ORIGINAL AFRICANS

Manchester United are outbidding their rivals in the race to sign Ajax utility man Daley Blind, reports Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. The Dutchman has been perennially linked with a move to Old Trafford since Louis van Gaal was hired. A series of terrific performances at the World Cup only strengthened those reports and now it appears Manchester United are emerging as favourites. World Cup inflation Ajax are ready to cash in on the 24-year-old this summer, hoping to take advantage of a dramatic increase in value following the player's efforts in Brazil. They want €22 million and so far Manchester United are the only club showing a willingness to pay it.

Santi Cazorla remains unsettled with life at Arsenal as Atletico Madrid consider a bid to sign him this summer, reports The Daily Mail. Initial reports regarding Cazorla's unhappiness emerged early last month before Arsenal had made any significant moves in the transfer market. Cazorla was still at the World Cup with Spain and Atletico Madrid's apparent interest seemed tentative. However, a month later and reports of a potential transfer to the Vicente Calderon simply will not go away. There was significant developments on Wednesday of this week when widespread reports claimed Diego Simeone was eyeing a double swopp for Nacho Monreal and Cazorla.

ABUJA (AP) — Nigerian forces say they are increasing security nationwide ahead Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Emmanuel Okeh, a spokesman for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, said Nigeria is deploying 50,000 troops and counterterrorism units, including special forces, a nuclear, biological chemical and radioactive squad and "sniffer dogs." He said troops will patrol gathering spots, highways and other "strategic places."

When  Lil Wayne  stopped by ESPN’s  First Take  a few weeks ago to opine on the futures of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, it appears that he wasn’t just dipping his toes into sports. He’s making a career out of it. The rapper is following in Jay Z’s footsteps and starting his own sports agency, according to TMZ. His first client? Real Madrid player and hair trendsetter Cristiano Ronaldo. As far as first clients go, the pairing makes sense, considering the two have been friends for awhile.

Na real ghen ghen go hapun for EPL dis seasin as sabi strika Didier Drogba don carri enuf swagga enta England join Chelsea. De koko be say Drogba don sign one year deal for Stamford Bridge and amebo pipu dey tok say afta dat one dem go make am coach for dat side. Drogba bin helep Chelsea win de Uefa Champions League for 2012 wen dem beat Batern Munich for de final bifor hin waka lif dem go tap ball small for China. De guyman come lif dat side enta Turkey play for Galatasaray dis seasin wey pass come even tap beta ball for Champions League for de 2013/2014 seasin.

  Social media has changed the way fans interact with celebs and also altered the way celebs engage their fans. Donjazzy announced the Mohits break up on twitter; he didn’t have to organize a press conference to do that. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are the new platforms celebs use to build their brands, engage with fans, and communicate their new offerings .In the home front, Nigerian celebs are not left behind .In no particular order here are the top Nigerian entertainers who have a cult following on various social media platforms.

A bit harsh, or you approve? In a bid to tackle the increasing spate of cult activities in the state, the Imo state Governor, Rochas Okorocha yesterday, July 25th gave a shoot-at-sight order for cultists to security operatives attached to Ohaji Egbema LGA where 6 people were killed during a clash between two rival cult groups known as Day-Gbam and Day-Well. Lol. See name of cults. The governor gave the directive when he paid a visit to the troubled local government area, plagued with cult activities , where residents are said to be living in constant fear.