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      Casemiro’s Man Utd career all-but over with £350,000-a-week flop ‘hurt’ by Erik ten Hag and set for transfer meeting

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      CASEMIRO’S departure from Manchester United is set to be agreed in a meeting with club chiefs after the Brazilian was left “hurt” by Erik ten Hag’s decision to drop him.The former Real Madrid midfielder, 32, was originally named among the Red Devils’ substitutes for their 2-1 FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City, before he was replaced by Willy Kambwala prior to kick-off.Casemiro is expected to leave Old Trafford this summerCredit: GettyCasemiro then skipped Man Utd’s after-party as he jetted straight off on holiday.Now, according to Goal, he is preparing for a sit-down with club chiefs that is expected to end with them wanting to go their separate ways.Saudi Arabian clubs Al Ahli and Al Qasidiya are leading the way to sign the five-time Champions League winner.Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are also said to be in the frame.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMan Utd believe they can get £30million for the man who joined for £70m just two years ago.However, the Saudi clubs feel they can clinch a deal for less – but could still increase his wages from the lucrative £350,000 he is already on.Erik ten Hag, who is also expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, is said to have “hurt” Casemiro by leaving him out of his squad at Wembley.Justifying the decision, the Dutch coach said: “Cas is not 100 per cent.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Also we want in that space around Phil Foden, we need a strong defence.”Casemiro is the highest-paid player on Man Utd’s books. Jamie Carragher tells Casemiro ‘this needs to stop’ and Man Utd flop needs to quit club after Crystal Palace horror showBut recent displays have come under huge criticism at the end of a dismal campaign for the South American star.Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher recently claimed after a shambolic performance in a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace that Casemiro needs to leave European football and move to either Saudi or the MLS.Ten Hag and Casemiro could both be shown the exit door by Man Utd bossesCredit: AFPSunSport’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. More

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      How Chelsea could line up under Enzo Maresca with manager raiding Man City, Leicester and Napoli to create new team

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      CHELSEA could shape up very differently under incoming manager Enzo Maresca.The Italian, 44, who won the Championship with Leicester this season, is closing in on becoming Mauricio Pochettino’s successor.Enzo Maresca is poised to leave Leicester for ChelseaCredit: GettyChelsea could look like a totally different side under MarescaVictor Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford BridgeCredit: RexAnd his arrival could spell a new era at Stamford Bridge through a host more fresh faces.Chelsea have already spent more than £1billion in the two years since Todd Boehly took over the club from Roman Abramovich.But a third change of head coach is likely to spark some ins and outs among the squad.And Chelsea have already been linked with a number of names ahead of the summer transfer window.READ MORE ON CHELSEASunSport exclusively revealed last week that Chelsea are ready to make a surprise £20m bid for Burnley and England keeper James Trafford – who was under contract at Manchester City until last summer.Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is another main target for the Blues as he continues to be linked with a Premier League switch.Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo is also receiving interest from Chelsea.But Maresca could make his mark on transfers outside of those the club have already set their sights on.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTosin Adarabioyo is another name mooted as being of interest to ChelseaCredit: PARico Lewis worked with Maresca before the Leicester boss left the EtihadCredit: GettyLeicester fans won’t miss MarescaBy Graeme Bryce
      It’s fair to say most Leicester fans were not exactly pleading with Maresca to stay.
      OK, they were not queueing up and offering to drive him to Stamford Bridge.
      But there will not be too many tears shed or much wailing at the King Power either.
      The fans’ attitude to losing their incredibly successful boss could be summed up in a word: ‘Meh’.
      Maresca failed to win over the paying public who never really took to his patient, possession-based style of football.
      Having been brought up — some would say spoiled — by the swashbuckling title winners of 2016, with Jamie Vardy spearheading manager Claudio Ranieri’s shock champions, Maresca never really got off the ground at the King Power.
      So it will be interesting to see what Chelsea’s notoriously impatient fans make of Maresca’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’ style of play.
      It was not long before some of the old-school Leicester fans started moaning that Maresca’s patient, play-out-from-the-back style was becoming too boring to watch.
      During a 3-1 win over Swansea which left them ten points clear at the top, there were moans and groans coming from the stands amid cries of, ‘Get the ball forward’.
      Fans accused him of stubbornly sticking to his Plan A — even when it was not working — and claimed he was way too slow to make substitutions.
      But one thing Blues fans can look forward to is his man-management and his attention to detail.
      And the Foxes players also adored their manager.

      Manchester City and England man Rico Lewis could well be an acquisition he looks at following the success of Cole Palmer.Maresca coached Lewis during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bossesAnd Lewis could look at the rise of ex-Man City man Palmer at Stamford Bridge – 27 goals in 48 games in his first season – as a template for what he could also go on to achieve at the club.Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is another Maresca may look to bring with him to Chelsea after a superb campaign at the King Power Stadium.But the talented playmaker, who was linked with Brighton in the January window, is set to cost at least £35m.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been sensational for Leicester under MarescaCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea reach agreement to hire Enzo Maresca with Mauricio Pochettino’s successor handed mega-contract by Boehly and Co

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      ENZO MARESCA has agreed to become Chelsea’s new manager, according to reports.The 44-year-old succeeds Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent last week.Enzo Maresca has agreed to become Chelsea’s new managerCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last weekCredit: GettyChelsea had considered the likes of Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank for the job.However, Maresca emerged as the overwhelming favourite over the weekend following his success with Leicester City.The Blues will pay Leicester £10million in compensation to formally complete the deal.It is understood Maresca will put pen to paper on a FIVE-YEAR deal – with the option of an extra year until 2030 – before getting to work on stamping his identity on the squad.Read More on FootballThe Italian took over at the King Power Stadium last summer and guided Leicester back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.He won 31 out of 46 Championship games during his only season with the Foxes.Before joining Leicester, Maresca worked for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.He played an important role in guiding the Sky Blues to their historic Treble.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      Leicester midfielder Harry Winks recently hailed Maresca as an “incredible” manager.He told Sky Sports: “He’s by far the best manager I’ve worked for. He’s incredible.Mauricio Pochettino LEAVES Chelsea despite promising end to season as Blues line up four potential new bosses”Everybody will say he’s going right to the top in terms of managerial stature. He’s got everything. He’s a great man manager.”He’s tactically incredible in some of the decisions that he tells us to do before the game and how he views the match is something I’ve never experienced before in football.”Leicester are considering West Brom boss Carlos Corberan as an option to replace Stamford Bridge-bound Maresca.The ex-Huddersfield manager guided West Brom to the play-offs this season despite not spending a single penny on new signings.Corberan’s men fell short, losing 3-1 on aggregate to eventual winners Southampton in their semi-final.However, the energetic Spaniard’s stock remains high and he is regarded as one of the most tactically astute managers in the Championship.Leicester will also have to replace the majority of their backroom staff.Maresca is set to take the five coaches he brought with him to the club down to West London.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Chelsea keeper Willy Caballero, who retired to take up the post last summer, is part of his staff.Also expected to make the move are Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez and Javier Molina Caballero.Leicester fans won’t miss MarescaBy Graeme Bryce
      It’s fair to say most Leicester fans were not exactly pleading with Maresca to stay.
      OK, they were not queueing up and offering to drive him to Stamford Bridge.
      But there will not be too many tears shed or much wailing at the King Power either.
      The fans’ attitude to losing their incredibly successful boss could be summed up in a word: ‘Meh’.
      Maresca failed to win over the paying public who never really took to his patient, possession-based style of football.
      Having been brought up — some would say spoiled — by the swashbuckling title winners of 2016, with Jamie Vardy spearheading manager Claudio Ranieri’s shock champions, Maresca never really got off the ground at the King Power.
      So it will be interesting to see what Chelsea’s notoriously impatient fans make of Maresca’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’ style of play.
      It was not long before some of the old-school Leicester fans started moaning that Maresca’s patient, play-out-from-the-back style was becoming too boring to watch.
      During a 3-1 win over Swansea which left them ten points clear at the top, there were moans and groans coming from the stands amid cries of, ‘Get the ball forward’.
      Fans accused him of stubbornly sticking to his Plan A — even when it was not working — and claimed he was way too slow to make substitutions.
      But one thing Blues fans can look forward to is his man-management and his attention to detail.
      And the Foxes players also adored their manager.

      Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s No2 in the Treble-winning season at Manchester CityCredit: GettyChelsea paid £10m to Leicester in compensationCredit: GettyThe Foxes marched to the Championship titleCredit: PA More

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      Man City rake in £20m as forgotten star seals transfer seconds after Wembley clash to soften FA Cup final blow

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S summer transfer kitty will receive a £20million boost thanks to Southampton’s promotion to the Prem.Saints had an agreement that they will be obligated to buy centre back Taylor Harwood-Bellis if they went straight back up.Manchester City have been handed a boost following their FA Cup final heartacheCredit: GettyTaylor Harwood-Bellis will complete a permanent move to the Saints following promotionCredit: GettySouthampton’s play-off final victory is set to land City £20millionCredit: GettyAnd a £20million fee was agreed between the two clubs when he moved to the South Coast back in September.With Harwood Bellis coming through the ranks at the Etihad, it means it will be classed as pure profit for City and will help them to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules.The 22-year-old has previously had loan spells with Blackburn, Burnley and Stoke as well as Belgian club Anderlecht but will now become a Southampton player.The funds should help Pep Guardiola as he looks to strengthen his squad for their title defence next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity have already been linked with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi along with title rivals Arsenal.Meanwhile, Kevin de Bruyne’s future remains in doubt as he enters the final year of his contract.Harwood-Bellis first joined City’s academy in 2008 before progressing through the academy.He was handed his first-team debut aged 17 in 2019 and went on to make eight appearances for the club, scoring once.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollowing his loan move to the Saints last summer, the Stockport-born defender made 46 appearances for Russell Martin’s side.Those matches include Sunday’s play-off final victory over Leeds at Wembley Stadium.Even Man City legend Sergio Aguero can’t help APPLAUDING Mainoo goal during live watch-along of Man Utd’s FA Cup win Adam Armstrong’s first half strike sealed an immediate return to the top flight.Southampton were relegated from the Premier League in last place a year ago following an 11-season stay. More

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      Chelsea ready to make shock £20m transfer bid for England U21 goalkeeper as they seek permanent No1

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      CHELSEA are ready to make a £20million bid for Burnley keeper and England hopeful James Trafford.The Stamford Bridge club see Trafford as a long-term No 1 despite a bumpy start to his Premier League career at Turf Moor.Chelsea are eyeing a move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford this summerCredit: GettyMany feel the stopper will come good even though he was dropped by Vincent Kompany before the Clarets slipped out of the top flight.Trafford, 21, is in the initial 33-man England squad for Euro 2024 and looks set to be thrown a Premier League lifeline.Chelsea want to sign future stars and Trafford is in that category.He joined Burnley from Manchester City for £15m last summer following his Young Lions heroics — not conceding a single goal as England won the Under-21 Euros.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle fancy Trafford but sources close to the deal see Chelsea winning the race and Burnley will be happy to make a profit within 12 months.The young keeper made 28 appearances for the Clarets last season, keeping two clean sheets.Meanwhile, Chelsea stoppers Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic made 21 and 31 appearances across all competitions respectively.The Blues are currently without a manager, though, following Mauricio Pochettino’s exit this week.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPochettino’s Chelsea record
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74

      Pochettino was sacked after guiding Chelsea to a sixth place finish and a return to Europe in his only season in charge.His replacement has yet to be appointed, with the club linked with a number of potential candidates.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsAccording to reports, Chelsea have identified Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and Enzo Maresca as managerial targets.The club have even held talks with Leicester boss Maresca as they look to announce Pochettino’s replacement next week. More

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      Steve Bruce, 63, ready to make return to management after ill-fated Newcastle and West Brom spells

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      STEVE BRUCE wants a return to club management two years after his departure from West Brom.Bruce, 63, isn’t daunted by all the latest managerial exits, as well as those that will soon follow, and insists he is still “itching to get back” at the helm of what would be his 12th team in charge.Steve Bruce wants to return to management after two years as a free agentCredit: RexBruce endured an ill-fated stint at Newcastle and West BromCredit: GettyWriting exclusively for SunSport, the Manchester United legend and former Premier League boss explains why he still has the managerial bug:I WOULD love to be involved with a club again on the management side.This has been my longest break from the game in 46 years after leaving West Brom in October 2022.You’d think the precarious nature of being a football manager might put me off in a week which has seen Mauricio Pochettino surprisingly leave Chelsea.Read More on FootballI saw a crazy fact that there were more Premier League manager departures 48 hours after the end of the league season last Sunday (four) than there were in the whole of the Prem campaign (three).It sums up football management.So why would I still want to be itching to get back on the training pitch and working with players?It’s something inbuilt in me — that adrenaline rush every time Saturday comes round. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSI am hugely proud to have managed over 1,000 games at 12 clubs.Only five managers since the start of the Premier League in 1992 have taken charge of more matches.Man City WIN the Premier League for record fourth time in a row as they see off Arsenal on tense final dayI would hope to think an owner or CEO would see my experience as key in terms of being part of a management team or at the coal face itself.Steve Bruce’s managerial careerHere’s all the teams Steve Bruce has managed throughout his career:

      Sheffield United (1998-1999)
      Huddersfield (1999-2000)
      Wigan (2001)
      Crystal Palace (2001)
      Birmingham City (2001-2007)
      Wigan (2007-2009)
      Sunderland (2009-2011)
      Hull City (2012-2016)
      Aston Villa (2016-2018)
      Sheffield Wednesday (2019)
      Newcastle (2019-2021)
      West Brom (2022) More

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      Roberto De Zerbi ‘NOT ruled out by Chelsea’ as they work through four-man shortlist to replace Pochettino

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      CHELSEA have not ruled Roberto De Zerbi out as a potential candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout ahead of next term.The Blues are looking for a new manager after Pochettino suddenly left Stamford Bridge after only a season in charge despite leading the club to European qualification.Chelsea have not yet ruled Roberto De Zerbi out as replacement for Mauricio PochettinoCredit: EPAWho could be the next Chelsea manager?

      HERE are the seven names in the running to replace Mauricio Pochettino after his shock exit from Chelsea.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      The Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.
      Kieran McKenna
      The former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.
      Enzo Maresca
      Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.
      Hansi Flick
      Flick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany. Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the Blues
      Sebastian Hoeness
      Chelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich. Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.
      Michel
      Michel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.
      Jose Mourinho
      Still adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top?

      According to The Telegraph, the West Londoners have narrowed their search down to four candidates.That includes Leicester’s Enzo Maresca, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and Brentford’s Thomas Frank.There has been no confirmation whether or not De Zerbi, 44, is officially the fourth unnamed coach.However, the same source claims the Italian tactician has not yet been chalked off.Read More on FootballNevertheless, the ex-Brighton boss is currently considered to be an “outlier”.If Chelsea signed De Zerbi then the Seagulls could still be due around £5million in compensation, which is much cheaper than the £15m he would have cost if he was still working at the Amex Stadium.The ex-Shakhtar Donetsk manager would have to demonstrate that he could work within Chelsea’s club structure and cooperate with sporting directors Paul Winstanley as well as Laurence Stewart.This comes after De Zerbi expressed frustration in the Brighton model last season while many within football view him as a challenging character.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNevertheless, there is still no clear favourite to replace Pochettino at the helm.However, Maresca, McKenna and Frank all have internal support within Chelsea.Who could be Chelsea’s next boss after Pochettino exit?Director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields worked with Maresca at Manchester City when the Italian was Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager at a time when Cole Palmer played under him.McKenna’s stunning progress at Ipswich has been tracked by the Premier League giants for some time.And Chelsea’s incoming set-piece specialist Bernardo Cueva worked closely with Frank at Brentford.But De Zerbi is well known by director of global recruitment Sam Jewell as they worked together at Brighton.Moises Caicedo also played under him last season whereas Mykhailo Mudryk and the Italian head coach go way back during their time together at Shakhtar.Chelsea are beyond a laughing stockBy Andy Dillon
      CHELSEA’S longest serving manager under the club’s new owners has left by mutual consent.
      The fact that Mauricio Pochettino lasted only 325 days underlines what a basket case of a club it has become.
      You might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.
      When the supporters wrote an open letter to chairman Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali in March, they expressed fears that their beloved Chelsea was becoming a ‘laughing stock on and off the pitch’.
      It is way beyond that now with the departure of the manager who finally looked to be getting a tune out of a squad branded ‘£1billion bottle jobs’ just over two months ago as they crashed to defeat against Liverpool’s youth team in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Read Andy Dillon’s full take on the sacking of Pochettino and what it means here. More

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      Luton release 14 PLAYERS including long-serving star in ruthless squad cull after relegation from Premier League

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      LUTON TOWN have put together a brutal clearout following their Premier League relegation that has seen a total of 14 players leaving Kenilworth Road.Luton finished 18th in the Prem table with six points separating them from safety and will be returning to the Championship just a year after their stunning promotion.Long-serving star Dan Potts has left Luton Town after the club’s relegationCredit: GettyLuke Berry will be leaving Luton Town after his contract runs outCredit: AlamyThe Hatters’ manager Rob Edwards will have to do it all over again but will be without long-serving duo Dan Potts and Luke Berry this time around.Potts, 30, has been with the club since 2015 while Berry, 31, joined in 2017Both veterans will be leaving once their contracts expire on June 30.They will be joined by Fred Onyedinma, Elliot Thorpe and Admiral Muskwe, whose deals also run out next month.Read More on FootballMeanwhile, Josh Allen, Tobias Braney, Oliver Camis, Archie Heron, Millar Matthews-Lewis and Ben Tompkins have been released.And Will Houghton, Max Scott and Marcus Warren will be leaving the club’s academy.Issa Kabore and Albert Sambi Lokonga will be returning to their parent clubs at Manchester City and Arsenal respectively at the end of their loan stints. Meanwhile, Allan Campbell, Ryan Giles, Tom Holmes, John McAtee, Aribim Pepple, Dion Pereira, Joe Taylor, Jack Walton and Louie Watson’s loan deals away will expire next month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLuton continue talks over a new contract with Gabe Osho, whose deal runs out next month, after the relegated club exercised its option to extend James Shea’s stint.Extended terms have been accepted by Under-21 stars Jack Bateson, Josh Odell-Bature, Jacob Pinnington and Dominic Dos Santos Martins.Huge pitch invasion as Man City win title despite players begging supporters not to and Gary Neville calls it a ‘shame’And from the Under-18s, Claude Kayibanda and Jack Lorentzen-Jones have accepted their offers of professional contracts, while Tyrell Giwa’s scholarship has been extended for a third year.Under-16 aces Archie Shepherd, Benedict Benagr, Charlie Booth, Christian Chigozie, Harry Fox, Kyron Roberts-Edema, Leon Routh, Lucas Thomas and Samuel Hincapie Alfonso have been offered first-year scholarships.Luton Town’s released listHere’s who Luton Town have released after their Premier League relegation:

      Dan Potts
      Luke Berry
      Fred Onyedinma
      Elliot Thorpe
      Admiral Muskwe
      Josh Allen
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