All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

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

Newcastle United have been hit with a fresh injury setback over winger Ryan Fraser ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace…

What’s the latest?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has revealed that the Scotland international has to have another scan on his blow to determine the severity of it after an inconclusive first assessment.

Fraser was absent from the matchday squad as the club beat Leicester 2-1, thanks to two goals from Bruno Guimaraes, in the Premier League on Sunday.

Journalist Jordan Cronin Tweeted: “Potential setback for Ryan Fraser, who is going for another scan on his hamstring this week. Eddie Howe: “We had an initial scan and had two conflicting opinions, so we’re re-scanning.”

Supporters will be gutted

This update will surely leave the St. James’ Park faithful gutted as Fraser being out is a big blow for the Toon, given his form earlier this year.

He managed two goals and two assists in his last ten matches for the club, with Newcastle only losing three of those games, as he showcased his quality in the final third. The attacker’s last match came in the 1-0 win over Wolves and it now remains to be seen how long he will be out for, which is a setback for the Magpies because of the goal contributions he was popping up with.

Miguel Almiron is Howe’s alternative option on the right wing and he has been nowhere near good enough this season to be relied upon as a regular starter. In 24 appearances, including 14 starts, he has failed to provide a single goal or assist in the Premier League as he has been unable to make a positive impact at the top end of the pitch.

He works hard for the team and does average 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game, which shows that he offers defensive protection to his full-back, but he is in the side to deliver in the opposition’s box and he has been poor in that regard.

His poor statistics in the top-flight suggest that he is not up to the standard required to adequately replace Fraser in the starting XI. The Scot has been able to chip in with goals and assists and this means that he offers a greater threat in attack, which is why fans will be gutted with this worrying update as it remains to be seen when he will be able to return.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Wilson: NUFC can seal dream pairing with “unplayable” £25m “monster”… 

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.

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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.

Taking to Twitter, broadcaster, author and Tottenham Hotspur fan Greg Jenner has commented on a Tottenham Hotspur exit development involving young winger Dilan Markanday.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Markanday exit talks…

As per reliable reports, Tottenham are in talks with Blackburn over an exit for the Lilywhites starlet with Sky Sports revealing that the 20-year-old could now leave.

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Alongside Sky, reliable reporter Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard claims that a deal could be announced next week as with the fee to believed to be around £500,000 – which could rise to over £1 million with add-ons.

The Latest: Jenner reacts…

In reaction to this development, Jenner, a BBC broadcaster, claimed Spurs letting the talent go is a real ‘waste’.

“What?! That’s bizarre – he’s clearly a big talent,” the BBC Sounds host explained.

“And we have a striker crisis. Why haven’t we been playing him instead of very very young Dane Scarlett? What a waste!”

The Verdict: Agreed…

Making his senor debut this season in the Europa Conference League, Markanday has come on leaps and bounds at Spurs, even scoring an incredible 12 goals and five assists in 14 Premier League 2 starts.

The homegrown ace could’ve been a star in years to come but manager Antonio Conte’s use of a three-of-the-back formation makes Markanday’s inclusion as a winger difficult to say the least.

Lilywhites supporters will be disappointed to see him leave but will be interesting to see how he adapts to England’s second tier.

In other news: ‘This will get Tottenham fans excited…’ – Sky Sports drop major transfer claim on live TV, find out more here.

Aston Villa are already looking at a summer move for Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, according to Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Late bid for Hickey

Villa got their January business completed relatively early, with Calum Chambers the last of four senior additions to join Steven Gerrard last month.

There were no deadline day twists at Bodymoor Heath when it comes to incomings, although there were rumours that Villa launched a €10m (£8.35m) bid for Hickey which included a 20% sell-on clause. Bologna turned down that proposal, but it seems as if Villa will go back in for the Scottish teenager at the end of the season.

The Latest: Preece’s claim

Preece ran a Q&A on Birmingham Live in the final hours of the transfer window and he was quizzed about the club’s left-back ranks following Matt Targett’s loan move to Newcastle, revealing that Villa are already ‘looking’ at a move for Hickey.

The journalist outlined: “It’ll be Digne and Young from now until May with no recall option in Targett’s deal. Villa looking to go back in for Hickey in the summer.”

The Verdict: Shrewd move

Hickey, who has been likened to Gareth Bale, is known for his athleticism and pace and appears to be a future star. He has also been linked with Manchester City, so securing his services ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side could be a major coup for Villa.

Since leaving Hearts for Bologna, the 19-year-old’s Transfermarkt valuation has rocketed from £540,000 to £11.7m, and he has also played as a left midfielder in 2021/22, earning vital experience in Serie A on top of his previous outings in the Scottish Premiership.

On that basis, securing a summer move for him and midfield target Yves Bissouma could be a brilliant decision by Villa in the long run, possibly making Hickey the perfect eventual successor to Lucas Digne in years to come.

In other news: Villa may now sign ‘unbelievably talented’ midfielder in cut-price move despite transfer window shutting

Crystal Palace got themselves a superb win this weekend as they saw off Leicester City 4-1 at the King Power Stadium.

An inspired showing got the Eagles just the sort of result they needed heading into the crucial last few months of the season, and it was a fine display which showed the players are right behind manager Roy Hodgson as he looks to guide them to safey.

The summer transfer window will be one thing which is already entering the mind of Hodgson too, and we here in the Tavern think a couple of shrewd additions from the Championship could be the way the club could go if they don’t want to delve into the European market.

And one man we feel is ready for top flight football after impressing for Sheffield United is defender John Egan, who has been superb since moving from Brentford in the summer.

The big Irish defender has become the key man at the back for the Blades as he holds the fort while the lacks of Chris Basham and Jack O’Connell maraud from the back and into attacking positions.

It’s this sort of defending from Egan which makes him standout, and he’d be a shrewd capture for Palace as they look to shore up their defence with plenty of interest bound to be shown in the impressive Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer.

Egan fits the bill nicely. He is big, powerful, good in possession, and someone who can improve further. Roy Hodgson knows how to improve and bring the best out of players too, and Egan would surely only flourish more working under the former England manager.

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…

Journalist Rahman Osman believes Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira could drop Vicente Guaita to stick with Jack Butland against Chelsea this weekend.

The Lowdown: Palace’s run to the semi-final

Palace have enjoyed a solid and sometimes exciting first season under Vieira and are now preparing for a Wembley showdown with their London rivals.

The Eagles have defeated Millwall, Hartlepool United, Stoke City and Everton on their way to the last four, conceding just twice.

Butland has played every minute of domestic cup action this season, with Guaita first choice in the league, and Osman thinks the Spaniard, who Roy Hodgson labelled as ‘excellent’, will be dropped following the 2-1 loss to Leicester last time out.

The Latest: Guaita to be axed?

Osman shared a story on London World on Wednesday, looking at three Palace stars Vieira may leave out this weekend.

One of those was Guaita, with the reporter believing Vieira will ‘break the heart’ of the 35-year-old by sticking with Butland at Wembley.

The Verdict: Right decision?

Some managers decide to bring back their first choice ‘keeper in the latter stages of cup competitions, but it only seems fair for Vieira to leave Guaita out and stick with Butland – just look at how Caoimhin Kelleher rewarded Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final this year.

Butland made a big blunder against Millwall in the third round but hasn’t been troubled much in the FA Cup since then, though he could be a much busier man on Sunday.

We will soon find out what Vieira decides in regards to selection, however, bigger calls may have to be made outfield, especially with injury concerns to Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise.

In other news: Vieira now wants Parish to bring 25-assist star to Palace; club preparing to lose their player

Liverpool are looking to snap up versatile Celtic youngster Ben Doak, according to The Daily Record’s Scott Burns.

The Lowdown: Doak profiled

Doak is just 16 years of age and was recently on the bench for Ange Postecoglou’s first team against St Johnstone prior to the winter break.

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Transfermarkt have him classified as a midfielder, FlashScore as a forward and The Glasgow Evening Times as a full-back or a winger, making Doak an extremely versatile player.

He is yet to pen professional terms at Parkhead, though, and it seems as if he could be the latest Hoops starlet to move on before making a senior Celtic debut.

The Latest: Burns’ claim

Burns shared an update regarding Doak for the Daily Record on Saturday afternoon, claiming that the Reds are looking at a compensation deal for the 16-year-old.

However, Celtic are trying to stop a move to Merseyside and are aiming to convince the teenager to agree a long-term contract in Glasgow.

The Verdict: Not ideal

The Hoops have lost a number of talented youngsters over the years, with Leo Hjelde a recent example of a player to depart without making a senior appearance for Celtic before going on to make a first team breakthrough for Leeds United.

Mitchel Frame is another Parkhead academy starlet who has been linked with a Premier League switch, and it seems as if Doak could also now leave.

The pull of the Premier League appears to be too much for these young talents to resist, but hopefully CEO Michael Nicholson and Postecoglou can persuade Doak to commit his future to Celtic.

In other news: £12m Celtic trio now set to leave Parkhead over the next 7 days, journalist claims.  

As per 90min, Tottenham Hotspur and other Premier League suitors have been gifted a ‘huge advantage’ in the race to sign Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

It is well-known that Spurs’ managing director Fabio Paratici has his eye on the 21-year-old ahead of January, coming after a move failed to materialise in the last transfer window.

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Tottenham had Vlahovic in their sights at one point over the summer amid their search for a Harry Kane alternative (The Telegraph) and it appears their interest has far from waned.

Antonio Conte’s arrival has only heightened reports of a possible move to Spurs given his pull in Serie A, with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) even claiming that a meeting was recently held.

The Latest: Spurs gifted ‘huge advantage’…

As per 90min, Tottenham and other interested Premier League clubs have just been handed a boost in the race for Vlahovic. Indeed, according to their information, La Viola president Rocco Commisso would ‘ideally rather sell to England’ given their bad blood with Juventus over the transfer of Federico Chiesa.

This could gift Tottenham, as well as the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle, a ‘huge advantage’ as they keep watch of the 21-year-old.

Furthermore, 90min claimed that Vlahovic’s agents were in England ‘this month’ for talks and to assure interested parties that the Serbian had not agreed a move to Turin.

The Verdict: Get it d0ne…

As the Premier League race heats up with many clubs interested, we believe that signing Vlahovic should come as a real priority got Spurs given their lack of a senior alternative striking option to Kane.

The Serbia international has been a revelation this season, following on from his hugely impressive 21-goal Serie A haul over 2020/21. Bagging 12 goals and three assists in all competitions so far already, Vlahovic’s form is only matched by his plaudits.

Valeri Bojinov, a former Bulgaria international and one-time Manchester City striker, called the youngster ‘crazy’ and lifted the lid on his self-comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Indeed, Vlahovic could have the panache and quality desperately needed for Conte’s new-look Tottenham team.

In other news: ‘Coming from Tottenham’…Journalist makes exciting transfer claim with ‘biggest offer’ on the table, find out more here.