All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Chelsea are a club in a bit of turmoil at the moment, although a midweek win over Malmo in the Europa League will ease the tensions somewhat.

The Blues have been inconsistent to say the very least and are in big danger of not even making the top four come the end of the season, as manager Mauro Sarri already appears to be facing a fight to keep his job.

Chelsea have always had a massive squad, and keeping that squad happy has to be one of the hardest challenges in the top flight, but there are some players there who are simply doing nothing and taking up a wage and space in the squad.

One such player is Danny Drinkwater, who to say has become surplus to requirements would be an understatement.

It was alwasy going to be a big ask for the former Leicester man when he joined Chelsea. He seemd to fit the Foxes well, and a move to a club like Chelsea always posed the risk of swallowing him right up. That has proved to be the case exactly.

There is still a quality player in there though, and Drinkwater can and should get himself out of the club and find a new home to showcase his talents.

A player who was once a regular in England squads and talked about as a starter at his best, his stock has fallen massively, and he needs to shift himself out of The Bridge and onto pastures new ASAP.

Blues fans, would you agree? Let us know in the comments!

Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold has made a claim regarding young forward Dane Scarlett.

The Lowdown: Conte a fan

Scarlett has progressed through the youth system in north London, scoring 27 goals for the U18s and U23s and has now established himself in the senior squad.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-copy/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He made his Premier League debut from the bench in last month’s 4-0 win over Leeds United and has missed just two Premier League matchday squads since New Year’s Day.

Conte was full of praise for the youngster following the win over West Ham prior to the international break, believing Scarlett has a ‘brilliant future’ in the game.

The Latest: Gold’s comments

Gold ran a Q&A on football.london on Thursday lunchtime and was asked by one Spurs supporter about the possibility of Scarlett getting a real shot under Conte next season.

He expects Scarlett to remain in north London next season and added that a full pre-season under the Italian would ‘be a big deal’.

“I think they’ll make a decision over Dane Scarlett’s next steps in the summer but, at this point, I’d expect them to keep him at the club next season to continue to learn and get more chances to play. That Conte spoke about him, unprompted, on Sunday was a great sign and suggests he’s making big strides behind the scenes.

“A pre-season with Conte would be a big deal for the teenager and could really help him continue to develop. Spurs will likely bring in another striker during the transfer window and that would see the three strikers used for all the competitions and perhaps the club look at a loan for Dane in January if post-Christmas he’s going to get less game time.

“Who knows, he might just have made a big splash by that point if he continues to move towards that “brilliant future” Conte says he has ahead.”

The Verdict: Good news

Scarlett has made the most of Spurs failing to sign an out and out centre-forward to rival Harry Kane, catching Conte’s eye in recent months.

As Gold mentions, a loan at the beginning of 2023 could be a smart idea for the 18-year-old, providing the club add to their attacking ranks in the summer.

It appears as if Tottenham have high hopes for the teenager, so you’d expect a new contract could be in the pipeline as well, with his current deal set to expire in just over 12 months’ time.

In other news: Sky Sports man now reveals big Tottenham injury update before Newcastle. 

Everton have appointed Duncan Ferguson as their caretaker manager whilst they search for a full-time head coach to steer the club out of their struggles this season and back into safety, with the side currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone in 16th, but could the manager they need already be right under their nose?

What’s the word?

Transfer insider, Pete O’Rourke, has given his thoughts on Ferguson’s current position at the club, and where it could lead to if he makes a good impact in the time he has as the current temporary manager.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT:

“It’s in Duncan Ferguson’s hands right now. If he does well, I think there’s a real chance he could get the job.”

Fans will be delighted

The idea that Ferguson could make a really positive impact on the Everton side would be a dream for the fans, as many took to social media wanting the coach to become the manager until at least the end of the season, with one Toffees fan tweeting:

“Duncan Ferguson until the end of the season – he will unite the fanbase. Appoint a new DOF by the summer. Let the DOF decide the next manager. That has to be the plan for Everton.”

Indeed, the Scotsman is a huge fan favourite and legend at the club, playing out most of his career at Goodison with 260 appearances, 68 goals and five assists during his time.

He also won the FA Cup with Everton in 1995, which was the last time the Toffees won a trophy, 27 years ago. He has since taken on a coaching role, outliving six managers so far and remaining an important part of the club to this day, where he is caretaker for the second time in less than three years.

Moshiri needs to make an important decision in recognising the invaluable experience and knowledge of the club that Ferguson offers that money can’t buy.

He has been with the club during the highest highs and in the lowest of lows, with the current situation, one of the lowest points as a relegation battle in the not too distant future is looking a likely scenario if the season continues as it has already.

In the worst case, that could lead Everton to their first ever relegation from the Premier League and their first relegation from top flight football in over 70 years.

Thus, bringing in a manager who gets on well with the supporters is certainly a good idea.

In other news: Moshiri must sign Dele Alli following Doucoure injury

Newcastle United could rival Manchester United in the race to sign Amadou Haidara from RB Leipzig, according to The Mirror.

The lowdown

Newcastle have splashed out £39m so far on two January additions in right-back Kieran Trippier and striker Chris Wood. The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently claimed that they could have as much as £100m to spend this month.

Haidara is predominantly a central midfielder who is occasionally been deployed as a number 6 or out wide. He is currently representing Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations alongside another reported Newcastle target in Yves Bissouma.

The latest

According to The Mirror, Haidara is apparently high on Ralf Rangnick’s wish list at Old Trafford, adding that the German has already ‘put in calls to his old club’.

Leipzig were willing to listen and ‘verbally agreed’ a fee of £33m, but the Red Devils appear to be reluctant to back Rangnick in the transfer market given that he has only been appointed until the end of the season.

The situation has duly ‘caught the eye’ of Newcastle’s PIF ownership, who are now ‘eager to muscle in on a deal’ during the January transfer window.

The verdict

Haidara appears to be a very well-rounded midfielder. When compared to positional peers in the top five European leagues, he ranks in the 85th percentile for both shots and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (via FBRef).

Beyond that, his numbers for progressive passing (93rd percentile), progressive carries (85th) and blocks (93rd) also stand out, while his playing profile is similar to Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans.

What’s more, Leipzig’s technical director Christopher Vivell has marvelled at Haidara’s ‘irrepressible will to win’, in addition to his ‘technique and understanding of the game’.

The Mali midfielder could be a difference-maker on Tyneside if Newcastle take full advantage of Man United’s dithering.

In other news, Keith Downie has an exciting transfer update for Newcastle fans 

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is risking his first howler in charge of the club amid Arsenal’s reported interest in Douglas Luiz.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Gunners are interested in signing the Brazil international in this January transfer window as they look to bolster their midfield options, and Gerrard has now admitted that no talks over a new contract have begun.

He said: “No, we haven’t opened contract talks yet with Douglas. I think in this period and in this window, it has been the case of trying to strengthen the current squad, make additions and, also, find destinations for some of our younger players in terms of loans.

“We still think that there’s room for him to get better and improve. We rate the player extremely high and we’re hoping from now until the end of the season, he can really perform at his best and help the team moving forward.”

Villa fans will be fuming

Reports over the course of the summer suggested that Serie A giants AS Roma were also interested in signing the Brazil international, but a move failed to materialise.

Having stayed put, Luiz has since gone on to enjoy a fine campaign in the Premier League thus far, with his average match rating of 6.91 as per Whoscored being the second-best of any Villa player to have started more than two games.

The Brazilian continues to be a cornerstone of the midfield under Gerrard just like he was when Dean Smith was in charge, with last term seeing him play 33 out of the possible 38 Premier League games as the Midlands club finished just outside the top ten.

Speaking back in 2020, The Athletic journalist Gregg Evans, said of him: “He’s an absolute joy to watch now and I never thought I would be saying that. Villa have got a fantastic player in Douglas Luiz now, he looks like an absolute star, he could have played in that Man United team.”

In fact, in a poll done on Football FanCast back in June, 73% of Villa fans who answered said that they would not sell Luiz this summer (182 votes to 66).

Letting Luiz go, especially on a potential cut-price deal given his contract situation, and that too to a fellow Premier League side like Arsenal, would be a major howler on the part of Gerrard and surely leave Villa fans fuming.

Meanwhile, Gerrard could end the transfer window on a high with this man…

After only picking up a point in their previous Championship match in a 0-0 draw away at relegation strugglers side Barnsley, West Brom currently sit in fourth place in the league table just four points behind league leaders Fulham.

With the January transfer window around the corner, this will give Valerien Ismael the chance to make any changes to his squad that he thinks may increase their chances of securing promotion by the end of the campaign.

One deal that the Baggies could do in January that may not improve their chances of winning promotion but could be very beneficial for one of their rarely seen youngsters, would be to send the £1.7k-per-week Rayhaan Tulloch out on loan until the end of the season.

The likes of Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons and Fleetwood are reportedly monitoring developments around the 20-year-old attacker with an eye for a potential temporary move in January and this could be West Brom’s chance to offload the youngster on a temporary basis and give him the chance to shine at another club if he’s able to get regular playing time.

Taking into account how Tulloch has only played one minute of senior league action for the Baggies this season suggests that he isn’t likely to play regularly during the remainder of the campaign and they aim for promotion, which would make a loan move to a League One club a smart move for the youngster.

The Athletic have claimed that West Brom are looking at bringing a new attacking player to the club in January such as Daryl Dike or Cauley Woodrow and this would only make Tulloch’s chances of playing regularly even less likely.

Labelled a “star boy” in the past by Jonathan Leko, there is every chance he could go on to cement his place at the Hawthorns next term if he plays regularly and manages to show Ismael what he’s made of.

In doing so, he could potentially save the club millions in future transfer fees if they don’t manage to secure a striker if and when he returns from his temporary spell away.

After all, his immense potential is quite incredible. Former England U17 boss, Steve Cooper, once said:

“He’s quick and the type of player that’s broken through a lot recently — like Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi. I’m not saying he’s at that level but he’s that type of player that could quickly change a game through an explosive movement, a quick dribble or a run in behind and that can have quite an impact on a game.”

If West Brom don’t manage to secure a deal for Tulloch to go out on loan in January, even with the number of clubs reportedly eyeing him up, it could then be worth giving the youngster a shot in the team to see if he can help push the club to promotion.

In doing so, it may well prevent Albion from dipping their toes into the market and overpaying for a new forward.

In other news: WBA could spark promotion charge with £2.7m-rated beast who “carries a goal threat” – opinion

Everton have received a potentially significant injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford this afternoon.

What’s the word?

Rafael Benitez revealed in Friday’s press conference that key midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure could make his long-awaited return from a metatarsal issue, having missed the Toffees’ last four top-flight fixtures.

“He’s been training today, so it’s one play that may be available,” the Spaniard confirmed. “Because it’s a metatarsal issue, if he’s fine then he’s fine.

“We have to make sure he goes to the game if everything is healed and the player is confident. It’s always a risk coming back from injury, but not a massive risk.”

Benitez was then quizzed over the availability of another engine room operator Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who has only featured in one minute of action since he was hauled off at half-time against Wolves at the start of the month.

“It’s complicated. After two years, to play against Wolves was not easy. After we had to make a decision against Spurs, I put (Mason) Holgate in – we have to be honest, it didn’t work. Sometimes it’s like that.”

Benitez will be buzzing

News that Dourcure could return to either the starting line-up or the matchday squad for the trip to the Brentford Community Stadium will leave Benitez absolutely buzzing.

The Frenchman is a crucial cog in the Blues’ engine room and was in fine form before he picked up his injury, scoring two goals and providing a further four assists in just eight Premier League appearances.

Since Doucoure’s fitness setback, Everton have only picked up one point from a possible 12, dropping to 12th in the top-flight table and highlighting his importance to the side.

Therefore, the 6-foot beast’s potential return could provide a big boost to Benitez’s charges this afternoon as they attempt to end a six-game winless run.

In other news… Forget Iwobi: Benitez must unleash Everton’s £4.5m-rated “important player” 

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos this summer as David Moyes plans to strengthen his squad during the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Hammers – alongside Premier League rivals Wolves – are keen to bring the 27-year-old to England.

The Argentine has two years left on his contract with the La Liga outfit and played the entire first leg of the two teams’ Europa League round of 16 tie last month, missing the trip to the London Stadium.

Valued by Transfermarkt at £27m, Ocampos has scored nine goals and registered four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season and could be an intriguing addition to the Irons’ squad.

Moyes should sign Ocampos

It’s no secret that, despite another successful season, West Ham need a reshape of their playing personnel this summer. The average age of Moyes’ squad is 28.8 and consists of just 24 players, a low tally considering that they’ve played in four different competitions this term.

Reinforcements in every position are likely to be needed, including in the wide attacking positions.

Although at 27 he wouldn’t bring the average squad age down considerably, Ocampos is at a prime age where he can still improve whilst already having huge experience, something which could potentially shift out the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals or Andriy Yarmolenko.

Most importantly, though, he’s certainly an improvement on some of the Hammers’ current options.

Bowen is arguably an exception, with the Englishman currently West Ham’s top scorer this season with 14 goals. However, the 25-year-old is the only Irons winger who has scored more than Ocampos in 2021/22, with Benrahma scoring nine and Pablo Fornals six, and the ex-Hull City star has been linked with a possible move to Newcastle in recent days.

Moreover, Yarmolenko is expected to depart this summer upon the expiration of his contract, further highlighting the necessity of a winger being on West Ham’s wishlist this summer.

Described as “electric” by journalist Fede Praml, the tricky Sevilla winger currently averages 1.9 shots per game whilst enjoying an 83% passing accuracy and 40% dribbling success. The 27-year-old’s defensive contribution is satisfactory too, with 1.4 tackles and 0.6 clearances per match.

It may take time for the Argentine to adapt to the Premier League and West Ham’s style of play if he moves to east London, but it is crucial that the Hammers finish the next transfer window with a bigger squad than what Moyes current has, especially if they succeed in qualifying for Europe and if Bowen is tempted to Tyneside.

In other news – Imagine him & Zouma: Moyes could unearth West Ham’s next Rio Ferdinand in “clever” £12k-p/w gem

West Ham could sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Abdou Diallo on loan in the January transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Diallo struggling at PSG

The 25-year-old hasn’t always managed to be a regular for PSG this season, in a squad littered with world-class talent.

Diallo only has nine Ligue 1 starts to his name and he could leave the French giants this month, with West Ham linked with a move in recent times.

The left-back’s current deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024 but he could be allowed to leave on loan imminently, with Mauricio Pochettino not seeing him as a key figure.

The Latest: West Ham loan move?

Someone who believes the Hammers could potentially sign Diallo in January is O’Rourke, who told Give Me Sport that he could be shrewd addition at the London Stadium:

“Diallo as well at PSG is down the pecking order in the French capital. If he’s available for loan, he could be a good option for West Ham.”

The Verdict: Good for squad depth

Diallo may not be someone whose arrival raises the roof at West Ham but he could be a good signing in terms of squad depth for the rest of the season, as he can play at both left-back and centre-back.

West Ham are battling in both the Premier League and Europa League and the PSG man could rotate nicely with Arthur Masuaku while Aaron Cresswell is out injured, so a temporary deal seems perfect in that sense.

Diallo has made five appearances in a centre-back role this season too – acting as an added bonus in the absence of Angelo Ogbonna, and his average of three tackles per game in the Champions League in 2021/22 is better than any Hammers player in the Premier League.

In other news, West Ham are still believed to be keen on two Premier League centre-backs. Find out who they are here.

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans have been blasting the performance of Barry Bannan in their 0-0 draw away at Portsmouth in League One on Tuesday night.

It was a game which very quickly turned into a ‘take a point and run’ scenario for Darren Moore and his men after Massimo Luongo was shown a straight red card just shy of the 70-minute mark at Fratton Park.

Nonetheless, Wednesday did well to hold out despite an unorthodox makeshift defence, although they could have done better in possession and when the ball was in the attacking third of the pitch.

Bannan was particularly guilty of giving the ball away far too often – 14 times in total, the fourth-most out of his teammates (SofaScore) – while some Owls supporters were critical of his set pieces.

Indeed, the midfielder misplaced six of his crosses, by far the most out of anyone on the pitch, as he also lost out on four of his duels, and failed to score with either of his shots on goal (SofaScore).

Sheff Wed fans on Bannan display

These Wednesday supporters blasted the Scot’s performance on Twitter, with one going as far as to claim that he was a ‘liability’ against Pompey:

“Bannan is a liability.”

Credit: @electricgiblets

“Barry Bannan’s set pieces are on par with mine on a Sunday. Shocking.”

Credit: @bnewton99

“Bannan has been absolutely abysmal”

Credit: @Ellsjr1992

“Bannan is genuinely the worst corner-kick taker on this planet”

Credit: @JosephO__

“Bannan is just a passenger at the moment. Terrible”

Credit: @_oswfc

“Can someone else please take the Sheffield Wednesday corners. Even the tea lady must be better than Bannan for God’s sake”

Credit: @intelligenceme2

In other news, find out whose display against Pompey was also slammed by many Owls fans