Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has brushed off suggestions that Eden Hazard could move to Barcelona in the transfer window.

The Belgium star is rumoured to be a target for Ernesto Valverde’s side as they prepare for the possibility that Neymar could leave for Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record €222million deal.

Conte, however, insists that Hazard is happy at Stamford Bridge.

“I don’t know anything about this situation,” he told a news conference when asked about the reports.

“In the past, I’ve read a lot about Hazard to Real Madrid and now Barca!. I think he is very happy to stay with us and play for Chelsea.”

Hazard returned to team training this week after spending more than a month on the sidelines following surgery on a broken ankle.

Conte is confident that the 26-year-old’s recovery is on track but he does not expect either Hazard or new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko to be available to face Inter in the International Champions Cup on Saturday.
“It is difficult to tell this because it is not easy to program exactly when you can come back after such an injury and a surgery,” he said.

“His recovery is going very well. Yes, I want him to be 100 per cent fit. Every player must be in his best condition to play or it will be a damage to the team.

“Bakayoko also the same. He needs to recover and train with us.”

Bakayoko is one of four signings made by Conte during the transfer window, joining Alvaro Morata, Antonio Rudiger and Willy Caballero in moving to the Premier League champions.

But Conte says his business in the market is not necessarily finished, with speculation over a move for Bayern Munich’s Renato Sanches beginning to build.

“My club knows very well which are the areas I want to strengthen,” he said. “If this is possible, it is okay. Otherwise I will continue with what I have.”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Neymar and Nelson Semedo have been involved in a training ground clash during their team’s tour of the United States.

Recent reports have linked Neymar with a world record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, despite the Brazilian playing a full part in his club’s pre-season schedule.

However, images from Splash News appeared to show the forward having to be restrained by teammates after reacting to a robust challenge from the right-back, who has only just signed for the Catalan giants.

Semedo moved himself away from the situation, while Neymar continued to question the physicality of the Portuguese defender before walking out of the session.

Barcelona are currently preparing for a meeting with arch rivals Real Madrid, which takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday night.

Despite reports over Neymar’s future, boss Ernesto Valverde remains confident that he will stay at Camp Nou for the new campaign.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Everton forward Wayne Rooney is ready to focus on his football after making his competitive return for Everton against Ruzomberok in the Europa League on Thursday.

Rooney played the full 90 minutes, but struggled to find space up front before dropping into a deeper role following the introduction of Sandro Ramirez in the second half.

Leighton Baines came up with a deflected winner to give Everton a slim advantage ahead of next week’s second leg in the third round of qualifying and Rooney is ready to move on after his second debut at Goodison Park.

“Great day obviously, I’ve been looking forward to it and I’m pleased we got the win in a tough game,” Rooney said to ITV.

“We’re early on in pre-season and we know we can play better but it was important to get the win and a clean sheet. I think we got more control of the game when I came deep into some pockets to drag the midfield around and give us space. But getting the goal gave us relief and control.

“I’ve said everything in the last few weeks but it’s great to be out there in a blue shirt. It’s a great feeling but the game is the most important thing.

“I put my emotions to one side and now I can get down to focusing more on the football in the coming weeks.”
Boss Ronald Koeman was satisfied with Rooney’s performance, despite the former Manchester United captain wasting a couple of opportunities in front of goal.

“It’s always difficult because there were a lot of defenders around him”, the Dutchman told ITV. “He had a good first touch and he had more freedom when Sandro came in and the team got better in the second half.

“We know that we’d like to sign another striker, we have Sandro as a nine and normally you will have two in the squad. I’m still confident we can bring in a new one to make us stronger.”

The stubborn Slovakian outfit made life tough for Everton, but Koeman remains confident his side will be in the Europa League play-offs.

“It’s always difficult against teams that drop back. We know we aren’t 100 per cent yet as we’re in pre-season,” Koeman said. “So it’s a good result. We’d like to score more goals, we had chances, but every clean sheet in European football is a great result.

“It’s still 90 minutes to play and we know it will be tough away but they will have to be a little more open to score at least one goal. We’ll have more space to play and I’m confident that we can get through in this tournament.”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

World football governing body FIFA has confirmed the date Nigeria will host Cameroon in back to back World Cup 2018 Qualifiers game in the third round of games in the African qualifying series.

Nigeria are top of group B‎ with six points, four points more than second placed Cameroon who are Nigeria’s next opponent when the third round of games comes up later in the year.

According to the fixture on the website of FIFA, the game which was earlier moved to August 31st for television purposes has been moved back to the initial date of 1st of September 2017 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.

The return leg tie was also moved from the 5th of September to the 4th of September by FIFA in Yaounde. The new dates have been communicated to both football federation by FIFA.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne believes the Premier League club’s spending spree is just what they needed.

Bernardo Silva, Ederson, Kyle Walker, Danilo and Benjamin Mendy have been added to Pep Guardiola’s squad, with City having spent more than a reported £200million.

City are desperate for improvement on last season after failing to win a trophy, finishing third in the Premier League and making a last-16 Champions League exit.

De Bruyne feels City needed to strengthen in the close-season, particularly after several departures – including the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy.

“It’s how the market goes. There’s a lot of money [going out], but there’s a lot of money going in,” the Belgian said, via the Manchester Evening News.

“Who can say that spending £200m is normal? It isn’t. But how the league and football is going at the moment, it’s normal prices.

“Obviously it’s a lot of money, but it’s things that we needed to do. The revenue that the club gets in will be more than the £200m.”

City’s performance against Real Madrid was a huge improvement, says @DeBruyneKev https:///NIdPzs8n8X #cityontour pic.twitter.com/TTN8Oodtuf

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 27, 2017
After a 2-0 derby loss to Manchester United at the International Champions Cup, City crushed Real Madrid 4-1 on Wednesday.

De Bruyne, who starred by having a hand in three goals against Madrid, said it was a good sign for Guardiola’s men.

“I think we’re on the right way. Obviously this game doesn’t say a lot, but it says that we’re moving in the right direction,” he said.

“Hopefully we can have a good performance against Tottenham [on Saturday] and then we will work hard in Manchester to be ready for August 12 [Premier League opener against Brighton and Hove Albion].”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

DOS NIGERIAN BANK TRADE WIT BTC?

toyor009:
As at yesterday, 1BTC was about $2,600.. but first, to receive the BTC from your friend, you need to get a BTC Wallet - that's where Bitcoins are stored or saved.
Open a new wallet at www.blockchain.info.
Feel free to email me at toyorboy012@gmail.com if you need further help.

I WANT TO OPEN BTC WALLET.....

ahmedbanj:

how and where did he wants to send it to you, is he sending the Bitcoin or maybe a Gift Card?
cos U've gat to own a bitcoin wallet before U can trade, ask him to enlighten U more!

James Rodriguez insists Bayern Munich are as big a club, if not bigger, than parent team Real Madrid.

The Colombia international moved to the Spanish capital after starring in the 2014 World Cup, but – despite initially impressing – fell down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu under Zinedine Zidane.

Consequently, James opted for a reunion with former Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti at Bayern on a two-year loan, with the Bundesliga champions retaining an option to make the move permanent.

Madrid, who have won back-to-back Champions Leagues and triumphed in LaLiga last term, are one of the world’s most globally recognised clubs, but James says Bayern more than match their stature.

“Bayern Munich is as big a club as Real Madrid, if not even bigger,” he told Sport Bild.

“I always had great respect for Bayern. When I thought about going to Munich, I looked at the squad and thought, ‘there are just as many stars here as at Real, the quality is the same’.”

James’ most consistent spell at Madrid came under the tutelage of Ancelotti and he is excited to once again play for the Italian.

“We have not worked together for the past two years, but always kept in touch,” he added.

“We have a super relationship, it’s fun to work with Carlo. I’m glad we’re back together.”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

20bitcoin nd above...a frnd want to send it to me....bt dont now hw to go abt it....pls enliight me abt it

ahmedbanj:
Are U on paxful,and hw much bitcoin U selling?

PLEASE HOW CAN I CASH OUT BITCOIN SENT TO ME BY A FRND?

New Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has admitted that he is “far from” being an elite-level player at the moment.

Lukaku joined United from Everton earlier this summer for what could rise to a world-record fee of £90m having scored 71 goals in 133 appearances during a three-year stay at Goodison Park.

His goalscoring record at the age of 24 is comparable to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, but Lukaku believes that he still has work to do if he is to be considered amongst the very best strikers in world football.

“Yeah, of course (I want to reach that level) but winning trophies at the end of the day (is key). At the end of the day you want to win trophies. I’m a goalscorer, I’ve always scored goals throughout my career. Also in Europe, when I played in the Europa League, my record is really good,” he told reporters.

“Now I think the Champions League is the next stage where I have to prove myself and the club wants to do well in it as well. No, no, no [I’m not at elite level yet] – I’m far from that level. But it’s the level I want to aim for. But it’s all about the team. I want the team to win trophies and I’ll do everything that I can in my powers to make sure the team wins.

“Keep improving – there is always room for improvement. I just want to become the best player that I can be. I will never say it’s good enough. I will always say that I can improve. I’m 24 years of age. I can’t say I’m the complete package. I can’t say I’m in my prime. There is a lot of work to be done and I’m delighted that there is still work to be done. That means I can become even better than I am now.”

Lukaku has already scored twice for his new club during their pre-season tour of the United States.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Maxime Gonalons believes Riyad Mahrez would thrive at Roma if he joined the club from Leicester City.

The Algeria international stated in May he wanted a new challenge, but despite rumours of interest from Tottenham and Arsenal, he remains a Leicester player.

Manager Craig Shakespeare claimed a bid from Roma had been turned down, but Leicester vice-president Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha later denied there were any concrete offers for the 26-year-old.

But Gonalons, who joined Roma from Lyon this month, has backed his new club’s reported pursuit of the 2015-16 Premier League winner.

“Mahrez is a great player and he could do great things if he came to Roma,” Gonalons told Corriere dello Sport. “But what counts is [on] the pitch. It’s pointless setting goals when you haven’t played yet.”

Mahrez started both of Leicester’s Premier League Asia Trophy matches against West Brom and Liverpool last week, scoring against Tony Pulis’ side, despite the speculation over his future.

Club captain Wes Morgan is unclear of his plans but has praised the winger for staying committed during pre-season.

“Everyone knows about Riyad Mahrez. We’ve seen what a difference he can make. He’s got the key to unlock defences,” said Morgan, as quoted by the Leicester Mercury.

“I think you can see on the pitch that he’s not slacking. He’s putting in a shift for the boys. He’s a Leicester player and that’s all I can say.”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain is eager for Paulo Dybala to snub interest from Barcelona but admits that he “can’t point a gun at his head and tell him to stay”.

Dybala has been linked with a move to Camp Nou as a replacement for Neymar, should the Brazil star complete a world-record €222million switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

Higuain, who spent six years in LaLiga with Real Madrid, understands the attraction of joining one of the country’s top clubs but insists that his team-mate would be better served by staying in Turin.

“Dybala is at a delicate age,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I went to Real Madrid at 19 and I was there until I was 25, but I was at an important club for a long time.

“Everyone wants to play with great players and I can’t point a gun at his head and tell him to stay. Everyone should do what makes them happy, just like he is here. We all want him to stay.

“Last year we were convinced we could win [the Champions League] and we got to the final; this year will be tougher because other teams have strengthened.

“He shouldn’t just stay to win the Champions League, but for the seventh Scudetto and a fourth Coppa Italia in a row. If we then get that particular trophy, so much the better.

“He’s been at Juve for two years, he has consistency here. He’s young, he’s very happy here, the club and the fans all love him, as do we, and Juve helped him grow.

“Paulo will know what’s best for him to do.”

Juve have already suffered the loss of a high-profile first-team star, with centre-back Leonardo Bonucci having made a shock move to AC Milan.

Higuain is confident his side can cope without the Italy international, though, and has warned his old team-mate that he will not prevent him from scoring.

“Bonucci helped Juve to win for many years,” said the Argentina forward. “Now he’s gone to a direct rival but we are still very strong. We have the players to make sure we won’t feel his absence.

“Bonucci will be hungry but we will have the same determination to try to win a seventh title in a row. When he plays against me, I’ll score.”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain is eager for Paulo Dybala to snub interest from Barcelona but admits that he “can’t point a gun at his head and tell him to stay”.

Dybala has been linked with a move to Camp Nou as a replacement for Neymar, should the Brazil star complete a world-record €222million switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

Higuain, who spent six years in LaLiga with Real Madrid, understands the attraction of joining one of the country’s top clubs but insists that his team-mate would be better served by staying in Turin.

“Dybala is at a delicate age,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I went to Real Madrid at 19 and I was there until I was 25, but I was at an important club for a long time.

“Everyone wants to play with great players and I can’t point a gun at his head and tell him to stay. Everyone should do what makes them happy, just like he is here. We all want him to stay.

“Last year we were convinced we could win [the Champions League] and we got to the final; this year will be tougher because other teams have strengthened.

“He shouldn’t just stay to win the Champions League, but for the seventh Scudetto and a fourth Coppa Italia in a row. If we then get that particular trophy, so much the better.

“He’s been at Juve for two years, he has consistency here. He’s young, he’s very happy here, the club and the fans all love him, as do we, and Juve helped him grow.

“Paulo will know what’s best for him to do.”

Juve have already suffered the loss of a high-profile first-team star, with centre-back Leonardo Bonucci having made a shock move to AC Milan.

Higuain is confident his side can cope without the Italy international, though, and has warned his old team-mate that he will not prevent him from scoring.

“Bonucci helped Juve to win for many years,” said the Argentina forward. “Now he’s gone to a direct rival but we are still very strong. We have the players to make sure we won’t feel his absence.

“Bonucci will be hungry but we will have the same determination to try to win a seventh title in a row. When he plays against me, I’ll score.”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has questioned Paris Saint-Germain’s “risky” pursuit of Barcelona star Neymar, claiming it would not be good for French football’s economy.

Ligue 1 giants PSG are reportedly ready to meet Neymar’s €222million release clause as well as offering the Brazil international an annual salary in the region of €30m.

Talk of Neymar – who scored twice against Juventus at the International Champions Cup on Saturday – potentially moving to the French capital has dominated headlines but Aulas is not convinced.

“I’m not sure if it’s positive for the French football economy, if that’s the case,” Aulas told RMC.

“As an economic analyst, I look at what this investment represents. It is more than €500m over five years.

“When we try to create positive dynamics, with added value but also of economic equilibrium, we think that it is very risky.”

Aulas added: “It seems to me that we are not in a coherent economic logic for the French championship. We are not in England with nearly €3billion in revenue for TV rights…But we are in liberal economy, everyone is free to do what they want.”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

I NO NO FOR THIS GUY O.....DAT BOOK SHOULD B D NUMBER ONE THING

wintersnow:
How can you travel without this book

A total of 22 goals were scored in the games played in the Nigeria Professional Football (NPFL) across the Federation on the matchday 31 but no away wins were recorded.

Plateau United secured an important away point, while MFM FC scrapped past Katsina United to keep the pressure on league leaders.

In Lagos at the Agege Township Stadium, Stephen Odey’s 18th of the season, Sikiru Olatunbosun and Chukwuka Onuwa goals helped MFM FC beat Katsina United 3-2 on Monday morning. Katsina United goals were scored by Destiny Ashadi and Obinna Eleje via free kicks.

In Uyo at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Akwa United came from a goal down to beat visitors Nasarawa United. Aminu Kadir opened the scoring for Nasarawa United, before goals by Ubong Friday and Christian Pyagbara completed Akwa’s comeback.

In Portharcourt at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Rivers scored more than two goals in a league match as they beat Wikki Tourists 3-1 to the delight of their fans. Guy Keumian, Emeka Ogbugh and Chiwendu Ali scored for Rivers, while Abubakar Lawal got Wikki’s consolation.

In Ibadan at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars moved out of the drop zone with a 1-0 win against 7-time champions Enyimba. Abayomi Adebayo’s early strike proved to be the match-winner.

In Ilorin, ABS FC produced arguably their best performance of the season as they beat defending champions, Enugu Rangers in a relegation 6-pointer. ABS’ goals were scored by Abubakar Chindo and Wasiu Alalade.

In Kano, League Blogger Player of the month for June, Nyima Nwagua and Sikiru Kamal were on target as Kano Pillars beat rock-bottom Remo Stars 2-0.

In Ijebu Ode, Sikiru Alimi was the hero as Sunshine put some daylight between them and the bottom 4 with a 1-0 win over ElKanemi Warriors.

In Uyo, FC Ifeanyi Ubah surrendered a first half tw0-goal lead to Gombe United in their 2-2 draw. Isaac Loute’s brilliant free kicks had put the hosts in front before Sanni Abanni and Austine Oladapo equalized for Gombe United.

In Markurdi, leaders, Plateau United improved their chances of winning their first league title with a goalless draw against a misfiring Lobi Stars side.

In Lokoja, Abia Warriors boss Abdullahi Biffo led his team to a goalless draw against his former side Niger Tornadoes. Tornadoes goalkeeper Mustapha Aliko was surprisingly left on the bench as his side kept their 3rd consecutive clean sheets.

Matchday 31 Results
Rivers United 3-1 Wikki
ABS 2-0 Rangers
Kano Pillars 2-0 Remo Stars
3SC 1-0 Enyimba
Lobi 0-0 Plateau United
FCIU 2-2 Gombe United
Tornadoes 0-0 Abia Warriors
Akwa United 2-1 Nasarawa United
Sunshine Stars 1-0 El-Kanemi
MFM FC 3-2 Katsina United
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Wilfried Zaha has been compared to Barcelona star Neymar by Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer.

Zaha has impressed De Boer since the Dutchman replaced Sam Allardyce at Selhurst Park in June, earning praise at the Premier League Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.

De Boer highlighted the former Manchester United attacker’s skill, likening it to Neymar, who is reportedly the subject of a world-record offer from Paris Saint-Germain.

“He can make some half pass in between and he is away,” said De Boer.

“That’s a quality not many players have – to still [have] control at the highest speed. Neymar has it. If I have to compare with one it’s Neymar.”

“What he has in his skills I think he is a lot like, if we have to give an example, for me it’s Neymar,” De Boer added.

“He also has the quick feet and he’s gone. Very skinny, so fast, every touch, every pass.”

Named Palace’s Player of the Season the past two campaigns, Zaha scored seven Premier League goals and assisted nine others in 2016-17.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Former Barcelona striker and France international Thierry Henry believes Lionel Messi still has scope to improve with the new season approaching.

Ernesto Valverde’s side continue their preparations in New York, following Saturday’s 2-1 win over Juventus in the International Champions Cup.

With another highly pressurised season of football on the horizon, Henry praised the Argentinian’s “desire to play every game, to train every day and work hard”.

Now an ambassador for the Catalan club, Henry also hinted the world might not yet have seen Messi’s best.

“Now he creates a lot of goals and I think people do not talk enough about what he does for the team,” Henry told Barca TV.

“Messi’s development is not yet over, he’s an incredible player.”

Despite transfer speculation currently surrounding Messi’s team-mate, Neymar, Henry added if the Messi-Suarez-Neymar combination remains intact, it will be tough to contain.

“The three guys up front are just scary. The way they play, with goals and assists to each other, it is very hard to stop them,” Henry said.

“When one is not scoring, people will ask why, but they have been amazing for a very long time and hopefully for the club, they can also be successful.”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Obafemi Martins scored a brace as Shanghai Shenhua beat Shadong Luneng 3-1 in the first leg of the Chinese FA Cup quarter finals at Jinan Olympic Sports Center on Wednseday.

The Super Eagles striker who hasn’t featured for his club since he scored a brace Shanghai Shenhua 8-1 victory over Liaoning Kaixin last month scored a first half brace to give his side a good advantage of the cup second leg.

Obafemi Martins put his side in front in the 2nd minute of the game with an acrobatic finish when an aerial ball he contested for fell to his path.

It was all about the home team led by former Premier League duo Pappise Cisse and Graziano Pelletill till Obafemi Martins made his typical run before shaking off his marker and putting the ball beyond the goal keeper.

Pappise Cisse and Graziano Pelle continued to mount pressure on the away team and in the 63rd minute when captain Hao Junmin put one back for them but Mao Jianqing replied for Martins’ Shanghai Shenhua five minute after the home team got theirs.

The 3-1 win victory will give Martins’ Shanghai Shenhua an advantage ahead of their second leg clash on the 31st of July.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne says the Scudetto must be the target at the San Paolo next season, with plans in place to celebrate a Serie A title with a fresh tattoo.

Maurizio Sarri’s men finished five points behind six-time defending champions Juventus last term, as a stunning late-season run was not enough to overcome stumbles early in the campaign.

Insigne believes the Partenopei are already the top footballing side in the country, but thinks a ruthless edge has stood between them and glory.

“Sarri has a great idea of football,” Insigne told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Everyone says Napoli play the best football in Italy, and we’re proud of that, but it’s time to win something. That’s only right when you play so well.

“Are we ready for the Scudetto? We already showed it last year. We finished a step behind second and five points from first.

“Without those points we dropped with Palermo, Sassuolo and other teams… I’m not saying we’d have won the Scudetto, but we’d have fought to the end.

“So Juventus are closer? I think so, yes. The difference is that they never slip-up against the smaller sides.”

Known for his ink-laden arms, Insigne says he has plans in place to commemorate any title triumph with more body art.

“Naples has been waiting for too long. Let’s just say I’m ready to get a tattoo… my back is still free…”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Chelsea have reportedly decided that they are willing to accept a bid of £44m for forward Diego Costa.

The Spanish international does not feature in the plans of head coach Antonio Conte, and the Blues are looking to part ways with last season’s top goalscorer before the end of August.

Chelsea have been keen to bring in a new striker to replace Costa and with Alvaro Morata expected to arrive from Real Madrid, it appears that they are now willing to give the green light for Costa’s exit to take place.


According to The Independent, the West Londoners have told Atletico Madrid that they will have to pay £44m in order to secure a reunion with their former player.

It has been well documented that Costa wants to re-sign for Atletico, who he was contracted to between 2006 and 2014 and netted 54 goals in 114 appearances in all competitions.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Sunshine Stars continue their impressive away form as they beat Rivers United in Portharcourt while Emma Jones goal from the spot ensured the league leaders extend their lead at the top of the log.

The week 30 of the Nigeria Professional Football League produced a total of 12 goals, with two of the goals coming from the penalty spot.

There were six home wins, three draws and one away win for Sunshine Stars of Akure who have now won their last two away games.

Leaders Plateau United stretched their lead to 5 points after beating Ifeanyi Ubah 1-0 at the Rwang Pam Stadium. Emma James scored from the spot.

Ezekiel Thompson scored the winner as Sunshine Stars beat Rivers United 1-0 for their 2nd consecutive away victory.

Late goals by Mfon Udoh and Ikechukwu Ibenegbu secured a 2-1 win for Enyimba against Lobi. Anthony Okpotu bagged his 14th, while Mfon’s goal was his 11th in the battle of two NPFL hot-shots.

Adamu Hassan fired home a brace as Nasarawa United beat ElKanemi Warriors 2-1 in Lafia.

Martins Usule’s lone goal helped Katsina Utd to a 1-0 against Kano Pillars in the Northern derby.

Ekene Awazie scored a dramatic late winner in Sagamu as Remo Stars held 3SC to 1-1 draw in the South-West derby.

Harrison Madu’s 2nd minute header helped Wikki Tourists to a 1-0 win over ABS, who are winless in 7 games.

The match between Rangers and MFM FC

A goal by Chiamaka Madu on Wednesday and Ifeanyi Georges’ from the spot on Thursday helped Rangers beat MFM FC in Enugu.

The game between Rangers and MFM was called off at halftime due to heavy rain and waterlogged pitch.





RESULTS

Rangers 2- 0 MFM FC
Wikki 1-0 ABS
Katsina 1-0 Pillars
Remo Stars 1-1 3SC
Enyimba 2-1 Lobi
Plateau United 1-0 FCIU
Gombe United 0-0 Tornadoes
Abia Warriors 0-0 Akwa
Nasarawa 2-1 El-Kanemi
Rivers United 0-1 Sunshine Stars

Top 4: Plateau Utd (1), MFM (2), Akwa United (3), Enyimba (4)

Bottom 4: Shooting Stars (17), ABS (18), Gombe United (19), Remo Stars (20)
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said the German champions are willing to negotiate the sale of Renato Sanches, though he doubts AC Milan are able to meet their demands.

Rummenigge has already confirmed Milan’s interest in 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder Sanches, who is facing a fight to break into Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI.

With Ancelotti able to call upon new arrivals Corentin Tolisso, James Rodriguez and Sebastian Rudy, Milan are reportedly ready to take Sanches on an initial two-year loan deal with the option to buy for €40million in 2019.

And the Bundesliga champions are prepared to part with Sanches – who only made nine starts in 2016-17 – whether that be on loan or permanently.

“He won’t get enough minutes at Bayern, so we’re willing to negotiate a loan deal and maybe beyond that,” Rummenigge said via Tuttomercatoweb.

“I’m not the coach, but I think Renato needs regular football. I can confirm Milan’s interest, but talks didn’t progress last week.

“If a club are interested in a Bayern player, they must be ready to deal with significant economic figures and I don’t feel that Milan are ready to meet our demands.

“We’ll say that it wouldn’t be bad if a €48m offer came in for him…”

Sanches came off the bench and played the entire second half in Bayern’s penalty shoot-out loss to Arsenal in the International Champions Cup, after Wednesday’s friendly ended 1-1.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly lining up a £130m bid for Real Madrid attacker Marco Asensio.

Asensio became a Real Madrid player in 2014, but the Spaniard had loan spells at Mallorca and Espanyol before returning to Madrid for the start of the 2016-17 campaign.

The 21-year-old scored 10 times in all competitions for Los Blancos last term, including three in eight Champions League appearances as the Spanish giants retained the European Cup.

Asensio also starred for Spain Under-21s at the Under-21 European Championships earlier this summer, with the attacker inspiring his team to the final of the competition.

According to Don Balon, PSG are firm admirers of the attacker’s talents, and the French giants are prepared to pay £130m in order to convince Real Madrid to part with the Spaniard in this summer’s transfer window.
Asensio started 11 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga matches last term.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Chelsea forward Diego Costa has been videoed dancing in an Atletico Madrid shirt in footage that was allegedly taken from the Spain international’s Instagram account on Sunday night.

Costa scored 20 times in Chelsea’s 2016-17 Premier League title-winning campaign, but the 28-year-old is said to have had a strained relationship with Blues boss Antonio Conte in the second half of the season.

Last month, Costa revealed that Conte had told him to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, and the striker has been strongly linked with a return to Atletico, despite the Spanish club’s transfer ban.

The video, which can be seen below, allegedly shows Costa, who is clearly in the colours of his former club, telling teammate Cesc Fabregas to ‘give a hug to Conte’ as the pair’s relationship hits a new low.

INCLUSO HASTA SE ATREVE A DECIR UN AUPA ATLETI EN EL SEGUNDO 15. VA CIEGUÍSIMO. DIEGO C DESECANDENADO. MI DELANTERO. pic.twitter.com/LJsrlwU33M

— ANNOUNCE DIEGO COSTA (@RauIgarcismo) July 16, 2017

Costa, who was strongly linked with a move to the Chinese Super League earlier this year, has scored 58 times in 120 games for Chelsea, landing two Premier League titles in the process.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Newcastle United have revealed that Adam Armstrong will leave the club on loan ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.

Magpies boss Rafael Benitez has taken a 27-man squad to Ireland for a week-long training camp, but Armstrong was not included in the travelling party.

The 20-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan with Coventry City and Barnsley respectively, and Newcastle have confirmed that the centre-forward is heading for another short-term move.

“Adam Armstrong has also stayed in Newcastle, with a number of clubs interested in taking the England under-20 international on loan,” read a statement from Newcastle.

Armstrong made 15 appearances for Newcastle during the 2014-15 season, but he has not been in the plans of Benitez since the Spaniard arrived at St James’s Park.
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/

Manchester United captain Michael Carrick warned star recruit Romelu Lukaku he faces a “massive jump” in pressure at Old Trafford following his arrival from Everton.

Lukaku made his debut in United’s 5-2 pre-season win over LA Galaxy on Saturday after joining in a deal reportedly worth an initial £75million, having spent four seasons at Everton – three of those on a permanent basis.

The Belgium international striker scored 25 Premier League goals last season to finish second behind Golden Boot winner Harry Kane – and 53 in total following his switch from Chelsea in 2014.

However, Carrick said playing for United comes with added pressure and expectation ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Real Salt Lake.

“[Zlatan] Ibrahimovic was terrific for us but Rom is his own man,” Carrick said. “When I came it was Roy Keane who came up but I’m my own man. Whoever comes in, you’re always your own man. I don’t want to compare them at all because it’s not fair to do that.

“It’s a jump anyway. I found that myself coming from Tottenham. It’s a massive jump. You can’t really explain to people until they’ve gone through it. I’m sure he’ll find the same.

“But having Premier League experience is a massive bonus. He’ll know how things work week to week. It’s just about dealing with the pressure.”Carrick added: “It’s early days. It’s one week’s training and 45 minutes, so you can’t come to any conclusions. We know what he’s all about, there’s no surprises.

“We all know exactly what he brings, that’s why he’s here. He’s not going to change his game because he’s come here. He does what he does best and obviously he’s been brought here to score goals. I’m pretty certain he will do that this season.

“He’ll be judged like anyone else on what he does through the season and I’m sure he’s ready for that. The scrutiny and everything will go up a level from what he’s used to. I’m sure he’s prepared for that and I’m sure he will do well.”

United – Europa League and EFL Cup winners in 2016-17 – have already spent heavily to lure Lukaku and Victor Lindelof to Manchester, and Jose Mourinho is expected to bring in at least two more players after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.

“We’ve got to feel that [we can win the title]. It’s up to the manager whether more players come in or whether they don’t. That’s not for us to worry about. That’s got to be the aim,” Carrick continued.

“We have to challenge the best and be the best. It has to be that philosophy at this club no matter what happens. This season is no different.

“We finished last season with a trophy. We’ve got a good feeling going into this one. We’ve got the Super Cup coming up pretty quick, so we’ve got to be focused on that really and then the season ahead.”
Read More Sport News:https://www.sportlineng.com/more-news/