All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Rangers have been linked with Sparta Rotterdam ace Abdou Harroui recently and the Dutch under-21 international could be the man to replace Glen Kamara at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Rangers are showing interest in the 23-year-old after sending some of their scouts to watch him play for the Netherlands at the European Under-21 Championship.

The report suggests that Gerrard is in the market for midfield reinforcements ahead of next season and could be tempted by the Sparta Rotterdam midfielder, who was a mainstay in the Eredivisie last term.

The replacement for Glen Kamara?

Kamara played a significant part in Rangers’ title win last season and has unsurprisingly caught attention from the Premier League as a result, with his former employers Arsenal one of the clubs said to be interested in signing him ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

If the Finland international were to depart Ibrox this summer, it would leave Gerrard short of midfield options, especially when you consider that veterans Steven Davis and Scott Arfield are still expected to play a key role, so they arguably need some more options for the future.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Rangers transfer rumours and news!”]

The £3.15m-rated Harroui could prove to be an excellent long-term investment by the Gers as he was impressive in the Dutch top flight last season, contributing six goals and three assists in 32 league appearances.

He was also superb in the 2019/20 campaign, contributing four goals and eight assists in just 26 Eredivisie appearances, which helped him average an impressive 7.33 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Harroui is comfortable playing in central midfield, defensive midfield and on the right wing, so he could be a hugely versatile option for Gerrard at Ibrox next season, which suggests that he is exactly the sort of player the manager would love to have in his squad.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Rangers arguably lack goalscoring midfielders in their squad, so Harroui could also add more of a threat in that sense. Ross Wilson should definitely consider a move for the Sparta Rotterdam youngster, even if it means that Kamara ends up departing.

In other news… Gerrard may already have his Davis heir at Rangers in never-before-seen “mountain”

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski should be fit to play in the club's next game despite his recent injury.

What’s the latest on Lukasz Fabianski's West Ham injury?

The Polish shot-stopper has been out for the past two Premier League games after having to come off early against Nottingham Forest after taking a knock to the head.

In fact, it was such a bad injury that he ended up suffering a fractured cheekbone and eye socket and so was expected to potentially be on the sidelines for some time.

And while he has been out for a little while, it does sound as though he could be ready to start against Southampton if required, when West Ham are next in action after the international break.

In an update on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex outlined the situation, saying: “Fabianski is back in training with his face mask on now and should be fit for the Southampton game.”

What has David Moyes said on Lukasz Fabianski's injury?

David Moyes recently spoke to the press about the player's possible return, noting that Fabianski was "desperate to come back" as soon as possible.

However, the club manager explained that he and the medical team remain a bit "unsure" and "worried" about him starting as he could suffer pretty badly if he was to get hit in the face by a ball.

In full, he said: “He is desperate to come back. He feels like he is ready. Medically we are a little bit unsure as they are worried about him getting a ball in the face.”

He also noted some concerns about how his performance could be impacted by wearing a mask, saying: “I have got no problem with that, but I haven’t got a strong enough opinion on it.

“Sometimes anything on your face means you don’t see other things, if you wear a hat or glasses, so a mask like that may not be great for a goalkeeper.”

By the sounds of it, though, the time off for the international break should hopefully allow Fabianski sufficient time to heal and so when Southampton come to visit at the start of next month, it's likely the 37-year-old will be there to face them.

If not, though, Alphonse Areola will be expected to come in instead, having started the last two league games – albeit failing to win any and shipping five goals in that period.

Celtic remain very keen on signing Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy this summer.

That’s according to a report from TEAMtalk, who claim that the Hoops were close to a deal for the Irishman in January.

McCarthy, on £50,000-a-week at Selhurst Park, is out of contract in a matter of months so could sign a pre-contract agreement with the Hoops ahead of a potential free transfer.

Newcastle United are also now back in the picture for the 30-year-old’s services ahead of the 2021/22 season, though, with the report suggesting the Hoops won’t make a firm decision on the central midfielder until they have finalised their plans for a new manager.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2020-08-01T203924Z_1720062892_RC2TLD9CTXKL_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-TOT-BOU-REPORT-1-640×853.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Transfer Tavern take

It seems as if Celtic don’t want to give up on the chance of signing January target McCarthy. However, with Newcastle on the chase too, they may have to be quick in regards to their search for a new manager to have any hope of signing the midfielder for nothing.

Should a deal gather pace ahead of the summer, McCarthy could become Dominic McKay’s first signing as Celtic CEO due to the fact he can pen a pre-contract before the window officially opens.

It may well end up being a busy summer for McKay and co in terms of recruitment at Parkhead, so starting by securing a free transfer for a player who has over 250 appearances under his belt in the Premier League and 42 international caps could prove fruitful.

Who knows, McCarthy could fill the boots of club captain Scott Brown, who will leave for Aberdeen this summer.

In other news: John Kennedy linked with surprise new role at Parkhead, find out more here. 

Celtic are going to have to move incredibly quickly in the last few weeks of the window to ensure they aren’t left behind by their rivals.

The Hoops have signed a fair few players already but with player exits and the need to improve in mind, Ange Postecoglou desperately needs further recruits.

What’s the word?

Celtic lost Scott Brown this summer as their former captain headed for Aberdeen in a player-coach capacity.

However, despite the arrival of ex-Sheffield Wednesday youngster Liam Shaw, they are yet to replace his influence in the middle of the park.

One player who’s been on the Hoops’ radar for a while now is James McCarthy. Their interest dates back to last summer but after his contract expired with Crystal Palace last month, he is now a free agent.

As a result, Dominic McKay and co won’t need to part ways with much cash in order to bring him to Glasgow.

According to the Daily Mail, the Bhoys are still very much interested in signing him too.

Soro upgrade

When Celtic considered another move for McCarthy a few months ago, it looked like a mistake.

After all, Postecoglou needed to take this Celtic side in the direction of youth, rather than players who may be past their best.

He had Ismaila Soro and Shaw to bring through as Brown’s heir but so far, his influence has actually been missing.

Shaw is yet to start for the Bhoys in a competitive fixture while Soro has unfortunately endured a torrid start to the season.

During the second leg against Midtjylland, the Ivorian was way below his best, winning just two of ten ground duels that he attempted. In the process, the young midfielder made an alarming four fouls.

Soro was again poor against Hearts last weekend, making five fouls and winning only two of his seven ground duels.

He looked like a promising young prospect last term but his start to the new campaign has proven that he still has some maturing to do in order to become a regular in the side.

Therefore, by signing McCarthy, they could give themselves a safer pair of hands.

Dubbed a “class act” by Roy Hodgson, the 42-cap international is secure in possession of the ball but importantly, he’s astute in defensive situations. A consistent performer in the Premier League, he won 2.5 tackles per match in his last season of regular action for the Eagles.

Coincidentally, that’s the same number as his career average and also a better tally than Soro. He won just 1.9 tackles per match in the Premiership last season by comparison.

Subsequently, the Hoops recruitment team are right to be searching for a player in the mould of McCarthy; they certainly need another midfielder.

AND in other news, Postecoglou could repeat Celtic’s Arzani nightmare by signing 26-goal ace…

Former Leeds United player David Norris thinks that if both Jamie Shackleton and Ian Poveda aren’t going to get enough game time at Elland Road this upcoming season, then loan moves for the pair would be great for them.

The duo featured a combined 27 times the Premier League last season, with Poveda making 14 appearances and Shackleton 13, with both also featuring for Leeds in Premier League 2 on a number of occasions.

Leeds United’s U23 squad won promotion to Premier League Division 1 last term, winning Division 2 by eleven points.

Whilst both players are being slowly introduced to first-team football, David Norris believes that a loan away from Elland Road could help their development, exclusively telling Transfer Tavern: “I think at their ages when you’re coming through, getting that game time will help them develop massively.

“If it wasn’t to be and they were going to be a bit too bit part, I would get out on loan. 

“The Championship is a tough league, big clubs, massive clubs in there, it’s a really tough exciting league, so I think that would be great for them and just as part of their development.

“So, I don’t think there’s nothing to lose on that, going out and getting some experience if they weren’t going to get the game time.”

Both players featured for Leeds in two separate games against Ajax in the week, but the Whites have been handed an injury concern ahead of the new season, as Shackleton had to be withdrawn with a head injury.

Liverpool have been handed a huge boost for tonight’s clash against Burnley after Jurgen Klopp confirmed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in contention and that James Milner may also be fit enough to make a return.

The Reds travel to Turf Moor this evening to take on Sean Dyche’s men in what could prove to be a pivotal encounter for their Champions League qualification hopes.

Klopp’s charges are currently sitting in the fifth position in the Premier League standings, just three points behind fourth-placed Leicester City. However, the six-time European champions have a game in hand over the Foxes, and their superior goal difference means Liverpool are in control of their own destiny.

A dramatic win last time out against West Bromwich Albion, courtesy of goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s injury-time effort, has kept the Anfield outfit’s top-four dreams alive, and now they’ve been handed another significant lift.

In a press conference on Tuesday (as reported by the Liverpool Echo), Klopp revealed experienced midfielder Milner was set to take part in training, while Oxlade-Chamberlain had recovered from illness.

“Milly will train today but is that enough to be involved tomorrow? I will see,” he said. “Ox was ill. Ox is back.”

The potential return of the duo is bound to have Klopp buzzing after having to cope without several key players throughout the current campaign due to injury.

It would allow the enigmatic German manager to field Fabinho in the centre of defence if he so wishes knowing he has experienced heads to call upon to fill the gap left in the engine room, or simply offers him more experienced options from the bench should he require them.

Liverpool’s season hinges on tonight’s result against Burnley, but the return of Milner and Oxlade-Chamberlain is certainly a big boost to their chances, whether either of the duo start or are able to come on from the bench, as tonight has the feel of a game where experienced stars will be more beneficial than raw youngsters.

And, in other news… Asking price set: Edwards must act to sign Reds target with a pass accuracy of 87.1%

According to a report by the Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur have Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard on their list of potential new centre-backs – and it is believed the Saints are already ‘well into their search’ for a replacement should he leave.

The Lowdown: Tottenham eyeing new centre-backs…

The centre-half position has been made a priority position by Spurs as they aim to oversee a major summer revamp at the back. 

New Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo may have to coach a more or less brand new backline over the 2021/2022 season with a big few months of change potentially on the horizon.

Long-time defender Toby Alderweireld has reportedly told the club he wants to leave, while the futures of Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier remain a point of discussion.

The Latest: Tottenham want Vestergaard…

As per the Athletic, Saints colossus Vestergaard is on Tottenham’s transfer list as managing director Fabio Paratici eyes defensive reinforcements this summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-3/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 6 foot 6 beast was a mainstay for his club last season and it is thought that if a big side come calling, then he would like to exit the south coast.

Meanwhile, Southampton are already ‘well into their search’ for his heir should Vestergaard leave, according to this report.

The Verdict: Do it Paratici…

A powerful presence at the back, Vestergaard started 29 Premier League matches at the back for Southampton over 2020/2021 and averaged more clearances per 90 (4) than anyone in their squad (WhoScored).

His manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl, was certainly in awe of his ability at one point last season – branding the Dane as ‘absolutely phenomenal’ due to his sheer strength in the air (Hampshire Live).

Valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, despite the possibility of him costing more, a figure even close to this amount points to a possible bargain for Tottenham this summer.

In other news: ‘I’d be excited, Spurs fans’…Stan Collymore thrilled by major N17 news, find out more here.

Many Sunderland supporters were critical of Elliot Embleton following Saturday’s come-from-behind win at Gillingham, during which the midfielder was sent off.

Lee Johnson’s side trailed 1-0 before Aiden O’Brien equalised on the stroke of half-time and Tom Flanagan scored what proved to be the winner early in the second half, a result which ensured that the Black Cats remained just one point adrift of League One pace-setters Plymouth Argyle.

Embleton received his marching orders midway through the second half for a poor challenge on Jack Tucker, leaving his team-mates to dig deep in order to secure all three points at the Priestfield Stadium.

Even aside from the red card, it was an afternoon to forget for the 22-year-old. As per SofaScore, he lost five of his seven duels (71%) against Gillingham and found a team-mate with only two of his eight crosses. He also gave the ball away 17 times during his 67 minutes on the pitch, the highest figure of anyone in a Sunderland shirt.

Sunderland fans slam Embleton

A number of Black Cats supporters took to Twitter to vent their frustration at Embleton on Saturday, with one describing the midfielder as “overrated”.

“Tin hat on but Embleton is very overrated, apart from his decent start this season he’s done absolutely nowt. Wouldn’t bat an eyelid if he left”

Credit: @rosstitute73

“That was so poor by Embleton. We had complete control”

Credit: @Sunlunfan

“Pathetic tackle from Embleton.. red all the way for me. We would scream for it if it was the other way round”

Credit: @davey_lad

“Reckless challenge, didn’t need to make it, pure stupidity from Embleton, now missed 3 matches”

Credit: @44stu

“Stupid challenge by Embleton whether it was a red or not it was stupid, riddled with injuries already we can’t afford to lose another player”

Credit: @stephsherry92

“Really poor from Embleton. Poor tackle and a needless one. A red probably the right call. Puts us under pressure when we should have been able to see this game out and look for a 3rd”

Credit: @tongey93

“Embleton hasn’t touched the ball for about a month anyway”

Credit: @jakeyholyoak

“Embleton why? Stupid challenge.”

Credit: @DRiley_06

In other news: One of Embleton’s team-mates also came under fire from some Sunderland fans yesterday

Many Sunderland fans applauded Dan Neil during Tuesday night’s League One clash with Crewe Alexandra. 

Sunderland were looking to make it back-to-back away wins after coming from behind and surviving an Elliot Embleton red card in their 2-1 victory over Gillingham on Saturday.

Second-bottom Crewe, meanwhile, were going in search of just their second league win of the season and their first since they beat Burton Albion 2-0 on 18 September.

Black Cats manager Lee Johnson made one only change for the trip to Gresty Road, and it was enforced. The suspended Embleton made way for Aiden McGeady.

That meant Neil kept his place alongside Luke O’Nien in the 4-2-3-1 system.

Recapping Neil’s performance

Neil’s SofaScore rating of 7.3 was the third-highest in the Sunderland team, bettered only by two-goal striker Ross Stewart and McGeady.

He set-up Stewart’s first goal just after the half-hour mark, completed every pass he attempted and made two tackles.

Sunderland fans issue rave Neil reviews

“Dan Neil can win Connect Four in three moves”

Credit: @Evs_Dubai

“Dan Neil counted to infinity…. Twice”

Credit: @antoneee_x

“Dan Neil once walked into the Heinz factory and every single tin of beans opened up for him.”

Credit: @Laking86

“Dan Neil can slam a revolving door”

Credit: @iandobbers

“Sorry to repeat previous comments but dan Neil is a joy to watch”

Credit: @hayes1956

“Dan Neil masterclass the boy can play”

Credit: @GavLee82

In other news, fans fumed over this development.

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered Tammy Abraham in this transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph’s Matt Law, the 23-year-old Chelsea striker has been made available to several clubs, including Spurs, as the Champions League winners look to cash in before committing to a big-money bid for one of their own attacking targets.

The Blues value the England international at £40m and have been linked with Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku and Erling Haaland, so it is expected that Abraham will depart before next month’s deadline.

Arsenal, Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund have also been offered the chance to sign the 6 foot 3 striker.

Forget Ings

It’s believed that new Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo will utilise a two-man attack and is looking for a proven Premier League player to feature alongside Kane.

One name who has been linked as a result of that news, is Southampton star Danny Ings, who has entered the final year of his current contract at St Mary’s; and whilst he is valued at half of Abraham’s asking price, it is the Chelsea outcast who could be the better investment long-term, and not just because of the near six-year age difference.

Abraham has found game-time hard to come by since Thomas Tuchel was appointed as Frank Lampard’s successor in January but that didn’t stop him from being Chelsea’s second top goalscorer in the top flight last season, bagging just one fewer goal than penalty taker Jorginho (seven).

Overall, the 23-year-old has scored 30 goals in 82 appearances for the Blues, with 18 of those coming under Lampard during the 2019/20 season. It’s a pretty respectable record for a player who was perhaps unfairly cast off by the new manager, and unlike Ings, he’s never had to persistently deal with injury troubles.

One game under the former England midfielder saw Abraham compared to one of the Premier League’s greatest modern strikers in Didier Drogba.

Speaking during BT Sport coverage of Chelsea’s Champions League win over Lille, pundit Rio Ferdinand waxed lyrical about his ability and said (via Goal): “His hold-up play, coming to the ball, bringing others into play. There were some balls that came into him that were Didier Drogba-esque. I think he’s developing nicely, he’s scoring goals, he’s scoring different types of goals and I think he’s a threat.”

Also lauded as a “goal machine” by former academy teammate Kasey Palmer, the £36m-rated forward ought to be considered over Ings by both Nuno and Fabio Paratici this summer.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Toby: Spurs could swoop for £16m-rated “leader” who bullied Kane at Euro 2020…