All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Ham have endured a very up and down season so far but nevertheless, look a far better side under Manuel Pellegrini. 

After a horrendous start, West Ham found their feet and now see themselves aspiring to finish in 7th place in the bid to secure European football.

That right now remains a far-fetched ambition but if the owners continue to back Manuel Pellegrini during the upcoming transfer windows, the Hammers could be set for a hugely impressive next season.

A position that looks to be of great need in the summer is a centre-forward, as West Ham often find to be the case.

Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez have all been linked with moves away from the London Stadium, meaning West Ham need to find some talent and fast.

One player who could fit the role is CSKA Moscow youngster Fedor Chalov, a player destined for great success in football.

Chalov, (who is valued at £9 million on Transfermarkt) is a clinical finisher that West Ham would be lucky to have within their ranks.

It would, of course, be a bold move considering where he currently plays and how old he is, yet with 11 goals and four assists this season, Chalov has been too impressive for West Ham to dismiss as an option.

The 20-year-old has a good turn of pace, an eye for goal and also the understanding to interlink with his team-mates, which creates more chances for him and his fellow players as well.

As a youngster full of potential, he could look at West Ham as being the best place for him to grow as a player.

Would Chalov be a good signing for West Ham… Let us know!

Steven Gerrard’s return to Liverpool as Aston Villa manager ended in a 1-0 defeat on Saturday. 

Mohamed Salah’s 67th-minute penalty proved to be all that separated the title-chasing Reds and mid-table Villa at Anfield.

Gerrard sits third on Liverpool’s all-time appearance list on 710, with only Jamie Carragher (737) and Ian Callaghan (857) ahead of him. He won 11 trophies with the Reds during his playing career, including the Champions League in 2005.

Jurgen Klopp said in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the former Liverpool midfielder would ‘definitely’ be managing the club himself one day, ‘and that is good for everybody’.

What did Gerrard say after the game?

When Gerrard emerged from the tunnel ahead of the match, he was greeted by applause from the Liverpool supporters at Anfield.

Asked about the reception from Kopites after the game, the 41-year-old insisted that his ‘priority is the support from the Aston Villa fans’.

Fan feed Anfield Edition relayed his comments, and here’s how a selection of Reds responded, with one branding the Villa manager’s words as “weird”.

Liverpool fans critical of Gerrard

“Stupid answer to be honest. He didn’t have to do that, no Villa fan would have been angry if he thanked the fans for their support. He’s putting up too much of an act it’s unnecessary. Maybe it’s a British thing, this is what Rodgers would do.”

Credit: @lfc_eddie

“He goes overboard to look professional like Carra.”

Credit: @sonofanfield1

“I know he has to be professional but he’s just being so weird”

Credit: @jurgeners

“Trying too hard, literally just say it was nice to hear and move on.”

Credit: @VigoGJ

“Trying so hard to be liked by Villa fans. Doesn’t need to hide the fact he loves Liverpool”

Credit: @Mike_Hampson10

“Wow, he’s really trying his best to be disliked by Liverpool fans.”

Credit: @AlexdelPaso

In other news, Liverpool have been backed to land this Barcelona star

As per Sky Sports Germany, Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a possible boost in the race to sign Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Tottenham table offer…

According to a recent update in the paper edition of Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Tottenham and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are well in the race to sign Dembele as his contract at the Camp Nou winds down.

[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”]

Currently set to expire in 2022, the Frenchman could leave Barcelona on a free deal in the summer and is free to negotiate pre-contract moves in January.

This has apparently alerted Spurs and Paratici according to the Spanish source, with the club even making an ‘offer’ to his agents as they attempt to sign Dembele for new manager Antonio Conte.

Paratici has allegedly set his sights on bringing in ‘quality players’ for Conte at ‘zero cost’ with Spurs already tabling a proposal to the 24-year-old’s entourage as they attempt to sign him on a free in 2022.

However, as per 90min, Spurs are not the only club interested in signing Dembele with many big names keeping tabs – including Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Paris-Saint Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

The Latest: Bayern ruled out…

As per Sky Germany, Spurs may now have been gifted a boost in the race for Dembele as the reliable broadcaster now rules out one contender.

Indeed, according to their information, Bayern are not interested in signing the £210,000-per-week forward with there being ‘doubters’ at the Allianz Arena after analysing him.

The Verdict: Spurs gifted boost…

The Bundesliga heavyweights being ruled out of the race for Dembele can surely only come as good news for Spurs and Conte as they eye a move for the in-demand winger.

Tottenham’s restricted financial power, as evident by the fact they announced pre-tax losses of £80.2m and club debt rising to £706m recently (The Guardian), means they will need all the assistance they can get in the transfer market with European heavyweights like Bayern providing major competition.

However, as they hold no interest according to Sky, it appears Paratici and co won’t have to be concerned about them posing a January threat in a possible boost for Spurs.

In other news: Spurs in pole position to sign ‘perfect’ player for Conte after price tag drops by nearly half, find out more here.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist and ‘transfer insider’ Dean Jones of Eurosport has dropped an exciting update as Southampton eye Fulham attacker Fabio Carvalho.

The Lowdown: Carvalho on the move?

The 19-year-old, as things stand, could leave Craven Cottage on a free deal at the end of 2021/2022 with a plethora of Premier League sides allegedly eyeing a move.

Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Carvalho’s stellar form for Fulham in the Championship this season has attracted interest from the Saints and, by extension, transfer chief Martin Semmens.

The likes of Tottenham, West Ham United and Liverpool are also interested alongside Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side with Fulham apparently growing fearful of losing the dazzling prospect (TEAMtalk).

Jones, speaking to GMS, has now made a promising transfer claim involving Southampton and Carvalho.

The Latest: Jones drops promising Carvalho update…

According to his information, the south coast side are real frontrunners to sign the talented teenager and are apparently ‘leading’ for his signature.

“There is competition from various clubs,” he explained.

“Particularly from Southampton, who have really been leading the race to sign Fabio Carvalho.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

While arguably unproven at the very top level thus far early in his career, we believe Carvalho could be a nailed-on star for the future if he continues this fast progression.

Having only made his full professional debut last season in September 2020, he’s already gone on to catch the eye of some real English top flight heavyweights including Liverpool, backing his obvious ability.

Scoring seven goals and assisting two others over 13 league outings this campaign, snapping him up for free could be a genuine bargain for Southampton, with former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips even calling Carvalho a ‘very exciting’ talent.

In other news: Dan Sheldon drops big Broja update in great news for Saints, find out more here.

A massive update has emerged in Newcastle’s search for a director of football…

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has revealed that the former FA chief will pen a deal with the Magpies to work with Eddie Howe at St. James’ Park.

PIF brought in Nick Hammond on a short-term move in December to assist the club in the January transfer window and they are now set to provide a long-term solution to that position with the ex-Seagulls supremo.

Hope Tweeted: “Understand Dan Ashworth will join NUFC after resigning from his role as Brighton technical director.”

He followed that up with: “Ashworth was offered the Newcastle role on Friday & club hope to confirm his appointment in due course.”

PIF masterclass

This is a major piece of news and represents a masterclass from PIF as they are on the verge of pinching a huge part of Brighton’s success in recent years.

Seagulls journalist Aden-Jay Wood previously Tweeted: “If Dan Ashworth goes (which I think he will), it will be a huge shame. Ashworth has almost singlehandedly changed Brighton’s approach both on and off the field and would be very, very difficult to replace.”

Wood’s comment suggests that the Englishman will be able to sculpt Newcastle’s future on the pitch and off it, working alongside Howe – leaving the former Bournemouth boss delighted. The Magpies head coach will surely love to work with a sporting director of Ashworth’s pedigree, much like Gareth Southgate did with England.

The Three Lions boss once showered him with praise for his work with the national team set-up, as he created a winning culture throughout the ranks, saying:

“I told Dan (Ashworth) as we walked in that he should feel really proud. The last time we came to one of these it was in St Petersburg three years ago but this time we walked in as world champions at U17 and U20 and we’ve been to a seniors’ semi-final, so we deserve our place at the table.

“That is a great credit to everyone involved, the backing the FA has given us in building St George’s Park and investing in the teams, to the work being done in youth development and to Dan in particular for putting those plans in place, which we have seen pay off for Spain, Germany and France. It’s up to us now to continue the work that’s been started.”

Since joining Brighton in 2019, Ashworth has overseen 16th and 15th-placed finishes in the Premier League. The south coast side is currently ninth in the table as it stands and this highlights the excellent work he has done at the AMEX, helping the club to continually progress.

This is why bringing him in will represent a masterclass from PIF as they have been able to secure a top-quality appointment from a Premier League rival who’s well ahead of them in the table. It shows the pull they have as an ownership group, as they have been able to tempt him away from what looks – on paper – to be an excellent job for him.

Howe will now be buzzing to work with him ahead of the summer transfer window when they will hopefully be looking to build on a successful relegation battle.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Burn: Howe must now unleash “big” NUFC gem who’s massively “underrated”…

An update has emerged on Everton’s pursuit of Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Alan Myers has delivered a major claim on the club’s attempts to sign the Scotland international this month from the Glasgow giants.

He Tweeted: “Everton are set to complete a deal worth up to £16m to sign right-back Nathan Patterson from Rangers. (12M initial fee) @SkySportsNews.”

Fabrizio Romano has since revealed that a medical is due to take place later this week before an official unveiling happens.

The reporter added: “Deal set to be completed for Nathan Patterson to Everton, permanent move. Understand medical + contract signing are expected this week, then it will be announced. #EFC Correct fee Rangers will receive is £12m (and not Euros) plus bonuses. It’s gonna be club-record fee.”

Delight

Everton fans will surely be delighted with this news as the club are in desperate need of strengthening in the full-back positions. Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey have both, at times, been tasked with playing on the flanks due to injuries and Jonjoe Kenny was drafted in at right-back with Seamus Coleman playing out of position at left-back against Brighton.

This highlights the issue facing Rafa Benitez, with the strength-in-depth of his options at full-back leaving a lot to be desired. The signing of left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko strengthened the left-back position and the club now appear set to resolve their issues on the opposite side by signing Patterson.

Jonjoe Kenny has shown that he is not good enough to be relied upon as a regular starter at Premier League level for the Toffees. Although he registered an assist against Brighton, his overall performances in the past 18 months have been poor.

He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.51 in the top-flight this term, after managing a dismal score of 6.04 last season, showing that he has not been able to catch the eye with his displays – leading to the potential arrival of Patterson from Rangers.

The Scotland international is untested in England but has been impressive for his country. He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.78 in World Cup qualifiers, producing one goal and one assist in four matches from full-back for his side.

At the age of 20, he also has plenty of time left to develop and he could be the long-term successor to Coleman that Everton have been looking for. This is why fans will be delighted with this news as the signing of the Gers defender, coupled with the arrival of Mykolenko, could solve all of Benitez’s issues in the full-back department.

AND in other news, EFC offered chance to sign “phenomenal” £16.2m-rated gem this month, fans would fume…

Newcastle United host Burnley at St James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday in a mammoth clash at the bottom of the table.

Three points separate the teams heading into the game, with both sides in the relegation zone after 14 matches in the division. The Magpies were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Norwich last time out, having taken the lead through a penalty from Callum Wilson.

How many changes will Eddie Howe make to his team selection for the match today? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make four alterations for the game from midweek, with Miguel Almiron, Jacob Murphy, Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez all coming in.

One change will be enforced upon Howe following Ciaran Clark’s red card against the Canaries. Fernandez came on to fill the gap at centre-back and was outstanding to ensure that the Magpies did not lose, and he may have played his way into a start against Burnley.

As per SofaScore, he won both of his ground duels and made two clearances, two blocks, two interceptions and one tackle as he earned a rating of 7.0. This suggests that he was a solid performer at the back and could help Newcastle against the Clarets, as he has shown that he can put in a strong defensive display.

Fabian Schar went down with knocks on a couple of occasions and lost 50% of his ground duels as he recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.5. This could tempt the 43-year-old into bringing Lascelles back into the team after his suspension. The captain’s leadership at the back could seal his place in the starting XI next to Fernandez.

At right-back, Howe could exclude Javier Manquillo from the team. We published an article explaining why the £40k-per-week dud should be axed from the XI, and the ex-Bournemouth boss could offer Murphy an opportunity to come in and show what he can do at St James’ Park.

We are predicting that the midfield and forward line will only have one change from the starting XI against Norwich. Clark’s red card in the 11th minute forced Ryan Fraser to be sacrificed early, which led to a disjointed attack which was not given a fair chance to shine, and we think that Miguel Almiron for the Scotsman may be the only change that Howe makes in those positions today.

AND in other news, Discussions underway: NUFC must land £100k-p/w beast compared to “Ballack” and “Gazza”…

West Bromwich Albion have parted ways with Jordan Hugill in the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

In a short statement on the West Brom website, the club confirmed that the centre-forward has now returned to Norwich City – with his season-long loan spell at The Hawthorns being cut six months short.

A further report by the Express & Star went on to state that, since the opening of the winter market, the 29-year-old has been continually linked with a move back to his parent club, although it was questionable whether the striker would be able to leave the Baggies due to having no recall clause in his temporary contract.

However, in the club’s recent post, Albion confirmed that Hugill has indeed returned to the Premier League side, stating: “Jordan Hugill has today returned to Norwich City following a loan spell at The Hawthorns. The striker made 20 appearances during a five-month stint with the Baggies after joining last summer. Everybody at Albion thanks Jordan for his efforts and wishes him well in his future career.”

What fans have been waiting for

Considering just how poor Hugill has been since his arrival at The Hawthorns last summer, the news that the centre-forward has now left the club is sure to have delighted the Baggies’ fanbase – as seeing the back of the forward very much looks to be something Albion supporters have been waiting for.

Indeed, over his 20 Championship appearances – only seven of which came as starts – the £1.62m-rated hitman managed to find the back of the net just once, failed to provide his teammates with a single assist, created no big chances for his side and missed nine big chances of his own.

These returns saw the 29-year-old average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.56, ranking him as Valerien Ismael’s sixth-worst performer in the second tier of English football – something which makes it clear for all to see why the Frenchman was happy to send the centre-forward back to Norwich this month.

However, exactly why the club believed Hugill would be the striker to fire them to promotion in the first place – following a season in which he scored four goals over 31 Championship appearances for the Canaries – will quite rightly raise questions about the Albion’s recruitment and scouting processes.

In other news: Huge blow: Joseph Masi reveals fresh West Brom “nightmare”, Ismael will be seething

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Matthias Ginter to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports News (via the Daily Mail), who claim that Fabio Paratici is set to battle it out with Juventus, West Ham United and Aston Villa for the signing of the Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back – who is set to become a free agent upon the expiry of his contract at Borussia-Park at the end of the season.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Conte can axe Sanchez with Ginter

While Antonio Conte and Paratici have reportedly made a left-sided centre-half their priority target this summer, considering just how impressive the right-sided Ginter has been for Gladbach this season, in addition to the fact that Davinson Sanchez does not look to have much of a future in north London under the 52-year-old manager, it is easy to see why Spurs would be interested in a move for the 28-year-old.

Indeed, over his 25 Bundesliga appearances in the current campaign, the £21.6m-rated defender has been imperious in the heart of Adi Hutter’s backline, helping his side keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, three clearances and winning 5.6 duels – at a success rate of 67% – per game.

The Germany international has also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making 56.2 passes, 3.2 long balls and taking 1.2 shots per fixture.

These returns have seen the £50k-per-week player who Joachim Low dubbed “underrated” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Gladbach’s best defender and fourth-best player overall in the German top flight this season.

The 46-time capped World Cup winner has also earned praise from legendary German centre-back Lothar Matthaus, who went as far as to compare the Ginter to Paris Saint-German defender and former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.

Matthaus said: “Ginter has become a leader at the back, similar to Ramos at Real. He doesn’t just give instructions to his teammates, but leads them as well. That’s what Ginter is doing really well at the moment. He reminds me of Ramos.”

As such, considering the fact that the £42m Sanchez has not featured in seven of Tottenham’s last eight Premier League fixtures, as well as the £67k-per-week centre-back who Paul Robinson dubbed “inexcusable” having been linked with a move away from north London in the January transfer window, it would indeed appear as if the Colombia international could be on his way out of the club this summer.

And, if Sanchez does depart, signing Ginter on a free to replace the 25-year-old would undoubtedly be a fantastic piece of business for Paratici to get over the line – as the German would be a huge upgrade upon the former Ajax starlet.

AND in other news: “I wouldn’t be surprised…”: Gold drops teasing Spurs claim that supporters will love

When Leeds United travel to Selhurst Park later next month to take on Crystal Palace, there will be one player in the opposition ranks whom the club will wonder what could have been.

Michael Olise has been one of the shining lights for the Eagles this season in the Premier League as they continue to push up the table, but he could have been playing for the white of Leeds had the Yorkshire club acted on their interest.

Reports back in January 2021 suggested that then manager Marcelo Bielsa was very interested in landing the France U21 international, but a deal failed to materialise.

Then, according to TEAMtalk in the summer, Ligue 1 champions Lille put their name into the hat to take the teenager back to his native France, with the French side battling Leeds for his signature.

Of course in the end, it was fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace who won the race for him, and it’s been a debut campaign in the top-flight that has surely left Leeds thinking ‘what if’.

With seven goals and 12 assists, Olise was an absolute revelation in the Championship for Reading last term, and it’s no surprise that he has earned so many reviews for both his performances and incredible technical ability.

His Reading team-mate Sam Baldock said early last year: “Michael is a real talent, he’ll get on the ball in any situation. He’s fearless, if you ask him today I’ll guarantee that he had no nerves. He’s a lively character and one who I’ve noticed a real change in the last couple of months.”

Hailed as “super talented” by Reading boss Veljko Paunović, Olise’s former Royals manager Jose Gomes added: “Michael is really special. He can see, even before receiving the ball, more options than regular players. His technical ability and speed, decision capacity is really, really good.”

Signed for just £8m by Palace and becoming Patrick Vieira’s first signing in charge at Selhurst Park, the young Frenchman has come on leaps and bounds under the Arsenal Invincible, now being valued at a hefty £25m by CIES.

This campaign has seen him score four goals and provide an impressive nine assists in just 26 games across all competitions, including registering goal contributions against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League.

The 5 foot 9 star is really making Leeds pay for not taking the leap of faith last year.

AND in other news – Forget Joffy: Marsch can get Leeds rocking by finally unleashing “phenomenal” 20 y/o