Bournemouth are resigned to losing Spanish defender Dean Huijsen this summer, but the 20-year-old prefers a move to another Premier League club over a switch to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. (Talksport), external
Manchester United are monitoring the availability of Southampton's English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, 26, amid concern over 29-year-old Cameroon international Andre Onana's form. (Sun), external
Manchester United have at least four potential goalkeeper targets in mind, including Brighton's Netherlands international Bart Verbruggen, 22. (i paper - subscription required), external
Chelsea are closely monitoring the development of Brighton's 22-year-old French forward Georginio Rutter. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Atletico Madrid are interested in re-signing Arsenal and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, 31, this summer. (Marca - in Spanish), external
Leeds United are keen on Borussia Monchengladbach captain - and Germany midfielder - Julian Weigl, 29, this summer - provided they earn promotion to the Premier League (Mail), external
West Ham want to sign Liverpool and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, 26, in the summer transfer window. (Mirror), external
Newcastle have beaten Real Madrid and Barcelona to the signing of Malaga's 18-year-old Spanish winger Antonio Cordero. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Aston Villa are making progress in with talks with Rosenborg over a deal for 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder Sverre Halseth Nypan. (Sky Sports), external
AC Milan and Roma will make the loan moves of English striker Tammy Abraham, 27, and Belgium midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers, 25, permanent in the summer despite managerial uncertainty at both clubs. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian), external
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has told the club's board he wants to keep their best players this summer, including 25-year-old Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who has been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal. (Teamtalk), external
English goalkeeper Tom Heaton, 39, and experienced Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans, 37, are both set to leave Manchester United this summer when their contracts expire. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Ipswich Town's English striker Liam Delap, 22, will turn down a move to Manchester United this summer. (Star), external
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, now global head of football at Red Bull, is emerging as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. (Sport - in Spanish), external
Tottenham have identified Fulham boss Marco Silva, Brentford head coach Thomas Frank and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as candidates to replace Ange Postecoglou should he be dismissed. (Teamtalk), external
Iraola is likely to snub the chance to join Tottenham and remain at Bournemouth as the Cherries eye playing European football next season. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Former Sevilla and Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli is in talks to become the new manager of 33-year-old forward Neymar's Brazilian club Santos. (TNT Sports)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Wayne Rooney is in line for a shock return to management just four months after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle. Blackburn are reportedly considering him as pressure mounts on boss Valerien Ismael.
Chelsea's stuttering bid to qualify for the Champions League may not impact Enzo Maresca's role but it could wipe £70m off his summer budget.
Jurgen Klopp has been tipped for a return to management with Real Madrid.
Tammy Abraham is set to complete a permanent move to AC Milan from Roma in the summer.
Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman over a stunning summer transfer.
THE TIMES
Benfica have contacted Bernardo Silva's representatives over a potential return to the Portuguese club this summer.
The Premier League has acted to close the loophole that caused it to lose a legal case to Leicester City over a Profitability and Sustainability Rules charge.
André Onana is unsure if he will be recalled to the Manchester United starting XI for Thursday's must-win match against Lyon.
The England lock George Martin is likely to miss the rest of the season as he struggles with injury, casting doubt over whether he will make the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.
DAILY MAIL
Manchester City are ascertaining the extent of Ederson's recurring groin injury amid fears the goalkeeper could face weeks on the sidelines.
Andre Onana has been left 'shocked' by his wage cut at Manchester United this season and the club 'cannot afford' to get rid of the under-fire goalkeeper for less than £26m this summer.
Leeds United have checked on Borussia Monchengladbach captain Julian Weigl.
Xavi Simons has emerged as a target for Manchester United this summer, but Ruben Amorim's transfer plans are likely to hinge on hitting the Champions League jackpot.
A second senior Football Association executive in a year is making the switch to Saudi Arabia in the long run up to the 2034 World Cup.
Manchester United are looking forward to welcoming Rory McIlroy back to Old Trafford following his triumph at the Masters, although sources say that will depend on the Northern Irishman's schedule.
Andre Onana wants to stay at Manchester United this summer, despite interest in the Cameroon goalkeeper from Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Bournemouth are to open talks with manager Andoni Iraola over a new contract ahead of interest from Tottenham.
Manchester United fans are exploring legal action after supporters were tear-gassed by French police following the Europa League quarter-final first leg in Lyon on Thursday.
Hopes for a heartwarming homecoming celebration for Rory McIlroy in Northern Ireland after his Masters success could be extinguished.
DAILY MIRROR
UEFA have allowed Real Madrid to close the roof of the Bernabeu for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.
Tottenham Hotspur's search for their next manager has been dealt a blow with Bournemouth's and Fulham's owners both stressing the importance of their respective bosses.
Alexis Mac Allister has no interest in a move to Real Madrid even if the Spanish giants come for him. The Liverpool star's father has dismissed any idea that the Argentina midfielder would be keen on a move to Madrid.
Champions League officials were left red-faced on Tuesday evening - after the Europa League anthem was accidentally played before Aston Villa's quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Andoni Iraola is moving towards committing his immediate future at Bournemouth despite being a candidate for clubs such as Tottenham in the event of a change of manager.
Newcastle United are putting together contingency plans for being without Eddie Howe for the rest of the season as he recovers from pneumonia.
THE GUARDIAN
Senior figures at Red Bull held crisis talks after the Bahrain Grand Prix finished with a deeply dissatisfied Max Verstappen languishing in sixth place.
Bournemouth's owner, Bill Foley, is planning contract talks with Andoni Iraola next week and there is growing confidence at the club that the in-demand head coach can be persuaded to stay.
THE ATHLETIC
Everton women's head coach Brian Sorensen is in advanced talks over a new contract.
Kylian Mbappe will be suspended for one LaLiga match after being shown a straight red card in Real Madrid's victory at Alaves on Sunday.
Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer will not be fit to return for his side's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Inter.
DAILY EXPRESS
Manchester United won't receive a loan fee from Real Betis in exchange for Antony's services due to the amount of games the winger has now played for the Spanish club.
DAILY RECORD
Glasgow's three professional women's clubs could be set to share a stadium in the near future with SFA president Mike Mulraney reportedly initiating talks over a ground-breaking move.
Olympiacos will not be taking up their option to sign Celtic winger Luis Palma on a permanent deal next summer - according to a report.
Alex McLeish has for the first time revealed how he took a call from his old mentor Sir Alex Ferguson sounding him out over a move for Barry Ferguson - to replace Roy Keane in the Manchester United engine room.
Hearts are set to appoint Laurie Ellis from Rangers as their new head of academy.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
Celtic and Rangers have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace whizkid Jesse Derry. The Eagles starlet, 17, is out of contract this summer after rejecting a professional deal at Selhurst Park.
Charlie Mulgrew has admitted quitting his first managerial job was a weight off his shoulders. The former Celtic and Scotland defender left Kelty Hearts after just 11 games and has now admitted management simply isn't for him
A Rangers fan who threw a bottle on the pitch during an Old Firm game has been fined £320.
The Athletic
Ollie Scarles had a tough time against Liverpool. He will hope to react, just like Ferdinand and Rice did
By Roshane Thomas
Former West Ham United defender Rio Ferdinand has not openly discussed the tough encounter he endured as a youngster against Duncan Ferguson, but it proved to be a turning point in his development.
Ferdinand was considered a promising defender when he progressed through the academy at West Ham. He made his first-team debut aged 17 in May 1996 against Sheffield Wednesday and was named player of the year at the end of the 1997-98 season. Ferdinand later fulfilled his potential, amassing 81 caps for England, winning the Champions League and six Premier League titles with Manchester United.
The defender was also inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2023. But long before Ferdinand received such adulation, a tough encounter against ex-Everton striker Ferguson was valuable in his development.
“I always called Rio a Rolls-Royce,” former West Ham defender Julian Dicks told Kammy and Ben’s Proper Football podcast. “He was a young lad when I was at West Ham, obviously a very gifted player and the game just seemed too easy for him. Then I remember we played Everton and he was up against ‘Big Dunc’, and ‘Big Dunc’ battered him. ‘Big Dunc’ battered everyone, to be fair, but I think that woke Rio up as a player and person. He was a special player.”
Ollie Scarles can take solace from a lesson like that — and Ferdinand’s learning curve. The 19-year-old left-back struggled to repel Mohamed Salah’s threat in the narrow 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. West Ham head coach Graham Potter brought off the youngster in the 57th minute for Vladimir Coufal. It was the third successive game that Scarles failed to complete.
Just like Ferdinand, Scarles is considered a promising prospect. The defender is viewed as West Ham’s best young talent since Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal in July 2023 for £105million ($138.9m at current rates). Scarles has been capped for England’s junior teams and has dislodged Emerson Palmieri in the West Ham starting XI.
Although Scarles was unable withstand constant pressure from Salah, the full-back did not shy away from being at fault for Liverpool’s opener via Luis Diaz. It is why Potter and his backroom staff have been drawn to Scarles’ temperament.
“It was important that he had the experience,” said Potter. “He is playing against the best player, in terms of goals and assists, arguably in the world at the moment. He won’t face that every day. He won’t face that in the academy. So great education for him and good that he stuck at it.”
Scarles has proven a point since breaking through. He was named man of the match in the away win against Arsenal in February. He came up against Ethan Nwaneri and kept the exciting winger quiet. Post-match, he received praise from Rice, who gave the defender a signed jersey. Scales was also man of the match in his first domestic start in January’s FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa.
And so, Scarles’ difficulties against Salah might just be a natural part of a young player’s development. It is why Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit, came to his defence.
“We’ve all been there,” he said in his commentary during the game. “Certainly, I’ve got experience of being a young defender and you come up against players, or you have games, that you look back on in years to come and you’ll tell those stories about coming up against Mo Salah, one of the greatest players ever seen in the Premier League.
“He’ll definitely use that experience going forward because he’s made a brilliant start to his West Ham career. That’s one of those games he’ll look back at, maybe not fondly, but I’m sure he’ll use it to better himself going forward.”
Scarles’ troubles started in the 16th minute when Salah jinked past him with ease before narrowly firing his strike wide.
Liverpool’s game plan was to target Scarles. When in possession, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate often played long balls to Salah, who then drove past Scarles. A minute after Salah’s initial chance, Konate threaded a pass to the attacker.
Scarles is unable to make an interception, which enables Salah to break through on goal before assisting Diaz. Scarles shook his head in dismay, but Maximilian Kilman and Mohammed Kudus urged their team-mate to remain calm.
Seven minutes later, Scarles misjudged the trajectory of Van Dijk’s long ball, enabling Salah to launch another attack.
Potter starting Scarles ahead of Emerson in six of the last eight league games shows the confidence he has in the youngster. This was also highlighted by the fact that Emerson, whose contract expires in the summer of 2026, remained an unused substitute against Liverpool despite Scarles’ troubles. The 30-year-old’s future appears uncertain, with Potter favouring Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a makeshift left-back following Scarles’ substitution for Coufal.
Despite Scarles initially being hesitant, first-team coach Billy Reid urged the youngster to join his team-mates at full time. Scarles and his team-mates were applauded off the field by the away enclosure at Anfield.
Scarles has overcome similar setbacks to Sunday with the under-21s, which should put him in good stead for the future. He has made the big leap while other recent academy graduates such as Sonny Perkins, now of Leyton Orient, Manny Longelo, (Cambridge United, on loan from Birmingham City) Mipo Odubeko (Irish club Shelbourne), Daniel Chesters (Salford City), Harrison Ashby (QPR, on loan from Newcastle) and Jamal Baptiste (Sheffield United) have fallen short.
Ex-academy graduates and defenders James Tomkins and Anton Ferdinand rose above adversity when they transitioned into the first-team. Rice, for example, was a defender before being converted into a central midfielder. Just like Rio Ferdinand, valuable experiences helped Rice’s upward trajectory. In a pre-season game against Rubin Kazan in 2016, aged 17, he was at fault for a goal, but his response impressed Aaron Cresswell.
“I remember him giving the ball away for a goal,” Cresswell told The Athletic. “How did he react? From the off, he was screaming for the ball. I was thinking, ‘Bloody hell, he’s just given a goal away’ — but he was that confident, he could let it go.”
In April 2018, West Ham faced Arsenal and the scoreline was 1-1 with eight minutes remaining. But during a passage of play, Rice ducked out of the way following Aaron Ramsey’s cross, which wrong-footed Joe Hart. Arsenal went on to win 4-1.
On the opening day of the 2018-19 season, West Ham lost 4-0 to Liverpool. Rice was substituted at half-time and later dropped to the under-23s. He returned to the XI against Everton in mid-September and six months later was handed his England debut by former manager Gareth Southgate.
These are the tough moments which shaped the careers of Ferdinand and Rice. Scarles now needs to show he can follow suit.
(Top photo: Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
C&H
Inside West Ham’s Secret Data Revolution: The Hidden Moneyball Team
West Ham are quietly assembling a strong backroom team of analysts which is set to play a key role in driving an ambitious, massive summer transfer overhaul.
In a recent article I discussed the potential of a number of departures from the first-team squad, which means there will be a requirement to bring in a number of new faces.
Advanced data analysis has become deeply embedded in modern football, particularly in recruitment strategies. By leveraging statistics, clubs can make informed decisions, reduce the risk associated with high-value transfers, and identify undervalued players – an especially valuable edge amid rising transfer fees and the constraints of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
However, there remains a vital balance between data-driven insights and traditional scouting. The human element is still crucial in assessing a player’s mentality, adaptability and cultural fit within a squad.
Kyle Macaulay is Head of Recruitment at West Ham and has worked with Graham Potter at all his previous clubs, including Ostersunds, Swansea City, Brighton, Chelsea and now West Ham. Born in Elgin, he is a former professional footballer mainly in Scotland, having begun his career at Derby County.
According to Dom Smith, who writes for the Evening Standard, Macaulay identified Moises Caicedo, Kaoru Mitoma, Simon Adingra for Brighton and was also involved in deals for Marc Cucurella and Leandro Trossard.
West Ham go Moneyball route
Another key figure is Maximilian Hahn, brought in by former Technical Director, Tim Steidten. Known for his data-centric approach, Hahn is regarded as a “rising star” within the club. He currently serves as the Head of Technical Recruitment and Analysis and has held previous roles at Werder Bremen, SV Darmstadt 98 and Dynamo Dresden.
Dylan Curnell, a boyhood West Ham fan, was promoted to the role of First-Team Recruitment Analysis in December 2023.
He graduated from the University of Brighton in 2017 with a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Science, and completed a Master’s Degree at Cardiff University in Sports Performance. This led to a one-year stint at Cardiff City where he held the role of Academy Performance Analyst before joining West Ham in June 2018.
West Ham’s use of analytics is not new. Seven years ago they partnered with Analytics FC, utilising their TransferLab platform to track players in over fifty competitions globally.
The club also benefits from tools like SkillCorner, which provides tracking data and over 1,200,000+ data points per game.
With the integration of AI and machine learning, West Ham can now identify emerging trends and uncover hidden insights in player performance data. The club have also used JuniStat to help measure physical attributes, which has been utilised by the West Ham Academy.
In a further step to innovation, the club has teamed up with Amazon Web Services Generative AI Innovation Centre (GENAIIC) and Crayon, which I wrote about previously. Tom Chester, AI Strategist at AWS, and Max Hahn are presenting on this at the AWS Summit, 30th April, to be held at the Excel London.
Hopefully this translates into identifying an interesting list of player targets when the transfer window opens on 1st June.