All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

According to The Daily Express, West Ham United are interested in signing Jonathan Bamba from Lille this summer as an alternative to Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Lingard deal unlikely

Lingard spent the second half of last season on loan at the London Stadium, and he impressed, managing nine goals and five assists in 16 Premier League appearances (Transfermarkt).

However, while the Hammers wanted to sign him permanently, the England international looks set to stay at Old Trafford instead (The Manchester Evening News).

The Latest: Irons eye Bamba

Now, as per this latest report, David Moyes is now eager to sign Bamba instead.

He is said to be available for a fee of £25m this summer, but the London outfit face competition from Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen for his services.

The Verdict: Top talent

Since making the move to Les Dogues from Saint-Etienne, £22.5m-valued Bamba has done extremely well for the reining Ligue 1 champions (Transfermarkt).

In 130 matches in all competitions, he has picked up 22 goals and 24 assists (Transfermarkt). Last term, he found the back of the net seven times and provided 11 assists as Lille captured the title.

A fee of £25m would be a sound investment for a player who is still just 25 years of age. He may take a bit of time to adapt to the Premier League, but if he does, he could be an inspired signing for West Ham this summer.

In other news, West Ham fans want to sign this Champions League winner.

Crystal Palace’s summer transfer window was an unprecedented success as new manager Patrick Vieira successfully overhauled his first-team squad, but one position is still arguably understocked.

What’s the story?

The additions of Odsonne Edouard, Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi, amongst others, have left the Eagles in a much healthier position than at the end of 2020/21, giving them genuine hope of a successful season.

However, the failure to replace Andros Townsend has left Palace without a recognised right-winger in Vieira setup.

Several star names such as Jeremie Boga and Noni Madueke were heavily linked with moves to Selhurst Park throughout the summer to no avail, although the latter has provided renewed hope that a future deal can be concluded.

Patrick Vieira will be buzzing

Despite being linked to several Premier League clubs, the PSV Eindhoven winger signed a new contract with the Eredivisie giants, committing his future to the club until 2025.

Nevertheless, the 19-year-old has admitted in a recent interview that he plans to return to his homeland in the future after being released by boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur aged 16.

“Yeah, definitely,” Madueke said when asked if he has ambitions to play in the Premier League (as relayed by the Leicester Mercury).

“The Premier League is the best league in the world and every young English player wants to be there. But also, I am not someone who is afraid to venture elsewhere, so whatever is best for my development, whichever country, I am a person who won’t be scared to take the leap.

“When I was 16, I didn’t want to go into that under-21 system,” Madueke added. “I wanted to go out and play and be involved in a first-team as quickly as possible.

“I didn’t want to play under-23 football as a talented 16-year-old when I felt I was ready for the first team. I backed myself 100 per cent. I am very impatient.”

After bagging nine goals and providing eight assists in 32 appearances for Roger Schmidt’s charges last season, former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte labeled Madueke “explosive” following his electric displays.

The £14.4m-rated wing wizard has started the new campaign in an even more impressive fashion, though, achieving seven goal contributions in just 10 outings, highlighting the England Under-21 internationals top-class potential.

Therefore, Vieira will surely be buzzing at Madueke’s eagerness to return to test himself in the Premier League. His arrival in south London would solve Palace’s right-wing conundrum and add another exciting, young and highly-promising talent to the Frenchman’s new-look side.

And, in other news…Vieira has deadline day shocker which could cause CPFC problems, fans may be concerned 

The Celtic Way writer Tony Haggerty was surprised that no other clubs were in for goalkeeper Joe Hart this summer. 

Hart signed a three-year deal with Celtic earlier this month joining from Tottenham Hotspur and has put in some brilliant performances so far for the Hoops.

The 34-year-old shot-stopper has featured four clean sheets in the process.

The former England International represented his country on 75 occasions, where he kept 45 clean sheets and was highly successful when he played for Manchester City, winning two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup also.

After such a successful career, Haggerty is there wasn’t more interest in Hart, telling Transfer Tavern: “He did it to the best level possible, he’s England number one international goalkeeper and he played for Manchester City during a time when they were highly successful. You cannot doubt his ability and I’m very surprised.”

With new manager Ange Postecoglou at the helm and the new signings that he has made, Celtic will be hoping for a successful campaign and that they can add some silverware to the trophy cabinet at the end of the season.

Some Liverpool supporters are unconvinced by a report claiming the Reds believe Takumi Minamino will go up a gear this season.

Jurgen Klopp ended up bringing in just one player in the entire summer transfer window, with Ibrahima Konate arriving from RB Leipzig.

It was a summer that left many fans disappointed, at a time when their rivals have spent big and there appeared to be a need to strengthen.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

It could certainly be argued that another attacking player was needed – someone who was able to provide competition to the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.

According to the Liverpool Echo [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], however, Liverpool are confident that Minamino will benefit from a full pre-season and will be a handy squad player this season, despite struggling at Anfield to date.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-2/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react to Minamino claim

These Reds fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts, remaining unconvinced that the Japanese is ready to make the step up.

“Want to believe this but we’ve heard it all before for them or similar players to hardly get a game”

Credit: @Sean_Cousins95

“Minamino has benefited so much that he’s played a grand total of 0 minutes in 3 games”

Credit: @_Nathanshapland

“Pfffttttt”

Credit: @finallypipoy

“These Insiders will believe anything as long as they will save FSG a few bucks”

Credit: @la1lit

“That’s exactly why Klopp has shown zero faith in him so far in the league”

Credit: @JoshLFC1909

“We literally heard this last season”

Credit: @JamzLFC786

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to rumoured interest in one Premier League player. Read more here.

Jim Goodwin has commented on the future of Watford transfer target Jamie McGrath…

What’s the talk?

St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin has admitted that Watford transfer target Jamie McGrath could leave the club on a pre-contract agreement next near.

The midfielder is out of contract in the summer of 2022 and Goodwin has said that the player is ‘within his rights’ to sign a deal with a new club in the winter window ahead of leaving at the end of the season.,

He told the Scottish Sun:

“There was serious interest in him – I’m delighted he’s still here. Jamie would be well within his rights if he signed a pre-contract with another club in January.

“Equally, if someone comes in with an outrageous bid for him we’d need to decide what’s best for all concerned. Ideally, we’d like to tie him down on a long-term contract but, realistically, that’s not going to happen.”

Delight

Watford fans will be delighted by these comments from Goodwin as they open the door for McGrath to arrive at Vicarage Road for free next summer. The Hornets could land the Irish talent without having to pay a transfer fee, with Goodwin suggesting that St Mirren are now resigned to the possibility of him departing on a free.

Hornets fans will also be delighted because of the quality of player this news opens them up to getting. Goodwin has given an exceptional reference for the 24-year-old’s talents, saying:

“He had been pigeonholed as a No 10 at Dundalk and people looked at him as a luxury player, but I had a very good conversation with Jamie and his representatives and explained that I saw there was more to him than that.

“My belief was that he could become a No 8 and be a box-to-box player and I think he’s shown he can do that.

“He’s not one to fly into tackles, but he gets close to opponents, he’s fit, he’s quick and his composure on the ball is incredible. His creativity and bravery when in possession is second to none.”

McGrath was directly involved in 20 goals for St Mirren in all competitions from midfield last season, with 14 goals and six assists in 41 games.

This shows that the 24-year-old has the ability to score and assist goals at a decent rate in Scotland.

Bringing him in for nothing would be a worthwhile gamble for Watford.

Fans will be buzzing if Xisco Munoz is able to sign McGrath on a free transfer, especially if the Irish wizard starts scoring and assisting goals in the Premier League.

AND in other news, Signed for £18m, now valued at £3.6m: Watford endured transfer nightmare with dud…

Many Arsenal fans have been slamming the display of Ben White in the first half of their game at Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The former Brighton defender struggled at times in the air against the Clarets’ two strikers Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes, a criticism of his in the 2-0 loss away at Brentford on the opening day.

He was also guilty of giving the ball away on a few occasions, which ended up giving cheap chances to Sean Dyche’s team, especially before Martin Odegaard settled nerves down with a sublime free-kick to put the Gunners 1-0 up.

Nonetheless, with a £50m price ag on his shoulders, White will want to show the Arsenal faithful in the second half why they paid so much money for him.

Arsenal fans on White display

These Gooners slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that White has been ‘terrible’ in the air:

“White is out of the game. He needs to concentrate.”

Credit: @10Tolis10

“Ben White is bad in the air…that was poor.”

Credit: @smoothgfootball

“Ben White is terrible in the air, you can’t deny it”

Credit: @KYEkye45

“Ben White is weak like tissue”

Credit: @sahalxp

“Ben White is having a mare”

Credit: @King_Jah_

“Not sure what Ben White is doing so far”

Credit: @me_jadson

In other news, find out whose display against Manchester City was slammed here!

Southampton have a chance to extend their current unbeaten run to six matches as they come up against Championship outfit Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup tonight.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have not lost a competitive game since the opening match of the Premier League season against Everton, a 3-1 defeat against Rafa Benitez’s team.

They head to Bramall Lane in fine fettle after drawing 0-0 with Premier League champions Manchester City at the weekend, with the Saints now focused on progressing into the next round of the cup competition.

How many changes will Ralph make from the team which played against City? Here is our predicted XI for the match…

We are predicting that he will make seven changes to the side from Saturday, with Fraser Forster, Romain Perraud, Lyanco, Ibrahima Diallo, Nathan Tella, Moussa Djenepo and Armando Broja all coming into the line-up.

Starting between the sticks, we believe that Hasenhuttl will axe £53k-per-week beast Alex McCarthy to hand Forster a chance to impress. The former Crystal Palace shot-stopper has started all five of the Saints’ Premier League matches and could do with a rest tonight ahead of the clash with Wolves next weekend, allowing Forster to get some minutes under his belt.

We have published an article explaining why Lyanco could make his debut for Southampton against the Blades, but Romain Perraud could also make his way into the back four. Tino Livramento has almost played every single minute for the Saints in the league at right-back and this match provides an opportunity for Kyle Walker-Peters to revert to his more natural position, opening up space for Perraud to play at left-back.

In the midfield, we are predicting that Tella, Djenepo and Diallo will come in for Nathan Redmond, Oriol Romeu and Mohamed Elyounoussi. This is to freshen up the core of the side and give Southampton more energy to be effective in transition play, as well as offering the incoming trio a chance to show Hasenhuttl why they may deserve to be playing in the Premier League matches. whilst keeping James Ward-Prowse in the team to provide leadership in his role as captain.

Finally, we are tipping Hasenhuttl to go with Broja in place of Adam Armstrong up top. The on-loan Chelsea striker scored twice in the 8-0 win over Newport County in the last round and that should earn him another chance to show what he can do from the start against the Blades. If he can find the back of the net again, it could bode well for his chances of playing in the top flight against Wolves next Sunday.

AND in other news, Ralph must unleash Saints warrior with “good character” tonight, it’s his time to shine…

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted that Naby Keita is back in training ahead of the Champions League clash with Porto.

The Reds are back in Champions League action on Tuesday night, making the trip to Portugal for another important Group B clash.

Jurgen Klopp’s men beat AC Milan 3-2 in a thrilling contest in their opening fixture and this is a great chance to build on that victory.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

There are a number of absentees for the game, however, with midfield duo Harvey Elliott and Thiago both missing on Tuesday.

Someone who is back in the fold however is Keita [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], having missed the Brentford game after picking up an injury away to Norwich City last week.

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

Liverpool fans react to Keita news

These Liverpool fans reacted positively to the sight of the Guinean in training on Tuesday, taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts as one supporter called it ‘great news’.

“Great news! Maybe give him 15mins vs Porto at the end then start vs City. Without Thiago, Naby’s skillset is really important to provide control and balance to our midfield.”

Credit: @TaintlessRed

“MIRACLE”

Credit: @DrHarryCover13

“Nice one”

Credit: @_DarraghLFC

“Thank god”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

“Huge boost, need him for City”

Credit: @HendoGoat

“Brilliant news”

Credit: @6timesladd

In other news, some Liverpool fans love a transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.

West Bromwich Albion manager Valerien Ismael has dropped an update on the condition of injured Albion defender, Dara O’Shea.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Birmingham Live, the Baggies boss revealed that the centre-back, who has been ruled out of action for between four and six months with a fractured ankle, is making great progress in his recovery from injury, as well as being in high spirits despite his setback.

On the defender’s condition, the Frenchman said: “I saw him [on Thursday], he’s good, he’s fine, positive. It will take a long time but at least from the mindset he has the focus to come back. He’s giving great signs.

“I didn’t see a player who is negative or feels bad about the situation, completely the opposite – very smiley, very happy. Now he can focus on recovery. He will need time, he must be patient because it will take a long time.”

Fans will be buzzing

While O’Shea’s return to first-team action is still some way off, the news that the 22-year-old is in a positive place regarding his recovery is undoubtedly good news for the club, as the centre-back’s attitude and application in working towards achieving full fitness will certainly influence how quickly he makes it back.

And, considering just how impressive the Republic of Ireland international has been for West Brom so far this season, it would certainly appear as if the sooner he returns the better for the promotion hopefuls.

Indeed, over his five Championship appearances this term, the £2.7m-rated man has helped his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.2 interceptions, 2.4 tackles, 3.6 clearances and winning 10.2 duels per game.

The player who Kevin Phillips dubbed one of Albion’s “most consistent players” has also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring two goals and taking an average of 1.2 shots per match.

These returns have seen O’Shea earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.26, ranking him as the club’s best performer in the league.

As such, the news regarding the £4.4k-per-week centre-back’s recovery is sure to have fans of the Baggies buzzing, as, should the Irishman make it back in time for the club’s run-in, he could well be the difference between promotion and another year in the Championship.

In other news: Forget Grant: £36k-p/w West Brom “leader” who made just 2 passes failed Ismael v Stoke

Lots of Everton fans have been left gushing over some footage that has emerged of the site where their new stadium is going to be built.

As shared by the official Twitter page of the Goodison Park faithful, the footage shows an aerial view of Bramley-Moore Dock, and where the proposed East Stand, North Stand, South Stand and West Stand will be for the new ground.

It also shows the hydraulic towers and pump sets used for the construction of the stadium, which is now underway.

Just watching the footage made it all so very real for the Merseyside club supporters, as they look forward to going into a brand new home when the construction is finished.

Everton fans on Bramley-Moore Dock footage

These Toffees supporters were left gushing as the footage of Bramley-Moore Dock was shared by the club on Twitter, with one Blues fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘fascinating’:

“Brilliant, keep these updates coming. This stadium’s really going to put us on the map”

Credit: @EfcSparky

“Fascinating. Love our view from the South Stand!”

Credit: @terrypeers

“Love this”

Credit: @matt1878

“Exciting times for our club”

Credit: @MattAko89

“Some fantastic city scape views. And the rendered stadium images are wonderous. Still an awful lot of work to realise this brilliant concept.”

Credit: @EFC_Wolfstein

“Phwoooooar”

Credit: @pete316

In other news, find out what club update has delighted Evertonians here!