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      Alan Pardew contacted over first job in English football in SIX YEARS with former Newcastle boss keen on job

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      ALAN PARDEW has emerged as an early contender for the vacant manager’s job at Burnley.The Clarets have made contact with the former West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss as they start the search for a successor to Vincent Kompany.Alan Pardew could be set to return to English football for the first time since April 2018Credit: GettyPardew, 62, is looking to get back into English football and is keen on the challenge to get Burnley promoted straight back to the Premier League following relegation last season.He has also managed at Southampton, Charlton and West Bromwich Albion.Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard plus his trusted coaching sidekick Ashley Cole have also been linked with the job.Kompany left Turf Moor last week to take up a surprise appointment as new boss of German giants Bayern Munich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLExperienced Pardew has also worked abroad with stints at Dutch side Den Haag, a spell as director of football at CSKA Sofia and with Aris Thessaloniki in Greece.He has won 359 of his 851 games in charge as a manager.But he has not coached in England since he was dismissed by West Brom in April 2018.Pardew lasted five months at The Hawthorns, winning just three of 21 matches at the helm.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis biggest managerial achievements include securing promotion to the Premier League with Reading and West Ham.He suffered FA Cup final defeats at both West Ham and Crystal Palace.Pardew reveals what life is really like at CSKA Sofia including sleeping at training ground Pardew also steered Newcastle to a fifth-place finish in the 2011/12 campaign, qualifying them for the Europa League where they went on to reach the quarter-finals.In March, the English coach was linked with becoming chairman of the League Managers Association, before ex-Celtic and Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neil landed the role.FA Cup finals to Greek tragedy – Alan Pardew’s rollercoaster careerAlan Pardew has managed a number of teams throughout his career:

      1999-2003 – Reading – 2002 Championship runner-up-
      2003-2006 – West Ham – 2005 Championship play-offs winner – 2006 FA Cup runner-up
      2006-2008 – Charlton – 2007 Premier League relegation
      2009-2010 – Southampton – 2010 Football League Trophy
      2010-2014 – Newcastle – 5th place finish in 2012 Premier League – 2013 Europa League quarter-finals
      2015-2016 – Crystal Palace – 2016 FA Cup runner-up
      2017-2018 – West Brom – Released after four months
      2019-2020 – Den Haag – Left after four months
      2022 – CSKA Sofia – Left as manager and technical director after two months following a racist incident that saw bananas being thrown towards CSKA’s black players by their own fans
      2022-2023 – Aris – Released after five months following run of poor results More

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      Julen Lopetegui’s first two West Ham transfers on brink of collapse as rival clubs leapfrog Hammers

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      WEST HAM face losing out on a double Brazilian deal due to interest from Saudi Arabia.The Hammers have been in talks over deals for defender Fabricio Bruno and teenage winger Luis Guilherme.Julen Lopetegui could well be left frustrated as West Ham struggle to get their deals over the lineCredit: ReutersThere is interest from Saudi Arabia in Flamengo defender Fabrício BrunoCredit: GettyA deal was agreed with Flamengo for Bruno, 28, to move to the London Stadium for £12.5million while talks have been progressing with Palmeiras over 18-year-old Guilherme.The winger was valued by the South American club at £25m and had been identified by West Ham technical director Tim Steidten who has been visiting Brazil.However, both Bruno and Guilherme are now targets for Saudi Arabian clubs and have been offered huge contracts in the Gulf state.The Hammers have not completely given up on the deals but there is an expectation both will move to the Saudi Pro League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWest Ham are pushing for a fast start to the transfer window to support new boss Julen Lopetegui.There is a target of three deals before the end of June, while Steidten wants up to eight new signings across the summer.Wolves captain Max Kilman is a target, as is Hull City defender Jacob Greaves.The Hammers explored a deal for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, though he is set to join Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere is also interest in Coventry City’s Callum O’Hare – who is available on a free – though they face competition from newly promoted Southampton.No decision has been made on whether to sell Flynn Downes to the Saints.West Ham star Lucas Paqueta charged with betting breachesDownes helped Russell Martin’s side win promotion back to the Premier League on loan this season.Martin is desperate to make the deal permanent, though the Hammers may need to keep the midfielder due to their homegrown quota.Palmeiras winger Luis Guilherme is also turning heads in the Gulf stateCredit: Getty More

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      Jose Mourinho faces losing key player immediately as Arsenal ‘agree personal terms with Fenerbahce star’

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      INCOMING Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho already faces a transfer dilemma, according to reports.The Portuguese, 61, is claimed to have agreed a two-year deal to take charge of the Turkish giants.Jose Mourinho is set to move to Fenerbahce on a two-year dealCredit: AlamyFenerbahce supporters recently rioted after their side missed out on the Super Lig title to fierce rivals Galatasaray.Mourinho will be tasked with bringing glory back to Fener, but may immediately be presented with a hurdle.According to Turkish paper Milliyet, via Sportwitness, Arsenal are keen to swoop for full-back Ferdi Kadioglu.They claim that the left-back, 24, is eager to move to the Premier League this summer and has already agreed terms on a move to the Emirates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners are named as front-runners for his signature, with “concrete steps” having been taken to complete a transfer.Kadioglu joined Fenerbahce from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen in 2018.He has gone on to make 199 appearances for them, scoring 17 goals and laying on 22 assists.Having played for the Netherlands at youth level, Kadioglu switched his international allegiance to Turkey in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFerdi Kadioglu is eager to move to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyKadioglu has since earned 15 caps and has been named in his nation’s squad for Euro 2024.Arsenal are chasing a new left-back, with some of their current stars linked with exits. Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is entering with rioting fans, players walking off and notorious hooligansNew Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany is reportedly interested in swooping for his former Manchester City team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko.While Kieran Tierney is also expected to leave, following a season-long loan at Real Sociedad.And reports in Italy suggest that Jakub Kiwior has emerged as a serious target for AC Milan.Before starting work with Fenerbahce, Mourinho is set for a big telly gig this evening.The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has signed up to take part in TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverage.Mourinho’s role will see him run the rule over former club Real Madrid as they take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.He will join presenter Laura Woods alongside fellow pundits Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Steve McManaman.Mourinho, 61, is set to join TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverageCredit: Getty More

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      Tosin Adarabioyo to undergo Chelsea medical after Blues HIJACK Newcastle and Man Utd’s free transfer for Fulham star

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      TOSIN ADARABIOYO will undergo a Chelsea medical ahead of joining on a free transfer, according to reports.The Blues have been battling with Newcastle for the English centre-back, 26, while Manchester United was also mooted as a potential destination.Tosin Adarabioyo is set to leave Fulham on a free transfer this summerCredit: AlamyTosin has been a key figure in Fulham’s side this seasonBut now the West London club, who are preparing to welcome Enzo Maresca as their new manager, are set to land the ex-Manchester City man – who is out of contract this summer.Sky Sports claim the 6ft 4in defender will have a medical next week after deciding on Chelsea.According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are at the “final stages” after weeks of talks as Tosin prepares to become Maresca’s first signing following his move from Leicester.Chelsea are said to be the “clear favourites” to sign Tosin but are remaining “cautious” until the deal is completed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFulham have been resigned to losing Adarabioyo since he snubbed their offer of a bumper new deal.In May, manager Marco Silva said: “I know all the noise around him and his future of course.”Of course, I have been speaking to him, I have a really close relationship with all the players and everything is clear between myself and him, like all the other players. And from him to me and my staff as well.”If Tosin is going to be on the pitch he’s going to be on the pitch, he’s going to be in the squad if I’m going decide for him to be in the squad. Nothing has changed from last week.Most read in Football”When it starts to come, the news that he’s not going to be with us next season, I know what he told me, I prefer to keep that between us.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Of course, that’s a decision from the player. But apart from that Tosin is ready to play or to be in the squad if I decide for him to be there.”Tosin, a Man City academy product, moved to Fulham from the Etihad in 2020.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaHe has played 129 games at Craven Cottage and established himself as one of Silva’s most important players.Meanwhile, Fulham have identified former Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu as a possible replacement.Soyuncu, 26, spent this season on loan at Fenerbahce after finding opportunities limited at parent club Atletico Madrid.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca
      ENZO 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. More

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      Everton confirm 777 Partners’ takeover has COLLAPSED leaving club on brink of going bust

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      EVERTON have confirmed that 777 Partners’ proposed takeover of the club has collapsed.It leaves the Toffees in danger of going into administration if owner Farhad Moshiri cannot find another buyer.Everton confirmed 777 Partners will not be buying the clubCredit: AlamyOwner Farhad Moshiri needs to find a new buyer or the club could go into administrationCredit: GettyManager Sean Dyche will see several of his best players sold as they desperately attempt to raise cashCredit: Getty777 Partners’ proposed takeover was worth £500m and they have already pumped in £200m to keep the club afloat.But Premier League chiefs refused to ratify their takeover agreement over worries the Miami-based company did not have the cash to meet its obligations after US insurance giant A-Cap cut ties with them.And the company were then hit with legal actions in the US and Europe.An Everton statement confirmed the takeover is dead, saying: “The agreement between 777 Partners and Blue Heaven Holdings Limited for the sale and purchase of the majority shareholding in the Club expired today. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The Club’s Board of Directors recognises the considerable level of financial support 777 Partners has provided the Club over recent months and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for this.”The Club will continue to operate as usual, while it works with Blue Heaven Holdings to assess all options for the Club’s future ownership.”The Board of Directors would like to thank everyone connected to Everton for their patience over recent months and reiterate its commitment to providing further updates when it is appropriate to do so through the Club’s official communication channels.”Everton’s financial problems saw them slapped with a points deduction last campaign – but they still managed to avoid relegation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEVERTON’S BEST PLAYERS SET TO LEAVEBy Jack Rosser
      ESTIMATED fees for Everton’s biggest stars:

      Jarrad Branthwaite £75m
      Amadou Onana £45m
      Vitaliy Mykolenko £35m
      Jordan Pickford £20m
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin  £20m
      James Garner £18m
      Dwight McNeil £18m
      Beto £18m
      James Tarkowski £12m

      Going into administration will see the club automatically docked nine points next season.The club’s total current debt is at a reported £583m amid the building of their new £760m Bramley Moore Dock stadium.The mess Everton are in explainedAround £200m is also needed to complete the ground.Every Everton player is currently up for sell as the club in crisis desperately tries to raise funds.The end of the club’s financial year is June 30, giving Moshiri only 16 days to sell players to start balancing the books.The likes of Jordan Pickford, Jarrad Branthwaite, Amadou Onana, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are all attracting interest.England centre-back Branthwaite is wanted by Manchester United and striker Calvert-Lewin is into the final year of his deal at Goodison Park and could be signed in a cut-price deal by Newcastle.Meanwhile, Crystal Palace shareholder and American billionaire John Textor could enter the race to buy Everton.He has expressed his interest in a takeover after declaring he is ready to sell his 45 per cent stake in the Eagles.Building work continues at the Bramley-Moore Dock StadiumCredit: GettyEverton are set to move in for the 2025/26 seasonCredit: EPAJarrad Branthwaite could be signed by Man Utd in a cut-price dealCredit: GettyJordan Pickford could also be offloadedCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd ‘contact Xavi’ over replacing Erik ten Hag – but face fight with European giants

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have approached former Barcelona boss Xavi about becoming the club’s new manager, according to sensational reports in Spain.The legendary midfielder, 44, was dismissed by the Catalan giants last week after a turbulent few months at the helm.Xavi was sacked by Barcelona last week despite agreeing to continue just weeks earlierCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s future remains unclear at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyHe had initially confirmed he was leaving in January, before Barcelona convinced him to stay on in April.But he was then axed before their final game of the season against Sevilla, with German Hansi Flick already announced as his replacement.Now Xavi is out of work, with AC Milan and the South Korean national team having already made contact with him.And according to AS, Man Utd have also made an “informal” approach for the Spain icon amid uncertainty surrounding the future of head coach Erik ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it remains Xavi’s preference to take a year away from management before he looks for his next role in 2025.He won 89 of his 142 games in charge of Barcelona, claiming the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup in the 2022/23 campaign.He then guided them to second place behind Real Madrid in the league this season, while they also reached the Champions League quarter-finals.Prior to his dismissal, Xavi told the press: “To the new manager, I tell you: ‘You will suffer’.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”This is a very complicated place to be. This is a difficult job and you have to be patient.”I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two-and-a-half years has caused an earthquake.”Man Utd coach reveals why Jadon Sancho refused to apologise to Ten Hag before exile that sparked Dortmund transferBarcelona confirmed his departure in a statement that read: “The club wishes to publicly thanks Xavi and the rest of his coaching staff for their commitment, dedication and generosity, and for their help in reaching an agreement to sever the contract.”Furthermore, we wish him success in the future on both a personal and professional level.”Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s future is still unclear despite Man Utd’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.Aside from Xavi, those tipped to replace Ten Hag include Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate.SunSport’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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      Mason Greenwood likely next club revealed with European giants at front of queue to sign Man Utd striker

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      MASON GREENWOOD is edging ever closer to a Manchester United exit, SunSport can reveal.The forward, 22, announced on social media this week that he was leaving Getafe, having spent a successful season there on loan.Mason Greenwood is set to join a new club this summerCredit: GettyHis preference had been to remain in Spain, and try to secure a switch to Barcelona.But the departure of manager Xavi has left those plans in tatters.He’s now looking likely to move to Italy with Juventus at the front of the queue to sign the player.The Italian giants have been watching Greenwood since Christmas, and sent a number of different scouts to his Getafe games.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey’ve all reported back with rave reviews and pointed out how they believe Greenwood could easily make the switch to Serie A, and help boost Juventus next season.Greenwood also harbours an ambition to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s thinking after the Euros.But, at present, Southgate has no plans to invite the player back into the international fold.Man Utd’s new owners, meanwhile, have already decided that Greenwood has no future at the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSErik ten Hag – whose own future at Old Trafford is in grave danger – had wanted to retain the services of the player at the start of this season.But club chiefs feared a fans backlash and let him leave.Mason Greenwood’s final Getafe match delayed by horror injury to keeper as ambulance forced to come on to pitchThey are now keen to push through a sale to free up funds for a summer recruitment spree.Greenwood was named Getafe’s player of the season for the 2023-24 campaign.In addition to clubs in Spain and Italy, he has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund.Jadon Sancho, who has spent the second half of this season at Dortmund, could also leave Man Utd in the coming weeks.But a final decision on that will not be made until the owners decide who will be in the dugout for the start of next season. More

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      I was Enzo Maresca’s boss when he played for West Brom – another Chelsea manager used to give him lifts to training

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      WEST BROM’S team of 1998-99 may seem an unlikely breeding ground for future Chelsea managers.But Enzo Maresca is following in the footsteps of his ­former Baggies team-mate Graham ­Potter by being appointed to take charge at Stamford Bridge by American owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.Enzo Maresca is set to become Chelsea’s latest managerCredit: GettyHe played for West Brom during the 1990s in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyEx-Chelsea boss Graham Potter was a team-mate of his at the HawthornsCredit: PATheir former West Brom boss Denis Smith spoke exclusively to Sun SportCredit: AlamyFull-back Potter used to give teenaged midfielder Maresca a lift to training, after his free transfer from Cagliari.Now he will see his former colleague take the Chelsea job from which he was sacked in April last year.Denis Smith, the Albion manager who brought Maresca to England as a teenager, said: “That’s now two Chelsea managers who have come from that West Brom team I managed — so I must have been teaching them something right!”West Brom finished ­mid- table in the old First Division — now the Championship — before Smith was sacked.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYet they ended up pocketing a club-record £4million by selling Maresca to Juventus the ­following season.And former Sunderland boss Smith reckons the Italian showed a rare footballing intelligence — even then.Smith, 76, recalled: “I had already brought another Italian — Mario Bortolazzi — to West Brom and the agent asked me to have a look at an 18-year-old kid who was available on a free.“He trained with us for less than half an hour and I told the agent, ‘He’ll do me!’Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Enzo could barely speak English but it didn’t matter. He was clearly a bright kid and, boy, could he pick a pass.“If you wanted him to sit in and play as a holding midfielder, he understood that role so well, but he was also very useful going forward. He had pretty much everything.Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo FernandezMeet 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.

      “We got him for free but West Brom ended up selling him to Juventus for a lot of money — after I had been sacked!“Most of the time we were together, I used the other ­Italian lad (Bortolazzi) as a translator.“But Enzo just had such intelligence that it didn’t feel like communication was an issue.“He was only young but when someone reads the game like he could, it doesn’t surprise you when they go on to be successful as a coach and manager.“There weren’t many players coming over from Europe to the First Division back then in the 90s.“But it was a good market of mine, as we proved with Maresca. It was a bold move for him to come to England at such a young age but that intelligence made it easy for him to settle over here.We got him for free but West Brom ended up selling him to Juventus for a lot of money — after I had been sacked!Denis Smith“Professional footballers — as I often tell people — are a more intelligent bunch than they are given credit for and Enzo was one of the brightest.”Maresca would go on to win Serie A with Juventus and two Uefa Cups with Sevilla before he managed Manchester City’s reserves under Pep Guardiola.After a brief unsuccessful spell in charge of Italian Serie B club Parma, Maresca led Leicester to the Championship title last season.After Chelsea triggered his £10million Foxes release clause, 44-year-old Maresca is following Potter into the Stamford Bridge hotseat — vacated by Mauricio Pochettino earlier this month.And their old boss Smith — who also managed York, Bristol City, Oxford and Wrexham — said: “They go through a lot of managers at Chelsea but, however impatient they are, it is still a job Enzo will feel he had to take.“They are one of the biggest clubs in Europe and anyone with ambition would want a crack at it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The best coaches and managers are the ones who recognise that football is such a complex game but can deliver their messages in simple terms to ­players without over-complicating it.“That is an ability that Graham Potter has and it doesn’t surprise me that Maresca has it, too.”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. More