PL news : Pellegrino avoids Van Dijk talk

Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino refused to discuss the future of Virgil van Dijk ahead of Saturday's trip to Huddersfield.


Saints have been keen to stress new signing Wesley Hoedt could play at the back alongside his fellow Dutchman, but Pellegrino would not be drawn on the subject.
"I don't have this information and I don't want to give any opinion about that," he said when asked about a possible deal with Chelsea for Van Dijk.
"It is a situation where nothing has changed. I have nothing to say."

But Pellegrino was far more forthcoming when asked about Hoedt, who joined Southampton from Lazio on a five-year deal on Tuesday in a deal that could rise to £17m.
"Wesley is a young international player who can help us to be stronger in defence," he added.
"He is left footed and the kind of player we don't have. Hopefully he will settle as quickly as possible into the team to be available but we will decide tomorrow [Friday] to see if we can include him in the squad."

Saints picked up four points from their opening two Premier League matches - a goalless draw at home to Swansea followed by a 3-2 victory against West Ham at St Mary's - but were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Wolves on Wednesday night.
Pellegrino insists the cup exit may benefit his side in the long run but feels the game with Huddersfield, who have made a bright start to their first spell in the top-flight since 1972, will offer an indication of the progress they are making.

"I think we will continue in the same way we have played the first two Premier League games," he said.
"We have to use this game as a reference because I think we deserved to win those two games.
"We had good performances but we have to keep going and use those two games and try to learn from yesterday.
"At the top level today, when you are not focused for five minutes, 10 minutes, it is really difficult to win games. This is the conclusion from yesterday."

Van Dijk looked set for a move to Liverpool earlier in the transfer window, before the Reds stepped back from the deal, with more recent speculation linking him with Chelsea. - Sky Sport

Video : Woman caught on CCTV storing supermarket items in pants, bra

A viral video have shown a ‘plus-sized’ woman allegedly looting expensive products from a supermarket.

The shoplifter was caught storing the goods in her pants and bra.

It looks like the store keepers only noticed after the looter had left the place.

The woman stole a number of bottles and other items freely without the faintest idea that her activities were being recorded.
Caught on a Closed Circuit Televisions,,CCTV, the woman loaded her handbag with what seems like hot drinks and left without being caught.

The video of her theft was later released on social media to expose her to security operatives and the public. - Daily Post

OMG !!! My husband cannot afford my underwear – Divorce seeking housewife tells court

A housewife, Amina Suleiman, has urged an Ilorin Area Court to dissolve her seven year old marriage because her husband cannot afford her underwears.

Testifying before the court, Sulaiman also said her husband, Ibrahim Babaoja has refused to take proper care of her and their family.

According to Sulaiman, she had been shouldering the responsibility of taking care of the family and it has become unbearable for her.
She said, “Our marriage is blessed with two children, but to eat in the house is a problem.
“He will not pay the children’s school fees; he cannot even afford to give me money for my underwear.
“There is always chaos in the house and I can no longer bear it or tolerate his attitude and lack of care.
“I pray the court to put an end to this marriage.”
Babaoja, was, however, not present in court to defend the allegations against him.
After listening to her testimony, the presiding judge, Mr Abdul Quadri, said Babaoja had earlier sent a letter, consenting to the dissolution of the marriage.
Thereafter, the judge ordered the dissolution of the marriage on the ground that both parties had agreed to it. - Daily Post

Shocking !!! Church deacon lures 11-year-old girl to his house, teaches her sex positions

A 68-year-old Zimbabwean church deacon, Bhakulu Joseph Dube, has been arraigned before a Western Commonage Magistrates’ Court for luring an 11-year-old girl to his house and teaching her sex positions.

He was arraigned for indecent assault.

According to The Standard, his plea was not taken, but was granted bail of $50.
The police prosecuting, Kenneth Shava told the court that Dube allegedly lured the girl to his house by promising to buy her a soft drink.
“On July 9 at around 2PM after a church service, the accused accompanied the complainant to her house as she was not feeling well.
“On their way, they passed by the accused’s house, where the accused wanted to give the complainant $2 to buy a soft drink.

“The complainant remained outside as the accused went to get the money. The accused dragged her into the house then grabbed her tightly and tried to kiss her. The accused escaped and ran home.”
The girl had earlier told the police that Dube opened her jacket, looked at her breasts and told her not to allow anyone to touch them as he would fondle them when she is done with school.
She told the police, “He gave me a banana and $2, saying I should visit him so that he will teach me skills of engaging in sex and different sex positions so that it will be easier for me to engage in sex when I am married.”

Mr Stephen Ndhlovu adjourned the matter till August 30 for further hearing. - Daily Post

CL : Spurs drawn against Real Madrid, Dortmund and APOEL

Tottenham have been drawn against Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and APOEL in Group H of the Champions League.

Here is how the group looks:
1. Real Madrid
2. Borussia Dortmund
3. Tottenham
4. APOEL

After last year’s exit at the group stage, Spurs will be keen to have a good run at the competition this year but it will be tough. - Read Sport

Man City reportedly keen on move for Espanyol defender Martin

Manchester City are reportedly pondering a big-money move for Espanyol defender Aaron Martin.

According to a report from Spanish news outlet Sport, as cited by the Daily Mail today, Pep Guardiola is still keen to bolster his defensive reinforcements and has identified Martin as a potential fit for his City side.
The 20-year-old is reportedly valued at a whopping £36 million by his Espanyol side, with City having already made a £16m move for the youngster.

Martin is a left-back by trade, and demonstrated his potential in Espanyol’s senior team in La Liga last season, catching the eye of several clubs across the continent.
City have already strengthened their full-back options this summer, splashing copious amounts of money on Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo.

However, they do have just one senior left-back on the books, and Martin would undoubtedly provide a good cover option. - Read Sport

PL news : Zlatan signs new United deal

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has re-signed for Manchester United on a one-year contract.

The Sweden superstar is still recovering from a serious knee injury, which cut short a superb debut season at Old Trafford in April after 28 goals in 46 games.

The 35-year-old has posted regular, positive bulletins on his progress, and United have seen enough to sign him up until the end of the season.
"I am back to finish what I started. It was always mine and the club's intention for me to stay," Ibrahimovic said.
"I cannot wait to get back out on that Old Trafford pitch, but I also know that I have to take my time to make sure that I am ready. I have been working hard and will continue to do so to make sure I am in the best possible condition for my return to the pitch."

The former PSG, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus striker will wear the No 10 shirt, formerly in Wayne Rooney's possession, after new £90m signing Romelu Lukaku took the No 9 jersey in pre-season.
But Ibrahimovic told ESPN FC: "Lukaku called me and said "bro can I get the No 9 shirt?". I said "I'm not on that level that I will make it difficult for you, I just want you to feel happy and feel welcome.

"So I give you the No 9. But I will take the No 10". That's the way we do it. So I never left, I just upgraded my number.
"Signing Lukaku makes us even stronger because he has different qualities from me as a striker and from Rashford as a striker. He is a powerful guy and he brings extra qualities in a game."
Jose Mourinho said: "We are delighted Zlatan is on the road to recovery and we are equally delighted to have his ambition and experience back with us.

"After his contribution last season, he deserves our trust and we will be patient waiting for him to return. I have no doubt that he will be important in the second part of the season." - Sky Sports

Transfer news : Arsenal meet with Van Dijk's representatives

Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their efforts to land a central defender this summer.

It’s claimed by Fox Sport UK producer James Dodd that the Gunners have held discussions with Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk’s representatives over a potential summer transfer.

The Saints have been adamant in their stance that Van Dijk is not for sale this summer, but with the central defender having handed in a transfer request and refused to play, a move could yet be a possibility.


Van Dijk has been out of action since January, but is now fully recovered from an ankle injury and is keen to play at the highest level.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have all held an interest in the Netherlands international, but it’s thought that only an astronomical offer would convince Saints to sell. - Read Sport

Latest :Premier League clubs break transfer spending record

Premier League spending in the current transfer window is already at an all-time record level, with a week remaining.

Figures released by Deloitte’s Sports Business Group showed top-flight clubs had spent £1.17billion on players this summer by 9am on Thursday, breaking the record of £1.165m set last year.

That was already a 34 per cent rise on the previous record for a single window – and with time remaining this time around the numbers could rise to even more breathtaking levels.
Deloitte consultant Chris Stenson believes the unprecedented spending is in line with reasonable expectations, given the riches available to Premier League clubs from the record broadcast deals which took effect last season.
He said: “The level of transfer expenditure in this summer’s window has been extraordinary but when analysed in the context of record broadcast, commercial and matchday revenues, Premier League clubs are spending within their means.

“Their ability to generate these record revenues and attract the world’s very best playing talent continues to drivethe Premier League’s status as the most commercially successful football league in the world.”
Manchester United’s £75m signing of Romelu Lukaku has headlined a frenetic summer of spending, with Chelsea and Arsenal also parting with huge fees for strikers Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Lacazette respectively.

Tiemoue Bakayoko and Antonio Rudiger are further expensive purchases for the defending champions, while Manchester City have paid out fees of £40m and above for Benjamin Mendy, Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva amid plenty of other business.
Mohamed Salah cost Liverpool a reported £34.3m while Merseyside rivals Everton have recruited ambitiously, with a deal for Gylfi Sigurdsson believed to be worth up to £45m and the likes of Davy Klaassen, Michael Keane and Jordan Pickford also arriving at great expense.

And Stenson added: “We expect further significant expenditure in the next seven days as clubs seek value in the market.
“Last summer, Premier League clubs spent around £300m in the final week of the window, more than they did throughout the entire January 2017 window.”
Even newly-promoted Huddersfield have broken their transfer record four times this summer as the impact of the television deal is felt throughout the top flight. - Press Association

Dem take scam curse you !!! EFCC Probes Former Ports Authority Officials Over $20m Bribe Scam

Detectives are probing how $20million was wired into the accounts of shell companies and fronts of some former officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The cash, which is believed to be a bribe, is being traced by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft commission is also looking into the operation of a firm which had been indicted by Switzerland over the bribe.
The affected company was fined 1million Swiss Francs by a Switzerland court, which also ordered it to pay back 36 million Swiss Francs described as illegal profits.
No fewer than 20 former NPA top shots may be interrogated over the deal.
Besides, there is pressure on the government to suspend business or contractual obligation with the indicted firm for a hitch-free probe by the anti-graft agency.

The scam predates the appointment of NPA Managing Director Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman.
EFCC detectives have commenced investigation into the bribery scandal.
“So far, we are looking into the accounts of 10 suspects and about five firms which were implicated in the deal.
“We have been able to discover that the indicted firm had been entrenched in the system in the last 10 to 12 years with some contract procedure waivers linked to it,” a source said, adding: “It is a big bribery scandal with international network. We will unravel all the perpetrators and beneficiaries.”
The EFCC plans to collaborate with the Swiss authorities in getting to the root of “this huge bribery”. We are hopeful of retrieving all relevant documents.

“The good thing is that the Swiss government has always shown understanding by cooperating with the Federal Government.” The Swiss government had returned more than $650million Abacha loot to the Federal Government.
The source said the latest dimension on the scandal made it necessary for the EFCC to probe the implicated company.
“With the leg work done by our team, the $20million was not consultancy fees as being claimed by some of the highly-placed Nigerians.
Another source gave an insight into the role played by the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in cooperating with the Swiss authorities.

The source said: “The Swiss authorities, through the Office of The Attorney-General, Department of International Affairs, on May 2, 2012 implicated some Nigerians in the $20million scandal alongside a firm.
“The EFCC was then asked to look at the issues involved and the outcome of the agency’s findings was sent to Felix Reinmann, the Swiss Federal Attorney.”
The source said a letter by a former Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), revealed the steps taken by the Federal Government.

The letter said: “I refer to your letter dated 2nd May 2012, wherein you forwarded a Mutual Legal Assistance request to Nigeria on the above subject matter. The request was brought pursuant to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the International Law

Principle of Reciprocity.
“The documents on further findings of the executing competent authority, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission revealed that the money was paid as consultancy fee to the various recipients.
“The said documents are herein forwarded to you verbatim.
“Accept please, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteemed regards.”

A source in NPA said:  “We have referred the case to our Legal Unit for advice on what to do on the firm and the indicted former staff of NPA.
“We are being careful in seeking legal advice because the contract the company signed was through the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“We need to look into all contractual documents to avoid running the country into another crisis. This advice will guide us in determining what to do with the company.

“As for our former employees, I think about 20, we also need legal advice on whether or not within our own mandate we can take action.
“So, we are trying to follow due process. This is without prejudice to the investigation by the appropriate regulatory authority.”
There has been pressure on the government to stop any transaction or contractual obligation with the firm.

A government source said: “The Presidency has been receiving representation on the need to suspend business or contractual obligation with the firm.
“This is left to President Muhammadu Buhari and his team to determine.”
The French company VINCI is one of its main shareholders

On June 14, the Managing Director of the agency, Hadiza Bala Usman, told PREMIUMTIMES  that apart from being “deeply embarrassing” to the NPA, the indictment was particularly worrisome.
She said: “It is a development we are deeply worried about because it relates to the integrity of our agency and process. - The Nation

Shocking !!! Driver arrested after 14 men found in lorry

A driver has been arrested after 14 men - some requiring medical treatment - were found inside an overseas lorry near Rugby.

Police in Warwickshire said they were called to Mangrove Service Station, on the A45 London Road, close to the junction with the A4701, at 2pm on Thursday afternoon.
They discovered the men in the back of the vehicle found that "a number" of them needed medical attention. Four were taken to hospital but their condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

The remaining men were taken into custody.
The driver was detained and is being held on suspicion of people trafficking.
Four of the men were taken to hospital The Border Agency has been informed.
The A45 has been closed westbound between the M45 and the A4071. - SKY

Shout Allahu Akbar in Venice and You'll Get Shot, Says Mayor

An Italian mayor has caused controversy after saying that anyone who shouts "Allahu Akbar," or "God is great" in Arabic, in the main square of the northern city of Venice, will be shot on the spot.

Luigi Brugnaro, a right-wing politician, was speaking about extremism at a conference in the city of Rimini. He said that Venice was a safer place than Barcelona, with greater security measures in place.
Brugnaro was referring to the van attack and two other incidents that left 15 people dead in Barcelona and the wider Catalonia region last Thursday.

"In contrast with Barcelona, where they had not set up protection, we keep our guard up. If someone shouts Allahu Akbar while running through St Mark's Square, we'll shoot them," Brugnaro said. "A year ago, I said [they’d be shot] after four steps, now I’m saying it would happen after three."

He further emphasized his point in Venetian, uttering the words "Ghe Sparemo," or "we will shoot him."
As an example, he mentioned the arrest in March of four suspected jihadis from the Balkans who plotted a bomb attack on Venice's famous Rialto Bridge.

"In Venice, we arrested four terrorists who wanted to blow up the Rialto Bridge, saying they wanted to go to Allah. But we'll send them straight to Allah before they can do any damage."
Radical Islamists regularly use the phrase and do so before or after an attack to point to a religious justification of their actions.
The mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella, a center-leftist politician, shouted "Allahu Akbar" at Brugnaro after his speech to mock him. But he later apologized if the joke had caused any offense.

“It was not my intention to offend anybody, least of all the Muslim community. I did not intend to joke about their religion, nor evoke the tragic events of recent days,” he wrote on Facebook.
But unlike Nardella, Venice's mayor stood by his comments. "I have never been politically correct, I am incorrect," he said.

Unlike the majority of its fellow western European nations, Italy has managed to avoid a radical Islamist attack. It has instead served as one of the hubs of the migrant crisis, which has given rise to fears among security services that jihadis from Libya could blend in with those making the arduous journey across the Mediterranean.
Italy has foiled several ISIS plots, including one cell that planned to attack the Israeli embassy in Rome and the Vatican. It was an Italian police officer who shot the Berlin truck attacker dead, after a three-day manhunt for Tunisian national Anis Amri across Europe.

Venice hosts a premier film festival every year under heightened security because of fears of an extremist attack. The next festival begins on August 30 and lasts until September 8.
In its propaganda output, ISIS has regularly threatened to conquer Rome and attack the Vatican, the center of the Catholic church. - Newsweek

Transfer : Benfica lower Jimenez price for Everton and West Ham

Benfica are set to lower their asking price for Raul Jimenez to €30 million in an attempt to spark some interest from Everton and West Ham who have both been heavily linked with the Mexican.

Record, as cited on Sport Witness claim that Jimenez is angling for a move away from Benfica as he wants more regular game time with the Premier League his desired destination.

The asking price for Jimenez started at around €50 million then the Portuguese club said they lowered their demands to €40 million but it appears to be continuing to drop.

Jimenez, who was linked with West Ham last summer but reportedly over slept and missed a medical, he went on to complete his move to the Portuguese side.

Having sold Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United earlier in the window, Everton are still in the market for a centre-forward as they seek a replacement for the Belgian.

West Ham are also interested in the player to provide competition for Jimenez’s Mexican teammate and new West Ham signing, Javier Hernandez. - Read Sport

PL news :Januzaj to dedicate first Sociedad goal to former Man Utd boss Van Gaal

Real Sociedad player Adnan Januzaj plans to dedicate his first goal for his new club to Louis van Gaal, with whom he had a "difficult" relationship during their time at Manchester United.

Januzaj made just nine Premier League starts across two seasons under Van Gaal and endured a less than successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund during the 2015-16 campaign.

Van Gaal's successor Jose Mourinho also deemed Januzaj surplus to requirements and loaned him to Sunderland for the previous season, before the Belgium international decided a permanent move away from Old Trafford was best for his career, agreeing a five-year deal at Sociedad last month for a reported fee of €11 million.
Currently struggling with a hamstring injury, Januzaj sat out Sociedad's 3-2 win at Celta Vigo last weekend to open their La Liga season, and the 22-year-old has special plans for Van Gaal when he opens his account.

"If I score a goal I will dedicate it to Van Gaal," Januzaj told AS.
"I don't want to talk about him, but everyone knows how many problems I had with him.
"We didn't have the best of rapports. It wasn't easy, it's very frustrating and difficult when you are in a situation like that."

"I have nothing bad to say about Mourinho," he added. "I have no criticism of him as a coach. From the beginning he was fair."

Although Mourinho also sent him out on loan, Januzaj bears no ill-feeling towards the Portuguese.- Goal

Hodgson : Rooney would answer World Cup call

Rooney would answer England's call if the country needed him to come out of international retirement at the World Cup, according to Roy Hodgson.

Ex-England boss Hodgson, whose tenure ran between 2012 and 2016 with Rooney made permanent captain in the latter years, believes the 31-year-old's loyalty to the national team would win over if he were called upon for the tournament in Russia.

But when asked if Rooney would consider returning if Southgate told him he was needed for the World Cup due to injuries, Hodgson was confident the former Manchester United star would agree to a comeback.
"I'm not a gambling man and never have been, but if I was such a person I certainly wouldn't put any money on Wayne, in that situation, refusing to come out of retirement," Hodgson told Sky Sports.

"If it was put to him in that way, I know how much this country does mean to him in terms of playing international football.
"One hopes for his sake and the country's sake that situation won't arise, but I feel sure if it came to that scenario and Gareth went to him and said, 'We're in a terrible mess here and we really need you, will you come out retirement?' then I would be very surprised if Wayne didn't say, 'Yes'. But I don't know, I'm second guessing."

Hodgson feels Rooney will have found it tough to step aside at a time when England have so many promising youngsters breaking through ahead of the World Cup.
"I think he will have lots of regrets, as he knows how good this group of players that have been put together over the last two or three years can be and will be," said Hodgson.
"He may think maybe in Russia they will show that and it would be nice to be there.

"All the more credit to him that he's made the decision based on his club football. You shouldn't talk someone out of that.
"He's not a guy who will make that decision lightly and playing for England meant so much to him over the years."

Having not played for England since last November, the Everton forward rejected a recall to Gareth Southgate's squad on Wednesday and announced his retirement.

That ended an international career that saw Rooney win 119 caps and score 53 goals, a national record. - Goal

Pictured : Man jailed over secret seven-year campaign of hate against married couple who lived next door

A married couple today told of their shock at discovering the man behind a terrifying seven-year poison pen campaign was their neighbour, saying: “We didn’t suspect him for a minute”.

Johnathon Warner-Johnson, 52, sent more than 200 letters accusing the pair of being paedophiles and mocking a relative with Down’s syndrome.
He also vandalised their car and damaged a fence, and pretended to receive hate mail to disguise his activity.

The couple told the Standard how they confided in him and even asked him to watch their home in Bromley, south London when they were away.
Warner-Johnson was unmasked in July last year when he was captured on CCTV spraying weedkiller and dumping rubbish in their garden.
They told of their relief after he was jailed for two years and four months, given a 20-year restraining order and ordered to pay £1,959 compensation.



 The husband said: “At the time we couldn’t do anything about it. We were like a boxer on the ropes, taking the punches. It was terrifying.
"He was our best ally. We would ask him to keep an eye on the house while we were away. In court his defence barrister said he cannot explain his behaviour.
“The judge said he terrorised us. He’s been called evil — he’s certainly horrible. It was obviously someone that knew quite a lot about us, but we felt a bit stupid in the end as not for a minute did we suspect him.”
His wife added: “It’s a relief that it has come to an end. It was very tough.”

Warner-Johnson, of Beckenham, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage and two counts of stalking at Croydon crown court.
The court heard how police began to suspect Warner-Johnson after a letter was sent containing information only he knew. He was arrested in December.
Officers found copies of the letters in his house. Detective Constable Liz Truan, of Bromley CID, said: “Warner-Johnson launched a calculated malicious campaign. It brought distress and it is right he has been jailed and handed such a long restraining order.” - Evening Standard

Manchester United to face Burton in Carabao Cup third round

Man United will begin their defence of the League Cup with a third-round tie against Championship side Burton Albion at Old Trafford.

The draw, which was held on Thursday morning in Beijing, revealed the third-round clashes that would be played in the week beginning 18 September.

José Mourinho’s side will be looking to get their defence of the cup, which has received new sponsorship in the form of Thai energy drink brand Carabao, off to a flying start, having beaten Southampton at Wembley to lift the trophy for a fifth time back in February.

They will come up against Nigel Clough’s outfit, who have beaten Oldham Athletic and Cardiff City on their way to the third round. However, Burton have only won one of their first four Championship games and sit just outside the relegation zone, having only survived relegation by a point last season.
The two sides have met twice before, famously in the FA Cup third round in January 2006, where Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were held to a shock goalless draw at the Pirelli Stadium by the then-Conference outfit.  - Read Sport

Transfer news : PSG trying to upset Barcelona by signing Liverpool target Seri

As reported by Mirror, Paris Saint-Germain have entered the race for Liverpool and Barcelona target, Jean Michael Seri, just to “f*** Barca” according to the player’s agent.

Liverpool and Arsenal have both been credited with an interest in signing Seri, but Barcelona had appeared favourites as they seek reinforcements late in the window.
Barcelona were reportedly very close to signing the Ivorian international for £40 million but now PSG want to hijack the deal just so they can rub salt into the wounds of the Spanish giants.
The only explanation for this could be that PSG think one of their main rivals for the Champions League is Barcelona, so the French side will want to hinder their chances as much as possible by signing their targets and one of their best players in Neymar.

Seri’s agent had this to say:

“It was possible to reach an agreement as Barcelona and Nice were negotiating, On Tuesday, they were in France, talking about technical aspects but they already knew Seri’s capabilities. PSG came three days ago. Now PSG is putting pressure on the club to take the player, it’s crazy. They just want to do it to f*** Barca.”

 After failing to sign Naby Keita from RB Leipzig, Liverpool were interested in the Nice midfielder, as they have very similar styles of play, and in recent games for Liverpool, many have criticised their talent in midfield. - Read Sport

Transfer updates Chelsea to make one final bid for Alex Sandro

Chelsea are still prepared to launch one final bid for Alex Sandro this transfer window, despite falling short earlier in the summer, according to a report from the Telegraph.

Juventus have come out in public to declare that Sandro is not for sale this summer but that will mean nothing if a huge offer comes in and if the player is tempted by a move to the Premier League champions.

Chelsea have been looking for a left wing-back all summer, to provide competition for Marcos Alonso and Sandro has been the main name linked with the Blues.
The Brazilian left-back was linked with Chelsea before the arrival of Alonso but the rumours cropped up again this summer after Chelsea qualified for the Champions League, meaning they need both depth and quality to their squad.
A deal looked very close earlier in the summer but the reports have slowed down recently but Chelsea are still ready to launch a £60 million bid before the window slams shut next week. - Read Sport

.PL news : Sanchez is ready - Wenger

Arsene Wenger has said that Alexis Sanchez is "ready" to be involved in Arsenal's match with Liverpool, live on Sky Sports Premier League, this weekend.

The Chile international has yet to feature this season as his future remains shrouded in uncertainty, but his manager says the striker's refusal to sign a new contract has not affected his focus.
Wenger said: "Overall he (Sanchez) looks in good shape. He has always been focused on his job. I don't think he's too much disturbed by all the noise - players at that level are used to it. Some deal better with it than others.

"He's very focused, very happy. Doesn't mean there's no chance to extend his contract, though we haven't managed to do it. We just want to focus as a team and not look too much at individual contracts.
"Alexis works very hard, gives so much and he looks ready. I'll have to decide what I do but he's ready to play."

Arsenal head to Anfield on Sunday with doubts also over the future of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but Wenger is hopeful he can be persuaded to stay at the Emirates.
He said: "I want Alex to stay. He's one of the players the team can be built around, I want him to commit and be one of the carriers of the values of this team.
"I want to keep my best players - my only target is to keep everyone on board. We've invested time and money and confidence on players like Ox and they have a responsibility. I hope he commits.

"I am completely happy with the strength of squad and I have too many players, some with no chance to compete for places.
"One of the values of this club is to give a chance to young players, and if you have too many players of confirmed status you are in a difficult position. We have three or four [young players] who deserve a chance." - Sky Sports

NAFDAC : Men arrested for stealing spaghetti dumped for destruction

Policemen attached to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control, NAFDAC, on Wednesday caught three men stealing items earmarked for destruction at the Okediya Dumpsite, Sagamu, Ogun State.

The three men, Kabiru Amar, Yusuf Ahmed and Mohammed Ibrahim, were nabbed carting away cartons of unwholesome spaghetti.

Kingsley Ejiofor, Director, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, who represented NAFDAC’s Acting Director-General, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, told newsmen at the site that the thieves would be appropriately dealt with.
“In spite of the fact that we were at the dump site destroying counterfeit and expired products, some miscreants still had the audacity to steal from the destruction exercise site”, he said.

“This is to show the extent to which people are willing to go, to make money from the sales of expired products. They have been caught and will not be spared.
“Some of these expired products destroyed were voluntarily handed over by compliant companies in the country.

“Other products destroyed included fake and counterfeit drugs, prohibited substandard and expired food products, cosmetics, and other regulated products.
“These were seized by the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC, from manufacturers, importers, and distributors in Lagos State and environs.
“The agency has continued to aggressively pursue the goals of ensuring that only genuine medicines and wholesome foods of the right quality are imported, exported, manufactured and distributed. - Daily Post

OMG !!! Unemployed man rapes neighbour’s 12-year-old daughter in bathroom

A 20-year-old unemployed man, Victor Akinsola, who allegedly raped his neighbour’s 12-year-old daughter, was yesterday docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused is facing a charge of defilement.

According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Raphael Donny, the offence was committed on July 26 at the accused’s apartment.
He said: “The accused, who resides at 12, Sunny Smile St., Ishashi in Berger on the outskirts of Lagos, saw the girl, a 12- year -old bathing at the back of the house, he forcefully entered the bathroom and defiled the girl.
“After having unlawful canal knowledge of the girl, the accused gave the victim N100 and told her not to tell anyone.

“The girl later told her elder sister, who informed their mother and the case was reported at the police station,’’ Donny said.

The offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate Folakemi Davies-Abegunde granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Davies–Abegunde, however, ordered the accused to pay N50, 000 into the court’s registrar’s account as part of the bail condition.
 The case was adjourned until Oct. 6 for the State Director of Public Prosecutions’ advice.- Daily Post

3 yrs on, corruption fight zero !!! AGF: Magu frustrating anti-graft war

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, has accused Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of misusing intelligence to the detriment of the anti-graft war.

Sahilu Othman, special adviser on media to the minister, who said this in an opinion article on Wednesday,  wrote against the background of Nigeria’s suspension by the Egmont Group.
The group, which comprises 156 financial intelligence units of 156 countries, is a body for the exchange financial intelligence to fight money laundering and terrorism financing.
In July, it suspended Nigeria owing to the interference of the EFCC in the activities of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit.

A few days after the suspension, the senate passed the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit bill to make the unit independent of the EFCC.
In the article, Othman said the leadership of the EFCC “manipulated and misused intelligence to the detriment of the fight against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria”.
He added that to make the global financial intelligence body lift the ban on Nigeria, the government has set up the presidential adhoc committee to reposition the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.

TheCable had reported that the AGF was headed for a showdown with Magu for allegedly breaching prosecution rules. - Cable Nigeria

Biafra struggle !!! Nnamdi Kanu to Buhari: Defeat me with superiority of your argument not with AK 47

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to come up with a better argument in the “debate for freedom”.

Kanu said this on Wednesday in Abia state while reacting to Buhari’s marching order to security agencies to tackle the excesses of secessionist groups, including IPOB.
The president had also discussed the issue of IPOB – among other “security threats” – with service chiefs during a meeting on Tuesday.
But Kanu faulted claims that IPOB is a violent group.

While stating that the “recourse to brute force to solve national problems would never work,” the IPOB leader said the people must not be “railroaded into succumbing to intimidation”.
“In this debate for freedom, everybody has to be heard. Buhari should defeat me with the superiority of his argument not AK 47,” he said.
“Some people quickly recourse to violence, hate and intimidation because they have lost the force of argument.

“It is the continuation of Buhari’s dictatorial and unwholesomely undemocratic approach to governance. I find it unacceptable and insulting that somebody elected by the people can turn around and dictate to them how he wants them to behave.”
Kanu added that the group would never resort to violence in its quest for a sovereign state of Biafra.

“I will not do anything that will bring dishonour or shame to our people and if I do it, IPOB will never be violent, we will never be armed.
“There is no need for people to be afraid of the internal operations of the IPOB. We will never ever resort to armed violence or armed conflict of any sort,” he said.''
- Cable Nigeria

Is lord Lugard God ??? You no well ! Sultan: 1914 amalgamation not an error because God doesn’t make mistakes

Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has said the 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria was not a blunder because “God does not make mistakes”.

He said Nigeria will not be one entity if God doesn’t wish it to be so.
Speaking on Wednesday at a colloquium organised by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), he said anyone advocating for the break up of Nigeria is challenging God.

“When people talk about restructuring, if they mean we should disintegrate the country, I will not support it. But if it means making things and lives better and much conducive and convenient for Nigerians, then lets sit down and discuss about it,” he said.
“I know that many of these groups from the North, West, South-South and South East agitating for this or that have their positions. But despite the realities at present, no group has the right to tell anybody you must leave this place or that place if we still live in this country called Nigeria.

“And I support the President’s position 100 per cent, I believe what he said is right. And I say, instead of talking about devolution of power, let’s talk about devolution of economy.
“It is good to sit down and dialogue, but there must be respect. I must respect you and you must respect me. And the greatest thing we can do for this country is to always reflect on our history. We didn’t fall from the sky, but came from somewhere.

“We became Nigeria in 1914 through amalgamation. People are shouting that our coming together as a country in 1914 was a mistake, but God doesn’t make mistakes. If God doesn’t want such a thing as Nigeria to happen, nobody could ever have made it happen.
“So we claim to be very religious, but we challenge God, you don’t come out in the open and say you are challenging God, but by actions and utterances, many people are virtually challenging God. There is no wrong in you saying I want to be better than I am.” - Cable Nigeria

Terrorism : How Emir Lamido Sanusi, Kano Governor Breach Kano Airport Security Protocol

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, SaharaReporters has learned, regularly violate security protocol at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, whenever they are traveling.

According to airport sources, the Emir always refuses to be screened when boarding flights and ensures that members of his usually large entourage are also not screened.

Mr. Ganduje, sources told SaharaReporters, usually travels with large retinues of political thugs and demands that they should not be screened.
Emboldened by the governor’s orders, the thugs are said to bulldoze their way through screening points to board flights.

This conduct of the governor and Emir, SaharaReporters was told, is a source of worry for airport users and officials, who believe that terrorists, certain that would not go through screening, could infiltrate their entourages to wreak havoc. - Sahara Reporters

PL : Chelsea transfer rumours

We round up the latest Chelsea transfer rumours from around the British and European press on Thursday, August 24.

Chelsea are chasing three English signings including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Oxlade-Chamberlain and Drinkwater are also linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in The Sun and The Daily Mirror respectively.
Drinkwater is set to cost Antonio Conte's side £32m, while they would have to pay £35m for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Meanwhile, reports in The Daily Star suggest defender Virgil van Dijk has reportedly met Chelsea without the permission of Southampton.
It is thought the Blues will swoop for Dutchman before next Thursday's transfer deadline.

Barcelona have been linked with move for Chelsea star Willian after "giving up" on Philippe Coutinho, reports The Daily Star.

The report suggests Barca have held talks with his representatives and are ready to test the Blues resolve with a bid.
The Times are also reporting that Chelsea are braced for another approach for Willian after the Spanish giants showed interest in the attacking midfielder. - SKY

Rooney is a legend - Pogba

Paul Pogba says he misses former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney and describes him as a "legend".

Rooney announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday with the Everton forward holding more England caps than any other outfield player, scoring 53 goals in 119 appearances.
Soon after Rooney revealed he was stepping away from his England duties, United midfielder Pogba opened up on the decision made by his former Old Trafford colleague.

"You always miss a captain and a legend like him because he's got experience and he's won trophies." the Frenchman told Sky Sports News.
"It's a top player who can help the team and he's a really top player. Young players can look up to him to improve.
"We wish we can see players like him all the time on the pitch because he's respectful. He does what he loves. He's a top guy and he will always be a legend."

The 31-year-old admitted he had regrets at not being part of a successful England tournament side but believed it was time to bow out and focus all his energies on helping the Toffees. - Sky Sports

PL news : Gay players in Premier League would get respect - Pogba

Man United midfielder Paul Pogba said he had not met a gay footballer in the Premier League but added any player who came out would have his respect.

The France international was speaking at the launch of UEFA's RESPECT campaign in Monaco, where stars of the game were helping to promote diversity, fan culture and accessibility for everyone in football.

When asked whether the league would provide a safe environment for a gay player, Pogba said: "That's something that I've never seen but why not? It's a human being.
"What he does in his private life has nothing to do with the player. You just have to respect him. Because he respects you, you respect him. That's it.

"It's all about respect. It's all about equality everywhere in the world. We are all equal when we play football."
Pogba was also asked about the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the concerns that have been raised about potential racism.

The 24-year-old accepted the responsibility that players carry for spreading the right message to supporters, saying: "We can play with Chinese people, African guys, French, American, but we're all equal when we do what we love on the pitch, and that's the message we want to give to everyone.
"It's a big thing, the World Cup, and we all play to win. But there has always been the respect on the pitch and outside the pitch and we hope that nothing is going to happen.
"Hopefully nothing will happen but we can just talk, help each other, and talk about racism and equality on the pitch. We can't really do anything about it but give everyone a good message to avoid those things."

Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger is the only Premier League player to have openly declared his homosexuality, but did so after retiring from the game. - Goal