Monday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 24 Feb 2025, 10:42
BBC
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has urged the Old Trafford hierarchy to sign 17-year-old Portugal Under-21s winger Geovany Quenda from his former club Sporting for £35m. (Star), external
West Ham are interested in Southampton's 23-year-old England centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis. (Sun - subscription required), external
Real Madrid remain keen on Jarrad Branthwaite but are reluctant to meet Everton's £62m valuation of the 22-year-old England centre-back. (Diario AS - in Spanish), external
Crystal Palace are keen on signing Liverpool's 19-year-old Wales forward Lewis Koumas and 19-year-old Scotland winger Ben Doak, who are on loan at Stoke and Middlesbrough respectively. (Alan Nixon – subscription required, external)
Real Madrid want to keep Luka Modric and are ready to offer the Croatia midfielder, who turns 40 in September, a new contract. (Nicolo Schira), external
Tottenham are willing to sell Manor Solomon this summer with Leeds, where the 25-year-old Israel winger is currently on loan, and Everton interested. (Givemesport), external
Liverpool are hopeful of beating Arsenal to the signing of Rosenborg's 18-year-old Norway Under-21s midfielder Sverre Nypan. (Fichajes - in Spanish)
Sky Paper Talk
DAILY MIRROR
Ruben Amorim has 'approved' the transfer of a player Bernardo Silva believes will replace him at international level - Sporting CP superstar Geovany Quenda.
Arsenal are considering a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, per reports. The Netherlands international has yet to agree a new deal and is set to enter the final year of his contract at the end of the season.
Former West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has defended his dismal record at the London Stadium after lasting less than one season at the club.
DAILY RECORD
Barry Ferguson is set to be offered the chance to become Rangers manager until the end of the season.
Honest Arne Engels has revealed angry Celtic stars were fuming with the first-half flop at Hibs. And the honest Belgian is clear his team will never hunt excuses after suffering their rare title slip.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
Steven Gerrard is favourite to replace Philippe Clement as Rangers manager with two ex-Gers players in the running.
THE SUN
Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from football - entering the world of politics.
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been left so furious with Ligue 1 referees that he vowed to never manage in France again.
Ex-Arsenal ace Lucas Perez has made the 14th transfer of his career to the 12th different club after signing for PSV Eindhoven.
Russell Martin is one of the names in the frame to take over at Ibrox. The ex-Southampton boss is currently out of work and it's understood he's regarded as a serious contender by influential boardroom figures who are involved in the ongoing takeover talks with US investors.
DAILY MAIL
Manchester United's embattled staff are bracing themselves for the latest round of savage job cuts by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Panicked Premier League footballers have called in security teams following an alert over a criminal gang operating with car transporters.
Marseille have found themselves in the centre of a storm in Ligue 1 against both the French top-flight's referees and the French Football Federation (FFF).
Tottenham star James Maddison has revealed that he has been in contact with new England manager Thomas Tuchel.
THE ATHLETIC
Antony received a straight red card in Real Betis' 2-1 win over Getafe on Sunday.
France's referees union announced they are taking legal action after 'unacceptable' comments made by Marseille president Pablo Longoria - which they said fuelled hateful messages to referees.
Venus Williams will not be playing in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., after all. The tournament announced on social media last week that it had granted Williams, 44, a wild-card entry into the event.
THE TIMES
Steve Borthwick is understood to be deeply frustrated that England have had to sacrifice their autumn training camp after the RFU arranged a money-spinning extra Test match against Australia.
The Athletic
The day everything clicked for Graham Potter and West Ham
By Roshane Thomas
A seed needs water, oxygen and optimal temperature to germinate. For six weeks, Graham Potter looked at his West Ham United side with encouragement it would one day blossom into something special. His plans had been planted with tactical knowledge, care and coaching — and it was against Arsenal on Saturday that he saw the culmination of his hard work.
Barring West Ham’s 1-0 loss against Brentford, there was gradual improvement in games against Aston Villa (FA Cup and Premier League), Fulham, Crystal Palace and Chelsea. But everything came together beautifully in the 1-0 win against Arsenal.
The 5-3-2 formation worked, captain Jarrod Bowen led by example, Mohammed Kudus was everywhere and West Ham turned a potentially unsettling afternoon into an affirmation of their character and togetherness.
The team spirit was palpable after full time: Potter embraced his backroom staff, Edson Alvarez mischievously celebrated in front of the Arsenal fans behind the dugout and Jean-Clair Todibo hopped on Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s back, which was already strained from contributing to West Ham’s attack.
Bowen led the walk to the away enclosure, where supporters serenaded the squad with various chants. The players watched on and savoured the moment.
They walked gleefully to the visiting dressing room. Potter then informed them they had Sunday off. The head coach has won four of his five away games against Arsenal, with only Pep Guardiola (eight) and Jurgen Klopp (six) having won more at the Emirates.
West Ham exposed a chasm in Arsenal’s title pursuit following their 2-0 victory in December 2023; Bowen was confident history would repeat itself.
“We were written off by everyone before (the game) — but we never wrote ourselves off,” the England international told The Athletic. “Last year, we came here and won so we knew if we defended well and were disciplined we could win.
“The manager has brought in different ideas. Sometimes it’s difficult when a new manager comes in and you’ve had someone else for six months. But it’s a new dynamic, a new energy and the lads have fed off that. There have been glimpses in the games, but maybe not on a consistent level. That’s down to the players and us needing to be consistent week in, week out.
“We have an important game against Leicester (next) and we have to back this performance and result up.”
After the defeat to Brentford on February 15, a team meeting was held to discuss what went wrong. The players were aware the performance was not up to Potter’s standards. An honest discussion ensued, which yielded a positive display against Arsenal. This is the atmosphere Potter has created since replacing Julen Lopetegui in early January. His man-management skills have been key to improving morale.
Potter recalling James Ward-Prowse from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest has also proved popular. The midfielder, a well-liked member of the squad, did not look out of place alongside Alvarez and Tomas Soucek in midfield. It was Ward-Prowse’s second performance under the head coach, and he believes the club is in good hands.
“A new manager always brings a freshness and calmness,” Ward-Prowse told The Athletic. “He’s clear in what he demands and training has been a real enjoyable environment. Coming back into it has been brilliant and feels like a new lease of life. The Brentford game wasn’t the performance we were proud of; it didn’t represent West Ham or the way the manager wants us to play.
“There was honesty among ourselves in terms of what we could’ve done better. We put that into good work today.
“When he was made manager, everyone could feel it was the right fit. I spoke to a few of the lads when I arrived and they all praised how the environment has been. We’ve hopefully found our turning point. We had a good plan, lads willing to do the dirty work and a bit of luck. We had all three of those things and overall we deserved the win.
“I think it (clicked for us today). It’s not been the greatest period recently but you’re waiting for a turning point, or performance to spark that into life. It’s come to fruition today.”
West Ham’s attack was depleted without the injured Lucas Paqueta, but Bowen’s match-winning qualities eased fears. His header was his 50th Premier League goal, second to Michail Antonio (68) as West Ham’s top scorer in the competition. England manager Thomas Tuchel has been in contact with Bowen, who warrants a call-up for March’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
At left-back for West Ham, Ollie Scarles showed why senior England recognition feels inevitable. The 19-year-old full-back, a young version of Aaron Cresswell, has amassed seven caps from under-16 to under-18 level. On a day when Arsenal’s 18-year-old full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, also pushing for an England call-up, received a red card, Scarles continued to play with the maturity of an experienced professional.
Potter has been impressed with Scarles’ application behind the scenes. As a result, the head coach handed the former Chelsea trainee his first domestic start in the FA Cup loss to Aston Villa. Against Arsenal, Scarles was rewarded with his first league start and was not fazed by the occasion. Arsenal’s attack seldom threatened, while West Ham’s defensive resolve was epitomised by Scarles’ presence. He defended superbly and continues to brim with confidence.
Potter’s side will hope to seal back-to-back league wins for the first time since March when they face Leicester City on Thursday. After Saturday’s game, Potter was pictured travelling home on the London Underground’s Jubilee line. Under his tutelage, West Ham can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has urged the Old Trafford hierarchy to sign 17-year-old Portugal Under-21s winger Geovany Quenda from his former club Sporting for £35m. (Star), external
West Ham are interested in Southampton's 23-year-old England centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis. (Sun - subscription required), external
Real Madrid remain keen on Jarrad Branthwaite but are reluctant to meet Everton's £62m valuation of the 22-year-old England centre-back. (Diario AS - in Spanish), external
Crystal Palace are keen on signing Liverpool's 19-year-old Wales forward Lewis Koumas and 19-year-old Scotland winger Ben Doak, who are on loan at Stoke and Middlesbrough respectively. (Alan Nixon – subscription required, external)
Real Madrid want to keep Luka Modric and are ready to offer the Croatia midfielder, who turns 40 in September, a new contract. (Nicolo Schira), external
Tottenham are willing to sell Manor Solomon this summer with Leeds, where the 25-year-old Israel winger is currently on loan, and Everton interested. (Givemesport), external
Liverpool are hopeful of beating Arsenal to the signing of Rosenborg's 18-year-old Norway Under-21s midfielder Sverre Nypan. (Fichajes - in Spanish)
Sky Paper Talk
DAILY MIRROR
Ruben Amorim has 'approved' the transfer of a player Bernardo Silva believes will replace him at international level - Sporting CP superstar Geovany Quenda.
Arsenal are considering a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, per reports. The Netherlands international has yet to agree a new deal and is set to enter the final year of his contract at the end of the season.
Former West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has defended his dismal record at the London Stadium after lasting less than one season at the club.
DAILY RECORD
Barry Ferguson is set to be offered the chance to become Rangers manager until the end of the season.
Honest Arne Engels has revealed angry Celtic stars were fuming with the first-half flop at Hibs. And the honest Belgian is clear his team will never hunt excuses after suffering their rare title slip.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
Steven Gerrard is favourite to replace Philippe Clement as Rangers manager with two ex-Gers players in the running.
THE SUN
Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from football - entering the world of politics.
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been left so furious with Ligue 1 referees that he vowed to never manage in France again.
Ex-Arsenal ace Lucas Perez has made the 14th transfer of his career to the 12th different club after signing for PSV Eindhoven.
Russell Martin is one of the names in the frame to take over at Ibrox. The ex-Southampton boss is currently out of work and it's understood he's regarded as a serious contender by influential boardroom figures who are involved in the ongoing takeover talks with US investors.
DAILY MAIL
Manchester United's embattled staff are bracing themselves for the latest round of savage job cuts by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Panicked Premier League footballers have called in security teams following an alert over a criminal gang operating with car transporters.
Marseille have found themselves in the centre of a storm in Ligue 1 against both the French top-flight's referees and the French Football Federation (FFF).
Tottenham star James Maddison has revealed that he has been in contact with new England manager Thomas Tuchel.
THE ATHLETIC
Antony received a straight red card in Real Betis' 2-1 win over Getafe on Sunday.
France's referees union announced they are taking legal action after 'unacceptable' comments made by Marseille president Pablo Longoria - which they said fuelled hateful messages to referees.
Venus Williams will not be playing in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., after all. The tournament announced on social media last week that it had granted Williams, 44, a wild-card entry into the event.
THE TIMES
Steve Borthwick is understood to be deeply frustrated that England have had to sacrifice their autumn training camp after the RFU arranged a money-spinning extra Test match against Australia.
The Athletic
The day everything clicked for Graham Potter and West Ham
By Roshane Thomas
A seed needs water, oxygen and optimal temperature to germinate. For six weeks, Graham Potter looked at his West Ham United side with encouragement it would one day blossom into something special. His plans had been planted with tactical knowledge, care and coaching — and it was against Arsenal on Saturday that he saw the culmination of his hard work.
Barring West Ham’s 1-0 loss against Brentford, there was gradual improvement in games against Aston Villa (FA Cup and Premier League), Fulham, Crystal Palace and Chelsea. But everything came together beautifully in the 1-0 win against Arsenal.
The 5-3-2 formation worked, captain Jarrod Bowen led by example, Mohammed Kudus was everywhere and West Ham turned a potentially unsettling afternoon into an affirmation of their character and togetherness.
The team spirit was palpable after full time: Potter embraced his backroom staff, Edson Alvarez mischievously celebrated in front of the Arsenal fans behind the dugout and Jean-Clair Todibo hopped on Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s back, which was already strained from contributing to West Ham’s attack.
Bowen led the walk to the away enclosure, where supporters serenaded the squad with various chants. The players watched on and savoured the moment.
They walked gleefully to the visiting dressing room. Potter then informed them they had Sunday off. The head coach has won four of his five away games against Arsenal, with only Pep Guardiola (eight) and Jurgen Klopp (six) having won more at the Emirates.
West Ham exposed a chasm in Arsenal’s title pursuit following their 2-0 victory in December 2023; Bowen was confident history would repeat itself.
“We were written off by everyone before (the game) — but we never wrote ourselves off,” the England international told The Athletic. “Last year, we came here and won so we knew if we defended well and were disciplined we could win.
“The manager has brought in different ideas. Sometimes it’s difficult when a new manager comes in and you’ve had someone else for six months. But it’s a new dynamic, a new energy and the lads have fed off that. There have been glimpses in the games, but maybe not on a consistent level. That’s down to the players and us needing to be consistent week in, week out.
“We have an important game against Leicester (next) and we have to back this performance and result up.”
After the defeat to Brentford on February 15, a team meeting was held to discuss what went wrong. The players were aware the performance was not up to Potter’s standards. An honest discussion ensued, which yielded a positive display against Arsenal. This is the atmosphere Potter has created since replacing Julen Lopetegui in early January. His man-management skills have been key to improving morale.
Potter recalling James Ward-Prowse from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest has also proved popular. The midfielder, a well-liked member of the squad, did not look out of place alongside Alvarez and Tomas Soucek in midfield. It was Ward-Prowse’s second performance under the head coach, and he believes the club is in good hands.
“A new manager always brings a freshness and calmness,” Ward-Prowse told The Athletic. “He’s clear in what he demands and training has been a real enjoyable environment. Coming back into it has been brilliant and feels like a new lease of life. The Brentford game wasn’t the performance we were proud of; it didn’t represent West Ham or the way the manager wants us to play.
“There was honesty among ourselves in terms of what we could’ve done better. We put that into good work today.
“When he was made manager, everyone could feel it was the right fit. I spoke to a few of the lads when I arrived and they all praised how the environment has been. We’ve hopefully found our turning point. We had a good plan, lads willing to do the dirty work and a bit of luck. We had all three of those things and overall we deserved the win.
“I think it (clicked for us today). It’s not been the greatest period recently but you’re waiting for a turning point, or performance to spark that into life. It’s come to fruition today.”
West Ham’s attack was depleted without the injured Lucas Paqueta, but Bowen’s match-winning qualities eased fears. His header was his 50th Premier League goal, second to Michail Antonio (68) as West Ham’s top scorer in the competition. England manager Thomas Tuchel has been in contact with Bowen, who warrants a call-up for March’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
At left-back for West Ham, Ollie Scarles showed why senior England recognition feels inevitable. The 19-year-old full-back, a young version of Aaron Cresswell, has amassed seven caps from under-16 to under-18 level. On a day when Arsenal’s 18-year-old full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, also pushing for an England call-up, received a red card, Scarles continued to play with the maturity of an experienced professional.
Potter has been impressed with Scarles’ application behind the scenes. As a result, the head coach handed the former Chelsea trainee his first domestic start in the FA Cup loss to Aston Villa. Against Arsenal, Scarles was rewarded with his first league start and was not fazed by the occasion. Arsenal’s attack seldom threatened, while West Ham’s defensive resolve was epitomised by Scarles’ presence. He defended superbly and continues to brim with confidence.
Potter’s side will hope to seal back-to-back league wins for the first time since March when they face Leicester City on Thursday. After Saturday’s game, Potter was pictured travelling home on the London Underground’s Jubilee line. Under his tutelage, West Ham can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.