Southampton will demand more than £100m for 19-year-old English winger Tyler Dibling, who is wanted by Tottenham and Manchester City. (Telegraph), external
Newcastle want to bring Liverpool and England defender Jarell Quansah, 22, to St James' Park this summer and hope a £30m offer will tempt the Premier League leaders to sell. (Times - subscription), external
Arsenal have identified Frankfurt's 22-year-old French striker Hugo Ekitike as an alternative to Newcastle's 25-year-old Sweden forward Alexander Isak, who is valued at £150m by the Magpies (Sun), external
Newcastle have paused contract talks after Isak turned down their initial offer. (Caught Offside), external
Bournemouth will this week discuss the futures of 21-year-old Hungary defender Milos Kerkez and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo, 25, amid interest from Liverpool. (Teamtalk), external
Manchester United's 25-year-old England winger Jadon Sancho, currently on loan at Chelsea, is keen to return to the Bundesliga. Rejoining Borussia Dortmund is his "dream", but Bayer Leverkusen are also interested. (Bild - in German), external
Chelsea, who have an obligation to buy Sancho from Manchester United, are considering whether to sign him permanently, before immediately selling him. (Football Insider), external
Chelsea and Real Madrid want to sign 19-year-old Spain defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this summer. (Sport - in Spanish), external
Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract expires on 30 June but Liverpool could still get a fee for the 26-year-old England defender if Real Madrid want him for the Fifa Club World Cup, which begins on 14 June. (Mail - subscription), external
Sunderland and England Under-19s midfielder Chris Rigg, 17, is being closely monitored by Everton, Tottenham and West Ham. (Sky Sports), external
Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle and Napoli are interested in Genk's 17-year-old Greece midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas. (Tuttomercato - in Italian)
Sky Paper Talk
DAILY MIRROR
Andre Onana will snub a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia to remain as Manchester United's No 1 goalkeeper.
Aston Villa chief Monchi has confirmed his side's interest in Real Madrid star Arda Guler in a blow to Arsenal.
Jose Mourinho is eyeing a deal for Manchester City star Ederson as he looks to strengthen his Fenerbahce side for next season.
Failure to win the Europa League and secure a golden ticket to the Champions League would cost Manchester United up to £100m in lost revenue.
Lionel Messi became the latest to take aim at Raphinha for his X-rated comments after Argentina's thumping of Brazil.
Ben Chilwell has revealed his goal of playing for England at the World Cup drove him to keep training alone when he was frozen out at Chelsea.
THE SUN
Arsenal's bid for Martin Zubimendi is at risk of being hijacked by Real Madrid.
Mikel Arteta is targeting Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike as an alternative to Newcastle's Alexander Isak.
Harry Kane's heir Liam Delap has been warned: Choose your next club carefully.
A former Chelsea flop is being lined up as the next Brazil boss if Carlo Ancelotti snubs a Samba summons.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been embroiled in a bizarre scandal over its stadiums for the 2030 World Cup.
Mexico's national stadium, the iconic Estadio Azteca, where Diego Maradona scored his Hand of God goal against England in 1986 is set to be renamed the Estadio Banorte as part of an £80m sponsorship deal.
Viktor Gyokeres will be allowed to depart Sporting if a team offers a transfer fee in the region of £50.2m-£58.5m.
DAILY MAIL
Ex-WSL boss Willie Kirk has revealed he is seeking a second chance in football after being sacked by Leicester last year.
The son of Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon has scored his first international goal - but it came for Czechia U18s rather than Italy.
Joao Felix's agent, Jorge Mendes, has held talks with another club ahead of a likely Chelsea exit.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Chelsea fans have written to Richard Masters urging him to "act swiftly" over the "unauthorised" reselling of Premier League tickets by a website co-owned by Todd Boehly.
Southampton are ready to demand a staggering fee of more than £100m for Tottenham and Manchester City target Tyler Dibling.
THE TIMES
Southampton are ready to fight to keep Tyler Dibling this summer and will point to the huge fees paid for the likes of Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Declan Rice in an attempt to put off interested clubs.
Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah is a potential target for Newcastle in the summer transfer window as they look to build on their Carabao Cup success.
Andy Farrell is open to picking France-based players, including his son Owen and Courtney Lawes, for the British and Irish Lions this summer.
THE GUARDIAN
The Football Association has decided not to press ahead with a proposal to expand tiers three to six of the English women's football pyramid that would have led to 'B' teams from Women's Super League teams being introduced into the lower leagues in 2026.
Sir Bill Beaumont has called on RFU members to unite and reject a vote of no confidence in the chief executive Bill Sweeney at a special general meeting to be held at Twickenham on Thursday.
An independent legal opinion has concluded there are "strong grounds to challenge the lawfulness" of the decision to ban three Cambridge students from taking part in next month's Boat Race.
THE ATHLETIC
Paris Saint-Germain's owners are exploring a deal to purchase Spanish second-tier club Malaga.
Nottingham Forest are optimistic that Chris Wood's hip injury is not serious.
Commissioner Adam Silver will pitch the NBA Board of Governors his early sketches of a plan to start a new pro basketball league in Europe as early as 2026.
SCOTTISH SUN
Yutaro Oda has quit Hearts to return to Japan with Shonan Bellmare.
DAILY RECORD
Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong is reportedly "on the verge" of agreeing a move to Liverpool, which would see Celtic bank a bumper sell-on payday.
Out-of-favour Kyogo Furuhashi believes he is set to turn a corner at Rennes amid speculation over his future.
The Athletic
West Ham squad audit: Assessing the future of every member of Graham Potter’s squad
By Roshane Thomas
West Ham United head coach Graham Potter has the unenviable task of rebuilding a squad this summer.
Stalwarts Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal and Michail Antonio could all leave upon the expiry of their contracts. Coufal is frustrated that talks over a new deal have reached an impasse, there is uncertainty over the futures of Edson Alvarez, Konstantious Mavropanos and Lucas Paqueta, while promising midfielder George Earthy, who is on loan at Championship side Bristol City, has a year remaining on his deal.
There are a number of issues Potter and Kyle Macaulay, West Ham’s head of recruitment, need to address in the coming months.
Here, The Athletic runs through the contract situation of every squad member and explores who is at risk of leaving.
Goalkeepers
Alphonse Areola (contract expires 2027)
Areola, 32, has vindicated Graham Potter’s decision to make him his No 1 since January’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. The goalkeeper position is one of the strongest areas of West Ham’s squad, with former manager Julen Lopetegui heavily rotating between Areola and Lukasz Fabianski.
Lukasz Fabianski (contract expires 2025)
The 39-year-old has made 215 appearances for West Ham since joining from Swansea City in June 2018. However, Fabianksi is entering the final months of his contract and there have been no talks over an extension. Fabianski has not played since a 2-0 home loss against Crystal Palace in January. The former Poland international wants to extend his spell at West Ham, but the club would prefer to sign a low-cost reserve.
Wes Foderingham (contract expires 2026)
Foderingham, 34, is yet to make his first-team debut for West Ham since joining on a free transfer from Sheffield United last summer. He has been third choice this season and has been on the bench in nine of West Ham’s 29 league games. Foderingham, who signed a two-year deal, featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Brentford. Potter’s side lost 1-0 but it was an opportunity for the head coach to look at the former Rangers goalkeeper and other fringe players.
Full-backs
Aaron Cresswell (contract expires 2025)
Cresswell’s deal runs out this summer and does not include an extension option. The 34-year-old has been a great mentor for teenage defender Ollie Scarles, who is viewed as Cresswell’s long-term successor. Cresswell has performed well as a left-sided centre-back in Potter’s 5-3-2 formation, and his leadership and recent displays warrant a contract extension.
Vladimir Coufal (contract expires 2025)
West Ham rejected multiple offers from Fulham for Coufal on deadline day in this year’s winter transfer window. In January 2024, West Ham the club also activated the one-year option in Coufal’s contract, as opposed to giving him a new deal.
The right-back is away on international duty with the Czech Republic and in an interview with Czech outlet iDNES, Coufal expressed his frustration at his current situation and wishes to clarify his future.
“I’m torn about all this because West Ham didn’t let me go to Fulham on deadline day,” Coufal said.
“I’ll be 33 and it made sense to me (to move), although I love West Ham and could imagine finishing my career there. As for Fulham, I would stay in the Premier League and even in London. We really like it there. My son has started playing in the West Ham academy and is doing better than I expected. My daughter will be going to school next year.
“How do I explain to them that we are moving to a completely different place? That is why I need to hear from West Ham so that I can consider what to do next.”
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (contract expires 2031)
The full-back has been a consistent performer following his £15million ($19m) arrival from Manchester United at the start of the season.
Wan-Bissaka’s marked offensive improvement has impressed Potter, with the 27-year-old having registered two goals and two assists in 28 league appearances. Returning to London has been a key factor behind the full-back feeling settled.
He came through the ranks at Crystal Palace before leaving for £50m to join Manchester United, but Wan-Bissaka was somewhat maligned at his former club and struggled to justify his transfer fee. A much-needed fresh start has culminated in a career revival.
Emerson Palmieri (contract expires in 2026)
West Ham have the option to extend Palmieri’s contract by a further year. The Italy international lost his place to Scarles for games against Arsenal, Leicester City and Newcastle United, but was restored to the XI for West Ham’s last game before the international break, a 1-1 draw against Everton. Palmieri is happy at West Ham and is settled in London with his family. Potter still views the full-back as an important member of the squad.
Ollie Scarles (contract expires in 2028)
Scarles is the club’s most promising prospect since Declan Rice. The 19-year-old has shown great temperament since receiving his first domestic start in January’s FA Cup loss against Aston Villa. He was rewarded with a call-up to the England Under-20s and made his debut in their 1-1 draw against Portugal.
Scarles’ deal expires in 2028 but talks over an improved deal to reflect his transition to the first team will take place at the end of the season.
Centre-backs
Jean-Clair Todibo (contract expires 2025)
Todibo had interest from Juventus and Newcastle United before joining on loan from Nice last summer. Ligue 1 side Marseille enquired about Todibo’s availability in January but the centre-back informed his representatives he was happy, and had no interest in leaving.
West Ham plan to honour their obligation to buy Todibo at the end of the season. The 25-year-old is frustrated that he has struggled with injuries but when fully fit, he has shown his defensive attributes. He is comfortable in possession and his defensive partnership with Maximilian Kilman has potential.
Kurt Zouma (contract expires 2025)
After the pre-season game against Dagenham & Redbridge, a photo went viral on X of Zouma’s knees being heavily taped. Sources with knowledge of the situation, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, say the 30-year-old’s knees can no longer handle the intensity of Premier League football.
Zouma joined Saudi Pro League side Al Orobah on a season-long loan in August. The centre-back’s deal expires at the end of the season, although West Ham have a one-year option, but the club expects the former France international to stay in Saudi.
Maximilian Kilman (contract expires 2031)
Kilman has played the most minutes (2,539) for West Ham this season. The centre-back has been a solid addition to the squad and hopes to earn senior recognition for his country.
“It is definitely a big aim (to play for England),” Kilman told BBC Sport last summer. “I have been competing against other Premier League central defenders in the last couple of years and I have been consistent. I want to get as high as I can as a player, so playing for England would be a huge honour.”
Nayef Aguerd (contract expires 2027)
Aguerd is an integral member of Real Sociedad’s defence. Since joining the Spanish team loan last summer, the centre-back has been an important player for manager Imanol Alguacil.
In December, the Moroccan defender admitted he is uncertain about his long-term future at West Ham.
“I came here to find my best form again, first of all because I wasn’t playing for West Ham and I want to enjoy every moment here,” Aguerd told Marca in December. “I still have two years left on my contract with West Ham but now I’m only thinking about helping Real to go as far as possible… I don’t know if I’ll have to go back, I don’t know if I’ll stay here, I don’t know if I’ll go somewhere else. It’s not in my hands.”
Konstantinos Mavropanos (contract expires 2028)
The Greece international has never been viewed as a first-choice defensive option. When Potter switched to a 5-3-2 system, Potter favoured playing either Cresswell or Coufal alongside Kilman and Todibo. Mavropanos’ long-term future remains uncertain, with the club keen to augment their defence this summer. Adam Webster, the Brighton & Hove Albion defender, is among their options.
Kaelan Casey (contract expires 2027)
The 20-year-old made his Premier League debut against Bournemouth in December but he is yet to play under Potter, and has mainly featured for the under-21s.
Casey had loan interest from EFL clubs last summer and in January. West Ham were reluctant to let the defender leave because he was needed for squad depth. He has been capped at England Under-20 level and is highly thought of behind the scenes.
Midfielders
Tomas Soucek (contract expires 2027)
Soucek is on track to registering 10 goals this season, a feat he has achieved twice before as a West Ham player. The midfielder is a key member of Potter’s team, as shown in recent performances against Leicester City and Everton. The 30-year-old has two years remaining on his deal and intends to see out the rest of his career at West Ham.
Edson Alvarez (contract expires 2028)
Alvarez has struggled with consistency and discipline this season. The midfielder has received six yellow cards and was sent off in fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. It is why West Ham view Angel Gomes, the Lille midfielder, as a potential replacement for Alvarez. In January, West Ham rejected a loan offer from Monaco for the Mexico international.
Guido Rodriguez (contract expires 2027)
Rodriguez was a first-team regular under Lopetegui. Following his sacking in January, the midfielder has been an unused substitute in five of the last seven games under Potter. Discussions over Rodriguez’s future will take place during the off-season.
George Earthy (contract expires 2026)
Earthy memorably scored his first senior goal in West Ham’s win over Luton Town in May 2024. This season, he has gained first-team experience while on loan at Bristol City, under former West Ham academy coach Liam Manning.
The midfielder’s contract expires at the end of next season.
Freddie Potts (contract expires 2029)
Potts will be given an opportunity to impress in pre-season before a decision is made on whether he will go out on loan again. This season, the 21-year-old has impressed on loan at Championship side Portsmouth.
Potts, the son of academy coach and former defender Steve Potts, enjoyed similar success at League One side Wycombe Wanderers in 2023-24. He was the club’s player of the season and also helped Wycombe reach the final of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, where they lost to Peterborough United.
“I want to be a West Ham player,” Potts told the club’s website in February. “I want to start in the West Ham first team. That’s always been a dream of mine. However it happens, that’s the mission that I want to try and achieve.”
James Ward-Prowse (contract expires 2027)
One of Potter’s first acts as head coach was to recall Ward-Prowse from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest. Internally, it was viewed as a mistake letting the midfielder leave last summer. Ward-Prowse is likeable and a valuable presence behind the scenes. The 30-year-old is part of Potter’s plans for the foreseeable future.
Carlos Soler (contract expires 2025)
West Ham have no intention of converting Soler’s loan into a permanent deal. Since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, the midfielder has not made the desired impact, with a paltry return of one goal and one assist in 24 league appearances.
Andy Irving (contract expires 2026)
Irving had a solid performance in his first start against Chelsea in February. Since then, he has only played one minute since that defeat. The 24-year-old midfielder had interest from European clubs in January but wanted to see out the season. A summer departure is expected, with Irving not guaranteed game time under Potter.
Lewis Orford (contract expires 2029)
Orford, now 19, was handed his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace in January. Similar to Casey, he has mainly featured for the under-21s since, but the club intend to loan out the midfielder next season to gain first-team experience.
Attacking midfielders and wingers
Lucas Paqueta (contract expires 2027)
Paqueta’s long-term future at the London Stadium will become much clearer once his trial for alleged betting breaches is finished. The Brazilian playmaker maintains his innocence.
Before being charged by the Football Association in May 2024, Manchester City were exploring a deal to sign Paqueta.
Mohammed Kudus (contract expires 2028)
Kudus’ form has nosedived since the turn of the year. He has not registered a goal involvement for West Ham since the 1-1 draw against Brighton on December 21. His £85m release clause becomes active this summer.
Crysencio Summerville (contract expires 2029)
A hamstring injury has stalled Summerville’s progress at West Ham. He hopes to return to action at the end of April for the fixture against Brighton. The summer signing from Leeds United will hope for better luck next term.
Maxwel Cornet (contract expires 2027)
The winger has seldom impressed since joining from Burnley in August 2022. His underwhelming loan spell at Southampton was cut short in January. Shortly afterwards, Cornet joined Italian side Genoa and has two goals and one assist in his first six appearances. This summer, West Ham will listen to offers for the attacker.
Jarrod Bowen (contract expires 2030)
The England international signed a long-term deal in October 2023 and is the face of the club. Bowen’s contract does not include a buyout clause and the attacker wants to retire at West Ham.
Bowen continues to elevate his game and remains a prominent figure. Under Potter, Bowen is set to spearhead their aspirations for European football next season.
Callum Marshall (contract expires 2027)
In an interview with The Athletic this month, Marshall outlined how he intends to impress Potter in pre-season.
Talks are not underway over a potential contract extension but could begin upon his return from a solid loan spell at Huddersfield Town.
The 20-year-old has registered 10 goals and four assists across 39 appearances this season. Mark Noble, West Ham’s sporting director, Carlton Cole, the loan manager, and Mark Robson, the under-21s manager, regularly check in on Marshall. He has played a big role in Huddersfield’s push for promotion from League One.
Luis Guilherme (contract expires 2029)
The £25m signing of Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras was viewed as one for the future but the 19-year-old has not impressed enough in training, hence his lack of game time to date.
He played for the club’s under-21s in September and has made seven substitute appearances in the league, totalling 50 minutes. A loan move this summer would be best for all parties.
Strikers
Michail Antonio (contract expires 2025)
Antonio is still recovering from a broken leg he sustained in a car crash in December. The 34-year-old, who received a warm reception when he returned to the London Stadium before the 1-0 loss to Newcastle United on March 10, will not feature again this season.
Antonio last featured in the 3-1 away victory against Leicester City on December 3. His future will be decided at the end of the season.
Danny Ings (contract expires 2025)
Ings is not guaranteed game time and is expected to be released at the end of the season. The 32-year-old forward is behind Bowen, Evan Ferguson and Niclas Fullkrug in the pecking order.
Niclas Fullkrug (contract expires 2028)
Fullkrug has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in the FA Cup loss against Aston Villa in January but the German striker has returned to training and is nearing full fitness, with the middle of April viewed as a potential return.
Fullkrug might be Potter’s sole recognised striker for the club’s pre-season tour of America in July.
Evan Ferguson (contract expires 2025)
Ferguson joined West Ham on a straight loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in January but he is still nearing full fitness. As a result, Ferguson has struggled to have an impact in his last five games. Jonathan David, the Canadian Lille forward, is a player West Ham may pursue should they decide not to convert Ferguson’s deal into a permanent deal.
(Top photo: Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images)
