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.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. Get out of town: Sean St Ledger has sensationally been sent back to PrestonGareth 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.St Ledger has struggled to build a solid partnership with David Wheater at the heart of Middlesbrough's defence. Leaving so soon: Dave Kitson is among a host of fellow loanees set to leave BoroStrachan 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.  Strachan's own loan signings, Marcus Bent, David Kitson and Isiah Osbourne are all due to return to their host clubs.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.  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  

Source: Daily_Mail