SPORTS UPDATE

[Edoman]

Manchester United have rejected a 60m euro (£53.9m) bid from Inter Milan for striker Romelu Lukaku.

The bid falls well below United's valuation of the 26-year-old Belgium international, who joined them from Everton two years ago for £75m.

Lukaku sat out Saturday's pre-season victory over Inter, whose manager Antonio Conte reiterated that the striker remains his number one target.

"I consider him a player who could improve our team," the Inter boss said.

"On one side it is my hope and my will, on my other side we will see what we find with the club.

"It's not right to speak about the player in this moment because he is a Manchester United player and for this reason we must show great respect for the club and at the same time for the player and for my players."

On Friday, Conte admitted he had tried to sign Lukaku while manager at Chelsea [from 2016 to 2018]. "You know I like this player," he added.

Inter's move for the Belgian is thought to hinge on the future of Mauro Icardi, who has not travelled on the club's pre-season tour of Asia amid reports he is to leave.

When asked about the Argentina striker, Conte replied: "The club was very clear that Icardi is out of Inter's project. This is the reality."

Lukaku missed both of United's tour matches in Australia because of injury before also sitting out Saturday's match in Singapore.

"If you're a player and don't manage to train for a week and he's missed three games now I think he'll be concerned," said Solskjaer. "He's working to get back on the pitch and let's see how long that takes. It's his ankle.

"I think we have done really well without Romelu but we all know he's one of the top, top strikers in the world."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49056823

[Edoman]

Herve Renard steps down as coach of Morocco's national team after AFCON 2019 flop






Herve Renard is stepping down as Morocco head coach after their early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.  
 
Morocco were one of the pre-tournament favourites for Egypt 2019 but suffered a shock penalty shootout defeat by Benin in the last 16. Renard, who won AFCON with Zambia (2012) and Ivory Coast (2015), had been in charge since February 2016.

In a statement on social media, Renard, 50, said 'It is time for me to close this long and beautiful chapter of my life, not without some emotion and sadness. It is an inevitable decision taken well before Afcon 2019. I took this decision after having - of course - carefully considered [it]. It is therefore irreversible."

Renard took Morocco from 81st in the Fifa world rankings to 47th.  He led them to two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and to the World Cup in Russia in 2018 the first time the Atlas Lions had played at the global event for 20 years.  
 
His hopes of winning a third Afcon title were dashed in Egypt, and Renard admitted it was not the outcome he had expected.  "We had all hoped [for] better for the Afcon 2019 in Egypt. But this is football it gives birth to the wildest hopes and brings us hard to the reality of a too-quick elimination on penalties!"

by Linda Ikeji at 22

[Edoman]

Rohr set to quit as Super Eagles head coach

Gernot Rohr may leave his role as the head coach of the Super Eagles in the coming days.

The German led Nigeria to a third-place finish in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, after they missed the last two editions.

However, Rohr has come under criticisms from certain quarters, for what some perceive as ‘lack of tactical nous’ or, in other words, an ‘inability to read matches’.

It is understood that the 66-year-old has told close associates, that he is uncertain if he wants to carry on.

“A lot of things have been going on but he has taken it all because he does not want to cause any controversy.

“But now, he is not sure if he will continue,” sources have told ESPN.

Rohr is due to meet Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick this week as part of that assessment.

And if both parties come to an agreement, a parting of ways might come sooner than most expect.

https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/22/rohr-set-quit-super-eagles-head-coach/
Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr 'set to quit his role'



 



Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr is expected to quit his role despite leading Nigeria to a third-place finish in this year's Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
 
The 66-year-old German was criticized by many over his ‘lack of tactical nous’ or, in other words, an ‘inability to read matches’ at the tournament. 
According to ESPN, Rohr is uncertain if he wants to carry on as head coach of Nigeria.
“A lot of things have been going on but he has taken it all because he does not want to cause any controversy.
“But now, he is not sure if he will continue,” sources have told ESPN.
 
A meeting between Rohr and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick, who appointed him in August 2016 will hold this week as part of that assessment.
 

by Lin

[Edoman]

SPORTTransfer: Man United get till Thursday to sign Tottenham 


Manchester United have till Thursday to sign Tottenham defender, Toby Alderweireld.

This is because the 30-year-old’s £25million buy-out clause ends on Thursday, according to Sky Sport.

However, United seem to have lost their interests in the player as they now prefer £80m rated Leicester City’s Harry Maguire.

Alderweireld, a Belgium international has been one of the finest centre-backs in Europe in recent times and would so obviously be a major upgrade on flops like Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at Old Trafford.

He has been a rock-solid performer at Tottenham, while Man Utd conceded 54 goals as they finished sixth in the Premier League last season.

Italian side, Roma have been linked with the player, and that perhaps seems the more likely destination for him.

But if Roma fails to land him, Sky suggests that he will remain at Tottenham.

[Edoman]

Transfer: Man United set to sign £70m rated striker as replacement for Lukaku





Manchester United have set out £56 million to sign Sporting CP attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes, according to Record.
Ole Gunner Solkjaer’s side wants to bring in the Portuguese international in the summer transfer window as a replacement for Rumelu Lukaku who is heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan.

The issue is that the above mentioned offer might not be enough to secure the signing of the 24-year-old attacker.
Frederico Varandas, the president of Sporting CP had claimed that if Fernandes leaves, then the team will be reinforced with quality players, insisting that the player will not be sold for anything less than £70m.
Reports in Portugal had suggested earlier this month, that Varandas wants 70 million euros (£63million) for Sporting CP’s prized asset.

Bruno Fernandes scored 32 goals in all competitions last season, more than the combined sum of goals scored by our two main strikers i.e. Lukaku and Rashford.
The former Serie A attacker helped Sporting CP win two cup titles and he directly contributed in 50 goals in all competitions in the last campaign

[Edoman]

Barcelona vs Chelsea: Livescore from pre-season friendly in Japan





Barcelona take on Chelsea in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.
It has been a mixed tour of Asia for Frank Lampard and the Blues, as they have won one, lost one and drawn once.

However, the match will be Barca’s first runabout of pre-season, with a number of their B team players called up into the travelling squad.
Ernesto Valverde has given extended leave to the likes of Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez.
Kick off is 11:30am West African time.

Tuesday, July 23
First half:
Half time.
Second half:

Full time:

[Edoman]

Abia: Gov. Ikpeazu receives Super Eagle Striker Chukwueze, warns him not to end up like Etim Esim, Okoronwanta




Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Monday, received Super Eagle Striker, Samuel Chukwueze, at the Government House in Umuahia, the state capital.
The Governor, flanked by some of the state government officials, including the member representing Umuahia East constituency in Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, welcomed the Umuahia Ibeku-born footballer, who was on a courtesy visit upon return from 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Ikpeazu, while speaking during the visit, urged young people who were blessed with talents to remain humble and hardworking, opining that pride is the virus that destroys talents.
He warned him to avoid being misled by a momentary feeling of triumph but focus on building a career that will last long and become successful.


According to the Governor, “You are a young man with prodigious talent. But you must know that talent can showcase you but you need to work very hard to remain at the top. Talent is not enough to keep you at the very top of your game for too long. You must work extra hard. You must take your trainings seriously. You must be humble. You must respect your coaches and take their instructions seriously. If training is by 6pm, get there at 5. This is no longer your days at Umuahia. This is professional soccer, a career that has the potential of making you a multi millionaire. You must take if very seriously. You have all it takes to become the best player in the world. I have watched you play and I mean what I am saying”.
He continued, “The easiest way to destroy your career is to become proud of what you think you have achieved. Once pride sets in, you are finished. I have seen players…good players who had the world at their feet but pride didn’t allow them excel. Players like Tarila Okoronwanta and Etim Esin. Remain humble. Remember where you are coming from, your poor parents. Stay safe in Europe. Avoid drugs and drinking”.
The Governor rewarded the footballer with some handsome cash.

[Edoman]

Transfer: Manchester City takes final decision on letting Sane join Bayern

[img=46x0]https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/19dddca81798c9b67c6b86201fc179ea?s=46&d=mm&r=g[/img]



Manchester City have taken a final decision on the future of their forward, Leroy Sane.
The Premier League Champions have decided that the German is going nowhere, according to the Mirror.

Pep Guardiola’s side are determined not to sell Sane this summer.
The newspaper reports that City have dismissed Bayern Munich’s interest in the Germany international.
City do not want to lose the 23-year-old and will continue to discuss a new deal with the former Schalke star.

Sane still has two years remaining on his current contract at the Etihad Stadium.

[Edoman]

SPORT

Transfer: Juventus to sell Dybala to Man United on one condition

 [url=https://dailypost.ng/2019/07/22/transfer-juventus-sell-dybala-man-united-one-condition/][/url]


Juventus will allow their forward, Paulo Dybala join Manchester United this summer only on one condition, according to Daily Mail.
Juventus are ready to sell Dybala to United providing the Premier League club meet their £70m-£90m valuation.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already bolstered his squad with the signings of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
United are also closing in on an £80m deal for Leicester City’s Harry Maguire.
But Solskjaer is aware that further additions are needed as he attempts to bridge the gap to Premier League champions Manchester City and Champions League winners Liverpool.

Solskjaer is a known admirer of Dybala and the Daily Mail say he will try to sign the Argentine playmaker should Romelu Lukaku or Paul Pogba leave Old Trafford.
Both Lukaku and Pogba are keen to secure summer moves, with the former being heavily linked with Inter Milan and the latter desperate to sign for Real Madrid.
The report claimed Solskjaer has identified Dybala as the player to replace either Lukaku or Pogba.

[Edoman]

'Man Of The Match' Wins Live Chicken In Malawi (Photo)

Nyasa Big Bullets’ striker, Hassan Kajoke, receives a live chicken from a fan after scoring a brace against Karonga United, on Sunday, in Malawi.

See more; http://gistmore.com/man-of-the-match-wins-live-chicken-in-malawi-photo

[Edoman]

Super Eagles Defender, Semi Ajayi has joined English Championship side West Bromwich Albion from League One club Rotherham United.

The 25-year-old midfielder signed a four-year deal with the Baggies, becoming the third arrival at the Hawthorns this summer after the capture of Kenneth Zohor and Filip Krovinovic.

Semi Ajayi,Super Eagles and Rotherham United midfielder, has sealed a £1.3m deal (about N585m) to join former Premier League campaigners West Brom in the Sky Bet Championship.

Ajayi, who was impressing despite Rotherham’s relegation last term, was among Nigeria’s initial squad for the just-concluded 2019 Africa Cup of Nations before missing out of the final 23-man list.




Source: https://ngg.ng/2019/07/23/nigeria-defender-semi-ajayi-joins-west-brom-from-rotherham-united/

[Edoman]

SPORT
Transfer: Chelsea set to send Nigerian star out of Stamford Bridge

 July 23, 2019



Chelsea want Nigerian star, Fikayo Tomori, out of the club on a loan spell.
The club is preparing to loan out the defender before the close of the summer transfer window, according to Evening Standard.

The newspaper reports that the Blues plan to send Tomori out on loan again this season after Kurt Zouma confirmed he is happy to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The player would struggle for game time if he remains at Chelsea as he is behind David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma in Frank Lampard’s pecking order of central defenders.
Tomori had spent time on loan at Hull City and Derby County in the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons and played for Brighton & Hove in the second half of the 2016-2017 season.

The player is attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League, German Bundesliga and Portuguese Primeira Liga but Burnley’s proposed move for the player is unlikely to materialize.
Tomori has made only one appearance to date for Chelsea’s first team which came against Leicester City on the final day of the 2015-16 season.


SPORT

[Edoman]

Callum Hudson-Odoi has agreed a five-year deal worth more than £100,000 a week to stay at Chelsea

The England winger, 18, handed in a transfer request in January after Chelsea rejected a £35m bid from Bayern Munich.

But he is set to sign a new contract before the start of the season.

The youngster is understood to have been encouraged by positive words from new manager Frank Lampard, who said he wanted Hudson-Odoi to stay.

The teenager, who is recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in April, is on track for a quick return to action, potentially as soon as September.

Throughout the negotiations, playing time is understood to have been the key issue for Hudson-Odoi, who made 24 appearances and scored five goals under former boss Maurizio Sarri last season.

But he had to wait until April to make his first Premier League start, having already made his England debut.

Former Chelsea and England midfielder Lampard, who took charge of the Blues earlier in July, said the academy graduate can be a "huge player" for his team.

Midfielders Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have signed new deals since Lampard took over from Sarri.

The manager previously said of Hudson-Odoi: "I am not going to say things that are pie in the sky but, with his talent, he can be central to this team, he can be central to England.

"He can show, right here at Chelsea, the team he came through the academy at, that he is going to be a world-class player - because I truly believe that."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49091233

[Edoman]

Besieged Bale scores as Real Madrid rally for friendly win over Arsenal
By AFP
24 July 2019   |   4:19 am

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[url=https://guardian.ng/sport/anthony-joshua-sure-of-reclaiming-titles-from-ruiz-jr/]

Real Madrid’s Welsh forward Gareth Bale (L) vies for the ball with Arsenal’s Spanish defender Nacho Monreal during the International Champions Cup football match between Real Madrid and Arsenal at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, on July 23, 2019. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP
Gareth Bale shrugged off uncertainty over his Real Madrid future Tuesday, his second-half goal helping the La Liga giants rally for a friendly win over Arsenal.
Madrid clawed back from two goals down to finish full time at 2-2, and prevailed 3-2 in the penalty shootout dictated by the International Champions Cup exhibition tournament format.
Welsh star Bale didn’t play in Madrid’s 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in Houston on Saturday, manager Zinadine Zidane saying Monday he declined to dress for the match as the club pursued options for off-loading him.

Zidane said at the weekend he thought it would be “best for everyone” if Bale’s departure could be arranged quickly — comments Bale’s agent branded “disrespectful” of a player who helped the side to a Spanish league title and four Champions Leagues since arriving from Tottenham six years ago.

Zidane insisted Monday he meant no disrespect, and Bale duly came in at halftime on Tuesday and made a statement.

“He had a good game and I’m happy for him,” Zidane said. “I do not know what’s going to happen, for now he’s with us. It did not change anything.”
First-half goals from Alexandre Lacazette who converted a penalty in the 10th minute — and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had put Arsenal up 2-0 at the break — by which time both teams were reduced to 10 men.

Bale pulled one back in the 56th minute, latching onto a loose ball and slotting it home.
Marco Asensio drilled the equalizer three minutes later, blasting a low Marcelo cross past Emiliano Martinez.
Minutes later Asensio was on the ground, apparently injured with little contact to be stretchered off.
Bale continued to offer reminders of his worth — clearing a goal-bound Aubameyang drive off the line following a goalmouth scramble, and missing just wide with a curling effort off his left foot 10 minutes from time.

Eddie Nketiah, who scored three goals in Arsenals two prior friendlies — a 3-0 win over Fiorentina and a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich missed two good chances late.
Bale’s fortunes dipped in the shoot-out, when he came up first for Madrid and saw his effort saved easily before the Spanish side prevailed.

Arsenal out fast

Arsenal had appeared on their way in the early stages at FedEx Field, home of the NFL’s Washington Redskins.

Madrid’s Nacho, cautioned for a clumsy tackle on Sead Kolasinac in the first five minutes, received a second booking and was sent off for a deliberate handball in the eighth after sticking his arm out to stop a ball from Lacazette on the line.

Lacazette took the ensuing penalty, his attempt hitting both posts before crossing the line to put Arsenal up 1-0 with a man advantage.
Lacazette then turned provider for Aubameyang, who doubled the score in the 24th minute.

But Arsenal’s comfort level dropped in the 40th, when Sokratis Papastathopoulos was sent off for a second bookable offense — a foul on Luka Modric — minutes after he’d been shown a yellow card for yanking back Toni Kroos on the counter.

Arsenal had won the first three games of their North American tour, starting with a 3-0 win over Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids and now head back across the Atlantic.
Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid on Friday at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets.

[Edoman]

Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Free-kick Goal As Juventus Defeat Inter Milan(Photos)

Juventus have won their first match in the International Champions Cup thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning free-kick equaliser before they needed penalties to see off rivals Inter Milan in China, MySportDab reports.

Just 10 minutes into his first start for the club, Matthijs de Ligt turned the ball into his own net from a corner as Inter Milan took an early lead.

Juve boss made several changes at half-time but it was Cristiano Ronaldo who made the difference as the Portuguese star equalised with a stunning free-kick.

After being fouled on the edge of the box, Ronaldo then dusted himself off before firinghis free-kick into the Inter goal.

Watch Video;https://www.mysportdab.com/2019/07/cristiano-ronaldo-scores-stunning-free.html

[Edoman]

Nigeria's Kelechi Iheanacho scores his first goal in 10 months during Leicester City's pre-season victory






Yesterday, Nigerian striker, Kelechi Iheanacho scored his first goal in 10 months to help Leicester City secure another pre-season win.
 
Iheanacho who was a substitute in Leicester City’s 3-0 win over Cambridge United scored in the 83rd minute to double their lead. The 22-year-old Nigeria international scored with a header off a cross from Harvey Barnes. 
 
Iheanacho has struggled at Leicester City since he joined from Premier League champions Manchester City in 2015.  He has been in the fringes at Leicester City starting just nine Premier League games in the 2018/2019 season. 
 
Iheanacho’s struggles also spilt onto the national team where he was dropped from the Super Eagles’ squad to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

by Linda Ikeji

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[Edoman]

Nigerian footballer Ademola Lookman completes £22.5m move from Everton to RB Leipzig (Photos)






German club, RB Leipzig have confirmed the signing of Nigerian footballer Ademola Lookman from Everton in a £22.5m deal.
 

The 21-year-old winger who enjoyed a successful loan spell at the German club last year signed a 5-year contract with RB Leipzig.
 

 
The deal, for the football star who was born in the UK to Nigerian parents is structured with an up-front fee of £18m plus £4.5m in add-ons.
 
Speaking on the deal, RB Leipzig sporting director, Markus Krösche said: “We’re very pleased that we’ve finally signed @Alookman_. Ademola convinced us immensely during his time on loan here and will now quickly re-integrate and further enhance our attacking play with his dynamic ability.” 
 
During his short loan spell at the German side, Lookman scored five goals and provided four assists in 11 matches.

by Linda Ikeji at 

[Edoman]

French champions, Paris Saint-Germain agree to buy Idrissa Gueye for £28m from Everton 



 



French champions, Paris Saint-Germain have agreed to buy Senegalese and Everton midfielder, Idrissa Gueye for £28million.
 
The Senegal international who has been a long term target for the French club is expected to complete his move to the Ligue 1 champions this week, ending his three-year stay at Goodison Park.
 
The 29-year-old who made clear his plans to leave Goodison Park for PSG in January by handing in a transfer request, has made 108 appearances for the club since his arrival from Aston Villa in 2016.
 
It is understood agreeing terms of a financial package will not be an issue for Gueye as there is a  number of complexities attached to the deal which still needs to be ironed before the move can go ahead. 

by Linda Ikeji at 25/07