England will back European boycott of 2018 World Cup - Dyke

England would back a European boycott of the 2018 World Cup in protest at the re-election of Sepp Blatter as Fifa president, says Greg Dyke.

A boycott will be considered by European football's governing body Uefa when it meets next week in Berlin.
Football Association chairman Dyke said: "There's no point boycotting on our own, but if the rest of Europe decided to boycott we would join them."
He also said England would not bid to host the World Cup under Blatter.
The 79-year-old Swiss was on Friday re-elected for a fifth term as the head of football's world governing body despite seven Fifa officials being arrested by the US Justice Department over allegations of corruption.
Blatter himself has not been implicated.
"The truth is that he will not be able to sort out a fundamentally corrupt organisation, which is what Fifa is," Dyke claimed, "because he's been there too long.
"If you're the captain of the ship, and the ship is sinking, then if you can't get it back up, you should go.
"That's exactly what he should have done. He should have resigned this week."

World Cup places: Russia 2018
Hosts: 1 (Russia)	Asia: 4 (plus one play-off place)
Europe: 13	North and Central America: 3 (plus one play-off place)
Africa: 5	Oceania: 0 (one play-off place)
South America: 4 (plus one play-off place)

Prince William, the president of the FA, speaking before Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley, described this week's events as Fifa's "Salt Lake City moment", referring to the incident in 1998 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) faced similar allegations.
"There seems to be a huge disconnect between the sense of fair play that guides those playing and supporting the game, and the allegations of corruption that have long lingered around the management of the sport internationally," he said.
"Fifa, like the IOC, must now show that it can represent the interests of fair play and put the sport first."
Fifa's executive committee ruled on Saturday that European nations could hold the 2026 tournament, opening the possibility of England bidding to stage the tournament 60 years after winning it as hosts for the first and only time.
However, the decision on who will host that World Cup will be made in May 2017, halfway through Blatter's four-year term of office.
Blatter had considered preventing any continent that held a World Cup from hosting the next two - which would have ruled out Europe after Russia 2018.
Fifa plans to stick with its current rotation system, by which no continent can host two successive World Cups.
It means that nations from any continent can bid for the 2026 tournament, except for Asian countries as Qatar will host the competition in 2022.
Fifa has also decided that Europe will retain its 13 places at the World Cup finals, which will continue to consist of 32 teams.
Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan, who conceded defeat to Blatter  in Friday's presidential election, had pledged to increase the number of teams at the finals to 36  in time for Russia 2018 had he won.
Speaking to Fifa's Congress in Zurich shortly after his re-election on Friday, Blatter had hinted that he would seek to give Oceania a guaranteed place at the finals - a move that would probably have taken a spot away from Europe.
But instead, the winners of the Oceania section will continue to have to play-off against a team from another confederation for a place at the World Cup.

FA's David Gill rejects Fifa executive committee role

The "damaging events" of the past week convinced Football Association vice-chairman David Gill to reject a place on Fifa's executive committee while Sepp Blatter is president. Gill did not attend Saturday's first executive committee meeting following Blatter's re-election to a fifth term.
"My professional reputation is critical to me," said Gill in a statement.
"I simply do not see how there will be change for the good of world football while Mr Blatter remains in post."
Gill, who was due to sit on the committee as Britain's Fifa vice-president, had told the BBC  before Friday's election that he would not take up his position should 79-year-old Blatter be re-elected.
The former Manchester United chief executive's statement added: "This action is not something I take lightly but the terribly damaging events of the last three days have convinced me it is not appropriate to be a member of the Fifa executive committee under the current leadership.
"I do recognise that Mr Blatter has been democratically elected and wish Fifa every success in tackling the many troubling issues it faces.
"I will continue to focus on my positions within the FA and Uefa, which I take seriously and am privileged to hold."
Blatter told a news conference: "He has given no excuse or reasons for his absence. Yesterday (Friday), he was installed officially as a member of the Fifa exco and I am waiting.
"When you are elected you do not come even to the first meeting. This is not responsible, if you are elected you have to come."
Gill, 57, was only elected two months ago for a four-year term. The British vice-presidency is elected by members of Uefa, European football's governing body, and an election for his successor is now likely to take place.
Blatter beat Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan in Friday's Fifa presidential vote despite a crisis which has seen seven Fifa officials arrested and a separate Swiss criminal investigation into the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Former England captain announces retirement

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has retired from football, days after being released by Queens Park Rangers.

The 36-year-old said it was "the right time" to retire from "the game I love", in a statement read out on BT Sport. 
London-born Ferdinand, who had 12 years at Manchester United after spells with West Ham and Leeds, last played for QPR in March.
In the statement, he paid tribute to his wife Rebecca Ellison, who died from breast cancer on 1 May.
Announcing his retirement, Ferdinand said: "After 18 years as a professional footballer, I now feel it's the right time for me to retire from the game that I love.
"As a 12-year-old boy, kicking around a football on the Friary Estate in Peckham, I never dreamt that I would play for my boyhood club West Ham, captain Leeds United, win the Champions League with Manchester United, or re-join my first manager Harry Redknapp at Queens Park Rangers.
"I will always regard the 81 times that I played for England with immense pride. These are all treasured memories that will last a lifetime."
Ferdinand began his career under Redknapp at West Ham, and had a short loan spell at Bournemouth before making his England debut at the age of 19 in 1997.
He joined Leeds for £18m in 2000, and then moved to Manchester United two years later in a deal worth £29.1m, which at the time was a world-record fee for a defender.
While at Old Trafford, he won six Premier League titles, and lifted the Champions League in 2008 as Chelsea were beaten on penalties in Moscow.
He captained England for the first time in 2008, and replaced John Terry in the role on a full-time basis in February 2010, but missed out on the chance to lead his country at that year's World Cup in South Africa after suffering knee ligament damage during a pre-tournament training session. Terry was reinstated as captain in 2012.
Manchester United released Ferdinand in 2014 and he moved to QPR, but was unable to save them from being relegated as they finished bottom of the Premier League.
Former United and England team-mate Paul Scholes said of Ferdinand: "He was a great player, without a doubt the best centre-half I ever played with. I would say for a time as well he was the best centre-half in the world.
"He was such a pleasure to play with and play in front of. To play in front of him, he made your job so easy."
Former England striker Michael Owen, who also played alongside Ferdinand at Old Trafford, tweeted:  "What a player he was; absolute Rolls Royce."

Newcastle announce relegation saviour Jonas Gutierrez to be released

Newcastle have announced they are releasing Jonas Gutierrez, less than a week after he helped the club stave off relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

The 31-year-old started the season battling his way back from testicular cancer and ended it by inspiring the Magpies to a vital 2-0 win over West Ham.

Gutierrez provided one goal and scored the other in what proved to be his last match for the Toon, who have confirmed the Argentine and defender Ryan Taylor are to leave when their contracts expire on June 30.

In a statement announcing the departures, managing director Lee Charnley said: "Ryan and Jonas have both contributed significantly to Newcastle United over a number of years and on behalf of the board, I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to both players for the excellent service they have given the club.

"It was a great pleasure to see Ryan and Jonas come back into the team in recent weeks and compete at the highest level after the injury and illness battles they have had to overcome.

"To come through those difficult periods with such strength and dignity will have given hope and inspiration to many and it is clear that our supporters have a deep connection and affection for both players, as does everyone associated with the club."

Tottenham complete deal for Cologne defender Kevin Wimmer

Tottenham have completed the signing of defender Kevin Wimmer from Cologne.

The 22-year-old centre-back has moved to White Hart Lane for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £4m.

Wimmer, an Austria international, has signed a five-year contract with Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Having joined Cologne from LASK Linz in 2012, he helped then win promotion to the Bundesliga and made 72 appearances for the club.

He told their official website: "Tottenham is a huge chance for me. Nonetheless, it won't be easy saying goodbye to Cologne.

"I experienced wonderful moments here, such as the promotion and the Klassenerhalt (staying up).

"I want to thank the training staff, my teammates, and all those involved in the club for their extraordinary support.

"Cologne and its fantastic fans will always remain something special for me."

Cologne general manager Jorg Schmadtke added: "Kevin has improved tremendously during his time here and has developed into an Austrian international player.

"Of course it is with some regret that he will be leaving us, but we understand that he is getting the opportunity to play for one of the biggest traditional clubs in London.

"In our dealings with Tottenham we were able to reach an agreement that all parties were happy with."

Liverpool to face NO competition from Manchester United in race for Southampton star

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Liverpool will face no competition from Manchester United in their bid to sign Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne.

Liverpool are in the market for a right-back after they decided to release Glen Johnson.

Atletico Madrid defender Javier Manquillo, who is half way through a two-year loan spell at Anfield, has found it hard to break into the Reds first-team this season and Jon Flanagan is out for another nine months because of a knee injury.

Given that Clyne has one year left on his contract, the Merseyside club are hopeful of luring the 24-year-old to Anfield, but a £10million bid has reportedly been rejected.

United are aware of Clyne's contract situation and scouted the defender earlier this season, but Press Association Sport understands they are no longer interested in the England international.

That leaves Liverpool as the front-runners for Clyne's signature and they are said to be contemplating a second bid for the full-back.

A fortnight ago, Southampton sounded optimistic about their chances of persuading Clyne to extend his contract.

Director of football Les Reed said discussions with the Londoner had been "very, very positive" after the player changed his agent.

Clyne has been a regular in the Saints first team since he moved to St Mary's from Crystal Palace three years ago.

The right back enjoyed his finest campaign at the south-coast club last season and earned his first England cap against Slovenia last November.

He has since played three more times for Roy Hodgson's side and has been included in the national squad for the upcoming double-header against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia next month.

Greg Dyke would be surprised if Sepp Blatter was still FIFA president in two years time

 

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke says he would be "very surprised" if Sepp Blatter was still FIFA president in two years.

Blatter saw off the challenge from Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan after a week which saw seven FIFA officials arrested and 18 people connected to football indicted on corruption charges by the US justice department.

The Swiss won the first round by 133 votes to 73 and, after Prince Ali decided to withdraw ahead of the second round, the 79-year-old was installed as FIFA president for another four years.

Earlier on Friday, Dyke backed the idea of a co-ordinated European boycott of the World Cup - and speaking after the vote in Zurich, he said: "This is not over by any means.

"To quote the Attorney General this is the beginning of the process, not the end.

"The idea Blatter could reform FIFA is suspect. I'd be very surprised if he was still in this job in two years time."

Sepp Blatter re-elected for fifth term as Fifa president

Sepp Blatter has been re-elected for a fifth term as Fifa president after Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein withdrew from the second round of voting at the election in Zurich.

The Swiss administrator, who has held the post for nearly 17 years, commandingly won the first round, but fell seven votes short of the 2/3 majority required to remain in charge.

But, after the controversial 79-year-old recorded a 133-73 first count advantage over his Jordanian counterpart, Al Hussein surrendered his candidacy after recognising the extent of the defecit.

Mr Blatter thanked Prince Ali for standing down as a contender despite his "very good result."

He told the election audience: "Thank you that you accepted me, that for the next four years I will be in command of this boat called Fifa, and we will bring it back, off shore, and back to the beach, we will bring it back, where finally football can be played, beach soccer can be played everywhere.

"I take the responsibility to bring back Fifa, we can do it, and I'm convinced we can do it."

Blatter received a standing ovation at the end of a speech which he finished with: "Let's go Fifa! Let's go Fifa!"

Fifa has been shrouded in allegations this week, with 18 representatives arrested after corruption revelations made by a US justice department.

Blatter has consistently reiterated his desire to retain control, despite calls, including from UEFA president Michel Platini, to stand down.

The result means Blatter will serve four more years at the helm.

Dick Advocaat leaves role as Sunderland head coach

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Dick Advocaat has left his role as Sunderland head coach after deciding to end his career as a club manager on a high.

The Dutchman has been a hit since taking over from axed boss Gus Poyet in March, and was seen in tears on the pitch after a battling 0-0 draw at Arsenal which saw the Black Cats complete their great escape from Premier League relegation.

However, following the game the 67-year-old refused to comment on his future at the Stadium of Light, having only agreed a short-term deal until the end of this season when he was appointed.

And, after talks with the Sunderland board this week, Advocaat has chosen not to continue the job, stating he no longer wished to work in club management.

In a press release, Black Cats chairman Ellis Short said: “Although I am extremely disappointed, I understand and absolutely respect his decision.

“In his brief time here he made a real impact and lifted the club with his experience and enthusiasm. We will always be grateful to him for what he achieved.”

Advocaat was a popular figure in his short stay on Wearside, and received the backing from his Sunderland stars to continue as boss.

But, having beat the odds to steer Sunderland clear of the drop, the coach admitted it was time for him to bring his career to a close, stating it was "always Sunderland or nobody."

Speaking about his decision, the former Netherlands boss said: “At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old now. A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody.

“I would like to thank the Chairman, Lee, the staff and of course the fans. We gave everything in our time there and achieved what we set out to. Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career.”

Sunderland will now undergo the task of appointing a new head coach, with club legend Michael Gray telling talkSPORT Sam Allardyce would be a prime candidate following his exit from West Ham.

FA chairman Greg Dyke: "Sepp Blatter has to go as FIFA president"

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke insists: "Sepp Blatter has to go as FIFA president."

Dyke's comments came after FIFA endured the darkest day in its scandal-strewn history as US investigators blew the lid on "rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted'' corruption.

Dyke told Press Association Sport: "Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in FIFA. There is no way of rebuilding trust in FIFA while Sepp Blatter is still there.

"Sepp Blatter has to go. He either has to go through a resignation, or he has to be out-voted or we have to find a third way.

"I think the time has come where the damage this has done to FIFA is so great that it can't be rebuilt while Blatter is there so UEFA has got to try to force him out."

Football's world governing body was plunged into crisis after a wave of arrests of football officials including two FIFA vice-presidents in Zurich on Wednesday on bribery, fraud and money laundering charges following an FBI investigation.

The US Department of Justice indictment of 18 people said bribes totalling more than 150million US dollars (£98million) had been paid for television rights, sponsorship deals and World Cup votes. The crisis led UEFA to call for Friday's FIFA presidential election to be postponed and the European body questioned whether its 53 voting associations should even attend the Congress.

In a separate development, the Swiss attorney general also opened criminal proceedings over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, seized documents and electronic data from FIFA's headquarters and will question 10 current FIFA executive committee members who voted on that tournament.

UEFA's statement has intensified the pressure on Blatter, but the world governing body has insisted the election will take place as planned.

The arrests began at 6am as Swiss police swooped on the five-star hotel used by FIFA executives and arrested seven officials including Jeffrey Webb, a FIFA vice-president from the Cayman Islands who holds a British passport. Another FIFA vice-president, Eugenio Figueredo from Uruguay, was also arrested and Swiss officials said six of the seven are contesting extradition proceedings to the USA to answer indictments.

US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said: "The indictment alleges corruption that is rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted both abroad and in the US.

"It spans at least two generations of soccer officials who, as alleged, abused their positions of trust to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks."

The indictments implicate South Africa in paying 10million US dollars to disgraced former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner from Trinidad for votes to host the 2010 World Cup - with the money being channelled through a FIFA bank account authorised by an unnamed high-ranking FIFA official.

It also alleges corruption and bribery extended to the 2011 FIFA presidential election, and to agreements regarding sponsorship of the Brazilian national team by a major US sportswear company. Nike has sponsored Brazil since 1996 and said it opposes bribery and is co-operating with the authorities.

A warrant was issued for Warner's arrest in Trinidad and he is facing an extradition hearing to the USA. His two sons have pleaded guilty to corruption charges, while Chuck Blazer, who is believed to have provided much of the evidence to the FBI, has admitted 10 charges.

Warner later handed himself into authorities in Trinidad and was released on 2.5million US dollars bail pending an extradition hearing, according to a statement from Trinidad's attorney general.

FIFA reacted by provisionally suspending the 11 football officials among the 18 people indicted. Blatter issued a statement saying: "This is a difficult time for football, the fans and for FIFA as an organisation. We understand the disappointment that many have expressed and I know the events of today will impact the way in which many people view us.

"As unfortunate as these events are, it should be clear that we welcome the actions and the investigations by the US and Swiss authorities and believe that it will help to reinforce measures that FIFA has already taken to root out any wrongdoing in football."

Russia 2018 organising committee head Alexey Sorokin insisted he was not concerned about the criminal investigation into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and said there was no point in even discussing the idea of a re-vote for the tournaments - something FIFA has also ruled out.

He told Sky Sports News: "We have repeatedly stated that we're not afraid of any investigation.

"We cooperated with the investigation that was going on for about two years which was headed by Mr (Michael) Garcia. We submitted all the facts, all the papers, we submitted our testimonies - we did everything the process wanted us to do. We don't know what else we can contribute to that.

"We repeatedly said the process was transparent and that we're not concerned with any investigations. It's just strange there's a chance to go through the same thing again, where everything was seemingly closed."

Asked if he was worried about a re-vote, he added: "No, because we are so deep in the preparation, we've done so much. Our government, our country, has done so much already for the preparation of an excellent World Cup, I don't even want to discuss it with anyone."

On Blatter's future, he said: "We wish the current president all the success in the elections."

Blatter will not attend this morning's FIFA medical conference in Zurich and nor is he expected to attend the meeting of UEFA's member association heads after that, a FIFA spokesman told Press Association Sport.

Mario Balotelli's agent claims striker will NOT be leaving Liverpool this summer

Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola claims the striker will NOT be leaving Liverpool this summer.

The Reds forward has struggled to settle at Anfield this season, following a £16million move from AC Milan last August.

Balotelli has been linked with a move away from the club, following a disappointing spell, after appearing to fall out of favour with manager Brendan Rodgers.

But, speaking to Sky Sports, Raiola insists the hitman will remain at the Merseysiders.

"We have talks with Liverpool and he will stay," he said. "I spoke many times with the club and they were happy with his input as a professional."

Asked whether the striker and manager Brendan Rodgers had adapted to each other over the course of the season, Raiola added: "I think Mario did, I cannot talk for Brendan Rodgers.

"Obviously we're pretty confident it'll happen next year."

Dnipro 2-3 Sevilla: Defending champions make history with fourth Europa League title

The Premier League were shown what they’re missing in a captivating Europa League final, as defending champions Sevilla retained their title, and won place in next season’s Champions League, with victory in a five-goal thriller against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

Often derided as a hindrance by English top flight sides, these two teams went about the Warsaw final as they would any other as fans were treated to an electrifying clash at Poland’s National Stadium.

Sevilla beat Porto to claim a record-equalling third UEFA Cup/Europa League trophy last season, and they appeared to have suffered a blow when Ukrainian side Dnipro took early lead after only seven minutes.

The Spaniard’s started well, with English referee Martin Atkinson waving away a penalty appeal when former Arsenal man Jose Antonio Reyes went down under a challenge, but within seconds Dnipro snatched a shock opener through ex-Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic’s header.

Reyes was in fine form and proved a constant pest for the Dnipro back-four, and the 31-year-old played a key role as Sevilla rallied back and scored two quick-fire goals to go in front.

Poland international Grzegorz Krychowiak sparked the comeback, netting in front of his home fans with a low drive following a corner, and Reyes was instrumental as his fine assist found top scorer Carlos Bacca, who rounded the goalkeeper and slotted in.

Goalkeeper Sergio Rico, recently called up by Spain, then pulled off a superb save to tip a lovely curling effort over the bar, but he was helpless to stop Dnipro from levelling on the stroke of half-time through a wonderfully struck free-kick from captain Ruslan Rotan.

After a thrilling end-to-end opening 45, Sevilla were the dominant force after the break and, after a series of near-missed, they finally stuck the winning goal on 73 minutes; Bacca notching his second of the game after shocking Dnipro defending.

Bacca had the chance to complete a glorious final hat-trick, but fluffed a late effort from close-range, but it matter little for Sevilla, who held onto their lead to make history – sealing their fourth title and becoming the first ever team to defend the trophy.

Frank Lampard tips Chelsea and Manchester City to dominate English football for years

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Frank Lampard has ALREADY written off Arsenal and Manchester United as challengers for next season’s Premier League title.

The former England international played his final game in the English top-flight at the weekend before he moves to the MLS to join New York City.

He ended his time in this country as a Premier League runner-up with Manchester City, while his former club, Chelsea, claimed the top prize.

And he believes the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham will be left playing catch-up again next term and beyond.

He said: “They [Manchester City and Chelsea] are very much a replica of each other and I think they’ll be the top two clubs in English football for the next few years, and hopefully going into Europe.

“They’ve got great foundations, they’re looking to the future with the training grounds and the academies, the squads as they are, and I think that will be the way it will be.

“From being inside the camps at Chelsea and Manchester City, I know what they’ve got and I know the quality. Chelsea certainly deserved to win the title this year because of the way they played and the consistency level, and it’s all up for grabs again next year.”

Rafa Benitez 99 per cent certain to become Real Madrid boss, says Ramon Calderon

Rafael Benitez is nailed on to become the next Real Madridmanager, according to the Spanish club's former president Ramon Calderon.
The former Liverpool boss has been linked with a return to the Anfield hotseat, with Brendan Rodgers' position far from secure, but Calderon claims he has all but finalised a deal to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.
Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, Calderon said: "I think 99 per cent he will be the new coach.”
Asked if Benitez is a good choice to take over from Ancelotti, he went on: “I think he is a good coach. He has proven that at other clubs. He is a man of the club. He was in charge of the youth teams [at Real].
“It depends what happens with the signings and what happens with players that are going to leave the club and the authority he has [whether he will be a success or not].”
Ancelotti led Real to a Champions League and Spanish Cup double last season, but failed to land any silverware this term.
And Florentino Perez's decision to discard the Italian did not surprise his predecessor Calderon.
"We are used to the whimsical reactions of the president," he said.
"He was asked in the press conference what was the reason to sack him and the answer was very clear, 'I don't know'.
"It has been like that for the time he has been the president. There has been nine coaches in the ten years he has been the president."

'The best decision ever!' - John Terry on Jose Mourinho's return to Chelsea

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Chelsea captain John Terry has described manager Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge for a second spell in charge as ‘the best decision ever.’
The Blues skipper was speaking to The Sports Bar after a day in which the Premier League Champions celebrated their season achievements with an open-top bus parade around south west London.

Mourinho embarked on his second tenure in the Blues’ hotseat back in 2013, delivering the title the season after, and Terry eulogised about his manager’s return.
“It’s been the best decision ever. Not only for me personally, but for the club as well,” said the 34-year-old.

“He’s a born winner. Even when we had won the league the intensity was the same.
“He demands the best from everyone day in day out, and in those big games – we haven’t lost any against our main competitors for two seasons – he gives us all the fine details.”
Chelsea’s collective effort this season has been hailed, but Eden Hazard’s individual accomplishments were recognised by both his peers and pundits with the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards.

The Belgian winger has added a clinical edge to his play this campaign, and his captain believes he has all the right attributes to reach even higher echelons of the game.
Terry said: “He’s certainly got the potential to be right up there.
“When you look at the likes of [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo and what they’ve achieved, this boy can go on and be right up there with both of them.”

Juventus in for Sami Khedira

Juventus will beat Chelsea and Manchester United to the signing of Sami Khedira, reports in Italy have revealed.

The Real Madrid midfield powerhouse is out of contract next month and the German international's representatives will meet with the Italian champions on Wednesday to thrash out a deal.

The news comes as a blow to Blues boss Jose Mourinho, who had been keen to sign the 28-year-old for a second time, having previously brought the midfielder during his time in charge at Real.

Sport Mediaset is reporting Massimiliano Allegri is willing to offer Khedira £3m-a-year on a three-year deal to tempt the former Stuttgart man to the Juventus Stadium, instead of the Premier League.

Khedira has been frozen out of first-team action at the Santiago Bernabeu this season and made only 11 appearances in La Liga.

Ancelotti sacked by Spanish giant Real Madrid

Real Madrid have sacked head coach Carlo Ancelotti after the Spanish giants failed to win any major silverware during the 2014-15 campaign.

Ancelotti led Real to their 10th European Cup success last season but has been shown the door after they finished runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga and lost to Juventus in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Real president Florentino Perez held a meeting with Ancelotti on Monday afternoon where he told the former AC Milan, Chelsea and Paris St Germain boss, who had one year left on his contract, that his services were no longer required.

"I would like to inform you that the board has taken the decision to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his post as Real Madrid coach," Perez said at a press conference.

"It was a very difficult decision to make; the demands at this club are the utmost because Madrid always wants to win silverware.

"The affection that the players and the fans have for Carlo is the same as the affection I myself have for him.

"What did Ancelotti do wrong? I don't know. The demands here at Real Madrid are very high."

The Italian has been linked with Manchester City if the outgoing Premier League champions elect to dismiss current boss Manuel Pellegrini after an equally underwhelming season.

SACKED! Derby confirm manager Steve McClaren relieved of his duties

Steve McClaren has been sacked by Championship side Derby County.

The former England manager's contract has been terminated with immediate effect after the club's review of the 2014/2015 season.

The Rams topped the table at one stage of the campaign, but ultimately transpired to finish outside the play-off places after a dire final few months.

It completes a miserable year for McClaren, who oversaw his Derby side get to the Championship play-off final last season and lose to a last minute QPR goal.

A club statement read:

Derby County have terminated the contract of Head Coach Steve McClaren with immediate effect.

The decision follows a thorough review of the 2014/15 season by the club’s Board of Directors.

The Board believes that the appointment of a new Head Coach is required to continue the club’s on-field progress and the search is now underway to appoint a successor. 

The Board remains firmly committed and driven to achieving promotion to the Premier League. 

The club would also like to take this opportunity to wish Steve McClaren well for the future and thank him for his work throughout his tenure, which included a Play-Off Final appearance in 2014.

Yaya Toure STAYING at Man City, confirms agent

Yaya Toure has performed a remarkable U-turn over his future and is set to STAY at Manchester City this summer, according to the midfielder’s agent.

Toure has been strongly linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium over the past year following the now infamous ‘birthday cake-gate’, with Dmitri Seluk recently claiming the Ivory Coast star was "90 per cent certain" to leave at the end of the season.

Former City boss Roberto Mancini was reportedly keen on signing the 32-year-old for Inter Milan, with the Italy giants reportedly closing in on a deal worth around £10million.

But Seluk has now changed his tune, telling Sky Sports News that Toure will stay and see out the final two years of his contract at Man City after the club told him he was "too important to let go."

City boss Manuel Pellegrini has repeatedly stated his desire to hang on to his star midfielder, who moved to the Etihad Stadium from Barcelona in 2010.

The midfielder’s representative made the headlines a year ago when he said his client was seeking to leave City because the club had failed to honour his 31st birthday sufficiently.

"There is a big possibility Yaya will leave this summer," Seluk said in May 2014.

"He is very upset. What happened at his birthday means the club don't care about him. It was proof."

Toure is currently with the City squad in north America on a post-season tour.

Middlesbrough 0-2 Norwich: Canaries sing as they secure £150m Premier League return

Norwich City sealed an immediate return to the Premier League, as the Canaries took advantage of Middlesbrough’s sluggish start to clinch a 2-0 play-off final victory at Wembley.

A hold up on the team bus meant Aitor Karanka’s men arrived at the Home of Football barely an hour before kick-off, and Boro perhaps paid the price for their delayed preparation.

The game appeared over with just 15 minutes on the clock, as two quick-fire goals from Cameron Jerome and Nathan Redmond proved enough for the Yellows to lift the trophy and secure victory in this £150million contest.

Fans were treated to a rapid, end-to-end start from both sides, with Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson and Boro’s Jelle Vossen both hitting the crossbar in the space of seconds.

Johnson’s left-footed drive from 18 yards had Dimitrios Konstantopoulos beat but hammered the bar, and, as Middlesbrough immediately broke on the counter, Belgian forward Vossen seemed to have netted a fine opener, only for his swerving volley to hit the very top corner of the woodwork.

It was a promising sign for Boro who, like Norwich, had to-and-froed in an out of the top two places all campaign.

But the Riverside outfit had a lethargic look about them and hopes of a first Premier League return since their relegation in 2009 was soon all-but extinguished as Alex Neil’s side turned on the style.

Jerome, who netted 19 Championship goals this season, robbed Daniel Ayala on the edge of the box and was unchallenged as he skipped towards goal, gave Konstantopoulos the eyes and coolly slotted in at his near post.

If that was a shock, Redmond’s strike was a hammer blow, as the young winger was given far too much space on the right flank before turning in the area and firing a low shot across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.

Neil’s wild celebrations buoyed the packed yellow and green half of Wembley, with the Carrow Road faithful signing with shouts of ‘ole’ as their side dominate the opening half.

But Boro rallied back after the break, with Ayala going close from a corner before Championship Player of the Year Patrick Bamford finally tested John Ruddy with a low drive after a neat turn into the box.

Vossen then took a tumble on the edge of the penalty area, after apparent contact from Wes Hoolahan halted the Belgian’s run, but instead of pointing to the spot, referee Mike Deanbooked the Boro man for diving.

Karanka rolled the dice with 30 minutes remaining, chucking three strikers forward in a desperate move to get his side back into the game, but it was Norwich who threatened to add to their scoreline.

Captain Russell Martin was presented the chance to put the contest to bed, but could only direct his header over the bar from a corner.

It mattered little in the end, though, as the final whistle soon blew to spark joy for Norwich, but misery for Middlesbrough, who will have to wait another year to end their top flight exile.