All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Manchester City do not want their pursuit of Harry Kane to drag on into the final days of the transfer window, according to a joint-report from The Telegraph from Mike McGrath and Sam Wallace.

The lowdown

Kane has expressed a desire to leave Tottenham after they finished sixth in the Premier League and saw their wait for a trophy extend to 13 years.

The 27-year-old has scored 221 goals and provided 47 assists in 336 appearances for the club (via Transfermarkt). Last season, he landed both the Golden Boot and the Playmaker Award.

Manchester City have identified him as one of their top targets for the summer after Sergio Aguero left to join Barcelona at the end of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Kane is currently on Euro 2020 duty, which may delay any clarification as to where his future lies. A recent report from the Daily Star suggested that City will table a £100m ‘take it or leave it’ offer for the England captain.

The latest

The report from The Telegraph underlines the determination of Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to keep hold of Kane, while claiming that City are ‘reluctant’ for their pursuit of the 27-year-old to become a protracted saga. This leaves Kane facing transfer ‘heartbreak’, with a ‘dream move’ potentially blocked.

The window, which opened on 9 June, is set to close at 11pm on 31 August, and intriguingly Tottenham are due to host the Premier League champions on the first weekend of the 2021/22 season.

The verdict

Levy may take this as a sign that an obstinate stance in the coming weeks could be enough to put City off buying Kane, as the chairman may feel that Pep Guardiola’s side will have a list of alternatives if Spurs simply refuse to play ball.

The concern, though, is how Kane would react to being denied a move. It’s difficult to imagine him going on strike, but he won’t simply be passive in this process. Manchester United could also have a say, if indeed they’re willing to enter into lengthier negotiations.

In other news, Fabio Paratici has identified his next managerial target.

Liverpool could land their next Diogo Jota this summer after being linked with Leeds United winger Raphinha.

What’s the story?

Jurgen Klopp’s charges have reportedly been monitoring the Brazilian for several months, and his comments in a recent interview have sparked further speculation over a possible move ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Raphinha revealed his close relationship with compatriots Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho to Portuguese outlet UOL Sport, providing fresh hope that an imminent arrival at Anfield is on the cards.

“In Liverpool, there is Alisson who is from the South too, so everything stays the same. There is still Fabinho, who is from the same place as Firmino and I,” revealed Raphinha.

“In fact, did you know that Firmino was the first guy who texted me when I came here? He’s a great friend.”

The next Jota

The former Rennes winger has enjoyed a fabulous first campaign on English shores, bagging six goals and providing nine assists in 30 Premier League appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s men.

His impressive displays earned plenty of plaudits throughout 2020/21, including the Leeds manager himself.

“I sincerely think that I can add very little to his game,” Bielsa said after a 3-0 victory over Southampton. “The best thing you can do with players who are so spontaneous is to let them be themselves.”

A move for Raphinha wouldn’t be the first time that Liverpool had turned to a mid-table team to fix their attacking issues.

Diogo Jota arrived at Anfield in a £41m move from Wolves last year and proved to be an instant success on Merseyside.

Despite a string of injuries limiting the Portugal international’s game-time, Jota contributed to 14 goals in all competitions for the Reds in the recently concluded campaign, and there’s no reason why Raphinha couldn’t have a similar impact if he moves to Liverpool.

The drop-off in form that Sadio Mane and Firmino suffered during a desperately underwhelming 2020/21 is a major concern for Liverpool which needs addressing over the coming months, and the £22.5m-rated Leeds maestro (Transfermarkt) may be a logical solution.

In other news…Edwards must seal LFC swoop for £40m star, he’s got a “wonderful footballing brain” 

According to The Mirror, West Ham United are interested in signing Chris Wood from Burnley this summer.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye a striker

The past season was a magnificent one of the Hammers as they finished sixth in the Premier League table, meaning they will play in the Europa League next term.

However, if they are to compete in Europe, they will likely need to bring in a new centre-forward, as David Moyes currently has only Michail Antonio at his disposal in that regard.

The Latest: Irons eye Wood

It is being reported that West Ham are interested in signing Wood, as reported by The Mirror.

The Clarets are believed to want more than the £25m for which they sold Michael Keane to Everton in 2017.

The Verdict: Left-field option

Wood could be a somewhat unexpected signing. He plays for a Burnley side who finished a lowly 17th in 2020/21 and, at the age of 29, he hardly has plenty of time left in his career to make an impression.

However, there is no denying he is a proven centre-forward. He has 151 career goals to his name, including 47 in 136 matches at Premier League level – he has netted at least 10 goals in the league in his last six campaigns (Transfermarkt). Alan Shearer lauded him as “horrible to play against” (Lancs Live)- high praise indeed from the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer.

£25m would be a considerable fee to pay, and the Hammers could surely find younger options for that price who also have plenty of ability. Should they have difficulty doing so, though, Wood could be a very good fallback option.

In other news, many West Ham fans rage as this photo emerges.

Speaking to talkSPORT, journalist Alex Crook has dropped a major Harry Kane claim at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Kane exit saga rumbles on…

Since Sky Sports broke the news that Kane has reiterated a desire to leave Spurs this summer, there have been no shortage of reports linking the striker with top European clubs.

Man City, Man United and Chelsea are all said to be eyeing a move for Kane, but chairman Daniel Levy will apparently remain firm and could command a price tag ‘well over’ £120 million.

As the summer looms, both Spurs fans and the Lilywhites themselves are braced for what is set to be a whirlwind transfer saga.

The Latest: talkSPORT journalist drops major Kane claim

Now, speaking to talkSPORT, journalist Crook has gone into more detail surrounding the 27-year-old’s wish to exit north London.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-gossip/” title=”Spurs gossip” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He explains that Kane has been ‘hankering’ for a move away as far back as last year and claims that conversations actually took place over an exit between him and Levy.

“My understanding is that conversations between Harry Kane and Daniel Levy took place last summer,” Crook reported to talkSPORT.

“At that stage, Harry Kane was already hankering for a move away.

“Daniel Levy persuaded him to stay for another year, give Jose Mourinho the chance to challenge for major honours.

“It hasn’t really happened so Harry Kane believes now that on the back of that conversation, he should be allowed to leave Tottenham almost under his own terms.”

The Verdict: Worrying times for Tottenham…

Last summer, Spurs headed into the 2020/2021 season with a sense of optimism having made seven solid signings in the 2020 summer transfer window – including a sensational return for club cult hero Gareth Bale.

Fast forward and Tottenham are in a very precarious position with tension between fans and club ownership also at an all time high.

Kane’s desire to move away comes as another blow for Spurs and it’s difficult to see how they replace such an influential figure, even if Levy receives the desired bid.

In other news: Spurs could be offered this £250,000-per-week ace for Kane, find out more here.

Everton are interested in signing Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha in the summer transfer window, according to Goal. 

The report says the Blues have been keen on Zaha since the summer of 2019, when they offered £70million plus Cenk Tosun and James McCarthy.

That ‘admiration’ remains, and they believe Zaha’s price is now far lower. Indeed, he could be available for less than £40million.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side may face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who are said to be ‘monitoring the situation’.

Zaha a vital figure at Selhurst Park

Though Palace’s demands appear to have eased somewhat, they understandably want to keep hold of him.

Zaha scored 11 goals for the Eagles last season, the highest tally in the squad. Christian Benteke (10 goals) was the only other player to pass the five-goal mark (via BBC Sport).

Roy Hodgson is leaving Selhurst Park, and there may be serious concerns about the impact of losing both a manager and a talismanic on-field figure.

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed Goal’s report, and here’s how supporters reacted.

These Everton fans implore club not to sign Zaha

“No absolutely not”

Credit: @bobmarl03974950

“No no no thanks”

Credit: @jimefc21

“Same issues…. never learning if this is the type of profile of player we’re signing. Definition of insanity”

Credit: @MichaelHilditc5

“If we sign anyone over the age of 23 there should be a riot at Goodison park. Buy youth and keep buying youth… with pace”

Credit: @PtkToffee

“Yet again another signing towards the twilight years of his career and would demand stupid wages”

Credit: @MarkFer07565155

“Any chance of us signing players under 28?”

Credit: @DVDWLKNSN

In other news, Marcus Bent made this sensational claim about a transfer across Stanley Park.

Many Wolves fans have been left to laud a transfer update on Carlos Vinicius as TVI24 have reported that they want to sign him.

As per the news outlet, the Midlands club want to approach him again after submitting a proposal before the pandemic struck, but it is likely now that they would be able to get him for around half of the original price at around €30m (£26.1m).

Assuming that Tottenham Hotspur do not take up the option of signing him on a permanent deal, Vinicius would be a shrewd buy for Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, as he can be a very useful back-up striker to Raul Jimenez and now has the added experience of playing in the Premier League with Spurs.

Wolves fans on Vinicius transfer update

These Wanderers supporters lauded the transfer update on Vinicius on Twitter, with one member of the Molineux faithful even going as far as to claim that the Benfica ace would be a ‘superb signing’:

“He’d be a decent signing. If Jimenez isn’t ready for August, this boy could step in. Knows the league, big, strong, & has a decent turn of pace. Ticks the boxes to me!!”

Credit: @SteveWiles20

“Jose back to Spain and bring Vinicius. He’s class”

Credit: @pcaseiro

“Yeah definitely a superb signing for us – gets goals in limited time he has had a Spurs”

Credit: @paulmincher1

“Bring him in, always thought he was wasted at Spurs tbh he’ll get game time at abundance for us.”

Credit: @LeeHowe96699667

“Get him down to Compton.”

Credit: @Darkowl1rush

“Tears in my actual eyes”

Credit: @nakedguyonvespa

In other news, find out what big Nuno update WWFC fans have flocked to here!

Norwich City have joined the race to sign Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer this summer.

That’s according to a report from The Scottish Sun, who claim that Canaries boss Daniel Farke wants a new centre-back at Carrow Road ahead of the 2021/22 season.

They claim that Ajer is preparing to quit Parkhead in the summer with just over 12 months left on his Celtic contract.

Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber appears to have a close eye on Ajer ahead of the club’s return to the English top flight, with the 37-year-old watching the Norway international in action in recent weeks.

Ajer, who has missed two league games all season, is valued at £3.6m by Transfermarkt, however, reports earlier this month suggested that Newcastle were preparing an £8m offer, so his actual value is likely much more than £3.6m.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2020-08-01T203924Z_1720062892_RC2TLD9CTXKL_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-TOT-BOU-REPORT-1-640×853.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Transfer Tavern take

It seems as if Celtic have a similar situation with Ajer to the one they have with Odsonne Edouard.

The French forward is ready to leave the Hoops over the coming months, regardless of who comes in as the new Celtic manager.

In our view, Celtic may have to cash in on both in the upcoming window, and, in a way, Norwich’s interest could actually help the Bhoys bring in a sizeable fee for the towering centre-back.

The Hoops could be shrewd by playing both Premier League clubs off against each other, which could result in them maximising their profits.

Ajer only cost Celtic £520,000 in 2016, so they look set to make a profit – the question is how much.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops major 11-word update; could be of interest to Celtic and Dominic McKay, find out more here.

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Steve Bull, who made 561 appearances for Wolves, can’t see Brighton captain Lewis Dunk making the move to Tottenham Hotspur and improving them.

Jose Mourinho has constantly been changing his centre backs this season having played Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld and Joe Rodon in the centre of defence with limited success.

The £45,000 per week defender has been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer after another campaign of marshalling a strong Brighton defence alongside Ben White.

Speaking on if he can see Dunk moving to Spurs and what Mourinho’s alternatives could be, Bull told The Transfer Tavern:

“Dunk is a big old fashioned centre half but I don’t think he would move to Spurs, as Mourinho has got a good bunch of defensive players as well as some players from the reserves that he might bring in next year.

“He could get rid of a few of the stars who are causing him a bit of stress but I’m not worried about Jose’s problems, trust me.”

Tottenham were linked with a move for Milan Skriniar last summer, however they couldn’t agree a fee with Inter Milan to bring the centre back to the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho has a fight on his hands to get Spurs into the top four but they do also have a Carabao Cup on the cards later this month which could be their first piece of silverware since 2008.

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City look to have been handed a potential boost in their hopes of signing Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane this summer, after it was revealed that the England captain will look to leave the North London club should they fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.

According to The Athletic, Kane is running out of patience at Spurs and will push for a move away this summer if they fail to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.

It claims that the 27-year-old striker has become frustrated by a lack of trophies with the Lilywhites and is concerned by the prospect of a second successive season without Champions League football.

Jose Mourinho’s side have slipped down the Premier League table after a promising start to the season and blew their chances of winning the Europa League after a capitulation in the second leg against Dinamo Zagreb recently.

Manchester City are one of the sides who have been touted as a potential destination for Kane in the future and this summer could represent their best opportunity to bring him to the Etihad, although Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will undoubtedly still demand a huge fee for the Englishman.

The Spurs academy graduate has enjoyed a phenomenal season so far, contributing 19 goals and 13 assists in 29 Premier League appearances and averaging an incredible 7.82 rating for his performances, which comfortably ranks him as the best player in the top-flight this season according to WhoScored.

City’s vulnerabilities in attack were exposed on Saturday as they struggled to break down a Leeds United side who were down to 10 men for the entire second half, with Guardiola’s side regularly sending crosses into the box despite the lack of physicality and aerial presence offered by the front three.

Therefore, it seems clear that Guardiola needs to add a powerful striker such as Kane to his side ahead of next season to avoid losing games such as the one against Marcelo Bielsa’s side, and the “unbelievable” Spurs man would undoubtedly score a hatful of goals should he make the switch to the Etihad, so sporting director Txiki Begiristain should do everything in his power to sign him.

And, in other news… Forget Mendes: Txiki should seal City swoop for 25 y/o beast dubbed “one of the best” 

Leicester City created yet more modern-day history at the weekend by overcoming Manchester United to secure a first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1982.

Kelechi Iheanacho was the star of the show once again for the Foxes, getting on the scoresheet twice and continuing his stunning recent run of form.

Youri Tielemans also turned in a majestic showing for the home side, with his control of the ball and authority in midfield allowing the hosts to dominate an under-par Red Devils side.

The Belgian was an ever-present throughout the game for Leicester, having 76 touches of the ball according to WhoScored. Only centre-backs Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu received the ball more than the former AS Monaco midfielder.

The Belgian was also only beaten in terms of successful passes played by the Foxes centre-back pairing, with Tielemans completing 60 passes at an 88.3% success rate. It goes to show how dominant he really was considering that United duo Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek could only accumulate 55 passes between them throughout the game.

On the topic of the Red Devils’ midfield, Tielemans continued to stomp all over them throughout the 90 minutes with a particularly gutsy and determined showing. The £49.5m-rated midfielder produced three tackles, two interceptions and a clearance as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were kept at arm’s length.

It was in the attacking sense that the 23-year-old really thrived though. He had four shots throughout the game, even more than two-goal hero Iheanacho, and as a matter of fact, every single player on the pitch.

One of those shots was golden too as Tielemans topped a hugely impressive performance with a well-taken goal – finding the bottom corner from range after a clever one-two with Iheanacho.

He will surely be satisfied with his evening’s work as Leicester took another stride towards history.

AND in more news, take a look at which bargain transfer the Foxes must avoid this summer…