All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Everton are interested in sealing a swoop for FC Porto defender Chancel Mbemba as Frank Lampard aims to rebuild his squad at Goodison Park.

What’s the news?

That’s according to newspaper A Bola (via Sport Witness) which stated that the Toffees are among the most recent competitors to secure his signature, along with Fiorentina and Trabzonspor.

Mbemba had a three-year spell at Newcastle United between 2015 and 2018, and he would reportedly be keen on a return to England, making Everton one of the favourites to sign him upon the expiry of his contract at the end of this month.

Lampard will love him

Everton had the fifth-worst defence in the Premier League last season, conceding a woeful 66 goals in 38 matches, and it’s clear what area Lampard should be looking at prioritising in terms of improvement.

With the signing of former Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski all but confirmed, the 43-year-old isn’t wasting time on trying to shore up the defence, and Mbemba could be another excellent addition at the heart of the Everton backline.

He featured 47 times in all competitions last term, helping Porto to win yet another league title, adding in two goals for good measure.

He made only 21 fouls in his 31 league matches, which went a long way in Porto conceding just 22 goals throughout the campaign. The defender was only dribbled past 0.1 times and made 2.5 clearances per match, while his 96% passing accuracy in his own half shows just how comfortable he is with the ball at his feet and showcases his ability to initiate attacks from the back.

Mbemba earns £22k-p/w at the moment, and although he may want slightly more than that to come to Everton, it could be worth every penny.

His former Anderlecht team-mate Steven Defour has described him as a “tough defender” in the past, and this is something that Everton are crying out for as they approach one of the most important seasons in recent memory.

AND in other news, “Full agreement”: Fabrizio Romano drops Everton transfer claim that’ll delight Lampard

The Athletic journalist James Pearce says Darwin Nunez could be a ‘huge’ signing for Liverpool ahead of his possible move to the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Nunez agrees personal terms

The 22-year-old put pen to paper on a deal with the Lisbon-based outfit back in 2020, and even though his contract at the Estadio da Luz isn’t set to expire for another three years, the striker is now poised to make the switch to Anfield after recent developments.

On Wednesday evening, it was reported by Italian transfer specialist Gianluigi Longari that the Uruguayan had agreed personal terms on a move to Merseyside, with press in Portugal saying Liverpool are the player’s first choice due to the presence of Champions League football, with Manchester United also trying to swoop in.

The Latest: Pearce’s delight

In a post on his personal Twitter account, Pearce reacted to the news that Nunez is in Julian Ward’s crosshairs as he shared his article on the ongoing saga.

“A lively start to Julian Ward’s reign as LFC sporting director,” he said.

“Liverpool are increasingly likely to win the race for Darwin Nunez. Such an exciting player. Huge talent.”

The Verdict: A transfer priority

As a result of both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane facing an uncertain future at Liverpool, not to mention the fact that the club have now confirmed that Divock Origi will be leaving Anfield, the attacking areas are surely a transfer priority for Jurgen Klopp during the upcoming window.

The 11-cap international netted 34 times across all competitions for Benfica this season, and even scored in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final defeat against the Reds back in April.

After missing out on the signature of Kylian Mbappe earlier this year, the Reds clearly haven’t given up in their pursuit of adding some fresh young quality in the final third, and Nunez now looks like he’ll be the new man to lead the line on Merseyside in years to come.

In other news… one of Liverpool’s transfer targets is now set to undergo a medical after the club recently had a bid accepted.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur have received an official bid for Steven Bergwijn from Ajax, with ‘talks’ now ongoing regarding the winger’s N17 exit.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player

The Dutchman originally made the switch to the Premier League when he joined the Lilywhites in a £27 move from PSV Eindhoven back in 2020, and during his two years in north London has made 83 appearances to date.

The 24-year-old’s current contract with Spurs isn’t set to expire until 2025 after penning a five-year deal on arrival, but it’s been recently revealed that he is open to a move away from the club during the upcoming window following frustration at a lack of game time, and it appears as though there has been a huge development involving his future in the capital.

The Latest: Romano confirms Bergwijn bid

In a new post on his personal Twitter account, Romano confirmed that Tottenham are open to Bergwijn’s departure, with work to seal his exit already underway. He wrote:

“Tottenham have received an official bid from Ajax for Steven Bergwijn, as per @telegraaf. The proposal is now confirmed – Bergwijn would be ready to agree personal terms with Ajax until June 2027.

“Tottenham are open to sell him this summer, talks now ongoing.”

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

The Verdict: A Return to the Netherlands

Since Antonio Conte’s arrival in November last year, the 18-cap international has only made four top-flight starts, so it’s no shock to see that he wants to make a move to a club where he will more than likely be guaranteed regular playing time.

The former Inter boss has already started his squad rebuild ahead of the start of the new season, with goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini confirmed to be leaving Spurs.

Bergwijn has already previously admitted that he would at some point love to make the switch to a club back in his native Netherlands, so this could prove to be a deal written in the stars.

In other news… a reliable journalist has revealed that Spurs are in contact with a club over a potential move for one of their summer transfer targets.

Everton star Richarlison has now dropped a four-word transfer hint as Tottenham Hotspur reportedly eye a move to sign him this summer window.

The Lowdown: Conte set for summer reshuffle…

After deciding to stay at Spurs for the 2022/2023 Premier League season, manager Antonio Conte has set his sights on strengthening the Lilywhites squad in numerous areas (The Telegraph).

The possible additions of new defenders, midfielder and additions in the striking areas have been touted with the club already confirming Ivan Perisic’s arrival from Inter Milan.

While Man City frontman Gabriel Jesus remains a target for Fabio Paratici and Conte, it is believed they’re also interested in Richarlison, with the Brazilian now dropping a four-word transfer hint.

The Latest: Richarlison sends four-word message…

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

As per The Daily Mail, Tottenham, and by extension Conte, are eyeing a move for the top flight star alongside London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Amid their interest, this report has shared a message from the player himself as he drops a four-word summer hint – simply stating ‘Let’s wait for June’ as Richarlison now admits he’s weighing up a Goodison Park exit.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Valued at £50 million by The Toffees, Richarlison emerges as a considerable alternative to star striker Harry Kane.

According to WhoScored, the South American ace stood out as a key player on Merseyside over 2021/2022, averaging the most shots at goal per 90 for Everton and finishing the top flight campaign as their top goal scorer.

Richarlison also averaged their best match rating per 90, clearly marking himself out as a star player, and at just 25-years-old he would come to Spurs with sell-on value.

As he now admits he’s open to leaving, perhaps Spurs and Conte should take full advantage.

In other news: Alasdair Gold suggests £122,000-per-week ‘genius’ is now open to joining Tottenham! Find out more here.

Leeds United are one of the clubs ‘most interested’ in signing RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams this summer.

The Lowdown: Adams profiled

Adams, who Jesse Marsch hailed as ‘special talent’, is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also play on the right-hand side.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-44/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 23-year-old has worked under Marsch at New York Red Bulls and Leipzig, making 71 appearances under the Leeds boss, contributing to ten goals in the process.

Adams, a USA international, is valued at £15.3m by Transfermarkt and is under contract until 2025, but it looks as if a move to Elland Road for a third spell under Marsch could now be on the cards.

The Latest: Leeds keen

MLS Transfers posted an update regarding Adams on Twitter over the weekend, stating that the midfielder ‘is ready to leave the Bundesliga’.

Leipzig want a ‘big transfer fee’, with Leeds and Benfica ‘currently the most interested’ in Adams, who has a €40m (£34m) release clause.

The Verdict: Phillips partner?

Leeds appear to be on the hunt for another defensive midfielder ahead of Marsch’s first full season, even if Kalvin Phillips remains at the club.

Phillips has been heavily linked with an exit, but should he pen new terms with his boyhood club, the Whites may still need reinforcements, especially if Marsch looks to implement a narrow 4-2-2-2 system.

Midfield options are extremely limited at this moment in time, so bringing in Adams, who already has experience at the highest level, could be a smart piece of business both in the short and long run as Marsch knows how to get the best out of him.

In other news: Orta now working on bizarre transfer for ‘magnificent’ ace; he has history with Leeds supporters.  

Celtic are interested in signing Ferencvaros striker Ryan Mmaee during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim doing the rounds.

The Lowdown: Attacking reinforcements needed?

Ange Postecoglou is already working hard on getting some summer business done, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota hoping to seal permanent moves to Parkhead.

With a Premiership title defence and a return to the Champions League coming in 2022/23, a number of new players may be required across several positions.

It could be that a new striker comes in to increase the competition for places up front and bring more firepower to the squad, with a new transfer claim suggesting as much.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-8/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Celtic eye up Mmaee signing

According to The Daily Record, Celtic are keen on signing Mmaee this summer, with ‘extensive data analysis undertaken’ in recent months as Postecoglou is keen to strengthen the firepower within his squad.

The 24-year-old scored once for Ferencvaros in this season’s Europa League, in which he played twice (and grabbed one assist) against the Hoops.

More impressively, he netted 19 times and registered 11 assists for the Hungarian champions, a scoring return bettered only by Kyogo Furuhashi at Parkhead this term.

The Verdict: Shrewd summer addition

Mmaee could be an ideal player to bring in for the Hoops this summer, with Postecoglou already seeing up close the threat the 24-year-old can provide following the two Europa League clashes against Ferencvaros.

The forward also has four goals in 11 caps for Morocco, highlighting his international pedigree, so a move to Celtic is unlikely to be too daunting for him.

For all of the Hoops’ brilliance in 2021/22, Liel Abada was their leading scorer in the Premiership with just 10 goals, so Mmaee could be the man to add that greater attacking threat that Postecoglou is apparently seeking.

In other news, one player is reportedly close to joining Celtic. Find out who it is here.

Everton have had one of their worst seasons in the Premier League era, narrowly avoiding relegation in what was a campaign filled with tension and poor performances under both Rafael Benitez and Frank Lampard.

There is no doubt that the latter must improve his squad over the summer, as a club the size of Everton shouldn’t be battling relegation, and a major restructure of the playing roster is surely imminent.

With the likelihood that there will be some incoming transfers, the manager will need to get rid of some deadwood, with Andre Gomes surely near the top of the list to go.

The Portuguese midfielder signed for Everton from Barcelona in 2019 for £22m and it hasn’t exactly represented the best value for money, playing 100 games for the Toffees and only scoring twice. Gomes was also dubbed “reckless” by David Prentice, and Lampard could see this summer as the ideal time to move him on, especially when there’s an ideal replacement already being linked with the club.

Spanish outlet AS recently reported that Everton are keen on signing 17-year-old Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who has been dubbed “spectacular” by his manager Xavi. To earn that praise from such an iconic footballer would make it a great move for the Toffees to sign the teenager not just for next season, but for what he could produce further into the future.

The youngster has made 33 La Liga appearances this season, chipping in with two goals and five assists. To make that kind of impact for a club like Barcelona at such a young age suggests that he has an extremely bright future, and Everton could make a massive statement by signing him this summer.

Gavi could be the fulcrum around whom Lampard can build his side; and with the 17-year-old’s talent and maturity, it would be a shrewd signing. It would also mean that Everton could axe Gomes, whose performances this season have left a lot to be desired.

AND in other news, Everton handed huge injury lift as early Arsenal team news emerges

West Bromwich Albion have a number of young players in their squad who could go on to become long-term figures for the club.

One of those is 23-year-old defender Dara O’Shea, who is the second-youngest centre-back in West Brom’s senior squad.

Despite his tender age, the Irishman has seen his fair share of action in the first team, with 66 Baggies appearances under his belt across all competitions.

O’Shea played the entire 90 minutes of all of West Brom’s opening five Championship games of the season under Valerien Ismael before a serious ankle injury kept him out of action for a few months. After his recovery, the defender played every minute of Albion’s final five league matches of the campaign under Steve Bruce.

Looking ahead to next season, it seems likely that the Irishman will be a prominent figure for the Baggies as they face another campaign in the second tier.

Before then, the summer transfer window could give Bruce and the Midlands club the chance to add another young but experienced centre-back to their squad and potentially establish a formidable duo at the back.

Earlier this season, the Baggies were linked with a move for Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.

As a product of Spurs’ youth academy, the 24-year-old has had loan spells with Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Swansea City, Stoke City, Luton Town and Bournemouth.

This season has seen the American spend time in Scotland with Celtic for their title-winning campaign.

Having featured in the Hoops’ final league game against Motherwell this afternoon, the defender has made 45 appearances for Celtic across all competitions, chipping in with four goals and one assist along the way.

To highlight how useful a defensive figure he has been for the Bhoys, the Spurs loanee has the highest number of interceptions to his name in Celtic’s squad (42), along with a seasonal total of 22 tackles.

Praised by Chris Sutton for his “immense” performances in a Celtic shirt, Carter-Vickers also has the highest average of clearances and joint-highest number of aerial duels won per game at Parkhead.

Having ended the season with the fourth-highest average of interceptions, clearances and blocks for West Brom despite only making 14 league appearances, O’Shea could definitely benefit from having a powerful figure like Carter-Vickers next to him for the long-term.

In other news: Bruce can finally replace Gallagher as West Brom eye move for “outrageous” £7m wizard

Noel Whelan has been left delighted by some Glasgow Rangers injury news on Kemar Roofe.

The Lowdown: Fit for Frankfurt?

As cited by football.scotland, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has insisted that the ‘intention’ is to have Roofe fit for the UEFA Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt, with the striker doing ‘everything he can’ to be available.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-4/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He has missed their last five games in total over all competitions through injury, ahead of their match at home to Ross County in the Scottish Premiership tonight.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former BBC pundit Whelan has now been left ‘wowed’ and says it would be a ‘huge boost’ if Roofe can make the final:

“He’s a natural goalscorer. He has picked up the mantle superbly with Morelos out, led the line, and chipped in with some important goals.

“It was unfortunate to see him pick up the injury when he did. But to have him back for the final – wow, what a huge boost for the team and the fans.

“He’ll be doing everything he can to be ready for what is going to be a massive occasion. He’ll be wanting to stamp his authority on the game, and I think he’s got a massive part to play – even if it is from the bench.

“Looking back, you want memories in your career. This is one he will not want to miss.”

The Verdict: Patience needed

Patience is certainly needed if Roofe is to get back to full fitness in time for the final, and should therefore not be risked in their upcoming SPFL fixtures.

With Alfredo Morelos out as well, the Teddy Bears will want a natural presence up top in the one that really matters, and Roofe certainly offers that.

His 16 goals over all competitions so far this term is only bettered by the Colombia international and James Tavernier, and so he would give the Teddy Bears a more natural threat when creating chances against Frankfurt.

Nonetheless, only time will tell whether he will be able to play a part in their biggest game of the campaign.

In other news, find out what ‘massive’ Gers update has now emerged here!

Manchester United are reportedly keen on a summer deal for Club Atletico Colon star Facundo Farias.

The Lowdown: Farias profiled

Farias is just 19 years of age and is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play on the wing.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-updates/” title=”Latest Man Utd updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Valued at £11.7m by Transfermarkt, the Argentinian has scored 10 goals and registered seven assists in 65 appearances for his current employers.

He is under contract until 2025 after penning an extension earlier this year, but it looks as if a move to Europe and possibly Old Trafford could be on the cards.

The Latest: United links

Sports Witness relayed an update from AS regarding Farias, labelled as a ‘rough diamond’ in the report. They claim that United have shown the ‘most interest’ from England, while elsewhere on the continent PSG and Roma are also name-checked.

Farias is now likely to ‘pack his bags’ and make a move to Europe, with England, and therefore Old Trafford, an ‘appetising destination’.

The Red Devils are also extensively linked with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, so it looks like we now know Erik Ten Hag’s first priority position in the market.

The Verdict: One for the future…

It looks set to be an extremely busy summer when it comes to incomings and outgoings ahead of ten Hag’s first season in charge.

Midfield appears to be an area that needs numbers, with reports suggesting there is a 95% possibility of de Jong signing for the Red Devils.

He’d strengthen the club’s central midfield ranks, whereas a move for Farias would bolster the club’s attacking midfield ranks, with Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata out of contract this summer.

Farias could then learn first hand from Bruno Fernandes and is also able to turn out on the wing when required, and with a number of top European sides keen, United could land a future star in Farias while adding immediate depth in various attacking positions.

In other news: ‘Important’ – Fabrizio Romano now drops Man Utd news as Ten Hag close to first piece of business.