Manchester United ready to make special exception by splashing out on £89million transfer for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United reportedly ‘dream’ of sealing the transfer of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and could launch a special move for him this January.

The Senegal international is one of the best players in the world in his position at the moment, and would clearly make a great fit at Old Trafford to provide an upgrade on the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

MORE: Fresh task for Solskjaer to get the best out of £52m signing

Despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s uncertain future as he comes in as interim manager until the end of the season, it seems United could be ready to make an exception with a big-money bid for Koulibaly this month, according to France Football magazine, as translated by Sport Witness.

The report suggests the Red Devils could fork out as much as £89million for Koulibaly, and it would be interesting to see if that could persuade Napoli to sell.

The Serie A giants will undoubtedly not want to lose one of their most important players in the middle of the season, but that kind of money could be hard to turn down.

Napoli have also lost other star names in recent times, with their former manager and midfielder Maurizio Sarri and Jorginho both moving to Chelsea in the summer.

Star striker Gonzalo Higuain was also snapped up by rivals Juventus a couple of years ago, and United have a solid recent record of getting the players they want.

2019 Elections: We'll maintain a policy of non-interference - President Buhari

President Buhari has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has since 2015 consistently conducted free and fair elections, assuring Nigerians that his administration will uphold the standard by ensuring "non-interference''.

“We have insisted that votes must count and have maintained a policy of non-interference in elections,’’ the President said at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the International Conference Centre.

“INEC has so far since 2015, conducted fair and credible elections in 195 constituencies nationwide, which have been attested nationwide to be qualitatively better than previous elections.

“Let me reiterate my commitment to free and fair elections. If there is one legacy I want to leave is the enthronement of democracy as a system of government. And for democracy to be enthroned, elections must be free and fair. That means citizens have a right to vote,’’ he added.

OMG!! FA Cup fourth round draw: Arsenal host Man Utd in heavyweight all-Premier League clash

The FA Cup fourth round draw has taken place and it has produced one stand-out tie in particular after a thoroughly entertaining round of fixtures this past weekend.

Arsenal will host Manchester United in what promises to be a thrilling encounter and possible cup classic at the Emirates, with Unai Emery taking on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.

SEE MORE: Video: Ruben Neves smashes home stunning strike in thrilling FA Cup tie between Wolves and Liverpool

Elsewhere, holders Chelsea will face either Sheffield Wednesday or Luton at home in a favourable draw, while reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will host Burnley and fancy their chances against their fellow top flight side.

After knocking Liverpool out, Wolves were handed a trip to either Shrewsbury or Stoke City, while Tottenham will make the short trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace.

Nevertheless, the one fixture that will have everyone talking is of course the one that pits Arsenal against their old foes United, with the two sides playing out some memorable ties in this competition in the past.

Breaking: World Bank president, Jim Yong Kim resigns

World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim has announced that he would step down next month, more than three years before his current term was due to expire.

The decision ends Kim’s six-year tenure and may give US President Donald Trump decisive influence over the future leadership of the 189-member global development lender.

“It has been a great honor to serve as president of this remarkable institution, full of passionate individuals dedicated to the mission of ending extreme poverty in our lifetime,” Kim, 59, said in a statement.

INEC To Train Over 1m Personnel For 2019 Elections - Politics -

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will train over one million electoral staff and ad-hoc personnel for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

Mr Solomon Soyebi, Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute (BEI), made the disclosure on Monday in Calabar.

He stated this during a training workshop for State Training Officers and Assistant State Training Officers on Cascade Training Implementation for 2019 elections.

The workshop was organised by INEC in collaboration with the International Foundation of Electoral System (IFES).

Soyebi explained that 850,000 electoral personnel would be trained as polling unit officials, while 150,000 would consist of Civil Society Organisations and officials of security agencies officials.

‘‘With just about 39 days to the first election and about 53 days to the second one, it is very important that we train our people adequately.

“For the poll officials, we are going to train over 850,000 personnel.

FG reaches agreement with ASUU to release N15.4bn for salary shortfalls

The Federal Government has reached an agreement with members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve the on-going industrial action.  

Addressing journalists on Monday evening after the meeting with the striking lecturers in Abuja, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, said the majority of their demands have been met including the release of N15.4 billion for payment of salary shortfalls.  

According to him, the Federal Government is also in the process of releasing another N20 billion for payment of earned allowances for university lecturers.  

See the $5m worth of custom-made Tiffany diamonds Lady Gaga wore to the Golden Globes award (Photos)

American singer, Lady Gaga, who turned heads as she arrived for the Golden Globes award on Sunday night rocking a flowing blue Valentino dress also wore a piece of expensive jewellery reportedly worth a jaw-dropping $5 million.