Thursday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 13 Feb 2025, 12:04
BBC
Real Madrid are ready to step up their pursuit of Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Spanish giants confident of signing the 26-year-old England international. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus wants to sign Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah this summer, with the 32-year-old Egyptian out of contract at the end of the season. (Mirror), external
But hopes of signing Salah from Liverpool are fading among clubs in Saudi Arabia, who feel they are being used as leverage in contract negotiations. (i Sport), external
Liverpool insist Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, 25, is not for sale despite interest from the Saudi Pro League. (Mail - subscription required), external
Arsenal are the most likely candidate to sign Athletic Bilbao and Spain forward Nico Williams, 22. (Fichajes), external
Arsenal made an enquiry for Stoke City defender Jaden Dixon on transfer deadline day and are continuing to track the 17-year-old England youth player. (Football Insider)
Manchester City are monitoring Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton following the 21-year-old England international's return from injury. (Football Insider), external
Pep Guardiola remains determined to bring Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz to Manchester City - even though the 21-year-old is set to sign a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen. (Bild - in German), external
Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been linked with the vacant managerial post at Feyenoord. (Mirror), external
Everton would like to bring in former player David Weir as their director of football, a position the 54-year-old Scot currently occupies at Brighton. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Manchester United have received a huge boost in their pursuit of 17-year-old Sporting wing-back Geovany Quenda, with the versatile Portugal Under-21 international keen on a move to Old Trafford. (Teamtalk), external
Sheffield United are keen on signing defender Owen Beck, 22, and forward Lewis Koumas, 19, from Liverpool if they win promotion to the Premier League from the Championship. The Welsh duo are currently on loan at Blackburn and Stoke respectively. (Mail - subscription required), external
Borussia Dortmund expect to sell Jamie Gittens, 20, this summer and value the winger at £66m to £83m (80m-100m euros), with the England Under-21 international attracting interest from Chelsea and Bayern Munich. (Bild - in German), external
Crystal Palace's French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, 27, is a target for Lyon and Atletico Madrid. (Caught Offside), external
Arsenal decided against recalling Portugal midfielder Fabio Vieira, 24, from his loan spell at Porto after Bukayo Saka injured his thigh. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Newcastle did not intend to let English defender Lloyd Kelly, 26, leave the club during the winter window but found Juventus' offer of a loan plus £20m purchase obligation too good to refuse. (Athletic - subscription required)
Sky Paper Talk
THE GUARDIAN
Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes his decision to cut about 200 more jobs at Manchester United is necessary to help the club avoid going bust.
Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) is to be trialled in the FA Cup fifth round next month with a view to it being introduced in the Premier League before the end of the season.
The Saudi Arabian ambassador to the UK has told football fans "plenty of fun can be had without alcohol" as he warned them not to expect to drink if they attend the 2034 World Cup.
The US Open's revamped mixed doubles format is a "profound injustice" that disrespects the players, reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have said.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce says he has yet to make a decision on whether he will continue his NFL career after his team's defeat in Sunday's Super Bowl.
THE TELEGRAPH
Chelsea have been hit with a significant blow after striker Nicolas Jackson was ruled out until after the international break at the end of March.
Everton's new owner has placed former player David Weir among their chief targets to take over as the club's new director of football.
Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City will receive written warnings they could face fines and staff could face prison sentences over front-of-shirt sponsors that have been deemed "unlawful" in Great Britain.
Imane Khelif has pledged to continue fighting in the women's category despite a decision by the International Boxing Association to file criminal complaints over the Algerian's participation in last summer's Paris Olympics.
Real Madrid will step up their attempts to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold as a Bosman free agent in the summer as part of the European champions' "all-or-nothing" transfer policy.
Rory McIlroy has claimed that Donald Trump does not like the LIV format and is on the side of the PGA Tour, despite the US president staging the Saudi-funded events at his courses.
Junior Kpoku, the highly-rated Racing 92 second-row who qualifies for England and France, trained with Steve Borthwick's squad ahead of last weekend's thrilling victory over Les Bleus, marking a major step forward in securing the young lock's services.
THE SUN
Mega-rich Qatari investors are 'plotting a Tottenham takeover' - but could give Daniel Levy a controversial role, with a long-term contract to continue running Spurs as executive chairman.
Diego Costa and two Arsenal flops are among uninspiring free agents as Kai Havertz is ruled out for season.
A Manchester City fan group have claimed Tuesday's Ballon d'Or banner was not aimed at Vinicius Jr, insisting Real Madrid president Florentino Perez - who was in the stands at the Etihad - was actually the intended target.
Manchester United are eyeing a summer swoop for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
Galatasaray had a late bid rejected by Newcastle for Kieran Trippier hours before the Turkish transfer window shut on Tuesday.
Gary O'Neil is being eyed for a swift managerial return two months after he was sacked by Wolves.
Real Betis are interested in keeping Manchester United flop Antony for an extra year.
DAILY MIRROR
Premier League clubs still have the option to vote through new financial rules on Thursday despite the threat of legal action from the PFA if they do so.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has risked angering fans by joking about a move to Saudi Arabia for financial reasons.
Al Hilal boss Jorge Jesus has admitted he wants to sign Liverpool star Mohamed Salah this summer and believes the Egyptian forward would "fit the team".
Arsene Wenger admits he was surprised by Jhon Duran's big-money move to the Saudi Pro League during the January transfer window.
Gareth Southgate is doing a book about his time as England boss but insists 'Dear England Lessons On Leadership' will be about management rather than warts-and-all stories from the dressing room.
DAILY MAIL
Jesse Lingard has furiously hit back at critics after being accused of "destroying the culture" at Manchester United alongside Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba.
The Saudi Arabian interest in Darwin Nunez is real - but Liverpool fully back the striker and their stance is staunch: he is not for sale.
Vinicius Junior reportedly met with officials from the Saudi Pro League as they look to make the Real Madrid star their latest high-profile acquisition.
Young Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton will require surgery on a shoulder injury that could rule him out for three months.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has revealed the Turkish giants tried to sign Ianis Hagi - and reckons he will play for them one day.
Championship high-flyers Sheffield United are showing interest in two of Liverpool's young talents who are out on loan - Owen Beck and Lewis Koumas.
Barcelona have reportedly expressed interest in Alexander Isak as they seek to bolster their options in attack this summer.
Former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino faces an uncertain future after being banished from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli.
Leicester fans are planning to stage a protest against the club hierarchy this Saturday to coincide with the Foxes' clash with Arsenal.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has appeared to aim a dig at Manchester City over their £180m January transfer splurge.
HE TIMES
The Premier League is seeking greater powers to investigate clubs, including being given access to premises and being able to examine mobile phones and computers.
Sir Andy Murray has revealed he had to be rescued from the top of a mountain after a disastrous first attempt at skiing.
DAILY STAR
Saudis say alcohol will be banned at a 'dry' World Cup 2034 even in restaurants and hotels.
THE ATHLETIC
A row is developing between UEFA, European football's governing body, the German Football Association, and the city of Munich, over where this summer's Nations League semi-finals and final will be staged and who will pay for it.
Frankfurt want Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen in a permanent transfer.
Everton warned over Stake sponsorship by the Gambling Commission.
DAILY RECORD
Rangers fan board reveal Patrick Stewart sit down as major update inbound over key issues after 'disastrous' Scottish Cup defeat.
SCOTTISH SUN
Celtic's ultras led a major protest during the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich - one that could potentially leave the club susceptible to UEFA punishment.
Temuri Ketsbaia is on the shortlist to become the new Motherwell boss.
Sport Witness
‘Calling for a while’ – West Ham attempts for player could be part of renewal game
By Kaustubh Pandey
West Ham United had a mixed winter transfer window.
Despite having agents working on many signings, they only made one move, as Evan Ferguson had arrived on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion. In addition, they also recalled James Ward-Prowse from his loan at Nottingham Forest.
It could have been a much different window for West Ham, if things had gone the right way and intermediaries had secured deals they were working on.
Il Messaggero, as relayed by PagineRomaniste, have reported today that the Hammers were interested in a move for AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar and that they have been ‘calling for a while’ to land the 25-year-old.
West Ham were not the only club interested in landing the Serbian as there was also interest from Manchester City in the January transfer window.
Svilar wasn’t interested in an exit from the Roman club. The outlet also carry quotes from the player ahead of Roma’s Europa League clash against Porto on Thursday. He confirmed that talks are ongoing with the Giallorossi over a new deal.
He said: “Yes, it’s true, we started talking about it last week even if I would prefer to talk about the pitch.”
The outlet also state that the ex-Benfica man has already made his choice about staying in Rome and he will sign a deal that will expire in the summer of 2029.
There’s a reasonable chance West Ham and others are being used to aid agent in renewal talks.
Caught Offside
La Liga side wants to sign West Ham ace who joined the Hammers just last summer
West Ham United are preparing for a major squad overhaul this summer, and Argentine midfielder Guido Rodríguez could be one of the first departures, with former club Real Betis keen on re-signing him.
Real Betis eyeing move for West Ham ace Guido Rodriguez
According to Orgullo Biri, Rodríguez is open to returning to Spain, where he enjoyed a successful four-year spell with Betis from 2020 to 2024, winning the Copa del Rey and establishing himself as a key figure in midfield.
Since joining West Ham on a free transfer last summer, the 30-year-old has struggled to cement a starting role under both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter. With just 20 appearances in all competitions, including 14 Premier League starts, his impact has been underwhelming, prompting speculation over a potential exit.
Betis, who were linked with a move for Rodríguez in January, are now reportedly negotiating a €3 million transfer fee to bring him back to Seville.
West Ham’s struggles this season have exposed the need for midfield stability, and Rodríguez’s potential departure could allow the club to pursue fresh options in the market.
Rodríguez began his career at River Plate before moving to Club Tijuana and later Club América, where he won the 2018 Apertura and was awarded the Liga MX Balón de Oro. His performances in Mexico earned him a move to Betis, where he became a stalwart in La Liga.
A return to Spain could offer the World Cup-winning Argentine a chance to regain his best form, while also helping West Ham restructure their midfield for the upcoming season.
With the Hammers sitting 15th in the Premier League, a squad rebuild is imminent, and Rodríguez’s exit could free up space for reinforcements.
Lucas Paqueta is another player who has been linked with an exit, with reports in December claiming that the Brazilian wants to leave the club.
He ended up staying in January with his future to be revisited in the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid are ready to step up their pursuit of Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Spanish giants confident of signing the 26-year-old England international. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus wants to sign Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah this summer, with the 32-year-old Egyptian out of contract at the end of the season. (Mirror), external
But hopes of signing Salah from Liverpool are fading among clubs in Saudi Arabia, who feel they are being used as leverage in contract negotiations. (i Sport), external
Liverpool insist Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, 25, is not for sale despite interest from the Saudi Pro League. (Mail - subscription required), external
Arsenal are the most likely candidate to sign Athletic Bilbao and Spain forward Nico Williams, 22. (Fichajes), external
Arsenal made an enquiry for Stoke City defender Jaden Dixon on transfer deadline day and are continuing to track the 17-year-old England youth player. (Football Insider)
Manchester City are monitoring Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton following the 21-year-old England international's return from injury. (Football Insider), external
Pep Guardiola remains determined to bring Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz to Manchester City - even though the 21-year-old is set to sign a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen. (Bild - in German), external
Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been linked with the vacant managerial post at Feyenoord. (Mirror), external
Everton would like to bring in former player David Weir as their director of football, a position the 54-year-old Scot currently occupies at Brighton. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Manchester United have received a huge boost in their pursuit of 17-year-old Sporting wing-back Geovany Quenda, with the versatile Portugal Under-21 international keen on a move to Old Trafford. (Teamtalk), external
Sheffield United are keen on signing defender Owen Beck, 22, and forward Lewis Koumas, 19, from Liverpool if they win promotion to the Premier League from the Championship. The Welsh duo are currently on loan at Blackburn and Stoke respectively. (Mail - subscription required), external
Borussia Dortmund expect to sell Jamie Gittens, 20, this summer and value the winger at £66m to £83m (80m-100m euros), with the England Under-21 international attracting interest from Chelsea and Bayern Munich. (Bild - in German), external
Crystal Palace's French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, 27, is a target for Lyon and Atletico Madrid. (Caught Offside), external
Arsenal decided against recalling Portugal midfielder Fabio Vieira, 24, from his loan spell at Porto after Bukayo Saka injured his thigh. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Newcastle did not intend to let English defender Lloyd Kelly, 26, leave the club during the winter window but found Juventus' offer of a loan plus £20m purchase obligation too good to refuse. (Athletic - subscription required)
Sky Paper Talk
THE GUARDIAN
Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes his decision to cut about 200 more jobs at Manchester United is necessary to help the club avoid going bust.
Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) is to be trialled in the FA Cup fifth round next month with a view to it being introduced in the Premier League before the end of the season.
The Saudi Arabian ambassador to the UK has told football fans "plenty of fun can be had without alcohol" as he warned them not to expect to drink if they attend the 2034 World Cup.
The US Open's revamped mixed doubles format is a "profound injustice" that disrespects the players, reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have said.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce says he has yet to make a decision on whether he will continue his NFL career after his team's defeat in Sunday's Super Bowl.
THE TELEGRAPH
Chelsea have been hit with a significant blow after striker Nicolas Jackson was ruled out until after the international break at the end of March.
Everton's new owner has placed former player David Weir among their chief targets to take over as the club's new director of football.
Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City will receive written warnings they could face fines and staff could face prison sentences over front-of-shirt sponsors that have been deemed "unlawful" in Great Britain.
Imane Khelif has pledged to continue fighting in the women's category despite a decision by the International Boxing Association to file criminal complaints over the Algerian's participation in last summer's Paris Olympics.
Real Madrid will step up their attempts to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold as a Bosman free agent in the summer as part of the European champions' "all-or-nothing" transfer policy.
Rory McIlroy has claimed that Donald Trump does not like the LIV format and is on the side of the PGA Tour, despite the US president staging the Saudi-funded events at his courses.
Junior Kpoku, the highly-rated Racing 92 second-row who qualifies for England and France, trained with Steve Borthwick's squad ahead of last weekend's thrilling victory over Les Bleus, marking a major step forward in securing the young lock's services.
THE SUN
Mega-rich Qatari investors are 'plotting a Tottenham takeover' - but could give Daniel Levy a controversial role, with a long-term contract to continue running Spurs as executive chairman.
Diego Costa and two Arsenal flops are among uninspiring free agents as Kai Havertz is ruled out for season.
A Manchester City fan group have claimed Tuesday's Ballon d'Or banner was not aimed at Vinicius Jr, insisting Real Madrid president Florentino Perez - who was in the stands at the Etihad - was actually the intended target.
Manchester United are eyeing a summer swoop for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
Galatasaray had a late bid rejected by Newcastle for Kieran Trippier hours before the Turkish transfer window shut on Tuesday.
Gary O'Neil is being eyed for a swift managerial return two months after he was sacked by Wolves.
Real Betis are interested in keeping Manchester United flop Antony for an extra year.
DAILY MIRROR
Premier League clubs still have the option to vote through new financial rules on Thursday despite the threat of legal action from the PFA if they do so.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has risked angering fans by joking about a move to Saudi Arabia for financial reasons.
Al Hilal boss Jorge Jesus has admitted he wants to sign Liverpool star Mohamed Salah this summer and believes the Egyptian forward would "fit the team".
Arsene Wenger admits he was surprised by Jhon Duran's big-money move to the Saudi Pro League during the January transfer window.
Gareth Southgate is doing a book about his time as England boss but insists 'Dear England Lessons On Leadership' will be about management rather than warts-and-all stories from the dressing room.
DAILY MAIL
Jesse Lingard has furiously hit back at critics after being accused of "destroying the culture" at Manchester United alongside Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba.
The Saudi Arabian interest in Darwin Nunez is real - but Liverpool fully back the striker and their stance is staunch: he is not for sale.
Vinicius Junior reportedly met with officials from the Saudi Pro League as they look to make the Real Madrid star their latest high-profile acquisition.
Young Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton will require surgery on a shoulder injury that could rule him out for three months.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has revealed the Turkish giants tried to sign Ianis Hagi - and reckons he will play for them one day.
Championship high-flyers Sheffield United are showing interest in two of Liverpool's young talents who are out on loan - Owen Beck and Lewis Koumas.
Barcelona have reportedly expressed interest in Alexander Isak as they seek to bolster their options in attack this summer.
Former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino faces an uncertain future after being banished from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli.
Leicester fans are planning to stage a protest against the club hierarchy this Saturday to coincide with the Foxes' clash with Arsenal.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has appeared to aim a dig at Manchester City over their £180m January transfer splurge.
HE TIMES
The Premier League is seeking greater powers to investigate clubs, including being given access to premises and being able to examine mobile phones and computers.
Sir Andy Murray has revealed he had to be rescued from the top of a mountain after a disastrous first attempt at skiing.
DAILY STAR
Saudis say alcohol will be banned at a 'dry' World Cup 2034 even in restaurants and hotels.
THE ATHLETIC
A row is developing between UEFA, European football's governing body, the German Football Association, and the city of Munich, over where this summer's Nations League semi-finals and final will be staged and who will pay for it.
Frankfurt want Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen in a permanent transfer.
Everton warned over Stake sponsorship by the Gambling Commission.
DAILY RECORD
Rangers fan board reveal Patrick Stewart sit down as major update inbound over key issues after 'disastrous' Scottish Cup defeat.
SCOTTISH SUN
Celtic's ultras led a major protest during the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich - one that could potentially leave the club susceptible to UEFA punishment.
Temuri Ketsbaia is on the shortlist to become the new Motherwell boss.
Sport Witness
‘Calling for a while’ – West Ham attempts for player could be part of renewal game
By Kaustubh Pandey
West Ham United had a mixed winter transfer window.
Despite having agents working on many signings, they only made one move, as Evan Ferguson had arrived on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion. In addition, they also recalled James Ward-Prowse from his loan at Nottingham Forest.
It could have been a much different window for West Ham, if things had gone the right way and intermediaries had secured deals they were working on.
Il Messaggero, as relayed by PagineRomaniste, have reported today that the Hammers were interested in a move for AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar and that they have been ‘calling for a while’ to land the 25-year-old.
West Ham were not the only club interested in landing the Serbian as there was also interest from Manchester City in the January transfer window.
Svilar wasn’t interested in an exit from the Roman club. The outlet also carry quotes from the player ahead of Roma’s Europa League clash against Porto on Thursday. He confirmed that talks are ongoing with the Giallorossi over a new deal.
He said: “Yes, it’s true, we started talking about it last week even if I would prefer to talk about the pitch.”
The outlet also state that the ex-Benfica man has already made his choice about staying in Rome and he will sign a deal that will expire in the summer of 2029.
There’s a reasonable chance West Ham and others are being used to aid agent in renewal talks.
Caught Offside
La Liga side wants to sign West Ham ace who joined the Hammers just last summer
West Ham United are preparing for a major squad overhaul this summer, and Argentine midfielder Guido Rodríguez could be one of the first departures, with former club Real Betis keen on re-signing him.
Real Betis eyeing move for West Ham ace Guido Rodriguez
According to Orgullo Biri, Rodríguez is open to returning to Spain, where he enjoyed a successful four-year spell with Betis from 2020 to 2024, winning the Copa del Rey and establishing himself as a key figure in midfield.
Since joining West Ham on a free transfer last summer, the 30-year-old has struggled to cement a starting role under both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter. With just 20 appearances in all competitions, including 14 Premier League starts, his impact has been underwhelming, prompting speculation over a potential exit.
Betis, who were linked with a move for Rodríguez in January, are now reportedly negotiating a €3 million transfer fee to bring him back to Seville.
West Ham’s struggles this season have exposed the need for midfield stability, and Rodríguez’s potential departure could allow the club to pursue fresh options in the market.
Rodríguez began his career at River Plate before moving to Club Tijuana and later Club América, where he won the 2018 Apertura and was awarded the Liga MX Balón de Oro. His performances in Mexico earned him a move to Betis, where he became a stalwart in La Liga.
A return to Spain could offer the World Cup-winning Argentine a chance to regain his best form, while also helping West Ham restructure their midfield for the upcoming season.
With the Hammers sitting 15th in the Premier League, a squad rebuild is imminent, and Rodríguez’s exit could free up space for reinforcements.
Lucas Paqueta is another player who has been linked with an exit, with reports in December claiming that the Brazilian wants to leave the club.
He ended up staying in January with his future to be revisited in the summer transfer window.