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      Where are Newcastle’s 2002-03 Champions League squad now? From MOTD pundit to bankruptcy and a landlord

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED are on the cusp of Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years.But did you know one player from that 2003 squad now runs their own pub?
      Champions League nights are on the verge of returning to St James’ ParkCredit: AFP
      In the 2002-03 season Newcastle were knocked out of the European competition by Barcelona.
      Since retirement, many players have enjoyed success in football related activities.
      Whether that be through coaching, appearing as media analysts, or pulling pints for locals.
      Here, SunSport take a look at where the side that last played under the Champions League lights are now.
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      GK – Shay Given
      Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given made 450 Premier League appearancesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Given was presenting for Sky Sports during the Carabao CupCredit: Alamy
      The Republic of Ireland’s second-highest capped player, Shay Given became head goalkeeping coach at Derby County under Frank Lampard.
      He left Derby in 2021, and has since dipped his toe in punditry at Sky Sports.
      RB – Andy Griffin
      Andy Griffin was a central figure in the Toon’s defence, and scored the winning goal against Juventus in the previous round of the Champions LeagueCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Griffin has since gone into football coachingCredit: .
      Like many retired footballers, Griffin went into the coaching side of the game and joined Newcastle under Lyme college in 2014 assisting the development of their under-18s.
      He has since set up the Andy Griffin Football Academy (AGFA) which offers a two-year full time programme for players who have aspirations to play at the top-level.
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      CB- Andy O’Brien
      Andy O’Brien made 150 appearances for the MagpiesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      O’Brien finished his career with two years at the Vancouver Whitecaps and has been a scout with Liverpool since 2015.
      The ex-Ireland international is credited for bringing fellow centre-back Nat Phillips to Liverpool.

      CB – Titus Bramble
      Bramble played for Newcastle United, Wigan Athletic and, controversially, Sunderland!Credit: Getty
      Bramble & Dyer came together again as the Ipswich Town youth coachesCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      Bramble has also gone into coaching.
      He re-united with former team-mate Dyer at Ipswich in 2019.
      The former defender assisted with the England under-20s side in 2018 and now works an ambassador for the Futurestars charity which delivers sports to under-privileged children in Africa.
      LB – Oliver Bernard
      Bernard joined on a free transfer from Lyon in late-August 2000Credit: Getty
      Oliver Bernard that is now the landlord of the Masons Arms.
      The former beloved winger can now be found pulling pints at his co-owned pub in Blyth – a town 15 miles north of St James’ Park.
      He is also the owner of non-league side Durham City FC.
      However, the ex-professional has faced heavy criticism from fans who claim he has neglected the club.
      RW – Nolberto Solano
      Solano is considered a cult hero at the Tyneside club, and was also noted forming his own salsa band named The Geordie LatinosCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Solano is now a key figure in South American footballCredit: Getty
      Former midfielder Solano went straight into coaching after retirement.
      Solano is the assistant manager of the Peru National team, and played a part in the team’s runners-up medals at the 2019 Copa America tournament.
      He was the technical assistant of Peru during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
      CM – Jermaine Jenas
      Jenas left Newcastle for Spurs in 2005 for a fee of £7 million. He paid tribute to the fierce dressing room atmosphere under Sir Bobby RobsonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Now, he mainly works as a studio guest or as a pundit alongside a commentator by BBC SportCredit: PA
      The 40-year-old has successfully gone into football punditry, commentating and television presenting.
      Most recently standing in for prime-time Gary Lineker on BBC’s Match of the Day.
      Jenas has also been rewarded with a permanent role as host of The One Show.
      CM – Kieron Dyer
      Dyer made 225 Premier League and 10 champions league appearancesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He’s also joins the long-list of those who are now coachesCredit: PA
      Another ex- Newcastle player to have successfully forged a career in the media.
      He stepped down from his coaching role at Ipswich in 2022, amid the announcement of his diagnosis with a liver condition.
      Dyer, 44, is now becoming a regular face on Sky Sports and as a panellist on BT Sport’s Saturday ‘Score’ show.
      LW – Laurent Robert
      Toon legend Robert returned to the UK to watch his former side take on Manchester United in the League Cup finalCredit: NNP
      The French international claimed that he never envisaged being a coach.
      However, he’s done just that.
      Robert is now a coach at his former side Montpellier.
      His son Thomas had been linked with a move to the Magpies.
      ST – Craig Bellamy
      Bellamy had 42 goals from 128 appearances with the MagpiesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Bellamy has joined former team-mate Vincent Kompany in the championshipCredit: Getty
      In rather unfortunate news, the former Wales captain has been declared bankrupt.
      He is now warning young footballers to be careful who they trust to run their finances.
      Amid his financial struggles Bellamy has admirably gotten his coaching career up and running – and has played his part in Burnley’s promotion back to the Premier League.
      ST – Alan Shearer
      Shearer scored 206 goals at his beloved NewcastleCredit: Reuters
      He now travels the UK and Europe as a football punditCredit: Rex
      The Premier League’s all-time goal scorer now enjoys a career as a top football pundit.
      His goal record is now being hunted by Tottenham’s Harry Kane.
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      Shearer is a regular analyst on Match of the Day and Sky Sports.
      In addition, the hall of fame inductee has also launched his own foundation with the aim of supporting disability in the North East by raising at least £250,000 every year. More

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      Ex-Premier League owner sacked me after dragging me to karaoke club and singing cryptic song, I couldn’t believe it

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      SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON was sacked from Manchester City in one of the strangest ways ever.The former England boss took charge at the Citizens in July 2007, a year after leaving the Three Lions.
      Sven-Goran Eriksson was sacked from Manchester City in bizarre fashionCredit: AFP
      An impressive start saw City top of the table after three games, they secured a league double over Manchester United for the first time since 1969-70 and finished ninth with a record points tally of 55.
      In the spring, though, owner and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had hinted at getting rid of Eriksson just a year into his three-year contract.
      And that prompted waves of support from fans, unanimously demanding to “Save Our Sven” and keep the Swede in charge.
      City lost 8-1 to Middlesbrough on the final day and Shinawatra insisted all the players and staff went on a post-season tour to Thailand.
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      And it was at the end of that bizarre trip that Eriksson was given his marching orders in baffling fashion – after a trip to a karaoke bar and with no explanation from the owner.
      Eriksson told Paramount+: “Shinawatra decided the whole team should go to Thailand. All the players protested but they all went.

      “On the last evening of the tour, Thaksin invited all the staff to a karaoke club.
      “During the late hours there, he took the microphone and came to the table where the coaches were sitting.
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      “He started to sing, ‘Should I stay or should I go now?’
      “I couldn’t believe it. ‘Am I dreaming?’
      “The day after, he wanted to have breakfast with me before leaving and there he told me I was sacked.
      “I asked him, ‘Why?’
      “‘I don’t know,’ he said.
      “Three times I asked him and he said, ‘I didn’t know, it’s a feeling in my stomach.’
      “That was the second time I was sacked in England. That hurt.”
      Eriksson was replaced by Mark Hughes at City in the summer of 2008, just weeks before the mega-rich Abu Dhabi owners came in and bought the club, pumping billions in over the subsequent 15 years.
      The Swede, meanwhile, had spells with Mexico and Ivory Coast before returning to England at Leicester from 2010 to 2011.
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      He managed three clubs in China and his last managerial job was with the Philippines national team, leaving in 2019.
      The 75-year-old stepped back from his role as sporting director at Karlstad Fotboll in his homeland due to serious health concerns.
      Thaksin Shinawatra could not give a valid reason for axing ErikssonCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      Inside the former Premier League stadium converted into stunning flats worth almost half a BILLION pounds

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      ARSENAL’S former Highbury home hosted its final match in 2006.As the Highbury Countdown Clock finally ticked down to zero, it was time for the Gunners to up sticks to the nearby, newly-built Emirates Stadium.
      Arsenal played their final game at Highbury in May 2006Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Highbury Square now features 650 stunning flatsCredit: Alamy
      Gardens now lie where the Highbury pitch used to beCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Gunners moved a short walk away to Emirates StadiumCredit: Alamy
      Following Arsenal’s departure, work began on developing their former home, where they had played since their 11-mile move from Woolwich in 1913, into flats.
      Highbury had been designed by formidable late architect Archibald Leitch, the remarkable visionary behind the likes of Old Trafford, Anfield, White Hart Lane and Stamford Bridge – among countless other stadiums across Britain.
      The North Bank and Clock End were knocked down upon Arsenal’s exit – but as Grade II listed buildings, the old East and West Stands remained.
      This led to them being incorporated into the design for Highbury Square, the apartment complex that now sits where Arsenal’s home used to.
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      Over the three years following Arsenal’s final match there, Highbury Square was transformed into 650 stunning flats.
      They vary in price between around £400k and £800k – with the total value of all 650 flats in the region of a half a billion.

      While no longer the home of the Gunners, Highbury Square retains plenty of nods to its famous past.
      The East and West Stands exteriors still proudly remain, looming over the site while still adorned by Arsenal’s crest and colours.
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      Arsene Wenger opens the new apartment complex in 2009… with the bust of Herbert Chapman still in tact behind himCredit: Getty
      Late former Arsenal boss Bertie Mee stands in front of the same Herbert Chapman bust in 1970Credit: Getty
      The exterior of Arsenal’s old East Stand remains in tact to this dayCredit: Getty
      Arsenal’s former East Stand still stands proudCredit: Getty
      Fans can still walk past the entrance to the old West StandCredit: Getty
      A bust of former Gunners manager Herbert Chapman remains in the same marble corridors, while the players’ tunnel is also intact.
      The pitch is long gone, but has been replaced by gardens – a perfect place for any Gooner resident to sit and reminisce on times gone by.
      Arsene Wenger returned to the site while still Arsenal boss in 2009, officially opening the flats for business.
      Residents are treated to plush, comfortable apartments – as well as underground parking, 24-hour security and an on-site gym.
      Many of the flats also possess sprawling balconies facing inward… looking out on to where the Highbury pitch used to be.
      They are also largely open plan, providing modern designs and a spacious feel.
      Back in 2020, Wenger admitted to beIN Sports that Arsenal “left their soul” at Highbury.
      He said: “You are always in a position when you are a football club to move forward or stay in the past.
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      “To compete with the other clubs, we had to build a new stadium. The rules had changed.
      “We wanted to create the same as Highbury but we left our soul at Highbury. We could never recreate exactly. We didn’t find exactly the same atmosphere.”
      Arsenal’s old East and West Stands were incorporated into the designCredit: Getty
      Highbury Square featured plenty of spaces to relaxCredit: Getty
      Balconies look out onto where the pitch used to beCredit: Getty
      Highbury Square still retains an Arsenal feelCredit: Alamy More

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      Ultimate Man Utd rich list features £400m ex-star, David Beckham’s mega wealth and current player on crazy salary

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      PLAYING for Manchester United is a sure fire way of earning big money.And manging the Red Devils isn’t too bad either.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the world’s best known celebritiesCredit: Alamy
      David Beckham is another former Manchester United star with worldwide fameCredit: Getty
      Manchester United record scorer Wayne Rooney features on the club’s ultimate rich listCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      But who out of players past and present feature on the ultimate Manchester United rich list?
      Here SunSport take a look at some of their estimated fortunes – and how they got them.
      Cristiano Ronaldo – £400m
      There are no surprises to see Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the list.
      According to Manchester World, the 38-year-old is worth a whopping £400million.
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      And you can see why, given his numerous endorsement deals and his deal with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, which is worth a reported £173million-a-year.

      David Beckham – £350m
      Old Trafford legend David Beckham is another to have made millions off the pitch, as well as on it.
      Manchester World estimate Becks, 48, to be worth an astonishing £350m.
      The ex-England captain has raked in the cash from endorsement deals with the likes of H&M, Adidas, Pepsi and the Qatar World Cup.
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      Zlatan Ibrahimovic – £150m
      Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still playing for AC Milan aged 41, meaning he is still on a footballer’s wage.
      And the ex-United ace is even poised to make his movie debut this year, which will only add to his already sky-high net worth.
      According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ibrahimovic is worth a mega £150m.
      Wayne Rooney – £135m
      Old Trafford legend Wayne Rooney was named manager of MLS side DC United on a reported £800,000-a-year deal.
      But his overall net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth, is an estimated £135m.
      Rooney, 37, spent 13 years on the books at United, and has also had endorsement deals with the likes of Nike, Ford and Coca-Cola.
      Jose Mourinho – £100m
      The Portuguese manager received hefty severance packages after being sacked by Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.
      He is reported to have bagged just under £20m after leaving the Red Devils in 2018, and £15m-£20m when leaving Spurs three years later.
      And the Mirror claim his pay-offs contribute to a grand total net worth of around £100m.
      Jose Mourinho earned two mega paydays after leaving Manchester United and TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Paul Pogba – £77m
      Last year, now Juventus man Paul Pogba was named on the Sunday Times Young Rich List.
      At the time he was reported to have a net worth of £77m.
      The 30-year-old was reported to have bagged a £3.8million loyalty bonus when leaving United last summer to return to Italian giants Juve.
      Raphael Varane – £66m
      French World Cup winner Raphael Varane spent ten years raking in the cash at Real Madrid.
      And when he left the Bernabeu, with four Champions League winners medals in his pockets, he joined another of the world’s biggest clubs in the Red Devils.
      The defender is on a reported £340,000-a-week at Old Trafford, and Planet Sport estimate his overall wealth at £66m.
      David De Gea – £60m
      David De Gea is currently Manchester United’s highest earner – raking in an incredible £350,000-a-week.
      However, the Spaniard’s deal ends in the summer, and United want to slash his weekly wages to £200,000-a-week.
      Nevertheless, as of last year Marca estimated De Gea to be worth around £60m.
      Rio Ferdinand – £60m
      Former defender Rio Ferdinand broke the British transfer record when he joined Manchester United from Leeds in 2002 for £29million.
      Nowadays he is worth more than twice that, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
      The 44-year-old has forged a successful career in punditry after hanging up his boots, while also dabbling in the world of boxing.
      Rio Ferdinand is now a successful punditCredit: Getty
      Sir Alex Ferguson – £55m
      The greatest manager in Manchester United’s history is deserving of his place on the club’s ultimate rich list.
      Despite first joining the club in 1986, before the money entered the game, Celebrity Net Worth claim Fergie is now worth £55m.
      In 2014 he sold part of his wine collection at a Hong Kong auction for £2.3million, and the 81-year-old also owns multiple racehorses.
      Michael Owen – £54m
      Like Fergie, Michael Owen is also a racing lover.
      As well as that, the former striker would have earned plenty of cash playing for the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and United.
      The 43-year-old founded Manor House Stables alongside his wife Louise, and overall he is worth an estimated £54m, according to Idol Net Worth, via Sport Bible.
      Casemiro – £53m
      Casemiro joined Varane in swapping the Bernabeu for the Theatre of Dreams.
      On top of his reported £300,000-a-week United wage, Casemiro also has an endorsement deal with Nike.
      And all in all, The Sports Lite claim the Brazilian star to be worth a cool £53m.
      Casemiro moved from one of the world’s biggest clubs in Real Madrid straight to another in Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Radamel Falcao – £55m
      Radamel Falcao’s loan move to Old Trafford for the 2014-15 season did not go as planned.
      That’s despite the striker earning a reported £265,000-a-week during his time at Old Trafford.
      Now 37, Celebrity Net Worth estimate Falcao to be worth a huge £55m.
      Roy Keane – £50m
      Snooker lover Roy Keane is one of football’s top pundits, working for the likes of Sky Sports and ITV.
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      He retired from playing in 2006, but spent time as manager of Sunderland and Ipswich, and serves as assistant manager with the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
      And Celebrity Net Worth claim he is now worth an impressive £50m.
      Roy Keane is another ex-United star to enjoy a career in the media after hanging up his bootsCredit: Getty More

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      Paul Merson slams Man Utd star and says he ‘shouldn’t be playing for the club’ as he urges Ten Hag to sign Harry Kane

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      ARSENAL icon Paul Merson believes Anthony Martial “shouldn’t be playing for Manchester United” following the club’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton.The Red Devils suffered their eighth defeat of the Premier League season on Thursday after Alexis Mac Allister’s 99th minute penalty saw Brighton snatch all three points on offer.
      Martial made his eighth Premier League start of the season for Man Utd on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      Merson has criticised the FrenchmanCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag made three changes to the line-up following last weekend’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Antony and Martial replacing Tyrell Malacia, Marcel Sabitzer, Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho respectively in the starting 11.
      United created a number of good chances throughout the match, but they lacked efficiency in front of goal.
      And Martial received criticism from many fans as a result.
      Merson, who played for Arsenal between 1985 and 1997, also took a swipe at the Frenchman by suggesting that he should be replaced this summer.
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      In his column for Sportskeeda, the 55-year-old wrote: “Manchester United’s current front three is Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Antony, but I think there will be changes this summer, one million per cent.
      “They are 16 points behind Manchester City at the moment and the same team next season will not get anywhere close to the Premier League title.

      “They need a Harry Kane up front. Anthony Martial – seriously? He shouldn’t be playing for Manchester United, sorry.”
      Martial is expected to leave Man Utd when the summer transfer window opens, with the club looking to offload several players.
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      Merson wants Man Utd to sign KaneCredit: PA
      The Frenchman has been limited to 16 Premier League appearances this season due to various injury issues, so Ten Hag is understood to be open to letting him move on.
      United are in the market for a new striker ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
      And Harry Kane is understood to be a top target.
      The England captain, who has scored 25 goals in 34 appearances for Tottenham so far this season, is unlikely to sign a new contract with the Lilywhites.
      And Man Utd are reportedly willing to offer him a lucrative deal in an attempt to lure him to Old Trafford.
      However, Tottenham chief Daniel Levy has set an asking price of £100million for the striker. More

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      Ian Wright slams Mikel Arteta for ‘unfair’ treatment of Arsenal star in wake of big win over Chelsea

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      ARSENAL legend Ian Wright has hit out at Mikel Arteta’s “unfair” treatment of Rob Holding after dropping the star for the win over Chelsea.The Gunners ended their four-match winless run and maintained their title challenge by beating the Blues 3-1 at the Emirates on Tuesday.
      Rob Holding was dropped for Arsenal’s victory over ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright believes that Mikel Arteta’s treatment of the defender was ‘unfair’Credit: Reuters
      Arsenal’s faltering bid for a first Premier League crown in 19 years has suffered a blow in recent weeks due to the loss of first-choice defender William Saliba.
      In the Frenchman’s absence, back-up centre-half Holding had deputised alongside Gabriel Magalhaes as Ben White was forced to continue at right-back due to Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury absence.
      However, Arteta decided to start the 27-year-old on the bench against Chelsea as he opted for January signing Jakub Kiwior instead.
      And speaking on Premier league Productions, Wright feels that the Englishman has been hard done to.
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      Arsenal’s former record goalscorer, who won the league and cup double with them in 1998, said: “I think [Arteta] has been a bit unfair on Rob Holding.
      “He is somebody who hasn’t had a lot of minutes. He was someone who came in to replace William Saliba – and he is fantastic.

      “Yes, in certain instances, Rob has been done for pace. We have seen him isolated and it has caused a bit of a problem.”
      Kiwior’s outing was his first start in the Premier League with the ex-Spezia ace twice coming off the bench since his arrival.
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      Man City are currently one point ahead of Arteta’s side at the top of the table and have a game in hand on the chasers.
      But the Gunners are still praying for a slip-up from the Cityzens as they look to earn maximum points from their final four matches. More

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      Leicester star Harvey Barnes ‘set to switch Premier League clubs in shock transfer’ after stalling on new deal

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      LEICESTER CITY could be set to lose Harvey Barnes as well as James Maddison this summer, according to a new report.We reported earlier this week that Foxes star Maddison, 26, looks certain to depart even if they survive in the Premier League.
      Leicester are bracing themselves for interest in winger Harvey BarnesCredit: Alamy
      However, a fresh new report claims that fellow winger Barnes “could follow him out of the exit door” as a host of clubs track the 25-year-old.
      The former West Brom loanee has scored ten goals in 30 top-flight appearances this term and is valued at around £60m by Leicester.
      He is likely to “attract bids” at the end of the season and the Foxes are bracing themselves for plenty of interest.
      Newcastle have previously enquired about the England international last year.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      Now Tottenham and Aston Villa are also believed to be “watching developments closely” as they plot a swoop, says the Daily Mail.
      While Maddison is about to enter the last 12 months of his deal, Barnes is contracted to Leicester until 2025.
      However, no “meaningful discussions” have taken place over an extension.
      But this fresh update states that whether they stay up or suffer relegation, a “huge overhaul” of the squad will occur in the summer window.
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      There are eight first-team players that are out of contract and are expected to leave.
      And the Foxes know that they could get the chance to cash in and help fund a rebuild by selling Barnes and Maddison. More

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      Man City boss Pep Guardiola REFUSES to confirm that out-of-favour midfielder is in his plans for next season

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      PEP GUARDIOLA can give no assurances to Kalvin Phillips over his future at Manchester City.The England ace has yet to start a Premier League game for the leaders, who face his former club Leeds this afternoon.
      Kalvin Phillips has struggled to impress since his move from LeedsCredit: Getty
      Pep Guardiola has refused to confirm that the ace is part of his plans for next seasonCredit: Getty
      Since his £42million summer move, the 27-year-old midfielder has struggled with fitness and form, meaning he has been unable to dislodge the outstanding Rodri.
      Guardiola says he will listen to any player who is concerned about their lack of minutes — but not while his team are chasing the Treble.
      The City chief said: “Right now we are not thinking for one second about next season.
      “Kalvin has been, for many things, important in the role but he’s not been on the pitch much.
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      “In some things he needs to adapt a little bit more. But what happens next season, I am not concerned about for one second now.
      “We will see at the end of the season. But right now I am not going to discuss anything.”
      The fact Arsenal set such an incredible pace in the opening months of the season has meant City spent much of it trying to keep up with them.
      And that meant keeping faith with Rodri rather than risking Phillips.
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      Guardiola added: “That role is so, so important.
      “I always had the feeling Rodri knows exactly what to do.
      “It’s a question of tactics and movements.” More