Source: Daily_Mail
Strachan sensationally sends St Ledger back to Preston after bust-up
Sean St Ledger has made a shock return to Preston after Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan tore up his £4million deal to move to Teesside permanently next month.[LNB]But the decision, which comes just a week after Strachan denied a bust-up with the Republic of Ireland international, will still cost Boro £2m.[LNB] Get out of town: Sean St Ledger has sensationally been sent back to Preston[LNB]Gareth Southgate set up the loan deal with Preston and St Ledger before his departure and the Birmingham-born Ireland international was set to make the move permanent in January.[LNB]St Ledger has struggled to build a solid partnership with David Wheater at the heart of Middlesbrough's defence.[LNB] Leaving so soon: Dave Kitson is among a host of fellow loanees set to leave Boro[LNB]Strachan has persuaded Boro chairman Steve Gibson to rip up the contract and spend his cash elsewhere, even though they have already made the £2m down-payment, which will not now be refunded.[LNB] Strachan's own loan signings, Marcus Bent, David Kitson and Isiah Osbourne are all due to return to their host clubs.[LNB]Meanwhile, Joey Barton is on course for a New Year return for Newcastle United. Barton is recovering from another foot injury which has kept him out since September.[LNB] Snow joke: Julio Arca braced for the elements as Middlesbrough battle for seasonal cheerGary O'Neil pens new two-year contract extension at MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough set to swoop for Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford in January [LNB]
