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      Thiago Silva breaks down in tears as he announces Chelsea exit but plans swift return with both sons still at club

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      THIAGO SILVA broke down in tears as he confirmed he is quitting Chelsea at the end of this season.But the veteran Brazilian is already talking up his dream to return to the club one day in a new role.Thiago Silva has announced he will be leaving Chelsea this summerSilva broke down in tears as he reflected on his four-year staySilva won the Champions League during his first season at ChelseaCredit: GettySilva, 39, is out of contract at the end of the season and has found first team games harder to come by.But he hopes his legacy will continue through his sons, who both play for Chelsea’s academy.And Silva is also eyeing a stunning return to Stamford Bridge once he hangs up his boots.But there are fears he has already played his last game for Chelsea as he awaits the results of a scan after hurting his groin in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSilva said: “I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too.“My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.“In everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end. “I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSilva was signed by former boss Frank Lampard and went on to win the Champions League with Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.He is a firm favourite with the fans but his outspoken wife Isabelle has given current head coach Mauricio Pochettino a hard time in recent months with her criticism of the team and the tactics.Thiago Silva’s son, 14, plays for Chelsea youth team as fans rave ‘he’s better than Cucurella and Koulibaly already’Silva hopes to return to Chelsea one day with his two sons still at the club’s academyBelle Silva’s most controversial momentsAll the chaos from her time at Stamford Bridge:
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO
      Belle went after Poch when he axed Silva for Chelsea’s 4-2 defeat to Wolves earlier this year.
      She said:  “It’s time to change. If you wait any longer it will be too late.”
      Belle later apologised after Silva was summoned to a meeting with his boss.
      But she was at it again this month after the 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, posting emojis to signify “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.”
      TIMO WERNER
      Belle Silva slammed Werner’s poor finishing after he fluffed his lines in Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final win over Real Madrid in 2021.
      Belle said: “This is karma, guys. Every team I go to there is a striker who keeps missing goals… this Werner, what is his name?”
      In another video she added: “We need a goal, we need to win this match but my attackers don’t want to score, I don’t know why they don’t score.”
      GRAHAM POTTER
      Belle once liked a tweet labelling Potter a “deadbeat coach” during his ill-fated reign last season.
      And after he dropped Silva from Chelsea’s XI, she wrote on social media: “I just think that going back or looking for solutions when you take a hasty and totally wrong attitude is not wrong #goblues.”
      STAMFORD BRIDGE
      Belle let rip at Chelsea’s décor team when they failed to put up a photo of Silva after redecorating the ground.
      She said: “Today I went to Stamford Bridge, and I noticed that the photos changed around the stadium. But I don’t see a photo of @tsilva3 anywhere. Why @ChelseaFC?”
      COMMENTATORS
      Belle went on the offensive after a commentator criticised Silva’s lack of effort in one match.
      She roared: “I’m here in my box at Stamford Bridge. I just listened right now to the commentator, who said that Thiago Silva is not attacking enough.
      “Respect Thiago Silva because Thiago Silva arrived yesterday, Thiago Silva played for Brazil, Thiago Silva is very tired, Thiago Silva is 37 years old, he plays like he is 20 years old.
      “So respect him, he’s not a machine. He needs to relax, alright?
      “Very difficult to see what I see on TV. At home the situation worsens because I don’t know how to help, what to say. Very sad @tsilva3 you aren’t alone.”
      ANDY ROBERTSON
      Belle took aim at the Liverpool star after he appeared to gloat over a tackle made on Jorginho.
      She wrote: “Chilwell is better than u dude you even lost to Southampton.”

      Silva said: “When I started here, it was during the pandemic so there wasn’t any fans in the stadium. “But through social media, it became something very special to me and then when the fans started coming back to the stadium and life was getting back to normal, I started to feel a lot of affection and respect for my story and for my start here.“The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it, having arrived as the new guy. “It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that.“Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could achieve such great things and win one of the best professional titles, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world.“Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day.”Thiago Silva’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      RS Futebol, 2002-2003: 25 games, 2 goals

      Juventude, 2004: 36 games, 3 goals

      Porto B, 2004-2005: 14 games, 0 goals

      Dynamo Moscow, 2005: 0 games, 0 goals

      Fluminense, 2006-2008: 143 games, 14 goals

      AC Milan, 2009-2012: 119 games, 6 goals

      PSG, 2012-2020: 315 games, 17 goals

      Chelsea, 2020-2024: 151 games, 9 goals

      Brazil, 2008-2022: 113 games, 7 goals

      Trophies: Brazilian Cup (Fluminense); Serie A, Italian Super Cup (AC Milan); Ligue 1 x7, French Cup x5, League Cup x6, Champions Trophy x5 (PSG); Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup (Chelsea); Copa America, Confederations Cup (Brazil) More

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      Arsenal wonderkid once dubbed club’s ‘future’ wanted by Champions League giants after ‘deciding to quit’ Emirates

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      JUVENTUS and Roma are both monitoring the situation of Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino, according to reports.Patino, 20, is expected to leave north London this summer.Charlie Patino is expected to leave Arsenal this summerCredit: GettyThe midfielder has spent over two years trying to establish his spot in Mikel Arteta’s first team squad.However, due to the high level of competition he is yet to break into the fold.Patino is now seeking a move away from the Emirates Stadium.And according to Calciomercato, Juventus and Roma are interested.Read More on FootballBoth clubs are trying to recruit Michele Fratini, who previously described Patino as a “diamond”.The midfielder’s contract expires next summer, so Arsenal are allegedly prepared to cash-in on him at the end of the season.The England Under-21s star made his Arsenal debut in a 5-1 League Cup win over Sunderland in December 2021.He came off the bench to score for the Gunners in added time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPatino’s only other first team appearance came in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest the following month.He was loaned to Blackpool for the 2022-23 campaign and made 37 appearances across all competitions.’Bravest fan in the world’ spotted in the Tottenham end with an ARSENAL shirt after turning up with wrong ticketThe midfielder has spent this season at Swansea, but his last start came back in January.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      Brentford and Luton ready to fight it out for Championship goal machine Sammie Szmodics as Blackburn name transfer price

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      BLACKBURN want up to £20million for their top scorer Sammie Szmodics.Rovers’ goal machine is tearing up the Championship, alerting Prem clubs — including some of those who may go down.Blackburn star Sammie Szmodics will cost up to £20m to prize awayCredit: PABlackburn star Szmodics has been eyed by Luton Town, Brentford and Sheffield UnitedCredit: RexLuton and Brentford have camped out at Blackburn games while Sheffield United are also admirers.But Rovers are looking for £15-20million to let the attacking midfielder go.That would be similar to the fee for midfielder Adam Wharton who joined Crystal Palace for £18m, rising to £22m, in January.Szmodics, 28, has had the season of his life, hitting 31 goals in all competitions despite Blackburn struggling.Read More on FootballThe playmaker has also amassed two caps with the Republic of Ireland.The valuation may be too high for the Irishman’s fan club.But offers are bound to start landing soon.Meanwhile, Birmingham are ready to fight Blades for Leeds’ Luke Ayling at the end of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAmbitious Blues are struggling to avoid relegation in the Championship basement.But the American-backed club will be serious contenders if they can avoid the drop.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAyling, 32, is on loan at Middlesbrough until the end of the season.But prolonging his career at St Andrew’s with Brum is a very real option.Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Click here to read all about it.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More

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      ‘This guy should be at Arsenal… he’s literally Thierry Henry’, say Gooners as Premier League star scores deadly double

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      NEWCASTLE star Alexander Isak drew comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry after his double against Sheffield United.Isak, 24, damned the Blades to relegation from the Premier League as he led the Magpies to a 5-1 triumph with a brace at St James’ Park.Arsenal fans have urged the club to sign Newcastle star Alexander IsakCredit: GettyNewcastle star Isak has been compared to Arsenal legend Thierry HenryCredit: EPAArsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keeping tabs on Isak ahead of the summerCredit: PANewcastle star Isak has dominated in the Premier League this seasonBut it was the striker’s equaliser that went viral as his brilliant movement met a stunning through ball by Jacob Murphy from midfield to beat Wes Foderingham from a tight angle down the right.That brought back glimpses of Henry’s deadly finishes that made him the Gunners’ all-time leading scorer with 228 goals in 377 appearances throughout his glittering stint in north London.Arsenal have been strongly linked with the Sweden international, with manager Mikel Arteta prioritising a striker signing ahead of the summer transfer window.And the Newcastle star is among the North Londoners’ top candidates to spearhead the frontline next season.Read More on ArsenalHowever, SunSport have revealed that Arsenal are facing competition with Barcelona also keeping tabs on Isak.Nevertheless, the Swede’s suitors are confident the Toon would be tempted to discuss a deal as they face having to balance the books to satisfy FFP and PSR rules.And Arsenal fans are adamant that would make for a sensational signing as they suggest Isak could become the next Henry.One fan tweeted: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this guy should be playing for Arsenal.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “It’s literally Henry.”A third posted: “Isak is honestly the closest player I’ve seen in terms of positions he takes up, movements, style of play, even down to his mannerisms, celebrations & arrogance to Thierry Henry, it’s uncanny.Mikel Arteta picks a fight with Premier League supercomputer after he is told Arsenal’s chances of titleTactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins

      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Click here to read all about it.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

      “I’m not saying he has Henry’s quality but they’re just so similar it’s weird.”This fan said: “Isak has so much Thierry Henry in his game.”And that one stated: “Isak is lethal. Closest thing I’ve seen in the @premierleague to Henry.”Isak has now registered a staggering 19 Premier League goals in 26 appearances and is only one behind from the English top flight’s leading scorers Erling Haaland as well as Cole Palmer.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      West Ham blow in bid to replace David Moyes as top manager target opens talks with European giants

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      WEST HAM are set to miss out on first choice manager Julen Lopetegui with the ex-Wolves boss close to joining AC Milan.Hammers chiefs have held talks with Lopetegui and Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim in the last week with David Moyes expected to leave when his contract runs out this summer.West Ham target Julen Lopetegui has begun talks with AC MilanCredit: PADavid Moyes is expected to leave the Hammers in the summerCredit: AFPLopetegui, who left Wolves days before the start of the season after a dispute over transfer spending, had emerged as West Ham’s first choice.However, Italian giants AC Milan have also approached the former Spain and Real Madrid boss and now appear to be his preferred choice.His decision to choose Milan over Stratford is a significant knock for the Hammers, with Amorim still yet to make a decision as to whether continue talks with the East Londoners.Lille manager Paulo Fonseca, himself out of contract in June, has been considered while ex-Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick has also been suggested and also attended a game at the London Stadium earlier this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Chelsea manager Graham Potter is still out of work, though West Ham had previously decided he would not be a good fit for the club, while Ajax are also interested in appointing the Englishman.Ahead of their 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Saturday, Moyes said he understood why there was speculation but offered a reminder of his achievements at the club.Moyes said: “There’s been three or four games I have hated, but there’s been a bundle of good moments like the win against Tottenham, beating Chelsea, going to Brighton and winning and beating Manchester United at home.”But all that is quite easily forgotten.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Scot, who was offered a new deal earlier in the season but did not sign it, has not ruled out staying on – though the decision has now been taken out of his hands.A very strong end to the season could change his standing with the West Ham hierarchy, with no final decision expected to be made before the end of the campaign.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padThe club and fans have been happy to accept a more pragmatic style of football under Moyes so long as the results continued coming, though form has dipped dramatically in 2024.In a further blow to the Hammers, Amorim has apologised to Sporting and the club’s fans for travelling to meet with West Ham.Speaking at length for the first time since Monday’s meeting, he said: “The first thing is to say that the club was aware of my trip but it was a mistake, the timing was completely wrong. “It was wrong, especially when I’m so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each one’s actions can overpower the team. I have removed players from the squad for much less. “I apologise to the Sporting fans, the staff, and mainly publicly to my players. “It was a mistake because the fact that we are close to winning the championship, nothing has been decided yet, and the team leader causes this noise.”Asked about his future, Amorim said: “I have no answer to give you, nor do I know what I’m going to do.”Ruben Amorim has apologised for meeting with West Ham chiefsCredit: Getty More

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      Former £15m Liverpool star, 28, becomes unemployed as he is released by National League side after ONE league game

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      FORMER Liverpool star Jordan Ibe has been released by non-league outfit Ebbsfleet.The winger, 28, only joined the fifth-tier side in October after more than a year without a club.Former Liverpool man Jordan Ibe has been released by non-league side EbbsfleetCredit: X/ footballontntIbe was once an exciting prospect at Anfield but his career has tailed offCredit: ReutersBut he has now been released after just one league appearance and three in all competitions.Ebbsfleet confirmed his departure six days after their campaign came to an end.They avoided relegation from the National League by just two points, finishing down in 19th place.And Ibe will now be searching for a club once more, eight years after his spell with Liverpool came to an end.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Wycombe academy product arrived at Anfield in 2011 at the age of just 16.He played 58 games for The Reds, scoring four goals and assisting seven.Bournemouth then signed him for £15million in 2016, but he failed to live up to expectations.Ibe scored five goals and provided nine assists in 92 matches for the South Coast side.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
      LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

      He joined Derby in 2020 – five years after a season-long loan at Pride Park – featuring only once.In 2021, he opened up about his mental health struggles.Who is Arne Slot?Ibe signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Turkish side Adanaspor in January 2022 but left just a few months later without playing a game. More

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      Premier League star could become Arne Slot’s first Liverpool signing as he informs club of free transfer exit

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      TOSIN ADARABIOYO has reiterated his desire to leave Fulham in the summer – sparking a scramble to snap him up on a free.SunSport revealed back in December the former Manchester City kid, 26, was looking to quit the club when his deal expired this summer.Tosin Adarabioyo is set to leave Fulham at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyArne Slot could make the Fulham defender his first signing as Liverpool managerCredit: PAHe has since snubbed the offer of fresh terms – which would have made him one of the highest earners at the West London club.And he will now walk away for nothing at the end of June.Numerous clubs from home and abroad have been eyeing up Tosin, including Liverpool and AC Milan.And Arne Slot could make him his first signing as Liverpool boss after he reportedly agreed to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Reds are said to have agreed a compensation deal with Feyenoord worth £9.4million.Liverpool’s interest in Tosin comes with the club are uncertain about the futures of both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.Tottenham also considered moving for Tosin last summer.The centre-back has made 132 appearances for Fulham since joining from Man City in 2020.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTosin has started all but two of Fulham’s league games since early DecemberHe was plagued by injury during the early part of this season, but has been ever-present since the turn of the year.He has started 18 of Fulham’s last 20 Premier League games, helping to keep six clean sheets.Who is Arne Slot?Marco Silva’s side sit 13th in the table, three points adrift of the top half with four games remaining. More

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      ‘Just let him f***ing defend’, slams Man Utd icon as he blasts Ten Hag’s ‘crazy’ tactics for star tipped to be replaced

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED legend says they don’t need Jeremie Frimpong – instead erik ten Hag should just let Aaron Wan-Bissaka “f***ing defend” instead.Pressure has been mounting at Old Trafford and as they narrowly avoided disaster to beat Coventry on penalties and set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup final last weekend.Erik ten Hag has been told to let Aaron Wan-Bissaka ‘f***ing defend’Credit: GettyThe Red Devils have been linked with a move for Jeremie Frimpong as a replacementCredit: PAHowever, they did not avoid embarrassment after blowing a three goal lead against the Championship outfit.Ten Hag’s side then trailed twice to bottom club Sheffield United before scraping a 4-2 win at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Wednesday.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the 71-year-old billionaire, has taken over football operations at United after buying a 25 per cent stake in the club.And he has set about overhauling things off the pitch, appointing Jason Wilcox as technical director Southampton after revealing ex-Man City man Omar Berrada as their new chief executive.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd talks are still ongoing about Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth, who is on gardening leave, coming in as new sporting director.Meanwhile, the new top brass are reportedly trying to offload 11 players this summer in order to help fund six new signings with right-back Wan-Bissaka among them.And United’s new regime have identified Jeremie Frimpong as a perfect signing to bolster their defence.The highly-rated Dutchman, 23, was previously at Man City before joining Celtic five years ago and now plays for Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWe reported how “concrete talks” had taken place over a potential transfer move for Frimpong.But 1999 treble-winning striker Dwight Yorke believes United already have a good right-back in Wan-Bissaka – if Ten Hag would let him do his job.I won iconic Treble at Man Utd… but I fear I’ll have to BUY a football club to ever land another managerial jobKlopp copied Fergie’s ‘biggest mistake’ and it’s derailed his final season, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd

      JURGEN KLOPP was genuinely surprised to hear it, on the January day when he announced his intention to quit Liverpool at the end of the season.
      It was put to him that Sir Alex Ferguson had told his Manchester United players in the summer of 2001 that the coming season would be his last.
      Ferguson later performed a U-turn and stayed at Old Trafford for another 11 years.
      But the great Scot admitted that revealing his intentions had been the ‘biggest mistake I made’.
      “I think a lot of them put their tools away,” said Ferguson, “They thought, ‘Oh, the manager’s leaving’.”
      It was a part of English footballing history which Klopp knew nothing about and he raised his eyebrows when he was told about it.
      Liverpool were top of the Premier League, having lost only a single domestic match all season – and that a controversial VAR-infested affair at Tottenham.
      But their form has nosedived since, with dreams of a farewell quadruple long gone.
      And Klopp may well now be reflecting on the wisdom of his announcement.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

      Yorke told Crypto Casino LTD: “If Jeremie Frimpong is a bit fragile defensively, then he’ll be bought for a certain system by the manager.“Nowadays, fullbacks play much higher up the pitch and can play in all types of systems, but I don’t know how Erik ten Hag wants to play.“Man United already have a good right back in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but you can say he’s the opposite of Frimpong, great defensively but not that great going forward. “When we attack, we should be letting Wan Bissaka sit back and offer more defensive protection, handling the one v one on the wing. But instead, he’s told to bomb up the wing and try to take on a player, which he can’t do.“Erik ten Hag should take away Wan-Bissaka’s attacking duties and make him defend, then they can have some solidarity in the defence.“Instead, Wan-Bissaka, who doesn’t score or create, run around like a headless chicken in the opposition box, running in his teammates’ way.Yorke added:  “It’s not rocket science, watching this unfold is crazy.“The one thing you need in the defence is to be able to defend one v one. Just let him f***ing defend.”Wan-Bissaka was signed from Crystal Palace for £50m in 2019 and he made the highest number of tackles in the Premier League during his first season but his form has been up and down since.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe struggled with illness and injuries last term and that has seen Diogo Dalot overtake him in the pecking.He’s played 24 times this term but Inter Milan have been eyeing a cut-price £13m swoop with the full-back only having a year left on his deal.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More