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      Steven Gerrard bookies’ favourite for Championship job that would see him replace former team-mate as manager

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      STEVEN GERRARD is the surprise bookies’ favourite to become Middlesbrough’s next manager.The Liverpool legend has been out of work since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January.Steven Gerrard is the bookies’ favourite to take over at MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyHe was linked with a return to Rangers but pulled out of the race before Russell Martin was appointed.Former England team-mate Michael Carrick who was sacked by the Championship club last week.Gerrard, 45, leads the betting to take over at the Riverside Stadium, ahead of Rob Edwards and Steve Cooper.However SunSport understands Middlesbrough are not considering the former Three Lions star for the role. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile Marti Cifuentes, placed on gardening leave by QPR last season and linked to the job, is also understood not to be on the shortlist. A host of candidates have expressed interest in the job and the Championship club have been speaking to several coaches already and assessing their options.As Sun Sport reported last week, Boro chiefs are keen on the likes of former Nottingham Forest and Leicester manager Steve Cooper, ex-Luton boss Rob Edwards, Gary O’Neil and Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl.Gerrard though does appear keen on a return to the UK after an ill-fated spell in the Middle East.Most read in EFLGerrard lasted just 18 months at Al-Ettifaq and won 23 of his 59 matches in charge.That stint came after he was sacked at Aston Villa following a return of two wins in the opening 12 games of the 2022-23 Premier League season.His best reign came at Rangers, where he oversaw the club’s first league title for nine years in 2021.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe accumulated 102 points and went unbeaten in the Scottish Premier League, ending Celtic’s period of dominance.Gerrard won 65 per cent of his games in charge at Ibrox.Gerrard and Carrick were team-mates together with EnglandCredit: AFPSteven Gerrard spotted at major sporting event as he gives personal update after Al-Ettifaq exit More

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      Nottingham Forest write to Uefa over Crystal Palace Europa League decision as they stand to benefit from Eagles ban

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have written to Uefa over concerns about Crystal Palace taking part in the Europa League.Palace’s historic FA Cup final win over Manchester City booked their place in Europe for the first time. Crystal Palace’s European dreams could be ruined over an ownership issueCredit: AFPThe Eagles lifted the FA Cup at Wembley to secure a Europa League spotCredit: GettyBut complications around John Textor’s stake in both Palace and French club Lyon have resulted in the South Londoners’ spot being in doubt.Textor is the majority owner of Lyon and Palace’s largest shareholder at 43 per cent.Uefa rules on multi-club ownership prevent any two clubs controlled by the same person or group from competing in the same competition.The American could have placed his Eagles shares into a blind trust, as many other owners have done to avoid this outcome, though the deadline to do so was March 1.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPalace have already met with Uefa in Switzerland arguing that Textor has no controlling influence at Crystal Palace.Both Palace and Lyon have qualified for next year’s Europa League, but the Ligue 1 side would have precedence as they finished higher in their domestic league.And now The Times report Forest are in contact with European football’s governing body to highlight the potential breach.The final decision could hinge on Lyon, who were disqualified by Uefa’s Club Financial Control Body from European competitions in December over their financial woes which saw them provisionally relegated from Ligue 1 a month earlier.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut they were allowed to continue in the Europa League, eventually dramatically dumped out by Manchester United in the quarter-finals, after complying with certain demands. Should Palace be kicked out of the Europa League, it is understood Nottingham Forest would be promoted from the Conference League and take the Eagles’ Europa League place.How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup finalAnd should the Selhurst Park club be demoted to the Conference League, that will likely lead to a legal challenge from rivals Brighton – who finished eighth in the Premier League so would be next in line for a Euro spot.Whichever way the decision goes, Palace or Forest may well take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The City Ground outfit made the necessary changes to their ownership structure when it became apparent both they and owner Evangelos Marinakis’ other team Olympiacos could both qualify for the Champions League. SunSport understands senior figures at the club are confident they will be able to find an agreement with Uefa which will see them take part in the Europa League next season.The Club Financial Control Body are not expected to announce their decision until June 27 but a resolution could come sooner should Textor simply sell his shares.The 59-year-old has been looking to offload his stake in Palace for some time now following a breakdown in relations with chairman Steve Parish.Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis took the necessary precautions to enable his sides to be in the same Uefa competitionCredit: PAForest had to settle for a place in the Conference League after defeat on the final day of the seasonCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘There’s always someone watching’ – Samuel Iling-Junior out to gatecrash England’s World Cup squad by starring for U21s

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      SAMUEL ILING-JUNIOR hopes a successful European Championship can springboard him into Aston Villa’s first-team – and World Cup contention.The versatile wing-back, 21, arrived at Villa Park from Juventus last summer as part of the deal that took Douglas Luiz in the opposite direction.Samuel Iling-Junior hopes a big Euros will lead to a breakthrough with both Villa and EnglandCredit: GettyThe starlet left Juventus to join Unai Emery’s Villa last yearCredit: EPAHowever, he stayed put in Italy to spend the first half of the campaign on loan at Bologna in Serie A and even scored for them in the Champions League.Weeks later Iling-Junior, who originally left Chelsea for Juve in 2020, was back in England and heading to Middlesbrough.And it was while playing for the Championship club that he decided he wants his future to be at left-back.Iling-Junior, who is battling with Tino Livramento to start there for England U21s in Thursday’s Euros opening against Czech Republic, said: “I definitely settled into the left-back role and going up and down the pitch [at Boro]. I enjoyed that, bringing my parts into the team with assists, tricks and being creative.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It’s an honour to be one of the players that the manager has chosen and I want to repay that on the pitch.“Tino has obviously had that great season with Newcastle. The competition is always healthy. If I can bring out the best of him and he brings out the best of me and we go and win the tournament then it’s happy days.”Iling-Junior has represented England at every level bar the seniors and has seen several of his team-mates graduate into the Three Lions first-team.And he knows this month’s tournament in Slovakia could lead to a huge season ahead for him at both club and international level as he revealed his ambitions for the coming 12 months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “You have to put the World Cup in your sights and knock on that door or at least put myself in a position to be knocking on that door.“There’s a pathway and there’s always someone watching. All the boys that have made their debut from the U21s and are now in that squad, that just goes to show that if you keep putting your mind to it and work with the coaches then you’ll get repaid for your hard work.England’s biggest divers of the season crowned… as shocking record revealed“And definitely get back into Villa after this tournament and have some conversations and make an impact there as well.“Unai Emery has always had conversations with me, so that helps. and he’s kept track of my loans. So that’s definitely a good relationship and once we get back after the tournament then we’ll have those conversations.“But, for now, it’s definitely just focusing on the Euros and we’ll see when I get back to Villa.”Iling-Junior has already tasted Euro joy with England at U19 level and was part of the Juventus side alongside the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Adrien Rabiot that beat Atalanta to lift the Coppa Italia last season.He added: “Winning the Coppa Italia, winning a trophy, is one of the best feelings I’ve had. “Juventus is a big, big club and I learned what winning actually meant there, and not just winning, dominating and that’s a really nice feeling knowing that you’re part of history.“I enjoyed the pressure there. That gave me motivation each game to go out with a bit of pressure and do what I enjoy. Winning the Euros would definitely be up there with that.”Read More on The SunEngland kick off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday.They then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June with all of the Young Lions’ matches being broadcast on Channel 4. More

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      Man City ANNOUNCE £31m Rayan Ait-Nouri transfer with Pep Guardiola aiming to have new-look squad for Club World Cup

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      MANCHESTER CITY have announced the £31million signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves.The 24-year-old left-back joins on a five-year deal until 2030, after impressing at Molineux this season.Manchester City have announced the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri from WolvesCity were eager for Ait-Nouri’s move to be finalised before Tuesday’s 7pm transfer deadline which will allow him to play in the Club World Cup in the USA this weekend. His deal is worth an initial £31million, rising to a potential £36.3million.SunSport understands that City also want AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon star Rayan Cherki on plane to the US later this week. Ait-Nouri initially joined Wolves on loan from French side Angers in 2020, before signing permanently in 2021.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe 17-capped Algeria international has scored 12 goals and registered 19 assists in 157 appearances for the Old Gold.Angers will be due around £9.7m after they negotiated a 50 per cent sell-on clause. Ait-Nouri was so important to Wolves this season, starting 37 of their 38 Premier League matches, while scoring four goals and providing seven assists.Three days after celebrating his 24th birthday, Ait-Nouri said: “I am incredibly happy and honoured to have joined Manchester City. Most read in FootballRayan Cherki is set to join City this weekCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true.“I am also so excited about working with and learning from Pep and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world class group of players. Sports DESK EP15_9_16 _V4″Joining City is also a very proud moment for my family too. Now I can’t wait to get started and to play in front of our supporters.”City Director of Football Hugo Viana added: “Rayan is a player that as a club we have been following closely for quite some time and we are delighted he has joined us.“He already has extensive Premier League experience and has also demonstrated his quality at international level with Algeria.“We feel sure that he will be an excellent addition to our squad and that working alongside Pep and his coaching staff will help develop his game even further.”Wolves have now lost two of their best players to Manchester clubs, after striker Matheus Cunha joined Man Utd for £62.5million last week.Old Trafford chiefs actually looked into a move for Ait-Nouri during the last two windows, before signing Patrick Dorgu in January. More

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      Jack Grealish lined up as Florian Wirtz replacement with Man City star accepting Etihad career is over

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      JACK GREALISH is being lined up as a potential replacement for Florian Wirtz, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City and England star has accepted his career at the Etihad is over, and he’s set to become one of the most sought after players in Europe this summer.Jack Grealish is being lined up to replace Florian Wirtz at Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyWirtz is expected to leave the club in a deal which could break the Premier League transfer recordCredit: GettyNew boss Erik ten Hag is said to be a huge fan of GrealishCredit: AFPTottenham, Newcastle, and former club Aston Villa are all among those reportedly interested in the player.Italian champions Napoli are also strongly linked with the attacking midfielder, as Antonio Conte looks to build a squad that can compete in the Champions League next season.Now, German giants Bayer Leverkusen are set to enter the race as well, with City wanting around £40million for him.New manager Erik ten Hag is believed to be a huge admirer of the 29-year-old and has told Leverkusen chiefs he could be the “perfect replacement” for Wirtz.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWirtz, 22, is set to leave the club this summer with Liverpool red-hot favourites to sign him, despite seeing a £113m bid rejected last week.It’s likely to leave ex-Manchester United boss Ten Hag with a massive war-chest to spend.And after landing Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, he’s planning to use some of the cash to try to tempt Grealish to quit the Premier League.Sources close to the player say Grealish is attracted by the idea of playing overseas. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe’s keen to make a fresh start and force his way back into the England squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup.A fairytale move back to boyhood club Villa would also interest Grealish.Jack Grealish shows off his singing skills as he meets Rod Stewart in Dortmund with mum and dad on break from Man CityBut their failure to secure Champions League football could count against them when Grealish makes his decision.SunSport exclusively revealed how Newcastle were interested in signing the £100m City ace on loan. but would need to pay his full £300,000-a-week wages to complete a deal.Grealish was told his City career was over after reports emerged saying he would be omitted from Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Club World Cup.Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of Grealish, but wants to see him playing week-in-week-out before considering him for his plans. More

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      Man Utd ‘make first Viktor Gyokeres approach as Ruben Amorim looks to beat Arsenal to huge £60m transfer’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have made an initial approach for Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports.The striker scored 66 goals for Ruben Amorim when the pair worked together at Sporting. Manchester United have approached Sporting over Viktor GyokeresCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is desperate to be reunited with the striker at Old TraffordCredit: PAIn total, he boasts a staggering record of 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese giants. Gyokeres, 27, has an £84million release clause in his contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.However, Sky Sports News report United contacted Sporting to enquire about the Swedish international. But as revealed by SunSport, it is understood Gyokeres had a gentlemen’s agreement with Sporting that he can leave for around £58-60m.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd Amorim is desperate to be reunited with the striker – with his current No9s Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling for goals.United cannot offer any European football next season – let alone Champions League football.But Amorim will hope his personal connection can entice Gyokeres, who is also wanted by Arsenal. Amorim has already completed his £62.5m transfer from Wolves.Most read in FootballAnd the Red Devils also remain keen on landing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.However, that deal has hit complications with Tottenham set to appoint Thomas Frank as their new manager. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Michail Antonio set to quit West Ham after horror car crash despite being offered new contract amid ‘unique’ situation

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      MICHAIL ANTONIO is heading towards the exit door at West Ham despite being offered a new deal.The Hammers striker, 35, has not played since his horror crash in December, which required surgery on a broken leg.Michail Antonio is set to leave West Ham this summerCredit: PAAntonio’s current deal at the London Stadium expires on June 30 and the club announced today that terms on a new deal are yet to be agreed.The Jamaica international has been offered a short-term deal with a far lower base salary than his current £90,000-a-week contract.Significant bonuses are included for any appearances Antonio would make next season.However, West Ham’s all-time top Premier League goalscorer is seeking a higher base salary offer and is holding out for offers from elsewhere.READ MORE ON WEST HAMThe club have done all they can to support his recovery, but will not be improving upon their offer and have indicated they would be pleased for Antonio should he secure better terms from another club.Spending money is tight at the London Stadium this summer and there is a focus on bringing the average age of Graham Potter’s squad down.Antonio, who is confident he will be able to play again, had urged Potter to include him in a Premier League squad towards the end of the season but it was thought too big of a risk.The striker is now hoping to make his first appearance since the December car crash with Jamaica at this summer’s Gold Cup, which starts next week.Most read in FootballImpressive performances with Jamaica could spark interest from other clubs, which is limited at this stage.Antonio has already branched out to prepare for life after football, working with the BBC’s Morning Live and as a pundit for TNT Sports during their coverage of the Conference League final.’I almost wasn’t there for my kids’ – Michail Antonio ‘happy’ to have ‘another chance at life’ after horror car crashAntonio shared some footage of his recovery on social mediaCredit: instagram/@michailantonioThe striker is pushing to make a return following his car crashCredit: instagram/@michailantonioAnnouncing their retained list, the Hammers said in a statement: “Given Michail Antonio’s unique situation, following his serious road traffic accident in December 2024, there will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate.”However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer. “As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the club’s absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level.”Former West Ham captain Kurt Zouma, who spent last season on loan at Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah FC, will also formally depart with his contract ending this month.Danny Ings, Aaron Creswell, Vladimir Coufal and Lukasz Fabianski had already been confirmed as leaving at the end of their deals this summer.Antonio recently made a return to the training pitchCredit: instagram/@michailantonio More

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      Rio Ferdinand gets new job 6,000 miles away after shock TNT Sports departure

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      RIO FERDINAND has landed a shock new job more than 6,000 miles away from the UK.It comes weeks after the Man Utd legend sensationally quit his decade-long punditry role at TNT Sports.Rio Ferdinand has landed a new job in AsiaFerdinand has been hired to work at a virtual football festivalFerdinand has now been hired for a new role with EA SPORTS.The 46-year-old is heading to Thailand to work at the Visa Presents EA SPORTS FC Mobile Festival in Bangkok on June 14.He is therefore swapping real football for a virtual kind as he fronts a special Q&A session on stage.Ferdinand will also play in a FC Mobile Showmatch with gamers and present the winner’s trophy and £22,000 prize on June 15.READ MORE ON RIO FERDINANDThe ex-England defender will therefore be working in South East Asia during the first two games of the Club World Cup in the US.Ferdinand announced his new job with a picture of himself on a poster on X.He captioned it: “Next stop, Bangkok… I’m heading to the Mobile Festival Bangkok—where passion, skill, and football culture collide!”Can’t wait to see you all 👊🏽.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe best FC Mobile competitors from across Asia and the Middle East will compete, in front of global football icons and social media influencers.Ferdinand stepped away from the TNT microphone after Paris Saint-Germain battered Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final on May 31.England football legend Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate plot move to relocate to Dubai as they eye properties and school for kidsHe hinted at new work ventures towards the end of his heartfelt exit statement a week prior.It read: “I’m excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests.“I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything.”Sources at TNT suggested Ferdinand could return to the channel in the future, whether on a guest or permanent basis.The decision not to renew his deal allows Ferdinand to concentrate on his own online channels, which have become increasingly popular. More