All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Leeds United fans won’t want to hear what The Athletic’s Phil Hay has to say about deadline day at Elland Road…

What’s the word?

Speaking on Twitter, the ever-reliable reporter delivered a gutting claim about the likelihood of the Whites conducting any sort of business before the 11pm deadline.

“As for incomings at Elland Road, still expecting a quiet day,” he revealed.

In just 11 words, Hay has surely ruined the hopes and dreams of many supporters around west Yorkshire with just a few hours left to go.

Gutting news

Much of the Leeds faithful have been desperate to see Marcelo Bielsa handed some reinforcements to his decimated squad this month but it appears as if it just isn’t going to happen.

Their attempts to bring a new midfielder to the club have fallen short after seeing bids of £15m and £20m rejected by RB Salzburg for their star maestro Brenden Aaronson.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-lufc-transfer-rumours-gossip-bielsa-orta-radrizzani-elland-road-updates” title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

That’s a deal that is expected to happen in the summer instead, meaning Leeds haven’t signed anyone for the engine room for four years now when Adam Forshaw joined from Middlesbrough in January 2018.

That area of the pitch has been a pressing need with influential England international Kalvin Phillips, who was subject of interest from West Ham United in the past few days, absent through injury until March at the earliest.

He along with skipper Liam Cooper and last season’s leading talisman Patrick Bamford have been huge absentees for the Yorkshiremen.

There have been times where Bielsa has been without as many as 11 first-team players in the Premier League, leaving him to fill the bench with academy players who simply aren’t ready for a crack at the big time.

This latest bombshell from Hay will leave many around Elland Road absolutely furious, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Enquiry made: Leeds submit last-ditch “offer” on deadline day, Bielsa badly needs him…

Lots of Everton fans have been left shocked over a claim which emerged from Rafael Benitez.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match at Brentford on Sunday afternoon, the Spaniard stated (via Phil Kirkbride): “We are doing much better with injuries now, compared to the past. Delph is available and training everyday. Gbamin was injured for two years, but is now available and training everyday.”

The claim on doing better with injuries is a little strange, given that the Toffees have as many as six players from the first team squad currently out injured at the moment, with three of those having an unknown return date (evertonfc.com).

Also, both Delph and Gbamin have a long history of injury problems since signing for the Merseyside club, so they could fall down injured again at any moment, despite being back in training.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Therefore, it is no surprise to see so many Evertonians left confused by the manager’s comments.

Everton fans on Benitez claim

These Toffees supporters were left shocked as the claim from Benitez was shared on Twitter, with one fan going as far as to claim that it was ‘bizarre’:

“Wow…just…wow.”

Credit: @teadrinker68

“Not only is he clueless with his tactics, but he’s also clueless to the fact we have like 7 players injured”

Credit: @Stotty101_

“What planet is this man on, we’ve literally got the core of our squad injured”

Credit: @HJJ92_

“Bizarre, we have a massive injury list and those two will soon be back on it”

Credit: @IanNaylor1

“He is losing it, isn’t he…”

Credit: @SG_EFC

“??????????????????????????????”

Credit: @Ctorres2144

In other news, find out what Marcel Brands has done to leave these Everton fans fuming

A number of Rangers supporters have flocked to an official club tweet to hail Scott Arfield following his goal in the 3-1 victory over Livingston.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst made a winning start to life in the Premiership since taking over as manager, adding to Thursday’s triumph against Sparta Prague in the Europa League.

The champions eased to a win at Livingston on Sunday, ensuring that they remain four points clear of the Celtic in the title race.

[freshpress-poll id=“380435″]

It was Arfield who opened the scoring for the Gers, giving his side an early lead, with Joe Aribo and Fashion Sakala also finding the net.

After the game, Rangers’ official Twitter channel posted a photo of Arfield producing his trademark salute celebration after scoring, with the image going down a treat among many of the Ibrox fan base.

Rangers fans love Arfield photo

These Gers fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the “majestic” Canada international as the photo of his celebration was shared.

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @WATP72RFC

“Only word for this guy is majestic”

Credit: @ash93_x

“Saluting his way to another title”

Credit: @GKilpatrick1116

“This is the content we want to see Mr Rangers”

Credit: @craigmo05203773

“Top player”

Credit: @shorty7255

“Handsome”

Credit: @Millsy97_

In other news, some Rangers fans were unhappy with one player after Livingston’s goal. Find out who it is 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

Fans of Southampton have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report that claimed Saints are interested in a summer swoop for Arnaut Danjuma.

According to a report by Football League World, sources have revealed that both Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton, as well as numerous European clubs, are closely monitoring the AFC Bournemouth forward ahead of the summer transfer window.

So far this season, the £28,000-per-week 24-year-old has highly impressed over his 25 Championship appearances for Jonathan Woodgate’s side, scoring 10 goals and registering four assists, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.13 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in the second tier.

And, after Southampton Page relayed this report on Twitter, fans of the Saints flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing delighted at the prospect of their club making a move for Danjuma in the summer transfer window.

So, what exactly did these Southampton fans have to say in reaction to their club’s link with a move for Arnaut Danjuma?

“Dude was their only impressive player in our game against them. He could be a good signing.”

@Zack_Benjy

“Get him in, decent player. Better then Redmond.”

@CallumSFC18

“He was their best player, needs to work on his final product but looks like he could handle himself in the Prem.”

@thesotonsaint

“Bags of potential, hope this is true.”

@CLJH4

“Yes please.”

@sfcliam_

“I BEG.”

@McrCr_

‘Thought he looked dangerous in the early stages against us at the weekend. My question is why do we persist with wingers when we never attack the space in behind the full-backs.”

@oursouthcoast

In other news: these Saints fans were delighted with their club’s link to this “absolute steal” – find out more here!

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford could be fit for the final two Premier League games of the season despite initial fears he would not return this campaign.

The Lowdown: Bamford’s torrid season

The 28-year-old was arguably the Whites’ star man last season, scoring 17 league goals, but things have panned out very differently this time around.

Bamford has been hampered by injury problems throughout the campaign, being limited to just seven league starts, which has played a part in the Whites’ struggles.

The striker is currently out with a foot injury which was initially expected to make him miss the rest of the campaign, but Jesse Marsch has revealed he could now miss just the next three weeks.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-40/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Hay shares good news

Providing his thoughts in a Q&A for The Athletic on Monday ahead of Leeds’ trip to Crystal Palace, Phil Hay claimed that Bamford could return for the last two league games of the season, which are at home to Brighton and away to Brentford.

The journalist shared a prospective return date from the Whites manager which essentially means missing the next three weeks, claiming:

“Still no Patrick Bamford [v Palace] but Jesse Marsch thinks he might make it back for the last two games of the season.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Verdict: Could be massive for Leeds

This is a potentially huge boost for Leeds, as they find themselves in danger of getting sucked back into a relegation battle between themselves, Everton and Burnley.

Bamford’s finishing ability means that just one chance could be needed in one of those final two matches, should Marsch’s side still not be safe at that point.

In many ways, the hope is that Leeds have avoided relegation by then and Bamford doesn’t need to be risked, but having him in contention would feel significant, providing the Whites with proven Premier League firepower.

In other news, Hay has dropped a Leeds transfer claim. Read more here.

Liverpool picked up their first three points of 2021 with an impressive 3-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night, which puts their ambitions of winning a second successive Premier League title back on track.

Goals from Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Sadio Mane gave Jurgen Klopp’s side the victory in North London but it was perhaps the performance of James Milner that stood out the most.

As per SofaScore, the experienced midfielder would earn a strong 7.5/10 match rating for his performance, which was only bettered by Mane and Alexander-Arnold.

Jordan Henderson playing in defence meant that the former Manchester City man earned a rare Premier League start in midfield but he certainly made the most of his opportunity.

The 35-year-old would make three interceptions and two tackles from midfield during the game against Jose Mourinho’s side, which is far better than his season average of 0.5 interceptions and one tackle per game.

In the Spurs midfield, meanwhile, Tanguy Ndombele would make no interceptions and just one tackle, which emphasises that Milner’s performance was on another level at times last night.

The former England international would have 77 touches of the ball during the 90 minutes and contributed 56/65 passes, resulting in an 86% pass success rate.

Again, this was higher than Ndombele, who would you normally expect to be Spurs’ chief creator from midfield.

Perhaps most impressively, Milner would contribute as many as four key passes during the game at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, which was more than any other player on the pitch, and also comfortably more than the 0.8 he has averaged per game in the Premier League so far this season.

Back in 2018, midfield partner Georginio Wijnaldum labelled Milner a “machine” and that was reiterated on Thursday night as he showed that he can still produce excellent performances in the top-flight despite being 35.

Therefore, although Alexander-Arnold may steal the headlines after his goal and assist on Thursday, it was arguably the performance of Milner that will have impressed Klopp the most.

And, in other news… Edwards must swoop for 24 y/o beast who has the “quality” to play in the CL; he tackles more than any LFC player

When Oriol Romeu was ruled out through injury a few weeks ago, there was perhaps concern amongst Southampton fans that the Spanish midfielder would prove nearly impossible to replace.

However, summer signing Ibrahima Diallo has performed brilliantly in recent fixtures alongside James Ward-Prowse in midfield, which will give manager Ralph Hasenhuttl a real selection headache when the former Chelsea man returns from injury.

Romeu has averaged a superb 7.08 rating across his 15 appearances in the top-flight so far this season, which ranks him as Southampton’s fourth-best performer in the Premier League.

The defensive-midfielder has been struggling with a muscle injury and is expected to make his return this month, however, he may struggle to oust Diallo from the first-team based on his current form.

The 21-year-old looked solid on his first start for the South Coast club against Fulham in December, before being a huge part of the Saints keeping out champions Liverpool at St Mary’s earlier this month.

Although Southampton struggled as a collective against Leicester City, they bounced back this weekend with a 1-0 win against Arsenal in the FA Cup, with Diallo once again impressive, with Hampshire Live giving him an 8/10 rating for his performance.

The young midfielder, who joined in a £12.7 million deal in October, has now made 11 appearances for Southampton this season and continues to improve.

When Romeu eventually does make his return, it may be difficult for Hasenhuttl to justify dropping Diallo, considering how defensively solid the Saints have looked in recent fixtures, with five clean sheets in their last six games.

The Austrian manager will be delighted with the way in which the young midfielder has stepped up to the plate in the absence of Romeu and he can feel safe in the knowledge that the summer signing can be relied upon to do a job in this Saints team when needed.

And, in other news… Forget JWP: Saints beast who won more tackles than any other player was Hasenhuttl’s FA Cup star

Leicester City have been linked with a move for Manchester United winger Dan James ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Manchester Gazzette reporter Paul Swinson, the Foxes are interested in acquiring the 23-year-old’s services as they look to add some strength in depth to their first-team squad over the summer.

It’s reported that the Red Devils are unlikely to retain James for the 2021/22 campaign if Jadon Sancho arrives from Borussia Dortmund, with a loan deal including an option to buy anticipated.

Rodgers must avoid

Brendan Rodgers guided his Leicester side to their maiden FA Cup crown this season, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the showpiece event at Wembley Stadium.

However, a defeat to the Blues in the league, and fellow losses to Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, meant the Midlands outfit won just one of their final four Premier League fixtures, ensuring they narrowly missed out on a Champions League qualification spot once again.

It was a cruel ending to an otherwise excellent campaign for the Midlands outfit but serious injuries to the likes of Harvey Barnes, James Justin, Wilfried N’didi and James Maddison at various points throughout the season hampered their progress.

The 2016 English champions have consistently punched above their weight since Rodgers arrived two and a half years ago, but breaking into the top four is still an achievement that has eluded them under the Northern Irish manager.

Compared to their rivals at the upper echelons of the top-flight, Leicester have relatively modest resources and have founded their success on smart work in the transfer market, often buying young stars full of potential for low prices before selling them on for an astronomical profit.

However, James does not fit into that category. The Wales international has showcased his lighting God-given pace, an incredible work rate and an ability to press intelligently during his two-year stay at Old Trafford but has often struggled to make a meaningful impact upon games, especially with the ball at his feet.

The youngster has scored just nine goals and provided a further nine assists in 71 appearances for United, not a terrible return but certainly not of the level that Leicester require to close the gap on their more affluent competitors.

Rodgers is perhaps, understandably, looking for someone to replicate the sheer speed and directness that Barnes offered in abundance before he was sidelined with a knee injury, although the £45,000-per-week James is not the solution.

While Barnes offers an end product and bags of potential to go alongside his natural assets, the same can’t be said about James, and if Rodgers pursues a deal for the £16.2m-rated forward (as per Transfermarkt), it would be a big mistake.

And, in other news…68% pass accuracy: Leicester ace blew the Foxes’ top-four hopes with hopeless display 

Rangers’ 22-year-old midfielder Jamie Barjonas is looking set to seal a loan move away from the club.

Barjonas is yet to play even once in the Scottish Premiership for the Gers this season, and it seems as if he is set for a temporary move away from Ibrox.

Barjonas could to Ayr United move

The Athletic’s Rangers journalist, Jordan Campbell, has recently reported about Barjonas’ situation at Ibrox. He claims that the 22-year-old is now training with Ayr United and the expectation is that he will seal a loan move away from the Gers soon enough.

His contract at Rangers expires at the end of the season, but the journalist provided no further information about when the loan deal at Ayr United will expire.

The Leeds-born midfielder has been on the bench for the Gers multiple times in the Europa League this season. He’s also made it to the bench a couple of times in the Premiership (as per Transfermarkt).

Loan move could benefit Barjonas

The midfielder is a product of the Rangers youth academy, but he has spent multiple loan spells at clubs like Partick Thistle, Raith Rovers and even Bury (as per Transfermarkt). He has played only nine times for the Rangers first-team and his last appearance came in the 2017-18 season.

It is time for the Gers to part ways with him and in the summer, they should allow him to leave Ibrox permanently so he can find more consistent playing time.

In other news, Kevin Campbell has discussed the future of Alfredo Morelos – read more about it here.