Cannon Fodder News and Links: Thursday

I have to be out the door quite early for work today, so today’s Cannon Fodder will be once again stolen from Backheel Breakfast, a daily soccer news roundup you can get in your email inbox. Want Backheel Breakfast in your inbox? Sign up for the email version here.

Brazil's men have two 0-0 draws to their name at the Olympics, and they're in need of a win in their final group stage game on Wednesday. Given Neymar's poor performances -- especially in contrast to the great performances of Marta on the women's team -- the Barcelona star is catching a ton of criticism. Before Wednesday's game against Denmark, Brazilian legend Zico came out and said that Neymar shouldn't be captain.

"The captain of our team is not up to being captain," Zico said. "He must worry just about football. But, just the opposite, they just started complaining that Iraq were wasting time. They needed to play football."

Zico's argument is that the most important attacking player shouldn't have to worry about leadership and working the referees, and should just be freed up to be creative. And if anyone would know, it's Zico.

Goal of the day

Marco Asensio's wonderstrike for Real Madrid. (r/soccer)

In the news

Claudio Ranieri has signed a new contract with Leicester City. (@LCFC)

Tottenham's head of recruitment has quit due to dissatisfaction with club operations and his role in them. (Guardian)

Franck Ribery is back in full training. (Bild)

Nashville is trying very hard to get an MLS team. (MLS)

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says he'll make big signings before the transfer window closes. (Football Italia)

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, on the other hand, doesn't think he needs to sign anyone. (AS)

Jose Mourinho's just out here talking trash about everyone. (Telegraph)

You should be reading

Tim Vickery on the pressure Brazil is facing. (ESPN FC)

Mohamed Mohamed previews Olympique Lyonnais' season. (Stats Bomb)

Adam Bate on the too good to be true Wolves takeover. (The Set Pieces)

From the rumor mill

Please don't take anything in this section too seriously, for your own peace of mind.

Leicester has made a big bid for Gabigol. (Mail)

The price for Alexandre Lacazette might be too rich for Arsenal. (Telegraph)

So they're bidding for Wilfried Bony instead. (Star)

Christian Benteke's move to Crystal Palace is looking more likely. (Guardian)

Manchester United is pretty sure they can find someone to buy Bastian Schweinsteiger. (Manchester Evening News)

Everton are ready to pay ridiculous money for Yannick Bolasie. (Mirror)

Juventus wants Isco and Real Madrid wants €50 million for him. (AS)

Carlos Bacca's agent isn't ruling out a West Ham move. (Football Italia)