WHATS THE SCORE
Jurgen Klinsmann is free to rescue England following their dismal Euro 2016 display.
The German legend, who is now the bookmakers favourite to replace Roy Hodgson, has a contract with the US national team that runs until the end of the World Cup in 2018.
But a simmering row with boss Sunil Gulati, the head of US Soccer, has ensured no one will stand in his way.
In fact, Gulati won’t shed a tear if the 51- year- old heads across the Atlantic as it would give him the green light to strike a hefty compensation deal with the FA.
Klinsmann has been sounded out as the race to replace Hodgson heats up.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn, vice- chairman David Gill and technical director Dan Ashworth plan to have a shortlist of candidates in place this week. New Sheffield Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher faces further competition for a starting slot with Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal planning a £4million move for Nelson Oliveira.
The Portuguese gaffer has targeted his fellow countryman after Benfica’s decision to offload the striker, who has two years left on his contract.
Fletcher penned a four- year deal following his Sunderland release and will challenge Fernando Forestieri and Gary Hooper for a place up front. Ex-Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour reckons the club need to sign a top-drawer striker this summer for a realistic crack at the title.
Parlour insists Arsene Wenger’s side “need someone of the calibre of a Sergio Aguero or a Luis Suarez” to help Frenchman Olivier Giroud out.
He said: “Romelu Lukaku has been mentioned. We’d love to see Antoine Griezmann at Arsenal. That’s the sort of quality they need.” Papiss Cisse last night declared he “will never forget” Newcastle’s fans after he left Tyneside for China.
The Senegal star joined Shandong Luneng Taishan following a fourand-a-half year spell at St James’ Park.
Cisse said: “I will never forget them as long as I live and will be back as a supporter alongside them one day.” Alan Pardew is hoping to lure France midfielder Moussa Sissoko to Crystal Palace. Pardew wants to reunite the Newcastle man with his former team-mate Yohan Cabaye.
Meanwhile, Watford are among the clubs trying to sign Newcastle defender Daryl Janmaat. Former Dundee United, St Johnstone and Rangers striker Fran Sandaza has returned to Spanish side Girona.