All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Saints make bid for Mattias Svanberg

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

According to reports in Italy, Southampton have officially tabled a bid for Bologna midfielder Mattias Svanberg ahead of a potential summer move to the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Svanberg heading for the exit

The 23-year-old first joined the Serie A side in a permanent deal from Malmo FF back in 2018, and has since gone on to become an integral part of Sinisa Mihajlovic’s starting XI, having made 123 appearances during his four-year spell to date.

The Swedish starlet has just over 12 months remaining on his contract at the Renato Dall’Ara, but could be heading for the exit door in the coming weeks as the Italian outfit look to raise some transfer funds.

The Latest: Saints make opening bid

In a new article published by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via TEAMtalk), it’s claimed that Southampton have ‘made an opening offer of €10m’ (£8.7m) for Svanberg.

The likes of Spurs, Everton and West Ham also named as potential suitors.

It’s reported that Bologna are ‘not set’ to offer their man a new deal, after he has openly spoken about his desire to make the move elsewhere and start a new challenge.

The Verdict: Partner for Ward-Prowse

Svanberg is currently valued at a career-high £13.5m, and so if the Saints could agree a fee for their target below that amount you would have to call it shrewd operating, taking advantage of his contract situation.

The 21-cap gem has been a regular feature for the Serie A team this season, scoring three goals and providing the same number of assists alongside averaging 1.1 shots and one key pass per game, via WhoScored.

Ralph Hasenhuttl is clearly on the lookout to find the perfect partner for James Ward-Prowse in the middle of the park, and if this bid gets accepted, we could be seeing Svanberg in the red and white stripes at St. Mary’s at the start of the new season.

In other news… Southampton are reportedly considering re-signing a former fan favourite.

Everton linked with Kim Min-Jae

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Everton are reportedly taking an interest in Fenerbahce centre-back Kim Min-jae ahead of the summer transfer window, and with the South Korea international reportedly in England, a deal with a Premier League club could well be on the cards.

What’s the word?

According to Turkish journalist Volkan Demir, the Toffees and Tottenham Hotspur are both interested in signing the 25-year-old this summer after his impressive performances in Istanbul.

Both clubs are reported to have progressed in negotiations with the defender, and it seems as if Kim may well be on move again this summer after making the switch to Turkey in 2021.

An instant upgrade for Everton?

The 2021/22 season saw Kim make 31 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig, in which he averaged an impressive 6.91 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which was better than any defender in Everton’s squad in the Premier League.

Valued at just £12.6m, the centre-back would also represent a relatively cheap option for Frank Lampard this summer, as the 43-year-old looks to improve on a Toffees defence which shipped 66 goals in the most recent top-flight campaign.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce conceded 38 goals in the same number of matches in their league, which suggests that, although the Super Lig is of a lower standard compared to the English top flight, Kim can be relied upon to keep opponents out.

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At 6 foot 3, he certainly won’t lack the physicality required to play in the Premier League, while his performances have also earned him the praise of Turkish news outlet Potomac, who described him as “indispensable” in recent months.

The 2021/22 season saw the 25-year-old average 1.5 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 4.1 clearances per game in the Super Lig. This was more interceptions and clearances than anyone in Everton’s squad, while only Ben Godfrey averaged more tackles from Lampard’s central defensive options.

In addition to making an impact on the pitch, the signing of a popular South Korea international could do wonders for Everton off the field, as has been seen with the formation of South Korean Tottenham Hotspur fan clubs following the success of Heung-min Son in north London.

Therefore, it seems clear that Kim would be an excellent addition to Lampard’s squad this summer, and is a deal that Farhad Moshiri must now look to complete.

In other news… Everton in prime position to sign £19.8m-rated titan, he won’t cost a penny

Aston Villa: Alan Hutton makes Calvin Bassey claim

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has made an ‘incredible’ claim regarding Rangers defender Calvin Bassey, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Villa closing in?

Steven Gerrard and NSWE have been hard at work in the transfer market over the last seven days, putting a number of deals in place ahead of the summer window.

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Villa have secured permanent deals for Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara and have also reached an agreement for centre-back Diego Carlos.

Another defender could be on the way, with The Times suggesting that Villa are also closing in on a move for Rangers star Bassey.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments

Hutton, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI about Bassey and Villa. He labelled a Villa swoop is a ‘no-brainer’ and waxed lyrical regarding the defender, describing him as ‘outstanding’ in the Europa League final and backed him to be an ‘incredible player’.

“He was outstanding in the Europa League final, and he carried that on in the Scottish Cup too.

“He’s growing in stature game-on-game. It doesn’t matter where he plays, centre-back or left-back – he gives you an unbelievable presence.

“He’s got such versatility – and that’s an attribute Villa will value so highly. For him to be putting in these kinds of performances at his age, and showing his capability at the highest level – it’s a no-brainer for someone like Villa to come in.

“If he can maintain that level and that consistency week-in, week-out – then wow, he could be an incredible player.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Bassey enjoyed a phenomenal season at Ibrox, making 49 appearances in all competitions. He turned out at centre-back and left-back, picking up the club’s Young Player of the Season award.

The Nigerian impressed many when it mattered most in cup finals against Frankfurt and Hearts, so a move to Villa Park could be a shrewd one.

The 22-year-old would provide Gerrard with another option at centre-back and cover for Lucas Digne at left-back, and you’d like to think he’ll only get better over the coming years.

In other news: Blow for NSWE: Villa will now miss out on key target after talks; Gerrard was desperate for him

Leeds: Phil Hay drops transfer claim

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Phil Hay has dropped an update on Leeds United’s interest in signing a new centre-forward in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Athletic journalist revealed that, despite Victor Orta missing out on the signing of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, the Spaniard’s interest in the 23-year-old indicates that he will be targeting the signing of a new forward in the summer market.

In his tweet, Hay said: “Interest in Eddie Nketiah – albeit to no avail – indicates that a centre forward is on the agenda.”

Supporters will love Hay’s update

Considering just how poor Leeds were in front of goal this season – finding the back of the net 20 times fewer than their 62 goals scored last time out – Hay’s claim that the signing of a new centre-forward will be one of Orta’s priority targets in the summer transfer window is sure to be news that the Elland Road faithful will love.

Indeed, Patrick Bamford’s seemingly endless injury setbacks in 2021/22 highlighted the Whites’ severe lack of depth up top, with Rodrigo, Daniel James, Tyler Roberts and Joe Gelhardt – all of whom were deployed through the middle of the Leeds attack at one stage of the season – scoring just 13 league goals between them this term.

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Furthermore, with the 20-year-old Gelhardt looking to be the only one of the four aforementioned players whose future in LS11 appears completely assured beyond the closure of the summer transfer window on September 1, it could well prove to be a case of Orta simply having to sign a fresh face in the position ahead of 2022/23.

As such, while Hay fails to mention any targets the Spaniard could look to pursue over the coming months, the journalist’s claim that a new striker is very much on the sporting director’s agenda this summer is undoubtedly good news for everyone involved with the club – not least Jesse Marsch.

AND in other news: Leeds eyeing bid for “unreal” £20k-p/w talent, he’d be an “absolutely beauty” for Orta

Wolves can sign Saiss 2.0 in Calvin Bassey

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing Rangers’ Nigerian star, Calvin Bassey.

That is according to a report from Daily Record that was published earlier this week, claiming that Wolves were one of the potential destinations for the the 22-year-old.

As per the report, it would take a “club record” deal that would eclipse the reported £16m fee that Everton paid for Nathan Paterson in his recent move to Goodison Park, before the Gers would even consider selling. A fee of around £20m could be enough.

The Nigeria international has made use of the platform Rangers have afforded him and consequently, his leap of faith from the safe haven of the Leicester City Academy ranks has paid dividends for a player who has just put in a mesmeric performance in the Europa League Final for the Scottish Cup Champions and was dubbed “The Great Wall” for his display by Glasgow Times Football.

Operating as a left centre-back in a 4-3-3 formation for Van Bronckhorst’s side, he lasted the full 120 minutes and won 80% of his aerial duels in what was an inspired performance from a player who is clearly built for the highest level of football.

As a much sought after left-footed centre-back, his performances have piqued the interest of Wolves boss Bruno Lage, who could do with a replacement for Romain Saiss amidst the Moroccan star’s uncertainty over his future at the club.

Bassey’s numbers this year have been exceptional, with almost all of his defensive metrics bettering that of Saiss’.

The 22-year-old’s ability in possession, having played the majority of his football in a back-two, is particularly impressive and would be unlocked further through the ability to progress further up the pitch in Lage’s three-at-the-back system alongside club captain Conor Coady, someone he could establish a fierce and progressive partnership with.

Whilst he is able to progress the ball with his average of 43.20 carries per game, it’s his defensive acumen, more so for tackles and interceptions that could entice Lage to make a bid – with his average of 4.82 tackles plus interceptions a metric that could improve Wolves’ team average of 9.9 per game this season.

Bassey, who is ten years younger than Saiss, could not just replace the Moroccan, but would also serve as a big upgrade.

In other news: “Wolves want..” – Tim Spiers drops Molineux claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing 

Leeds: Victor Orta ready to accept defeat by releasing Kiko Casilla

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Leeds United will release Kiko Casilla when his Elland Road deal expires, and it looks as if Victor Orta is finally ready to accept defeat when it comes to the goalkeeper.

The Lowdown: Casilla’s Leeds career

Marcelo Bielsa gave Orta the green light to bring Casilla to Yorkshire back in 2019 from Real Madrid. The Spaniard signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Leeds but fell out of favour just over a year into his stay after being found guilty of racially abusing Jonathan Leko, where he was handed an eight-game ban by the FA.

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Illan Meslier took over as first choice and hasn’t looked back, with Casilla making just three Premier League appearances last year. He’s spent the current campaign out on loan back in Spain with Elche, where he has also slipped to second choice, with an update now emerging on his future.

The Latest: Set to be released next year

Sports Witness relayed an update from Diario Informacion regarding Casilla on Tuesday. They claimed that he will return to Yorkshire in the summer and ‘will be released after the end of his contract with Leeds’.

However, Casilla’s deal at Elland Road still has just over 12 months left to run, implying he could soak up wages on the sidelines for another year or return to Spain for another loan spell.

The Verdict: Do it sooner

Leeds could find themselves back in the Championship next season, where a number of big earners could be moved on as a result.

Casilla is amongst them as he reportedly picks up £40,000-a-week. He has been described as a ‘mistake’ by Leeds TV podcaster Oscar Mario and doesn’t seem needed at Elland Road, with Kristoffer Klaesson signing last summer to provide back up to Meslier.

On that basis, it could make sense for Andrea Radrizzani and Orta to sit down with the player’s representatives and look to reach an agreement where his final 12 months of his contract are terminated.

You could say that it was a mistake at the time to hand a ‘keeper a four-and-a-half-year deal back in 2019 when he was already 32, but it looks as if they have finally recognised he is no longer needed on the books, which can only be a good sign.

In other news: Journalist now shares fresh Leeds injury concern from Thorp Arch on ‘perfect’ star pre-Brentford. 

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta dealt potential blow for Tottenham

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been dealt a worry before his side’s crunch north London derby clash with Tottenham Hotspur this evening.

The Lowdown: Major occasion…

The Gunners face off against their bitter rivals in a highly-anticipated, blockbuster Premier League clash which may well determine who is playing Champions League football next season.

Both Arteta and Spurs boss Antonio Conte are chasing a place in Europe’s most coveted competition for 2022/2023 and securing a top-four finish will be crucial to both sides for many reasons.

The riches of sealing your place in the pot doesn’t only give you more pull to attract big names in the transfer market, but it also grants a potentially crucial financial windfall in the form of lucrative revenue.

Perhaps above all, for supporters, it is a privilege to watch their side take part with this looming Spurs and Arsenal battle perhaps coming as the most crucial one in years.

Arteta will want as many quality first-teamers to choose from as possible, but as per an injury update, he is facing the possibility of being without a key man in Bukayo Saka.

The Latest: Arteta dealt Saka worry…

As shared by the club’s official site, Arsenal and their head coach are sweating over the fitness of their forward, who is touch-and-go for the derby with Spurs tonight.

The manager refused to give an estimate on his chances of featuring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as his inclusion is currently up in the air.

Indeed, Saka came off in the win over Leeds United last weekend and is a ‘doubt’ for this evening alongside Ben White:

Arteta explained: “Thomas (Partey) is still out, Kieran (Tierney) is still out and with Ben he is still a doubt, we have to assess him and see how he is feeling, which is much better. With Bukayo it’s the same.”

The Verdict: Potentially huge blow…

Not having the bright young attacker available to face the Lilywhites would be a major blow, undoubtedly.

According to WhoScored, Saka stands out as Arsenal’s best player by the numbers – having racked up the most goals and assists (11G, 6A) combined for them domestically this season.

The versatile gem is also their best performer overall going by average match rating per 90 with a solid 7.10/10, even attempting more shots at goal each game than all of his teammates (2.5).

A consistent threat, Saka has been called ‘unplayable’ for his performances by members of the media, with his potential absence coming as a real worry for the top-four hopefuls against a motivated Conte side.

Leeds: Rodrigo must go this summer

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

With Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United heading into Wednesday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea knowing that they had to pick up some kind of result at Elland Road in order to give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding the drop this season, the 48-year-old manager will be bitterly disappointed with the way the fixture panned out.

Indeed, the Whites found themselves trailing inside the opening five minutes of the match, with Reece James’ cutback finding Mason Mount on the edge of the box, before the 23-year-old emphatically curled his effort into the near top corner.

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Matters were made worse for Leeds around 20 minutes later, when Daniel James’ “reckless” – in the words of Graeme Souness – challenge on Mateo Kovacic saw the Wales international receive his marching orders from Anthony Taylor – representing the second time in as many fixtures the Whites have been reduced to 10 men before the break.

From that point on, the clash was something of a Chelsea procession, with Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku both getting themselves on the scoresheet in the second half, and the meeting ending 3-0 to the visitors.

As is perhaps to be expected after such a lacklustre overall performance, a number of Marsch’s players endured individual displays to forget, with James, Jack Harrison and Pascal Struijk all being particularly below-par against the Blues.

However, while it is true that it was James’ red card that ultimately sealed Leeds’ fate on the night, it will undoubtedly have been the performance of Rodrigo that left the Elland Road faithful most enraged, as the 31-year-old was completely abject over the course of the 90 minutes.

After being handed a start up top – replacing Joe Gelhardt in the XI – the Spain international did very little to convince anyone that his heart is fully focused on helping Leeds retain their Premier League status, with the forward’s body language and effort very much being that of a man who has already thrown the towel in.

Indeed, this is reflected in his metrics, with the £13.5m-rated flop managing no shots at the Chelsea goal – either on or off-target – ceding possession on 11 separate occasions, losing six of his 10 duels – a failure rate of 60% – being beaten by an opponent twice, committing one foul and making one error which led to a Blues attempt at goal.

These returns saw the Whites’ £100k-per-week highest earner average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.2, while Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross awarded the Spaniard a measly two in his own player ratings, as well as stating of the Spaniard’s performance:

“A dire display and poor body language to go with it. Basic passes went astray and was too often seen languidly walking after losing possession.”

As such, with speculation concerning whether or not Rodrigo will still be a part of the Leeds squad next season starting to mount, we would suggest that – regardless of whether Leeds stay up or go down – the 31-year-old who Cross dubbed “completely anonymous” should have already played his last game for the Whites, as his performance against Chelsea made it abundantly clear his heart is not in it.

AND in other news: Phil Hay drops exciting 5-word Leeds United transfer update, he’d be a huge upgrade

Wolves could find Jimenez upgrade in Origi

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Bruno Lage could land a massive upgrade for Raul Jimenez as he aims to rebuild the spine of the Wolves side ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

Liverpool striker Divock Origi is out of contract at the end of the season and journalist Josh Holland believes Wolves should sign the player to boost the side for next season.

The journalist said: “I think he’s better than Jimenez. If they can bring Origi in and have him starting as their number nine going forward, I think that would be perfect.

“I think he is quality and has an eye for goal. He is always in the right place at the right time.”

Italian outlet Calciomercato have reported that AC Milan appears to be the frontrunner for the Belgian’s signature, but Wolves should also consider a move having been linked previously.

Whilst on £82k-per-week at Liverpool, there may be some room for negotiation and the likelihood is he will get more game time at the club compared to Klopp’s side, with Wolves having held an interest in Origi for a while now, a move could materialise during the summer.

Jimenez upgrade at Wolves

Origi is a man for big moments, think back to the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in 2019 and even the final against Tottenham where he secured the trophy for Liverpool.

Holland has said that Origi “would be perfect” and believes he is better than Jimenez. The club has only scored 35 times in the Premier League this season, with the Mexican – the side’s main striker – grabbing only six of them, it clearly shows where the problem lies.

With Klopp dubbing him a “monster” before a Champions League tie against AC Milan last year, then Lage could well be getting themselves a player who could solve their goalscoring woes.

Origi has scored 68 matches in that time.

Another advantage is he has time on his side, he just turned 27 in April and could arguably be said, is still to hit his peak.

Lage needs to build a solid spine to the Wolves team ahead of next season in order to achieve European qualification and Origi must be a key target as the transfer window looms.

AND in other news, Big boost: Major Wolves transfer development emerges that’ll leave Lage ecstatic – opinion

Newcastle loanee Anderson scores for Rovers

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

This forms part of our Loan Watch series, where The Transfer Tavern analyse how a player is doing on loan from a club based on a recent performance.

The Lowdown: ‘Special’ player

Elliot Anderson is a player who is going from strength to strength at Bristol Rovers, where he has scored seven goals and supplied a further three assists in 20 games in League Two on loan from Newcastle United (Transfermarkt).

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He has received many plaudits for his performances – indeed, Northampton manager Jon Brady even went as far as to claim in recent weeks that the 19-year-old is ‘special’.

His latest cameo has ensured at least a play-off place for the Gas, who have one more match left to play in the regular League Two season and could still go up automatically.

The Latest: Anderson’s winning goal

Anderson scored the winning goal deep into injury time as Bristol Rovers beat Rochdale 4-3 at Spotland on Saturday afternoon.

The 19-year-old won eight of his individual duels in total, the second-most of any player on the pitch. He also recorded three shots, one successful dribble, one clearance, three tackles, two key passes, one accurate cross and two accurate long balls, achieving an impressive 90% pass success rate (SofaScore).

The Verdict: Exciting

It certainly is exciting for the Toon Army to see one of their own in Anderson doing so well out on loan.

Eddie Howe must surely be considering keeping him in the squad next season, despite the wealth of talent that Newcastle could end up buying with their riches in the summer transfer window.

Nonetheless, the midfielder is thriving in League Two for now, and he will be hoping to catch the eye again as he aims to get his team promoted.

In other news, find out who NUFC have now ‘made contact’ over possibly signing