Saturday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 24 May 2025, 11:55
BBC
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes will be given a deadline of next week to decide if he wants to leave the club, with Al Hilal set to offer around £100m for the Portugal international, 30, who would earn around £65m a season in Saudi Arabia. (Mail), external
Bayern Munich could launch a blockbuster move for Fernandes although the transfer fee United would want may prove to be a stumbling block. (Teamtalk), external
Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, 20, is increasingly likely to leave Manchester United this summer after becoming disillusioned at his role under head coach Ruben Amorim. (ESPN), external
Garnacho's representatives are set to hold talks with Manchester United to discuss the Argentine's future after he was dropped for the Europa League final loss to Tottenham. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Manchester United also look set to sell England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 20, in a bid to ease financial pressure on the club. (Sun), external
Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz, 22, would prefer to move to Liverpool instead of Bayern Munich if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen this summer. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Bayern Munich believe Brighton and Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma, 28, is a viable alternative to Wirtz. (Sky Germany), external
Everton have held talks with Ipswich and England Under-21 forward Liam Delap, 22, over a summer move and are also interested in Liverpool and Scotland winger Ben Doak, 19. (Guardian), external
Real Madrid view Liverpool and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as the natural successor to Croatia international Luka Modric, 39, who is leaving the Bernabeu this summer. (Fichajes in Spanish), external
RB Leipzig have been in contact with Arsenal's newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta about a potential deal to sell 21-year-old Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko. (Sky Sports Germany - in German), external
Wolves and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha, 25, is still happy to join Manchester United this summer despite their failure to qualify for European football next season. (Sky Sports), external
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 32 is set to leave the club with Saudi Pro League teams and Manchester United interested in the Argentina international. (Teamtalk), external
Aston Villa, West Ham and Leeds are eyeing a move for Southampton and Portugal Under-21 midfielder Matheus Fernandes, 20. (Football Insider)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Al Hilal want an answer from Bruno Fernandes by next week over whether he fancies a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Florian Wirtz has told Bayern Munich he is joining Liverpool in a move that will smash the British transfer record.
Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric is set to buy a £1.1m house on the outskirts of Swansea, leaving excited fans gobsmacked.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho look certain to be sold by cash-strapped Manchester United this summer.
Tom Lockyer has revealed he was hurt when Luton did not offer him a new contract this month.
Gary Lineker is planning for life as a "media disruptor" after leaving the BBC, according to reports.
Former Liverpool star Albert Riera is a leading contender to become the next Hull City boss.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Alejandro Garnacho's representatives are set to hold talks with Manchester United to discuss the Argentina forward's future amid his fury at being dropped for the Europa League final.
The inaugural edition of a 16-team Rugby Club World Cup is expected to take place at the end of the 2027-28 season after discussions in Cardiff on Friday.
Pep Guardiola has become embroiled in another club-vs-country row with England after being asked to make James McAtee and Rico Lewis available during the Club World Cup next month.
Everton are considering a summer move for Liverpool's Scotland winger Ben Doak as David Moyes' rebuilding plans take shape.
DAILY MAIL
Jack Grealish was the last to leave the celebrations as Kevin De Bruyne threw a stylish night out for his Manchester City team-mates and their loved ones as he prepares to bid farewell to his adopted home.
Manchester United have begun the process of telling staff they have lost their jobs, just hours after the team's defeat in the Europa League final.
At the age of 47, Tom Brady has been retired from football 'for good' for more than two years but the legendary quarterback is now plotting a stunning comeback.
Everton have held talks with in-demand striker Liam Delap and made their case for the £30m Ipswich man to join them over fellow Premier League rivals.
Michail Antonio has taken another huge step to returning to action with the West Ham striker back kicking balls in training with his team-mates.
Fans found with pyrotechnics at this weekend's play-off finals could be arrested and even jailed.
Newcastle defender Dan Burn is set to be rewarded for his brilliant season with a new contract.
DAILY MIRROR
Michael van Gerwen has been told that his 'race is run' after the Dutchman's retirement vow.
French Open chiefs will ban supporters from drinking alcohol in the stands as they look to clamp down on bad behaviour.
Viktor Gyokeres has revealed he prefers Lisbon to London after being linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal and Manchester United.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is considering his future, with Manchester United interested in signing the Crystal Palace striker this summer.
Arne Slot has revealed that he turned down the chance to manage Tottenham before agreeing to become Liverpool boss - and that he also had secret talks about taking over at another mystery Premier League club.
Liverpool are expected to offer Arne Slot a bumper new deal - and the title-winning boss has admitted he could see himself matching Jurgen Klopp's nine-year spell at Anfield.
THE GUARDIAN
Some of Harvard's sports teams would be virtually wiped out by a Trump administration decision announced on Thursday that would make the Ivy League school with the nation's largest athletic program ineligible for international student visas.
DAILY EXPRESS
Alexander Zverev has revealed his plane was struck by lightning on the way to the French Open.
THE ATHLETIC
Thomas Tuchel will use England's time in Catalonia next month to start preparing his players for the temperatures they will face in next summer's World Cup.
Arsenal's assistant sporting director Jason Ayto has left the club.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said "there are discussions" for Cristiano Ronaldo to play at this summer's newly expanded Club World Cup.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez led a players-only meeting after Inter Miami's 3-0 loss to Orlando City last weekend.
THE INDEPENDENT
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are among 10 clubs who are interested in a deal for Bruno Fernandes this summer,
Bayer Leverkusen are considering a move for Jadon Sancho, as he faces up to another move abroad in order to re-ignite his career.
Chelsea are still hoping to convince Liam Delap to move to Stamford Bridge rather than Manchester United, with their final game of the season potentially representing another game that could change the summer transfer market.
Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Antony from Manchester United this summer after the Brazilian's revelatory performances on loan at Real Betis.
THE TIMES
Tottenham Hotspur will not be among the top seeds for next season's Champions League as Uefa has ditched its previous policy of putting the Europa League winners in Pot 1 for the draw.
SCOTTISH SUN
Former Hamilton Accies star Andy Ryan has successfully appealed a whopping five-match ban - after the referee in question failed to turn up.
Celtic hero Daizen Maeda will be able to take a well-earned break after the Scottish Cup Final as Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu revealed he has rested him for their World Cup qualifiers.
Ian Gordon will become Hibs chairman on June 1, replacing Malcolm McPherson.
A Scottish FA panel has found Rangers' controversial 'ghost goal' against Hibs at Easter Road on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season should have stood.
DAILY RECORD
Youssef El Kachati has been scouted by Celtic with a view to signing him in the summer.
Jimmy Thelin has admitted Sir Alex Ferguson has offered him some advice going into the Scottish Cup final with Celtic.
Russell Martin is already putting plans in place for a potential Ibrox tenure.
Sport Witness
West Ham need another €10m for transfer after first bid turned down
By Sean Lunt
West Ham United have seen a €25m bid for Galatasaray’s Barış Alper Yılmaz turned down, with the Turkish club looking for €35m.
That’s according to Sozcu, who report that West Ham are the first side to have made an official offer for the forward.
They report that Yilmaz is on the list of European giants this summer after an impressive season in which he’s managed 14 goals and six assists in 48 games in all competitions.
It’s been a continuation of his ‘rising form’ over the last three seasons and West Ham are the first to make an official move for him. They’ve contacted Galatasaray’s management about a move, reportedly saying “We are ready to pay €25m”.
However, this figure doesn’t satisfy those in charge of the Turkish club, who immediately responded with a refusal.
They then immediately held an urgent meeting to discuss the transfer and decided that if West Ham were to increase their offer to €35m, they departure will be approved. No sale will be considered below that point.
Yilmaz, for his part, has made it clear he will follow Galatasaray’s wishes and not force an exit. So it is up for West Ham, who could also face competition from Napoli, to up their bid if they want to get this deal over the line.
C&H
West Ham stalk young Premier League-quality midfielder
When stories appear suggesting the Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez are on the way out of the door at London Stadium this summer, the hope is that there will be an intimate benefit to the club for saying goodbye to seasoned and in Soucek’s case anyway – popular servants of the club. Along with Soler and Guido Rodriguez’ departure, the Hammers will have serious holes to fill both in terms of skills but experience too.
The upside of this ‘scorched earth’ policy will be weighed during the summer transfer window and seeing who takes the pitch come August. The signs are encouraging with The Hammers being linked with some high profile midfielders (Mario Stroeykens of Anderlect in the last couple of days, for example) along with one or two less well known but nonetheless high calibre young talented players. One who fits into that category would certainly be 20 year-old Mateus Fernandes, Southampton’s newly relegated midfield talent.
Not the finished article by any means – hence an attainable £25 million price tag – but very highly thought-of at Southampton as reported in londonworld.com. I’m always conflicted at the prospect of pulling players away from relegated clubs – after all they did fail, didn’t they – but some of the best up and coming talent can be poached this way.
“The 20-year-old has made 35 appearances for the Saints this season, scoring two goals and provided three assists in a miserable campaign for the club… ” as the report sets out. Former Saints defender Jo Tessem is convinced:
“Mateus Fernandes is on people’s radar because every week he plays his heart out, he is by far the best player on the football pitch from a Saints perspective.”
Damning with faint praise, I believe that is called. However, Fernandez was voted fans’ player of the Season at St Mary’s.
As an up and coming prospect to grow into a Premier League midfield, Fernandez has a lot to offer. Filling the ‘experience’ hole left by the departure of more seasoned pro’s will be another matter for Potter to deal with.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes will be given a deadline of next week to decide if he wants to leave the club, with Al Hilal set to offer around £100m for the Portugal international, 30, who would earn around £65m a season in Saudi Arabia. (Mail), external
Bayern Munich could launch a blockbuster move for Fernandes although the transfer fee United would want may prove to be a stumbling block. (Teamtalk), external
Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, 20, is increasingly likely to leave Manchester United this summer after becoming disillusioned at his role under head coach Ruben Amorim. (ESPN), external
Garnacho's representatives are set to hold talks with Manchester United to discuss the Argentine's future after he was dropped for the Europa League final loss to Tottenham. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Manchester United also look set to sell England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 20, in a bid to ease financial pressure on the club. (Sun), external
Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz, 22, would prefer to move to Liverpool instead of Bayern Munich if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen this summer. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Bayern Munich believe Brighton and Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma, 28, is a viable alternative to Wirtz. (Sky Germany), external
Everton have held talks with Ipswich and England Under-21 forward Liam Delap, 22, over a summer move and are also interested in Liverpool and Scotland winger Ben Doak, 19. (Guardian), external
Real Madrid view Liverpool and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as the natural successor to Croatia international Luka Modric, 39, who is leaving the Bernabeu this summer. (Fichajes in Spanish), external
RB Leipzig have been in contact with Arsenal's newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta about a potential deal to sell 21-year-old Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko. (Sky Sports Germany - in German), external
Wolves and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha, 25, is still happy to join Manchester United this summer despite their failure to qualify for European football next season. (Sky Sports), external
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 32 is set to leave the club with Saudi Pro League teams and Manchester United interested in the Argentina international. (Teamtalk), external
Aston Villa, West Ham and Leeds are eyeing a move for Southampton and Portugal Under-21 midfielder Matheus Fernandes, 20. (Football Insider)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Al Hilal want an answer from Bruno Fernandes by next week over whether he fancies a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Florian Wirtz has told Bayern Munich he is joining Liverpool in a move that will smash the British transfer record.
Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric is set to buy a £1.1m house on the outskirts of Swansea, leaving excited fans gobsmacked.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho look certain to be sold by cash-strapped Manchester United this summer.
Tom Lockyer has revealed he was hurt when Luton did not offer him a new contract this month.
Gary Lineker is planning for life as a "media disruptor" after leaving the BBC, according to reports.
Former Liverpool star Albert Riera is a leading contender to become the next Hull City boss.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Alejandro Garnacho's representatives are set to hold talks with Manchester United to discuss the Argentina forward's future amid his fury at being dropped for the Europa League final.
The inaugural edition of a 16-team Rugby Club World Cup is expected to take place at the end of the 2027-28 season after discussions in Cardiff on Friday.
Pep Guardiola has become embroiled in another club-vs-country row with England after being asked to make James McAtee and Rico Lewis available during the Club World Cup next month.
Everton are considering a summer move for Liverpool's Scotland winger Ben Doak as David Moyes' rebuilding plans take shape.
DAILY MAIL
Jack Grealish was the last to leave the celebrations as Kevin De Bruyne threw a stylish night out for his Manchester City team-mates and their loved ones as he prepares to bid farewell to his adopted home.
Manchester United have begun the process of telling staff they have lost their jobs, just hours after the team's defeat in the Europa League final.
At the age of 47, Tom Brady has been retired from football 'for good' for more than two years but the legendary quarterback is now plotting a stunning comeback.
Everton have held talks with in-demand striker Liam Delap and made their case for the £30m Ipswich man to join them over fellow Premier League rivals.
Michail Antonio has taken another huge step to returning to action with the West Ham striker back kicking balls in training with his team-mates.
Fans found with pyrotechnics at this weekend's play-off finals could be arrested and even jailed.
Newcastle defender Dan Burn is set to be rewarded for his brilliant season with a new contract.
DAILY MIRROR
Michael van Gerwen has been told that his 'race is run' after the Dutchman's retirement vow.
French Open chiefs will ban supporters from drinking alcohol in the stands as they look to clamp down on bad behaviour.
Viktor Gyokeres has revealed he prefers Lisbon to London after being linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal and Manchester United.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is considering his future, with Manchester United interested in signing the Crystal Palace striker this summer.
Arne Slot has revealed that he turned down the chance to manage Tottenham before agreeing to become Liverpool boss - and that he also had secret talks about taking over at another mystery Premier League club.
Liverpool are expected to offer Arne Slot a bumper new deal - and the title-winning boss has admitted he could see himself matching Jurgen Klopp's nine-year spell at Anfield.
THE GUARDIAN
Some of Harvard's sports teams would be virtually wiped out by a Trump administration decision announced on Thursday that would make the Ivy League school with the nation's largest athletic program ineligible for international student visas.
DAILY EXPRESS
Alexander Zverev has revealed his plane was struck by lightning on the way to the French Open.
THE ATHLETIC
Thomas Tuchel will use England's time in Catalonia next month to start preparing his players for the temperatures they will face in next summer's World Cup.
Arsenal's assistant sporting director Jason Ayto has left the club.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said "there are discussions" for Cristiano Ronaldo to play at this summer's newly expanded Club World Cup.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez led a players-only meeting after Inter Miami's 3-0 loss to Orlando City last weekend.
THE INDEPENDENT
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are among 10 clubs who are interested in a deal for Bruno Fernandes this summer,
Bayer Leverkusen are considering a move for Jadon Sancho, as he faces up to another move abroad in order to re-ignite his career.
Chelsea are still hoping to convince Liam Delap to move to Stamford Bridge rather than Manchester United, with their final game of the season potentially representing another game that could change the summer transfer market.
Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Antony from Manchester United this summer after the Brazilian's revelatory performances on loan at Real Betis.
THE TIMES
Tottenham Hotspur will not be among the top seeds for next season's Champions League as Uefa has ditched its previous policy of putting the Europa League winners in Pot 1 for the draw.
SCOTTISH SUN
Former Hamilton Accies star Andy Ryan has successfully appealed a whopping five-match ban - after the referee in question failed to turn up.
Celtic hero Daizen Maeda will be able to take a well-earned break after the Scottish Cup Final as Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu revealed he has rested him for their World Cup qualifiers.
Ian Gordon will become Hibs chairman on June 1, replacing Malcolm McPherson.
A Scottish FA panel has found Rangers' controversial 'ghost goal' against Hibs at Easter Road on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season should have stood.
DAILY RECORD
Youssef El Kachati has been scouted by Celtic with a view to signing him in the summer.
Jimmy Thelin has admitted Sir Alex Ferguson has offered him some advice going into the Scottish Cup final with Celtic.
Russell Martin is already putting plans in place for a potential Ibrox tenure.
Sport Witness
West Ham need another €10m for transfer after first bid turned down
By Sean Lunt
West Ham United have seen a €25m bid for Galatasaray’s Barış Alper Yılmaz turned down, with the Turkish club looking for €35m.
That’s according to Sozcu, who report that West Ham are the first side to have made an official offer for the forward.
They report that Yilmaz is on the list of European giants this summer after an impressive season in which he’s managed 14 goals and six assists in 48 games in all competitions.
It’s been a continuation of his ‘rising form’ over the last three seasons and West Ham are the first to make an official move for him. They’ve contacted Galatasaray’s management about a move, reportedly saying “We are ready to pay €25m”.
However, this figure doesn’t satisfy those in charge of the Turkish club, who immediately responded with a refusal.
They then immediately held an urgent meeting to discuss the transfer and decided that if West Ham were to increase their offer to €35m, they departure will be approved. No sale will be considered below that point.
Yilmaz, for his part, has made it clear he will follow Galatasaray’s wishes and not force an exit. So it is up for West Ham, who could also face competition from Napoli, to up their bid if they want to get this deal over the line.
C&H
West Ham stalk young Premier League-quality midfielder
When stories appear suggesting the Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez are on the way out of the door at London Stadium this summer, the hope is that there will be an intimate benefit to the club for saying goodbye to seasoned and in Soucek’s case anyway – popular servants of the club. Along with Soler and Guido Rodriguez’ departure, the Hammers will have serious holes to fill both in terms of skills but experience too.
The upside of this ‘scorched earth’ policy will be weighed during the summer transfer window and seeing who takes the pitch come August. The signs are encouraging with The Hammers being linked with some high profile midfielders (Mario Stroeykens of Anderlect in the last couple of days, for example) along with one or two less well known but nonetheless high calibre young talented players. One who fits into that category would certainly be 20 year-old Mateus Fernandes, Southampton’s newly relegated midfield talent.
Not the finished article by any means – hence an attainable £25 million price tag – but very highly thought-of at Southampton as reported in londonworld.com. I’m always conflicted at the prospect of pulling players away from relegated clubs – after all they did fail, didn’t they – but some of the best up and coming talent can be poached this way.
“The 20-year-old has made 35 appearances for the Saints this season, scoring two goals and provided three assists in a miserable campaign for the club… ” as the report sets out. Former Saints defender Jo Tessem is convinced:
“Mateus Fernandes is on people’s radar because every week he plays his heart out, he is by far the best player on the football pitch from a Saints perspective.”
Damning with faint praise, I believe that is called. However, Fernandez was voted fans’ player of the Season at St Mary’s.
As an up and coming prospect to grow into a Premier League midfield, Fernandez has a lot to offer. Filling the ‘experience’ hole left by the departure of more seasoned pro’s will be another matter for Potter to deal with.