All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Ham United remain in talks regarding a deal to bring Hugo Ekitike to the London Stadium prior to transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Dharmesh Sheth, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that David Moyes’ side are in continued negotiations with Stade Reims regarding a deal for the centre-forward.

Previous reports revealed that Newcastle United are also interested in a move for the 19-year-old this month, however, after the Magpies submitted an offer totalling €35m (£29m) for the France U21 international – which is believed to have included a bonus for winning the Champions League – the Reims president, Jean-Pierre Caillot, stated that the French side would require a more concrete offer for him to accept a bid.

Speaking about the interest in Ekitike, Caillot said: “[Newcastle] offered us €35m (£29m) in total but with many bonuses, some of which were almost impossible to achieve – like, for example, winning the Champions League. We want €30m (£25m) fixed plus €10m (£8.5m) in realisable bonuses.”

Finally what West Ham need

With West Ham having been operating with Michail Antonio as their only option at centre-forward since the sale of Sebastien Haller a year ago this month, the addition of a second striker to Moyes’ first-team squad has been something of a priority for the 58-year-old manager this January.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-west-ham-news” title=”Check out the latest West Ham News”]

However, with around 36 hours remaining of the winter market, the Hammers are yet to welcome any fresh faces to the London Stadium this month, be that up front or elsewhere.

As such, considering the club’s desperate need for attacking reinforcements, in addition to the abundance of potential Ekitike is quite clearly in possession of, it would appear an extremely wise move for the Irons to launch a late offer for the 19-year-old sensation.

Indeed, over his 18 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, the £5.4m-rated striker has been in remarkable form for Reims, having already bagged eight goals, provided three assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots and making 0.7 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who has been compared to Kylian Mbappe average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.88, ranking him as his club’s 11th-best player in the top flight of French football.

So, with an extremely limited amount of time remaining in the January transfer window, Moyes and the West Ham board simply must stump up the £33.5m required to get a deal over the line for Ekitike prior to Monday’s deadline – as the 19-year-old would appear to be exactly what the Hammers need.

In other news: “Talks will continue..”: ExWHUemployee drops teasing update on late deal, GSB must act

Sharing his information via The West Ham Way website, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has backed some reports out of the club as they eye Lille striker Jonathan David.

The Lowdown: West Ham linked…

Claims have emerged involving the red hot Ligue 1 forward over this last week as West Ham become touted with a possible move.

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

Calciomercato were the first to mention David Moyes’ side, going on to claim that the player himself is open to joining the club and ‘likes’ the idea of signing for West Ham.

Meanwhile, Fichajes say that interest is very much reciprocated from the side of the Hammers as Moyes looks to strengthen his attacking options.

The Latest: Ex backs reports…

Sharing information via The West Ham Way website, ExWHUemployee backed reports that West Ham are interested in the Canada international – but insists that many other sides will also be keeping tabs.

He namedrops Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal specifically whilst putting the Hammers’ odds of signing David as fairly slim by comparison.

The Verdict: Would be sensational…

If Moyes could somehow jump ahead of the stiff competition and land the £45 million-valued man, it’s safe to say that recruitment chief Rob Newman would be pulling off a masterclass.

The ‘elite striker’ has been attracting major plaudits for his form in France this season with Ligue 1 football expert Adam White even likening him to Luis Suarez (The Guardian).

Elsewhere, Combate Global commentator Maximiliano Bretos branded the 21-year-old ‘phenomenal’ for his exploits on the international stage. Scoring 15 goals already in all competitions for Lille, it’s little wonder he is so highly sought after.

In other news: ‘Can’t wait’, ‘Best news today’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘amazing’ update has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.

Leeds United are among the teams taking a look at Aaron Ramsey this month, according to reports…

What’s the word?

90min claim the Wales international is available for a transfer having fallen out of favour under Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus this season, and despite having 18 months to run on his current contract, the Serie A giants are prepared to let him leave for nothing.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also keen, whilst Everton, Wolves and Leicester City are mentioned too.

It’s thought that the former Arsenal maestro, who is valued at just £4.5m by Transfermarkt, is earning over £200k-per-week at the Allianz Stadium.

Pablo Hernandez 2.0

It would not be the first time that Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa has had a vastly experienced and ageing playmaker in attacking midfield.

After nearly five years at the club, Spanish maestro Pablo Hernandez departed Elland Road at the age of 36 last summer. He played an integral role in their rise up into the Premier League and it could be argued that the Argentine misses his presence in the final third.

There has been a serious lack of creativity and goalscoring this season. Only Raphinha (eight goals) has found the net more than twice for Leeds in the top flight, whilst no player has provided more than two assists either, as per WhoScored.

Ramsey was one of the Premier League’s most feared midfielders during his time at the Emirates Stadium.

The 31-year-old provided 65 goals and 65 assists in 371 matches in north London, in which he recorded a career-best tally of 13 goals and ten assists during the 2013/14 campaign, via Transfermarkt. That’s not to mention his three FA Cup winners medals, too.

Such form earned comparisons to Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, whilst another former Gunner in Martin Keown has previously waxed lyrical about his ability and leadership qualities.

“He continues to mature as a player and develop. He’s a real leader now in this Arsenal team,” he said to BT Sport in April 2019 (via the Daily Mail). “Playing in a deeper role, as he did under Arsene Wenger – I think that’s the best role for him. If you want Ozil and him in the same team. He’s so imp to everything to do. It’s the energy – the box to box energy. He’s become an outstanding technician.”

Capped 71 times by Wales, Ramsey could well become Bielsa’s new Hernandez in west Yorkshire should Victor Orta and co win the race to sign him on a bargain free transfer this month.

AND in other news, Leeds eye £20m midfield “machine” who’s “so powerful”, he’d be Bielsa’s dream signing…

Celtic have been handed a major boost in their attempts to bring Jota to Parkhead on a permanent basis this winter.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Portuguese publication A Bola (via Sport Witness), who claim that Benfica would be more than happy for Celtic to activate their €7.5m (£6.5m) option to buy clause for the 22-year-old winger in the January transfer window.

Previous reports have suggested that, as a result of the Portugal U21 international’s success in Glasgow, Ange Postecoglou is eager to tie up the permanent signing of Jota this winter, in a bid to ensure the forward is not tempted by a more enticing offer from another club come the end of the season.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how important a part of the Celtic side Jota has become since his switch to Parkhead this summer, the news that Benfica appear to be more than willing to wave goodbye to the winger on a permanent basis is sure to have left Bhoys fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 11 Scottish Premiership appearances this season, the £3.15m-rated man has scored five goals, registered four assists and created two big chances for his teammates, while, over his five Europa League fixtures, the £7.1k-per-week winger has bagged a further two goals, two assists and created four big chances.

These returns have seen the player, who Postecoglou dubbed an “unbelievable” talent, average a SofaScore match rating of 7.38 in the league and 7.40 in Europe, ranking him as the Hoops’ fifth-best and best performer in the respective competitions.

And, while it is true that Benfica’s stance on the forward’s potential transfer is not overly important – as Celtic can activate their option to buy clause without the Portuguese side’s permission – should the Liga NOS club have informed Jota that he could be in line for a starting spot at the Estadio da Luz next season, this may well have influenced the 22-year-old’s decision as to whether or not he would be willing to accept Celtic’s offer of a permanent deal.

As such, the news that Benfica will not stand in the way of Celtic’s swoop for the player who Postecgolou “wants to keep” is sure to come as a major boost for everyone involved with the club, as the Portuguese starlet remaining at Parkhead beyond the end of the current campaign is something that bodes incredibly well for the Bhoys’ future.

In other news: Ange could unearth Celtic’s new Robbie Keane with swoop for “bright” 18 G/A machine

Armando Broja is going to ‘break Southampton hearts’ when he returns Chelsea at the end of the season, Football London’s Tom Leach says. 

He noted that Broja has a better goal conversion rate than Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min and Romelu Lukaku this season, a stunning statistic given Salah’s record this term in particular.

The Albanian joined Southampton on a season-long loan back in August, and there was no indication that the deal included an option to buy.

Chelsea allowed him to temporarily depart following the arrival of Lukaku, accepting that playing regular football would be better for his development.

But he’s viewed as a ‘great prospect’ at Stamford Bridge and only just signed a new five-year contract in the summer.

How has Broja performed at St Mary’s?

Broja has bagged six goals for the Saints so far, including four in six Premier League starts and two in the EFL Cup (via WhoScored).

That makes him the top scorer in Ralph Hassenhuttl’s ranks, two clear of Mohamed Elyounoussi.

It remains to be seen whether Southampton look to test Chelsea’s resolve with a permanent offer for the £2.7million-rated forward.

Here’s how a selection of fans responded to Leach’s tweet.

Saints fans flock to Tom Leach’s Broja admission

“Once a Saint always a Saint.”

Credit: @hackneyboy60

“Maybe Tino and Dynel can convince him to stay another year. At least. Please.”

Credit: @Notsowittyun

“Need to try and do whatever it takes to make this loan longer!”

Credit: @1885Crypto

“Need to get in there early before he bags 12-15 goals and his value goes up to 25mil+”

Credit: @tbotgates

“Throw the kitchen sink at this”

Credit: @RunItBackSaints

“He’s too good for the Championship”

Credit: @sijlaw

In other news, fans ripped into this midfielder.

A major development has emerged on the future of Rangers head coach Steven Gerrard…

What’s the talk?

According to Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece, the Gers boss is set to join Premier League side Aston Villa before the end of the week.

The English outfit dismissed Dean Smith earlier this week and have now moved swiftly to swoop in on Gerrard, with Preece expecting it to be confirmed within the next two days.

He wrote: “Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa all but done as he finalises his backroom staff. I’m expecting an announcement within the next 24 to 48 hours if not sooner. Christian Purslow set to get his man.”

Gutted

This update from Preece will surely leave Rangers fans feeling gutted. Unless there is a sudden late twist to the tale, Gers supporters are set to see their main man in the dugout depart for the Premier League 13 games into the Scottish Premiership season.

Rangers are on course to record a second successive title after winning the division in style last term under Gerrard’s management, ending Celtic’s domestic dominance of Scottish football. The Gers did not lose a single league match in the 2020/21 campaign and are currently on nine wins, three draws and one defeat after 13 games this term.

In that respect, Gerrard is leaving the club in a terrific position. He is not departing a side struggling at the bottom of the table or underperforming their expectations, but instead in a place where another manager has a great opportunity to come in and continue what he has started at Ibrox as they look to continue winning trophies ahead of their rivals.

However, that appears unlikely to dampen the sadness that will come with Gerrard leaving to join Villa. He has built strong foundations with supporters by winning the Premiership title last season and they will be gutted that he will not finish what he started and lift a second title – in front of a packed-out Ibrox this time around. That is why this update on his future will be devastating for Gers fans reading it.

If this report proves to be correct and Gerrard does join the Premier League side, it will be down to Rangers, particularly Ross Wilson, to alleviate the negative feelings in the fanbase by appointing a great replacement as quickly as possible.

AND in other news, Forget Tavernier: Rangers wizard with eight key passes was Gerrard’s real hero in Oct…

According to a report in the paper edition of Tuttosport, as shared by Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur transfer chief Fabio Paratici has just dropped a transfer hint – and it involves Torino defender Gleison Bremer.

The Lowdown: Serie A raid incoming?

Tottenham’s first January transfer window under new boss Antonio Conte is certainly set to be interesting going by the number of reports from Italy over these last few weeks.

From rumours of a demanded €280 million (£235m) transfer war chest to a ‘close’ agreement for AC Milan star Franck Kessie, the winter window will ultimately decide whether these grand claims come to fruition.

New names are being targeted from Serie A regularly, too, with Juventus winger Dejan Kulusevski recently entering Conte’s thoughts as contact is made, according to Daniele Longo.

Now, in an update on yet another Italian top flight target as they eye Bremer, Tuttosport claim that Paratici has dropped a teasing hint for his ‘Italian confidantes’.

The Latest: Paratici drops hint…

As explained by the newspaper, via Sport Witness, Spurs’ managing director reportedly ‘has not denied’ his interest over signing Bremer in 2022 to his national colleagues.

Relayed in the report, this comes as a big hint towards Paratici’s personal plans to target the Brazilian defender and a move could take place during the second half of the campaign.

His current deal expires in 2023 and it appears Tottenham could turn to him in the summer.

The Verdict: Ideal Romero partner?

While it is debated that Conte needs a world class partner for Romero as soon as possible, as claimed by pundits in the media (Paul Robinson, Football Insider), would Bremer be worth the wait?

The 24-year-old, who Torino rate at around €30m (£25.2m) according to Tuttosport (via SW), towers over Tottenham’s current crop in certain defensive aspects.

According to WhoScored, Bremer has averaged an imperious 3.9 interceptions per 90 so far this season domestically – nearly double Sergio Reguilon, who’s managed the most for Spurs (2).

He also won more aerial duels per 90 (3.8) than any Lilywhites man this campaign, perhaps indicating he would come as a solid partner to Romero.

So, the South American colossus is fairly young, dominates Spurs players aerially and through interceptions whilst also being valued at a fairly reasonable £25.2m? We certainly believe he could be a shrewd capture next summer.

In other news: ‘Understand’, ‘In recent weeks’…Alasdair Gold shares exciting development out of Hotspur Way, find out more here.

While things at Wolverhampton Wanderers have undoubtedly improved under the leadership of Bruno Lage in recent weeks, with the club picking up ten points from a possible 15 over their last five Premier League fixtures, Ruben Neves’ injury prior to Saturday’s 1-1 draw highlighted something of a problem for the 45-year-old manager.

Indeed, with Lage currently only having the options of Neves, Leander Dendoncker, Joao Moutinho and the injured Bruno Jordao in central midfield, the position is one in which the Portuguese boss lacks significant depth.

However, rather than spending big in the January transfer window on a fresh face in the middle of the park, it would be wise for Lage to consider recalling Connor Ronan from his loan spell at St. Mirren, as the midfielder has highly impressed during his temporary stint at the SMISA Stadium.

Indeed, over the 23-year-old’s six Scottish Premiership appearances for Jim Goodwin’s side, the £405k-rated man has scored three goals and registered one assist, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots and making 1.3 key passes per game. That’s led to Goodwin describing him as “outstanding.”

And, while the Scottish top flight is undoubtedly a completely different standard to Premier League football, Ronan’s return of three goals and one assist would nevertheless rank him as the top scorer and joint top assist maker out of Wolves’ current midfielders, while his average of 1.5 shots and 1.3 key passes per game would also rank him first and second in the Wolves midfielder rankings.

Furthermore, it is not only the number of goals the £4.4k-per-week academy prospect has bagged that have made him stand out, but also the quality of his strikes – as his most recent finish against Rangers earned praise from both Tim Spiers and Talking Wolves on Twitter, with the latter dubbing the midfielder’s long-range thunderbolt as a “beauty.”

As such, with Wolves lacking in both goals and assists from the middle of the park, it would indeed appear smart for Lage to consider bringing the 24-year-old back to Molineux this winter, as Ronan could end up saving Fosun millions in transfer fees.

In other news: Nixon drops worrying claim on “authoritative” £62k-p/w ace, Wolves fans will be gutted

Sunderland’s fall down the League One table continued on Tuesday as a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday left them fifth.

The Black Cats have lost their last three league matches, having lost 1-0 to Charlton and 5-1 to Rotherham in their two games prior to the trip to Hillsborough.

Tom Flanagan and Callum Doyle failed to deal with the danger through the middle and Theo Corbeanu found himself in acres of space to pick his spot and find the bottom corner. The second came with calls for handball as Florian Kamberi controlled the ball in the six-yard box and prodded past Ron-Thorben Hoffmann.

Wednesday sealed the three points in the second half as a scuffed shot fell perfectly for Lee Gregory to convert from close range to make it 3-0.

Despite the frustrating result, one player did come away from the match with an ounce of credit and was a shining light for Johnson – Corry Evans. The experienced beast was a standout in a disappointing performance from the Black Cats and the manager will surely have been left delighted with his display, in spite of the result.

Defensively, he was solid. Per SofaScore, he won 75% (6/8) of his individual duels on the pitch, including winning 100% (3/3) of his aerial duels. He also made a whopping seven interceptions, three tackles and one clearance, whilst only being dribbled past once in the 90 minutes.

Luke O’Nien and Dan Neil, meanwhile, managed three tackles and two interceptions combined between them in the other two central midfield positions. This suggests that Evans carried Sunderland in the middle of the park from a defensive standpoint and was let down by his teammates as Wednesday romped to a comfortable win.

Although, it is worth pointing out that he could have done more in possession. Per SofaScore, he only completed 72% of his attempted passes, whilst his midfield partners both completed 76% of theirs. This suggests that all three of them could have been better with the ball at their feet as they failed to achieve a high success rate with their passing, which is an area for improvement ahead of the next set of matches.

Despite the lapse passing, Evans’ performance was a shining light for Sunderland due to his tenacity in midfield and that could earn him a regular place in the starting XI in the coming weeks. He has only started five League One matches, but this display could aid his chances of adding to that number.

Southampton fans were far from happy as their B side lost 3-2 to Birmingham City on Monday despite being 2-0 up.

For the Saints’ senior side, it has not been the best start to the season at all. Eight games in, they have won just one match during 90 minutes, an 8-0 victory over Newport County in the League Cup, and they are without a victory after six Premier League matches (Sky Sports).

Things are not going to better for the club’s development side, either. They were without a win in five matches in their top flight, and were well in with a chance of changing that form against Birmingham. However, despite a two-goal lead, they were unable to hold on, and eventually lost 3-2. As a result, they remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

Southampton’s official Twitter account shared the result, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform below.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the defeat below

“Some serious questions need to be asked about our academy…”

Credit: @TheSaintCentre

“What a joke”

Credit: @Conor_SFC

“We trudge on.”

Credit: @PixelKicker

“Rotten top to bottom”

Credit: @griffryan

“Losing philosophy throughout this club at the moment. Needs curing”

Credit: @liamd543

“Delete this club ASAP”

Credit: @WillWray10

In other news, Southampton fans slammed this man against Wolves.