Monday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 30 Sep 2024, 09:37
BBC
Manchester City are considering a move for Real Sociedad's Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, 25, in the January transfer window. (Football Insider)
Bayern Munich are following developments about Liverpool's 31-year-old Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. (Sun)
Newcastle could challenge Inter Milan and Juventus for the signing of Lille's Canada forward Jonathan David, 24. (Calciomercato - in Italian)
Liverpool are one of several Premier League clubs monitoring the situation of Sevilla's Spanish winger Juanlu Sanchez, 21. (Caught Offside)
Manchester City have been told they will have to pay at least £70m to sign Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella, 27, from Inter Milan. (Football Insider)
Chelsea will encourage January bids for England left-back Ben Chilwell - despite the 27-year-old's return to their first-team squad. (Mirror)
Liverpool are unconcerned by new claims Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, 32, has already agreed to join a Saudi Arabian club when his contract expires next summer. (Football Insider)
Manchester United are considering signing Sunderland's English goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, 24, to be an understudy to Andre Onana. (Sun)
Manchester United are considering former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri as a possible replacement for manager Erik ten Hag. (Caught Offside)
Barcelona have been given permission by La Liga to sign free agent Wojciech Szczesny, 34 - the former Poland, Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper - as a replacement for injured Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 32. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)
Juventus have joined Barcelona and a number of Premier League clubs in wanting to sign 22-year-old Athletic Bilbao and Spain winger Nico Williams. (Fichajes - in Spanish)
Former Newcastle United co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi are in advanced talks to buy a stake in Tottenham. (Mirror)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich are watching developments on Alisson Becker.
Manchester United are watching Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson as they look for a new No 2.
THE TIMES
A defiant Erik ten Hag has said 'I'm not expecting to be sacked' after Manchester United lost at home to Tottenham.
Lewis Hamilton says he has struggled with depression from a very early age.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
The brother of a West Bromwich Albion fan who died after collapsing at Hillsborough has demanded to know why paramedics took 15 minutes to arrive in the stands.
Tom Kim accused American players of swearing at him during the Presidents Cup as hostilities boiled over on the penultimate day.
DAILY MAIL
Play was suspended for 15 minutes in the Madrid derby as Atletico fans pelted Real keeper Thibaut Courtois with objects.
Tim Lewis' apparently-petulant storming out of the directors' box at the Etihad Stadium is not the first time he has raised eyebrows in Manchester with a hasty departure.
Lord Norman Foster's globally-renowned design firm appears to be the frontrunner should Manchester United revamp Old Trafford or build a new, state-of-the-art stadium within their existing footprint.
With no agreement on a New Deal for football in sight, the EFL cancelled its quarterly meeting at which clubs were due to discuss matters last Thursday.
League Two Harrogate Town have become the latest victims of a series of cyber-attacks.
Wojciech Szczesny is reportedly set to step out of retirement to join Barcelona following the injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has claimed that Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson will be worth £150m in the near future.
DAILY MIRROR
Amanda Staveley is ready to get back into the Premier League by investing Middle East cash in Tottenham before the end of the year.
Manchester United fans furiously called for Erik ten Hag to be sacked midway through their 3-0 loss against Tottenham.
The Premier League confirmed the VAR checked Bruno Fernanes' foul on James Maddison and confirmed the referee's call of serious foul play.
Jadon Sancho rubbed salt into Manchester United's wounds by reposting Chelsea's result on social media minutes after their defeat to Spurs.
DAILY EXPRESS
Brentford boss Thomas Frank is convinced that Bryan Mbeumo will leave the club in the near future following his sensational start to the campaign.
DAILY RECORD
St Johnstone have made a move to land former Motherwell player Simo Valakari as their next manager.
SCOTTISH SUN
Simo Valakari is set to be appointed St Johnstone boss after a move for Tiernan Lynch collapsed at the 11th hour.
The Athletic
Tomas Soucek bails out West Ham (again): ‘We should be ashamed of conceding that goal’
By Roshane Thomas
Two hours after full time, and on a packed South Western Railway train heading to London Waterloo from Kew Bridge station, a West Ham United supporter posed a question to his group of friends.
“Why does Tomas Soucek get so much stick from fans? He always steps up when we need him,” the supporter was overheard by The Athletic saying. Why does the midfielder divide opinion despite his impressive goalscoring record? There have been many occasions Soucek has bailed West Ham United out of tough situations. His equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Brentford can be added to that list.
He may not be the club’s most technically gifted player, but Soucek has mastered the art of scoring in big moments. It is why former West Ham manager David Moyes likened his playing style to Marouane Fellaini, the ex-Everton and Manchester United midfielder. When head coach Julen Lopetegui needed someone to step up, it was Soucek.
The 29-year-old midfielder was given a special ovation from those in the away enclosure at Brentford. They chorused his name throughout the game and Soucek gave his jersey to a young fan after the match. The Czech Republic international felt the love.
“When the fans sang my song, I know I have a great connection,” Soucek told Premier League Productions. “In the last few weeks, in my country, the media said the West Ham fans did not like me. I don’t think that could actually be further from the truth. I love this club, it means so much to me.”
Soucek’s penchant for proving people wrong stems from his childhood. He grew up in the small town of Havlickuv Brod with a population of just 23,000. When he and his friends played football, he was never considered one of the best. He mainly played to make up numbers. Even when he progressed to Slavia Prague’s academy aged 10, he was not viewed as a promising prospect. There were concerns over his lack of movement and decision-making.
Those doubts, which still persist, have not affected Soucek. Through his determination, he made more than 150 appearances for Slavia. His love for West Ham runs deep, with his wife, Natalia, and two daughters settled in London. There was a point when Soucek, his wife and eldest daughter Tereza had to move because supporters kept turning up at Soucek’s property hoping to get a photo.
The criticism aimed at Soucek often comes from social media. But the midfielder’s willingness to go the extra mile is what sets him apart from others. He hired an English tutor before joining West Ham so the language barrier would not be an issue. He trains at Rush Green on his days off.
As he proved under Moyes, Soucek will repay the trust put in him under Lopetegui. It did not work when the head coach played the midfielder as a No 10 in the 1-1 draw at Fulham. But you could understand the logic, given Soucek’s ability to score when he is further upfield. There is one area of Soucek’s game that has impressed Lopetegui.
“Tomas was, as always, working for the team,” the head coach told West Ham’s website. “In the Premier League, you have to play always with 11 players fighting for the team, having this kind of a high work rate. I am happy for him because you need this kind of player to show the way.”
Soucek has registered 34 goals in 215 appearances since joining in January 2020. He has had many defining moments over the years, including winners against Fulham in 2020, Everton in 2021, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and TSC Backa Topola in 2023 and Everton in March 2024.
His equaliser against Brentford has helped ease pressure on Lopetegui, who has seen West Ham win five points from his opening six games. Soucek is hopeful they will learn from their mistakes last Saturday.
“It’s very important (the point) but we have to be ashamed of the goal we conceded in the first minute,” Soucek told The Athletic.
“They’ve done it three times in a row and we had to chase the game after. But in the second half, we showed character and that is how we have to be in every game no matter what. It is true (that I have scored in big moments) and maybe one day I should score the goal that makes it 3-0, 4-0 in a more relaxed situation.
“But it’s even more important so I’m happy for that because, if we are winning 2-1 or 3-1, my main focus is get in good positions and play further forward, especially if we are under pressure. We have one week to go before the international break and it’s important for us to get three points against Ipswich Town. I’m happy for the goal but next week is important.”
This is a transitional season for West Ham and several players will have to step up. But you can be sure it will not be long before Soucek is wheeling away in celebration again having rescued his side for the umpteenth time.
Caught Offside
Exclusive: Aston Villa & West Ham in battle over transfer of La Liga forward
Aston Villa and West Ham United are both in a fierce battle to secure the services of Valencia’s young forward Hugo Duro, CaughtOffside understands.
Both Premier League clubs have been impressed by the Spanish striker’s talents and are keen to add him to their squads in the near future.
Aston Villa believe that Duro can bring dynamism and youth to their attacking line, with sources close to the situation informing CaughtOffside that manager Unai Emery is confident that Duro’s playing style will adapt well to the Premier League and that he can make a significant contribution to the team’s goal-scoring efforts.
There is talk of Duro forming a potent partnership with Ollie Watkins at Villa Park, with some questions remaining over whether or not Jhon Duran will stay at Villa Park for the long term, with clubs continuing to show an interest in the Colombia international, who is still not entirely guaranteed regular playing time at the Midlands club.
Duro transfer: Could West Ham or Aston Villa sign the Valencia striker?
Meanwhile, West Ham United are also making serious moves to sign Duro. It is understood that manager Julen Lopetegui sees Duro’s energy and goal-scoring ability as a major potential asset for the Hammers’ attack.
It’s been a poor start to the season for Lopetegui’s West Ham, so one imagines there could be some room for further strengthening the squad at the next opportunity.
It is likely that Valencia will seek a transfer fee in the range of €25-30 million, considering Duro’s potential and recent performances.
Manchester City are considering a move for Real Sociedad's Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, 25, in the January transfer window. (Football Insider)
Bayern Munich are following developments about Liverpool's 31-year-old Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. (Sun)
Newcastle could challenge Inter Milan and Juventus for the signing of Lille's Canada forward Jonathan David, 24. (Calciomercato - in Italian)
Liverpool are one of several Premier League clubs monitoring the situation of Sevilla's Spanish winger Juanlu Sanchez, 21. (Caught Offside)
Manchester City have been told they will have to pay at least £70m to sign Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella, 27, from Inter Milan. (Football Insider)
Chelsea will encourage January bids for England left-back Ben Chilwell - despite the 27-year-old's return to their first-team squad. (Mirror)
Liverpool are unconcerned by new claims Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, 32, has already agreed to join a Saudi Arabian club when his contract expires next summer. (Football Insider)
Manchester United are considering signing Sunderland's English goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, 24, to be an understudy to Andre Onana. (Sun)
Manchester United are considering former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri as a possible replacement for manager Erik ten Hag. (Caught Offside)
Barcelona have been given permission by La Liga to sign free agent Wojciech Szczesny, 34 - the former Poland, Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper - as a replacement for injured Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 32. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)
Juventus have joined Barcelona and a number of Premier League clubs in wanting to sign 22-year-old Athletic Bilbao and Spain winger Nico Williams. (Fichajes - in Spanish)
Former Newcastle United co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi are in advanced talks to buy a stake in Tottenham. (Mirror)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich are watching developments on Alisson Becker.
Manchester United are watching Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson as they look for a new No 2.
THE TIMES
A defiant Erik ten Hag has said 'I'm not expecting to be sacked' after Manchester United lost at home to Tottenham.
Lewis Hamilton says he has struggled with depression from a very early age.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
The brother of a West Bromwich Albion fan who died after collapsing at Hillsborough has demanded to know why paramedics took 15 minutes to arrive in the stands.
Tom Kim accused American players of swearing at him during the Presidents Cup as hostilities boiled over on the penultimate day.
DAILY MAIL
Play was suspended for 15 minutes in the Madrid derby as Atletico fans pelted Real keeper Thibaut Courtois with objects.
Tim Lewis' apparently-petulant storming out of the directors' box at the Etihad Stadium is not the first time he has raised eyebrows in Manchester with a hasty departure.
Lord Norman Foster's globally-renowned design firm appears to be the frontrunner should Manchester United revamp Old Trafford or build a new, state-of-the-art stadium within their existing footprint.
With no agreement on a New Deal for football in sight, the EFL cancelled its quarterly meeting at which clubs were due to discuss matters last Thursday.
League Two Harrogate Town have become the latest victims of a series of cyber-attacks.
Wojciech Szczesny is reportedly set to step out of retirement to join Barcelona following the injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has claimed that Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson will be worth £150m in the near future.
DAILY MIRROR
Amanda Staveley is ready to get back into the Premier League by investing Middle East cash in Tottenham before the end of the year.
Manchester United fans furiously called for Erik ten Hag to be sacked midway through their 3-0 loss against Tottenham.
The Premier League confirmed the VAR checked Bruno Fernanes' foul on James Maddison and confirmed the referee's call of serious foul play.
Jadon Sancho rubbed salt into Manchester United's wounds by reposting Chelsea's result on social media minutes after their defeat to Spurs.
DAILY EXPRESS
Brentford boss Thomas Frank is convinced that Bryan Mbeumo will leave the club in the near future following his sensational start to the campaign.
DAILY RECORD
St Johnstone have made a move to land former Motherwell player Simo Valakari as their next manager.
SCOTTISH SUN
Simo Valakari is set to be appointed St Johnstone boss after a move for Tiernan Lynch collapsed at the 11th hour.
The Athletic
Tomas Soucek bails out West Ham (again): ‘We should be ashamed of conceding that goal’
By Roshane Thomas
Two hours after full time, and on a packed South Western Railway train heading to London Waterloo from Kew Bridge station, a West Ham United supporter posed a question to his group of friends.
“Why does Tomas Soucek get so much stick from fans? He always steps up when we need him,” the supporter was overheard by The Athletic saying. Why does the midfielder divide opinion despite his impressive goalscoring record? There have been many occasions Soucek has bailed West Ham United out of tough situations. His equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Brentford can be added to that list.
He may not be the club’s most technically gifted player, but Soucek has mastered the art of scoring in big moments. It is why former West Ham manager David Moyes likened his playing style to Marouane Fellaini, the ex-Everton and Manchester United midfielder. When head coach Julen Lopetegui needed someone to step up, it was Soucek.
The 29-year-old midfielder was given a special ovation from those in the away enclosure at Brentford. They chorused his name throughout the game and Soucek gave his jersey to a young fan after the match. The Czech Republic international felt the love.
“When the fans sang my song, I know I have a great connection,” Soucek told Premier League Productions. “In the last few weeks, in my country, the media said the West Ham fans did not like me. I don’t think that could actually be further from the truth. I love this club, it means so much to me.”
Soucek’s penchant for proving people wrong stems from his childhood. He grew up in the small town of Havlickuv Brod with a population of just 23,000. When he and his friends played football, he was never considered one of the best. He mainly played to make up numbers. Even when he progressed to Slavia Prague’s academy aged 10, he was not viewed as a promising prospect. There were concerns over his lack of movement and decision-making.
Those doubts, which still persist, have not affected Soucek. Through his determination, he made more than 150 appearances for Slavia. His love for West Ham runs deep, with his wife, Natalia, and two daughters settled in London. There was a point when Soucek, his wife and eldest daughter Tereza had to move because supporters kept turning up at Soucek’s property hoping to get a photo.
The criticism aimed at Soucek often comes from social media. But the midfielder’s willingness to go the extra mile is what sets him apart from others. He hired an English tutor before joining West Ham so the language barrier would not be an issue. He trains at Rush Green on his days off.
As he proved under Moyes, Soucek will repay the trust put in him under Lopetegui. It did not work when the head coach played the midfielder as a No 10 in the 1-1 draw at Fulham. But you could understand the logic, given Soucek’s ability to score when he is further upfield. There is one area of Soucek’s game that has impressed Lopetegui.
“Tomas was, as always, working for the team,” the head coach told West Ham’s website. “In the Premier League, you have to play always with 11 players fighting for the team, having this kind of a high work rate. I am happy for him because you need this kind of player to show the way.”
Soucek has registered 34 goals in 215 appearances since joining in January 2020. He has had many defining moments over the years, including winners against Fulham in 2020, Everton in 2021, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and TSC Backa Topola in 2023 and Everton in March 2024.
His equaliser against Brentford has helped ease pressure on Lopetegui, who has seen West Ham win five points from his opening six games. Soucek is hopeful they will learn from their mistakes last Saturday.
“It’s very important (the point) but we have to be ashamed of the goal we conceded in the first minute,” Soucek told The Athletic.
“They’ve done it three times in a row and we had to chase the game after. But in the second half, we showed character and that is how we have to be in every game no matter what. It is true (that I have scored in big moments) and maybe one day I should score the goal that makes it 3-0, 4-0 in a more relaxed situation.
“But it’s even more important so I’m happy for that because, if we are winning 2-1 or 3-1, my main focus is get in good positions and play further forward, especially if we are under pressure. We have one week to go before the international break and it’s important for us to get three points against Ipswich Town. I’m happy for the goal but next week is important.”
This is a transitional season for West Ham and several players will have to step up. But you can be sure it will not be long before Soucek is wheeling away in celebration again having rescued his side for the umpteenth time.
Caught Offside
Exclusive: Aston Villa & West Ham in battle over transfer of La Liga forward
Aston Villa and West Ham United are both in a fierce battle to secure the services of Valencia’s young forward Hugo Duro, CaughtOffside understands.
Both Premier League clubs have been impressed by the Spanish striker’s talents and are keen to add him to their squads in the near future.
Aston Villa believe that Duro can bring dynamism and youth to their attacking line, with sources close to the situation informing CaughtOffside that manager Unai Emery is confident that Duro’s playing style will adapt well to the Premier League and that he can make a significant contribution to the team’s goal-scoring efforts.
There is talk of Duro forming a potent partnership with Ollie Watkins at Villa Park, with some questions remaining over whether or not Jhon Duran will stay at Villa Park for the long term, with clubs continuing to show an interest in the Colombia international, who is still not entirely guaranteed regular playing time at the Midlands club.
Duro transfer: Could West Ham or Aston Villa sign the Valencia striker?
Meanwhile, West Ham United are also making serious moves to sign Duro. It is understood that manager Julen Lopetegui sees Duro’s energy and goal-scoring ability as a major potential asset for the Hammers’ attack.
It’s been a poor start to the season for Lopetegui’s West Ham, so one imagines there could be some room for further strengthening the squad at the next opportunity.
It is likely that Valencia will seek a transfer fee in the range of €25-30 million, considering Duro’s potential and recent performances.