All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Leeds Live’s Beren Cross has delivered an update on where things stand with Leeds United and the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have endured a real struggle in their opening few games of the new Premier League season, remaining winless and lying in the bottom three.

With the Whites also facing some considerable injury issues, Cross has now revealed what he thinks Leeds’ plan could be when the transfer window reopens in the winter.

He said: “For what it’s worth, I think the midfield did a lot better on Saturday. Klich and Dallas were something much closer to their best, but I agree they still feel light when injuries and suspensions hit.

“I don’t think Leeds are looking for a bargain in the sense they only want back-ups for less than £2.5m, but I think they should be applauded for seeking out value in the market. Raphinha, Koch and Llorente look incredible value for the prices paid.

“The problem with January business is you’re always fighting an uphill battle to make it work under Bielsa. Assuming you sign the player in mid to late January. They need six weeks with the under-23s before they’re ready physically and tactically for Bielsa. You’re looking at the final six weeks of a season for the player to have an impact.

“If there was some form of injury crisis, then I am sure the club would act, but it seems highly unlikely if the squad is largely available to Bielsa through the second half of the season.”

Leeds need new signings

Make no mistake about it, Leeds could really do with some reinforcements in some key areas to better deal with the problems that have already begun to surface just six games into the new Premier League campaign.

Centre-back went from an area of strength to one that has seen teenage talent Charlie Cresswell having to step in in the last couple of weeks, something Bielsa would surely have been keen to avoid.

Midfield continues to be one of the biggest concerns of the lot, with Adam Forshaw’s recent injury setback delivering yet another painful reminder of how and why they didn’t get a deal done for a new player in that part of the pitch – the likes of Lewis O’Brien and Nahitan Nandez were linked of course for long periods of time.

And up front, the machine that is Patrick Bamford finally broke down at the weekend, missing a rare Premier League match through injury, and the workload that is placed on his shoulders is surely too much to ask for yet another campaign in the top-flight.

It’s exactly why Cross’ claim that Leeds are “highly unlikely” to make new signings unless there’s an injury crisis is sure to leave Bielsa fuming. They needed new players in particular in midfield and up front even without any injuries, and yet it appears the club aren’t ready to back their manager just yet.

Meanwhile, Leeds could find their next Pablo Hernandez in this star…

Arsenal are already planning for life without Alexandre Lacazette and one Premier League striker sits atop their shortlist…

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, the Gunners view Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a potential replacement for the 30-year-old, who remains out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

There is a chance that they could even look to offload him during the January transfer window in a bid to garner some sort of money for him, but that will only happen if Mikel Arteta is able to secure a replacement.

And the 24-year-old England international is said to be a long-term option, though Arsenal chiefs know he will not come cheap, with CIES Football Observatory currently valuing him at €50m (£45m).

Gunners’ new Henry

Calvert-Lewin has established himself as a prolific marksman in the Premier League over the past 18 to 24 months. Indeed, he has come on leaps and bounds, having bagged 13 times in 2019/20 and 21 times last season, as per Transfermarkt.

That form has continued into the current campaign, where he has scored three goals in three top-flight appearances, even despite contending with injuries.

The 6 foot 2 Englishman once admitted that he admired Gunners legend Thierry Henry to the extent of buying his shirts as he was his favourite player and idol.

You could therefore suggest that some elements in his impressive game have been modelled on the Premier League great.

Perhaps Carlo Ancelotti’s endorsement of the Toffees talisman further reinforces the similarities, he told the BBC in December 2019:

“He is a fantastic striker, in my opinion – fantastic with the head, clever in the box and sharp. I think he is going to be at the top in England and in Europe. He has all the qualities to be a top striker.”

One massive element to Calvert-Lewin’s threat has been his aerial ability – he has been second to none in the English top-flight, having won an average of 4.7 duels in the air per league outing, the joint-most of any striker to start 25 or more games last term, via WhoScored.

That sort of attribute has earned praise from his Everton teammate Richarlison, who claimed that “he has an incredible leap on him like Cristiano Ronaldo” and that he “must be a nightmare to play against.”

Also dubbed a “special talent” by his former youth assistant Chris Short, Calvert-Lewin could bring shades of Henry back to north London this winter.

AND in other news, Arteta could unearth Arsenal’s next Cesc Fabregas in Hale End’s teen “special talent”…

Manchester United could be set for a significant boost after an update was provided on Paul Pogba’s future at the club.

What’s the story?

The star midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at United and is yet to commit his future to the 20-time English champions, leading to speculation that he could depart over the coming months.

Now though, The Athletic’s Andy Mitten has revealed that the Old Trafford outfit’s hierarchy have tabled a significant offer to Pogba in an attempt to keep him in the red half of Manchester.

Mitten’s report states that: “United have made a Pogba a very good offer to stay at Old Trafford, which will make him one of the world’s best-paid footballers and the second-highest earner at the club on close to £400,000 per week.”

It goes on to claim that the France international is “open to re-signing”, although he’s understandably taking his time over what is a huge decision at a crucial stage in his career.

Fans should be excited

French giants Paris Saint-Germain were heavily linked with the 28-year-old in the previous window before their shock move for Lionel Messi meant Pogba’s arrival was no longer a financial possibility.

It’s believed that the Ligue 1 outfit, Juventus and Real Madrid are still interested in the creative talent’s signature, and he recently addressed a potential move back to Turin during the international break.

“I always speak to my former Juventus teammates, like Paulo (Dybala),” said Pogba, who was then asked about what lies ahead for him. “I’m in Manchester, I’ve still got a contract there for a year, and then we’ll see.”

But United fans will be encouraged and excited by Mitten’s latest revelation regardless of the player’s latest comments. Pogba and his controversial agent have often flirted with the possibility of seeking pastures new in the past only to stay put on English shores and carry on regardless.

And a large section of the fanbase will be hoping this ongoing saga ends in a similar fashion, given the importance of the 6 foot 2 dynamo to Ole Gunnar Solsjaer’s charges.

Since the beginning of 2020/21, Pogba has bagged six goals and an impressive 18 assists in his 51 appearances for the Red Devils, illustrating his truly world-class form of late.

Only time will tell whether the World Cup winner puts pen to paper on fresh terms at United, but the signs are certainly promising at this moment in time.

And, in other news…Imagine him & Pogba: Murtough must seal MUFC move for £27m-rated “complete midfielder” 

Crystal Palace must move for wantaway Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette over the winter window, providing new manager Patrick Vieira with some genuine strength in depth.

What’s the story?

The 30-year-old is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium next summer and is already attracting interest from several potential suitors in the Premier League and overseas.

It was recently reported by 90min that Lacazette is set for an imminent exit from north London, with neither the player nor the club keen to reach an agreement.

The report stated that: “90min understands that talks between the Gunners and the player’s representatives have taken place, but there has been no offer of a new contract. What’s more, neither club nor player appear keen to try and reach an agreement, leading to a parting of ways.”

Since that initial link, it’s become increasingly apparent why Eagles chairman Steve Parish could do with signing a player of his talents.

Vieira needs him

Vieira oversaw a successful squad rebuild during his first few months at the Palace helm as several exciting young acquisitions replaced multiple experienced campaigners.

And although it’s been a promising start to life at Selhurst Park for the Frenchman, there are still some obvious gaps within his first-team squad.

While a more attack-minded right-back and a natural right winger may take priority for Vieira over the next few months, the opportunity to snap up a proven Premier League goalscorer may be too good of an opening to turn down.

After bagging a remarkable 129 goals and providing a further 43 assists in just 275 appearances for boyhood club Lyon, helping them win the French Cup along the way, the versatile forward earned himself a £46.5m move to Arsenal back in July 2017.

During his four-year stay with the Gunners, Lacazette has continued to find the back of the net on a regular basis, scoring 68 goals and laying on a further 29 assists in 175 outings in all competitions, claiming one FA Cup crown during his time on English shores.

Former Arsenal Arsene Wenger previously lauded the £19.8m-rated attacker for having the knack of being in the right place at the right time, saying: “Scoring goals is about being in the right place, and Lacazette has that quality.”

That’s an attribute that Vieira certainly needs in his squad.

And, in other news…Journalist drops worrying claim over £40m-rated Palace dynamo, fans will be concerned 

Tottenham Hotspur supporters will be less than impressed by the latest update surrounding young winger Ryan Sessegnon…

What’s the latest?

The 21-year-old dynamo, who can play anywhere along the left flank, has been injured for most of the 2021/22 campaign and has been restricted to just two appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.

Lilywhites boss Nuno Santo was positive about his chances of making a return in the near future ahead of Thursday night’s clash with Vitesse, but according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, that may not be the case at all.

“Nuno appeared to be optimistic yesterday about Ryan Sessegnon’s injury return in his press conference but his in-house chat with Spurs’ own media channels seems less so and that he might not be back soon,” the journalist tweeted.

Another setback

Sessegnon enjoyed an encouraging loan spell at Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim last season, where he got plenty of minutes under his belt as a left wing-back. He even scored twice and provided three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

There would have been hope for him to break through into the Spurs senior side once again, particularly with the change of manager as Nuno replaced Jose Mourinho and was tasked with the development of the club’s young stars.

He picked up a hamstring injury during pre-season, though it is rather telling that another loan spell was not sanctioned, so evidently he was someone the Portuguese had in mind for the season.

After returning to the side for their qualification matches in Europe, the 2019 summer signing picked up another problem whilst on international duty for England U21s recently.

“They are getting better. Unfortunately, they cannot join the group yet, but it’s a matter of time before we have good news,” is how Nuno described the situation but as per Gold, that isn’t as positive an update as you may think.

It has certainly left much of the Hotspur faithful rather frustrated, as seen by the replies to the journalist’s tweet.

“Got to be one of the most disappointing transfers we’ve had over the last few years,” claimed one supporter, whilst another pondered “Is he ever going to be fit?” before adding: “think we need to cut ties with him imo he’s never going to get in the first team with the constant injuries.”

“Need to sell him IMO. Made of glass. Can’t remember a single good performance from him. Always injured,” slammed a further supporter. These were just a few of many similar responses in reaction to this latest development. As you can see, many are rather angry.

After joining in a £25m deal from Fulham, it’s easy to see why so many fans are fuming by the news. Sessegnon will certainly find it hard to break into the team anytime soon, as a result.

“AND in other news, Paratici could land Nuno’s next Neves in Spurs swoop for £18.9m-rated “special player”…

Tottenham Hotspur have contacted Antonio Conte amid reports they could sack Nuno Santo in the near future…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian and beIN Sports journalist Tancredi Palmeri, who delivered a major update on the situation in north London to Twitter this weekend.

“Tottenham have contacted Antonio Conte,” he claimed.

“Did already last summer and the offer was rejected. Now [Fabio] Paratici trying to burn Manchester United before they take a decision.”

Indeed, Spurs’ top-flight rivals, who defeated them 3-0 on Saturday evening, had been mooted with a move for the former Inter Milan and Chelsea boss as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also fighting for his job at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph’s Matt Law claims sources at the club believe it’s a matter of time before the Portuguese head coach is sacked by Daniel Levy and co.

Fans will love it

This is something that the Lilywhites faithful would absolutely love to see. Many were never behind the appointment of Nuno as they managed to get a ‘NoToNuno’ social media campaign trending right before he was eventually hired.

Things have now gotten even worse as fans flocked out of the stadium before full-time against United. Those that did remain chanted ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ at the 47-year-old, with some even turning on Levy to demand his exit too. Not to mention boos to his substitutions, throughout the game and at full-time.

That can’t be too much of a surprise as Spurs rank among the worst teams in the Premier League in the final third, having averaged only 10.3 shots per game – the joint-lowest.

It’s hard to imagine that they would turn their nose up at a Premier League and FA Cup winner – one that has won nine major trophies across Europe. He even brought home Inter their first Serie A title in over a decade.

The north Londoners contacted the Italian tactician during the summer before eventually settling on Nuno and the news then left the fanbase rather excited indeed.

As relayed by This is Futbol at the time, some were begging the club to hire the ex-Blues man. For example, one claimed it was the “best possible appointment,” whilst another suggested he was “what every Spurs fan should want.”

Dubbed a “master” by Pep Guardiola during his last stint in England, Conte could shake things up and hand Spurs a winning mentality, though you’d have to question whether he’d want the job himself.

Either way, this latest development is sure to have many in N17 absolutely ecstatic as it means the club are preparing for life without Nuno.

AND in other news, Forget Kane: Shocking Spurs lightweight who lost 80% duels endured a nightmare vs United…

Aston Villa hope to have their new manager in place before their next Premier League fixture.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by The Athletic journalist Gregg Evans, who revealed in a post on Twitter that Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are hoping to have appointed Dean Smith’s replacement in the Aston Villa dugout by the time Brighton & Hove Albion visit Villa Park on November 20.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Appt’ expected before Brighton.”

Fans will be delighted

While Aston Villa’s transfer business this summer appeared to suggest that things were very much on the up for the club, with the likes of Danny Ings, Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey all joining the Villans in big-money moves, unfortunately for fans of the club, these pre-season hopes have not quite lived up to expectations.

Indeed, over the club’s last five Premier League fixtures, Dean Smith’s side had suffered five consecutive defeats, scoring five and conceding 13 goals in the process – results which left the 50-year-old’s outfit on just 10 points after 11 games played, and only two points above the relegation zone.

And, after spending the best part of £90m in the transfer window, these results are quite clearly not good enough, meaning that, while he was undoubtedly a hugely popular figure at Villa, the club’s decision to part ways with Smith was probably the correct call.

As such, while fans are well within their rights to be sad to see the 50-year-old manager pack his bags, the truth of the matter is that now is an incredibly exciting time to be a Villa fan, as, with the players currently in the first-team squad, should NSWE get their appointment regarding Smith’s successor right, the next era in Aston Villa’s history could well be an incredibly successful one.

And, with the start of this new era looking to begin before the club’s next Premier League fixture, it seems as if fans will not have long to wait before they find out exactly who the next man to take charge of their side will be – something that is sure to delight the Villa Park faithful.

In other news: NSWE could land dream Gerrard alternative at AVFC in “exceptional” 54 y/o manager

Everton are one of several Premier League clubs to have been linked with a transfer move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to TEAMtalk, the Toffees are joined by Newcastle United and Leeds United in the race for the 27-year-old’s signature as he searches for regular game time.

The report states that: “We understand that Barkley himself believes he can still force his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans for the World Cup finals in Qatar, and he is a player that in the past has been picked by the Three Lions boss.

“Newly bought Newcastle United are understood to be leading the chase. However, Leeds and former Everton club are also keen – with a loan to buy option favoured.”

He’s just what Everton are missing

It’s been a frustrating few years for Barkley since he departed his boyhood club back in January 2018 in order to take the next step in his promising career.

He’s featured from the off on just 29 occasions in the Premier League for the west London outfit in his near-four-year stay, with his start against Burnley over the weekend his first since August 2019.

A season-long loan spell at Aston Villa last term got off to a promising start, though, with Barkley bagging three goals and one assist in his first seven appearances for the Midlands outfit.

His impressive exploits in the opening weeks of the campaign were lauded by several pundits, including Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who raved about the £15.3m-rated beast’s talents.

He told The BBC: “Ross seems to have found a system that suits him and a manager who wants to play him. This is exactly what he needs. He now needs to find the consistency that has been lacking in his game because this is a crucial stage of his career.

“Ross has been spoken about in glowing terms since he was very young but he is 27 now and needs to deliver on that potential. At his best, he is a match-winner, and Villa is a great platform for him.”

However, Barkley was unable to sustain his early-season form. A hamstring injury kept the creative talent on the treatment table for several weeks, and he was only able to add one more goal to his tally in his subsequent 20 outings.

It seemed as though a summer exit from Stamford Bridge was inevitable for the stocky dynamo, but with no suitable offer arriving, Barkley has been forced to settle for a bit-part role in Thomas Tuchel’s star-studded squad.

The upcoming winter window could offer the Englishman a way out of his Chelsea nightmare, though, and he’s exactly the sort of player that Everton are lacking at this moment in time.

With James Rodriguez exiting Merseyside after just a single season, Rafa Benitez’s charges lack the guile, creativity, and goal threat required to carve teams open at the top end of the pitch, attributes that Barkley has in abundance.

Only time will tell if Marcel Brands follows up his reported interest in the ex-Everton gem, but his return to Goodison Park could have a hugely beneficial effect upon the struggling Blues.

And, in other news…Forget Iwobi: EFC could secure big upgrade in 18y/o starlet with “exciting potential” 

West Ham United have been handed an encouraging boost ahead of their return to Premier League action this weekend…

What’s the latest?

The Irons head to the Midlands to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday afternoon following the final international break of the year and they can expect to travel with vice-captain Declan Rice, who has shaken off illness.

That’s according to Irons insiders Claret and Hugh, who delivered a fresh update on the 22-year-old’s situation after he withdrew from England duty.

Rice was not involved in either of the Three Lions’ back-to-back wins over Albania and San Marino as Gareth Southgate’s squad qualified for the 2022 World Cup.

A source has told the website that he is now fit and ready to play this weekend in what has to be considered a huge boost to manager David Moyes and the squad.

Huge boost vs Wolves

There would have been some cause for concern as a Rice-less Hammers side would be a worrying prospect considering they have achieved so much with him leading the side in the Premier League this season.

Indeed, the east London outfit sit third in the standings after 11 matches, above the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Spurs.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-west-ham-news-transfer-updates-gsb-kretinsky-moyes” title=”Read the latest West Ham news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Rice has been a standout performer, averaging the highest WhoScored rating (7.46) of anyone in the squad. He leads the way for interceptions (1.9) and average number of passes (58.4) per game, proving that much of the Irons’ play runs through him and he’s a rock-solid option to protect the backline.

He isn’t too far behind for tackles either, managing 2.7 per game, which is only bettered by Ben Johnson (three), who has played in much fewer matches.

Earlier in the season, Moyes emphasised just how crucial the academy graduate is after he played a starring role in the win and clean sheet against former club, Everton.

“It would be hard to say just how good Declan Rice was today. For me, he was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch. He did the dirty bits in the game when he had to do so but had a great air of control on the ball and poise,” he told reporters, (via Sky Sports).

Moyes will, therefore, be absolutely delighted to have his talisman available for selection on Saturday. He will surely continue his run in the starting XI.

AND in other news, “I know from sources”: Ex drops huge West Ham transfer claim that’ll have fans excited…

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is contemplating sending Liam Shaw out on loan this January.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by Glasgow Live, the Bhoys boss revealed that talks will take place with the 20-year-old regarding his short-term future at the club in the coming weeks, before suggesting that the defensive midfielder could be sent out on a temporary deal in the January transfer window in order to further his development in professional football.

When asked why Shaw, as well as fellow summer signings Osaze Urhoghide and James McCarthy, have played so few minutes this season, the 56-year-old said: “It certainly hasn’t been an easy introduction for any of our players and the fact so many of them have already hit the ground running and made an impact is great and positive.

“The key to that is to keep going obviously because again we’re only in the early stages of developing this football team and our players. With the three guys you’ve mentioned, all different scenarios.

“Osaze and Liam, [it’s been] difficult for them in the fact that sometimes when you bring in young players – they’re certainly players we brought in as development players – [it’s] much easier to bring those kinds in when the team is settled.

“But, obviously, we brought them in at a time where a lot of new players are in the team, the team’s finding its way. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to get a lot of game time for them but they’re working hard at training every day. They’re pushing themselves. I believe even though they haven’t played, they’ve improved as footballers. If you train every day with us, one thing I will say is you will improve.

“It’s about now getting them the right opportunity, that may be here, that may be a loan deal somewhere but we’ll make those decisions come January. We’ll sit down with the boys and see what the best way forward is.”

Nightmare

While it is indeed true that, should he not be awarded much first-team football under Postecoglou over what remains of the current campaign, a loan away from Parkhead would better suit Shaw’s development as a footballer, the fact that the midfielder has not played a single minute senior football this season is rather odd.

Indeed, following an appearance in a pre-season fixture, the 56-year-old appeared to be impressed with what he had seen of the 20-year-old, stating: “Liam Shaw was good [against Sheffield Wednesday]. He grew into the game, like a lot of the young guys. Liam’s got a real presence about him. He’s a big lad. He’s only beginning his steps in the professional world.”

Furthermore, it is not as if the midfielder is completely inexperienced in professional football, as he made 19 Championship appearances for Sheffield Wednesday last season, over which he scored one goal and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.3 key passes, 0.4 interceptions, 0.7 tackles and winning 3.4 duels per game.

As such, while it is undeniable that Shaw is still very much at the beginning of his professional career, and undoubtedly has much developing to do in the game, when considering the fact that Tom Rogic’s injury highlighted just how short Postecoglou is of options in the middle of the park, the argument that sending Shaw out on loan in January could turn into something of a nightmare for Celtic is a rather easy one to make.

Indeed, while there is the January transfer window to consider, should further Celtic players pick up injuries between now and Christmas – the busiest time of the footballing calendar – the manager could well be very much in need of a young and exciting versatile midfielder to plug a gap in his side, something that sending Shaw out on loan would starve Postecoglou of.

In other news: Ange must finally unleash “immense” £270k-rated gem on Sat, he’s just what Celtic need