All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Spurs Lead Transfer Race For £110k p/w "Magician"

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be leading the summer transfer pursuit for the Leicester City England midfielder James Maddison.

How much is James Maddison worth?

This summer will potentially see a lot of change unfold in north London with the recent appointment of Ange Postecoglou promising a fresh start.

Indeed, speaking following his appointment, the Australian has told Spurs fans he hopes to provide them with a brand of football which will excite them:

"I think it’s an exciting opportunity for us to now set off in a new direction, play football and create an environment that embodies the values and traditions of this fantastic football club," he said.

However, whether he currently has the players at his disposal to instil his attacking style of play which comes amid the transfer links to Maddison.

The attacking midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium this summer with the likes of Newcastle United also believed to be interested.

There have been some suggestions that Maddison will be made available for sale this summer but it will cost clubs up to £60m to secure his services.

As a result of the hefty price tag, insider Graeme Bailey has said on the Talking Transfers podcast that Spurs are the more likely suitors for the 26-year-old star:

"What we're getting out of Newcastle, they're not willing to go over £40m, let alone over £50m which is what it's going to take to get Maddison. It's going to be close to a £60m deal. We think at least £50m with add-ons taking it to £60m.

"So as it stands, Newcastle are not willing to go to that price. And if you do believe Newcastle are not going to go there. I make Spurs quite strong favourites to get him, at this moment in time."

Who does James Maddison want to join?

The £110k-per-week star enjoyed an exceptional individual campaign in the Premier League despite the Foxes suffering relegation to the Championship.

Hailed a "magician" by some in the media, the England international was able to return a stunning 10 goals and nine assists in the league alone (via Transfermarkt).

In the not-so-distant past, it has been reported that the 26-year-old would be keen to make a move to London when his time at Leicester comes to an end.

Ange Postecoglou

However, reports over the last week have claimed he is being tempted by the prospect of potentially playing on Tyneside amid their believed interest.

Given the Toon are believed to only have £75m made available for Eddie Howe to spend this summer, it has to be questioned whether Maddison is a viable option.

Newcastle were not believed to be willing to match Leicester's £60m valuation last summer and now he only has one year remaining on his deal, which feels even less likely.

This could well open the door for Spurs to come in and snap up the midfielder who is thought to have been given the thumbs-up by their new boss, Postecoglou.

Presenter: £16m-rated ace ‘doesn’t fit the system’ at Liverpool

Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho just doesn't fit the system at Anfield, claims RedMenTV host, Ste Hoare.

The 20-year-old joined the Reds last summer and after initially impressing early on this season, things haven't quite gone to plan.

In fact, he's played just eight Premier League minutes in 2023, and that could be down to Jurgen Klopp's tactics.

What's the latest on Fabio Carvalho's future at Liverpool?

The former Fulham midfielder has been linked with a move away from Anfield, but the club are only prepared to let him go out on loan, recently rejecting a £10m bid from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

With the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister, and reports suggesting Liverpool are pursuing several midfielders, there's going to be plenty of competition in the middle of the park for the club, and it seems Carvalho won't fit into plans this season.

A number of Premier League sides, including his former club Fulham are interested in taking the Portuguese youngster on loan, with several offers currently on the table, but it remains to be seen where he'll end up.

What has Ste Hoare said about Fabio Carvalho and Liverpool?

Despite Carvalho's struggles at Liverpool this season, Hoare believes it's not down to talent, but a lack of fit in Klopp's system that has caused the £16m-rated midfielder problems this year.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the RedMenTV host said:

"It's mad because Liverpool tried so hard to sign Carvalho. They beat so many teams, they paid more than they needed to make sure they got him.

"They really liked what they saw and by all accounts, he is a good player, he just doesn't fit the system."

How did Fabio Carvalho perform this season compared to last year?

While making the move from Fulham and Championship football, to one of the Premier League's biggest sides in Liverpool was always going to be tough, Carvalho's spell in Merseyside has seen his game time and output drop drastically.

Across the board, the 20-year-old's statistical numbers have all decreased this year, which is hardly a surprise given his lack of regular minutes.

Last year, the midfielder completed 1.2 dribbles per game for Fulham, seeing that number drop dramatically to 0.2 per game for Klopp's men this season, whilst his WhoScored average rating dropped from 7.11 at Fulham to 6.37 for the Reds, and he went from completing 1.7 key passes per game at Craven Cottage, to a measly 0.1 this campaign.

At 20 years old, there's still plenty of time for Carvalho, who is sponsored by Nike, to turn his Liverpool career around and a spell out on loan may be the catalyst in that, but if he doesn't fit the system now, who's to say he will when he comes back.

Man Utd Could Still Secure "Incredible" £100m Star This Summer

Manchester United could be set for a major boost as one of their transfer targets looks like he wants a move to Old Trafford this summer in order to win trophies…

What’s the latest on Harry Kane to Manchester United?

According to Football Transfers, Tottenham striker Harry Kane appears to want a move to the Red Devils so he can start competing for trophies.

Journalist Graeme Bailey tweeted a few weeks ago that Kane is the “preferred option” when it comes to Erik ten Hag’s search for a new striker, however, it remains to be seen whether Spurs want to do business this summer.

The Englishman could cost a minimum of £100m if any potential transfer was to take place – and if any team could afford this fee, it’s United.

Could Harry Kane sign for Manchester United this summer?

Nothing can be ruled out, especially with Spurs’ 15-year trophy drought looking like it could continue judging by their performances last season, and with Kane fast approaching 30, he will surely be looking to add some silverware in order to complement his qualities as a player.

Ten Hag desperately needs a world-class forward that can take his side to the next level, with United scoring just 58 Premier League goals – only Aston Villa scored fewer out of the teams in the top half of the table last term. Anthony Martial netted just six times in the league (nine in all competitions) as United had to rely on Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes to score the majority of their goals, grabbing 30 and 14 respectively, and it’s clear they need an upgrade on the Frenchman.

Kane, lauded as “incredible” by Spurs coach Ryan Mason, is among one of the finest forwards on the continent, ranking in the top 10% across Europe’s top five leagues for goals, shot-creating actions and progressive passes over the past year, suggesting that not only does he pose a significant threat in front of goal, but he is willing to move the ball into key attacking areas as often as possible.

Compare this to Martial, who ranks in the top 23% for goals, top 37% for shot-creating actions and top 13% for progressive passes across Europe’s top five leagues over the same period, Kane would surely be a major upgrade with regard to these metrics.

Tottenham Hotspur'sHarryKanecelebrates scoring their first goal

Indeed, in their respective teams, the Englishman ranked as Spurs’ best player for overall rating, goals and assists and shots on target per game (as per Sofascore), while the United striker could only rank as the 17th-best player in the Red Devils squad, as well as placing fifth for goals & assists and fourth for shots on target per game, proving that Kane is vital for his side, whereas Martial isn’t quite as effective.

Signing Kane should be a no-brainer for Ten Hag this summer given his quality, and if they wish to push Manchester City and Arsenal properly next term, luring one of the most devastating strikers of his generation to Old Trafford would give them a wonderful chance of challenging for the title.

Connor Ronan could replace Neves at Wolves

Ruben Neves is widely expected to leave Wolves this summer after five years at the club, but the Old Gold may already have an ideal replacement in their ranks.

While Morgan Gibbs-White is the name on many Wolves fans’ lips after his impressive loan spell in the Championship with Sheffield United, there was another Molineux academy prospect doing the business with St Mirren in Scotland.

Connor Ronan has managed just 13 first-team appearances in nearly eight years at the Midlands club, having joined from Rochdale’s academy as a teenager.

The 24-year-old has endured a plethora of loan spells away from Wolves without ever really being given an opportunity in the first team at Molineux.

The Irish midfielder failed to set the world alight in the EFL, struggling for regular game-time in spells at Portsmouth, Blackpool and Walsall, with frankly bizarre stints at Dunajska Streda and Grasshopper Zurich also featuring on the youngster’s CV.

However, last season saw him find his feet in Scotland with St Mirren, where he was a key player for the Buddies throughout the season. He made 30 appearances in total, in which he contributed an impressive eight goals and five assists, despite Stephen Robinson’s side finishing ninth from 12 in the Premiership table.

His performances in Scotland, which included some spectacular goals, were enough to see him win the Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards, so he will surely return to Wolves in a confident mood ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Bruno Lage certainly has a decision to make on the 24-year-old, as another loan spell surely wouldn’t be beneficial to anyone. With Neves potentially on his way out, the Portuguese boss will need another creative midfielder in his squad.

Ronan can certainly offer that, as then-caretaker boss David Dunn testified during his time on loan at Blackpool by saying: “I thought he was excellent last week at AFC Wimbledon as well, he’s got such a good touch. He makes things happen for us.”

Although Gibbs-White has certainly done enough to warrant a spot in the first-team squad next season with his performances for the Blades, scoring 12 goals in the Championship, he is also being linked with a move away from Molineux, and Lage may well end up turning to Ronan as the heir to Neves’ throne.

In other news… Lage set to axe “unplayable” Wolves monster, it’s the right call

Man United in ‘direct contact’ for De Jong

A huge development has emerged in Manchester United’s ploy to bring Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford this summer.

What’s the word?

De Jong has emerged as a target for new manager Erik ten Hag over the last few weeks as the former Ajax boss aims to reunite himself with the Dutch maestro.

No official bid has been submitted yet but the club are now in contact to sign the 25-year-old this summer.

Speaking on YouTube channel, Romano said:

“I have an update for you after a check I had in the last few hours. Frenkie de Jong spoke in public in the last 24 hours and said again that he has no intention to leave Barcelona. But what I can tell you is that after some checks, Barcelona and Manchester United are in direct contact for Frenkie de Jong.

“There is still no official bid from Manchester United. They are still discussing, speaking, there is no official proposal yet. It could happen in the coming hours or days. For sure, Manchester United have intention to act soon for Frenkie de Jong. They really want to complete this transfer this summer. The fee, from what I’m told is around €85m (72.4m). This could be the price tag to sign the Dutch midfielder.”

Exciting times for Man United

Manchester United now have the price they need to bring De Jong to the Premier League this summer.

Although not necessarily a breakthrough in proceedings, it should excite the Old Trafford faithful considerably that the two teams are now in talks regarding a potential deal.

With confirmation arriving on Wednesday that Paul Pogba is set to depart, bringing in a new central midfielder is simply of utmost importance.

A player as good as De Jong would be a fine way to replace him too.

A quick look at FB Ref’s similar player model puts the Dutch dynamo in fine company, with the player comparable in playstyle to the likes of Luka Modric, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

He is blessed with a wonderful range of passing, with de Jong registering a success rate of 91.3% for Barca in La Liga this season.

To compare that to the United squad throughout 2021/22, he ranks higher than any player to start a game for the Red Devils in the Premier League.

A safe pair of hands in the middle of the park is exactly what ten Hag needs to start his rebuild and it’s evident he’d be an upgrade on the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred.

He makes more key passes per match (1.3) than the pair of them – a statistic that would place him fourth in the United side – and he also completes 1.6 dribbles a game. Once more that’s a number that betters United’s midfield options and again places him fourth compared to ten Hag’s squad.

With that in mind, it’s clear to see that he’d offer a great deal more in the centre for the Premier League side, an eventuality that should leave fans excited at the prospect of him arriving in England this summer.

AND in other news, MUFC can sign their answer to Haaland in “magical” £222k-p/w gem who’s “like Maradona”…

Everton plot move for James Tarkowski

Everton are plotting a move for Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski as Frank Lampard looks to strengthen his defence ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Everton and Leicester City have joined the chase for the Burnley defender following their Premier League relegation.

The 29-year-old is out of contract this summer and will surely remain in the top flight following the events of Sunday which confirmed Burnley’s exit after seven years.

Everton could face a mighty battle to secure his signature, with the events that happened this season, the Englishman may fancy a side that has a greater chance of European football.

Tarkowski can be an upgrade on Michael Keane

Everton conceded 66 goals in the league this season, the fifth-worst total and this is something both Farhad Moshiri and Lampard urgently needs to address if they don’t want a repeat of this season’s relegation battle next year.

By signing Tarkowski, they could get an immediate upgrade on fellow Englishman Keane. The Burnley defender has made and won more tackles (71 and 42) compared to Keane (49 and 35), whilst also applying more pressures (261 to 228).

With almost double the numbers of blocks (92 to 51) and more interceptions (72 to 62) it’s clear to see why the 29-year-old would be a better option than Keane.

Keane has a WhoScored average rating of 6.72 and wins on average, three aerials per match. Tarkowski on the other hand is ranked first in the Burnley squad on the average rating (6.97) and wins a mammoth 4.4 aerials per match.

The stats prove that on a free transfer, Tarkowski would represent a wonderful piece of business, especially with Everton’s defensive woes this season.

He has been described as a “rock” by Alex James in the past and if he does want a move to Goodison, he could well ask for a pay rise on his current £70k-per-week deal he has at the moment.

AND in other news, Lampard plotting Everton bid for £158k-p/w dynamo, he’d be a “joy to watch”

Manchester United: Red Devils make Richarlison contact

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Everton forward Richarlison ahead of a possible summer swoop.

The Lowdown: Richarlison in England

Richarlison, labelled as a ‘match-winner’ by Kevin Campbell, has been plying his trade in England since 2017.

He impressed with Watford in his first year in the top flight which resulted in Everton spending over £35m on his services. Since then, the Brazilian has made more than 150 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 52 times, including 10 this season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-2/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He’s played a key role in Everton’s attempts to avoid the drop, and it looks as if a move to work with Erik ten hag at Old Trafford could be on the cards.

The Latest: United contact

Sports Witness shared an update from Goal regarding Richarlison on Tuesday. They claim that United, along with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, have made contact to learn conditions over a move and are all in the running for his services.

The report adds that Everton are yet to name a price for their star attacker, however, United are willing to ‘invest’ in the 25-year-old.

The Verdict: Shrewd?

Richarlison has played as a centre forward and as a left-winger this season, two areas of the pitch where Ten Hag may be looking to strengthen this summer.

He could have limited options in both positions, should Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford depart, as has been rumoured, so Richarlison could be a smart signing based on his versatility and experience in the Premier League.

You’d expect that his asking price would fall if Everton dropped down to the Championship, but if they remain in the top flight, then perhaps United would have to pay over his £45m Transfermarkt valuation as he enters the final two years of his Goodison Park deal.

In other news: Agreement reached: Man Utd now strike deal for ‘top’ gem who ‘dominates’ on the ball. 

Man City: Pep dealt big blow as ‘sources’ make exit claim

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has now been dealt a big blow as Etihad Stadium ‘sources’ share a major exit development.

The Lowdown: Eastlands overhaul?

The signing of Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Braut Haaland, coupled with phenomenal results against the likes of Newcastle and Wolves, have made this week one to remember for Blues.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-newest-updates/” title=”Man City newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Putting the heartbreak of that Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Real Madrid well and truly behind them, Guardiola’s side have displayed the mentality of real champions and exactly why they’re currently Premier League front-runners.

Still well and truly in a dogfight with arch rivals Liverpool for the domestic crown, that hasn’t stopped City officials from planning for the 2022/2023 campaign.

After Haaland, links have emerged to an array of head-turning new targets, not least Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong and even Man United outcast Paul Pogba.

Some of Guardiola’s first-team stars could also be on their way out of Eastlands this summer, perhaps most notably the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling who are all out of contract in 2023 as things stand.

The Latest: Guardiola dealt Sterling blow…

90min, sharing an update on the latter man from their ‘City sources’, claim Sterling is ready to quit the Sky Blues and will now ‘inform the club’ that he ‘wants to join Barcelona this summer’.

This comes as a big blow for Guardiola who is ‘hugely keen’ to see the England international put pen to paper on fresh terms after re-instating him into the first team.

The Verdict: Bad news?

Sterling is a player who has polarised sections of the fanbase at times with some absolutely stunning performances also followed by questionable moments.

That being said, there is little doubt that the 27-year-old is a truly phenomenal player and crucial asset for Guardiola when at his very best level.

His 2019/2020 season, where he finished as City’s top goal-scorer in all competitions with over 30, is testament to this – not to mention the fact he’s just nine away from a century of top flight strikes for the club.

Scoring 131 and assisting 94 others in total since signing from Liverpool in 2015, his ability has drawn admiration from players in and outside the club.

Former Man City starlet Tosin Adarabioyo, for example, called Sterling a ‘beast’ amid his fantastic run of form for England at the Euros last year.

Indeed, when taking all of this into account, losing the Three Lions ace would be a blow for Guardiola.

In other news: Man City enter pole position to sign ‘one of the best players in the world’ after Haaland! Find out more here.

Man City won’t sign Paul Pogba this summer

Manchester City are three games away from potentially securing their fourth Premier League title in five years.

Despite the focus being on making sure they lift the league trophy once these three games are played, it seems as though a development has emerged regarding a potential summer transfer swoop that the Citizens have been mentioned with recently.

What’s the news?

According to journalist David Ornstein in a recent report for The Athletic, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has “opted against” joining City after the Frenchman was linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium last week.

Given how successful City have been in recent years in terms of winning domestic trophies, it’s surprising that the France international has passed up a potential opportunity to join them.

With 233 senior appearances to his name for the Red Devils, Pogba has found the net 39 times and delivered 51 assists.

Supporters will be gutted

During his time with Juventus between 2012 and 2016, the Frenchman scored 34 goals and provided 40 assists in 178 appearances across all competitions.

This shows just how much of an attacking and creative player the 29-year-old can be from the midfield and why it’ll be a blow for City to potentially miss out on signing him on a free transfer this summer once his deal at Old Trafford runs out.

The City fans will also be gutted to hear that a move across town from United won’t be on the cards.

Given the success that the Citizens had with their 2009 swoop for Carlos Tevez, who went on to score 73 goals in 148 appearances for them, it would have been a great sight for the City fans to see something similar happen with Pogba, having both had spells with United.

Furthermore, with current City midfielder Fernandinho set to leave the club in the summer when his contract expires, they will now have to look elsewhere in order to find a suitable replacement for the Brazilian veteran, and presumably at a costly price too.

In other news: “Man City will..”: Romano drops behind scenes transfer claim, it’s bad news for Pep

Celtic: Charlie Nicholas wants new deal for Ange Postecoglou

Former Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas has pleaded with the club to tie manager Ange Postecoglou down to a new deal, claiming the club must already be plotting or even in behind-scenes ‘negotiations’.

The Lowdown: Ange excels in first year

The Australian replaced Neil Lennon in the Parkhead hot seat last year, looking to improve fortunes on the pitch after a disappointing period.

Postecoglou has done just that, inspiring Celtic to within touching distance of regaining the Scottish Premiership title, needing just one more point to achieve that goal.

Not only that but the Hoops have already sealed Scottish League Cup glory, too, further outlining the job he is doing.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-6/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Nicholas wants new deal sorted

Postecoglou only signed a one-year deal at Parkhead, however, and speaking to The Scottish Daily Express, Nicholas, 60, claimed the club must surely already be engaged in or plotting behind-scenes talks:

“Forget about all the transfers because Celtic’s No. 1 priority in the coming weeks should be rewarding Ange Postecoglou with a new contract. I would be absolutely amazed if talks haven’t already started.

“Celtic would be absolutely crazy if they haven’t opened negotiations or even scheduled them for the coming weeks. Ange deserves to be rewarded for what he has done.

“Let’s get him tied up because he is at the heart of everything good that Celtic are doing and have done. They kept topping up Brendan Rodgers’ deal and look at the compensation they got for him when Leicester City came in.

“I don’t think Ange will be pushing for a new deal but it would be a reward for the remarkable job he has done at Celtic…so far. His reputation is growing and there is no doubt other big clubs will be looking at him.

“So Dermot (Desmond) show a bit of loyalty and reward Ange, please. He should be the top priority at the club.”

The Verdict: No-brainer for Celtic

It would be devastating to see Postecoglou suddenly leave at the end of the season, having not agreed terms on a contract and found a new club instead.

That seems unlikely, in truth, with the Celtic boss seemingly happy at the club, but supporters won’t rest easy until he has extended his stint with the Hoops.

Postecoglou has made an enormous difference since replacing Lennon, becoming an undoubted fan favourite already, and the club could enjoy a rich period of success under him.

In other news, an exciting Celtic financial update has emerged. Read more here.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus