inform you that we have instructions to report to Fifa and once again implement the ban on the registration of players both nationally and internationally and to further engage Caf to assist in the enforcement of the Fifa decision."

"For the purpose of clarity, we acknowledge receipt of Ksh500,000 on behalf of the client [player] and the outstanding balance is Ksh1,336,000/ plus Ush8,688,500/= and all the amounts are subject to 5% interest as per the Fifa decision."

Batambuze was released by Gor Mahia in November 2020 after picking up a knee injury in January 2019 while playing in a Champions League match against Burundi's Aigle Noir.

Recently, Gor Mahia, who will take part in the Confederation Cup, was allowed by Fifa to sign players after they entered into a settlement plan meant to clear debts owed to former players and coaches. The dues could be paid in full or in whichever way they agreed.

Former head coach Steven Polack recently confirmed receipt of Ksh700,000 from Gor Mahia after he had forwarded his case to Fifa for action against Kenya's most successful club.

Lawrence Juma, now at Sofapaka, Joash Onyango at Simba SC, Tusker's Wellington Ochieng, Elvis Ronack of Nzoia Sugar, Kennedy Otieno of Western Stima, Wazito's Boniface Omondi, and David Mapigano are the players who left Gor Mahia at the same time as Batambuze.

Jurgen Klopp has delivered a confidence-boosting message to Liverpool supporters ahead of the club's Premier League season opener against Norwich, with the Reds boss revealing that Virgil van Dijk is ready to start.

A commanding Dutch centre-half has not taken in a competitive appearance for club or country since suffering knee ligament damage in a Merseyside derby date with Everton on October 17, 2020.

It has been a long road back to full fitness for a talismanic figure at Anfield, but pre-season outings have helped him to rediscover match sharpness and it could be that he - along with fellow long-term injury victim Joe Gomez - figures from the off at Carrow Road on Saturday.

What has been said?

Quizzed by the Reds' official website on whether Van Dijk and Gomez are ready for top-flight competition, Klopp has said: "I think so, it looks like [they are available to start]. But how it is with these kind of things, we have nothing to rush in this department.

"We just have to make then a decision on who will start, who will come on, things like this and if I think they are ready for 90 minutes then they are ready to start. 

"If I think we have to take them off earlier then it makes no sense because centre-half is not actually a position where you want to change during a game and so we will see. 

"But both look really good. An intense season is coming up. We will see how we decide that."

Does Klopp know his best team?

Continuity was key for Liverpool as they secured memorable Champions League and Premier League title triumphs in 2019 and 2020.

A succession of untimely knocks delivered a humbling fall from grace for the Reds last season, but they are getting back to full strength - with Andy Robertson the only regular starter stuck on the treatment table at present.

Pre-season fixtures have presented Klopp with a welcome selection headache, with a team that has been relatviely quiet on the transfer front this summer showing in back-to-back friendly dates with Athletic Club and Osasuna that they have enough depth at their disposal.

Klopp added on whether those outings present him with a selection poser: "It does, it does. It sends a good message actually: that’s the way we have to play, that’s the way you have to perform. If you want to be in the team that’s actually the lowest level allowed and so that’s what we have to try now to figure out. 

"[Tuesday] was a day off, Wednesday and [Thursday] sessions, and then Friday the [matchday] -1, so there are some decisions to make but these decisions are for one game, not for the season. So it’s not that much of a headache, to be honest."

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready for any transfer "surprises" that may materialise at Manchester United ahead of the August 31 deadline.

The Red Devils have already wrapped up deals for England international winger Jadon Sancho and World Cup-winning defender Raphael Varane, with the man calling the shots at Old Trafford "very happy" with the business that has been done so far.

Speculation remains rife, though, as another window starts to swing shut and Solskjaer is ruling nothing out when it comes to further additions being made to an ambitious squad.

What has been said?

The United boss has told Sky Sports when quizzed on his recruitment plans: "You never know what's going to happen in football. 

"Of course we have still got one hopefully coming in [Varane] and any surprises, anything can happen, we have got to be ready. But I'm very happy with what we've done so far."

Can Man Utd challenge for trophies in 2021-22?

Sancho and Varane should help to make the Red Devils more competitive on multiple fronts, with their experience and undoubted ability aiding the collective cause.

United are looking to ensure that a barren run on the silverware front is brought to a close at the five-year mark in 2022, with Solskjaer confident that he has enough at his disposal to get back on the trophy trail.

The 1999 treble winner said: "I've seen progress; progress in the coaching staff, playing staff, in the club and how we run things, but we haven't won anything yet.

"That is what we are here for at Manchester United. I'm used to winning. When I was here as a player, we finished third once and was either first or second every other year.

"We know we are in the most intense and competitive league in the world, and we have to be at the top of our games from game one to 38 to have a chance of winning the Premier League."

The Norwegian added: "I'm excited by the squad.

"I don't think anything is beyond these boys. It's just how we fare between now and the end of the season.

"How much sacrifice, how much discipline, how much team camaraderie, how much consistency, how much hard work, blood, sweat and tears - all these qualities and cliches.

"If you want to be the best you have to live like the best, you have to work as the best and perform every three days. It's going to be tough, but it is possible, definitely."

United will open their 2021-22 Premier League campaign at home to old adversaries Leeds on Saturday.

Further reading

Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya have learned their August rankings together with the rest of the continent, released by the Federation of International Football Association on Thursday.

The quartet stayed motionless in May due to the quiet period during the month under review. However, that changed this time as they took part in international friendlies.

Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles dropped from third to fifth in the continent, and to the 34th spot globally having accrued 1480 points.

It is understandable because the three-time African champions failed to win any of their three international games – losing twice and settling for a draw once.

For Bafana Bafana, who square up against Zimbabwe later this year as they commence their campaign to qualify for the 2022 Fifa World Cup, they garnered 12 points to move up to 12th in Africa and no. 73 in the world.

Charles Akonnor’s Black Stars – who failed to defeat Cote d’Ivoire and Morocco in their last two games remain in seventh place in Africa and 52nd in the world, having dropped four points.

The Harambee Stars will not be featuring at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, nonetheless, they still maintain in 23rd spot in Africa but 104th in the world.

Senegal are ranked first in Africa and 21st in the world with 1545 points, while Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles – who dropped two points – are now 28th globally and second in Africa after accruing 1515 points.

Sierra Leone and Eswatini did not take part in regional tournaments, yet they gained ground thanks to their positive friendly results. While the Leone Stars gained eight points to climb to 106th globally, Dominic Kunene's King's Shield accrued the same number of points to sit in 146th place.

For Africa Cup of Nations debutants Comoros, losing 4-0 to Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on the last day of their Afcon qualifiers, are rated no. 38 in Africa and 133rd worldwide.

Globally, Belgium retained top spot despite bowing out of the European Championship quarter-finals. Eventual winners Italy moved up into the top five behind runners-up England.

The next Fifa/Coca-Cola Men’s World Rankings will be published on 16 September 2021.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has claimed Nick Mwendwa's Football Kenya Federation regime is the worst administration the country has ever had.

Citing a number of reasons, the soccer administrator feels the FA under its current leadership has made errors that have had detrimental effects on the game. 

Rating FKF

"This FKF is the worst federation that we have ever had," Rachier told Arocho Live.
 
"Since I started watching football in 1964, even before Gor Mahia was established, there was a federation and I have seen many things. Of course, there have been wrangles here and there, but football is at its lowest ebb now.
 
"The president was not elected one and a half years ago. He had served a full term and this is when the two tragedies [sponsors leaving] happened. The best sponsor we had was SuperSport TV, but he chased it and the other sponsors have struggled with one walking away just the other day. 
 
"Bob Munro of Mathare United, Ken Ochieng of Zoo and I were left alone opposing the [BetKing] sponsorship until we were bulldozed, I was charged and called a man who brought soccer into disrepute. Right now, I have been suspended and charged for demanding [Cup] prize money that was later paid."

FKF's Perspective

After BetKing exited, Mwendwa explained why the partnership ended from the FKF's perspective. 

“We have agreed with them [BetKing] to end our partnership, it was a mutual separation and every party is happy, so we are now focused to move quickly and get another sponsor,” Mwendwa told Goal earlier.

“We will return, we will bounce back and there is no need to panic, Kenyans should not be worried at all, there is no need to get worried, we are already talking to many companies willing to support football and we will soon make it official.”

The latest wrangle between Rachier and FKF emanated from the skipping of a Premier League fixture between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards in July.
 
 

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are unlikely to make any more signings this summer as he reinforced his faith in the current squad to compete for honours this season.

The Reds’ only new face so far has been defender Ibrahima Konate, who joined from RB Leipzig for £36 million ($50m), while midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum left to join PSG on a free transfer. 

A host of other names have been linked with a move to Anfield, but the return to fitness of key players and others signing new long-term contracts has given Klopp the belief that he has all he requires to challenge the likes of Manchester City for the title this season.

What did Klopp say?

Speaking to TV2 about Liverpool’s transfer plans, Klopp said: “It is summer and the transfer window is open, then everyone expects some player signings. We will see what happens. Let’s go through the squad. Do you want to buy a new full-back? A new goalkeeper? We already have good players there.

“In midfield, we have players with a lot of experience, such as Thiago, Fabinho, [Jordan] Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. In addition, we have exciting young boys in Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones. In the attack, we have Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Xherdan Shaqiri, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi.

“I’ve definitely forgotten someone… If you want to buy such players, you have to spend a lot of money. We do not have to do that, because the players are already here.

“You have to make changes from time to time, but then there must be room to do it. We do not want more players. If something happens somewhere, something can happen somewhere else, but it makes no sense to add more players.”

The bigger picture

Though they have not invested vast amounts in new signings, Liverpool have managed to tie down the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho and Alisson to new long-term deals as Klopp looks to maintain the nucleus of the squad that delivered the title so empathically in 2019-20.

Klopp has been further boosted by the return to fitness of centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, who missed the majority of last campaign through injury.

Their absence left a huge hole in the heart of the Reds defence and contributed to their struggles throughout the 2020-21 season, which were compounded when captain Jordan Henderson suffered a hamstring injury in February that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

With Henderson also fit again it is understandable that Klopp believes he has what it takes to win silverware, especially as a late rally at the end of last season secured a third-place finish and a place in the Champions League.

However, critics will perhaps point to the money spent by the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City this summer, arguing that Liverpool could slip behind if they don’t keep investing in their squad from a position of strength.

Klopp's side open their 2021-22 Premier League campaign away at newly-promoted Norwich on Saturday.

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has admitted they will not stop Gaston Sirino from leaving the club “if he still wants to leave.”

The 30-year-old has been unsettled at Sundowns and on many occasions, he has been linked with a transfer move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, in what could be a reunion with former coach Pitso Mosimane.

Despite returning to training with Masandawana ahead of Sunday’s MTN8 quarter-final clash with Kaizer Chiefs, Mngqithi has stated the club will not stand in his way.

What did Mngqithi say?

“It does not look like he wants to leave. The club is very clear in that space also, if he has to leave and people are still interested, they must just bring an offer to the table and the club is very considerate of whatever that might happen,” Mngqithi told the media as quoted by idiskitimes.

“The club does not want to kill Gaston’s career that is very important from the chairman of the club to the board and everybody else around the club, even to us as the technical team.

“If he no longer wants to play for the team and people are coming with good offers on the table, the club is willing to take it. But what is not looking good, sometimes there is too much talk of what is going to happen but nothing really happens on the table. So at this stage, it’s a wait-and-see situation.

“In terms of commitment, he looks good and I don’t have any issues. The coaches are very happy with him.”

Mngqithi believes Sirino will stay?

Mngqithi has further maintained Sirino is committed to the record PSL winners, looking at how he has started training with the team after returning from Uruguay.

“To be honest when he came back from Uruguay, he looked very interested, he looked committed to playing within the club, he looked serious about his training and all that,” Mngqithi continued.

“He looked very committed, unfortunately, he had a knock and was out. He’s back in training but we need to assess him.

“But unfortunately he got a knock in his knee, which was a big one. He’s back in training this week, but we’ve not really seen him, how is he going to come up.”

Further PSL reading

Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has conceded he is not sure whether Khama Billiat will start the MTN8 match against Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend.

The Caf Champions League finalists and the PSL champions will be playing this Sunday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday. The tactician concedes the player, who was substituted in the win over rivals Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup owing to an injury, has been doing well and looks sharp, but it does not guarantee him a start.

Will Billiat start against the Brazilians? 

"Khama [Billiat] is doing excellently in training, he is looking sharp, he is looking enthusiastic," Baxter told the media in a presser.

"He is probably a better all-around player than I thought he would be. That is what happens when you work with players, you get to know them better every day. Whether that means he will start, or whether that means he is a very interesting guy from the bench, [will be determined] in the next couple of days.

"I have gone through all the stats, the scientists tell me that his endurance is getting better, his strength is getting better and we will make a call. Certainly, Khama is looking like he is enjoying the work he has been doing and he is showing his quality [in training sessions]."

What else did Baxter say?

The Britton has further stated he has been having sleepless nights in ensuring the team performs well.

"The sleepless nights that I may have is about working out how I can get the best out of my players and not how I can knock down the Sundowns players," Baxter continued.

"I think the gap has increased, but again, it's not because we couldn't sign players, but there's been a few reasons why Chiefs have gradually been away from that benchmark [set by Sundowns]. 

"I hope that the rebuilding process will lead to closing that gap [to Sundowns] and eventually knocking them off their perch. I'm sure that there are a few teams in that chasing pack that would like to do that."

This will be the third competitive match Baxter will be in charge of after his return to Amakhosi.

Real Madrid are looking to ensure that they remain in the running for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, Goal has learned, with the Blancos keeping their options open following a long-running pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

A club famed for its 'Galacticos' recruitment policy under president Florentino Perez is forever in the market for the very best talent available.

Prolific Norway international Haaland, given his exploits over recent years, certainly falls into that category and is of obvious interest to La Liga giants as they look to bring added firepower into their ranks.

Have Real Madrid asked about Haaland?

With the summer transfer window set to swing shut on August 31, Dortmund have made it clear that they have no intention of parting with Haaland.

They have already a sanctioned a switch to Manchester United for Jadon Sancho and are understandably reluctant to lose another prized asset.

Speculation refuses to go away, though, with a number of clubs asking questions of BVB and their stance regarding an in-demand frontman.

Chelsea appeared to be leading that hunt at one stage, as Thomas Tuchel pushed to land another No.9, but the Blues have shifted their attention to a £98 million ($136m) move for Romelu Lukaku.

Real did, however, react to the talk of a potential approach from Stamford Bridge by making contact of their own.

The Blancos were eager to find out if the situation in Germany had changed and whether Dortmund were prepared to relax their stance when it comes to Haaland.

They were informed, like Chelsea were, that was not the case, with the official line out of Signal Iduna Park being that a highly-rated 21-year-old is not for sale.

What is the situation now?

Real, given their strong relationship with Dortmund, accepted that there was no deal to be done and have not discussed the matter again since.

No doors are being closed, though, and those in the Spanish capital will not give up without a fight if a late opportunity presents itself this summer.

'Operation Exit' remains the top priority in Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti's side needing to free up funds from sales where possible.

That will put them in a stronger position to land top targets if bidding wars are sparked.

World Cup winner Mbappe remains their number one objective, with the France international entering the final year of his contract at PSG, but any deal there is proving tricky - especially as Lionel Messi is now at Parc des Princes.

Dealing with Dortmund would, given recent history, be easier than entering into talks with PSG, but as of now there is seemingly little chance of Haaland or Mbappe ending up at Santiago Bernabeu before the next deadline passes.

Further reading