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      Ex-Everton defender who boss Carlo Ancelotti FORGOT about left unemployed at 29 after release from Championship side

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      FORMER Everton star Luke Garbutt who Carlo Ancelotti FORGOT about is now without a club.That’s after being released by relegated Championship side Blackpool.
      Former Everton ace Luke Garbutt is without a club after his latest contract expiredCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The defender was once forgotten about by then-boss Carlo AncelottiCredit: Alamy
      Garbutt has been released by Blackpool after three seasonsCredit: Alamy
      Garbutt, 29, spent 11 years at Everton after coming up through their academy.
      He played just 12 times for the Toffees while taking in multiple loans.
      Garbutt was let go in 2020 when his Goodison Park contract expired.
      At the time, then-Everton boss Ancelotti was left red-faced during a press conference when asked about Garbutt’s exit.
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      The Italian looked confused before claiming he’d never heard of the defender before.
      Ancelotti said: “Who? I am surprised about this question, I don’t know.”
      Luckily for the four-time Champions League winner, Garbutt took it in his stride.
      The left-back said: “Don’t get it twisted, I chose to find the funny side. Other players would feel disrespected by the club and manager.
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      “It’s not Ancelotti’s fault, it’s the club. However, it’s a belter though.”
      Following his Everton exit, Garbutt was quickly snapped up for free by Blackpool.
      He helped them achieve promotion to the Championship in 2021.
      But after four goals in 63 games, it has now been confirmed that Garbutt will leave following Blackpool’s relegation to League One.
      He’s not the only name let go, with former Chelsea youngster and Leeds star Liam Bridcutt also released.
      Blackpool are also on the hunt for a new manager following Mick McCarthy’s brief stint.
      Stephen Dobbie is currently interim boss.
      And Man United coach Eric Ramsay, who recently landed a new gig as Wales assistant, is in the frame to take charge. More

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      Man Utd ‘chasing Sadio Mane’ in shock summer transfer but face competition from top four rivals

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are in the hunt to sign Sadio Mane this summer but face competition from Newcastle, according to reports.The ex-Liverpool winger is expected to leave Bayern Munich after just one season with the club.
      Sadio Mane could secure a move back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Sky Sports in Germany claim they want to get rid of him after a troubled campaign.
      The Senegalese international punched team-mate Leroy Sane after a Champions League tie versus Manchester City.
      Mane was suspended and fined a reported £250,000.
      He earns a supposed £17.4million per year, meaning many sides are likely to be priced out.
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      Man Utd would be able to afford him and are interested as he would be able to add versatility and experience to the attack.
      Mane wanted a move to the Red Devils prior to signing for Liverpool in 2016.
      Meanwhile, Newcastle are in for the 31-year-old as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his attacking options with European football on the horizon.
      Chelsea were also reportedly keeping an eye on Mane’s situation but already have a bloated squad with plenty of wingers.
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      A switch back to Anfield appears unlikely after Jurgen Klopp signed the likes of Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez since his departure.
      Outside the Premier League, the Champions League winner could head to Barcelona but would need to take a pay cut as the club battle ongoing financial constraints.
      Teams from Saudi Arabia could also be keen as they look to add more high-profile players to their league. More

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      Man Utd wanted Cristiano Ronaldo to go to Barcelona instead of Real Madrid in 2009, where he could’ve played with Messi

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Lionel Messi’s rivalry almost never happened as the Portuguese star almost joined Barcelona.The former Manchester United ace broke the football transfer record when he left the club in in 2009 for Real Madrid in an £80million deal.

      Los Blancos had already splashed out on Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso and Ballon d’Or winner Kaka in response to Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering debut season as Nou Camp chief the year before.
      But they were almost denied the jewel in returning president’s Florentino Perez’s masterplan if Sir Alex Ferguson had got his way.
      The legendary Scot was desperate to avoid losing Ronaldo to Real once he’d accepted that the former Sporting Lisbon winger was set to leave.
      Fergie had even said back in 2008 that he wouldn’t sell Madrid a ‘virus’ let alone his best player.
      And according to Spanish newspaper AS, the United boss realised at the time that Barcelona were the only other club who could afford Ronaldo, who now plays his football in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.
      Fergie apparently contacted the Catalans to encourage a bid but the Portugal captain had already set his mind on a move to the Bernabeu.
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      Guardiola’s most notable signing that summer involved an infamous swap deal with Inter Milan involving Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
      But the acquisition of Ronaldo would have not only ushered in an era of pure dominance for Barcelona, but also have cancelled out his famed rivalry with Messi.
      Whether Manchester City chief Pep could have managed to get the two to play together is up for debate, as he boasted an embarrassment of attacking riches while in charge of Barca.
      While Arsenal legend Thierry Henry flourished for Barca on the left wing, Ronaldo could have occupied the opposite flank to leave Messi in the hole behind Ibra.
      Yaya Toure and Sergio Busquets may have had to share a spot on the substitutes bench, with Spanish duo Xavi and Iniesta holding down the two spots in the middle.
      Messi was asked by Mundo Deportivo last year whether he would pass to Ronaldo if the two were on the same team.
      The Argentine joked: “I guess so, in the end, yes.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a then-world record transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      The Portuguese superstar was also offered to Barcelona which would have made him teammates with Lionel MessiCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Five Leeds stars who could be axed in summer transfer window as star man ‘dreams’ of Champions League move

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      LEEDS are in serious danger of being relegated to the Championship, meaning several players could be set to leave the club.The Whites sit 18th in the Premier League table, one point adrift of safety with two games to go.
      Wilfried Gnonto could leave Leeds this summerCredit: AFP
      Keeper Illan Meslier’s time at Leeds could also come to an endCredit: AFP
      Weston McKennie could head back to parent club JuventusCredit: AP
      Interim boss Sam Allardyce is a mastermind at keeping sides up and faces games against West Ham and Tottenham to save their top-flight status.
      With Southampton relegated and Leicester on the verge of going, many believe one of Leeds, Everton and Nottingham Forest will join them.
      After a chaotic season at Elland Road a number of clubs will look to take advantage and will have certain players on their summer shopping lists whether Leeds beat the drop or not.
      Wilfried Gnonto
      The teenager, 19, joined from Zurich last summer but he has big aspirations of playing Champions League football one day.
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      He is boyhood Inter Milan fan and said in an interview it is his dream to play for the club.
      And he could make it after impressing in his debut year in the Premier League.
      Gnonto may have only scored four times, but the attacker’s energetic displays and technique have really caught the eye.
      Leeds fans fumed when Javi Gracia refused to start him and more have called for him to get more minutes under Big Sam, this won’t leave such a talent happy.
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      Illan Meslier
      The goalkeeper has had a shaky season for Leeds, conceding 67 goals this season, more than any other stopper.
      Despite not being helped by his defence, Meslier made several high-profile mistakes in recent weeks and Allardyce has dropped him for Joel Robles.
      The 23-year-old signed by Marcelo Bielsa without a doubt has potential and has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United in the past.
      His Leeds spell could be over due to his bad form and he would be a lucrative asset to sell if the club went down.
      Weston McKennie
      The American midfielder joined the club in January on loan from Juventus due to his links with ex-boss Jesse Marsch.
      Leeds reportedly have the option to make the signing permanent for £30million.
      But they certainly won’t be able to afford that if they get relegated and he has also failed to perform consistently.
      McKennie could be in line for another new club this summer as he is surplus to requirements at Juve.
      Rodrigo
      Leeds may have to cash-in on Rodrigo with his deal up next yearCredit: Getty
      Rodrigo has been one of few shining lights for Leeds in a bleak season.
      The Spaniard has netted 14 goals in all competitions this term.
      Rodrigo, 32, is an experienced attacker and sees his deal expire at Elland Road in the summer of 2024.
      Prem and European sides could fancy a move as Leeds may be forced to to cash-in before losing him on a free.
      Tyler Adams
      Tyler Adams will be on the list of many top sidesCredit: Getty
      Adams will have no shortage of suitors should Leeds get relegated or stay in the league.
      The 24-year-old has been linked with switches to both Arsenal and Newcastle.
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      Adams captained the Unites States at the World Cup last year and has Champions League experience, having played for RB Leipzig.
      The combative midfielder only joined Leeds last summer and has a contract until 2027, but it seems unlikely he would stay put to play in the Championship if the worst happens. More

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      How Arsenal could line up next season with FOUR ex-Man City stars and Declan Rice in new-look XI

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      ARSENAL are beginning to lick their wounds after the cruellest of ends to a season.But Mikel Arteta is already putting plans together for a fresh title challenge next term.
      Arsenal are ready to fight for the title again by moving for West Ham’s Declan RiceCredit: Reuters
      The Gunners already boast two ex-Man City stars and want another two this summerCredit: Reuters
      And he could end up with FOUR ex-Man City star’s in his first XI — as well as top target Declan Rice.
      Arsenal saw any chance of winning their first title since 2004 disappear with defeat to Brighton last weekend.
      A shocking collapse after leading the race for 93 per cent of the season means City could clinch their third straight title by Saturday evening.
      However, Arteta is refusing to take his eyes off the prize and is already planning for the next campaign.
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      Arsenal boast two former Etihad stars in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko among their ranks.
      But fresh reports claim they are now ready to raid City again for two more.
      The first is flying wing-back Joao Cancelo, currently on loan at Bayern Munich.
      Despite being a star defender in his first two seasons, the Portugal ace fell victim to Guardiola’s change of formation this term.
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      Joao Cancelo is in Mikel Arteta’s sightsCredit: Getty
      Arsenal also fancy Ilkay Gundogan on a free transferCredit: PA
      Cancelo, 28, is unlikely to have a future when he returns to City this summer.
      And Arsenal are now hoping to open negotiations at the end of the season.
      The other City slick in Arteta’s sights is said to be Ilkay Gundogan.
      Pep’s German captain, 32, has exploded into life once again towards the end of term.
      But he is out of contract this summer and has refused to commit his future to City.
      SunSport understands Barcelona are leading the charge to sign Gundogan.

      But the Spaniards continue to be wrapped up in financial difficulties.
      Re-signing Lionel Messi is their priority.
      And that could open the door for Arsenal to make Gundogan an offer he can’t refuse.
      Finally, Arteta is ready to smash the club’s transfer record for West Ham and England star Rice, 24.
      Arsenal’s current top fee stands at £72million, which they paid Lille for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.
      But with Granit Xhaka going to Bayer Leverkusen, plus doubts over the long-term futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, a midfield shake-up is needed.
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      Rice is eager to play Champions League football next season.
      And Arsenal are willing to pay up to £90m to prise the anchorman from the Hammers. More

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      Ex-Man Utd star has theory why Phil Jones refused to quit Man Utd despite fact he should have ‘left a long time ago’

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      A FORMER Manchester United star reckons he knows why Phil Jones has stayed at the club for so long.The centre-back, 31, is in his 12th season at Old Trafford following a 2011 move from Blackburn Rovers.
      A former Man Utd star reckons he knows why Phil Jones has refused to leave until nowCredit: Getty
      Despite enjoying his start to life at United, Jones eventually suffered several injury setbacks.
      And he’s played just 13 times in the last four years.
      Jones is now set to be released when his contract expires this summer.
      The Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League winner’s exit will call time on his up-and-down football career.
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      Jones already turned down the chance to play a testimonial after more than a decade of loyal service.
      And former Red Devil Dimitar Berbatov reckons he knows why Jones has refused to quit United before now.
      The Bulgarian scored 56 goals in four seasons at the club, winning two Premier League titles.
      And Berbatov believes that once you get a taste of life in the famous red shirt, you become extremely reluctant to let it go.
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      Dimitar Berbatov reckons United is too great a club for many to simply walk away fromCredit: Getty
      He told Betfred: “I believe Phil should have left a long time ago because it was obvious that he wasn’t in the plans of a couple of Manchester United’s recent managers. 
      “He was obviously not going to play, his time was up and he needed to leave sooner, but it is what it is. I wish him the best of luck in the future.

      “Has he been unfairly criticised? We’ve all been there and sometimes you get criticism you deserve and sometimes you don’t. That’s football. 
      “In Phil’s case, I can understand it because when you go to Manchester United, you don’t want to leave. 
      “Trust me. I can understand why he’s stayed at the club for so many years.” More

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      Forgotten Man Utd star dubbed ‘little Iniesta or Xavi’ confirms exit after six years at Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Ethan Galbraith has confirmed he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.The 22-year-old has made just one first-team appearance for the Red Devils – which came under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Europa League in 2019.
      Ethan Galbraith will leave Old Trafford at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      He has had loan spells with Doncaster and SalfordCredit: Getty
      He spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Doncaster where he played 36 games for the League One side.
      And this season he has been a part of Salford’s team – which is owned by Man Utd legends Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.
      Northern Ireland international Galbraith has been with United since arriving from Limerick six years ago.
      But now his exit has been announced on social media.
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      Speaking on Instagram, the central midfielder said: “After 6 years, my time has come to an end with this magnificent club at Manchester United.
      “I want to thank the club, coaching staff and players for helping me become a better player, a better person and for making me feel at home.

      “My earliest ambition as a boy was to become a professional footballer and I’m forever grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity and support to fulfil that dream.
      “It’s been a privilege and I feel very fortunate to have been able to represent the club.
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      “I step into the next chapter of my career a more mature well rounded person and I’m excited for what’s next…”
      Following his Man Utd debut, ex-Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough described Galbraith as their country’s Andreas Iniesta or Xavi.
      Speaking in 2020, he said: “Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s our little Iniesta or Xavi.
      “[He’s] someone who can get on the ball and manipulate the ball and find positive passes.
      “Over the coming years, he will give us a different flavour to the squad.”
      Galbraith has earned two international caps but has not featured for his country over the past three years. More

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      Arsenal set for massive boost with star man to open fresh contract talks after stellar season

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      WILLIAM SALIBA is set for fresh contract talks with Arsenal.The defender was a sensation in his Gunners breakout campaign before a back injury ended his season in mid-March.
      William Saliba is set for fresh contract talks with Arsenal.Credit: Getty
      Saliba, 22, started the first 27 Premier League games with his absence a major reason why Arsenal have fallen behind Manchester City in the title race.
      But his current Emirates deal expires in the summer of 2024 — with the centre-back spending most of his first three years at the club out on loan.
      The Gunners are therefore desperate to get him tied down long-term.
      Meanwhile, Arsenal are praying for a Manchester City meltdown — in Europe as well as in the Premier League.
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      Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have already guaranteed second place in the table and a return to Champions League action after a seven-season absence.
      But if City beat Real Madrid tonight, it will increase the chances of Arsenal landing a nightmare draw — which could include the likes of BOTH Real and Bayern Munich — by being dropped into the third seeding pot.
      Arsenal’s faint title hopes will be extinguished this weekend if they fail to beat Nottingham Forest or City get three points against Chelsea.
      But this evening they have a major interest in Pep Guardiola’s side losing to Madrid and seeing their Euro dream shattered.
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      Next season’s eight top seeds for August’s group-stage draw in Monaco will be the champions of England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy and Portugal, plus the Champions League and Europa League winners.
      Then will come the next eight highest-ranked sides on Uefa’s club coefficient calculation.
      Which, as things stand, would be Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, Inter Milan, Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Leipzig and Porto, with Arsenal one place out of the frame.
      Arsenal have fallen behind in the title raceCredit: Reuters More