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    Arsenal fans stunned after realising who record sale is and say ‘we scammed Liverpool pretty hard with that one’

    ARSENAL fans claimed they “scammed Liverpool” after realising Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still their club record sale.The former Gunners man, 30, arrived at Anfield in 2017 for £32million.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is Arsenal’s biggest ever saleCredit: GettyNicolas Anelka’s transfer to Real Madrid in 1999 remains one of the Gunners’ most lucrative departuresCredit: EPATo this day, it remains the highest fee Arsenal have ever received for a player – and their only one above £30m in the 21st Century.Oxlade-Chamberlain struggled at Liverpool as he scored just 18 goals and provided 15 assists in 146 games across a six-year spell – though he did win a host of trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.Reacting on social media, one person said: “We scammed Liverpool pretty hard with that one.”Meanwhile, second on the list of Arsenal’s biggest sales remains Nicolas Anelka.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former French striker, 45, joined Real Madrid for £30m back in 1999 – a fee which remains one of Arsenal’s largest sales despite being 25 years ago.Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie are next on the list for their respective £29m and £26m switches to Barcelona and Manchester United.Then comes Alex Iwobi after he made a £25m move to Everton in 2019.He is one of five players Arsenal have received £25m fees for.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe top 10 biggest sales in Arsenal’s historyThe others are Folarin Balogun’s switch to Monaco, Joe Willock joining Newcastle, Marc Overmars’ transfer to Barcelona in 2000 and Emmanuel Adebayor’s exit to Man City.Rounding off the top 10 is another man who moved to the Etihad in the form of Samir Nasri.Arsenal’s top targets in the summer transfer window (1)The Frenchman left the Gunners for £24m in 2011.Alexis Sanchez is also considered one of Arsenal’s most valuable sales, but does not make it onto the list as his move to Man Utd was a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.SunSport’s verdict on Arsenal starsMikel Arteta is looking to get Arsenal ready to beat Man City to the title after another near miss, but he may need to be brutal with his squad in order to do so. Here’s SunSport’s verdict on who should stay and who should go.
    David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class keeper with all the attributes needed for Arteta’s way of playing.
    Aaron Ramsdale – GO: Unfortunate to be cast aside for Raya, but is now looking for a move to become a regular No.1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.
    Karl Hein – STAY: Unlikely to take Ramsdale’s spot as No.2 should the Englishman depart – but the club cannot afford to lose two keepers in one window.
    William Saliba – STAY: Saliba is of the best young defenders in the world right now, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the side’s spine that conceded just 29 Prem goals this term.
    Ben White – STAY: Another solid member of Arteta’s impressive back four. Has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has made right-back his own this term.
    Gabriel – STAY: Was on the outskirts at the start of the campaign but forced his way back in and has forged an almighty partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defence. One of Arteta’s most important signings.
    Jurrien Timber – STAY: Yet to see the best of the Dutchman after an injury-hit season, but Arteta views him as a game-changing full-back.
    Jakub Kiwior – STAY: The Polish international has struggled to break up the duo of Saliba and Gabriel but has impressed when called upon, especially in a stint at left-back.
    Cedric – GO: Leaving the club with his contract expiring. Never really convinced Arteta he could be relied upon and spent most of the season warming the bench.
    Takehiro Tomiyasu – STAY: Another flexible and reliable figure that Arteta adores. Can play centre-back or right-back and is a real presence at set-pieces.
    Oleksandr Zinchenko – GO: With Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A good signing at £35m but has shown himself to be limited defensively.
    Thomas Partey – GO: Injury prone and has looked leggy when finally back from his thigh issues that kept him out from October until March. Contract is up next summer.
    Martin Odegaard – STAY: Captain fantastic. A real leader amongst men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.
    Emile Smith Rowe – STAY: Sidelined for most of the term and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A decent squad option but you get the feeling he is running out of time to prove to the club he is a player worth sticking with.
    Jorginho – STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more often than not, has Arsenal playing better with him in the team.
    Fabio Vieira – GO: Perhaps harsh to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season but still looks out of place in English football. A loan move could help.
    Mohamed Elneny – GO: Another player departing with his contract expiring. The right call by both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger days.
    Kai Havertz – STAY: Seems a bargain now at £65m from Chelsea following his barnstorming end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, yet now leads the line as a first-choice No.9.
    Declan Rice – STAY: Arsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.
    Bukayo Saka – STAY: An undroppable superstar for club and country right now. Will undoubtedly get even better in seasons to come.
    Gabriel Jesus – STAY: Fighting for a starting spot but right now but would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality inside the group.
    Gabriel Martinelli – STAY: A dip in form this term but Arteta has huge faith in him. The added competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.
    Eddie Nketiah – GO: Career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to turn that around. His six-figure wages could put Premier League suitors off.
    Leandro Trossard – STAY: Can bring his qualities as a starter or from the bench – a brilliant option to have when you are going for a title.
    Reiss Nelson – GO: Arteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and likes having him around the squad, but his impact has withered over the past 12 months. More

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    Six Premier League clubs facing transfer firesale and have just 24 days to urgently raise funds

    SIX Premier League clubs have to sell players before the end of June to comply with profit and sustainability rules, according to reports.The league enforced the financial regulations this season by handing out points deductions to Everton and Nottingham Forest.New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is set to be forced to sell players this summerCredit: PAAston Villa’s Unai Emery will also have to offload some of his squadCredit: RexNow, according to Sky Sports, the same two clubs need to raise funds to avoid further punishment, while Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Leicester are under the same pressure.It comes as the end of the financial year fast-approaches.It is not known how much each club needs to raise in order to comply with the regulations.But with the transfer window opening on June 14, the situation those six clubs find themselves in means a “mini Deadline Day” could be on the horizon at the end of the month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChampionship winners Leicester were charged with breaching FFP rules back in March and could be slapped with a two-point penalty.However, the case is “likely to rumble on” beyond the start of the new season.The 2024/25 Premier League campaign gets underway on the weekend of August 17.The summer transfer window will remain open until August 30.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea, who have only just brought in new manager Enzo Maresca, are expected to sell Conor Gallagher.Everton are lining up the sale of defender Ben Godfrey, while Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz have been linked with Villa exits.Manchester City challenging the Premier League and its entire rulebook in a court case with millions of pounds of damages on the lineNewcastle may have to get rid of Alexander Isak or Bruno Guimaraes.Morgan Gibbs-White would be Forest’s most valuable asset if they are willing to use him to raise funds.And Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could leave the King Power Stadium this summer following interest from Brighton and Brentford in the January window. Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk
    Nottingham Forest
    Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
    Everton
    Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
    Sheffield United
    Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
    OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
    Manchester City
    Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
    Chelsea
    Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
    Leicester
    Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
    Everton (again)
    The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More

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    Graham Potter holds talks with Premier League club as he eyes first job since Chelsea sacking 14 months ago

    GRAHAM POTTER is reportedly in talks over a potential return to the Premier League.The 49-year-old has been out of work since leaving Chelsea last April.Graham Potter is reportedly in talks with BrightonCredit: GettyHe subsequently turned down proposals from Leicester, Lyon, Sweden and, most recently, Ajax while holding out for his perfect job.And according to The Guardian, Brighton are now knocking on the door.The Seagulls have held talks with Potter over a possible return to the Amex Stadium.Club chief Tony Bloom and technical director David Weir are understood to be leading the recruitment process.Read More in FootballThey have sounded out the manager’s interest despite his controversial departure.Potter left Brighton to become Chelsea boss in September 2022 following Thomas Tuchel’s dismissal.However, he lasted just seven months at Stamford Bridge before being sacked.The former left-back spent three years with Brighton before moving on two years ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDuring his time in East Sussex he recorded 43 wins, 43 draws and 48 defeats.Potter was replaced by Roberto De Zerbi, who guided Brighton to the Europa League at the first time of asking.Premier League managers’ salaries revealed with Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna set to become one of highest paidThe Italian also led the Seagulls to their highest-ever Premier League finish.However, Brighton failed to replicate that form this season.The club finished 11th in the table, 14 points worse off than the 2022-23 campaign.De Zerbi subsequently left before the final match of the season.Brighton had set their sights on Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, but he recently penned a new lucrative deal with the Tractor Boys.They are now considering re-appointing Potter, but face competition from Manchester United.The Seagulls are also monitoring 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler and Swedish boss Henrik Rydstrom.Fabian Hurzeler is on Brighton’s shortlistCredit: GettyHenrik Rydstrom is also being monitoredCredit: GettyMan Utd’s Ten Hag decision has turned into a fiasco
    NO ONE can accuse Sir Jim Ratcliffe of not being true to his word — he has insisted from the start it was a three-year plan, writes Phil Thomas.
    But maybe he should have said that wasn’t the timescale on turning Manchester United into title challengers once again.
    Clearly United’s would-be saviour was talking of how long it would take to decide who he wanted as manager.
    It has seemed that way at least, in a week when an against-all-odds FA Cup final win over neighbours City has barely had a mention alongside the debate over Erik ten Hag’s future.
    To the point that if — as appears increasingly likely — he gets a vote of confidence instead of a P45, Sir Jim will have made it look the exact opposite.
    You have to hand it to United and their new investor — when it comes to finding a cloud in every silver lining, they’re in a league of their own.Eight days have passed since Bruno Fernandes lifted the world’s most famous domestic knockout trophy.
    Eight days since Ten Hag finally gave a bit back to all those who have passed judgment on the job he’s done and whether he should keep it.
    Eight days since he gave Sir Jim a metaphoric dig in the ribs to make  a decision, by insisting he would happily go and win cups elsewhere if he wasn’t wanted.
    And eight days since Ratcliffe did not even have the decency to mention by name the man who had just won United’s first FA Cup in eight years, as he name-checked so many others.
    No wonder there has been a definite, if not decisive, mood shift among fans since last week’s triumph.
    Not necessarily a flood of support for Ten Hag, mind. The memory of beating City will live long but so, too, will a seven-goal hiding at Anfield, six at the Etihad, four at Palace.
    A frustration at squandered leads, a season of 19 defeats, an eighth-placed finish with a negative goal difference. Wembley alone can’t erase all that.
    It’s not so much a show of faith in the manager, more a shrinking one in Sir Jim and his tub-thumping vows of a Red resurrection.
    Bold promises that no longer would United be a laughing stock chucking money around like a drunken lottery winner. They would unearth their own stars instead.
    Old Trafford would once again become a cathedral of excitement and entertainment. They would demand it of the manager, whoever it was.
    Immediately after the FA Cup win, you’d have got a big price on that being Ten Hag — so the fact he is now odds-on to still be in charge at the start of next season proves what a fiasco it has been.
    Ratcliffe may be a dab hand at getting office desks tidied and youth- team dressing rooms swept but it’s a different story when it comes to the biggest calls.
    It is an open secret Sir Jim and his team have been eyeing potential new gaffers for months and you’d imagine there would be no shortage of takers or candidates.
    Graham Potter was an early front-runner but Sir Dave Brailsford and Co weren’t convinced he was a sexy — or big — enough name.
    Then it was Gareth Southgate but managing England’s Euro assault was always going to make that tricky — and there are also whispers he is now distancing himself from it.
    Next cab off the rank was Thomas Tuchel but despite a dip-your-toe- in-the-water inquiry, the German was a long shot from the off.
    Too volatile, too dear and too difficult to manage. No way would he meekly accept anyone telling him how his team must play. Even United’s kingmakers realised that.
    So the search moved on to Kieran McKenna, a former United coach and assistant manager who knew the club better than those doing  the interviewing.
    An eternal Ipswich hero after leading them from League One to the top tier in two years. But compared to one of the elite jobs in world football? It was a no-brainer.
    Only it wasn’t . . . the contract that the Northern Irishman chose was an extension at Portman Road rather than a new one at Old Trafford.
    Of the others to get a mention, only Mauricio Pochettino remains — but if Ratcliffe and the crew fancy him, why are they dragging their heels over appointing a free agent?
    It has been a farce from the start, with tales of United even picking the brains of other clubs. That really would be a sign of desperation.
    You couldn’t blame Ten Hag if he raised two fingers to Sir Jim and told him where to stick it. It’s been obvious for months that he wasn’t wanted.
    And equally clear that if he remains as manager, it will effectively be by default. So should that happen, don’t insult everyone with any statements of support. Don’t give us any bull about keeping quiet to avoid disrupting the Wembley build-up. It was your silence that brought chaos, when one sentence would have meant calm.
    Any public backing now would be as believable as the fast-fading idea that United were getting a saviour on a white charger when Sir Jim rode into town.
    A man returning to his Northern roots intent on rebuilding an empire — yet showing more interest in the bottom of a balance sheet than  the top of the table.
    Mike Ashley with a Failsworth accent, you could say — and at least the former Newcastle owner didn’t try to disguise it. More

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    Romelu Lukaku drops major hint over next club with Chelsea loanee to seal transfer ‘sooner than people think’

    CHELSEA loanee Romelu Lukaku hinted at a stunning transfer that will happen “much sooner than people think”.Lukaku, 31, returned to Stamford Bridge three years ago following a then record £97.5million deal with Inter Milan but quickly fell out of favour and was sent back on loan to the San Siro only a year later. Romelu Lukaku wants to return to Anderlecht in the near futureCredit: GettyLukaku’s Chelsea future is uncertain after returning from his loan stint at RomaCredit: APThe striker’s future with the Blues is uncertain after returning from his most recent loan stint at Roma.But the Belgium international is adamant he will return to Anderlecht one day.And the ex-Manchester United star insists that comeback is not far away as he misses his family in Belgium.Lukaku told RTL Sports: “Of course. That [a return to Anderlecht] will happen. That will happen, I think, much sooner than people think.Read More on ChelseaThe interviewer asked back: “Much sooner?”Lukaku responded: “Yes. I left Belgium at 18 years old.”The centre-forward was asked again: “Do you miss it? Do you miss Belgium?”Lukaku replied: “My mother, my children…”Most read in FootballThe Belgian star joined Anderlecht in 2006 when he was 13 years old and spent three years within the youth ranks.The ex-Everton star made his senior debut in 2009 and amassed a total of 41 goals and 17 assists in 98 appearances.Romelu Lukaku excels in shooting practice during Belgium training The former West Brom ace left the Belgian giants in 2011 and moved to Chelsea for his first three-year stint with the club. More

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    Bournemouth confirm 14 players to leave including Newcastle-bound star and legendary Premier League manager’s grandson

    BOURNEMOUTH have released 14 players including Harry Redknapp’s grandson, also named Harry.The defender was a second-year scholar but has not been kept on by the Cherries.Lloyd Kelly has left BournemouthCredit: AFPAndoni Iraola has shipped out a lot of dead woodCredit: GettyRedknapp, 17, joined Bournemouth at the age of seven after being born in nearby Poole.The centre-back spent time at Dorchester on loan this season, and made two appearances for QPR Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup.He is now on the lookout for a new club along with 13 other Bournemouth players.That includes five first-team players, one of which is Lloyd Kelly who reportedly rejected multiple offers of a new contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe defender has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle where he could reunite with his former boss Eddie Howe.Darren Randolph, Ryan Fredericks, Jamal Lowe and Emiliano Marcondes and Lloyd Kelly all depart after struggling for minutes since signing for the club.Manager Andoni Iraola has shipped out plenty of deadwood as he looks to build on an impressive campaign.Bournemouth achieved a record 48 points in the Premier League last term, finishing 12th.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBournemouth players releasedBOURNEMOUTH have culled 14 players following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
    First team – Not retained

    Ryan Fredericks
    Lloyd Kelly
    Darren Randolph
    Jamal Lowe
    Emiliano Marcondes

    Development Squad – Not retained

    Ben Greenwood
    Baylin Johnson
    Ferdinand Okoh
    Cameron Plain
    Euan Pollock

    Second-year Scholars – Not retained

    Noah Crisp
    Ollie Eagle
    Jack Holman
    Harry Redknapp

    Harry Jr is the nephew of former Liverpool and Tottenham star Jamie Redknapp.And he departs the club along with eight other academy players.Harry Redknapp backs The Sun’s vital grassroots grant More

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    West Ham announce nine players to leave the club including fan favourite Angelo Ogbonna

    WEST HAM have released NINE players including fan-favourite Angelo Ogbonna.The centre-back, 36, spent nine years in East London and played 249 times for the club.Angelo Ogbonna has left West Ham after nine years with the clubCredit: ReutersKeeper Joseph Anang has also been releasedCredit: GettyWest Ham have also released keeper Joseph Anang, but remain in talks with Ben Johnson and Divin Mubama over new deals.The other seven names to leave are all academy prospects.They are Jacob Knightbridge, Keenan Appiah-Forson, Dan Chesters, Liam Jones, Jerry Umolu, Seb Boothe and Blaise Uwandji.Ogbonna was loved by the West Ham faithful, ever-present at the heart of their back line for six seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe joined from Juventus in 2015 for £10million having just won back-to-back Serie A titles.Ogbonna brought that experience with him to West Ham who have gone on to enjoy trophy success of their own.Under David Moyes, they claimed the Europa Conference League last season, 12 months after reaching the Europa League semi-finals.And last month Ogbonna spoke about the progression of the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “It’s a totally different West Ham.”As a human being, everyone wants more, but you need to understand people that work here have given everything in the transition to try to change things.West Ham star Lucas Paqueta charged with betting breaches”We have got international players and now we’re standing and everyone knows West Ham around the world.”This, I think is a very, very, very, very good result and a great build-up.”West Ham’s departures come amid links with a number of potential arrivals.With new manager Julen Lopetegui at the helm, Sevilla duo Youssef En-Nesyri and Marcos Acuna are being mooted with switches to the London club.More exits are also expected in the coming weeks as Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell are reportedly on the way out. More

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    Tottenham confirm departure of EIGHT stars including Ryan Sessegnon as they overhaul squad ahead of transfer window

    EIGHT Tottenham players have been released following the expiration of their contracts including Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic.Spurs confirmed the departures on Wednesday morning as Eric Dier and Japhet Tanganga also departed the club.Ryan Sessegnon has been released by TottenhamCredit: PAIvan Perisic, left, and Eric Dier, right, have also departed the clubCredit: GettyThe other names released are youth players Charlie Sayers, Billy Heaps, Kieran Morgan and Han Willhoft-King.Left-back Sessegnon, 24, has been riddled with injuries that have plagued his progression ever since joining Tottenham five years ago.The former Fulham man featured just once this season as a hamstring injury kept him sidelined.Perisic, 35, suffered an ACL injury in September of last year before he returned to hometown club Hajduk Split on loan in January.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDier, 30, who played 365 games for Tottenham, looks set to continue at Bayern Munich after joining them on loan and thriving with the Bundesliga giants.Tanganga, 25, had two separate loan spells during the 2023/24 campaign as he turned out for German side Augsburg and Championship outfit Millwall.He now departs after 15 years with the North London club.A tweet from Spurs read: “We can confirm the departures of Japhet Tanganga, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier and Ivan Perisic following the conclusion of their contracts.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We thank Japhet, Ryan, Eric and Ivan for their service to the club and wish them all the very best for the future.”The exits come as Ange Postecoglou reportedly prepares to overhaul his squad this summer.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonThe Aussie is understood to be willing to let 11 first-team players go in a bid to clear out the deadwood.Spurs finished fifth in the Premier League this season, missing out on Champions League qualification by two points as Aston Villa pipped them to fourth spot.Japhet Tanganga’s 15-year stint at Spurs has come to an endCredit: Getty More

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    Fulham confirm departure of 11 players including Chelsea-bound Tosin Adarabioyo and Euro 2024 star

    FULHAM have announced the departures of 11 players including Chelsea transfer target Tosin Adarabioyo.The Premier League outfit have offered deals to two players, while exercising options to extend the contracts of seven stars.Chelsea target Tosin Adarabioyo has left FulhamCredit: GettyYoungsters Harvey Araujo and George Wickens have both put pen to paper.While the club has triggered extensions for Chris Donnell, Alfie McNally, Olly Sanderson, Devan Tanton, Terrell Works, Chibby Nwoko and first-team player Kenny Tete.Key pair Willian and Bobby Decordova-Reid are still in talks and expected to renew their contracts, which expire at the end of the month.Adarabioyo is the biggest departure and he appears to bound for Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back is set to undergo a medical at Chelsea this week.Negotiations are at the “final stages” after weeks of talks as Adarabioyo prepares to become Enzo Maresca’s first signing following his arrival from Leicester.Fulham have been resigned to losing Adarabioyo since he snubbed their offer of a bumper new deal.The defender made 129 appearances after arriving at Craven Cottage from Manchester City in 2020, and was part of Fulham’s Championship winning team in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak has also left the club, meaning he will be searching for a new team while at the Euros with Slovakia.Seven other players have been released including Terence Kongolo, Tyrese, George Okkas, Caelan Avenell, Tyrese Francois, Ma’Kel Bogle-Campbell, Montague Conway.While Armando Broja and Fode Ballo-Toure have returned to their parent clubs following the end of their loans.Chris Coleman was left stunned by Michael Jackson’s feet when the King of Pop entered Fulham’s dressing room More