All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding City’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund centre-forward, Erling Haaland.

According to James Ducker’s article for The Telegraph, Manchester City view Haaland as Sergio Aguero’s long-term successor at the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola’s side thought to be eager to get a deal done for the 20-year-old despite likely competition from Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United, following confirmation of Aguero departure this summer.

Ducker also goes on to claim that, in spite of the fact a move for the £99 million-rated Norway international almost certainly meaning that City would have to smash their £65 million incoming transfer record, the club’s desire to sign the Dortmund forward remains strong.

And, after City Xtra relayed the report on Twitter, fans of Manchester City flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing ecstatic at the prospect of their club pursuing a deal for the centre-forward this summer.

So, what exactly did these Manchester City fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Erling Haaland?

“That’s what I like to hear!”

@JMC_OfficiaI

“This is what we like to hear. Eases the pain of today’s news.”

@Priceless_Silva

“This is getting spicy.”

@DiasMcfc

“If we just sign him I would be very happy.”

@mancitymj14

“He’s the only reasonable replacement.”

@MattHarl42

“Firstly, Aguero is irreplaceable. But apart from that, this is needed.”

@lnGoodKompany

“Just pay whatever it needs to get him. If we don’t get Haaland after letting Aguero go someone needs to leave.”

@NickFilipovich

“WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR.”

@WaporteMC

In other news: These Man City fans were ecstatic as this transfer news emerged – find out more here!

The season of 2020/21 has been desperately unkind to Celtic. Their form has gone out the window with any hope of winning ten in a row eradicated before it could even become a reality.

They are 18 points off top spot and are now searching for a new manager following Neil Lennon’s resignation.

One man who reportedly wants the job is former Huddersfield boss David Wagner. He is a free agent after being sacked by Schalke towards the beginning of the season but would surely offer plenty to the Hoops.

For starters, he favours a pressing style of football, something that sees his players attempt to win the ball back within a matter of seconds of losing it. Wagner also prefers to play on the offensive which will no doubt be eye-catching to the Celtic hierarchy.

We’ve already looked at how his methods could benefit the Bhoys but he could also be a positive for Jonjoe Kenny.

The 5 foot 9 right-back was signed on loan from Everton in the January transfer window but his asking price is now plummeting due the amount of time left on his contract at Goodison Park. Thus, there is a possibility that he returns to Glasgow next season.

By hiring Wagner they could enhance the chances of bringing him back to Parkhead and thus, forge a menacing partnership.

After all, the duo rustled up quite the enterprise when Kenny spent the 2019/20 campaign in the Bundesliga with Schalke.

The full-back enjoyed a very good campaign under Wagner where he featured 34 times, scoring two goals and assisting a further three.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-hunt-stories-wagner-marsch-martinez-lennon-news” title=”The last stories on Celtic’s hunt for a new manager!”]

The 49-year-old only had praise for the Englishman at the start of his loan spell. Speaking in September 2019, Wagner commented: “I had a good picture of Jonjoe and, after I joined Schalke, we all together agreed that we had to sign a right-back.

“As soon as I found that we were not able to afford someone to buy because of our financial restrictions, Jonjoe was one of the first names I put on the table when I discussed [targets] with our board. Luckily, they agreed to try to sign him and luckily he decided to join our football club.”

Wagner concluded: “I can tell you what, he is already close to becoming a fan favourite here in our stadium. He has done an amazing job so far and scored a wonderful goal against [Hertha] Berlin. He is, for sure, one of the best signings which we have made this summer.”

Fine words indeed. Kenny is yet to see his Celtic career take off but under Wagner, that could change.

The pair seemed to really understand each other during their season together as the German made him one of the most impressive young defenders in the Bundesliga.

The youngster won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for August and was subsequently among the nominees for the Rookie of the Year award.

It was a stellar campaign that unfortunately, he’s not been able to build upon. Wagner already rates him highly so it could be a flourishing dynamic if he’s signed permanently and the aforementioned manager walks through the door.

Dermot Desmond needs to consider it; there are surely only benefits to putting the two together.

AND in other news, Desmond may sway Edouard’s Celtic future by hiring 43 y/o with “a science to football”…

When Wolves lost Diogo Jota and Matt Doherty last summer, their reliance on Raul Jimenez became even greater.

In 2019/20, the former Old Gold duo combined for 25% of the club’s goals, so losing them was a huge blow. Combine that with Jimenez’s horrific injury in November, and it made life even tougher for Wolves.

The Mexican sustained a fractured skull and without him, Wolves have been left behind by their rivals. They are outside the Premier League’s top half and any hope of securing European football is a distant memory.

Since the Wolves star was sidelined, their forward line has struggled significantly. Fabio Silva has scored just twice all season while Willian Jose is yet to find the net in 11 hours of football for his new team. Signing a new striker should therefore be at the height of Jeff Shi’s priorities when the transfer window opens.

One player who could arrive is Brentford’s Ivan Toney. The Bees have slapped a £30m price tag on his head after Wolves were linked with his services.

On paper, he would be a great addition. After all, he’s a 27-goal forward described as “exceptional” by Peterborough owner Barry Fry.

Pivotally, it could also bring more from enigmatic winger Adama Traore. The Spaniard was one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League last term, amassing four goals, nine assists and five dribbles per game.

This season, however, he has been off the mark. Traore hasn’t contributed a single goal or assist, something which defies belief when you consider how relentless he was last term.

One reason for his lack of assists could be down to the absence of Jimenez. Therefore, signing a player as prolific as Toney may put the energetic winger on the right track to claiming more assists.

They have the potential to be a deadly combination at Molineux. Both possess the ability to get in behind and they both have eye-catching amounts of pace.

Getting the most from Traore is essential for Nuno Espirito Santo going forward. This season he had the potential to be their leading light but he has been rather disappointing.

Toney could be game-changing, though. You only need to bring his nine assists into the equation to understand that he can bring others into play too.

Shi must pay the big money needed to bring him to the Midlands.

AND in other news, “He’ll be thinking” – Exclusive: Wolves icon Bull makes Nuno admission after “frustrating year”…

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce is eyeing a reunion with one of his former players, according to reports…

What’s the word?

French outlet L’Equipe (via GFFN), claim the Baggies have been in contact with Ligue 1 side Bordeaux over the possibility of signing 22-year-old forward Josh Maja before Monday’s transfer deadline.

The former Sunderland youth product has slipped down the pecking order at Les Girondins, and Allardyce knows the player from his time in charge of the Black Cats.

Maja is valued at €7m (£6m) by CIES Football Observatory and is thought to be on around £57k-per-week.

Big Sam’s next Defoe?

Another player that Allardyce had during one of his ‘great escapes’ was Jermain Defoe, coincidentally also at the Stadium of Light. The former Spurs and England marksman was a catalyst in the 2015/16 campaign.

He bagged 13 of his 15 league goals under Big Sam, which included a late winner in a 3-2 win over Chelsea, a goal against eventually relegated Norwich and a last-minute equaliser against Liverpool.

The ‘firefighter’ built his team around the diminutive 5 foot 7 forward, and it paid dividends and given that Maja was mentored by Defoe, the Baggies boss could be looking to repeat that here.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-brom-news-and-transfer-rumours” title=”Read this week’s latest West Brom news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Speaking about the veteran’s influence, Maja told Touchline Fracas (via Sunderland Echo):

“Jermain Defoe was probably one of my biggest admirers because I think he just liked the fact that I was good at finishing.“He liked me a lot and was able to give me advice on different tips, different ways of finishing, disguising keepers, disguising defenders, short back lift, different techniques and it was a good time because Sunderland were doing well, I was learning and I was getting experience and I was enjoying my time.”The 22-year-old would leave Sunderland for Bordeaux in a £1.5m deal in 2019 where he has had mixed success. Last term, he bagged eight times in all competitions despite only playing a total of 894 minutes, whilst he’s only added a further two goals this campaign, via Transfermarkt.It was Allardyce who first spotted his potential as a young teenager in the north-east, so perhaps he can be the man to get even more lucrative returns out of him. He wrote in the club programme: “The talent is there with Josh and the question is, can the player develop his talent so that he is knocking on the door of the first-team?”Whilst local journo Phil Smith dubbed Maja a “unique talent” and claimed that he was “gutted” to see him leave, a little over two years to the day.If the Albion hierarchy can strike a deal for the 5 foot 11 dynamo, it could see Big Sam unearth his next Defoe, and both the club and the manager will be hoping that he too can be their survival saviour – just like the 38-year-old in 2016.

AND in other news, Exclusive: West Brom urged to sign Premier League outcast…

According to a report by ‘transfer insider’ Dean Jones, writing for Eurosport, West Ham United could face stiff competition from Leicester City over a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard – with the Foxes set to monitor his situation ahead of a potential summer bid. 

Brendan Rodgers’ men are reportedly showing some interest in signing Lingard after his head-turning start to life in east London, with West Ham now facing competitors if they wish to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

West Ham face potential Jesse Lingard worry

West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh claimed at the start of this month that despite Manchester United failing to include an option to buy in the loan deal, Lingard is likely to become an Irons player at the end of the season regardless.

Having just a year left on his current deal, Lingard could be made available for around £10m according to C&H – but fellow transfer insider Jones has now stated to Eurosport that David Moyes could face stiff competition from Leicester.

Transfer Tavern take

Given Lingard’s start to life at the London Stadium, scoring three goals in four Premier League starts already (WhoScored), including a winner against Tottenham last weekend, it’s hardly surprising that other clubs are monitoring his situation.

A potential worry for Moyes if he wishes to sign Lingard permanently, especially given that the Foxes look destined to achieve Champions League qualification this season, something that could tip the scales in their favour.

In other news: ExWHUemployee dropped an enticing behind the scenes claim, find out more here.

If reports are to be believed, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho is on the hunt for a new central defender this January transfer window.

And one mooted winter target has just delivered a masterclass for all to see.

Back in late November, 90min claimed that Spurs were scouring Europe for potential defensive additions with Sassuolo powerhouse Gian Marco Ferrari among the options being considered ahead of 2021.

On Wednesday evening, the 28-year-old Italian was in action for the Serie A outfit as they defeated Genoa 2-1 at the Mapei Stadium.

Ferrari was arguably the star of the show for the Neroverdi.

The 6 foot 2 colossus was involved in the game more than any other player on the pitch, recording a whopping 110 touches, whilst he also held firm at the back despite leaking one goal as he recorded three interceptions, one tackle and one clearance, per SofaScore.

He was even on point with his passing, making 93 of 101 attempts (92%), which is everything Mourinho will want to see in one of his centre-backs – that ability to play out from the back.

Danny Mills once told Football Insider: “We know what Mourinho likes, he wants defenders to defend, to be consistent and just do the simple things.”

That was in reference to Davinson Sanchez, who is thought to be open to leaving the club this window as he’s often been snubbed from their Premier League squad, as per The Athletic.

Valued at just £9m by Transfermarkt, Ferrari could be an absolute bargain especially when fees in excess of £40m are being bandied about for Milan Skriniar and Merih Demiral.

The Italian has started all 15 of Sassuolo’s matches this term, where he has averaged 2.5 clearances, 1.5 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and a mighty impressive 91.8% passing accuracy from 76.1 attempts per game, via WhoScored.

In comparison this is way better than the numbers that Eric Dier has been recording since his transition from midfield – indeed, the England international has averaged a disappointing 0.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and an 81.5% passing success rate, also per WhoScored.

He is even outshining Skriniar who has only mustered up an average of 2.1 clearances and 1.1 interceptions per game in the very same league.

Daniel Levy has just seen why he must secure this bargain upgrade this month.

AND in other news, Spurs have ready-made Gareth Bale replacement in £25m “huge talent”…

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to reignite their interest in one of their reported summer transfer targets…

What’s the word?

According to The Mirror, Spurs are weighing up a bid for highly-rated South Korean centre-back Kim Min-jae this month amid growing concerns that Premier League rivals Chelsea could do the same.

It’s claimed that the north Londoners were keen on the 24-year-old several months ago following the departure of Jan Vertonghen to Benfica on a free transfer.

Now they are plotting a fresh move for the Beijing Guoan man, and here’s why that’s a smart decision to make.

Alderweireld heir

It is no secret that Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is keen on another central defender in the current window. Duncan Castles revealed that a pacey option was atop his priorities in January.

The 6 foot 3 colossus has emerged as a potential star in Asia – nicknamed “the monster”, Min-jae has picked up 30 caps at international level and in 43 appearances across the past two seasons is averaging 3.1 clearances, 1.3 interceptions and 1.1 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

By comparison, he is intercepting the opposition more times than either Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez or Toby Alderweireld, and exceeds the Englishman’s 0.4 tackles per game substantially, also per WhoScored.

Whilst he’s unlikely to come in and instantly make a difference, he could well become the long-term heir to Alderweireld’s throne as he’s not getting any younger at 31.

Indeed, the Belgian beast has seen a dip in playing time recently having played a full 90 minutes just once since mid-December. Alderweireld played only 45 minutes in the FA Cup, and wasn’t risked against Fulham in the Premier League earlier this week.

Min-jae, an international teammate of Heung-min Son, has also been handed huge praise by Goal.com journalist Sungmo Lee, who told football.london:

“Kim Min-jae is hailed as one of the best centre-backs South Korea has produced in 21st century. He has huge potential. He’s big, strong, and fast.

“He’s strong in the air, and also has good feet. He has a strong character as well which Mourinho always likes. Therefore, under Mourinho, and especially with Son, he could settle at Spurs very quickly.”

Spurs have every right to be worried amid interest from the Blues too, after all, they lost out on Willian back in 2013, so Daniel Levy must absolutely ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.

It was thought that Beijing would want €17m (£15m) for his signature in the summer, though it remains to be seen whether that remains the case.

Forget Joe Rodon, the South Korean ‘monster’ could well be the dream successor to Alderweireld.

AND in other news, Spurs could find their next Teddy Sheringham in 19 y/o tipped to have a big future…

Steve Bruce will not discover Newcastle United’s next Yohan Cabaye by bringing FC Schalke 04 midfielder Nabil Bentaleb back to St. James’ Park.

What’s the word?

According to the Chronicle, the Toon have been offered the chance to re-sign Bentaleb in the upcoming January window as he strives to put a torrid Veltins Arena ordeal in the past.

Bentaleb has been suspended by his Bundesliga outfit and ordered to train alone, but feels his exile came “without any credible justification” amid a winless league run of 26 games.

Schalke are expected to accept nominal fees for Bentaleb in the mid-season market and may yet allow the 26-year-old to leave for free, having seen Newcastle fail to meet their £8.5million demands this summer following his half-season spell on loan.

Bruce was keen to retain Bentaleb following the expiration of his temporary deal, though opted to look elsewhere due to budget constraints and the midfielder’s high wage demands.

United may look to bring Bentaleb back to St. James’ Park, with the Mirror (06/12, p73) also citing Fulham and the Magpies as two Premier League outfits weighing up approaches, while the Chronicle note most activity will be in the loan market for plug-and-play types.

Bentaleb, who started five of his seven Bundesliga fixtures before being suspended by Schalke, made 15 appearances for Newcastle across all competitions without providing a goal or an assist.

Bentaleb is not NUFC’s new Cabaye

The Chronicle’s football editor Mark Douglas believes Newcastle will be in the market for a new central midfielder this winter as Bruce is in need of a new box-to-box presence that can evoke memories of Cabaye, Kevin Nolan and Georginio Wijnaldum. Bentaleb is not that.

Beyond the reasons for his suspension at Schalke, Bentaleb did not reach any great heights in black and white during his half-season spell at St. James’ Park last season, even if Bruce felt excellence was on the cards.

“Bentaleb looks in far better condition now than he did do when he arrived which is good, I thought he has been excellent in the games he has played,” the Toon boss said following the restart.

Bruce always expected fireworks from Bentaleb and was not concerned by any issues with his temperament when he welcomed the Algerian to Tyneside, feeling his winning mentality would be enough to keep his emotions in the right place.

Yet Schalke failed to see that upon his return, with Bentaleb left spinning in the Revierderby as he lost eight of nine duels, misplaced 41% of his passes, offered no shots or successful dribbles, made one tackle and was dribbled past five times against Borussia Dortmund, per SofaScore, before being replaced in the 56th-minute.

Clearly, the midfielder, described as a “high-level player” by Lothar Matthaus earlier this year, needs a change of scenery as life at Schalke is not for him, but he is not right for Newcastle, either.

AND in other news, Mike Ashley can hand Steve Bruce and Newcastle an ideal upgrade in January with a lethal £2m hitman.

Ralph Hasenhuttl was quick to praise the efforts of Shane Long earlier this week and insisted that the 33-year-old is still a key part of his squad, despite his lack of minutes in the Premier League this season, but really the Austrian should be looking to promote Nathan Tella ahead of the Irishman.

The Austrian manager left Long out of his squad to face Sheffield United last weekend, as the Saints recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory, which led journalists to question the striker’s future with the South Coast club.

He replied, saying:

“There was a reason why we signed another contract with Shane because he is always a guy we can take and we can use as a sub, or from the beginning.

“He gives everything for the team and for the club.

“Even if he is not playing or not in the squad, he is always positive. He always tries to support the others.

“For every player comes the moment when he gets older, that he is more on the bench. I had the same situation, I was playing until I was 37.

“I knew in the last three or four years I was more a sub but a good sub because I was always scoring, always positive and tried to push the team, because I knew I had a powerful 30 minutes.

“I must say he is still very fit. He can still play 90 minutes without a problem – but even as a sub, I think he is important for our team.”

However, the experienced striker has featured for just 61 minutes in the Premier League so far this season, even in the absence of Danny Ings whilst he was out injured, so it seems as if Hasenhuttl cannot find a place for him in his starting eleven right now.

The Austrian manager must also consider the performances of Tella with the youth academy, as the youngster has impressed since moving up front, scoring an impressive four goals in the Saints’ 5-2 win against the Leicester City academy side at the weekend.

Hasenhuttl spoke about his change in position recently, saying:

“We need to think about what the best position is for him and it seems more and more that he seems more confident on the nine than on the ten, so let’s push him there and get the best out of him and we will have a lot of fun with him.”

He has also suggested that the youngster has “no fear” in the past, so it seems strange that he hasn’t made more senior appearances for the South Coast club.

Therefore, it seems as if Tella’s future with the club is as a striker, and after his impressive displays with the academy, Hasenhuttl must consider promoting him to the senior side, with Long perhaps likely to be the man to drop out in order to accommodate him.

The former Arsenal youngster has just five senior appearances to his name at Southampton and keeping him out of the first-team for a 33-year-old Long who looks to be well past his best, could prove to be a mistake by Hasenhuttl, especially if Tella’s head is turned by another club offering more regular first-team football.

Hopefully, Tella can add to those appearances during the busy Christmas period, as it certainly looks as if Southampton have a real talent on their hands.

And, in other news… KWP 2.0: Saints must sign 20 y/o beast who’s as “brave as a lion” in Janaury…

Sheffield Wednesday’s quest to secure their first home win in over eight months will have to wait as they were well-beaten by Brentford at Hillsborough on Wednesday night.

The Owls have not picked up three points in south Yorkshire since February and still remain bottom of the Championship on minus four points following their points deduction.

Garry Monk has it all to do if he’s to keep Wednesday in the second flight of English football this season but it’s also on the players too, especially without their supporters in attendance.

He’ll be disheartened by the performance from his defenders after conceding a brace to Bees talisman Ivan Toney, and the display of Joost van Aken was perhaps the standout in terms of being particularly poor. He certainly let his manager down.

The 26-year-old has been given a second chance at Hillsborough after playing for 2. Bundesliga outfit VfL Osnabruck last season after joining the club back in 2017 for £4.5m.

He was deployed in a back three alongside summer arrival Aden Flint and right-back by trade Moses Odubajo, and was clearly the worst performer, clinching a 6.4 rating by SofaScore.

The Dutch colossus failed to win any of his duels, lost possession seven times and only made 50% of his long balls with Toney giving him the run around all game.

YorkshireLive’s Dom Howson graded van Aken a mediocre 5/10 and claimed: “Found it tough going to contain the Bees forward line, particularly in the first half.”

Fellow centre-back Julian Borner was a regular presence under Monk last season, starting 34 league games, so it’s a surprise to see his name on the bench but the fact that he’s waiting in the wings should spell trouble for the former Heerenveen man.

If he continues at this disappointing level, then that switch will quickly become an easy one to make. He let Monk down this week and has to be a drop candidate before they host Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.

With Chey Dunkley, Dominic Iorfa and Tom Lees all on the treatment table, van Aken ought to be making the absolute most of this rare opportunity.

AND in other news, Chansiri’s transfer decision on key Owls star instantly vindicated…