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Julian Nagelsmann is "confident" Leon Goretzka will extend his contract at Bayern Munich amid rumours linking him with a transfer to Manchester United.

Goretzka has entered the final 12 months of his current deal at Allianz Arena and it has been suggested Bayern could cash in on the midfielder this summer to avoid losing him for nothing in 2022.

Old Trafford has been mooted as the most likely next destination for the 26-year-old with United reportedly ready to submit a formal offer, but Nagelsmann is optimistic he will choose to remain with the German champions.

What has been said?

Goretzka returned to action for Bayern following his exploits for Germany at Euro 2020 as they suffered a 3-0 friendly defeat to Napoli on Saturday.

Asked for an update on his contract situation post-match, Nagelsmann told reporters: "I'm not involved enough that I have a say every day. I stay out of these issues.

"Of course I have talked to him about my plans for him. I've told him I'd be happy if he extended and I'm also confident. There are several topics involved when it comes to discussing a contract extension.

"I'll continue to focus on the sports side of things and show him he can be one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe. He has potential to get even better."

Will there be any more incomings at Bayern?

Bayern have already snapped up Omar Richards and Sven Ulreich on free transfers, while Dayot Upamecano has been officially unveiled at Allianz Arena after agreeing to join the club from RB Leipzig for £38 million ($53m) back in February.

However, after seeing his side lose their opening four pre-season fixtures, Nagelsmann is open to dipping back into the market for reinforcements.

"I said before that I'm taking over a well-functioning team," he said. "I haven't had the full team yet. On Monday we will be complete when others return, and then it's about finding the rhythm in training.

"I'm not worried about these scores. I think the first half today was good. We had control and played well, but we didn't manage to create a lot of chances in the final third. 

"Our task as a club is to always observe the market. We have a good squad, but we can always improve it. Every coach in the world wants the best possible team."

Further readings

Gonzalo Higuain scored two second-half goals to help Inter Miami beat Victor Wanyama's CF Montreal 2-1 in a Major League Soccer match on Saturday.

Captained by Kenya international Wanyama, Montreal took the lead courtesy of Joaquin Torres, but two defensive blunders in the second half allowed the Argentine forward to score to give Miami a first win since May 16 

Wilfried Nancy’s men had won their last two games against Miami this season, without conceding a goal, and they started strongly as Mathieu Choiniere set up Torres to score the opener in the 20th minute.

Miami, under the tutelage of Phil Neville, were forced to wait until the second half when they levelled matters in the 49th minute, Higuain converting from the penalty spot after Federico Higuain was taken down inside the box and referee Victor Rivas pointed to the spot.

Montreal protested the penalty decision but it was given and in the 56th minute, Wanyama almost scored for his side after his header from a corner hit the woodwork before bouncing out for a goal-kick.

As Montreal pushed to take the lead again, Miami completed their comeback when defender Rudy Camacho committed a mistake by giving the ball away inside his box, and the ball fell to Higuain, who made no mistake by slotting it home past goalkeeper James Pantemis for a 2-1 lead.

Robbie Robinson could have made it 3-1 for Miami, but Pantemis came out of his line to deny him with his legs.

Despite a series of attacks by Montreal to found a leveller, Miami held on to snatch a vital win at DRV PNK Stadium.

It was a second straight defeat for Wanyama’s Montreal as they had lost 2-1 against New England Revolution in their last assignment and coach Nancy has called on his players to play better, especially when they have the lead.

"Sometimes, it's better not to perform a risky play for nothing when we can do a pass and eliminate many players,” Nancy said as quoted by CBC Sports.

“We created some chances and we could have scored to get a better lead earlier. We will keep working on that.”

On his part, defender Zorhan Bassong said: “We have a style of play. There are situations in which we need to get rid of the ball. But we keep respecting our principles of play," he said. "We learn from our mistakes. I'm frustrated with the loss. For me, it's a game we can't lose.”

Montreal will next face Atlanta United on Wednesday and on the same day Miami will host Orlando City.

Premier Soccer League side Kaizer Chiefs have unveiled new home and away kits for the 2021-22 season ahead of their Carling Black Label Cup encounter against Orlando Pirates on Sunday.

Amakhosi's new jersey is dominated by the traditional gold and black colours that has been described as the "club’s DNA".

It also features a black modern design neckline on the classic Kaizer Chiefs gold shirt and it is complemented by a black and grey pattern on the side of the jersey. 

"The home jersey will be worn on-field with both black and gold shorts," the club announced in a media statement.

"The away jersey is predominantly black and iron-grey with accent gold lines mapping out the African continent, connecting us to Africa’s tapestry and solidifying our journey on the continent, particularly after the memorable journey in last season’s Caf Champions League competition.

"The vibrant away kit is completed with black shorts and black socks with a similar pattern as the jersey,"  Jessica Motaung, Chiefs' marketing director, said.

"With these two kits, we connect with our heritage and look forward to the future. We align our brand and our supporters on the journey to success. This is our roadmap to victory! Let us wear our jerseys with pride, inspired to achieve.

The new jersey is also meant to drive an environmental conservation message against plastics.

"This year the new jerseys are supported by an environmentally friendly campaign - ’Plastic never felt so good," the statement added.

"Once again, innovation was key in developing the 2021/22 kit, featuring Nike’s technology which enhances ventilation to increase comfort and speed. 

"The kit is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles - it has been turned into a lightweight fabric that is breathable while still maintaining a strong knit structure.

"Nike’s Move To Zero is the company's journey toward a zero-carbon and zero-waste future.

The Soweto club also unveiled a new jersey for their women's team and Motaung believes the initiative will make everyone associated with the club happy.

"We are thrilled to also launch an away jersey in the ladies’ and youth jerseys this season. This will make many of our younger and female supporters very happy," Motaung added.

"It is important that we are all part of the Amakhosi family."

The players will don the new colours during Sunday's Carling Black Label Cup against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.

English coach Mark Harrison has arrived in Kenya to take charge of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Gor Mahia.
 
Harrison was at Camp Toyoyo on Saturday as Gor Mahia engaged AFC Leopards in a friendly game.

The former Chippa United head coach was in the stands as the two local giants played a friendly game after deciding to boycott a Premier League fixture that was scheduled to take place at Thika Stadium.
 
K'Ogalo won the game 1-0 courtesy of a goal scored by Samuel Onyango.

The former Southampton goalkeeper is expected to fill the space that was left by Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto, who left the club in July after helping Gor Mahia win the FKF Shield Cup against AFC Leopards. Vaz Pinto's last league game was a 2-1 defeat to Tusker.
 
Sammy Omollo, who has been in charge since he was Vaz Pinto's assistant, is also expected to assume the same position under Harrison. Omollo has been acting as an interim head coach and has overseen three games, where Gor Mahia have lost two and drawn in another. 
 
Goal had revealed the Englishman was at the forefront of being appointed as the Gor Mahia head coach and a source who revealed the development pointed out that experience was a key consideration when the club appoint a coach. 
 
"Experience is a key ingredient and that has always guided us in recruiting the previous coaches and it is not going to be different this time around. We have always selected top-notch coaches and the results have shown we have been doing a great recruitment job," said the source.

Harrison has coached 13 clubs, and among them are Chippa United and Golden Arrows of the Premier Soccer League in South Africa, and Zimbabwe's PSL teams Harare City and Highlanders FC, as well as Botswana's Township Rollers.
 
Gor Mahia will play Kakamega Homeboyz and KCB in the next two Premier League games on August 7 and 11, respectively.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will open the South African domestic season with a clash in the Carling Black Label Cup at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

It is a return of the curtain-raiser match after it didn't take place last season.

Sunday’s match will also see Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter facing his Pirates counterpart Josef Zinnbauer for the first time ever.

While fans vote for the players who will take to the field, the coaches remain under the spotlight in what could give a hint of what can be expected from both sides in the upcoming season.

TV Channel, Live Score & How To Watch

Squads & Team News

Kaizer Chiefs will not have 10 key players available for Sunday’s match due to injuries and other health concerns.

Star midfielder Khama Billiat, Leonardo Castro and Samir Nurkovic are some of the high-profile players who will miss the game. 

Defender Siyabonga Ngezana who has a hamstring problem, Lebogang Manayama and Dumisani Zuma will also not be able to take part.

Billiat and Nurkovic had been voted into the Chiefs starting XI by fans.

The Zimbabwean attacker is recovering from flu while Nurkovic has a knee injury.

Given Thibedi will not feature as a precautionary measure due to a minor niggle, while new signing Sibusiso Mabiliso, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Reeve Frosler will also not take part as they were with the South Africa Under-23 side at the Olympic Games in Japan.

Chiefs will also be starting the season without defensive midfielder Willard Katsande whose contract was not renewed after 10 years at the club.

None of Chiefs' new signings has been voted to start on Sunday but goalkeeper Brandon Peterson, Sifiso Hlanti, Phathutshedzo Nange, Kgaogelo Sekgota, Cole Alexander and Austin Dube will be on the bench according to fans' selection.

While Chiefs will be without 10 players, Pirates have also been hit by injuries and will miss four players.

Captain Happy Jele, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Zakhele Lepasa and Zimbabwean attacker Terrence Dzvukamanja are ruled out.

All the unavailable players spent a considerable amount of time injured last season.

Match Preview

The last time Chiefs and Pirates clashed in the Carling Black Label Cup in 2019, it was the Buccaneers who emerged with derby bragging rights after winning 2-0.

Chiefs would be looking to reclaim this trophy they last won in 2017.

But it is Pirates who have often dominated in this competition as they have previously won it five times against Amakhosi’s record of lifting it on three occasions.

Four editions of this Cup have seen penalty shootouts settling matters. 

Sunday’s match will be the 174th Soweto derby clash between these traditional foes across all competitions.

They first clashed on January 24, 1970 and Chiefs went on to dominate the Soweto Derby, by winning 71 games compared to Pirates' 44 victories. 

The two sides have shared spoils 53 times while five games were abandoned.

Pirates captain Jele and Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune are the only players who have featured in all Carling Black Label matches since the start of the competition in 2011.

These are the players voted for to play on Sunday by the fans including those who are injured.

Pirates: Richard Ofori (GK), Thulani Hlatshwayo, Innocent Maela, Wayde Jooste, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Thembinkosi Lorch, Ben Motshwari, Deon Hotto, Fortune Makaringe, Thabang Monare, Gabadinho Mhango.

Chiefs: Itumeleng Khune (GK), Erick Mathoho, Daniel Cardoso, Happy Mashiane, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Lebohang Lesako, Njabulo Blom, Kearyn Baccus, Sabelo Radebe, Samir Nurkovic, Khama Billiat.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has labelled new signing Paston Daka as a “natural striker” after his partnership with Kelechi Iheanacho helped his team to come from behind to secure a 3-3 draw against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

The Foxes found themselves trailing at half-time after Charlie Austin scored for QPR in the 45th minute, and they were 2-0 down courtesy of a 55th-minute strike from Yoann Barbet.

City then started their comeback in the 75th minute when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fired home a loose ball to reduce the deficit before Daka, who signed for Leicester from Red Bull Salzburg, slotted home his maiden goal to make it 2-2

However, Rob Dickie once again put QPR in the lead with eight minutes left on the clock.

As Leicester looked to suffer defeat in the match at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium at Loftus Road, the Zambian forward fuelled their comeback, as he won a penalty after being fouled by Seny Dieng, and up-stepped Nigeria striker Iheanacho to make it 3-3.

Rodgers has hailed Daka’s performance, saying he was calm when taking his goal and amazing when winning the penalty and further raved about his partnership with Iheanacho.

“As soon as he’s in that goalscoring position, he's so calm and not even thinking, even though he's right-footed, he just slots it away with his left foot,” Rodgers explained of Daka to the club’s official website.

“You see that natural goalscoring instinct and then his speed to get to the ball for the penalty, I never thought he was going to get there, but he showed great pace. He won the penalty, so it was a good performance by him.

“I think that's what he is, he's a goalscorer. I thought him and Kels combined very, very well. They were looking for each other and some of their play was exceptional. The goalscorers, I think when it hits the back of the net, it gives them confidence and gives them that energy.”

On the goal by Daka, which he was set up by Marc Albrighton, Rodgers explained: “It was great ability by Albrighton. From wide, he's cut inside and he's made a great pass. He's always looking to penetrate the line with the pass and Patson when he’s away, it was like everything we've seen when we've watched him.”

On Iheanacho getting his first goal in pre-season, Rodgers said: “Kels [Kelechi Iheanacho] gets his one from the penalty and it was, overall, very good. QPR are a good side. You can see they’re a little bit ahead of us in terms of fitness so far. But overall, I was delighted with the game.”

Leicester will next take on Villarreal at King Power Stadium on Wednesday before their Community Shield clash against Manchester City on August 7.

Neymar is widely considered as one of the best players in the world and one of the most exciting forwards in the world.

The winger is the second highest international goalscorer for Brazil with 68 goals and is only nine goals behind the legendary Pele who has 77 goals.

Neymar has won a total of 23 trophies in club football playing for Santos, Barcelona and PSG. He is yet to win a major international trophy but has won the Olympic gold medal with the national team in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro.

While Neymar is one of the most talented players, when it comes to discipline on the pitch, his track record is not too bright. He has been sent off on 11 occasions in his entire career.

He has received a red card on five occasions when he played for Santos. At PSG, he has been sent off four times so far. His latest red card came in a Ligue clash in April 2021 against Lille. 

In international football, Neymar has been sent off just once which was against Colombia in the group stage of Copa America 2015. Brazil had lost the tie 1-0.

Here, we take a look at the 11 matches where Neymar received a red card.

How many times have Neymar received a red card?

Further reading

Who has more red cards: Messi or Ronaldo

Riyad Mahrez was the star of the game as Manchester City continued with their fine run in pre-season after registering a 4-0 win against Barnsley on Saturday.

Played behind closed doors at the Academy Stadium, the Algerian winger stole the show as he laid on two goals and then scored one, as Pep Guardiola’s charges secured a comfortable win.

The 30-year-old set up the first goal after breezing past two defenders and laid the ball to Samul Edozie, who tapped it home in the 23rd minute, and then he was at it again, this time providing the ammunition for Ben Knight to score the second in the 30th minute.

Mahrez then scored the third in the 34th minute after finishing off with his left foot, a move he started from the centre of the pitch, to give the Blues a 3-0 lead at the half-time break.

After the resumption, Guardiola, who named several first-team players in the starting line up including, Mahrez, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, and Fernandinho, opted to make changes with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr Zinchenko tasting action after their involvement at Euro 2020.

But City were forced to wait until the 68th minute to score the fourth when Dutch defender Nathan Ake also got on the scoresheet with a powerful shot from close range to seal the huge win.

Despite the convincing result, Guardiola believes there is still plenty of room for improvement for his charges.

“We are far away still, (but) it’s normal. We have a lot of things to improve, that is good,” he reflected following the victory,” Guardiola told the club’s official website after the game.

“Tomorrow [Sunday] we have training, Tuesday another game, and then after we prepare for the [Community Shield] final.

“Two or three players will come back for their first training session and then at the end of the week another. Step by step everyone is coming back.

“It’s just pre-season, we can’t take many conclusions about that but the important thing is there are no injuries.”

City will face Leicester City in the Community Shield on August 7 before starting their Premier League title defence with an away game against Tottenham Hotspur on August 15.

Massimiliano Allegri has backed Premier League-linked midfielder Aaron Ramsey to become a "really important player" for Juventus, while playing down talk of a potential return to Turin for Miralem Pjanic.

Much was expected of Ramsey when he joined Juve on a free transfer following his departure from Arsenal in the summer of 2019, but he has since struggled to prove his worth amid persistent fitness issues.

The 30-year-old only played 22 Serie A games for the Bianconeri in 2020-21 and is now being tipped to head back to England, with Tottenham and Wolves reportedly interested in his services.

What's been said?

However, Allegri believes Ramsey can still turn his fortunes at Allianz Stadium around after seeing him impress in a deep-lying role during their 2-1 friendly victory over Monza on Saturday.

The Italian boss, who returned to Juve for a second spell in charge following Andrea Pirlo's sacking in May, has even suggested that there is no reason to explore the possibility of bringing Pjanic back to the club from Barca if Ramsey embraces his new position.

Asked to address the rumours linking Pjanic with a return to Turin after a disappointing first year at Camp Nou, Allegri told Sport Mediaset: “I don’t know about that. The club takes care of the transfer market, we talk every day. Ramsey played very, very well in front of the defence and I think in that role he can really become an important player.

“I salute Mire, because we spent four years together with great victories. He is a Barcelona player now, we have talented players, and I think if Ramsey can be convinced to play in front of the defence, he can really do well there.

"He already can see passing channels, has a good sense of the geometry of the field and can also rest on the ball more than he does upfront.”

Allegri on Ronaldo and Dybala

Allegri gave updates on Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala's fitness after the pair missed the Monza clash. The 53-year-old is expecting both men to be available when Juve take on Barca in the Joan Gamper Trophy final next weekend.

“Ronaldo arrived with enthusiasm, like everyone. Dybala has a muscular problem on his left foot, so the stronger one," said Allegri. "He should be at our disposal against Barcelona along with everyone else, who should come on Monday. At that point, we’ll have 20 days together to prepare the season.”

Further reading

Eduardo 'Chofis' Lopez admitted that he does miss playing for Chivas, but the San Jose Earthquakes midfielder says that he's happy to now be adjusting to life in MLS.

Lopez joined the Earthquakes on loan  in January, reuniting him with former Chivas boss Matias Almeyda in MLS.

Having come up through Chivas' youth system before making 141 appearances for the club, Lopez admitte dthat he still has fond memories of his former team.

What did he say?

"Yes obviously I miss and I will miss things about Chivas," he said. "It is the team that gave me the opportunity to be a good footballer and I will always be grateful."

“Physically I think they are big here and they are fast, they are very intense," he added on the differences between MLS and Liga MX, "and in Mexico I think they are more technical than on this side. Little by little it is said that the two leagues are going to unite and that would be something great."

Almeyda's influence

Moving to MLS gave Lopez another chance to play for Almeyda, who has been in charge of the Earthquakes since 2018.

And Lopez was full of praise for Almeyda, who he said the coach very much feels like just one of the guys.

"He's a great guy," he said. "Sometimes it seems as if he's not the coach! He always chooses well the moments where he can work or play. He always treats the player well,"

The club currently sits ninth in the Western Conference with Lopez scoring three goals while providing on assist in 17 appearances.

Further reading

Santos striker Kaio Jorge is set for a summer move to Juventus as the Italian giants close in on a transfer for the young gem. 

Goal understands that Juve have all but agreed terms with Santos for the 19-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of 2021. 

Kaio could travel to Italy as soon as Thursday to complete his switch. 

A bargain for Juve

Taking advantage of his expiring contract, which means he could leave for free in December, Juve have extracted relatively favourable terms from Santos for the sale of their prized youngster. 

The Old Lady will spend an initial €3 million on Kaio, half of which will be paid out this year and the rest in 2022, plus another €1m in bonuses. 

Santos will also bag 5 per cent of the profits of any future sale, as well as holding first refusal on a loan move should the forward move back to Brazil. 

Benfica had also shown interest in Kaio but he looks set to choose Turin after bursting onto the scene at Vila Belmiro. 

The bigger picture

A native of Olinda, Pernambuco, Kaio joined Santos at the tender age of 10 and has since spent his entire career with the historic Brazilian club. 

In 2018 he was handed his first-team debut at 16 by then-coach Cuca, and the following year picked up the Bronze Boot as he spearheaded Brazil's Under-17 World Cup win. 

It was in 2020, though, that the teenager really came to the fore, starring during Santos' run to the Copa Libertadores final where they lost out to Palmeiras. 

He finished that tournament as his club's top scorer, having netted five times in 12 games on the way to the decider.

Further reading

Tigres will seek a sophomore victory of the new Liga MX campaign under Miguel Herrera when they travel to face Toluca.

Watch Toluca vs Tigres on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Both UNAL and Los Diablos Rojos clocked up opening wins to get their pursuit of Apertura glory up and running, but now face the respective test of a potential reclassification rival early on.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Liga MX matches can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Having fallen short of the quarter-finals last term in the Torneo Guardianes 2020 after Tigres beat them in the reclassification, Los Diablos Rojos are out to back up their Torneo Guardianes 2021 finish instead, having reached the last eight then.

With no players on duty at either the Gold Cup or the Olympics, Hernan Cristante has effectively a full squad to choose from, with Michael Estrada in the frame for his first start of the season.

Predicted Toluca starting XI: Garcia, Lopez, Ortega, Barbieri, Torres Nilo, Baeza, Vazquez, Sambueza, Castanesa, Canelo, Estrada.

Victory against Tijuana ensured the perfect start for former Mexico coach Herrera in his first season at Estadio Universitario, as the ex-America boss looks to take the Incomparables to the next level.

While Carlos Salcedo and Luis Rodriguez both remain on Gold Cup duty with Mexico, Andre-Pierre Gignac and Florian Thauvin have finished at Tokyo 2020 with France - but their manager has already confirmed they will not be rushed back.

Predicted Tigres starting XI: Guzman; Avalos, Ayala, Reyes, Venegas; Carioca, Pizarro, Vigon; Aquino, Gonzalez, Lopez.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Cruz Azul will look to bounce back from a shock opening day Liga MX defeat when they face Santos Laguna in a rematch of last season's Torneo Guardianes 2021 final.

Watch Santos Laguna vs Cruz Azul on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The Clausura champions topped the table last term before beating off the fifth-place Guerreros for the crown - and they will hope to repeat that result at Estadio Corona this weekend.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Liga MX matches can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Having fallen at the final hurdle last term against their visitors, the Guerreros bounced back to make the perfect start to the new Apertura campaign with victory over Necaxa.

Though Alan Cervantes is at the Gold Cup with Mexico, and Eduardo Aguirre is on Olympic duty in Japan, there is no shortage of international talent in their ranks, including Uruguay's Brian Lozano and Ecuador's Felix Torres, who can help them claim a spot of payback.

Predicted Santos Laguna starting XI: Acevedo, Orrantia, Torres, Doria, Campos; Gorriaran, Prieto; Otero, Valdes, Carrillo; Ocejo.

The Clausura holders were favourites to start the new campaign with a bang, but an opening defeat to Mazatlan well and truly upset the apple cart at Estadio Azteca.

La Maquina are still missing Orbelin Pineda - on Gold Cup duty - and the trio of Roberto Alvarado, Sebastian Jurado and Luis Romo - at Tokyo 2020 - but will nevertheless hope to bounce back in style in an early rematch of their title success last term.

Predicted Cruz Azul starting XI: Gudino; Escobar, Aguilar, Dominguez; Martinez, Baca, Fernandez, Rivero; Gimenez, Angulo, Montoya.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Leeds United are considering a move for Wolves star Adama Traore, Goal understands. 

Contract talks between the Spain winger and his club have stalled, attracting the attention of their Premier League rivals. 

But the Whites would have to make a significant transfer outlay if they hope to land their target. 

Wolves, Leeds... or Liverpool?

Wolves began discussions over a new contract with Traore back in May.

The club were keen to fend off transfer speculation over their star, with Liverpool and Barcelona mentioned as possible destinations. 

Despite early progress, however, negotiations have now reached an impasse, raising the possibility that he could move on. 

Traore nevertheless remains under contract until 2023, meaning that Wolves are under no obligation to sell one of their prized assets. 

Leeds would have to pay up to £30 million to convince the club to sell this summer, while they may face competition from Liverpool, who have also been linked to the player in July.

The bigger picture

A product of Barcelona's La Masia youth academy, Traore left the Liga giants for Aston Villa in 2015 having made just four senior appearances. 

He made little impression at Villa Park either and was moved on to Middlesbrough after two season and 12 games. 

But the winger found his best football with the Teesiders and then Wolves, where he has been a key first-teamer for the last three years as the club has established itself in the Premier League. 

That form also caught the attention of Luis Enrique, who handed him his Spain debut in 2020 and this summer named him to La Roja's Euro 2020 squad.

Further reading 

Juventus Pavel Nedved confirmed that talks are ongoing with Sassuolo over the purchase of Manuel Locatelli, while also affirming that he believes the club's valuation of the Italy midfielder is fair. 

Locatelli has been the subject of a strong Juve pursuit this summer, having helped the Azzurri to the Euro 2020 title with his impressive individual performances. 

But the Turin side may not have an easy path to a transfer, with Arsenal also interested in the star. 

What was said? 

“We spoke to Sassuolo and we made our offer, which we believe is appropriate for the current climate, with the way finances and the transfer market have been affected by Covid,” Nedved explained to Sport Mediaset on Saturday.

“We are convinced this is a good offer and it is the right one. We are always confident, naturally in negotiations there are things that must be clarified and resolved.

"When you want a player and that player wants you, it’s clear." 

Juve... or the Gunners? 

Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali revealed on Thursday that Locatelli's favoured destination is Turin, but that an unnamed English club is also in the race following Arsenal's earlier offer for his services. 

"He wants to join Juve. We’d be happy to sell Manuel to Juve... but they need to pay the right fee," Carnevali affirmed.

"Arsenal made a bid to sign him and also a new English club is now in the race," he added.

Ronaldo's future

Nedved also addressed rumours over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been linked with an exit from Juve in recent weeks. 

“Ronaldo is our player, he has a year left on his contract and we are happy to have him with us," he stated.

"He guaranteed goals every year, and a lot of them too. He’s a top level player and we are counting on him.”

Further reading 

Gregg Berhalter called on the referee to take control of Sunday's Gold Cup final between the U.S. men's national team and Mexico, prompting El Tri boss Gerardo 'Tata' Martino to reply by saying that Berhalter should look to his own reactions when it comes to referee control.

Thursday's Gold Cup semi-final between Mexico and Canada saw several notable clashes between the two teams, including one that saw El Tri's Luis 'Chaka' Rodriguez choke a player after Canada's Jonathan Osorio also put his hands on the face of one of the Mexico side.

After seeing several physical clashes in his team's last two games against El Tri, Berhalter urged the referee to keep the game from getting out of hand, prompting Martino's reply.

What did Berhalter say?

"We're preparing the guys for a very difficult game, a very competitive combative game," Berhalter said. "I think it's worth mentioning that we want it to be a physical game, we want it to be a tough contested game, the same way as Mexico, right? They want the same thing, but we also want to be fair, and that's the referee's role in this game: to manage the game in a fair way.

"I've seen numerous times with players from Mexico are grabbing a player's necks and facial areas, and that has no place in the game. We can't have that and, again, we want our guys to battle, we want both teams to battle, we want it to be physical, but you know that has no place in the game.

"When I saw the semi-final, I didn't think the referee did a good job of managing that at all and they need to get ahead of that. There can't be any hands to the neck or to the face.

Martino fires back

When asked about Berhalter's comments, Martino was quick to fire back by pointing out several incidents in the USMNT's own win over Qatar.

The game saw the U.S. embrace the dark arts at points as well, including delaying a penalty kick for over two minutes before it was eventually missed.

When the U.S. did score the breakthrough goal in the 1-0 win, Berhalter was seen screaming at the fourth official, which he later apologized for after the game.

"Well, the referee will probably do the best he can," Martino said, "and the referee of the U.S, vs Qatar game probably also wasn't able to handle those moments, especially with the coach's reaction to the U.S. goal against the fourth official."

Berhalter full of praise for Martino

Despite the pre-final gamesmanship between the two, Berhalter said that he has complete respect for Martino, having battled the Argentine at both club and international level.

Berhalter coached against Martino, who previously managed the likes of Barcelona and Argentina, during his time with the Columbus Crew when the current Mexico boss was in charge of Atlanta United.

"I've got a ton of respect for Tata Martino. I think he's a great coach," Berhalter said. "Great experience and, if I have half the career he's had as a coach, I'd be happy.  He's a really successful coach and has coached all over the world with some top clubs and countries.

"For us, it's about how can we hurt them and how can we adapt to what they're doing and, when they change, how do we adapt with it?"

Further reading

Getafe star Jose Juan Macias suggested that football in his home country of Mexico might not be as strong as locals believe, while claiming many of his compatriots are not prepared to try their luck in the European game. 

Macias is a new arrival in La Liga, having joined Getafe on loan from Chivas this summer. 

But he has some explosive opinions to offer about the Liga MX and countrymen as he addressed the relatively small number of Mexican stars who choose to play their football away from home, affirming that there are several factors that stop them travelling across the Atlantic Ocean. 

What was said? 

"Our preferences as players is another issue," he told Fox Sports.. 

"Some are over there [in Mexico], they live comfortably, with their families, they have a good wage. So they say, 'why should I move? I'm stable there.' 

"They don't have the goal of coming here to Europe, and I can respect that." 

Overpriced fees?

Macias also reflected on how many players are priced out of a move as clubs demand high fees for the league's biggest stars.

As a result, players are encouraged to stay local, leaving few able to head to Europe.

"Mexican football is over-hyped," the 21-year-old forward said.

"The transfer fees are through the roof and there are team who will pay 15 million for you when in Europe you don't get that. 

"There is an interest from the clubs to sell you locally."

Further reading