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      Leyton Orient release EIGHT players including former Premier League star, 40, after play-off final heartbreak

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      FORMER Premier League star Darren Pratley has been released by Leyton Orient aged 40.The midfielder had been a stalwart in Richie Wellens’ side for the last four years, helping them reach the League One play-offs where they lost in the final to Charlton.Darren Pratley has been released by Leyton OrientCredit: GettyJosh Keeley and Jamie Donley have returned to parent club Spurs after their loans expiredCredit: GettyHe turned 40 in April and the club paid tribute to his career, and his contribution to Orient’s League Two title win in 2023.Pratley played in the Premier League for Bolton and he made 202 appearances for the Trotters.His best years came at Swansea where he won promotion to the Prem via the play-offs in 2011 – he also won League One with the Swans in 2008.Pratley helped Bolton win promotion from the third tier in 2017, and repeated that feat two years later with Charlton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOrient have released seven other players, including another ex-Bolton star Randell Williams, who joined on a short-term contract in January.Jayden Sweeney, Joe Pigott, Sam Howes, Rhys Byrne, Reon Smith-Kouassi and Thomas Avgoustidis have also been released.While five players have left the club upon the expiration of their loan deals – Tottenham pair Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley, Dillan Markanday, Jack Currie and 27-goal striker Charlie Kelman.Two more players, Theo Archibald and Jordan Graham, will continue at the club on an out of contract basis as they continue their rehabilitation on long-term ACL injuries.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSManager Richie Wellens said: “Each and every one of my players gave me absolutely everything this season, and they have all been a pleasure to work with.“This group has been special – one of the best I have ever worked with as a player or manager – and that makes these decisions even tougher.EFL club release ‘gorgeous work of art’ kit and even rival fans want to buy it“This summer, we will say goodbye to some players who have been with us for a long time, and I can only thank them for their service to our football club.”They have played a huge role in our climb up the ladder, and I wish them all the very best for the future.“Jordan Graham and Theo Archibald put their bodies on the line for us and we will continue to support them throughout their recovery from injury by having them around the training ground. “I’m looking forward to seeing them both back playing again, be that with us or someone else.” More

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      Leeds United line up England goalkeeper, 33, after missing out on £18m Caomhin Kelleher transfer

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      LEEDS UNITED are keen on Newcastle’s Nick Pope after missing out on Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher.Daniel Farke and Elland Road chiefs are already at work in their quest to strengthen following the Championship-winning promotion campaign.Leeds are eyeing a swoop for Newcastle keeper Nick PopeLeeds are looking to part ways with goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summerCredit: PAAnd a new goalkeeper has emerged as one of their top priorities given Illan Meslier’s drop in form at the back end of last season.They enquired about Irish ace Kelleher, 26, but he is poised to join Brentford for £18m.Now Leeds could turn to Pope, 33, and are one of several teams monitoring his situation at St James’ Park.The England international finished the season as Eddie Howe’s No.1 but Newcastle are expected to finally end their long pursuit of Burnley’s James Trafford over the coming weeks.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHis arrival could result in Pope heading elsewhere with a switch to Elland Road among those potentially on the cards.Pope, who won the Toon’s first trophy in 70 years this term, earned just 10 England caps before missing out on Euro 2024 through injury.Trafford, who beat Pope to Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, had agreed to join Newcastle last August only for the deal not to happen.The 22-year-old played a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, keeping an impressive 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances. Most read in FootballNewcastle are favourites to sign Burnley’s stopper James TraffordCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Newcastle have checked on 19-year old Rennes centre back Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal who has starred for Morocco U20s.Boudlal is yet to make his senior debut for Rennes and spent the second half of the season on loan at Ligue 2 Amiens. Inside Leeds stars’ wild title celebrations as Bamford and Ampadu ‘leave Burnley fanbase in meltdown’ with karaoke songHowe’s side are also interested in Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.Leeds will face AC Milan in Dublin in a pre-season friendly on August 9. More

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      Marcus Rashford a shock transfer target for Inter Milan as Man Utd outcast desperately looks for next club

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has emerged as a target for Inter Milan – as they look to bounce back from their Champions League final horror show. The Manchester United forward, 27, spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa, with his red-hot form securing him a place back in the England squad.Marcus Rashford is wanted by Inter Milan after rediscovering his top form at Aston VillaCredit: GettyRashford reportedly fell out with Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim and is expected to leaveCredit: PABut Villa, who narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot for 2025-26, are unlikely to make a permanent move for Rashford due to the player’s sky-high wages.Unai Emery and Co are now firmly focused on other targets and hope to keep hold of Ollie Watkins, who has been linked with an exit from Villa Park. Sources close to Rashford told SunSport he doesn’t see a future at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim. The pair reportedly fell out last season with the Portuguese manager unhappy with Rashford’s attitude during training and off the field.READ MORE SPORT STORIESAnd that means Rashford is frantically searching for a new club, which has put Inter Milan on red-alert.The Italian giants are looking to rebuild their side in the wake of the Champions League final demolition at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.Inter were thrashed 5-0 in a defeat which came on the back of them throwing away the Serie A title late in the season, opening the door for Napoli.Club chiefs believe that Rashford could be a key acquisition and would excite supporters.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd although Man Utd would prefer a permanent deal, Inter are also exploring the option of a long-term loan move. A source said: “Marcus is open-minded to a move abroad, and a fresh start.Aston Villa star Marcus Rashford hits the race track as he works out on holiday in St Tropez “Lots of players have made the move from the Premier League to Serie A in recent years and performed very well. That’s why the idea of such a switch excites both the player and Inter.”Rashford is one of a number of players in limbo at United.Team-mates Jadon Sancho and Antony both ended the campaign on loan at other clubs and are deemed surplus to requirements.But United face a challenge in offloading all of them due to their massive wages. More

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      West Brom hire Ryan Mason as owner Daniel Levy releases heartfelt statement after ex-Tottenham manager’s exit

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      RYAN MASON has been confirmed as the new West Brom manager.The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract at The Hawthorns after quitting his role as Ange Postecoglou’s No.2 at Tottenham.Ryan Mason has taken a huge step towards becoming West Brom’s new bossSpurs owner Daniel Levy has issued a heartwarming goodbye note for MasonMason informed Spurs on Sunday that he doesn’t want to renew his contract when it expires at the end of June.And that gave the green light for Championship side West Brom to end their six-week search to find a replacement for Tony Mowbray.He instantly became the club’s top target after Mowbray was sacked on April 21 following a poor run of form.Spurs chairman Daniel Levy issued a heartfelt statement after Mason’s seven-year coaching role in North London came to an end.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLevy, 63, said: “Ryan has been an integral part of Tottenham Hotspur for a number of years, both as a player and a coach.“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Ryan for all his dedication and hard work over the years, and we wish him every success for the future.”Tottenham academy coach Stuart Lewis could follow Mason to West Brom, according to BBC Sport.Mason joined Spurs’ coaching team in April 2018, playing a key role in the club’s academy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe later became interim first-team manager, leading them to a heartbreaking Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in 2021.He has been part of Tottenham’s senior set-up ever since, becoming acting head coach for a second time following the departure of Antonio Conte in 2023.Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League paradeThe Enfield-born footballer also progressed through the club’s academy and made 70 appearances for his boyhood team.Mason was forced to cut short his playing career in 2018 at the age of 26, after fracturing his skull while playing for Hull against Chelsea a year earlier.Highly-rated coach Mason held talks with Belgian club Anderlecht in October before a mutual decision was made to remain at Spurs.Meanwhile, the future of Ange Postecoglou remains up in the air after his Europa League final triumph last month.And Daniel Levy’s executive director Donna Cullen announced her departure from the club this week. More

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      Bryan Mbeumo ‘chooses Man Utd over Arsenal with transfer talks with Brentford to begin in huge boost to Ruben Amorim’

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      BRYAN MBEUMO has decided to join Manchester United over Arsenal, according to reports.The winger has a year left on his Brentford contract and is expected to leave the club this summer.Bryan Mbeumo has picked Man Utd over ArsenalCredit: GettyMbeumo has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.But he has chosen United and the Red Devils are set to open talks with the Bees over his transfer, reports The Athletic.Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle are also said to be in the running to sign the Cameroon international. Mbeumo, 25, is hot property after scoring 20 Prem goals this season, while notching eight assists.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Brentford ace returned from a lengthy injury he sustained in the 2023-24 and proved his fitness, featuring in all 38 league games.Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted his talisman could be sold this summer if the right offer was made.He said: “If the right price — and that’s going to be expensive — is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it.”United are looking to complete their transfer business early this summer having already wrapped up a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey have also been linked with a move for former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic as Ruben Amorim seeks to bolster his attack.Ipswich’s breakout star Liam Delap was the club’s No1 striker target, but the former Manchester City academy star is set to join Chelsea instead.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!United scored just 44 league goals this term, with main striker Rasmus Hojlund netting just four times.That has led Amorim to overhaul his forward line, with Alejandro Garnacho set to join a list of potential departures that includes Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony. More

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      Man Utd 2025/26 home kit ‘LEAKED’ as fans fume ‘Adidas aren’t even trying anymore’

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      Manchester United fans are seeing red and not in a good way after the club’s new home kit was leaked online.The 2025/26 Adidas-made strip has sparked fury across social media with furious Reds supporters slamming the red shirt with black and white collar.The United kit will have a different style to the collar next seasonCredit: EPAThe new kit has got fans fuming after it was leakedCredit: WWW.FOOTYHEADLINES.COMThe new kit is expected in the market later this monthCredit: WWW.FOOTYHEADLINES.COMImages circulating online show a minimal design with barely any detailing, aside from the iconic badge and Adidas logo — with some fans joking that “Adidas aren’t even trying anymore.”One fan fumed on X: “We need to ditch Adidas at the earliest opportunity. “Ironically the ‘bus seat’ kit (which I hated) is the best of the bunch here.”Another joked: “Matches the quality of football at Old Trafford in recent years.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe kit includes an Old Trafford-inspired sleeve graphic, marking the first time in many years that Manchester United has featured sleeve prints on their home shirts.The words ‘Theatre of Dreams’ are printed on the collar and the kit will be available at some point this month, with white shorts and black socks as the primary combination.Some fans, however, aren’t impressed by the design details, comparing it to previous seasons. One commented: “Pretty much a blend of the last two seasons’ kits, very bland, Adidas are definitely running out of new kit ideas.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAdidas, who signed a £900 million mega-deal with United in 2015 for 10 years, are now facing mounting pressure from fans to show more creativity and respect for the club’s rich heritage.One tongue-in-cheek post read: “Next season they’ll just hand us red vests and say it’s ‘retro’.”’With you, I started to smile again’ – Tearful Antony announces Real Betis exitUnited have yet to officially unveil the kit but if the online backlash is anything to go by, they might want to head back to the drawing board.United’s poor performance on the pitch has left fans fuming.They finished 15th in the league and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, who hadn’t won a trophy in 17 years. More

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      ‘To do what?’ – Cole Palmer left confused as he’s asked to name his Premier League Mount Rushmore

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      COLE PALMER was left flabbergasted when asked to name his Premier League Mount Rushmore.The iconic American landmark, which has the faces of former Presidents carved into it, is often brought up by sports fans when debating the greatest to ever do it.Cole Palmer was recently asked to name his Premier League Mount RushmoreCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKThe Chelsea and England star had no idea about the iconic American landmarkCredit: ALAMYThe 23-year-old gave a blunt response to the taskCredit: SKY SPORT NZBut the sculpture in the hills of South Dakota are clearly something Chelsea and England ace Palmer isn’t familiar with as he shook his head when asked if he knew what the tourist attraction is.After having it explained that he needed to pick four figures to go on his Prem Mount Rushmore, he bemusingly asked: “To do what?”Palmer eventually got to grips with the task and went on to reveal his list, which would’ve included two defenders had it not been for the interviewer.He told Sky Sports NZ: “Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Thierry] Henry, Kevin de Bruyne and [Eden] Hazard.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSFootage of Palmer choosing his Mount Rushmore went viral and scores of footie fans couldn’t help but comment on the clip.The iconic site of course has the heads of four United States presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.One said: “[He’s] a savant. Great picks.”Another said: “He’s funny and also some player.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCole Palmer has been Chelsea’s star performer over the last two yearsCredit: GETTYAnd another said: “How anyone, not least a current top player, could not pick Rooney in a top 4 PL players of all time is beyond me.”One remarked: “As if it wasn’t bad enough, he picked Eden Hazard.”From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsAnother chimed in: “Why would he know about Mount Rushmore?”Palmer will no doubt be hoping to one day be chosen on footie fans’ Prem Mount Rushmore.And if the 23-year-old can replicate the form he’s shown at Chelsea over the last two seasons, he’ll go a long way to being considered a Premier League great.Palmer bagged a whopping 27 goals and 15 assists in his first season at Stamford Bridge following his £40million move from Manchester City.He wasn’t as prolific last season, scoring only 15 goals and racking up 12 assists.He did, however, end the season on a high as Chelsea secured Champions League football and won the Conference League, the final of which saw him bag two wonderful assists. More

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      Shamed Prem ref David Coote filmed delivering Evri packages after cocaine video & Klopp rant destroyed career

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      SACKED Premier League referee David Coote is now delivering packages for Evri — and says: “I’m just ­trying to make an honest living.”A couple were stunned to see the 42-year-old on their Ring doorbell, below, dropping off a parcel.Sacked Premier League referee is now delivering parcels for Evri as he attempts to ‘make an honest living’ after his drugs shame got him banned from footballCoote is currently serving a 16-month UEFA ban, but pals say he could return to the game eventuallyCredit: PABanned ref David Coote was caught snorting cocaine in a video clipCoote is serving a 16-month UEFA ban after video emerged of him savaging former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and a Sun clip showed him taking cocaine.He works for the courier firm near his home in Newark, Notts, and said: “I want to get on with my life.Have YOU got a story or an amazing picture or video? Email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk and you could even get PAID”I’m trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTE”The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it’s not a new long-term career.”The Sun told in November how Coote had called Klopp a “German c***” in a leaked video.We then revealed a film of him doing cocaine at last summer’s Euros.The homeowner at the address he delivered to said: “My husband’s a Liverpool fan and what David said didn’t go down well.Most read in Football”My husband had ordered a part for a vehicle he’s working on and recognised David.”He said, ‘He’s delivering packages now’. I was like ‘Oh my gosh, is he really?’”It’s his own downfall, at the end of the day. David got himself into this mess.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”He lives up the road. I see him around town a lot.”Coote was fired by referee governing body PGMOL in December and is banned by UEFA till next June.He said: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis.”It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”Last month he ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to raise money for his uncle Mick who has motor neurone disease.Coote said: “I’m doing what I want to do, focusing on what’s important like spending more time with friends and family.”Friends backed him. A source said: “David’s a great lad who lost his career through stupidity, as he fully acknowledges.”There might be a return for him to the game at some point, and football definitely needs experts like him.Read More on The Sun”Until then he obviously has to pay the bills.”Evri did not comment.He works for the courier firm near his home in Newark, NottsCredit: GettyThe former referee is concentrating on ‘spending more time with friends and family’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd More