Transfer: Man Utd in shock move to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea

Chelsea’s Andrey Santos is on Manchester United’s shortlist of central midfield targets.

According to Sky Sports, United’s interest in the 22-year-old is in the early stages.

The Red Devils are expected to add two more central midfielders to their squad this summer.

Michael Carrick’s side have already agreed a deal to sign Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson to join them after the 2026 World Cup.

But Manuel Ugarte recently suffered a long-term injury at the tournament, while Casemiro has departed the club.

It is understood that Chelsea don’t view Santos as ‘untouchable’ and would be ready to do a deal at the right price.

Transfer: Man Utd in shock move to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea

China Invitational: Golden Eaglets fall to Tanzania in opener 

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets suffered a 3-2 defeat to Tanzania in their opening fixture at the four-nation invitational in China on Sunday.

Tanzania led 2-0 in the first half through goals from Issa Chole and Hamisi Chenga.

The Golden Eaglets responded after the break, reducing the deficit after a period of sustained pressure.

However, Tanzania regained their two-goal lead courtesy of a fine strike from Kassim Juma.

Nigeria reduced the deficit a few minutes later to make the scoreline more respectable.

Uwejamomere Eboboritse’s side will take on Australia in their second game on Wednesday.

The tournament forms a key part of the Golden Eaglets build-up to the WAFU B U-17 Championship in September.

The competition will serve as the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

China Invitational: Golden Eaglets fall to Tanzania in opener 

2026 World Cup: Ballon d’Or organizers releases statement on possible winners

The organizers of the Ballon d’Or award have said footballers who play anywhere in the world can win the prize.

Their statement clears up a long-running debate over whether footballers must play for European clubs to stand a realistic chance of winning.

With the race for this year’s Ballon d’Or hotting up as the 2026 World Cup nears its conclusion, the award’s official platform examined whether representing a non-European club is a disadvantage.

History would suggest that Europe remains the dominant pathway to football’s highest individual honour.

An analysis of the last 18 men’s Ballon d’Or winners shows that virtually every recipient was playing for a European club when crowned.

Winners including Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modrić, Karim Benzema, Rodri and Ousmane Dembélé all played for European clubs, when they were announced winners.

The only exception was in 2023, when Messi took it home, after he had moved to Inter Miami in the MLS.

“Yes, it’s entirely possible to win the Ballon d’Or without playing for a European club,” the organisers said.

“It just looks harder in light of history, but the growing strength of certain leagues outside Europe is shaking things up.”

2026 World Cup: Ballon d’Or organizers releases statement on possible winners

Transfer: Real Madrid confirm fourth signing under Mourinho

Real Madrid have confirmed their fourth summer signing under their new manager, Jose Mourinho.

The Los Blancos confirmed in a statement on Sunday that they have completed the signing of Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan in a deal worth around £17.3m.

The Netherlands international signed a four-year deal with the Spanish giants that will see him remain at Santiago Bernabeu until 2030.

The 30-year-old becomes the club’s fourth summer signing for Mourinho, following the arrivals of Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool, Bernardo Silva from Manchester City and Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.

Dumfries spent five years at Inter, where he won two Serie A titles and three Coppa Italias.

Transfer: Real Madrid confirm fourth signing under Mourinho

‘One is Superman, the other Batman’ – Chicharito opens up on Messi, Ronaldo debate

Former Mexico international Javier Hernandez, popularly known as Chicharito, has shared his insights on the ongoing debate regarding Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest of all time.

He emphasized that the discussion centers more on relatability than direct comparison.

Messi and Ronaldo are universally acknowledged as the two greatest players in football history. Nevertheless, the contention over who surpasses the other has persisted for nearly twenty years.

Fans, analysts, players, and all those connected to the sport have expressed their opinions throughout this time.

In a recent interview, as reported by Marca, Javier Hernandez addressed this debate.

When his mother-in-law inquired about who he believes is superior, he responded, “What is it that you admire most?

“Messi is Superman, while Cristiano Ronaldo is Batman. Superman was born with powers; Batman was not. Batman had to cultivate himself through discipline, bravery, and courage until he became exceptional.”

Hernandez elaborated that Lionel Messi possesses an “extraordinary gift,” stating, “He epitomizes pure talent. Observing him play appears effortless, as if the laws of physics do not constrain him.

“He makes the impossible seem straightforward. Teams construct systems around him, which is logical because he is a talent unlike any other in history. Messi symbolizes the aspiration of being born with an extraordinary gift.”

Chicharito remarked that Ronaldo “transformed discipline into his most significant talent” and commended his dedication and drive over the years.

‘One is Superman, the other Batman’ – Chicharito opens up on Messi, Ronaldo debate

NPFL: Ranchers Bees part ways with star striker 

Ranchers Bees have parted ways with their striker Kabiru Salisu, DAILY POST reports.

The Bees failed to reach a an agreement on a new  contract renewal with the forward.

Ranchers Bees expressed gratitude to the players for his dedication throughout his time at the club.

“As your journey with Ranchers Bees comes to an end, we want to thank you for your dedication, commitment, and everything you gave to this badge,” Ranchers Bees wrote on their social media handle.

“Although we couldn’t reach an agreement on a contract renewal, we sincerely appreciate your hard work and professionalism throughout your time with us.”

Salisu played a pivotal role in Ranchers Bees promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL last season.

NPFL: Ranchers Bees part ways with star striker 

NPFL: Niger Tornadoes fortify technical crew with new appointments 

Niger Tornadoes have fortified their technical crew with the appointment of new assistant coaches, DAILY POST reports.

The new assistants will support newly appointed technical adviser Kabiru Dogo.

Dogo will be assisted by Umar Tyabo, who will serve as chief coach.

ibraheem Mutiullahi Okikiola and Umar Hussaini will also work with the new technical adviser.

Okikiola will serve as first assistant, while Hussaini will take up the role of second assistant.

Niger Tornadoes will intensify preparations for the new season in the coming days.

NPFL: Niger Tornadoes fortify technical crew with new appointments 

2026 World Cup: Brahim Diaz names team he wants Morocco to play in quarter-final

Morocco playmaker, Brahim Diaz, has said he wants to face France in the quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup.

Diaz provided two assists as the Atlas Lions beat co-hosts Canada 2-0 to qualify for the next round.

The Real Madrid midfielder is now eager to come up against some of his club team-mates in the tournament.

““It’s better if France qualify, because then I will face my teammates at Real Madrid,” Diaz told Cope.

Diaz plays alongside Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni at the LaLiga club.

He has also become the African player with most assists in a single World Cup campaign, with four assists in five matches, only second behind Michael Olise.

2026 World Cup: Brahim Diaz names team he wants Morocco to play in quarter-final

World Cup 2026: ‘Your ego is holding Portugal hostage’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic slams Ronaldo

Former Sweden striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has hit out at Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo amid the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

The former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain star claimed that Ronaldo’s ego is holding Roberto Martinez’s side hostage.

According to Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s starting lineup isn’t legendary leadership, adding that the 41-year-old has lost his touch and mobility.

He also reckons Goncalo Ramos should lead Portugal’s attack after he came off the bench to score the winner during their 2-1 win over Croatia in the Round of 32.

“Portugal fans could have expected what’s happening. You can’t expect to win anything in 2026 with a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack,” Ibrahimovic told Fox Sports.

“Especially since Ramos is on the bench, having come on and scored. This isn’t ‘legendary leadership.’ It’s the ego that’s holding the team hostage.

“Ronaldo has lost his touch and mobility. Continuing to start him is pure nostalgia-driven madness.”

Ronaldo has scored three goals so far for Portugal at the World Cup and he will hope to lead his nation to victory when they face Spain be back in action in the  Round of 16 on Monday.

World Cup 2026: ‘Your ego is holding Portugal hostage’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic slams Ronaldo

2026 World Cup: Morocco beat Canada, become first team to qualify for quarter-final

Morocco has become the first country to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

The Atlas Lions beat co-hosts Canada 3-0 on Saturday evening, to seal their place in the last eight.

The first half of the match ended goalless, with Jesse Marsch’s men causing all sorts of trouble for the Africans.

But Azzedine Ounahi scored a second-half brace, before Soufiane Rahimi added a late third to seal victory.

Morocco are one of the two African countries that qualified for the Round of 16 along with Egypt.

They will now face either France or Paraguay in the next round.

2026 World Cup: Morocco beat Canada, become first team to qualify for quarter-final

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