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      Man Utd flop lined up for free transfer back to former club after being signed for huge £31m fee

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      VICTOR LINDELOF is eyeing a return to Benfica when his Manchester United contract expires this summer.The Swedish defender spent five years on the books of the Portuguese club before earning a £31 million move to Old Trafford in summer 2017.Victor Lindelof is eyeing a return to Benfica when his contract expires this summerCredit: GettyLindelof joined Joshua Zirkzee in missing a spot kick in the shoot outCredit: GettyUnited crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties to Fulham on SundayCredit: RexLindelof has endured an injury ravaged season and has yet to start a Premier League game for the Red Devils.And his campaign took a turn for the worse on Sunday when he missed his penalty as holders United crashed out of the FA Cup to Fulham in a shoot-out.West Ham were one of the clubs who showed an interest in taking him on loan in January – but he looks likely to move as a free agent in the summer.United have not held discussions with Lindelof – who has spent 79 days out injured this season – over an extension to his current deal.READ MORE ON MAN UTDLindelof also spent around 112 days out last term with separate hamstring and groin issues.The 30-year-old occasionally visits Lisbon during his time off and has fond memories of his five-year spell at Benfica.He won three Portuguese league titles and two domestic cups with Benfica before Jose Mourinho signed him. A return to Benfica would appeal and the club are on the look-out for a replacement for ex-Manchester City centre back Nicolas Otamendi.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSClub captain Otamendi is set to depart Benfica on a free this summer, with Argentinian side Rosario Central keen on signing him.The World Cup winner could even link up with Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in a few months.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueOtamendi played every single minute of Argentina’s winning campaign in Qatar 2022.Lindelof has played 270 times for United and has scored four goals.He was relegated to United’s fifth-choice central defender last summer after Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro joined from Bayern Munich and Lille respectively. He is also behind Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire in the pecking order.The Red Devils activated a one-year extension to Maguire’s contract, meaning he will remain at Old Trafford until the end of next season.The club also signed 18-year-old centre back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal last month.United are expected to revamp their squad this summer after another dismal season, which has left them 14th in the Prem.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. More

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      Gary Lineker moves to ITV with Match of the Day host to hold ‘most honest interview yet’

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      GARY LINEKER is set for a move to ITV – but he won’t be heading up their footie coverage.SunSport exclusively revealed last year that Lineker’s incredible run as Match of the Day host will come to an end this summer.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the season and the Beeb next summerCredit: PALineker has been presenting MOTD since 1999Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe former Everton and England star is set to appear on a brand new ITV showCredit: RexLineker is set to leave the Beeb in the summer of 2026.And he’s already bagged himself a temporary gig on a new ITV show.The former Everton and England hitman has been confirmed as the first star on the broadcaster’s new show, Assembly, where guests will face their “most honest interview yet”.In the show, Lineker will field questions from people who are neurodivergent, autistic and/or learning disabled.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn ITV statement read: “After a long and illustrious career as both a Golden Boot-winning footballer and top sports broadcaster, and with his tenure as the longest-serving presenter of Match of the Day drawing to a close this summer, there’s no end to the stories that Lineker might share.”Carefully considered PR fluff won’t cut it on this show.”And the celebrities can expect plenty of mischief and surprises once they get in the hotseat.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGary Lineker will officially leave the BBC after the 2026 World Cup finalCredit: PALineker will appear on the show with other celebs, including former Doctor Who, David Tennant, Little Mix star Jade Thirwall and actor Danny Dyer.Most read in FootballITV have previously tried to acquire Lineker’s services, offering him a chance to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voiceDuring a recent episode of The Rest is Football podcast, he revealed: “Do you know, last week I got requests to go on Celebrity Big Brother.”He added: “My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, ‘Oh, yes. Gary’s fee will be £50 million!'”He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, ‘Oh, that’s a little bit…that’s not within our budget.'”Lineker’s 25-year stint presenting Match of the Day will end at the culmination of the 2024-25 season.He will, however, head up the Beeb’s coverage of the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA.The final of the tournament, which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New York on July 19, will be his farewell appearance for the broadcaster.It was announced in December that Lineker will be replaced by veteran footie presenters Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. More

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      James Trafford on course to complete Newcastle transfer in summer 12 months after move collapsed

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      JAMES TRAFFORD is on course to become a Newcastle United player – whether Burnley are promoted or not.The goalkeeper, 22, has been in incredible form for the high-flying Clarets and has not conceded for over 1,000 minutes.James Trafford seems certain to return to the Prem next seasonCredit: ReutersThe England U21 international had agreed to move to St James’ for £16m last summer before the deal collapsed.Manchester City have a buy-back clause as part of the package that took him to Turf Moor in 2023 which states they can re-sign for a £40m-plus fee.But Newcastle are not believed to have any concerns about that and are confident they can get the transfer over the line this summer.Trafford, who has just two years left on his contract, also has his heart set on the move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis performances have been closely monitored by the Premier League side’s scouts for over the past year.And his ball-playing ability as well as his shotstopping talents have made him a stand-out choice to be Toon’s new No1.Trafford, for now, will be hoping to extend his 11-game clean sheet run on Friday night when third-placed Burnley host Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.Meanwhile, Newcastle are still determined to hold onto Arsenal target Alexander Isak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be monitoring the Swedish striker.But the Magpies want around £165million for the Swede – twice what the Gunners would have hoped to pay.Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final Newcastle have the 25-year-old on a contract, believed to be £130,000 a week, until 2028.Toon chief Eddie Howe has said: “We of course love him and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years.” More

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      All this week’s red-hot transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know including Liverpool’s shock goalkeeper swoop

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      SUNSPORT’S Alan Nixon is the Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Everton are keen on Maxime Esteve from Burnley if they lose Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: RexMAX EFFORTEVERTON want Burnley’s centre-half Maxime Esteve — but will need to sell Jarrad Branthwaite.French defender Esteve will be a big target for many clubs in the summer, whether Scott Parker’s side go up or not.But the 22-year-old is rated in the £30million-plus class so David Moyes may need to balance their books.Everton accept that Branthwaite, 22, will likely leave for financial fair play reasons this summer — but a £60m pricetag will fund two or three signings.Everton are eyeing Rotherham teenager Harrison Duncan as one for the future.Millers boss Steve Evans has had the 16-year-old centre-back on the bench in League One and he started in the EFL Trophy against Newcastle in October.Toffees are keen to have a close look at the defender, who is in the John Stones mould.And they may ask for him to spend some time with them.Duncan has an amazing record at youth level, scoring 11 goals this season.Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer KOP SHOP FOR KOBELLIVERPOOL are taking a shock interest in Borussia Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel.Kop spies are hot on the trail of the Swiss international, 27, ahead of a summer move.The Reds fear Alisson Becker will be tempted to leave Anfield by a lucrative deal.They already signed Giorgi Mamardashvili, who arrives in July, but the Georgian has been in below average form for struggling Valencia in LaLiga.He is still due to come but may not be first choice.There will have to be a decision on Kobel soon as Chelsea and Barcelona have shortlisted him for a move too.Liverpool are looking at Dortmund keeper Gregor KobelCredit: GettyFOXES OSO KEENLEICESTER hope to make a £10million bid for red-hot Chile winger Dario Osorio.The Foxes have tracked the international’s progress at Danish side Midtjylland and a work permit will not be an issue.Osorio, 21, joined from Universidad de Chile in 2023 and fancies bigger things — with the Prem in his sights.Leicester will still have a crack even if they do not stay up.Dario Osorio is a target for LeicesterCredit: AFPDERRY WELLCHELSEA  have  their  eyes  on   controversially raiding Crystal Palace for young winger Jesse Derry.Derry can operate on either side and has been with the Eagles since he was a kid — his dad Shaun played and worked there.But Derry Jr, 17, is out of contract in the summer — and Palace will only get minimal training compensation.The Blues also signed Reggie Watson, son of Palace old boy Ben, when he was 14.YOU WAT?BRIGHTON plan to offer LESS for winger Tommy Watson at Sunderland.Albion’s £8.5million-plus-extras January bid for Watson, 18, was turned down.A smaller summer offer will follow as they are out of the frantic market.And Watson may not even get a game to up his value.WHICH top manager is giving all his players major concerns about his well-being?The gaffer has been around for years but his team are now concerned he starts sentences but does not then complete them.The situation is a bit more serious than just dressing-room banter and nobody is laughing.Some have known the chief for years — and are feeling on edge about it.WELL-WARNEPAUL WARNE will be top of the list at Rotherham if manager Steve Evans cannot turn round their League One season.Warne, 51, is still admired by the Millers from his previous spell in charge and knows the club inside out.His reputation has not been hurt by his Derby spell.WELL INLEYTON ORIENT have put a £250,000 pricetag on the head of their manager Richie Wellens.Wellens, 44, is on the shortlist to take over at managerless Blackburn.He has caught the eye during Orient’s surprise League One play-off bid this seasonJohn Eustace quit Ewood Park for Derby last week.And Rovers are due to meet candidates this week, including Gary O’Neil and some foreign hopefuls.Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens is wanted by BlackburnCredit: RexBrighton are looking for a permanent home for Valentin BarcoCredit: GettyVALENTIN’S DAYBRIGHTON will sell Argentinian left-back Valentin Barco for the right price.Barco, 20, cost £7.8million from Boca Juniors in January 2024 but has failed to reach the levels wanted.The wing-back spent the first half of this season on loan in LaLiga at Sevilla.But he is now in the shop window with French club Strasbourg.And the Seagulls are attempting to find him a permanent home.SHOR THINGHUDDERSFIELD are keen to move for teenage midfielder Jackson Shorrocks.The Blackburn academy youngster captains Rovers’ under-18 side but has been told he can leave Ewood Park.And the Terriers will be first to have a look. More

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      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta to axe SEVEN Arsenal players to fund summer transfer spending spree for new striker

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      MIKEL ARTETA is set to let go of SEVEN players to fund a huge summer spreading spree, according to reports.The Gunners signed ZERO players in the winter window despite their obvious issues up-front.Mikel Arteta is eyeing a huge summer spending spreeCredit: GettyNewcastle’s Alexander Isak is on Arsenal’s radarCredit: AFPThe Gunners see Benjamin Sesko as a more realistic option but Real Madrid are also interested in the midfielderCredit: ReutersBut Arsenal will now be armed with a vast amount of cash at the end of the season to strengthen their attacking ranks.Arteta – who is currently enjoying a team break in Dubai – made it clear that he was “disappointed” with the lack of January activity and is ready to push for a new marquee striker in six months time.Newcastle’s talisman Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko are the top of the Spaniard’s wish-list.But Arsenal will need to have a proper clear out and cut the wage bill in order to fund any move for Isak – which would surely take a British-record transfer fee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Magpies want to keep the 25-year-old Swede – who has scored 59 goals in 94 games for the Toon – at all costs and reports have suggested a £150million asking price.But Arteta has sanctioned the departure of seven first-team stars in order to facilitate a spree, according to The Mirror.For starters, loanee Raheem Sterling is set to return to Chelsea and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams remains on Arsenal’s radar.There will be major surgery in midfield with Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJorginho is currently in discussions with Brazilian giants Flamengo over a pre-contract agreement.Notable groundwork has already been done on a £51million move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi although Real Madrid could yet enter the fray for the Spaniard, who snubbed Liverpool last summer.Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goalThomas Partey is out of contract in the summer and Oleksandr Zinchenko could be lured elsewhere for game timeCredit: GettyRosenberg’s 18-year-old Sverre Nypan is a target that’s likely to be revisited this summer after the Norwegian prodigy opted to remain in Scandinavia for an additional six months.Meanwhile, left-back Kieran Tierney will likely rejoin Celtic on a free transfer and Arsenal will likely be open to offers for centre-back Jakub Kiwior.And Oleksandr Zinchenko looks poised to pursue a transfer due to his lack of minutes this season.Myles Lewis-Skelly has leapfrogged both Riccardo Calafiori and Zinchenko in the Arsenal pecking order in recent months.That could mean a replacement for the Ukrainian is not deemed as essential.Veteran loanee Neto – who was signed as a stopgap – is due to return to Bournemouth.And Espanyol No 1 Joan Garcia remains a player of interest since Arsenal saw two bids rejected by the Spanish club in August.Arsenal have splashed the cash on their backline in recent transfer windows and further defensive reinforcements are likely to be dependent on outgoings, with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato on their radar.Spain Euro 2024 star Nico Williams is on Arsenal’s radarCredit: APMartin Zubimendi, who has a £52million release clause, looks certain to arrive but Madrid have registered an interest nowCredit: GettyWhile the departure of the seven stars may not raise significant transfer funds, it will certainly free up plenty of space on the wage bill.The Emirates Stadium hierarchy are currently finalising the appointment of former sporting director Edu’s successor. Jason Ayto has stepped up on an interim basis and is a strong candidate to land the job permanently. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are facing the prospect of another trophyless season after they were knocked out of both domestic cups.While their Premier League hopes are fading as the club sit six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand, the Gunners are hoping to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Tottenham loanee Mathys Tel ‘eyeing summer Man Utd transfer’ as debut ends in Anfield humiliation

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      TOTTENHAM loanee Mathys Tel is reportedly eyeing a summer move to Manchester United.The 19-year-old’s hopes of a dream debut went up in smoke after Spurs were humiliated by Liverpool at Anfield.Mathys Tel is reportedly eyeing a summer move to Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTYLiverpool set up a League Cup final with NewcastleHolding a shock 1-0 lead from the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, Spurs went onto lose 4-0 in the return leg last night.Ange Postecoglou’s side couldn’t lay a glove on Arne Slot’s men – and failed to register a single shot on target.Tel – who came on for Richarlison on the stroke on half-time – may already be left questioning his move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.He was expected to lead the line, as the Brazilian had done, centrally, and there were sparks of intelligent play from the Bayern Munich star.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Frenchman provided a key pass amongst 18 touches of the ball, though failed to do much else of note beyond firing into the side netting in the second half.While reports suggested that he’d secretly agreed to sign a permanent deal with Tottenham, Tel might now be drawn to Old Trafford.But Tel would be swapping one car crash for another, as United sit 13th in the Prem and have lost to Spurs twice already this season.United expressed an interest in loaning Tel before he joined Tottenham, who have the option to buy him, on deadline day.Most read in FootballThey ultimately decided against it after the clubs couldn’t agree on a fee.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Ruben Amorim will get a “second chance” to sign Tel as the French starlet was open to a move to Manchester in January, according to German football expert Christian Falk.If the Red Devils – who are depleted in forward areas – do want him in the summer they’ll have to fork out around £50m to Bayern.Mathys Tel completes dramatic Tottenham loan transfer after making shock U-turn Tel had initially rejected a switch to Spurs when a straight £50m deal was on the table.Spurs fans worried about paying £10MILLION for a three-and-a-half-month loan deal, but Postecoglou adamantly claimed the French teenager was going to be at the club for years to come.In all, Tel – the centre-forward Ange so desperately wanted – had just ONE touch of the ball in the box against Liverpool.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Arsenal lining up ‘unprecedented’ summer spending spree with Alexander Isak top target and lengthy shortlist

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      ARSENAL are gearing up for an unprecedented summer spending spree after signing ZERO players in January.And Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is the name at the top of Mikel Arteta’s lengthy wanted list.Alexander Isak is understood to be Arsenal’s top targetArsenal fans aren’t exactly happy that the club failed to bring in reinforcements last month – Arteta expressed his disappointment too before taking his team out to Dubai for some TLC.Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final exit to Newcastle will serve only to strengthen the fans’ view that the window was a huge letdown.Fans and pundits alike have been belting: “Arsenal need a striker!” for some time now.Injuries to star boy Bukayo Saka (hamstring), goalscorer Gabriel Jesus (knee) and now seemingly Gabriel Martinelli have only compounded that assertion. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Gunners have just one fit centre-forward in ex-Chelsea man Kai Havertz, 25, having decided to stick with what they have instead of bringing in a body to bolster the team.Arsenal did try to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa but had a £45m bid rejected after the Villans sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for £70m.With all that said, Arteta’s quiet January should result in a summer of hefty spending.The foundations are in place but there is an understanding the next window is “critical” to firing the club towards trophies, reports The Mail.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal are at risk of finishing second best in the Prem for the third successive year after Liverpool’s incredible season replaced the dominance of Manchester City.But the Gunners also have their eyes on winning the Champions League for the first time in their history.Mikel Arteta looks ahead to Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle in Carabao Cup semi-final second leg Achieving that goal requires investment. Having kept their purses closed in January, there will be a spending spree before next season.But the big money will be spent on a new dream ticket centre forward – ideally 25-year-old Isak.The Swede has scored 59 goals in 94 games for Newcastle since joining the Toon for a club record from Real Sociedad in 2022.Yet before Isak’s move to St James’ Park was made final, Arsenal had been chasing the striker too.But his £75million release clause was deemed a risk at the time for the then 22-year-old star.Arteta insisted the Gunners’ lack of transfer activity was NOT a “gamble” in January as the club will splash the cash in few months.Martin Zubimendi, who has a £52million release clause, looks certain to arrive from Real Sociedad in the summer.Arsenal are preparing for the expected midfield departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who are both out of contract in June.They will likely go all out for Red Bull Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, 21, who is valued at £60m, after registering their interest during the last two windows.Arsenal will likely go all out for Red Bull Leipzig striker Benjamin SeskoCredit: RexThe North London club will explore a move for a versatile right winger too, with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams on the list.Meanwhile, Wolves forward Matheus Cunha was linked with a move to the Emirates in the summer.Cunha surprisingly signed a new four-and-a half-year deal to stay at Molineux on February 1 – but it does include a £62.5million release clause.Potential moves for Mathys Tel – who has since joined rivals Tottenham – and AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata were also discussed.The role of interim sporting director Jason Ayto was an intriguing backdrop to Arsenal’s January activity.READ MORE SUN STORIESAyto is effectively sitting an on-the-job interview for the permanent position after Edu’s shock departure towards the end of 2024.While fans are furious, Ayto’s considered approach is one that’s aligned with the club’s long-term strategy.Midfielder Martin Zubimendi looks set to join in the summer too More

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      in Boxing

      Timeline for Anthony Joshua’s next fight revealed as Tyson Fury grudge match hangs in balance

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      THE working timeline for Anthony Joshua’s ring return has been revealed.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion hasn’t set foot in the ring since his demolition at the hands of Daniel Dubois in September.Anthony Joshua hasn’t fought since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in SeptemberCredit: GETTYThe tentative timeline for the former champ’s return has been revealedCredit: REUTERSA rematch with Dubois was slated for February until AJ was convinced by his team to recover from niggling injuries.And the golden boy of British boxing, according to Matchroom CEO Frank Smith, is now on course for a summer return.In an interview with BetFred, he said: “There’s a lot of movement in the heavyweight division.“You’ve got Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker on February 22nd , we’ve got to wait and see what Oleksandr Usyk does next.”But I think you’ll see Anthony Joshua back out in the summer.”READ MORE ON AJA long-overdue domestic dust-up with Tyson Fury finally appeared to be on the cards for AJ after his fellow Brit suffered a second-straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last December.But the Gypsy King seemingly put the final nail in the coffin of the Battle of Britain earlier this month by announcing his FIFTH retirement.Long-time AJ pal and promoter Eddie Hearn, however, isn’t buying Fury’s latest hanging up of the gloves.The Matchroom Boxing chief told iFL TV: “I saw that coming. Most read in Boxing”I think, if you ever want to come back and get the max you’ve gotta retire first, ain’t you?JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Someone’s gotta bring you out of retirement. So listen, if that’s the last we see of Tyson Fury, good luck to him.”I doubt it, personally, but whatever he chooses to do much respect to him.”Amir Khan echos the nation in plead to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua… and he speaks from experienceHe later told The Daily Mail: “None of us know what Fury will do next.”But if we are to see the fight in the summer, he would probably have to come out of retirement in the next three or four weeks. “After that, the summer gets difficult for a fight of this size. “The future? Hopefully – I think he will be back, but it’s in his hands. “For AJ, we have options to pursue and we are looking at them currently.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More