Football: Solskjaer buoyed by Martial progress

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Anthony Martial for working on his physique as the French forward enjoys a career-best campaign at Old Trafford.

Martial scored his 23rd goal for United in all competitions this season against LASK Linz in Wednesday's Europa League last-16 victory.

"Anthony has made huge strides this season in many aspects of his game," Solskjaer told an eve-of-match news conference ahead of Monday's Europa League quarter-final clash with Copenhagen in Cologne.

"Physically, he is at the best level of his career. We know he can do worldies but I like him scoring the simple goals, when he is in between the posts. He's done that a few times.

"He's in the gym a lot working on his fitness and strength. I'm just looking forward to seeing him improve. There's more to come from him."

United arrived earlier on Sunday for the remainder of the Europa League tournament, which will feature one-match knockout ties at different German venues, culminating in the final, also in Cologne, on August 21.

Solskjaer, who has already guided United to Champions League qualification with a third-placed finish in the Premier League, said the end-of-season event will aid his side's development.

"We went into this season knowing that Europa League is a great chance for us to get a trophy, to get far in a tournament," he added.

"But also to groom a few of the youngsters and it was perfect for us.

"I think if we'd been in the Champions League, I maybe wouldn't have had the chance to play the likes of Brandon (Williams), Mason (Greenwood), so many of the young kids who have now started what's going to be fantastic careers."

Inter Milan will have to give everything: Conte ahead of Europa League quarter-final

Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte wants his players to "give everything" as the club gears up for the Europa League quarter-final.

"We must be positive. We work hard to achieve the goal, which must be the maximum possible. To get from here to the end, we will have to prove it on the pitch. We cannot have complaints. We will have to give everything," Conte said.

"If it is enough to get to the semi-finals, or the final, or to raise the cup, we will all be happy - or we will go out where it is right to go out but without having complaints," he added.

Inter Milan secured a 2-0 win over Getafe on August 6 to book their spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The club finished the 2019-2020 Serie A season on the second spot.

Conte said despite witnessing difficult situations, they have the enthusiasm and desire to face the upcoming challenge and advance to the semi-finals of the Europa League.

"We come from playing many games in a row in harsh weather conditions. But there is enthusiasm and desire to face this challenge and go to the semi-finals," he said.

"I think we are all trying to work to bring Inter back to where they belong, to be a team who are capable of winning trophies," Conte added.

Inter Milan will take on Bayer Leverkusen in the quarter-final on Tuesday.

Paris Saint Germain gets sponsorship deal with Chinese company Hisense

French soccer champion Paris Saint Germain (PSG) has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Chinese consumer electronics and home appliances company Hisense, the companies said on Monday.

The deal comes as Europe's top soccer clubs all look to increase their foothold in the lucrative Chinese market.

"We are proud to be working with such a leading global brand from Asia Pacific. This is a meaningful partnership for the club, demonstrating our growing commitment to the region," said Sébastien Wasels, Asia Pacific managing director for PSG.

ISL: Subhasish Bose leaves Mumbai City FC

Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Mumbai City FC on Monday confirmed that its defender Subhasish Bose has left the club.

"After two memorable seasons with #TheIslanders, Subhasish Bose leaves Mumbai City. Thank you for your contribution to the club. We wish you the best for what's next!" the club announced on its official Twitter handle.

Bose, a left-back, played 34 games for Mumbai City FC in which he scored a lone goal, which came during their away win against Bengaluru FC.

He also had two assists to his name.

Recently the club had also announced that experienced mid-fielder Paulo Machado had also parted ways with the franchise.

Gomes completes Lille move after leaving Man United

English youngster Angel Gomes has completed a move to Lille on a five-year contract following his departure from Manchester United, the French Ligue 1 club announced on Sunday.

The attacking midfielder has been immediately loaned out to Portuguese club Boavista for the 2020-21 campaign, Lille said.

Gomes began his career at United at the age of five and made his first-team debut, aged 16, in May 2017, becoming the youngest player to represent the club since Duncan Edwards in 1953.

The 19-year-old left Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United squad on July 1 when his contract expired after rejecting a new deal to stay at Old Trafford.

Julia Simic joins AC Milan from West Ham United

West Ham United on Sunday announced that Julia Simic has made a move to Italian club AC Milan.

"West Ham United can confirm that Julia Simic has joined Italian club AC Milan," the club said in a statement.

The German midfielder makes the switch to the Serie A side after two seasons in the FA Women's Super League with the Hammers.

Simic, who joined West Ham in July 2018 from SC Freiburg, made 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.

"Everyone at West Ham United would like to thank Julia for all of her efforts during her time with the Club and wish her every success in her future career," the statement read.