Monday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 11 Nov 2024, 09:20
BBC
Manchester City are prepared to pay the 60m euros (£50m) release clause for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, 25, as they continue their search for a replacement for fellow Spaniard Rodri in January. (Mirror)
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, 26, is another candidate for City but the Uruguay international has a release clause of 1bn euros (£830m). (Fichajes - in Spanish )
Paris St-Germain is a "plan B" for Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, 24, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also interested in the Norwegian, who is out of contract in 2027. (Football365)
Manchester United are eyeing a surprise move for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, 26. The Frenchman is unhappy with his playing time under Enzo Maresca. (L'Equipe via Express)
Manchester United have opened talks with Sporting over a move for Portuguese winger Geovany Quenda, 17. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)
The Red Devils have also joined Barcelona in the race for Bayer Leverkusen's Germany defender Jonathan Tah, 28. (Fichajes - in Spanish)
Tottenham's Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero, 26, and Everton's England defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 22, have been identified by Real Madrid as potential reinforcements. (Caught Offside)
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, 31, is in high demand as the Japan international continues to struggle for game time at Anfield. AC Milan, Fulham, Wolves and Ipswich are all interested. (Caught Offside)
Tottenham are keen on a move for Argentine midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, 19, but will have to compete with Leicester, where he is currently on loan from Brighton. (Fichajes - in Spanish)
Santos director Marcio Calves says a return for Neymar, 32, to his former club would be "every fan's dream" and while no "official negotiations" have taken place with current side Al-Hilal, he was "60%" sure the Brazil forward would complete a move when his contract ends in June. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)
Roberto Mancini is the bookmakers' favourite to be appointed Roma manager but former bosses Daniele de Rossi and Claudio Ranieri remain in the frame, while Frank Lampard has also be linked with the vacant post. (La Gazzatta Dello Sport - in Italian)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Borussia Dortmund want Jobe Bellingham to follow in brother Jude's footsteps by moving to Germany.
Steven Gerrard has been tipped by Danny Murphy for a stunning return to Rangers amid his struggles in Saudi Arabia.
Frank Lampard is set to return to management with Coventry City, according to reports.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Mikel Arteta was left praying on the fitness of his Arsenal players after his team slipped nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Alejandro Garnacho refused to celebrate scoring for Manchester United after accusing fans of losing faith in him, it has been claimed.
THE TIMES
The RFU has no desire to sack Steve Borthwick as England head coach despite the team's slide in form which is "testing fans' patience", according to the No 8 Ben Earl.
West Ham majority shareholder David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten will meet next week to discuss the future of Julen Lopetegui after the head coach's poor start.
Ange Postecoglou has taken responsibility for Tottenham's performance levels in the Premier League after their 2-1 defeat against Ipswich Town.
DAILY MIRROR
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes cast doubt over the future of interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who tasted victory on Sunday in his final game as manager, saying "everything changes" under incoming head coach Ruben Amorim.
Ange Postecoglou shared an awkward stare-down with a Tottenham fan after his side's 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town.
Inter Miami found themselves at the centre of a FIFA storm after their controversial inclusion in next summer's Club World Cup, and face uncertainty over the future of star man Lionel Messi after suffering a shock play-off loss to Atlanta United.
DAILY MAIL
Incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim will hold crunch talks with Ruud Van Nistelrooy on Monday about the Dutchman's future at the club.
Arsenal must string together a run of as many as six wins in a row to keep their slender Premier League title hopes alive, according to Paul Merson.
Real Madrid have ruled out bringing Sergio Ramos back to the club, believing a move for the former captain is "impossible", but the club are interested in signing a former Man City Premier League winner, according to reports.
Erik ten Hag made a surprise appearance watching former club Ajax on Sunday in the wake of being sacked by Manchester United, sparking suggestions he could be set to return to the club.
DAILY RECORD
Philippe Clement understands why Rangers fans made their feelings heard after he subbed off Connor Barron - but told the Ibrox boo boys "you don't know everything".
The Athletic
There’s no evidence Julen Lopetegui should carry on
By Roshane Thomas
After a summer of extravagant spending, the talk of an exciting new era and Julen Lopetegui proclaiming West Ham United will make a “big noise” under his stewardship, the only sound that can be heard reverberating in east London is of discontent.
Following the goalless draw against Everton, West Ham still look unrecognisable and lack identity. Although Lopetegui retains full support from the board, he should be on borrowed time. As the London Stadium emptied on Saturday, many supporters in the upper tier of the West Stand launched into a diatribe at the performance and who can blame them? At the start of the second half, the concourse remained filled with fans. Most have no desire to watch this underperforming team.
This season, supporters have booed the players in home fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester United and now Everton. After 11 league games, which have yielded 12 points and five defeats, West Ham look bereft of ideas, uninspiring and play dour football. The team were passive on Saturday. They struggled to sustain any purpose and attacking intent, and hopes of a turnaround under Lopetegui disintegrate each week.
Post-match, the Spaniard preached for patience, urging supporters to reserve judgement until May. But he has run out of excuses and does not deserve another six months to preside over a sinking ship. He has offered little encouragement that he can transform West Ham’s season. The players look despondent and confidence in the team has ebbed.
“I always work under pressure, this is not new,” he said after the match. “I’m very happy with the commitment of the players, I’m very happy with the club. I repeat, we are not happy with our position but we’re sure that we are going to be able to finish higher.
“It is normal that the fans are not happy with two points dropped. We know why and we are not happy with 12 points. In the same way, you look at other teams that lose, they are fantastic, they are only three or four more points than us. We can do better. We are not happy but there were positive things today.”
The only positive thing about the match was when it ended. There has been no significant improvement since Lopetegui’s appointment as David Moyes’ successor in May. He does not know his best starting XI, has struggled to enhance the talent in the squad and his philosophy remains unclear.
Although the draw was their first clean sheet in the league since August, they still look vulnerable defensively. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri playing as wing-backs often leaves the team stretched down the flanks. It is no surprise Sean Dyche, the Everton manager, bemoaned his side’s lack of killer instinct.
Lopetegui’s body language on the touchline rarely gives the impression of a man who is confident his team can execute his plans. He is often seen gesticulating at players to be in different positions, which seems to cause more confusion. Lopetegui has been handed a mantle which has proven too onerous to bear.
Majority shareholder David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten played key roles in recruiting Lopetegui. At his unveiling in July, Steidten said the Spaniard was the club’s first choice, but that has proven to be an expensive mistake.
At times like this, it is impossible not to spool back to May when the club trumpeted Lopetegui’s arrival. His gilded CV boasts spells as manager of Spain and Sevilla and he was seen as the exciting appointment that would help West Ham challenge for Europe again.
“I am where I want to be,” he told the club’s website. “I am here because I want to be here and for us, it was a fantastic day when we closed our agreement here because our commitment is 100 per cent to be here. We had other opportunities but I am very happy that West Ham chose me because I chose West Ham too, so we are really happy about this.”
But if the mandate was to get West Ham into European competition, the objective has changed to ensuring Premier League safety. Hiring a new head coach during the international break would have been the best option. The next two league games against Newcastle United and Arsenal are unlikely to yield improvement. But the poor form persisting ahead of favourable fixtures in early December against Leicester City, Wolves and Bournemouth could force the board’s hand.
Lopetegui is only a few months into a two-year contract, yet has received more criticism than compliments. In truth, the honeymoon phase ended after the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in September. There is no evidence that Lopetegui should carry on as head coach. While the board may believe his luck will change, the listless performances and results suggest otherwise.
Manchester City are prepared to pay the 60m euros (£50m) release clause for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, 25, as they continue their search for a replacement for fellow Spaniard Rodri in January. (Mirror)
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, 26, is another candidate for City but the Uruguay international has a release clause of 1bn euros (£830m). (Fichajes - in Spanish )
Paris St-Germain is a "plan B" for Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, 24, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also interested in the Norwegian, who is out of contract in 2027. (Football365)
Manchester United are eyeing a surprise move for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, 26. The Frenchman is unhappy with his playing time under Enzo Maresca. (L'Equipe via Express)
Manchester United have opened talks with Sporting over a move for Portuguese winger Geovany Quenda, 17. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)
The Red Devils have also joined Barcelona in the race for Bayer Leverkusen's Germany defender Jonathan Tah, 28. (Fichajes - in Spanish)
Tottenham's Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero, 26, and Everton's England defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 22, have been identified by Real Madrid as potential reinforcements. (Caught Offside)
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, 31, is in high demand as the Japan international continues to struggle for game time at Anfield. AC Milan, Fulham, Wolves and Ipswich are all interested. (Caught Offside)
Tottenham are keen on a move for Argentine midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, 19, but will have to compete with Leicester, where he is currently on loan from Brighton. (Fichajes - in Spanish)
Santos director Marcio Calves says a return for Neymar, 32, to his former club would be "every fan's dream" and while no "official negotiations" have taken place with current side Al-Hilal, he was "60%" sure the Brazil forward would complete a move when his contract ends in June. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)
Roberto Mancini is the bookmakers' favourite to be appointed Roma manager but former bosses Daniele de Rossi and Claudio Ranieri remain in the frame, while Frank Lampard has also be linked with the vacant post. (La Gazzatta Dello Sport - in Italian)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Borussia Dortmund want Jobe Bellingham to follow in brother Jude's footsteps by moving to Germany.
Steven Gerrard has been tipped by Danny Murphy for a stunning return to Rangers amid his struggles in Saudi Arabia.
Frank Lampard is set to return to management with Coventry City, according to reports.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Mikel Arteta was left praying on the fitness of his Arsenal players after his team slipped nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Alejandro Garnacho refused to celebrate scoring for Manchester United after accusing fans of losing faith in him, it has been claimed.
THE TIMES
The RFU has no desire to sack Steve Borthwick as England head coach despite the team's slide in form which is "testing fans' patience", according to the No 8 Ben Earl.
West Ham majority shareholder David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten will meet next week to discuss the future of Julen Lopetegui after the head coach's poor start.
Ange Postecoglou has taken responsibility for Tottenham's performance levels in the Premier League after their 2-1 defeat against Ipswich Town.
DAILY MIRROR
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes cast doubt over the future of interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who tasted victory on Sunday in his final game as manager, saying "everything changes" under incoming head coach Ruben Amorim.
Ange Postecoglou shared an awkward stare-down with a Tottenham fan after his side's 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town.
Inter Miami found themselves at the centre of a FIFA storm after their controversial inclusion in next summer's Club World Cup, and face uncertainty over the future of star man Lionel Messi after suffering a shock play-off loss to Atlanta United.
DAILY MAIL
Incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim will hold crunch talks with Ruud Van Nistelrooy on Monday about the Dutchman's future at the club.
Arsenal must string together a run of as many as six wins in a row to keep their slender Premier League title hopes alive, according to Paul Merson.
Real Madrid have ruled out bringing Sergio Ramos back to the club, believing a move for the former captain is "impossible", but the club are interested in signing a former Man City Premier League winner, according to reports.
Erik ten Hag made a surprise appearance watching former club Ajax on Sunday in the wake of being sacked by Manchester United, sparking suggestions he could be set to return to the club.
DAILY RECORD
Philippe Clement understands why Rangers fans made their feelings heard after he subbed off Connor Barron - but told the Ibrox boo boys "you don't know everything".
The Athletic
There’s no evidence Julen Lopetegui should carry on
By Roshane Thomas
After a summer of extravagant spending, the talk of an exciting new era and Julen Lopetegui proclaiming West Ham United will make a “big noise” under his stewardship, the only sound that can be heard reverberating in east London is of discontent.
Following the goalless draw against Everton, West Ham still look unrecognisable and lack identity. Although Lopetegui retains full support from the board, he should be on borrowed time. As the London Stadium emptied on Saturday, many supporters in the upper tier of the West Stand launched into a diatribe at the performance and who can blame them? At the start of the second half, the concourse remained filled with fans. Most have no desire to watch this underperforming team.
This season, supporters have booed the players in home fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester United and now Everton. After 11 league games, which have yielded 12 points and five defeats, West Ham look bereft of ideas, uninspiring and play dour football. The team were passive on Saturday. They struggled to sustain any purpose and attacking intent, and hopes of a turnaround under Lopetegui disintegrate each week.
Post-match, the Spaniard preached for patience, urging supporters to reserve judgement until May. But he has run out of excuses and does not deserve another six months to preside over a sinking ship. He has offered little encouragement that he can transform West Ham’s season. The players look despondent and confidence in the team has ebbed.
“I always work under pressure, this is not new,” he said after the match. “I’m very happy with the commitment of the players, I’m very happy with the club. I repeat, we are not happy with our position but we’re sure that we are going to be able to finish higher.
“It is normal that the fans are not happy with two points dropped. We know why and we are not happy with 12 points. In the same way, you look at other teams that lose, they are fantastic, they are only three or four more points than us. We can do better. We are not happy but there were positive things today.”
The only positive thing about the match was when it ended. There has been no significant improvement since Lopetegui’s appointment as David Moyes’ successor in May. He does not know his best starting XI, has struggled to enhance the talent in the squad and his philosophy remains unclear.
Although the draw was their first clean sheet in the league since August, they still look vulnerable defensively. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri playing as wing-backs often leaves the team stretched down the flanks. It is no surprise Sean Dyche, the Everton manager, bemoaned his side’s lack of killer instinct.
Lopetegui’s body language on the touchline rarely gives the impression of a man who is confident his team can execute his plans. He is often seen gesticulating at players to be in different positions, which seems to cause more confusion. Lopetegui has been handed a mantle which has proven too onerous to bear.
Majority shareholder David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten played key roles in recruiting Lopetegui. At his unveiling in July, Steidten said the Spaniard was the club’s first choice, but that has proven to be an expensive mistake.
At times like this, it is impossible not to spool back to May when the club trumpeted Lopetegui’s arrival. His gilded CV boasts spells as manager of Spain and Sevilla and he was seen as the exciting appointment that would help West Ham challenge for Europe again.
“I am where I want to be,” he told the club’s website. “I am here because I want to be here and for us, it was a fantastic day when we closed our agreement here because our commitment is 100 per cent to be here. We had other opportunities but I am very happy that West Ham chose me because I chose West Ham too, so we are really happy about this.”
But if the mandate was to get West Ham into European competition, the objective has changed to ensuring Premier League safety. Hiring a new head coach during the international break would have been the best option. The next two league games against Newcastle United and Arsenal are unlikely to yield improvement. But the poor form persisting ahead of favourable fixtures in early December against Leicester City, Wolves and Bournemouth could force the board’s hand.
Lopetegui is only a few months into a two-year contract, yet has received more criticism than compliments. In truth, the honeymoon phase ended after the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in September. There is no evidence that Lopetegui should carry on as head coach. While the board may believe his luck will change, the listless performances and results suggest otherwise.