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      Nine managers Man Utd considered before deciding to keep Erik ten Hag including three Premier League bosses

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      THE whirlwind of speculation over Erik ten Hag’s future was nothing compared to the torrent of activity behind the scenes in a remarkable past few weeks.The simple fact that Manchester United retained their manager after an end-of-season review disguises the turmoil of at least NINE other bosses being considered to replace the Dutchman.Erik ten Hag led Man Utd to a 2-1 FA Cup final win over neighbours City last month that might well have saved his jobCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi were contendersCredit: AlamyA stirring and tactically-brilliant FA Cup final win over Premier League kings Man City is believed to have tipped the balance in Ten Hag’s favour.He already knew failing to qualify for the Champions League would trigger an intense review of his position.And indeed finishing a club-record low of eighth in the Prem highlighted the pressure Ten Hag was under.However, having won the EFL Cup in his first season and the biggest domestic knockout competition in his second campaign, his trophy-winning status makes him stand out amongst the six successors, plus two caretaker chiefs, since Alex Ferguson’s 27-year golden reign ended in 2013.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSNonetheless, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team of Sir Dave Brailsford, Jason Wilcox and Jean-Claude Blancheld spoke to several possible replacements for Ten Hag, including advanced talks with big names.In fact, The Athletic say Teg Hag was only retained after an intensive board meeting in Monaco, plus a face-to-face meeting in Ibiza.Ratcliffe’s men had cut contact with him after his Wembley triumph to keep their analysis as scientific and detached as possible – a period that, not surprisingly, troubled ETH until a positive final decision was reached. And before that verdict United had conducted an equally rigorous process – that of analysing possible successors.Most read in FootballThomas Tuchel eventually dropped out of the runningCredit: GettyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTwo contenders are thought to have been dropped from the running pretty quickly.Those were Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez.Tom Heaton reveals phone call from Gareth Southgate that saw Man Utd goalkeeper join up with England’s Euro 2024 squadAmorim, 39, is regarded as one of Europe’s most-respected young coaches.In fact, Liverpool were linked to the Portuguese before opting for Feyenoord’s Arne Slot to succeed Jurgen Klopp.Meanwhile, former Everton and Belgium chief Martinez is understood to have been briefly mentioned too.Barcelona were also monitoring the Spaniard back in March.But instead he’s remained focused on Portugal’s Euro 2024 bid – albeit having promised much but won little in his 16 years as a manager.Then come the seven men who have been talked up for the Old Trafford role right up to the last three weeks.Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Fulham’s Marco Silva are said to have met United representatives just days before the May 25 FA Cup final.And at around the same time Roberto De Zerbi was cementing his standing as a genuine contender.Red Devils’chiefs eventually decided the Italian didn’t quite match their needs – ironically as he quit Brighton by mutual consent at the end of the domestic term.Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna led the way for the young pretenders.United weighed up whether such a huge job after just three years in his only job so far as manager – and all outside the Prem – would be too big an ask at the age of 38.In the end, despite Chelsea and Brighton also being interested, McKenna signed a new four-year deal with his top-flight new boys.Englsnd boss Gareth Southgate is much admired by Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: GettyNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.

      Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
      Gareth Southgate
      Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
      Kieran McKenna
      Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
      Thomas Frank
      Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
      Marco Silva
      Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
      Mauricio Pochettino
      Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Thomas Tuchel
      Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
      Ruben Amorim
      Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
      Roberto Martinez
      Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.

      Ex-Stamford Bridge chief Thomas Tuchel was high up the list for Old Trafford in recent months, particularly once he announced he’s quit Bayern Munich this summer.But despite impressing in talks with United officials, the German decided he wanted a break from the game and dropped out of the running.That leaves arguably the two biggest names of the nine.Mauricio Pochettino shot up the pack of fancied runners when Chelsea sacked him on May 21.But even the reported backing of legend Fergie didn’t prevent the ex-Tottenham boss falling by the wayside early in June.Last, but perhaps most intriguingly, comes Gareth Southgate.After eight years in charge of England, Southgate has admitted his time could be up if the Three Lions flop in Germany.But he also insisted he wouldn’t consider talking about any other job until after the Eros.And although Ratcliffe rates Southgate highly, there is no suggestion United got as far as approaching Southgate.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead, the Red Devils have handed a third season to Ten Hag, although reportedly giving him less of a say in transfers.But much like Southgate, who has taken England to the 2018 World Cup semis as well as the Euro 2020 final ahead of the fast- looming Euros, could it be a case of third time lucky or no fourth chance? More

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      Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Monaco meeting where Man Utd chiefs ‘reached consensus to SACK Ten Hag’ before huge U-turn

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      MANCHESTER UNITED club chiefs agreed to sack Erik ten Hag at a meeting in Monaco before making a dramatic U-turn, according to reports.The United boss was almost axed on several occasions but is now confirmed to be staying on in his post.Erik ten Hag saved his job by winning the FA CupCredit: ReutersClub chiefs including Sir David Brailsford had agreed to sack the DutchmanCredit: GettyCo-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted to bring in his own manCredit: AlamyTen Hag came under pressure towards the end of the season before saving his job by winning the FA Cup.A meeting in Monaco involving director Sir Dave Brailsford as well as interim chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc and technical director Jason Wilcox resulted in the unanimous agreement Ten Hag should be sacked, report The Athletic.It was a consensus club chiefs had leaned towards in the days and weeks building up to the meeting, with United’s 4-0 loss at Crystal Palace a big concern.United bosses were worried about Ten Hag’s coaching and tactical selections, which almost saw the Red Devils knocked out of the FA Cup semi-final after throwing away a 3-0 lead against Coventry.READ MORE ON MAN UTDPrior to that Ten Hag was to be given the beginning of next season to try and turn around the club’s fortunes.But directors were also concerned with the mood around the training ground, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe was reportedly keen to bring in his own man.There were also concerns over Ten Hag’s vision for the future, and a clause in his contract which gave him the right to veto signings.Ten Hag was almost sacked before United’s game against Arsenal on May 12, with an interim coach considered.Most read in FootballErik ten Hag’s Man Utd recordHere is a look at Erik ten Hag’s record in charge of Manchester United.

      Games: 114
      Wins: 68
      Draws: 15
      Losses: 31
      Goals scored: 207
      Goals conceded: 156
      Points per game: 1.92
      Honours: EFL Cup x1 (2023), FA Cup x1 (2024)

      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      United also spoke to Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi about succeeding the Dutchman, and came as close as discussing finances with the pair.Ten Hag was granted a stay of execution following wins against Newcastle and Brighton, and by winning the FA Cup he achieved qualification for the Europa League to boost the club’s coffers. Gary Neville fears ‘first ever lawsuit’ for Stick to Football after Patrick Vieira’s seven-word comment about Man Utd More

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      Tottenham’s record signing wakes up unemployed as he is released after winning three trophies in two seasons

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      TANGUY NDOMBELE has been cut loose by Tottenham.The French flop, 27, remains Spurs’ record signing after joining from Lyon for £60million in 2019.Tottenham have mutually terminated Tanguy Ndombele’s contract a year earlyCredit: GettyBut he fell out of favour with then-boss Jose Mourinho and did not convince any of the managers that followed the Special One.After three successive loans to Lyon, Napoli and Galatasaray – all of whom decided not to take up an option to sign him permanently – Spurs have now decided to pay him up with a year remaining on his deal.The club confirmed Ndombele’s exit on social media, with his contract mutually terminated.His departure will become effective on June 30 following the conclusion of his loan spell at Galatasaray.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNdombele made 26 appearances in Turkey, providing one assist as Galatasaray won the league title.The triumph follows his trophy success in Napoli during the 2022/23 campaign.He scored once in 30 Serie A appearances for the club as they ended their 33-year wait for the Scudetto.Ndombele was unable to help end Tottenham’s trophy drought during his time in England, though.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSDuring his five years in North London, the midfielder made 91 appearances across all competitions.He also scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in those appearances.Tottenham launch bizarre ad to reveal new kit with Gavin and Stacey star, Maddison playing darts and Peter CrouchHowever, Ndombele has not featured for Spurs since appearing against Morecambe in the FA Cup in January 2022.Spurs previously confirmed the exits of four other first-team players at the end of the month.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?
      1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7m
      Ndombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.
      But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.
      2) Richarlison – £49.3m
      Richarlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.
      And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.
      3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8m
      Johnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.
      He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.
      4) Cristian Romero – £44.2m
      Romero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.
      He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.
      5) James Maddison – £39.4m
      Maddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.
      But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.
      6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7m
      Sanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.
      But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.
      7) Pedro Porro – £34m
      Porro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.
      He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.
      8) Micky van de Ven – £34m
      Rapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.
      His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.
      9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8m
      Sissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.
      Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.
      10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2m
      Lo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.
      He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine.

      Eric Dier and Ivan Perisic have already agreed free transfers to Bayern Munich and Hajduk Split, respectively.Meanwhile, Ryan Sessegnon and Japhet Tanganga will also depart at the end of their deals. More

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      Man Utd ‘draw up three-man striker shortlist including Ivan Toney’ as England star’s transfer value is revealed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn up a three-man shortlist of striker targets, according to reports.The Red Devils are understood to be looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.Ivan Toney is on Manchester United’s three-man striker shortlistCredit: GettyJonathan David is also an option for United this summerCredit: GettyBologna forward Joshua Zirkzee is understood to have a £34million release clauseCredit: GettyESPN report United’s wishlist includes Ivan Toney, Jonathan David and Joshua Zirkzee.Both Toney and David are set to enter the final year of their contracts at Brentford and Lille, respectively.However, Brentford are still set to demand £50million for England star Toney, the report adds.Meanwhile, Zirkzee’s Bologna contract includes a £34million release clause this summer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDespite the uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future, United are pushing ahead with their transfer business.The club are keen to add a striker, with Rasmus Hojlund the only senior centre-forward at Old Trafford.Anthony Martial is set to leave on a free transfer at the end of the month, whilst United have missed out on Benjamin Sesko.The Slovenian is expected to pen a new deal with RB Leipzig following links with a move to the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
      Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
      Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
      Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
      Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
      Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
      Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
      Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
      Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
      Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
      Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
      Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
      Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
      Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
      Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
      Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
      Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
      Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
      Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
      Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
      Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
      Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
      Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
      Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
      Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
      Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season.

      United have now identified their alternative targets in the position, though.Toney scored four goals in 17 Premier League appearances for Brentford last term after returning from his betting ban.Who’s left in the running to be next Man Utd manager?The 28-year-old’s form was also enough to earn him a place in the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.As for David, only Kylian Mbappe scored more than his 19 Ligue 1 goals for Lille.Elsewhere, Zirkzee scored 11 and added five assists in a slightly deeper role for Bologna as they qualified for the Champions League.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Forgotten ex-Premier League star who won title under Man Utd coach arrested on suspicion of drug smuggling

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      FORMER Premier League star Ronnie Stam has been arrested on suspicion of drug smuggling and money laundering.The Dutch defender spent three top-flight seasons with Wigan, making 73 Latics appearances.Ronnie Stam played for Wigan in the Premier LeagueCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe also figured in their FA Cup-winning run of 2013, although did not play in their 1-0 final win over Manchester City.Stam signed for Wigan in a £2million deal from FC Twente in 2010.He subsequently moved on to Belgians Standard Liege in 2013 before ending his career with hometown club NAC Breda.Dutch police reportedly seized the 39-year-old earlier this week as part of their investigation into large-scale drugs offences.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSources told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad that Stam’s parents and girlfriend were also taken into custody.Cops are understood to have launched their probe following a series of phone taps in 2021 and 2022.The ex-player’s brother was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison in March for cocaine trafficking and money laundering.He remains free on appeal.Most read in FootballStam’s parents were charged with money laundering and cannabis cultivation in 2016 after police found €40,000 (£33,800) in cash hidden behind a washing machine at their home.However the couple were cleared after they and Stam claimed the money was part of the footballer’s earnings.Football icons’ strange hobbiesStam won the Eredivisie title with Twente, managed by ex-England boss Steve McClaren, in 2010 to land his move to the Premier League.But he could now face several years in jail if convicted.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      ‘I was terrified to say that,’ says Carragher as Vieira savages Roy Keane with brutal joke about international career

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      PATRICK VIEIRA had The Overlap studio “terrified” after he made a joke about Roy Keane’s international career. The Arsenal legend enjoyed classic battles with Manchester United’s former captain during their heydays. Roy Keane fell victim to a joke about his 2002 World Cup exitPatrick Vieira joined rival Keane on The OverlapAnd even in retirement, the two clearly have no love lost. But they put it to one side as Vieira joined Keane and his Overlap co-hosts Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher. One segment on the show saw Vieira and Keane got head-to-head in a quiz about their careers. And Neville asked on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet: “Who had more international caps, Patrick or Roy?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth voted for Vieira, as the Gunners great said: “Yeah, that’s an easy one.” But Keane, who played 67 times for Ireland, quipped: “You qualified for more tournaments, you see.” And Vieira, capped 107 times for France, hit back: “And I never walk out of them.” The panel burst into laughter as ex-England defender Carragher said: “I was terrified to say that.” Most read in FootballBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:

      BBC presenters:
      Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
      ITV presenters:
      Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
      BBC pundits:
      Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
      ITV pundits:
      Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
      BBC commentators:
      Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
      ITV commentators:
      Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
      BBC co-commentators:
      Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
      ITV co-commentators:
      Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeville joked: “I left the pause for someone to fill in.” Keane infamously walked out on Ireland’s 2002 World Cup camp following a fallout with manager Mick McCarthy. ‘I couldn’t stand you’ – Patrick Vieira reunites with Roy Keane and Gary Neville to reveal all on infamous tunnel clashDespite the row, the midfielder did play for Ireland nine more times up until 2005. He will now join Neville at this year’s Euros in Germany as a pundit for ITV. More

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      Arsenal suffer transfer blow as Benjamin Sesko ‘decides to STAY at RB Leipzig with gentlemen’s agreement in place’

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      ARSENAL have been dealt a huge transfer blow after it was firstly claimed that they “held the upper hand” in the chase for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old Slovenian striker is currently preparing to face England in the Euro 2024 group stages.Arsenal are allegedly in pole position to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin SeskoCredit: GettyHe has a host of top clubs chasing his services after he fired 23 goals for club and country last term.A report emerged last week that three of the Premier League’s biggest teams are battling it out for the signature of the Bundesliga ace this summer.Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all determined to strengthen their front line before the start of next term.They all want Sesko – who has a release clause of £55.3m – while Newcastle have also joined the long-list of admirers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut one giant appears to be leading the chase.The NY Times states that “the feeling among those interested parties” is “that Arsenal are in pole position” to sign him.The chasing pack “would like clarity on the situation” before the European Championship begins on Friday.However, even though they know that his price tag will not be inflated should he have a golden summer for Slovenia in Germany due to the release clause, no-one wants any potential deal to drag on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that could be good news for Arsenal.There is a belief among the English clubs that Mikel Arteta’s men allegedly “hold the upper hand because they can offer Champions League football and stability”.How Arsenal’s 180-page dossiers on transfer targets have led to outstanding recruitmentThey are two things he and his camp feel are “lacking at Chelsea and United”.But “there is a very real possibility Sesko will opt to stay at Leipzig”.And this fresh report claims that “is more of a threat to Arsenal’s hopes than him electing to move elsewhere in the Premier League”.Now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has added more weight to that claim by stating that the player will be going nowhere.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      He wrote on X: “Benjamin Sesko has decided to STAY at RB Leipzig and sign new contract on improved terms!“Decision made for talented striker, similar to what Haaland decided back in the days at BVB.“Sesko will stay at Leipzig with a new gentlemen agreement for future exit.”Sesko signed for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria back in 2019 as a 16-year-old from Domzale in his homeland.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter spending two years on loan at their reserve team in the second tier, he went on to score 21 times for the first-team.That led to him joining Salzburg’s sister club RB Leipzig on a five-year contract in 2022.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      When do yellow cards reset at Euro 2024?

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      EURO 2024 is upon us and some of the world’s best players will be in action this summer in Germany.And many world class stars are set to leave it all on the pitch in their bid for glory, which will lead to some intense moments.Yellow card bookings expire once Euro 2024 kicks off in GermanyCredit: AFPYellow cards are inevitable in every major competition, but players will want to avoid testing the referees and VAR’s patience as they will risk a suspension.When do yellow cards reset at Euro 2024?Bookings that took place during the qualifying stages and play-offs expire once Euro 2024 proper kicks off on June 14.And any cautions that take place during the tournament expire upon the completion of the quarter-finals.Yellow cards that take place in the semi-finals expire once the tournament is completed.Read More on FootballUEFA’s Article 54 states: “Cautions that have not resulted in a suspension expire on completion of the qualifying group stage. They are not carried forward to the play-offs nor the final tournament.”Cautions from the play-off matches that have not resulted in a suspension expire on completion of the play-offs. They are not carried forward to the final tournament.”Pending yellow-card suspensions from either the group stage or the play-offs expire on completion of the qualifying competition. They are not carried forward to the final tournament.”Cautions from matches in the final tournament that have not resulted in a suspension expire on completion of the quarter-finals. They are not carried forward to the semi-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Cautions and pending yellow-card suspensions from the final tournament expire at the end of the competition.”However, repeat cautions during the Euro 2024 finals in Germany will lead to a one-match suspension.Scotland given boost ahead of Euro 2024 as major rule change takes step forwardThat takes place after two consecutive bookings or after the fourth yellow card.UEFA rules also dictate: “In case of repeated cautions: “In the qualifying competition, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after three cautions, as well as after the fifth and any subsequent caution;”In the final tournament, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after two cautions, as well as after the fourth caution.” More