Flamengo is the most valuable team in South America

Brazilians and Argentines make up the entirety of the 25 most valuable clubs in South America, according to the football data provider iSports API website.

In the top-10, representing Brazil are: Flamengo, Palmeiras, Grêmio, São Paulo, Corinthians, and Internacional, while River Plate, Boca Juniors, Vélez Sarsfield and Racing Club make up the rest of the lot.

To almost nobody’s surprise, Flamengo top the list with their players being worth a combined €151.2m (R$820m), as per iSports football API.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

Rubro-Negro’s economic success comes partially from good financial management, which began in 2013 under the tutelage of former president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello.

Back in 2013, Bandeira de Mello employed a policy of financial austerity which has proven fruitful in the last year, with Flamengo reaching the Club World Cup final after winning the Carioca, Brasileirão, and Copa Libertadores titles.

Flamengo also heavily invested in their youth academy, which resulted in Lucas Paquetá, Vinícius Júnior, and Reinier being sold for a combined €113.4m (R$624.8m) in the last 18 months, accoriding to iSports API football live data.

2018 Copa Libertadores champions and 2019 runner-up River Plate is second on the list. Though the club is sponsored by Turkish Airlines, which gives them $5m (R$25m) annually over a three-year period, their financial statements showed they are not currently making a profit.

The first club that is not Brazilian or Argentine on the list is Junior Barranquilla (Colombia), who appears 26th.

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Manuel Neuer not satisfied with Bayern's current contract offer

Manuel Neuer has been with Bayern Munich since 2011, as per football data provider iSports API, but his future with the Bavarians is up in the air with his contract expiring in 2021 and outstanding young goalkeeper Alexander Nübel arriving from Schalke this summer.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

Neuer, who turns 34 in the recent day, wants to remain at Bayern for the foreseeable future but there’s a chance that the World Cup-winner could be out of a job as current contract talks have stalled.

According to Bild, Neuer is seeking a new deal and is currently disappointed with Bayern’s current offer, with the club captain seeking a longer contract that what the club have put on the table.

With Nübel arriving to give Neuer real competition next season, the chances that Neuer could leave the club once his contract expires are very realistic.

Neuer has bounced back from recent injuries to play every single minute for the club in all competitions this season, earning 15 clean sheets and allowing just 38 goals in 37 games, according to iSports football live data.

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Bayern Munich negotiating with Kingsley Coman over new deal

Bayern Munich are looking to keep hold of their current attacking options and also add some lethal quality in the final third this summer.

Though Kingsley Coman has been quite inconsistent this season, it is reported Bayern have begun negotiating with the 23-year-old over a new deal.

The France international’s current contract runs until 2023, as per football data provider iSports API. Bayern are believed to want to give Coman an additional two years and will reportedly offer the winger a wage increase as well.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

The move will come as a head-scratcher for some, as Bayern have been long in pursuit of Manchester City winger Leroy Sané, who would almost undoubtedly start on the left side.

So far this season, 13 of Coman’s 24 appearances have been on the left, as per iSports football live data API. Sané’s arrival would likely mean that Coman would deputise for Sané on the left and compete with Serge Gnabry on the right.

Coman has struggled with injuries in recent years, including this season, but has still managed to contribute and help his respective sides win the league title in every single year as a professional.

In addition to his incredible eight league titles, Coman already has a staggering 16 trophies to his name. In the current campaign, Coman has five goals and five assists in 24 matches in all competitions, as per iSports API.

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Ranking the six highest appearance makers in Premier League history

James Milner’s remarkable consistency at the highest level has seen the midfielder continue to move up the list of the Premier League’s record appearance makers, the Liverpool star now just one game shy of entering the all-time top five.

The veteran may have to wait for his landmark appearance as football pauses amid the coronavirus epidemic, but ahead of the achievement we’ve decided to profile Milner and those ahead of him in the rankings.

Here are the rankings of the six highest appearance makers in Premier League history, according to professional football data provider iSports API.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

James Milner – 534 appearances

The soon-to-be man of the moment, Milner burst onto the scene as a teenage talent at Leeds United, becoming the second-youngest player in Premier League history in 2002 before eclipsing Wayne Rooney as the division’s youngest goalscorer on Boxing Day of that year.

Leeds’ financial difficulties resulted in a move to Newcastle before later joining Aston Villa, Milner named as the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2010 to earn a big-money move to Manchester City.

Milner’s game-time proved limited at the Etihad as he struggled to establish himself as an automatic starter, however, a five-year spell delivered a wealth of silverware including two league titles, as per iSports football API.

Liverpool would come calling in the summer of 2015 and Milner made the move to Merseyside on a free transfer, a move that ranks amongst the club’s greatest ever Bosman captures after five seasons of unwavering consistency.

Instantly installed as vice-captain, Milner has proven an influential dressing room figure in a side that has won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup under Jurgen Klopp.

Gary Speed – 535 appearances

The former Welsh international was a midfielder of the highest quality and a popular figure at several top-flight clubs, Speed enjoying spells at Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United.

Having helped Leeds to the league title in the final season before the rebranded Premier League, Speed was named in the PFA Team of the Year during the competition’s inaugural season.

The midfielder proved to be a model of consistency throughout his 535 top-flight appearances – a record at the time of his retirement according to Premier League data provider iSports API– possessing a sweet left foot and an ability to arrive into the box and influence proceedings with vital goals.

Speed’s professionalism saw him play past his 40th birthday and he captained several of his sides on occasion, his leadership qualities leading to him moving into management with the Wales national team in 2010.

Speed tragically took his own life in 2011 at the age of just 42, a devastating loss of both a great man and true Premier League legend.

David James – 572 appearances

A goalkeeper always capable of producing jaw-dropping moments, both for the right and wrong reasons.

James emerged at Watford and following a series of impressive performances in the second tier, made the move to Liverpool where he enjoyed mixed fortunes.

Nicknamed ‘Calamity James’ for his tendency to produce high-profile errors, the goalkeeper would nonetheless spend seven seasons on Merseyside and make over 200 Premier League appearances.

Further spells at the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham, Manchester City and Portsmouth followed, James winning the FA Cup with the latter in 2008 in addition to earning 53 caps for England.

Despite his collection of clangers James’ status as the third player to reach 500 Premier League appearances is a testament to his quality, as are his 169 clean sheets – the second highest in the division’s history behind former Arsenal and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, recorded by iSports football livescore API.

Oh yeah, and his cameo up front for Man City remains one of the funniest moments in Premier League history…

Frank Lampard – 609 appearances

One of the greatest midfielders of the Premier League era, Frank Lampard’s incredible achievements are highlighted by his presence amongst many of the all-time records.

The fifth-highest goalscorer in the division’s history – a remarkable feat for a central midfield player – only two players have also made more than Lampard’s 609 Premier League appearances, as per iSports API.

Lampard came through the academy ranks at West Ham, but it would be across the capital at London rivals Chelsea where he developed into a star of English football, winning three league titles amongst a host of major honours in addition to becoming the Blues’ all-time record goalscorer.

Lampard later spent a brief loan spell at Manchester City after moving to MLS side New York City, retiring as one of the most iconic Premier League players of all-time.

Ryan Giggs – 632 appearances

The career of Ryan Giggs is one unlikely to ever be matched in terms of either longevity or success at the very highest level.

Manchester United’s dominance of the Premier League era was centred around a core contingent of home-grown talents, perhaps none more influential than their flying Welsh winger.

Giggs burst onto the scene as a teenager and remained at Old Trafford throughout an incredible career that saw him play past his 40th birthday, his 13 league titles an achievement many feel will never be surpassed.

Two Champions League titles would also be added to his 34 trophies won, Giggs holding the all-time record for United appearances – 632 of which came in the Premier League, according to iSports football database.

Only one player has made more Premier League appearances than the Welshman, whilst no player in the division’s history can better his record of 162 assists.

Gareth Barry – 653 appearances

Gareth Barry may be playing his football in the second tier at present, though the fact the midfielder has continued his career past his 39th birthday is a testament to his consistency and dedication to the sport.

Barry began his career at Aston Villa and spent over a decade at the Midlands club, his left foot offering balance and his versatility evident as he switched between a variety of roles in both defence and midfield.

An understated presence, Barry joined Manchester City in 2011 after 365 league appearances for Villa, winning both the FA Cup and Premier League as the Etihad club emerged as a contender for English football’s biggest prizes.

The midfielder, capped 53 times by England, later enjoyed an impressive four-year spell at Everton, being named as the club’s Player of the Season after a fine campaign during the 2015/16 season.

His record appearance came in the colours of West Brom almost three years ago, where he remains in Slaven Bilic’s promotion-chasing squad after their drop into the Championship in 2018.

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These college players are likely headed to the NBA in the following year

So here we are, no NCAA Final Four and a postponed NBA season. But to avid basketball fans, there’s the possibility to lose so much more. The college basketball season typically ends at a time when the NBA season is three-fourths completed and unveiling which teams need the next generation of stars, according to  professional basketball data provider iSports API.

（iSports API covers a wide ranges of sports games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds and players' statistics）

Fans would start debating which upcoming stars their team might draft. March Madness has been a springboard for young hoopers to showcase their talents, improve their draft status and finish their college basketball careers with unbelievable memories. Unfortunately, this year’s prospects and teams with momentum have been stymied by the coronavirus pandemic.

I’ve seen many of these players play, going back to AAU ball and their high school careers. Their draft prospects might have shifted because of their NCAA tournament performances, but we’ll never know. However, the 2020 NBA draft will eventually happen with the inevitable questions: who’s your top five and who are the best players you might not have heard of.

The consensus top-five picks are in no order because the actual selection will depend on the needs of the organization. That said, the top five are generally considered franchise players. The 2020 draft doesn’t appear to possess a generational/franchise talent similar to last year’s Zion Williamson, the 2019 No. 1 pick, or Ja Morant, the No. 2 selection, but it does appear to feature a talented group that can improve an organization or strengthen a marginal playoff franchise. 

LaMelo Ball, a 6-foot-7 point guard, played in Australia this season. He can create for others, pass with either hand and keep defenses honest by hitting 3-pointers. Size and length are coveted in the NBA, but sometimes overstated, which is why the guys with grit, grind and authentic commitment make a roster and defy that logic. Ball has flair and ability, but does he have that star swag to carry a franchise to the next level? I’m not sure. He’s a poor man’s Penny Hardaway or a little better version of his brother, Lonzo Ball.

James Wiseman, the 7-foot center, played three games for Memphis. But as a result of a 12-game NCAA suspension after the season began, the young fella decided to withdraw and prepare for the NBA draft instead. He runs the floor, has great anticipation, rebounds and shoots the ball. He has great size and length and is a definitive rim runner. 

He knows his strength and will post in the paint consistently while offering a variety of offensive moves, and he also has the ability to pass out of the post to make plays. He has great hands and is very active going to the glass or protecting the rim. Similar to Brooklyn Nets center DeAndre Jordan, with a better jump shot.

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Anthony Edwards is a 6-foot-5 guard from Georgia with an NBA body. He can score at three levels, from 3-point range, drives to the basket and from mid-range, and also has the ability to get to the free throw line. He’s a great athlete with the skill level to match, and he’s also unselfish and makes good decisions. His respect comes from being named a preseason SEC first-teamer as a freshman. 

It’s a good movie so far, but not in the Oscars conversation yet. He didn’t consistently dominate or lead his team with the unwavering confidence that next-level franchise players wear. He’s supertalented and could be a franchise player if he demands opponents to put some more “respeck” on his name. He’s compared to former NBA star Mitch Richmond of the Dirty Dirty.

Obi Toppin, the 6-foot-9 forward for Dayton, is a top candidate for Naismith College Player of the Year. He’s a high-energy forward who really runs the floor well, high-level rebounder who rebounds out of his position (doesn’t have to be under the ball or the ball doesn’t have to drop in his hands for him to be an effective rebounder), can score around the basket and can shoot the 3. He’s grown four inches since high school. 

He’s a little more mature than the average junior in college, having attended prep school after high school and sitting out his first year at Dayton. He’s carried this mid-major program like he was on a mission, though because of the cancellation of the NCAA tournament, that didn’t happen. He’s a slightly smaller Amar’e Stoudemire.

Daniel Oturu is a 6-foot-10 big man from Minnesota. He’s long with a very high skill level, a great passer, shoots the 3 well and not a great athlete, but athletic enough. He’s got an NBA-ready body that will be a splash during an 82-game season. He shot 56.3% from inside the 3-point line and 36.5% from distance this season,as per iSports basketball API, but he has to improve his free throw shooting.

Cole Anthony is a 6-foot-3 point guard from North Carolina. He has a tough NBA body and can run a team, get to the basket and shoot the 3. He’s a superathlete with a killer instinct and a ridiculous work ethic, which is key for high-level success. I like the way he runs the team. He has leadership qualities like his father, former NBA player Greg Anthony, who captained the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels to the 1990 NCAA championship. But he’s a bigger, better athlete with a better shot. Some question his quickness, but the DNA is there. He seems to have recovered from an early-season injury. A player he reminds me of is Derrick Rose … maybe.

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Now this list could change a little, but as of this date, these young fellas are at the top of the list consistently. The next group of 10 are the guys who folks in the NBA are aware of but the national audiences are not necessarily as familiar with. Let me introduce them to you. They ball so hard it’s only right that we be fair.
THEY AREN’T HOUSEHOLD NAMES, YET

Jalen “Sticks” Smith is a 6-foot-10 forward from Maryland. He’s long and athletic, with the ability to impact the game on both ends of the court; he can rebound, run the floor and block shots. He’s gotten stronger and really protects the rim. Smith is an active forward who hasn’t really shown his full array of skills yet, but he’ll get that chance. He’s playing center but really is a forward. Stretch 4 will be his gig, as he will be a good pick-and-pop forward at the next level. Maybe Rasheed Wallace with better handles. I saw this after seeing him play in high school.

Vernon Carey is a 6-foot-10 forward/center from Duke. He’s a big body with a high IQ and skill set. He scores in the paint and can shoot from 15 feet, run the floor and compete on the backboard at a consistent level. He can play with his back to the basket but can also shoot the elbow or short corner shot, a floater and/or a jump hook. The big fella can deliver. He’s comparable to former Blue Devils Carlos Boozer and maybe Elton Brand.

Onyeka Okongwu is a 6-foot-9 multidimensional forward from the University of Southern California. He can do everything. He was teammates with LaMelo Ball in high school and came into his own after the Ball brothers left Chino Hills High School. He’s a superathlete who can score.

Daron “Fatts” Russell is a 5-feet-10 (OK, 5-feet-9) point guard from Rhode Island. This speedster always finds a way to get a bucket. He’s one of those players where you can see that he is trying to win everygame. He’s athletic enough to turn it up (dunk) going to the rim. He was the best guard in the Atlantic 10 this season, according to basketball livescore iSports API. There will be questions whether he can defend at the next level. Throwback comparison: Former NBA player Michael Adams – the no hops version.

Markus Howard is a 5-foot-11 (really closer to 5-foot-9) shooting guard from Marquette. He has deep range with a scoring ability similar to former Brigham Young University guard Jimmer Fredette, but Howard is faster and can get into the lane. Howard is an elite shooter with a career shooting percentage of at least 45% from the field and 3-point line, as per baksetball data provider iSports API. He is small, though, for the next level.

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Myles Powell is a 6-foot-2 “bucket” from Seton Hall. Bucket accurately suggests Powell’s position. He can score in every way. He’s a stronger, bigger version of former Purdue guard Carsen Edwards, who currently plays with the Boston Celtics. He’s another player who can score at all levels and in transition: half-court set drives, mid-range jumpers, from 3 and the free throw line.

Trayce Jackson-Davis is a 6-foot-9 rebounding forward from Indiana. He’s an unbelievable athlete with quickness. He rebounds out of position, even when he doesn’t have the inside position, nor does he have to be under the ball to be an effective rebounder. He’s also a good rim protector. His father is former NBA great rebounding forward Dale Davis, which makes you really believe that rebounding is in his DNA. When this multitalented freshman learns how to play, the sky’s the limit. Reminds you of his dad.

Cletrell Pope is a 6-foot-9 forward from Bethune-Cookman. He’s a long, athletic pogo stick player with one of the traits that make NBA folks stop to take notice. Pope has a serious motor, and led the nation in offensive rebounds per game, shot 60% from the field in conference play and was voted the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) preseason player of the year this season. 

Pope plays hard, rebounds out of his position and runs the floor with the best of them. He defends multiple positions and had 21 double-doubles last season, breaking the record of former Norfolk State University and present Philadelphia 76ers forward Kyle O’Quinn, who was the last MEAC player drafted into the NBA (2012). Pope is the No. 1 prospect from a historically black university, according to iSports basketball API. He reminds me of former NBA great Dennis Rodman, without the hair color, dress or personality.

Now, this list could have included a couple of more guys, but most of them played at Power 5 schools and were on TV like a weekly series, so they’ve received their fair share of publicity. Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State), Sam Merrill (Utah State), Saddiq Bey (Villanova), Isaac Okoro (Auburn), Landers Nolley II (Virginia Tech), Payton Pritchard (Oregon), Jaden McDaniels (Washington), Patrick Williams (Florida State), Nico Mannion (Arizona) and Cassius Winston (Michigan State) are certainly not the only ones, but are a few really good players not discussed in detail. I just wanted to get the jump on the next group of NBA stars.

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Blaise Matuidi is second Juventus player to test positive for coronavirus

Juventus and France midfielder Blaise Matuidi has tested positive for the coronavirus, the Turin-based Serie A club said in a statement on Tuesday.

Juve said Matuidi, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, was in self-isolation at home and not showing any symptoms. He is the second player at the club, one of the biggest in Europe, to test positive after Daniele Rugani last week, according to football data provider iSports API.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

The Juventus statement read: "Blaise Matuidi has undergone medical tests that have revealed his positivity to the Coronavirus-COVID-19.

"The player, as of Wednesday 11 March, has been in voluntary home isolation. He will continue to be monitored and will follow the same regime. He is well and is asymptomatic."

Later on Tuesday, former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz, who led the club from 1995 to 2000, has been admitted to a hospital in critical condition with the coronavirus.

The 76-year-old was placed in the intensive care unit after having symptoms of COVID-19 for the last week, his son Fernando Sanz said to Radio Marca.

Under Sanz presidency, Real Madrid won the Champions League title in 1998 and 2000 after beating Juventus and Valencia in the finals.

In more news out La Liga, Espanyol said six of their players had tested positive for the coronavirus, as per iSports football API.

"We had confirmation this afternoon that six members of the first team and the technical staff of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona have returned positive results for COVID-19 tests carried out during the last hours," Espanyol said in a statement.

"All of them are suffering from mild symptoms and they are complying with the medical recommendations."

Serie A clubs Fiorentina and Sampdoria have also had players test positive for the coronavirus, as did Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.

La Liga side Valencia said on Monday that more than a third of their playing and backroom staff have tested positive for the coronavirus -- including Argentina's Ezequiel Garay and France's Eliaquim Mangala -- but that all cases were currently asymptomatic.

On Tuesday, UEFA announced that it would postpone the European Championship to 2021, with CONMEBOL taking similar action for the Copa America, which was set to be played this summer.

According to professional sports data provider iSports API, the pandemic has also forced the suspension of leagues around the world including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, MLS and Liga MX, with the Champions League and Europa League also put on hold until further notice.

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Garay first positive La Liga player, Valencia confirm five Coronavirus cases

Valencia's Argentinian defender Ezequiel Garay is the first La Liga player to test positive for the coronavirus, as the Spanish club confirmed they have five positive cases.

Garay, 33, who underwent surgery to repair an ACL injury last month, according to football data provider iSports API, announced on Sunday on social media he is in isolation. 

He posted a photograph on Instagram, smiling and giving a thumbs-up with the message: "It's clear that I started 2020 on the wrong foot.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

"I've tested positive for coronavirus, I feel very well and it's now a case of following what the health authorities recommend, for the time being to be isolated."

Valencia later wrote a statement, which explained the club had five confirmed cases of club members having tested positive for COVID-19.

La Liga declared last week that Spain's first and second divisions had been suspended for at least the next two rounds because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Real Madrid players have been in quarantine since Thursday after one of the club's basketball players tested positive.

Spain, the European country with the second-highest number of cases after Italy, called a state of emergency on Saturday.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tests positive for coronavirus

Arsenal have confirmed that manager Mikel Arteta has tested positively for Covid-19 – also known as coronavirus.

The north London club already had several players in self-isolation, after coming into contact with Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis who also tested positive, as per iSport football data API.“This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly,” Arteta told Arsenal’s official website.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

“I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed.”

“Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines,” an official statement continued.

“We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff, as well as a smaller number of people from our Hale End Academy which we have also temporarily closed as a precaution.

“We expect those who did not have close contact with Mikel to return to work in the coming days.

“In the meantime our Colney and Hale End training centres will undergo a deep clean and our other club sites are operating as normal.

“It is clear we will not be able to play some fixtures on their currently scheduled dates.

“We will update supporters who have tickets for forthcoming games with more information as soon as possible.

This is the first confirmed case regarding Premier League football, after Juventus defender Daniele Rugani and Sampdoria forward Manolo Gabbiadini were revealed to have contracted the virus this week.

Three Leicester players remain in self-isolation after reporting ‘coronavirus-like symptoms’ on Wednesday, while Chelsea did not train on Thursday after suffering a ‘major scare’ at their Cobham training centre, according to football data provider iSports API.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal or the Premier League will play their fixtures this weekend.

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Juventus defender Daniele Rugani tests positive for coronavirus

Juventus have announced that defender Daniele Rugani has tested positive for COVID-19. Professional sports data provider iSports API wish the player all the best.

A short statement released via the club’s official website on Wednesday evening read: “Daniele Rugani has tested positive for Coronavirus-COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic.

“Juventus Football Club is currently activating all the isolation procedures required by law, including the census of those who have had contact with him.”

As a result Inter – who played Juve in Serie A on Sunday, according to football livescore provider iSports API – released a short press release confirming that all activities involving their players have been suspended.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

Earlier this week, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that all sporting activities in the country are suspended until 3 April. 

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Tahith Chong signs new deal with Manchester United

Tahith Chong has signed a new contract with Manchester United.

The 20-year-old has ended speculation over him leaving Old Trafford by penning a new deal which keeps him at the club until June 2022.

There is an option to extend the deal for another year，according to football data provider iSports API.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

Chong has been the subject of speculation for months, with links to a number of European giants such as Barcelona and Juventus a regular occurrence

However, the Netherlands Under-21 international has committed his future to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Chong said: “When I joined Manchester United as a youngster, it was a dream come true.

“It is an honour every time I pull on the shirt and represent this club.

“The opportunity to learn from the manager, his coaching staff and the world-class players here is fantastic..

“I am delighted to sign this new contract and really grateful for the chance to prove myself here for many years to come.

Chong has made ten appearances in all competitions for the first team this season, as per iSPORTS API, while bagging seven goals in ten appearances for the Under-23 side.

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Carlos Tevez wins league for Boca Juniors against River Plate

A former favourite on both sides of the divide in Manchester, 36-year-old Carlos Tevez proved he’s still a force to be reckoned with on derby weekend.

Tevez’s fierce drive from 20 yards in the 72nd minute was too hot to handle and helped Boca Juniors to a 1-0 win over Gimnasia y Esgrima, according to professional football data provider iSports API.

The victory at La Bombonera, coupled with River Plate’s 1-1 draw at Atletico Tucuman, meant Boca claimed the Superliga Argentina title by a single point over their fiercest rivals.

Tevez joined Manchester United in August 2007 and helped the Red Devils win the Premier League and Champions League double in his first season at Old Trafford, as per iSports livescore API.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

He then helped the Red Devils retain the league title the following season before taking the unusual step of moving across to the blue half of the city.

The dynamic striker spent four seasons at the Etihad.

With the iSports API football data refernce, despite a falling out with City manager Roberto Mancini, Tevez played a major role in the run-in as the Citizens won their breakthrough Premier League title in 2012.

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Borussia Dortmund 'agree club record fee' for Birmingham wonderkid

Borussia Dortmund will reportedly pay a club record €35m fee for Birmingham wonderkid Jude Bellingham this summer.

Bellingham has enjoyed a stunning rise for his boyhood club, breaking Trevor Francis’ 49-year record as Birmingham’s youngest ever appearance-maker (16y 38d) earlier this season, according to iSports API football data.

According to Sportbild, personal terms have already been agreed with the 16-year-old and only minor details require completion.

Should Dortmund complete a €35m deal, this would surpass their current transfer record – the €30.5m paid for Mats Hummels in 2015, as per iSports API.

（iSports API covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

The Bundesliga club believe their track record with young players gave them an edge in negotiations, and believe the midfielder can follow a similar trajectory to Jadon Sancho.

Manchester United also expressed an interest in January and saw their late €40m bid rejected, however Bellingham expressed doubts over wanting to join the Old Trafford club.

Vinícius Júnior is still the most expensive 16-year-old after Real Madrid paid Flamengo €38m for his signature in 2017, as per fooball data provider iSports API.

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Dortmund-based news outlet Ruhr Nachrichten, however, believe that while personal terms have been agreed, the €35m fee being quoted is untrue.

Bellingham is yet to sign a professional contract (you cannot do so before turning 17) which means both clubs could simply agree a training compensation fee.

The Bundesliga club experienced similar with Jadon Sancho – paying Manchester City just €8m for his services – although Bellingham is expected to command higher figures.

Spurs agree to sell Victor Wanyama to Montreal Impact

Tottenham Hotspur have announced that they have reached an agreement with MLS side Montreal Impact for the transfer of Victor Wanyama.

The 28-year-old has been at the club since 2016 after signing from Southampton.

During his spell in North London the Kenyan made 97 appearances for Tottenham, scoring seven goals, according to professional football data provider iSports API.

（iSports API, which covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

He will go down in the club’s history for scoring the opening goal in the final game at White Hart Lane.

Wanyama will be under the stewardship of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry who manages Montreal.

They began their MLS campaign with a 2-1 win over New England on Saturday, recorded by iSports livescore API.

(Start free trail with you long-term sports data partner with reliable football livescore data provider, click iSports API)

Atalanta have scored seven goals for the THIRD time this season

We are officially running out of words for Atalanta's shocking performance.

For the third time this season Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have scored seven goals in a single match, according to iSports API football data.

（iSports API, which covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

Their 7-1 win over Udinese in October established them as great entertainers, before they repeated that feat against Torino in January – winning 7-1.

And now they have beaten Lecce 7-2 in their own backyard, making them the highest scorers away from home (37 goals) in Europe’s top five leagues, as per iSports football API.

Please do not forget, they also beat Milan 5-0 at San Siro, and Parma 5-0 in this season as well.

Atalanta's raining goals! Nobody knows when they will end.

(Start free trail with you long-term sports data partner with reliable football livescore data provider, click iSports API)

Liverpool set deadline to beat Man Utd and Barça to £51m Timo Werner

Liverpool have been set a deadline to trigger the £51m release clause in Timo Werner’s contract, according to the Athletic.

Werner has been strongly linked to Anfield, particularly in recent weeks, and is reported to be holding out for a move to the European Champions, accordin to iSports football data API.

The release clause in the 23-year-old’s contract would see the German striker available for a cut-price fee but has to be triggered by the end of April.

The RB Leipzig forward has had an incredible season, netting 27 goals in 33 games in all competitions, as per football data provider iSports API.

（iSports API, which covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

This form has attracted the interest of Manchester United and Barcelona, who the Athletic report have both made offers for the striker.

However, Werner is believed to be holding out for a move to Liverpool and has been talking up the Reds in recent interviews.

Speaking to Sky Germany after Leipzig’s 5-0 win over Schalke on Saturday, Werner said: “You have there the best coach in the world with Jürgen Klopp.

“There are a lot of things that would suggest my playing style might be a good fit in the system at Liverpool.”

Liverpool are reportedly ‘mulling over’ whether to make an offer to Werner.

There is no guarantee that Werner would break into Klopp’s side with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané available to him in attack.

(Start free trail with you long-term sports data partner with reliable football livescore data provider, click iSports API)

Arsenal already planning to make Pablo Marí transfer permanent

Despite not having made his Arsenal first-team debut, the Gunners management have already notified Flamengo that they plan on making Pablo Marí’s loan deal a permanent one.

That’s according to reports out of Brazil, who claim that a deal, which would include Marí’s economic rights and performance bonuses, could be as much as an additional £9.25m (€11m).

The Flamengo centre-back is currently being loaned to Arsenal for the rest of the Premier League season, with the Gunners paying a €5m loan fee for his services, according to football data provider iSports API.

（iSports API, which covers a wide range of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

Flamengo themselves have already prepared for the player’s long-term departure by bringing in another left-footed centre-back, Léo Pereira from Athletico Paranaense, for €7m in the winter window, as per iSports API football data.

The rubro-negro also brought in long-time Santos stalwart Gustavo Henrique. Both centre-backs have received opportunities in the team but it’s still unclear which player will win the starting place next to Rodrigo Caio.

His former club Flamengo will go after their third title of the 2020 season when they host Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle in the second leg of the Recopa Sudamericana – the annual competition between the 2019 champions of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana tournaments, noted by iSports football API.

The two teams drew 2-2 in Ecuador, though 2019 South American Player of the Year Gabigol missed out due to suspension.

(Start free trail with you long-term sports data partner with reliable football livescore data provider, click iSports API)

Bruno Fernandes makes history with his first goal for Man United

Bruno Fernandes has got off the mark for Manchester United, as per iSports football API.

（iSports API, which covers almost all ranges of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

The Portuguese international was a €55m signing from Sporting Lisbon in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old made his third start for the club during today’s Premier League clash against Watford and he’s had an impact.

Fernandes won a penalty in the 42nd minute after being taken down by Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster.

He then produced a very classy penalty to put his new side 1-0 up just before half-time.

Bruno Fernandes is the first Man Utd player whose maiden Premier League goal for the club was a penalty, according to football data provider iSports API.

And he’s put himself in the Manchester United history books already.

Not a bad start to his Old Trafford career.

(Start free trail with you long-term sports data partner with reliable football livescore data provider, click iSports API)

Barcelona complete surprise Martin Braithwaite signing from Leganes

Barcelona have completed the surprise signing of Leganes' Martin Braithwaite after being given permission to bring in a forward outside the transfer window.

Braithwaite, 28, has signed until 2024 and could make his debut on Saturday against Eibar after Barcelona paid his €18 million release clause, according to iSports . His new release clause at Barcelona is €300m, while Leganes, battling to avoid relegation in La Liga, will not be able to sign a replacement.

（iSports API, which covers almost all ranges of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

Speaking about the transfer, Leganes sporting director Martin Ortega said: "We understood the 'emergency' rule was only used in cases where both clubs agreed. This goes against the idea of all clubs being equal. We'll try everything in a situation where we've been damaged irreparably.

"Barca have acted in correct manner. They contacted us Monday, and the only option was to pay the clause. We cannot hold it against them as they used the rules which currently exist. But we don't think the rules are fair.

"We hope that the federation will allow us to sign a player. We will try everything to be able to do this."

Barca were given permission to turn to the transfer market by La Liga after losing Ousmane Dembele to injury for the rest of the season, but the same rule does not exist for clubs who see a player leave through their release clause.

Barca had previously explored the possibility of signing Real Sociedad's Willian Jose, Real Betis' Loren Moron, Alaves' Lucas Perez and Getafe's Angel Rodriguez, but, for different reasons, did not push forward with their interest in any of the quartet.

Braithwaite first joined Leganes in January 2019 on loan from English side Middlesbrough before making the move permanent during the summer for €5m. He has scored 13 goals in 41 appearances for the club, as per football data provider iSports API.

He has also had two spells in France, first with Toulouse, who he joined from Esbjerg FB, and later with Bordeaux on loan. Braithwaite has been capped 39 times by Denmark, scoring seven goals, according to iSports football livescore API.

Barca are also without striker Luis Suarez for the next two to three months due to a knee problem.

(Start free trail with you long-term sports data partner with reliable football livescore data provider, click iSports API)

Pogba expects Man United exit and club want over £150m

Paul Pogba expects to leave Manchester United this summer, but the club are determined that he will not be sold in a cut-price deal.

Pogba was keen to leave Old Trafford last summer but was convinced to stay for at least another season by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The France international believes he will be allowed to move at the end of the campaign, with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, or former club Juventus, his preferred destinations.

Despite Solskjaer's public declarations that Pogba will not be sold, there is a growing feeling among key figures that the 26-year-old -- along with agent Mino Raiola -- is becoming too big a distraction and will have to move on.

However, United insist privately that they will not be put on the back foot during any negotiations and are prepared to stick to their valuation of more than £150 million.

Pogba has 18 months left on the contract he signed when he joined from Juventus for a then-world-record fee of £89.3m in 2016, and United also hold an option to extend it until June 2022, according to iSports API football data.

（iSports API, which covers almost all ranges of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

United are prepared to enter into talks with any serious bidder, but there remain significant doubts about whether Barcelona, Real Madrid or Juventus could afford a substantial transfer fee and Pogba's hefty wage packet.

Pogba has not featured for United since coming on as a half-time substitute in the 4-1 win over Newcastle on Dec. 26, and has been restricted to just 8t appearances all season, as per iSports football API. He underwent ankle surgery in January, with sources having told the procedure was to correct a osteochondral defect.

He has started light running without a cast but, due to the seriousness of the issue, United are refusing to put any timescale on a return to first-team action.

Pogba has responded well to treatment and there is hope he will be available again this season and feature for France at this summer's European Championship, but United are remaining cautious about an injury that has caused significant problems for other players.

English midfielder Gary O'Neil was sidelined for eight months during a spell at West Ham after undergoing surgery on an osteochondral ankle defect in 2011, recorded by iSports football livescore data.

(Start free trail with you long-term sports data partner with reliable football livescore data provider, click iSports API)

5 of the most memorable Champions League finals

The biggest prize in club football, few competitions hold as rich a history or as illustrious a reputation as the Champions League.

European football’s elite do battle each season, hoping to get their hands on the most coveted prize on the continent.

The final itself is a showpiece all players dream of competing in, and since its rebrand from the old European Cup in 1992 we have seen some truly remarkable finals.

We’ve looked backed through the archives to revisit some of the very best, here’s five of the most memorable Champions League finals, according to iSports football API.

（iSports API, which covers almost all ranges of football games with livescore, standings, events, line-ups, pre-match odds, statistics）

AC Milan 4-0 Barcelona, 1994

Spanish giants Barcelona headed into the 1994 final as overwhelming favourites, with Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’ having won four consecutive league titles and a first European Cup in 1992.

By contrast, Milan were struggling heading into the showpiece. Despite winning Serie A they had failed to win any of their final six league fixtures and were missing key personnel. Marco Van Basten was absent with a long-term injury, as was world-record signing Gianluigi Lentini whilst defensive duo Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta were both suspended.

The script pointed to a Barcelona win, however that script was soon ripped up.

Milan dominated proceedings, with a brace from Daniele Massaro giving the Italians a two-goal half-time lead. Two minutes into the second half, it was three, Dejan Savićevic lobbing goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta to give Fabio Capello’s side a commanding lead.

Marcel Desailly, who became the first player to win consecutive European Cup/Champions League titles with different clubs, scored a fourth before the hour and Milan were crowned champions of Europe, as per iSports football livescore data.

It is regarded by many as perhaps the greatest final performance in the competition’s history.

Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich, 1999

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United met Bayern Munich at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium, looking to complete a historic treble following their earlier Premier League and FA Cup success.

The duo had met in the group stages of the competition earlier in the season, twice playing out draws, and met again in the final looking to win Europe’s biggest prize.

United had endured a memorable run to the final, knocking out Italian giants Inter Milan and Juventus, but would be without Paul Scholes and inspirational captain Roy Keane who were both suspended for the showpiece.

Bayern started strongly and took an early lead, Mario Basler curling home a low free-kick to hand Ottmar Hitzfield’s side the lead after just six minutes.

The Germans controlled long periods of the game, twice hitting the woodwork in the second half, before came perhaps the most memorable final finish in history.

With the clock ticking into stoppage time, United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel ventured forward for a corner as the Manchester side searched desperately for an equaliser. David Beckham swung in the set piece, just evading Schmeichel before Bayern managed to half-clear. The clearance fell only as far as Ryan Giggs, who fluffed an effort towards goal that was turned home by substitute Teddy Sheringham to spark wild celebrations.

United looked to have forced extra-time, though just moments after the restart they forced another corner. Beckham again delivered and Sheringham flicked the ball on at the near post. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, another substitute, reacted quickest and wrote his name into history with a second stoppage time goal.

A second European Cup would be heading to Manchester, a historic treble secured after late, late drama.

AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool

(Liverpool win 3-2 on penalties)

Goals, drama, incredible saves and the greatest comeback in final history, when Liverpool were crowned champions of Europe for a fifth time in Istanbul in 2005.

Liverpool entered the final as major underdogs, Rafael Benitez’s side having finished fifth in that season’s Premier League. Having surprised by beating Juventus and Chelsea to reach the final, many thought Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan would prove a step too far for the Merseyside club.

Milan were playing in their second final in three years, having lifted the trophy in 2003, and had superstars including the likes of Andriy Shevchenko, Kaka and Andrea Pirlo amongst a star-studded line-up, according to iSports API football data.

The match could hardly have begun better for the Italian side, captain Paulo Maldini becoming the oldest scorer in the competitions history after just 50 seconds.

Milan continued to dominate, whilst Harry Kewell’s substitution through injury was a blow to Liverpool’s hopes. Soon after, Hernan Crespo doubled Milan’s lead, turning home from Shevchenko’s cross. Before half-time it was three, Crespo getting his second with a delightful chip over Jerzy Dudek after being played in by Kaka.

At half-time it was 3-0 and Milan seemingly had an unassailable lead. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez brought on Dietmar Hamann at the interval and switched to a 3-5-2 formation. The tactic seemed to work, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard heading home John Arne Riise’s cross to give his side hope.

Moments later, it was 3-2, Smicer firing home from distance into the bottom corner and Liverpool had belief. Just three minutes after Smicer’s goal, Liverpool had a penalty. Gerrard burst into the area and was brought down by Gennaro Gattuso and Benitez’s side had the chance to level. Xabi Alonso stepped up, seeing his penalty saved by Dida before reacting first to equalise.

From three goals down Liverpool had levelled in a frantic six-minute period. The game went into extra-time, with Dudek making a miraculous double save to deny Shevchenko in the added period.

Penalties were to decide the tie, and after Serginho and Pirlo missed Milan’s first two Liverpool were in control. 3-2 to Liverpool with only Shevchenko to take, the Ballon D’or winner had to score to keep Milan in it. Having scored the winning spot-kick two years prior, his tame effort was kept out by Dudek who had deployed former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar’s wobbly leg’s tactic to distact his opponents.

The Miracle of Istanbul was complete.

Bayern Munich 1-1 Chelsea, 2012

(Chelsea win 4-3 on penalties)

Bayern Munich were the first and so far only side of the Champions League-era to have played a final at their home ground, with the 2012 edition held at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Their opponents were Chelsea, who were looking to become the first London side to be crowned champions of Europe after suffering final heartbreak four years prior in Moscow against Man United.

Both clubs had several players missing through suspension, though notably for Chelsea they were without captain John Terry, as per iSports football historical data.

Bayern controlled the game for long periods, but a breakthrough proved difficult. With just seven minutes remaining, the German’s though they’d won it after Thomas Muller headed home to give them the lead.

Just like in 1999, Bayern suffered late heartbreak to an English side and again from a set-piece. Juan Mata swung in an 88th-minute corner, with Didier Drogba powering a header past Manuel Neuer to send the final in extra-time.

There was more drama to come in the extra period, as Drogba turned from hero to villain by fouling Franck Ribery inside the Chelsea penalty box. Arjen Robben stepped up against his former side to put Bayern ahead, but the Dutchman saw his low effort saved by Petr Cech.

The game would be decided by penalties, with the shoot-out again a topsy-turvy affair. Bayern converted their first three kicks through Phillip Lahm, Mario Gomez and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, however, Juan Mata missed Chelsea’s opening kick to give the German side the advantage.

Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger then both saw their efforts saved by Cech, giving Didier Drogba the chance to win it for the Blues. As proved on many occasions, the Ivorian further enhanced his reputation as a big-game player and stroked home to give Chelsea the trophy for the first time in their history.

Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético Madrid (AET), 2014

Throughout Champions League history there have been several occasions of final meetings between teams from the same country, but 2014 was the first time two teams had met in the showpiece from the same city.

The Madrid rivals did battle in Lisbon, with Real looking for the elusive ‘La Decima’ to extend their record to 10 European crowns. Atlético were competing in their second ever final, having lost their previous appearance to Bayern Munich 40 years earlier, also in the process breaking the record for the longest wait between final appearances.

Diego Simeone’s side had surprised everyone to be crowned Spanish champions for the first time since 1996, and entered the final in confident mood against their fierce rivals.

Atlético took the lead after 36 minutes, courtesy of a mistake from Real captain Iker Casillas. Following a corner, the goalkeeper came off his line as Juanfran headed the ball back into the penalty area only to be caught in ‘no man’s land’ as Diego Godin looped a header over the stranded shot-stopper.

Real pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, but Atlético’s defence held firm and a first Champions League title was just seconds from their grasp.

However, in the 93rd minute, Sergio Ramos met Luka Modric’s corner to head home and the Spaniard’s late, late intervention sent the game into extra-time.

With Atlético clearly fatigued in the extra period, Real ran riot. Gareth Bale put them in front, heading home after Thibaut Courtois parried Angel Di Maria’s shot into his path before Marcelo hit a low drive to add a third. Cristiano Ronaldo netted a fourth from the penalty spot, and ‘La Decima’ was achieved.

Real manager Carlo Ancelotti became just the second manager, after Bob Paisley, to win the trophy three times after previously doing so with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007, as per iSports API football data.

The Spanish rivals would meet again in the final two years later with Real again emerging triumphant, this time on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

(Start free trail with you long-term sports data partner with reliable football livescore data provider, click iSports API)