FROM SPECIAL ONE TO UNEMPLOYED ONE

Jose Mourinho answered to Louis van Gaal when they both were employed by Barcelona and if Mourinho had his way after being sacked by Chelsea he would have taken the place of his former mentor at Manchester United by now. Only it’s not working out like that. 

It appears United, and indeed other potential suitors, have weighed up the gains brought by a Mourinho appointment against the chaos he leaves in his wake. Simply put, the clubs at which Mourinho works are shaken to their very foundations when he leaves. 

The dying days of his second Chelsea spell featured disagreements with key players, allegations of faking injuries and even the bizarre sight of Diego Costa hurling his substitute's bib at the Special One. A monumental collapse is barely an adequate description of how Mourinho's league champions slumped once the wind was taken from their sails. 

His ego, his brusque manner and the self-inflicted reputational damage have all caught up with him. One of the most successful managers of recent times is struggling for a club to take him on.United indeed had the chance to dispense with Van Gaal and hire Mourinho in December but elected not to. There has been no official approach by United to Mourinho, who won three league titles in two spells at Chelsea. There is, however, significant tension behind the scenes over any mooted move for Mourinho and it remains more likely that Sir Alex Ferguson’s preferred successor Ryan Giggs replaces Van Gaal in the long run. 

The elite clubs who might once have clamoured over each other for a chance to appoint Mourinho don’t now want anything to do with him. Barcelona, despite some tensions at the beginning, are settled with Luis Enrique. Bayern Munich have replaced Pep Guardiola with Carlo Ancelotti as the Spaniard makes plans for life at Manchester City. 

Antonio Conte is ready to step into the Chelsea breach, while his former club Juventus are set to announce a contract extension for Massimiliano Allegri. Laurent Blanc has just put pen to paper on a new deal at Paris St-Germain and it is unlikely now that the Qataris are for turning. There is no new major appointment on the horizon for Mourinho and it is increasingly unlikely that he ends up back at one of his old clubs now either. 

Inter would be a refuge but the chances of a glorious return to San Siro are remote. For one, there is Mourinho’s salary, which would be northwards of €10m per season. A club like Inter, with FFP regulations to adhere to and a squad to overhaul, cannot afford to be spending that kind of money on a coach. Moreover, key ally Massimo Moratti is no longer president even if he still enjoys some influence around the club. 

Mourinho and Moratti are known to swap messages and Mourinho was even in attendance as Inter beat Sampdoria at the Giuseppe Meazza at the end of last month. 

The Inter fans would of course welcome him back with open arms having delivered their most successful season in history – the 2010 treble campaign. But for now Mourinho and Inter will remain a memory. 

Despite rumours asserting that Mourinho was in the running to replace Rafael Benitez in December, the levels to which relationships had deteriorated between the Portuguese and key players following his spell at the Bernabeu meant that it was a non-starter. 

Although there has been some rapprochement between Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo, the toxicity of relations with the likes of Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Marcelo mean Mourinho would never be welcome in this Real Madrid dressing room. 

MOURINHO KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT MAN U

Jose Mourinho is certain he will be back in management before the start of next season but claims to "know nothing" about a move to Manchester United. Mourinho has been strongly linked with taking over Manchester United ever since leaving Chelsea in December -- with sources telling ESPN FC last month that the Portuguese was still confident of going to Old Trafford despite Louis van Gaal currently being in charge. The 53-year-old, whose second spell at Chelsea ended midway through this season's disastrous defence of their Premier League title, was back in the dugout on Wednesday in the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City to coach a FIFA Legends team, featuring Ronaldinho and Fabio Cannavaro, against a Mexican All-Stars side.

Managing a team again, albeit for an exhibition ahead of the FIFA Congress, had whetted Mourinho's appetite for a return to coaching.

"Of course I miss [it]," Mourinho told The Associated Press. "In July I will be back. So we are in May. May to July is nothing. I keep enjoying my life which I'm doing, keep enjoying my family. But in July I am back."

Asked when he needs to sign a contract by, the London-based Mourinho responded: "June 30 -- that's fine."

Manchester United has not publicly denied months of reports that Van Gaal will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season and be replaced by Mourinho. The 64-year-old Dutchman is coming to the end of the second year of his three-year contract, and he could end the campaign with a trophy if United beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on May 21.

However, his future remains uncertain with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League now out of his hands. To qualify for next season's Champions League, United need to beat Bournemouth and rely on Manchester City losing to Swansea City on the final day of the season on Sunday.

"I don't know. I know nothing about it really," Mourinho said, when asked by the AP about being hired by United.

"I don't have a club and I was waiting for these guys [the FIFA Legends] to win the match to give me a hand but because I lost the match [9-8] it's even more difficult to get the club."United director David Gill is also in Mexico City in his capacity as a FIFA vice-president. If Mourinho does resume employment in July he won't have officially been involved in planning for the club's season.

"It's difficult because when you get a new club in this period normally the clubs they did already their work," Mourinho said. "I give you an example. I'm not the Chelsea manager but I organised the Chelsea preseason in many aspects because I did that 10 months ago.

"Clubs have their commercial, marketing departments always involved in everything. When a new manager arrives in May, June it's very difficult to touch in some points but we know that."

But Mourinho said a late appointment would not affect his ability to identify and sign transfer targets ahead of the start of the new season in August.

"Scouting is done during the year," he said. "It's not even a competition like the Euros where you are going to find by miracle some new talents. We know everybody, so it's just a question of trying to choose the players that your team needs because the scouting, with our structures, we do it for many, many players."

COUTINHO WIN FOUR AWARDS IN LIVERPOOL TEAM

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho picked up four awards at the club's end of season ceremony on Thursday evening.

The 23 year-old Brazilian has continued to impress for the Reds this season and was named the club's Players' Player of the Season, Player of the Year and awarded Goal of the Season and Best Performance of the Season.

Coutinho signed for Liverpool from Inter Milan in 2013 for £8.5m and has gone on to become an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's side.The Brazil international has scored eight goals in 26 appearances this campaign, including a composed finish against Manchester United in the Europa League which received the club's Goal of the Season award.

"Thank you to all the fans," said Coutinho, who also won a quarter of personal honours at the awards in 2015.

"It was a good goal but the most important thing was that we beat them. And now we have our finalMeanwhile, Emre Can received the club award for Young Player of the Season, while Steve Heighway received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Coutinho and Can will be part of the Liverpool squad that faces West Brom away on Sunday. The pair are also likely to start against Sevilla in the final of the Europa League on May 18.The 23-year-old picked up a quartet of accolades just as he did at the end of 2014-15, following another campaign in which he proved to be the club's standout star

Philippe Coutinho dominated at the Liverpool Players' Awards ceremony for the second year running, collecting four prizes including Player of the Season.

The Brazilian was also selected as the Players’ Player of the Season, while his delightful dash into the box and dink over David de Gea in the 1-1 Europa League draw with Manchester United was voted as the Goal of the Season. On that wondrous and vital chip, Coutinho said: "It was a good one for me, but the most important thing is we beat them!"

And on being voted the club's standout star by his colleagues, he added: “This means a lot to me, because it comes from my team-mates. It’s been a good season for all of us. 

Now next week we have a big final, let’s do it together and show how strong we are.The 23-year-old, who is Liverpool’s joint-top scorer alongside Daniel Sturridge with 12 strikes, also walked away with the Performance of the Season accolade for his luminary showing in the 4-1 scorching of Manchester City at the Etihad. 

Coutinho’s four-award haul mirrored his tally from last year, in which he topped the same categories. 

Midfielder Emre Can, meanwhile, was named Young Player of the Season. 

Martha Harris clinched the Liverpool Ladies Players’ Player of the Season award, with Brad Smith earning the Academy Players’ Player of the Year vote. 

Liverpool legend Steve Heighway was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to the club over the past 46 years. 

Steven Gerrard, whom the 68-year-old helped bring through while acting as director of the Reds’ academy, provided a special video tribute to the former Republic of Ireland international.

ANYONE CAN WIN THE LEAGUE NEXT SEASON

Any team can challenge for the Premier League next season after Leicester's unprecedented success, says Paul Merson.

Leicester's first-ever top-flight title was secured last week after one of most surprising seasons in history, and the Foxes are currently 10 points above second-place Tottenham having only just survived relegation last term.

Speaking on The Fantasy Football Club Podcast, Merson says the likes of Liverpool could challenge next season, and that the league is more open than ever."Anybody can win the league," said the Sky Sports pundit. Leicester just won the league. Honestly, anyone can win it now and Liverpool are a good team."

Tottenham have enjoyed a fine season under Mauricio Pochettino, but have faltered in recent weeks at the wrong time.They have not finished above rivals Arsenal since 1995, and the Gunners will leapfrog Spurs if they beat Aston Villa and Spurs lose at Newcastle.

Merson says it is "worrying" for Spurs that Arsenal could yet pip them to second, despite this being one of their better seasons, and one of Arsenal's most disappointing."Arsenal will have a party if they finish second. Tottenham couldn't play any better if they tried - it's the best they've played in 130 years of their history. 

"Arsenal have had an absolute nightmare season and they've still got a chance of finishing above them. Tottenham have just had the best season they could ever dream of, they've played some unbelievable football, and they might finish level on points with Arsenal and win by goal difference. Seriously, that's worrying for Tottenham."

WILSHERE:I CAN PROVE EURO FITNESS

The Arsenal midfielder is adament that he will be fit for selection for this summer's tournament having been out of action for 10 months because of a fractured leg,

Jack Wilshere is determined to prove his fitness as he dreams of a spot in England's squad for Euro 2016.

The Arsenal midfielder had been out for 10 months with a fractured leg before making his long-awaited return in the 0-0 draw with Sunderland last month and impressing in a near 70-minute outing against Manchester City on Sunday.

Roy Hodgson is a known admirer of the 24-year-old's talents and Wilshere wants to show the England boss that including him in his final 23-man selection would not be a risk.

"I have been in contact with the coaching staff at England and they know I have been fit for six or seven weeks' training now," Wilshere told Standard Sport.

"I would like to have played a few more minutes [in recent weeks]. I got 70 last week. Hopefully I can get a few more this week and we'll see what happens. 

"If I am in the squad, I've got those three friendlies [against Turkey, Australia and Portugal]. That will be more than enough. I know what it takes to get back to my best and that is more than enough."

Wilshere was introduced earlier than expected at the Etihad Stadium as compatriot Danny Welbeck was taken off injured, his own Euro hopes ended by a serious knee problem.

"I felt brilliant [on Sunday]," Wilshere added. "I started watching from the bench in the first 15 minutes thinking 'this is what I need' – high intensity, pressure on both teams.

"Roy has asked me how my injury is and how I feel. He hasn't really given too much away so we'll see on Monday. Fingers crossed."

Wilshere has made 28 appearances for England, his only two international goals coming in the European Championship qualifying win over Slovenia last June.

Hodgson's men take on Russia, Wales and Slovakia in Group B.“Having spoken to some of the England coaching staff, they’re trying to get him to look beyond that 10 yards that he quite often plays in for Arsenal, where he’s playing little one-twos and going past people.

“But he’s raising his head now and looking for those runs of Wayne Rooney, and they’re on the same wavelength so it’s great for Rooney. For Wilshere, fitness helps and he’s had a run of games for club of country, he’s looking really sharp.”

England secured victory as Rooney’s 73rd-minute free kick steadied the nerves as Hodgson’s men struggled to create enough chances in the final third.

Next up is a home fixture with Slovenia in November and, despite a lack of goals from midfield, Smith says there is plenty to be optimistic about.

“When the forwards are closely shackled, like they were for large periods, you want somebody to pop up from deep, somebody to make those runs into the box the way that – going back in time – Bryan Robson used to do,” he said. “David Platt and the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard always had a goal in them.

“You need that and hopefully that’ll come in time. People like Fabian Delph – he can get into the box. Henderson can score goals, he does so for Liverpool. Lallana, if he plays at the tip of the diamond. So hopefully those lads will develop that knack of popping up.

VARDY TALKING ABOUT WINNING EURO FOR ENGLAND

Jamie Vardy says winning the European Championships with England would be as an equivalent achievement to Leicester winning the Premier League.

Vardy has enjoyed a remarkable season with the Foxes, scoring 24 goals in 37 games to help Claudio Ranieri's side secure the first league title in the club's history.

The 29 year-old striker, who was named as the FWA Footballer of the Year on May 2, is widely expected to be included in Roy Hodgson's squad for the upcoming European Championships in France. And Vardy says the honour of playing for his country is as big an achievement as winning the league with his club.  That would be the pinnacle of this season for me," said Vardy, commenting on his potential inclusion in England's final squad for the tournament.

"Representing your country, at any time [is an honour] but to be in a tournament and hopefully being a part of something big happening - it can only be one of the best things ever."

Vardy admitted that he is still unsure of his place on the plane after Roy Hodgson delayed announcing his final squad.

However, the Foxes striker remains confident of his chances and believes an English victory in France would be as impressive an achievement as Leicester's title triumph."I think you would have to put them on the same level," he said.

"I haven't spoken to Roy. I saw it like everyone else on Sky Sports News, that the squad had been delayed, so I'll be tuning in on Monday night like everybody else." Leicester finish a memorable campaign away at last season's champions Chelsea on Sunday.

And, despite many pundits predicting otherwise, Vardy says he expects the Foxes to be challenging at the top of the table again next year.  I think we'll be doing exactly the same," he said. "We've done it this season; the money was already there in those teams"We've turned up and played well - played better than them and got the points so why can't it happen again?

"Everyone was expecting us to get relegated this season. We'll just keep trying to improve on what we've done. We might have won the league this year but the gaffer will just want us to keep improving as a team.

"If that's not good enough to win it again then so be it but I'm sure we'll keep progressing because the gaffer wants to keep building.

"You never know. There's going to be a lot of changes to teams but at the end of the day it's still 11 v 11 when it comes to the game

RAFA BENITEZ MET NEWCASTLE BOSS FOR HIS FUTURE IN CLUB

Rafa Benitez met Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley on Thursday for initial talks over the Spaniard's future, according to Sky sources.

We also understand Benitez is seeking assurances from the club hierarchyLess than 24 hours after United were condemned to life in the Championship by Sunderland's 3-0 win over Everton, Benitez sat down with Charnley at the club's Darsley Park training ground. A supporters group, the Newcastle Fans' Forum, have issued a direct plea to the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss urging him to stay on Tyneside as he prepares for the final match of the season, Tottenham's visit to St James' Park on SundayA statement read: 

"Message to Rafa Benitez - whilst we fully accept that the short term prospect of life in the Championship may not be as appealing as other offers that you may be presented with, we can certainly promise you that the potential rewards of the longer term would exceed any position that you consider.The current squad is likely to be shaken-up markedly in the wake of relegation but club officials are adamant that they will decide who stays and who goes - and not the players themselves.

Sunderland emerged victorious against Everton on Wednesday, thus condemning both their fierce north-east rivals and Alex Neil's men to the Championship next season

Newcastle United and Norwich City have both been relegated from the Premier League, following Sunderland's 3-0 win over Everton at the Stadium of Light.  

Sunderland, who began the evening in 17th place, knew that a win on Wednesday night would condemn their fierce rivals and Alex Neil's side to the Championship next season, and secure their own survival. 

Patrick van Aanholt opened the scoring on Wearside before Lamine Kone hit a double as the north-east club sent their neighbours and rivals down on Wednesday, as well as the Canaries.

The Black Cats now sit on 38 points and will have nothing riding on their final game of the season this Sunday, against Watford at Vicarage Road. Norwich defeated Watford 4-2 on the same evening but the result did nothing to save them from the Premier League trapdoor. 

Newcastle and Norwich will face Tottenham and Everton respectively on the final day of the season, aware that they have already been relegated, along with Aston Villa. 

Rafa Benitez's side had been in the Premier League since the 2010/11 season, after seeing their run of 25 consecutive years in the top flight end the previous term. 

Norwich, meanwhile, return to the Championship after just one season back in the elite, along with Aston Villa who were already doomed to the drop.

TIME FOR LVG TO LEAVE AFTER FA

Anthony Crolla feels the time has come for Louis van Gaal to vacate the manager's position at Manchester United.

The Dutchman has struggled to kick on during his second season in the Old Trafford hot-seat, with United's campaign riddled with indifferent performances and inconsistency.

As such, the success of the Reds' season looks set to hinge of their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace after hopes of finishing in the top four were dashed in Tuesday's defeat at West Ham.WBA Lightweight champion, and United season ticket holder, Crolla feels the Wembley showpiece presents Van Gaal with the perfect opportunity to leave United with dignity - and he has urged him to take it.

"It has to be the end of Van Gaal after the FA Cup final," he told Sky Sports. "I've backed him a lot, longer than most people but most people want a change.

"He is a legend of the game but you don't want to see people wanting him out or booing him out. So winning the FA Cup and bringing in some silverware is a nice way for him to go."It will be perfect for him to go out with an FA Cup final win. I just don't want him to stay on if we scrap into the top four, win the FA Cup and then next season be another frustrating season again.

"I'm not a football manager but a lot of the fans on the terraces are questioning his decisions, we want a manager that we can put 100 per cent faith in."Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who has revealed he will be returning to the dug-out in July, has been hotly touted to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Crolla however, while open to the idea of Mourinho, admitted would like to see Atletico Madrid's charismatic manager Diego Simeone swap the Vicente Calderon for United, although he acknowledged such a move would be unlikely."If I can have anyone in the world I would have Diego Simeone," he added. "I like the passion he shows and he's got that Atletico Madrid team playing fantastic football. However, he's obviously not going to come.

"The most likely one is Mourinho, he has been spoken about for long enough. Whether it's likely to happen we're yet to see. You hear it's a done deal but whether it is or not I don't know."

AFTER EVERTON SACK MARTINEZ THIS IS THE NEW MANAGER

Frank de Boer is "interested in the Everton job" and would be a good fit at the club, according to his brother Ronald.

The Dutchman left his role at Ajax on Thursday after six years, informing the board he wished to leave following Sunday's last-day defeat at De Graafschap which handed PSV the Eredivisie title.Everton have confirmed that Roberto Martinez has been sacked after picking up just four points in the Premier League since March 5, with Wednesday's 3-0 defeat at Sunderland proving to be the last straw for the Goodison Park hierarchy.De Boer's agent said earlier this month the 45-year-old would "love to join a club like Everton" and now Ronald has told Sky Sports News HQ that his brother is keen on a move to the Premier League, revealing that he came close to a switch to Tottenham in the past."Frank is interested in the Everton job, but it's not up to him to make the move, that's up to the club. In my eyes he's the right man for that job," Ronald said.

"He thought he was going to fulfil his ambition of managing in the Premier League but talks with Tottenham collapsed at the last minute."When you see what Ronald Koeman has done at Southampton I would argue that Frank is at least as good as him when you see what he has achieved at Ajax. "I think Everton would be a good fit for Frank. It's the sort of club where he'd be given the chance to show his qualities and do something special. He made up his mind to leave Ajax two months ago because he needed a change." Everton have confirmed manager Roberto Martinez has "left his position" at the club as a dismal Premier League campaign nears its end.

The Spaniard leaves Everton on the back of a poor run of just one win in their last 10 league games, with the club currently sitting 12th in the table with one match to go. 

Martinez joined the Toffees in 2013 and guided them to a record Premier League points haul (72) and fifth place in his first season in charge and the club have thanked him for his efforts on Merseyside. "Everton Football Club regrets to announce that Roberto Martinez has left his position as first team manager with immediate effect," the club confirmed in a statement.

"The chairman and the board of directors would like to place on record their thanks for the dedication and commitment Roberto has shown during his three seasons with the club. Roberto has been a great ambassador for the club, conducting himself, at all times, with the utmost integrity and dignity. "He secured the club its highest ever Premier League points total, a place in the last 16 of the Europa League and appearances in both domestic cup semi-finals. "He has also played a key role in the development of several young players, managing their progression to the Everton first team and international honours."

Everton finished 11th in the top flight last season and look set to finish in the bottom half for the second campaign in a row having produced the worst league home record in their history under Martinez's stewardship this term. The Merseysiders, who reached the League Cup and FA Cup semi-finals this season, have only managed to win 10 league matches in 2015-16 and six have come against the bottom five teams in the table. A section of Everton's fanbase stayed behind after the 2-1 win over Bournemouth last month to voice their anger towards Martinez. Everton will now begin the hunt for Martinez's successor with Frank de Boer, who left Ajax this week after six years, and Southampton's Ronald Koeman installed as early favourites for the post, according to several national bookmakers.

VAN DIJK WINS SOUTHHAMPONS AWARD OF THE YEAR

Centre-back Virgil van Dijk has scooped Southampton's Player's Player and Fans' Player of the season awards.

The 24-year-old joined from Scottish champions Celtic last summer to replace Toby Alderweireld, who joined Tottenham, and has been superb across 37 appearances for the club this season.

Van Dijk, a Netherlands international, picked up over 50 per cent of the fans' votes, with striker Shane Long finishing second and midfielder Steven Davis third.Left-back Ryan Bertrand won the President's Choice award, chosen by ex-Southampton player Terry Paine MBE.

Cuco Martina's stunning strike against Arsenal on Boxing Day was voted the club's Goal of the Season.And a great night for the club's defenders at the end of season awards was rounded off with youngster Alfie Jones picking up the club's Young Player of the Season

The final presentation of the night was given to goalkeeper Kelvin Davis for special service to the Saints. Davis, who has spent 10 years at St Mary's, has a testimonial next week.

JAMIE CARRAGHER TALK ABOUT MARTINEZ FUTURE IN EVERTON

Jamie Carragher says if Everton want to sack Roberto Martinez then they should do it before Sunday.

Wednesday night's 3-0 defeat at Sunderland stretched their run to just one win in 10 in all competitions and banners were held up in the away end calling for the manager to go.

Martinez did not want to discuss his future after the game, but Carragher says Everton's new owner Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright should not let him face the Goodison Park fans on Sunday if they intend to bring in a new manager this summer.He told Sky Sports: "If Bill Kenwright and the new owner who has come in alongside him want to change the manager at Everton Football Club for next season they've got to do it tomorrow.

"Basically, they shouldn't be putting Roberto Martinez through the final game of the season at home to Norwich.

"Everton have got a fanatical support home and away and I couldn't believe how many empty seats there were in the away end tonight.

There were the normal banners that we've seen in the last few weeks and there's very few, if any, supporters now wanting him to stay in the job.

"I think it could be a poisonous crowd and reaction to Roberto Martinez and the team at the weekend. If they want to keep the manager then keep him and he obviously has the final game and back him.

"But if they are thinking of changing the manager, don't let him go through the weekend."

Martinez was appointed in 2013 and he guided the team to fifth place with 72 points in his first season in charge.They dropped to 11th last season and despite heavy investment in the squad they are currently 12th with one game to play - and Carragher says it will be tough for Martinez to recover from that slump.

"It's been a poor season for Everton, you can't dress it up," he added.

"Last season wasn't really good enough. He made a fantastic start. On the back of David Moyes doing a great job for 10 years, you thought there would be a drop-off, but there wasn't and he actually took Everton forwards.

HAZARD ON HIS LEVEL AGAIN

Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink praised the "terrific" Eden Hazard after his superb performance in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

The Belgian's stunning solo effort put Chelsea ahead after 32 minutes, before Christian Benteke's injury-time equaliser denied the Blues all three points.

Hiddink says Hazard has improved his physical fitness in recent weeks, and said the midfielder has suffered with a stop-start season.Hiddink told Sky Sports: "He was terrific. He's already some weeks growing also in his physically fitness, which is important for him and nature gives him a lot of skill.

"It's a matter of being fit and fresh for him, and he's showing that already in the last few weeks.

"Last year he had a beautiful year, and this year he had to suffer a lot regarding his injury, being back and then getting injured againHiddink says his team should have been home and dry in the second half, with Simon Mignolet denying his side on numerous occasions.

"I think the team reacted very well. We played the game for the win, we got 1-0 up and got an unlucky present in the last minute.The team attitude was normal and we played very well against an opponent that was very strong.

"Of course I'm disappointed not to have the three points and we should have killed it off but I am satisfied with the way we acted.

"They love to play football, which they showed, they were ambitious, but I think we should have killed it off a little bit earlier."

N'GOLO KANTE TO STAY AT KINGS POWER NEXT SEASON

Leicester midfielder N'Golo Kante has suggested he wants to stay and fight for the club in the Champions League next season.

The recently capped France international, who is expected to feature at this summer's European Championships, is reportedly the subject of interest from a host of top clubs in Europe including Juventus.

But the 25-year-old has discussed playing in Europe's top club competition with the Foxes next season after the club's momentous Premier League title triumph.

"The Champions League next season will be new for me but I hear good things," Kante said.

"We don't know if they we can surprise in Europe, we have just joined at this moment, we will see. We have just done it for this season.

"When I came here I can't imagine this, winning the title. Now we did it. It has been a good moment, we have to enjoy it."Kante also heaped praise on manager Claudio Ranieri for achieving something unthinkable at the beginning of the season, with Leicester tipped for relegation.

"Ranieri is a good man, he did very good work and we are happy for him and everybody," he added.

"I think it was the spirit of the team, we fight all the time and I think this is why we have done it."N'Golo Kante has hinted he is planning to stay at Leicester, by plotting their Champions League assault.

The midfielder has been linked with a move away this summer after playing a starring role in their shock Premier League title win.

Arsenal and Paris St-Germain have been credited with an interest in the France international, who scored on his full international debut in March, and joined the Foxes from Caen last summer.But Kante admitted he is still looking at playing in the Champions League with the Foxes next season. He said: "The Champions League next season will be new for me but I hear good things.

"We don't know [if they can surprise in Europe], we have just joined at this moment, we will see. We have just done it for this season, next season we will see what will happen but we don't know.

"When I came here I can't imagine this, winning the title. Now we did it. It has been a good moment, we have to enjoy it."The Foxes have lost just three league games, ahead of their final-day trip to Ranieri's old club Chelsea on Sunday, and Kante praised the way Ranieri has maintained their spirit.

"Ranieri is a good man, he did very good work and we are happy for him and everybody," he said "I think it was the spirit of the team, we fight all the time and I think this is why we have done it." Kante, 25, was nominated for the PFA's Player of the Year award along with Foxes striker Jamie Vardy but the pair lost out to teammate Riyad Mahrez. The trio have been some of the club's standout performers this season but Kante, who did win the club's Players' Player of the Year award this week, dismissed his role in their success.

BIG SAM BACK AGAIN WITH WIN OVER EVERTON

Niall Quinn and Jamie Carragher have backed Sunderland to establish themselves as a top-10 club after securing Premier League safety under Sam Allardyce.

Wednesday night's 3-0 victory over Everton ensured Sunderland will play Premier League football and enjoy the riches of the bumper new TV deal next year, despite a season of struggle.

Former chariman and striker Quinn insists the manager deserves enormous credit for the work he has done and encouraged the club to give him a long-term contract.Sunderland have developed something under Sam Allardyce, which is huge," Quinn told Sky Sports.

"They've been used to escaping but there's something different about tonight. You feel there's something really strong to build on.

"He has something really big going on now and I think it could last for years.He is the perfect fit. The Sunderland fans shout louder for a tackle than they do for goals sometimes and he brings the robustness that this club is missing.

"They've had a soft centre at times, but not with him around. The organisation is really good and he is a different class in the transfer market.

"The fit is so good with Sam Allardyce. He has come in and done an incredible job just trying to keep the club up, but there's nobody better placed to go and bring it to the next level.

"I hope he signs for quite a number of years and sees out his days here."Allardyce replaced Dick Advocaat in October with Sunderland  in 19th place and they have spent more days in the relegation zone than any other team this season before securing safety with a game to spare.

And Sky Sports pundit Carragher believes the appointment of Allardyce will ensure they won't be in the scrap again next season.

He said: "Sam Allardyce is a Marmite sort of character as a manager. Some people love him and some obviously don't."With Sam Allardyce you've an absolute guarantee of Premier League football. That's what he is and I don't think he gets enough credit.

"He plays a certain way and people over the last few years have said it's all about possession and passing, but you see what happened tonight with the manager on the opposite side, Roberto Martinez, who is like that. Sunderland won 3-0.

"Under Sam Allardyce, this Sunderland team will get back to the days of Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips under Peter Reid when they were comfortably in the top 10."

WELBECK TO MISS EURO AFTER KNEE SURGERY

A statement on the Arsenal website read: "Since returning to action in February after injuring his left knee in May last year, Welbeck's impact has been telling - scoring five times, including the recent winner against Norwich City at Emirates Stadium.

"Everyone at Arsenal will be working hard with Danny throughout his recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch as soon as possible."

Welbeck tweeted: "I will be back stronger."

The striker suffered a similar injury to his left knee in April last year which eventually required an operation and kept him on the sidelines for 10 months.He only returned from that injury in February this year, scoring a dramatic injury-time winner in the 2-1 victory over Leicester at the Emirates.

He scored five goals in 15 appearances for the Gunners and his impressive form had put him in a strong position to be selected as one of England boss Roy Hodgson's striking options in France this summer.Welbeck hurt his knee tackling City defender Bacary Sagna in the 23rd minute of the game.

He received treatment and then tried to play on, only to walk off the pitch a minute later.Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had said he was "worried" about Welbeck after Sunday's game at Etihad Stadium.

The former Manchester United player returned to action in February having been out since May 2015 with an injury to his left knee.He had been expected to make Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad for the European Championship in France after scoring five goals in 16 games for the Gunners this term.

Welbeck was England's second-top goalscorer in Euro 2016 qualifying with six goals in five matches.

England will also be without Welbeck's Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after the midfielder suffered his second knee injury of the season last week.Welbeck, 25, injured his right knee in the Gunners' 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Sunday and will miss this summer's Euro 2016 tournament.

His club said tests had revealed "significant cartilage damage" but it is not the same injury which saw him miss seven months of this season.