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      Virgil van Dijk casts doubt on Liverpool future and hints at Netherlands retirement after Euro 2024 exit

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      NETHERLANDS defender Virgil van Dijk has hinted at leaving Liverpool and retiring from international football after refusing to commit to club or country following his Euro 2024 heartache.Dutch captain Van Dijk, 33, cut a distraught figure in Dortmund on Wednesday night after Oli Watkins’ 90th-minute winner sent England to Sunday’s final in Berlin.Virgil van Dijk’s Netherlands were eliminated from Euro 2024 by EnglandCredit: GettyVan Dijk may have played his final international game against EnglandAfter the match, the Liverpool centre-back fumed at referee Felix Zwayer for controversial decisions during the game – namely awarding England a penalty which Harry Kane scored.It remains unclear whether 74-cap Van Dijk will continue with the national team as he prepares to enter his mid-30s.But he has also cast doubt on his Liverpool future in the wake of Netherlands’ Euros disappointment.Van Dijk, whose Anfield contract expires in 2025, said: “I haven’t the slightest idea right now [about his future].READ MORE ON ENGLAND”I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player. Then we’ll go for it again, but first recover from this.”After a season like this, where all kinds of things have happened, it gets emotional at the end because you know it’s over.”Especially in the second half I had the feeling the outcome would fall our way. But [Ollie] Watkins was perhaps given a little too much space and he finished well.”It hurts a lot that we conceded this goal so late in the match and are now empty-handed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke. “You put everything into it, everyone gives everything and if the goal comes like that in the last minute, that just sucks. Yes… sorry.”Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for £75million, three years after making his Netherlands debut.Watch bizarre moment Virgil van Dijk BEATBOXES while forgotten Premier League star RAPS during Euro 2024 coverageHe has racked up 270 appearances and 23 goals for the Reds.His trophy haul on Merseyside stands at a Premier League title, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.Back in January, following the announcement that Jurgen Klopp was leaving Liverpool, fans linked Van Dijk with a Barcelona transfer. More

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      Tottenham monitoring Brazilian wonderkid Marcus Vinnicius, 17, with two Premier League rivals also keen on transfer

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      TOTTENHAM are monitoring the latest Brazilian sensation to come out of Palmeiras.The Sao Paulo-based club have become one of the country’s best producers of talent in recent years.Marcus Vinnicius is wanted by TottenhamCredit: www.palmeiras.comPalmeiras have sold Endrick to Real Madrid in a fee that could rise £50m, Luis Guilherme to West Ham for £25m and Estevao Willian to Chelsea for £47m.And now, 17-year-old left-back Marcus Vinnicius is catching the eye of Spurs.Wolves, Newcastle and Benfica are also interested in the wonderkid.Vinnicius – who can also play as a winger – is set to sign his first professional contract with Palmeiras this summer until June 2026, with an extension until 2029 already on the table.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe sales of Endrick, 17, Guilherme, 18, and Estevao, 17, have banked Palmeiras over £120m, and the club view Vinnicius as another big money-maker.Vinnicius is expected to have an £85m release clause in his contract, but Palmeiras are open to negotiating a deal for any interested party from Europe.Several scouts from the continent were present to watch him in a tournament in Ecuador last month that Palmeiras would go on to win.Vinnicius arrived at Palmeiras in 2022, despite major interest from Flamengo, Internacional and Atletico Mineiro, after impressing in the Goias youth team – a club where former Chelsea, Brazil and Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari made his name.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTottenham could be close to sign another wonderkidPalmeiras director of youth Joao Paulo Sampaio worked hard to convince the club to bring in the highly-rated Vinnicius, having also found Endrick, Guilherme and Estevao.Spurs’ recruitment drive is currently focusing on young talents.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesThey already brought in 18-year-old midfield duo Archie Gray from Leeds and Lucas Bergvall from Swedish side Djurgarden.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. More

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      Man Utd transfer targets compared as stats show why Ten Hag may have to break the bank again to get the right defender

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      ERIK TEN HAG may have to break the bank to get the right defender this summer.The Manchester United boss is hoping to land TWO new centre-backs.Man Utd are on the hunt for a new defender, with Jarrad Branthwaite a top targetCredit: ReutersReports claim United have had a bid accepted for Leny YoroCredit: GettyAnd he has no less than four star names on his shortlist.The Red Devils look set to be closing in on a deal for Bayern Munich misfit Matthijs de Ligt.And they have also seen two bids rejected for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.Reports claim United have now set their sights on Lille’s Leny Yoro, having a £42million bid accepted despite the teen’s preference to join Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday that Ten Hag is also keeping close tabs on England and Crystal Palace sensation Marc Guehi.However, the stats show that £85m-rated Branthwaite boasts the best record of the lot.He made the most appearances of all four men last season, scoring the most goals and winning the most duels.Branthwaite also made the most tackles, interceptions and clearances.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd he completed the most blocks too, while also winning possession more than anyone else.When squeezed across an average game, Branthwaite reigns supreme there as well.Greenwood back at Man Utd trainingSunSport understands United are interested in Marc GuehiCredit: GettyThe Red Devils hope to strike a deal for Matthijs de LigtCredit: GettyEven with Guehi and De Ligt getting a fairer shot after playing 10 and 13 less games respectively, Branthwaite still has the top ratio in almost all fields.It means if United are solely going after a new centre-back based on stats, the 22-year-old appears to be head and shoulders above the rest, who are much on an equal level with each other.However, Branthwaite did lag behind the rest of the competition in terms of successful passes and passing accuracy.Yet his dominance in aerial duels won makes him a threat at both ends of the pitch.It also means Ten Hag will have to dig deep as Everton rate Branthwaite as one of the best centre-backs in Europe.His age means he is likely to get even better with more minutes.And the Toffees value Branthwaite at £85m after seeing Man City pay £100m for Josko Gvardiol, also 22 years old, last summer.As far as the other stats go, Lille’s 18-year-old sensation Yoro just about has the next-best numbers after also playing around the same matches as Branthwaite.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut when squeezed down to an average across 90 minutes, there’s not much to choose between him, Guehi and De Ligt.And it may end up boiling down to who is available for the best price. More

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      Chelsea set to lose ‘next Musiala’, 15, to Premier League rivals who ‘will break historical wage structure for transfer’

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      CHELSEA are set to lose a talented academy product dubbed “the next Musiala” according to reports.Rio Ngumoha, 15, is set to join Liverpool after they broke their historic wage structure to bring him in.Rio Ngumoha played nine times for Chelsea’s U18sCredit: GettyNgumoha has been compared to two former Chelsea academy products, Musiala and Michael Olise, for his talent at a young age.Chelsea lost Musiala, 21, to Bayern Munich in 2019, and he has gone on to prove himself as one of the world’s finest emerging talents.Olise was also lost by Chelsea to Manchester City’s academy in 2016. He went on to play professionally for Reading and Crystal Palace before completing £49.5million move to Bayern Munich yesterday.According to Fabrizio Romano, Ngumoha is seen as such a special talent that Liverpool are willing to break their academy wage structure which has remained in place for years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe says a deal will be completed for the 15-year-old soon.Under their previous structure, which will be broken with the transfer of Ngumoha, academy players’ earnings were capped at £50,000-a-year.The cap is part of a larger set of rules that will remain in place.Players are also limited to a ‘car clause’ which means they can not own a vehicle over 1.3 litres.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPlayers at the academy are also required to hand in their phones at 8:30am and are only given them back at the end of the day.Explaining the rules, academy director Alex Inglethorpe told Jamie Carragher for the Telegraph: “It is a safety thing as much as anything.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsMeet 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.”I don’t want boys who have just passed their test with these big chunks of metal, but I was also fed up seeing a car park full of Range Rovers.”If anyone turns up with one of them, they are parking it next door.”We have a pay structure which is fairly old-fashioned. We give them jobs to do. We tell them to hand their phone over at 8.30am and give them back before they go home.”You have been a senior player. You know how it is when a young player comes into the dressing room. You want respect for the pathway.”They have to earn what comes their way first. All the other stuff is fine later. To get there you have to do it on the pitch.”Ngumoha is a talented left winger who made nine appearances for Chelsea’s Under 18s last season, despite only turning 16 later this month.The player has also featured several times for England’s U-16 side.During those appearances, he contributed one goal and one assist.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have a good track record of bedding academy products into the first-team in recent years.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones are first-team regulars, with Conor Bradley also playing extensively in the first-team last season. More

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      Erik ten Hag does NOT have a new Man Utd contract and Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have already hired his replacement

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      SO LET’S cut through all the you-know-what and get to the nub of the situation.However this appears to have been painted, Erik ten Hag does not have a new Manchester United contract.Sir Jim Ratcliffe with manager Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThere are no new assurances and nothing has changed.Yesterday’s grand announcement left the Dutchman on the same thin ice he was negotiating before winning May’s FA Cup final against rivals City.Ten Hag has effectively agreed to stay and work with the new controllers of football operations who, not long ago, were hunting someone else for the job.All that has happened is that the extra year in his original contract has been triggered to take it to 2026.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is not the ringing endorsement of a new four or five-year deal.The 12-month pay-off will stay the same if what seemed inevitable at the end of the last Premier League season is delayed until the next one if things do not start well.Ten Hag said: “I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together.”In other words: “OK, I’ll stay.”Most read in FootballErik ten Hag is no safer now than before FA Cup winBy Neil CustisAfter Manchester United announced Erik ten Hag was staying on, they tried to explain why it has taken over two weeks since the Dutchman paraded the FA Cup at Wembley to actually tell him he still had the job.A thorough review of the season was needed even though Ten Hag said before the Cup final that this had been done.The club said that they had ‘considered all eventualities’.In other words ‘which manager would be best for us, and not necessarily the bloke we have got?’.And the club were also at pains to make it clear how much they admired Ten Hag’s ‘dedication, dignity and professionalism’.In other words he did not publicly flip his lid at the appalling way he was being treated despite asking Ratcliffe for a public vote of confidence months before the end of the season.Let us remember Ratcliffe did not even namecheck Ten Hag in his ‘congratulations message’ after the FA Cup was won, despite the fact it was all down to him and the way he outthought Pep Guardiola on the day.Read the full column from Neil Custis on Manchester United.Elsewhere he claimed: “We have found complete unity in our vision.”Meaning they all want to win trophies — well that is a relief.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe added: “We are strongly committed to making that journey together.”How they manage that is another thing because right now the strings are being pulled from different directions, with Ten Hag in danger of being the puppet.After all, the coaching team he put together has been dismantled and replaced, with Go Ahead Eagles boss Rene Hake and club goalscoring legend Ruud van Nistelrooy coming in.Or the future manager and assistant, if you listen to more cynical watchers of what is going on at the club.Striker coach Benni McCarthy has gone and Ten Hag’s former Ajax right-hand man Mitchell van der Gaag looks to be on his way too.Why has Ten Hag agreed to all this? Leaks from inside Old Trafford say it is because Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s word is law.On leaks, a recent email — apparently warning staff to stop leaking what was going on at the club — was LEAKED.Ratcliffe has put people in place in Sir David Brailsford, new sporting director Dan Ashworth, CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox to do his bidding.Newcastle released Ashworth this week and he said: “Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in Europe.”If that is the case why were talks held with Thomas Tuchel, as the hierarchy admitted to a dismayed Ten Hag?Ashworth added that “the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement”. Cheers, Sherlock.While these words were being penned ahead of yesterday’s 11am release, none of the big names was on show as the devastating news was given to a staff meeting that 250 of 1,100 were out of a job.It is fair to say that morale is not at an all-time high at Old Trafford right now.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile players who have not been on international duty return to training on Monday.Roll-up, roll-up, the circus is still very much in town. More

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      Brains behind Chelsea’s famous academy for 20 years QUITS in ‘insane blow’ with Blues fans ‘worried’

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      CHELSEA fans are devastated amid news academy director Neil Bath has left the club.Bath, 58, has been manager of the Blues’ academy set-up since 2004.Neil Bath, centre, is leaving Chelsea after 20 years as academy managerCredit: GettyMason Mount and Reece James are among the players brought through by Bath at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe played an integral part in bringing through the club’s young stars – a host of whom broke through into the first team.They included Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.This helped at a critical time for Chelsea as they had a transfer ban imposed on them, increasing the importance of academy talent.Jim Fraser, who joined Chelsea’s academy as a director shortly after Bath, is also set to leave.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAn official announcement is expected in the coming days.And fans are beside themselves after learning of club legend Bath’s departure.One passionate supporter said: “Neil Bath leaving Chelsea is an insane blow.”Look around the whole of Europe for the last decade, at the sheer amount of top level professional footballers that have come through his ranks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I thought his promotion a year ago was a positive thing, now I am worried.”People can argue about their differing views on ‘the project’ moving forwards, and everyone is entitled to their position. But this is just categorically a loss.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall posts goodbye video to Leicester fans and says ‘it’s time for me to go’ ahead of Chelsea transfer “The consistent evidence of success in Bath’s work is there for all to see. We don’t know the story yet, but damn.”While another added: “Nothing surprises me anymore. These clowns are tearing the club apart.”A third said: “A massive, massive loss. Possibly marks the end of Chelsea being a destination for elite scholar development.”Yet I fully expect the people who have been brainwashed by BlueCo’s empty promises to try and rationalise it as a good thing.”And a fourth responded: “Systematically removing all the components that made us worth £3bn is quite something.”Chelsea’s academy trophies over the last decade include five FA Youth Cups, two Under-18s Premier League titles, an U21 Premier League title and two UEFA Youth Leagues.Speaking about the Blues’ youth success, Bath previously said: “I will always say it is a wider effort from everybody involved.”There is a particular focus around scouting and coaching, and the coaches won’t succeed if the talent is not of the right level.”That is why the likes of Jim Fraser, Darren Grace and their recruitment team deserve credit for bringing in such talented players from a very young age.”That is a huge part of our development programme. On the other hand, you need the right coaches.””Fundamentally, it is about having good staff in all areas who work as a team.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard credited Bath for his impact when Mount and Abraham scored in the Premier League.Lampard said: “We had a couple of pints with Neil Bath!” More

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      Archie Gray’s Brentford transfer breaks down AFTER medical as Leeds reject offer at last minute

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      BRENTFORD have seen a £40m bid for Archie Gray rejected by Leeds United.Leeds have knocked back the Bees’ big money offer, despite allowing Gray to complete a medical with the Premier League outfit.Leeds United have rejected a £35m bid from Brentford for Archie GrayCredit: RexIt was yesterday revealed that Gray was heading to London to complete a medical with Brentford after Thomas Frank’s side had submitted a £40m bid.And Leeds had even granted the 18-year-old permission to carry out the tests.But less than 24 hours after the news broke and Leeds have now turned down the offer for their academy graduate over payment structure.Gray is highly thought of at Elland Road, not least because of his family ties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teenager is the great nephew of club legend Eddie Gray, who made over 450 appearances for the club and was twice the manager after hanging up his boots.And his efforts in the Championship last term earned him the award for Young Player of the Year.The star may not be too disheartened by the late decision as it looks like another Premier League club are lurking in the background to hijack the deal.Tottenham are working on a move to sign Gray and are in early discussions over a deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSConversations are said to be ongoing with an expectation on all sides that a deal can be struck.It’s claimed by The Athletic that Gray had a change of heart himself and is leaning towards a switch to Spurs over their London rivals.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiSpurs are amongst a number of Premier League clubs who are circling the rising star and are believed to have been exploring the deal for months.Gray penned a new contract at Leeds in January, tying him down until 2028. More

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      My dad’s a former Chelsea star and Premier League cult hero, I’m making my own way after signing first professional deal

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      HARRY SIDWELL is following in his father’s footsteps as a professional footballer.The 18-year-old is the son of Premier League cult hero Steve Sidwell, 41.Harry Sidwell has penned his first pro deal at WimbledonCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7He is a midfielder like his dadCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7Harry was joined by dad Steve and mum KrysyCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7Harry, who is a midfielder like his dad, has impressed playing for AFC Wimbledon’s Under-18s and he has now be rewarded with his first pro contract.His dad and mum Krysy were at Plough Lane as their eldest son put pen to paper on his new deal.On signing his first contract at the League Two side, Harry said: “To sign my first professional contract is a dream come true. “It’s what I’ve worked for, from an early age as a kid. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the sacrifices and all the hard work that have gone into it, has led to this, and now it’s here – I’m really happy.”His dad was also delighted as he posted on Instagram: “Really proud of you.”And there was messages of congratulations to Harry from the likes of Declan Rice, John Terry, Bobby Zamora and Jody Morris.Sidwell Snr came through the ranks at Arsenal before playing for clubs like Reading, Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke and Brighton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also had a brief spell at Chelsea, playing 15 times in the 2007/08 season under Jose Mourinho.Sidwell even wore the No9 shirt at Stamford Bridge after surprisingly being offered it by the Special One. Former Chelsea ace Steve Sidwell reveals clause in Premier League stars’ contract that ‘nobody has ever exercised’ More