All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

According to 90min, amid all the noise surrounding pre-summer talks for Paulo Dybala, it appears Tottenham Hotspur have made contact to sign another superstar forward in Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Nunez in demand…

Touted by reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano as one of the ‘big name’ players who could be on the move this summer, Benfica’s star striker is apparently attracting interest from across Europe and the Premier League.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

As well as Spurs, north London rivals Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham are all harbouring an interest in Nunez, who could leave for £65 million this summer (90min).

This is significantly less than his release clause, which is estimated to be over £100m, and 90min believe that the Lilywhites are already making their first moves for the player before July 1.

The Latest: Spurs in contact…

While the links to Dybala are hotting up, according to 90min’s information, Tottenham are also in contact with Nunez’s representatives to find out what sort of agreement is possible to back manager Antonio Conte with the forward’s signing.

The report adds that Nunez himself is ‘ready to move’ this summer and a switch to England is very much ‘in his sights’.

The Verdict: Promising target…

While it will require a hefty investment on Tottenham’s part, the 22-year-old has been in scintillating form for Benfica this season, leaving little wonder why they are set to demand a hefty fee.

He’s racked up a quite incredible 20 goals in 22 league appearances over 2021/2022 with his young age and versatility across the forward line coming as yet more incentives for Spurs to attempt a move.

As Spurs officials allegedly make contact, this could be an indication that the club have real ambition to satisfy Conte.

In other news: Paratici sets sights on ‘phenomenal’ £100m man who Spurs have been offered before! Find out more here.

Brazilian outlet UOL have provided a fresh update on Barcelona’s attempts to sign Leeds United star Raphinha this summer.

The Lowdown: Second bid for Raphinha…

Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp following his fine campaign in 2021/22, with the 25-year-old the top of the charts at Elland Road for goals, assists and chances created. [BBC]

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-41/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-04-02T155252Z_391313781_UP1EI421841M9_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-SOU-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are readying a second bid worth an initial €40m (£33.9m) with various add-ons.

The Whites star will be available for just €25m (£20.9m) in the summer should the club suffer relegation, with Barcelona fully aware of that potential release clause.

The Latest: Deco jets out

UOL columnist Bruno Andrade dropped an update on Raphinha on Monday afternoon, revealing that his agent, Deco, flew out to Barcelona over the weekend to progress discussions.

They added that the former Portugal midfielder was expected for talks on Tuesday as they look to thrash out a possible contract with the Catalan giants until June 2027.

The Verdict: Leeds hold the cards…

Leeds aren’t expected to enter talks with Barcelona over a possible deal until the summer due to their Premier League position.

Jesse Marsch’s side have picked up seven crucial points in their last three games, leaving them eight clear of the relegation zone. All their focus will be on guaranteeing a third successive season of Premier League football, which could also give them control over a possible exit for Raphinha.

They will be able to demand way more than the £20.9m relegation release clause if they stay up, and a possible big-money fee that they may receive could fund plenty of summer arrivals ahead of Marsch’s first season in charge at Elland Road.

In other news: ‘Bad news from Elland Road…’ – Big Leeds injury update emerges on Joe Gelhardt

[ad_pod ]

According to Le10 Sport, Everton have approached Paris Saint-Germain over a move for Belgium international Thomas Meunier.

Meunier will see his current deal with PSG expire in summer 2020, so his future with the French champions is certainly in doubt at the moment.

Right-back has proved to be one of the big problem positions at Everton so far this season, with neither Seamus Coleman or Jonjoe Kenny particularly convincing in the No.2 slot.

According to Le10Sport, Everton have actually already made contact with PSG to discuss a summer swoop for the 6ft 3in ace.

The Merseyside club’s supporters have been on social media reacting to the news and it would be fair to say that they are struggling to agree on the defender.

Indeed, whilst some believe that Meunier would be a good signing, others feel that Mason Holgate – currently on loan at West Bromwich Albion – would be the better option in the long run.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Tottenham Hotspur are set to revisit their previous interest in Adama Traore this summer…

What’s the word?

The stocky winger swapped Wolverhampton Wanderers for his former club Barcelona during the January transfer window, rejecting Spurs in the process, but as the 26-year-old is only on loan, he’s a player that the north Londoners remain interested in.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness), the Catalan giants are unable to fork out his €30m (£25m) option to buy this summer due to the club’s finances, though they remain hopeful of some sort of player swap deal involving Francisco Trincao, who is currently on loan in the other direction.

At the current time, this seems unlikely to happen, making Traore potentially available again ahead of next season. Antonio Conte and co retain their interest and will hold out to see what situation emerges over the coming months.

Bergwijn in danger

Forgotten Lilywhites man Steven Bergwijn should be hugely concerned by these developments, as a move for any new winger would surely push him closer to the exit door as he’s already slipped down the pecking order.

Dejan Kulusevski’s arrival on January deadline day has seen the Dutch winger further limited to game time. He has played only 486 minutes in the Premier League and 811 minutes overall this season, in which just 337 minutes have been under Conte.

Eredivisie champions Ajax have regularly been linked with a move for the 24-year-old outcast, so if Traore were to walk through the door at Hotspur Way, then you’d imagine Bergwijn – who cost £25m in January 2020 – would quickly become expendable.

It would be something of a major upgrade, too, though.

Across 76 appearances, the £18m-rated winger has only scored seven goals and laid on ten assists, as per Transfermarkt. Those are hardly inspiring numbers for an attacking player in the Premier League and whilst Traore’s returns aren’t much better, it’s the eye test that clinches it.

Built like a brick wall, the Spaniard has been lauded as “unplayable” by Premier League-winning head coach Jurgen Klopp and a “monster” by Southampton forward Che Adams.

Traore is also capable of playing centrally up front, on the other flank and at right wing-back, ticking plenty more boxes than Bergwijn, so he could be of much greater use, especially if the 26-year-old’s natural role is being taken up by someone like Kulusevski.

It remains to be seen whether Spurs would have to splash out £25m to sign Traore, although that is around his current estimated value of £25.2m, as per Transfermarkt.

Either way, this sustained interest in the Wolves loanee certainly spells trouble for Bergwijn heading into 2022/23.

AND in other news, Spurs leading race to sign £42m-rated “special talent”, could be Conte’s next Martinez…

Tottenham Hostpur have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Romelu Lukaku to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by 90min, who claim that Chelsea are now open to parting with the £97.5m centre-forward at the end of the current campaign, with Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain both believed to be keen on the 28-year-old’s signing.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Another interested party could well be Antonio Conte’s Tottenham, with The Daily Mail reporting back in January that the Belgium international would be keen to work with the Italian once again, while ex-pro turned analyst Frederic Gounongbe also claimed in an interview with RTL that Spurs would be interested in a move for the striker this summer.

Lukaku would “go to war” for Conte

Considering the unbridled success Conte enjoyed with Lukaku leading his line at Inter, it is not difficult to imagine the 52-year-old being extremely keen to work with the Belgian hitman once again at Tottenham.

While it is true that, following his big-money move to Chelsea last summer, Lukaku has not exactly been in the best form of his career – having bagged 12 goals over his 37 appearances in all competitions for Thomas Tuchel’s side, only five of which have come in the Premier League – the 28-year-old nevertheless proved last season just how deadly he can be in the final third.

Indeed, over his 36 Serie A outings last term, the £350k-per-week played a key role in Inter’s title-winning campaign, scoring 24 goals, registering 11 assists and creating 10 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots and making 1.4 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £76.5m-rated forward who claimed he would “go to war” for Conte average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.32, not only ranking him as the 52-year-old’s best performer in the Italian top flight but also as the joint 12th-best player in the division as a whole.

As a result of these returns, Darren Bent recently stated his belief on talkSPORT that Lukaku would indeed be a fantastic signing for Fabio Paratici to get over the line for Spurs this summer, saying:

“If the worst came to the worst and Harry Kane did go elsewhere, if they could get Lukaku… we’ve seen what he’s done under Conte – he got the best out of him.

“Even down to his nutrition, that was the best I have ever seen him look last season. If there is an opportunity Kane leaves and Conte can get Lukaku, I’d go out all day to get him.

“For someone with Premier League experience, there would be no one better to bring in to replace Kane. I know they are completely different types of players, but Lukaku would be an adequate replacement – certainly with everything he has done with Conte.”

As such, while it would likely take a record-breaking fee – one much greater than the £63m Spurs paid Lyon for Tanguy Ndombele back in 2019 – in order for Tottenham to land the striker Sylvain Distin dubbed a “monster” this summer, it would nevertheless appear extremely advisable for Paratici to do all he can to seal Lukaku’s signing – as the Belgian is undoubtedly a player Conte would love to have at his disposal in north London.

AND in other news: Conte can finally axe “terrible” £91k-p/w dud as THFC plot bid for £58m-rated “leader”

Alex Crook has now dropped some Newcastle United transfer news involving Eddie Nketiah.

The Lowdown: Closing in?

Reliable journalist Luke Edwards reported for The Daily Telegraph earlier this week that the St. James’ Park faithful were closing in on the signing of Nketiah before the January transfer window shuts.

However, there then seemed to have been no further movement on that potential deal, and instead reports emerged of Crystal Palace having bids rejected for the Arsenal attacker.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are running out of time if they want to bring in another striker after signing Chris Wood from Burnley, and Crook has delivered some bad news on the Nketiah front.

The Latest: Unlikely

As per talkSPORT journalist Crook, a deal to bring Nketiah to the North East before the deadline is now ‘unlikely’:

“Believe Nketiah is unlikely as well.

“Always felt odd AFC letting him go with their lack of numbers up front.”

The Verdict: Shame

It would be a shame for the Tyneside outfit to lose out on Nketiah, as he would offer Eddie Howe another solid attacking option for their relegation battle.

He is a player that the former AFC Bournemouth manager is known to like, and so there is no doubt that the boss would be eager to work with him and help him fulfil his true potential.

Described as someone who has an ‘incredible work-rate’, ‘pace’ and a ‘smell for goals’ by his coach Mikel Arteta (Sportskeeda), Nketiah possesses not just the quality but the hunger needed to keep the Magpies up, and with just six months remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium, they could have potentially got him for cheap.

Nonetheless, it seems as if the Toon will now have to focus on other targets if they want to bring in another forward before the deadline.

In other news, find out who talks are ongoing for NUFC to sign here!

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Michy Batshuayi to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that, with the centre-forward’s current contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire in June of 2023, Chelsea have now greenlit the 28-year-old’s departure this summer, in order for Thomas Tuchel’s side to recoup some of the £33m fee they paid for the Belgium international back in 2016.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

The report goes on to state that this has caught the attention of the likes of Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as unnamed teams in Germany, Italy and Spain, who are all said to be plotting moves for the striker at the end of the current campaign.

“Loves scoring goals”

While it is true that, since Batshuayi’s 2016 move to west London, the centre-forward has failed to ever hold down a place as Chelsea’s first-choice number nine – making just 77 appearances over his five and a half year stay at Stamford Bridge – it is undeniable that, when given the opportunity, the 28-year-old is very much a player who knows how to find the back of the net.

This is something he has proven over his 28 Super Lig outings on loan at Besiktas this season, with the £9m-rated forward scoring 14 goals, registering five assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.3 shots – the second-most in the league – and making one key pass per game.

The £87k-per-week hitman dubbed a “beast” was also in devastating form over 14 fixtures in a temporary spell with Borussia Dortmund back in 2017/18, bagging nine goals and providing one assist for BVB – a record of a direct goal involvement every 117 minutes of football played.

Indeed, it is clear to see that Batshuayi is a player who loves finding the onion bag, something which the centre-forward’s former manager, Frank Lampard, confirmed back in November of 2019:

“He has been very good for us so far, and that positive spirit when you’re not playing regularly is not just important for him, cause that’s tough sometimes, but it’s important for the group. He deserves extra praise for that.

“He’s positive, hard-working, loves scoring goals. That might sound simple for a striker but I’ve seen some who don’t love it quite as much. He loves scoring in training, he always stays out to do extra practice. I’m thankful to have him in the squad.”

Furthermore, upon Leeds’ links with a move for the Belgian back in 2021, the former Leeds midfielder, David Norris, also stated his belief that the Chelsea striker would make an excellent addition to the Whites’ options up top:

“He’s big, strong, powerful and can score goals but also, anyone coming in is going to have to fit in with the way they play and the dressing room because that seems really close, but I think he’d be a great signing.”

And, with Jesse Marsch known to favour a formation that features two centre-forwards, the prospect of Batshuayi linking up with Patrick Bamford at Elland Road will certainly be a mouthwatering one for Leeds supporters.

Indeed, Victor Orta’s signing of the 28-year-old could easily be the formation of a deadly duo in the Leeds attack, one that could very well fire the Whites back to the top half of the Premier League standings next season.

AND in other news: Marsch could unearth Leeds’ next £60m talent in “wonderful” £1.8m-rated sensation

Manchester United have been stepping up their pursuit for a new manager during the international break with Ralf Rangnick due to end his interim role this summer, and an important update has now been revealed by Fabrizio Romano on the progress with Erik ten Hag.

What’s the word?

Popular transfer insider, Romano, has revealed an update on ten Hag’s future and has revealed that the Dutch manager has been approached by other clubs.

Tweeting to his 7.4m followers on Monday morning, he confirmed:

“It’s true, Erik ten Hag has been approached by two more clubs after meeting with Manchester United. No final decision yet on Man Utd side – he’s been interviewed last week, positive feeling but club board’s still considering other options.”

Glazers will be worried

The Glazers already have a very strained relationship with their fans, with a number of protests held against the owners over the years and letting the favourite choice, ten Hag, slip through the cracks due to the potential of him securing his future elsewhere, could be the final nail in the coffin for the owners at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman is the obvious choice to take over the project at Manchester United after his success with Ajax over the last few years, taking the Dutch champions to their first Champions League semi-final since 1997 in 2019 and then going on to win two Eredivisie titles and two Dutch cups.

Thus, the 52-year-old clearly possesses the winning mentality the Red Devils are desperate to reignite at their club.

During the manager’s reign at Ajax he has earned some impressive statistics, with 207 games in charge, winning 153, drawing 26 and losing just 28, leading to a win rate of 73.9% and an average of 2.34 points per match.

The Dutch side have scored a remarkable 570 goals in those 207 fixtures at a rate of 2.75 goals per outing, proving further that ten Hag’s attacking tactics are extremely effective, and again, something Man United are in dire need of to not only find an identity as a team but to become the powerhouse they once were under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The powers at United must be more efficient and decisive in the coming weeks when it comes to finalising their plans for the future of the club moving forward. They cannot afford to go another season trophy-less and with a number of players potentially leaving on a free this summer, including Paul Pogba, attracting the right talent to replace could become a difficult task if the club can’t offer bright prospects for players.

In other news: MUFC now battling to sign £63m-rated gem this summer, he’s “better quality than Pogba”

Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott could make his return from injury against Cardiff City this weekend, according to reliable journalist Paul Joyce.

The Lowdown: Elliott missing for months

The 18-year-old has been out injured since the 3-0 win away to Leeds United back in September, having suffered a dislocated ankle at Elland Road.

It was a huge blow for Elliott, who had started the season in impressive form, starting three Premier League matches and not looking remotely out of his depth.

The midfielder has been working hard on his recovery, however, and with Liverpool hosting Cardiff in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, he could return to the fold.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

The Latest: Joyce makes key claim

That’s according to The Times‘ Joyce, who claims that his long-awaited comeback could take place this weekend:

“Harvey Elliott is set to make his comeback in the fixture after five months out with a fracture dislocation of the ankle.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-19/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Massive news for Liverpool

This is huge news for both Liverpool and Elliott himself, with the teenager a player of such incredible potential, having been hailed as ‘sensational’ by Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds’ midfield has looked a little lacking in guile this season – Jordan Henderson (three) has the most assists, while Elliott got 11 on loan at Blackburn last term, so his return should make a difference in that respect.

Elliott has a fearlessness in his game that can complement more efficient teammates, and while he will likely be eased back in, seeing him back on the pitch will feel significant, both for now and the long-term future.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a big Liverpool transfer hint. Read more here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could well be without Leander Dendoncker come next season, with Italian Serie A side Lazio said to be interested.

With 35-year-old Lucas Leiva’s future up in the air amid his contract expiry in the summer, as well as the rumoured departure of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – who is thought to be a target for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – Lazio are on the lookout for a versatile midfielder capable of replacing the duo.

And, Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb have reported that they are hopeful of landing the 27-year-old Wolves midfielder for between €20-25m (£21-£17m).

With Wolves also facing a fight to keep hold of the £36m-rated Ruben Neves this summer, the further loss of Dendoncker could potentially leave a gaping hole in the Old Gold’s engine room.

As such, they will no doubt be on the lookout for a versatile and impactful central midfielder who can replace the man dubbed a “top talent” by Joe Edwards of the Express & Star.

In comes Wolves’ teenage sensation; Luke Cundle.

The £180k-rated gem earned rave reviews from first-team boss Bruno Lage over his Premier League masterclass against Spurs in mid-February, with the Portuguese manager saying: “Maybe Luke [Cundle] can be a key man because it allows us to play with four midfielders.

“He is just 19 and I am very happy with him. The most important thing is the confidence he gives to us. He was there against top players playing like he is in the playground.”

Cundle has played the majority of his football as a defensive midfielder for the U23s this season having featured 22 times for Jamie Collins’ side.

Though rather interestingly, he has featured as an attacking midfielder on 11 occasions this campaign, where he has earned comparisons to Phil Foden from the U23’s boss:

“We took a litle risk with the change of shape and the ‘false nine’ with no centre-forward. We played Luke [Cundle] up there, ‘Phil Foden-esque’, and I thought he played really well.”

This is why he would fit the bill in place of Leander Dendoncker, who can also play anywhere across the midfield, with the Belgian turning out as an attacking midfielder for Bruno Lage on two occasions this season.

Wolves may not need to spend to replace Leander Dendoncker.

AND in other news: Time to go: Lage must now boldly axe £36m-rated Wolves “magician” in mega deal…