Man Utd convinced Real Madrid do not have the money to sign Pogba (Mail)

Paul Pogba has put a dampener on Manchester United's uplifting win over Chelsea by 

claiming that a question mark still hangs over his future at Old Trafford.

Pogba set up the third and fourth goals in a 4-0 victory that got United's season off to a

flying start on Sunday.


But the Frenchman has clearly not given up hope of a move to Real Madrid before the 

transfer window closes in Spain on September 2 after he and his agent Mino Raiola 

indicated earlier this summer that he wants to leave United.

According to Mail Sport, Man United's coaching staff are said to be surprised that Pogba is still at the club even though executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been unflinching in his refusal to consider selling the club's £89million record signing.

Woodward blocked Pogba's move to Barcelona a year ago and has been equally determined to withstand any attempts by Madrid to sign him this summer.

United dismissed a bid from Real of £27.6m plus James Rodriguez last week which only reinforced the view that the Spaniards do not have enough money to finance a move for Pogba in this transfer window.

It's understood United would have considered offers of around £170m before the Premier League transfer deadline last week, but it seems unthinkable they would sell Pogba now when there is no chance of signing a replacement.

It follows another summer of uncertainty in which the 26-year-old told team-mates he wasn't going to turn up for United's pre-season tour but then reported for duty on time.

It seems the midfielder will have to wait until next summer to try again for the move he wants when there will only be a year left on his contract. United have an option to extend it by a further 12 months, but they will be in a weaker bargaining position than now.

Algeria have won the Africa cup of Nations for the second time.

Algeria won the African Cup of Nations for the second time in their history.

FT: Algeria 1-- 0 Senegal(Algeria goal was scored by Baghdad Bounedjah 

22:24

ALGERIA EDGE TO AFCON GLORY

A second-minute goal from Baghdad goal for Algeria seal them to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

SENEGAL 0-1 ALGERIA

West Ham eye Diego Costa transfer with Everton and Wolves also keen

West Ham are exploring a move for Diego Costa.
The Irons are examining all options after losing out to Valencia in the race to sign Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez, with manager Manuel Pellegrini wanting quality to replace frontmen Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez after their departures this summer.

Bad-boy Costa, 30, is on the way out of Atletico Madrid this summer following the breakdown of his relationship with the club he went ON STRIKE in 2017 to rejoin after three stormy seasons with Chelsea.

Everton and Wolves have also been mooted as possible Premier League destinations for him, but none of the three clubs has yet made a firm bid for the Brazil-born Spain international.

West Ham also have Gonzalo Higuain, another former Chelsea striker, in their sights as well as Eintracht Frankfurt marksman Sebastian Haller.

Argentina international Higuain is available following the Blues' decision to send him back to Juventus at the end of a loan spell that began in January and saw a return of only five goals in 18 appearances.

The Hammers would look to take Higuain on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy, and Juve want any such deal to include an obligation to buy the now 31-year-old.

Koscielny is reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with Rennes

According to Yahoo Sports journalist Manu Lonjon, Arsenal captain Koscielny is reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with Ligue 1 side Rennes.
The Gunners are due to ramp up preparations for the new campaign with a friendly against Colorado Rapids in Denver and three International Champions Cup encounters but will do so without their captain.
Koscielny's refusal to join his team-mates in making the trip comes amid intense speculation surrounding his future.
He is reported to be unhappy at Arsenal and has a big offer from France according to Mail.

'I'm just a goalkeeper' - Alisson plays down Ballon d'Or talk

Alisson Becker doesn't believe he's worthy of

being a contender for the Ballon d'Or this year,

despite a phenomenal season for Liverpool

which has carried into the Copa America with

Brazil.

In the award's history, only one goalkeeper 

has been on the receiving end of it, with 

that being the legendary Lev Yashin in 1963.

"I just limit myself to doing my job," he

modestly said when asked if he could win the 

Ballon d'Or this year after helping Brazil reach 

the Copa America final.

"There are a lot of top players aspiring for that

prize.

"I'm just a goalkeeper."

To reach the final, Alisson and Brazil had to

see off Argentina and Lionel Messi.

.

"Stopping his [Messi's] shots is a combination

of preparation and intuition," he said.

'Manchester gets bluer' - Rodri hails City for usurping Utd in English football

Rodri revealed Manchester City have changed 
the landscape of English football as the club's record signing outlined the reasons for 
teaming up with Pep Guardiola.

The £62.8million central midfielder believes the Premier League champions have permanently usurped Manchester United as the region's top side while making his arrival from Atletico Madrid.

'In the last five or six years has changed story of the football here,' Rodri said.

'Not only Manchester but the whole of England. Manchester is becoming bluer.
'I've been following this team for four or five years now. Not just because of the good players but because of the way they play. I don't watch too much football but I've been watching City.

'There wasn't another option. This was the place I wanted to be. Once I knew the club was interested in me there was no doubt. It was very clear for me to decide to come here.

'Since Pep's arrived it has been a radical change in the way they've played and they are one of the most feared in Europe. It's not just pretty football. City are in the top two or three teams in the world. They even make good teams change their style.'

Rodri has been talked up as Spain's natural successor to Busquets and added: 'Sergio has been the greatest defensive midfielder of the last 10 years.

'I watched him when I was little. I'm close (in style) to him but have other skills. I've learned about him, learn from Fernandinho - these guys in my position - and we are similar. Sergio told me about Pep, that he likes improving you. He doesn't stop.

'I'm going to grow under Pep. I'm not coming here because the manager's Spanish. I think he's the greatest coach in the world.'

Rodri will start pre-season training with City on Monday and was taken on a tour of the club's campus on Thursday.

'The city is tiny - it's good for me,' he said. 'I've never lived in big cities. I don't want massive cities. I'm joining a great league that will make me grow in many aspects.'

Chukwueze: Mikel is my role model

The Villarreal youngster admits he looks up to the Super Eagles captain and counts his current team-mate as one of his idols

Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze has revealed why he regards Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel as a "role model".

The highly-rated forward enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2019, as he sealed his place in Villarreal’s first team and also made the country's Africa Cup of Nations squad.

The 20-year-old, who has been compared to Arjen Robben due to his dribbling skills, made his Afcon debut against Burundi before making a cameo appearance against Guinea after replacing Alex Iwobi.He could not be in better company, though, with the youngster admitting that he considers former Chelsea star Mikel to be ideal role model.

“All the players have been good to me but the one who stands out is [John Obi] Mikel,” Chuwkwueze told Goal.

“He always tells me to always be focused and concentrate on my game because I’m still growing up. To him, hard work is the easiest way to greatness.”

If Chukwueze gets close to achieving what Mikel has done in his career then he will undoubtedly have fulfilled the potential he is showing at present.

However, the less-pressured lad is still savouring his achievement of making his Afcon bow, while revealing his Egypt ambition with the three-time Africa champions.

“Playing in the Africa Cup of Nations is huge for me and a dream come true. I’ve been hoping to play in this competition as a kid and I’m so happy it’s coming at this time,” he continued.

“The technical crew has been kind to me too. They keep encouraging me to do more and better because they believe in my ability.

“There is no pressure at all because I play week in week out for my club before a huge crowd, so playing among the big boys is what I am used to.

“We have everything to win the trophy and with luck on our side, we will achieve that with everyone playing his own part.”

Gernot Rohr’s men are through to the Round of 16 with a game to spare. They face Madagascar in their last Group B encounter with the Super Eagles chasing their 47th win in the history of the competition.