In a string of individual examinations, the players were checked over from head to toe, including lactate and spirometry tests, EKGs and ultrasounds, as well as a SCAT-5 test (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) where some functions of the brain are examined, such as balance and memory retention.

Having been introduced to the starting lineup last October, Choupo has hit the ground running and racked up 15 goals in 24 games, which makes him the team’s joint top scorer along with Jamal Musiala. Thus far, he has filled in the gaping Robert Lewandowski-shaped hole in the No. 9 position very well, which led to the club pushing for a contract extension. Now, after weeks of speculation, Choupo has put pen to paper.

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Union’s dominant second half performance in Leverkusen left Urs Fischer’s side frustrated at not taking all three points from the BayArena. Patrick Schick made it 18 for the season with a first-half opener as Leverkusen bossed proceedings. Gerardo Seoane’s side, fourth in the table pre-match, passed up opportunities before Grischa Prömel bundled in the equaliser near half-time. The midfielder followed up on two excellent stops from Finnish goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky to give Union a lifeline. Fischer made two changes at the break with Levin Öztunali and Andreas Voglsammer entering the game — and Union turned on the style. Prömel put Union ahead but the Köpenick club failed to turn their opportunities in the second 45 into a more convincing lead. Max Kruse hit the crossbar and Voglsammer forced more work out of Hradecky. Jonathan Tah equalised with six minutes to go, but Union had more chances to put the game beyond doubt. In stoppage time, Bastian Oczipka struck off the post as Union had to be content with one point instead of three.

Sources aware of the discussions told the Press Association last week that the sovereign wealth fund was only looking to take a minority stake in either Man Utd or another Premier League club, and that it was far from a done deal.

Club members can purchase up two tickets via the BVB Ticket Shop.

Normally, Milos Veljkovic joins the summer pre-season slightly later. Since the 27-year-old has been playing for SV Werder, he has been on regular international duty with Serbia after the end of the season, making up for his holiday later. Due to calf problems, Veljkovic was ruled out for the international matches in June this year. “I was able to switch off and recover well during this time,” said the centre-back about his time off. “So I’m even more pleased that it’s starting again now.”