All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Noel Whelan has tipped West Ham to fight for a Jarrod Bowen contract extension amid interest from Liverpool and believes that the Hammers’ league position will determine the outcome, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Liverpool long-term admirers of Bowen

The Liverpool Echo have claimed that Liverpool are long-term admirers of the West Ham winger, and they will continue to scout the 24-year-old with a potential move on the cards in the summer transfer window.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/” title=”West Ham latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Bowen has had an impressive start to the 2021/22 campaign; he currently leads the Hammers in assists in the Premier League, having produced five this season.

The English attacker has also gained valuable experience on the European stage. Bowen has appeared in five games in the Irons’ Europa League campaign, adding an extra goal and assist to his tally for the season.

The Latest: Whelan issues verdict on potential exit

According to a Rush Green source at Football insider, West Ham are planning on offering Bowen a new and improved contract, despite his current deal running until summer 2025.

And Whelan claims that the Hammers will make an effort to do anything to keep the player at the club, insisting that the team’s league position at the end of the season will determine the outcome of Bowen’s future. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “This is what happens when players are standing out in a team that’s been very successful like West Ham.

“He’s a player that I enjoy watching. His energy, his quality on the ball, he can play down the middle, on the right and left. He’s a player that you would fit the Liverpool bill of what they want across that front three.

“Would West Ham let him go? I think they’ll do everything possible to keep him at West Ham, quite frankly. I think it’ll all come down to how successful West Ham are at the end of the season. Where they are in the league.

“It’s going be interesting. I admire him, he’s a great player, he really is. That energy, that quality on the ball, the link-up play he has.

“I can see why Liverpool would be tempted and interested in a player like that.”

The Verdict: Bowen could stay following recent success

With West Ham’s magnificent start to the season landing them in fourth place, the Hammers are well and truly in the running for Champions League qualification – they have already beat Liverpool and Chelsea, which shows exactly how competitive they can stay amongst the league challengers.

According to Whelan, this could sway Bowen into signing a contract extension and ultimately commit his career to the club.

The former Hull starlet has of course received lots of praise this season – Gary Neville has commented on how the winger “is a bundle of energy” and that ‘he is brilliant to watch”.

Perhaps to Hammers fans’ dismay, Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has continually praised him over the past year too, culminating with the German saying: “I like Bowen a lot.”

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!

Many Sunderland fans have been left to slam the display of Lynden Gooch in their 1-0 home loss to Blackpool in the EFL League One on Tuesday evening.

A goal for Sullay Kaikai in the second half was enough for the Tangerines to take all three points away from the Stadium of Light and officially kill off any hopes that the Black Cats may have had for automatic promotion back up to the Championship.

Gooch did not have the best of games for Lee Johnson’s team in the eyes of several SAFC supporters, and the statistics from his display show they are right to be disgruntled.

The midfielder lost out on seven of his duels, as he also failed to record a single shot on target, key pass or accurate long ball, losing possession on no fewer than on 22 separate occasions, the most out of any player to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Sunderland fans on Gooch display

These Sunderland fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that the 25-year-old is an ‘absolutely clueless’ player:

“Lynden Gooch? Really? He’s absolutely clueless as a footballer”

Credit: @SteveSpp373

“Gooch’s overall play last night was poor”

Credit: @JacobKirkbride

“Gooch to blame for goal on his heels as ever.”

Credit: @Samson8815

“Gooch could never kick a ball again for me and I wouldn’t lose sleep. He’s been poor all season bar a few games. A shadow of the player we saw in his first season in this league.”

Credit: @SpeakSAFC

“Think Burge has dribbled past more people than Gooch tonight”

Credit: @SunlunWill

“I struggle to see what O’Brien, Gooch or Scowen do to constantly get a start in this team. #SAFC”

Credit: @SAFCFANSVIEW

In other news, find out what big injury update has got Sunderland fans talking 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

Celtic have very little to play for throughout the rest of the campaign but they only have themselves to blame. A number of their players haven’t been up scratch and they’ve consequently been left behind in the dirt by their Glaswegian rivals.

Neil Lennon has left but similar problems are plaguing John Kennedy’s opening few weeks in temporary charge.

On the chalkboard

It was strange to see an Old Firm derby lacking bite and intensity, but Sunday’s match was exactly that. Rangers had already won the league and Celtic lacked the desire to stop their unbeaten run.

One of the worst performers on the day was Jonjoe Kenny. The right-back is on loan from Everton but endured a baptism of fire in his first Old Firm clash.

Kenny has been eye-catching in the final third throughout his first few months at Parkhead, but he was left wanting on Sunday afternoon.

The defender played a shocking back pass which led to the corner that Alfredo Morelos scored from and his marking for the Colombian’s header wasn’t great either.

Kenny lost sight of his man and instead of tracking Morelos to the back post, the striker was allowed to score a simple header from a matter of yards out.

The solution

It will be interesting to see whether Celtic try and bring Kenny back in the summer. After all, following the departure in January of Jeremie Frimpong to Bayer Leverkusen, they certainly need more options there.

Kenny’s price tag has been lowered so a move could well happen, but they’d be much better off finding alternative targets.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-boupendza-mcgeady-marsch-mccarthy” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

One of those is 20-year-old Milan van Ewijk. The right-back was linked with a move to the Hoops a few weeks ago and if his performances are anything to go by, he’d be a giant upgrade on Celtic’s current options.

The Dutchman is an athletic individual and he’s particularly strong in defensive scenarios. Speaking about his own game, Van Ewijk once commented: “I am a fierce right-back who can attack well, but also defend and I have a good condition. I can certainly also be found in the front. Last season I also gave a number of assists.”

Indeed, the youngster has helped himself to three goal involvements in the Dutch top-flight this term.

Most appealing, however, are his defensive statistics. You’ll struggle to find many better in the tackle than Van Ewijk. This term he’s made 89 tackles at a rate of 3.3 per match. For context, Kenney has managed just 1.6 from his nine SPFL outings.

Some of the numbers the young full-back has amassed this season are quite remarkable. Against FC Emmen, Van Ewijk managed as many as nine tackles. That came after he registered seven versus VVV-Venlo.

Frighteningly good in one-on-one duels, he’d be a brilliant upgrade on Kenny if Celtic decide against signing him permanently.

AND in other news, Celtic manager search takes huge twist, it’s exciting news for Hoops fans…

Writing on Twitter, Sport Italia TV journalist Rudy Galetti has claimed that a ‘sensational’ name has now emerged in the Tottenham Hotspur managerial hunt, with Brendan Rodgers overtaking contenders.

The Lowdown: Rodgers and Spurs…

Tottenham were linked with a move for Rodgers right at the beginning of their search for an heir to Jose Mourinho.

Indeed, the Northern Irishman was touted as a heavy favourite for the role alongside Julian Nagelsmann, but both men fell out of contention.

Rodgers appeared focused on Leicester and unwilling to leave the King Power Stadium just yet, with the 48-year-old even guiding them to an FA Cup triumph last month.

The Latest: Rodgers overtakes contenders…

In a stunning turn of events, Galetti has now claimed that Rodgers is back on the radar for Spurs and has even ‘overtaken’ other candidates.

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

“After the chaos with Fonseca and the #NoToGattuso trend, a sensational name emerges for the Tottenham bench: it’s Brendan Rodgers,” the journalist explained on Twitter.

“The Leicester coach seems to have overtake the other contenders. The Spurs try: decisive hours.”

The Verdict: Big claim…

This comes as a very surprising claim given that Rodgers to Spurs looked all but doomed, and we advise to take this information with a pinch of salt.

Rodgers would be a phenomenal appointment for Tottenham, with chairman Daniel Levy being a known admirer of the Leicester boss for a long while. It is claimed that Levy even assessed him for Spurs way back in 2012 as a successor to Harry Redknapp, but the former Swansea boss instead opted for Liverpool.

However, with pre-season nearing and Leicester already busy in the transfer market, it would be a truly head-turning twist if Tottenham somehow manage to appoint Rodgers after all.

In other news: ‘He has already contacted’…Journalist drops big Spurs claim involving Paratici, find out more here.

Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, the agent of Cagliari star Nahitan Nandez has dropped an update on the future of his client as West Ham United allegedly eye a move.

The Lowdown: West Ham chasing Nandez…

Multiple reports from Italy claim that both West Ham and Leeds could enter a bidding war for Nandez this summer.

Indeed, as per La Nuova Sardegna newspaper and Sport Italia (via Football Italia), the Hammers are allegedly eyeing the Uruguay international after an impressive season in Serie A.

Starting 31 matches for Cagliari over 2020/21, the 25-year-old was arguably a major reason they avoided relegation to Serie B, wowing Italian football critics with his performances.

The Latest: Agent drops update…

Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, Nandez’s agent Pablo Bentancur has dropped an update on the player’s future in Italy and confirms that he has received multiple offers for his client, including one from England.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest/” title=”West Ham latest!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Remaining cryptic over whether or not this is from West Ham, he is quite clear in saying that Nandez looks likely to exit this summer.

“It is very likely that Nandez will leave Cagliari,” explained Bentancur to TuttoMercatoWeb.

“He is ready for a big one. We have had many contacts. The market, however, is a bit slow due to Covid. In England someone asked for information, as well as in Italy. We are working”.

The Verdict: Do it GSB…

While West Ham reportedly have three transfer priorities in a new centre-back, star striker and permanent deal for Jesse Lingard (Claret & Hugh), they have also been linked with moves for central midfielders.

At one point, reports emerged of their advanced talks to sign Czech Republic star Alex Kral, but we believe Nandez could come as an even better alternative for that position. He has been lauded as ‘so amazing’ and ‘one of the most underrated players’ by football pundit Mina Rzouki, as seen on BT Sport and ESPN (Twitter).

Compared to current Irons midfield star Declan Rice, the South American ace has even averaged the same amount of tackles per game domestically (1.8), marking him out as a potentially perfect backup option for Moyes and West Ham.

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes yes’, ‘I soooo hope this is true’…Many West Ham fans flock to transfer claim, find out more here.

Leicester City continue to be linked with a number of arrivals ahead of what could be an extremely busy summer transfer window.

From forwards to goalkeepers, a long list of potential signings has been produced, with the latest added to that being Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai according to Hungarian publication Blikk.

He could be the perfect arrival for Leicester and Brendan Rodgers.

Since arriving in Turkey from Apollon Limassol in January, the 23-year-old has very quickly forged himself an indisputable spot in the club’s starting XI having played every minute of the last 12 SuperLig matches.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Szalai has been dominant in the heart of the Fener defence, producing a huge 1.9 tackles and interceptions each, as well as a further 2.7 clearances and 0.7 blocks per game according to WhoScored.

For comparison, these are numbers that are even greater than the statistics currently being chalked up by Foxes’ defender Caglar Soyuncu.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leicester-city-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=”Latest Leicester City news, transfer rumours and more…”]

With the Turk also being somewhat lesser known upon his move to the King Power Stadium in 2018, Szalai could certainly emulate his success in the East-Midlands should the Foxes make a move.

They certainly should consider it too.

Of the four current central defensive options, two of those are on the wrong side of 30, Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans, with it also looking likely that the Jamaican could potentially hang up his boots sooner rather than later.

With Filip Benkovic also not having broken through yet under Rodgers, this lack of viable options could cost Leicester as they potentially embark on yet another European campaign next season should they suffer any injuries.

The addition of the promising Szalai could definitely be welcome in that case.

With the 20-year-old Wesley Fofana having established himself as a key part of the Foxes back-line, having a sheer brute in Szalai could offer the perfect compliment to the more technically gifted Frenchman – the former St Etienne man averages an impressive 86.1% pass accuracy.

So, of the potential transfer targets for Leicester heading into the summer transfer window, the young Hungarian should certainly be right at the top.

AND in more news, find out which on-loan star must be included in Rodgers’ plans next season…

Speaking to Football Insider, a Tottenham Hotspur source believes that chairman Daniel Levy is now closing in on a new manager, with an appointment possible as soon as next week and announcement expected soon after today.

The Lowdown: Spurs still in the manager hunt

Levy has been on the hunt for a new manager since he relieved Jose Mourinho of his duties last month, with a plethora of coaches linked with the vacant position since then as the saga goes on.

Tottenham are now reportedly edging closer to getting their man, with Football Insider sharing some potentially big news.

The Latest: Lilywhites source makes major manager claim

Speaking to the outlet, a ‘Spurs source’ has explained that Tottenham are now confident of appointing a new manager as soon as next week after narrowing their shortlist to just three candidates.

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

While this managerial trio isn’t named, the club source claimed that Spurs are ‘expected to be in a position’ to announce their appointment soon after today.

Many contenders for the role were chalked off for various reasons, with several candidates appearing to be either unavailable or simply unsuitable.

The Verdict: Exciting times…

After more than a month of searching, this news could come as music to the ears of Spurs supporters.

Tottenham were hopeful of making an announcement before the end of the current campaign, but complications in their search may have severely delayed matters.

Julian Nagelsmann was once their top target but Levy suffered a blow when the German was confirmed to be taking over at Bayern Munich. Brendan Rodgers, another manager admired by Spurs, also publicly dismissed the links to north London.

It’s been a long time coming, but news of Tottenham making a possible announcement soon comes as brilliant news, with the only worry being whether Levy makes the right managerial choice.

In other news: Spurs could now be offered this ‘phenomenal player’ for Kane, find out more here.

Leeds United rejected a number of bids for youngster Sam Greenwood this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Greenwood impresses for youth team

The 19-year-old has caught the eye hugely at youth team level at Elland Road, scoring 13 goals in just 21 appearances for Leeds’ Under-23s.

Greenwood has also made one first-team appearance to date, and the hope is of course that he could make far more in the future.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Numerous bids rejected

According to O’Rourke on Twitter, the Whites ‘rejected multiple bids’ for the striker prior to the summer transfer window closing shut.

That claim is backed up by Football Insider, who state that as many as six Championship clubs tried to acquire Greenwood’s signature.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-15/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: One for the future

The fact that Leeds turned down so many offers for Greenwood speaks volumes about his potential – he has been compared to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in the past, highlighting his ability.

Marcelo Bielsa’s decision not to bring in a new striker in the transfer window is seen as a reason for the youngster staying put and it would be great to see him get more minutes this season.

It may be that Bielsa trusts Greenwood in the domestic cup competitions, but if he catches the eye enough, Premier League action could even come his way.

In other news, Leeds have suffered a transfer blow regarding one rumoured target. Read more here.