Sunday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 12 Oct 2025, 09:43
BBC
Adam Wharton, 21, is emerging as a target for Manchester United. The England international is admired at Old Trafford and the club might bid as much as £60m for the Crystal Palace midfielder. (Mirror), external
Meanwhile, United will not consider England manager Thomas Tuchel as a potential replacement should they sack Ruben Amorim. (Sun), external
Bayern Munich are determined to extend the contract of defender Dayot Upamecano, 26, amid interest from Liverpool, despite the German club not being able to agree an improved offer for the centre-back who could leave for free in June 2026. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Real Madrid are planning to sell forward Vinicius Junior, 25, for a world record fee in a bid to fund the signing of 25-year-old Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. (CaughtOffside), external
Nottingham Forest have a real interest in Rafael Benitez as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou should they decide to part ways with the Australian manager. (Football Insider) , external
Manchester United are facing a battle with Tottenham Hotspur for 26-year-old Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Crystal Palace have identified West Ham United defender Max Kilman, 28, as a potential replacement for Marc Guehi should the England centre-back leave in the January transfer window. (Football Insider) , external
England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, 32, would reject any big-money offer from Saudi Arabia if the club offered him a new contract. (Star), external
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 24, is attracting interest from Real Madrid but the Blues would demand an offer of at least £120m for the World Cup winner. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, 24, has emerged as a January target for Serie A club Roma. (Gazetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
And Turkish club Galatasaray are leading the race to sign United's 26-year-old defender Tyrell Malacia. (Star)
Sky Paper Talk
SUNDAY MIRROR
Manchester United are planning to launch a £60m move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, with club bosses believing a bid in that region would be good enough to tempt the Eagles to sell their sought-after playmaker.
Marcus Rashford has set his heart on Barcelona - even with other big clubs circling.
Harry Maguire is ready to snub a £500k-a-week deal to move to Saudi Arabia to stay at Manchester United - if they offer him a new contract.
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
Sean Dyche is emerging as the frontrunner to take over at Nottingham Forest should owner Evangelos Marinakis decide to cut his losses on Ange Postecoglou.
THE SUN ON SUNDAY
Thomas Tuchel will not come into Manchester United's consideration if they dismiss Ruben Amorim mid-season.
The Glazers are finally willing to sell Manchester United, according to a stunning claim by an investor who previously failed to buy into the club.
MAIL ON SUNDAY
South Africa's double World Cup-winning stars are understood to be keen to bid for what would be an unprecedented third straight global crown rather than signing for R360.
THE SUNDAY TIMES
UEFA is to hold a major review of international qualifiers amid fears that fans are losing interest in the matches.
THE ATHLETIC
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe avoided a serious injury after sustaining an ankle issue during France's 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan.
THE STAR ON SUNDAY
Galatasaray are leading the race to sign Manchester United outcast Tyrell Malacia.
Sport Witness
‘Constant talks’ to sign West Ham star – January move on cards
Flamengo are ‘preparing an offer’ to try and get Lucas Paquetá out of West Ham United in the January transfer window.
That’s according to Bolavip, who report that technical director José Boto is ‘at the forefront’ of the move. In fact, according to their information, he is in ‘constant talks’ with Paquetá’s entourage.
The Rio de Janeiro club believe that there’s a chance to bring the midfielder ‘back home’ next year.
He’s a long-standing dream for the club. He is a product of their youth system and made 95 appearances in the first team before joining AC Milan in 2019. He’s also long made it clear that his ‘top priority’ is to play for them when he returns to Brazil.
Flamengo were thrilled when he didn’t join another English side in the past. Now they’re eyeing up a move in the coming months. The belief is that West Ham will need to sell next summer as he’ll be in the final year of his contract. A move in January would be more attractive than a low-cost exit six months later.
Flamengo’s board believe they can buy him from West Ham. They already saved €15m this summer and will have ‘significantly more money’ by 2026. Enough to make them capable of ‘repatriating the star player’.
Paquetá, for his part, is not 100% happy in England. He wants to play for a more competitive team with the World Cup in mind next summer. A move in January would be ideal for that.
Negotiations are likely to heat up again very soon. José Boto is in constant conversation with Paquetá’s agents, and a new official offer will be made in the winter window.
C&H
Nuno’s ‘super agent’ tie-in fuels West Ham transfer optimism
While Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment as West Ham manager has reignited talk of a potential influx of Jorge Mendes represented talent, history suggests fans should temper expectations. The Portuguese manager’s past dealings particularly during his stint at Tottenham indicate a more nuanced relationship with the super agent than many assume.
Jorge Mendes, one of football’s most influential ‘super agents’, is often linked with high-profile transfers and a network of Portuguese talent. His association with Nuno Espirito Santo, forged during their time together at Wolves, has led to speculation that West Ham could tap into Mendes’ client list to revamp their squad in the January transfer window.
However, Nuno’s track record at Tottenham tells a different story. During his brief tenure there, his two most expensive signings Emerson Royal and Cristian Romero were not Mendes clients. This suggests that while the two may share a professional rapport, Nuno does not rely exclusively on Mendes for recruitment decisions and unbridled optimism over a stellar upcoming winter window is probably premature!
‘Super agent’ unlikely to be driving transfer business this winter
According to recent reports, West Ham have already outlined their January transfer plans. Spanish news outlet, Fichajes have stated the club are monitoring Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque, a move that does not appear to be brokered by Mendes. Chris Wood, another target is represented by CAA Base.
The Hammers are considering Adama Traoré, a player previously managed by Nuno at Wolves and represented by Mendes, but this seems more a case of familiarity than agent-driven strategy.
Jorge Mendes’ reach in the Premier League is undeniable. He represents several current managers including Enzo Maresca (Chelsea), Unai Emery (Aston Villa), Marco Silva (Fulham), and Vitor Pereira (Wolves).
His widespread influence also means that Mendes’ players are in demand across multiple clubs, not just West Ham. The Hammers will need to compete strategically if they choose to pursue any Mendes-represented talent.
While Mendes’ connection to Nuno may offer West Ham access to a broader talent pool, it’s unlikely to be the sole driver of their January transfer activity. Nuno’s history refreshingly suggests a more balanced approach. West Ham fans hoping for a Mendes-fueled revolution may need to adjust their expectations, but they can still look forward to a refreshed squad shaped by Nuno’s own footballing philosophy.
Despite this – David Sullivan is likely to still have a “hands on” approach to transfers in the January transfer window!
Adam Wharton, 21, is emerging as a target for Manchester United. The England international is admired at Old Trafford and the club might bid as much as £60m for the Crystal Palace midfielder. (Mirror), external
Meanwhile, United will not consider England manager Thomas Tuchel as a potential replacement should they sack Ruben Amorim. (Sun), external
Bayern Munich are determined to extend the contract of defender Dayot Upamecano, 26, amid interest from Liverpool, despite the German club not being able to agree an improved offer for the centre-back who could leave for free in June 2026. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Real Madrid are planning to sell forward Vinicius Junior, 25, for a world record fee in a bid to fund the signing of 25-year-old Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. (CaughtOffside), external
Nottingham Forest have a real interest in Rafael Benitez as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou should they decide to part ways with the Australian manager. (Football Insider) , external
Manchester United are facing a battle with Tottenham Hotspur for 26-year-old Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Crystal Palace have identified West Ham United defender Max Kilman, 28, as a potential replacement for Marc Guehi should the England centre-back leave in the January transfer window. (Football Insider) , external
England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, 32, would reject any big-money offer from Saudi Arabia if the club offered him a new contract. (Star), external
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 24, is attracting interest from Real Madrid but the Blues would demand an offer of at least £120m for the World Cup winner. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, 24, has emerged as a January target for Serie A club Roma. (Gazetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
And Turkish club Galatasaray are leading the race to sign United's 26-year-old defender Tyrell Malacia. (Star)
Sky Paper Talk
SUNDAY MIRROR
Manchester United are planning to launch a £60m move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, with club bosses believing a bid in that region would be good enough to tempt the Eagles to sell their sought-after playmaker.
Marcus Rashford has set his heart on Barcelona - even with other big clubs circling.
Harry Maguire is ready to snub a £500k-a-week deal to move to Saudi Arabia to stay at Manchester United - if they offer him a new contract.
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
Sean Dyche is emerging as the frontrunner to take over at Nottingham Forest should owner Evangelos Marinakis decide to cut his losses on Ange Postecoglou.
THE SUN ON SUNDAY
Thomas Tuchel will not come into Manchester United's consideration if they dismiss Ruben Amorim mid-season.
The Glazers are finally willing to sell Manchester United, according to a stunning claim by an investor who previously failed to buy into the club.
MAIL ON SUNDAY
South Africa's double World Cup-winning stars are understood to be keen to bid for what would be an unprecedented third straight global crown rather than signing for R360.
THE SUNDAY TIMES
UEFA is to hold a major review of international qualifiers amid fears that fans are losing interest in the matches.
THE ATHLETIC
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe avoided a serious injury after sustaining an ankle issue during France's 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan.
THE STAR ON SUNDAY
Galatasaray are leading the race to sign Manchester United outcast Tyrell Malacia.
Sport Witness
‘Constant talks’ to sign West Ham star – January move on cards
Flamengo are ‘preparing an offer’ to try and get Lucas Paquetá out of West Ham United in the January transfer window.
That’s according to Bolavip, who report that technical director José Boto is ‘at the forefront’ of the move. In fact, according to their information, he is in ‘constant talks’ with Paquetá’s entourage.
The Rio de Janeiro club believe that there’s a chance to bring the midfielder ‘back home’ next year.
He’s a long-standing dream for the club. He is a product of their youth system and made 95 appearances in the first team before joining AC Milan in 2019. He’s also long made it clear that his ‘top priority’ is to play for them when he returns to Brazil.
Flamengo were thrilled when he didn’t join another English side in the past. Now they’re eyeing up a move in the coming months. The belief is that West Ham will need to sell next summer as he’ll be in the final year of his contract. A move in January would be more attractive than a low-cost exit six months later.
Flamengo’s board believe they can buy him from West Ham. They already saved €15m this summer and will have ‘significantly more money’ by 2026. Enough to make them capable of ‘repatriating the star player’.
Paquetá, for his part, is not 100% happy in England. He wants to play for a more competitive team with the World Cup in mind next summer. A move in January would be ideal for that.
Negotiations are likely to heat up again very soon. José Boto is in constant conversation with Paquetá’s agents, and a new official offer will be made in the winter window.
C&H
Nuno’s ‘super agent’ tie-in fuels West Ham transfer optimism
While Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment as West Ham manager has reignited talk of a potential influx of Jorge Mendes represented talent, history suggests fans should temper expectations. The Portuguese manager’s past dealings particularly during his stint at Tottenham indicate a more nuanced relationship with the super agent than many assume.
Jorge Mendes, one of football’s most influential ‘super agents’, is often linked with high-profile transfers and a network of Portuguese talent. His association with Nuno Espirito Santo, forged during their time together at Wolves, has led to speculation that West Ham could tap into Mendes’ client list to revamp their squad in the January transfer window.
However, Nuno’s track record at Tottenham tells a different story. During his brief tenure there, his two most expensive signings Emerson Royal and Cristian Romero were not Mendes clients. This suggests that while the two may share a professional rapport, Nuno does not rely exclusively on Mendes for recruitment decisions and unbridled optimism over a stellar upcoming winter window is probably premature!
‘Super agent’ unlikely to be driving transfer business this winter
According to recent reports, West Ham have already outlined their January transfer plans. Spanish news outlet, Fichajes have stated the club are monitoring Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque, a move that does not appear to be brokered by Mendes. Chris Wood, another target is represented by CAA Base.
The Hammers are considering Adama Traoré, a player previously managed by Nuno at Wolves and represented by Mendes, but this seems more a case of familiarity than agent-driven strategy.
Jorge Mendes’ reach in the Premier League is undeniable. He represents several current managers including Enzo Maresca (Chelsea), Unai Emery (Aston Villa), Marco Silva (Fulham), and Vitor Pereira (Wolves).
His widespread influence also means that Mendes’ players are in demand across multiple clubs, not just West Ham. The Hammers will need to compete strategically if they choose to pursue any Mendes-represented talent.
While Mendes’ connection to Nuno may offer West Ham access to a broader talent pool, it’s unlikely to be the sole driver of their January transfer activity. Nuno’s history refreshingly suggests a more balanced approach. West Ham fans hoping for a Mendes-fueled revolution may need to adjust their expectations, but they can still look forward to a refreshed squad shaped by Nuno’s own footballing philosophy.
Despite this – David Sullivan is likely to still have a “hands on” approach to transfers in the January transfer window!