All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

La Liga giants Barcelona are ‘fully convinced’ they can sign Manchester City star Bernardo Silva this summer with Jorge Mendes running messages behind the scenes.

The Lowdown: Wanted to leave

The 27-year-old wanted to leave Man City last summer and revealed later that the pandemic had made him homesick, as opposed to it having anything to do with his affection for the club (via Manchester Evening News).

The Sky Blues did not receive any bids deemed acceptable for the player though, so the Portugal international remained at the Etihad this season.

The attacking-midfielder went on a fantastic run for Pep Guardiola’s side, having featured in 35 Premier League games this campaign, earning an average match rating of 7.28 – fifth out of the entire City squad (via WhoScored).

The Latest: Update from Catalonia

According to an update in the last 48 hours from Spanish journalist Helena Condis (via Football365), Barcelona are ‘fully convinced’ they will sign Silva this summer, using super agent Mendes to inform the player, who is expected to remain patient.

City are said to have placed an £80m price tag on the midfielder are not interested in any swap deals.

The Verdict: Huge loss

When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 27-year-old impressively ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive carries, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received (via FB Ref).

Having featured 11 times in the Champions League for City this season alongside his top flight heroics, Silva’s importance to Guardiola’s side cannot be overlooked, consistently relied upon to convert defence into attack.

If Silva pushes for a move away this summer, this will come as a heavy blow to City ahead of next season, as he has become one of the few mainstays in Guardiola’s often rotated starting XI.

In other news: Romeo Lavia could also leave this summer…

Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic’s head could be turned by a summer move to the Premier League, according to former Scotland manager Alex McLeish.

The Lowdown: Juranovic a strong performer

The Hoops clinched Scottish Premiership glory last season and Juranovic played his part in his side’s success, proving to be a consistent performer.

The Croatian made 26 appearances in the competition and dovetailed nicely with Anthony Ralston, as the pair battled for playing time at right-back.

Recent reports have suggested that Juranovic could leave Celtic this summer, as he potentially looks for a new challenge.

The Latest: Defender backed to leave

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, now a pundit with Sky Sports, claimed that the lure of the Premier League could be too great to turn down, while also admitting ‘surprise’ at the interest:

“If he is being courted at Premier League level in England, I would say that’s the best league in the world.

“That has to turn a player’s head. Juranovic has only had one season there and that’s quite a surprise to hear Premier League clubs are interested.

“If the richest clubs in the world come in, it is hard to turn them down, that’s just a fact. They just can’t match the revenue in Scotland.”

The Verdict: Hard to say no to PL

Losing Juranovic would be an undoubted blow for Celtic, considering what a solid performer he has been, with an average of 1.4 tackles and 1.3 key passes per game in the league last season.

The Premier League is arguably the best league in the world, in terms of both quality and exposure, so it wouldn’t be hard to see the Hoops man’s head being turned by a move, sadly.

The hope is that the thought of playing in the Champions League for Celtic next season also appeals, though, and that he continues to thrive for Postecoglou’s team before potentially moving on for a much larger fee somewhere down the line.

Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has been reacting to the club’s interest in Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Villa linked with Oxlade-Chamberlain

Villa have already made four summer signings and appear to be closing in on a fifth in Rangers forward Rory Wilson. However, Steven Gerrard isn’t planning on stopping there and has reportedly made Oxlade-Chamberlain a ‘top priority’ for the remainder of the summer.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to cash in on the 28-year-old as he enters the final 12 months of his Anfield contract and could be available for around £11m.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments on Oxlade-Chamberlain

Hutton, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Villa’s interest in the Anfield ace.

The Scot believes that Villa’s current midfielders will be ‘worried’ at the possibility of ‘someone with the quality of Oxlade-Chamberlain’ coming in.

Hutton said:

“They’re well-stocked in that area.

“Oxlade-Chamberlain will have to prove himself. But Steven Gerrard has got the best out of the likes of Philippe Coutinho before when he’s been out of form, and this is a similar situation.

“You’d be worried if you’re a midfielder at Villa right now. I’m just saying how I would feel if I was in that position and someone with the quality of Oxlade-Chamberlain came in.

“They’ve got to embrace it and see it as an opportunity to show what you’re worth.

“It’s competition for places, and you need that if you’re going to be going for those European spots. That’s where Aston Villa see themselves.”

The Verdict: Shrewd signing?

Oxlade-Chamberlain has played in 10 different positions throughout his career, with the majority of his appearances coming as a central midfielder or on the right. [Transfermarkt]

He would therefore add plenty of versatility to Gerrard’s midfield ranks, with the Villa boss tinkering with narrow and wide formations last season.

An £11m move for Oxlade-Chamberlain could also be deemed a cut-price one due to his £14.4m Transfermarkt valuation, so this could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

In other news: Villa and Gerrard now want ‘unbelievable’ ace on free transfer alongside Suarez. 

The Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has revealed that Newcastle United are now ‘pressing to close a deal’ for Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: Closing in

It has been reported that the St. James’ Park outfit are closing in on a deal for Botman this summer, after failing to sign him in the January transfer window.

They have reopened talks with Lille over a potential move, although will face serious competition from AC Milan among other clubs for his signature.

The Latest: Getting closer…

Taking to Twitter, Taylor has revealed that the North East club are now ‘pressing to close a deal’ for Botman, and have made a new bid for the central defender:

“Newcastle are pressing to close a deal for Sven Botman. New proposal totalling over £30m (including add-ons) submitted. Negotiations with Lille are ongoing. AC Milan & other suitors still in contention but clear appetite from NUFC to get this done after two rejected Jan bids.”

Expanding in his article for The Daily Express, Taylor added that this is the third offer that the Tynesiders have now made for Botman, of whom is Steve Nickson’s ‘top’ defensive target this window.

The Verdict: Get it done

Of course, it may be difficult for the Magpies to persuade Botman to join them over say Milan, who have just won the Serie A title and can offer him UEFA Champions League football.

However, it looks as if things are now progressing, which will certainly give the Toon Army some encouragement.

The 22-year-old, dubbed a ‘golden boy‘ by his agent Francesco Miniero, would be a statement signing that would really help kickstart their long-term ambitions.

In other news, find out which £40,000-per-week ‘cat’ NUFC are now eyeing here!

Liverpool are looking to the transfer window to bolster their squad this summer following reports that Sadio Mane will leave the club, and it appears that there has been a new target identified for the Reds.

What’s the latest?

According to the Daily Star, Liverpool are interested in plotting a bid for Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic this summer.

The report claimed that Jurgen Klopp is keen to find a replacement for Senegal winger Mane in order to ensure that they doesn’t decline if the 30-year-old leaves Merseyside this summer.

Aquilani 2.0

It was never in doubt that Pulisic would eventually be linked to a move to Liverpool, as Klopp is a huge admirer of the American forward since working with him at Borussia Dortmund in the early stages of his career.

The German coach has even spoken out about the 23-year-old since joining the Reds, praising the player after he scored twice against Liverpool in a pre-season friendly in 2018.

Klopp said: “He’s a fantastic skilled boy, and it’s not a surprise to see. He’s a smart player, and unfortunately the USA needs more of these players. He alone cannot do it all.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

Despite the manager’s admiration, there are many concerns that Liverpool should take into account to ensure that they don’t make a similar mistake to the one they made by signing Alberto Aquilani, who was plagued with injuries throughout his time at the club.

Pulisic has also struggled in that regard since his arrival at Chelsea in 2019, with 12 episodes of injury and fitness issues equating to missing 354 days (almost a full year) and 44 matches for the Blues.

When you consider that Mane has been a consistent performer with rare short-term injury issues over the last six years, it could be a disaster for the Reds if they sign the £42m-valued American and he is unable to provide reliability to the team, an attribute which will already be a huge loss for the club when the Senegal winger leaves.

With that in mind, there are plenty of other potential signings who could offer more reliability and consistency on the pitch in order to give Klopp the best shot at seamlessly replacing Mane’s attacking output at Anfield.

AND in other news – “Talks will..”: Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, it’s bad news for Liverpool

West Bromwich Albion failed in their first attempt to win promotion back to the Premier League after the Midlands club finished 10th in the most recent Championship season.

The Baggies won 18, drew 13 and lost 15 of their 46 matches, leaving them with 67 points on the board.

Despite this ultimately disappointing finish, one factor in their season in which they can take a bit of pride, and which Steve Bruce can use as a platform to build upon for next term, is their defence.

Albion conceded just 45 goals in the 2021/22 campaign, fewer than four of the nine teams who finished above them in the table.

One man who played a big part in this regard for the Baggies is Matt Clarke.

Signed on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Brighton, the centre-back made 33 league appearances for the Baggies in the most recent campaign. He even managed to round off his loan spell at The Hawthorns by scoring on the final day of the season in their 4-0 win over Barnsley.

However, it was his defensive contribution which made him a solid figure for the team.

Having racked up more interceptions (60) than any other Baggies player, the 25-year-old also won 33 tackles in total and averaged 3.1 clearances per game, the second-highest in the squad behind Kyle Bartley (four).

Now that the season has drawn to an end, the upcoming summer transfer window could give the West Brom hierarchy to replicate their masterstroke of bringing Clarke to the club by securing a deal for Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The Baggies were linked with a move for the Tottenham defender back in February.

During his recent loan spell with Celtic, with whom he secured the Scottish Premiership title, the American showed just how capable a defensive figure he is, a bit like Clarke.

In 33 league appearances for the Hoops, the 24-year-old ended his season in Glasgow with more interceptions (43) than any other Celtic player, along with the highest average of clearances per game (4.2) in Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

This pretty much mirrors the sort of defensive abilities that Clarke showed during his time with the Baggies this season, and illustrates why it would be a great move for the club to sign the Spurs defender.

Described by Simon Donnelly as being “solid as a rock” for the Bhoys, the USA defender certainly has what it takes to improve what is already a rather sturdy backline.

With a reported price tag of £6m, the Spurs outcast could be well worth a punt if Bruce believes that the 24-year-old can help to get Albion closer to promotion.

In other news: Imagine him & Dike: Bruce can form scary WBA duo by signing “invaluable” 103-goal ace

Leeds United are ready to make a fresh move for Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Long-term target

The Whites know all about O’Brien and have been desperate to bring him to Elland Road in the past. Huddersfield turned down four offers from Leeds for the 23-year-old last summer when Marcelo Bielsa placed him at the top of his wish-list.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-44/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Since then, O’Brien, labelled as a ‘special talent’, has been a regular for The Terriers, mainly playing in defensive and central midfield roles and even captaining the club on a number of occasions.

The Latest: Transfer update

Nixon shared a story late on Saturday evening regarding Leeds and O’Brien.

The reliable reporter revealed that Jesse Marsch will sanction a fresh move for the central midfielder and have the cash to meet his £10m release clause.

The Verdict: Luck starting to change?

Leeds have already landed one long-term target in Brenden Aaronson, who has become the club’s first permanent senior midfield signing since 2018.

Victor Orta had been after Aaronson since January and he’s wanted to take O’Brien across Yorkshire for even longer, despite Bielsa making way at the end of February.

It looks as if the Whites will try again, where hopefully, they’ll be able to back up their move for Aaronson with another eight-figure deal.

In other news: Orta now working on bizarre transfer for ‘magnificent’ ace; he has history with Leeds supporters.  

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Martin Terrier to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by French media outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici has already made contact with Stade Rennais regarding a move for the 25-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-hotspur-latest-news-updates-transfer-rumours-gossip-spurs-thfc-conte-paratici” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

The report goes on to state that, while Antonio Conte’s side are very fond of the versatile winger – who can also operate at centre-forward – Spurs could face competition in the race for the former France U21 international from Napoli, who are also believed to be plotting a bid for the forward this summer.

The next Mane

Considering just how impressive Terrier has been in France this season, in addition to the fact that Conte is in need of both backup to and competition for Harry Kane in his first-team squad, it is easy to see why Paratici would be interested in a deal to bring the 25-year-old to north London this summer.

Indeed, over his 36 Ligue 1 appearances this term, the £14.4m-rated forward has been in breathtaking form for Bruno Genesio’s side, scoring 21 goals, registering four assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.4 shots and making 1.2 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £21k-per-week talent who Genesio dubbed a “high-level player” average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Rennes’ second-best performer in the French top-flight but also as the tenth-best player in the division as a whole.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, Terrier ranks in the top 8% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for goals per 90 minutes, as well as the top 16% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for pass completion, the top 10% for both progressive passes and carries, the top 20% for pressures, the top 10% for interceptions and the top 2% for tackles over the last 365 days.

As a result of these metrics, the 25-year-old has drawn comparisons with some of the most prestigious forwards currently playing the game, with FBref revealing that the Frenchman’s most compatible player is none other than Liverpool’s Sadio Mane.

And, considering the fact that Terrier is five years the Senegal international’s junior, should Paratici go on to secure a deal for the Rennes sensation this summer, and the forward can replicate his Ligue 1 form in England, the Italian sporting director could very well have unearthed the next Mane for Tottenham – something that is certainly an extremely exciting prospect.

AND in other news: Sold at £34m, now worth £72m: Levy had a Spurs nightmare on “underrated” £100k-p/w ace

Sunderland have been handed a big injury lift over Leon Dajaku’s fitness ahead of the League One play-off final… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Sunderland Echo, the German winger is now back in training with the rest of the first-team squad, joining in with the group on Thursday.

The report claims that he has been out of action since March due to illness and went back to Germany for treatment in recent weeks. He has now recovered from his ailment and is back out on the pitch with just over a week to go until the final at Wembley.

Alex Neil will be delighted

This is a major boost for the Black Cats and one which will leave head coach Alex Neil delighted, as Dajaku has the potential to be a match-winner for Sunderland.

He has directly contributed to seven goals in 14 League One starts throughout an injury-plagued and illness-hit campaign. The forward has chipped in with four goals and three assists from out wide, which shows that he can have a big impact whenever he is fit to play.

In League One, he has registered seven shots on target and scored four goals, missing one ‘big chance’ in the process. This suggests that he has been clinical in front of goal when he has found himself with an opportunity to find the net, which is a useful attribute to have with the Black Cats facing a mammoth clash against Wycombe at Wembley next week.

Dajaku has also put his foot in and shown fight for Sunderland. He has made 1.4 tackles and interceptions per game, frequently tracking back and attempting to help out his defensive team-mates by winning the ball back off the opposition.

Promotion is on the line for both clubs and Neil will want as many of his players available as possible, including the German. Whilst the 21-year-old may not be fit enough to start, having been out of action since March, he can have a say in the game if he comes off the bench.

Therefore, the ex-Preston and Norwich boss will be delighted to have him back as an option heading into the clash with Wycombe. Dajaku has the potential to be a key player for the Black Cats, from the start or off the bench, and his return to training is a timely one for the Wearside club.

AND in other news, Neil must seal Sunderland swoop for “outstanding” 24 y/o machine who scores every other game…

Ex-BBC pundit turned Leeds United ambassador Noel Whelan has backed defender Stuart Dallas to make a return from his serious injury sooner rather than later.

The Lowdown: Dallas out for the foreseeable

The 31-year-old’s season came to a premature end after a horrific leg injury in the Whites’ 4-0 defeat against Manchester City back in April, and he has since undergone surgery.

Despite a successful operation though, there are still plenty of fears surrounding the player’s future after a Leeds source revealed to Football Insider just last week that the Northern Irishman could miss the entirety of next season as a result of a femoral fracture.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-43/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Whelan backs early return

Whelan admitted that whilst Dallas is set to face plenty of challenges throughout his rehabilitation period, but he is urging the 56-cap international to surprise medics with his recovery and even suspects he is already back in the dressing room.

He told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Any long-term injury is a challenge, more so mentally and emotionally as well. You want to be taking part out there with the lads, fighting with them out on the field, especially with the predicament we’re in.

“It’s something out the blue for Stuart, he’s never really gone through a long-term injury before.

“I’m sure he’ll be in the changing room trying to give his opinions and gee the lads on. That’s fantastic but look, it is demoralising when you get a really long injury. Any injury is hard to take. Whether it’s a hamstring, a tear, a small fracture. Long term, it can take its toll on you mentally.

“But the good thing is that we’re near the end of the season. It gives him that six to eight weeks to kind of get his rehab under his belt. He’s had the operation, it’s now a healing process.

“At the end of the season, it’s nice to be away from the club so you can put your feet up, you can go on holiday. Yes, you’re injured but I think getting away from football at times is not a bad thing when you have a long-term injury, just to clear your mind.”

“Reflect, get your head into a good place and know that you’re gonna be working very hard to get back fitter and stronger like he says. There’s no doubt about it, he will. He’s one of these people that is very honest, he will put the hard work in, the graft.

“Knowing Stuart Dallas he will probably be back sooner rather than later because of that determination that he has in his mind.”

The Verdict: Focusing on the future

The £53k-per-week star having to miss the final three games of the season will come as a huge blow to Jesse Marsch, who will know just how much of an instrumental part Dallas plays in his starting XI.

Prior to picking up his injury, the 5 foot 9 colossus was averaging 2.7 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, and 1.4 dribbles per top-flight game, via WhoScored, showing that he can be effective both defensively and offensively going forward in that wing-back role.

Dallas, who was once dubbed as an “outstanding” player by BBC pundit Alan Shearer, will no doubt be absolutely gutted that he won’t be able to play any further part in trying to help the Whites maintain their Premier League status, but the most important thing for him now is to focus on his recovery so that he can be back fighting fit on that Elland Road pitch again as soon as possible.

In other news… a talkSPORT pundit has claimed that one Leeds ace appears to be ‘losing his head’.