SPORTS
World champion and record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, has been charged with dope violation by Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
Amusan announced on her social media handle in the early hours of Wednesday in Nigeria that AIU has charged her for missing three mandatory testing within 12 months, an offence she vehemently protested against.
While pleading for privacy from the media, she promised to defend herself as a clean athlete and be cleared to participate in this year’s World Championships to defend her 100m hurdles title and world record she won at the last Worlds in Oregon, USA.
If found guilty, Amusan may be forced off the track for a minimum of two years depending on the degree of her violation.
[Thisday]
Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has lost his spot as the most valuable football player in the world, according to the latest report by Football Benchmark.
The 24-year-old has already topped the list of previous editions released by the renowned football business portal.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is now occupying the position.
Mbappe and Haaland are widely regarded as the two main dominant forces in European football at the moment, following the departure of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the continent.
Haaland is now valued at an estimated €194.2 million, and this figure puts him on top as the world’s most valuable player.
Haaland scored an astonishing 53 goals in a single season to help Manchester City win the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last season.
Mbappe, the Frenchman, who is now placed second on the list, reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup final with France and helped PSG win last season’s Ligue 1 title.
He currently has an estimated value of €181.6 million.
Victor Osimhen has been offered a new two-year contract extension with a salary worth N6.5bn — €6.5m plus €1m in bonuses.
Serie A champions, Napoli offered Osimhen the new package to keep him at the club.
Osimhen has been attracting top European clubs following his outstanding performance which helped Napoli secure the title, their first in 33 years. The club has now offered Osimhen a new two-year contract extension with a salary worth N6.5bn — €6.5m plus €1m in bonuses, according to reports.
Skysports reported on Monday that Napoli was in advanced talks to extend his (Osimhen) contract until 2027 with an increase in salary.
Osimhen who has two years left in his contract had earlier requested an improved deal with €7 million. Napoli has now, however, tabled their offer that comes with a release clause of £170m.
Napoli’s new manager, Rudi Garcia had confirmed that Osimhen would remain at the club ahead of the new season, saying “Of course, I have spoken to Osimhen who wants to stay here to make another great season with Napoli.”
“I can assure you that he (OsImhen) wants to stay, he is happy to be with us and still wants to do great things.”
Osimhen scored 26 goals plus five assists in 32 league appearances for Napoli last season.
The Nigeria international left England for Spain a few years ago, but he is on the move again, with Portugal the most likely destination
Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is on the brink of securing a two-year contract with GD Chaves, a top-division Portuguese club, following his spell with Spanish side Ponferradina, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ponferradina endured a disappointing season that resulted in their relegation, despite Nwakali’s commendable contributions.
The 25-year-old Nigerian international made 36 appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists. Regrettably, his exceptional performances couldn’t save Ponferradina from the drop.
Subsequently, the club announced that he would be allowed to leave for a nominal fee, which has now apparently been paid by Chaves.
Various Spanish teams, including Racing Santander, expressed interest in securing Nwakali’s services. Nevertheless, the former Arsenal star opted to move to Portugal instead.
This transfer ends Nwakali’s three-year stint in Spain, which has been marred with difficulties. His time at top-division side Huesca came to an abrupt halt after he returned late from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where he represented Nigeria.
GD Chaves, founded 73 years ago, concluded last season’s campaign in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with a respectable 7th-place finish.
The acquisition of Nwakali, a former U17 World Cup golden ball winner, is a significant step towards strengthening the team for improved performance in the upcoming season.
Exclusivo. Kelechi @nwakali25 deixa o @SDP_1922 para ser reforço do Desportivo de Chaves. Contrato para as próximas duas temporadas- até junho de 2025. Exames médicos agendados.
— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) July 17, 2023
Kelechi representou o @FCPorto na época 2018/19 por empréstimo do @Arsenal . pic.twitter.com/yn9CI4wcsy
According to Portuguese transfer market expert Pedro Sepulveda, an official announcement regarding Nwakali’s signing is expected within the next few days following the completion of a routine medical examination.
All parties involved have already agreed to the terms of the transfer. This will mark his second spell in Portugal, having previously spent time on loan at Porto B from Arsenal.
Nwakali will be hopeful for a more prosperous period this time, as he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter during his 16 appearances for Porto B, mostly featuring as a substitute.
[Soccernet]
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained what he is looking for in Declan Rice, describing him as the Gunners' "lighthouse".
The 24-year-old has become the most expensive British footballer of all time after joining from West Ham in a deal worth up to £105million.
Rice's arrival takes the Gunners spending over £200m as Arteta continues to be one of the most-backed managers in the Premier League - and it's reaping rewards.
Arsenal may have gone trophyless last season, but finished second behind title winners Manchester City after leading the Premier League for 251 days - a record without lifting the trophy.
"I see him like a lighthouse," Arteta said of Rice. "He is willing to put the light in others, improve others and make the team better.
"We discussed a while ago how he could evolve the team and compliment the players and take that winning hunger into a team with players who really want to push themselves to a different level.
"He has an aura. The experience he has in this league is going to bring the team to a different dimension. He has the physical qualities we were missing for a while.
"The way he talks and presents himself. The ambition he has and his passion for the game is exactly what we needed."
[standard]
If Liverpool are to complete the transfer of Romeo Lavia it will not be with ease, as the Reds have been warned Arsenal are now ready to turn their attentions to Southampton prodigy.
The Southampton man has been heavily touted with a major Premier League transfer following on from an impressive breakout campaign. His capability to control play under pressure and dribble forwards offers an exciting prospect to any side, and that's without mentioning his so-called peak years are still far down the line.
Liverpool have been the ones most heavily linked in recent weeks, although the emergence of negotiations for Fabinho's exit to Al Ittihad has somewhat dampened things as the midfield rebuild strategy is re-drawn.
Meanwhile the Gunners have always been mentioned, albeit in a reduced capacity over recent weeks. This is because their resources have been spent finalising Declan Rice's transfer for a British record £105 million fee, but now that is done and dusted it has been suggested they won't wait around long to make approach for Lavia.
Football Insider revealed that their sources have reason to suspect Mikel Arteta is preparing a new move for the Belgian. This comes as Thomas Partey also finalises an exit to the Saudi Pro League.
Whilst Jurgen Klopp had been in the box seat to acquire Lavia it had been reported he would be on the market for a £45 million asking price.
With no rivals in sight, the start of the month would have been the ideal time to wrap this saga up, but now that fee could rise if the old top-flight rivals enter a bidding war.
£45 million would increase Arsenal's summer spend to at least £250 million, having also acquired Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber this window.
And despite this, Arteta remained coy about the possibility of more incomings when quizzed by Sky Sports' Melissa Reddy.
"Let's see, it's a lot of time still in the market and a lot of expectations are in some of our players as well," he said on Monday. "We will have to see how things develop in the next couple of weeks.
"We will be alert, there is still time to do things, there is still time as well for exits obviously so I'm sure things will move."
[liverpoolecho]
Manchester United are on the verge of completing the signing of Andre Onana from Inter Milan in a deal worth around £47million.
The Cameroon international goalkeeper is expected to undergo medical tests in Manchester early this week before joining his new teammates for the pre-season tour in the USA. This marks United's second major signing of the summer, following the acquisition of Mason Mount from Chelsea for £60 million.
While the signing of Onana is a significant boost for United, their transfer plans are far from over, reports the Express. Manager Erik ten Hag is keen on strengthening his attacking options, with a striker being a top priority.
The club are now turning their attention to Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, the highly-rated 20-year-old Danish talent. United face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for Hojlund's signature, but it is believed that the player prefers a move to Old Trafford.
The main hurdle in securing the deal is reaching an agreement with Atalanta over the transfer fee. United are yet to submit an opening proposal, but negotiations are expected to progress in the coming days and weeks as the club gain clarity on their transfer budget.
While Hojlund is seen as a capable striker for the present, United also consider him a promising talent for the future. If the deal goes through, United would have the flexibility to reassess their options for a striker in the summer of 2024, when Tottenham's Harry Kane becomes available on a free transfer.
In order to fund their transfer activities, the Red Devils are open to offloading several players. Harry Maguire, Fred, and Anthony Martial are among the players made available for transfer.
Eric Bailly and Alex Telles are also expected to leave the club, while there is interest from Nottingham Forest in signing Dean Henderson for a reported fee of £30million.
There have been reports of offers for Jadon Sancho, but little interest has been shown in the winger after two underwhelming seasons at Old Trafford. Ten Hag would consider offers for Sancho, but as of now, there have been no concrete developments.
While United focus on strengthening their squad, other clubs are also monitoring the situation at Old Trafford. Juventus have shown interest in Hojlund, with discussions ongoing regarding Dusan Vlahovic.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, could turn to Hojlund if they fail to secure a deal for Harry Kane.
[dailystar]
€40m Liverpool, Aston Villa target ‘ready’ to accept Premier League transfer due to his ‘clear priority’
AdminAccording to reports, Belgium and Rennes winger Jeremy Doku is ‘ready’ to accept a move to the Premier League amid interest from Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Doku has often made a big impact when he’s played internationally for Belgium and he has consistently been linked with a move to the Premier League over the past couple of years.
The 21-year-old has arguably been more inconsistent when he’s played for Ligue 1 side Rennes but he grabbed seven goals and four assists in his 35 appearances last season across all competitions.
Jurgen Klopp is reportedly a major admirer of Doku, with it being reported last October that the German head coach has ‘never forgotten’ about the winger.
Caught Offside are now reporting that Doku is ‘ready to reject a Serie A transfer for the Premier League’.
Liverpool and Aston Villa are ‘among the clubs interested’ in the youngster, but Unai Emery’s side are said to be the team ‘showing strongest interest’ in him while they ‘wait to find out what happens with Moussa Diaby’.
Liverpool meanwhile have ‘made recent checks on Doku’ but they are currently ‘focused on strengthening other areas of their squad including midfield and defence’.
A separate report from Football Insider has claimed that Liverpool want to sign two more midfielders before the summer transfer window closes. This comes amid the imminent departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia.
As for Doku, the report from Caught Offside adds: ‘Doku has impressed in Ligue 1 and wouldn’t be short of suitors elsewhere in Europe either, though CaughtOffside understands he has made a move to England his clear priority, even though he’s also been approached by both AC Milan and Napoli in recent months.
‘Rennes would likely ask for around €40m to let Doku leave, so it remains to be seen if Villa or someone else view that as good value for money or if they try to negotiate that down.
‘Much will likely depend on Diaby’s decision, with the Frenchman currently being targeted by both Villa and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.’
Towards the end of last year, journalist Robin Bairner claimed that Doku’s “issue” has been his lack of consistency.
“The trouble with Jeremy Doku isn’t necessarily his talent. We’ve seen, particularly in the European Championships, just how good a winger he can be. He was devastating for Belgium against Italy,” Bairner told GiveMeSport.
“But his issue has just consistently been, since he moved to Rennes, staying fit. Again, he’s just been injured, he’s just coming back from injury now. It seems to be a repeating cycle with him.
“He’ll come back for two or three games then find himself injured for two or three months, and he doesn’t really get any consistency in his performances.
“I think that has to be a red flag for a team like Liverpool who are generally so strong in the transfer market, who pick up players who have got a strong mentality, who don’t get injured and can fit into their team straightaway.”
[football365]
While FC Barcelona have already signed Gundogan and are also close to unveiling Oriol Romeu as their fourth summer signing, the club is still linked with another midfielder to further complement the midfield department. This midfielder is Bernardo Silva, who has been attracting the Catalan club’s attention since at least the last year.
According to SPORT, the name of Bernardo Silva is still alive and fresh around the Barcelona offices. Both Xavi and the higher executives like the Portuguese player, but as was the case last summer, the Blaugranes simply do not have the money to undertake such a big operation.
Barcelona’s interest in the player has been highlighted by one of the latest reported development. According to the report, some young fans in Barcelona repeatedly asked President Joan Laporta if the club is going to sign the Portuguese. In response to these questions, Laporta answered with a smile “I would like to”.
Bernardo Silva is an important part of the Manchester City squad that won the treble last season, and Pep Guardiola would be extremely reluctant to let the player leave. The Portuguese made 55 appearances for the Citizens in their most successful campaign, scoring seven goals and giving eight assists.
FC Barcelona would want to put the icing on the cake to their summer business by adding another interior midfielder, ideally Bernardo Silva, to their squad. However, their financial strength constraints the degree of action they can take in the transfer market, and allows only a player like Lo Celso on loan for now, before the club can move for a permanent transfer later.
[barcanewsnetwork]
Newcastle United continue to be linked with signing Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, who now looks even more certain to leave Old Trafford this summer.
With Eddie Howe looking to add another centre-back to his squad ahead of next season, there have been rumours that Maguire could swap the North West for the North East.
It has been claimed that Newcastle are interested in the England international, with the Magpies open to signing him on loan. That is in contrast to a permanent deal, with Man United looking to receive up to £50million for the defender.
A permanent move would obviously be preferred by the Red Devils, and the latest decision from Erik ten Hag has increased the likelihood of Maguire departing this summer.
Harry Maguire ready to leave Manchester United after Erik ten Hag decision
According to the Sun, Newcastle are still interested in signing Maguire, who is ‘angry’ after being stripped of the captaincy at Old Trafford.
It was confirmed on Sunday that Maguire would no longer be the Manchester United captain, despite having the armband since he joined the club for £80million back in 2019.
The report states that he is now ready to leave the club, and that Man United will likely lower his asking price from £50million to £30million.
With Maguire no longer the captain, an exit feels inevitable. It will surely be difficult for him to stay and be led by someone else after four years of leading the players out. Staying would create a difficult dynamic behind the scenes, and could create further issues down the line.
Erik ten Hag’s decision to change his captain is a brave one, and one that could have a negative impact if Maguire is not sold or loaned out.
That opens the door for someone like Newcastle to make a move, who continue to be linked. However, his £190,000-a-week wages make a switch to St James’ Park pretty much impossible.
[geordiebootboys]
More...
The top women’s footballers on the planet will be in action when the World Cup kicks off on Thursday in Australia and New Zea
Alexia Putellas (Spain)
29-year-old attacking midfielder is considered by many to be the best women’s footballer in the world.
Winner of the Women’s Ballon d’Or in each of the last two years, in February she retained her crown as The Best Fifa’s Women’s Player for 2022, despite missing the second half of the year with a serious knee injury.
Barcelona star Putellas is the first woman to reach 100 caps for Spain and they badly missed her creativity and goals at the 2022 European Championship, where they lost to eventual champions England in the quarter-finals.
Putellas was among the Spanish players demanding change within the national side, but did not join in with 15 players who last year asked not to be called up, amid differences with coach Jorge Vilda and the Spanish football federation.
Sam Kerr (Australia)
If the co-hosts are to go far at the World Cup they will need Chelsea forward Kerr firing on all cylinders.
The 29-year-old Australia skipper made her international debut aged just 15 and has played over 120 times for her country, averaging a goal every other game. She scored five times at the 2019 World Cup.
Her numbers are just as impressive at Chelsea, hitting 29 goals in 38 appearances this season.
Kerr is such a big name at home that she was Australia’s flag-bearer at the coronation of King Charles.
Megan Rapinoe (United States)
She needs little introduction as the most instantly recognisable player in women’s football.
The attacker has played 199 times for the United States, scoring 63 goals and making 73 assists. She has won the World Cup twice. Now Rapinoe plays in the United States for OL Reign.
She is set for retirement at the end of this season and is something of a fading force at 38, but she remains the face of women’s football for the casual fan.
Off the field, the openly gay Rapinoe is outspoken on a number of issues that go beyond sport, including advocating for LGBTQ rights.
Keira Walsh (England)
England’s hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time have taken a hit with the injury loss of several key players, putting even more onus on midfielder Walsh.
Barcelona snapped her up from Manchester City for a reported 400,000 pounds (US$508,000) last September, a world record for a woman footballer.
With her passing, reading of the game and ability to win the ball back, Walsh was instrumental in Sarina Wiegman’s England winning the Euro on home soil in 2022.
She was named player of the match when England defeated Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley in extra time.
Ada Hegerberg (Norway)
The Norwegian was the first winner of the Women’s Ballon d’Or, in 2018, and is a prolific striker with leading French side Lyon.
Her Norway career has been stop-start, however. She withdrew from the international scene in 2017, citing concerns over the inequality of treatment given to men’s and women’s teams by the Norwegian federation. She only returned last year.
The 28-year-old forward has also been dogged by injuries.
But when on form and firing she is one of the best players in the world, and averages more than a goal a game for her club.
She is the all-time top scorer in the Uefa Women’s Champions League with 59 goals. — AFP
[malaymail]
Asmir Begovic is reportedly set to join Queens Park Rangers after his departure from Everton.
The goalkeeper joined the Toffees from AFC Bournemouth on a free transfer in the summer of 2021. He served as back-up to Jordan Pickford during his two seasons at Goodison Park, making a total of 10 appearances. Everton were keen for Begovic to extend his stay but he opted to turn down a new contract.
The former Chelsea and Stoke City stopper has been weighing up his options since opting to leave Merseyside.
Premier League new-boys Luton Town had been suggested as one possible destination for Begovic. But West London Sport reports that Begovic has decided to drop to the Championship and his switch to QPR will be confirmed today. The London side finished 20th in the table last season.
[liverpoolworld]
Barcelona have already closed three signing this summer. Vitor Roque will only join the team a year from now, but Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan are already in Catalonia for the new season.
The German midfielder is set to be presented later today and will immediately link up with Xavi Hernandez in training. With Oriol Romeu also on the brink of completing his move to Barcelona, the focus is now on sales.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugranas still believe that they can complete a big sale this summer. Their effort so far have not borne any fruit, but there is now a clear idea of the players considered saleable.
Pablo Torre and Nico Gonzalez are two stars who are on the brink of sealing an exit. Both players will leave the club on loan given the severe competition in the middle of the park.
The administration also has its focus on shipping out other players who spent the previous season on loan at various clubs. Of the six players on that roster, only Samuel Umitti is no longer on the club’s wage bill having terminated his contract.
Barcelona are working hard to reach an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over Clement Lenglet’s transfer, while Alex Collado is very close to completing a move to Real Betis.
The two remaining players, Sergino Dest and Ez Abde will likely travel to the USA with the team, hoping to impress Xavi Hernandez and win a spot under his tutelage. Ironically, the former makes the trip as a result of having no offers on the table while the latter does so through merit.
Apart from the petty loans and minor moves, Barcelona hope to complete at least one large-sum departure in the coming weeks. Three candidates sit strong on that front- Ansu Fati, Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
Of the trio, the Brazilian winger appears to have the lowest chance of leaving considering his impressive form last season. The departures of the other two will depend on their willingness to explore new avenues, something they have not shown so far this summer.
[BarcaUniversal]
Jack Butland wasn't prepared to spend any longer on the Manchester United bench and chose to join Rangers in order to play regular football.
The former England international goalkeeper, 30, secured a loan move to United for the second half of last season from parent club Crystal Palace. Butland didn't make a single appearance whilst backup to David de Gea, who's also moved on from Old Trafford.
Having never truly made his mark at Palace over three seasons with the Eagles, Butland decided upon his release in June that he'd find a new club where he could be No.1. Scottish giants Rangers promptly snapped up his signature to give him the opportunity which he craved.
"As much as I enjoyed Palace and as good as United was, I missed playing. And that's important to me," the 30-year-old affirmed, as quoted by the Scotsman. "All right, 'Could you be at United?' Well, yes, but what would the rest of my career look like? That was important to me. I wanted 30 onwards to be something l like back on as a successful period and not one that drifted away."
During his first few years in the professional game, Butland was tipped to be a future England No.1 but after moving to Stoke and suffering relegation from the Premier League, his stock dwindled. Now looking to reset at Ibrox, the ex-Birmingham star is eager to put the past few years behind him.
"I mean, I am still 30," Butland reiterated. "There's a long way to go. A lot happened early. If I went through my career without any setbacks and without any moments it would have been a miracle. These things happen. One or two of them happened at a good time, not in my prime if you like."
[mirror]