All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Leeds United could sign another Raphinha in PSV starlet Noni Madueke, and the England U21 international appears to be a perfect fit for Marcelo Bielsa.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have claimed that the Whites have reignited their interest in the PSV Eindhoven winger after some third-party discussions, and now, former Leeds man David Norris has thrown his backing behind a potential move.

He said exclusively to Football FanCast: “That high intensity all the time, I don’t always think is going to work because teams will just step off and let them do their thing or play a bit longer and take that out of it.

“Teams are going to know more about them, so they might need a couple of different ways and options of playing. I think his composure is his big thing and he looks like he can play.”

Perfect for Bielsa

With nine goals and eight assists in all competitions last season, Madueke really took his game to another level with PSV in 2020/21, so much so that he earned a call-up to the England under-21 setup, where former manager Aidy Boothroyd talked up his potential.

He said: “He’s a powerhouse of a player, technically very good, left-footed and likes to come in off the side of the pitch, off the right and go and link. He’s got a goal in him, he’s very creative. He’s got a massive smile, a lovely kid. The lads have taken to him, as they would because he’s a good player, he has that respect for what he’s done at PSV.”

His ability to beat players one on one, and of course that natural instinct to come inside onto his stronger left foot, sees obvious comparisons to Raphinha and why Bielsa would no doubt love him at Elland Road.

Former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte raved about the 19-year-old’s style of play, saying (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions.”

Just like Raphinha, who scored six and set up another nine, Madueke can make the difference either as someone to take chances, or create them given his own record last year.

Given that ability to take players on, and the fact he doesn’t shy away from pressing from the front (he won 51% of his duels last season, more than the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison), he appears to be a perfect fit for Bielsa.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have reignited their interest in this “top player”…

Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion are front-runners to lure Liverpool defender Nat Phillips away from Anfield this summer [GOAL].

The Lowdown: Liverpool re-shape their squad ahead of 2021/22

Liverpool will be looking to be back amongst the honours once again in 2021/22, following their third placed finish last term.

the Reds have already seen the high-profile departure of Gini Wijnaldum to PSG [BBC], whilst loanee Ozan Kabak has returned to Schalke after his temporary stint on Merseyside [SB Nation], so a small reshuffle of the squad could be necessary.

Interestingly, there now could now be a third exit through the famous Anfield gates, in the form of the 24-year-old Phillips.

The Latest: Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion lead chase

Currently speaking, Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion are leading the chase for the 6ft 3in colossus [GOAL].

Though the Liverpool hierarchy would be hesitant to sell Phillips, they understand his desire to play regular first-team football and could relinquish his services for the right price [GOAL]. No mooted fee has been established as of yet regarding his potential asking price.

Of course, these developments come as something of a fresh twist in proceedings, as Newcastle United were thought to be the team interested in the centre-back in recent weeks [CaughtOffside].

The Verdict: Phillips should be allowed to depart

There is an agreeable nature to these rumours, signifying it could be the right decision for Liverpool and Phillips to amicably part ways this window.

On one hand, the Bolton-born stopper is unlikely to be an important first-team regular in 2021/22, owing to the recent signing of highly-rated defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig last month [Liverpool FC] and others returning from injury.

Conversely, Phillips has proven his worth as an established Premier League defender who is too good to sit fourth or fifth in the pecking order. In 2020/21, he made 20 appearances for Liverpool, registering one goal and a solitary assist [Transfermarkt].

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-5/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Conveying his dominant prowess within the Reds backline, he won an outstanding 5.6 aerial duels per 90 minutes across the Premier League year [WhoScored]. Put into context, that was by quite a margin the highest rate of the entire Liverpool squad [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘brilliant’ by manager Jurgen Klopp [Liverpool FC], Phillips simply has to get out and play as a first-choice defender – he is entering the prime years of his career. Should Liverpool elect to sell him for a considerable sum, that could be a happy ending for both parties as they look towards the new campaign.

In other news, Jurgen Klopp is said to have ‘cancelled’ a move for an international defender.

Juan Sanchez, the agent of Southampton target Brais Mendez, has confirmed that there has been interest from ‘many clubs’ in Mendez’s services.

The Lowdown: Saints eye Mendez

Southampton are said to be interested in the 24-year-old winger (TuttoMercatoWeb), who currently plays for Celta Vigo in La Liga.

There are several other clubs also linked with his services, however, including Norwich City, Lyon, and an unnamed London side.

The Latest: Agent provides update

Speaking to Marca, Sanchez has provided his thoughts on the interest in his client. He said:

“It is inevitable that the clubs are attentive to a player like Brais, 24 years old and with the season he has had. It is normal that there is interest in him and that they exist clubs that ask you. From then on, it is a matter that depends on whether they want to talk to Celta about an offer possibility. That may or may not happen. There is still a lot of market. Of course there are many clubs that ask about their situation because he is a very striking and high-quality player.”

The Verdict: Top talent

Mendez is far from a household name on these shores, but he is becoming a more and more familiar face in Spain and La Liga. He enjoyed the best season of his career from a goalscoring perspective last term, finding the back of the net on nine occasions – he has now done 25 times throughout his career (Transfermarkt) – and that even earned him a call-up to the Spanish national side (AS), albeit as part of the training camp and not to go to the European Championships.

Mendez has three years left on his contract with Celta and is valued at £12.6m (Transfermarkt) – he will not come cheap for Ralph Hasenhuttl and co. However, sometimes, you must speculate to accumulate, and in this case it may be worth the Saints parting with a bigger sum for a talented player who seems to be getting better every year.

In other news, Southampton fans are livid at news on this defender.

Former Southampton vice-chairman Les Reed has revealed that the club were interested in deals to sign a clutch of Leicester City’s title-winners, as well as some of their more recent stars.

Leicester have a phenomenal track record when it comes to recruitment, bringing in a number of players for small fees and subsequently enjoying exceptional success.

The signings of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kante helped the club achieve one of the great underdog stories in the sport, when they won the Premier League title.

And this season, Youri Tielemans scored a brilliant goal to win the FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Southampton have not had anywhere near the same level of success, finishing 15th in 20/21, 11th in 19/20, 16th in 18/19 and 17th in 17/18. They have not won a major trophy since 1976, when they lifted the FA Cup, though they were runners-up in the League Cup in 2016/17.

Reed, though, has now confirmed that it could have been a very different story, with a number of Leicester players on the club’s radar before they made the move to the Foxes, including Vardy, who has scored 118 Premier League goals, and Tielemans.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Reed said: “Going back to when they won the league, Simpson, Fuchs, Albrighton, Vardy had all been on our radar; Fofana, Tielemans, Maddison, Praet.”

Celtic are expected to come in with an offer for Exeter City ace Joel Randall this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ previous links

Celtic were actually linked with a move for the 21-year-old back in the January window when Neil Lennon was still in charge.

Reports then claimed the Hoops were set to come in with a £1m-plus offer, with officials at Celtic believing Randall has the ability to play at a higher level.

Despite Lennon leaving Parkhead a month after the initial links to Randall, it seems as if Celtic are still keen on the player who Exeter boss Matt Taylor claimed has ‘phenomenal’ running stats.

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

The Latest: Fresh links

According to Football Insider, who have been informed by a recruitment source, Celtic and Premier League side Norwich City are set to come in with bids for Randall.

Peterborough United have had an initial six-figure bid turned down, and Celtic and Norwich’s incoming offers could take the price up to £1m.

The Verdict: Versatility could prove handy

Randall played in four different positions for the Grecians last season, with the majority of those coming as a right-midfielder.

He’s also turned out as a centre-forward, left-winger and left-midfielder in the last 12 months, so his versatility could be handy at Parkhead.

You’d expect new Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou would be after wide additions after Mohamed Elyounoussi returned to Southampton.

Randall, a ‘standout player’ for Exeter, could well be a shrewd acquisition by the Hoops, and with 12 months left on his deal in the south west, Celtic could end up getting themselves a bargain.

In other news: Leeds keen on Celtic ace who Lennon signed, find out more here. 

According to a report in the paper edition of La Repubblica (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are keen on former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. 

The Lowdown: Conte quits Inter

Speculation arose over Conte’s future in recent weeks despite the 51-year-old guiding Inter Milan to a first Serie A title in 11 years.

Reports now indicate that the Italian is set to quit the San Siro over Inter’s financial situation and he will be available for hire (Fabrizio Romano).

The Latest: Spurs and Levy eyeing Conte

Bringing the latest on football’s managerial merry-go-round, La Repubblica have dropped an interesting claim involving Tottenham and Conte – with the Italian newspaper believing Spurs are keen on him as well as La Liga giants Real Madrid.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/all-things-spurry/” title=”Spurs news and gossip!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

This has apparently happened in ‘recent hours’ as Daniel Levy and co carry on the search for a new manager over one month after sacking previous boss Jose Mourinho.

Conte to Tottenham apparently depends on one big factor in what direction Madrid choose to take regarding Zinedine Zidane and the future of their club.

They would most likely have first pick of Conte while the Lilywhites sit second in line.

The Verdict: Outstanding candidate for Tottenham?

Out of the long list of candidates linked to Spurs, one could argue that Conte is certainly one of the more prestigious names.

Having won four Serie A titles overall and two Italian Super Cups abroad, as well as a Premier League crown and FA Cup medal in England (Transfermarkt), Conte’s silverware haul certainly marks him out above other names.

Former Spurs striker Fernando Llorente, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Goal), lifted the lid on his ‘crazy mentality’ and how he ‘gets in your head’ – potentially highlighting Conte’s effective man-management style.

Meanwhile, Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni also told La Gazzetta (via sempreinter.com) that Conte is ‘the Messi of coaches’.

All these accolades point to an impressive candidate, but given Real’s alleged interest, he could yet be out of Tottenham’s reach.

In other news: Spurs could now be offered this ‘phenomenal player’ for Kane, find out more here.

Former Tottenham Hotspur ace Paul Stewart believes that Dele Alli would be enthused by the prospect of the club appointing Mauricio Pochettino as manager once again.

Spurs have been linked with a sensational reunion with the Argentine in recent days.

Goal reported over the weekend that Pochettino, who is also a target for Real Madrid after Zinedine Zidane’s departure, has asked to leave PSG this summer.

The Athletic reported last week that Spurs had entered into talks with Pochettino over a move that would see him return to north London just 18 months after his sacking.

Alli, of course, was one of the chief beneficiaries of Pochettino’s first reign at the club, as he moved to the club from MK Dons and became an integral member of the first-team, while also earning England recognition.

In total, Alli made 194 appearances under Pochettino, scoring 55 goals and laying on 52 assists.

This season, under Jose Mourinho, the 25-year-old was marginalised, though, making just seven starts in the Premier League.

And Stewart has told The Transfer Tavern exclusively that Alli would surely be delighted if Pochettino did choose to return.

He said: “I’m sure Dele Alli would be smiling from ear to ear because he hasn’t really hit it off with the managers that proceeded Poch.

“Poch seemed to play him a lot.”

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to a recent report regarding managerial target Frank Lampard.

According to the Evening Standard, the former Chelsea boss is keen on replacing Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.

Lampard is thought to be interested in the project with the Eagles and wants his next job to be in the Premier League.

Palace reportedly like Lampard’s work with younger players at Chelsea, however, he would also be backed in the transfer market this summer, should he put pen to paper on a Selhurst Park deal.

Hodgson’s contract at the club expires in around seven weeks time, and it is believed an announcement on his future will be made at the end of the current campaign.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the news of Lampard’s interest in the job and the club’s plans to back a new manager in the transfer market this summer on Twitter.

This is what some Palace supporters had to say in reply.

“Exciting”Credit: @elliotcpfc”All these links from reliable sources. It’s gonna happen”Credit: @Sumo08112″Of course he’s interested it’s a job he should be on his hands and knees begging for, he doesn’t deserve another chance at this level yet he should jump at any opportunity to do so”Credit: @liamb0117″The people that want him worry me. He needs to properly prove himself at this level, including the building of a squad”Credit: @JoeCarey17″I mean he would back the youth but I’m not 100%. I’d back him”Credit: @nikolimorgan”happy Thursday”Credit: @cpfcharlie0

In other news: ‘Joke’, ‘I’m worried’ – Many CPFC fans react as news emerges on £120k-p/w ace, find out more here. 

Leeds United star Raphinha has been named in Paul Merson’s Premier League Team of the Season following an ‘outstanding’ campaign.

The Lowdown: Superb season for Leeds

The Brazilian arrived from Rennes in last summer’s transfer window and has been one of the Whites’ star men in 2020/21, scoring six goals and registering nine assists in the league.

Raphinha has caught the eye with his silky dribbling, creativity and end product on the right wing, playing a big role in Leeds ending the campaign ninth in the table.

The Latest: Merson hails Raphinha

Merson has been left hugely impressed by the 24-year-old and the Sky Sports pundit outlined [via MOT Leeds News] why he picked the Brazilian in his Team of the Season, saying:

“Raphinha has been an absolute sensation for Leeds this season.

“To go into Leeds as a Brazilian player, and you have to be a certain type of player to play the Leeds way, and he has taken to it like a duck to water and has been absolutely outstanding.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-3/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: More to come

The hope is that this is only the start for Raphinha, with next season seeing him go up another gear and taking Marcelo Bielsa’s side to new heights.

It could be argued that the winger’s influence waned slightly as the campaign went on, with just one goal in his final 10 games, but with a good rest this summer, there is no reason why he won’t be even better next time around.

It is essential that Leeds keep hold of Raphinha should offers come in for him, with the South American arguably the most gifted player at Elland Road currently and, according to WhoScored, their best performer from a successful season. Merson’s recognition of him is a deserved testament to how well the 24-year-old has done upon moving to the Premier League.

In other news, a pundit has urged Leeds to sign a current England international this summer. Find out who it is here.

Ex-Manchester United man Keith Gillespie has expressed his confusion at the Red Devils’ treatment of midfielder Donny van de Beek this season.

Speaking exclusively to Football Fan Cast, Gillespie said that he has been left to “question” the Dutchman’s lack of action at Old Trafford since his arrival from Ajax last summer.

Whilst that is a fair assessment considering that the £31.5m-rated midfielder has started just two matches in the Premier League this season, it could be said that he is simply not deserving of any more opportunities than those he is already receiving.

In all competitions, Van de Beek’s output has been truly woeful having accumulated just one goal and two assists for the Red Devils all season – that solitary strike coming in his debut appearance in a 3-1 Old Trafford reverse at the hands of Crystal Palace.

It is certainly a dramatic downturn for the 19-cap Dutch international, with him having plundered 10 goals and 11 assists in his final season in his home country before arriving at United.

Whilst it could be argued that he is now plying his trade in a much more difficult league, that lack of contribution is concerning from an attacking midfielder, no matter the quality of opposition.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-man-united-transfer-rumours-and-news-from-old-trafford-lingard-de-gea-pogba-bailly-johnstone” title=”The latest Man United transfer rumours and news from Old Trafford…”]

Van de Beek’s regression hasn’t just occurred in his tangible contributions, however, but he is simply having a lower impact when taking to the pitch.

In his final season with Ajax, he was averaging 1.9 shots per game, 1.8 key passes, and one dribble per game in the league according to WhoScored.

These numbers have also taken a dramatic drop to 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 in the Premier League.

Considering that he has the task of getting beyond the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba for a starting berth in his preferred attacking midfield position, there is simply no justification for Van de Beek being afforded more opportunities considering his poor performances.

So, whilst Gillespie is left to question the Dutchman’s lack of action, the answer as to his exclusion from the starting line-up is relatively clear.

AND in more news, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could potentially have been handed a boost with news over the European Super League sanctions…