All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Sevilla defender and Arsenal target Jules Kounde is a “pretty special” player, La Liga expert Euan McTear has told The Transfer Tavern.

£54m-rated Kounde is currently attracting plenty of interest, with Arsenal said to be one team who are keen on signing the 22-year-old this summer.

According to Marca (via the Daily Express), the north London club could launch a bid for Kounde as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his defence, though they could face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.

Wherever he ends up if he does decide to leave Sevilla this summer, McTear is confident that club would be getting quite the centre-half.

“He’s only gotten better this season, especially in the Champions League. He’s had some good performances there, too,” the Spanish football expert said.

“He’s still so young, he’s got energy, great positioning too. All the centre-backs, not just in Spain I think, but if you look around Europe, he’s got to be one of the highest prospects. 

“To be playing for France who have countless centre-backs, if he’s able to get himself into that group, then, yeah, he’s pretty special.”

Looking at McTear’s assessment, and considering the fact that Arsenal have just lost David Luiz, Kounde seems like he would be a good signing for the Gunners.

If Chelsea and Manchester United are both interested in the Frenchman, though, both able to offer Champions League football, it is hard to see Arteta pulling this one off.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche will start looking around for a new club like Crystal Palace, says former Premier League manager Lawrie Sanchez.

Dyche is in fact being strongly linked with the job in the Selhurst Park dugout, with Football Insider reporting that Palace have made contact with Burnley to find out the exact cost to get the 49-year-old out of Turf Moor.

Frank Lampard is one manager who was thought to be one of the leading candidates to replace Roy Hodgson, so this development may come as a surprise to some.

Sanchez, though, would not be shocked to see Dyche land the job and fully expects the Englishman to at least consider the opportunity.

“I think Sean Dyche will be looking around now,” the former Fulham manager exclusively told FFC.

“[He’ll be] thinking well if he’s not going to have great money to spend despite the new people taking over and he’s just got to keep it going for them so they can earn the Premier League money that can be paid over to them to pay the debt, I think he’ll probably be thinking, ‘Where’s a better opportunity?’

“I think Palace would be a great opportunity for him. It’s obviously a little bit further up the pecking order, despite the league position, than Burnley in regards to wages and suchlike. He’s obviously worked in London before at Watford, so I wouldn’t be surprised.”

It is common knowledge that Burnley operate on one of the lowest budgets in the Premier League, really putting into perspective the job Dyche has done there.

However, you would have to imagine that there will come a point where the ex-Watford boss may want to work with better resources, perhaps at a club such as Palace.

Leicester City’s transfer plans have suffered a potential blow after it was revealed that Newcastle United are also keen on signing Schalke defender Ozan Kabak.

What’s the story?

The 21-year-old impressed during a six-month loan spell at Liverpool last season, however, the Reds decided not to take up their option to buy the Turkey international for £18 million.

Now though, Kabak is the subject of interest from Premier League sides Leicester and Newcastle, according to German outlet Bild.

Rodgers will be gutted

Brendan Rodgers’ charges have been linked with a move for Kabak for several weeks as the Northern Irish manager looks to strengthen his first-team squad over the summer.

The departure of experienced defenders Wes Morgan and Christian Fuchs means the Midlands outfit need to bolster their backline over the coming months, with a Europa League campaign on the horizon.

After a shaky start to his Liverpool career – ironically against Leicester – Kabak grew in confidence after each game for the Anfield outfit, receiving a very respectable 6.72 WhoScored rating from his nine Premier League outings.

His solid displays earned praise from Jurgen Klopp as the 19-time English champions clawed themselves back into a Champions League qualification spot.

“Ozan came in at 20 from Germany, was a big prospect but wasn’t lucky with the last two teams he played for; one went down (Stuttgart), and the other will probably go down (Schalke). But nobody really doubted his quality,” said Klopp.

However, with the likes of Jonny Evans, Wesley Fofana and Caglar Soyuncu potentially ahead of Kabak at the King Power Stadium, the promise of first-team football may be enough to persuade the £22.5m-rated centre-back to join Newcastle instead of moving to the King Power.

The Magpies recovered from a disastrous run of form in the middle of the campaign to win five of their final nine league games, and Steve Bruce is looking to build on their end-of-season momentum in the transfer market.

News that one of his key transfer targets may be poached by a domestic rival, one who may be a more attractive proposition due to the game time on offer, will surely leave Rodgers feeling gutted as he attempts to build a squad capable of breaking into the top-flight’s top four.

And, in other news…Huge LCFC transfer update emerges on “outstanding” £34.5m ace, Rodgers will be gutted 

Leeds United could land an exciting winger in VfL Wolfsburg Josip Brekalo amid a major transfer update.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are interested in signing the 22-year-old in the summer transfer window, and that the Whites were among those to have watched the Croatian in action over these past few months in the Bundesliga.

Now, Italian publication TuttoMercatoWeb claim that Leeds are set to face significant competition from Jose Mourinho’s new side AS Roma, as well as French outfit Lille.

Imagine him and Raphinha

After seeing the success of Brazilian star Raphinha in his debut campaign in English football, the prospect of him being joined at Elland Road by Brekalo is exciting to say the least.

The Croatian has enjoyed a fine season in the Bundesliga this season for Wolfsburg, netting seven goals and providing another three assists in 28 games in the top-flight, including scoring a hat-trick earlier this month against Union Berlin.

Goal’s Bundesliga journalist Ronan Murphy said on Twitter: “The less said about his off-field antics the better, as he should leave his on-field performances do the talking. Able to unlock defences and strong cutting in to shoot, he will torment defenders everywhere.”

And, when you look at his key attacking numbers, it’s easy to see why he would be such a threat in the Premier League.

As per Whoscored, he averages 1.7 shots, 1.3 key passes and one dribble per game in the Bundesliga, all of which rank him in the top five for each category among his Wolfsburg teammates.

The left-winger, who can play on the opposite flank too, has got the ability to be a real dangerous player in the coming years, and at just 22, has still got plenty of time to grow and develop under someone like Bielsa.

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

With Raphinha on the right and Brekalo on the left, Leeds would have a pair of direct wingers who come inside onto their stronger foot and can “torment defenders everywhere” as Murphy says.

Meanwhile, this Leeds man sent Bielsa a huge message against Southampton…

It’s the final game of the Premier League season and Tottenham Hotspur have everything to play for.

Ryan Mason’s men sit in seventh place knowing that a defeat at Leicester City this afternoon could result in the prospect of no European football next season –  if other results go against them.

However, a win would secure them a place in either the Europa League or the newly-formed Conference League.

After a shocking 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in midweek, the 29-year-old caretaker boss must look to spark a reaction ahead of kick-off, and he can do so by altering his starting XI. In truth, Spurs were crying out for some added quality in attack, with the likes of Heung-min Son, Dele Alli and Harry Kane underperforming.

Gareth Bale should’ve been the man to provide that spark but there were concerns over his fitness heading into the match, and subsequently, he did not start from the off.

It’s time to unleash him later today as he could prove to be the Lilywhites’ game-changer for one final time.

This encounter against the Foxes is huge for both teams, so it would be wise to let a four-time Champions League winner loose at the King Power Stadium.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-managerial-latest-update-transfer-rumours-gossip” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, managerial gossip, transfer rumours and more!”]

The 31-year-old superstar was in and out of the team under Jose Mourinho, and while he still proved to be a regular source of goals whenever he featured, it is more recently that he has thrived under Mason.

As per Transfermarkt, the Wales international has scored 14 goals and provided three assists, meaning he has averaged a direct goal contribution every 96 minutes across all competitions.

By comparison, Kane is managing a goal or assist every 81 minutes, and Son is averaging a contribution every 100 minutes, so that shows just how crucial Bale can be to Spurs right now.

Earlier this season, Mourinho lauded the Real Madrid loanee for his “remarkable” and “incredible” attitude off the pitch, and later claimed that he was “better than ever.”

Once hailed as “unplayable” by Harry Redknapp, the £18m-rated dynamo has to be starting a game of this calibre if Mason wants to end the season on a high note.

Bale could hold the key to whether or not Spurs are competing in Europe next season, in what could be his final swansong in a Lilywhites shirt before his loan deal ends.

AND in other news, Levy could rock Spurs’ squad by hiring 43 y/o “phenomenon” who he’s watched “closely”…

Tottenham Hotspur could reignite their interest in Emerson this summer, according to reports…

What’s the word?

That’s the word from Mundo Deportivo this weekend as it’s claimed Jose Mourinho has reminded the Spurs hierarchy that he wants a new right-back like the Real Betis man.

The north Londoners pursued the 22-year-old, who is co-owned by Barcelona, back in July 2020 but could not complete a deal due to financial consequences of the global pandemic.

Instead, Spurs signed Matt Doherty from Wolves for £15m and things have not gone to plan whatsoever.

They’ll also face more competition this time around with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan all keen on securing the defender this summer.

Instant upgrade

Mourinho could well be handed an immediate upgrade in the right-back position should Daniel Levy and the club’s hierarchy manage to secure the Betis star ahead of next season.

As of right now, he’s due to become a Barcelona player in the summer and complete his pre-season under Ronald Koeman but that could change if the Catalan giants look to cash in on him, considering they already have Sergino Dest, signed in the summer from Ajax, Sergi Roberto and out-on-loan Moussa Wague in the role already.

On the other hand, all of Spurs’ right-sided options have struggled immensely.

Doherty, brought in as a supposed more stable option to Aurier, has been usurped by the Ivorian and at times, Mourinho has lost trust in the pair of them and turned to young academy graduate Japhet Tanganga.

[snack-amp-story url=https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-and-recent-gossip” title=”Read this week’s Spurs news, latest transfer rumours and more!]

ESPN believe the Irishman could be put up for sale this summer if his form does not improve, something that seems unlikely with him currently out injured, whilst French newspaper La Parisien believe PSG could seek a return for Aurier.

Spurs should absolutely sell if they do come forward with an offer, too. In their recent 3-1 defeat to Manchester United, Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane launched a scathing attack, claiming he’s a “car crash” and a “huge problem for Spurs.”

Emerson could solve this issue as he’s been one of Betis’ star performers (7.04) this campaign.

In fact, only Nabil Fekir (7.14) has managed a better average WhoScored rating and similarly, only two other players have managed to contribute more assists than the Brazilian (four).

Both Doherty and Aurier have combined for three themselves, so Emerson would certainly add a new attacking dimension to that right wing.

In addition to his creative exploits, he’s proven to be a rock-solid defensive option too, averaging a squad-high 2.8 tackles per game, and he’s not too far behind for interceptions (1.9) and clearances (2.4) either – proving to be able to read the game to a high level.

Overall, he’s made 74 tackles at a success rate of 74% which again in comparison to the Spurs duo, is mighty impressive as they have combined for 66 between them

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Dani Alves and Cafu, the 22-year-old dynamo would be the perfect signing to finally kiss goodbye to Aurier and upgrade one of Mourinho’s most troublesome positions.

Levy must pay whatever it takes to land the £26m-rated right-back this summer.

AND in other news, 18x possession lost: “Embarrassing” Spurs star let Mourinho down massively vs Everton…

As confirmed by Tottenham Hotspur’s official website, interim boss Ryan Mason is set to be without Ben Davies for today’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Tottenham confirm Davies absence

Mason looks set to be short of one defensive option on the left, while it is unclear whether Spurs will have star striker Harry Kane back in action. While the forward could potentially feature today depending on developments, one player who will certainly be missing this afternoon is Davies, whose absence has been confirmed by the club.

The 58-cap Wales defender has been out since the start of April after suffering a ‘significant’ injury blow on international duty, and it will be interesting to see how Mason lines up his defence today against an electric Manchester City attack.

Transfer Tavern take

Wales teammate and fellow defender Joe Rodon is also cup-tied and cannot play, with the most likely solution being Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier in the centre of defence.

In place of Davies, Sergio Reguilon is more than likely to start on the left-hand side, while Spurs supporters could enjoy a vigorous battle between him and in-form City winger Riyad Mahrez, who debatably has the best chance of featuring on the right for Pep Guardiola’s side today.

Amid all the worry surrounding Kane, news of Davies’ continued absence somewhat flew under the radar, and it could present Mason with some difficult tactical and personnel decisions to make at Wembley.

In other news: Tottenham working to sign this powerhouse, find out more here.

Mike Ashley faces a tough decision at Newcastle United after reports claimed SL Benfica are willing to listen to offers for Nuno Tavares.

What’s the word?

According to O Jogo, Benfica may look to cash in on Tavares and Grimaldo at the end of the season after identifying Ruben Vinagre as a potential replacement.

Newcastle and Burnley are believed to be eyeing summer swoops for Tavares, but could face a rival approach from Serie A heavyweight SSC Napoli.

The Toon and Clarets also face paying a whopping €30m (£27m) to sign Tavares, yet Benfica’s stance has weakened with SAD now open to offers.

Tavares and Grimaldo could soon leave the Estadio Sport Lisboa e Benfica as Aguias boss Jorge Jesus has given his blessing to a pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ left-back Vinagre.

Jesus believes the 21-year-old has qualities that will increase the competitiveness of his squad, while supporters have deemed the young defender to be a priority target after a below-par title challenge.

Benfica intend to pursue a deal for Vinagre at the end of the season as the Liga NOS giants feel they can sign him for less than €10m (£8.5m), having joined Wolves for close to €2m (£1.75m) in 2018 but only started 14 of 35 Premier League appearances.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-newcastle-news%2c-gossip-and-views-2″ title=”The latest Newcastle news, gossip and views!”]

Vinagre joined Portuguese side FC Famalicao on loan this January and has started all 13 available top-flight fixtures to date, while being named in one of SofaScore’s Team of the Weeks and registered his first assist last Sunday.

Should Newcastle sign Benfica’s Tavares?

Reports surfacing in Portugal that Benfica are willing to listen to offers for Tavares will leave Ashley facing a big question this summer, as the Newcastle owner is not expected to make funds available to strengthen Steve Bruce’s squad.

A fee of around £27m would no doubt be considered too much for the Magpies to pay for Tavares, as the £4,900-per-week full-back has only started 12 of his 21 appearances across all competitions this season for a combined 1,097 minutes on the field.

But Newcastle have held a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old, with previous reports by O Jogo claiming that United lodged a €15m (£13m) bid back in 2019 and have clearly not been discouraged by his reduced game time.

The St. James’ Park natives are also thought to be in the market for a new left-back in the next transfer window, with The Shields Gazette noting recently that club chiefs are searching for competition for Jamal Lewis with Matt Ritchie expected to be sold.

It obviously remains to be seen how low Benfica are willing to reduce their asking price, but a fee closer to what the Toon bid two summers ago could be enough to see Ashley consider dipping into his pocket providing he is funding transfers for a Premier League side.

Doing so may also see Newcastle land an exciting upgrade on Lewis, who has lost his place in Bruce’s squad following a £15m transfer from Norwich City last year – having been left an unused substitute in United’s last four Premier League games.

Tavares carries possession out from the back 59.3 times per 90 minutes in the Liga NOS this season, far more often than Lewis (27.4) has in the Premier League. He also covers a higher progressive distance away from his goal (207 to 67.6 yards) and ventures into the final third for 24.4 touches to 11.8, per FBref.

The 6 foot Tavares is additionally willing to put his body on the line more often with 2.22 blocks to Lewis’ 1.72 and applies pressure outside the defensive third 11.11 times per 90 to 7.53.

Much will depend on Benfica’s asking price, but the Liga NOS giants considering offers will be a big boost to Newcastle in the race for his signature even if Ashley faces a tough call over funding a move.

But with football agent Cesar Boaventura hailing Tavares as “fast” and someone who could be “one of the best in Europe”, Ashley can kick-start an exciting new era at Newcastle by landing the 21-year-old starlet this summer.

AND in other news, Newcastle could offer a new contract to a player Steve Bruce has never spoken to…

Despite having had their UEFA Champions League journey ended on Wednesday evening against Real Madrid, Liverpool went out of the competition with a fight.

The Reds turned in a fantastic showing at Anfield, the only thing missing was the goals – their 3-1 defeat in Madrid eventually saw them eliminated.

One man who was key to Liverpool’s performance was right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was a constant thorn in the side of Los Blancos.

Having netted the winner against Aston Villa at Anfield last time out, the 22-year-old turned in another scintillating attacking performance.

Throughout the 90 minutes, he provided a huge 17 crosses from the right-flank, five of those being accurate, according to WhoScored.

Whilst that looks somewhat wasteful, six of his passes did end up being key passes. For comparison, the entirety of the Real Madrid team could only produce five key passes of their own, emphasising just how effective Alexander-Arnold was from an attacking standpoint for the home side.

Indeed, but for better finishing from his Liverpool teammates, such as Georginio Wijnaldum, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, the England man might have racked himself up a handful of assists in what would have been a brilliant comeback win from his side.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-gravenberch-keita-mane-williams-kabak” title=”Read the latest Liverpool news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Whilst Alexander-Arnold was exhilarating from an attacking sense, he did not allow his defensive responsibilities to be forgotten.

Throughout the game, he produced two tackles and three interceptions. In the end, only centre-back Nathaniel Phillips produced more than his total five defensive contributions.

Previously dubbed “wonderful” by Jurgen Klopp, the right-back’s performance was certainly befitting of that praise and of course the occasion.

It was just a shame that his teammates could not match that as Liverpool’s Champions League fight came to a bruising end against Real Madrid.

AND in more news, take a look at our player ratings from the Reds’ 0-0 draw against Los Blancos on Wednesday…

Real Madrid star Raphael Varane has remained tight-lipped about his future in Spain, following reports linking him with a move to Liverpool.

The Frenchman has been a colossal performer for the La Liga giants for a number of years now, playing a key role in their success since joining from Lens in 2011.

Varane has won a hugely impressive four Champions League crowns and three Spanish league titles, not to mention clinching glory at the 2018 World Cup with France. He made both FIFA and UEFA teams of the year in 2018, while also earning a spot in 2018 World Cup ‘dream team’ – the standard for centre-backs doesn’t get much higher.

It could be that he moves on to pastures new this summer, however, with Liverpool reportedly one of the clubs believed to be interested in signing him, according to the press in Spain.

[freshpress-quiz id=“313155″]

Varane remains coy over his future

Varane’s current contract expires at the end of next season, so Madrid may believe now is the right time to receive a significant fee for his services.

Speaking to Marca [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], the 27-year-old provided an update on his future, remaining coy over any possible move elsewhere:

“Do I see myself at Madrid for many more years? We’re 2 days away from a game with France and I’m focused on that. I don’t want to answer that question.”

Transfer Tavern take

While Varane remains a world-class defender who would no doubt strengthen Liverpool’s team, it is hard to see Jurgen Klopp paying big money for a player of his age.

Granted, he is still only 27 – soon to be 28 – but given the money he could cost, and the wages he may demand, it seems likely that the Reds will look elsewhere for a new centre-back, seeking a younger partner to learn from and perhaps eventually take over from Virgil van Dijk.

In other news, Liverpool have received an injury blow during the international break. Read about it here.