All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Reliable journalist James Ducker of The Telegraph has now shared a big Manchester City transfer update involving Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips.

The Lowdown: City eye move…

The Premier League champions could be set for a major summer rebuild after retaining their domestic crown in the most dramatic fashion.

Three goals in five minutes against Aston Villa on the 2021/2022 final day sealed one of the most dramatic title-winning comebacks in English football history, fittingly 10 years after Sergio Aguero’s 93:20 heroics.

However, big changes could be on the horizon at Eastlands as club legend Fernandinho now ends a memorable nine-year stay with many others players tipped to leave.

Pep Guardiola could lose Raheem Sterling, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus, Nathan Ake and Oleksandr Zinchenko (The Times) with Barcelona also eyeing a move for superstar midfielder Bernardo Silva.

As such, new additions may be needed after Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, with Leeds favourite Phillips among the targets eyed to replace Fernandinho in midfield.

The Latest: Man City to make imminent ‘approach’…

According to The Telegraph, City ‘do not intend to hang around’ and are expected to make an ‘official approach’ to Leeds ‘later this month’.

The Sky Blues plan to make imminent contact, specifically once ‘England internationals are out the way’, but the Whites apparently haven’t given up all hope of tying their big name down to fresh terms.

The Verdict: Promising update…

Phillips would come as both a quality and reasonably priced addition to rotate with Rodri in front of Guardiola’s back four.

As the Spaniard chases a ‘top, top’ player, as he was called by pundit Kevin Phillips, we believe the 26-year-old would be an astute signing for just £60 million, with his age and status as an England regular preserving that value for years to come.

According to WhoScored, Phillips averaged more tackles per 90 in the top flight than any City star over 21/22, seemingly backing why City believe he would be a robust option and are set to push forward.

In other news: Man City ‘offer’ to sign ‘unplayable’ star on the cards, Pep called him ‘incredible’! Find out more here.

West Ham United are believed to have been offered the chance to sign Cagliari striker Giovanni Simeone, as the club’s hunt for a new centre-forward continues.

What’s the word?

According to club insider ExWHUemployee, the Argentine striker is a player that has been offered to the Hammers in the past, with the Serie A side seemingly keen to cash in on the 26-year-old after his impressive form on loan at Hellas Verona last term.

Following a report from The Times that suggested the east London outfit could have the opportunity to sign the Madrid-born gem this summer, the trusted source took to Twitter to corroborate those claims, having been asked about their validity: “Yeah we have been offered him in the past too”.

There has been suggestion that David Moyes is unwilling to break the bank to secure a new centre-forward in the current window, although previous reports have suggested that the former Fiorentina man could cost as little as €15m (£12.8m).

Supporters will love it

That news will no doubt go down well with the Irons’ faithful, with supporters seemingly desperate for the club to bring in a new striker this summer, having seen the current squad left far too reliant on Michail Antonio in recent times.

The presence of Jarrod Bowen – who netted 12 league goals last term – has undoubtedly helped to add additional firepower from the flanks, although a prolific number nine still appears the top priority, particularly with Antonio having never scored more than ten league goals in a top-flight campaign.

In Simeone then, GSB could well secure a player who plundered 17 goals in Serie A last term, with the £47k-per-week marksman – who is the son of Atletico Madrid boss, Diego – putting in career-best figures during his temporary spell in Verona.

While not typically prolific, the £15.3m-rated man proved in the 2021/22 campaign just what a lethal presence he can be in front of goal when given the opportunity, with the five-cap star set to take a great deal of momentum into next term.

He also appears a Moyes striker in the making due to his impressive work ethic, as he ranks in the top 7% for blocks and the top 16% for pressures made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, proving himself willing to do the hard yards when leading the line.

West Ham supporters would no doubt worship a player who not only gives his all but also knows where the goal is, with the aforementioned Antonio having at times been lacking in the latter regard.

IN other news, “A chance…”: Ex drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their pursuit of a new left-back heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Connor McGilligan has revealed that a German full-back is on Victor Orta’s radar as the Lillywhites chief plots new additions to Jesse Marsch’s team.

Speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan said:

“Apparently Leeds United are out there looking at left-back as well in Kai Wagner. I believe he plays for Philadelphia Union.

He went on to add: “But that is just a rumour. A little bit of a very quiet rumour that I’ve been told off air. So yeah, we’ll have to wait and see with that one.

“But it is good that Leeds are focusing in on a left-back as well because I’m a little bit worried I’m not hearing anything on that, apart from a couple of quiet rumours behind closed doors.”

Big Junior Firpo upgrade

Orta can land a big upgrade on the club’s current left-back by sealing a deal to sign the 25-year-old MLS gem in the coming months.

Firpo endured a torrid first season in the Premier League as he struggled throughout the campaign. He averaged a poor SofaScore rating of 6.60 as he played in 24 matches for the Lillywhites, showing that he failed to deliver quality displays on a consistent basis.

[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!”]

Robin Koch (6.52) was the only senior member of the squad with a lower average rating than the ex-Barcelona man and this illustrates how disappointing he was for Marcelo Bielsa and then Marsch.

In Wagner, however, Leeds can improve their options in that area of the pitch. The German defender has been in sensational form in the MLS this year as he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.36 in 14 outings, showing that he has been able to maintain a high standard in his performances.

He was dubbed “fighter” by ex-Union defender Aurelien Collin and lauded as a “very unique” by Philadelphia Union boss Jim Curtin, which shows how highly he is rated by those within the game.

In 2022, he has made 3.2 tackles and interceptions and created 2.4 chances per game in the MLS. This shows that he can make an impact at both ends of the pitch as he can defend and win the ball back for his team whilst also providing quality in the final third.

Therefore, if he can adapt to English football, he can be a big upgrade on the underperforming Firpo and is a player Marsch would love to work with.

AND in other news, Orta can seal “outstanding” Raphinha replacement with Leeds bid for £72k-p/w “machine”…

Manchester United have been linked with Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio recently and the Spain international could be the ideal man to replace Juan Mata in Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to reports from Spain, Asensio’s agent Jorge Mendes wants to bring his client to Old Trafford this summer as he eyes a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ten Hag will surely be in the market for attacking reinforcements given the departures of Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Mata so far this summer, as well as Mason Greenwood’s absence, and Asensio could provide some much-needed quality in attack.

The Red Devils managed just 57 goals in the most recent Premier League season and finished with a neutral goal difference, so the signing of Asensio would perhaps take some of the pressure off Bruno Fernandes as the chief creator in United’s midfield.

Mata 2.0

Mata joined United from Chelsea in January 2014 and went on to make 285 appearances during his time at Old Trafford, contributing 51 goals and 47 assists.

The Spaniard was capable of playing on either wing and as an attacking midfielder, which is where Asensio has mainly been deployed during his time at Madrid, so the similarities are clear to see.

WhoScored suggests that both Mata and Asensio’s strengths include their ability to pass and hold on to the ball, while the Madrid man is also adept at shooting from range.

Transfermarkt currently values the 26-year-old at £36m so he wouldn’t come cheap, but Madrid may be keen to move him on given that his contract is set to expire at the end of next season.

Last season saw the former Mallorca man make 31 appearances in La Liga for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, in which he contributed ten goals.

The Champions League-winning manager was full of praise for Asensio after his winning goal against Granada last season, saying:

“Asensio is very important for us. He has quality and commitment. He’s a very important player for us and we’ve won tonight via his greatest quality, his shooting.”

Given that recently departed interim manager Ralf Ragnick was critical of a number of players’ commitment at United, Asensio seems like exactly the sort of player Ten Hag will need if he is to improve his side’s fortunes next season.

Although Mata didn’t feature too much in his final season at Old Trafford, he will certainly leave a hole in the squad and Asensio might just be the man to fill it.

And in other news… United in ‘direct contact’ with former ten Hag favourite 

West Ham United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, with the Hammers currently engaged in talks with the Ligue 1 outfit.

What’s the word?

As per 90min, the east Londoners are ‘continuing to hold talks’ with the French club in the hope of coming to an agreement for the Morocco international, with David Moyes ‘close to agreeing a fee’ for the 26-year-old.

The report suggests that the centre-back has emerged as West Ham’s ‘primary target’ to solve their defensive woes, having been caught short this season due to a lack of depth in the centre of defence.

[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!”]

Nonetheless, it is believed that one of the club’s current options will still be moved on in order to accommodate the arrival of the 19-cap colossus, with previous reports suggesting that a fee of around £20m could be enough for the Irons to get their man.

West Ham’s own Pique

The arrival of the former Dijon player would no doubt be a major coup for GSB, with the £8.1m-rated defender having been dubbed a “real boss” by the French media earlier this season for his impressive form, having helped his current side secure an impressive fourth-place finish in the league.

The £8.9k-per-week gem netted twice and registered two assists in 31 league outings in the most recent campaign, while also averaging four clearances per game and winning 62% of his total duels.

His ability in possession could also prove hugely beneficial to Moyes’ side, as he ranks in the top 10% for passes attempted and in the top 16% for pass completion among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

That ball-playing ability could mean that the east Londoners may well have their own Gerard Pique on their hands, with the pair noted as similar players by FBRef due to their closely mirrored statistical profiles.

While at 34 the Barcelona icon may no longer be quite at his peak, it is Aguerd (30) who made more tackles than the Spaniard (22) in the league in 2021/22, while the Rennes defender has also come out on top for interceptions made (54 to 35).

If the West Ham target can enjoy even a fraction of the success that the Spanish legend has had, then the Premier League side will be in for a treat with Aguerd, with it rare that such a commodity comes available for what is seemingly a relative bargain price.

IN other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop 

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino will be ‘dropped’ for the Reds’ Premier League clash against Wolves this afternoon, according to former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Liverpool face huge day

Jurgen Klopp’s side go into the final day of the league season knowing they must beat Bruno Lage’s visitors in order to realistically have any chance of winning the title.

Liverpool will also be relying on Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa doing them a huge favour, as they make the trip to the Etihad Stadium to face league leaders Manchester City.

Firmino started in Tuesday’s 2-1 win away to Southampton as Klopp rang the changes, but the 30-year-old could struggle to keep his place against Wolves.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-33/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Firmino backed to be dropped

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson claimed that the Brazilian would make way for others in the starting lineup for Liverpool today. The ex-Leeds goalkeeper stated:

“Firmino played against Southampton to give the others a rest. I think Salah, Mane and Diaz will come back in against Wolves.

“There is a squad for a reason. Yes, Firmino came in and did well and helped them get a massive three points but that is what was expected of him. That is what the manager wants and that is why he is part of the squad.

“It is a massive game at the weekend so I think Klopp will go full strength and Firmino is not part of Liverpool’s best XI anymore.

“We are in an era of football where you can put in a 10/10 performance on the weekend and be dropped a few days later. That is the way it is. Firmino will be part of the rotation.”

The Verdict: Firmino likely to be benched

Firmino has been a wonderful servant for Liverpool, scoring 98 goals in 325 appearances, leading the line in superb fashion for many years and being hailed as ‘world-class’ by Klopp.

The 30-year-old is no longer a guaranteed starter, though, and it would be a surprise if he didn’t make way for Sadio Mane this afternoon, with the Senegal star thriving in a new central role.

Firmino could still be a key figure from the substitutes’ bench, affecting the game in a positive manner in the second half if needed, but it feels as though he has made his last start of the season, especially with him not long back from a foot injury.

In other news, Liverpool are demanding £17million for one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon is unsure whether Crystal Palace would pay ‘big money’ for Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The Lowdown: Wan-Bissaka links

Palace sold the 24-year-old to United back in 2019 in a deal worth £49.5m, with Wan-Bissaka making 126 appearances for the Red Devils since then.

Reports earlier this month linked the Eagles with a move for their former defender over the summer, suggesting a loan deal was more likely than a permanent move.

Sky Sports have now revealed that the full-back isn’t in Erik ten Hag’s plans and that United will listen to permanent offers as a result.

The Latest: Nixon reacts

Nixon was asked by a Palace fan on Twitter if the Eagles were in the frame to bring Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park following the major update from Sky Sports.

The journalist described it as an ‘odd development’, adding he isn’t sure if ‘Palace would pay big money or wages’.

“It’s an odd development as he wasn’t available a month ago… not sure Palace would pay big money or wages… maybe have other priorities right now.”

The Verdict: Loan with option to buy?

Patrick Vieira has just two right-backs on the books heading into his second season in charge. Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne are both over 30, with the latter of the two actually out of contract at the end of June.

Therefore, a new right-back could be of interest to the Eagles, so a season-long loan offer for Wan-Bissaka which includes an option to buy could be a wise move.

That would then allow Vieira to bolster other areas of the pitch with permanent signings, where a new midfielder could also be high on the agenda, especially as regular Conor Gallagher looks set to return to Chelsea.

In other news: ‘Outstanding’ Palace ace may now quit SE25; could ask Parish to terminate his deal  

Newcastle United have reportedly now held talks over the possibility of signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the summer.

The Lowdown: Injury-hit season

Unfortunately for the Everton striker, he has been hit with numerous Premier League relegation scrap.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Hailed as an ‘amazing’ striker by Toffees team-mate and former Magpies hitman Salomon Rondon, and called ‘one of the best‘ in his position by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, there is no doubt that Calvert-Lewin would still be a good signing for whoever is able to land him.

The Latest: Calvert-Lewin talks

As per Football Insider, a source from St James’ Park has shared that Calvert-Lewin is on Newcastle’s list of targets, and early talks have now taken place with the player’s representatives.

However, the England striker would prefer to join Arsenal over the Magpies, should a decision need to be made.

The Verdict: Wait for relegation battle to end

Newcastle should wait to see whether or not Everton stay up before deciding to splash the cash on Calvert-Lewin.

If the Toffees do end up getting relegated, then the Magpies could potentially sign him for a cheaper price. However, if Frank Lampard’s side stay in the Premier League, the striker may come at a premium.

Nonetheless, Calvert-Lewin would be a good option for Newcastle as an England international and proven Premier League scorer, while he is also at an ideal age at 25.

In other news, find out who else NUFC are now ‘chasing’ this summer

Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Premier League title chasers Manchester City in tonight’s late kick-off.

The Old Gold managed an emphatic late comeback last time out against Chelsea, courtesy of a Chiquinho masterclass that left Tuchel dumbfounded.

Their 2-2 draw ended both a three-game losing streak and three-game goalless streak, so Lage’s side will of course now look to build on the point earned at Stamford Bridge in order to boost their chances of playing European football next season.

Manchester City, whilst hindered with injuries, will still give it their all with a Premier League title just enough to cover their blushes from the shock Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

In a game that sees the Premier League’s best defence go up against the fourth best defence in the league, we can expect both sides to be well-organised in what should make for a tight affair.

After all, Manchester City narrowly won 1-0 in the reverse fixture, courtesy of a Raheem Sterling penalty.

Will Lage make any changes to the team which started in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea last time out? Here is how we at Football FanCast believe Wolves could line up in the game against Manchester City.

With Lage out with illness, Wolves’ fitness coach Carlos Cachada provided an update over the health of the squad on Monday, saying:

“At this moment we remain exactly the same, with the same injuries. The three guys are Daniel Podence, Nelson Semedo and Max Kilman.”

Though with centre-back Roman Saiss picking up a knock at Stamford Bridge, he may also be a doubt and will be assessed by the medical team ahead of the game.

As a result, our predicted XI sees just one change for Wolves, with £900k-rated wonderkid Toti Gomes coming in for the £28k-per week defender Saiss – who has previously been dubbed “awful” by Rob Howard – and may not be risked against Pep Guardiola’s side. Considering his fitness anyway, it may be best for everyone involved if he’s given the night off.

Meanwhile, with the Moroccan expected to depart amidst his expiring contract, Lage may well look to test Gomes over the next few games to see if he is a viable long-term replacement.

Despite setting up both goals against Chelsea, Chiquinho does not start in our predicted XI, as we believe Lage will look to use him as a secret weapon throughout the mid-point of the game, when concentration levels will be lower among the City defenders.

Elsewhere, it is the same squad that earned a point at Stamford Bridge, with Lage’s recent switch to 3-5-2 giving Wolves much more potency in attack.

In other news: Lage must unleash “ridiculous” prodigy vs Man City, his “explosiveness” will scare Pep 

Liverpool are already being linked to several players this summer despite the current team still being involved in the opportunity to win three more trophies this season.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has given an update on one particular transfer target.

What’s the latest?

The Italian journalist and transfer insider took to his column with Anfield Watch to reveal one player who won’t be joining the quadruple-chasing club next season.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

Romano wrote: “Renato Sanches was one of the names on the shortlist back in 2021, but a move remains unlikely, with the Portuguese’s salary demands especially ambitious and the competition for his signature high.”

Supporters will be gutted

If there is any area of the pitch that could use some fresh legs this summer it is the midfield, after FSG failed to replace Georginio Wijnaldum last summer following his move to Paris Saint-Germain, so supporters will likely be gutted that a deal for Renato Sanches is looking unlikely.

Liverpool were linked to the Portuguese midfielder last summer and more recently speculation mounted during the January transfer window but nothing materialised.

There is no doubt that age is not on the side of the majority of the current Liverpool midfielders with Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho all in their 30s, so adding the 24-year-old could have been an option to add depth and another young midfielder into the squad.

Calciomercato is now reporting that the Ligue 1 star has agreed on terms with AC Milan, so Jurgen Klopp will likely have to concede defeat on the potential signing and look elsewhere for players to bolster the midfield this summer.

With that being said, all is not lost for Liverpool as they are heavily linked with Aurelien Tchouameni and Fabio Carvalho who can both offer similar attacking ambition from an advanced midfield role.

Ultimately, whoever joins this tenacious team will have to compete for a spot in the midfield three, with the current crop proving they’re still more than capable of putting in consistent performances that have led the Kopites into potentially having one of their most successful seasons in the history of the club.

AND in other news: Romano: Liverpool in talks to sign “extraordinary” £83m machine, Klopp would love him