All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Newcastle United could ‘probably’ persuade Tottenham Hotspur to part with Cameron Carter-Vickers for ‘even less’ than £5m.

That’s according to former Leeds United, Coventry City and Middlesbrough striker Noel Whelan, who was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

The outlet reported last week that Newcastle had moved ahead of Scottish giants Celtic in the race to sign the defender. The Magpies apparently want to sign a centre-back this summer, and the ‘young and affordable’ Carter-Vickers fits their criteria.

Carter-Vickers spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Bournemouth, his sixth temporary spell away from Spurs after previous stints at Luton Town, Stoke City, Swansea City, Ipswich Town and Sheffield United (via Transfermarkt).

The American defender started 23 Championship matches last term, averaging 2.8 successful aerial duels, one tackle, 1.1 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per match for the Cherries (via WhoScored).

Spurs have exercised their right to extend Carter-Vickers’ contract by a further 12 months (via Football London), but that seemed to be motivated by ensuring that it didn’t run out this summer and leave him open to departing for free.

The latest

Whelan believes that it makes a great deal of sense for Spurs to cash in on the 23-year-old, so long as they recoup their investment. He told Football Insider:

“He’s not going to make the grade in the Premier League with Tottenham but he’ll also be on big wages.

“It makes sense to try and get a player out of the club permanently, no matter what that is. Get him off the wage bill and recoup what they’ve already paid.

“£5million would probably do that I would have thought, possibly even less. Then Tottenham would have freed up some wages in a position where they can strengthen as well.”

The verdict

Carter-Vickers represents a decent alternative to fellow Magpies defensive target Kristoffer Ajer. Newcastle have been ‘heavily linked’ with the Celtic man having watched him since 2019, but they may have fallen behind other clubs in the race for his signature (via Chronicle Live).

If Newcastle’s transfer budget is as low as has been reported, striking a deal for Carter-Vickers for the kind of price Whelan mentions could be regarded as pretty sensible, although Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo – another name mentioned in connection with the Magpies – could be a viable alternative.

In other news, Lee Ryder reveals that one Newcastle youngster is set to be loaned out.  

Fabian Delph is among a trio of players that Everton are hoping to sell in January, according to French journalist Santi Aouna.

The lowdown

The England international joined the Toffees from Manchester City ahead of the 2019/20 season in a deal worth an initial £8.5m. He has played just 36 games for the club since, having been hit with a succession of injuries which have sidelined him for nearly 50 matches in total.

Everton generated only £14.4m through player sales and loan fees in the summer as they struggled with Financial Fair Play requirements.

The latest

Aouna, a journalist for French publication Foot Mercato, tweeted that ‘Everton would like to get rid of several players’ after the turn of the year.

He identified three of those who could be set for the exit door – Delph, left-back Lucas Digne and striker Cenk Tosun.

The verdict

Delph is probably the most surprising inclusion in Aouna’s list. Digne has reportedly fallen out with manager Rafael Benitez, and Everton have already lined up a potential replacement in the form of Vitaliy Mykolenko.

Meanwhile, Tosun is on the periphery at Goodison Park, having played just six minutes of football since he returned from injury at the start of November.

On the other hand, Delph has started three of the last seven matches for which he has been available, indicating that he is regarded as a valuable squad player by Benitez, and has won plaudits for his ‘excellent’ contribution in recent weeks.

Based on the players’ Transfermarkt valuations, though, they could bank around £37m from the sales. Perhaps that’s the overriding reason for Everton apparently wishing to get that trio off their books once and for all.

In other news, could this Everton ace also head for the exit door?

According to Spanish source Estadio Deportivo (via Sport Witness), West Ham United may have discovered the price required to sign Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos. 

The lowdown: Ocampos a wanted man

The 27-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool and Leeds United, having impressed in Spain following a €15m (£12.5m) switch from Marseille in 2019 (Goal).

A recent report from Calciomercato claimed that the Hammers, along with Wolves, are interested in the Argentine winger ahead of the summer transfer window.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments-4/” title=”West Ham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

A fresh update from elsewhere in Spain has informed Premier League suitors of the potential fee required to land the 27-year-old…

The latest: GSB eyeing lucrative swoop for Ocampos

As per Estadio Deportivo, as translated by Sport Witness, Sevilla are ‘about to close’ an extension on the Argentina international’s contract to extend his stay for a further year until 2025.

The report claimed that the new deal for the 10-cap forward will include a release clause of €80m (£66m).

Furthermore, despite the mention of West Ham and GSB specifically holding Ocampos as a ‘favourite’ to bolster the attack at the London Stadium, any summer exit is regarded as ‘unfeasible’ under the new terms.

The verdict: Sign him at all costs

Equally adept on either wing, the skilful Argentine – who has been described as ‘electric’ by football journalist Fede Praml – would provide an alternative to Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen and therefore would be a smart piece of business from West Ham, even at the mooted price point.

If the Irons are to continue their improvement, adding players of this calibre to their ranks is a must; and with mooted admiration from GSB, the board should be willing to sanction the fee and allow recruitment chief Rob Newman to pursue a possible deal.

So far this season, Ocampos – who has previously likened himself to Cristiano Ronaldo – has scored eight times and provided four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this term. With only three West Ham players finding the net more regularly in 2021/22, adding a player of his potency seems a no-brainer for GSB and co.

In other news: Italian source delivers update on West Ham transfer hunt; find out more here

A number of West Ham supporters have hailed Pablo Fornals after an image shared in an official club tweet illustrated his impact against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Hammers are still basking in the glory of their stunning 3-2 win at home to the Reds, as they jumped to third place in the Premier League and overtook Jurgen Klopp’s team in the process.

David Moyes’ side are flying at the moment and this was arguably their most significant victory of the season so far, given the quality of their opponents.

There were outstanding performances all over the pitch on Sunday but one player who stood out for the Irons was Fornals, who played a key role in Alisson’s own goal and then scored his team’s second goal of the evening, also winning five duels and playing two key passes.

On Monday, an official club tweet showing the 25-year-old’s heat map illustrated how incredible his work rate was in that game, as he continues to go from strength to strength in a West Ham shirt.

West Ham fans laud Fornals

These Hammers fans took to Twitter to hail the Spaniard upon seeing his heat map on Sunday.

“His work rate is unmatched”

Credit: @isaacwt2004

“The most underrated player in the Premier League. He’s absolutely class. They all say about Rice, Antonio, Bowen etc and of course they are doing amazing and are quality players but Fornals should be getting a mention too”

Credit: @TomCass5

“I love Pablo more than words can say. He has embraced us with all his heart and soul. He is one in a million”

Credit: @ZaynafamilyMary

“I’m in love with Pablitoooooo”

Credit: @TomGuy93

“He’s like a gazelle”

Credit: @RobbyNe87682100

“I’m glad he’s getting the appreciation he deserves. Top, top player with a great work ethic”

Credit: @DiCanioVolley

In other news, West Ham are reportedly eyeing up a move for a centre-back. Find out who it is here.

A huge Leeds United claim has emerged over current head coach Jesse Marsch’s impact since arriving… 

What’s the talk?

Eurosport transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that the American boss has been catching the eye behind the scenes since replacing Marcelo Bielsa at the helm.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“The impact he’s made on the club has been really significant already and everybody loves him.

“We’ll have to see how it pans out but Leeds is quite a positive environment, and they’re positive they can fix whatever comes along.”

Supporters will be bouncing

This will surely leave the Leeds supporters bouncing as it shows that his appointment has been a success beyond the results on the pitch.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

The Lillywhites were in a precarious position in the Premier League towards the end of Bielsa’s reign at Elland Road and relegation was looking like a real possibility as they sat just above the bottom three.

They had won five of their 26 league matches under the Argentine coach, picking up 0.88 points per game before he left the Yorkshire outfit.

There has been a big uplift in form since Marsch came through the door.

In his six top-flight matches in charge of the club so far, he has won three, drawn one and lost two – picking up 1.67 points per game. This suggests that he has been able to get the best out of the players in a way that Bielsa was failing to do in his final months with the team.

Leeds’ impressive form since his arrival may be down to the impact he has made behind the scenes. Jones has claimed that he is making it a positive environment and that could explain why the players are now showing the best of their abilities as they are enjoying their football again.

Fans will love this for the impact that it has had this season and will be bouncing ahead of the 2022/23 campaign as they can get excited about what is to come.

Marsch will be given the summer to bring in his own players with Victor Orta to prepare for a full season in charge of the Lillywhites.

His short time in Yorkshire so far indicates that it could be an exciting year for the supporters to look forward to if he is able to strengthen the squad and get the players on-board to kick on and challenge higher up the table.

AND in other news, Orta can form “incredible” duo as Leeds eye £10m sensation who “does everything right”…

West Ham have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of their Europa League clash this evening…

What’s the latest?

The Hammers are expected to be without the services of right-back Vladimir Coufal for the next three matches due to an ongoing problem, according to club insiders Claret and Hugh.

He missed the weekend’s 1-0 win over Everton, having pulled out of his Czech Republic duties over the international break, and now it appears he will miss both the Genk game and the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

It is hoped that he could resume training next week but a clash with defending champions Manchester City may prove to be too soon for a return.

Speaking about the 29-year-old after the game on Sunday, the Irons boss said, via football.london.

“Vladimir has taken an injection he had a bit of discomfort in his pubis. He has had an injection in there, he got the injury in the Man United cup game and he has been carrying it for a few weeks.”

Huge blow

This will come as a massive setback to Moyes and West Ham.

Coufal missed their last Europa League game with what seemed like a knock but was able to return in the defeat to Brentford right before the break, though you could tell that he was far from 100% as he put in a disappointing display.

He was then not named in the squad to face the Toffees and according to the reliable insiders, he’s set to be out for the next three matches, which is certainly devastating as he is the clear first-choice option in the role.

The Irons have some important and tricky fixtures coming up, so to not have the £18m-rated right-back available is certainly gutting news.

His value to the side and their chances of success cannot be understated. He finished last season with the second-highest number of assists (seven), only behind fellow full-back Aaron Cresswell (eight).

That goes to show that Moyes’ wide department is a crucial creative cog in this system.

Furthermore, Coufal has been an absolute animal defensively, too – as per WhoScored, he averaged a squad-high 2.1 tackles per game and wasn’t far behind for interceptions (1.2 per game) either.

That form had continued into the current campaign, where he is averaging 2.1 tackles each outing once again.

Perhaps Jamie Carragher’s endorsement of him on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football last season truly hints at his influence, he said [4th May, 22:24pm]:

“We talk about [Tomas] Soucek, but Coufal whether it’s right wing-back or right full-back at different times, he’s just one of those players that’s 7/10 minimum every time you watch him play.

“He’s the type of player you’d love to play with him. A manager’s dream, never injured, he’s there week in week out.”

On the above evidence, this will be a frustrating development that is sure to leave Moyes hugely worried heading into some very important fixtures.

A win over Genk would keep up their 100% record in the Europa League, whilst matches against Spurs have always offered up goals and drama, and then there’s the small matter of Pep Guardiola’s City.

In an ideal world, Moyes would have loved to have Coufal available, so it’s a major blow to the Hammers.

AND in other news, Big call: Moyes must ruthlessly axe West Ham’s £10.8m-rated “complete beast” vs Genk…

Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes that Danny Ings could be one of the signings of the summer.

The 29-year-old made the switch to Aston Villa from Southampton in a deal worth £25m and put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Villa Park [BBC Sport].

Ings was in incredible form in front of goal at St Mary’s, scoring 46 goals for the Saints in 100 games. The striker opened his account on his debut for Aston Villa in the club’s 3-2 defeat at Watford before scoring a spectacular acrobatic goal against Newcastle United.

The transfer came out of the blue, as Ings had been linked with moves elsewhere but Hatfield believes he could be one of the signings of the summer, telling Football FanCast: “He’s probably one of the most clinical strikers in the league. When you consider other players in his position, you put Harry Kane ahead of him but other than that, who would you put really ahead of him in terms of a clinical striker in that 18-yard box?

“He’s been that good and if he can replicate that at Villa, then he could well be one of the signings of the summer.”

Villa have had a really good summer window, adding Leon Bailey, Axel Tuanzebe, Ashley Young, Emi Buendia and Danny Ings to their ranks and manager Dean Smith will be hoping that all his new signings gel as quickly as possible and Villa have another good season in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest will take on Arsenal in the FA Cup after the draw took place on Monday evening.

And a number of Forest fans have been giving their thoughts to the confirmed news on social media, delighted at the prospect of another ‘cupset’ like their clash with the Gunners in 2018.

Forest began their busy December schedule with a 2-0 win over Peterborough United on Saturday and still have five Championship fixtures to fulfil before attention can be turned to a meeting with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Forest and the north Londoners were the final two teams to be drawn, with the tie set to be scheduled between January 7-10.

Arsenal have won the FA Cup 14 times but were dumped out at the third round when they last visited the City Ground, losing 4-2 with right-back Eric Lichaj an unexpected hero for the Reds, scoring twice back in January ’18.

Forest fans react

Forest shared the news regarding the third-round tie on their official Twitter page. This is what these Reds supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘beautiful’ and others referencing Lichaj.

“Here we go……. coyr”

Credit: @bdosanjh_9

“JUST DO IT”

Credit: @Jose_J95

“beautiful”

Credit: @aamyy_xox

“Bring @EricLichaj back for 1 game only. Let’s do it again”

Credit: @Joel_Bryan1999

“Tasty”

Credit: @Timgledstone

“Love it”

Credit: @AWRads94

Glasgow Rangers are interested in a deal to bring Xavi Simons to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication AS, who claim that Ross Wilson and his Rangers transfer team have initiated talks with Mino Raiola regarding a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder – whose contract in Paris expires at the end of the current campaign.

The report goes on to state that Barcelona are also interested in a move for the Netherlands U19 international, however, Giovanni van Bronckhorst is hoping that the fact he is the 18-year-old’s compatriot will help to convince the wonderkid of a move to Ibrox, with Gers hopeful of securing a deal for the teenager in January.

He’s like Iniesta

Considering the sheer amount of potential Xavi Simons quite clearly possesses, it is undeniable that, should Wilson and Rangers be able to get a deal over the line for the midfielder in January, it would be a rather enormous coup for the Premiership side.

Indeed, a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, the attacking midfielder who has been compared in style to both Xavi and Andres Iniesta moved to PSG in the summer of 2019, making his debut for the Ligue 1 side as a 17-year-old earlier this year – with Railoa stating of the youngster: “Xavi Simons is a great player, young, with potential and a big future.”

Raiola is not the only one convinced of Simons’ ability, with Jonathan Mengeli stating his belief that the teenager “has everything to evolve at the highest level.”

It is easy to see why expectations are so high for the Dutchman, as, over his five appearances in the UEFA Youth League so far this season, the £450k-rated man has already scored two goals and registered a whopping five assists.

As such, it would very much seem as if Rangers should do all they can to secure a deal for the 18-year-old this winter, as the £8k-per-week attacker would not only be a transformative signing for the club this season, he would very much appear to possess the potential to become the cornerstone of van Bronckhorst’s Gers side for years to come.

In other news: Lost possession 14x: Rangers’ ineffective £20k-p/w dud who won just 1 duel failed GVB

Carlton Palmer believes Aston Villa will have to pay over the odds to capture James Ward-Prowse after receiving a big-money offer for Jack Grealish.

Premier League champions Manchester City have tabled an English record bid of £100million for Grealish as they look to prise the talisman away from his boyhood club.

It has been reported that Villa are expected to accept the offer despite the England international still having four years remaining on his £120,000-per-week deal.

Prior to City’s bumper offer being lodged, Villa boss Dean Smith had set his sights on persuading Southampton to sell Ward-Prowse but saw a £25million bid rejected.

Ward-Prowse has played every minute in consecutive Premier League campaigns and Saints are keen to hold onto the midfielder.

He contributed seven assists and scored nine goals, including a brace of free-kicks in Southampton’s 4-3 win at Villa Park, last term.

Ex-Southampton midfielder Palmer believes Villa will have to increase their opening offer significantly if they are to have any chance of Saints agreeing to let their captain leave St Mary’s.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Palmer said: “I think an offer of £35million or £40million will get him out of Southampton but they will have to pay over the odds for players because people know they have this money. That’s unfortunate.

“Ideally, Aston Villa would have liked to have done their business before the offer for Grealish.”