Depay is '99.9%' certain to move to the Premier League - Arnesen

Memphis Depay is "99.9 per cent" certain to join a Premier League club from PSV, according to former Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen.

The Netherlands international has been in stellar form for the Eredivisie champions this season, netting 21 goals in 28 league appearances for Phillip Cocu's side.

Those performances have attracted the attention of a number of clubs around Europe, with Depay the subject of strong interest from both Liverpool and Manchester United.

Arnesen, also a former PSV sporting director, says that he has no idea which club Depay will join but believes the forward would shine in England.

"For me, it's 99.9 per cent [that Depay will move to the Premier League]," he told Perform at the Sporting Directors' Summit at the Etihad Stadium.

"Yes, he will [be a success]. I've seen him many times this season and he is going from strength to strength, even though he's only 21-years-old.

"It's difficult to stop him. It will, of course, take time because it's totally different than in Eredivisie. The level is so much higher here, playing much more games, so he needs to be protected.

"Don't expect too much in the beginning but he's definitely the big talent and he'll be good in the Premier League.

"I don't know where he wants to go. I've seen a lot of players coming into the Premier League from Holland who didn't achieve because the level is so high in the Premier League but Depay can do very well."

Bayern do not need Robben to beat Barcelona - Friedrich

Former Germany international Arne Friedrich believes Bayern Munich do not need Arjen Robben to beat Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Netherlands international is out for the rest of the season with a torn calf suffered during Bayern's defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal semi-final on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Robert Lewandowski is also in doubt for the first leg against Barcelona on May 6 after suffering a broken nose and jaw in the same game.

Despite that, however, Friedrich - capped 82 times by Germany - believes Bayern will advance.

"Robben is hurt and I think he's a very important player. He would have helped Bayern certainly," he told reporters.

"But I also think Bayern will get through. German teams have always managed to eliminate individualists.

"Bayern have so much quality and the team is very unified. Therefore, I believe that Bayern will reach the final."

Bayern and Barcelona last met in the Champions League in 2012-13, when the Bundesliga giants recorded a 7-0 aggregate win before going on to win the competition.

Varane fires Barcelona warning

Raphael Varane has warned Barcelona that Real Madrid will be ready to take advantage of any  slip-ups in the race for the Liga title.

Carlo Ancelotti's men beat Almeria 3-0 on Wednesday evening to narrow the gap with the Catalans to two points and Varane says his side are still hoping for a late twist.

"We'll continue giving it everything until the end of the season and will try to win all our remaining games in order to put pressure on Barcelona," Varane told the official Madrid website.

"We are going to battle until the end. We are focusing on our upcoming games, we'll see what happens afterwards."

Sergio Ramos and Pepe were Madrid's first choice centre-backs at the start of the season, but Varane has recovered to feature regularly since the turn of the year.

The France international has impressed after at last being given a run of games in the side and admits his confidence is sky-high as a result.

"I've been playing more regularly in 2015 because of injuries but also because of technical decisions. I always try to give it my all for the team and I'm really happy.

"I'm part of the coach's plans and if I'm able to help the team, then all the better. I try to repay the coach for the confidence he has shown in me.

"I'm in great form and hope to maintain this level until the end of the season."

Roberto Firmino: Brazil must always win

Roberto Firmino can now feel like a part of the most famous national team in the world. With just four caps to his name, the Alagoas-born forward has already convinced Dunga that he can play an important role in the regeneration of Brazil.

In his few minutes with the shirt of the five-time World Cup winners, the Hoffenheim man has won over fans who were not so aware of him in impressive fashion. Against Austria, last November, he scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 win for Dunga’s team. Firmino was on target once more with the winner March’s friendly meeting with Chile - the final outing before the squad for the Copa America is announced on May 5.

But despite also playing a prominent role against France, Firmino remains cautious. He has always learned to work towards success - from his time in the youth squad at Figueirense to his rise at Hoffenheim, the team he has played for since 2010. This conservative yet determined mentality came across in his interview with the official website of the Copa America.

Firmino insisted that he does not feel his place at the tournament in Chile is assured and that, while Dunga prepares to select the 23 names he will use for the competition, he remains concentrated on his own game. Not even rumours of interest from major European clubs seem will sway his focus between now and the summer.

You have gone from something of an unknown quantity to a popular member of the Selecao. You must feel your early work in the squad has been positive for you?

Indeed, the start of my time in the Selecao was good. Everyone received me well and this helped a lot. I am not someone who enjoys being followed and harassed, I prefer to stay at home with my family than to go out.

In just four games for Brazil you have scored two goals. Are you hoping this will help cement your space in the squad quickly?

I have always worked very hard in my career. Always working towards a good moment. And when you plan, the rewards appear.

Do you feel like you’re already in the group to be selected for the Copa America?

No. When it comes to the Brazilian team nothing is guaranteed. You need to always play well. I will only feel part of the Copa America squad when my name is on the list and it is published by the technical committee.

You have been a star in the Bundesliga for some time, but only earned recognition from a large part of the Brazil support after the recent friendlies. What do you think about that?

Everyone has their time. I always had my career directed well by ROGON, and through this work I knew I was being directed to something bigger.

Aston Villa to demand €42m for Liverpool target Christian Benteke

 

Aston Villa will demand €42 million for Liverpool target Christian Benteke this summer.

Brendan Rodgers is a big admirer of Benteke and the Liverpool manager is desperate to improve his struggling strikeforce when the transfer window opens.

Benteke's agent claimed earlier this week that there is "no interest" in the Belgium striker but Villa are bracing themselves for summer bids.

Villans boss Tim Sherwood will urge the club to resist any offers for the 24-year-old, who has played a vital role in the club's Premier League revival and progress to the FA Cup final.

Manchester United and Tottenham have also been linked with Benteke but Liverpool are particularly keen to sign a striker with a proven record in the Premier League, with Manchester City forward Stevan Jovetic also on the club's radar.

The Reds' four strikers - Daniel Sturridge, Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini - have scored just eight Premier League goals between them this season.

Benteke has netted nine times in eight matches since Sherwood's appointment, having only hit three all season under previous manager Paul Lambert.

And Villa will look to price their star forward out of a summer move with a €42m asking price for the former Genk man, who cost €10m when he moved to the Midlands in 2012.

Benteke has two years left on his current €62,000-a-week contract and his representative, Eris Kismet, said this week that he client is focused solely on Villa until the end of the season.

"At the moment, there is no interest," Kismet told Sky Sports. "Every player and staff member is concentrated on avoiding relegation, anything else is just a distraction.

"I know everyone wants the same thing because I watch the games and I think Aston Villa are playing the best football in England right now."

Ancelotti: I'd be happy even if Ronaldo didn't score again

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says he would be happy with Cristiano Ronaldo's efforts this season even if he failed to score again in 2014-15.

The Portugal star has a staggering 50 goals in 47 appearances so far this term but has failed to score in his last three matches.

Against Almeria on Wednesday, the Santiago Bernabeu announcer credited Mauro dos Santos's own goal as a Ronaldo finish, prompting the 30-year-old to wave a finger to indicate he was not the scorer despite his battle against Lionel Messi to win the Pichichi prize hotting up.

Ancelotti, however, says Ronaldo's contribution to the campaign has already been strong enough to mean he does not need to score again to earn his coach's thanks.

"If Cristano doesn't score from today until the end of the season I would still be happy. He has already scored 50 goals this season," he told a press conference after the match.

Madrid's 3-0 win over Almeria has moved them back to within two points of Barcelona and Ancelotti is refusing to give up the title race - despite his already impressive trophy cabinet.

"We are convinced that we can win the four remaining games in La Liga. We are not worried about Barcelona's results," he said.

"My cupboard is already full, but I have ambition for this club, the players, the fans."

Ancelotti opted to hand the likes of Asier Illarramendi, Jese Rodriguez and Keylor Navas a starting berth on Wednesday but says he will not rest players in their next game against Sevilla despite the looming Champions League final with Juventus.

"Illarramendi played very well in Vigo last Sunday. He has total confidence from his coach," the Italian added.

"Sevilla? I will play the best XI. It is a very important match for us. We will work to win."

Finally, the former AC Milan boss stressed that Martin Odegaard need not be rushed into first-team action after the teenager was an unused substitute against Sergi's side.

"Odegaard is still very young and he has all the time left to still make his debut," he added.

Pogba could face Real Madrid - Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri  has revealed Paul Pogba could return for the first leg of Juventus'  Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

The midfielder has been absent since suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the club's quarter-final tie.

He was initially expected to be out of action for up to two months but is ahead of schedule with his recovery, meaning he may play a part against the Champions League holders.

Allegri said: "Pogba? He’ll have another test on Thursday but I think all will be OK, meaning he should join up with the team next week."

Juventus responded to Sunday's shock derby defeat to Torino by coming from behind to see off Vincenzo Montella's faltering Fiorentina side in Serie A on Wednesday.

A Gonzalo Rodriguez penalty put the Viola in front, but Fernando Llorente equalised three minutes later and Carlos Tevez fired the runaway leaders ahead on the stroke of half-time.

The striker struck again in the second period after Rodriguez missed another spot-kick to ensure that Josip Ilicic's late free-kick was too little, too late for the Florence outfit.

Juve lead second-placed Lazio by 14 points with five games remaining, meaning a draw would be enough to clinch the Scudetto this weekend.

"We'll look to claim the point we need in Genoa and then focus on the Champions League and Coppa Italia [final against Lazio on June 7]," the former Milan boss added.

"I'm happy with how the game went and the team's performance. These lads are having an extraordinary term."

Mourinho: Every team wants to be like Chelsea

Jose Mourinho believes every team wants to be like Chelsea after they moved to within three points of the Premier League title.

Second-half goals from Didier Drogba, John Terry and Ramires saw the Blues come from behind to beat relegation-threatened Leicester City on Wednesday night.

A win against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday will seal a first league title since 2010 and Mourinho once again brushed off the recent accusations that his team are boring.

"I think it’s phenomenal what [the players] are doing, top of the league since day one, it’s not easy," he told Sky Sports.

"To play against a team that is having a fantastic run, winning 12 points out of 12, playing at home, [with] big enthusiasm, self-confidence, to be losing at half-time, come in the second half and to do it the way my boys did it, I think it’s fantastic.

"I know what I feel in relation to the work in the last two years, and with the work these boys are doing since pre-season day one, so I don’t need other people to recognise what we are.

"I know exactly what we are and I think, in a very pragmatic way, we are what every team would like to be."

Chelsea have led the Premier League standings since the end of August and Mourinho called on the home supporters to push his team over the line as they look to clinch the league crown on Sunday.

He added: "I think it was a very good performance, a very good victory, and now I think Stamford Bridge instead of celebrating, Stamford Bridge has to be ready to push the team next Sunday.

"We need to win and we need Stamford Bridge not to be celebrating the title, because we do not have the title, we need Stamford Bridge to push us strong to the three points we still need."

Mourinho hails Lampard legacy as Chelsea close in on title

Jose Mourinho has hailed Frank Lampard's legacy at Chelsea as the club close in on their first Premier League title without their all-time top goalscorer.

Wins against Leicester on Wednesday and Crystal Palace on Sunday will see the Blues secure their first league crown since 2010 and the manager said his squad has to get accustomed to the 36-year-old's exit.

"Chelsea lost, at the end of last year, what I consider, for sure, to be one of the five most important players in the history of Chelsea FC: Frank Lampard," Mourinho told reporters. "We lost that player but life goes on. You have to think about the future and to build, and you have to go with that.

"In Frank Lampard, Chelsea lost a match-winner with a number of goals he scored, a big character, a player without injuries who played every game, a player who beat every record in the Premier League – playing time, number of goals, goals from midfield – an absolutely amazing player. We lost him but life goes on."

The likes of Petr Cech and Didier Drogba, in his second spell, remain from the last time Chelsea triumphed in the Premier League, but Mourinho is now looking forward to making a new "generation" of title-winners.

He added: "For those older guys it's nice to belong to two different generations. If we are champions this season then Petr, Didier, John [Terry] and [John-Obi] Mikel will have belonged to two generations of title winners. The same as me. It's nice to belong to the history of a club in different moments, so it's good for these older guys.

"They're all very experienced, and these guys are special players but we have others coming through. [Branislav]Ivanovic is experienced. [Cesar] Azpilicueta is gaining experience. [Eden] Hazard is here now for three years. [Nemanja] Matic is getting experience. This is a natural process, and the years count for everyone. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is 19 now and has just arrived. But, in five years' time, he will be 24 and experienced."

Keshi to open Eagles camp in middle of May

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is expected to open camp for domestic-league based players in May ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifiers at home to Chad in Abuja in June.

Keshi told TUS that he needs to start camping for the home-based players on time with the fixtures for the Afcon qualifiers pitching Nigeria with Egypt, Chad and Tanzania.

“We need to start camping next month by the special grace of God because time is not on our side again since the fixtures for the Afcon 2017 qualifiers have been released by CAF,” Keshi told Goal.

“We will definitely start off with the players based here in Nigeria and move on until the required time the overseas clubs can release our players for us.”

A very close source to the team told Goal that Keshi would be expecting the players to hit Abuja camp as from Sunday, May 17 since the players would be involved in weekend matches for their various clubs in the local league in the country.

“The camp is expected to kick off middle of May since we will be playing our first qualifying match at home in Abuja to Chad on June 13. So the players are expected to start arriving camp after their league matches on Saturday, May 16. So we should expect them to be available on Sunday, May 17,” the source disclosed.

The source also revealed that Keshi would submit his programme to the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation this week.

“Keshi has already drawn up his programme for the camping and will submit his programme before Friday this week,” the source also told Goal.

Friday being a public holiday, it is expected that the coach would drop his programme before the end of work on Thursday.

Luis Enrique: Barcelona can get even better

Luis Enrique believes Barcelona have the attacking power to beat any side in the world but is convinced they can still get even better after dispatching Getafe 6-0.

The win stretched their lead at the top of La Liga to five points over Real Madrid, who have played a game less as they meet Almeria on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored two goals each while Neymar and Xavi also found the net as the Blaugrana produced a blistering performance, but the coach feels they can get even better physically and tactically.

"When the team is that effective, we make it very difficult for any opponent," he told reporters. "It was a tough game but we finished it in the first half.

"If you look at the physical side of our game, it can be improved and so can the tactical side. I do not remember a match with so many spectacular goals. 

"There is room for improvement, certainly, but in matters of results it is complicated."

Tuesday's win was the side's 20th league clean sheet and Luis Enrique believes it shows the overall strength of the team.

"Not only does the team score, but they are all so supportive that they help with the defensive work and all we are playing at an extraordinary level."

Liverpool still haunted by Suarez loss

Luis Suarez scored two goals for Barcelona on Tuesday night as they despatched Getafe in another hopelessly one-sided La Liga contest. 

The second goal he scored was one of his typical curled finishes from outside the box. Pure class. His first was a piece of genius that has been desperately missed by his former club Liverpool.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers might have pondered, at times, during this tepid 1-0 defeat to Hull City what his old charge might have offered here in place of the players he bought to replace him.

"We did not look like scoring really to be honest," Rodgers said after. "There were some good moments and we had enough of the ball but never threatened the goal as we would have liked."

As Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert toiled in vain again it all came back to what Liverpool are missing. The spectre of Suarez continues to haunt this team. 

Factor in the constant injuries to the devastating Daniel Sturridge and it is pretty apparent that Liverpool are a shadow of the team they were. They have lost over 50 goals, three league places and their hard-earned berth in the Champions League.

"It is about having that reference at the top end of the field that gives the other players the confidence and movement to create opportunities," Rodgers said. "Our struggles tonight were what they’ve been for the big part of the season in terms of that creativity and scoring goals."

Liverpool's season, which promised an FA Cup final and a return to Champions League football only a few short weeks ago, has disintegrated. Rodgers admitted that he has asked his players to maintain their professionalism until the end of the season. They owe the badge that much. After that? Who knows.

Zanetti: Inter close to agreeing Icardi contract

Inter are close to agreeing a new contract for star striker Mauro Icardi, according to vice-president and former captain Javier Zanetti.

Icardi has been a rare bright spark for Inter this season, with the 22-year-old netting 17 goals in Serie A.

The Argentinian's form has attracted attention from across Europe, but Zanetti is confident his compatriot will remain at San Siro.

"We're very close to a renewal, he’s doing really well and will be very important for us in the future," said Zanetti.

"We've reaffirmed our intention of keeping him here. We're building a new team, with a lot of young players who are supported in difficult times.

"Fortunately we're overcoming these difficulties and now we must look to the future and to becoming protagonists again.

"We have to think about the good of the club to become competitive again and bring the club back to where it belongs in the table."

Bayern need Ribery back, says Lahm

Philipp Lahm has highlighted the importance of Franck Ribery to Bayern Munich and hopes to see the former France international return to the pitch as soon as possible.

The 32-year-old has been out of action since picking up an ankle injury in his side's 7-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on March 11 and remains some way off a return.

Lahm, who himself suffered an ankle injury during the middle of the season, admits Bayern are eager for their injured stars to return quickly.

"This is not a nice situation for Franck, that's quite clear," Lahm was quoted as saying by TZ.

"But it's not a good situation for the coach and the team either. We need him back. That is the most important thing.

"Franck still has some fitness issues, though. That's the worst thing for a player, when you are having problems and cannot train with the team.

"When you have an injury and need surgery, you know how long it will be before you can return. But with this kind of injury, you never know how long your recovery will take. That's frustrating for a player.

"The team is doing great at the moment and we still have a lot of quality. But w

Ighalo and Watford moving on to bigger things

Results are the ultimate record of accomplishment, but their greater significance is often glimpsed only through the prism of context. On the face of it, Watford’s 2-0 win over Brighton, two places above the relegation zone and winless in six, was hardly the most stimulating contest. Still, as referee Keith Stroud blew his whistle for full time, he marked the end of a 90 minutes which the Hornets will not forget for a while.

With the win, Slavisa Jokanovic’s side sealed promotion to the Premier League for the first time in eight years; their 88-point haul means they cannot drop lower than second place with one game left in the season. It is a remarkable achievement for a club that has gone through four different managers this term alone, three of those inside the first two months of the campaign.

The manner of the result was profoundly satisfying for Jokanovic as well, with the club’s three highest scorers playing prominent roles: Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo assisted the opener for skipper and leading scorer Troy Deeney, and Deeney returned the favour deep into stoppage time for Czech international Matej Vydra to put gloss on the result.

With the fascination about tactics, it is perhaps easy to forget that football can be as easy as getting your best players to combine in advanced areas where it matters most. In this sense, Watford’s success this season has not been surprising at all; in spite of the early upheaval, they have the second-best attack in the Championship with 90, and Deeney, Ighalo and Vydra have pitched in with 56 of those.

Particularly indispensable has been the contribution of Ighalo to the cause. The 25-year-old only managed four goals for the Hornets before the New Year, but has struck sixteen times in 2015. His goals have been crucial, propelling the club from sixth place at the start of the year to top spot with one game to play.

In the gruelling 46-game season that is the English Championship, player burnout is a very present danger. One can imagine then that Ighalo saving his best for last has effectively given Watford a second wind while others floundered; Derby for example find themselves down in sixth, having led the league for much of the first half and begun the year in third.

The Nigeria international told AfricanFootball of his delight at securing promotion, saying, “I am fulfilled with the EPL ticket.

“My dream has been to play in the EPL, so with this ticket, it is a dream come true for me and I am happy to be part of this with Watford.”

Ighalo has, over the course of his career so far, certainly shown himself useful to promotion pushes. His 17 goals over 28 appearances helped Granada to promotion in Spain back in 2009. The step-up in terms of quality is one which he will have to make though, if Watford have any hopes of surviving in the Premier League; he then proceeded to score just 18 times in 99 appearances in La Liga.

For now though, the striker is not worrying about that just yet.

“My next target is to win our last match and… Championship trophy…,” he stressed.

Ego firmly to the side then for Ighalo, a firm believer in Christianity and the role of God in sporting outcomes. This hopeful, focused outlook has endeared him to the club’s fans in a major way – goals have helped too, naturally – and he is now in an environment and culture where he can be comfortable and express himself freely; a far cry from spending four seasons on loan at Granada.

More than just goals though, there are four assists to the forward’s name this season. Direct contribution to goals sees him as the second-most important player to Jokanovic, and if the Hornets are to avoid the fate of 2007 – where they finished rock-bottom of the Premier League, only managing five wins all season – they will need Ighalo to get going quickly.

They certainly have the potential to hold their own in the rarefied atmosphere of the Premier League, and thanks to being owned by the Pozzo family, they also have quality from sister clubs Italy (Udinese) and Spain (Granada) available. In manager Slavisa Jokanovic, they have a manager that at age 46 has an impressive resume featuring league titles in two different countries, and who enjoyed a brief stint in his playing career at Chelsea.

Without a doubt, 2015 has been a dream year for Odion Ighalo – promoted to the Premier League and recently a part of the Nigeria national team set-up. How he handles the limelight will tell us a lot more about the player, but if his humble demeanour is anything to go by, the Lagos-born striker is set for bigger things.

Kramaric: I rejected Chelsea

Andrej Kramaric turned down the chance move to Chelsea in January in favour of joining Leicester City because he did not want to join another club on loan.

Kramaric was expected to move to Stamford Bridge during the transfer window but the deal fell through as the Blues - who send a number of squad players on loan to Dutch side Vitesse - were unable to offer the striker assurances that he would be part of their first team plans.

The Croatia international instead moved to Leicester in a transfer understood to be worth €9.8 million.

"I never had a chance to meet [Chelsea boss Jose] Mourinho, it is true there was an option for me to join Chelsea," Kramaric told the Vecemji List newspaper.

"It wasn't an easy decision for me, but after I heard I was supposed to go on loan somewhere outside England, I rejected Chelsea and chose Leicester because I wanted to feel real football, I wanted to play in Premier League!"

Kramaric is now set to face the club he could have joined on Wednesday night and has been impressed by the champions elect.

He added: "I've played against Man United, Man City and Arsenal, and I am not impressed at all by their strength. Chelsea is one step ahead of all the others."

Manchester City to offer £30m for Wilshere

Manchester City are set to offer Arsenal £30m for midfielder Jack Wilshere. City are refusing to give up on the England international despite the Gunners insisting he will not be sold.

Giroud: Arsenal will not copy Chelsea style

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has insisted the Gunners will not change their style despite being 10 points behind Chelsea as the Blues close in on the Premier League title.

Despite almost certainly missing out on the title, Arsenal could still end the season with silverware having made it to the FA Cup final for a second year in a row, where they will face Aston Villa.

The Gunners’ 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday led to accusations the Blues were 'boring' and, while Giroud agrees they play a different style to his side, he insists Arsenal will continue to follow Arsene Wenger's philosophy.

"Boring? I don't know but there is the table, which speaks for them," he told reporters.

"It is true maybe they are not [playing] the same game as us but we are not going to change our game and I think they are not going to change their game.

"I think they are pleased with that and if they are champions, what can you say?"

Giroud has scored 18 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this season but has come in for criticism, with club icon Thierry Henry insisting Arsene Wenger needs to sign a "top quality striker". 

However, the France international says he is proud of his record since joining Wenger's side.

"To get second in the league and win the FA Cup would be a great season," Giroud said. "I know we can still improve ourselves and that is what we have been doing since I signed for Arsenal.

"I am proud of what I've done and I'm pleased with that. I just want to carry on like that and I know if we keep our best players and this determination with the team spirit, I am sure we are going to join this championship race next season.

"It has been a few years since we finished second and, if we can do it, we can see an improvement, which is great. Next year, hopefully, we will have fewer injuries, will keep the same group and, with maybe one or two new players, we will have a great season I am sure.

"As for myself, in sport you have to question yourself every week and be ready in your head and you have to be at 100 per cent of determination if you want to keep going and win games; you cannot afford to be at 80% or 90%.

"You have to have faith in your own qualities, that is part of being a footballer: being strong in your head. That is more than half of the quality you need to be a football player."

Mourinho: Chelsea were scared for Oscar

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho admitted that he was “scared” for Oscar after he suffered an apparent concussion during Sunday's 0-0 draw with Arsenal. 

The Brazilian raced through on goal in the 16th minute of the Premier League clash at the Emirates and collided painfully with Colombian keeper David Ospina, leaving him visibly dazed as he lay prone on the turf.

The Chelsea medical staff saw fit to allow Oscar to rejoin the game, but he did return for the second half and was sent to the hospital to undergo further tests.

"He went to hospital to have some scans and see what is going on because at half-time we were a bit scared,” said Mourinho.

“We had to change things because of his injury. We don't know yet if it's concussion." 

New Premier League regulations give the club doctor the final say on whether a player who has suffered a head injury should play on, as well as introducing a ‘tunnel’ doctor, who evaluates the severity of injuries via television monitors.  

Oscar has played a key role in Chelsea's march towards the Premier League title, while the 23-year-old is also closing in on a half-century of appearances for Brazil, with 45 caps and 12 goals to his name since making his senior debut in 2011.

Barcelona to make move for Laporte if Laporta is elected

Joan Laporta is lining up a move for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte as part of his expected Barcelona presidential campaign.

The former club chief has not officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming elections, but is expected to confirm that he will run at the last minute.

The 52-year-old, who presided over the club from 2003 to 2010 - during which time the Blaugrana won four league titles and two Champions Leagues - is already making moves to invest in the team should he be re-elected.

Barca are closing in on a move for 20-year-old centre-back Laporte and are ready to match his release clause at Athletic, which his believed to be between €30 and €36 million.

The Camp Nou club are currently banned from registering new players after irregularities in the signing of minors, meaning they would buy the player in the summer but he would remain at San Mames until January 2016.

Laporta has a good relationship with Laporte's agent, Jorge Mendes, and sources have told Goal that the club would offer him a five year deal with an annual salary of €3.5 million.

If the deal goes through this summer, Athletic would not play the France Under-21 international in European competitions next season to ensure he is eligible for Barca's Champions League campaign when he completes the move in January.

He's a very talented player' - Rodgers praises Liverpool target Depay

Brendan Rodgers admits that Liverpool target Memphis Depay is a "very talented player" as the club step up their summer recruitment plans.

The Reds have stolen a march on Manchester United in the race to acquire the PSV forward, who has scored 27 goals in all competitions thus far this season.

Depay is understood to have held talks with the Reds last week and Rodgers admits that Liverpool are in the market for more firepower.

"The kid [Depay] is obviously a very talented player," he said.

"It is clear we need a goal threat for next season. There will be a raft of players that will be looked at. Then it will be up to the club to see if they are affordable and available.

"There are targets that have been identified as a priority. We will have to see if they are available."

Liverpool drew 0-0 with West Brom at the weekend and currently sit in fifth in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, although the Reds do have a game in hand.

Nevertheless, Rodgers is sure the club will be able to acquire ther top targets this summer regardless of whether they qualify for the Champions League.

"That will be more for the players to decide," he said.

"If the project is right for them to learn and develop, even if we are not in the Champions League, players will maybe still want to come here.

"Of course they will want to play in the Champions League, but if they have watched us over a few years – and this is a season we miss out on – if we can regroup, get some quality starters in for the summer, we can go on another great adventure next season and hopefully get back in there."

NPFL Day 6 Round Up: Giwa hold on to top spot after draw in Makurdi

The Jos Elephant are still league leaders after another impressive display in Makurdi while Enyimba, Sunshine, Pillars and Rangers secured home wins

ENYIMBA FC 3-2 SHARKS FC

The People's Elephant got another vital home win against troublesome neighbours, Sharks in Aba on Sunday after they ran away with a 3-2 victory.

Chinonso Okonkwo and Mfon Udoh’s double in the 15th, 23rd and 68th minutes put the Aba side on the ascendancy but Jackson Daniel’s brace in the 60th and 85th minutes for the Blue Angels ensured that the game ended with the Enyimba’s fans sitting at the edge of their seats.

Enyimba move to 11 points from six matches on the log same as leaders, Giwa FC of Jos who are atop on superior goals difference while Sharks are on six points from six matches.

SUNSHINE STARS 3-2 WIKKI TOURISTS FC

The Akure Gunners needed another injury time winner from Adebayo Adigun to beat hard fighting Wikki Tourists 3-2 at home on Sunday. Sunshine have won all their home matches thus far with dying minute goals against Gabros International FC and Dolphins before the latest against the Bauchi side.

Wikki’s Mubarak Umar had stunned the home fans with the curtain raiser in the 37th minute but Paul Onobi leveled for Sunshine in the 45th minute. Nafiu Bala raced the visitors into another lead in the 60th minute but the home team restored parity in the 75th minute through Tamen Medrano before the late back breaker from Adigun.

Sunshine are on 10 points from six matches while Wikki are also on the same number of points from as many matches.

AKWA UNITED FC 2-0 DOLPHINS FC

Former Akwa United FC captain, Ini Akpan and Aniekpeno Udoh goals in the 34th and 88th minutes sent the Promise Keepers to a 2-0 home win over Dolphins at the Uyo Township Stadium to bounce back from their 4-0 embarrassing loss to Giwa FC in Jos in one of the mid week actions.

Dolphins came to Uyo on the euphoria of their first league win of the season against Enugu Rangers but they met difficult opponents in Akwa United who were desperate to make amends for their heavy loss in Jos last Wednesday.

Akwa United are on seven points from six matches while Dolphins remain on four points from five games.

ENUGU RANGERS FC 3-0 EL KANEMI WARRIORS FC

The Flying Antelopes woke up from their slumber from their early season off form to thrash visiting El Kanemi Warriors 3-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium barely a week after their surprise home loss to Giwa FC.

Goals from Odah Marshall, Chisom Egbuchulam and Pape Ousmane in the fifth, 50th and 75th minutes were enough to hand the Coal City side valuable three points in Enugu. It was there second win of the season from six matches while El Kanemi Warriors are on nine points from five games.

ABIA WARRIORS FC 1-0 3SC

The Umuahia side pinned the Oluyole Warriors 1-0 at home to secure their second consecutive win after their home loss to Wikki Tourists last weekend.

Chisom Chikatara scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute for the home team after the visitors lost crucial chances that came their way.

Abia Warriors are on 10 points from six matches while 3SC mini revival has been punctured. They are on four points from five games.

LOBI STARS FC 1-1 GIWA FC

The Makurdi side have become draw specialists after they got their fifth draw of the season from six matches. They were forced to another draw by Giwa FC in a tough league clash played at the Aper Aku Stadium on Sunday.

Nanen Imenger Jnr got the equalizer for the home team in the second half after the Jos Elephant silenced the Makurdi fans with the opening goal in the 25th minute.

The draw kept Giwa FC’s place at the top on goals difference as they are on 11 points from six matches while Lobi are on five points from six matches.

KANO PILLARS 2-1 FC TARABA

Sai Masu Gida returned to winning ways on Sunday in Kano after they labored to a 2-1 home win over FC Taraba.

Pillars were beaten 2-1 by Nasarawa United on Wednesday to move to nine points from four matches while FC Taraba’s recent slide continued after another defeat in Kano. They remain on seven points from six matches. They are yet to secure a point since they played the opening three games of the season without a loss.

KWARA UNITED FC 1-0 NASARAWA UNITED FC

The Harmony Warriors beat the Solid Miners 1-0 in a tough league duel at the Kwara State Sports Complex, Ilorin.

It was the club’s first league win in three games after they had lost their last two encounters to Heartland FC and 3SC of Ibadan.

Kwara United FC are on eight points from six matches while Nasarawa United have seven points from six games.

BAYELSA UNITED FC 0-0 GABROS INTERNATIONAL FC

The Restoration Boys were unable to penetrate through the wall of defence of the Ifeanyi Uba’s sponsored team at their adoptive stadium in Oghara on Sunday.

Bayelsa United FC wasted many scoring chances that came their way and they could only add a point to their tally on the log. They have six points from as many matches while Gabros International FC have succeeded in getting their first road point of the season. They have 10 points from six games.

Arsenal v Chelsea: See Wenger And Mourinho's Funny Press Conference Argument Here

DISCLAIMER: Like Wenger's record against Mourinho, don't take this video seriously.

It’s Arsenal v Chelsea this Sunday and ahead of the games we got access to a heavily edited press conference between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.

The duo discussed everything from the match at the Emirates to their FA Cup records, before the insults began to fly between the rival bosses.

But will the ‘specialist in failure’ finally get one over the ‘Special One’? We’ll find out this afternoon…

Borussia Dortmund Plot Summer Move For Manchester City Star

Borussia Dortmund are ready to make a move for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.

The Bosnian has found regular first-team football hard to come by at the Etihad this season with manager Manuel Pellegrini often rotating his forwards.

Dortmund spent big to bring in Serie A top scorer Ciro Immobile and Colombia international Adrian Ramos last summer, but neither have hit the heights the German club would have hoped.

And now, according to Bild, Dortmund are ready to test Manchester City's resolve over the future of Dzeko.

The 29-year-old has three years to run on his contract at the Etihad but the Bundesliga side are hopeful City could be ready to cash in.

Transfer rumours and paper review – Monday, April 27

Here's the top transfer-related stories in Monday's newspapers...

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is ready to reshape his squad this summer and is plotting deals for PSV Eindhoven's Dutch winger Memphis Depay, Aston Villa's Belgian forward Christian Benteke and Burnley's English striker Danny Ings. (Daily Telegraph)

Chelsea are eyeing a £20million deal for French midfield sensation Giannelli Imbula. (The Sun)

Tottenham are ready to move for Marseille midfielder Florian Thauvin this summer. The French club rejected an enquiry from the north Londoners for their 22-year-old back in January but Spurs have continued to track the winger, who can also play behind the striker. (Daily Mirror)

Southampton’s hopes of completing a transfer deal for Manchester United’s Javier Hernández have taken a substantial step forward after Louis van Gaal admitted he is intending to sell the Mexican this summer. (Metro)

Queens Park Rangers winger Matt Phillips is at the centre of a tug of war between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton. The Premier League rivals are gearing up to go head to head in the summer to land the Scotland international. (Daily Mirror)

Twitter reacts after Jose Mourinho ridicules Arsenal fans for 'boring' jibes

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho fuelled further animosity amongst Arsenal fans after mocking him for a series of chants during his side's 0-0 draw at the Emirates.

When asked in his post-match press conference about his side's stoic performance, he replied: 'Boring? I think 10 years without the title. That's boring!'

Chelsea produced a professional display at the Emirates, frustrating their title rivals to remain 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League with just five games left in the season.

Mourinho was centre of attention following the encounter

Sanchez: I'm very happy at Arsenal - but I want to win titles

Alexis Sanchez admits he is “very comfortable” at Arsenal and insists his team-mates want to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

The 26-year-old has been a pivotal part of Arsene Wenger’s side following his €48 million arrival from Barcelona last summer, scoring 21 goals in all competitions so far this term.

Sanchez has the chance to win silverware in his debut campaign in England after Arsenal reached next month’s FA Cup final but the Chile international is keen for the club to compete for trophies on all fronts.

"I like London, I quickly adapted. I'm very comfortable with Arsenal. In every day life, too, the city is wonderful and it helps me be a better player. I am very happy to be at Arsenal,” Sanchez told beIN Sports.

"All my team-mates want to win titles. Honouring the colours of our club.

"I have started my adventure here. Now I have to keep learning from football and from my team-mates. I must also better know the club and the league. I love English football. Here we invented football, right?”

Odion Ighalo’s Watford gain promotion to Premier League

Odion Ighalo’s Watford have secured a return to the Premier League, eight years after they were relegated.

The club got a 2-0 win over Brighton on Saturday with Ighalo playing while their close rivals faltered and they thus earned their place with the big boys in the EPL.

Fourth-placed Norwich drew 1-1 with Rotherham while third-placed Middlesbrough, Kenneth Omeruo’s club, fell to a 4-3 defeat to Fulham.

The Championship leaders could secure the title if second-placed Bournemouth lose to Bolton on Monday.

Ighalo has had a very successful season with Watford where he has scored 20 goals so far.

His hot form with the Championship side earned him a call up to the Super Eagles during the two friendly matches in March against Uganda and South Africa.

Van Gaal: Manchester United will win title within two years

Louis van Gaal is confident he will guide Manchester United to the Premier League title before his contract expires in 2017.

The 63-year-old penned a three-year deal at Old Trafford last summer, revealing in March that the job will be his last in football, and adding that he expects assistant Ryan Giggs to succeed him when he retires.

Despite being knocked out of both domestic cups early and failing to mount a realistic title challenge in his debut campaign, Van Gaal is confident his methods will take United back to the top of English football.

"I have a period of three years and I am sure I will win a championship or a title within the three years. Maybe we can do that next year," Van Gaal told reporters.

"The process hasn't worked quickly here because when I was with other teams I had already won titles by now.

"Normally, our philosophy shall win titles. But we have had to make big changes here, not just in the philosophy but in the accommodation and structure of the club."

Ref sent me off for asking 'why always me?' - Alba

Jordi Alba has claimed he was sent off in Barcelona's 2-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday just for saying "why does this always happen to me?".

The full-back was sent off in bizarre circumstances early in the second half at the Cornella El Prat - Alba expressed his unhappiness when a goal kick was awarded to Espanyol rather than a corner, to which referee Mateu Lahoz produced a surprising booking.

A few Barca players protested around the official, including Alba who is claimed to have asked why he was being yellow carded, but that just made Lahoz pull out another card for the defender and Luis Enrique's side were down to 10 men.

"The first card was for protesting to the referee because I thought it was a corner," Alba told Canal Plus. "So far, I see why he reacted that way.

"But then I turn away from him and said 'why does this always happen to me?' but not in a derogatory way. It could have harmed the result but fortunately the team worked well.

"I'm a player with a strong character, I know sometimes I'm wrong, but today I do not think I deserved my red card."

After first-half goals from Neymar and Lionel Messi ensured victory for the Liga leaders, Luis Enrique also questioned why Alba was sent off before praising his players for what he thought was a brilliant first 45 minutes against their city rivals.

"Jordi Alba only says 'why always me' to the referee and, unless it was a scary film title or something, I don't see how that was a red card," the coach said.

"Iniesta was the best he's been since the start of the season today. In the first half we dominated all the factors of the game. It was one of best first halves of the campaign.

"In the second half it would have been better if that red card hadn't generated as much controversy. We have five more crucial Liga games to go.

"It was a difficult tie, but that's a derby for you. However, we have to continue with our current attitude in the next few matches."

Getafe are Barca's next opponents on Tuesday at Camp Nou.

Man City 3-2 Aston Villa: Late Fernandinho volley rescues lacklustre Blues

Manchester City survived a late scare to reclaim second spot in the Premier League with a laboured 3-2 home victory over Aston Villa, all thanks to Fernandinho 88th minute winner.

An early howler from goalkeeper Brad Guzan gifted the hosts an early goal as Sergio Aguero tapped in after just three minutes, with Aleksandar Kolarov’s fine free-kick doubling their lead in the second half.

The hosts’ two-goal cushion lasted just two minutes, however, as on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley pulled a goal back with a long range half-volley and the confident Villa - who saw off Liverpool to seal an FA Cup final spot last week - looked to have rescued a vital point when Carlos Sanchez turned the ball in late on.

But it was the defending champions who had the final word, with Villa punished for sloppy defending from a corner which allowed Brazil international Fernandinho to volley home from close-range.

A nervy three points sees City leapfrog rivals Arsenal and Manchester United, who both play on Sunday, into second. Tim Sherwood's VIlla, meanwhile, are now just two points clear of safety following a hectic afternoon of bottom-of-the-table action.

The teams barely had time to settle before an absolute clanger from Guzan handed City a third minute lead, Sergio Aguero taking advantage of the American’s miss-kicked clearance to tap into an empty net.

Aston Villa recovered from their shocking start, though, and – after a shaken Guzan threatened to gift City a second only for Fernando to head wide of an open goal – they went close through in-form Christian Benteke.

The Belgian scrapped through with the ball and survived a potential offside call before being denied by a brilliant save from the onrushing Joe Hart, with the striker sending a free header just wide moments later.

City looked asleep as the half time break approached, with Villa suddenly appearing the more likely team to score, but a moment of brilliance from Kolarov gave Manuel Pellegrini’s side a comfortable lead, the Serbian beating the wall to find the bottom corner from 22 yards.

However, at times this season the defending champions have looked a shadow of the side which lifted the Premier League trophy last term, and, in a dramatic final 30 minutes of play, they threatened to blow their two-goal lead as Sherwood’s stubborn Villa hit back.

The two-goal cushion lasted mere minutes as Hart was caught out and punished for a sloppy punched clearance, the England number one rushing off his line but not getting enough on the ball, with Cleverley pounding a half-volley through a crowded box and in the net.

Villa suddenly had City on the ropes as the visitors piled forward in search of an equaliser, and there was a sense of déjà vu when it eventually came, Hart rushing off his line but again only getting a slight touch on his punch, with Sanchez flicking the ball past the stranded keeper.

Sherwood’s men went for the jugular in the closing stages and were denied the chance for a shock winner when Benteke was wrongly flagged for offside when clean through on goal.

And City took advantage just 60 seconds later, the hosts profiting from a penalty area scramble after a corner with Fernandinho firing home to spare the big boys another embarrassing defeat.

Inzaghi: I could have have made 10 substitutions

Filippo Inzaghi said he could've made 10 substitutions at half-time, such was his disgust at the performance of his AC Milan players in the 2-1 defeat to Udinese on Saturday.

Second-half goals from Giampiero Pinzi and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu put Udinese in command at the Stadio Friuli on Saturday before Milan scored a late consolation through Giampaolo Pazzini.

The defeat further dented Milan's slim European hopes, with Inzaghi's men sitting six points adrift of Fiorentina in sixth place - which is likely to be enough to seal Europa League football due to Juventus and Lazio's presence in the Coppa Italia final.

The Rossoneri coach has tried to defend his players' poor performances in recent months but slammed the attitude of his team after the game and demanded a response on Wednesday against Genoa.

"The objective is to earn our place at Milan," Inzaghi told Sky Sport. "This was a bad performance and I was extremely angry at the attitude I saw.

"There are no excuses. In the other games Milan had always tried to fight, but this time I saw nothing. It looked like Udinese were playing a Champions League final compared to us.

"I can only apologise to the fans. Thankfully we'll be playing again in a few days and we must wipe this performance from the memory as soon as possible.

Roma line up €15 million Nasri move

Roma are weighing up a summer bid for Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri, Goal understands.

Nasri has struggled to claim a regular place in Manuel Pellegrini's starting XI this season and has not started in the Premier League since the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at the beginning of March.

As revealed by Goal, the French midfielder, who retired from international duty after his World Cup 2014 snub, is one of a number of under-performing City stars that the club are actively looking to offload when the transfer window reopens.

Nasri himself has previously admitted that he will 'pack his bags' if City do not want him to remain at the Etihad Stadium, while he suggested back in March that he would be keen on a switch to MLS.

Mourinho warns Real Madrid: Hazard will cost €140m, each leg

Jose Mourinho has warned Real Madrid that Eden Hazard would cost "£100 million, each leg" if the Spanish giants plan on bidding for the Belgian.

Madrid Castilla coach Zinedine Zidane revealed his admiration for the No.10 this week, adding that he is "keeping an eye on" the player as reports of Real's interest ahead of the summer transfer window grew.

When asked by reporters how much Hazard would cost, Mourinho replied: "£100m (€140m) each leg, because he's very young.

"If [Real Madrid] want him I think I would be the first one to know because my relationship with the president and with the CEO doesn't give space for something to happen behind me.

"I trust them completely. If they want him, they get on the phone and call me to tell me they want him."

Mourinho insisted on Friday that Hazard, who is the leading candidate for the PFA Player of the Year award, was not interested in moving to Santiago Bernabeu, adding that the Chelsea model suits him far better.

He said: "We are not the kind of group that is looking for somebody to be special, for somebody to be more than the others. This is not our culture. I think [Hazard] doesn't belong to that culture too.

"He knows that he's a special player for us and that we need him to be decisive, but he's such a normal boy that he doesn't belong to that glamour. He wants to be a special player and a normal person.

"Eden is in a state of mind, and a tactical approach, where this season we have won matches because of him and have not lost because of him. He is a talented player that understands what the team needs.

"He's a fantastic boy. A golden boy. The way he behaves, the way he respects people, even the way he respects opponents ... He doesn't cheat, he doesn't dive. Nothing."

Exclusive – Arsenal legend warns fans not to get too carried away with high-flying form

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has warned fans against falling into the ‘Groundhog Day’ trap of believing the Gunners will carry their impressive recent form into next season.

Arsene Wenger’s side are currently second in the Premier League following a string of dazzling displays, losing just once – a 2-1 north London derby defeat to Tottenham in February – in 12 top flight matches.

That run includes an eight-match winning streak, which Arsenal will hope to continue against league leaders Chelsea on Sunday.

The Blues are in a seemingly unreachable position a whole ten points clear at the summit, but the Gunners’ encouraging run of results has fans hoping they can finally mount a realistic title challenge next term.

But, having been disappointed before, former forward Merson is hesitant to get carried away by the side’s return to form.

“It’s a bit like Groundhog Day,” the former Highbury hero told Drivetime.

“They win the last ten games of the season and everyone thinks it’s all going to be great next season, but it just seems to be happening every year.

“I don’t want to sound like I’m having a dig at Arsenal, if not, but I’ve just seen this too many times.

“They still need two players and they’re needed two players for seven years on the trot and it still hasn’t happened.

“It just frustrates me, it really frustrates me that this happens all the time

“They’re in the top four again, but Arsenal are a big football club and fans, who pay massive prices to watch the team play, need more than the top four.”

However, Merson does believe that a victory over Chelsea in Sunday’s top of the table clash at the Emirates will be a big step forward for Arsenal’s title ambitions.

He added: "This is a massive, massive game for Arsenal.

“To win would give the team, and Arsene Wenger, that belief they can beat the league leaders, and they need to beat the teams around them if they’re ever going to win the Premier League again.”

I have no Regrets over Hazard - Wenger

Arsenal were in advanced talks for the classy Belgian before Chelsea completed a €40 million deal but the Frenchman insists he was out of their financial reach

Arsene Wenger insists he does not regret passing up the chance to sign Eden Hazard as Arsenal prepare to host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

Hazard arrives at the Emirates Stadium hoping to bring the Blues one step closer to a first Premier League title in five years as well as strengthening his own claim to the PFA Players' Player of the Year award.

The Belgian's rise has been rapid since moving to Stamford Bridge from Lille in a £32 million deal in the summer of 2012 and boss Jose Mourinho described his star man as the "best young player in the world" back in February.

But despite coming close to beating Chelsea to the signing of Hazard, Wenger is adamant that he does not dwell on the deal that might have been.

“I have no big regrets because – at the time – there was so much money involved we could not afford it and not defend it, honestly," the Frenchman told reporters.

“It was not feasible for us financially."

Hazard made a decisive impact the last time Chelsea faced Arsenal in October, breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute by winning and scoring a penalty before Diego Costa secured all three points for Jose Mourinho's men.

Giggs will be next Man United manager - Van Gaal

The Dutchman rates the 41-year-old highly and believes he will get another shot at the top job after succeeding David Moyes on an interim basis last season

Louis van Gaal has revealed he expects assistant manager Ryan Giggs to succeed him as Manchester United manager.

Giggs holds the record for most United appearances of all time, having played 963 games during a 23-year career at Old Trafford and won 22 major trophies at the club under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 41-year-old joined David Moyes' backroom team in the summer of 2013 and was named interim manager when the Scot was sacked last April, winning two of his four games in charge.

Van Gaal, who appointed Giggs as his assistant last summer, rates the Welshman highly and believes he will get another chance at the top job when the time comes for him to leave Old Trafford.

"I expect that he will be the next manager after I am gone," Van Gaal told MUTV when asked about Giggs.

"Now I have the responsibility. He has tasks that he has to perform like the players. What he has to do, for me, he does it very well."

Van Gaal's current contract as United boss expires in the summer of 2017 and he has already intimated that this will be his last job.

I want 'new Messi' Dybala to sign for Napoli - Zamparini

Although Arsenal and Juventus are among the clubs chasing the highly rated 21-year-old, the charismatic boss would prefer to see him at a side often considered more modest

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has described Paulo Dybala as the "new Lionel Messi" and said that he hopes his club's star man can complete a move to Napoli this summer.

The 21-year-old attacker has impressed in Serie A this season, with 13 goals in 30 games, attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Juventus.

The Argentine says he wants to stay in Italy, with Juve said to be the favourites to sign him. However, Zamparini says he would love to sell him to Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis - a friend of his.

"It’s true, Napoli have come in for Dybala,” Zamparini told Radio Crc.

“De Laurentiis spoke to me personally. They want to improve their team, even if they don't get a place in the Champions League.

“He called me. I’ll meet him soon, but we have a mutual respect and a good friendship.

“Our relationship is special, and I hope he can take Dybala, because he’s the new Lionel Messi.”

Dybala, meanwhile, said that he is very ambitious and admitted he feels he must be careful when it comes to deciding where to move to.

“I’d love to experience playing in another country, but I would like to stay in Italy” he told Sky. 

“I have many goals I want to achieve in the future. I have my whole career ahead of me and I have to make the right choice.”

We're preparing without Iheanacho - Manu Garba

Head coach of Nigeria's U20 national team, Manu Garba has told Goal that his side is preparing for life without hot starlet Kelechi Iheanacho at the upcoming Fifa U20 World Cup in New Zealand that starts on May 30.

Iheanacho, who missed the African Youth Championship in Senegal due to injury, is unlikely to be available for the World Cup if he fails to reach full fitness in time. But the former Golden Eaglets gaffer insists they are still hopeful just as the 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner and his English club side.

"I'm just hearing from you about 'the condition given by Manchester City before his release'. I can't tell you anything about Iheanacho because I have not gotten any official report on him. We are focused on the players we've already gotten to represent the country," Garba told Goal.

"I cannot discuss about his progress because I’m not with him neither do we know his state of fitness. Though I've been in contact, the boy is very keen in coming to play for the country.

"Same way the club (Man City) are also eager to see him play, though they insist he must be fit and injury-free before being released. They did promise to release him as soon as they attest to his fitness. If they do, we are always happy and ready to have in the team," the former Gombe United gaffer continued.

"At the moment, we are focused on preparing the players we have on ground for the U20 World Cup. We are hopeful on having him in the team to contribute his best to helping the country at the World Cup.

"The NFF are doing everything they can do in ensuring his release. But this technical crew is focused on working with the players available to ensure the country succeeds at the championship in case he is not fit," he concluded.

Earlier, assistant coach Nduka Ugbade had told Goal that the midfielder had returned to full training at Manchester City and he is likely to feature in Monday's FA Youth Cup final second leg clash with Chelsea.

Ugbade said: "The Sports Director of Manchester City told us Iheanacho is okay, but they want him play the one or two games without any injury concerns because they have given their words to allow him to join us to the training camp in Germany if he is fully fit."

He further confirmed that the pair of Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon, who play for KRC Genk of Belgium, will join the Flying Eagles in Germany due to their club's chase of a UEFA Champions League ticket have delayed them from teaming up with the U20 national side as well as Isaac Success of Spanish outfit Granada.

The African representatives are drawn in Group E alongside Brazil, North Korea and Hungary.

Coach Manu Garba's side will begin their campaign for glory in the international youth competition against Brazil at the Taranaki Stadium, New Plymouth on June 1.