All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Brom return from the international break to face an in-form Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge this Easter weekend.

The Baggies are still living precariously in the relegation zone and, in reality, it will take a lot to salvage their Premier League status – but if they’re going to do so, then it must begin with a shock result here.

Sam Allardyce has improved Albion in recent weeks, picking up three clean sheets in their last five outings, which is a vast improvement considering they are still the top-flight’s leakiest defence.

However, shoring up the defence has come at a price – they cannot find the net at the other end of the pitch, meaning that any chance of picking up enough points in the final nine games is looking like an arduous task.

On the Chalkboard

Mbaye Diagne has made a positive impact since arriving in January, but one goal in eight starts is far from encouraging. However, that largely comes down to a lack of service, and as such, it’s time for Big Sam to turn to Grady Diangana to start from the off.

The last time these two sides met, they drew 3-3, and you’d imagine Albion would take that result once again.

During that game, Diangana was a nuisance on the left flank. As per SofaScore, he put in four tackles, provided two key passes and succeeded with 50% of his crossing attempts – this would be far better service to Diagne than what he has been getting.

Against Palace, Matty Phillips – the man who’s likely to make way for the 22-year-old – was hugely wasteful, completing just one of five crosses (20%) and managing only ten passes during his time on the pitch, via SofaScore.

Diangana has struggled to get into the starting XI since he returned from injury, but it was only last season that he provided eight goals and seven assists on West Brom’s way to promotion, and it’s on Big Sam to get that back out of him.

The £10.8m-rated dynamo has been described as “explosive” and a “total nightmare” to play against, so it certainly seems like one huge waste to leave him on the bench when the Baggies are fighting for their Premier League lives, not to mention the £18m fee paid for his services in the summer.

Phillips should not be starting games in the Premier League, as evident by his shocker against the Eagles, so the natural replacement has to be Diangana.

Allardyce would only be doing the Midlands outfit a disservice by not unleashing the tricky winger on Saturday afternoon.

AND in other news, West Brom can secure their next Mulumbu in £8.55m-rated powerhouse…

According to recent reports from Spain, West Ham United are interested in the possibility of signing Villarreal centre-forward Paco Alcacer this summer.

The report by Fichajes (via Sport Witness) claimed that David Moyes is closely monitoring Alcacer ahead of the summer transfer window, as the 57-year-old is keen to finally replace Sebastien Haller, who left to join Ajax in a £20.25m deal back in January.

It is then stated that Villarreal manager Unai Emery would not be best pleased to see the 27-year-old leave the club at the end of the season, with a €25m (£22m) figure being quoted as the sum the La Liga side would require to consider parting with the Spain international come the summer.

Transfer Tavern Take

As the report suggests, West Ham are in rather desperate need of attacking reinforcements in the upcoming window, as Moyes currently has only Michail Antonio as an out-and-out centre-forward in his first team squad.

With the 30-year-old suffering a number of hamstring injuries so far in his time at West Ham, and having picked up a potentially season-ending knock in the Hammers’ victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, Antonio is not exactly a reliable option for the Scot.

As such, it is hardly surprising that West Ham are being linked with centre-forwards this summer, but considering that Alcacer has only found the back of the net five times over his 20 La Liga appearances so far this term, perhaps it could be argued the Hammers may be able spend their money a little more wisely than on the £43,000-per-week forward – especially for the £22m fee quoted.

In other news: West Ham make approach for £12.6m-rated ace; GSB could get him for nothing this summer – find out more here!

Charlton Athletic fell out of the playoff zone as they recorded their first defeat in 11 matches on Saturday afternoon.

Nigel Adkins’ side were beaten by fellow promotion hopefuls Peterborough United at The Valley but they will be left reeling in disappointment that they didn’t come away with at least a point.

The division’s top goalscorer, Jonson Clarke-Harris, fired Posh into an early lead in the ninth minute and right before the break, the Addicks had the perfect opportunity to square things up when Alex Gilbey was fouled inside the box.

Jayden Stockley confidently stepped up but saw his penalty saved by the goalkeeper and despite going on to dominate the second half with 68% possession, Charlton just couldn’t find a way back into the match.

Some could blame the Preston loanee for costing his side dearly but there were far more wasteful teammates that should take the brunt of the criticism first.

None more so than Liam Millar, who struggled to make the same sort of impact we saw in midweek.

After a goal and an assist against Plymouth Argyle, the Liverpool gem starved Stockley of decent service throughout the 90 minutes the pair were on the pitch.

As per SofaScore, the 21-year-old Canadian failed to deliver a single accurate cross from four attempts, leaving his target man striker to feed off scraps inside the box.

Furthermore, Millar could only pull off one successful dribble against the Posh’s right flank of Joe Ward and Nathan Thompson.

His struggle to combat the opposition was further seen by the fact that he made four fouls despite only recording one successful tackle. The 5 foot 11 dynamo even lost 14 of his 20 duels (70%) and was seen losing the ball 23 times – the most of anyone on the pitch, comfortably.

It meant the young winger handed possession back to Peterborough once every 3.9 minutes – or once every three touches – so for all his involvement, he was certainly rather disappointing in terms of end product and on the above evidence, was rather weak and ineffective.

Speaking after the match, Adkins claimed Millar was still “learning his way” but that’s not something they can afford to risk with so much on the line heading into May.

The Addicks are now two points adrift of the playoffs and will need to win that game in hand to rise back into contention this week.

AND in other news,  Adkins must resolve key Bowyer problem to bolster promotion hopes…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are delighted after the club confirmed that Steven Davis has signed a new one-year contract to stay at Ibrox.

The Northern Ireland international’s deal was set to run out at the end of this season. However, despite him being 36 years of age, the Gers have decided to keep him in Glasgow for another 12 months.

While he is quickly approaching the end of his career, Davis clearly still has plenty to offer. So far this term, he has made 40 appearances in all competitions (Transfermarkt) and has been a vital presence for Steven Gerrard’s side throughout the season – after all, they have already clinched the Premiership title, while they have lost just two games across all of the tournamentsin which they have competed (Sky Sports).

The news was shared on the Gers’ official Twitter account, and these fans were delighted with the news. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Davis news below

“Outstanding total machine on the park”

Credit: @Christo87733546

“Delighted to hear it. A classy classy man”

Credit: @IbroxPigeon

“Exactly what everyone at the club and the fans wanted to see, outstanding business”

Credit: @EvanAlex95

“Great news!!! Brilliant that this is sorted out!! @StevenDavis8 you are an absolute legend and I love watching you play”

Credit: @Indy_5_5

“Guy is a total Rolls Royce. So happy with this news”

Credit: @HaytchP

“Can’t wait to see him play more and an ever better chance for me to meet him. He will be here for number 56”

Credit: @sophie27536992

In other news, many Rangers fans slammed this BBC pundit’s comments.

Leeds United’s decision to sell Kasper Schmeichel to Leicester back in the summer of 2011 must surely go down as one of the biggest blunders in the club’s recent history.

Reports claimed that Leeds sold Schmeichel for less than £1m, with then boss Simon Grayson making it clear that the call to sell the Denmark international was one that was in the “best interests” of the Whites, and that it was the “right deal for the club”.

It was suggested by the manager himself that the goalkeeping position was an area he wanted to strengthen that summer, and wanted to sign another senior shot-stopper to follow in the footsteps of Paul Rachubka’s arrival from Blackpool.

Speaking after a move to the Foxes was confirmed, Schmeichel let it be known that the decision for him to leave Elland Road was taken out of his hands, and that it was well and truly against his wishes.

He said at the time: “I want to put on record that I have never asked to leave the Leeds United, nor did I reject an offer for a new contract, since one was never put to me. I was enjoying being a Leeds United player and was looking forward to winning promotion this season with the club.

“I have spoken to the manager Simon Grayson and he has made it clear to me, that, in spite of having played well for him, this is something he believes is a good deal for Leeds United. I have been put in a very difficult situation and will spend some time considering my options for my future.”

Since then, Schmeichel of course has developed into a Premier League stalwart, having earned promotion to the top-flight with Leicester and being part of that now historic side that clinched the title against all odds in 2016.

The big Dane has also picked up 60 senior caps for his country, while he was even named by FIFA as one of the three finalists for the world’s best goalkeeper award back in 2018.

Considering that Leeds pocketed less than a £1m – absolute peanuts both in today’s market and even back in 2011 – it’s surely a shocking call that the Whites must still regret even to this day given how Schmeichel has progressed at the King Power Stadium.

Leeds just weren’t able to see the kind of potential in Schmeichel that Leicester did, and it’s the Foxes who have benefitted the most.

Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has revealed he would like to move to the Premier League and has said it is one of his big dreams to play in England.

Morelos discusses exit

Morelos was heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox last summer, with him even said to have agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 side Lille. However, a transfer never materialised.

Speaking to Caracol Radio in Colombia, the £10.8m-valued 24-year-old has revealed his desire to play south of the border. He said:

“One of my big dreams is the Premier League.

“It is one of the best leagues in the world, there are many important players and important teams. If the opportunity presents itself on my way I am going to take it in the best way.

“It is a football very similar to Scottish football and I would like it very well.”

Unsurprising

This is far from surprising. Morelos has already indicated his desire in the past to play in a more prestigious league (Goal.com); and now that the Gers’ status as Premiership champions has been confirmed, he may well feel that his work in Scotland is done.

At the end of the day, many will always have felt he was destined to play in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Given the Gers have just romped to the title and are in with a chance of making the Europa League quarter-finals, the former HJK Helsinki man’s value may never be higher. A move this summer is perhaps best for all parties.

In other news, some Rangers fans are unhappy with this Old Firm news.

Reports linking Roy Keane with the vacant Celtic managerial role seem to be gathering pace.

On Thursday morning, Football Insider revealed that the Hoops had ‘sensationally’ opened talks with the Irishman and were ready to offer Keane a return to management 10 years on from his last position.

Fresh Keane update

The Daily Mail, cited by the Daily Record, have now had their say on the former Celtic midfielder.

They also claim that the 49-year-old has held discussions with the Hoops hierarchy, with Keane seemingly interested in becoming Neil Lennon’s long-term successor.

However, the latest report added that Keane is just one of a “number of candidates” in the frame to take over in Glasgow, meaning there could be more twists and turns to come yet.

Transfer Tavern take

With more than one outlet now sharing details of Keane’s reported Celtic discussions, it seems as if the Sky Sports pundit could well be making the move back to Scotland.

If he does, we feel it would be a risk, purely based on his lengthy absence from the dugout.

Yes, it would be sensational – causing huge public interest to shift towards Glasgow – but a 10-year gap from being the main man on the touchline could be a cause for concern.

Perhaps some fans will be hoping that one of those other candidates steals the show.

In other news: Report shares who Keane’s number two could be after Wednesday news, find out more here. 

Everton midfielder Anthony Gordon must step up for Carlo Ancelotti as Bernard reportedly nears a move to UAE outfit Al Nasr.

What’s the word?

According to the Liverpool Echo, Toffees chiefs are in official negotiations with Al Nasr over a deal for Bernard.

The Brazilian has entered into the final 18-months of his £120,000-per-week contract and has fallen out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti, with the Italian only starting him twice in the Premier League this season.

Everton are hoping to see a deal for Bernard finalised before Monday night’s deadline in order to clear his lucrative terms from the club’s wage bill, and may even allow the 28-year-old to secure a free transfer just two-and-a-half years on from joining the Blues.

Bernard was omitted from Ancelotti’s matchday squad as Everton lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United on Saturday after being an unused substitute in the prior 1-1 draw with Leicester City, the 12th time this season that he had failed to enter a top-flight fixture from the bench.

Previous reports had suggested that Al Nasr had agreed to sign Bernard on loan with a €5m (£4.5m) obligation to turn the deal permanent at the end of the season, despite claims of Everton wanting £9m amid interest from AS Roma.

Everton parting with Bernard before Monday night’s 23:00 shut off is likely to have implications on Gordon’s future at Goodison Park, with the winger unlikely to be allowed to leave on loan following interest from Championship and Bundesliga clubs.

Time for Gordon to step up

Everton retaining Gordon, if Bernard’s deal to join Al Nasr goes through, will leave Ancelotti needing the youth product to step up, after a handful of underwhelming outings from the youngster in recent weeks and months.

David Unsworth has previously backed Gordon to find a home for himself on the wing, for he boasts “unbelievable pace” and a growing eye for the final pass, but the forward let Everton and Ancelotti down when fielded in the FA Cup against Rotherham United earlier this month.

Gordon was criticised for his poor body language during the third-round tie having shrieked into the shadows after a promising start, going from turning defenders inside out and carving the backline apart to rarely completing a pass and offering no end product.

That performance also came in only the 19-year-old’s third start of the season across all senior competitions, while playing a mere 87 minutes of Premier League action thanks partly to being hauled off just 10 minutes into the second-half at Sheffield United.

Gordon failed to create many one-vs-one opportunities at Bramall Lane and Ancelotti will need to see the England U20 do more if he is to offer the threat from the left that £13.5m-rated flop Bernard could not offer Everton.

It was also those performances that have helped to see Lucas Digne emerge ahead of Gordon, as well as Bernard, in Ancelotti’s pecking order for wide-left options, after the French full-back opened the Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester games in midfield.

If Gordon is to stay at Goodison Park and not leave on loan in line with Bernard’s exit, it has to be time for the Liverpool-born prospect to step up and make the position his.

AND in other news, a £70k-p/w gem let Carlo Ancelotti down as Everton lost to Newcastle…

In recent comments made on Twitter, Italian journalist Nicolo Schira has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have offered RB Leipzig midfielder Marcel Sabitzer a five-year contract.

According to Schira, Sabitzer is the ‘first-choice’ midfielder for Tottenham in the January transfer window and the 26-year-old ‘wants to make the move to London’.

Schira continues by stating that Tottenham ‘have offered’ the £31.5 million-rated man a ‘contract until 2025’ and that the Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, will ‘open talks’ with Leipzig regarding a transfer fee for the Austria international.

Tottenham have been heavily linked with a January move for Sabitzer, who has scored 46 goals and provided 38 assists over his 204 appearances for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, and now, if Schira is to be believed, it would appear that the club have moved one step closer to landing the 26-year-old in the winter window.

Transfer Tavern Take

Considering Sabitzer’s importance to the Leipzig side – the midfielder is the Bundesliga side’s club captain – as well as his current market valuation, it is not difficult to imagine that any deal for the 26-year-old would be an expensive one to complete in the January transfer window.

However, with Spurs struggling for goals from anyone other than Harry Kane or Heung-min Son in the Premier League this season, perhaps the injection of a midfielder with the goal record of Sabitzer could be worth the price for Jose Mourinho’s side.

In other Spurs news, Tottenham have received a boost in their pursuit of this ‘dream’ signing, find out more here!

Southampton have been handed a transfer blow as reported target Nemanja Radonjic has seemingly confirmed that he will stay with Marseille this month.

What’s the word?

Southampton were first linked with the winger in December in the print edition of The Sunday Mirror (06/12, p63), with West Ham and the Saints reportedly keen on taking the Serbian on loan.

However, he has now quashed any rumours of him potentially leaving the Ligue 1 side on loan or permanently this month, as he confirmed earlier this week in an interview with Tutto Mercato Web that:

“I have no intention of leaving Olympique Marseille. I have not had contact with other clubs and I am sure I will stay here. I want to stay at least until the summer and I am happy that the coach has given me more space in the last few races.”

A blow for Hasenhuttl?

This could certainly be considered a blow for Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, especially as Moussa Djenepo now looks set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury against Liverpool recently.

Nathan Redmond has also struggled for fitness and form this season, so adding a winger such as Radonjic could have given the Austrian some much-needed squad depth on the wing.

He would also have surely increased the Saints’ attacking potential, as he has caught the eye with his pace during his time with Marseille, with captain Steve Mandanda saying:

“He has incredible speed and technique skills.”

The 24-year-old has struggled for game time with Les Olympiens so far this season, making just 11 appearances in all competitions, in which he has managed one goal and one assist, as a thigh injury kept him out of the side for much of November and December.

Radonjic averages 0.6 key passes per game for Marseille in Ligue 1, whilst Djenepo and Redmond average 0.4 and 0.2 respectively per game in the Premier League, so it definitely seems as if he would have been a worthwhile addition to Hasenhuttl’s side.

The Serbian international seems determined to stay with Marseille this month, however, which is a shame for Southampton. Despite their impressive start to the season, Radonjic would definitely have added something different to Hasenhuttl’s side and would have been useful to have considering the Austrian’s lack of available options on the left-wing at the moment.

And, in other news, Forget Ings: Semmens must seal Southampton deal which seemed impossible six months ago…