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The old foe who could wreck Arsenal's Higuain bid

If Carlo Ancelotti ends up at Real Madrid, he could block Arsenal’s proposed move for Gonzalo Higuain.

Manchester United and the season they thought would never come

In the first of his end-of-season reviews, Vincent Ralph looks back on Manchester United's campaign.

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Tony Pulis sacking was largely down to Stoke's failure to raise the bar

Tony Pulis possibly first suspected his time at Stoke City was running out last December. As Christmas approached, Peter Coates, the club's owner, appointed Mark Cartwright, a former Wrexham and Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper and football agent, to the newly created post of technical director – and two worlds collided.

Phil Neville pitches for the vacant Everton manager's job

The special one is not bound for Stamford Bridge, according to Phil Neville; he has simply shifted along the M62. It could be bias or the insight from a career played entirely under Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes but either way, the former Everton captain is adamant that the Scot, not José Mourinho, is the perfect fit for Manchester United.

José Mourinho will face greater expectations at Chelsea this time round

There will be some familiar faces awaiting José Mourinho when, as expected, the Special One – newly liberated by Real Madrid – secures his second coming at Stamford Bridge. Five senior players remain on the books from his glittering first spell in charge at Chelsea and a sixth, Michael Essien, will accompany him back from Madrid. Some of the medical and performance staff, whether analysts or masseurs, linger on. Even Gary Straker, the steward-cum-Italian interpreter turned player liaison officer and one of the great survivors at the club, is still on the day to day scene down at Cobham.

Andy Murray confirms withdrawal from French Open with back injury

Andy Murray is out of the French Open. Whether or not the pain that is hindering free movement in his back will ease in time for Wimbledon in a month's time depends on how he responds to continued treatment to an injury that forced his withdrawal in Rome last week.

West Ham agree a fee of £15m for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll

Liverpool have accepted a £15m offer from West Ham United for Andy Carroll, a £20m loss on their record signing in 28 months, but face a struggle to convince the striker to sever his Anfield ties for Upton Park.