All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Ham United could sign a perfect upgrade on Michail Antonio in Bayer Leverkusen sensation Patrik Schick.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that the Hammers are interested in the Czech Republic international as David Moyes looks to strengthen his attacking options.

And, after hearing about the London side’s links to the striker, Carlton Palmer delivered his backing behind a potential move.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “He’s a top player. He’s second to Lewandowski in the goalscoring charts. I think he’s the right age at 25, £40 million is good money for him.

“When I say it’s not massive money, he’s not like your £200,000, £300,000-per-week player, he’ll fall into their budget. They need some backup for Michail Antonio, they’re too heavily reliant on Michail. When Michail’s out the side, they tend to struggle a little bit.”

Upgrade on Antonio

Schick is no doubt best known for his exploits at Euro 2020 last summer, with his incredible long-range strike against Scotland in the group stage actually being the furthest distance from which a goal has been scored on record in the tournament.

This season in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, he has simply been in stunning goal-scoring form, smashing in 18 goals in just 16 Bundesliga games and provided another three assists too, including scoring against the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich too.

The Czech ace is as clinical as they come, having a superb 32% goal conversation rate this campaign in the German top flight – to put that into context, Antonio’s is far down at just 14%.

Therefore, it’s hardly a surprise that new Leverkusen boss Gerardo Seoane described the 25-year-old as a player with “incredible finishing qualities”.

The £34m-rated star would be a more than adequate cover for Antonio and even be an upgrade on him in the starting line-up too.

Meanwhile, West Ham are interested in this Premier League defender…it’s not Nat Phillips.

According to The Daily Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur may not be finished in this January transfer window as news emerged on Brighton star midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing late deals

Following a hectic last two days at Spurs, the Lilywhites have still been tipped to add more players to Antonio Conte’s roster as the 11pm Monday deadline fast approaches.

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

The Mail claim that transfer chief Fabio Paratici is currently ‘preparing’ a £32million bid to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, meanwhile there have also been rumours of Spain striker Alvaro Morata potentially joining.

In another update, The Mirror have now shared news involving Bissouma.

The Latest: Spurs ‘deal’ is ‘on the cards’…

According to the outlet’s Tom Hopkinson, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is personally ‘planning’ a very late move for Bissouma alongside Middlesbrough starlet Djed Spence, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.

The former, it is believed, will be targeted by Spurs as Brighton could be ‘open to do business’ in the final day – especially considering the Mali international has just 18 months left on his deal.

As such, a Tottenham ‘deal’ to sign Bissouma is ‘on the cards’ as Conte looks for ‘fresh blood’ in his midfield.

The Verdict: Sensational move…

Apparently valued at around £40 million by The Seagulls, signing Graham Potter’s star man would be a real statement of intent by Paratici and Conte.

Bissouma would add realm steal and composure to the Tottenham midfield, as evident by his phenomenal average of 3.6 tackles per 90 in the Premier League this season (WhoScored).

That number is higher than any Spurs player in Conte’s squad, with his composure on the ball also coming as a real incentive to move.

Only Lucas Moura (2.4) has completed more successful take-ons per 90 than the African (1.7) when compared to Tottenham’s team – leaving little wonder why pundit Kevin Phillips believes he is an ‘exciting player’.

In other news: ‘In these hours’ – Journalist makes Tottenham transfer claim involving £40.5m ‘beast’, find out more here.

Everton have been dealt a potentially huge setback in their bid to secure a deal to bring Dele Alli to Goodison Park before tonight’s transfer deadline.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by David Ornstein, who revealed in a recent post on Twitter that, despite the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder’s switch to Everton entering the final stages, Newcastle United have made a late bid for the 25-year-old, something which throws significant doubt on the former England international’s proposed move to the Toffees.

In his tweet, The Athletic journalist said: “Newcastle make dramatic late attempt to pip Everton to Dele Alli signing after losing out on Lingard. NUFC have enquired to take Dele on loan just as permanent Everton move enters final stages. Unclear if it will succeed.”

Lampard will be fuming

With Frank Lampard’s move for Dele very much looking as if it was all but completed, with Sky Sports reporting that the midfielder looked set to link up with the Toffees in a £40m move, the fact that mega-rich Newcastle have now entered the race for the 25-year-old is sure to have left Lampard fuming.

Indeed, while it remains to be seen as to whether the Magpies’ offer will be accepted by Spurs, should Eddie Howe’s side’s proposal include an option to buy the midfielder, Dele’s head may well be turned by the potential of being offered a huge salary by the Saudi Arabian funded club.

However, at present, it looks as if Everton are still in the driving seat for the former MK Dons star’s signature, although, stranger things have happened in the closing stages of the January transfer window – an idea that will undoubtedly be causing both Lampard and the Goodison Park faithful a great deal of stress.

In other news: Lampard can form frightening trio as Everton plot late offer for £52.4m “goal-getter”

Tottenham Hotspur have received a huge injury boost ahead of their return to competitive action this weekend…

What’s the latest?

Antonio Conte is expected to welcome back first-team duo Heung-min Son and Cristian Romero to the squad following their respective hamstring injuries in what is a huge boost, according to the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick.

The South Korean missed his country qualifying for the 2022 World Cup to focus on rehabilitation in north London, having been absent since their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Chelsea at the start of January.

Whilst the Argentina international, who joined the club on loan from Atalanta in the summer, has missed a substantial amount of game time dating back to early November when he picked up a problem on international duty.

Major boost

The return of these two key figures should leave Conte absolutely delighted as the pair have been sorely missed in recent months.

Son is currently the team’s top goalscorer in the Premier League, where Spurs have lost just once under the Italian head coach since his arrival in November, and has certainly stepped up amid Harry Kane’s struggles.

Indeed, the versatile forward has bagged three more goals than the Englishman but has missed a couple of their recent matches. He’s also a beacon of creativity, jointly leading the way for assists (three) and is averaging more key passes (1.9 per game) than any other player, as per WhoScored.

Meanwhile, Romero’s presence amongst the backline has been evident as the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga haven’t been up to scratch with their error-prone performances, especially in the three games against Chelsea across the League Cup and Premier League.

Despite only starting six times in the top-flight, the 23-year-old colossus ranks second for tackles (2.3 per game) behind fellow summer signing Emerson Royal, and leads the way for interceptions (1.7 per game), via WhoScored.

“This guy is an animal, I swear. He’s perfect for the Premier League,” teammate Pierluigi Gollini told the Evening Standard earlier in the season, whilst Conte emphasised that he was an “important player” for the side when he first picked up the issue.

Therefore, on the above evidence, the 52-year-old will be overjoyed by the prospect of selecting the key Spurs duo when they return to action this weekend when they host Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round.

AND in other news, Conte concerns emerge at Spurs amid huge transfer claim…

Following the news that Arthur Masuaku is set to spend a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, David Moyes has been left somewhat short of options at left-back within his West Ham United squad.

However, with Ben Johnson having proven this season that he is more than capable of operating on the left of the West Ham back four, the 58-year-old Hammers boss could look to utilise the 22-year-old as a backup to first-choice left-back Aaron Cresswell going forwards.

Although, this would then open up a space on the right, and, while it is true that Moyes has the option of Ryan Fredericks, perhaps it would be a smarter move for the Scotsman to take a closer look at one of the club’s up and coming talents in the position – in the shape of Harrison Ashby.

“He’s like a giant”

A graduate of the West Ham academy, the defender has been in spectacular form for the Irons U23 side so far this season, scoring two goals and registering four assists over his 16 Premier League 2 appearances, as well as bagging a further goal and assist over his three outings in the Papa John’s Trophy.

This form has clearly caught the attention of Moyes, who has already handed the 20-year-old three first-team appearances this season – a six-minute Premier League cameo against Arsenal, as well as starts in the 1-0 Europa League defeat against Dinamo Zagreb and the 2-1 Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

As such, it is clear for all to see why there is a considerable amount of excitement surrounding the potential of the right-back, with West Ham podcaster Sam Delaney stating of the Scotland U21 international: “He’s big as well. He’s like a big unit. He’s only young, but he’s like a giant. Usually, you’re used to seeing smaller players in those wing-back positions, but he looked big, strong, he was very fearless, decent on the ball.”

So, while right-back is a position in which Moyes does currently possess a number of options, it would nevertheless appear wise for the 58-year-old to use Masuaku’s absence as a reason to unleash Ashby on a much more regular basis – as the defender appears to have the potential to become a starter for the club in the not too distant future, as long as he is given a chance.

In other news: Moyes avoided £27m deadline day disaster as fresh report emerges on £57k-p/w “beast”

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata will not join the club’s coaching staff and has no plans to retire in the summer, Fabrizio Romano has reported.

The Lowdown: Mata’s lack of game-time

Mata, who made the move to Old Trafford back in 2014, has once again struggled for game-time this season. The 33-year-old has made just two starts in all competitions and hasn’t kicked a ball in the Premier League.

The Spaniard’s deal expires at the end of June, and it seems as if he could well be on the way out in a huge summer shake-up.

The Latest: Romano’s post on Mata

Romano took to Twitter on Monday to provide an update on the playmaker. He revealed that Mata will not retire in the summer and won’t join a new-look coaching staff in Manchester, outlining:

“Been told Juan Mata will not retire at the end of the season, it’s not even an option. He’s now focused on Man United and then he will plan for his future – his current Man Utd deal runs out in June.

“Mata will not join Man Utd coaching staff, it’s not in his plans.”

The Verdict: Mata exit inevitable

With Mata playing no part in the Premier League this season, it looks as if his days at Old Trafford are now numbered.

An exit appears to be the best decision for all involved, with a coaching role at the club under a new manager not lined up for the 33-year-old.

By moving on from the Red Devils, Mata will hopefully get the chance to play regular first-team football in the final years of his career, whereas United will be freeing up a whopping £8.32m on their wage bill every year.

In other news: Man Utd manager twist as chiefs talk with boss who has no agent

Noel Whelan has given his reaction to some Newcastle United news that he has now heard involving Dan Ashworth.

The Lowdown: Brighton want £5m for Ashworth

As per The Daily Mail, Brighton and Hove Albion are now looking for £5m from the St James’ Park club to release Ashworth from gardening leave.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-5/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He is set to take over as the new sporting director in the northeast, but it now looks as if that will not happen until November.

There is ‘frustration’ on Tyneside that they have not been able to reach an agreement with the Seagulls, but the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium do not want to pay ‘inflated’ prices.

The Latest: Whelan reacts to Ashworth latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan – who regularly used to feature as a pundit for the BBC – has claimed that the new owners should not be worrying over the price and should just pay it to get their man.

The former Leeds striker said: “I’m pretty sure the owners have got that in their car in change. I mean, £5million for a man that they feel is going to be beneficial to them in the long term? It’s a drop in the ocean.

“I find it very difficult they’re haggling over £5million for somebody that’s a key jigsaw piece to their puzzle.

“If that’s they who they want and need, that £5million should be paid up. There you go, get your man in and start building for the future. Start building for next season. It’s imperative.

“Business is business and they own him at the minute, do Brighton. That’s the price that they feel he’s valued at.

“That £5million, for somebody that might be massively integral to the rebuild of Newcastle United, could be the best money they’ve ever spent.”

The Verdict: Pay the money

As Whelan suggests, £5m is a miniscule amount to the new owners at Newcastle, who topped the Premier League in terms of spending in the January transfer window, with a reported £85m forked out on players that month.

Ashworth has received plenty of rave reviews for his work. The Times journalist Henry Winter has said that he will bring ‘relentless enthusiasm’, a ‘great work ethic’ and a lot of contacts to the Magpies; while Newcastle World reporter Liam Kennedy has previously lauded the pending appointment as ‘seriously good’, claiming that the Toon are starting to make ‘big moves’.

If £5m is what it takes to get Ashworth in at St James’ Park before the summer transfer window, then the Tyneside hierarchy should just pay the money.

In other news, NUFC must sign this reported target after his latest performance

Glasgow Rangers have been hit with a European concern ahead of the 2022/23 campaign…    

What’s the talk?

The Glasgow Times have dropped an update explaining what Villarreal’s progress in the Champions League could mean for teams in Scotland.

If the Spanish outfit go on to win the European title this season then it is would mean that Gers would need to go through the qualification stages in 2022/23 – if they were to win the Premiership title.

As it stands, the winners of the Scottish top-flight will immediately qualify for the group stages of the Champions League next season. This would result in a major £40m bonus for competing in the competition, but that is now under threat.

Their automatic qualification will be taken away if a team wins the tournament this year whilst failing to finish in the top four of their domestic league. Villarreal are on their way to doing this as they are in the semi-finals whilst currently sitting seventh in LaLiga.

Gio van Bronckhorst will be sweating…

This update will leave the Gers head coach sweating buckets as it gives him another Champions League concern to worry about.

Firstly, he is nearing the end of an exciting – for the neutrals – Premiership title battle as the Light Blues are attempting to catch up with Celtic in the table. They are six points behind their rivals as it stands and will not be giving up on their attempts to lift the trophy for the second season in a row.

Whilst it may seem unlikely due to the current gap between the two teams, all Rangers can do is continue to win games in the league and hope that the Hoops drop points along the way. If they can claw it back and secure a stunning title win then that would put them in a fantastic position to qualify for the Champions League, but that is now in danger.

Van Bronckhorst will now have to keep a close eye on results in the competition and root for Liverpool in the semi-finals against Villarreal. He will be desperate, as will Ange Postecoglou, for the Spanish side to fail in their efforts to win the tournament as it would dampen Rangers’ chances of hitting the £40m jackpot later this year.

Although they will still have the opportunity to access that cash fund if they make their way through the qualification phase, the Dutch head coach would surely prefer to go straight into the group stage instead of enduring the stress of play-off football.

AND in other news, From £4.5m to £25m: Wilson had huge Rangers howler over “remarkable” 12-goal gem…

A Rangers transfer claim has emerged on the future of Ibrox winger Ryan Kent and whether Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be able to keep him.

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the winger has a release clause in his contract with the Glasgow giants and that he remains a long-term target for a club in England.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “The Ryan Kent one’s interesting; he’s been a long-term target for Leeds. Ever since they won promotion back to the Premier League, there was links with Ryan Kent.

“He’s had another good season for Rangers, impressed especially in their European run as well. If Leeds did follow up their interest, there is a release clause in his contract.”

Bad news for van Bronckhorst

This update spells bad news for Gio van Bronckhorst as it means that he will be helpless to stop Kent from leaving if a club comes in with an offer that triggers the release clause.

Without that contract stipulation, the Dutch head coach could urge Ross Wilson to reject any offers for Kent’s services unless an eye-catching amount of money was placed on the table. Instead, he will be forced to suffer in silence if Leeds, or any other team, stumps up the required fee.

This means that it may be a summer full of anxiety for the ex-Feyenoord boss as he hopes that no team decides to come in for him at the required price, with July and August allowing teams to swoop for him.

He will be desperate to keep hold of the Englishman as he has been a key player for the club throughout the campaign, domestically and in Europe. The forward has produced three goals and 17 assists for the Gers, including 11 assists in 24 Premiership outings and four in nine Europa League matches.

These statistics illustrate his importance to the team as he has been a regular source of creativity for the side. He has proven that he can do it in the Scottish top-flight and in European competition, which is why the head coach will be eager to retain him heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

Therefore, it is incredibly bad news for the Ibrox boss that Kent has a release clause that can be triggered in the coming months, especially with him being a long-term target for Leeds. Hopefully, they decide to look elsewhere and Rangers will be able to enjoy his talents for another year, at least.

AND in other news, Big blow: Rangers dealt worrying injury setback that’ll leave Van Bronckhorst gutted…

Aston Villa have reportedly named their price for Nottingham Forest loanee Keinan Davis, amid hopes of keeping the striker at the City Ground on a permanent deal.

What’s the word?

According to BirminghamMail, Villa have made the 24-year-old ‘available for transfer’ this summer, with the Premier League outfit set to demand in the region of £5-£10m from any potential suitors for his services.

The Englishman – who is currently sidelined with a season-ending hamstring injury – is believed to be keen on signing a permanent deal with Steve Cooper’s side, although the report suggests that any transfer may rest on the club’s play-off outcome.

Recent speculation has also suggested that Norwich City boss Dean Smith is seeking a reunion with the player at Carrow Road, with both a loan move and a permanent deal believed to be on the cards.

Get the deal done

As suggested above, Forest’s end to the season could well have a huge bearing on whether or not the deal gets done, although the club should seemingly do all they can to secure the long-term future of a player who has been a revelation since his January arrival.

Davis – whose existing deal with the Midlands outfit expires in 2024 – had netted just six goals in 86 appearances for his parent club prior to linking up with Cooper and co, although has since registered five goals in just 15 Championship games in his temporary home, while also featuring heavily in the clubs run to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Such form has earned the Stevenage-born star glowing praise from those at the club and afar, with his current boss dubbing him a “powerful player” for his hold up ability, while Birmingham City manager Lee Bowyer also spoke highly of the forward earlier this season.

As quoted by The Athletic, the former Leeds United midfielder said of Davis that: “He is a very, very good player. He is quick, he is powerful and he has a bit of everything. He can play, he can run, he can hold the ball up… he is just a very difficult player to play against.”

The left-footed brute is also clearly more than just an out-and-out goalscorer, having laid on two assists and created six big chances so far this season, as per SofaScore, while he’s also averaged 2.5 dribbles per game.

That all-around ability has ensured the £2.7m-rated striker has the second-highest average match rating among the Forest squad (7.2), having only recently been pipped by fellow loanee James Garner to top spot, while he also received notable praise of late, with broadcaster Darren Fletcher insisting that he has a “touch of Collymore” about him – high praise indeed to be compared to such a club icon.

His absence in the coming weeks could well prove detrimental to the club’s hopes of securing a long-awaited return to the top flight, although no matter what division Cooper’s men are in next season they should seemingly pull out all the stops to ensure it isn’t just a fleeting relationship with the one-time England U20 international.

In other news: Forget Johnson: £20k-p/w Forest “talent” with 89% pass success dismantled West Brom