All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Brighton eye Rangers midfielder Kamara

A club in the Premier League are reportedly now ‘interested’ in taking Glasgow Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara away from Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Key player

Kamara was a key player for the Gers last season, racking up a total of 52 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and making a further five assists from the middle of the park (Transfermarkt).

Former Light Blues manager Steven Gerrard once dubbed him a ‘Rolls Royce’ for the way that he gets around the pitch, evidenced by his high ranking among his teammates in terms of average interceptions, dribbles and passes per game in the Scottish Premiership last term (WhoScored).

The Latest: Brighton interest

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Brighton and Hove Albion are ‘interested’ in signing Kamara to help replace Yves Bissouma, who has moved to Tottenham Hotspur:

“Brighton interested in Rangers ace Glen Kamara. Finnish midfielder is one of the players under consideration to help replace Yves Bissouma.”

Expanding in his article for 90min, Bailey added that Kamara is a name that has emerged on their transfer list ‘in recent days’, while both RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt are also thought to be interested in his signature.

The Verdict: Keep!

If Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team want to wrestle the SPFL title back from Celtic next campaign, then they must keep hold of their best players, and Kamara is certainly one of them.

The Finland international would not be easy to replace, given the work that he does for the side and his durability to be fit for around 50 appearances per season.

The call of the Premier League may be hard to turn down, but the club must do everything that they can to try and persuade Kamara to stay.

Aston Villa: Gabby Agbonlahor makes Ashley Young claim

Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor has been reacting to the club’s talks with Ashley Young, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Romano’s reveal

The 36-year-old made 25 appearances for Villa last season, lining out in seven different positions. Despite proving to be a valuable squad member, the veteran was named as one of eight players set to be released by the club over the coming weeks.

However, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that the club are in ‘talks’ with Young over remaining in the Midlands, adding that there is a ‘very good chance’ that the 39-cap England international will still be at Villa Park next season.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s comments

Agbonlahor, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Young following Romano’s update. He labelled a fresh deal for the soon-to-be free agent as a ‘no brainer’, saying it is ‘perfect’ due to the 36-year-old’s versatility.

The former Villa striker commented:

“All that will be happening is they will be negotiating the contract.

“I’m sure they will keep him. He’s so versatile, a professional and can still do a great job. I can 100 per cent see him re-signing.

“He can be cover for left-back, left-wing, right-back and as a number 10. He can play so many positions it’s perfect.

“When Digne is injured, he’s got a perfect replacement. Rather than having to go out and spend big on another left-back, he’s got one there in Ashley Young who can play everywhere.

“I think it’s a no-brainer and I’m sure they are just negotiating terms and it will be signed.”

The Verdict: Makes sense

Steven Gerrard brought in Lucas Digne from Everton in January, but with Matt Targett sealing a permanent move to Newcastle, the Villa manager could be back to square one when it comes to strength in depth at left-back.

Digne will be the only left-back option with Young set to be released, so it does make sense to get the experienced Englishman back for a further 12 months.

Gerrard hailed Young as ‘outstanding’ after his first game in charge at Villa Park, and with Young able to play out wide and in central midfield, we’re with Agbonlahor in believing that a new contract for the veteran is a ‘no brainer’.

In other news: ‘Very good…’ – Sky Sports man buzzing after NSWE agree ‘crucial’ Aston Villa deal for Gerrard

Everton can sign Valentin Castellanos

Everton will need to look to the transfer window to improve their squad after a disappointing season in the Premier League, and with the prospect of key players leaving this summer, Farhad Moshiri will need to make smart moves to identify new signings who could make an instant impact.

Both Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been linked with moves away from the club this summer, and they would be huge losses to the team’s goal contributions next season if Everton do not act fast in the transfer window to replace them.

Richarlison was the Toffees’ top scorer with 11 goals this season, and despite Calvert-Lewin’s numerous injury problems in recent months, he has also been a consistent and effective striker for the team.

The 25-year-old has scored 58 goals and delivered 18 assists for the Merseyside club in 191 appearances, with a goal contribution every 163 minutes. Frank Lampard will therefore be hoping that, if the England striker does move on, the 43-year-old can find someone to either emulate or improve upon the goal threat of Calvert-Lewin next season.

One player who has been closely linked with a move to Goodison Park is potential Calvert-Lewin heir Valentin Castellanos, who has been impressing in the MLS with Lampard’s former club New York City FC.

The €14m (£12m)-rated striker, who was dubbed “exceptional” by journalist Conor McGilligan, scored 22 goals and delivered eight assists in the MLS over the 2021 season, winning the league’s Golden Boot. He has continued to show his prolific nature in front of goal this year, scoring seven goals in 11 appearances so far.

Everton will likely have competition for the forward’s signature this summer, as Premier League trio West Ham United, Leeds United and Newcastle United are all named as interested parties in acquiring the services of the Argentine predator.

The Merseyside club’s interest must be ramped up by Moshiri if he wants to add depth to the forward line this summer, especially with the futures of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison hanging in the balance. It could be a huge risk not to act upon their reported interest and get a proposal put together to sign the goal machine.

Ultimately, Everton will need to make sure that they prepare for the worst outcome of losing both their key attackers, and signing Castellanos could be a great start to ensuring that they don’t caught short with attacking options ahead of next season.

AND in other news – “Interested…”: Insider drops big Everton transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Tottenham: Josh Holland drops Traore claim

Midlands-based football journalist Josh Holland has made a claim involving Tottenham Hotspur and their former transfer target Adama Traore. 

The lowdown: Stuttering career

After spending the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan back where it all began at Barcelona, the Spain winger has reached an impasse in what was once a promising career.

Expected to return to Wolves this summer, the 26-year-old had been deemed surplus to requirements under Bruno Lage as Spurs actively pursued a move when Nuno Espirito Santo was in the Tottenham hot seat last autumn.

That interest had since appeared to have cooled from north London, although one informed onlooker believes that Tottenham could reignite their admiration for the rapid winger…

The latest: Holland on Traore

Discussing the future of Traore and Spurs-linked Ruben Neves with GiveMeSport, Holland suggested that Tottenham could foreseeably reignite their interest in the Spaniard.

He said: “I think the Traore one is a more difficult circumstance than the Neves one. I think Neves has been respectful the whole time. Traore has to the public, but we don’t know what’s happened within the changing room.

“I won’t be surprised if Tottenham swoop round for him again, or another Spanish team come in for him, but I can’t see him playing at Wolves next season.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The verdict: Worth the risk

Despite his ineffectiveness in front of goal, the powerful winger still possesses all of the physical attributes which make him such a threat; and if used in the right way, Antonio Conte could be adding a potential wildcard star to the Tottenham ranks.

The eight-cap Spain winger scored just once and managed only four assists in 40 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona and Wolves in 2021/22, highlighting a worrying absence of clinical end product.

Nonetheless, signing the man who Jetro Willems called a ‘beast’ and said was harder to face than Cristiano Ronaldo due to his incredible speed for anything south of his Transfermarkt valuation of £18m would remain a worthwhile move for Tottenham, as Conte and Fabio Paratici attempt to strengthen the attacking ranks in north London.

In other news: ‘Being negotiated’ – Club now want their ‘sensational’ star to join Tottenham! Find out more here

Newcastle ready to swoop for Carrasco

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make a move to sign Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco, according to a report from Spanish outlet AS. 

The lowdown: Intentions signalled

Following the appointment of Eddie Howe and an influx of players in January, Newcastle enjoyed a superb second half of the 2021/22 season, and it will be intriguing to see who comes through the doors at St James’ Park this summer.

Whilst a revolutionary overhaul isn’t expected to take place in on Tyneside, the levels of recruitment and expectancy will likely go up a notch after the arrival of transfer chief Dan Ashworth from Brighton.

One man who could be on the radar for the Toon is Belgium international Carrasco, and it appears that PIF are ready to spend big to get him…

The latest: Newcastle ‘willing’ to splash out for Carrasco

As per AS, Newcastle are ‘willing’ to meet the €60m (£51m) release clause in the 28-year-old’s contract.

With Carrasco cited as one of the ‘mainstays’ in Diego Simeone’s plans, the report added that the Tyneside club have ‘put his name on the table’ ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

However, amidst the interest, it’s claimed that the man who was lauded by journalist Josh Bunting for an ‘absolutely outstanding’ start to the 2020/21 season is ‘happy’ at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The verdict: Worth every penny

Carrasco scored six times and provided seven assists in 44 outings in 2021/22, earning an impressive 7.09 Sofascore rating whilst winning five duels, completing 2.6 successful dribbles and making 1.6 key passes per La Liga game in the process.

Capable of operating on either wing and at centre-forward, the 55-cap Belgian would provide additional versatility, whilst he would be an upgrade on Newcastle’s current options given that only two Magpies players exceeded his Sofascore rating this season. Therefore, the former AS Monaco man appears to be the ideal candidate to strengthen the attacking options at Eddie Howe’s disposal.

Under a £141,000-per-week contract in the Spanish capital until 2024 (Transfermarkt), his wages will likely be attainable for Newcastle, and the easiest way to negotiate with Carrasco whilst taking Atletico out of the equation would be to simply meet the release clause.

In other news: Magpies make offer for this Serie A gem

Everton given Richarlison transfer boost

Richarlison has been linked with a move away from Everton for months following a disappointing season at Goodison Park, however, a new update has emerged on the Brazilian’s future.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Real Madrid are not interested in signing Richarlison this summer.

This comes as a big twist to the tale following widespread reports that the Spanish side were indeed hoping to sign him over the summer months.

Di Marzio now claims that after Los Blancos lost out on Kylian Mbappe, they currently have no plans to take on another winger this summer after sporting director José Angel Sanchez and owner Florentino Perez held a meeting to discuss the transfer window strategy moving forward.

Supporters will be delighted

There is no doubt the news that Real Madrid have cooled their interest in Richarlison will delight supporters as he has been crucial for the Toffees in one of their most difficult seasons to date and has become a fan favourite at the club.

Despite the relegation worries throughout the season, the 25-year-old stepped up when it really mattered for Everton, scoring six of his ten Premier League goals in his last ten appearances making him the top goal contributor for the Toffees in 2021/22.

The Brazilian’s goals and assists this season compared to the players around him has ultimately saved the club from a spell in the Championship next season, something that supporters will be massively grateful for and it would be hard for fans to see him go after delivering impressive performances when it mattered most.

Richarlison has been a big hit at Goodison Park since he arrived in 2018, and has been one of the very few transfers that have worked out for Farhad Moshiri, scoring 53 goals and delivering 14 assists in his 152 appearances, so losing him this summer would be a huge loss and it would take a lot of work to replace a consistent goal threat of his quality.

With that being said, Real Madrid are not the only club that have reported interest in signing the attacker ahead of next season with Manchester United already making an approach to sign him last month. Therefore, Frank Lampard will need to do everything to convince the star to stay on Merseyside next term.

AND in other news: Everton still face uncertainty over £18m-rated “rock” who Lampard can’t afford to lose

Man Utd ‘planning’ Christopher Nkunku bid

Manchester United are preparing a sensational attempt to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku this summer, according to Sport 1 journalist Florian Plettenburg (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Breakout season

Signed from Paris Saint-Germain having graduated from the club’s youth system, Nkunku had been making steady progress in Germany by directly influencing 39 goals in 84 outings prior to the 2021/22 campaign.

However, the versatile attacker took his form to a whole new level this season, directly contributing to an astonishing 55 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, the upturn in output from the France international has prompted multiple suitors from across Europe to sit up and pay attention.

The latest: United keen on Nkunku

Taking to Twitter (via Sport Witness), Plettenburg confirmed that United are interested in signing Nkunku after the Frenchman was ‘recommended’ as a target by Ralf Rangnick.

He said: “Update #Nkunku: Yes, there is a good contact between #MUFC and the player’s management. It is said that an official offer could arrive in Leipzig next week. United bosses rate him as very good. Rangnick recommended his transfer as reported. RB still won’t sell.”

The verdict: Sensational capture

Holding a market value of £58.8m and under contract in Germany until 2024 (Transfermarkt), signing the 24-year-old would be a superb piece of early business from Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Capable of operating centrally and on either wing, Nkuku shares a stylistic likeness with such star names as Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Liverpool trio Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane (FBRef).

That illustrious company in terms of his playing style – allied with a remarkable 7.59 Sofascore rating (third highest in the German top flight) whilst completing 1.9 successful dribbles per game (joint-seventh highest in Bundesliga) – makes the prospect of adding a player of Nkunku’s calibre to the Red Devils’ squad a hugely exciting one.

Described by current Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch as a player with ‘no weaknesses’, the gifted Frenchman should certainly be considered a priority transfer target for Ten Hag and the Red Devils.

In other news: Man Utd are interested in signing one Serie A giant this summer, read more here

Celtic played a blinder with Juranovic

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou oversaw a substantial overhaul at Parkhead during last summer’s transfer window.

While several players ended up waving goodbye to Glasgow, many others came to the club to accompany Postecoglou throughout his first season in charge.

One player who was signed during this period was Josip Juranovic, who joined from Polish club Legia Warsaw on a five-year deal worth a reported £2.5m.

With 35 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions, the £16k-per-week full-back found the net five times and provided two assists along the way.

From a defensive point of view, the Croatian ended his debut Premiership season with the fifth-highest number of interceptions (22) and third-highest number of tackles (28) to his name in Celtic’s squad.

This shows that he certainly played his part in terms of seeing the Hoops end the campaign with the best defensive record in the league with just 22 goals conceded in 38 games.

Conversely, he has shown that he can be a useful attacking threat as well. In addition to the one goal and three assists that he provided in the league, the 26-year-old delivered 98 crosses in total, the fifth-highest in Postecoglou’s squad.

His versatility also came in handy, being able to play in both full-back positions when needed for the Bhoys.

Praised by Ally McCoist for his “outstanding” performance against Rangers in February, Juranovic has certainly proven his worth to the Parkhead club and shown why they were right to sign him in the first place.

In July 2020, Transfermarkt had the defender’s market value listed at £1.35m. It now stands at £3.6m, highlighting a significant increase of 135%, which also shows what a splendid piece of business it was from the Hoops to add him to their squad.

It also highlights the sort of trajectory he has been on over the past couple of years, and based on what he’s done for his new club since his arrival, there’s no reason why that progress can’t continue for the foreseeable future.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Juranovic has been a brilliant signing, not only for Celtic but for Postecoglou as well.

In other news – “I’m sure”: Big Lennoxtown claim emerges, it’s “really exciting” for Celtic supporters

Tottenham: Report shares Martinez transfer update

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte could be ready to set up a transfer for Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Major summer ahead…

The Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are tasked with backing Conte in the summer transfer market and ensuring the Italian has everything he needs to maintain Spurs’ remarkable return to form.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Just after the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, few would’ve envisaged Tottenham in their strong Premier League position with just one point needed against the relegated Norwich on Sunday to secure Champions League football.

The north-Londoners, to appease their new miracle worker in Conte, have been tipped to target a plethora of fresh faces with just as many going the opposite direction (The Telegraph).

A major overhaul could be on the cards this summer with claim from The Mirror now surfacing involving Inter striker Martinez.

The Latest: Spurs could ‘hijack’ Martinez move…

It is believed that Spurs are ‘ready to hijack a transfer’ from rivals Arsenal if they seal a return to the Champions League on Sunday.

As they eye a move for the Argentine, The Mirror say ‘Conte could rub salt in the Gunners’ wounds’ by setting up a move for Martinez after they potentially beat their neighbours to a place in Europe’s most coveted competition.

This comes as chairman Daniel Levy is ‘on standby for major upgrades’ following Tottenham’s ‘surge to the brink’ of a European Cup return.

The Verdict: Top striker target?

The 24-year-old is finishing 2021/2022 in sublime form, scoring seven goals in his last six Serie A matches, leaving little wonder Inter won’t let him leave for less than £70 million.

That being said, Martinez could be the ideal man to partner or provide competition for Harry Kane if Levy is indeed willing to invest.

The £180,000-per-week forward has been called ‘perfect’ for England by former Man United midfielder Owen Hargreaves and it is believed that Paratici personally ‘loves’ Inter’s in-form talisman (Gianluca Di Marzio).

He’s also bagged 21 top flight goals and three assists in total this campaign and we believe he could be a big upgrade for Conte.

In other news: ‘I’ve heard…’ – Sky Sports reporter hints £64m ‘nightmare’ could be open to joining Spurs! Find out more here.

Wolves injury news ahead of Manchester City

Tonight sees Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Pep Guardiola’s title chasing Manchester City side.

After Liverpool’s win last night, City have it all to do against what is the fourth-best defence in the Premier League, having conceded just 34 goals all season.

After the impressive comeback against Chelsea, courtesy of some Chiquinho magic, Lage will order his side to continue in the same vein, as the Old Gold march towards meeting their ambition of achieving a finish in the European places.

Like Manchester City, Wolves will be chasing a win and with the prospect of the best defence vs the fourth-best defence, we could be in for a well organised and tight affair, just like the last time these two sides met in what ended as a 1-0 win for the Citizens.

What’s the news?

With Lage out with illness, Wolves’ fitness coach Carlos Cachada provided an update over the health of the squad on Monday, as per BirminghamMail.

Cachada said: “At this moment we remain exactly the same, with the same injuries. The three guys are Daniel Podence, Nelson Semedo and Max Kilman.”

Though with centre-back Roman Saiss picking up a knock at Stamford Bridge, he may also be a doubt and will be assessed by the medical team ahead of the game.

It may prove to be somewhat of a late fitness test for the Moroccan who looks as though he will be departing the West Midlands side in the summer, amidst his expiring contract.

A huge blow

If Saiss is unable to feature in the game against Manchester City tonight, it will come as a huge blow for the Old Gold who will have their depth reduced to just one left-footed centre-back in Toti Gomes.

Still, in such a high profile and meaningful game for Wolves, they will surely miss the experience and know-how that Saiss brings.

Though a more positive perspective would see the 23-year-old Portuguese talent Gomes given a runout in what would be a chance to stake his claim for regular minutes next season, with Saiss likely to depart.

However, it is the absence of Podence and Kilman that will represent the biggest blow to Wolves, with the former the club’s joint-top creator in the top-flight this term with three assists and 1.4 key passes per game.

Kilman, meanwhile, has been a vital cog in what has been such a sturdy defence this term so Lage will be gutted to be without him. Today, you really do have to fear that Man City’s prominent attack could run riot.

In other news: Lage must unleash “ridiculous” prodigy vs Man City, his “explosiveness” will scare Pep 

Game
Register
Service
Bonus