LATEST FOOTBALL TRANSFER RUMOURS, DEALS AND TITBITS

Here are the top transfer rumours, done deals and football transfer gist making the rounds as compiled by our man Paul Ayorinde.

you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Done Deals:

– Inter Milan has announced the signing on loan of Bayern Munich forward Xherdan Shaqiri.

– Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland youngster Ryan Manning on a two-and-a-half year deal.

– Augsburg have completed the loan signing of 19-year old midfielder Piere-Emile Hojbjerg from Bayern Munich

– Switzerland defender Ricardo Rodriguez has extended his Wolfsburg contract until 2019.

– Manchester United have completed the signing of Victor Valdes on an 18-month deal with an option for a further year.

– Michael Keane of Manchester United has joined Burnley permanently for a fee yet to be disclosed.

– Leicester City have completed the signing of Andrej Kramaric from NK Rijeka,subject to a work permit.

– Atalanta have completed the signing of Mauricio Pinilla from Genoa.

Today’s football reports and transfer rumours:

– Mats Hummels’ father, also his agent, has confirmed the player will not be joining Manchester United.

– According to the Premier League,Frank Lampard has no agreement to join New York City FC.

– Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists he will not hurry into the January transfer market as he deals with injuries to Sylvain Distin and Tim Howard.

– Oldham have confirmed that they will not sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

– Michael Essien’s agent says his client is ‘unlikely’ to sign a new deal with Milan,when his contract expires in the summer.

– Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman has played down rumours linking him to Manchester United, saying it would be ‘disrespectful’ to discuss a move.

– Juventus and Galatasaray have moved closer to agreeing a deal for Wesley Sneijder, according to reports.

– Tottenham are interested in Fenerbahce’s Emmanuel Emenike, his agent has revealed.

– According to reports, Mohamed Salah is expected to remain at Chelsea this month, despite being heavily linked with a loan move to Sunderland.

– West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis is keen on signing Blackburn ace Rudy Gestede.

– Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a bid for Burnley’s star striker Danny Ings.

– Inter outcast Pablo Osvaldo could be offered an escape route as AC Milan are reportedly keen on signing him.

– According to reports,Roma could give up on signing Fiorentina’s Neto in order to focus on Chelsea’s Petr Cech.

– Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been touted as a potential replacement for Wilfried Bony at Swansea City.

– Everton are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon

– According to reports, Cardiff City forward Javi Guerra is the first option on the list to shore up Malaga’s attack, and the two sides are close to a deal.

Arsene Wenger

– Arsenal have had a £5m bid for Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Marcelo Brozovic rejected

– Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert has emerged as an early transfer target for new Crystal Palace manager, Alan Pardew.

– Aston Villa have opened talks with Manchester City about signing winger Scott Sinclair

– According to reports, Swansea City are set to make a £2m bid for Aston Villa defender Matthew Lowton

– Cagliari have confirmed that they have signed Alejandro Gonzalez from Verona, on an initial loan deal.

Football tit bits:

– Man City and Cote d’ivoire midfielder Yaya Toure as been named African Player of the Year for the fourth consecutive year at the Glo-Caf Awards 2014 held in Lagos Nigeria.

Jose Mourinho photo credit uefa.com

– Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct for comments made about match officials after last month’s draw at Southampton, the Football Association has announced.

– England and Man Utd Striker Wayne Rooney as been named as England’s Player of the year 20014.

– Crystal Palace’s new manager Alan Pardew has said that leaving Newcastle was best for both clubs. “For me personally and professionally it was the right time, and the right time for Newcastle. It was my decision. Steve Parish met the (buy-out) clause in my contract and I had a decision to make and for me it was the right decision. Four years under that type of monetary situation and the fact (Newcastle) are trying to push (on), and the history, it was difficult for a manager. But I left a good club with fantastic professionals and staff and players, who were phenomenal – also the fans. There has been a lot of talk – a lot of it completely off the mark – yes, you get criticism from the stands but never once did I sense the criticism outside the ground.” Pardew said

– Louis van Gaal as reassured David De Gea of his position as the first-choice goalkeeper after the Manchester Team today signed former Barcelona goalie Victor Valdes to an 18-month contract, Meanwhile Victor Valdes as proclaimed that the Man Utd number one (David de Gea) is the World’s Best goalkeeper.

– Fc Barcelona showed class in the first leg of their Copa Del Rey tie against Elche as the Catalan Club put five past Elche a penalty from Messi, a brace from Neymar and a goal each from Suárez and Alba was all it took.

Marathon Swimming: 2015 Season Features 11 Races On The Programme

open water This year, the big names in marathon swimming will have more opportunities to race each other and fight for top honours with a total 11 races scheduled for the FINA/HOSA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup 2015.

The marathon swimmers will take the plunge in some of the world’s most scenic waterways in nine different countries on three continents. Patagones-Viedma (ARG) will be the first meet of the season on February 7. The remaining legs will take place in Abu Dhabi (UAE, to be confirmed) on March 13, New Caledonia (FRA) on April 18, Cancun (MEX) on May 2, Balatonfured (HUN) on June 20, Setubal (POR) on June 27, Lac St-Jean (CAN) on July 23, Lac Magog (CAN) on July 31, Lac Megantic (CAN) on August 8, Chun’an (CHN) on October 12 and Hong Kong (HKG) will conclude the series on October 17.

Last year, a total 304 swimmers (156 men and 148 women) from 38 countries competed in the World Cup, where Brazilians Allan do Carmo and Ana Marcela Cunha took the top spots.

FINA’s other international open water swimming circuit, the Grand Prix, kicks off on February 8 with a 25km effort in Villa Urquiza-Parana, Argentina.

The remaining stages are Cancun (MEX) on April 25, Lac St-Jean (CAN) on July 25, Lac Magog (CAN) on August 1, Ohrid Lake (MKD) on August 29 and Capri-Napoli (ITA) on September 6, 2015.

The dominator of the 2014 season among men was Joanes Hedel from France while the first place among women was shared between Czech Silvie Rybarova and Argentina’s Pilar Geijo.

CAVB Zone 5 To Meet In Cairo

African Volleyball Confederation “CAVB” zone 5 will hold its ordinary meeting in Cairo, Egypt on Friday January 9, 2015 to discuss the 2015 activity of the zone that includes 11 counties.

Among other important issue the meeting discusses the zonal system of qualifications for the 2015 All Africa Games to be hosted in Congo Brazzaville in both volleyball and Beach Volleyball categories and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

Kenya women will be one of the favourite national teams in the zone

The zone members will also discuss Zone 5 countries’ African Dream Project Data Base and the national and zonal course to be organised in 2015 within the zone area.

Zone 5 countries are Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia

The meeting will be headed by CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani.

FIFA RECOGNIZES “MR FOOTBALL”

FIFA

World Football Governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has congratulated Mr. Ejikeme Ikwunze, popularly known as Mr. Football for his latest book “World Cup 1930-2010- A Statistical Summary” which was published recently.

In a letter addressed to the Umuawa-Alaocha Umuahia born soccer statistician, FIFA President Joseph Blatter who signed the congratulatory letter, described the 520-page book as world class, disclosing that he has already sent the material to the FIFA Documentation Centre “to be kept as a reference work”.

The FIFA President, who acknowledged the enormous input of Mr. Football, the immediate past Abia State director of Sports in churning out the book, wished him the best as he engages in the writing of other books particularly the “World Cup biographies”.

In his reaction, Mr. Ikwunze, the Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Sports, described Joseph Sepp Blatter’s letter as encouraging pointing out that he was not surprised at the development since his earlier works were also acknowledged and celebrated by FIFA.

The FIFA recognized soccer aficionado, said the book, published by Xlibris publishing, USA, is a must-read for people who seek knowledge about the World Cup adding that he feels fulfilled and satisfied that his work was being recognized across the world pledging that he will continue to do his best for the Football World.

WATER POLO WORLD LEAGUES 2015: EUROPEAN SQUADS THRILL

With another thrilling year for international water polo in sight, world-class players and their national teams are already making waves in the European preliminaries. In round 3 of the home-and-away games held on December 29, 2014, Olympic champions Croatia beat Montenegro 14-8 in Rijeka.

A total 13 teams are taking part in the qualification phase for Europe, divided in the following groups:

Group A: Hungary, Greece, Romania, Slovakia
Group B: Serbia, Russia, Germany, Spain
Group C: Montenegro, Italy, Croatia, Turkey and France

Round 4 on January 20, 2015 will see Greece meeting current World champions Hungary in Athens (GRE); Romania receives Slovakia in Bucharest (ROU); Russia faces five-time World League winner Serbia in Astrakhan City (RUS); Germany plays Spain in Bremen (GER); 2014 World League bronze medallist Montenegro meets Turkey in Budva (MNE) while Italy, 2012 Olympic silver medallists, will pit their strength against the Croatians in Turin (ITA).

Meanwhile, teams from the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania (to be announced soon) are gearing up for the upcoming FINA World League Intercontinental Tournament to be held from March 30 to April 4, 2015 in Corona del Mar (USA).

A total eight teams will earn a ticket for the men’s Super Final taking place in Bergamo, Italy on June 23-28, 2015: four from Europe, including host Italy, and four from the Intercontinental tournament.
In the women’s competition, round 3 of the European preliminaries is scheduled for January 27, 2015 with the following match-ups: Russia receives Italy in Kirishi (RUS); Hungary meets France in Gyor (HUN); Greece faces reigning World champions Spain in Athens (GRE) and Germany visits the Netherlands in Drachten.

Auckland in New Zealand will welcome the teams for the women’s Intercontinental Tournament from April 28 to May 3, 2015 while the Super Final will be staged in China (city to be announced soon) on June 9-14, 2015.

MORE ON FINA.ORG

NRFF Opens Door To Foreign Professionals

The Nigerian Rugby Football Federation under the leadership of Sir Edward Fom Pam have reinstated their commitment to the development of grassroot rugby in a bid to improve on the National team’s performances next year, the media friendly president disclosed this during the first ever general assembly meeting held in December 2014 at the Media Centre, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

It was also agreed at the general assembly that the Technical committee of the federation will give room for the participation of foreign based internationals in the national team (Black Stallions).

Black Stallion – Nigeria Rugby National Team

The Technical Director (Fasimoye Olatunji) was quick to allay fears that indigenous player’s position on the Black Stallions could be threatened with the latest decision of the NRFF if they don’t improve and upgrade their standard. “I can assure you that majority of games to be played in 2015 will be a blend of our home and foreign based players”

In a related development, the apex Rugby ruling body in Nigeria has declared that Racing RFC of Lagos will not be facing any sanction whatsoever despite resorting to the usage of elite athletes from different countries at the Dubai Rugby Sevens Invitational tourney in December 2014.

Speaking through the President of the federation, Racing RFC is an affiliate of the Nigerian Rugby Federation and as such when they are going for international invitational with the blessings of the federation, they have the right to pick whomever they deem fit to be in their team.
“We can only advise them to stick with the home based players so that they can get the needed exposure”

Azeez Ladipo, Black Stallions Captain In Action

Despite the attestation of Racing RFC of using elite players in the tournament because they felt their players were too young to participate in the tournament, The Plateau state Rugby expert expressed a different sentiment as he said the young team should have been taken to such competitions, This will benefit the NRFF in the long run and also help the players gain relevant exposure.

ITTF World Team Cup Kick Starts 2015 in Dubai

The world’s best table tennis players have put away their suits and dresses from the ITTF Star Awards and picked up their rackets for the beginning of the 2015 ITTF World Team Cup starting today in Dubai.

The biennial event invites the top 12 teams, which are made up of six continental teams who qualified as champions of their respective Continental Championships, an additional five teams who finished highest positions at the ZEN-NOH 2014 World Team Table Tennis Championships, plus one team from the host nation United Arab Emirates.

Defending champions China are the favorites in both the men’s and women’s to retain the title, but world number one XU Xin is wary of the emerging Portuguese team:

“Potentially, Portugal will be strong,” he said. “Germany had won the European Championships many times, but last year Portugal won so this means something has changed.”

China’s five-man squad consists of the top four players from the current world rankings, making them the front-runners in the event, but XU said the favorite’s tag comes with responsibility.

China sees Portugal as their biggest threat for gold at the World Team Cup

“As long as you are playing on behalf of China, you are always under pressure,” he said. “We have won many times and could still feel the pressure not only in games, but also in our trainings. That makes us try harder to win the title.”

Along with Portugal, Egypt who made a fairytale run to the semi finals in 2013 will be looking for another strong performance along with Germany and Japan.

Newly crowned 2014 ITTF Female Table Tennis Star and world number one DING Ning will lead the Chinese women’s team’s quest for gold. This task will not be easy, with Singapore, Japan and Romania all vying to cause an upset.

The playing system at the World Team Cup is the same as the team event of the Olympic Games. Each team selects three players, that plays in two singles matches, then doubles, followed by reverse singles, with the first team to win three games winning the match.

The first stage of the competition is a round robin, with the 12 teams being split into four groups of three. The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout quarter finals!

Eduok: Anyansi-Agwu Assures Of Thorough Investigation

Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu has stated that investigation into the controversy over the transfer of Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt star Emem Eduok will be thorough, and that no one found culpable will be treated as a sacred cow.

“The NFF President has explained clearly why the boy was sent out of camp, and I believe that people fully understand why we needed to take that action.

“I am on the issue as directed by the NFF President, and I can assure you that all those who are eventually indicted in the matter will be sanctioned. The messy transfer is already generating negative publicity for Nigeria football and we are uncomfortable with that.”

The Enyimba FC boss has until Thursday to report back to the NFF Executive Committee on his findings.

“My report will be ready. I have reached out extensively, asked questions and have been briefed. We are not going to spare anyone who is found to have been involved in the shameful process.”

Ojo-Oba Salutes Blatter, Hayatou, Others As He Retires From Civil Service

It was an ecstatic and obviously fulfilled Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba who formally left the Federal Civil Service on Wednesday, retiring as Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department of the National Sports Commission.

At a simple but impressive ceremony inside the Media Centre of the National Stadium, Abuja, attended by Director General of NSC, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, all directors and deputy directors of NSC and Ambassador Fanny Amun (MON), Ojo-Oba thanked God and a number of personalities who have been supportive in his glorious career.

“I thank God and a number of personalities like FIFA President Sepp Blatter, CAF President Issa Hayatou, other top officials of FIFA and CAF, and my bosses and colleagues at the National Sports Commission for my successful sojourn.

“There are several other persons, such as all the Honourable Ministers and Director Generals that I was privileged to work with, NFF bosses and General Secretaries, and especially Dr. Amos Adamu, who is certainly God-sent.”

Ojo-Oba also attained the diamond age, 60, on Wednesday, making it double celebration for the one-time Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in Oyo State.

Among his other tours of duty, Ojo-Oba, who started as a part-time interpreter, served as Head of International Competitions at then Nigeria Football Association, General Manager (Games Services) of the Organizing Committee for the 8th All-Africa Games that Nigeria hosted in 2003, General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation and Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department of the National Sports Commission.

Golden Eaglets Massacre Super Lion 9-1 In Training Match

Nigeria’s U-17 team, Golden Eaglets notched yet another victory in domestic friendly matches on Wednesday’s morning with a flattering 9-1 score line against Super Lion Football Academy at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project pitch in Abuja.

Among the goals for Golden Eaglets were Victor Osimhen, Ebere Osinachi who grabbed a brace each as well as Suleiman Abdullahi, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Nwakali and Kehinde Ayinde; Super Lions’ Moshood Aliu conceded an own goal while Omo’Oba Kasali got his team’s consolatory goal.

both teams prayed together after th match

The friendly match against the Suleja-based team from Niger State was Golden Eaglets’ first in almost three months since their victory against Akpabuyo United in Calabar on September 20, 2014 but the Emmanuel Amuneke-led boys showed no sign of rustiness in a high-tempo match.

They were rewarded with the first goal in the 4th minute when Osimhen’s shot bounced off goalkeeper Segun Sunday for the curtain raiser. Lion’s responded swiftly and got the equaliser in the eight minute following a acrobatic volley by Kasali that beat Amos Benjamin But five minutes later, Abdullahi restored the Eaglets’ lead when he broke free from the off side trap to slot the ball behind on-rushing
keeper Sunday.

GOLDEN EAGLETS’STARTING LINE UP AGAINST SUPER LION

Fleet-footed Chukwueze grabbed the third goal in the 17th minutes after latching on to an incisive pass from new boy and former national Under-15 midfielder, Abass Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, Captain Nwakali came up with perhaps the best goal of the match with a well-struck free-kick on the edge of the Lion’s box twelve minutes later for Eaglets’ fourth goal. Yet three minutes later, under-pressured Lion’s captain Idowu conceded a cheeky own goal as he headed the ball straight into his own net off a pullout from Chukwueze while Osimhen got his second goal on the stroke of half time.

In the second half, Amuneke introduced his new recruits sourced from the recent open screening and they did acquaint themselves even against supposedly bigger opposition. Nevertheless, it was the more experienced striker, Ebere Osinachi who snatched a brace in the 70th and 72nd minute while his replacement, Kehinde Ayinde powered home a header off a precise pull out from former Under-15 midfielder, Feyi Asagidigbi to the delight of the watching spectators.

“Overall, this is a very good performance by the boys irrespective of the score line,” Amuneke said afterwards. ” We are very impressed with the marking ability of the team, their cohesion and calmness against a very good side because the Super Lion players are more experienced but for us, this is a good starting point and we would continue to work harder.”

SUPER LION STARTING LINE UP

The Golden Eaglets are fine-tuning their preparation ahead of the 11th African U-17 Championship to be hosted in Niamey between February 15 and March 1st where they are drawn in Group A against host Niger,
Guinea and Zambia.

Golden Eaglets vs. Super Lion: A. Benjamin (E. Nwokeocha 45);E. Akpan(A.Muhammed 45);U. Abass (Mustapha 45);A.Ibrahim (Q. Taofeek 45);B. Ayodeji(L. Halilu 45);U. Douglas(M. Salisu 45);S.Abdullahi (P.Orji 45);S. Chukwueze (Yaro 45);K. Michael(E.Agenor 45);K.Nwakali(A.Haliru 45);V.Osimhen( E.Osinachi 45; K.Ayinde 75).

Togo 2015 ITF Junior Championship: Serena, Venus Inspire Nigeria’s Holmes

Nigeria’s Lolade Holmes says she is inspired by American tennis superstars, Venus and Serena Williams and has declared intention to put up a top-class performance at the 2015 ITF West and Central Africa Junior Championship which will serve of from January 9-14 in Lome Togo.

Holmes partnered her younger sibling, Reya to take on the sisters, who have won a combined 25 singles Grand Slams, in an exhibition match in Lagos when the Williams sisters came on tour to Nigeria in October 2012.

And with the championship holding at the Stade Omnisports, Lome being the first time that she will be representing Nigeria, the 13-year-old right-hander is optimistic setting off at an ITF event on an impressive note.

“Playing with Serena and Venus Williams has inspired me a lot in tennis because it’s a great privilege to step on court with two of the greatest female players in tennis,” Holmes, born of an American father and a Nigerian mother, said after the team’s training in Lagos on Wednesday.

2015 ITF West and Central Africa Junior Championship, Lome, Togo,

Homles added, “I’m determined to put on my best to help Nigeria to be among the top countries at the tournament because I have always been looking forward to play for Nigeria.”

National junior tennis coach Mohammed Ubale also expressed confidence in the players as he projected a great outing for Nigeria.

“All the players are in good spirit. They have been playing well since we started the closed camping on Monday. We are set to go and I’m looking forward to a very good outing in Togo,” he said.

Nigeria recorded remarkable outings at ITF junior tournaments in 2014 with most of the country’s players finishing in top positions.

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LATEST FOOTBALL TRANSFER RUMOURS, DEALS AND TITBITS

Here are the top transfer rumours, done deals and football transfer gist making the rounds as compiled by our man Paul Ayorinde.

you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Done Deals:

– Simeone Zaza has signed a new contract with Sassuolo tying the Italian striker to the club until 2019.

– Atletico Madrid have signed 33-years old midfielder Cani from Villarreal on six-month loan deal

– Stoke City have completed the loan signing of Philipp Wollscheld from Bayer Leverkusen

– Los Angeles Galaxy have confirmed the signing of Steven Gerrard, the midfielder will join the MLS club in July.

Steven Gerrard, photo credit uefa.com

Today’s football report and transfer rumours:

– AC Milan’s joint-CEO Adriano Galliani says he’s confident that Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong will stay with the club. “We don’t speak a lot about contract renewals. Nobody leaves Milan without our knowledge. The relationship with De Jong as well as the other players whose contracts are expiring is great.” Galliani said

– According to reports in France, Yaya Sanogo’s proposed loan move from Arsenal to Bordeaux has hit a stumbling block.

– According to reports, Aston Villa are in talks with Manchester City over a deal to sign Scott Sinclair but are yet to meet the Premier League champions £2.5m asking price.

– Leicester City are close to signing NK Rijeka striker Andrej Kramaric.

– Sunderland are one of a number of clubs looking at £8m-rated Celtic centre-back Virgil van Dijk

Victor VALDES

– According to reports, Manchester United are set to announce the signing of free-agent Victor Valdes on an 18-month contract.

– Udinese President Giampaolo Pozzo says a change of scenery might benefit Luis Muriel, but doesn’t want him to leave permanently.

– Borussia Dortmund are reportedly willing to let Manchester United sign midfielder Ilkay Gundogan for £16million this month

– Inter Milan are said to have officially submitted a bid for Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri, which would include an initial loan move.

– Fiorentina are looking to sign Guangzhou Evergrande striker Alberto Gilardino for a five-month spell, with the option to extend that later.

– Aston Villa have told Sky Sports that they have no approaches for Ron Vlaar.

Wilfried Bony, photocredit swanseacity.net

– According to ESPN, Swansea City have attached a 30 million-pound valuation to Wilfried Bony as they and Manchester City are yet to agree a fee for the forward

– Javier Pastore believes Paris Saint-Germain will gladly enter the “war” for Lionel Messi’s signature should Barcelona allow his compatriot to leave the Camp Nou.

– According to reports, QPR want to take Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah on loan until the end of the season.

– Fiorentina are believed to have agreed a deal to bring Alessandro Diamanti back to Serie A, freeing Josip Ilicic to move to Torino.

– There are reports that Wesley Sneijder has agreed to move to Juventus, but the Bianconeri are still haggling over price.

– There is speculation that a visit by Mino Raiola to Juventus’ training ground today may have involved a deal for Pajtim Kasami.

– Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly take Sebastian Giovinco from Juventus in January.

– According to reports,England international Andros Townsend has told Tottenham that he wants to stay and fight for his place at White Hart Lane.

Football tit bits:

– Athletico Madrid have defeated city rivals Real Madrid two goals to zero with Former Captain Fernando Torres making is return debut, the goals were supplied by Jose Gimenez and Raul Garcia. This is Real Madrid’s second defeat after a twenty two match winning run.

– Olympiakos have appointed former Porto head coach Vitor Pereira as their new manager.

– Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has called a presidential election for the coming summer to try and lift the negative “tension” currently around the club.

– Senegal striker Diafra Sakho has been ruled out of the African Nations Cup with a back injury.

– Dante joked that he’s fed up with ongoing teasing in the Bayern Munich dressing room about Brazil’s 7-1 World Cup semifinal defeat against Germany, and told teammate Thomas Muller to keep quiet or watch him “explode.”

– Oldham Athletic remain determined to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans despite growing opposition but the club’s board insists the Professional Footballers’ Association is directing proceedings.

– Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says there no problems in his relationship with either star player Lionel Messi or club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, despite strong claims to the contrary in the Catalan and Spanish press. “I maintain communication with the president, but I have not received any ultimatum. I never have during my career as coach. A coach’s future always depends on results, that is normal. But I feel backed, by both the club and players. I will do my work with same intensity and professionalism as the first day. On Monday Leo Messi had gastroenteritis,” he said. “That was communicated, and that is the reality. We would like to work in a more positive atmosphere outside, but inside it is [positive]. The things which happen inside the dressing room, the team, always stay inside. I will not confirm or deny stories [about any row]. The majority of the stories which come out are bad-intentioned.” Enrique said