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We have a brief look at the latest football transfer gossip.

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Tottenham hope to finalise the £11.5m deal to sign Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid today. The Belgium defender, 26, had a medical yesterday and has agreed terms on a four-year deal. FULHAM have signed midfielder Jamie O’Hara, 28, on a one-year contract.

West Ham have agreed an £8m deal with Juventus for centre back Angelo Ogbonna to beat off competition from Everton. Ogbonna, 27, is due in London this week for a medical. However, West Ham fear Barcelona midfield target Alex Song’s injury may be serious.

Manchester United are closing in on a £15million deal for Torino right back Matteo Darmian.

The Italians have offers from three clubs but Torino will sell to United for an initial £12.7m plus add-ons.

Club president Urbano Cairo wants the 25-year-old Italy international’s future resolved before pre-season training begins on Sunday. Darmian can play at centre back and right back and has also filled in on the left. His versatility is an added bonus for United boss Louis van Gaal.

United are still keen on Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton and Bayern Munich striker Thomas Muller, 25. The Germany international had another row with coach Pep Guardiola on Monday, but Bayern are reluctant to sell.

Southampton, who signed defender Cuco Martina from FC Twente yesterday, have enquired about Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina, 21, as a possible replacement for Schneiderlin, 25.

Sevilla have bid again for Stoke City midfielder Steven Nzonzi.

Atletico Madrid want Filipe Luis back on loan, but Chelsea would rather recoup most of the £16m paid for the Brazilian last summer. Chelsea want Abdul Baba Rahman from Augsburg but have yet to bid.

Aston Villa are stepping up their bid to sign Nice left back Jordan Amavi, 21.

Leeds are leading the chase to sign Everton’s David Henen on loan ahead of Derby, Wolves and Bolton.

Bastia are showing an interest in Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who could leave for free. – Daily Mail

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Sterling refuses to tour with Liverpool

Raheem Sterling has told Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers he does not want to be considered for Liverpool's pre-season tour.

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Raheem Sterling has told Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers he wishes to leave Anfield and that he does not want to be considered for Liverpool's pre-season tour of South-East Asia and Australia.

Sterling has held two meetings with Rodgers since returning to Melwood for training on Monday. It is understood that in the second he informed the manager of his intentions, although the winger has not yet lodged an official transfer request.

Manchester City have not made contact with Liverpool since their second offer two weeks ago but are aware of the development and preparing to make a third bid for Sterling in the coming days.

It remains to be seen whether Sterling will board the flight to Bangkok for the first leg of Liverpool's tour on Sunday.

Manchester United were last night seeking to end their frustrating summer search for a right-back by moving for Torino's Italy international defender Matteo Darmain for a fee of £12m.

The 25-year-old may be in Manchester as early as next week to wrap up a deal, equipping the Old Trafford club with a player who was a product of Milan's youth system and impressed for Cesare Prandelli's Italy side at last summer's World Cup.

With manager Louis van Gaal harbouring doubts about Rafael da Silva's suitability, United were thwarted in their attempts to strengthen in the position earlier this summer when Barcelona's Dani Alves decided to stay at the Nou Camp. – The Independent

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Pogba too pricey for City

Manchester City have cooled their interest in Paul Pogba in the face of astronomical demands from the player and Juventus.

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Manchester City have cooled their interest in Paul Pogba in the face of astronomical demands from the player and Juventus.

City were quoted £71million, a British transfer record, to buy Pogba, with agent Mino Raiola trying to get him a salary of £250,000 a week.

After Juventus rejected a £57m bid from Barcelona for the 22-year-old France midfielder last week, it is believed the Italian club expected City’s Arab owners to meet their demands.

But the figures are simply too much for City, despite the lifting of restrictions imposed by Uefa for breaking Financial Fair Play regulations and a promise from their chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that they are ready to compete in an ‘aggressive market’ for world-class players.

It is still possible that City could go back in for one of their top transfer targets if the price and wages come down, but they were last night understood to have taken a significant step back in negotiations.

City’s need for another central midfielder will not be so great if they succeed in signing Fabian Delph from Aston Villa for £8m.

And despite the shift in negotiations over Pogba, City won’t balk at the £50m valuations on Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling and Wolfsburg’s Kevin de Bruyne. – Daily Mail

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I’m not in LA for a holiday - Gerrard

New Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard says he did not want to play out his days as a “squad” member at Liverpool.

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New Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard says he did not want to play out his days as a “squad” member at Liverpool and had little hesitation signing for the Major League Soccer team.

Gerrard, 35, has joined the Galaxy after spending his entire professional career, 17 seasons, with Liverpool and vowed that he was in Los Angeles for the long haul.

“I had options to stay in the Premier League, options around Europe, but I didn't want to compete against Liverpool,” Gerrard told a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday as he was introduced to the American media.

“I love Liverpool Football Club and I always will do... but I didn't want to become a squad player or a sub at the club I love.

“If there's anyone out there that thinks I'm coming here for a holiday and a last pay cheque, they'll be proved wrong very soon.

“I'm looking forward to staying here as long as possible. I love Liverpool, the city, and I will miss it at times.

“I'm a Scouser and I'm proud to be a Scouser but I want to give my children a chance to live in a new place.”

Gerrard, who will follow in the footsteps of former England team mate David Beckham at the Galaxy, said he had been courted aggressively by Los Angeles and had sounded out Beckham before signing.

“David is a hero of mine. He's someone I've leaned on and asked for advice before I came here.”

Gerrard has also been welcomed by Galaxy captain Robbie Keane, who has been in fine form recently, scoring a hat-trick last Saturday. The defending MLS Cup champions Galaxy have also been performing strongly, with three wins in their past four matches.

Gerrard said Keane, a former Liverpool team mate, had “lent me some factor-50 (sunscreen) as well so I didn't burn on day one”.

Gerrard and wife Alex arrived in Los Angeles a week ago, while their three daughters were due to arrive later on Tuesday after staying in England to complete school exams.

“The last seven days has been a bit of a whirlwind,” he said. “I've had a bit of jet lag (and we have been) moving into a new house.”

Gerrard will make his MLS debut for the Galaxy against San Jose on July 17.

“The game can't come quick enough. We've got a fantastic team there and if I can add a bit to that I think the future can be very bright.” – Reuters

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Dempsey gives US winning start

The United States opened their Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with victory over Honduras, thanks to two goals from Clint Dempsey.

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Clint Dempsey's strength in the air helped him to two goals as the reigning champions United States opened their Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Honduras on Tuesday.

Two days after the women's team celebrated a third World Cup win, Dempsey scored a header in each half and the U.S. held off a late rally at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, to keep the American party going.

“It wasn't our best performance but we're happy to get three points,” the 32-year-old Dempsey, who lost the captaincy to Michael Bradley last week, told reporters.

“It was tough. They came out really aggressive and caused us some problems.”

Honduras created the better chances early but it was Dempsey who stole the momentum with his goal in the 25th minute, heading home from a rebound off Donis Escober after the goalkeeper blocked a Jozy Altidore shot.

The U.S. went ahead 2-0 in the 64th minute when Michael Bradley found Dempsey in the box.

Honduras responded six minutes later through Carlos Discua, who netted his first goal for Honduras with a shot that split U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan and sliding defender Brad Evans.

A chance for an equaliser went begging in the 82nd minute, however, when Ventura Alvarado missed an open goal.

The win gives the U.S. control of Group A after Haiti and Panama tied 1-1 earlier in the day.

The Gold Cup determines the regional champions for North America, Central America and the Caribbean. – Reuters

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There’s room for improvement - Mashaba

Despite easily dispatching Mauritius, Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba says there is still room for improvement.

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Johannesburg - Despite dispatching Mauritius 5-0 on aggregate over two legs in their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier, Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba says there is still room for improvement.

“By and large, we had a good game. Winning 2-0 away from home is a fantastic outcome but I am still not happy with our finishing,” said Mashaba.

“This is another game we could easily have massacred the opposition but had to rely on goals from the midfielder and a defender; we need to be ruthless in front of goals,” he said.

Bafana’s next assignment is against Mauritania away from home in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September before playing Angola home and away in the Chan qualifier in October.

“We are headed for some really testing times, with a congested fixture list but that will also test our mental attitude.

“What I am glad about is that we have managed to create a huge pool of players both from the domestic front and the overseas players. That gives me great comfort.”

Mashaba said he remained focussed on making Bafana one of the greatest and competitive sides not only on the continent but globally.

“There might be some dissenting voices but I am quite impressed we are very much on track to achieve something great with this crop of players. Most if not all are committed to a common cause and that gives me great satisfaction that we are on course with our mission,” he added.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune said the Bafana team is peaking at the right time following three successive victories over Angola and Mauritius home and away after beginning the Afcon qualifying campaign with an uneventful goalless draw against Gambia.

“It is a good culture to win,” said Khune.

It creates lots of confidence and some sort of camaraderie among the players and that is what you need within the squad,” said the goalkeeper who showed a glimpse of his former self during the return match.”

ANA

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Chippa sign ten players

Port Elizabeth-based Chippa United have announced 10 new player signings and David Bright as their assistant coach.

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Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth-based Chippa United have announced 10 new player signings and David Bright as their assistant coach for the new season.

“The Port Elizabeth-based outfit has secured the services of ten new players in an effort to cement its place in the Premier Soccer League,” the club said in a press release.

“Among the new signings are: Centre-back Zitha Macheke, on loan from Kaizer Chiefs; Left-winger Mark Mayambela, formerly of NFD team Royal Eagles; Midfielder Nkosinathi Mthiyane, formerly of Amazulu; Midfielder Christopher Matombo, on loan from Kaizer Chiefs Centre-forward Rhulani Manzini formerly of Platinum Stars; Right-back Diamond Thopola, formerly of Thanda Royal Zulu; Winger Philani Shange, formerly of AmaZulu; Left-back Simphiwe Ndzimbovu, formerly of Maritzburg City; Midfielder Hlabane Kutumela, formerly of NFD team Baroka; Midfielder Kuduku Maleasenya, formerly of NFD team Baroka.

“These are not the final signings for this season. Chippa plans to sign more players in the weeks to come.

“Botswana-born David Bright will assume the role of assistant coach. Bright is considered to be one of Botswana’s most successful coaches, having led the Mogoditsane Fighters to three consecutive Premier League titles from 1999 to 2001.” - ANA

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Messi’s Copa America anguish

Lionel Messi has told of the pain of losing the Copa America final after the football superstar faced criticism in his native Argentina.

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Lionel Messi has told of the pain of losing the Copa America final after the football superstar faced criticism in his native Argentina.

Messi finally posted a statement on his facebook account late Monday having hidden his devastation at losing another major final since the 4-1 penalty shootout defeat by Chile on Saturday.

“There's nothing more painful in football than losing a final,” Messi said.

“But I don't want to leave it any longer to say thank you to everyone who has always supported us and continued to during the tough moments.”

Messi, 28, has now lost one World Cup and two Copa America finals and still has to win a major international event despite his success with Barcelona.

Argentina, beaten 1-0 by Germany in last year's World Cup final, have now not won a major title for 22 years.

Messi left the pitch ashen faced after the latest defeat and unconfirmed Spanish media reports said he turned down the player of the tournament trophy. The trophy was withdrawn before the presentation ceremony in Santiago.

Messi and the other Argentine stars were criticised by the country's media for their performance. Members of his family were also abused by Chilean fans at the match, according to Argentinian media.

Some observers have warned that Messi could walk away from the national side.

“One day this boy is going to get tired and will not want to come to play for the team,” former Argentine international Matias Almeyda, now coach of the Banfield club, told Fox Sports television.

“He's the best player in the world and he is not treated in the way he deserves,” Almeyda added.

Messi had a brilliant season with the all-conquering Barcelona but Almeyda said “it is very difficult (for Argentine players) to repeat for the national team what they do for their clubs.” – AFP

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Shakes happy with expanding talent pool

Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba is confident Bafana Bafana are on the right track in terms of widening their selection base.

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Ephraim ’Shakes’ Mashaba is confident Bafana Bafana are on the right track in terms of widening the selection base for the national team.

This comes after Bafana beat Mauritius 2-0 in their preliminary round, second leg of the Chan qualifiers over the weekend away from home. Bafana won 5-0 on aggregate to book their place into the final round of the qualifiers.

Mashaba kept the bulk of the squad who did the job against Mauritius in the first leg, after some PSL teams had refused to release some of their key players for that match.

Mashaba believes this is one problem they will need to address in the near future, though his players produced a good result over the weekend.

“The problem is we have taken these (Chan) matches very lightly,” Mashaba said at a press conference at OR Tambo after the team’s arrival yesterday. “But I believe that they’ve got so much impact on the nation as a whole. For example, a league can be played for the whole month and if we (the national team) lose a single match, the whole mood changes throughout the country. And that’s why we need to take these games very seriously.

“We’ve got a few names, who unfortunately we cannot disclose, but they have impressed us and deserve to be called up for the upcoming qualifying matches. If you can recall, this team is only eight months old (since he took over as head coach). And when we started we said we wanted to widen the base of our selections. Things have worked according to plan so far and we are happy with what we’ve seen. We now have more players to select from and that’s a good thing.

“I can only urge all our teams to continue with the support they have shown towards the national team. We really appreciate it.”

Mashaba will need all the support he can get when Bafana face Angola in two months time at Mbombela Stadium. The last time these two side met was a month ago when Mashaba’s charges won the international friendly 2-1.

Mashaba, however, understands Angola won’t make it easy for them to book their place in next year’s biennial tournament – set to take place in Rwanda in January.

“It’s not going to be that simple,” he said.

“We can only hope that this performance will continue into our next game. Angola are not an easy side to beat. They are very strong and they’ve got good combinations moving forward. We’ll have about two weeks to prepare for them. It’s very important that we win at home and fight for a good result when we play them away.

“We should take these games seriously because they are on our football calendar,” Mashaba added. “Everybody knows about these games and so why should we have to negotiate to get players (from PSL teams)?

“I would understand if other teams told me that they are faced with a few challenges (at the club) and they can only release a few players. From other teams who are not faced with similar problems, I would expect some full assistance in terms of getting those players released when called up for national duty.”

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Barca agree to sign Atletico’s Turan

Barcelona have added an extra creative option in midfield by agreeing to sign Turkey playmaker Arda Turan from rivals Atletico Madrid.

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Barcelona - Barcelona have added an extra creative option in midfield by agreeing to sign Turkey playmaker Arda Turan from La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid, the Spanish and European champions said on Monday.

Barca will pay 34 million euros ($37.6 million) for Arda, plus another seven million in variables, and the 28-year-old's contract will be for five years, the club said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es).

As things stand, however, he will not be able to play until January as Barca have been banned by Fifa from registering new signings until then, after they broke rules on the transfer of foreign under-18 players.

The deal to sign Arda was also complicated by the fact that the club are in the midst of a presidential election campaign and are being administered by a special commission, which had to approve the transfer.

The commission included an unusual clause which means whoever wins the July 18 election has the option within two days of selling Arda back to Atletico less 10 percent of the fixed fee of 34 million euros.

Arda became a hugely popular figure with the Atletico fans in his four seasons in the Spanish capital after joining from Galatasaray.

With his ability to unlock stubborn defences with a killer pass, the stocky and heavily-bearded midfielder was a key figure in Atletico's charge to a first La Liga title in 18 years and their run to the Champions League final in 2013-14.

Arda made his debut for Turkey in 2006 and helped Fatih Terim's side reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008, where they lost 3-2 to Germany.

He spoke about his role on the pitch in an interview published on FIFA.com in October.

“I take care of organising the attack,” he said.

“When we're under the cosh, I can hold up the ball to give my team mates a breather, maybe forcing someone into fouling me.

“Before kickoff my heart rate is off the scale but once the whistle blows, I'm completely calm.

“On the pitch I'm at ease, though I'm not sure why that happens. I'm probably a bit crazy.”

Arda may struggle to get a regular starting spot in a Barca midfield which also features Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets but would be a useful player to bring off the bench in the second half. – Reuters

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Saints rebuff United’s Schneiderlin bid

Southampton have turned down a big-money offer from Manchester United for midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

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London - Southampton have turned down a big-money offer from Manchester United for midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, manager Ronald Koeman said on Monday.

“Two weeks ago we had a bid from United but it was not the bid we expected. It wasn't serious,” the manager told the BBC.

The 25-year-old player missed the Premier League club's first day of pre-season training. Koeman said the French international was unwell but would fly to Austria on Tuesday for Southampton's tour.

Schneiderlin has made more than 200 appearances for Southampton since joining the south coast club in 2008.

Koeman said he wanted the midfielder's situation to be resolved in the coming days.

“If there is any business then I hope it will be soon because it is best for the player, best for us,” he added.

“Everybody knows he'd like to move but if there is no bid close to what we expect then he's a Southampton player. I don't know if the valuation is exactly 25 million pounds ($39.02 million), that's not my business.” – Reuters

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Liverpool appoint new coaches

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers moved to reinforce his depleted coaching set up with the left field appointment of Sean O'Driscoll and Pepijn Lijnders.

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers moved to reinforce his depleted coaching set up with the left field appointment of Sean O'Driscoll and the promotion of Pepijn Lijnders from the academy.

O'Driscoll, sacked by second tier Bristol City 18 month ago, leaves his head coach position with the England under-19s to become Rodgers' assistant following the axing of Colin Pascoe after a review of a disappointing season by the club's American owners.

The Fenway Sports Group also decided to dismiss first-team coach Mike Marsh following the evaluation in Boston last month but Rodgers was kept on despite a trophy-less campaign and sixth place league finish.

“I have made these appointments because I want to take us in a new technical direction, in terms of coaching,” Rodgers said in a statement on Monday.

“I believe the entire first-team set-up will benefit and I am extremely positive and excited about what we can achieve, as a group, going forward.”

The Northern Irishman came under heavy pressure last year after failing to match the heights of the previous title-challenging campaign following the sale of talismanic striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

A vast outlay on new signings failed to fill the void left by Suarez's departure and a disappointing Champions League campaign ended at the group stage, while a meek exit to Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-finals ended any hopes of silverware.

The former Swansea City, Watford and Reading boss was also criticised for his constant tinkering of tactics and personnel through the campaign.

He was confident, though, of a change in fortunes at the 18-times English and five-times European champions following the introduction of O'Driscoll, a former Ireland international whose management experience has been limited to the lower echelons of English league football.

O'Driscoll enjoyed promotion success with Doncaster Rovers and Bournemouth but the 58-year-old, known for playing a Rodgers-like passing style, was sacked from his more recent roles with Nottingham Forest and Bristol City.

“My admiration for Sean, as a professional, is well documented,” Rodgers added.

“He is someone with a clear vision and philosophy and has proved he has the ability to transfer that knowledge, through his coaching, to the players.”

O'Driscoll was understandably thrilled at the opportunity.

“I am excited to be joining one of the world's most iconic football clubs,” he said.

Lijnders is already familiar with the Anfield surroundings having joined in August last year to oversee the development of the under-16s having held similar roles with PSV Eindhoven and Porto.

The Dutchman will take on the newly created role of first team development coach. – Reuters

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Chile book 2017 Confed Cup spot

Copa America winners Chile are the fourth team to qualify for the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.

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Santiago – Copa America winners Chile are the fourth team to qualify for the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.

Chile, who beat Argentina on penalties in Saturday’s final in Santiago, join directly qualified hosts Russia, 2014 World Cup

winners Germany and 2015 Asian champions Australia.

The eight-team field will be completed by four other regional champions, to be determined at the upcoming Gold Cup for the Concacaf region of North/Central America and Caribbean, Euro 2016, the 2016 Oceania Nations Cup and the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Confederations Cup, also is rehearsal for the World Cup the following year, is played in four Russian cities (Moscow, St

Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi) between June 17 and July 2, 2017. - DPA-ANA

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Argentina still in search of glory

Former Argentina and Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa says you learn more from defeat than victory.

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Former Argentina and Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa says you learn more from defeat than victory.

So Chile will be eternally grateful to the Argentine for having sowed the seeds of their first Copa America triumph, carried through by his disciple and compatriot Jorge Sampaoli.

Bielsa changed perennial losers Chile's mentality and built a team that reached the World Cup finals in South Africa in 2010 - their first appearance in 12 years.

They reached the last 16 in both competitions, but more than half of Sampaoli's team that won the Copa America beating Argentina on penalties after their goalless stalemate had played in Bielsa's team in South Africa five years ago.

Argentina, meanwhile, cannot quite seem to learn from a string of lost finals, including the 2004 Copa America under Bielsa, despite boasting the world's best player in Lionel Messi.

Messi's failure with Argentina raises again the debate of how best to have him play for his country when he carries all before him with Barcelona.

It would appear to justify unfavourable comparisons with Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to their second World Cup title in 1986.

Messi is a brilliant player who has enjoyed so much success with Barcelona also because he has been accompanied by some great players - first Ronaldinho, then several Spanish World Cup winners notably Xavi and Andres Iniesta, now Brazilian Neymar and Uruguan Luis Suarez.

Would Messi have done as well, breaking scoring records galore and winning tons of silverware at another club?

Would he have been able to do what Maradona did at Napoli and lift the southern Italian club out of mid-table mediocrity and make the sum of its parts better than the individuals, inspiring them to two Serie A titles?

Former Argentina coach Sergio Batista fell on his sword when he said he wanted Argentina to play like Barcelona before their ignominious quarter-final loss on penalties to Uruguay in the 2011 Copa America that cost him the job.

But he must have had a point, that Messi needed the right context to bring out the best in him for Argentina and his successors on the bench have continued with the quest without quite finding the key.

Coach Gerardo Martino sees his own team, brilliant in a 6-1 demolition of Paraguay in the semi-finals, as a work in progress towards the ultimate goal, the World Cup in 2018.

“The defeat doesn't mean anything with respect to the future,” Martino said. “I'll carry on with these 23 footballers plus some who weren't here.

“I imagine tomorrow exactly the same as today in terms of the search ... Today we carry on, as these same lads did after the World Cup final in Brazil. I'm with this team to the death.” – Reuters

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Keshi sacked by Nigeria

Nigeria’s national football coach Stephen “Big Boss” Keshi has been fired because “he is not committed enough” to the job.

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The topsy-turvy troubled relationship between the Nigeria Football Federation and their coach Stephen “Big Boss” Keshi has ended with the NFF sacking him because “he is not committed enough” to the job, the NFF said in a statement.

The former Nigeria international, who coached his country to victory in the African Cup of Nations in 2013 and into the last 16 of the World Cup in Brazil last year before losing to France, has been replaced by Shuaibu Amodu, who was appointed Nigeria's technical director last week.

The statement issued by the NFF said it had reviewed Keshi's “actions and inactions” and found he lacked “the required commitment to achieve the federation's objectives as set out in the coach's employment contract.”

It added it had “decided to exercise its option to summarily terminate the employment contract of Mr. Stephen Keshi with the federation with immediate effect”.

An NFF disciplinary committee headed by Chris Green has been investigating allegations that Keshi applied to coach Ivory Coast while under contract with Nigeria.

Keshi, 53, took over the national side in 2011 and led them to a long-awaited third African title two years later.

The charismatic coach then quit the day after their 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the final, only to change his mind a day later.

The same thing happened after the World Cup last year when he quit and was then reinstated before threatening to leave again last October after a poor run of results as they failed to qualify for this year's African Cup of Nations.

Keshi is the only African coach to qualify two African teams for the World Cup finals - Togo in 2006, as well as Nigeria. He played 64 times for his country and spent the peak years of his playing career in Belgium in the 1980s and 1990s. – Reuters

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