Mbappe could win Ballon d’Or, but this is no golden generation for France – Matthaus

World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus does not believe that a French era of dominance is near despite Les Bleus lifting a second world crown on Sunday.

France beat Croatia 4-2 in Moscow to add 2018 success to their 1998 triumph, while banishing the memories of defeat to Portugal in the European Championship final two years ago.

Nineteen-year-old Kylian Mbappe was named the tournament’s best young player, while 15 of the 23-man squad are 25 and younger giving France the second youngest squad in the tournament.

Many have suggested France can dominate world football in years to come but, writing in Bild , Matthaus disagreed.

He wrote: ”I do not believe that the French will establish an era.

”The team did not adopt any style or convince with fascinating football.

“They did not push their opponents to the edge.”

Matthaus’ criticism is nothing new for Didier Deschamps’ side, who were criticised by some for a perceived lack of adventure.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibault Courtois accused them of playing “anti-football” during the semi-final, while Croatia’s Dejan Lovren said they “did not play football” in Sunday’s showpiece.

There is, however, a general consensus that Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe is a superstar of the future.

Matthaus is prepared to agree with that, with a man who helped Germany to World Cup glory in 1990 of the opinion that the teenager could be challenging for Ballon d’Or honours later in the year.

He said: “He plays with a tremendous ease, but is also down to earth. Mbappe plays seriously, he does not play for show.

 “He now as a world title and is certainly a hot tip for the World Player of the Year award for 2018.”

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Cameroon striker and Benin defender on trial at TP Mazembe

Congolese giants TP Mazembe are assessing Cameroonian striker Landry Ntakeu and Benin international defender Apollinaire Danvide Ogouloye.

Former Cameroon youth international Ntakeu arrives on trial from Angolan side Recreativo de Caala and has also had a stint in Algeria before.

Ogouloye is in the books of Ivorian outfit Sewe Sport and is part of the Benin national team.

Following the departure of Salif Coulibaly to Egyptian giants Al-Ahly last week, 25-year-old Ogouloye is being auditioned with the possibility of being a direct replacement for the Mali defender.

“By bringing the 24-year-old forward (Ntakeu), TP Mazembe relies on his technical skills in front of the goal and his speed to give new life to Ravens offensive line,” said TP Mazembe in a statement.

“Apollinaire Danvide Ogouloye central defender is 25 years-old, 1.85m and 78 Kg, is of Benin nationality. He comes from Sewe Sport of San Pedro in Ivory Coast. He is a former player of the AS Douanes de Niamey (Niger), with which he has often distinguished himself in the Champions League.

“The big family of Ravens welcomes them and wish them a very good trial period.”

The two arrive at TP Mazembe as the club is reeling from being dethroned as DRC champions by old foes AS Vita.

On Tuesday the Congolese will play Algerian giants MC Alger in a Caf Champions League Group B in which they so far enjoy a 100 percent winning record.

They prepared for MC Alger with a friendly match against South African giants Orlando Pirates last week in Zambia.

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Latest Transfer Odds: Hazard set to swap Chelsea for Real Madrid

Real Madrid look set to land Eden Hazard after completing the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus according to the bookmakers.

The Portugal star moved to the Serie A champions for €100m (£88m) and the European champions could turn to Chelsea to find his replacement.

SportPesa offer just 1/4 (1.25) that Hazard swaps London for Madrid after spending six years at the Blues and winning two Premier League titles.

Eden Hazard Belgium England World Cup 14072018

The 27-year-old has been a target of Los Blancos before but with Ronaldo leaving for pastures new, his move to the Spanish capital looks more likely than ever.

“After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different,” said the forward after Belgium’s win over England in the World Cup third place play-off.

However, nothing in football is certain and SportPesa price Hazard staying at Chelsea at 2/1 (3.0) ahead of the new season and playing under his seventh permanent manager there.

Maurizio Sarri was recently confirmed as the new Blues boss and that could play a part in whether the Belgium superstar stays in the English capital.

Club after Summer Transfer Window (1st Sept 18) Price
Real Madrid 1/4 (1.25)
To stay at Chelsea 2/1 (3.0)
Paris Saint-Germain 17/2 (9.50)
Barcelona 14/1 (15.0)
Manchester City 22/1 (23.0)

Similarly, Real Madrid are also under new management in Julen Lopetegui, who infamously agreed to join Los Blancos just days before the World Cup started and was fired by Spain on the eve of their first match.

Real’s reported pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar could also have an impact and SportPesa offer 17/2 (9.50) that Hazard moves to PSG this summer.

The online bookmaker also goes 14/1 (15.0) that Barcelona swoop for Hazard, with Manchester City out at 22/1 (23.0) and cross-city rivals United at 25/1 (26.0).

SportPesa footer

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African All Stars Transfer News & Rumours: Nordin Amrabat to join Saudi club Al Nassr


Amrabat to join Saudi club Al Nassr


Morocco star Nordin Amrabat is set to pen a three-year deal with Saudi club Al Nassr from Watford, KingFut reports.

Following his decent performances at the just concluded World Cup in Russia, the winger has earned himself a deal worth $10 million [£7.5 million] and will continue his career in the Middle East with the Saudi Professional League outfit.

The former Galatasaray and Malaga player spent last season on loan at Leganes and helped them maintain their top-flight status with a 17th place finish.


Fenerbahce reach agreement with Bolasie


Everton winger Yannick Bolasie has agreed terms with Fenerbahce as he closes in on a loan move to the Turkish Super Lig, Fanatik claims.

The DR Congo international is expected to join the Istanbul outfit in a matter of days following Marco Silva’s approval for the winger’s temporary departure.


Bissouma close to Brighton switch


Brighton and Hove Albion are close to completing an £18 million swoop for Lille midfielder Yves Bissouma, according to  Record .

The Seagulls are set to beat Porto to the signature of the versatile 21-year-old who had a fine campaign in the French Ligue 1 last season.

The Mali international could be the second African player to join Chris Hughton’s side this summer after Nigeria’s Leon Balogun.


Trabzonspor keen on Didier Ndong


Trabzonspor have intensified their chase for Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong by submitting an undisclosed offer for the midfielder, according to Taka .

Ndong has attracted interests from Cardiff City and Serie A clubs including Fiorentina and Atalanta after seeing a £6.6million move to Italian side Torino fizzle out this summer.

The Gabon international is one of the top earners at the Stadium of Light that the club want to get off their books as they prepare for life in the third tier of the English league.


Napoli demand £80 million-plus for Koulibaly


Napoli have placed an £80 million price tag on Kalidou Koulibaly to fend off interest from Chelsea, Mirror reports.

The centre-back has been a long term target for the Blues but the Partenopei are reluctant to see one of their key players follow former manager Maurizio Sarri and Jorginho to the Stamford Bridge.


Olympiacos terminate Emenike’s contract


Greek giants Olympiacos have released Nigeria international Emmanuel Emenike after struggling regain top form, according to Gunes .

The 31-year-old is now a free agent this summer despite having a year remaining in his contract with the Legends.

Emenike joined Olympiacos from Fenerbahce in July 2017 and was sent out to Las Palmas on loan where he didn’t play a single game in the second part of last season.


Gael Kakuta returns to Rayo Vallecano


Rayo Vallecano have reunited with Gael Kakuta after the DR Congo international signed a four-year deal. 

The former Chelsea forward joins the La Liga club from Hebei China Fortune after spending last season on loan at Amiens. 

Check out the full story on Goal! 


Leicester City to offer Ndidi improved contract 


Leicester City are set to have talks with Wilfred Ndidi over an improved deal as a reward for his impressive displays in the past campaign, DailyMail claims.

The Nigeria international who was the best tackler in the English Premier League last season , currently earns £35,000 per week at the King Power Stadium.


Napoli in advanced talks with Sabaly


Napoli held a positive meeting with Youssouf Sabaly’s agents over a possible move, according to Sky Italia .

The Serie A side want to agree terms with the Senegal international before coming to the table with Bordeaux who have requested around €12 million for the right-back.


Wilfried Bony wants Championship fight with Swansea 


Wilfried Bony is keen on staying with Swansea City next season and help them return to the English Premier League despite reported interests from Besiktas, according to BBC .

The Ivorian managed just two goals in 15 appearances before a torn ACL ruled him out for the rest of last season.

Bony is eager to repay the club’s faith but the Swans need to drop their top earners in order to balance their books and adapt to the Championship.


Sako turns down new Crystal Palace offer


Mali international Bakary Sako has rejected a new contract offered by Crystal Palace, Roy Hodgson has confirmed.

The 30-year-old is out of contract this summer and might bring an end to his three-year stay at the Selhurst Park.

Sako’s former club Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing him on a free transfer as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury he picked up in January.

More to follow on Goal !


Bournemouth, Hull City after Kasimpasa’s Diagne


English clubs including Bournemouth, Hull City and Reading are locked in talks for Kasimpasa attacker Mbaye Diagne, Turkish Football claims.

The Senegal international could be set to leave the Turkish Super Lig club less than seven months after joining them from Tianjin Teda in January.

Diagne scored 12 goals in 17 league games in the second half of the 2017-18 campaign – a run that attracted interests from England.


Ayew, Bolasie close to joining Fenerbahce


Swansea City forward and Ghana international Andre Ayew is close to joining Fenerbahce on a season-long loan, according to Ghanasoccernet .

Ayew who returned to the Liberty Stadium from West Ham in January, is keen on top-flight football after the Swans were demoted to the Championship last season.

Meanwhile Fanatik reports that the Turkish Super Lig side representatives are in England to convince Everton winger Yannick Bolasie over a loan move this summer.

The DR Congo international has struggled for form at the Goodison Park due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for over a year.


Stoke want Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo in Shaqiri deal


Stoke City want Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo as part of the deal to take Xherdan Shaqiri to Anfield, according to The Sun .

The Potters are in talks with last season’s Champions League finalist to take the Anglo-Nigerian on loan as Shaqiri edges closer to a £13.5million move to the Merseyside club.

Ojo was on loan at Fulham last season and played a key part in ensuring the Cottagers return to the English top-flight next season.


Brighton in talks for Yves Bissouma swoop


Brighton and Hove Albion are in talks with French Ligue 1 club Lille over a summer swoop for midfielder Yves Bissouma,  according to DailyMail .

The Mali international is priced at £17.7 million and still has three years left in his contract with the Stade Pierre-Mauroy outfit.

Bissouma who moved to the French top-flight from Real Bamako in 2016, has attracted interests from Everton, Schalke 04, Tottenham Hotspur and Monaco.


Badou Ndiaye set for Galatasaray return


Senegal international Badou Ndiaye is for a return to Galatasaray this summer – after spending less than seven months in the English Premier League, Milliyet claims.

Following Stoke City relegation to the Championship, the 27-year-old is pushing for a move to the Turkish Super Lig and he is ready for a €750,000 pay cut from his current earning of €2.75 million per-year at the bet365 Stadium.


Chelsea agree to end Koulibaly hunt


Chelsea will no longer chase Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly after reaching an agreement with Napoli to sign just Maurizio Sarri and Jorginho, according to Napoli CalcioLive .

Jorginho is expected to join Sarri at the Stamford Bridge when he succeeds Antonio Conte but the Italian club will still have Jose Callejon, Elseid Hysaj and the centre-back in Naples.

Koulibaly has been strongly linked with the Blues this summer following his fine defensive displays last season.


Nabil Maaloul leaves Tunisia for Qatari club


Nabil Maaloul has joined Qatar Stars League champions Al Duhail after leaving his position as Tunisia coach.

The 55-year-old guided the north African country to the World Cup in Russia as his side managed a win and two defeats before their group stage exit.

Check the full story on Goal! 


Lyon turn to Ziyech as Fekir’s replacement


With Nabil Fekir set for new Liverpool talks after the 2018 Fifa World Cup, Lyon have opened negotiations with Ajax for Hakim Ziyech’s permanent switch, Mirror reports.

The Ligue 1 club are ready to beat Roma and Liverpool to the signing of the 25-year-old who is yet to confirm a new home after disclosing his intention of leaving Holland.

Last month, Ajax boss Erik ten Hag revealed that the Morocco international has a deal in place elsewhere .


Wahbi Khazri close to joining Saint-Etienne


Tunisia international Wahbi Khazri is finalising his permanent move from Sunderland to French top-flight club Saint-Etienne, Fox Sports claims.

The 27-year-old is set to ink a four-year deal with Les Verts that will see him earn an annual salary of €4 million [ £3.5 million].

Khazri was on loan at Rennes last campaign where he returned nine goals in 24 matches across all competitions.


Genoa approach Christian Kouame


Genoa have offered Serie B side Cittadella €4 million [£3.5 million] for the signing of Ivorian forward Christian Kouame, according to Football365 .

The 20-year-old could be heading to the Italian top-flight this summer after an impressive form of 12 goals and 11 assists in 43 league appearances last term.

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