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    Sunderland announce release list with 14 players leaving including Love Island legend’s husband and ex-Man Utd starlet

    CHAMPIONSHIP club Sunderland have revealed that Corry Evans and Bradley Dack will both leave next month when their contracts expire.The two stars were part of 14 players that were left off the Black Cats’ retained list.Sunderland have announced former captain Corry Evans is leaving the clubCredit: AlamyBradley Dack only signed last summer but injury restricted him to just 16 appearancesCredit: GettyDack is married to Love Island legend Olivia AttwoodCredit: InstagramEvans captained Sunderland to League One play-off glory in 2022Credit: GettyEvans, 33, and Dack, 30, both endured injury problems this season as the North East side failed to reach the play-offs.Versatile Northern Ireland international Evans, who has featured in both defence and midfield, started his career at Manchester United.After loan spells at Carlisle and Hull City, he joined the Tigers permanently in 2011. He spent two years there before Blackburn swooped to sign him and he enjoyed eight years at Ewood Park.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEvans signed for Sunderland on a free transfer in 2021 and he captained the club as they won promotion back to the Championship via the play-offs.But the star suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2023 and only returned to training with the club in March.He managed to make three appearances in the closing stages of what turned out to be a miserable end to season for Sunderland.Meanwhile, Dack only arrived at the Stadium of Light on a free from Blackburn Rovers last summer.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut he has suffered a number of injury issues that have restricted him to just one goal in 16 appearances.The attacker was a fans’ favourite at Ewood Park, playing 173 times for Rovers over six years.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysThe ex-Gillingham ace also hit the headlines when it emerged that he was dating former Love Island star Olivia Attwood.They had actually been introduced by mutual friends at a swanky London nightclub before she entered the villa, with the pair getting engaged in 2019.Dack finally tied the knot with Olivia following a series of Covid-related delays in a stunning ceremony last year after his switch to Sunderland.Sunderland have also released Jack Diamond, 24, with the club opting not to trigger a one-year extension following a loan spell at Carlisle United.Fellow academy graduate Ellis Taylor, 21, is also departing.Loanees Mason Burstow and Callum Styles have returned to their parent clubs, Chelsea and Barnsley.England’s new Euros WagsENGLAND football stars will be hoping their other halves will bring them good luck in Germany this summer and SunSport runs down the new faces to expect to see.
    Erica Correa: We exclusively revealed Man Utd star Marcus Rashford has been growing close to the Colombia-born model.
    Laura Celia Valk: The Dutch stunner is rumoured to be dating Jude Bellginham and staying in his Madrid mansion.
    Ellie Alderson: The interior designer is with Ollie Watkins, who will be hoping for a place on the plane after missing the last Euros and World Cup.
    Dani Dyer: The actor and reality TV star is going out with Jarrod Bowen, who is in fine form and in line for a Euros call up.
    Annie Keating: Girlfriend to Anthony Gordon, who is vying for a place in England’s competitive frontline.
    Iris Law: The model and daughter to actor Jude sparked romance rumours with Trent Alexander-Arnold after they were spotted together.

    And Ben Creamer, Callum Wilson, Connor Pye, Daniel Obolo, Harry Gardiner, Jayden Sekete, Joe Ryder, Kailem Beattie, Michael Spellman and Thomas Chiabi will depart the academy.Having led the club to the Championship play-offs the previous season, Tony Mowbray was surprisingly sacked in December with the club ninth in the table.He was replaced by Michael Beale – but after six defeats in his opening 12 games, including a 3-0 home FA Cup loss to rivals Newcastle United, he was also axed in February.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat led to popular coach Mike Dodds being placed in interim charge for the remainder of the campaign, where Sunderland ended up finishing a disappointing 16th.Will Still and Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl are two of the names being linked with becoming a permanent successor.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Man Utd transfer target’s team ‘hint at doubts over Erik ten Hag’s future as signings hang in the balance’

    MANCHESTER UNITED currently remain undecided about Erik ten Hag’s future, according to reports.The Dutchman could be sacked this summer amid his team’s poor run of form and fractured relationships behind the scenes.Erik ten Hag’s future is in doubtCredit: GettyTosin Adarabioyo has emerged as a transfer target, but his representatives have been given no guarantees Ten Hag will remain in chargeCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe is set to make a decision about Ten Hag’s future after the FA Cup finalCredit: PADespite the doubts surrounding his future, Ten Hag has allegedly been involved with planning ahead for the transfer window.Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has emerged as a top target, with the Red Devils convinced he will be an ideal replacement for Raphael Varane.The 26-year-old is expected to leave Craven Cottage on a free transfer when his contract expires next month.However, talkSPORT claim his advisers have been offered no guarantees that Ten Hag will be in charge of Man Utd come the start of next season.Read More on FootballUnited’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to make a decision about the Dutchman’s future after the FA Cup final.England boss Gareth Southgate is among the candidates being considered for the job should Ten Hag leave.Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who has been out of work for over a year, is also on the shortlist.And Thomas Tuchel is another name that has been linked with the job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel was set to leave Bayern Munich this summer after failing to win a trophy with the Bundesliga giants.However, he is now in talks to sign a new contract.Erik ten Hag’s press conference after Man Utd’s 3-2 win against NewcastleTen Hag addressed Man Utd fans following the club’s final match of the season at Old Trafford on Wednesday.He said: “It wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant, and it was the backing of you for the team.”The season is not over yet. Now, first we will travel to Brighton for three points and then we go to Wembley.”And I promise you that those players will give everything, to get that cup, to win the cup, and bring it to Old Trafford.”And be assured, you will be there supporting us. Thank you, you are the best supporters in the world, thank you.” More

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    Man Utd fans in fresh Bruno Fernandes fears as captain waits until almost midnight with supporters outside Old Trafford

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans fear Bruno Fernandes will leave after what he did after the Newcastle win.SunSport revealed that Fernandes, 29, is considering a move away from United ahead of next season even though his contract runs until 2026.Manchester United fans fear Bruno Fernandes is leaving after the clubCredit: X @RichFayFernandes didn’t appear to greet the fans until midnight after Man Utd’s win over NewcastleCredit: GettyIt comes after the playmaker hinted earlier this month that he could quit for a fresh challenge after Euro 2024.And now some Red Devils fans worry the Portugal international hinted at an exit once more after Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle at Old Trafford.Fernandes didn’t come out to meet the supporters until around midnight after the game ended at 10pm.One fan tweeted: “He’s going isn’t he.”Read More on Man UtdAnother commented: “It’s a sign.”A third said: “He definitely leaving.”This fan posted: “Hes leaving.”And that one stated: “He should go and rest.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNevertheless, Fernandes was in a great mood and was very kind with the United fans.The Portuguese star didn’t show any concrete sign that he is leaving as he signed every autograph and took selfies.Awkward moment Erik ten Hag drags Bruno Fernandes out of interview live on Sky Sports when grilled about Man Utd futureThe ex-Sporting Lisbon star has stood out for Erik ten Hag’s side during a turbulent campaign with 15 goals and 12 assists in 46 appearances. More

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    Man City drop hint over Jack Grealish’s future with stunning new Manchester-themed home kit for 2024/25 season

    MANCHESTER CITY have dropped a hint over Jack Grealish’s future following the release of their new home kit for the 2024/25 season.Pep Guardiola’s side will seal a historic fourth successive Premier League title on Sunday if they beat West Ham at the Etihad.Jack Grealish modelled the new Manchester City home kitCredit: X / @ManCityHe got behind the wheel of a car in the stripCredit: X / @ManCityMan City Women star Alex Greenwood was another who wore the shirt in the videoCredit: X / @ManCityEsme Morgan also pulled on the new blue jerseyCredit: X / @ManCityThey can then add to that by making it a domestic double with a win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final on May 25.But Grealish, 28, who was an integral part of Man City’s Treble-winning side from last season, has started just three league games since the turn of the year.Some of that is down to injuries, but his form has also dropped off – contributing three goals and three assists in all competitions.The dip has seen the £100million man – who joined Man City in 2021 – linked with a move away from the Etihad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnnamed clubs are said to be “queuing up” for the ex-Aston Villa man’s signature.But Man City have now hinted he has a future with Guardiola’s men after he appeared in the launch of their stunning new home kit for next season.Grealish was seen rocking the blue strip in the video alongside a host of other Man City stars.They included Manuel Akanji, Mateo Kovacic, Alex Greenwood and Esme Morgan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGrealish has endured a difficult season at the EtihadBut it is Grealish being included in the shirt unveiling that may alleviate Man City fans’ fears surrounding his future.The England man is one of a number of City players linked with a move away this summer.Man City’s five key moments this seasonThe others include Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega.Man City star Manuel Akanji also appeared in the social media videoCredit: X / @ManCityMateo Kovacic was another in the footageCredit: X / @ManCityOscar Bobb also got involved in the modelling More

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    Liverpool No2 Pep Lijnders lands management job with club set to play in major tournament Klopp couldn’t qualify for

    LIVERPOOL’S assistant manager has landed a new job as boss of a club set to compete in a competition Jurgen Klopp couldn’t qualify for.The Reds were rocked in January when their German manager announced that he would be leaving Anfield this summer.Jurgen Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders (left) has landed a new job in AustriaCredit: PAThe two men will both bid farewell to Anfield on SundayCredit: GettyThe 56-year-old ensured that he will depart with some silverware when guiding the Reds to Carabao Cup success in February.However, his hopes of leading them to the title are as well as their FA Cup and Europa League aspirations also being ended.Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, 45, is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made with the Dutchman set to move into Klopp’s house on Merseyside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, while Klopp is set to make an emotional farewell to the Kop against Wolves in his final game on Sunday, two of his staff members are looking forward to an exciting new challenge.Pepijn Lijnders, will take over as Red Bull Salzburg manager after he departs Liverpool this weekend.And he will be joined at the Austrian Bundesliga giants by fellow Anfield coach Vitor Matos, who will go as his No.2.Lijnders said: “I am very proud to become the new head coach of FC Red Bull Salzburg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“This is a real privilege for me. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto and Liverpool FC, I am now moving to another exceptional club with a really good structure and a particular focus on youth development.“I want to develop a mentality with the team that places a lot of emphasis on attacking style of play and where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days“Together with my assistant coach Vitor Matos and the entire support team, we will do our best to help the club continue to grow in an ever-changing football world.“My family has visited the city before and was overwhelmed by its beauty and the friendliness of the people. That was the last and important step for me in choosing FC Red Bull Salzburg.”Lijnders initially worked at Liverpool from 2014 as U16s coach but then stepped up to be first-team development coach in 2015.Working initially under Brendan Rodgers, he remained in his role under Klopp before the Dutchman headed for a one-year spell as boss at NEC Nijmegen in his homeland.What they have said about Arne SlotHere’s what the experts think about Klopp’s replacement:
    MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
    “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
    “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
    “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
    SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
    “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
    “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
    “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
    Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
    “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
    “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
    Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
    “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
    “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.”

    But Lijnders returned to Liverpool as assistant manager ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and played a key role in Klopp’s success.Liverpool were denied a place at the expanded 2025 Club World Cup while Arsenal also missed out after they were eliminated from the Champions League.Fifa decided that no more than two teams per country would be guaranteed participation in the controversial 32-team event with Man City and Chelsea representing the Premier League.Each Champions League winner from the period between 2021 and 2024 qualifies, meaning the 2023 and 2021 winners both make the cut.That ruled out the Kopites, while Arsenal needed to go all the way by winning this season’s Champions League to take part in it.However, they have now been knocked out of both events as a result of their defeat by Bayern Munich in the quarters.Instead, their spot will go to RB Salzburg – who will have their new man at the helm.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’ve never won a European trophy and have only ever made it out of the Champions League group stage once.The second criteria is based on a club’s place in the Uefa Champions League coefficient over the same period, which is how Salzburg got in.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
    But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
    In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
    Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
    But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
    These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
    Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
    But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
    Klopp got it wrong.
    Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
    Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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    Man Utd could bring back familiar face in shock appointment to replace Ten Hag as club ‘make contact’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been linked with a shock move to bring Kieran McKenna back to replace Erik ten Hag as manager.Pressure is mounting on the Dutch coach after Arsenal beat the Red Devils 1-0 on Sunday to leave them stuck in eighth place and on course for their worst Premier League finish.Serious questions still remain over Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: AlamyIpswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has been linked with his jobCredit: PAUnited are now at serious risk of missing out on European football altogether and have lost 19 games in all competitions, which is the most since the 1978/79 season.The latest setback was also their ninth at Old Trafford this campaign, the joint-most at home in a single season in their history.United do have an FA Cup final with Man City on May 25 to look forward to – and it is after that when new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to decide on Ten Hag’s future.The likes of Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel have been linked with the job, and now The Guardian says that Ipswich Town manager McKenna has emerged as a surprise candidate ahead of tonight’s clash with Newcastle.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 38-year-old was part of the United coaching staff under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for six years before taking over at the Tractor Boys in League One in December 2021.He has since led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions and they will compete in the Premier league for the first time since 2002.McKenna is “highly regarded by the United ­hierarchy” and is now “under serious con­sideration to take over” after the post-Wembley review on Ten Hag.This update states that “initial contact is believed to have already been made between United and McKenna’s representatives” although the report states that “sources have stressed that it is still ‘early days’”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMcKenna rejected an approach from Crystal Palace earlier this season and remains under contract at Portman Road until 2027.He started as U18s coach at United after joining from Tottenham in 2016 and then he went on to become one of Solskjaer’s assistants.Erik ten Hag says Man Utd have to ‘fight hard’ to get win against Newcastle Ipswich understandably are desperate to hang on to him and “any move is likely to involve paying considerable compensation”.This report also added that “Ipswich’s owners are planning to hold talks with the Northern Irishman in the next few weeks” over his future.And they also believe that they can “convince him to lead them into the Premier League”.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
    Michael Owen – He has to go
    “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
    Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
    “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
    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

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    Liverpool ace Luis Diaz ‘is Barcelona’s top summer transfer target’ as winger ‘dreams’ of playing for Spanish giants

    BARCELONA are lining up a move for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz this summer, a report claims.The winger has been key in Jurgen Klopp’s squad since his £50million arrival from Porto in 2022.Barcelona are reportedly lining up a move for Diaz this summerCredit: GettyDiaz, 27, has made 97 appearances for the Reds, scoring 24 goals and adding 13 assists.The 47-cap Colombian international has started in 31 of Liverpool’s 36 Premier League games this season.And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keen to sign a winger this summer, with Diaz their top target.Despite the club’s financial struggles, the report suggests that the Catalan giants remain determined to bolster their squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club’s pursuit of Diaz is a strategic move to strengthen their left wing.Diaz has emerged as their top choice, but they are also interested in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and Porto’s Pepe.Xavi’s side are convinced that Diaz’s style of play is ideal for their tactical set-up and are actively devising strategies to secure his services.For Diaz, a switch to Barcelona would fulfil a lifelong dream, which his father has echoed in the past.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe report adds Diaz’s chances of moving are boosted by Klopp leaving the club at the end of the season and to be replaced by expected successor Arne Slot.Diaz’s contract runs until 2027, yet an offer from Catalonia could influence his future at the club.Watch Gary Neville’s brilliant reaction to Aston Villa equaliser against Liverpool on live TV as fans beg ‘meme that’Barcelona have been trying to find ways to overcome their economic challenges, including the sale of future television rights revenues to private companies.According to the report, the club’s strategy for bolstering their squad this summer hinges on complying with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations and salary caps, to allow them to spend more.The increase in spending capacity is to be supported by new sponsorship agreements with Nike and the selling of shares in Barca Studios – the club’s in-house production company.Barcelona are also set to sell some of their key stars to cover the cost of transfers this summer. More

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    Arsenal ‘contact Bruno Guimaraes’ agents with Newcastle ready to consider shock cut price transfer’

    ARSENAL have made contact with Bruno Guimaraes’ camp over a stunning transfer for the Newcastle star, according to reports.The 26-year-old has sparkled once again for Toon this season, scoring six goals in 48 games under Eddie Howe.Arsenal have made contact with the reps of Newcastle star Bruno GuimaraesCredit: GettyGuimaraes’ fine form has seen him attract interest from several sides including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.But transfer guru Ben Jacobs claims Arsenal are leading the race.Mikel Arteta strengthened his midfield with the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham last year.And the extra control in the middle of the park has paid dividends, with Arsenal hoping to pip Manchester City to the title.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSHowever, Thomas Partey could leave this summer after struggling for fitness.Mo Elneny is also expected to depart after Jorginho was handed a new one-year deal.And Arsenal are now looking to launch a bid for Guimaraes to become Rice’s new partner.It’s reckoned they have already touched base with the Brazilian’s representatives.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile Guimaraes’ contract will see a £100million release clause become active for the month of June.Even so, the report adds that Newcastle will consider offers of £80m from clubs who have qualified for next season’s Champions League.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerGuimaraes is said to be happy at Newcastle, but could be ready to move forward with his career and play on Europe’s top stage.Unfortunately for Arsenal, they aren’t the only Premier League club expressing interest.It’s noted that Man City are also keeping tabs on Guimaraes, and have also reached out to his camp on the possibility of a deal. More