Manchester United have told Chelsea they will have to pay £65m to sign 20-year-old Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho this summer. (Star), external
Everton and Wolves are interested in signing former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe, with the 29-year-old Ivory Coast international out of contract at Villarreal in the summer. (Foot Mercato - in French), external
Germany winger Leroy Sane, 29, has changed his agent, which has put a question mark over his future at Bayern Munich and the contract extension that was close to being agreed. (Sky Sports Germany) , external
Liverpool are set to spend big in the summer with the Reds in the market for a new left-back, centre-back and striker. (Talksport), external
Chelsea are set to hold talks with Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo, 23, over a new contract this summer as reward for his impressive performances this season. (Telegraph - subscription required)
Outgoing Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is poised to sign a six-year contract with Real Madrid which will take effect from 1 July. (The Athletic - subscription required), external
Alexander-Arnold, 26, rejected the offer of a significant pay rise to remain with Liverpool beyond the end of this season. (ESPN), external
Southampton and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, 26, is wanted by Manchester United and West Ham. (Mirror), external
Fulham manager Marco Silva and Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo are among the candidates being considered by Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. (Talksport), external
Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Real Madrid and Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, 26, as Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 32, continues to be linked with a summer exit. (Birmingham Mail)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement over his exit, according to reports.
Former Argentina World Cup winner, Luis Galvan, has died - two weeks after the South American nation lost one of its most iconic goalkeepers Hugo Gatti.
Harry Kane and his Bayern Munich team-mates were blocked by club officials from holding a title party in Ibiza.
The Vardys are eyeing a move to America after Rebekah held talks with Stateside TV bosses - while Jamie is wanted by MLS sides.
THE TIMES
France's justice minister has admitted that he wrongly blamed Liverpool supporters for chaos at the 2022 Champions League final, saying he had mistakenly stereotyped them as troublemakers.
DAILY MIRROR
Dominik Szoboszlai has sent a heartfelt message to Trent Alexander-Arnold, urging him to "enjoy" what's next after the defender confirmed his Liverpool exit.
Hull City have launched an investigation after footage appearing to show captain Lewie Coyle in an angry confrontation emerged online.
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has insisted on Sky Sports that his decision to allow Brentford's second goal against Manchester United to stand was the correct decision. United fell to a 4-3 defeat away at the Bees on Sunday afternoon.
Just four Manchester United stars are viewed as being 'untouchable' in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils are gearing up for a busy off-season after a miserable campaign under Ruben Amorim.
THE TELEGRAPH
James Rew has become the youngest Englishman to hit 10 first-class centuries since Denis Compton as the 21-year-old made 116 from 189 balls to help Somerset see off Essex in a memorable three-wicket win.
Chelsea are expected to discuss rewarding Moises Caicedo - who the club regard as one of the best midfielders in the world - with a new contract this summer.
Thomas Tuchel is planning to stick to his promise of avoiding special favours for club managers by keeping England's Club World Cup players for the friendly against Senegal.
Maro Itoje appears in pole position to assume the British and Irish Lions captaincy with his main rival, Caelan Doris, now a major doubt for the tour of Australia.
DAILY MAIL
Arsene Wenger believes Manchester United or Tottenham should not be allowed to compete in the Champions League next season even if they win the Europa League.
Cole Palmer and his sister have celebrated the Chelsea star ending his goal drought by filming a TikTok which paid tribute to their Caribbean heritage.
Mohamed Salah paid a heartfelt tribute to Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Liverpool star confirmed he will leave at the end of the season.
Bruno Fernandes could be the target for a big-money offer from Al-Hilal this summer, but Manchester United have no intention of selling their captain.
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho is in advanced talks over a move to Flamengo.
THE GUARDIAN
Mark Bullingham, the chief executive of the Football Association, has written to London grassroots football club Goal Diggers FC explaining the governing body's decision to ban transgender women from women's football "was not an ideological judgment, but a difficult decision" based on legal advice
Scotland's first minister, John Swinney, condemned an "unacceptable" banner displayed by Rangers fans after police launched an investigation into the giant image.
Leeds United's chair, Paraag Marathe, has outlined his desire to see the club become "one of the best in all of Europe" as fans enjoyed the open-top bus parade to celebrate promotion to the Premier League.
DAILY STAR
Manchester United have told Chelsea to stump up at least £65m for Alejandro Garnacho this summer.
Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on snapping up towering Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah on a free transfer this summer.
DAILY EXPRESS
Arsenal have taken the lead in the race for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, according to reports.
DAILY RECORD
Celtic are reportedly "very interested" in Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic with the summer transfer window rapidly approaching.
Chairman Paraag Marathe has made the 49ers Enterprises transfer strategy clear ahead of the imminent takeover of Rangers. Marathe has hinted that a player trading model will likely be installed - as he made clear the 49ers' vision for Leeds United after they claimed promotion to the Premier League.
Daizen Maeda insists new contract talks are on hold until after Celtic's Treble bid.
SCOTTISH SUN
Aberdeen have sold out their allocation of 20,000 tickets for this month's Scottish Cup final.
Johnly Yfeko has left Rangers after impressing on loan at Exeter City. The defender joined Gers in 2022 after spending time in the academy set-ups at Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City.
Derek McInnes has emerged as the front-runner for the Hearts job.
Rangers are lining up a bid for former Premier League star Moussa Djenepo, according to reports.
Celtic are pricing Gustaf Lagerbielke out of his dream move to Dutch football, according to Twente Enschede technical director Arnold Bruggink.
The Athletic
Lucas Paqueta’s yellow card, the tears and his West Ham team-mates’ support
By Roshane Thomas
Lucas Paqueta dejectedly gazed at the turf with tears streaming down his face. Frustrated, he lifted his jersey to wipe away his tears after being consoled by captain Jarrod Bowen. Paqueta’s emotions took their toll, but this was the day his team-mates showed their unwavering support for the playmaker.
During West Ham United’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, Paqueta broke down after being cautioned by referee Michael Oliver for fouling Mikey Moore in the 73rd minute. The Brazil international protested his innocence, but Oliver was unmoved by Paqueta’s pleas. It is the eighth time this season Paqueta has been booked in the Premier League. Bowen comforted his team-mate, who was substituted seven minutes later by head coach Graham Potter. Paqueta acknowledged the bench and then walked down the tunnel.
Post-match, his wife, Duda Fournier, expressed her frustration.
“I have never said anything on here, and maybe I shouldn’t,” she wrote on Instagram. “My husband has an attitude and a strength that I admire and am impressed by. We’ve been living through this nightmare for two years, and he is always strong. He always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right moment.
Paqueta reacting after his yellow card on Sunday (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“There is nothing against him. Have you never realised that? Anyway, God knows all, and only he knows why we are going through this. It’s down to him alone that we are well and living in happiness as a family. I just want people to respect (us). People are cruel and unjust without knowing anything.”
This is not just the story of one yellow card, after all. It will be a year later this month since Paqueta was charged by the English Football Association (FA) with deliberately getting booked in four Premier League matches so he and/or his friends could benefit by betting on that happening. Paqueta denies any wrongdoing but faces a lifetime ban if found guilty. The hearing into the allegations began in March and was previously expected to finish last month. But that hearing has been put on hold and will not be concluded until at least June.
It has been an unsettling period in Paqueta’s career. His proposed £85million switch to Manchester City fell through amid the alleged breaches. Last summer, West Ham rejected a “laughable” offer from boyhood club Flamengo for Paqueta. The hierarchy were reluctant to sanction his departure even with this case hanging over him.
Tim Steidten, the former technical director, travelled to Brazil in June last summer, before the Copa America, to reassure Paqueta of his importance. Since joining from Lyon in the summer of 2022 for a club-record fee of around £51million, Paqueta’s family have settled in London. Against Tottenham, he walked out on the pitch with his two sons Benicio and Filippo.
Other members of Paqueta’s family watched on from the stands as he struggled to conceal his emotions. But it was Bowen who rushed to check on his team-mate’s wellbeing.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve, and you could see that with his performance,” Bowen tells The Athletic. “He was flying into tackles, and that’s Lucas at his best. I don’t know fully what was making him emotional, but the main thing for me at that time was putting my arm around him. I didn’t want him getting sent off or doing anything silly. I wanted to look after him, and I’ve seen him again in the dressing room, and I gave him another hug. He’s in good spirits.
“When we’re on the pitch, sometimes our emotions get the better of us. You want to win and leave everything out there. He was on top form (in the dressing room). Things can happen in football, and sometimes our emotions run high in games, but Lucas is fine, which is the main thing.
Bowen speaking to Paqueta (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“Since I’ve been here, we’ve always prided ourselves as a group on being close and having a good bond. Lucas has been here longer than a few of the other players, and he understands the dressing room and the love he has from the fans. Of course, we’ll always be here if anyone needs that support, but Lucas has been working hard every day in training, and that’s all you can ask from a player. That’s all I’d want from one of my team-mates too.”
Paqueta had a solid outing against Tottenham and remains a key player under Potter. Since his appointment in January, Paqueta has had a resurgence in his performances, most recently his man-of-the-match display against Liverpool. This season, the midfielder has registered five goals across 34 appearances.
“He’s just a player that’s trying his absolute best and wants the situation to be better and probably got a bit frustrated with the action,” said Potter. “Then you see a human being, not perfect but I love Lucas, he’s given everything and in the difficult circumstances he’s in as well. He’s given everything and he’s absolutely fine now.”
The coming months will continue to test Paqueta. But he can take solace from knowing his team-mates were there for him at one of his lowest moments.
(Top photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Sport Witness
West Ham have concrete interest in €15m+ signing – Want to beat work on deal as Chelsea hover
By Naveen Ullal
Chelsea and West Ham United are in the race to sign Feyenoord’s Dávid Hancko in the summer window.
That’s according to Voetbal International, and they state Chelsea and West Ham want to work on the signing, and will face competition from several clubs to secure the centre-back’s services.
The Slovakia international has a contract until 2028 but the report says he’s living his final weeks at Feyenoord.
Hancko is attracting ‘concrete interest’ from the Premier League where both Chelsea and West Ham are mentioned.
It’s claimed the Blues and Graham Potter’s side ‘want to work on the defender’s arrival’ in the upcoming window.
Al-Nassr are keen on the 27-year-old and could offer a fee higher than what AC Milan paid [reported to be around €32m] to buy Santiago Giménez in the winter market.
Atlético Madrid are still in the picture to sign the centre-back after last summer’s failure. They are aware of the need to improve their offer after €15m proposal was turned down last summer.
Apart from these four teams, an unnamed top German club will arrive in the Netherlands this weekend to follow him live against PSV Eindhoven. VI add they also aim to carry out negotiations for his transfer.
Feyenoord are certain the player will leave in the summer and are now awaiting bids. He can improve his salary significantly by moving to Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea and West Ham have to act quickly both to convince Hancko and get ahead of the competition.
The Hard Tackle
Everton, Tottenham, West Ham United ready to pay €30-35 million to sign Tim Kleindienst
Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United are reportedly ready to splash the cash for Tim Kleindienst
Borussia Monchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst is attracting heavy interest from Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window. With 16 goals and 10 assists so far this season, the 29-year-old has emerged as one of the most productive forwards in the Bundesliga. His form has not gone unnoticed, and now a potential move to England could be on the cards.
According to Caught Offside, Everton, West Ham United, and Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to pay in the region of €30-35 million to secure Kleindienst’s services. Wolves have also been linked with a potential move, while Serie A sides AC Milan and AS Roma, as well as Bayern Munich, are monitoring developments closely.
Tottenham’s Interest in Tim Kleindienst: Searching for Support Up Front
Tottenham began the season with high hopes for Dominic Solanke, but the striker has yet to deliver consistent returns. With Spurs aiming to re-establish themselves as genuine top-four contenders, there is a pressing need for more firepower.
Kleindienst, who is at the peak of his career, could slot in perfectly as either a rotational forward or a direct challenger to Solanke. His experience and ability to contribute both goals and assists would give Ange Postecoglou’s side a much-needed boost, thus explaining their interest.
Everton: Planning for Life After Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to depart Goodison Park as a free agent this summer, and Everton are eager to find a reliable replacement. Tim Kleindienst fits the profile: physical, intelligent in his movement, and proven in front of goal.
For a team that has struggled to find consistent scoring options, the German forward could be the key to survival and eventual stability. However, unlike Tottenham, Everton are in no position to offer European football and this could very well work against them.
West Ham: In Desperate Need of a Finisher
West Ham United’s attacking issues have been compounded by the underwhelming form and recurring injuries of Niclas Fullkrug. The Hammers require a consistent and durable forward, especially as they prepare for another transitional summer under new management. Kleindienst, who has proven to be a complete forward in Germany, offers a high work rate, aerial threat, and technical quality, aspects that the Hammers are currently lacking.
Tim Kleindienst represents a smart and realistic option for Premier League clubs looking to boost their attacking output without breaking the bank. While not a flashy name, his efficiency, maturity, and versatility make him an ideal short to mid-term solution for clubs in need of immediate impact.
Tottenham may offer the most compelling project with their European ambitions, but Everton and West Ham arguably hand more playing time and a central role. Whoever lands him will be getting a forward entering his prime, hungry to prove himself at the highest level.
