Paris St‑Germain have enquired about Norway striker Erling Haaland's long‑term situation at Manchester City, although the 25-year-old's most likely destination is Spain, if he chooses to move. (Teamtalk), external
Aston Villa want to sign Wales midfielder Harry Wilson on a free transfer from Fulham this summer, with the 28-year-old also said to be a target for Everton. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Tottenham's 27-year-old Argentina defender Cristian Romero and England midfielder Conor Gallagher, 26, are among those who would almost certainly leave Spurs this summer if they are relegated. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, whose Manchester City contract expires this summer, while Juventus and Monaco are also looking at the 31-year-old. (Teamtalk), external
Carlo Ancelotti intends to sign a four-year contract extension as Brazil boss. (Movistar via AS - in Spanish), external
France's all-time leading scorer Olivier Giroud, now 39, is at a crossroads in his future at Lille with the striker having suffered a dip in form. (L'Equipe - in French - subscription required), external
Newcastle's England winger Anthony Gordon, 24, says he will not let transfer speculation affect him after being linked with Liverpool and Arsenal. (Sun), external
Manchester City's English goalkeeper James Trafford, 23, is prioritising a move to Aston Villa over Newcastle United this summer. (Football Insider), external
Barcelona have strengthened the release clauses for their young players after Paris St-Germain signed 18-year-old Spanish midfielder Dro Fernandez last month for just 8.2m euros (£7.1m). (RMC Sport - in French), external
LA Galaxy are closely monitoring Philippe Coutinho's situation with the 33-year-old now a free agent after Vasco da Gama agreed to terminate the former Brazil midfielder's contract. (AS - in Spanish)
Sky Paper Talk
PREMIER LEAGUE
Crystal Palace fans turned on Oliver Glasner after they were held to a 1-1 draw by HSK Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg of their Conference League knockout play-off and called for his sacking - Telegraph.
Tottenham Hotspur have lost a key sponsor worth millions to the club as they face up to the damage of a Premier League relegation fight and missing out on big-name players - Telegraph.
Nottingham Forest's global head of football Edu Gaspar is under huge pressure to retain his job - Telegraph.
Matheus Cunha has credited Ruben Amorim for Manchester United's recent upturn in form under Michael Carrick - Mail.
Newcastle United are planning a significant departure from their traditional black and white stripes for their home kit next season - Times.
WORLD FOOTBALL
Former Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has turned down the chance to take over from Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille over concerns the club is "too chaotic" - RMC Sport (French).
Jose Mourinho has banned all mention of Real Madrid among his Benfica squad following the Champions League tie that was overshadowed by allegations of racism - Mail.
Frustration is growing among clubs globally at the extended wait for £185m of solidarity payments promised by FIFA on the back of last summer's Club World Cup - The Guardian.
LA Galaxy are closely monitoring Philippe Coutinho's situation with the 33-year-old now a free agent after Vasco da Gama agreed to terminate the former Brazil midfielder's contract - AS (Spanish).
The Athletic
Why Nuno Espirito Santo turned to Paco Jemez to help save West Ham’s season
Paco Jemez managed the likes of Las Palmas, Rayo Vallecano and Granada before arriving at West Ham Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Roshane Thomas
In late-December, West Ham United’s board asked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo if he needed external help.
Leading up to the chastening 3-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nuno had only won two of his first 14 games since succeeding Graham Potter in late September. West Ham were yet to keep a clean sheet and had dropped points from winning positions against Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion. The new manager had promoted academy coaches Steve Potts, Mark Robson and Billy Lepine to his backroom staff, while Gerard Prenderville was already a first-team coach under Potter.
Nuno’s initial struggles were compounded by an inability to bring in his own backroom staff. Goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa, who worked under the Portuguese at Nottingham Forest, did not join until October 31, 34 days after Nuno’s appointment.
Sources with knowledge of the situation, who, like all others referenced in this article, asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, say the board felt the former Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur manager needed to make an addition to his coaching setup. They advised him to think of someone with a huge contrast to his personality and Nuno instantly knew who to call: Paco Jemez.
The head coach spoke to the Spaniard one week before his appointment on January 15. Nuno previously pitched to the 55-year-old that they should work together, but timing was an issue, with Jemez in managerial spells at Spanish sides Rayo Vallecano and Ibiza, then Iran Pro League club Tractor.
Sources say Nuno told Jemez he needed help to improve West Ham’s precarious league position. As far as Nuno was concerned, it was the perfect opportunity to reunite with a trusted friend — the pair’s relationship stretched back to the mid-90s, when they were team-mates at Deportivo de La Coruna.
Jemez earned 21 caps for Spain between 1998 and 2001, playing alongside the likes of Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola, now the managers of PSG and Manchester City respectively.
Paco Jemez (left) lining up for Spain alongside Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola (right) in 1999Peter Schatz/Getty Images
Since Paco’s arrival, West Ham’s performances have improved markedly. They have won four of their last six games across all competitions, kept their first clean sheet under Nuno in the 2-0 away win against Burnley, and have conceded just six goals. In the six league games before Jemez joining, they had conceded 14.
After observing West Ham’s training sessions, Jemez has helped improve the intensity and the porous defence. During one session, Jemez opted for an uncommon approach of overseeing training from a higher vantage point. His personality has left a lasting impression, with Tomas Soucek labelling the coach a “crazy guy”.
“He doesn’t speak very good English, but I understand Spanish, so I try to speak with him,” midfielder Mateus Fernandes told The Athletic after the 3-1 home win against Sunderland. “He’s been a very good coach for us. He tries to help the team in attack, defence, and we’ve shown improvement. Now we have that winning feeling. Paco has told us to believe, fight, and to control the games. For me, being a midfielder, it’s important to control the tempo of matches. So he helps a lot and he’s a very important guy for us.”
Fellow midfielder, and academy graduate, Freddie Potts has also credited West Ham’s upturn in results to the Spaniard.
“He’s had a massive impact, especially defensively,” Potts told The Athletic after the 1-1 draw against Manchester United. “We’re conceding fewer goals now. He’s a very good coach and smart with the defenders and us midfield players as well. That’s been reflected in our performances and results. He’s a great guy and an even better coach.”
Nuno and Jemez in conversation during West Ham’s defeat at ChelseaJustin Setterfield/Getty Images
In his free time, Jemez has been having English lessons and has been exploring London. The language barrier has not been an issue, according to full-back Ollie Scarles.
“I guess you could say he’s a lucky charm,” Scarles told The Athletic after the victory against Sunderland. “We’re all fighting every game and to win that FA Cup game (against Queens Park Rangers) and get another win on the board, which we haven’t had in a little while, gave us momentum. The atmosphere feels good within the group. We’re all positive and hopefully we can keep it going. Paco’s been brilliant for us. He’s a defensive coach and has strengthened our back four. He’s really good to be around and brings a good vibe to the team. All the coaches are vocal, but it’s good for the group to have one to motivate us all.”
Jemez has assisted Potts in improving the defence. Sources say the Spaniard felt the back four had developed bad habits, which he has gradually worked to cut out.
“In the last few matches, the team has shown signs of life,” Jemez told El Partidazo de COPE after the 1-1 draw against Manchester United. “We’ve tweaked a few things without making major changes. If we continue like this, I’m convinced we won’t be the ones who get relegated. I feel good, but I think the players will learn Spanish before I learn English! I’m getting the hang of it.
“I felt sad (after the draw to United), not angry. The team did many things well, and that goal (from Benjamin Sesko) at the end shouldn’t overshadow what the team did. We didn’t sit back and United had very few chances. The goal (United’s) is difficult to score; it’s an incredibly difficult shot, but these players have quality. The fact that we dropped two points shouldn’t make us doubt ourselves.”
Donato, a former team-mate of Nuno and Jemez at Deportivo, always knew the pair would work together. They helped the Spanish side finish 12th in the 1997-98 season and remain close friends.
“I’m glad they’re working together and that they’re doing so well,” Donato told The Athletic earlier this week. “Paco and I have gotten along really well, even after football. There’s always been a lot of respect between us players. You need character, vision, and I think they both have what it takes because (West Ham) need a lot of personality and flexibility.
“I’ve attended some of Paco’s talks at conferences and events. Instantly, you could see his dedication and enthusiasm. I understand why they’re working together, as they’re both level-headed. I’m happy for Nuno and I think they’ll continue to do well.”
Sport Witness
West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Lyon in three-way transfer battle
By Kaustubh Pandey
Last week, Sport Witness covered claims about West Ham’s interest in Juventus defender Federico Gatti.
IlBianconero reported on the centre-back’s situation, after he returned to action some weeks ago following a long-term injury. Multiple clubs have made enquiries for him and the Old Lady are open to a summer sale.
The situation was attracting West Ham, who were told they’d have to pay a significant fee for the Italian.
Updates are now emerging about the centre-back, who is also of interest to Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest and West Ham battling
TuttoSport report on Gatti losing prominence under Luciano Spalletti. He is less central to the project in Turin and can depart if suitors offer €20m.
AC Milan had attempted a swap deal in January and they also failed with an initial loan for the Italy international.
Now, Juve are more open to his departure, with West Ham and Nottingham Forest interested.
The more concrete candidature comes from France, with Lyon moving quickly for Gatti. ‘Contacts have begun’ between the two clubs, with Lyon also having spoken to the player’s entourage.
Paulo Fonseca, who saw Gatti from up close during his time at AC Milan, is keen on signing him. This comes as a major threat to Nottingham Forest and West Ham, who may have to move quickly.
Gatti presents a reliable option
The 27-year-old has his fair share of critics in Italy due to his lack of ability on the ball. But more often than not, he has been fairly reliable for the Bianconeri.
He has also sometimes chipped in with goals from set-pieces, using his aerial ability quite well.
Gatti has featured in a back four and in a back three in Turin, showcasing that he can be quite a handy option for clubs. While he might not be a key player, he could be a decent squad player for both West Ham and Nottingham Forest.
Both clubs are no strangers to signing players from Serie A. Gatti can be a decent opportunity, especially considering the price-tag.