All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Liverpool currently have a solid selection of midfield options in their squad such as Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

However, it seems as though the Merseyside club have their eyes on a new addition for that role.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by Spanish media outlet El Nacional (via Liverpool Echo) that Liverpool are apparently interested in signing Barcelona’s 17-year-old midfielder Gavi at some point in the future.

Gavi, who is a product of Barcelona’s youth academy, made his senior debut for the club back in August in a 2-1 La Liga win over Getafe.

Since then, the midfielder has made seven appearances for Ronald Koeman’s side across all competitions this season in which he has played in a number of positions across the pitch such as central-midfield, left-wing, right-wing, left-midfield and attacking midfield, showing just how versatile he is at such a young age.

In addition to making his debut at club level, Gavi recently made his debut for the Spanish national team in their recent 2-1 win over Italy in the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League.

After his performance in the win against Italy, Spain head coach Luis Enrique said Gavi’s performance was “fantastic” and the he is “something exceptional.”

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why Liverpool have been mentioned with a potential move with the young star.

Future Red?

If Liverpool were to sign Gavi at some point in the near future, we feel he could well go onto be a long-term option for the Reds, given his age and perhaps take over from Henderson if he ends up leaving the club when the new four-year contract he signed over the summer runs out in 2025, which could therefore allow Gavi to take a more prominent role in the team should he make the move to Anfield at any point before then.

However, it would be understandable for Barcelona to be reluctant to potentially sell their youth star after only just making his breakthrough in their team.

On the other hand, given the widely reported financial issues at the Spanish club at the moment, there could be a situation where cashing in on a player like Gavi could be the best option for Barcelona if a club such as Liverpool were willing to come in and pay a significant transfer fee for him.

In our view, if Liverpool are interested in signing Gavi, they should probably wait until the next summer transfer window at the earliest before approaching Barcelona so they can have a better idea of the player he can develop into based on what he does throughout the remainder of this season.

In other news: £180k-p/w Liverpool “problem” sees his value crash £45m in nearly 2 years under Klopp – opinion 

West Ham United appear to be interested in signing Jed Wallace in 2022 after a very reliable source dropped a fresh claim on the situation…

What’s the word?

Over the weekend, Football League World reported that the Irons were among several top-flight clubs eyeing up a potential swoop for the 27-year-old Millwall attacker as he’s out of contract in the summer.

Club insider ExWHUemployee has now confirmed that he’s a player that the Hammers have looked at previously, also suggesting that these reports to have some substance.

On a recent episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, he revealed:

“Interesting[ly], there is a guy at Millwall. He’s 27 – Jed Wallace.

“I know that we’ve watched him in the past and the fact that outlets are reporting about our interest suggests that the interest is still there. So that will be an interesting one because his contract is up at the end of the season.”

Should they swoop?

After signing some big-name players for substantial transfer fees, this latest development may seem a little underwhelming. After all, they have just brought in Champions League and Premier League winner Kurt Zouma for £29.8m, as well as the playmaking Nikola Vlasic for a similar amount.

However, it’s a prospective signing which should leave much of the London Stadium faithful excited as the Hammers have enjoyed plenty of success when dipping their toes into the Championship.

You only have to look at the success of Aaron Cresswell, Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio to realise that.

Wallace would surely join them in that list eventually, given his undoubted and impressive ability.

The £6.3m-rated winger has already started the 2021/22 season on fire, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the Lions’ opening six league games, adding to his ten goals and eight assists in all competitions last term and ten goals and 12 assists in 2019/20, as per Transfermarkt.

Furthermore, as per WhoScored, he has averaged 1.9 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.5 dribbles every game since 2015/16, proving to be a mark of consistency in attack.

He’s a player who has been lauded as a “game-changer” by his current boss Gary Rowett as recently as August this year and you can never have enough players of this ilk to either start or come off the bench.

The fact that ExWHUemployee is confirming that the club have followed him in the past and is even suggesting that the interest still remains is a hugely encouraging sign heading into the January transfer window and beyond.

Wallace could well be available for a bargain given his contractual situation and if they’re willing to wait a little longer, he’ll be free to join for absolutely nothing, so it certainly seems like a low-risk signing for the Irons.

Therefore, the West Ham fanbase should be buzzing by this fresh claim.

AND in other news, Moyes must now axe his favourite from his West Ham starting XI…

Football is a results business, and if you focus on the five defeats Wolves have suffered this season, it doesn’t paint a very vibrant picture.The Old Gold have been short of goals under Bruno Lage and they are lacking the ability to pick up points.That being said, there have been some positives. Wolves have had bright spells against the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United in the league and on other days, it may have been them picking up all three points.On the chalkboardAlthough Wolves lost to Spurs on penalties in the Carabao Cup a few days ago, that tournament has been kinder to them this year than the top-flight. They demolished Nottingham Forest 4-0 and have actually been able to score goals as a consequence.It’s bizarre when you consider that some of their star players have been missing for those encounters.Lage has selected Trincao, Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore in every league match this term, but after the success the fringe players had against Nuno Santo’s Spurs this week, they should earn another opportunity.Wolves drew 2-2 in normal time on Wednesday, with Leander Dendoncker finding a rare goal and Daniel Podence also scoring.The dynamic attacker is now Wolves’ top scorer this season after netting against Forest in the last round too. Considering that he’s only played 47 minutes of league football, that nearly defies belief.However, it’s a testament to the way the 25-year-old has responded to adversity. He spent four periods out injured last term and has never really been a first choice at Molineux.Yet, now feels like his time to shine. Combine him with the club’s new signing Hwang Hee-chan, as Lage did on Wednesday, and this team could thrive.Podence is a wily and creative character who should be able to establish a promising connection with Hwang, someone who is quick and dazzling in the final third. With Wolves needing some extra pizzazz in offensive areas, the promising duo would appear to be the answer at the moment.The difficulty Lage may have, though, is where to play him. It’s unlikely that Jimenez or Traore will be dropped, so a change in formation may have to be applied.It’s something which worked last term when Nuno began playing with a number 10. Reporter Tim Spiers said at the time: “I really like what I’ve seen from Podence in this new role that he’s got in the 10, Wolves have never played with a 10 under Nuno, they don’t have anybody in that gap between the striker and the midfield.”The £52k-per-week earner was superb against Spurs a few days ago when operating from the right. He not only scored but completed 100% of his dribbles and was fouled twice, proving that he used possession effectively.Podence hasn’t always been at the forefront of the manager’s mind but now he simply has to start.A review from Conor Coady last year shows that he’s held in high esteem with the players, too. “They’re absolutely fantastic,” the skipper said of Neto and Wolves’ number 10.The former Olympiacos forward hasn’t had the best of spells in the Midlands but hopefully his luck should begin to change against Southampton this weekend.AND in other news, Bruno Lage could soon replicate one of Nuno’s big Wolves blunders from last season…

According to The Scottish Sun, Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing Juninho Bacuna from Huddersfield Town this summer.

The Lowdown: Transfer window closing in

There are now less than two weeks to go until the end of the transfer window, and the Gers have so far been relatively quiet.

As it stands, they have only brought in three senior players in Fashion Sakala (rangers.co.uk), Nnamdi Ofoborh and John Lundstram on free transfers, but there is still time for them to get more business done.

The Latest: Gers eye Bacuna

As per this latest report, the 55-time Scottish champions are interested in signing Bacuna.

The Ibrox outfit are said to have been interested in the midfielder for the last 12 months, and Ross Wilson could make use of his contacts with the Terriers having had a spell with the club.

The Verdict: Interesting talent

Bacuna is certainly an interesting talent. In three years with the Yorkshire-based outfit, the 24-year-old has managed 12 goals and nine assists in 107 games in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

He has displayed a lot of versatility in his career so far, appearing across the midfield and even up front, racking up appearances in ten different positions.

Former Huddersfield manager Danny Cowley even called him “excellent” during his time with the club (Yorkshire Live). Valued at £4.5m (Transfermarkt), there is potential for Bacuna to set the Gers back a decent fee. However, he may well have the talent to be a real asset for the Glasgow club.

In other news, Rangers have been urged to sell this 25-year-old.

Sunderland won their fifth competitive match of the season on Tuesday night as they beat Championship side Blackpool 3-2 in the second round of the League Cup.

Lee Johnson’s side were able to overcome going 1-0 down inside the opening 10 minutes to win 3-2, preventing penalties and heading through to the third round of the competition.

Aiden O’Brien scored a superb hat-trick to win the match for Sunderland, having also scored in the first round against Port Vale. The forward caught the eye with his performance and deserves praise for his showing, but one player for Sunderland struggled in the match.

Alex Pritchard lined up in the number 10 position for the Black Cats and failed to put in a display that may lead to some doubts about whether he is capable of mixing it against a Championship opposition. He received the lowest SofaScore rating on the pitch (6.4) for the club, despite picking up an assist for one of O’Brien’s goals – with his corner falling kindly to the attacker in the box to slot in one of his three strikes.

In 73 minutes on the field, Pritchard only managed 36 touches of the ball. Anthony Patterson in goal, meanwhile, had 46 touches, which suggests that the ex-Huddersfield man did not get into the game as much as he should have in midfield. A team’s creative number 10 should be constantly getting on the ball and looking to make things happen, but he was not able to do that against Blackpool.

Although he registered an assist, his corner was the only chance he created in the match and he also missed one big chance to score – showing that his end product was poor, whilst his retention of the ball was not much better. He lost possession 10 times from 36 touches and won one of his four duels. He was not strong enough to retain the ball under pressure and Sunderland were, perhaps, fortunate in the end that his disaster display did not cost them the result.

He let Johnson down with his performance, but it is still early days for the Englishman at the Stadium of Light. Pritchard has plenty of time left this season to get back to his best and show that he can be a difference-maker at League One level, and potentially in the Championship if they can secure promotion to the second tier.

AND in other news… “Desperate”: Alan Nixon drops Sunderland transfer update which will leave fans excited… 

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left lauding the latest news at Ibrox, after it emerged that their famous home will be allowed to be full for the rest of the season.

As per their official website, the Gers have now confirmed that there will be a full capacity allowed at Ibrox for the remaining games of the 2021/22 campaign, subject to conditions given by the Safety Advisory Group of Glasgow City Council.

This will start in their UEFA Champions League qualifying second leg match against Malmo on Tuesday, where the supporters will hope that they can roar their team on to victory following a 2-1 defeat in Sweden.

It has been a very long time coming, but for the fans to finally be able to go back to a full stadium will be a joyous occasion, and they will hope that it will be able to stay that way throughout the rest of the campaign.

Rangers fans on Ibrox news

These Gers lauded the news as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that they were ‘buzzing’, while another described it as ‘fantastic’:

“Buzzing like an old fridge”

Credit: @KelmanPeter

“Omg I’m gonna cry”

Credit: @DecCairns72

“YASSSSSSS”

Credit: @Andrew_GWilson

“Let’s go”

Credit: @Bail1803

“Fantastic, can’t wait now I need to get out of doing extra shift at work..”

Credit: @Mobell1964Moira

“Aw man. Tears in my eyes”

Credit: @craig_gamble93

In other news, find out whose exit has Gers buzzing here!

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge believes Manchester City may be having second thoughts about signing Harry Kane.

England captain Kane has made no secret of his desire to leave Tottenham Hotspur before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, with the striker growing frustrated at a lack of silverware.

City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed he wants to add last season’s Premier League Golden Boot winner to his squad as he seeks back-to-back titles.

Speculation that a move could be on the cards heightened when Kane, 28, was not included in Spurs’ matchday squad when they opened their campaign against City last weekend.

Reports suggest Kane has once again called on Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to stick to their gentleman’s agreement, which meant the frontman could leave if the north Londoners failed to win a trophy or finished outside the Premier League’s top four last season.

While City have lodged a £125million offer for Kane, which would be a British record transfer fee if the deal is completed, Bridge reckons City may refuse to increase their bid to Levy’s estimate.

He told Football FanCast: “City can afford him. This is 50p to them because they’re not suffering from the pandemic due to their owners.

“However, they have to look at it and ask does it look good if we spend £160million on a 28-year-old guy who gets injuries?

“They have just survived Financial Fair Play so do they go and spend that amount on one man? They’re the reasons I’m not so sure of a deal now.”

Manchester United have reportedly made their move for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, with the German giants now set for talks with their prized asset.

What’s the story?

According to SportBILD’s head of football Christian Falk, the Red Devils have offered the 26-year-old a more lucrative contract offer than his current club, although negotiations with the Bundesliga champions will now take place.

He tweeted: “Update Goretzka: @ManUtd offer @leongoretzka_ a higher salary than @FCBayern. The next round of negotiations with Bayern will follow”.

Goretzka’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2022, so he could leave Bayern on a free transfer in just 12 months’ time.

Fans will be buzzing

News that United’s hierarchy have made a formal approach for Goretzka will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing with excitement.

The £63m-rated gem has established himself as one of the world’s best central midfielders in recent years, scoring 25 goals and providing 27 assists in 112 appearances for Die Roten.

His powerful and energetic performances have caught the eye of several onlookers since his arrival at the Allianz Arena three years ago, including new Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, who said: “Leon is one of the best box-to-box players in Europe. He has incredible goal threat and knows when to bomb forward.”

Goretzka’s domineering displays and impressive trophy haul of three Bundesliga titles, one Champions League crown and two DFB-Pokals have seen his stock rise exponentially in recent years, and United may view him as the perfect replacement for Paul Pogba.

The France international has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain in recent days, leaving United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to search for a potential replacement.

In Goretzka, the Norwegian would be signing a readymade heir for Pogba, and one who has proven himself to be a top-class operator and natural winner at the highest level.

Fans of the 20-time English champions will surely be urging the club’s chiefs to get this deal over the line irrespective of Pogba’s future, adding another quality addition to Solskjaer’s ranks as United plot their way back to the summit of English football.

In other news…talkSPORT drop intriguing Man Utd transfer update that should leave fans concerned 

Southampton look set to announce their third signing of the summer transfer window after Dynel Simeu confirmed on Twitter that he had left Chelsea.

What’s the word?

It has been widely reported in recent weeks that the Saints are set to sign the 19-year-old defender from Chelsea, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting: “Dynel Simeu has turned down Chelsea proposal to sign a new contract and he’s now set to join Southampton on a free transfer.”

He also claims that Southampton will pay £1.5m to the Champions League holders in order to bring him to St Mary’s, which suggests that he is someone they have scouted heavily and believe will be an excellent acquisition for the future.

The Saints have already confirmed the signings of Theo Walcott and Romain Perraud so far this summer, and Simeu looks set to become their third acquisition after he confirmed on Twitter that he would be leaving Chelsea.

He wrote: “Unfortunately, it’s time to say my goodbyes to Chelsea FC. I have spent 6 great years at the club. Grown from a young boy to a man.”

Will Simeu be a good signing for Southampton?

Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach has suggested that the young centre-back will initially join the under-23 setup at Southampton, which suggests that it may be some time before we see him make his debut for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first team.

The Austrian is already well-stocked at centre-back, with Jannik Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu and Jack Stephens all likely to be regulars in the 2021/22 campaign, which leaves little room for Simeu.

However, if the 19-year-old can impress in David Horseman’s B team, then perhaps we will see him progress to the senior setup in the near future, as we have seen with Nathan Tella, Will Smallbone and Jake Vokins in recent years.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

If Southampton have found another potential gem, then Saints fans will no doubt be excited about his future with the club, with his signing likely to be confirmed in the coming days.

In other news… Semmens can sign Hasenhuttl a Redmond upgrade with swoop for “brilliant” gem

Mikael Lustig will be remembered fondly for his time at Celtic but it could have ended so differently.

The Swede’s debut for the Hoops didn’t go according to plan as he was blamed for a goal against Aberdeen.

However, in typical Lustig fashion, the defender bounced back and became an imperious, consistent figure.

Injuries often got the better of him but he became a fan favourite on his way to making 276 Celtic appearances and winning eight Premiership titles in a row.

Lustig eventually departed in 2019 as he moved to Gent in Belgium. With a lack of first-team right-backs now in their ranks, you could argue that the Bhoys miss his experience.

Well, fortunately, they could sign a like-minded player this summer in the form of Carl Starfelt.

Celtic have been linked with a £4m switch for the 26-year-old who also hails from Sweden.

Starfelt is a centre-half by trade, an area of the pitch that Lustig has featured in on the odd occasion. Appearing on 67 Hail Hail, journalist Anel Avdic made the following connection: “If he joins Celtic, I see a little bit of potential in him to be a new Mikael Lustig.”

Avdic made that point with a wry smile but it’s hard to ignore the comparisons, especially from a personality viewpoint.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-news-doig-nketiah-mccann” title= “Read the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

The reporter hailed his work rate and attitude, commenting: “He’s a fantastic man. I only have positive things to say about Carl.”

Lustig’s work rate was second to none as well but in terms of their defensive duels and distribution, they’re fairly similar.

Starfelt won 1.6 aerial duels per match last term, just 0.1 fewer than Celtic’s former Swede in terms of his career average.

Their reading of the play is also vastly similar with the Rubin Kazan defender registering 1.4 interceptions per game, a number that replicates Lustig’s average.

Both reliable and consistent performers, it was perhaps surprising that the latter made Sweden’s European Championship squad at the age of 34, rather than Starfelt.

Either way, the pair are reliable and consistent. You also have to go a long way to find a Swede that’s disappointed while donning the green and white hoops.

All being well, he should be as big a success as Lustig was in Paradise. Ange Postecoglou must ensure the defender becomes a Celtic player.

AND in other news, Celtic open talks to sign “unbelievable” 13-goal gem, he may end Christie’s Hoops stay…