Jose Mourinho has confirmed he still wants a midfielder and a wide player at Manchester United before the transfer window shuts.

By IHWUGHWAVWE MAUREEN KPAROBO Jose Mourinho has confirmed he still wants a midfielder and a wide player at Manchester United before the transfer window shuts.

The United manager had outlined up to four positions he felt the club needed to strengthen in a meeting with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward at the end of last season, but the club have so far only brought in Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof.

Pogba: Ibra still a Utd leader

Paul Pogba insists Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still a "leader" for Manchester United, despite the striker's contract expiring at the end of last season.

Mourinho last week urged the club to help him add at least one more player to his squad "as soon as possible", but ahead of United's final pre-season game in their tour of the US against Barcelona, the Portuguese revealed the areas he is now prioritising.

"I'm happy with my squad but I would like to have two more players, I never hide that, one player a midfield player would give me more options to the balance and the team," he said.

"Another one an attacking player, especially that can play through the wings to give me more attacking options but I never speak about players that belong to other teams.

"I don't like if any manager comes and would say he would like one of my players, that's not correct. I would like two more players but probably I only get one."

Manchester United have been left frsutrated in their pursuit of Inter Milan's Ivan Perisic

United's pursuit of Ivan Perisic has been a frustrating one, with Inter Milan saying they will play the Croatia winger on their pre-season tour as they await "the right offer".

Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti admits the club are prepared to sell Perisic if United meet their asking price, understood to be £48m.

Mourinho reiterated he is not in control of United's transfer dealings, though, and accepted he must make do with the transfers the club's hierarchy are able to conclude.

"I don't know, honestly, Ed is in control, he did Lindelof and Lukaku, he knows that I would like two more players but he also knows that I have balance," Mourinho added.

Mourinho's team news

The Manchester United boss confirmed he will play "every player" against Barcelona and is not concerned by the result.

"I depend on the situation, the market, and if my club is unable to do two players and just one, I accept that as a consequence of the market now.

"Our relationship is good and I just wait for good news, and good news is to have the players, maybe just the player as soon as possible because to work together with the team is really important.

"But I'm calm, I like my players, I like my squad, I trust them, so I'm calm and that's important."

New West Ham signing Javier Hernandez is excited by the prospect of facing his former club Manchester United

Mourinho also revealed United were not interested in re-signing Javier Hernandez, who this week said he is relishing the prospect of facing his former club on the opening weekend of the new season after returning to England with West Ham.

"I would always welcome him in my squad because he doesn't need many minutes on the pitch to score," said Mourinho. "But we move in another direction in a younger player in Lukaku and we have Rashford who can be a striker, so we didn't feel that need.

"But no doubt from West Ham to get a player of his experience and quality is very good."

26 PEOPLE MARTYRED IN ATTACK

By IFUKOR HARRISON AZUBIKE
LAHORE: At least 26 people have been martyred in a suicide attack in the Ferozepur area of the provincial capital on Monday afternoon, confirmed DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf 

Speaking to Geo News, DIG Operations confirmed nine policemen were martyred in the blast and the suicide bomber was on a motorcycle. 

57 people were also injured in the explosion. Many of the injured are said to be in critical condition.

The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) also confirmed the attack as a suicide explosion and added that five to six kilograms of explosives were used in the attack.  

Ashraf further said a police picket was targeted in the attack. “We are collecting evidence and this could be a suicide bombing. The death toll includes police and civilians.”

Police sources said a suicide attacker targetted police personnel deployed at the site, Geo News reported.

Location of explosion.

The explosion took place near the Arfa Karim IT Tower. Several motorcycles and at least one vehicle were destroyed in the explosion.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, addressing a press conference, said terrorism can not be ruled out as the motive behind the explosion. He added that security forces are conducting their investigations.

Sanaullah further said that the government has started a security operation against terror organisations and the situation is much better when compared to 2011-12.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan confirmed that an anti-encroachment drive was being conducted at the time explosion. Anti-riot police personnel were deployed at the spot among others. 

Rescue and relief efforts underway

The area was cordoned off by a heavy contingent of security forces and the section of the road leading towards Lahore was sealed. Forensic experts are conducting investigation in to the attack. 

CCTV video of Lahore blast 

The injured were shifted to Jinnah Hospital, Lahore General Hospital and Ittefaq Hospital. Several of the injured are in critical condition, Geo News reported. Police personnel are also among those injured.

An emergency was imposed in the city's hospitals. 

Identity of those killed in the explosion has not yet been ascertained as of yet. 

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the blast. He directed authorities to provide all possible medical assistance to wounded of the suicide attack.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has condemned the blast and has directed the Army to provide immediate relief and rescue. Army troops have also reached the site. 

Chief Minister Punjab has condemned the attack and has expressed sympathies with injured and the families of those killed. 

Ferozepur road links Lahore to Kasur and is a busy thoroughfare. Lahore's Metro Bus also passes through this route. 

Earlier in April, six people were martyred and 15 others wounded when a suicide bomber targeted a population census team in Lahore's Bedian Road.

In February, a suicide bomber martyred 14 people, including senior police officers, when a suicide bomber hit close to the Punjab Assembly in Lahore when hundreds of demonstrators had gathered for a protest.

Concerns raised over US, Afghanistan’s blame game against Pakistan: ISPR

By IFUKOR HARRISON AZUBIKE
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday raised concerns with the visiting Commander Resolute Support Mission (RSM), General John W. Nicholson, over the "blame game perpetrated by some quarters in Afghanistan and United States to undermine Pakistan's contribution to the war on terror", said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The concern was raised at a meeting between General Nicholson and General Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

"The COAS said that it's not a coincidence that this theme is being played at a time when policy review is being undertaken in USA," the statement added.

The army chief said that despite provocations, Pakistan will continue to act positively as we consider defeat of terrorism as national interest.

Nicholson reiterated his appreciation of Pakistan Army's professionalism and admiration for resilience of the people. 

US Ambassador David Hale was also present at the meeting.

Both military commanders agreed on the need for continuous engagement and coordination for peace and stability in the region.

Talks fail between Petroleum Ministry, striking oil tankers' association

By IHWUGHWAVWE  MAUREEN KPAROBO
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Talks between Ministry of Petroleum and representatives of All Pakistan Oil Tankers Association (APOTA) have failed, after they refused to comply with government orders pertaining to the use of substandard, unsafe vehicles for transportation of fuel.

The mafia operating oil tankers in the country appears to have learnt nothing from the tragic incident in Bahawalpur, which claimed the lives of over 200 people on June 25.

The incident occurred when an oil tanker, which was overturned earlier, exploded near Ahmed Pur East tehsil in Bahawalpur district. The deceased included villagers and passers-by, who attempted to collect oil leaking from the tanker.

The oil tankers' owners have been bent on supply of fuel through the same vehicles.

"We do not accept OGRA regulation; it's policy is wrong," said Yousuf Shahwani, APOTA chairman, while speaking to Geo News.

"We do not accept increasing the number of oil tankers' axles," he said, adding that they didn't set fire to the oil tanker in Bahawalpur; it was the people present over there.

Shahwani warned that if their demands were not met then the strike would not end. He said that they had a two-axle agreement with National Highway Authority, which was in place for the last ten years.

'Oil tankers' owners blackmailing authorities'

Speaking to media, Imran Ghaznavi, spokesman for Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), accused oil tankers' owners of blackmailing the authorities. "We will not allow it. The owners of oil tankers should come and talk to us."

He requested the APOTA representatives to not play with the lives of people, adding that they suspected oil marketing companies were behind the strike.

Ghaznavi said the companies involved in the crisis would be exposed.

On Monday, APOTA announced to go on a countrywide strike in protest of the safety rules imposed by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). The association members decided not to supply oil to fuel stations in protest for an indefinite period, until their demands were met.

OGRA said it would start checking the tankers being used by oil marketing companies, as it was feared many oil tankers did not fulfill the quality criteria.

The regulator decided to implement the safety rules after the horrific incident in Ahmedpur East, which claimed lives of over 200 people.

8 REASONS WHY TONTO'S DIKE MARRIAGE FAILED

By ONAKPOJERUO PRAISES

8 true facts about Tonto Dikeh failed marriage.Ever since Tonto Dikeh confirmed reports of her separation from husband, Oladunni Churchill, we can't help but wonder what went wrong.
But, if there's anything we know is that this is what has been going on ever since rumours of her breakup started.
1. First she was accused of reckless behaviour and returning to her old smoking habit
The actress proceeded to conduct a drug test proving she had quit » being a pothead a long time ago.
2. Then there were speculations that another woman was in the picture
The woman in question was specifically Rose Meurer , who is Oladunni Churchill's PA, was the reason for the speculated split.
3. Oladunni Churchill was reportedly spotted at several clubs partying the night away with different girls.
4. Meanwhile, Churchill went on to share a photo of himself and Tonto at a charity match recently
We all thought the couple were working on getting back together and shutting down the separation rumours » .
5. Churchill accused Tonto of taking their son away
6. Tonto Dikeh says he has never called to ask how his son is doing
"I will admit, I personally blocked his access to me for the sake of my emotional stability.
"But nonetheless he has the nanny’s no, my assistant’s contact, my part time help’s number, and many other mediums of reaching the son your source claims I “took away”.
"He could use all possible mediums wisely if he wished to, " she said.
Also confirming their marital woes » she took to Instagram to break the news.
7. Churchill then throws a shade at his estranged wife
According to him, " I am happily retired and enjoying life at this time. If any changes are to come, be sure that I will be the first to let the world to know. "
8. Tonto fires back with a simple message, " Love thy self MORE "
Until their recent marriage hurdle, Dikeh and her husband had enjoyed a heck of a romance and happy moments.
The actress never shy away from showing her excitement about gift items presented to her by Churchill especially when they are in form of a 2017 Lexus SUV.

TONTO DIKE'S SON IS SEVENTEEN

By ONAKPOJERUO PRAISES

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dike's son, King, is 17 months old and the proud mum shared their special moment with fans.
Celebrating his new age on Monday, July 17, 2017, she shared an adorable video of her and King in the hallway playing and goofing around
"Glory hallelujah my juicy man is 17months old today. I have been blessed with this angel on earth, lord you are worthy..
Today I give thanks for his life, for the light he has brought to our lives, for the joy and grace he has brought into my family..
King, i speak unmerited favor, divine grace nd health forth into your life, where others fail you shall succeed,where others say there is a casting down you will have a lifting,no door shall be closed to you..I cover you and everything that has your name on it with the blood of Jesus
No weapon formed against you will prosper and every tongue that curses you shall be cursed, your name shall be great, you shall rule just like your name states...
God is jealously protecting you and everything that concerns you in Jesus, amen?? grow in God?s love, grace, word and light my world. mummy loves you so much #papi #kingy #juicyman #17months #old man in a tiny body.

STUDENT COMMIT SUICIDE AFTER ALLEGEDLY IMPREGNATING A JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT

By ONAKPOJERUO PRAISES
Higher National Diploma II [HND 2] student of the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, identified only as Gyang, has committed suicide after he allegedly impregnated » a Junior Secondary School II [JJS2 ] pupil in his area.
According to Plateau Reporters, Gyang who some few months to graduate had been in a secret relationship with the girl said to be about 15-years-old though he had a fiance he was planning to get married to
It was learned that a few months ago, the girl became pregnant » and when her parents found out, she explained that Gyang was the one responsible leading to her parents dragging the girl to him to take as a wife.
The action of the parents of the girl did not go down well with the deceased who was said to be mad at her for informing her parents about her pregnancy before telling him she was pregnant, coupled with taunts from his friends and school mate.
It was gathered that the situation became depressing for Gyang who decided to end it all by ingesting a poisonous substance suspected to be Sniper, a very powerful insecticide, leaving a suicide note behind stating the reasons behind his suicide.

MAN BRUTALIZES HOUSEBOY FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING MONEY

By ONAKPOJERUO PRAISES
Concerned Nigerian has raised the alarm after a man was discovered to have chained his young houseboy » and locked him in a goat shed for four days without food over an offense.

The wicked man who lives with his family at 5, Offin Canal, Lagos Island market, who is known to maltreat the young lad, went too far this time after he reportedly chained and locked up » with the goats for days as punishment for a yet to be ascertained crime.
Man brutalizes houseboy for allegedly stealing money
this is what a man in Lagos Island market did to the houseboy staying with him. I think the right authorities should be invited. He needs to be brought to book.
How can someone padlock a child’s leg and throw him where goats stay for four days? And he locked the gate too.

DON JAZZY, WIZKID, DAVIDO MAKE FORBES LIST OF RICHEST AFRICA

By IHWUGHWAVWE MAUREEN KPAROBO
Forbes Africa has released its list of Richest African musicians.
The list was put together using factors such as endorsement value, popularity, show rates, sales, awards, YouTube views, appearance in newspapers, investment, social media presence, influence and others.
Nigerian artistes, Don Jazzy, Wizkid and Davido, are among the top ten richest African musicians.
The top 10 are;
1. AKON

Akon has over 35 million albums sold worldwide. He has won numerous awards including five Grammy Award nominations and has 45 Billboard Hot 100 songs under his belt. He tops the list according to Forbes Africa.

2. BLACK COFFEE, SOUTH AFRICA

The multi-award-winning artist’s real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo. He was born in South Africa’s house music province, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and raised in the Eastern Cape province, where Nelson Mandela hailed from, before moving back to KZN to study music.

3. HUGH MASEKELA, SOUTH AFRICA

Hugh was born in Witbank, east of Johannesburg. He has released more than 43 albums and performed
4. DON JAZZY, NIGERIA
Don Jazzy is ranked fourth richest in Africa and also first in Nigeria. Like many artists, his real name is Michael Collins Ajereh, and he started playing music as a child in church before moving to the UK to pursue his career.

with Marvin Gaye, Dizzy Gillespie, The Byrds, Fela Kuti, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Miriam Makeba.

5. TINASHE, ZIMBABWE-AMERICAN
Tinashe was a child model by the age of three. The twenty-four-year-old 

sang before she could talk and made her first appearance in 2000 in the film Cora Unashamed. Her voice also starred in the cartoon feature film The Polar Express alongside Oscar-winning actor, Tom Hanks.

6. JIDENNA, NIGERIAN-AMERICAN,

By the age of 10, Jidenna Theodore Mobisson knew he wanted to do music but was afraid to tell his father who wanted him to be an engineer. He is ranked sixth according to Forbes Africa.

7. WIZKID, NIGERIA
Wizkid is arguably currently the uncrowned king of African music. Grammy Award-winning artist, Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz, danced to his songs Ojuelegba and Caro,

with Keys posting a video on her Instagram account with the caption, “This song makes me happy”. Kylie Jenner also posted a video of herself dancing to Wizkid’s music on Snapchat.

8. DAVIDO, NIGERIA

Davido has claimed a high status in just five years. He said it was people like P-Square and D’Banj who made him believe this was possible. He became famous for his widely acclaimed 2012 debut album “Omo Baba Olowo”.

9. SARKODIE, GHANA

Michael Owusu Addo started out as an underground rapper and through the help of Duncan Williams, his former manager, his career was launched. Staying true to his identity, he is a big advocate of Azonto, a Ghanaian genre that is said to have been born out of Kpanlogo, a traditional dance.
His first single off his fourth album, Mewu, sold almost 4,000 copies on the first day of its release in Ghana. He was also the first Ghanaian to win a BET award.

10. OLIVER MTUKUDZI, ZIMBABWE
Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi has 65 albums under his belt, more than the legendary Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.

It’s a remarkable career stretching back 41 years with songs that have enlivened parties all over the world.

I HAVE NO REASON TO LEAVE ARSENAL:Says Laurent Koscielny

Onwudiachi Anwuli Joy

Arsenal centre back, Laurent Koscielny I HEAV NO REASON TO LEAVE ARSENAL
has revealed that he has no desire to leave the Premier League club.

The 31 year old said, despite reported interest from Ligue 1 side, Olympique de Marseille, he is going nowhere.

The France international, who signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium in January, has been linked with a move to Marseille during the close season transfer window by the French media.

“When I first got here, I didn’t think about how long I would stay at this club – but now I am starting my eighth season so I am very happy with this,” Koscielny told the club website (www.arsenal.com).

“I have a long contract with Arsenal and I have (no reason) to leave the club. I am just here to enjoy my job and give everything for the team, and get the best results for the club. If I can do all of that, then I am happy.”

Koscielny said he felt great loyalty towards Arsene Wenger, whom he called an inspirational figure.

“I have a big (loyalty) to this club and to the boss (Wenger) too,” Koscielny added. “I have stayed here for seven years and I have learnt a lot from him, so I am happy to be here with him and to fight for him because he is a great person.”

FA Cup holders, Arsenal meet Premier League champions Chelsea in the Community Shield match on August 6 before hosting Leicester City in their opening league game five days later.

DONALD TRUMP'S SON-IN-LAW DEFENDED HIS CONDUCT IN PREVIOUS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

By Onwudiachi Anwuli Joy

Donald Trump's son-in-law has defended his conduct in last year's presidential campaign, after giving evidence to a Senate panel investigating Russian interference in the election.
Jared Kushner said all of his "actions were proper and occurred in the normal course of events" of the campaign.
Mr Kushner, 36, has also denied any collusion with Russia.
He is a senior adviser to the president and was in charge of the campaign's digital strategy.
He is married to Mr Trump's daughter, Ivanka.
Speaking at the White House after a closed-door session of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mr Kushner said he had been "fully transparent in providing all the requested information".
"Let me be very clear - I did not collude with Russia, nor do I know of anyone else in the campaign who did so. I had no improper contacts," he said.
Mr Kushner, who keeps a very low media profile, will appear before the equivalent House of Representatives committee on Tuesday.

A WOMEN ARRESTED FOR TORTURING HER NINE YEAR OLD NEPHEW: By Inserting A Broomstick and Pepper Into His Penis

By Onakpojeruo Praises

A mother of four identified simply as Mrs. Bassey has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly torturing her nine-year-old nephew, Promise, by inserting a broomstick and dried pepper into his penis » .
Punch reports that Bassey committed the heinous act at her residence at Ashaka Street, Ebute-Meta area of the state after accusing the boy of stealing her N2,000.
It was learned that after forcing the boy to confess to the theft, Bassey went ahead to torture him » , inflicting serious injuries on him.
Neighbours who reported the matter to the police at the Iponri Division where tired of the constant maltreatment of the young boy which included starvation, beating and humiliation.
The young victim who has been rescued by the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (LSOPD), was said to have been taken to a hospital where the broomstick was removed from his private part and was later taken to a government shelter.

A resident of the area said that Promise came to live with Bassey following the death of his parents when he was five-years-old but that he has been maltreated all along.
“Promise is the son of Bassey’s elder sister. His mother brought him to live with her so she could assist him with his education.
The boy was formerly in a private public school, but he was withdrawn immediately his mother died. His father is also late. Since that time, she turned him into an errand boy.
I have known the boy for three years now and can categorically say that he is always being maltreated. There was a time the guardian beat him up and tortured him with a needle. She starved the boy for three days.
On another occasion, she sent the boy out of the house in the night and left him outside till daybreak.”
Another tenant added that despite having four children from different men, Bassey had never maltreated her own kids.
The issue came to a head on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, when Bassey allegedly inserted a stick of broom and dried pepper into Promise’s penis for allegedly stealing N2,000.
“She said she was looking for N2,000 and accused the boy of stealing it. She beat him up with a stick and used red pepper to rub his whole body. The boy was screaming, yet she did not stop.
After that, she inserted a stick of broom, dipped in Cameroon pepper, into the boy’s private parts. We could not bear it again and we reported the abuse to the police at the Iponri Division. She was arrested and is still in police custody,” the tenant said.
The tenant said some relatives of the suspect had been threatening to deal with them for reporting the case to the police.
The Director of the OPD, Mrs. Olubukola Salami , confirmed that the victim had been taken into custody.
“It is absolutely shocking how adults mete out extreme punishment to kids for minor offenses. How can one justify inserting a stick of broom into the private parts of a boy?
What if the broom had broken inside the boy’s private parts? He would have been damaged for life. No matter the offense, adults must learn to control their temper when dealing with children. I hope she can reflect on her wicked actions and change while in detention

THE POLICE IN ABIA STATE HAVE KILLED A FOUR-MAN KIDNAP GANG TERRORIZING AND ITS ENVIRONS

BY IGBAGI DORIS ISHIOMA
It was gathered that two of the gang members were gunned down in an uncompleted building where they were holding their newest victim.
According to Punch, the hoodlums on July 18, 2017, abducted a hotelier identified as
Onyemaechi Mbamaonyeukwu Ijeoma in his ash colour Nissan Infinity SUV with Reg. No. GWA 807 DH and held him hostage in the building.
Policemen, who acted on a tip-off, were said to have stormed the uncompleted building located at Umuajuju Ovungwu, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
On sighting the Officers, the kidnappers opened fire on them as the policemen retaliated.
Two of the kidnappers identified as Nwadibia and Monday were killed while others escaped with bullet wound