Kane Aiming To Match Messi, Ronaldo Dominance

Tottenham star Harry Kane insists it is too early for him to be compared to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is eager to get to that level.

Kane, 24, broke the record for most Premier League goals in a calendar year with his hat-trick in Spurs’ 5-2 win over Southampton on Boxing Day taking his tally to 39.

The England international scored 56 goals for Tottenham and England in 2017, two more than Messi.

But Kane, previously labelled a one-season wonder, said he needed to continue producing for campaigns to come to reach the incredible levels set by Barcelona star Messi and Madrid forward Ronaldo.

“When you look at Messi and Ronaldo, I’ve obviously still got a long way to go before I can be compared to them but it’s a start and that’s what I want to do: keep improving and be up there one day,” he said.

“That’s always the goal – to be bracketed with the best players in the world. Messi and Ronaldo have set that standard for so long now.

“To nick ahead is something I’m proud of and it’s just the start for me. I want to do it year in year out.

“They’ve done it for eight, nine years now so to be classed in that bracket that’s what I’ve got to do. That’s my aim.”

Kane is on track to win a third consecutive Premier League Golden Boot, something only Alan Shearer (1994-97) and Thierry Henry (2003-06) have managed previously.

But the forward said his 56-goal haul for the year was more significant, showing he had delivered in more than just the league.

“They’re both great records but the club and country one is good as it shows I’m doing it at all levels – Champions League and for England – and not just in one competition,” Kane said.

“That’s one I’m very proud of.”

Soccergistnaija: NFF Set To Unveil Super Eagles Russia 2018 World C...

Soccergistnaija: NFF Set To Unveil Super Eagles Russia 2018 World C...: The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed it will reveal the plans and camping site for the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of...

NFF Set To Unveil Super Eagles Russia 2018 World Cup Plans

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed it will reveal the plans and camping site for the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Russia, according to reports.

The Technical Director of the Glass House, Mr Bitrus Bewarang, who said both the Technical Department and the technical crew are working round the clock to ensure a hitch-free World Cup for the country.

“The technical department is the engine room of the NFF and we have been liaising with the Technical Adviser and his crew to ensure the right players is invited for the World Cup next year,” Bewarang said.

When asked for the camping location of the Eagles in Russia, Bewarang remained discrete but promised Nigerians that the coach is working on a good camping site for the team.

“The federation has entrusted the responsibility of the camping site on the Eagles’ Head Coach and he should get back to the NFF soon for the site to be deliberated upon before finally revealing the location to Nigerians.

“But I can assure football-loving fans and all stakeholders that a good venue will be chosen for the players to prepare adequately well for the World Cup,” Bewarang added.

The Super Eagles will be camped in the southern part of Russia ahead of the World Cup according to reports.

The Super Eagles are paired in Group D along side Argentina, Croatia and Iceland and will open their campaign on the 16th of June against Croatia.

NFF to pay Super Eagles 30% of FIFA money

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is to pay the Super Eagles 30 percent of all the money from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

This comes after the NFF and the team led by Captain John Mikel Obi reached an agreement on bonuses and allowances for the tournament.

In the cause of the negotiations the players had rejected a proposal to pay them based on the minutes they played during the qualifiers.

Wayne Rooney will continue as England captain, with manager Sam Allardyce saying it was an "easy decision".

                               

Rooney is England's record goalscorer and took on the armband from Steven Gerrard a year ago.

Allardyce said Manchester United captain Rooney was "hugely respected by his peers" and has "enjoyed the responsibility" as captain.

The England squad is preparing for Sunday's opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in Slovakia.

Rooney, 30, led Roy Hodgson's England side during Euro 2016, which ended with a disappointing last-16 exit to international minnows Iceland.

But Allardyce said Rooney had been "an excellent captain for England" and as the most senior squad member was the "right choice to lead the team".

"You would hope the captain would make a decision on the pitch if he felt it needed to [be made]," said Allardyce, 61. "For me, that's the captain's role. It's a big responsibility at club level and even more so at international level. First and foremost lead by example.

"It's all about the personality. Can you handle the responsibility of being captain? I think he [Rooney] has enjoyed the responsibility. Some players don't want that responsibility."

Allardyce on Rooney's position

Rooney was employed as a midfielder during Euro 2016 under Hodgson. At Old Trafford this season under Jose Mourinho, Rooney has played in a deeper position behind the striker.

"Wayne Rooney's position has changed at Manchester United and that is where I will play him," Allardyce said.

"Dele Alli has started well too, so that makes it a difficult choice. We'll wait and see, but we are looking at balance of positions.

"We want to have two players in each position and not leave ourselves short. Hopefully we make that selection after this [training camp] and we know the best XI to start with."

Hull City expect to sign Manchester United striker Will Keane before the transfer window closes.

The 23-year-old has played three times for United, where he worked with Tigers caretaker boss Mike Phelan.

Keane has had previous loan spells at Wigan and Sheffield Wednesday - and scored twice in 22 games while at Preston last season.

Hull, who have 14 fit senior players, are targeting up to six new signings before Wednesday's 23:00 BST deadline.

City are close to signing Cardiff's David Marshall after the Scotland goalkeeper had a medical on Monday.

Hull have been linked with Derby County's £10m-rated midfielder Jeff Hendrick, 24, Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason, 25, and a season-long loan deal for Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez, 27.

Arsenal are willing to loan Jack Wishere

Arsenal are willing to let England midfielder Jack Wilshere go out on loan to get first-team football.

The 24-year-old, whose career has been plagued by injuries, only made three appearances for the Gunners last season after fracturing his left fibula.

He played six times for England over the summer - including three games at Euro 2016 - but was not named in Sam Allardyce's first squad this week.

Arsenal paid £35m for Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka this summer.

How to follow Transfer Deadline Day

Wilshere, who has 34 caps, has only started 80 Premier League games for Arsenal, making two substitute appearances so far this season.

He had a loan spell at Bolton in 2010.

Wilshere has less than 48 hours to find a loan club before the transfer deadline. He could be the second established England international to move on loan this week, with Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart set to move to Italian side Torino.