I'd definitely say this is for NML admitting to or being found doing something seriously wrong given that clubs quite often stand by players charged with serious criminal offences until they have been found guilty. If it was drugs, then you'd think that there'd be an announcement from the football authorities soon, but, again, it's unusual for.a player to be sacked so early in the process.

This is a serious setback for City as far as the new season is concerned both financially and football wise - the Mendez-Laing which gave Trent Alexander-Arnold such an uncomfortable afternoon eighteen months or so ago was a £20 million player, at least. He could also look a candidate for a free transfer at times, but he gave us something that I don't think anyone else in our squad can when at his best.