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Alan 12:13 Thu Apr 9
Thursday newspapers (includes West Ham)

BBC

Chelsea are in talks to sign Barcelona and Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho. The 27-year-old former Liverpool player is currently on loan at Bayern Munich. (Sport)

Manchester United and Napoli want Real Madrid's Colombia forward James Rodriguez, 28. (AS, in Spanish)

Aston Villa's English playmaker Jack Grealish, 24, remains among Manchester United's main transfer targets. (Evening Standard)

Barcelona have turned down the chance to sign Chelsea and Brazil forward Willian, despite the 31-year-old being available on a free transfer at the end of the season. (Sport)

However, Chelsea have opened talks with defender Antonio Rudiger. The Blues are keen for the German, 27, to sign a deal until at least 2023. (Sky Sports)

Napoli are interested in West Ham's Brazil winger Felipe Anderson, 26. (Corriere dello Sport, in Italian)

Besiktas are considering signing Burnley's former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, 32, as a replacement for 26-year-old German Loris Karius, who is on loan from Liverpool.(Fanatik, in Turkish)

Brighton are close to signing Sydney FC's Australia Under-17 midfielder Cameron Peupion, 17. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Defender Diego Carlos says he is happy at Sevilla despite interest from Liverpool. The 27-year-old Brazilian has a £64m release clause in his contract. (Estadio Deportivo, in Spanish)

Liverpool and Senegal forward Sadio Mane, 27, says he considered joining Manchester United before moving to Anfield. (Times, subscription required)







OS

Academy Spotlight: Louie Watson



From early beginnings at Junior Elite FC to topping the elite on the Academy FIFA scene, meet 18-year-old creative midfielder Louie Watson...

My Roots

I started off playing for Junior Elite FC in Beckenham in Kent when I was about nine then, when I was in the Under-11s, I moved over to West Ham. Both my Mum and my Dad were very influential during the early stages of my career. They have both helped hugely. My Mum has given me all the information and then my Dad, Steve, was a player so I’m very lucky!

I haven’t always been a midfielder; I started out playing as a winger, but then I started playing in midfield because a boy who was meant to play in a tournament never turned up. I played really well in the tournament, got scouted by a few clubs and I’ve played in midfield ever since.

Being injured was one of the most difficult things that I have faced in my career so far. As a young footballer you always want to be playing football, that’s obvious, so being injured was the toughest hill to climb so far - it was a long six months. There were positives though, as I think the injury gave me the edge that I needed to take the step into professional football.

My Inspirations

My main footballing inspiration is, of course, my Dad, who played for Sutton United, Farnborough Town, Aldershot and England 'C'!

If I had to pick a player that I looked up to I’d probably say Andres Iniesta. I’ve always liked to watch him and Kevin de Bruyne as well, they’re the two that stand out to me.

The most inspiring moment that I have had is playing for Republic of Ireland U18s. Playing for your country is always special and it’s definitely something that I won’t forget.

Even before then, I remember scoring four goals in the semi-final of the cup when I was playing Sunday league. Obviously, when you are younger and you do something like that, you’re on top of the world!

I try and base my game on lots of different midfielders, because I like to play in a few different roles. If I’m playing as the No8, then I try and be like Iniesta, and as the the No10 I try and be like De Bruyne. If I’m back in the No4, I like to try and play like Andrea Pirlo.

My Teammates

I can’t really single out a best friend in the squad. I’m close friends with a lot of the boys. I think it’d be unfair to pick just one, and I get along with everyone.

The hardest trainer is probably Conor Coventry; there are a few up there but I’ll say Conor. In terms of natural talent, I really like the way that Alfie Lewis plays. Nathan Holland is gifted as well, everyone knows that, but the one I’d go with is Ajibola Alese!

We’ve got quite a few jokers in the team. Oladapo Afolayan has got all the jokes to be fair; he’s been out on loan, so he’s got all the league banter.

I can’t really decide who takes the longest in the shower, we all get in and everyone starts chatting, it’s like a social club really!

FIFA, Films & Food

My favourite team on FIFA is Barcelona - you can’t go wrong, get Messi on the ball, 90th minute, top bins!

In terms of where I rank in the Academy at FIFA, everyone knows I’m top. You can ask any of the boys, it’s quite well known, ask them all, they’ll say me. If they haven’t said I’m the best, they’re lying to themselves!

When I’m not playing FIFA, I enjoy Fortnite and NBA 2K as well. I also like Grand Theft Auto, they are the main games I play.

I watch a lot of TV series as well, so it’s tough for me to narrow them down to a single favourite. If I’m travelling then I’d say Rick and Morty - I’ve always liked it; I couldn’t tell you why. But there’s loads that I like to watch: Game of Thrones, Prison Break, Power. I do have other hobbies, but TV series are my favourite - I’m a Netflix conqueror.

Warrior is my favourite film, with the two brothers. I think it’s excellent and I like the UFC, so it makes sense. My favourite music artist is Drake - solid option, can’t really complain with that.

I’m a massive fan of Italian food, especially pasta. I’d choose it over pizza, not every time, but I prefer pasta definitely. Although if I’m having a cheat meal it would be pizza, and if I had to pick a topping it would be meat feast. People are going to think I’m Italian!






Mail

Napoli 'interested in signing West Ham star Felipe Anderson' but his signature will not come cheaply for Serie A outfit

West Ham's Felipe Anderson has attracted interest from Serie A outfit Napoli
Brazilian is familiar with Serie A, having played for Lazio before joining Hammers
But a move wouldn't be cheap as he still has two years left on his West Ham deal

By JONATHAN SPENCER

West Ham star Felipe Anderson is attracting interest from Napoli ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

Anderson enjoyed a brilliant debut season with West Ham after moving in the summer of 2018, but he has found things much tougher this term - with the club sitting 16th level on points with 18th-placed Bournemouth.

And according to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Serie A outfit Napoli are looking to tempt the Brazilian away from the London Stadium this summer.

Gennaro Gattuso's side are well aware that Anderson is a familiar face within Serie A and would be able to slot in quickly, after featuring for Lazio for five years before moving to England.

However, it will be extremely difficult for Napoli to get their man due to the financial obstacles they face.

The 26-year-old still has over two years remaining on his current contract at West Ham, which puts the Premier League outfit in a very strong negotiating position.

The Hammers will be desperate to keep hold of Anderson despite his tough season in London.

Anderson has found the net just once in 22 Premier League appearances this campaign, while providing four assists.

Last year, the 26-year-old found the net nine times in the top-flight and West Ham will be counting on him to improve his form when football returns following the coronavirus pandemic.

gph 3:30 Fri Apr 10
Re: Thursday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks, Alan

Good to see you posting, chiff. Still feeling better?

chiff 7:12 Thu Apr 9
Re: Thursday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan

Texas Iron 4:11 Thu Apr 9
Re: Thursday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Cheers...

bill green 4:10 Thu Apr 9
Re: Thursday newspapers (includes West Ham)

thanks Alan

Mex Martillo 12:47 Thu Apr 9
Re: Thursday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Anderson, sell, sell, sell
Thanks Alan

blueeyed.handsomeman 12:42 Thu Apr 9
Re: Thursday newspapers (includes West Ham)

THanks Alan, 12;17 thursday 09th, April, 2020

Thanks Alan 12:17 Thu Apr 9
Re: Thursday newspapers (includes West Ham)

Thanks Alan