Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo is currently leading the Euro top-scorers all-time list. 

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the Euro top-scorers all-time list with 14 goals across five editions of the UEFA European Football Championship.

After making his Euro debut in Portugal in 2004, Ronaldo later netted his first international goal against Greece in the same tournament.

Since then, the Portugal talisman has featured in four more editions of the UEFA European Football Championship in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020.

Legendary French football player Michel Platini features second on the Euro top-scorers all-time list.

Michel Platini previously held the record for the most goals scored in the European Championship with nine goals. His record was surpassed by Ronaldo in 2021.

Having featured in a single edition of the European Championship in France in 1984, Michel Platini netted nine goals to guide his side to the coveted title at home. Michel Platini’s nine goals is still a record in a single European Championship.

England’s Alan Shearer, Antoine Griezmann of France and Spain’s Alvaro Morata share the third spot on the Euro top-scorers all-time list. All three have scored seven goals each in European Football Championship history.

Between 1960 and 2008, the Golden Boot award was presented to the top scorer of each edition of the UEFA European Championship.

Since 2008, if there is more than one player with the same number of goals, the tie-breaker goes to the player who has contributed the most assists. If there is still more than one player, the tie-breaker goes to the player who has played the least amount of time.

Know Euro top-scorers all-time list and the players with most goals in every UEFA European Football Championship.

Euro top-scorers all-time: Know the leading UEFA European Championship goal-scorers

Rank	Player	Team	Goals	Tournaments
1	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	14	2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020
2	Michel Platini	France	9	1984
3	Alan Shearer	England	7	1992, 1996, 2000
	Antoine Griezmann	France	7	2016, 2020
	Alvaro Morata	Spain	7	2016, 2020, 2024
4	Ruud van Nistelrooy	Netherlands	6	2004, 2008
	Patrick Kluivert	Netherlands	6	1996, 2000, 2004
	Wayne Rooney	England	6	2004, 2012, 2016
	Romelu Lukaku	Belgium	6	2016, 2020
	Thierry Henry	France	6	2000, 2004, 2008
	Zlatan Ibrahimovic	Sweden	6	2004, 2008, 2012, 2016
	Nuno Gomes	Portugal	6	2000, 2004, 2008

Euro top-scorers all-time: Players with most goals in every UEFA European Championship

Year	Top-scorer (s)	Goals
1960	François Heutte (France), Viktor Ponedelnik (USSR), Valentin Ivanov (USSR), Drazan Jerkovic (Yugoslavia), Milan Galic (Yugoslavia)	2
1964	Jesus María Pereda (Spain), Ferenc Bene (Hungary), Deszo Novak (Hungary)	2
1968	Dragan Dzajic (Yugoslavia)	2
1972	Gerd Muller (West Germany)	4
1976	Dieter Muller (West Germany)	4
1980	Klaus Allofs (West Germany)	3
1984	Michel Platini (France)	9
1988	Marco van Basten (Netherlands)	5
1992	Henrik Larsen (Denmark), Karl-Heinz Riedle (Germany), Dennis Bergkamp (Netherlands), Tomas Brolin (Sweden)	3
1996	Alan Shearer (England)	5
2000	Patrick Kluivert (Netherlands), Savo Milosevic (Yugoslavia)	5
2004	Milan Baros (Czech Republic)	5
2008	David Villa (Spain)	4
2012	Fernando Torres (Spain), Alan Dzagoev (Russia), Mario Gomez (Germany), Mario Mandzukić (Croatia), Mario Balotelli (Italy), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)	3
2016	Antoine Griezmann (France)	6
2020	Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Patrik Schick (Czechia)	5

Photo credit: Alamy

The UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers started on March 23, 2023 and will conclude on March 26, 2024. 

Organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying tournament will determine the 23 UEFA member men's national teams that will join the automatically qualified host team Germany in the UEFA Euro 2024 main tournament.

The 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship is scheduled to be held in 10 venues in Germany from June 14 to July 14 next year.

As many as 53 teams are currently competing in the Euro 2024 qualifying tournament. These participating teams have been divided into 10 groups, with seven groups comprising five teams and three groups featuring six teams.  

According to the format, the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers are being played in a home-and-away, round-robin format on double matchdays in March, June, September, October, and November 2023. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the final tournament.

After the conclusion of the qualifying group stage, the remaining three teams will be decided through the play-offs, to be held in March 2024. 

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Maksim Samorodov scored the first goal in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying tournament against Slovenia in their Group H clash on matchday 1. 

Despite Maksim’s early strike in the 23rd minute, Kazakhstan went down to Slovenia 1-2 at the Astana Arena in Kazakhstan.

Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo, France talisman Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland of Norway have been the leading goalscorers in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying tournament so far.

Here’s a look at the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers top-scorers list:

UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers top scorers list

Player	Team	Matches played	Goals
Romelu Lukaku	Belgium	7	10
Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	7	9
Harry Kane	England	6	7
Rasmus Højlund	Denmark	8	7
Zeki Amdouni	Switzerland	7	6
Erling Haaland	Norway	5	5
Kylian Mbappé	France	6	6
Scott McTominay	Scotland	6	6
Giorgos Masouras	Greece	7	5
Aleksandar Mitrović	Serbia	6	5

Photo credit: Alamy

Manchester City’s away trip to Anfield headlines Gameweek 7 of the Premier League. The defending champions defeated Liverpool 4-1 the last time they travelled to Anfield and they will be eager to condemn Jurgen Klopp’s men to their first loss in the league this season.

 

Other fixtures in Gameweek 7 includes Manchester United playing host to Everton while Chelsea welcome Southampton at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal travel to Falmer Stadium to face Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa at home.

With that being said, here are our top picks for Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 7:

Fantasy Premier League: Gameweek 7 tips to make your team

Best attacker: Romelu Lukaku

Striker Romelu Lukaku loves playing against Southampton. The former Everton and Manchester United forward has scored nine goals in his 12 Premier League matches against the Saints which is the joint-most he has netted against any single opponent. Even though he hasn’t found the back of the net in his last three matches, the clash against Southampton is likely to see the Belgian regain his goal-scoring form.

Best defender: Marcos Alonso

Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso has revived his career under manager Thomas Tuchel. For someone who was heading towards a summer exit, a total of 39 fantasy points after six games is a fantastic return. Although Chelsea have struggled to keep a clean sheet against Southampton in the recent past with just one shutout in their last five matches, Alonso’s attacking instinct and the Blues�?organized defence makes him a great option to have in the team.

Budget player:  Allan Saint-Maximin

At just £6.8m, Newcastle United’s Allan Saint-Maximin is a steal. The French forward, who has reportedly attracted interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, has earned 35 fantasy points so far and considering Wolves�?struggle at the back, that tally is expected to swell over the weekend. Regardless of the result, Saint-Maximin is likely to play a part in Newcastle United’s attacking output.

Fantasy Premier League stats for Gameweek 7 fixtures

Manchester United vs Everton

Manchester United have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League matches against Everton (W6, D5). Everton’s last victory over the Red Devils dates back to April 2019.

Rafa Benitez has lost seven of his nine Premier League away matches against Manchester United. His two victories came with Liverpool in 2009 and with Chelsea in 2013.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance. He will become the 24th Manchester United player to do so if he takes the field on Saturday.

Brighton vs Arsenal

In-form striker Neal Maupay has scored the winning goal in two of his three Premier League matches against Arsenal. 

Danny Welbeck has scored a goal in each of his last three appearances against Arsenal.

Only Manchester City and Chelsea (9) have kept more clean sheets than Brighton (7) in 2021.

Liverpool vs Manchester City

Liverpool have won just one of their last seven league matches against the defending champions (D2, L4). Their last victory over the reigning champions came in a 3-1 thrashing of Manchester City in the 2019-20 season. 

Mohamed Salah has been involved in six goals in his five matches against Manchester City (G4, A2).

Raheem Sterling has scored two goals in his last three Premier League matches against Liverpool.

Featured photo: AFP / Justin Tallis

Following the completion of the top five leagues in Europe, several clubs have already started their preparations for the 2021-22 season by appointing new managers and signing new players. 

Ahead of an exciting new football season, we bring to you all the transfer news and updates from the top five leagues and across the world.

August 31: 12:00 PM: Moise Kean returns to Juventus

Everton forward Moise Kean has returned to boyhood club Juventus on a two-year loan deal, with an obligation to buy if certain criteria is met. The 21-year-old, Bianconeri's youngest-ever debutant, arrives as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

in ⚪️⚫️!http://t.co/zFjHLDqUGi#WelcomeBackMoise pic.twitter.com/u3UVyAIpMW

�?JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) August 31, 2021

Kean, who departed Turin for Everton in 2019, was last seen in action with Paris Saint-Germain where he scored 17 times for the Ligue 1 side during his solitary campaign in Paris.

The 21-year-old has won two Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia with Juventus, and will be eager to claim more silverware upon his return to the Serie A giants. 

August 31: 8:00 AM: Bayern Munich sign Marcel Sabitzer

Bayern Munich have announced the signing of RB Leipzig captain Marcel Sabitzer for a reported fee of £13.7m plus add ons. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder reunites with former manager Julian Nagelsmann and Dayot Upamecano.

Tuck in! #ServusMarcel pic.twitter.com/HrR5s7gmcu

�?FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) August 30, 2021

Sabitzer, who initially joined Leipzig from Rapid Vienna in 2014, made 229 appearances across all competitions for Die Rotten Bullen and registered 52 goals. He becomes Bayern's fourth signing of the summer transfer window after Upamecano, English left-back Omar Richards and former Germany Under-21 goalkeeper Sven Ulreich.

August 31: 2:00 AM: Willian re-joins Corinthians

Brazilian midfielder Willian terminated his Arsenal contract with mutual consent and returned home to join Corinthians as a free agent. The 33-year-old arrives at his boyhood club where he made his professional debut in 2006.

Aqui eu nasci como jogador de futebol.

Após 14 anos estou de volta para continuar a escrever minha história no clube que amo.

Vai @Corinthians!!! #Willianédotimao #willian #cotinthians #vaicorinthians pic.twitter.com/VrvO8n6X6P

�?Willian (@willianborges88) August 31, 2021

Willian, who joined Arsenal on a free transfer after seven seasons with Chelsea, managed to score once in 37 matches for the north London side across all competitions. The former Chelsea man was earning a reported £190,000 per week - making him Arsenal's second-highest earner at the club - despite having no place in Mikel Arteta's first team this season.

The Brazilian international held constructive talks with the Gunners and agreed to terminate his contract, which had two years left.

August 30: 10:00 PM: Tiémoué Bakayoko returns to AC Milan on two-year loan deal from Chelsea

France midfielder Tiémoué Bakayoko has returned to Italy to join AC Milan on a two-year loan deal from Chelsea, the clubs announced on Monday. The 27-year-old's loan deal with the Rossoneri includes an option to make the move permanent.

✍️ @TimoeB08 ✍️
You know the drill ⚫️#SempreMilan #NewPlayerUnlocked pic.twitter.com/OPvvWog4Gf

�?AC Milan (@acmilan) August 30, 2021

“AC Milan is delighted to announce the signing of Bakayoko from Chelsea FC on a two-year loan, which could turn into an obligation if certain conditions are met,�?the Serie A club said in a statement.

The 27-year-old Frenchman moved to Chelsea in 2017 from Monaco, but was sent out on loan to Milan for the 2018-19 season, when he made 42 appearances in all competitions.

August 27, 10:00 PM: Manchester United sign Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United have completed the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus for an initial fee reported to be around �?0m plus up to �?m in bonuses. Right until Friday morning, Manchester City was seeming like a possible destination, but Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, held talks with Manchester United to complete the reunion.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Manchester United (@manchesterunited)

“Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical,�?read an official statement from the club.

Ronaldo had less than 12 months left on his Juventus contract and Manchester City were reluctant on paying a fee for Ronaldo, who turns 37 next year. 

August 23, 10:00 PM: Xherdan Shaqiri ends Liverpool stay to join Lyon

Switzerland playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri has completed a £9.5m move from Liverpool to Ligue 1 side Lyon, the clubs announced on Monday, August 23. The 29-year-old, who joined the Merseysiders from Stoke in a £13m deal in 2018, departs with a record of eight goals and nine assists in 63 appearances across all competitions.

Plenty of memorable moments ⚽️

Best of luck in the future, @XS_11official pic.twitter.com/dxWcTbV7H8

�?Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 23, 2021

Shaqiri won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA SuperCup and the FIFA Club World Cup in his three-year association with Liverpool, and leaves after being reduced to a peripheral figure in Jurgen Klopp's squad in the 2020-21 campaign. The Swiss captain has signed a three-year contract with Lyon. 

August 20, 11:30 PM: Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale join Arsenal on permanent basis

Norway captain Martin Odegaard, who spent the second half of the 2020-21 Premier League season at Arsenal, has made a permanent switch from La Liga giants Real Madrid for a reported fee of £30m. The 22-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year deal with the Gunners, with the option of an extra year.

Welcome høme, Martin Ødegaard pic.twitter.com/OUlG9YGDKj

�?Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 20, 2021

Odegaard made 20 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal last term, and arrives in England after six years with Real Madrid, but making just eight senior appearances in La Liga. With four loan spells away from the Santiago Bernabeu, the Norwegian fell down the pecking order and was finally notified that he won't be a part of Carlo Ancelotti's plans for the latest season.

Arsenal also confirmed the arrival of England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United. The 23-year-old, who made his Premier League debut with Bournemouth back in 2016-17, arrives after a solitary campaign with the Blades that saw them suffer relegation.

Signed. Sealed. Delivered.

We're right behind you, @AaronRamsdale98! �?pic.twitter.com/rp9AZhdnFA

�?Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 20, 2021

Ramsdale has signed a long-term contract reportedly for an initial fee of £24m, plus £6m in add-ons.

August 18, 6:00 PM: Juventus sign Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo

Italy midfielder and EURO 2020 winner Manuel Locatelli has joined Juventus from Sassuolo on an initial two-year loan deal, the clubs announced on Wednesday.

? ➡️

✍️ http://t.co/Ijw91pHjIS
#LocatelliAnnounced pic.twitter.com/AJT368qvJx

�?JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) August 18, 2021

The deal, which included an obligation to buy, could become a permanent transfer in June 2023 for a further three years, with the transfer fee set to be around £32m.

The 23-year-old, who originally joined Sassuolo from AC Milan in 2018, was linked with a move to the Premier League with Arsenal vying for his signature. But Locatelli, however, indicated his preference was to remain in the Serie A and is the Bianconeri's first signing of the summer transfer window.  

August 17, 8:00 PM: Tammy Abraham leaves Premier League to join Jose Mourinho's AS Roma

England striker Tammy Abraham has completed his £34m transfer from Chelsea to AS Roma, the clubs announced on Tuesday, August 17. The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the club that runs until 30 June 2026.

New No. 9�?...

Welcome to Roma, @tammyabraham!
#ASRoma | @NBFootball pic.twitter.com/RdxjcL5br5

�?AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) August 17, 2021

Abraham, who came up through the ranks at Chelsea and registered 30 goals in 82 games across all competitions for the Blues, will don the number nine jersey. Its previous owner was former Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko, who has replaced Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan following the Belgian's club-record return to Chelsea.

Tammy Abraham will be coached by a familiar face in Jose Mourinho and is Roma's fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Rui Patricio, Eldor Shomurodov and Matias Vina.

August 13, 9:00 PM: Jannik Vestergaard leaves Southampton for Leicester City

Danish defender Jannik Vestergaard has signed for Leicester City in a three-year deal reported to be around £15m. The Danish defender arrives at Leicester after three seasons with Southampton.

#Leicestergaard pic.twitter.com/kadyQ4DJ9w

�?Leicester City (@LCFC) August 13, 2021

Vestergaard will link up with fellow Dutchman and Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is said to have convinced the former to sign up for the Foxes.

"I’m very happy and I’m really excited to get going. It’s a special club that has done very well over many years and I think the project is very, very exciting, even from the outside looking in. To be a part of it is a big thing for me," Vestergaard said.

The 29-year-old could make his Leicester City debut as early as Saturday, when the Foxes host Wolves at the King Power Stadium.

August 13, 1:00 PM: Romelu Lukaku re-joins Chelsea in club-record deal

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku returned to Stamford Bridge after seven years, signing a five-year deal for a club-record fee of £97.5m after two seasons at Inter Milan.

"I came here as a kid who had a lot to learn, now I'm coming back with a lot of experience and more mature," Lukaku said. "I have supported Chelsea as a kid and now to be back and try to help them win more titles is an amazing feeling," the Belgian added.

The fee Chelsea paid to re-sign Lukaku is just short of the British transfer record set by Manchester City earlier this window, when they paid £100m to recruit Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.

In his first spell at Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku Lukaku made 10 appearances without scoring a single goal.

August 11, 9:30 AM: Lionel Messi seals much-anticipated transfer to Paris Saint-Germain

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain after ending his 21-year association with Barcelona. The Argentine legend, a free agent after his contract expired this summer, has signed a two-year contract with the option of another year.

A new in Paris!

PSGxMESSI ❤️ pic.twitter.com/scrp1su9a6

�?Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 10, 2021

The 34-year-old, who scored a record 672 goals in 778 games and won 35 titles with Barcelona, becomes PSG's fourth free signing this summer after Georginio Wijnaldum, Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

"I am impatient to start a new chapter of my career in Paris. The club and its vision are in perfect harmony with my ambitions," Lionel Messi said following the official announcement.

"I know how talented the players and staff are here. I am determined to build, alongside them, something great for the club and for the fans. I can't wait to set foot on the Parc des Princes pitch," he added.

August 8, 6:30 PM: Aston Villa sign Axel Tuanzebe on loan

Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe signed a new contract extension with the club that runs until 2023 and moved to Aston Villa on a season-long loan. It will be his second stint with Villa after having been a part of the team which won the promotion back to the Premier League in 2019.

Tuanzebe becomes Aston Villa's fifth summer signing after Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, Emi Buendia and Ashley Young. They recently sold club captain Jack Grealish to Manchester City for £100m. 

"Axel Tuanzebe will spend the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Aston Villa after agreeing a season-long move to the Premier League club," the club's press release reads.

"The 23-year-old has also signed a new contract at Manchester United, lasting until June 2023 with the option of an additional year's extension.

"Having endured a difficult campaign last time out due to a couple of injuries, the highly-rated centre-back will use this loan as a vital opportunity to assert himself and make an impression.

"Axel will return to the United set-up at the end of the 2021-22 season."

August 7, 12:07 am: Cristian Romero joins Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham have completed the signing of Cristian Romero from Atalanta on a five-year deal, with the club splashing �?5m (£46.7m) for the 23-year-old defender.

It's time to hear from @CutiRomero2... pic.twitter.com/R5IKpojaMB

�?Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 6, 2021

Romero becomes the second most expensive signing in Spurs' history with only Tanguy Ndombele costing (£55m) more. Tottenham will pay Atalanta an initial fee of �?0m with the rest being add-ons. Romero won the “best defender�?award in Serie A last season and was also a standout performer at the Copa America this year. His arrival comes after Toby Alderweireld moved to Al-Duhail in Qatar last month.

August 6: 7:00 PM: Manchester City seal British record deal for Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish completed his much-anticipated move from boyhood club Aston Villa to champions Manchester City for a record £100 million deal. The English forward has put pen to paper a six-year year deal, and arrives after registering 32 goals and 43 assists in 213 appearances for Villa.

Ready for the next chapter! So proud to have joined the Premier League champions, can’t wait to get started! pic.twitter.com/snoKdNQSpT

�?Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) August 5, 2021

Grealish inherits the number 10 jersey at City from the now-departed Sergio Aguero, and will link up with fellow English forward Raheem Sterling at the Etihad Stadium.

August 6: 3:00 PM: Aston Villa confirm Bailey, Ings signings

Aston Villa have brought in two attacking reinforcements in winger Leon Bailey and forward Danny Ings, announcing deals for the players on August 4. While Leon Bailey arrives from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, Englishman Ings arrives at Villa Park after three seasons with Southampton.

ℹ️ Leon Bailey has transferred to @AVFCOfficial after 4.5 years in Leverkusen.

Thank you for everything @leonbailey and we wish you all the best in your new challenge! ⚫️❤️ pic.twitter.com/jCYiaVpn9K

�?Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 4, 2021

Checking in. @IngsDanny pic.twitter.com/nY98eNoBsD

�?Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 5, 2021

Villa have reportedly spent a combined £60 million on their latest arrivals, who are tipped to fill in the void left behind by the imminent departure of club captain Jack Grealish. 

July 30: 10:00 PM: Ben White signs for Arsenal

England defender Ben White has joined Arsenal on a five-year deal from Brighton, with an option to extend for a further year. The England defender has become the Gunners' third-most expensive signing of all time, with the transfer estimated at around £50m.

A new city. A new start.

A new place to call home pic.twitter.com/PLADE7lCUu

�?Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 30, 2021

White is the club's third summer signing, after left-back Nuno Tavares (£8m transfer from Benfica) and midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga (Anderlecht).

July 27: 5:30 PM: Toby Alderweireld completes transfer to Al-Duhail

Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld has completed a permanent transfer to Qatari side Al-Duhail from Tottenham Hotspur, the Premier League side announced on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old, who joined Spurs from Atletico Madrid in 2013, made 236 appearances across all competitions in a six-year spell and was regarded for his partnership with compatriot Jan Vertonghen. The pair registered Tottenham's best defensive record in a Premier League campaign (26 goals conceded) in the 2016/17 season where the Lilywhites finished second.

"It's been an honour to play for Spurs."

Toby's goodbye message. pic.twitter.com/AWWfJAZjcN

�?Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 27, 2021

Welcome @AlderweireldTob #AlDuhail ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TcpamH2B7q

�?نادي الدحيل ALDUHAIL (@DuhailSC) July 27, 2021

Toby Alderweireld has signed a three-year deal with Al-Duhail.

July 26: 10:00 PM: Tottenham and Sevilla complete Bryan Gil - Erik Lamela swap deal

Tottenham Hotspur has signed young Spanish winger Bryan Gil on a five-year deal from Sevilla, with Argentina winger Erik Lamela moving in the opposite direction as part of the swap deal.

Spurs have reportedly paid £21m for the 20-year-old Gil, who is currently on national duty with Spain at Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Lamela, who signed for Tottenham in 2013, departs after eight years in England where he registered 37 goals in 255 games.

Gracias, agent @sergio_regui

Welcome to Spurs, @11BryanGil! pic.twitter.com/S9782r48eI

�?Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 26, 2021

Welcome to Lagos, @ErikLamela!#WeareSevilla #NeverSurrender pic.twitter.com/3sIOUJ30Vj

�?Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) July 26, 2021

July 23: 5:30 PM: Jadon Sancho completes Manchester United switch

England international Jadon Sancho has formally completed his much-anticipated transfer to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund. A deal for the 21-year-old, which is estimated to be £73 million, was announced by both clubs at the end of June subject to medicals post UEFA Euro 2020.

This is his home.
This is where he belongs.

Jadon Sancho is .#MUFC x @Sanchooo10 pic.twitter.com/LAIBn7ie7V

�?Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 23, 2021

"The chance to join Manchester United is a dream come true and I just cannot wait to perform in the Premier League. This is a young and exciting squad and I know, together, we can develop into something special to bring the success that the fans deserve," Sancho told Manchester United's website.

The England winger also thanked Borussia Dortmund for shaping him into the player that he is today. "I’ll always be grateful to Dortmund for giving me the opportunity to play first-team football, although I always knew that I would return to England one day," the 21-year-old added.

“Jadon epitomises the type of player I want to bring to the club, he is a forward player in the best traditions of Manchester United," said Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“Old Trafford will give him the platform he needs to release his untapped talent and perform at the highest level. For a player of his age, Jadon has already achieved a great deal and showed the courage to go and prove himself abroad. We all look forward to welcoming Jadon to the squad as we prepare for the new campaign,�?the Red Devils boss added.

Jadon Sancho arrives at Old Trafford with a record of 50 goals and 64 assists in four seasons with Borussia Dortmund and was part of the England team that reached the final of UEFA Euro 2020.

Furthermore, Sancho is now the second most expensive English player of all time behind his new United teammate Harry Maguire.

July 21: 12:00 AM: Everton sign Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic

Everton have confirmed the signings of Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic. While Townsend has joined on a two-year deal, 34-year-old Begovic has signed an initial 12-month contract. Both players arrived as free agents following the end of their contracts with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.

Welcome, @andros_townsend! pic.twitter.com/eWwvhawJKT

�?Everton (@Everton) July 20, 2021

Welcome, @asmir1! pic.twitter.com/VRV9mKpWSX

�?Everton (@Everton) July 20, 2021

Both players come with prior Premier League experience to Goodison Park, while Andros Townsend reunites with manager Rafael Benitez. The pair worked together at Newcastle United and the former Crystal Palace man said it was a 'no-brainer' decision to join the Spaniard at Everton.

July 19: 8:45 PM: Arsenal sign Belgium U-21 international Albert Sambi Lokonga

Arsenal have completed the signing of Belgium U-21 international Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht. The 21-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the Gunners.

"It's a big move because I have been playing for Anderlecht for 10 years so it's going to be my first big move to another country," Lokonga told Arsenal's website.

"It's a big step, but I feel confident because we have to be. In the football world, you have to feel confident about yourself, but I'm looking to play in this league and I can't wait to start."

So... Albert? Or Sambi?

We asked the man himself pic.twitter.com/ohpQXm2T1W

�?Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 19, 2021

Although the fee is undisclosed, it is said that the Gunners have spent somewhere around £17.2m for the midfielder. Lokonga joined Anderlecht at the age of 15 and made his first-team debut in December 2017. He went on to make 78 appearances for the Belgian side, scoring three goals.

“Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity,�?said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

“He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons.

“We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence.�?/p>

July 17: 8 PM: Olivier Giroud ends nine-year England stay to sign with AC Milan

2018 World Cup winner Olivier Giroud has opted for a new challenge as he has sealed a switch to AC Milan from Chelsea. The 34-year-old French centre-forward arrives from England as UEFA Champions League winner and one of the most under-rated strikers in modern football.

Ready to strike �?#NewPlayerUnlocked: @_OlivierGiroud_ �?a href="http://twitter.com/hashtag/SempreMilan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/pspvgedNGK

�?AC Milan (@acmilan) July 17, 2021

Giroud has signed a two-year deal with the Rosssoneri, and will reunite with former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori who earlier completed a permanent transfer to the Serie A giants.

July 15: 11 PM: Ryan Bertrand seals free transfer to Leicester City

English defender Ryan Bertrand has joined Leicester City on a two-year deal, the club announced on Thursday. Bertrand, who spent seven years at Southampton before becoming a free agent, will reunite with Brendan Rodgers who coached him at Chelsea's academy.

#WelcomeRyan! pic.twitter.com/MYu7vYGSSy

�?Leicester City (@LCFC) July 15, 2021

The 31-year-old is the Foxes' third signing of the summer transfer window and comes in with the experience of over 240 games in the Premier League. Bertrand, who started his career at Chelsea, has won an FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League in his career and will could make his league debut against Wolves on August 14.  

July 14: 11:30 AM: PSG sign Gianluigi Donnarumma on free transfer

Ligue 1 club Paris St-Germain have completed the signing of Italy national football team goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer.

The 22-year-old, who was adjudged the player of the tournament at UEFA Euro 2020, have signed a five-year deal with PSG after his contract expired at AC Milan.

Buongiorno #WelcomeGigiopic.twitter.com/ZTpxzdLJTi

�?Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 14, 2021

"I am delighted to be part of this huge club," Donnarumma told PSG's club website. "I feel ready to take on this new challenge and continue to grow here. With Paris, I want to win as much as possible and to bring joy to the supporters."

July 14: 7:00 PM: Rui Patricio signs for Roma, Wolves rope in Sa as his replacement

Jose Mourinho's AS Roma have announced the signing of Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio from Premier League side Wolves. The 33-year-old has inked a three-year deal for a reported fee of £9.8m. Patricio leaves Wolves after three seasons, where he registered 31 clean sheets in 112 Premier League outings.

New No. 1�?...

Welcome to Roma, Rui Patricio!
#ASRoma | @NBFootball pic.twitter.com/otd2nDvqDc

�?AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) July 13, 2021

Rui Patricio will be replaced by compatriot Jose Sa at Wolves, with the 28-year-old custodian arriving from Olympiakos as a two-time league champion. Sa has signed a five-year contract that will see him stay at the Molineux Stadium at least till 2026.

✍️ #SaSigns pic.twitter.com/vGMSV5nn7d

�?Wolves (@Wolves) July 15, 2021

July 10: 5:30 PM: Arsenal sign Nuno Tavares as Kieron Tierney back-up

Portuguese U21 defender Nuno Tavares became Arsenal's first signing of the season as he joined the Gunners from Benfica for a reported fee of £8m. Coming through the ranks of the Benfica youth system, Navares has made 25 senior appearances for the club since August 2019.

Welcome to The Arsenal, Nuno Tavares pic.twitter.com/379qyLXrxG

�?Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 10, 2021

With Arsenal struggling to fill the gap left by an injured Tierney last season, Mikel Arteta made a backup left-back his priority this season. With Sead Kolasinac leaving the club soon, Navares is the first signing signalling Arsenal's rebuild under Edu and Arteta.

July 9: 4:30 PM: Michael Olise joins Crystal Palace as Vieira's first signing

Patrick Vieira has begun his Crystal Palace era with the signature of highly-rated midfielder Michael Olise from Reading. The 19-year-old, who won the EFL's Young Player of the Season award in the 2020-21 season, joins the Eagles on a five-year contract after registering seven goals and 12 assists in 46 games last term.

On recruiting Olise, Vieira said, “We have the tools in our football club to make him (Michael Olise) a better player, and we’ve known him quite well because he’s a player the football club have been following for a long time. I think it is important to refresh the squad, to bring some new faces, to bring young talent here, and this is a really good signing for us.�?/span>

English-born Michael Olise, who represents France at the international level, started his youth career with Chelsea and Manchester City before moving to Championship side Reading. An academy graduate, Olise made his first-team debut in March 2019 against Leeds United, aged just 17.

July 7: 2:30 PM: Sergio Ramos joins PSG

Paris Saint-Germain have completed their second summer signing in two days, with former Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos arriving in the capital city on a two-year contract. 

“I am very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain," Ramos was quoted as saying by PSG. “This is a big change in my life, a new challenge and it’s a day I will never forget. I am very proud to be a part of this ambitious project, to be a part of this squad with so many great players."

̃ ! ✍️

#WelcomeSergio
pic.twitter.com/n6vciD7YxU

�?Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 8, 2021

“Paris Saint-Germain is a club that has already proven itself at the highest level. I want to continue to grow and improve at Paris and help the team to win as many trophies as possible," he added.

Ramos captained Madrid between 2015 and 2021 and during his 16-year stint with the club he won five La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League honours.

July 6: 10:00 PM: PSG sign Achraf Hakimi

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi from Inter on a five-year contract. Hakimi was also a target for Chelsea, who matched PSG's �?0m bid for the player. BBC claims that the Blues wanted to include Marcos Alonso as part of the deal too. But the personal terms between PSG and the player were agreed more than a month ago.

"I feel a lot of pride today. After my experiences in Spain, Germany and Italy, Paris Saint-Germain offers me the opportunity to discover a new championship under the colours of one of the most prestigious clubs in the world," said Hakimi after completing the move.

✍️ #WelcomeAchraf@AchrafHakimi

❤️ # pic.twitter.com/w0TrN39JvI

�?Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 6, 2021

Fabrizio Romano says that Inter will receive a direct payment of �?0m while the other variables include �?m easy add ons, �?m difficult add ons.

"I can't wait to meet my new team-mates, the fans and feel the extraordinary fervour that reigns at the Parc des Princes.

"I share the same very high ambitions with the staff and the players and will do everything to give my club what it expects of me. "

July 6: 4:30 PM: Matteo Guendouzi joins Marseille on loan

Arsenal and Marseille have reached an agreement over the transfer of 22-year-old midfielder Matteo Guendouzi on a season-long loan. The French team has an option to make his deal permanent in the summer of 2022.

Guendouzi spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Hertha Berlin, making 24 appearances in all competitions. The midfielder joined Arsenal from French side Lorient in 2018 for a fee reported to be worth £7m plus bonuses. He went on to make 82 appearances for the Gunners in his two years with the club.

"Matteo Guendouzi has signed up with Marseille for a one-year loan with an option to buy," read an official statement from Marseille.

┈┈┈┈╭╯╰╰╰╰╰╮┈┈�?br />┈┈┈┈▕╭▅╮╭▅╮▏┈┈�?br />┈▕▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▏�?br />╭━�?a href="http://twitter.com/MatteoGuendouzi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@matteoguendouzi╭━�?br />┃┳�?┈est Olympien�?╰┳�?br />┃┣�?┈┈ ⚪️ ┈┈┈▕┫┃
╰▕▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▏�?pic.twitter.com/trk3WAKEDC

�?Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) July 6, 2021

"Guendouzi is a modern midfielder, technically strong and with good passing ability. 

"A player of character, he has a good view of the game. These qualities he will undoubtedly be able to share with the Marseille team."

According to Goal, Marseille have made an initial payment of £850,000 for the midfielder, and if they decide to trigger the clause of a permanent move, they will have to pay £9 million.

July 4: 6:40 PM: Patrick Vieira appointed as Crystal Palace manager

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has signed a three-year deal to succeed veteran English manager Roy Hodgson as Crystal Palace manager.

The 45-year-old Frenchman, who was last seen as the head coach of Ligue 1 side Nice, emerged as a top candidate to replace Hogdson after former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre pulled out of the race to become Palace manager.

Vieira previously managed Major League Soccer (MLS) team New York City from 2016 to 2018 before a two-and-a-half season stint with Nice, which ended in December 2020.

Proud and excited to be part of this new journey. I want to thank the @CPFC board for their trust & thank the fans for the amount of support I've been getting for the past few days. I can't wait to see you there, back where it all started @premierleague. Come on you Eagles ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fa8BO6LZgW

�?Patrick Vieira (@OfficialVieira) July 4, 2021

July 2: 4:30 PM: Manchester United sign Tom Heaton

Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton has completed his move to Manchester United on a two-year deal, the club has officially confirmed. 

July 1: 7:15 PM: Jadon Sancho moves to Manchester United

Manchester United have finally confirmed the signing of England winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for a fee worth £73m. It is said that the 21-year-old will undergo a medical after England's run in the ongoing UEFA Euro 2020.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of Jadon Sancho," the Premier League club said in a statement.

"The signing is subject to contractual terms and a medical, which will be completed after Jadon's involvement in the UEFA European Championship."

It took Manchester United immense bargain to confirm the move as Dortmund initially demanded £85m for the player. Be that as it may, the asking price was lower than their previous price tag of £108m from last summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old will sign a contract until 2026, with an option of extending it to another year. Furthermore, his former club, Manchester City will receive around �?3m as part of the deal.

July 1: 1:15 AM: Nuno Espirito Santo signs for Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo as their new manager, with the 47-year-old signing a two-year deal with the north London club.

Spurs were on the lookout for a new manager following the conclusion of the 2020/21 Premier League season. They reportedly held talks with Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino, Paulo Fonseca, Gennaro Gattuso and Julen Lopetegui, but nothing really materialized. The Lilly Whites opened talks with Santo's camp only last week.

Looking good, boss. #WelcomeNuno pic.twitter.com/SdxXNnsZFs

�?Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 30, 2021

"When you have a squad with quality and talent, we want to make the fans proud and enjoy," Nuno told Spurs' club website.

"It's an enormous pleasure and honour [to be here], there's joy and I'm happy and looking forward to starting work. We don't have any days to lose and we must start working immediately as pre-season starts in a few days."

June 30: 5:00 PM: Rafa Benitez appointed as new Everton manager

Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez returns to Merseyside after 11 years, signing a three-year deal to become the new Everton boss until 2024. The Spanish coach has been out of work after mutually terminating his contract with Chinese Super League (CSL) team Dalian Professional earlier this year.

Our new manager. pic.twitter.com/1FulLthzyF

�?Everton (@Everton) June 30, 2021

With this move, Benitez joins William Edward Barclay as the only two football managers to be in the hot seat at Liverpool and Everton.

June 30: 4:30 PM: Leicester City sign RB Salzburg's Patson Daka

Leicester City have announced that RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka will join the Premier League club on a five-year contract. The 22-year-old Zambian international, who netted 68 goals in 125 appearances for Salzburg in all competitions, arrives in the English top-flight league having guided his former employers to four successive league titles.

We can confirm that exciting young striker @PatsonDaka20 will join the Club on a five-year-deal from 1 July, subject to Premier League and international clearance #WelcomePatson

�?Leicester City (@LCFC) June 30, 2021

Patson Daka, who will link up with his new club from July 1, is the latest RB Salzburg star to complete a move to the Premier League, after Liverpool trio Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino. 

June 22: 10:05 PM: Hakan Calhanoglu joins Inter from AC Milan

Serie A champions Inter Milan have announced the signing of Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu from city rival AC Milan on a free transfer. The 27-year-old has signed a three-year contract with Inter lasting until 30 June 2024. 

| #WELCOMEHAKAN@hakanc10 �? pic.twitter.com/CrZMVrbR20

�?Inter (@Inter_id) June 22, 2021

"It's a great thing, we know that Inter are a great team, a great club with a nice atmosphere, and great fans," Calhanoglu said.

"I'm very happy to be here, I'm going on vacation now, but I already have good feelings. We want to win the Scudetto this year too, so we'll see," the midfielder added.

June 19: 10:25 PM: Depay joins Barcelona for free

The Netherlands winger Memphis Depay has joined La Liga giants Barcelona on a free transfer, ending his four-year stay at Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais. The 27-year-old has inked a two-year contract with the Catalan club that will run till the end of the 2022/23 season. Depay is currently involved with Holland in the ongoing EURO 2020, and has scored one goal in two games.

✒️ Heart of a Lion
❤️ pic.twitter.com/F7YZw6Y71m

�?FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 19, 2021

June 17: 4:00 PM: Buffon rejoins Parma

Legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has returned to his boyhood club Parma after 20 years. The 43-year-old stopper has signed a two-year deal with the club which he joined as a 13-year-old. He eventually made his Serie A debut with the club at the age of 17. 

"He is back where he belongs. He is back home," wrote Parma in a tweet.

He is back where he belongs.
He is back home.#SupermanReturns @gianluigibuffon @Kyle_J_Krause @ParmaCalcio_en pic.twitter.com/bh2FO6P8YX

�?Parma Calcio 1913 (@1913parmacalcio) June 17, 2021

June 10: 6:30 PM: Georginio Wijnaldum signs for PSG

Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer for a deal that will run until 2024. The Netherlands midfielder is expected to earn �?.5m per season as reported by Fabrizio Romano. Wijnaldum was a long-term target for FC Barcelona and the Catalan club were hopeful of acquiring his services, but a last-minute swoop from PSG, who offered doubled salary, took the deal away from Barcelona.

✍️ #WelcomeGini@GWijnaldum

#WeAreParispic.twitter.com/qHd7Se42cV

�?Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 10, 2021

"Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the transfer of Georginio Wijnaldum," said PSG in an official statement. "Arriving from Liverpool, the Netherlands international midfielder has signed with the club from the French capital until 30 June 2024.

June 7: 5:45 PM: Buendia seals club-record Aston Villa move

Aston Villa have agreed on a club-record 33 million pound deal with Premier League newcomers Norwich City for the transfer of Argentina midfielder Emiliano Buendia. The 24-year-old, who was the Canaries' player of the season as they sealed a return to the English top-flight league, has inked a deal that will keep him with Villa until June 2026.

Aston Villa and Norwich City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Emiliano Buendía.

�?Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) June 7, 2021

The deal, which could rise to 38 million with add-ons, was announced by both clubs on Monday with Buendia set to complete his medicals after Argentina's World Cup qualifying game against Colombia on Tuesday night. 

June 3: 4:30 PM: Inzaghi appointed as Conte's successor at Inter

Serie A champions, Inter, have confirmed that former Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi has been appointed as Antonio Conte's successor. The 45-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the club.

"FC Internazionale Milano would like to welcome Simone Inzaghi to the club, as our new first-team coach: the Italian manager has signed a two-year deal with the Nerazzurri," read an official statement from the club.

It was on May 27 that Antonio Conte left Inter by mutual consent after a disagreement with the board. It is said that the former Chelsea coach was asked to cut his wage bill to 15-20 per cent and sell players worth up to £70m in the upcoming transfer window. While Conte has left, the problem still persists, with Inzaghi being at the centre of it.

Striker Romelu Lukaku has attracted interest from across Europe while Lautaro Martinez is yet to sign a new contract. Wing-back Achraf Hakimi is gathering from Paris Saint-Germain too. 

June 2: 2:40 PM: Barcelona sign Emerson Royal

Only a day after completing the deal for Eric Garcia, Barcelona completed their third signing for the 2021/22 season by exercising their option to buy for Emerson Royal from Real Betis. The 22-year-old right-back has signed a contract until 2024 with the Spanish club. The Brazil international arrived in La Liga in January 2019 in a joint financial operation between Barcelona and Real Betis. Each club paid half of his transfer fee. 

See you on the other side @Emerson_Royal22 #EmersonCuler pic.twitter.com/z6H4U3FGCi

�?FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 2, 2021

Barcelona exercised their option to buy the player for �? million. The 22-year-old right-back made 79 appearances in all competitions for Betis, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists. 

June 1: 12:30 PM: Eric Garcia rejoins FC Barcelona

La Liga giants FC Barcelona have confirmed that they have signed back defender Eric Garcia from Manchester City. The 20-year-old player will sign a contract until the end of the 2025/26 season and his buy out clause is set at 400 million euros. 

The defender joined the Barça Academy in 2008 and continued his development at La Masia until 2017 when he left for Manchester City where he spent four seasons featuring at U-19, U-23 level and for the first team.  

Home is where the heart is. pic.twitter.com/FQRV2L4n4R

�?FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 1, 2021

May 31: 7:30 PM: Sergio Aguero signs for Barcelona

Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has finalised his move to FC Barcelona, joining the Catalan club on a free transfer. The Argentina striker has signed a deal that will keep him with Barcelona until the end of the 2022/23 season. Barcelona have explicitly mentioned that his 'buy out clause is set at 100 million euros'. 

AGÜEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/LHIsGVRzsV

�?FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) May 31, 2021

Aguero leaves City as a club legend and their all-time top scorer. Since making his Premier League debut in the 2011-12 season, the forward made 390 appearances for the Cityzens, scoring 260. During his 10-year stint with the Manchester club, Aguero won five Premier League titles, six League Cups and one FA Cup. He came close to winning the UEFA Champions League this season, but fell short as City lost to Chelsea 1-0 in the final.

May 28: 09:30 PM: David Alaba joins Real Madrid from Bayern Munich

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of defender David Alaba on a five-year contract after leaving Bayern Munich. Alaba will be presented as a Real player after Euro 2020, the statement added.

The 28-year-old is leaving Bayern after 431 games in 13 years at the club, where he won 10 German titles and the Champions League twice.

#WelcomeAlaba pic.twitter.com/acS6QDtNkb

�?Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 28, 2021

May 28: 06:30 PM: Massimiliano Allegri returns as Juventus manager after Andrea Pirlo sacking

Juventus have appointed Massimiliano Allegri for the second time after the Turin giants sacked coach Andrea Pirlo following a single season in charge. Allegri won five Serie A titles in a row in his first spell in Turin between 2014 and 2019, as well as lifting the Coppa Italia four times and finishing as Champions League runners-up twice.

Bentornato, Max! ⚪⚫#AllegriIN

�?JuventusFC (@juventusfc) May 28, 2021

May 28: 05:42 PM: Liverpool sign defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig

Premier League club Liverpool have announced that they have signed centre back Ibrahima Konate from German side RB Leipzig on Friday. The Reds triggered the reported 36 million pounds (50 million dollars) release clause in the 22-year-old's Leipzig contract to seal his switch to Anfield. 

Quality and potential

�?Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2021

May 27: 07:18 PM: AC Milan sign Lille's Mike Maignan to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma

Serie A giant AC Milan have signed goalkeeper Mike Maignan from French champions Lille on a five-year contract. The 25-year-old is set to replace Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. 

Official Statement: @mmseize �?http://t.co/MIwn2c65hp

Comunicato Ufficiale: Mike Maignan �?http://t.co/hZ2oj2NYzp #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/TSSX56sTX4

�?AC Milan (@acmilan) May 27, 2021

FIFA’s top-ranked team Belgium will lock horns with defending champions Portugal in a mouth-watering UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 clash at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain in the early hours of Monday, June 28 (according to Indian Standard Time).

Belgium started their Euro 2020 campaign after beating Russia 3-0 and followed it with a come from behind 2-1 win over Denmark. The Red Devils made it a perfect start after securing a 2-0 victory against Finland in their final group fixture. Roberto Martinez’s men topped Group B with nine points and they have already shown why Belgium are touted as one of the favourites to win the title this year.

Portugal, on the other hand, had mixed fortunes in the Group of Death and the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side qualified for the round of 16 in third spot (four points from three matches) for the second consecutive European Championship. 

✈️ Inseparable

Will Cristiano Ronaldo & Pepe be celebrating in Seville later?#EURO2020 | #POR pic.twitter.com/Ag2bNl64Yn

�?UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 27, 2021

While A Seleção started their tournament after defeating Hungary 3-0, they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Germany. Portugal ended the group stage with a 2-2 draw against world champions France to qualify for the Euro 2020 knockouts.

Belgium vs Portugal head-to-head 

In the Belgium vs Portugal head-to-head record in international football, the 2016 Euro champions have a slight advantage, having won six of the 18 matches played between these two sides. Belgium, on the other hand, have managed five victories. Furthermore, Portugal have remained unbeaten against Belgium in their last five matches across all competitions. Their last defeat came in a World Cup qualifying match where they lost 3-0 in September 1989. Interestingly, this will be the first meeting between Belgium and Portugal at a major tournament (World Cup and Euros).

Belgium team news and injury updates

Belgium will be without their full-back Timothy Castagne, who has been ruled out of the ongoing European Championship after suffering a double fracture to his eye socket during their 3-0 win over Russia. Other than Castagne, Roberto Martinez will have a fully-fit squad to pick his best playing XI against a star-studded Portugal side.

Portugal team news and injury updates

Ahead of their opening encounter against Hungary, Portugal had suffered a massive blow after their full-back Joao Cancelo was ruled out of Euro 2020 having tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, right-back Nelson Semedo is also doubtful for the round of 16 clash after he limped off in Portugal's 2-2 draw against France.

Furthermore, PSG midfielder Danilo Pereira is racing against time to be fit for the crucial encounter against Belgium.

Where to watch Belgium vs Portugal live in India?

Belgium vs Portugal UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 match will be telecast live at 12:30 AM IST on SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3 and their corresponding HD TV channels in India, on Monday, June 28.

Live streaming of the Belgium vs Portugal match will be available on SonyLIV and JioTV.

SportsAdda will bring you Belgium vs Portugal live scores.

Featured photo: BERNADETT SZABO / POOL / AFP

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Inter attacker Romelu Lukaku clashed during the Milan Derby in the Italian Cup quarter-final on Tuesday, as the latter defeated their inter-city rivals 2-1, courtesy of a last-minute free-kick by Christian Eriksen.

Ibrahimovic had broken the deadlock a minute after the half-hour mark before he went head to head with his former Manchester United teammate Romelu Lukaku. The two exchanged heated words at the end of the first half and had to be taken away by their respective teammates. Both the players received caution and it was Inter who had the last laugh as Ibrahimovic was sent off in the second half after picking a second yellow following a challenge on Aleksandar Kolarov.

What did Lukaku say to Ibrahimovic?

With the game being played behind closed doors, the exchange of words was quite clearly heard. Here's what happened:

Lukaku and Ibrahimovic are choosing to cuss other out in English so you know it's real... pic.twitter.com/XwNTWUgHOE

�?Carl Anka (@Ankaman616) January 26, 2021

Lukaku clearly incensed as the tension with Ibrahimović continues into half time:

“He wants to talk about mothers? Son of a b****.�?(Credit - @champagne_yv2) pic.twitter.com/z7sm9JLymn

�?Get Italian Football News (@_GIFN) January 26, 2021

In Italy, Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are trading heavyweight handbags, resulting in this from Rom #derbydellamadonnina pic.twitter.com/A4lU1PsYus

�?Sport Social (@TheSportSocial) January 26, 2021

Milan, despite being a man down, were leading until Inter were awarded a penalty with 20 minutes to go. Lukaku stepped on to bring his team on level terms with an absolute belter of a penalty. Eriksen, eventually, got the winner with a wonderfully curved free-kick in the added minutes.

The Anger in Lukaku penalty
Ibrahimovic Red Card Lool.. #InterMilanpic.twitter.com/GjdKCYCkMk

�?The Smiling Nerd �?(@jenzbenzy) January 26, 2021

Nah
Zlatan just called Lukaku a donkey and Lukaku responded with, “let’s go inside and fight you bitch�?

�?⚡️ (@_CFCThiago) January 26, 2021

Lukaku struck that penalty by imagining Ibra’s head as the ball

�?K.C.⚜️ (@KCTellem_) January 26, 2021

Lukaku hit that penalty as though he was finally allowed to kick out at Ibra.

�?Anton Toloui (@SkyAnton) January 26, 2021

This Milan Derby has had a Lukaku vs Ibrahimovic fight, both of them scoring and now the referee is injured

�?TC. (@totalcristiano) January 26, 2021

Tuesday's Royal Rumble Fight

Romelu Lukaku vs Zlatan Ibrahimovic

©WWE

�?Adedoyin (@Its_Adedoyin) January 26, 2021

What I wouldn't give to hear the words being spoken in this heated exchange between Lukaku and Ibrahimovic.

Lukaku seems pretty hurt by whatever Ibra said and just wants to go full UFC on him

�?Henry Nzekwe (@Henry_Kingg) January 26, 2021

Would actually love to see a Lukaku and Ibrahimovic fight. A martial arts bore vs brute strength and fury, big 1990s UFC vibes.

�?Ciaran (@LoyIeToMyCapo) January 26, 2021

Milan manager, Stefano Pioli, said after the game that Ibrahimovic eventually apologised for his action.

"He [Ibrahimovic] apologised like the great champion he is," Pioli said. "He got a bit caught up in the desire to help the team. It wasn't easy to stay in the game a man down. The pressure from Inter was strong."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Miguel Medina

After an exhilarating Matchday 1, the UEFA Champions League returns to action in midweek. Last week’s action saw several star players stand up and being counted for their teams and Matchday 2 is likely to be no different. With that in mind, we look at a few names who can shine in the upcoming matches and help you score big fantasy points.

Player: Kingsley Coman

Team: Bayern Munich

Match: Lokomotiv Moscow vs Bayern Munich

Scorer of the goal that won Bayern Munich the UEFA Champions League final last season, Kingsley Coman has started the ongoing campaign in a rich vein of form. The pacey French winger has stepped up in the absence of Bayern’s sidelined wide man Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry and will be keen to hold on to his spot in the first team with more solid performances. He scored twice as well as assisted once in the Bavarians�?win in their opening Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid last week and will pose a threat going forward in Russia in midweek.   

Player: Romelu Lukaku

Team: Inter Milan

Match: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Inter Milan

The Belgian forward bagged a brace in Inter Milan’s first Champions League outing of the campaign and will be one of their main threats against Shakhtar Donetsk. A pacey and powerful forward who is the focal point of Inter’s attack, Romelu Lukaku has been in splendid form since his move to Italy last year. He scored 34 goals and provided six assists for I Nerazzurri last campaign and has seven goals in six games at the start of this season. One of the first names on the team sheet, Antonio Conte and Inter fans will be expecting him to be on target against Shakhtar.    

Player: Kylian Mbappe

Team: Paris Saint-Germain

Match: Istanbul Basaksehir vs Paris Saint-Germain

The French World Cup winner has enjoyed a good start to the season domestically but had a quiet opening Champions League match against Manchester United. He’s scored six times as well as provided four assists in five Ligue 1 games and will be keen to open his account in Europe. Although he had his chances on Matchday 1, a combination of good saves and robust defending kept him at bay. However, it’s safe to say that he will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet in Turkey and will go into the contest having netted a brace over the weekend.

Player: Ciro Immobile

Team: Lazio

Match: Club Brugge vs Lazio

Ciro Immobile was on target during Lazio’s win over Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 1 and will be the Italian outfit’s biggest threat against Club Brugge. Last season’s European Golden Shoe winner with 39 goals, Immobile scored for Lazio in their win over the weekend as well and must be marked closely if the Belgian club are to keep him quiet. He’s scored three times this season and will be eager to add to his tally, having enjoyed his last outing in the competition by both scoring and setting up a goal.

Player: Bruno Fernandes

Team: Manchester United

Match: Manchester United vs RB Leipzig

Bruno Fernandes has become Manchester United’s talisman since his move to Old Trafford in January, with most of the team’s attacking play going through the Portuguese playmaker. Only Kevin De Bruyne has more goal involvements among midfielders than Fernandes since the Portuguese international’s move to England and he will be keen to add to those numbers against RB Leipzig. He’s scored four times �?including once from the spot in United’s Champions League opener �?besides also providing three assists and will most likely be involved in the thick of the action against Leipzig.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Miguel Medina

Brazil great Romario once said, �?/span>Strikers are egotists, selfish. We have to be.�?This particular utterance may sound bumptious to many, yet the fact remains that these men are solely judged on the statistics they deliver.

European football, this season, was profoundly impacted by the momentous consequences of the global pandemic but it managed to deliver what was promised. For once, the world witnessed someone other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo topping the goal-scoring chart, with Lazio’s Ciro Immobile pipping the duo by bagging 36 league goals.

In that context, a certain Robert Lewandowski was at his lethal best for the record Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. We have had as many as 11 players who crossed the 20-goal mark across the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and the German Bundesliga. So, to put things in perspective, and figure out who has been at the deadliest from the lot, we compare all these men across several facets like conversion rate and average shots per game to name a few to obtain a crystallised picture in front of us.

Note: Only the players to score 20 or more league goals are taken into account.

Only league appearances are considered, not the European figures.

Players from the French Ligue 1 have been excluded, given that the league ended prematurely.

Conversion rate

This particular attribute distinguishes how deadly a striker can be with his attempts. It is often said that the best strikers are those who can capitalise on the situations when expectations are least. 

Speaking in that context, a certain Jamie Vardy of Leicester City tops the chart with a conversion rate of 30.26. Having notched 23 goals and five assists in the 2019/20 Premier League season, the England forward attempted a total of 70 shots, with 43 of them being on target.

Up next comes a surprising entrant; Sassuolo’s Francesco Caputo who scored 21 and assisted a further seven. The 33-year-old had a mere 58 attempts, least amongst those who have scored at least 12 goals in the Serie A season but was on target on 35 occasions, completing his tenure with a conversion rate of 30.

Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski made heads spin with a return of 34 goals and four assists. In a total of 2762 minutes played in the league, the Polish striker attempted a total of 114 shots (64 on target), maintaining a healthy rate of 25.76. 

Lazio’s Ciro Immobile stole the limelight with an exhilarating tally of 36 goals and nine assists. Having had 71 shots on target from an attempted 119, the Italian marksman finished with a rate of 25.71.

Inter’s Romelu Lukaku had a fantastic season under Antonio Conte, who also tried signing the big Belgian during his time at Chelsea. And now that the pair are working together, the former Manchester United striker finished with a figure of 23 goals and two assists, converting his 75 attempts at a rate of 24.47.

You might be wondering where the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are in the list. Well, rightly so, but brace yourself for an utter disappointment as the duo finishes on the bottom of the table. 

Messi, who had a contribution in 46 league goals (25 goals and 21 assists), found the target on 71 occasions from 115 attempts, while Ronaldo, who bagged 31 goals and five assists, attempted a whopping 142 shots, with 80 being on target. The duo, however, returns a conversion rate of 14.67 (Messi) and 15.58 (Ronaldo).

Player	Goals/assists	Total Shots/On Target	Conversion rate
Jamie Vardy	23/5	71/43	30.26
Francesco Caputo	21/7	58/35	30
Robert Lewandowski	34/4	114/69	25.76
Ciro Immobile	36/9	119/71	25.71
Romelu Lukaku	23/2	75/47	24.47
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang	22/3	70/42	24.44
Danny Ings	22/2	66/38	24.14
Timo Werner	28/8	100/64	23.53
Karim Benzema	21/8	107/60	18.33
Cristiano Ronaldo	31/5	142/80	15.58
Lionel Messi	25/21	115/71	14.67

Meanwhile, those between 20 and 25 are the likes of Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (24.44), Southampton’s Danny Ings (24.14), former RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner (23.53). Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, for his part, carried a conversion rate of 18.33.

Minutes per goal

Robert Lewandowski and Ciro Immobile once again enter the top half of the tally, having had minutes-per-goal ratios of 81 and 88 respectively in their leagues. The duo put together, has scored a whopping 70 goals and 13 assists between them, which is, with all due respect, more than what Watford and Norwich combined to score (62) in the 2019/20 Premier League season. Deleterious with the ball at their feet, the pair averaged 4.5 and 3.8 shots respectively per game. 

While both Messi and Ronaldo have been at the bottom in terms of conversion, their average of shots per game shows why they are considered as two of the best footballers of the current generation. The Portuguese, who found the back of the net every 94 minutes, took 6.3 shots per game in Serie A, most by any player in the list. The Barcelona frontman, on the other hand, comes second with 4.8 with a figure of 115 minutes per goal.

Player	Minutes per goal	Shots per game
Robert Lewandowski	81	4.5
Ciro Immobile	88	3.8
Cristiano Ronaldo	94	6.3
Timo Werner	100	3.6
Lionel Messi	115	4.8
Danny Ings	128	2.4
Romelu Lukaku	130	2.8
Jamie Vardy	132	2.5
Francesco Caputo	140	2
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang	143	2.6
Karim Benzema	150	3.4

As shown in the list, Karim Benzema, who carried Real Madrid on several occasions en route to winning the La Liga title, took 150 minutes to score a goal. A figure that lowly, however, is compensated by 3.4 shots per game.

And perhaps to no one's surprise, Chelsea’s newest acquisition Timo Werner sits fourth with a figure of 100 minutes per goal. His average of 3.6 shots per game, though, is one of the best in the tally. 

Jamie Vardy and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang acquire the bottom spots, which well and truly resonates how fiery the English Premier League can be.

Shots from different areas

Strikers are judged on how efficient they are when not on the ball. Their clever movement of getting into the scoring position is exactly what makes them noxious, and this particular area we are about to scout explore shows how effective these 11 players have been from different parts of the field, like scoring from outside the box, around the penalty area and from the six-yard box.

Starting off with the European golden boot winner, Ciro Immobile, the Lazio striker has bagged a solitary goal from outside the box from 27 attempts. From around the penalty area though, he has attempted a whopping 112 shots (second-best in the list), converting 34 of them, followed by one from the six-yard box.

There are only two players - Karim Benzema and Francesco Caputo - who failed to score a goal from outside of the box. Benzema’s goal against Real Valladolid in August 2019 though came right from the edge of the box, and thus it is quite debatable.

Player	Shots from outside of box/goals	Conversion rate from outside of box	Shots from penalty area/goals	Shots from six-yard box/goals	Conversion rate from inside box	Penalty Goals
Ciro Immobile	27/1	16.67	112/34	3/1	55.56	14
Cristiano Ronaldo	81/2	11.76	115/25	12/4	49.15	11
Romelu Lukaku	15/1	25	73/18	11/4	51.16	6
Francesco Caputo	3/0	0	65/16	5/5	58.33	2
Robert Lewandowski	20/1	20	104/29	14/4	55.93	5
Timo Werner	18/3	20	99/22	6/3	46.55	3
Lionel Messi	84/9	26.92	66/14	9/2	37.5	5
Karim Benzema	25/0	0	86/19	13/2	37.93	5
Jamie Vardy	9/1	50	70/17	10/5	55	4
Danny Ings	15/4	60	61/11	17/7	54.55	1
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang	24/2	25	60/18	9/2	55.26	2

However, the highest amount of goals from outside, as a majority of us can expect, has come from Lionel Messi, who notched nine from a whopping 84 attempts.

Robert Lewandowski, being a poacher, has found the net on 29 occasions from the penalty area in 104 attempts. Meanwhile, the best conversion rate from the six-yard box comes from Caputo, who has put the ball into the net in all of his five attempts.

Versatility

All of these 11 players have shown extreme athleticism, and that is duly illustrated by the fact that how potent they have been even with their weaker foot or even their strong presence in the air. In this distinction, we will look at how many shots each player has taken from their right foot, left foot and with their head, before they found the net.

Considering the ability to score with the weaker foot, Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy has scored nine, while Southampton’s Danny Ings and Sassuolo’s Francesco Caputo have scored eight. The likes of Lionel Messi and Romelu Lukaku are the only left-footed attackers in the list, and the duo has scored two and four goals respectively from their weaker right foot.

As far as headers are concerned, Robert Lewandowski has notched eight goals by rising high, while Timo Werner and Messi are the only forwards who failed to score a headed goal in the 2019/20 league season.

Player	Right foot shots/goals	Left foot shots/goals	Headed attempts/goals
Lewandowski	73/23	24/3	39/8
Werner	92/23	21/5	10/0
Francesco Caputo	35/11	29/8	9/2
Cristiano Ronaldo	126/24	51/5	31/2
Ciro Immobile	95/28	28/6	19/2
Romelu Lukaku	20/4	58/15	20/4
Jamie Vardy	34/11	37/9	18/3
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang	67/16	17/3	9/3
Danny Ings	55/13	21/8	17/1
Karim Benzema	69/14	30/4	24/2
Lionel Messi	12/2	142/23	5/0

And for the second time running, both Ronaldo and Messi have oozed class by having 126 and 142 attempts respectively with their stronger foot. 

Note: Stats taken from whoscored, BBC, transfermarkt, one-versus-one and understat

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ander Gillenea, Sven Hoppe, Marco Bertorello

When it comes to transfers in football, there’s simply one golden rule �?‘It isn’t official till it is official.�?/span>

Last minute highjacks and change of hearts are a commonplace when it comes to transfer. Often we see players and clubs ditching moves that they previously agreed upon owing to a better offer from another club or simply not feeling quite right about the transfer.

Perhaps the most memorable one in recent times was Willian’s failed move to Tottenham Hotspur. The winger was flown in to capital by the North Londoners and was undergoing medical ahead of his move from Anzhi Makhachkala, but Chelsea swooped in late and secured his signature, much to the ire of their cross-town rivals. 

The transfer window is replete with such tales and below, we take a look at some of the more memorable ones from recent times:

Cristiano Ronaldo - From Arsenal to Manchester United

No fanbase can dwell more about ‘what-ifs�?than Arsenal’s. 

Arsene Wenger always had a keen eye for talent, however, Arsenal’s finances or a better offer from a rival club have led the club into missing out some of the finest talents in the game. Perhaps none must hurt more than missing out on signing Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo.

"It's true [close to joining Arsenal in 2003] very close, one step away. Incredible. They're a fantastic club. It didn't happen, but I appreciate what they did for me, especially Arsene Wenger."

- Cristiano Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/qmLlWjx2S9

�?AFTV (@AFTVMedia) September 18, 2019

The five-time Ballon D’Or winner was making headways as a scrawny 18-year-old at Sporting Club De Portugal and Wenger spotted the talent in the kid before anyone else did, and Arsenal agreed a deal with Ronaldo and the club to bring him to North London. But as luck would have it, Manchester United played Sporting in a pre-season friendly where Ronaldo went berserk, skinning the United defence in a brief cameo and giving them a glimpse of his talent.

That is all it took for manager Sir Alex Ferguson to initiate contact with Sporting CP and sign the young winger and the rest, as they say, is history.

Timo Werner �?From Liverpool to Chelsea

Timo Werner’s move to Liverpool was football’s worst kept secret for the longest time. The German striker openly talked about being interested in a move to Merseyside and manager Jurgen Klopp was also keen on bringing in his countryman to bolster an already stacked Liverpool attack.

Liverpool two weeks ago asked time to Leipzig for Timo Werner. The two clubs are not in official talks yet - but #LFC are still Werner’s priority. He spoke with Klopp many times and he will wait Liverpool. He’d consider other bids only if Liverpool will decide to give up #LFC

�?Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2020

Liverpool kept negotiating with RB Leipzig in an effort to pay a lower transfer fee than his 60 million euros release clause, however, the German club stood firm on their valuation of their star. With talks at an impasse, Chelsea swooped in and agreed to pay Werner’s clause, leaving it on the German to decide his future. Liverpool failed to convince the striker that they would be able to negotiate a deal for him and thus, the 24-year-old decided to move to London and join Chelsea. 

Romelu Lukaku �?From Chelsea to Manchester United

After a public spat with striker Diego Costa, then-Chelsea coach Antonio Conte exiled the Spanish star from the team and zeroed in on Everton striker Romelu Lukaku to lead his attack in the 2017-18 campaign. Chelsea, who had sold Lukaku to Everton in 2014, were negotiating with the Merseyside team for weeks to re-sign the Belgian star but were put off by their 100m valuation of the striker.

Manchester United, who were deep in negotiations with Real Madrid for the transfer of Alvaro Morata, surprised everyone by striking a deal with Everton for Lukaku. United not only met Everton’s valuation but also sweetened the deal by allowing the club’s record goal-scorer Wayne Rooney join his boyhood club on a free transfer.

Chelsea, who missed out on their primary target, were forced to sign Morata, who left the club just 18 months later, while Lukaku, who had a good debut season with United, left in the summer of 2019 to join Inter Milan, where he would finally play under manager Antonio Conte.

Aaron Ramsey �?Manchester United to Arsenal

In June 2008, Manchester United, the reigning European champions, released a statement on their website saying they had struck a deal to sign Cardiff City’s teenage sensation Aaron Ramsey, subject to the player passing a medical.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to contract terms being agreed and the player passing a medical,�?read the statement

United were under the impression that they had unearthed a long-term replacement for the legendary Paul Scholes at the heart of their midfield. However, little did they know that Arsenal too had an agreement with Cardiff to sign Ramsey and it was up to the player to decide whether he wanted to move to London or Manchester. The Welsh midfielder, surprisingly, opted for Arsenal and spent 11 years at the club before leaving at the end of last season to join Italian giants Juventus on a free. 

John Obi Mikel �?Manchester United to Chelsea

Perhaps the most bizarre transfer saga in Premier League history, Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel signed for Manchester United from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, but later disappeared from training only to be found in London.

Mikel, who was earlier spotted sporting a Manchester United jersey, claimed that he was pressured into the signing for the English giants by Lyn Oslo and wasn’t allowed to gauge his option. United, miffed by the unprecedented circumstances, sold the player to Chelsea just a few days later, ending this strange saga. Mikel spent 11 years at Chelsea and won all major titles with the Blues. 

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ben Stansall

Romelu Lukaku scored in either half as Inter Milan claimed a 3-0 win against struggling Genoa to move second in Serie A behind Juventus who can win a a ninth title in a row on Sunday.

Antonio Conte's title ambitions took a knock with back-to-back stalemates against Roma and Fiorentina.

But Inter pulled back ahead of Atalanta, and within four points of leaders Juventus, who are poised to claim a 36th 'Scudetto' when they play Sampdoria in Turin.

"The problem is how you see the glass, whether half full or half empty," said Conte of second position. 

"There are vintages where you sow little and you reap a lot and others in which you sow a lot and reap little, like this one.

"But there are numbers that speak clearly, that comfort. I think these lads are doing very good things. Of course, we can and must improve.

"We won't win the league but we have to be hungry to finish as high as possible." 

Lukaku nodded in Cristiano Biraghi's cross after 34 minutes in the northwestern port city, with the former Manchester United forward accelerating to finish off an individual effort three minutes into injury time.

The 27-year-old Belgian brought his tally to 23 league goals this season, and 29 in all competitions.

Alexis Sanchez, on-loan from United, was also on target with eight minutes to go, picking up a Victor Moses cross to volley in for his fourth league goal this season.

Atalanta were held 1-1 at AC Milan on Friday, with the Bergamo side due to meet Inter Milan in the final game of the season next week.

"On a personal level, I'm happy, but as a team we can do so much more," said Lukaku, who moved third behind Hungarian Istvan Nyers (26) and Brazilian Ronaldo (25) for the mosts league goals scored by an Inter player in their debut season.

"It's not easy for us to be in second place, because we want to win and go as high as possible.

"Now we want to do well in these final rounds and then the Europa League."

- Four Sassuolo goals offside -

Genoa are four points above the relegation zone with two games left this season.

In Naples, Napoli beat Sassuolo 2-0 with the visitors having four goals ruled offside -- two in either half.

Three were chalked off by VAR.

Albanian defender Elseid Hysaj opened the scoring for Napoli after eight minutes in the San Paolo Stadium.

Filip Djuricic then had two goals ruled out as did Francesco Caputo and Domenico Berardi following VAR viewings before Brazilian Allan sealed the points for the hosts three minutes into injury time.

Seventh-placed Napoli -- already through to the Europa League as a result of their Italian Cup victory -- extend their lead on pursuing Sassuolo, in eighth, to 11 points.

Mid-table Parma saw off relegated Brescia 2-1 in a win inspired by on-loan Juventus midfielder Dejan Kulusevski.

The 20-year-old Swede set up Matteo Darmian for the opener just before the hour mark before Daniele Dessena pulled the hosts level three minutes later.

A spectacular solo effort from Kulusevski sealed back-to-back wins for Parma who had struggled after the lockdown.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Filippo Monteforte