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Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has warned Hearts of Oak supporters to expect a demanding contest when FC Samartex 1996 arrive in Accra, describing the Ghana Premier League as relentlessly competitive regardless of form or history.The Hearts coach struck a measured tone as he previewed the Boxing Day match week 16 fixture to be staged at the Legon Stadium.“This is the Premier League. In the Premier League, all games are very tough, and this is one of them,” Dramani said.“They have been champions before, so they know how to win the league,” he added, stressing that reputation alone demands respect and preparation.“We always have to go into games prepared to win, prepared to express our identity, to control the opponent and impose our identity,” he said.“We know the strengths they have, and we also know the strengths we have in our team. We try to consolidate our strengths while managing the opponent’s capabilities,” Dramani noted.Hearts of Oak head into the game on the back of a spirited goalless draw away at Aduana FC and sit third with 25 points while Samartex are sixth with 24 points.

With the mutual termination of Divock Origi’s contract – which was announced on Tuesday – there are no remaining members from the 2022-23 windows.

Samuel Chukwueze has reflected on his brief spell in Serie A with Milan, admitting he struggled to find space and continuity before moving on loan to Fulham.

Hearts of Oak head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has stressed patience and continuous improvement as his side prepares to host FC Samartex 1996 on Boxing Day.The experienced trainer insisted the Phobians are still evolving despite their strong league position.Speaking ahead of the match week 16 clash at the University of Ghana Stadium, Dramani framed the fixture within the broader context of development rather than short-term results.I think that today is our matchday plus three, meaning three days after the game. That means we only have two days before the next game, Dramani said.From a tactical point of view, we are trying as much as possible to iron out the areas we need to improve. We are a team that is a work in progress, and we want to continue developing, he added.Hearts enter the match firmly in the title conversation, underpinned by the leagues best defensive record, but Dramani believes there is room for growth, particularly in attacking decision-making.We want to improve many aspects of our play, especially in the final third, he noted, pointing to moments where better choices could unlock tighter games.Hearts of Oak sit third on the table with 25 points, one ahead of Samartex who are sixth.

West Ham United are hoping to sign Kaio Jorge from Cruzeiro during the January transfer window. 

Lorenzo Insigne is edging closer to a return to Serie A, with Lazio preparing a short-term contract to bring the former Napoli captain back to Italy.

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Joao Mario from Juventus during the January transfer window.

Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on the Inter Milan defender, Alessandro Bastoni. 

Quick take: Injury outlook: depth players may get minutes, but the knock could strain the side’s rhythm. Recovery timelines will guide expectations; international duty could also be impacted. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.

Napoli’s plans for the January transfer window have been complicated by fresh financial constraints, casting doubt over any ambitious moves in the coming weeks.

Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move away from Bournemouth in recent months, and several clubs are keen on him.

Manchester United are poised to make a significant addition behind the scenes, with Newcastle United’s head of youth recruitment Paul Midgley expected to move to Old Trafford, bringing an end to his three-year spell on Tyneside.

AFC Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi has emerged as a serious transfer target for both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, with the Argentine centre-back edging closer to an exit from the Vitality Stadium.

Gennaro Gattuso confirmed during his latest interview that Marcello Lippi is his role model as Italy’s head coach: ‘I copy and paste what he did.’

Mario Balotelli’s search for a new club continues, with interest from the Middle East emerging as a possible route back into professional football.