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      Ex-Chelsea wonderkid who got unprecedented England call-up retires aged 35 after he is released from League One club

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      FORMER Chelsea youth prospect Michael Mancienne has retired from football after being released by Burton Albion.The defender, now 35, will leave the League One club once his contract expires this summer.
      Michael Mancienne has retired from footballCredit: Getty
      He featured in the Champions League for ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
      Mancienne was once a hot prospect at Chelsea as he featured six times for the club between 2006 and 2011.
      The defender played four times in the Premier League and once in the FA Cup.
      He also featured in a 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League round of 16 clash in 2009.
      He made his appearance alongside the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Ashley Cole.
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      Mancienne was used as a late substitute for German midfielder Michael Ballack as manager Guus Hiddink looked to close out the win.
      Due to his promise, he featured for many of the England youth squads and was even the recipient of a shock call-up to the senior side in 2008.
      However, despite the call he never played for the Three Lions and instead turned out for the Seychelles at the senior international level.
      The defender even netted for the East African side in a friendly 1-0 win over Bangladesh earlier this year.
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      During his career, Mancienne had spells with QPR, Wolves, German side Hamburg and MLS outfit New England Revolution.
      His most successful period was at Nottingham Forest between 2014 and 2018.
      He made 125 appearances for the club and even reportedly accepted a pay cut to stay at the club.
      Mancienne joined Burton in February 2021 and made 40 league appearances for the club. More

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      Manchester United runners-up in Premier League table determined by Dream Team points – West Ham up to 7th!

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      FILE this under: classic end-of-season content.With all eyes on the Premier League as the campaign draws to a close, with fierce competition for European places and a desperate relegation scrap seemingly destined to go down to the wire, we’ve created an alternate league table, one based purely on Dream Team points.
      That is the real quiz, after all.
      Only Manchester City have produced more Dream Team points than Manchester United this season
      PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE DETERMINED BY DREAM TEAM POINTS

      Manchester City – 2,727 pts
      Manchester United – 2,224 pts
      Arsenal – 1,901 pts
      Liverpool – 1,664 pts
      Newcastle – 1,552 pts
      Brighton – 1,459 pts
      West Ham – 1,432 pts
      Tottenham – 1,351 pts
      Brentford – 1,126 pts
      Chelsea – 1,118 pts
      Fulham – 999 pts
      Aston Villa – 935 pts
      Leicester – 893 pts
      Wolves – 828 pts
      Crystal Palace – 811 pts
      Nottingham Forest – 684 pts
      Leeds – 617 pts
      Everton – 604 pts
      Southampton – 594 pts
      Bournemouth – 552 pts

      As you would expect, Man City’s treble quest puts them in a league of their own – it helps that Erling Haaland (£10.4m) has plundered 430 points on his own.
      The big story at the top of the table, however, is that Man United are comfortably the second-most successful team in the realm of Dream Team this season.
      Arsenal held top spot in the Premier League for the majority of the campaign but Erik ten Hag’s side have made hay in the additional competitions – they lifted the Carabao Cup in February and are due to meet Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley in the FA Cup final in a fortnight’s time.
      Marcus Rashford (£7.2m) and company also fulfilled four more European fixtures than the Gunners by virtue of their Europa League knockout play-off and quarter-final.
      A cursory glance at the Dream Team rankings underlines how the best-performing Old Trafford assets have edged out their Arsenal counterparts across every position.
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      David de Gea (£3.6m) is 57 points ahead of Aaron Ramsdale (£3.3m); Luke Shaw (£4.2m), Diogo Dalot (£3.7m) and Lisandro Martinez (£4.7m) are all above Mikel Arteta’s best defenders; Bruno Fernandes (£6.7m) reigns supreme among midfielders, while Rashford is second only to runaway leader Haaland up front.
      Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have been excellent but Bruno Fernandes is Dream Team’s top midfielderCredit: GETTY
      Elsewhere, West Ham are the team most flattered by our alternative table.
      In reality, the Hammers have only just crawled away from the relegation dogfight in the last few weeks but we’ve got them nipping at the heels of Brighton, a whole eight places above their actual position!
      Once again, this illustrates the potential returns available to Dream Team gaffers prepared to squeeze the schedule for all it’s worth.
      David Moyes’ side may have underwhelmed domestically but they’re on the brink of the Europa Conference League final with the likes of Jarrod Bowen (£4m) and Said Benrahma (£3.8m) having regularly cashed in on Thursday nights.
      Don’t underestimate the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: GETTY
      Looking ahead, one wonders what the Seagulls and Newcastle can achieve next season with European fixtures to bolster their schedule.
      If Dream Team points are anything to go by then Everton seem more likely to suffer relegation than Leeds or Leicester (the Foxes are up to a lofty 13th in our ranking) but, then again, we’ve got the Cherries dead last despite the fact they’ve already preserved their top-flight status.
      For all the differences in our league table, there’s something strangely comforting about the fact Chelsea remain solidly in mid-table – surely the Blues will improve in 2023/24, right? More

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      Ex-Liverpool star who partnered Carragher in defence left unemployed at 32 after release by Championship club

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      FORMER Liverpool ace Daniel Ayala will be left unemployed after his contract expires with Blackburn.The Spanish defender is set to be released by the Championship club following three years at Ewood Park.
      Daniel Ayala will be released by BlackburnCredit: Getty
      He made five Premier League appearances for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Ayala joined the Lancashire club in 2020 after seven years with Middlesbrough.
      But before joining Boro, he had spells at Nottingham Forest, Norwich, Derby, Hull and Liverpool.
      He played five times in the Premier League for the Reds, making his debut as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in 2009.
      He played a full 90 minutes for the club on two occasions, with both games ending in 4-0 wins.
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      During this time he played alongside club legends such as Jamie Carragher, Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, and Steven Gerrard.
      Ayala had joined the Anfield side as a youth prospect from the Sevilla academy but failed to hit his potential at the club, leading to his exit.
      Now 32 years old, the defender will be looking for a new club following his release from Blackburn.
      Speaking of his time at the Rovers, he told club media: “It’s a bitter-sweet moment really.
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      “I’ve been really happy here for the last three years and part of me wanted to stay, because it’s a great club, with great fans and great staff, but I know that it’s part of football and I have to move on.
      “I’ve had some really happy times here, but also some down moments as well, especially with a few injuries, which prevented me from playing as many games as I wanted and perhaps showing a bit more what I can do.
      “Missing out on the play-offs in the last two seasons has been really frustrating, because I can see that the team has got enough to get there.
      “For one reason or another we just fell short, but the club is in a great position to challenge again, with a great manager, a great group of players and real togetherness, and I firmly believe that they can get there.”
      Blackburn missed out on a spot in the playoffs this season despite a thrilling 4-3 win over Millwall at The Den on the final day of the season. More

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      Arsenal fighting to keep hold of William Saliba as three ‘major’ clubs enquire about summer transfer

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      ARSENAL could face a fight to keep hold of William Saliba this summer, with three ‘major’ clubs reportedly enquiring for his signature.The French international is out of contract at the Emirates at the end of next season.
      William Saliba is reportedly attracting interest from three “major” clubsCredit: Getty
      Saliba, 24, had been a major part of Arsenal’s title charge this year, helping the team to a total of 11 clean sheets in his 27 Premier League appearances.
      But, after picking up a back injury in Arsenal’s Europa League round of 16 second leg loss to Sporting in March, the centre-back was ruled out for the season.
      And according to French source RMC Sport, three unnamed “major” clubs have enquired about Saliba’s signature.
      Arsenal are keen not to let Saliba go without a fight however, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta approving plans to offer the Frenchman a new deal.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The Gunners sat eight points clear at the top of the table when Saliba suffered a fracture to his back but have since been hunted down by a ruthless Manchester City.
      They have kept just one clean sheet in nine games since Saliba was sidelined, with costly draws to Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton costing them in the title race.
      They have since been thrashed by title-rivals Manchester City and Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton as the Gunners’ title challenge has gone up in smoke.
      Arsenal will look to bounce back from Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton against relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest this Saturday.
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      Arteta aimed to keep spirits up ahead of the clash, telling Sky Sports: “Mathematically it’s still possible.
      “We need to digest the result and the performance in the second half, understand why and have a different reaction (against Forest)”
      The Gunners will aim to keep their feint title hopes alive at The City Ground this Saturday. More

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      Man Utd ‘lead transfer race for 26-goal star Goncalo Ramos as Benfica make contact with replacement’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica star Goncalo Ramos.The Portuguese striker, 21, has excelled this season scoring 26 goals and assisting 12 more in 45 appearances in all competitions this season.
      Man United are reportedly leading the race to sign Goncalo RamosCredit: Reuters
      Benfica have been linked to Enes Unal as his replacementCredit: Getty
      Ramos’ form has seen him attract interest from all over Europe with his hat-trick against Switzerland during the World Cup pushing him to prominence.
      And with Man United keen to bolster the squad’s firepower in the summer he is one of the names linked with the club.
      According to Record, the Red Devils are at the front of the queue to sign him from Benfica.
      This is despite the suggestion that there are “many interested sides” in England in signing the forward.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      United have also been linked with the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window.
      Ten Hag is expecting to lose Wout Weghorst and sell Anthony Martial and will need top replacements to try and make the club title contenders.
      The Old Trafford side have also scouted Gent prospect Gift Orban and were in attendance as he netted a hat-trick in the Belgian league.
      The report also reveals that Benfica are expecting Ramos to leave the club this summer and have identified his replacement.
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      The Eagles are keen on signing LaLiga outfit Getafe’s frontman Enes Unal.
      The Turk has scored 30 LaLiga goals over the last two seasons, including 14 in 33 appearances this campaign.
      Unal, 26, has been linked with moves to Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Liverpool in the past. More

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      Fans realise Nathan Jones was the only thing stopping Man City from achieving historic feat and it’s left them ‘baffled’

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      FOOTBALL fans are realising former Southampton boss Nathan Jones is to thank for stopping Manchester City from winning the quadruple.Manchester City are on course to win a historic Treble after beating Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate to reach the Champions League final.
      Nathan Jones masterminded Southampton’s Carabao Cup victory over Manchester CityCredit: PA
      City are on course to win the TrebleCredit: Getty
      A win over Chelsea will see Pep Guardiola’s side wrap up the Premier League title for the fifth time in six seasons.
      While only rivals Manchester United stand in their way in the FA Cup final.
      The Red Devils are aiming for a domestic cup double after landing the Carabao Cup earlier this year.
      City lost out in that competition after falling to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton, with Jones masterminding the victory.
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      It was only one of five wins overseen by the Welshman while he was in charge of the Saints – he was sacked in February after just 14 games in charge.
      Now fans are shocked to realise Jones is the manager who got the better of Guardiola.
      One wrote: “The fact Nathan Jones stopped the quadruple might baffle me until I die.”
      Another added: “Mad to think that history will remember Nathan Jones as the man that stopped City from winning an unprecedented quadruple.”
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      A third said: “There’ll be tapestries and manuscripts made of how it was Nathan Jones’ Southampton that stopped Man City winning the quadruple.”
      Another commented: “Just a reminder that the man who has potentially stopped City from winning the quadruple burned down a ping pong table at the last club he was manager of. God bless Nathan Jones.” More

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      Tottenham still targeting Arne Slot to take over as manager after Xabi Alonso rules himself out of running

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      TOTTENHAM still have Arne Slot in their sights despite Feyenoord’s bid to keep him.Slot, 44, emerged as a leading contender for the Spurs manager’s job after leading the Dutch club to a surprise Eredivisie title.
      Feyenoord’s title-winning chief Arne Slot remains a top candidateCredit: Rex
      Xabi Alonso insists he’ll stay in charge of Bayer Leverkusen next seasonCredit: Getty
      SunSport revealed yesterday that Feyenoord plan to give Slot a hefty pay rise AND back him in the transfer market ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign.
      But whatever they offer will be dwarfed by the cash the London club can put on the table if they go for the ex-AZ Alkmaar gaffer.
      Former Spain and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is understood to still be on Spurs’ radar.
      But Xabi Alonso revealed he will not be leaving Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
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      Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Jose Mourinho’s Roma, the former Liverpool midfielder said: “I’m happy here with the team and the club.
      “I’m not worried about my future.”
      Asked if he would be staying at Leverkusen, he replied: “That’s correct.”
      Whoever comes in at Tottenham will face the tough question of resolving Harry Kane’s future.
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      The much-wanted striker is under contract until 2024.
      But it’s understood PSG have joined Manchester United and Bayern Munich in pursuing the England skipper.
      Spurs still hope to keep Kane and could demand a £100million transfer fee.
      He might also want to stay in England to challenge for the all-time Prem goal record as his 210 tally is a tantalising 50 short of Alan Shearer’s mark. More

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      Arsenal and Man Utd dealt transfer blow as ‘Bayern Munich enter race for top target Declan Rice’

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      ARSENAL and Manchester United have been dealt a blow with Bayern Munich reportedly entering the race for Declan Rice.The West Ham captain, 24, could leave the London Stadium this summer.
      Declan Rice is a reported transfer target for Bayern MunichCredit: PA
      The Gunners and the Red Devils have been long-term admirers of Rice, with the Emirates side once the favourites to land him in a club-record transfer.
      However, it is understood Thomas Tuchel is weighing up a move for the Hammers ace.
      Bild state Tuchel and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic are working on a plan to overhaul the Bayern squad this summer.
      And they identified Rice as a suitable option in holding midfield.
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      He would be a like-for-like replacement for experienced star Joshua Kimmich, who has been linked with a transfer to Barcelona.
      Tuchel came up against Rice during his time as Chelsea boss and believes he has the quality to slot into the Bavarians’ team chasing the Champions League trophy.
      And a possible transfer could see England’s first-choice midfield pairing of Rice and Jude Bellingham both playing in the Bundesliga – although the latter may head to Real Madrid or Manchester City.
      However, the report adds the transfer fee could prove a sticking point for Bayern.
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      West Ham continue to demand £100million for their academy graduate, despite his current contract expiring in 2024.
      Bayern’s record transfer fee is the £68m they paid for Lucas Hernandez.
      And that could prove a boost for the Premier League sides still keen on landing Rice, especially if they can offer Champions League football.
      Hammers boss David Moyes admitted last week there is a “good chance” his influential skipper could leave the club at the end of this season – with James Ward-Prowse lined up as a possible replacement.
      Moyes said: “We would love Declan to be a West Ham player but we are aware that may not be the case come the end of the season.
      “That is one of the scenarios when it comes to planning.
      “There are plans that we have Dec here but we are fully aware that there is a good chance we won’t have him.” More