Tuesday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 04 Mar 2025, 11:35
BBC
Real Madrid scouts have checked on England midfielder Adam Wharton since the 21-year-old's return to first-team action at Crystal Palace. (Mail), external
Inter Milan are emerging as strong rivals to Liverpool for the signing of Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich as the 30-year-old enters the last few months of his contract with Bayern Munich. (Teamtalk), external
Brighton's Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, 22, is on Chelsea's radar for a potential summer move. (GiveMeSport), external
Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, and the 21-year-old Slovenia striker has a release clause that can be activated this summer, which is set to be worth 80m euros (£66m). (Sky Sport Germany), external
Brighton's Brazil striker Joao Pedro, 23, wants to join Liverpool this summer. (Football Insider)
Canada forward Jonathan David has turned down Lille's bid to extend his contract and the 25-year-old is ready to leave the club as a free agent this summer. (Nicolo Schira), external
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is set to make a decision on the long-term future of England forward Jack Grealish, 29, amid plans for a squad overhaul. (Football Insider), external
Liverpool have opened talks with Conor Bradley over a new five-year contract that could see the Northern Ireland right-back, 21, earn a 650% pay rise. (Sun), external
Brentford and Fulham have both expressed an interest in signing Mexico centre-back Johan Vasquez, 26, from Genoa. (GiveMeSport), external
Fulham and Sporting are chasing Greece right-back Georgios Vagiannidis, with Sporting having made Panathinaikos an offer of 10m euros (£8.3m). (Football Insider), external
Germany centre-back Jonathan Tah, 29, will leave Bayer Leverkusen as a free agent at the end of the season. (Nicolo Schira), external
There have been new and positive talks between Leroy Sane and Bayern Munich over a new contract for the Germany winger, 29. (Sky Sport Germany), external
Everton are set to make a raft of key appointments before the end of the season - with a possible overhaul of recruitment and more influence for manager David Moyes. (i paper - subscription required), external
Former Atletico Madrid transfer guru Andrea Berta is believed to be among the potential candidates to replace Edu as Arsenal's sporting director. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
NWSL club Gotham FC are in advanced talks with Women's Super League side Manchester United over the proposed loan signing of Brazil forward Geyse, 26. (Guardian)
Sky Paper Talk
DAILY MAIL
Real Madrid scouts have checked on Adam Wharton since his return to first-team action at Crystal Palace.
Manchester City are reportedly among the leading European clubs keeping a close eye on Cesc Fabregas' future at Como.
Andre Onana is believed to have made a decision over his Manchester United future amid a slew of criticism into his shaky performances between the sticks for the Red Devils.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Andrea Berta, the former Atletico Madrid transfer guru, is believed to be among the potential candidates to replace Edu Gaspar as Arsenal's sporting director.
Tottenham Hotspur have given the green light to Cristian Romero's inclusion in the Argentina squad, despite the fact the defender has not played this year.
England have arranged a full tour of Australia, just two months after a disastrous Women's Ashes campaign.
THE SUN
Liverpool have opened talks with Conor Bradley over a new five-year contract. Arne Slot has earmarked the Northern Irish defender as the most likely long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to leave for Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Southampton are planning to axe Ivan Juric at the end of the season and have identified Danny Rohl as their top target.
Former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure says fasting and playing games made him psychologically stronger during the month of Ramadan.
Manchester United are staring at a £100million-plus black hole as the cost of their season of hell is laid bare.
Josh Kroenke has jetted in for talks with Mikel Arteta as the Arsenal boss looks to salvage his season.
DAILY MIRROR
Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca risks a seven-month ban after trying to headbutt a referee seeking to watch the VAR screen during a Ligue 1 clash.
THE GUARDIAN
Manchester United are exploring an early termination from a 10-year lease agreement at their London offices in Kensington in the latest cost-cutting measure proposed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
THE TIMES
The minority Everton shareholders, who fear the recent takeover of the club has led to a dramatic collapse in the value of their stakes, have had a request to meet the new owner, The Friedkin Group (TFG), rejected.
THE ATHLETIC
The Football Association (FA) has defended the ball used during Manchester City's victory over Plymouth Argyle, following criticism from Pep Guardiola.
DAILY RECORD
Celtic are continuing to keep close tabs on Motherwell star Lennon Miller ahead of a potential summer bid.
Kyogo has been tipped for a quick-fire Rennes exit this summer after being overlooked by his new boss again.
The Athletic
Callum Marshall is thriving at Huddersfield. What are his West Ham hopes?
By Roshane Thomas
The Huddersfield Town faithful were serenading Callum Marshall to the theme of Papa’s Got a Brand New Pigbag as they celebrated an away victory over Stevenage at the weekend.
“Do, do, do, do… Callum Marshall…”
The 20-year-old forward, who is on a season-long loan from West Ham United, is a firm fan favourite at the John Smith’s Stadium. He has endeared himself to supporters with his tenacious work rate. Marshall was applauded off the field at Stevenage, having registered his ninth goal of the season. The Northern Ireland international could have had his first senior hat-trick in the 2-1 win.
Marshall is playing a key role in Huddersfield’s push for promotion from League One. Following their victory, they are fifth on 58 points, six adrift of second-placed Wycombe Wanderers. Marshall, who scored in back-to-back league games, has earned the trust of manager Michael Duff and remains an ever-present member of the team.
“The main thing was to come here, have an impact and gain experience,” Marshall tells The Athletic. “If we can gain promotion, it would be great for the club and for me to experience so early in my career. Hopefully we can push for that. Over the last six months, I’ve learnt a different style of play, what it takes to play in League One and that it’s not all pretty.
“It’s been about trying to bounce back from setbacks and knowing not every week it’s going to be 10 out of 10. A lot of it is hard work, graft and trying to make the most out of moments. It’s been great, I’ve settled in well and I get on with the lads, especially Dion Charles, Brodie Spencer and Nigel Lonwijk.”
Marshall playing against Northampton Town (Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Marshall joined West Ham from Northern Irish club Linfield in January 2022. At West Ham, he was a regular for the under-18s and under-21s and impressed under academy coaches Kevin Keen and Mark Robson. Marshall, a member of the FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2023, made his first-team debut against Bristol City in January 2024.
That month, he signed a contract extension until 2027 and joined West Bromwich Albion on loan. The forward had interest from 10 clubs before joining the Championship side. Ian Pearce, the former West Ham defender and West Brom’s head of recruitment, outlined how Marshall would improve in the second tier. But the forward only made three appearances during his brief sojourn and was recalled by West Ham in April.
“The loan at West Brom didn’t work out,” says Marshall. “I probably won’t know the true benefit of experiencing something like that until I’m older. I was 19 and I wanted to play and sometimes these things happen. I don’t blame anyone; it’s football. But I knew that coming here, I needed to show I can play in men’s football.
“I’m happy that it’s gone well and hopefully I can score more goals before the season ends. I just want to use this loan spell to push on for when I go back to West Ham this summer. There’s a new manager (Graham Potter) and hopefully he’ll get a good look at me and see what he thinks.”
Marshall has reason to be optimistic. Potter has already given first-team opportunities to Ollie Scarles and Lewis Orford. And he is not the only West Ham head coach to hand out chances this season. Young defender Kaelan Casey was a late substitute against Bournemouth in December under the previous manager Julen Lopetegui. Under-21s defender Ezra Mayers was an unused substitute in the 5-2 home loss to Arsenal. Potter and his backroom staff have attended academy games and there is optimism from within that more youngsters could break through.
“Everything is up for grabs so it’s about me going back and making a good impression,” says Marshall. “There are opportunities for young players at the club now. West Ham have a good record at bringing youngsters through. (David) Moyes gave me my debut and I’m thankful for that. When I go back, hopefully I can make more appearances.
“In pre-season, I was mainly hanging around with the academy players but Danny Ings and Aaron Cresswell took me under their wings. They were really helpful with advice and it’s great they can offer that support. But it was nice being part of the first team environment, which has served me well for this loan.”
Gerard Prenderville, the under-21s assistant coach, attended last Saturday’s game. Since joining Huddersfield last summer, various academy coaches have remained in touch with Marshall. That also applies to youngsters George Earthy, Freddie Potts, Gideon Kodua, Michael Forbes and Patrick Kelly, all of whom are on loan at EFL clubs.
A loan to a Championship club could be the next step in Marshall’s development. A case in point is Potts, who was named Wycombe’s player of the year during his spell last season. The midfielder is now thriving in the second tier at Portsmouth.
Marshall is growing in confidence and his mindset is admirable for someone so young.
“Gerard Prenderville, Kevin Keen, Carlton Cole (the loan manager and ex-West Ham striker) and Mark Noble (the sporting director) all check up on me to make sure that everything is fine on my end,” says Marshall. “I want to make them and my family proud.
“I came over from Belfast when I was 17. I didn’t think it was ideal being away from home, but I knew, if I want to do this, it’s a sacrifice I have to make. I’ve given it my all because I want to make it work.
“I don’t want to be one of those players who goes back to Belfast at 20 and feels like they wasted their chance. I’m determined to make a career for myself here.”
(Top photo: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Real Madrid scouts have checked on England midfielder Adam Wharton since the 21-year-old's return to first-team action at Crystal Palace. (Mail), external
Inter Milan are emerging as strong rivals to Liverpool for the signing of Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich as the 30-year-old enters the last few months of his contract with Bayern Munich. (Teamtalk), external
Brighton's Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, 22, is on Chelsea's radar for a potential summer move. (GiveMeSport), external
Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, and the 21-year-old Slovenia striker has a release clause that can be activated this summer, which is set to be worth 80m euros (£66m). (Sky Sport Germany), external
Brighton's Brazil striker Joao Pedro, 23, wants to join Liverpool this summer. (Football Insider)
Canada forward Jonathan David has turned down Lille's bid to extend his contract and the 25-year-old is ready to leave the club as a free agent this summer. (Nicolo Schira), external
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is set to make a decision on the long-term future of England forward Jack Grealish, 29, amid plans for a squad overhaul. (Football Insider), external
Liverpool have opened talks with Conor Bradley over a new five-year contract that could see the Northern Ireland right-back, 21, earn a 650% pay rise. (Sun), external
Brentford and Fulham have both expressed an interest in signing Mexico centre-back Johan Vasquez, 26, from Genoa. (GiveMeSport), external
Fulham and Sporting are chasing Greece right-back Georgios Vagiannidis, with Sporting having made Panathinaikos an offer of 10m euros (£8.3m). (Football Insider), external
Germany centre-back Jonathan Tah, 29, will leave Bayer Leverkusen as a free agent at the end of the season. (Nicolo Schira), external
There have been new and positive talks between Leroy Sane and Bayern Munich over a new contract for the Germany winger, 29. (Sky Sport Germany), external
Everton are set to make a raft of key appointments before the end of the season - with a possible overhaul of recruitment and more influence for manager David Moyes. (i paper - subscription required), external
Former Atletico Madrid transfer guru Andrea Berta is believed to be among the potential candidates to replace Edu as Arsenal's sporting director. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
NWSL club Gotham FC are in advanced talks with Women's Super League side Manchester United over the proposed loan signing of Brazil forward Geyse, 26. (Guardian)
Sky Paper Talk
DAILY MAIL
Real Madrid scouts have checked on Adam Wharton since his return to first-team action at Crystal Palace.
Manchester City are reportedly among the leading European clubs keeping a close eye on Cesc Fabregas' future at Como.
Andre Onana is believed to have made a decision over his Manchester United future amid a slew of criticism into his shaky performances between the sticks for the Red Devils.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Andrea Berta, the former Atletico Madrid transfer guru, is believed to be among the potential candidates to replace Edu Gaspar as Arsenal's sporting director.
Tottenham Hotspur have given the green light to Cristian Romero's inclusion in the Argentina squad, despite the fact the defender has not played this year.
England have arranged a full tour of Australia, just two months after a disastrous Women's Ashes campaign.
THE SUN
Liverpool have opened talks with Conor Bradley over a new five-year contract. Arne Slot has earmarked the Northern Irish defender as the most likely long-term replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to leave for Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Southampton are planning to axe Ivan Juric at the end of the season and have identified Danny Rohl as their top target.
Former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure says fasting and playing games made him psychologically stronger during the month of Ramadan.
Manchester United are staring at a £100million-plus black hole as the cost of their season of hell is laid bare.
Josh Kroenke has jetted in for talks with Mikel Arteta as the Arsenal boss looks to salvage his season.
DAILY MIRROR
Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca risks a seven-month ban after trying to headbutt a referee seeking to watch the VAR screen during a Ligue 1 clash.
THE GUARDIAN
Manchester United are exploring an early termination from a 10-year lease agreement at their London offices in Kensington in the latest cost-cutting measure proposed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
THE TIMES
The minority Everton shareholders, who fear the recent takeover of the club has led to a dramatic collapse in the value of their stakes, have had a request to meet the new owner, The Friedkin Group (TFG), rejected.
THE ATHLETIC
The Football Association (FA) has defended the ball used during Manchester City's victory over Plymouth Argyle, following criticism from Pep Guardiola.
DAILY RECORD
Celtic are continuing to keep close tabs on Motherwell star Lennon Miller ahead of a potential summer bid.
Kyogo has been tipped for a quick-fire Rennes exit this summer after being overlooked by his new boss again.
The Athletic
Callum Marshall is thriving at Huddersfield. What are his West Ham hopes?
By Roshane Thomas
The Huddersfield Town faithful were serenading Callum Marshall to the theme of Papa’s Got a Brand New Pigbag as they celebrated an away victory over Stevenage at the weekend.
“Do, do, do, do… Callum Marshall…”
The 20-year-old forward, who is on a season-long loan from West Ham United, is a firm fan favourite at the John Smith’s Stadium. He has endeared himself to supporters with his tenacious work rate. Marshall was applauded off the field at Stevenage, having registered his ninth goal of the season. The Northern Ireland international could have had his first senior hat-trick in the 2-1 win.
Marshall is playing a key role in Huddersfield’s push for promotion from League One. Following their victory, they are fifth on 58 points, six adrift of second-placed Wycombe Wanderers. Marshall, who scored in back-to-back league games, has earned the trust of manager Michael Duff and remains an ever-present member of the team.
“The main thing was to come here, have an impact and gain experience,” Marshall tells The Athletic. “If we can gain promotion, it would be great for the club and for me to experience so early in my career. Hopefully we can push for that. Over the last six months, I’ve learnt a different style of play, what it takes to play in League One and that it’s not all pretty.
“It’s been about trying to bounce back from setbacks and knowing not every week it’s going to be 10 out of 10. A lot of it is hard work, graft and trying to make the most out of moments. It’s been great, I’ve settled in well and I get on with the lads, especially Dion Charles, Brodie Spencer and Nigel Lonwijk.”
Marshall playing against Northampton Town (Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Marshall joined West Ham from Northern Irish club Linfield in January 2022. At West Ham, he was a regular for the under-18s and under-21s and impressed under academy coaches Kevin Keen and Mark Robson. Marshall, a member of the FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2023, made his first-team debut against Bristol City in January 2024.
That month, he signed a contract extension until 2027 and joined West Bromwich Albion on loan. The forward had interest from 10 clubs before joining the Championship side. Ian Pearce, the former West Ham defender and West Brom’s head of recruitment, outlined how Marshall would improve in the second tier. But the forward only made three appearances during his brief sojourn and was recalled by West Ham in April.
“The loan at West Brom didn’t work out,” says Marshall. “I probably won’t know the true benefit of experiencing something like that until I’m older. I was 19 and I wanted to play and sometimes these things happen. I don’t blame anyone; it’s football. But I knew that coming here, I needed to show I can play in men’s football.
“I’m happy that it’s gone well and hopefully I can score more goals before the season ends. I just want to use this loan spell to push on for when I go back to West Ham this summer. There’s a new manager (Graham Potter) and hopefully he’ll get a good look at me and see what he thinks.”
Marshall has reason to be optimistic. Potter has already given first-team opportunities to Ollie Scarles and Lewis Orford. And he is not the only West Ham head coach to hand out chances this season. Young defender Kaelan Casey was a late substitute against Bournemouth in December under the previous manager Julen Lopetegui. Under-21s defender Ezra Mayers was an unused substitute in the 5-2 home loss to Arsenal. Potter and his backroom staff have attended academy games and there is optimism from within that more youngsters could break through.
“Everything is up for grabs so it’s about me going back and making a good impression,” says Marshall. “There are opportunities for young players at the club now. West Ham have a good record at bringing youngsters through. (David) Moyes gave me my debut and I’m thankful for that. When I go back, hopefully I can make more appearances.
“In pre-season, I was mainly hanging around with the academy players but Danny Ings and Aaron Cresswell took me under their wings. They were really helpful with advice and it’s great they can offer that support. But it was nice being part of the first team environment, which has served me well for this loan.”
Gerard Prenderville, the under-21s assistant coach, attended last Saturday’s game. Since joining Huddersfield last summer, various academy coaches have remained in touch with Marshall. That also applies to youngsters George Earthy, Freddie Potts, Gideon Kodua, Michael Forbes and Patrick Kelly, all of whom are on loan at EFL clubs.
A loan to a Championship club could be the next step in Marshall’s development. A case in point is Potts, who was named Wycombe’s player of the year during his spell last season. The midfielder is now thriving in the second tier at Portsmouth.
Marshall is growing in confidence and his mindset is admirable for someone so young.
“Gerard Prenderville, Kevin Keen, Carlton Cole (the loan manager and ex-West Ham striker) and Mark Noble (the sporting director) all check up on me to make sure that everything is fine on my end,” says Marshall. “I want to make them and my family proud.
“I came over from Belfast when I was 17. I didn’t think it was ideal being away from home, but I knew, if I want to do this, it’s a sacrifice I have to make. I’ve given it my all because I want to make it work.
“I don’t want to be one of those players who goes back to Belfast at 20 and feels like they wasted their chance. I’m determined to make a career for myself here.”
(Top photo: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)