Check out the huge amount CAF is paying to African Teams at the world Cup

File photo

 

At its last meeting held on 16 November 2017 in Rabat, Morocco, the CAF Executive Committee decided to set up an ad hoc committee chaired by the CAF 1st Vice President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, to map out a kind of support to be provided to African representatives to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.

 

The committee, which has CAF Executive Committee member Kalusha Bwalya and presidents of the Football Associations of the five qualified countries as members, met in Moscow, Russia, on the sidelines of the draw for the FIFA World Cup scheduled for 1 December 2017.

 

At the meeting, it was decided that the body will grant a financial subsidy of $500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand dollars) to each of the five African teams. The financial package will be used mainly to strengthen and improve the technical supervision of each team.

 

In addition, CAF will provide each African representative with “fieldwiz” equipment, a technological device and physical performance measuring tool for outdoor team sports players.

FIFA CONFIRMS SUPER EAGLES AS THE YOUNGEST SQUAD IN THE WORLD

File Photo

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) says Nigeria paraded the youngest players during the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

This was announced on FIFA’s official website on Tuesday by a Switzerland-based independent study Centre International d’Étude du Sport (CIES) in it’s issue number 30 of Observatory Monthly Report.

The CIES Football Observatory is a research group founded in 1995 by FIFA in partnership with the canton and town of Neuchâtel in Switzerland.

World Cup champions Germany emerged as the second country that had the youngest squad, while England were third.

A statement on FIFA’s website reads: “The CIES Football Observatory and FIFA have joined forces to analyse the profiles of the players who were fielded by the 32 qualified teams on the road to Russia. The analysis highlights the diversity of the squads in terms of both age and height, as well as the importance of migration with almost two thirds of players currently playing for clubs outside of the association they represent.



“While Nigeria fielded the youngest players (with an average age of 24.9 years) in the qualifiers, followed by title-holders Germany (25.7) and by U-17 and U-20 world champions England (25.9), at the opposite end of the spectrum were two newcomers Panama (29.4 years) and Iceland (29.0), as well as 2014 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica (29.0).


“There were also considerable differences among the teams in terms of the average height of players. At one extreme, seven associations fielded players with an average height of less than 180cm: Peru, Argentina and Uruguay (CONMEBOL), Saudi Arabia and Japan (AFC), Mexico (CONCACAF), and Spain (UEFA). At the other extreme, the average height of the players fielded by four European nations – Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Serbia – was at least 185cm.


“The study also revealed that about 9% of players were born outside of the association they represent. Only seven of the 32 teams did not field any players born abroad. The number of footballers playing for clubs outside of the association they represent also revealed the importance of migration in football. In total, 64.6% of footballers play abroad: from 0% for England and Saudi Arabia, to 100% for Croatia, Sweden and Iceland.”

The Super Eagles who are in Pot 4, will know their group stage opponents when the draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup holds on Friday, December 1st, in Russia.

OLIVER KHAN STILL DOESN'T LIKE ME - AUSTIN OKOCHA

Nigerian legend Austin Okocha has revealed that former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is still unhappy with him 23 years after he scored a wonder goal against the revered shot stopper.

Okocha stated this at an interactive media briefing tagged ‘ Bundesliga Legend Tour with Jay-Jay Okocha’ organised by Pay Television Company StarTimes and DeutsheFussballLiga.

Karlsruhe keeper Kahn had come out of his line to thwart an Eintracht Frankfurt attack during a Bundesliga game in 1993, but Okocha turned him inside with his dribbles, with the German tumbling down inside the box.

But the Nigerian was not done yet as he dribbled past more Karlsruhe defenders, going past some of them twice, before slotting in past Kahn, who had enough time to recover but couldn’t stop Okocha.

“Kahn doesn’t like me, he has taken it personal. I was just doing my job, I didn’t have the intention to hold the ball too long but he was at the receiving end. I am grateful to God for that because people can still identify me with something in Germany,” he said

Ronaldo and I have no relationship outside football - Lionel Messi

Argentine captain Lionel Messi have hinted that he enjoys no relationship with 'imaginary' competitive rival Cristiano Ronaldo outside of football business. The Camp Nou star does not think he will become friends with Ronaldo once both players retire at the end of their playing careers 

Messi, 30, has revealed that he does not have a relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, and only really speaks to his rival at awards ceremonies. Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has previously claimed that himself and Messi will likely put their on-field rivalry behind them when they finish playing and become friends, but the Barcelona forward is not confident that their future is bright beyond football. 

Messi while speaking to Spanish media Marca about his relationship with Ronaldo said: "I don't know if we will be [friends]," 

"Friendship is built through spending time together and getting to know each other. "We have no relationship, mainly because we only see each other at awards ceremonies and that's the only time we speak. Everything is fine, but our lives don't cross over very often." 

After helping Madrid win the Champions League with two goals in the final against Juventus, Ronaldo is the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or again this year. It will be the Portugal international's fifth award, equaling Messi's record tally. 

The duo have finished first and second each year since 2008, but Messi believes that their dominance will be broken in the near future as other players challenge them for the crown of the best player in the world. "There are many great players around today who can win the Ballon d'Or," the 30-year-old said. 

"In recent years there have just been two, but now players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Luis Suarez can compete for that award."

WHY IWOBI CHOSE NIGERIA OVER ENGLAND - WENGER

Arsene Wenger says that the Football Association did not push hard enough to secure Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi for the England national team.

As Standard Sport revealed when Iwobi made his competitive debut for Nigeria in March last year the FA made a late bid to secure the Arsenal forward’s international future.

The 21-year-old, who was born in Lagos but moved to London at the age of four, had come through the England youth setup, playing at Under-16, U17 and U18 level but never featuring for the U21s. Instead he opted to represent the Super Eagles when they first called him up in early October 2015, several weeks before the youngster made his Arsenal debut.

“He had the potential to play for England and for Nigeria,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “Today he looks very happy with Nigeria. When I speak to him, he’s had very positive experiences.

“He brings his quality to Nigeria – he’s absolutely a creative player going forward. He’s very strong in small spaces and he’s starting to score goals as well.

“For a while it was open between England and Nigeria, and England didn’t really push for Alex during that period. Nigeria were more willing to have him. I’ve seen many times that sons of parents from Nigeria want to go back to their parents’ country.”

Iwobi has since made 12 appearances for Nigeria, scoring two goals, including the late winner against Zambia in October that secured his country’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup finals.

“When I actually scored the moment was crazy, I remember running off celebrating,” Iwobi said. “I almost cried, I actually almost cried to see how the fans were reacting, to see my mum and dad in the stands, it was just an amazing feeling.”

“It’s always an honour to wear the green, white and green, I mean I’ve seen so many kids on the street when we’re in the bus, they’re screaming “go Nigeria, go Nigeria”, so to represent them I’m just proud.”

SUPER EAGLES' VICTORY, INDEPENDENCE GIFT TO NIGERIA, SAYS BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President described the victory as “very sweet, soothing and a 57th Independence Anniversary gift to the nation.”

The President applauded the nation’s senior men’s football team for the feat of making Nigeria the first African country to qualify for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament, with a match left to play.

The statement read, “As he joined millions of football-loving Nigerians in rejoicing with the players and their coaching crew, President Buhari called on all Nigerians to apply the values of perseverance, resilience, discipline, hard work and team-spirit which propelled the footballers to excel since the beginning of the qualifying matches, to all sectors of national life.

“The President promised that the Federal Government will continue to support the team within available resources so that the nation will maximise the unifying potentials of sports in general and football in particular.

“He enjoined the entire team and Nigerian Football Federation officials to remain steadfast and focused when they begin preparations for the global football fiesta in order to make Nigeria proud.

“President Buhari urged public, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to continue to assist the Super Eagles as the team heads for a sixth appearance at the summit of football competition.

“The President also appreciated the government of Akwa Ibom State for the invaluable support it has been rendering to the football team, describing it as worthy of emulation.”

FORMER ARSENAL STAR, EMMANUEL EBOUE, TESTS POSITIVE TO HIV

Former Arsenal and Galatasary player, Emmanuel Eboue has been diagnosed with HIV.

The player’s agent, Tekin Birinci, posted an update on Facebook: “Unfortunately is true that we are facing some medical problems about Eboue. He will go to England… so we will know how serious it is”.
Emmanuel Eboue will fly to England to have further tests after it was discovered the 34-year-old had contracted HIV, according to Goal Turkey.
Report claimed the virus was discovered as the former Galatasaray and Arsenal star was having a medical for Cypriot side Limassol.

The HIV virus was detected in Ebuoe’s blood.
The Ivorian made 215 appearances for Arsenal during his six-year spell in north London. Scoring 10 goals and assisting a further 20.

In 2001 the right-back moved to Turkish giants Galatasaray, winning two Super Lig titles as well as a Turkish league cup in his four years at the club.

MIKEL, 14 OTHERS ARRIVE SUPER EAGLES CAMP

Super Eagles’ camp in Uyo last night came alive, as skipper John Obi Mikel led 14 other players to the Le Meridian Ibom Hotel ahead of this weekend’s World Cup qualifying tie against Zambia.

Monday’s arrivals also included Mikel Agu, Williams Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheancho.

Others are Dele Ajiboye, Elderson Echiejile, John Ogu, Anthony Nwakaeme, Oghenekaro Etebo and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Arsenal winger, Alex Iwobi and other players were expected to join the team today, before their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Mikel said: “We are taking this game very serious. We must wrap this race up on Saturday. Our team has shown professionalism, dedication and determination to be in this position.”

Nigeria leads Group B with 10 points from four matches and they will advance to next year’s mundial if they beat Zambia in Uyo on Saturday.

FIFA FINES NIGERIA $31,000

FIFA has fined Nigeria $31,000 for crowd disorder during last month’s World Cup qualifier against Cameroon in Uyo, which the Super Eagles won 4-0.

German football federation was fined 32,000 Swiss francs ($33,000) because fans chanted Nazi slogans at a World Cup qualifying game in the Czech Republic.

“The range of charges against Germany included fans encroaching on the field and setting off fireworks at the game in Prague,” FIFA said.

About 200 German supporters chanted slogans during their team’s 2-1 win and verbally abused one of the scorers Timo Werner.


FIFA also fined the Czech federation 5,000 Swiss francs ($5,150) for crowd disorder.

FIFA’s attempts to crack down on fans chanting gay slurs saw seven national federations fined for incidents.

Argentina was ordered to pay 65,000 Swiss francs ($67,000), Panama 50,000 Swiss francs ($51,500), and Hungary 20,000 Swiss francs ($20,600).

FC BARCELONA TO GO ON STRIKE TOMORROW

FC BARCELONA will go on STRIKE in protest at the Catalan independence referendum.

The club will close tomorrow (Tuesday) and the players will not be expected to turn in for training.

The club said in a statement today (Monday): “FC Barcelona joins the country wide strike called for by Table for Democracy and therefore the club will be closed tomorrow.

“None of the professional teams or the youth teams at FC Barcelona will train tomorrow.”

Clashes as police fired rubber bullets and forced their way into polling stations, often violently removing activists, to confiscate ballots left at least 92 people confirmed injured out of a total of 844 who needed medical attention, according to Catalan authorities.

The unions calling for the strike said: “We strongly condemn the violence carried out by the state’s security forces to impede the October 1 referendum.”

The result of the referendum, deemed ‘illegal’ by the Spanish government, revealed that 90 per cent had voted for independence from Spain.

In light of the incidents, Barca played their match against Las Palmas behind closed doors on Sunday.
 
Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the club made the decision as a protest against the violent clashes rather than security concerns.

The vast majority of Barcelona’s stars, including Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique, who has been an outspoken defender of Catalonia’s right to self-determination, wouldn’t have trained with Barca on Tuesday in any case as they are on international duty with their respective nations.

Sunsport reported earlier today how Barcelona will complain to Fifa and Uefa after they were forced by La Liga to play their home game against Las Palmas.

As tension rose over the weekend and violence erupted in Catalonia over the independence referendum, Barca requested to postpone their league game.

But La Liga representatives threatened the club with a six-point deduction if they failed to play the fixture.

It led to the Catalan club hosting Las Palmas behind closed doors, with 98,000 empty seats on view.

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu told Catalunya Radio that he will take his complaint to the highest echelons in world football.

He said: “We will ask for explanations because it is incomprehensible that they did not agree to suspend the game.

“We will take this as far as we can and there will be consequences.”

'I TRIED BUT NEYMAR WAS ADAMANT TO LEAVE BARCA' - NEYMAR'S DAD

Neymar would still be a Barcelona player had he listened to his dad, The Sun reports.

The Brazilian stunned the world by completing his £198m Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

His father, Neymar Sr, reportedly earned a whopping £23m in agent fees for the world-record transfer.

But he told Telefoot, “I was the one who hesitated until the last moment.

“I told him that the best choice was to stay but he wanted to take a risk.

“It was difficult, but Neymar wanted this challenge and we supported him.

“We were all proud when he was presented at PSG. To see Neymar projected onto the Eiffel Tower was incredible. He loves everything here.”

Neymar, 25, is thought to have left Barca with the aim of winning the Ballon d’Or.

Playing alongside five-time winner Lionel Messi and Uruguay strike ace Luis Suarez meant chances to shine were more limited for the forward.

But his father claims it is the collective honour of helping PSG win their first Champions League that motivated the move.

He added, “To help PSG win the Champions League motivated him. If Neymar should win the Ballon d’Or, he will, but I don’t think that he really wants it. If he wanted that he could have remained at Barcelona.

“We signed a five-year contract, so we have five years to win the Champions League with PSG.”

PSG’s front line boasts a mouth-watering array of talent in Neymar, Edinson Cavani and fellow new boy Kylian Mbappe.

But Neymar and Cavani locked horns early in their partnership by rowing over a penalty against Lyon.

Reports suggested there was a dressing-room rift between the pair but the Samba star’s dad has denied those claims.

He said: “The proportions taken by the Neymar-Cavani story have been amplified. Everything is fine between them.

“Now, the attacking line of PSG will inspire the next generations. For us, it’s a gift that Mbappe is here because he plays like a 30-year-old.

“It’s no problem if he is a challenger for the Ballon d’Or. In few years, he will be in that category of players.”

MANCHESTER UNITED FANS SING FOR LUKAKU'S MANHOOD

Manchester United’s fans defied the club’s orders as they continued today to sing the controversial chant about striker Romelu Lukaku’s manhood.

Their defiance has already triggered a second complaint from anti-discrimination group Kick It Out.

The song, which references the perceived size of Lukaku’s manhood, was deemed ‘offensive and discriminatory’ by Kick It Out in a letter to United. The song has previously been heard during the past week’s home games against Everton and Burton Albion.

Both United and Lukaku had already implored fans not to sing the chant in a statement earlier this week and on Saturday night they once again condemned their supporters. The club also confirmed they are prepared to support police action against the perpetrators.

Sections of the club’s travelling support continued to use the song at St Mary’s Stadium, where Lukaku scored the only goal of the game.

Kick It Out have now issued a new statement once again condemning United supporters and they accuse the fans of ‘repeated racist chanting.’

The anti-discrimination group insist the fans have a ‘responsibility’ to comply with the request of their striker.

The statement reads: ‘Kick It Out is aware of repeated racist chanting by supporters of Manchester United.’

‘Kick It Out would like to reiterate its stance that such behaviour has no place in football. Romelu Lukaku himself has requested that the supporters ‘move on’ from singing the chant in question and Manchester United now has a responsibility to ensure that the request is complied with.

‘If anyone has any evidence of supporters engaging in racist chanting, Kick It Out asks that you report it via the organisation’s app, to a steward or to the police.

Lukaku himself called for an end to the song when he took to Twitter earlier this week and wrote: ‘Great backing since I joined United. Fans have meant well with their songs but let’s move on together. #respecteachother.’

However, during the first half of United’s Premier League match at Southampton, the travelling band of supporters aired the chant once more and then sang: ‘We’re Man United, we’ll sing what we want.’

The fans followed that up with a different Lukaku song that avoided all racist connotations and simply championed ‘Manchester United’s number nine.’

United manager Jose Mourinho, however, refused to condemn the fans and called the support for his side ‘amazing.’

Here is the lyrics of the controversial song:

“Romelu Lukaku,

“He’s our Belgium scoring genius,

“He’s got a 24 inch penis,

“Scoring all the goals,

“B*****d to his toes.”

REVEALED: NEYMAR EARNS €100,000 A DAY i.e €4,000 AN HOUR!

During the summer, Brazilian superstar, Neymar shocked the world of football when he leftt Barcelona for PSG in a reported 222 million euros deal that made him the world's most expensive footballer.

Now football leaks and Der Spiegel, known for leaking salary documents of top football stars, have revealed the monstrous salary Neymar earns inhis new club- about 3,069,520 euros a month at PSG, which is about 100,000 euros a day and €36.8m annually with PSG

When put into perspective, Neymar earns about €4,000 an hour or €66 a minute, a huge salary that automatically makes him the world's second highest earning footballer- only behind Carlos Tevez who earns about €38.4m annually in China.

Lionel Messi, Neymar's teammate at Barcelona, is expected to boost his salary to a reported €40m annually when he puts pen to paper on a long-delayed new deal with the Catalans, which will make him the world's highest paid player.

 Right now I'm thinking to myself 'what am I doing here as a blogger? Is it too late to become a footballer?'.

KENYA STRIPPED OF CHAN 2018 HOSTING RIGHTS

Kenya were stripped Saturday of the right to host the 2018 African Nations Championship after a CAF executive committee meeting in Accra.

The decision was announced at a media conference after a one-day meeting of the African football “cabinet” headed by president Ahmad Ahmad from Madagascar.

Slow preparations for the January 12/February 4 tournament led to a decision widely anticipated for several weeks.

A CAF inspection team departed Kenya in September to report that only one of the four venues was ready to stage the tournament restricted to home-based footballers.

Some CAF officials in Accra also expressed concern about the political situation in Kenya, where recently annulled presidential elections are set to be rerun late October.

It is the second time the regional economic powerhouse has lost the right to stage a CAF competition after being replaced by South Africa as 1996 Africa Cup of Nations hosts.

Kenya would have been the second successive east African country to stage the CHAN after Rwanda in 2016.

Other hosts since the 2009 inception of the Nations Championship were the Ivory Coast, Sudan and South Africa.

There has been media speculation that Morocco or South Africa may replace Kenya.

Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda and Zambia have qualified for the 2018 finals.

Kenya completed the line-up as the host nation — a position they now forfeit.

I DON'T SELECT GAMES TO PLAY FOR NIGERIA

Super Eagles and Chelsea FC star , Victor Moses has dismissed suggestions he picks and chooses the games he plays for Nigeria , insisting he always wants to be fit before appearing for his country .

Moses , 26 , made his Nigeria debut in 2012 when he changed his international allegiance after representing England at various age -grade levels .

He has since won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria and featured at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil .

Moses played a key role in the draw and victory in back - to - back matches over Cameroon this month that moved Nigeria closer to qualification for next year ’ s World Cup in Russia .

But the Chelsea wing - back said he was disappointed by the insinuations that he does not always want to play for his country.

“ Yes , everyone says that I select games. I have heard it myself , ” he told Nigerian radio.

“ But it is what it is . I never run away from challenges . I love to play football, why would I run away from playing football? That is what we are meant to do , ” he said .

“ But people keep saying that I choose games for Nigeria … But I need to clear the air now , that is not true.

“ If I have got an injury , I have got an injury . Whenever I want to play for Nigeria , I must be 100 percent , I want to give everything . But if I have got an injury , I don ’ t want to force myself because I am going to look stupid on the pitch.”

FIFA OKAYS OLA AINA TO REPRESENT NIGERIA

Nigeria have received clearance from FIFA for Hull City defender , Ola Aina , to represent the country .

The clearance makes Aina eligible for Monday ’ s Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier reverse fixture against Cameroon in Yaounde.

Nigeria thrashed Cameroon 4 - 0 in Uyo on Friday in the first of the double -header .

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr said Aina , who can play at right - back or left - back , could now line up in Yaounde as the Super Eagles look for a second victory in four days over Cameroon.

“ FIFA have approved Ola Aina, who can now play for Nigeria , ” Rohr was quoted as saying by Supersports. com .

Aina , who is on a season - long loan at Hull from Chelsea, was brought in by the Eagles coach to fill the gaps in the full - back positions .

The player was born in London to Nigerian parents . Although he has a Nigerian passport, he has represented England at various junior levels and so needed to apply to change his international allegiance.

Rohr had hoped to use Aina in the first clash against Cameroon but the FIFA clearance did not arrive on time .

Nigeria have nine points from three matches in Group B of the African qualifiers , while Zambia are second on four points and Cameroon remain on two points.

WAYNE ROONEY HAS BEEN ARRESTED BY LONDON POLICE!

Everton striker Wayne Rooney has been arrested on suspicion of drink -driving , the BBC and Sky Sports reported Friday .

The BBC said 31 - year - old Rooney was stopped by police near his home in Cheshire , northwest England , on Thursday night .

Rooney was seen posing in a selfie with cricketer Jack McIver in a bar in Alderley Edge earlier that day .

McIver shared the photo of the pair in the Bubble Room on Instagram at around 10 :00 pm ( 2100 GMT ) that day with the comment: “ International Break # legend ”.

Rooney , England ’ s all- time record goal - scorer , announced his retirement from international football last week, having scored 53 goals in 119 appearances for his country .

He made his decision despite England manager Gareth Southgate offering to recall him for the World Cup qualifier against Malta on Friday.

Rooney re- joined boyhood club Everton in the pre- season from Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Rooney scored in his first two Premier League games of the 2017 /18 campaign , with the forward on target last month in a 1 - 0 win over Stoke City and again in a 1 - 1 draw with Manchester City .

GOV. EMMANUEL UDOM PROMISES SUPER EAGLES $10,000 PER GOAL

The Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel , has promised to pay the Super Eagles $ 10 , 000 for every goal the team score against Cameroon in their 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Friday.

The governor also redeemed his pledge of $ 30 , 000 to the Eagles for their 3 - 1 win against Algeria in a 2018 World Cup Group B qualifier last year .

Emmanuel called on Nigerians to support the Eagles with prayers as well go to the Uyo stadium to cheer the team to victory against the Indomitable Lions .

“You ( Eagles) should be able to hold the Lions ; I believe the Lions by this time tomorrow (Friday ) will not be able to roar . We believe in prayers. We also need your support. You have to do something to ensure that , at least , we project our own to the world .

“ I don ’ t know how I feel when I hear of some people collecting almost £ 300 m and some of our players are equally talented enough to collect that kind of money. Nobody has the monopoly of sports . Let us also encourage our own . I ’ ll like to see some of these players there, ” he said .

CHELSEA AGREES £35 MILLION FEE FOR ARSENAL'S OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN

Chelsea FC are believed to have agreed a fee with Arsenal to bring Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who joined Arsenal in 2011 and rejected a contract offer from the Gunners last week, to Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool and Chelsea had been showing substantial interest in the 24-year-old but Sky Sports say it is the Premier League champions who are set to land their man.

It is claimed a fee of around £35million has been agreed between the London rivals and a medical will take place in the next few days.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who started for Arsenal in Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Anfield, is currently with the England squad at St George’s Park. And it is believed large parts of his medical could take place at England’s training centre, with Chelsea keen to make progress on the deal ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Conte confirmed the club were working ‘very hard’ on incoming transfers. "There are four days to go in the transfer market," Conte said.

"I think the club is working very hard to try to improve our squad. Don’t forget that in September we have to play seven games and I need to rotate my players because it’s very difficult to play seven games in a month with the same players."

⚠️ FULL STORY ⚠️

Chelsea have agreed a fee with Arsenal for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, SSN understands.

Read here: https://t.co/LFxFVsqgMp pic.twitter.com/Z21twPGZ3N

— Sky Sports PL 👑 (@SkySportsPL) August 28, 2017

SEE HOW MUCH FLOYD MAYWEATHER MADE FROM HIS FIGHT AGAINST McGREGOR

According to AOL, Floyd Mayweather, 40 is slated to earn a pretty penny - about $250 to $300 million dollars, $100 million of that just for showing up and another $150 million to 200 million from pay per view after winning his historic 50th victory.

Conor McGregor on the other hand is slated to rake in $30 million just for showing up plus pay per view earnings, giving him a total that is higher than all of his previous prize money combined.

Mayweather who is unbeaten also disclosed that a $400,000 dollar bet on himself to win by knockout in under nine and a half rounds had been refused by bookmakers on The Strip just hours before the Sin City fight heard its first bell.

“For the last month I didn’t do no sparring,” Mayweather said. “I wanted my hands to be 100 percent for the fight. I wanted my hands to be solid. My hands are real brittle, you know that.”

“I wanted my hands to be solid so when I came out here and I’m shooting hard shots, I was able to put the guy down,” he explained, admitting that he was “shocked” by McGregor’s ability to switch from mixed martial arts to boxing.

“That was the plan. Let him come out trying to kill me with big shots early on, and then beat him down the stretch. My father thought it would be six or seven. It took a little longer."

The two smiled home with huge cash to spend. While Mayweather will earn around 50 per cent of overall takings from the fight, McGregor’s purse was guaranteed at $30m (£23.3m), which will rise to around $75m once royalties and pay per view numbers are in.