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    Watford rip up Joshua King and Rob Elliot’s contracts as Andre Gray prepares to sign three-year deal at Thessaloniki

    WATFORD’S clearout following relegation is continuing after they terminated the contracts of Joshua King and Rob Elliot.The Hornets returned to the Championship for the second time in three seasons after a miserable campaign in the Premier League.
    Rob Elliot looks set to retire after being released by WatfordCredit: Getty
    Josh King has also had his Hornets contract terminated following relegationCredit: Rex
    That led to the club releasing a whopping 27 players at the end of last season.
    Goalkeeper Ben Foster, defender Nicolas Nkoulou, midfielder Juraj Kucka and forward Andre Gray were the most senior stars to be granted free transfers.
    They also announced that 19 U23 players and four U18s have been released.
    No Watford have confirmed that ex-Manchester United transfer target King, 30, and 36-year-old goalkeeper Elliot are joining the exodus.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GET YOUR GOSS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Richarlison to sign for Tottenham, Neymar could leave PSG
    Norwegian international King joined them from Everton in January 2021 on a free transfer.
    He scored five goals in 31 Premier League games for them last term, but is now looking for a new employer.
    Elliot spent two years with the Hornets but his role was largely as back-up for Foster.
    His only first-team game time came early last season in the Carabao Cup.
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    Sporting Director Cristiano Giaretta said: “We wish both players well for the future.
    “In the case of Rob, he indicated he would wish to consider retirement but the decision is his now, of course.
    “We are continuing to consider our options for the third goalkeeper and we need to make sensible choices with the Rule of 11 to consider.”
    Meanwhile Gray, who is engaged to Little Mix pop star Leigh-Ann Pinnock, is set to move to Greece.
    Despite interest from Preston, he has reached an agreement to join Aris Thessaloniki.
    He is now expected in Thessaloniki on Saturday to sign a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
    Andre Gray, pictured with his Little Mix pop star partner Leigh-Ann Pinnock, is moving to GreeceCredit: Instagram More

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    Arsenal star Daniel Ballard set to join Sunderland in permanent transfer after Burnley move collapses at last minute

    ARSENAL defender Daniel Ballard is reportedly set to sign for Sunderland after his move to Burnley collapsed.Ballard, 22, reportedly arrived at Turf Moor for a medical but terms could not be agreed and talks broke down at the last minute.
    Arsenal ace Daniel Ballard is set to join Sunderland in the summerCredit: Getty
    Arsenal ace Daniel Ballard’s move to Burnley collapsed at the last minuteCredit: Getty
    According to Football Insider, however, the centre-back’s camp moved quickly and he is now set to join the Black Cats.
    The same report claims a deal has been agreed between Sunderland and the Gunners.
    Ballard has already completed a medical at the Stadium of Light and the agreement will become official within the next 24 hours.
    Sunderland manager Alex Neil is looking to boost his squad following their return to the Championship.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GUNNERS NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Grabriel Jesus latest, Raphinha updates as Chelsea move in on Leeds ace
    The once-Premier League regulars are dreaming of a swift return to the top tier after their recent promotion.
    This is a blow for new Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
    The Clarets are in serious need of reinforcements at the back after losing James Tarkowski and Ben Mee this summer.
    Ballard honed his craft at Arsenal’s academy as a child and was first loaned out to Swindon Town in 2019.
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    The centre-back joined Blackpool a year later where he made 30 appearances.
    Ballard spent last season at Millwall where he scored one goal in 32 games.
    That all led to a senior call-up by Northern Ireland, for whom he has registered ten caps so far. More

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    Neil Etheridge’s future at skint Birmingham in doubt with clause in contract popping extension if he plays more games

    NEIL ETHERIDGE’S Birmingham future is clouded in doubt due to a clause in his contract.The goalkeeper will get a pay rise if he plays a few more games, which is not good for the club’s tight budget.
    Biringham could be forced to sell Neil Etheridge or a clause in his contract means he will be due a pay increaseCredit: Getty
    The 32-year-old has been at the club since his move from Cardiff in 2020.
    He has played 65 matches for the Blues, including 20 last campaign after missing the first half of the season due to an injury.
    But Etheridge could have to leave or Birmingham’s finances will be stretched further amid money problems.
    To avoid activation of the clause Lee Bowyer’s side are seeking a replacement, they are reportedly interested in Jack Butland.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GET YOUR GOSS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Liverpool confident of Jude Bellingham transfer EXCLUSIVE, Bale CONFIRMS move
    Etheridge’s deal does not expire until 2024.
    Meanwhile, Celtic goalkeeper Ross Doohan, 24, is wanted on loan by Doncaster, with St Johnstone also keen.
    He spent last season out on loan at Tranmere Rovers.
    Additionally, West Brom stopper Josh Griffiths, 20, is fancied on loan by Portsmouth.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Pompey have just lost their keeper after Gavin Bazunu, who was on loan from Man City, completed a permanent switch to their rivals Southampton.
    Griffiths has League One experience after playing for Lincoln last season.
    National League champions Stockport County are looking to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the football league and are in talks to sign goalkeeper Mark Howard.
    The 35-year-old is an experienced No.1 coming through the ranks at Arsenal and going onto to play for the likes of Sheffield United, Bolton and Blackpool. More

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    Wayne Rooney leaves Irish star Conor Hourihane in transfer limbo after Man Utd legend’s shock Derby departure

    CONOR HOURIHANE has been left in limbo by Wayne Rooney’s shock Derby departure.The Republic of Ireland midfielder spent last season on loan at Sheffield United but is now a free agent after Aston Villa did not renew his contract.
    Rooney has left Derby after a spirited effort as managerCredit: Rex
    Hourihane’s future now appears to be up in the airCredit: PA
    Rooney wanted 31-year-old Hourihane to lead the Rams’ League One promotion charge and offered a three-year deal when Chris Kirchner was due to buy the club.
    But Roo’s decision to quit has stunned many current Derby players and targets.
    He also had a loan deal teed-up with Manchester United for Dylan Levitt, 21, who spent last season at Dundee United.
    Derby will try to tie down Curtis Davies and Ravel Morrison and give new contracts to young players.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The 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    But there are now doubts over Phil Bardsley and Tom Barkhuizen, who were on the club’s wish list.
    Meanwhile, Derby’s much-needed takeover has received a major boost after they received a loan from a local businessman preparing to try and buy the club.
    Joint administrators Quantum have now announced they have accepted a loan from Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments Ltd.
    David Clowes, chairman of the property company, is a Derby supporter.
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    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    In a statement, he said: “Derbyshire-based property group, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, are proud to announce they have successfully purchased the company that owned Pride Park Stadium from fellow local businessman Mel Morris.
    “Additionally, Clowes have issued an interim loan to the club which will enable Derby County to start the next season and trade whilst a deal to purchase the club is concluded.
    “Clowes have also confirmed that they will, today, submit a bid to purchase Derby County Football Club.” More

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    Joe Allen on Huddersfield’s transfer wish list after leaving Stoke with free agent to make decision on future next week

    JOE ALLEN is on Huddersfield’s wish list — but may be too expensive.The Wales midfielder, 32, has left Stoke, where he was on Premier League wages and may be too pricey for the Terriers.
    Joe Allen is leaving Stoke after six years having rejected a reduced-terms contract offerCredit: Getty
    Allen is set to make a decision on a new club next week.
    He has a number of offers with former side Swansea keen on bringing him back to the Liberty Stadium.
    Stoke offered a new contract on less money but Allen has turned that down to assess all his options.
    He left the South Wales club back in 2012 to join Brendan Rodgers at Anfield in a £15million deal.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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    The 72-cap ace will make up his mind once he returns from his post-season holiday after playing for Wales.
    Allen helped the Dragons qualify for a first World Cup in 64 years in the 1-0 triumph over war-torn Ukraine on June 5.
    That match was watched by Swansea boss Russell Martin, who was impressed with his display in the Welsh capital.
    Allen started his career under Roberto Martinez at Swansea in 2007 and would be keen on a return.
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    But the Championship club need to offload players to raise the funds to finance any deal.
    Allen, who has already played at two European Championship finals, then played against Belgium in the Nations League 1-1 draw six days later but limped off with a hamstring injury.
    Wales boss Robert Page felt it was a minor injury and Allen will be fit for pre-season whenever he decides to go. More

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    Middlesbrough tell Tottenham they will not budge on Djed Spence transfer fee and expect him back for pre-season

    MIDDLESBROUGH are refusing to let Tottenham bully them into selling Djed Spence on the cheap – and they expect the star back for pre-season training unless a fee is agreed.The 21-year-old right wing-back caught Antonio Conte’s eye last season as he helped Nottingham Forest to seal promotion while on loan.
    Djed Spence impressed at wing-back and helped propel Nottingham Forest into the Premier League last seasonCredit: Alamy
    Talks have been taking place for weeks but the two clubs are still way-off agreeing a fee with the North East team demanding £15 million plus add-ons.
    Now Boro boss Chris Wilder says he expects the player back for pre-season training in a fortnight after his extended break due to recent England U21 duty if their asking price has not been met.
    He said: “If nothing happens with Djed, then he’s our player, and he’ll be back for pre-season.
    “From my point of view, negotiations between Kieran (Scott), Neil (Bausor), Steve (Gibson) and Tottenham stay between Kieran, Neil, Steve and Tottenham. If the deal doesn’t get done, we’ll see where we go from there.
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    “The boy obviously doesn’t want to come back here, which I’ve got absolutely no issue with.
    “He obviously sees his future away from here, and he had a brilliant season last season.
    “We’re expecting that deal to happen, but if it doesn’t, then he’s our player. From a club point of view, the deal has to be right.
    “We’re not trying to stand in the way of anybody. I’ve never done that as a manager, and I’ve had plenty of situations before where opportunities have come along to players.
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    “But there’s always three parties involved in any deal, and it’s got to be right for all three parties for it to happen. It’s got to be right for the player, and obviously, from the noises, it sounds as though [Spurs] is where he wants to go.
    “Tottenham want him, and we’re prepared for that, but it’s got to be right for us too. It all needs to marry up.”
    Wilder added: “We’re not going to allow anyone to take advantage of us. We’re prepared to pay fair numbers, as we always have done, but we’re not going to be silly, and we’re certainly not going to be giving our players away for a fee we don’t think is right. Ultimately, Djed’s our player.”
    Meanwhile, Sun Sport exclusively revealed that Wilder is close to making free agent David McGoldrick, 34, his fourth summer signing after the striker’s contract at Sheffield United expired.
    He previously managed the forward at Bramall Lane and held talks with him at Boro’s training ground on Friday.
    He has already secured the free transfers of goalkeeper Liam Roberts from Northampton and ex-Blackburn captain Darragh Lenihan.
    And Wolves wing-back Ryan Giles has also joined on a season-long loan. More

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    Watford plotting loan transfer swoop for Southampton’s Adam Armstrong but face competition from Championship rivals Boro

    WATFORD are interested in taking Southampton striker Adam Armstrong on loan.Championship rivals Middlesbrough are also keen on the former Blackburn Rovers man but both face a battle in convincing him to drop back down a division.
    Adam Armstrong struggled for goals since moving to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Armstrong, was prolific for Blackburn in the 2020/21 Championship season scoring 28 goals in 40 matches.
    The 25-year-old earned a move to the Saints in a deal worth £15million last summer but struggled to make his mark in the Premier League.
    The ex-Newcastle youngster scored on his debut away at Everton but managed just one more goal all season, against Aston Villa in November.
    Armstrong was a fringe player for the second half of the season after losing his place in the side to Armando Broja and Che Adams.

    Therefore Southampton are considering letting the forward leave on a temporary deal though they would need additions up top before doing so.
    Another stumbling block to a deal for Watford and Boro is Armstrong’s reluctance to drop out of the Premier League.
    The Saints would not loan to another top flight club as they are seen as direct rivals.
    Southampton were keen to bring Broja back to the south coast after his loan spell from Chelsea last season but consider the potential fee of £30million too high, according to a SunSport exclusive.
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    The St. Mary’s outfit are interested in Manchester City youngster Liam Delap, son of former Saints man Rory Delap.
    Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have already secured two signings this summer, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap.
    Meanwhile they face a potential battle to keep hold of club captain James Ward-Prowse. More

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    Fulham launch transfer bid for Coventry midfielder Gustavo Hamer as they look to bolster squad for Prem challenge

    FULHAM are pushing to sign midfielder Gustavo Hamer from Championship side Coventry City.Cottagers boss Marco Silva is keen to bolster his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League – with additions across the board.
    Hamer has got eight goals and 13 assists in 85 appearances since joining CoventryCredit: PA
    And Dutchman Hamer, 25, has emerged as a target for the west Londoners, who are thought to have already submitted a bid.
    The Brazil-born holding midfielder has been linked with Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion as well as Brentford in the past.
    Hamer has eight goals and 13 assists in 85 appearances for the Sky Blues since joining from Dutch side PEC Zwolle in 2020.
    Fulham are also close to landing a deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha after Silva made the £15 million man his top target.
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    Wolves looked to be leading the way for the Portugal international, 26, but the promoted side have hijacked their move.
    The Cottagers are also set to land forward Manor Solomon from Shakthar Donetsk.
    The London side will want to get going in the transfer market, with their fellow promoted side Nottingham Forest already making big moves.
    Steve Cooper’s side smashed their transfer record after securing striker Taiwo Awoniyi for £17m.
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    The 24-year-old bagged 15 goals in 31 appearances for German side Union Berlin last season. More