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      Tijjani Reijnders is £46million Man City signing who worked in ALDI and is named after legendary winger

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      TIJJANI REIJNDERS is perfectly placed to lead Manchester City’s £130million supermarket sweep.The versatile midfielder used to stack shelves in Aldi but is now the first signing of a huge summer for Pep Guardiola.Tijjani Reijnders is joining Manchester City from AC Milan for £45mCredit: GettyReijnders used to work in AldiCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersThe Dutchman is a midfielder who can do a bit of everythingCredit: GettyReijnders, 26, idolises Kevin De Bruyne and will now be tasked with filling the gaping void left by the Belgian superstar.When the Holland international joined Milan he was asked about his rise to the top and said: “I recently noticed an article ‘from amateur to AC Milan’.”But when I think about it, I like ‘from Aldi to AC Milan’ even better!”Aldi to Manchester City will have an even better ring to it for Guardiola’s new midfield general.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is quite the challenge for the midfielder, though he arrives with some stellar references.Milan and Netherlands great Frank Rijkaard is convinced Reijnders is destined for the top.Speaking earlier this season, he said: “I hope that Reijnders becomes one of the best midfielders in the world… I sincerely believe he’s already on the right path.”I really like his style of play. He can cover all roles in the midfield and shows his generosity: he never holds back from a run for the team and always gives his best.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”With the quality he has, he’s excellent at creating dangerous chances for his team-mates and setting up the play well.”Reijnders can bring a bit of everything to a Manchester City midfield in need of a shot in the arm. Kevin De Bruyne given emotional Etihad send off as Man City take huge leap towards return to Champions LeagueThe former AZ Alkmaar man made more interceptions than any other midfielder in Serie A this season as well as creating the most chances from open play.He may not have the craft of De Bruyne when it comes to creating chances – there are few, if any, who do – but Reijnders can also find the back of the net.Milan’s maestro bagged 15 goals from midfield this term – two more than any other midfielder in the Italian top flight.Reijnders’ path to the top has been carefully plotted, aided by his father and agent, Martin – a former player himself who was a team-mate of Jaap Stam at Dutch side Zwolle.The family clearly planned a footballing career for their son from day one, naming him Tijjani after former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida.Younger brother Eliano also plays for his father’s former side, Zwolle.Martin revealed after sealing Tijjani’s move to Milan that the pair had decided to turn down Barcelona in order to join the Rossoneri.Barca were on the lookout for an heir to Sergio Busquets and Reijnders’ father made the brave and bold decision to tell his son that he was not quite up to the task.Reijnders’ parents named their son after former Ajax and Nigeria winger Tijani BabangidaCredit: GettyHis brother Eliano plays for ZwolleCredit: AlamyReijnders is hoping to fill the void left behind by Kevin De BruyneCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersHe told Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad: “I immediately told Tijjani, ‘You are not that type of player. Before you know it, you’ll end up on the bench. And you’d become yet another player who fails abroad.'”There was Premier League interest two years ago, but Reijnders has rapidly developed in Milan and now feels prepared to take his biggest step yet.As well as carefully planning his progression, Reijnders has studied fellow players to add as much to his game as possible.Speaking to The Athletic, Reijnders said: “When I got older, I looked a lot at Kevin De Bruyne. I watched his games, YouTube clips.“Especially the way he was scanning the pitch before he gets the ball so he always knows where the space is.”I try to do the same.”Before looking to add elements of De Bruyne to his game, City’s new man carefully studied another Guardiola stalwart in Andres Iniesta.Read More on The SunThere are few deals which can be a sure thing, not every signing is as obvious as Erling Haaland.But in Reijnders, Manchester City look to have identified a player capable of grabbing hold of a game who is primed to slot straight into a Guardiola side.Reijnders has an eye for goalCredit: GettyHe is married to MarinaCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersThey welcomed baby son Xavien in February 2024Credit: instagram @tijjanireijndersThe family regularly post snaps on social mediaCredit: instagram @tijjanireijndersReijnders will provide a welcome boost for Pep GuardiolaCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League side risk ruining pitch as stars race RED BULL F1 CAR in their stadium

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      LEEDS only just won the Championship title race – but have already found themselves in a new one.Players raced against a FORMULA ONE CAR at Elland Road – but the stunt risked ruining their pitch ahead of their return to the Premier League.Three Leeds players raced a Red Bull F1 car on the Elland Road pitchCredit: Red BullWilly Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Isaac Schmidt took on F2 driver Arvid LindbladCredit: Red BullLeeds are sponsored by Red Bull, whose sporting ventures also include the F1 team.And in an unlikely collaboration, club chiefs allowed the RB7 motor on the playing surface to compete in a drag race against three of Leeds’ fastest stars. The idea came about at last year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone – with the players thinking they had a chance of beating the mega engine with a few obstacles.So Willy Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Isaac Schmidt took on F2 driver Arvid Lindblad in the unique challenge.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe footballers and racing car started on the edge of the penalty box and had to go around mannequins on the 18-yard line at the other end of the pitch and come back to the starting point to finish. Lindblad suffered a nightmare start as he struggled to get the wheels going on the grass.The four involved were pretty much dead level approaching the mannequins. And the car’s turning circle meant the footballers regained their lead going into the second half of the race. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut as they began to tire – or tyre – the car closed the gap and eventually roared past to win by about 30 yards. F1 fan Largie Ramazani said of the publicity stunt: “This was a great experience, the only thing better would be getting in the car.Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke song“Before the race I was scared, but I was confident too. I think we did great, but in the end the car was just too quick. “Dan James was involved in the idea but unfortunately he’s been injured.”But I’d back my team-mate over that car any day – DJ would smoke this car.”Driver Lindblad added: “Ahead of the race I was a bit nervous. “I’d never driven on grass and had no idea how it would go.”The car has a ton of horsepower and there is not much grip on grass, so I wasn’t sure if I could go full throttle and turn the car properly.”Read More on The SunThe spectacle also featured a slalom ‘dribbling’ challenge – and it was no wonder the car left tyre marks across the pitch.No doubt the groundstaff were not best pleased… although the pitch will likely be ripped up and replaced for the Premier League campaign after winning the 2024-25 Championship under Daniel Farke. The car left tyre marks across the pitch ahead of their Premier League returnCredit: Red BullLindblad suffered a nightmare start as he struggled to get away on the grassCredit: Red Bull More

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      ‘Is it really him’ – Arsenal cult hero looks unrecognisable as he holds stein in Munich at Champions League final

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      ARSENAL cult hero Andrey Arshavin looked unrecognisable holding a stein at the Champions League final in Munich.The Russian, 44, was in town to watch Paris Saint-Germain’s historic 5-0 win over Inter Milan on Saturday.Andrey Arshavin looked unrecognisable as he enjoyed beers in MunichThe former Russia star wore glasses and a hatFormer Russia and Hull boss Leonid Slutsky (centre) also joined in the funArshavin appeared in good spirits as he toasted the occasion with a beer while also enjoying food with friends – one of whom was former Russia and Hull City manager Leonid Slutsky.But anyone walking past would have needed to do a double take.That’s because Arshavin was barely recognisable in glasses and blue baseball cap.And Arsenal supporters were left stunned as they questioned whether it really was the same man who lit up North London for over four years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “Oh f*** I can’t actually tell if it’s him or not.”Another declared: “He looks like a science teacher.”One noted: “That guy put four past Liverpool, let that sink in.”Another added: “Imagine seeing him at a beerhall and he’s like, ‘Yeah I played in the Premier League for Arsenal’.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt’s not the first time Arshavin threw fans off with his look.The icon again looked unrecognisable while being spotted in London two years ago, this time pairing some large glasses with a woolly hat.David Raya reveals Arsenal career changed overnight following two-hour meeting Arshavin spent four years playing for ArsenalCredit: Graham Hughes – The TimesHe was hard to spot in London two years agoCredit: Instagram @andrey.arshavin10The 75-time Russia international joined Arsenal in 2009 from Zenit for £15million.He went on to score 31 goals in 144 outings before returning to Zenit permanently in 2013.Arshavin ended his football career in 2018 with Kazakhstani side Kairat.And he has since held a backroom role with Zenit, while also completing his Uefa A Licence earlier this year./CW More

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      Former Premier League star Mark Bright marries Ian Wright’s estranged sister who MOTD pundit hasn’t spoken to in years

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      MARK BRIGHT has married his former team-mate Ian Wright’s estranged sister Dionne.Bright, 62, formed an iconic strike partnership with Wright at Crystal Palace between 1986 and 1991.Mark Bright has married Ian Wright’s sister DionneCredit: Instagram / @markbright_The happy couple beam on their big dayCredit: Instagram / @markbright_Bright, 62, posted a trio of wedding snaps to InstagramCredit: Instagram / @markbright_Wright, 61, has had a strained relationship with Dionne due to a falling out over the ex-England forward’s second wife Nancy.Amid her sibling squabble, Dionne has now tied the knot with Bright.Posting a trio of stunning pictures from their wedding day, Bright wrote on Instagram: “A great end to the season and an even better start to the summer, thank you to all our family and friends who helped make our day so special.”We created some amazing memories at a great venue, with good people, good food, and good music.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBright signed off the post “D&M”.The Palace legend has received congratulations from several footie pals, including Andy Cole, Jeffrey Schlupp and Adebayo Akinfenwa.It is unclear whether Dionne has since mended her relationship with brother Ian.But in 2019, the ex-footballer revealed that he had not spoken to his estranged sister in 15 years.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIan Wright spoke about his estranged sister in 2019Credit: ReutersBright and Wright formed an iconic strike partnership at Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex FeaturesAppearing on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! – Wright accused Dionne of being “selfish and vindictive” towards Nancy.The Arsenal legend said: “So what happens now? ‘I don’t like your vibe’ – Ian Wright calls out Paul Scholes in heated row over Arsenal”Mark Bright is somebody like a big brother and someone I respect who has guided me.”What will happen if they get married? Is she going to apologise before she walks up the aisle?“I want something to happen because my wife does not deserve to be treated like this. My sister has not found the decency to realise she should have ­apologised by now.“I haven’t spoken to my sister for 15 years. She was very ­disrespectful to my wife when we had just got together.“She ­obviously knew my ex-wife and my kids and so she felt like she had to take a side which I couldn’t ­understand, because I am her brother.”Wright married first wife Deborah in 1993, with the pair having two children together before splitting in 2004.He subsequently began a relationship with Nancy, with the pair tying the knot in 2011.’TOTALLY BLANKED HER’Appearing on The True Geordie podcast, Wright opened up on an incident between Dionne and Nancy during the filming of a Channel 4 programme.Wright said: “Nancy went to introduce herself and she totally blanked her in front of people, saying ­something about, ‘I have to be true to my niece and nephew.’”This happened when I was in the green room. So I came out and said to Nancy, ‘Where’s my sister?’Read More on The Sun”She said, ‘You understand what happened.’ When I went over to her I could feel the anger from my toes. I said, ‘As long as we live I don’t want to ever see you again. The only time I will speak to you is when you apologise to her.’“And she said, ‘I am not ­apologising to anyone.’ So I said, ‘That is good because I will never have to see you again.’”Wright married second wife Nancy in 2011Credit: Getty More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson slapped Man Utd wonderkid on the head and walked off after chat about Barcelona’s transfer interest

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      FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Febian Brandy turned down the chance to sign for Barcelona after a cheeky slap on the head from Sir Alex Ferguson.Brandy, 36, never broke into the first team at Old Trafford after nearly 15 years on the books – but things could have been very different.Febian Brandy was one of Manchester United’s top-rated talents in the 2000sCredit: GettyBrandy (bottom row, second on the left) played alongside big names at UnitedCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe was considered one of the best youngsters around when he was coming through the ranks in the mid 2000s.And his reputation spanned across Europe too, as both Real Madrid and Barcelona were keen on trying to snatch him away from the Red Devils as a teenager.Barcelona were so impressed by Brandy’s efforts in a youth tournament that they lodged a £1MILLION bid for the youngster.The offer was rejected by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson following a slap on the head and a chat in the hallway about being loyal to his local club.READ MORE ON MAN UTDManchester-born Brandy told SunSport: “We went to a few tournaments when we were 14 to 16 years old.”One of the tournaments that sticks out was one in Spain. In the tournament there was teams like Real Madrid, PSG, Ajax, Barcelona – all the top European teams. “We didn’t qualify out of the group stages, but I must have had a worldie of a tournament because I ended up getting player of the tournament.“About two weeks after the tournament, some Spanish guy – I don’t know how he got the number – rang my mum and dad’s house phone.Most read in FootballBrandy spent nearly 15 years on the books at Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man UtdCredit: Febian BrandyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”My mum picked up and he said ‘we’re interested in your son Fabien.’“About two weeks later I went into training and Sir Alex Ferguson walked past me in the corridor and said ‘have you heard?’.”I had a feeling what he was talking about, but you have to be respectful so I played dumb. He said ‘Barcelona are interested in you, what are your thoughts?’“I said, ‘Listen, boss. I’m a local lad. I’m from Manchester and I see my career here, this is the place that I want to be’. Then he just slapped me on the head, called me a good lad and walked away.“Things started to come to fruition in the weeks that followed, and I think they [Barca] made a £1million bid which obviously Sir Alex rejected and I didn’t hear anything of it from then.”That decision meant that Brandy stayed put until 2010, leaving as a 22-year-old in search of a new challenge after coming up through the youth ranks alongside the likes of Ravel Morrison, Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck.Brandy had gone from training with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville – players he recalls being like “big brothers” to him – to trying to find his next club and the next step in his career in the lower leagues.He had lined up a deal with Sheffield United in the Championship, but broke his metatarsal in the last minute of his last game for Man Utd’s reserves – scuppering the move.From there injuries meant Brandy was never able to settle at one club, kickstarting a journeyman-like career that saw him play in Greece and Thailand as well as for the likes of Sheffield United, Rotherham and Rochdale.People ask ‘should I have signed for Barcelona?’ Don’t get me wrong, the weather would have been nicer, but I’ve got no regrets.Febian BrandyThat journey – which included 16 different clubs – ended in 2017 with non-league outfit Ebbsfleet, but Brandy has no regrets over turning down Barcelona.He said: “I always saw myself playing for Man Utd, I didn’t really know anything else. I only really knew Man Utd and England. So when it did come to an end it was hard, I was upset.“But I thought to myself, for my career, this has to happen. I didn’t want to be one of those players that was 23/24 and signing contracts just to be at a big club.”I wanted to go and make a name for myself elsewhere. I was obviously upset, but it was something that had to be done.“People ask ‘should I have signed for Barcelona?’. Don’t get me wrong, the weather would have been nicer, but I’ve got no regrets.“There’s probably a few things I took for granted. Doing extra in the gym and making myself the best footballer I could have been.”I had a lot of injuries and there’s things like that that I could have done better to have a better career. Other than that, I have no regrets.”Brandy moved to Sheffield United later in his careerCredit: BladesThe forward also represented England at youth levelCredit: GettyOne of the big reasons for Brandy being left with no regrets is that it was his Man Utd exit that led him to his latest venture – Skouted.Brandy launched Skouted when his career came to an end, an app that helps unattached players find new clubs and clubs find the best new talent.The app, which allows young players to upload clips of themselves playing for top clubs to browse through, has already helped in excess of 300 youngsters earn trials.Had Brandy not embarked on his journey through the leagues, then he may never have started the app.He explained: “When I was in my late 20s I had been battling with so many injuries and I started to think about my future.”I didn’t really want to be a coach or a manager. That’s when I started to put Skouted in place.“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and I think what really triggered it was that when I was at Man Utd, I was pretty fortunate to be there as long as I was.”I was fortunate to get a contract every year from the age of eight until I was 22.“I had friends that might not have been good enough to make it at Man Utd, but they might have been able to go and play at a lesser club.”But when they got released their parents or their guardians didn’t have the connections to pick up the phone to someone in the Championship or League One and ask for a trial.Read More on The Sun“That’s when I thought to myself, ‘I need to create something that’s going to bridge that gap between players and clubs’.”Something where football clubs can find these players and players have got a platform to present themselves in front of these football clubs.”Brandy wants Skouted to become a hotbed for talent around the globeCredit: X @febianbrandy More

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      Legendary journeyman footballer finally retires at 46 after playing more than 900 times for FORTY-TWO clubs

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      LEGENDARY football journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired at the age of 46 after playing for an astonishing 42 clubs.The iconic striker – who has clocked up over 900 games – had been slogging it out on the field since 1996 when he played for Risborough Rangers.Iconic journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired from playingCredit: PA:Empics SportThe 46-year-old spent nearly 30 years playing for 42 different teamsCredit: PA:Empics SportLouis’ travels saw him play for an incredible 42 sides, including Oxford United, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.He was most recently playing Thame United in the Southern League Division One Central.But after 903 career appearances, and more than FIFTY transfers, Louis has finally retired.He once claimed that his journeyman tag worked against him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJefferson, who played in a World Cup qualifier for Dominica, revealed: “People say he must be a rebel, Jefferson must have been rude.”And it’s tarnished me. Some managers think I must be a bad apple.”Fans will be pleased to hear that he hasn’t quit football for good.That’s because he has immediately taken an assistant coaching role at Slough Town, who compete in England’s sixth tier in the National League South.Most read in FootballLouis, who alaso made five appearances there as a player in 2023.During that time, he also worked as a performance coach for team-mates.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersAnd manager Scott Davies believes Louis has the right skills to become a hit in the dugout.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe declared: “Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability. “Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it’s so important that we, as a management team, can tap into their psychological side too.Louis was transferred over 50 times as he clocked up 903 appearancesCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe ace has now taken up a new job as assistant coach at Slough TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty“Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren’t going as well as they may have hoped.”And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we’ve got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.”Slough fans reacted with delight at the news.One said “Class this, great gaffer to learn off.”Another declared: “Superb appointment, welcome back.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.”Another added: “So much experience and knowledge at this level.” More

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      Man Utd legend Michael Carrick SACKED by Middlesbrough in blunt 60-word statement

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      MICHAEL CARRICK has been sacked by Middlesbrough.The Manchester United legend was relieved of his duties having failed to deliver promotion in three attempts.Michael Carrick has been axed by MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyCarrick, 43, replaced Chris Wilder in October 2022 and guided Boro to fourth place in his first full season at the helm.In the two years that followed, however, poor finishes to each campaign cost Middlesbrough a play-off berth.The former England international had two years remaining on his contract, but has been sacked following a meeting with club chief Steve Gibson.In a brief 60-word statement, Boro confirmed that Carrick, as well as his assistants, had been axed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt read: “Middlesbrough Football Club has today parted company with head coach Michael Carrick.”Michael’s assistants Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick have also departed the club.”We’d like thank Michael, Jonathan, and Graeme for all their hard work and unwavering commitment. We wish them all the very best for the future.”The club will be making no further comment at this stage.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMichael Carrick’s managerial recordMan Utd (caretaker), Nov-Dec 2021: P3 W2 D1 L0 (W%: 66.67)Middlesbrough, October 2022-Present: P136 W63 D24 L49 (W%: 46.32)Hometown hero and eight-cap England international Woodgate, 45, managed Boro between 2019 and 2020.While Graeme Carrick, Michael’s brother, previously worked at Newcastle.Michael Carrick is disappointed about Middlesbrough’s defeat to Watford Expert viewBY GARY STONEHOUSE (North East Football Reporter and Boro season ticket holder)FINALLY the inevitable has happened – but what took Middlesbrough so long?The decision to sack Michael Carrick now – four weeks after the season finished – does feel a bit too little, too late.The ex-Manchester United man’s time at the Riverside should have been done back in February after a dire run of six defeats in seven games.At that point the prospect of going up through the play-offs was still a real possibility.Instead, Steve Gibson kept faith and, despite a brief little false dawn of results, we’ve allowed rivals Sunderland to take advantage of what was probably the best chance of achieving promotion out of this league that there will be for a while.For all of those pointing to the fact that he lost “his best player” Emmanuel Latte Lath in January – the striker’s exit was supposed to be last summer.That’s why they got Tommy Conway in early and, fair play, when Boro failed to get the money they wanted for Latte Lath they held on to him until the window.The loss of Ben Doak was also critical, and that coupled with the above sale meant all the pace was taken out of Carrick’s team.But that was his biggest problem, his stubbornness to have a Plan B. Pretty, boring, pass, pass, tip, tip – Middlesbrough became far too easy to play against.The panic stations started to ring when the Riverside was empty long before the final whistle in several home games – fans were seemingly even past the point of caring enough to boo at the final whistle following several disappointing displays and results.This is a move best for everybody – especially Carrick himself.He has done well, and the loss of experienced Aaron Danks as coach to Bayern Munich has maybe had a bigger impact than any of us thought.But once rumours of fall-outs over transfer targets etc began to surface in January there was only going to be one-way this ended if promotion wasn’t achieved.He can still leave with his reputation intact and will be in the running for plenty of other jobs – hopefully after a PR class or two.You always got the impression he didn’t think much of the media – except until the pressure was on in his final weeks and we finally got to see a little of his funny and warm character.But the place, and Carrick himself probably, needed something new. And for my money, the man to provide that lift that the whole club needs would be Steve Cooper.Just yesterday, TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole tipped Carrick for a move to former club Tottenham .Cole told Paddy Power: “At Tottenham, Daniel Levy is running out of managerial candidates for the job. He’s gone big, he’s gone bold, and he’s gone off the beaten track, but none of them seem to have worked.“Michael Carrick could be a good option for the manager’s job. An ex-Spurs player, who understands the club, would be quite nice.“Also, I’d like to see Glenn Hoddle back at the club in some capacity. I know Tottenham fans would love to see him back and he’s got the best football brain I know.“I’d love to see Glenn back, maybe supporting Michael Carrick. The club needs bringing together because it was really torn at times last season.”Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is the early favourite to take over at Boro, with Carrick’s former Man Utd team-mate Tom Cleverley and Sean Dyche close behind.Next Boro manager oddsVia talkSPORT oddsDanny Rohl2/1Tom Cleverley6/1Sean Dyche8/1Russell Martin10/1Nathan Jones10/1Rob Edwards12/1Steve Cooper12/1Gary O’Neil16/1John Mousinho16/1Steven Gerrard16/1Des Buckingham16/1Wayne Rooney16/1Liam Rosenior16/1David Wagner16/1Ruben Selles20/1Carrick played for Tottenham during his illustrious careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Arsenal release 17 players following culmination of Premier League season as Sterling and Partey learn their fate

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      ARSENAL have released their end-of-season retained list, with 17 players departing.Jorginho and Kieran Tierney are among the players let go by the club upon the end of their contracts.Thomas Partey is in talks to STAY at ArsenalCredit: GettyJorginho is on the list of players who have been releasedCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Thomas Partey is in talks over a new deal.The midfielder, 31, has been linked with a move away from the Emirates with his contract expiring this month.The likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are all understood to be interested.Saudi clubs are also monitoring the situation, despite Partey’s preference to remain in the capital.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd SunSport understands that negotiations over an extension are in the works with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta keen to extend his stay at the Emirates.A club statement said of Partey: “Discussions are ongoing, and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course.”Jorginho, meanwhile, is on the verge of joining Flamengo as a free agent.And left-back Tierney is bound for a return to Celtic next month.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesRaheem Sterling will return to Chelsea following his loanCredit: GettyKieran Tierney is expected to join Celtic as a free agentCredit: GettyLoan stars Neto and Raheem Sterling are both confirmed to be returning to their parent clubs.Sterling is understood to remain in the dark over his future at Stamford Bridge, still with two years left on his deal, following a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal, starting just 13 games in all competitions and scoring just once.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’Talks between Sterling and Chelsea chiefs will take place this month, but the former England star will not be involved in the Club World Cup in the States.Among the Arsenal youth team stars released are; Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Reece Clairmont, Khayon Edwards, Jakai Fisher, Romari Forde, Jimi Gower, Jack Henry-Francis, Max Kuczynski, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Ismail M’Hand, Brian Okonkwo, Elian Quesada-Thorn and Zacariah Shuaib.Meanwhile, Teyah Goldie, Lina Hurtig and Amanda Ilestedt have been let go from the women’s team.Chloe Kelly, who has spent the second half of the season on loan from Manchester City, is in talks to sign a permanent deal.The winger’s City contract expires at the end of the month, meaning she will likely sign as a free agent.Chloe Kelly is in talks over signing a permanent contractCredit: Getty More