All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

As per BBC journalist Simon Stone, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s attempt to sign Wolves star Adama Traore this month as manager Antonio Conte seeks his first signing.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Traore talks…

Over the last two weeks, the Lilywhites have been heavily linked with a move for the Spain international as Matt Law of The Telegraph even claimed they were attempting a possible loan-to-buy deal (Twitter).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-5/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Conte, aiming to strengthen his options at right-wing-back, has apparently mapped a role for Traore in that position – akin to how he transformed his former player Victor Moses during a stint across London at rivals Chelsea (The Athletic).

Just over a week of the January transfer window remains as Spurs and managing director Fabio Paratici chase much-needed N17 additions, with BBC reporter Stone now sharing an update on their attempts to sign the 25-year-old.

The Latest: Tottenham offer expected…

According to his information (8:38, Jan 21), after Wolves rejected their initial £15m bid, the Molineux side ‘expect’ Tottenham to ‘return with another offer’ for Traore before deadline day.

They are open to letting the Spaniard leave in order to fund manager Bruno Lage’s own transfer plans, but the price must be right for them to entertain a deal.

The Verdict: Making progress?

Depending on Tottenham’s next offer, Conte may well be edging slowly but surely to his first signing at the club, and it could be an exciting capture.

Pundit Noel Whelan lauded Traore as an addition which ‘could really excite the Tottenham fans’ and it’s hard to disagree going by the numbers.

According to WhoScored, the winger has averaged a very impressive 4.3 completed dribbles per 90 in the Premier League this season – far more than any Lilywhites man in Conte’s current squad by comparison (WhoScored).

This highlights his potential to be a genuine threat at right-back under the Italian and supporters may be hoping that the man named Wolves’ ‘big name’ by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers finally makes the move down south soon.

In other news: Spurs also allegedly ‘edging closer’ to signing ‘massive’ £15m man for Conte, find out more here.

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side will undoubtedly be heading into Wednesday night’s Premiership fixture against St. Mirren in fine spirits, having just won the 56-year-old manager his first trophy as the Bhoys boss – defeating Hibernian 2-1 at Hampden Park in the League Cup final on Sunday afternoon.

However, while Kyogo Furuhashi and Mikey Johnston both returned from injury to play a part in the cup final last weekend, Postecoglou looks as if he will still be without the services of Jota, James Forrest, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Albian Ajeti and the newly injured David Turnbull for the trip to St. Mirren Park tomorrow evening – all of whom appear to be continued absences due to various knocks.

Although, with the games coming thick and fast for Celtic at present, a fixture against the team who currently sit ninth in the Premiership table may not be the worst time to rest a couple of the Hoops’ more regular starters, while simultaneously presenting the 56-year-old Bhoys boss with the opportunity to field a number of his exciting up and coming youth prospects – arguably the most talented of whom is 19-year-old, Owen Moffat.

Postecoglou must unleash Moffat

Having been brought on in both the 2-1 Premiership win over Ross County and the 2-1 League Cup final victory over Hibs last week, the teenage left-winger is undoubtedly a player who will be pushing for a starting spot in Postecoglou’s side over the coming weeks.

And, considering how impressive the youngster has been for Celtic’s B team side so far this season, it would very much appear as if Moffat is worthy of a shot from the off against St. Mirren on Wednesday evening.

Indeed, the forward is the reserve side’s top goalscorer in the Scottish Lowland League, having bagged 11 times in the division already this season – five more than any of his teammates.

As a result of this form, as well as Celtic’s crippling injury list, Postecoglou called the 19-year-old up to first-team training last week, and the 56-year-old appears to be incredibly impressed with the way the youngster has performed at Lennoxtown.

Speaking about Moffat, the Bhoys boss said: “Life is about opportunity. Not just being in the right place at the right time, but also being ready for it. Moff probably wasn’t in the calculations two weeks ago, but we just had so many injuries and we brought him into training and he has looked bright.

“We brought him on the other night and he looked good. That, to me, is a lesson for every player out there. You have to be ready for that opportunity.”

And, although the Hoops’ injury list has been slighted shortened by the return of both Kyogo and Johnston, should Postecoglou wish to keep as many of his first-team players as possible fit over the coming weeks, he must start rotating his squad more efficiently – leading us to believe that the Greek-Australian coach simply must start Moffat against St. Mirren tomorrow night.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops exciting Celtic transfer update that will have fans buzzing

Celtic goalkeepers Vasilis Barkas and Conor Hazard could leave the club in January, according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Lack of game time…

Both Barkas and Hazard featured in stages last season under Neil Lennon but have fallen out of favour during the current campaign.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-20/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Barkas, labelled as ‘horrendous’ by pundit Tam McManus, made 22 appearances last season but has started just twice under Ange Postecoglou.

Meanwhile, Hazard, described as ‘jittery’ by pundit Natasha Meikle, is yet to feature in 2021/22 after making six appearances last season.

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

Devlin shared a transfer mailbag on The Athletic on Wednesday, answering numerous questions from Hoops fans ahead of the January window.

He was asked about the club’s goalkeepers, with Devlin admitting Celtic ‘will attempt to move Barkas on in January, although his wages might make a permanent transfer difficult.’

Devlin then said that Hazard ‘might be moved on too, again depending on what kind of loan bids or permanent offers comes in’.

The reliable reporter revealed that there are no immediate plans to replace Scott Bain, with Celtic also having high hopes for teenager Tobi Oluwayemi.

The Verdict: The right calls?

It seems as if Barkas and Hazard aren’t in the club’s long-term plans, so looking to move them on next month appears to be the right call.

Hazard only penned new Parkhead terms back in March, but it doesn’t look like he’s fancied by Postecoglou given he hasn’t even featured under the gaffer, with youngster Oluwayemi possibly identified as the first-choice in the long run.

On that basis, selling or moving the pair out on loan could be a wise decision, but even though they’ve hardly played this season that doesn’t mean the club should accept any old lowball offers that come in.

In other news: Print newspaper reveal Celtic now want left-footed ace who’s racked up £20m in transfer fees. 

Taking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing amid a fresh transfer claim involving Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

Irons manager David Moyes, who has stated publicly his wish to strengthen in January, has been mainly tipped to target three main positions for the squad.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-developments-2/” title=”West Ham developments” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

As per The Evening Standard, it is believed that the Scotsman would ideally like to add a striker, a new centre-half and England international Jesse Lingard to his roster as he seeks to reinforce his options.

West Ham have dropped points in their last three Premier League games, losing to both Wolves and Manchester City before failing to see out their home encounter with Brighton on Wednesday night in a 1-1 draw.

As January looms, it could be a chance for the Irons and new recruitment chief Rob Newman to gift Moyes a boost, with Football Insider now claiming that the groundwork is being laid for a move to sign Reds defender Phillips.

According to their sources, as also shared by The Sun, West Ham are lining up a move for the 24-year-old in mid-season, and it is believed that as little as £12m could seal a transfer.

West Ham fans buzzing…

Taking into account Phillips’ age, price tag and ability, it’s little wonder so many Hammers fans believe he is a ‘bargain’ waiting to happen.

According to WhoScored, the towering 6 foot 3 centre-back averaged more clearances per 90 (4.8) than any West Ham defender in the the Premier League over 2020/21. Furthermore, only midfielder Tomas Soucek (6.2) racked up more aerial duels among Moyes’ squad in that time than Phillips (5.6), highlighting the Reds defender’s colossal presence.

Still fairly young at 24, homegrown, seemingly adept at the top level and valued at just £12m, you can understand why many West Ham fans are buzzing as their club eye a “bargain” January move for the Liverpool centre-back.

Check out some of their reactions below:

“he’s absolutely unreal”

Credit: @whucharlie_

“£12m is a bargain for a player of his age and quality. Let’s get it done if that’s all it takes”

Credit: @TEJAddison

“Absolute bargain.”

Credit: @LeeScourfield

“Wouldn’t be a bad signing at all if true, young and already with PL experience, would give us 3 young and experienced CBs in him, Zouma and Diop and then with the years of experience of Dawson too, no brainer for me”

Credit: @TomGuy93

“Would be a great addition.”

Credit: @WHUSamzini

“Yes”

Credit: @mattingram28

“I’d like this. Always looked comfortable when playing for Liverpool.”

Credit: @Denner7s

In other news: Newman now eyeing West Ham bid to sign 129-goal ‘big name’ striker in January, find out more here.

Rangers have to be careful that Ryan Jack’s current injury absence doesn’t become a long-term issue, according to expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Jack sidelined by injury

Jack has been an excellent performer for the Gers since joining from Aberdeen in 2017, scoring 11 goals in 133 appearances.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed that the midfielder will be absent until after the winter break, however, having not started a league game since February. Injuries are unfortunately a massive talking point with the talented midfielder, as some fans were even ready to give up on him after this latest blow.

The hope is that Jack will be back on the pitch as soon as possible but a warning has been fired to the Scottish Premiership champions from Dinnery, who runs PremierInjuries.com.

The Latest: Expert fires warning

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery claimed it would be reckless to rush Jack back after such a long absence, risking him being out until near the spring:

“Rangers need to be careful with Ryan Jack. It doesn’t matter how much work you do behind the scenes, you can’t replicate the cut and thrust of playing for the first team competitively.

“Players suffering soft tissue problems are particularly susceptible in the first 28 days when they are reintroduced to the rigours of competitive football.

“So this doesn’t come as any great surprise. It’s very, very frustrating for the player, but it’s just the way it is. You need to manage them so carefully. A setback that can keep you out for two weeks could easily turn into eight.

“So you always have to err on the side of caution when it comes to muscle problems.”

The Verdict: Too important risk

Jack has suffered a hugely frustrating period in his career in 2021, and while there is a need to get him back on the pitch regularly, any rushed thinking now could be a disaster.

The 29-year-old must only return when he is fully fit, hopefully enjoying the same influence he did before his setback earlier in the year, with Steven Gerrard hailing him as ‘fantastic’.

Jack has enjoyed a 90.7% pass completion rate in his rare time on the pitch in the league this season, which bodes well, but another major setback in his recovery as he approaches his thirties could be the end of his time as a consistent option for the Light Blues.

In other news, three Rangers players struggled against St Johnstone. Find out who they are here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a move to bring Renato Sanches to Molineux in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to John Percy’s recent report for The Telegraph, with the journalist revealing that Bruno Lage and Jeff Shi are planning to revive their summer interest in the LOSC Lille midfielder this winter.

Percy goes on to claim that Wolves are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 24-year-old ahead of a potential January swoop, with Lage keen to bring in reinforcements to bolster his options in the middle of the park for the second half of the campaign.

He’d solve Wolves’ biggest issue

Following the departure of Morgan Gibbs-White on a season-long loan deal this summer, it was clear for all to see that Wolves were desperately lacking in a more attacking option in central midfield, with none of Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho or Leander Dendoncker being particularly forward-thinking on the pitch.

Rather predictably, this has caused Lage something of a problem so far this season, as the 45-year-old manager has been heavily reliant on his forwards for both creativity and goals – with only 16% of Wolves’ six Premier League assists coming from midfield, while just 9% of the club’s 11 league goals have come from the middle of the park.

As such, it would certainly appear advisable for Shi to bring in a more attack-minded central midfielder this winter, with Renato Sanches looking to be a very attractive option.

While the Portugal international has suffered from a series of niggling injuries since his £18m move to Lille back in the summer of 2019, the 24-year-old’s returns in Ligue 1 would nevertheless suggest he could well be the creative spark Wolves are crying out for.

Indeed, over his 19 Ligue 1 appearances in 2019/20, the £27m-rated man scored three goals, registered one assist and created five big chances for his teammates, with these returns seeing the midfielder earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.06.

Over his 23 appearances in the following campaign, Sanches once again impressed, scoring one goal, providing three assists and once more creating five big chances for his teammates, metrics that saw the former Bayern Munich man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.90.

And, despite having failed to find the back of the net or register an assist over his five Ligue 1 appearances this season, the £51k-per-week man has made an average of 1.5 key passes per game – a statistic that would rank him top of the Wolves’ midfielder charts.

As such, it would seem a very wise move indeed for Shi to once again pursue a deal for the man who Mats Hummels dubbed an “irresistible” talent this winter, as Sanches could well be the answer to Lage’s midfield.

In other news: Lage could save Wolves millions with “authoritative” £14k-p/w beast, he’s Coady’s heir

As per reporter Jason Burt of The Telegraph, West Ham United have been dealt a blow in their quest to sign Jesse Lingard on a permanent deal.

The Lowdown: Lingard move edging closer?

Over the last few days, it’s safe to say there have been a few seismic developments in the ever-changing saga that is the 28-year-old’s future at Manchester United.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-developments-2/” title=”West Ham developments” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The England international snubbed a permanent move to West Ham on the promise of regular game-time under former Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Alas, after playing just 64 minutes in the Premier League this season, Lingard has now decided to shelve contract talks as he seeks a move away from Old Trafford in January (BBC).

In step West Ham, who are apparently ready to take full advantage, with a report from The Sun even believing that the 28-year-old is already ‘making personal arrangements’ to return to London. Lingard also dropped a teasing Irons transfer hint on Instagram, adding fuel to the fire of a possible reunion with David Moyes at the London Stadium.

The Latest: Burt shares Lingard twist…

However, sharing what he’s heard in a possible blow, Burt of The Telegraph has revealed a twist to the tale.

Indeed, according to his information, West Ham will attempt to re-sign Lingard in January, but the Red Devils may refuse to do a deal.

This is because they now regard Moyes’ side as top four rivals and are therefore reluctant to do business, potentially ‘worried’ that the midfielder could help West Ham to finish in the coveted Champions League qualifying spots ahead of them.

The Verdict: Blow for Moyes?

Going by this claim, Moyes would potentially have to wait till the summer of 2022 to sign Lingard as a free agent if his current club refuse to negotiate.

Amid the congested calendar, West Ham may need backing in the winter window if they’re to maintain their impressive start to 2021/22.

Lingard is seen as a big part of that plan with a report from The Evening Standard namedropping him as a transfer priority alongside the additions of a new striker and marquee centre-back.

After scoring nine goals and setting up four others in his 16 top-flight appearances on loan for West Ham in 2020/21, there is no question that his arrival mid-season would boost Moyes’ chances of finishing in the top four.

Having to wait until next summer to sign him on a free would be a dampener to their transfer plans but it remains to be seen whether Manchester United can afford to ignore the opportunity to do business while they could still get a fee for him.

In other news: ‘Please’, ‘Hope this is true’ – Some West Ham fans flock to exciting claim on Ogbonna ‘upgrade’, find out more here

As confirmed by Tottenham Hotspur on their official website, Nuno Espirito Santo will still be without defender Matt Doherty for their highly anticipated London derby clash against West Ham United today.

The Lowdown: Doherty injured…

Looking to reignite his Spurs career under the manager who made him a success at Wolves, it’s safe to say that the 29-year-old hasn’t exactly achieved that so far.

Once labelled ‘fantastic’ by Nuno, the Republic of Ireland international has cut a bit-part figure yet again so far and is arguably third-choice right-back behind the likes of Japhet Tanganga and summer signing Emerson Royal.

He also isn’t helped by his fitness levels as Spurs shared an update prior to today’s match.

The Latest: Doherty out of West Ham clash…

As confirmed in an update from Tottenham on their official website, Doherty will miss the clash against West Ham today, and Nuno is expected to bring back many of the players who missed their midweek trip to Vitesse Arnhem.

As well as the 29-year-old, Spurs will also still be without left-back Ryan Sessegnon, who still hasn’t recovered from a knock sustained during the torrid September international break.

The Verdict: Blow for Doherty…

Doherty will be personally gutted to miss out on one of Tottenham’s highly-anticipated London derby clashes of the year against bitter rivals West Ham, especially as his future hangs in the balance.

While it is a point of contention whether he would have actually featured, the right-back represents a different outlet for Nuno, and it has been a debate whether the Portuguese could start using him in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 system akin to his time at Molineux.

Alas, the Irishman will not get the opportunity to do so this afternoon.

In other news: Paratici may now be willing to offer ‘frightening’ player more than £200k-p/w to join Tottenham! Find out more here.

West Ham United made it five wins in a row as they thrashed ten-man Aston Villa in the Midlands on Sunday evening.

David Moyes’ side remained in fourth place but moved level on points with defending champions Manchester City, which only goes to show just how the Irons are playing right now.

It was yet another fine performance and another game in which Declan Rice looked class above the rest on the pitch, earning Sky Sports’ ‘Man of the Match’ award, though he admitted in his post-game interview that he was rather sloppy in the second half [18:36pm].

The England international was one of four different goalscorers, perhaps more surprisingly, one of those was not leading talisman Michail Antonio.

Academy gem Ben Johnson bagged his first-ever goal for the club, topping off an excellent run in the side, having kept six clean sheets from six starts before kickoff.

His impressive form has made it tough for Moyes to bring Vladimir Coufal straight back into the side following injury and understandably so, he was rewarded with a goal and yet another defensive masterclass to match.

Johnson’s 8.2 rating on SofaScore was only bettered by one other player in Rice, whilst he recorded a match-high eight tackles and also made four interceptions, two clearances and one block.

So not only did he open the scoring just seven minutes into the match with a beautiful strike on his weak foot, having cut inside from the right flank, but he also averted the danger of Leon Bailey and co, all of whom have been brought in to replace Jack Grealish.

Elsewhere, he was a hard man to dispose the ball of, winning eight of nine ground duels (88.8%), whilst he did not commit a single foul throughout the game. All the more impressive at just 21 years of age.

The Evening Standard were equally glowing of Johnson as they handed him an 8/10 in their post-match ratings column – the same as what Rice and Jarrod Bowen also received, which is a credit to the defender.

Dubbed “sensational” earlier in the week by club insider ExWHUemployee, the young Chadwell Heath gem fully justified his selection and on the night, he arguably stole the show at Villa Park.

AND in other news, “We have also been told”: Ex drops big West Ham takeover update, fans will be buzzing…

West Ham United slumped to their second Premier League defeat of the season as they were beaten by Yoane Wissa’s last-minute winner at the London Stadium.

David Moyes’ men looked to be settling for a point against Brentford after Jarrod Bowen fired a driven shot past the visiting goalkeeper in the 80th minute to cancel out Bryan Mbeumo’s fortuitous opener.

But the super substitute scored with the last kick of the game to hand the Bees all three points.

Plenty of the Irons’ key starters were simply not at the races on the afternoon, including Tomas Soucek, who had a ‘shocker’ according to the Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser, and veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who was beaten far too easily for both goals.

However, on his return from injury, Vladimir Coufal looked some way off it. Perhaps he was rushed back too soon. He looked leggy, he looked error-prone and he was just not at his usually impressive high standard, at both ends of the pitch.

The Czech Republic right-back was well-beaten in the air by Pontus Jansson, who saw his header glance into the path of the goalscoring Wissa.

Earning a 6.7 rating on SofaScore, the 29-year-old defender was rather wasteful with the ball, managing only 23 passes at a success rate of just 55% – the worst of any outfield player – and he lost possession a match-high 29 times.

It meant he lost the ball every three minutes and once every 2.4 touches (71 total).

In attack, Coufal managed just one accurate cross from eight attempts, whilst he failed to make a single long ball from eight attempts, meaning Michail Antonio had very little to feed off, so you can forgive the 31-year-old talisman for looking quieter than usual.

Elsewhere, the £18m-rated dynamo committed two fouls, handing the game back to the Bees even more, and managed just one tackle and no interceptions or blocks either.

football.london graded his performance a 5/10, which was amongst some of the lowest ratings in the squad for this encounter.

As a player that has averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.3 key passes per game this campaign, via WhoScored, it’s evident that Coufal was some way off his usual performance level.

He was one of several Hammers players to severely let his manager down as they slipped down to ninth in the table.

AND in other news, Newman could become an instant hit at West Ham by signing £36m-rated “world-beater”…