All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

According to an evening report by The Daily Mirror, West Ham United are interested in signing Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse this summer.

The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse rumours

Back in January, the Spanish media reported that a number of Premier League clubs, including the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, were all interested in signing the Saints midfielder this summer, who has been dubbed ‘unbelievable’ by teammate Oriol Romeu.

More recently, Irons insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that the Hammers are expected to make an offer for the England international over the coming months, whilst Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici is also keen on making a deal.

The Latest: Irons interested

According to a Wednesday night report by The Daily Mirror, West Ham manager David Moyes is indeed keen to bring Ward-Prowse to the London Stadium this summer.

After his side’s impressive semi-final run in the Europa League, Moyes is looking to strengthen his squad further for another season in Europe, and the Scotsman has identified the Saints midfielder as a stellar addition to his starting XI.

Following the retirement of club legend Mark Noble and with the uncertainty surrounding Tomas Soucek’s future, West Ham are hoping to secure another midfielder ahead of next season.

The Verdict: Great signing

Hailed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as ‘the best free-kick taker’ he has ever seen, Ward-Prowse would certainly fit Moyes’ system, as the Irons could utilise a set-piece specialist to target the likes of Michail Antonio and Soucek – if he stays – in the box.

As per FB Ref, when compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 27-year-old ranks in the 92nd percentile for expected assists and in the 90th percentile for shot-creating actions, the type of creativity any manager would love to have.

Therefore, if utilised correctly, Ward-Prowse could be a fantastic signing for Moyes, who is in need of additions after a dismal January window.

In other news: Sky Sports reporter reveals latest on Nayef Aguerd deal

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie firmly believes that Jota will seal a permanent move to Parkhead this summer.

The Lowdown: Jota impresses on loan

The 23-year-old left Benfica for Parkhead last summer, joining on loan as he sought regular playing time in Scotland.

Jota got exactly that, standing out as one of the Hoops’ best attacking players, scoring seven goals and registering eight assists from 24 appearances in the Premiership.

The Portuguese maestro has constantly been linked with a permanent move to Parkhead but an agreement still hasn’t been reached, which is worrying. However, as reported by the Daily Record recently, Celtic are in talks with Jota over personal terms as they aim to secure his signature outright.

The Latest: Permanent move predicted

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie iterated his firm belief that Celtic will get their wish and soon make Jota a permanent Hoops player. The 62-year-old said:

“Jota looks as if he is signing. Just from what has been said in the papers but it looks like that one will get done.

“He’s not on bad wages for a Scottish club, not bad at all. He played really well last year. Sometimes he would shy away and you can’t do that. But for the majority of the time, when he was on it, Celtic were on it.

“He was the catalyst for a lot of good performances last season and he will only get better if he has a full pre-season with Ange. I’ll be delighted if we get him over the line.”

The Verdict: Matter of time?

While there may be concerns that Jota could be snapped up by another club this summer, it does still seem likely that he will become a Celtic player outright in the coming weeks.

It would be a move which suits all parties, with Benfica willing to sell him, Ange Postecoglou keen to have him and the player himself flourishing in a Hoops shirt and wanting to remain in Glasgow.

If Celtic can sign Jota for good, it would arguably feel more important than any new player coming in, with the winger potentially being a key figure at Parkhead for many years to come, providing trickery out wide and delivering consistent end product.

In other news, Celtic are reportedly ‘in the market’ for one type of player this summer. Read more here

Liverpool are expected to agree a new deal with midfielder Naby Keita in the near future, according to reliable journalist Paul Joyce.

The Lowdown: Keita’s best season yet

The Guinean enjoyed arguably his best season in a Reds shirt in 2021/22, finally managing to remain relatively injury-free and playing his part in a great campaign.

Keita made 40 appearances in all competitions, including 23 in the Premier League, with Jurgen Klopp hailing him as ‘one of the best midfielders I ever saw’.

The 27-year-old’s current Liverpool deal expires in 2023, but it looks as though his stay at Anfield will be prolonged.

The Latest: Joyce drops contract claim

According to The Times‘ Joyce, the Reds are in discussions with Keita over a new contract – one that would keep him at the club for several more years to come.

He is expected to accept the offer, having joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig back in 2018, before officially moving there a year later.

[freshpress-quiz id=“398089″]

The Verdict: Deserves a new deal

Keita remains a divisive figure with Reds supporters, with some adoring him and others feeling he has flattered to deceive, but last season was proof of what he can offer.

As mentioned, he managed to stay largely fit, which has been an issue in the past, and an 86% pass completion rate was accompanied by an average of 2.0 tackles per game – Virgil van Dijk has even described him as ‘world class’, which speaks volumes.

Finally strutting his best stuff on Merseyside, Keita fully deserves a new deal and the hope is that he still has another gear to find, as he heads into what could be the peak years of his career.

In other news, Liverpool are believed to have given up on signing one player. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged regarding Sunderland’s interest in signing Dion Sanderson in the upcoming summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Northern Echo, the Black Cats are keen on a swoop to bring the 22-year-old back to the club as Kristjaan Speakman plots a bid to improve Alex Neil’s squad.

The report claims that the 6 foot 3 tank does not feature in Wolves’ plans for the 2022/23 campaign, with the Premier League club willing to let him go in the coming months.

Sunderland are now prepared to offer Sanderson a way out of Molineux and are open to either a loan or permanent deal for the defender.

He’ll get the Stadium of Light rocking

Bringing Sanderson back for a second spell on Wearside will get the stadium rocking, as he enjoyed an excellent time on loan at the club in the 2020/21 campaign.

The centre-back played 26 times in League One that season and averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.92. He won 61% of his individual duels in total and made 1.9 tackles and interceptions per game as he caught the eye at the back, earning plaudits from his manager at the time.

Former Black Cats boss Lee Johnson previously lauded the defender, saying: “He’s a centre-half and at his age level he is an absolute Rolls-Royce.”

Sanderson’s statistics and his ex-manager’s comments suggest that the 22-year-old impressed during his time on loan at Sunderland two years ago, and that is why the fans would surely love to see him back. The stadium would be rocking with excitement to see him in action again, particularly after the club’s recent promotion.

The 22-year-old has Championship experience from his time on loan at Birmingham and QPR in the second tier last term. He recorded 26 appearances between the two clubs and made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match as he picked up valuable game-time throughout the campaign, which means that he knows what it takes to perform at that level.

Sanderson also still has plenty of scope for further improvement as he is in the early throes of his career at the age of 22. He is a player with whom Neil can work over time on the training pitch to help him fulfill his potential as a centre-back.

Hopefully Speakman can get this deal over the line and the fans can look forward to seeing him in Sunderland colours again next season.

AND in other news, “Expected imminently”: Sky Sports journalist drops big Sunderland claim, supporters will love it…

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Max Aarons to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

That’s according to a recent report by TEAMtalk, who claim that, following Norwich City’s relegation from the Premier League, Dean Smith’s side are now preparing for the departure of the right-back – who is reported to be available for a figure in the region of £20m.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

The report goes on to state that Leeds United, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leicester City, Manchester City and Manchester United are all keen on a move for the England U21 international, with Victor Orta believed to have already made contact with the Canaries regarding a deal for the defender.

Walker 2.0

While it is true that Norwich endured something of a nightmare campaign in the Premier League this term – finishing bottom of the table on a mere 22 points, conceding a league-high 84 goals and winning just five games all season – this by no stretch of the imagination truly reflects Aarons’ ability at the back.

Despite playing for the worst team in the division in both 2019/20 and 2021/22, the £19.8m-rated talent has still managed to develop a reputation as one of “one of the best young players” in the top flight of English football – in the words of his former manager, Daniel Farke.

Indeed, over his 70 Premier League appearances, the £17k-per-week right-back has highly impressed for the Canaries, helping his side keep nine clean sheets, registering three assists and creating nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.4 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the 22-year-old ranks in the top 4% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for blocks per 90 mins, as well as the top 29% for progressive carries, the top 25% for dribbles, the top 44% for pressures and the top 39% for clearances over the last 365 days.

As such, considering Aarons has achieved these metrics while playing for a side that have conceded the most and scored the fewest goals in each of their last two Premier League campaigns, the prospect of the player who Breaking The Lines journalist Tom Quartly compared to Kyle Walker lining up on the right of a competent backline is certainly an incredibly exciting one.

Indeed, if the youngster is available for a figure of just £20m this summer, Orta simply must do everything in his power to win the race for the “unbelievable” Aarons, as the England youth international could well prove that, in a better side, he can go on to develop into the next Walker.

AND in other news: Victor Orta could land Gundogan 2.0 with Leeds bid for “extraordinary” £64k-p/w talent

Journalist Craig Vickers has hailed current Hearts and incoming Rangers defender John Souttar for his display in the Scottish Cup final.

The Lowdown: Rangers vs Hearts

Rangers took to Hampden Park to face off against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final, just three days after their agonising loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final, having missed out on penalties.

Both sides went into half-time goalless, having each failed to capitalise on respective excellent chances. Ellis Simms hit the post for Hearts, whilst Amad Diallo headed over from six yards for Rangers.

Whilst coming close numerous times in the second half, including Scott Wright hitting the bar in the third minute of extra time, Rangers were held to a stalemate within the 90 minutes.

However, Rangers came out all guns blazing for extra time, and in the 93rd minute, Ryan Jack smashed home to give the Gers the lead.

Just four minutes later, Wright emphatically doubled the score, sending Rangers to their first Scottish Cup victory in 13 years.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-4/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Vickers lauds Souttar

During the January window, Rangers announced the signing of Hearts defender John Souttar on a pre-contract agreement.

Taking to the field for the cup final, Souttar set about playing his last game in a Jambos shirt.

Freelance journalist Craig Vickers was very complimentary of the soon-to-be Rangers man, clearly impressed with the Glasgow club’s free signing. Taking to Twitter, he was stunned by the player’s ability on the ball.

“Souttar is so good stepping into midfield with the ball. Going to be interesting to see how GvB uses that next season because it’s something Goldson lacks despite his quality passing range.”

The Verdict: Good addition

Described by Hearts ace Josh Ginnelly as a “world-class player”, Souttar’s arrival at Ibrox will prove to be a massive addition to van Bronckhorst’s squad.

According to SofaScore, the 25-year-old has been rated Hearts’ best player this season, having averaged a sensational 7.30 rating.

Therefore, if the Scotland international can maintain this form going into next season, the free transfer will prove to be a massive piece of business for Rangers.

In other news: Rangers: Paddy Kenny issues summer transfer warning

A big Celtic summer transfer window update has emerged on the club’s plans for Cameron Carter-Vickers…

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the Hoops’ number one objective ahead of the 2022/23 campaign is to sign the American defender at the end of his loan spell at Parkhead.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Celtic have got a list of potential replacements if they’re not able to make this Carter-Vickers deal a permanent arrangement from Tottenham.

“But that’s the priority right now. They want to make this deal permanent.”

Spurs reportedly want a deal worth up to £10m for the central defender and O’Rourke has confirmed that the club will be pushing to get a move over the line.

Great news for Ange Postecoglou

This is great news for the Celtic head coach as bringing Carter-Vickers in on a permanent basis would be a terrific signing for the club in the short and long-term.

The defender enjoyed a phenomenal season on loan in Glasgow as he played a huge role in the team winning the Premiership title. He arrived on a temporary basis last summer and hit the ground running as he quickly established himself at the heart of the backline for Postecoglou.

Carter-Vickers ended the campaign with an average SofaScore rating of 7.33 across 33 appearances – out of a possible 38 – in the Scottish top-flight. The defender won 68% of his individual duels in the competition and made 4.1 clearances per game as he proved his quality at his level.

This shows that he will be a fantastic addition to the squad in the short-term next season, as Celtic know that he is able to consistently perform to a high standard.

In the long-term, Carter-Vickers will be an investment for the club. At the age of 24, he has plenty of development left ahead of him and this means that he can improve as a player and increase his potential value.

The centre-back can be sold on for a huge profit in the future if he is able to fulfil his potential and make himself an attractive target for top European teams. This makes him a shrewd signing both in terms of what he offers on the pitch and what he can offer to the club in the future in a financial sense.

Therefore, it is great news for Postecoglou that the club have made a permanent swoop for the centre-back a priority.

AND in other news, Agreement made: Behind-scenes transfer development emerges, it’s bad news for Celtic…

Sunderland journalist James Copley has shared some big VAR news before their League One play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, shortly before official confirmation came from the EFL.

The Lowdown: Huge game for Sunderland

After knocking out Sheffield Wednesday over two legs in the play-off semi-finals, Alex Neil knows that his side are now only one win away from returning to the Championship.

Beating Wycombe will not be easy though, as they knocked out third-placed MK Dons in the other semi-final, and they were promoted from League One through this very route just a couple of years ago.

The Latest: VAR news

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Sunderland Echo journalist Copley revealed that ‘discussions’ had been ‘ongoing’ between the two clubs and the EFL over the use of VAR at Wembley for the final.

He outlined: “I’m told ‘discussions are ongoing’ between the EFL, Sunderland and Wycombe Wanderers in regards to potentially using VAR in the League One play-off final.”

At noon on Monday, the EFL confirmed that VAR will indeed be used for all three play-off finals to be held at Wembley over the next fortnight.

The Verdict: Needed

Even though VAR has not been used for the entirety of the League One campaign, this is simply too big a game to ignore it, with the stakes too high not to make use of the technology when it is available.

It had been suggested that the teams competing in the Championship play-offs would welcome its use, and judging by Copley’s tweet about the ‘discussions’ involving the relevant clubs, it seems as if those involved in the League One and League Two play-offs are also open to VAR being utilised if needed.

The technology is there to help the referees reach the right decisions, and while it has had its critics, the EFL’s decision should be welcomed by both Sunderland and Wycombe ahead of Saturday’s pivotal showdown.

In other news, this Sunderland ‘pocket dynamo’ is now being linked with a summer exit

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, the Magpies are one of a number of clubs hoping to snap him up on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Eddie Howe is plotting a swoop for the striker but will need to fight off interest from Brighton, West Ham and Crystal Palace, among others.

The striker is valued at £9m by Transfermarkt at present.

Huge upgrade on Chris Wood

PIF must ensure that they can work with Howe to get this deal over the line as Nketiah would be a huge upgrade on Wood at the top end of the pitch.

Newcastle brought the New Zealand international in from Burnley during the January transfer window and he has struggled to live up to his £25m value.

Since arriving on Tyneside, he has found the back of the net twice in 16 appearances – once from open play – for the Magpies. He has scored five goals in 33 games for the Clarets and the Toon combined this term – missing nine ‘big chances’ and amassing 8.22 Expected Goals along the way.

Nketiah, meanwhile, has started five Premier League matches for the Gunners and produced four goals and one assist from 4.26 xG. This shows that he is finishing off the chances he is being provided with instead of wasting them, as Wood has been doing throughout the season.

Former Magpies forward Michael Owen previously lavished praise on the Englishman, saying: “He’s very good. He’s got a real smell for it, hasn’t he? He knows where the ball’s going to drop. I like his movement. I like his hunger to score goals. With his attitude, the way he plays, he’s just going to be a goal machine all his career.”

He also excelled in the EFL Cup as he scored five times in four starts in the competition earlier in the season for the Gunners. This means that he has scored nine goals in nine starts for Arsenal in the League Cup and Premier League combined, living up to Owen’s comments on his goalscoring prowess.

Nketiah is also eight years younger than Wood and this means that he has the potential to improve and develop over time. He is already proving himself to be a better striker than the former Burnley man, so imagine how good he can be after a couple of seasons working with Howe.

The £17k-per-week England U21 international would be a major upgrade on the 30-year-old dud and Newcastle must work hard to get this deal done.

AND in other news, “Sources have confirmed”: Edwards drops huge Newcastle claim that’ll excite supporters…

West Ham stands on the brink of a historic season, with David Moyes and his men close to a Europa League final appearance and challenging for a top-six spot in the Premier League.

This has been a remarkable turnaround since Moyes took charge of his second spell at the Hammers and is a direct product of his excellent recruitment that have propelled them to unparalleled heights so far this term.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news!”]

Recruitment is key for success obviously but promoting youth talents should also be deemed paramount to long-term glory and West Ham have a fair few talents blossoming in the U23 squad.

One such player is left winger Armstrong Okoflex, who signed from Celtic last summer and is one of the squad’s brightest talents.  As a result, Moyes should get ready to unleash him in the near future as he could cause all kinds of threats.

The 20-year-old has 11 goals and two assists in 21 matches in the Premier League 2 this season and this is the type of form that Moyes will be paying close attention to.

Former Hammer Carlton Cole dubbed him as a “revelation” just a couple of months ago and with 17 goals in all competitions, it’s hard to argue with this sort of praise.

Okofloex could well be Said Benrahma 2.0 as the two are rather similar, with both playing in the same position and the pair having a similar eye for goal.

Indeed, the young talent even dreams of following in the Algerian’s footsteps, revealing in an interview: “The likes of Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen, I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can, especially Benrahma because of the way he dribbles with the ball and is creative. I’m happy to be here around the first team whenever I can.”

It would be nice for Moyes to have some added competition in the first team, especially for the likes of Benrahma and although this season could be a step too soon for the 20-year-old, the manager might unleash him after the summer.

The future is bright for Okoflex, the main question is, will he take his opportunity when it comes?

AND in other news, Contact made: West Ham plot bid for 14-goal gem, he could become a £63m-rated talent