Kylian Mbappe, Isco, Victor Lindelof: Transfer targets to watch on Sky during 2018 World Cup Qualifiers

With a feast of World Cup Qualifiers live on Sky this weekend, there will be plenty of possible transfer targets to keep an eye on…

The Premier League may have taken a break until the start of next month, but not to worry, folks, as Sky Sports will be showing a whopping 25 games on the road to Russia this weekend.

We've picked out a handful of star performers, who have all been linked __with moves to the Premier League, to keep an eye on…

Mateo Kovacic (Croatia v Ukraine, Friday, 7.45pm, red button)

Kovacic is set to line up for his country as the Group I leaders host second-placed Ukraine in Zagreb on Friday evening looking to move a step closer to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup finals.

The highly-skilled midfielder has made 28 appearances in total for Real Madrid so far this season, although questions still persist about his future going forward at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, __with the likes of Tottenham reportedly showing an interest in the 22-year-old, this crunch qualifier could be the ideal stage on which to display his talents to any interested parties.

Leonardo Bonucci (Italy v Albania, Friday, 7.45pm, red button)

Italy face a must-win World Cup Qualifier at home to Albania on Friday evening, a contest experienced centre-back Leonardo Bonucci will be hoping he has little to do in.

The Juventus central defender made the headlines recently after a bust-up with boss Max Allegri saw him left out of the first leg of his side's Champions League last-16 clash at Porto, sparking stories about a move to either Chelsea or Man City this summer.

So all eyes will be on the elegant Azzurri star, considered by many to be the best defender in the world, as he tries to ensure the hosts keep a clean sheet in Palermo.

Isco (Spain v Israel, Friday, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 5HD)

Also in Group G action on Friday night are Spain, who host third-placed Israel as they try and stay ahead of Italy on goal difference on the road to Russia 2018.

One player head coach Julen Lopetegui will be expecting to play a key role in Gijon is Real Madrid midfielder Isco, whose quick feet and clever brain could be vital in helping La Roja unlock what is sure to be a packed Israeli defence.

Spain vs Israel

March 24, 2017, 7:40pm

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And with the diminutive 24-year-old's contract in the Spanish capital coming to an end in the summer of 2018 and reports linking him with a move to Spurs, there are sure to be a whole host of potential suitors scouting the player at El Molinon.

Miralem Pjanic (Bosnia and Herzegovina v Gibraltar, Saturday, 5pm, Sky Sports 1HD)

Third-in-the-table Bosnia have ground to make up if they wish to feature at next year's World Cup, starting with Saturday afternoon's encounter with Group H whipping boys Gibraltar.

The fixture in Zenica should see Miralem Pjanic have plenty of the ball as the Juventus playmaker looks to pull the strings and thread the passes for his strikers to latch on to.

Not only that, but the 26-year-old - who has attracted interest from the Premier League in recent seasons - will also have the chance to further his reputation as one of Europe's finest free-kicker experts at the Bilino Polje Stadium.

Victor Lindelof (Sweden v Belarus, Saturday, 5pm, Sky Sports 1 HD)

Do not be surprised to see Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho in the stands at the Friends Arena in Solna on Saturday as Sweden entertain Belarus in their World Cup Group A qualifier.

The Red Devils have made enquiries with Benfica about their coveted Sweden international central defender, according to Sky sources, with the club expected to follow up their interest in the player this summer.

Sweden vs Belarus

March 25, 2017, 4:55pm

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So it will be interesting to see how the Scandinavian's vice-captain fares as they aim to keep in touch with second-placed Netherlands, who they currently trail only on goal difference, and leaders France in the standings.

Youri Tielemans (Belgium v Greece, Saturday, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 2 HD)

The 19-year-old is considered to be one of Belgium's most exciting prospects, which is saying something given the abundance of talent that have come through the country's youth system in recent years.

Belgium vs Greece

March 25, 2017, 7:30pm

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And the Red Devils will be wanting the holding midfielder, who made his senior debut against Netherlands in November, to dictate the tempo of Saturday night's World Cup qualifier at home to Group H rivals Greece.

Kylian Mbappe (Luxembourg v France, Saturday, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 2 HD)

The player on everyone's lips at the moment could make his debut for France when they travel to Group A minnows Luxembourg on Saturday evening after a fine season so far for Monaco.

Aged just 18, the striker has scored 19 goals and contributed a further 11 assists so far for the Ligue 1 club, resulting in his first-ever senior call-up by Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps.

And if the youngster does make his international bow for the Group leaders at the Stade Josy Barthel, then do not be shocked if he adds to his goals tally against a team who have just a point to their name.

Julian Brandt (Azerbaijan v Germany, Sunday, 5pm, Sky Sports 1 HD)

World champions Germany are expected to take another step towards defending their title in Russia next year when they take on Azerbaijan in their Group C qualifier on Sunday afternoon.

One player to focus on in Baku will be the in-demand Bayer Leverkusen midfielder who has registered three goals and seven assists in 31 matches for the Bundesliga team this campaign.

Azerbaijan vs Germany

March 26, 2017, 4:55pm

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And with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly a big admirer of the 20-year-old and understood to be pondering a move for the player, a big game on the road against the side sitting third in the group may well pave the way for a summer switch to Anfield.

Kick It Out encourage stewards to tackle homophobic abuse with new resources

Stewards meet prior to last month's Premier League match between West Ham and Chelsea at London Stadium

Match day stewards and safety officers are being encouraged to tackle homophobia in and around football grounds __with the use of a new booklet and pocket guide issued by Kick It Out and the Home Office.

The resources are designed to help stewards deal __with incidents of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) abuse, in order to create a more inclusive game for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Kick It Out have also released a new short film raising awareness of inclusion in football, featuring five supporters explaining their experiences as LGBT individuals in the sport. The resources form part of Kick It Out's 'Call Full Time On Hate' initiative for the 2016-17 season, which is urging the collective force of football to encourage inclusion and deter hate.

Watch the new short film released by Kick It Out which features five football supporters explaining their experiences as LGBT individuals in the sport

The Premier League has welcomed the new resources, with executive director Bill Bush saying they will "further highlight to the LGBT community that we see them as an integral part of our community". EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey has also stated that the resources will be "of great value in helping our clubs to increase understanding and awareness".

ICM research commissioned by Stonewall and released in September 2016 found that 72 per cent of football fans said that they had heard homophobic abuse while watching live sports in the last five years.

Discrimination reports relating to sexual orientation made up 17 per cent of reports to Kick It Out in 2015/16, a rise of 4 per cent on the previous season.

Last month, the House of Commons Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport issued their report into homophobia in sport, calling for football clubs to do more to counter the problem of HBT abuse and recommending immediate and lengthy bans for those who display homophobic attitudes at matches.

The 'Tackling Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic Behaviour at Football Stadia' resources support LGBT inclusion

LGBT charity Stonewall estimates that, of the UK population, around 6 per cent identify as LGB, and around 1 per cent as trans.

The new resources reinforce existing legislation - the Equality Act 2010, the FA's Rules of the Association, and ground regulations - which protects people from all forms of discrimination.

The booklet notes: "Homophobic discrimination is negative behaviour which references being gay and is usually, but not exclusively, directed at people who are gay or perceived to be gay. Biphobic and transphobic discrimination are, similarly, negative behaviour which is directed at people who are bisexual or transgender, or perceived to be."

Kick It Out Pocket Guide advice for tackling HBT abuse

• 1. HBT abuse can affect anyone, not just LGBT people
• 2. HBT discrimination puts LGBT people off taking part in football
• 3. HBT discrimination is against the law and ground regulations
• 4. The FA, leagues and clubs have clear rules and sanctions for HBT discrimination
• 5. Read your club's customer charter and equality policy
• 6. Don't ignore HBT behaviour - it must be challenged
• 7. Don't put yourself at risk: only challenge HBT behaviour with a colleague and never by yourself
• 8. When you challenge HBT discrimination, explain why it's unacceptable at the club and record details of the behaviour
• 9. If HBT behaviour persists, tell the safety officer so they can escalate the response
• 10. Find out what else your club is doing to tackle LGBT discrimination

Examples of forms of discrimination are also provided, such as derogatory and offensive language about LGBT people, ways in which they might be excluded from participating, the use of social media to embarrass or humiliate them, and the threat or action of physical violence.

Sophie Cook, Bournemouth's club photographer, is the first trans woman to work in the Premier League. She is an ambassador for Kick It Out, and believes the new guide will help combat the actions of a persistent minority who continue to tarnish football's reputation.

"The people that are causing the problem aren't real fans, they're just troublemakers," Cook told Sky Sports News HQ.

"Since I came out as trans, the real football fans have been very supportive and positive towards me. Football is often seen as bigoted and homophobic, but things are changing - and resources like these, to stamp out the abuse that is there, are positive steps."

Kick It Out ambassador Sophie Cook is the first transwoman to work in British football

The booklet notes that fear of discrimination, abuse and exclusion make it difficult for LGBT people to be open and honest about their sexual orientation, resulting in their 'invisibility' or taking the decision not to participate at all.

Cook believes having the courage to counter those fears will improve awareness and education.

"I'm not very invisible," she added. "The invisibility is the LGB; unfortunately, trans people are often very visible, because we're not all gifted with being stunning and able to pass. When I came out, I knew that every person that I would meet would always know I was trans, and I had to come to terms with that.

"I remember hearing from a Stoke City fan who'd had a season ticket for over 20 years. They'd given it up because after their transition, they were scared that they could never go back."

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Cook's photography work with Bournemouth only covers home games at the Vitality Stadium. So would working at away fixtures hold any fears for her?

"There are certain grounds around the country where I would have reservations," she said, "because of historic activity and abuse that has gone on within grounds. But I would do it... I would go there and be strong and proud.

"I hope that I've shown there is a space for LGBT people within football, and that encourages more people to go, and that more people become aware. Then it becomes less of an oddity for those fans who previously had little or no knowledge of what it means to be trans, or even to be LGB."

Kick It Out's chief executive Roisin Wood says the response from clubs to the new resources has already been encouraging, with several asking for more copies of the pocket guide so all of their stewards could have it in a lanyard at games.

We're not trying to sanitise the game. I'm a fan, too, and I love football's passion. I just want it to be decent.

Kick It Out chief executive Roisin Wood

Wood said: "I think it all starts with education and the best way to tackle this is when fans self-police. So that could be one fan saying to another, 'Hey, I don't want hear that anymore'.

"But there will be occasions involving prolific and serious offenders when you need to get them ejected and possibly banned.

"We're not trying to sanitise the game. I'm a fan, too, and I love football's passion. I just want it to be decent.

"But homophobic chants are discriminatory and they are illegal. And as I often tell people, having a diverse fan base and work force isn't just the decent thing to do, it's good business."

You can report homophobic, biphobic and transphobic discrimination to a steward or to Kick It Out via the following methods:

Kick It Out's free reporting app - available on App Store and Google Play

Freephone 0800 169 9414

Email - info@kickitout.org

Leroy Sane v Dele Alli: The key battle when Germany host England

Leroy Sane and Dele Alli go head to head when Germany take on England

Harry Kane may have been injured but Dele Alli inspired Tottenham to victory on Sunday against Southampton. England boss Gareth Southgate will be hoping the Spurs midfielder can do the same thing for the national team in Germany on Wednesday.

The spotlight will be thrust upon Alli in Dortmund, where England will be aiming for a fourth consecutive away win against Germany - a run going back to 1987.

However, while Alli has been the Premier League's stand-out midfielder this season, another is rapidly coming to the fore, after a difficult start to life in England.

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Leroy Sane was the third most expensive Premier League signing last summer (after Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and Sane's Manchester City team-mate John Stones), although his start to life in Manchester was underwhelming.

Sane started just seven of the opening 32 games in all competitions, recording only a single goal and two assists to his name.

His talent was unquestionable, but a £37m price-tag inevitably drew high expectations. But, following his return from a muscular injury in January, Sane saw a change in fortunes for both himself and City:

Sane's Man City record (all comps)

	First 32 games	Last 13 games
Apps	13	13
Starts	7	12
Goals	1	6
Assists	2	2

Since returning to the starting line-up against Tottenham on January 21, Sane has made more appearances and started more games than anyone else for the club, and his return of six goals is bettered only by Sergio Aguero.

Alli has been one of the Premier League's top performers this season

He's already shown his 'big-game' potential by scoring in Schalke's Champions League win at Real Madrid in March 2015 - his second senior goal - and he'll be ready for the challenge which awaits on Wednesday night.

Sane's Man City goals

Date	Opponent	Result	Competition
Dec 18	Arsenal (h)	W 2-1	PL
Jan 21	Tottenham (h)	D 2-2	PL
Jan 28	Crystal Palace (a)	W 3-0	FA Cup
Feb 21	Monaco (h)	W 5-3	CL
Mar 1	Huddersfield (h)	W 5-1	FA Cup
Mar 5	Sunderland (a)	W 2-0	PL
Mar 15	Monaco (a)	L 1-3	CL

Alli's return in his first Premier League season was even more impressive. Last season's PFA Young Player of the Year became the youngest player in Premier League history to reach 10 goals (aged 20 years, 21 days).

And to the delight of Tottenham fans, the 20-year-old's goalscoring exploits have been surpassed this season, dismissing any murmurs of a 'second season syndrome' for the MK Dons youth product.

Top scoring midfielders in PL this season

Player	Team	Goals
Dele Alli	Tottenham	14
Gylfi Sigurdsson	Swansea	8
Adam Lallana	Liverpool	7
Manuel Lanzini	West Ham	7

City have lost just one of their last 13 games in all competitions - a run that coincides __with Sane's emergence as a first-team regular. Similarly, Alli's Spurs side have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games - he has started all 13 games, scoring 11 goals in the process.

Sane has been a regular goal scorer in 2017

Despite remaining unbeaten since that fateful night against Iceland in Nice, draws against Spain and Slovenia in England's last three internationals have been far from convincing. Replicating club form for England has eluded many top Premier League performers in recent years and, for Alli, last summer's struggles in France will have been a sobering experience.

Germany, on the other hand, have yet to concede a goal since their Euro 2016 semi-final elimination, scoring an average of three goals per game.

Sane's fledgling international career has so far earned him four caps, three of which have been defeats. He was part of Joachim Low's Euro 2016 squad, his last cap coming as a sub in the semi-final defeat against France.

International results 2016/17

Germany	England
Finland (h) W 2-0	--
Norway (a) W 3-0	Slovakia (a) W 1-0
Czech Rep (h) W 3-0	Malta (h) W 2-0
N.Ireland (h) W 2-0	Slovenia (a) D 0-0
San Marino (a) W 8-0	Scotland (h) W 3-0
Italy (a) D 0-0	Spain (h) D 2-2

Wednesday is the 31st meeting between the nations, and the first to be played in Dortmund. The previous contest took place a year ago this week - England winning 3-2 in Berlin thanks to Eric Dier's stoppage-time header.

The perception is that there is no such thing as a friendly when Germany face England. For two of Europe's hottest young properties, looking to showcase their talents on the world stage, that perception is certainly a reality.

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