All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Celtic have opened talks over a shock loan move for Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster as their summer recruitment drive continues [The Scottish Sun].

The Lowdown: Postecoglou begins to restructure the Celtic squad

Looking towards the new campaign, Ange Postecoglou faces a sizeable challenge on his hands in regard to reviving a Hoops squad which faltered badly in 2020/21.

Making some real progress in the transfer window, the Aussie has acquired four summer signings in the form of Liam Shaw, Osaze Urhoghide, Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada [Transfermarkt].

As the Champions League qualifying tie against FC Midtjylland approaches, could the Celts now be set for their most high-profile addition of the summer in the form of 33-year-old Forster?

The Latest: Celtic line up surprise loan swoop for Fraser Forster

Celtic have begun discussions over a surprise move for the Saints stopper [The Scottish Sun].

Forster spent 2019/20 at Parkhead on a temporary basis, although the Hoops will need to pay up to half of his £130,000-per-week wage in order to lure the England international back to Glasgow, which is considerably more than what they paid during his previous stint [The Scottish Sun].

Spending five years in total across four different spells at the Bhoys, the veteran stopper cemented himself as a fans’ favourite at the Scottish giants due to his show-stopping performances.

The Verdict: Forster would be a very popular piece of business

This move would be an enormous shot in the arm for the Celtic hierarchy should they pull a deal off for the Englishman. During his time at the club, Forster contributed to four Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup triumph [Transfermarkt].

In 2020/21, the Hexham native made 13 appearances for his current employers, keeping six clean sheets [Transfermarkt]. Impressing in his fairly limited pitch time last year, the Southampton man registered a save percentage rate of 67.9% [FBRef].

Once labelled as ‘unbelievable’ by former Hoops teammate Scott Bain [Celtic View Podcast], he would offer Celtic a presence between the sticks which was not regularly prominent in the bygone season as they chopped and changed between Bain, Vasilis Barkas and Conor Hazard.

In other news, this journalist has made an exciting Celtic claim.

Writing for 90min, transfer reporter Graeme Bailey has shared a West Ham United transfer update involving Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.

The Lowdown: West Ham enter negotiations…

Sky Sports broke news that the Hammers and manager David Moyes had set their sights on the South American striker earlier this week with journalist Dharmesh Sheth revealing negotiations.

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It is believed that the in-form striker prefers a move to England as his next destination as he eyes a place in Brazil’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Barbosa apparently watches every West Ham game and it is a big admirer of how Moyes has turned the club’s fortunes around (Sky Sports), with Bailey now sharing what he knows for 90min.

The Latest: Bailey shares news…

According to his information, both West Ham and Newcastle are the ‘most advanced’ in negotiations to sign the 25-year-old who cost ‘in the region’ of £30 million.

The Irons have apparently ‘held talks’ with Barbosa’s entourage but manager Moyes would also like to consider other options before taking it a step further.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Scoring a 84 goals and 26 assists in total for Flamengo across all competitions since his move from Inter Milan, it is no secret that the Brazilian has resurrected his career following his forgetful Serie A spell.

Barbosa’s phenomenal 29-goal haul over 2021 would motivate most clubs to pay his possible £30m fee there and then with the fact he is still only in his mid-20s pointing to a possible bargain.

The 17-cap international could certainly be an astute option for Moyes and West Ham as they seek to end their year-long search for a Michail Antonio-alternative.

In other news: ‘Yes, yes, yes’, ‘Our best ever window’…West Ham fans flock to ‘sensational’ transfer claim, find out more here.

Sky Sports have relayed news live on TV regarding Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic and his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Matic’s Old Trafford career

Matic made the move to United back in 2017 from Chelsea in a deal worth over £40m. Since then, the holding midfielder has gone on to make more than 180 appearances for the Red Devils, with 27 of those coming this season.

His current contract still has over 12 months left to run, however, Matic has now announced that he will leave the club over the coming months.

The Latest: Sky Sports relay on-air news

United shared the news on their official website, with Sky Sports News sharing the update live on TV.

They labelled it as ‘significant if you support Man Utd’, describing the midfielder as ‘the first out of the door’ at Old Trafford.

The Verdict: First of many?

Erik ten Hag looks set to come in to replace Ralf Rangnick in the summer and may well have plenty of key decisions to make on a number of players.

United have five players who will be out of contract at the end of June, including Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is also in doubt.

Matic’s departure could prove to be the first of many in a major Old Trafford shake-up under Ten Hag, and a new defensive midfielder could now be a priority heading into the summer.

In other news: ‘Expected’ – Fabrizio Romano drops first blow for Ten Hag at Man Utd with appointment ‘imminent’. 

A fresh claim has emerged about injured Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero this week…

What’s the latest?

The 23-year-old centre-back suffered a hamstring injury playing for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier against Brazil during last month’s international break.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte described the problem as “very serious” and would not put a date on his return, though the Italian did rule him out for the remainder of the year.

“It will take time before we see him again. Surely next year, we have to check his injury week by week, but the injury is serious,” he said (via Sky Sports).

“Now he is trying to recover, but he needs a long time to recover. It is a pity because he is an important player for us, the injury is very serious. I don’t know, January, February. But for 2021, he has finished. We have to wait and recover well.”

But in a fresh development, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge provided some encouragement that it isn’t as ‘serious’ as expected. He told GIVEMESPORT:

“I kind of thought the worst when Conte said we will know more in seven to 10 days, but I’m told it’s not a tear, it’s a serious strain. So, is that January? He did say January or February.”

A glimmer of hope?

Having Romero out until February would certainly be a devastating blow to Spurs and their chances of breaking into the top four – something they have a huge chance to do in the coming weeks as they sit just two points behind West Ham, with one game in hand, too.

Indeed, just as Conte claimed, the Argentina international is a crucial player for the club and you could argue that he is very much their best central defender.

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On the back of a player of the year campaign at Serie A outfit Atalanta, Romero had continued his fine form across to north London, where he is currently averaging 2.3 tackles (third-best), 1.7 interceptions (second-best) and 2.4 aerials won (third-best) in the squad, per WhoScored.

“This guy is an animal, I swear. He’s perfect for the Premier League,” claimed his teammate, Pierluigi Gollini, back in September. “He’s played for many years with three at the back and especially when you play with a very aggressive style and play man for man, it’s a completely different to thing to in a four.”

His absence has seen the 52-year-old head coach tryout both Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga, as well as a very brief spell for Joe Rodon outside of the Premier League.

Sanchez along with Eric Dier were part of Spurs’ defensive error-prone backline last season under Jose Mourinho, so pairing them up again could be a recipe for disaster, especially with the change to a back three, rather than four.

But the fact that Bridge believes Romero’s injury isn’t as bad as what the club are saying, with the defender suffering a strain, rather than a more severe tear, is surely a glimmer of hope. Consequently, that should leave many around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a little more optimistic and ultimately, quite excited heading into 2022.

AND in other news, Paratici can seal Conte’s dream Spurs signing in 6 ft 1 beast he dubbed “outstanding”…

Calciomercato.it have now shared an interesting transfer update out of Roma as Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici emerges in the running for big name playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Conte a big fan…

Links to one of Italy’s most hyped talents of the last few years haven’t been in short supply from Spurs’ perspective, with their interest having been reported as far back as the Mauricio Pochettino era.

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In more recent times, Tottenham’s new head coach in Antonio Conte is reportedly a big fan of Zaniolo, so much so that reports suggest he wants to see him make the move to north London.

Newspaper Corriere dello Sport, as shared by Sport Witness, recently claimed that the 52-year-old ‘really likes’ Jose Mourinho’s starlet and would ‘really like him’ in the Lilywhites squad.

Now, sharing an update, Calciomercato.it say Paratici could grant Conte’s wish this summer.

The Latest: Calciomercato share update…

The Italian source claims that Zaniolo, who is valued at around €70 million (£58m) by Roma, is subject to interest from Juventus, AC Milan, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid.

However, as stated by the report, Spurs and Paratici are by ‘no means excluded’ from ‘trying to bring him to Tottenham’ as the transfer chief plots a move.

The Verdict: Ambitious move…

Attempting a coup for Zaniolo, arguably one of Serie A’s brightest big name talents, would be a real statement of ambition from Spurs given his price tag.

Lauded as a ‘prominent’ and ‘excellent’ player by ex-Liverpool midfielder Moussa Sissoko (Foot Italia), there is no denying his talent.

Still young and finding his feet again after missing the whole of 2020/2021 due to a Cruciate Ligament Rupture (Transfermarkt), Zaniolo still ranks in as one of Mourinho’s most-threatening Serie A players.

According to WhoScored, none of the Portuguese’s squad have completed more successful take-ons per 90 this season (2.2) with only Tammy Abraham and Lorenzo Pellegrini averaging more attempts at goal.

Snatching the 22-year-old from Spurs’ former boss could be a huge statement on behalf of Conte.

In other news: Conte personally approves ‘monster’ player move as Tottenham take pre-summer action, find out more here.

Writing for The Sun, journalist Paul Jiggins has dropped a damning behind-the-scenes Tottenham Hotspur claim involving senior players at N17.

The Lowdown: Nuno back in the firing line…

Following two consecutive Premier League wins against Aston Villa and Newcastle, the pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo was slightly eased as he aims to guide Spurs into his very own era.

However, this last week has seemingly placed the Portuguese back in the firing line with another two losses now on the board – this time to Conference League minnows Vitesse and bitter London rivals West Ham.

After the regrettable last round of fixtures for Tottenham’s head coach, reporter Jiggins has now dropped a damning behind-the-scenes reveal in another blow for Nuno.

The Latest: Senior Spurs players ‘seriously angered’…

As per the journalist, writing in The Sun, senior members of Nuno’s Europa Conference League squad have been left ‘seriously angered’ due to the manager’s tendency to think too far ahead.

This has apparently created a ‘needless chasm’ at Hotspur way and left the team’s morale in ‘tatters’ – coming after he decided to field a second-string team against Vitesse and rest key players for West Ham only to lose both anyway.

Jiggins also believes the Spurs squad is now ‘divided’ under Nuno amid increasing pressure.

The Verdict: Blow for Nuno…

The external pressure from critics alone is one huge obstacle the 47-year-old must face and harbouring furious senior squad members will do little to help his cause.

There is still time for him to steer the Spurs ship back around, especially considering they lie just three points away from a top four place and are keeping fair chase statistically.

However, a swift revival in terms of both results and performances is needed – starting with Burnley in the Carabao Cup tonight.

In other news: Paratici may now be willing to offer ‘frightening’ player over £200,000-per-week to join Tottenham, find out more here.

Leeds United pundit Noel Whelan has been giving his thoughts for this weekend’s clash with Norwich City following Marcelo Bielsa’s early team news, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Raphinha and Shackleton expected to be fit

Raphinha suffered an injury last weekend against Wolves but posted a positive update on social media revealing his knock is nothing serious.

The Brazilian was left out of the squad against Arsenal in the week, with youngster Jamie Shackleton was also missing.

Bielsa admitted after the defeat at the Emirates that he ‘thinks’ both Raphinha and Shackleton will be fit to take on the Canaries, a potentially huge boost.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Whelan was talking to Football Insider after learning of the two injury boosts ahead of the trip to Carrow Road.

This is what the BBC Radio Leeds man had to say, labelling who gets the first goal of the game as ‘massive’.

“They should be aiming for no less than three points.

“It’s so important that we take something away from the away games. They’ll be hurting after conceding seven, and they’ll have worked on defending after that defeat.

“We may have to stay patient during the game, but I do think that the first goal will be massive – especially away from home. We need to go there and take the confidence from last week – because that Wolves result felt like a win.

“The players should be full of confidence and belief that they can win the game.

“They’re a wounded animal but we need to step up and be better than the last two games.”

The Verdict: Good news

Shackleton, who Bielsa described as ‘important’ earlier this year, has started the last four Premier League games, and with Luke Ayling out, his availability could be crucial.

Cody Drameh made his debut in the week, but if fit, you’d expect Bielsa would select Shackleton over Drameh – the former has much more experience in senior football.

It seems as if Raphinha may also be available from the off, so the pair could play a crucial role as Leeds look to get their second Premier League win of the campaign – Dan James was disappointing in the Brazilian’s absence against Arsenal, so getting Raphinha back is massive.

In other news: Pundit spots Bielsa fury at something 18-cap Leeds man did. 

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a blow regarding the fitness of Kean Bryan ahead of their Championship fixture on Tuesday night.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by Birmingham Live, who claimed that the centre-back does not look likely to be deemed fit enough to feature in the clash against Derby County at The Hawthorns.

As a result, the report suggests it looks more than likely that Valerien Ismael will stick with the trio of Cedric Kipre, Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi for the match – the same defensive three who started Albion’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Millwall last weekend.

Ismael will be gutted

Considering that Bryan was signed as a result of the respective injuries to the Frenchman’s first-choice centre-backs Matt Clarke and Dara O’Shea, the potential absence of the 24-year-old for tonight’s clash against the Rams is sure to have left the 45-year-old manager gutted.

Indeed, neither Kipre nor Ajayi did much in the Millwall fixture to convince Ismael that they would be worthy of keeping their places in the starting XI. The former lost 56% of his duels, ceding possession of the ball on 14 occasions and earning a SofaScore match rating of 6.7, while Ajayi made an error which led to a shot and gave away the ball 15 times, receiving a SofaScore match rating of just 6.4.

As such, the addition of Bryan to Ismael’s back three for the Derby game would have almost certainly provided the Frenchman with a considerable boost to his chances of getting the Baggies back to winning ways in the fixture.

However, unfortunately for the Albion manager, it looks as if he will have to once again make do without the former Sheffield United man, which will undoubtedly come as a blow to the 45-year-old.

In other news: Journalist reveals how “complete” 27 y/o failed to secure WBA move, he would’ve been a huge coup

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City fans have been left buzzing as some news emerges on Gabriel Jesus and his future at Eastlands.

The Brazilian has become a regular under Pep Guardiola this season, shining in a new role on the right hand side of City’s forward line.

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Jesus, grabbing more assists than any Sky Blues player in the Premier League over 2021/2022 so far, has been rejuvenated and arguably one of City’s most improved players.

Averaging the joint-third most shots per 90 out of City’s squad in that time (WhoScored), the 24-year-old is a consistent threat, leaving little wonder some news has emerged on what sporting director Txiki Begiristain could now offer the player.

According to 90min, the club are now preparing to offer Jesus a new deal and are ready to open talks with his entourage over fresh terms.

His current contract has 18 months left to run and it is believed that City are now lining up a move to tie him down for the foreseeable future.

City fans buzz…

Given how much the South American ace has thrived under Guardiola in a new role out wide, it’s little wonder City supporters are buzzing at this news.

City value Jesus at up to €65 million (£55m) and that should only increase with these consistent performances – especially considering he’s still fairly young.

Amassing over half a century of international caps for Brazil already, the striker’s quality is obvious, with many fans very keen to see him extend his stay at Eastlands.

Find all of their best reactions down below:

“Ah yes, finally getting our priorities straight “

Credit: @BFordiniho

“Excellent news and well deserved”

Credit: @MillerMattu

“PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HAPPEN”

Credit: @gabbyjesus_9

“One of our big game players, get it done asap”

Credit: @10jackyG

“Great news, love Gabby.”

Credit: @JustKiam

“Yesssssss”

Credit: @MosesOnduso5

“I begggg this happens”

Credit: @gabbyjesus_9

In other news: ‘Let’s goooo’, ‘Coming home’, ‘I beg’…Sky’s news on Haaland has many Man City fans excited, find out more here.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is working hard to win over the supporters at Parkhead after a difficult start to the 2021/22 campaign.

In their first three competitive games of the season, the Hoops were knocked out of the Champions League and lost their opening Scottish Premiership match to Hearts. This meant that the Australian coach started on the back foot and has had to work hard to regain momentum.

Recent results suggest that they are now on the up, with four straight wins in all competitions. Celtic have beaten Jablonec twice, scoring seven goals, Hearts and Dundee in their last four matches. They scored 16 goals in total in that period, bringing attacking football back to Celtic Park.

However, a tough test against Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar awaits them tonight as they bid to progress through to the group stages of the Europa League.

Will Postecoglou switch it up from the 3-2 win over Hearts? Here is our predicted XI for the match…

We are predicting that he will make two changes to his starting XI, with Liel Abada and Ismaila Soro coming into the team for James Forrest and Tom Rogic.

Starting with Soro, this was a tough call to make but one that could be needed. Rogic was subbed off after 75 minutes against Hearts and after 74 minutes against Jablonec in the second-leg. This suggests that the midfielder has been tiring in games, which indicates that Celtic could benefit from bringing in some fresh legs in midfield who will be able to see out the 90 minutes without breaking down.

James McCarthy made his Celtic debut against Hearts in the League Cup with a 15-minute cameo, whilst Soro has racked up 386 competitive minutes across six games this season. Therefore, he could be fresher than the £16k-per-week Australian international whilst also being more match-fit than the ex-Everton man.

The second and final change we are predicting is Abada for Forrest. We published an article urging Postecoglou to unleash the teenage attacker against Alkmaar, given his recent form for Celtic and the amount of game time Forrest has had in recent weeks.

Abada has two goals and two assists in five appearances for the Hoops this season, proving that he can provide quality at this level. Forrest, 30, meanwhile has already played 446 minutes and could benefit from a game on the sidelines. Start the youngster and allow him to strut his stuff, before potentially bringing the Scotland international on for the final 20 minutes or so to run at a tiring defence.

We are predicting the rest of the team to stay the same, as it does not make much sense to make wholesale changes to a winning side.

AND in other news, “Decision to make”: Manager’s update on 23 y/o gem will potentially excite Celtic fans…