Saturday News (includes West Ham)

[Alan]

BBC

England forward Marcus Rashford, 28, could return to Manchester United after his loan spell at Barcelona, who are interested in Chelsea and Portugal winger Pedro Neto, 26, as an alternative. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Rashford wants to stay at Barca, but talks have hit a stumbling block and sporting director Deco has proposed a second season-long loan to allow the Spanish side more time to pay off an option-to-buy fee to Manchester United. (Talksport), external

Tottenham are drawing up potential options to replace Igor Tudor as head coach if they decide another managerial change is needed. (Athletic - subscription required), external

While Tottenham boss Tudor is set to remain in charge in the short term, he has already alienated a number of players. (Talksport), external

Manchester United have a five-man shortlist of managers who could replace caretaker Michael Carrick in the summer - Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, Aston Villa's Unai Emery, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi and Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann. (Sun), external

Napoli will trigger the 44m euro (£38m) clause to buy Denmark forward Rasmus Hojlund, 23, and make his loan deal from Manchester United permanent. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Arsenal are preparing a formal offer to sign Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka, 31, as a free agent in the summer. (Teamtalk), external

However, AC Milan are also interested in Goretzka, who Bayern Munich have already confirmed will leave the club at the end of the season. (Goal), external

Liverpool will have competition from Barcelona if they pursue a move for Inter Milan and Italy centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, 26. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Manchester United are frontrunners to sign Bournemouth and United States midfielder Tyler Adams in the summer, with Chelsea and Liverpool also interested in the 27-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

Arsenal could earn about £1.7m if Juventus move for ex-Gunners and Poland defender Jakub Kiwior, 26, who joined Porto on loan in September with an obligation to buy for about £23m. (Sun)





Sky Paper Talk

PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United will consider offers for Joshua Zirkzee, Andre Onana, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Manuel Ugarte this summer - The Sun.

Tottenham are actively looking at options to replace Igor Tudor as head coach - The Athletic

Arsenal have approached Declan Rice over a new long-term contract - BBC.

Aston Villa are preparing for transfer interest in Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Martinez this summer and could be forced to sell - Daily Mail.

Jamie Carragher believes Aston Villa boss Unai Emery should be the frontrunner for the Man Utd job - The Telegraph.

LALIGA

Barcelona could target Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as an alternative to signing Marcus Rashford permanently - Mundo Deportivo.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Former Celtic and Scotland star Leigh Griffiths faces court over match-fixing allegations - The Scottish Sun.

HORSE RACING

Jockey Charlie Marshall has been handed a 12-day suspension after forcing Go On Chez over the final hurdle at Fakenham Racecourse.





Sport Witness

West Ham in mix to sign 20-year-old – Face Dortmund and Barcelona battle

By Sean Lunt

Armando González’s breakout season with Chivas has sparked serious interest across Europe, with West Ham United now firmly in the mix.

West Ham have tracked the 20‑year‑old striker throughout the Clausura 2026 and are now weighing up a potential summer move.

Widely known as La Hormiga, he’s attracting attention from clubs across the Bundesliga, Premier League, Serie A, and Eredivisie.

González has emerged as one of Liga MX’s most intriguing young forwards, rising rapidly from Chivas’ academy to one of Mexico’s most productive strikers.

He is currently the league’s top goalscorer, but it’s his underlying traits that scouts believe will translate to European football.

Scouts view him as a mobile, high‑pressing forward with elite off‑ball movement and intelligence that fits the modern European game. Combined with his instinctive finishing, it has made him a highly attractive target.
West Ham tracking him closely

Reports have already linked González to Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, two clubs known for identifying emerging talent early. But the scouting operation around him has now expanded significantly.

Journalist Alejandro Ramírez revealed via Estadio Deportes that two professional analytics companies are now tracking González’s matches, physical data, and development curve.

“Armando González is being followed by two companies, each of which works for two different teams. They specialise in providing comprehensive information and tracking of players,” Ramírez explained.

Estadio Deportes add that AC Milan, West Ham United, and Feyenoord are all actively monitoring his progress.

“Don’t take my word for it, but sources say AC Milan has been following him for quite some time. It’s just monitoring him, observing his behaviour, his profile, and whether he adapts,” the reporter explained.
Rejected Offer: CSKA Moscow’s $20M Bid Shows His Market Value

Interest in González has been growing for some time. Earlier this year, CSKA Moscow submitted a $20 million offer for González.

Chivas rejected the bid, with the player’s camp making it clear they favour a move to a top‑five league or a regular European contender — criteria West Ham can meet.

A February report suggested a potential battle with Celtic and Barcelona could emerge.

With scouting efforts now increasing, the summer transfer window could become a pivotal moment in González’s career. Chivas know interest is rising and La Hormiga may soon have a choice to make on where to go in Europe.

[With Kind Regards]

Thanks Alan.