All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Ham United will be looking to upset defending Premier League champions Manchester City for the second time in little over a month when they return to action on Sunday afternoon.

Irons boss David Moyes will also be hoping to see his side bounce back from last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, though he’ll be buoyed by the fact that they won their group in the Europa League with yet another midweek victory on Thursday night.

Despite not kicking a ball until today, the Hammers remain in fourth place and now face the team directly above them in the standings, having knocked them out of the Carabao Cup on penalties in October.

The Scot largely rotated his squad in Austria, so much of his usual starting XI should be fit to feature, in which young academy graduate Ben Johnson has to be among those in line to start again.

He has excelled at right-back, so much so that the 21-year-old has often kept his place over trusty servant Vladimir Coufal. Indeed, the 5 foot 9 dynamo deputised over the Czech Republic international when he picked up an injury earlier in the campaign and Moyes hasn’t looked back since, nor should he.

Johnson has been crucial to West Ham’s success so far this season, leading to a very glowing endorsement from Moyes. “He’s a bit of utility player for us, he’s been here for a while,” he claimed (via football.london).

“He’s a really important player for us. In the squad and the group he’s really important. Quite often we’ve brought him on and used him in different roles and he’s had a chance to have some games under his belt, he’s not let us down and scored a good goal in midweek.”

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The 58-year-old isn’t the only one left impressed by the youngster. ExWHUemployee dubbed him “sensational”, whilst Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was left “really impressed” by the Hammers starlet, also claiming that he “looks an excellent defender.”

Johnson has made ten appearances this season, in which he has helped the side to six clean sheets, including some big-game affairs such as against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Genk – as well as in that aforementioned win over the Citizens last month.

It means he has silenced some huge stars, ranging from Jesse Lingard and Jadon Sancho to even Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne, both of whom could feature today.

The 21-year-old has also been graded as Moyes’ fourth-best performer on the season so far, per WhoScored, whilst he leads the squad for tackles (2.7) and interceptions (1.8) per game, proving to be an absolutely crucial rock at the back, as if the feats above didn’t already suggest that.

Johnson could genuinely leave Pep Guardiola a little wary heading into kick-off, should he be named in the Irons’ starting XI, just like he did four weeks ago.

Moyes must unleash his impressive young prodigy today.

AND in other news, “A definite target”: Ex drops big West Ham transfer update, fans will be buzzing…

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is approaching his first transfer window in charge of the Ibrox giants as January is merely days away.

The Dutchman may want to strengthen his Gers squad by making an addition or two to bring some freshness to the side heading into the second half of the campaign.

One player who has been touted with a potential switch to Glasgow is Anderlecht defender Wesley Hoedt, formerly of Premier League club Southampton.

Bye-bye Goldson

The Dutchman could come in as the perfect replacement for Connor Goldson, either in January or in the summer. Van Bronckhorst’s current centre-back is out of contract at the end of the campaign, which means that his time at Ibrox may be up in one of the next two transfer windows, with the Gers either cashing in on him next month or allowing him to run down his deal before leaving on a free.

Football Insider reported this month that, as per Ibrox sources, the former Brighton defender wants another crack at the Premier League, so he may well be coming towards the final few months of his time at Ibrox.

Hoedt has played in a number of top leagues and is currently impressing for Anderlecht in Belgium, which is why he could be a perfect replacement for Goldson. He is in fine form and still has plenty left to give at the age of 27, averaging an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.12 in the Pro League this season.

He has played for Southampton, Lazio and Celta Vigo and been capped by the Netherlands in the past, showing that he has been able to play at the top level in England, Italy, Spain and internationally.

Former Saints chief Les Reed previously heaped praise on the Dutchman, pointing to his potential and experience, saying: “Wesley is one of the most promising young defenders in Europe and represents a significant addition to our squad. Having procured a Champions League finalist from one Italian club we have now added an Italian Supercoppa winner from another.”

Reed continued: “We believe he has all the qualities to play a big part in our future, and we have worked hard to bring him to Southampton, with a number of other high-profile clubs interested in him. Wesley has proven his talent through his performances for Lazio, as well as the Netherlands, and we believe he can develop even further here at Southampton, alongside his international teammate Virgil van Dijk, as well as the likes of Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Jan Bednarek and Florin Gardos.”

This highlights some of the qualities that he could bring to Glasgow, and coupled with his form for Anderlecht, it shows that the 6 foot 3 powerhouse could be an excellent signing. He is a strong defender, as shown by his consistent performances in Belgium, and he could slot straight into the team in place of Goldson, which is why Van Bronckhorst must seal a swoop for his services.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst could get Ibrox rocking with Rangers swoop for beast who can do “wonderful things”…

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their efforts to sign Sevilla enforcer Diego Carlos…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves has revealed that the Magpies are now set to abandon their pursuit of the Brazilian defender due to issues with his parent club’s negotiations.

He tweeted: “#nufc ready to walk away from Diego Carlos deal. It’s thought original price quoted was €30m but Sevilla changed (

) numerous times. Tough on player who’s desperate to sign. Newcastle now actively looking elsewhere. They have money, won’t be taken advantage of.”

This comes after his colleague Kaveh Solhekol claimed that the Spanish club were ready to work on a transfer for a set price of £38m.

He told The Transfer Show, via Football Daily: “I sense there is a bit of momentum building today from the few people I’ve spoken to and they seem to be saying if Newcastle offer €45m, £38m, then there is a deal there to be done.

“I think it is a question of money now. Money talks, of course, in the transfer market and Sevilla, historically, always play hardball when it comes to transfers. Why wouldn’t they?”

Gutted

Newcastle fans will surely be left devastated by this news, as it suggests that Carlos will not be lining up for the Magpies this season. 

The supporters will be devasted because the Brazilian could have been a sublime signing for the club. He has been in terrific form for Sevilla this season and could have improved Eddie Howe’s starting XI. The 28-year-old has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.13 this term, helping his team to an impressive haul of 10 clean sheets in 21 league matches.

This suggests that he is able to perform consistently to a high level and could have come to England and replicated his displays for the Toon, helping them to keep shutouts in the Premier League. Therefore, he could have been a key player for Newcastle by winning them points with his stout defending.

Spanish football analyst Domagoj Kostanjšak previously compared him to other defenders in Europe and heaped praise on the centre-back, saying: “He’s a really physical player – he’s built like a tank and they don’t call him ‘The Beast’ for no reason. He’s really good in the air and he’s decent on the ball as well – you have to be under Julen Lopetegui.

“He’s been in my top three or four centre-backs in Spain this season, along with Raphael Varane and Inigo Martinez – he’s been a bit of a revelation. He’s playing the best football of his career and he immediately settled in. I would say there is a shade of Kalidou Koulibaly about him – not the same quality, of course, but I would compare him to him.”

This highlights the standard at which Carlos has been playing of late, coupled with his statistics, and this is why Newcastle fans will be gutted that the club are now set to miss out on a deal for him due to Sevilla’s antics.

AND in other news, “I’ve heard” – Keith Downie drops key Newcastle transfer update, Howe surely buzzing…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United, regarding their pursuit of Burnley striker Chris Wood…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has revealed that the Clarets did not expect the Magpies to stump up the cash to activate his release clause.

He initially Tweeted: “Also hearing as per @JPercyTelegraph that Chris Wood is travelling to the North East tonight for a medical. Newcastle have met his Burnley release clause, which is thought to be in the region of £20m.”

The reporter then added: “Burnley were aware of Chris Wood’s release clause but didn’t think Newcastle would trigger it. They thought it was too high. Clarets angry that Wood would leave to a relegation rival. His Burnley contract was up next year.”

Delight

This update from Downie will surely leave Newcastle fans feeling delighted as it perfectly illustrates the muscle they now have in the transfer market. Long gone are the days of refusing to pay loan fees and missing out on signings because of it.

PIF are making serious moves and putting their money where their mouth is, as shown by Burnley’s surprise at this deal for the striker. That is why fans will be over the moon as it shows that their club is making strides off the pitch in order to change their fortunes around on it.

The supporters will also be buzzing as it means that Wood is poised to arrive to bolster the squad. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer and could provide a lift to the squad on the pitch in the second half of the campaign.

He has previously been compared to Magpies legend Alan Shearer, with former Leeds man Ben Parker saying of a goal he scored for the Whites:

“It was a fantastic header. He’s kind of like Sheareresque and I don’t think there are many strikers in the division, especially in the Championship, even going to the Premier League, who would have scored with that header.”

Wood has scored 10+ goals in each of the past four seasons leading up to the 2021/22 campaign. This shows that he knows how to find the back of the net at this level and could be a key asset for Howe in the coming months as they attempt to work their way out of the relegation zone, which is why fans will be buzzing with the deal overall.

AND in other news, “Still trying”: Keith Downie issues five-word NUFC claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Leeds United are considering a late move for Takumi Minamino…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Independent journalist Carl Markham, who claimed the Yorkshire outfit were interested in signing the Liverpool outcast before the January transfer window deadline on Monday evening.

“Takumi Minamino attracting interest from Leeds and Monaco but @LFC have rebuffed early approaches as they have no inclination to sell. Would take seriously really good offer to change their minds,” he tweeted.

The 36-cap Japan international is well behind the likes of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota in the pecking order at Anfield, and could yet drop even further amid reported interest in FC Porto star Luis Diaz.

It remains to be seen exactly what a ‘really good offer’ is, with the 27-year-old currently valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt.

Aaronson alternative

Primarily a left-winger by trade, Minamino is capable of operating on both flanks and through the middle, where he can thrive the best when operating as a ‘half-winger’.

Just like fellow Whites target Brenden Aaronson, who doesn’t appear likely to be coming to Elland Road any time soon, at least in this current window.

Leeds’ two bids of £15m and £20m have been rejected but there is hope that a deal can be struck for the summer instead as RB Salzburg do not want to offload him before a crucial Champions League tie with Bayern Munich.

Instead, it appears as if Victor Orta and co are lining up a last-minute alternative in a player that also once played for the Austria champions.

Minamino’s growth has always been stunted in Merseyside due to the sheer volume of quality starting ahead of him but he’s still proven his worth in abundance whenever given the opportunity.

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For instance, this season he has provided six goals and one assist across 18 appearances, with those primarily coming in cup competitions as he’s yet to register a start in the Premier League, even despite Salah and Mane being at AFCON.

The Japanese attacker also impressed during a loan spell at Southampton last season.

“He’s a very special player for me – not because of his physical strength but more of his way of playing football,” claimed manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

“He is very quick in his mind, has good decision-making, knows about our pressing style and hopefully a lot of running. He knows when you come to me you have to run a lot, but that’s not a problem for him”

Right there is why he’s an absolute dream for Marcelo Bielsa. There isn’t a side that presses the opposition as intensely as Leeds, so his presence to do that from the front would be hugely beneficial to the Argentine, who must be desperate for additions.

Also dubbed a “machine” by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, Minamino could be an ideal alternative to Aaronson as we head into the final few days of the window.

Bielsa badly needs an option in the role and the Liverpool ace could well provide him with exactly what he needs for the remainder of the current campaign.

AND in other news, Leeds United eyeing late January bargain in £10m “phenomenon”…

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Lloyd Kelly to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that as a result of the long-term injuries picked up by both Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma, David Moyes is hoping to bring a new centre-back to East London next month.

The report goes on to state that one of the 58-year-old’s targets is AFC Bournemouth defender Kelly, who the Hammers boss is thought to be a fan of due to his positional versatility and his leadership qualities.

However, a further report by The Sun also claimed that Scott Parker’s side will not want to lose one of their most influential players halfway through the Championship season, meaning a deal for the 23-year-old will not likely be an easy one for West Ham to get over the line this winter.

The next Ferdinand

Considering just how much potential Kelly quite clearly possesses, should West Ham manage to get a deal over the line for the defender next month, it would undoubtedly be something of a coup for the club – particularly when taking into account the Hammers’ current problems in the heart of defence.

Indeed, over his 19 Championship appearances this season the £9m-rated ball-playing centre-back has been in phenomenal form, helping his side keep ten clean sheets and scoring one goal, as well as making an average of one interception, 0.5 tackles, 59.3 passes, 4.9 clearances and winning 63% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £21k-per-week defender average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as the Cherries’ third-best performer in the second tier of English football.

Furthermore, the 23-year-old’s former manager, Jonathan Woodgate, clearly believes that Kelly is capable of making the step up to the Premier League, stating of the centre-back: “He’s got talent. He’s got a lot of attributes that Premier League teams look at.

“He’s played well against [Watford’s Ismaila] Sarr and played well again against Bristol City. I don’t see him being at Bournemouth long if he keeps on playing like that. He was brilliant. He’s got some strings to his bow now.

“At the minute he just looks like a bit of a Rolls-Royce, doesn’t he? He looked very, very good [against Bristol City]. I was impressed to be honest with you, especially when [Antoine] Semenyo tried to run him down the line and Semenyo gave him two yards and Lloydy overtook him.

“It’s eye-catching when things like that happen, especially as a fellow defender. When you see things like that, it’s like ‘you’ve got a bit’.”

Thus, it is clear for all to see that the England U21 international has an extremely bright future in the game, with his passing ability appearing to mirror that of a young Rio Ferdinand – who Harry Redknapp often deployed in midfield due to his ability with the ball at his feet.

As such, it would appear a very wise move for Moyes and his West Ham transfer team to do all they can to sign the Bournemouth defender this winter, as they could well unearth a future England international in the 23-year-old Kelly.

In other news: Forget Ogbonna: GSB must seal Moyes’ dream WHU deal with £12.6m gem who “will explode”

Celtic pundit Frank McAvennie believes the Hoops will sign a defender after a move for Matt O’Riley is finalised, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: O’Riley move; another forward wanted

The Hoops have already made four signings in 2022 and are closing in on a fifth in O’Riley.

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The MK Dons midfielder has passed a Celtic medical and looks set to join in a deal worth £1.5m, with the Hoops pipping a number of clubs to the Englishman’s services.

A source recently informed Football Insider that Celtic also want two wide forwards before the end of the month, one of which is expected to be Jota, however, McAvennie thinks Ange Postecoglou should now be looking at defensive reinforcements.

The Latest: McAvennie comments

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding the source’s claim on new attackers.

He urged Postecoglou to look at the club’s defensive ranks and backed the Hoops manager to bring in a defender before the month is out.

“Strikers are great, I just think we’re a bit short at the back.

“Jullien isn’t back from his injury yet and even when he’s back it will take a while for him to get back up to speed.

“If he’s going to be missing, I would like to see the club go out and bring in another centre-back.

“I think the manager is clever enough to know that’s what he needs so, yeah, I think that will happen soon.

“We have such a talented attack and midfield now. I would just like to see a little bit more quality and depth in the defence.

“Take nothing away from Starfelt and Carter-Vickers, I thought they were both good against Hibs.

“But we are one injury away from the defence being a little bit shaky, in my opinion.”

The Verdict: Left-back?

Should Celtic make Cameron Carter-Vickers’ loan move permanent and keep hold of Stephen Welsh, then they will have more than enough when it comes to centre-backs options.

However, if Adam Montgomery leaves on loan, as expected, and Boli Bolingoli finds a new club, then the Hoops could do with a new left-back.

Greg Taylor would be the only recognised left-back remaining if Montgomery and Bolingoli depart, and although Josip Juranovic can provide cover from right-back a new left-back to rival Taylor could be a shrewd move.

In other news: ‘Wolves are…’ – Journalist makes big claim with Celtic gem now wanted at Molineux. 

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has been reacting to rumours of a permanent swoop from Celtic for loanee Jota, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: January move

Jota has proven to be an inspired signing for the Hoops, contributing to 14 goals in his 18 appearances in green and white.

The 22-year-old is currently out due to a hamstring injury, but as reported by Sky Sports, Celtic are expected to trigger their £6.5m option to make his loan permanent.

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The Hoops are set to do just that before the summer, so a January move is a real possibility.

The Latest: McLeish reacts

McLeish, who regularly contributes for BBC Radio 5 Live, was talking to Football Insider regarding the update on Jota.

Here is what he had to say in reply, admitting that he is ‘very surprised’ about a January move for the winger, who he called a ‘game-changer’:

“When he came in at first, I thought work in progress. Probably a work in progress for the Portuguese team to take him back after the loan spell.

“Very surprised that they’re willing to let him go in January, given the form that he’s been in. He really has expressed himself as a very good technical player. He’s taken people on, scored goals, worked hard.

“These are all the traits a manager loves in individual players, especially when he can change the game with his skills. As we say, a game-changer.

“If Celtic can buy him, he’s a very good, young, potentially great player.”

The Verdict: Celtic making their mark

Should Celtic complete a permanent transfer in the region of £6.5m, it would be the most expensive signing of the Ange Postecoglou era, surpassing Kyogo Furuhashi’s £4.86m move over the summer. However, even though it would take a relatively big fee, it could prove to be a steal in the long run.

You’d expect that Jota is still far from his prime at the age of 22, so a long-term deal could see his valuation increase past the £6.5m mark should he continue to impress in Glasgow.

Celtic could reap the rewards with impressive displays on the pitch and eventually go on to make a big profit on the Portuguese attacker when the time is right, in the likely event that wealthier clubs submit a tempting offer.

In other news: Celtic allegedly now looking at signing 34-assist ace in January; he’s his agency’s biggest star

Leeds United have been handed a major boost over Kalvin Phillips as a huge update emerges on his future at Elland Road…

What’s the story?

The England international has been the subject of big interest from rival Premier League clubs in recent weeks, with the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa both said to be monitoring the situation.

But now, it appears Phillips could be ready to commit his long-term future to his boyhood club.

Writing on Twitter, The Daily Mirror’s Northern football correspondent, David Anderson, revealed: “Big boost for Leeds after Kalvin Phillips tells the board he wants to sign a new deal in the summer.”

Huge news for Leeds

Make no mistake about it, more than any new signing Leeds could potentially make this summer, sealing a new deal for Phillips would absolutely top the lot.

The England star is very much Leeds through and through, and having helped the side get promoted from the Championship, has established himself as a Premier League force – that’s not to mention the international recognition that has come his way which saw him become one of the Three Lions’ heroes in their run to the EUROs final last summer.

Speaking last month, former Leeds shot-stopper Paddy Kenny insisted Phillips would eventually put pen to paper on a new deal to stay at Elland Road, saying: “He’s come through the ranks at Leeds. There’ll be a lot of clubs interested in him, but I’m 100 per cent sure they’ll get it sorted.

“These deals have to be right for all parties, but I’m sure it’s something Leeds will be confident they can get over the line. He’s playing a big part in the England setup now, and he’s massive for Leeds. When he’s not in the team they can really struggle. I’m sure this is just the due process of sorting the contract out.”

While West Ham and Aston Villa are certainly big clubs in their own right, neither really genuinely represent a real step-up in class from Leeds – Champions League football has not been on offer for either for a number of years now, while trophies have also been very hard to come by too.

So while Leeds fans may not have been too worried about hearing that it was West Ham and Villa who were interested in their talismanic midfielder, news that he wants to stay at Elland Road for the long-term will have put to bed any lingering fears if there were any.

It’s news that will surely delight Leeds boss Jesse Marsch too.

AND in other news – Sold at £8m, now worth triple: Leeds had a nightmare over “fearless” 5 ft 9 magician

Everton took a huge win from their clash against Manchester United at Goodison Park yesterday, with the side embroiled in a difficult relegation battle this season the three points couldn’t have been more crucial for Frank Lampard.

With reports that sources from Everton had claimed the Toffees boss would be sacked if he didn’t take points from Ralf Rangnick’s side on Saturday, Lampard definitely put up a fight to prove the doubters wrong in his pursuit to lead Everton to safety this season.

Although the manager can’t take all the credit, the team performance from Everton was outstanding in a rarely-seen impressive defensive display from the whole team who put in a shift to hold onto a clean sheet following Anthony Gordon’s 27th-minute goal.

Despite having less possession than the visitors, the Toffees made more tackles (18) and over twice as many clearances (35) throughout the game, with Jordan Pickford a clear contender for man of the match after making four saves and two clearances in a fantastic performance.

There was one player who did make an important return and huge impact on the team following his selection in the starting line-up alongside Alex Iwobi and Allan, with Fabian Delph proving that the side desperately missed his experience in the centre of the pitch.

According to SofaScore, the 32-year-old midfielder won 100% of his duels, made six clearances, three tackles and two interceptions, as well as offering up a pass completion rate of 80% (24/30) before he was taken off in the 84th minute to be replaced by Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Delph who was hailed a “leader” by Gerard Houllier, recently returned to full fitness following a number of injury issues this season including a hamstring injury that has seen him unavailable for selection for the entirety of 2022 so far, and he surely made up for it in his seventh appearance this season against Man United.

Lampard was full of praise for the £92k-per-week midfielder following the victory, claiming that they “missed him” in his post-match interview;

“Yeah we’ve missed him.

“Delph gave us a sense of calm, his positional behaviours — like when a centre-back is out of position he falls into the backline.”

Everton may have found the key to unlocking survival in the Premier League this season by unleashing Delph in midfield and Lampard will be hoping the former Man City star can continue to lead and dominate in midfield ahead of the remaining fixtures this season to give the side their best chance of staying up.

In other news: Fewer touches than Pickford: Everton’s 9-pass flop was “wasteful” once again vs United