All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to The Sun, Manchester United are ready to battle Barcelona for the services of Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga.

What’s the word?

The 17-year-old has been turning heads across Europe thanks to his incredibly young breakthrough into the first-team at Rennes, and he has already featured 16 times across all competitions this season – including playing the full 90 minutes in his side’s shock 2-1 win over PSG back in August.

Now, The Sun claim United are set to take on Spanish giants Barcelona to try and seal a deal for the promising midfielder, and that the Red Devils view him as the “long-term successor to Paul Pogba in the heart of midfield”. The report further claims Camavinga has a £25.6m buyout clause currently in effect in his contract.

Statement of intent

Make no mistake about it, if United can secure Camavinga’s signing ahead of Barcelona then that really would be a major coup. The Frenchman has been earning rave reviews for his impressive performances in his fledgling career, and was duly named as the youngest player in Ligue 1 history to be named player of the month.

His performance against PSG was particularly note-worthy, especially considering the calibre of opponents he was coming up against in the midfield battle. The French giants had the likes of Marco Verratti, Julian Draxler and Marquinhos patrolling the centre of the park, but Camavinga took the game to them and powered his side to victory.

As per Sofascore, as well as providing an assist, he made three tackles, won ten duels, and had an incredible 97% pass accuracy, whilst Verratti in particular had a night to forget – the Italian was hustled and harried by his young counterpart, losing possession ten times and committing two fouls.

Speaking after the match, his manager Julien Stephan said: “He played a match, indeed, like the whole team – very interesting. We are talking to him. He is someone who is also very well-constructed intellectually, who knows how to question himself, who knows how to ask the right questions.”

Stephan’s verdict on Camavinga paints a picture of a teenage prodigy who looks to better himself in every player, and it is little surprise to see the likes of Barcelona be interested in him. If United can steal a march on the Catalans, then it would be a major statement of intent indeed.

As if Everton’s start couldn’t get any more frustrating this season, the Toffees are now set to be without one of their star men against Leicester following a “strange” injury setback to an existing problem.

Everton injury news

After squandering a 2-0 lead either side of the international break to lose 3-2 against both Bournemouth and Aston Villa, Everton hosted Southampton in the Carabao Cup in search of a reprieve that never came. Instead, those at Goodison Park witnessed yet another defeat, with Sean Dyche’s side knocked out of the cup on penalties following a 1-1 draw with their fellow relegation contenders.

Fewer touches than Virginia: Dyche must immediately drop 5/10 Everton star

The Toffees fell to yet another defeat last night, with one player failing to impress.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 18, 2024

Without a win in the Premier League after four games and now out of the cup, Everton’s next game up against Leicester suddenly feels increasingly important. Lose the relegation six-pointer and questions will likely begin to come over Dyche’s ability to turn things around, whilst victory would finally stop the rot for the Toffees.

In such a crucial game, Dyche could do with his strongest squad available, but will be forced to play without arguably his best player following another setback in his return. As quoted by Patrick Boyland of The Athletic, Dyche revealed that Jarrad Branthwaite is set to miss the Leicester game through a “strange” setback that is keeping his recovery back longer than expected.

Of course, if Branthwaite’s importance wasn’t highlighted enough as Everton survived another relegation scrap last season, then it’s been there for all to see with Everton without a single point in his absence so far in the current campaign.

Everton's glimpse at life without "imposing" Branthwaite

For the rest of the campaign after the Leicester game, Everton will hope to at least have Branthwaite back and ready to make the difference, but his absence has given them a stark reminder of what their reality could look like if he departs next summer. Having been linked with a move away in the summer, the rumours have already started over his future in 2025 and Everton may not be so fortunate to keep hold of his services next time big clubs come calling.

It’s an important year for Branthwaite in his second real season at the top level of English football and one that should result in a first England cap. Interim boss Lee Carsley is certainly a fan of the centre-back, having handed him the captain for the U21s and praised him highly in the past.

He said via the Liverpool Ehco last November: “There were a few players that could’ve worn the armband. It was a way of showing Jarrad how well we think he’s doing at present as well. I think it’s part of the game he can add to in terms of leadership.

“He leads by example, he’s not too loud, he’s quite a quiet guy but the way he plays, he’s very imposing. I thought he was excellent tonight and it’s something that he should be proud of to lead the team out.”

One member of the Leeds United squad has seen his availability for the upcoming Championship fixtures thrown into doubt after fresh injury concerns emerged over the international break, it has been reported.

Leeds stars off on international duty

11 members of Daniel Farke's squad are away with their respective nations over the international break. Three of them were a part of Wales' first win under Craig Bellamy's leadership, with Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Karl Darlow all starting in the 2-1 win over Montenegro on Monday evening.

Meanwhile, loan signing Manor Solomon was also in action at the same time, with his Israel side falling to a 2-1 defeat against Italy in Budapest, four days on from their 3-1 defeat to Belgium to leave them bottom of their Nations League group.

Farke could unearth Clarke 2.0 in Leeds teen who outscored Gnonto in 23/24

The Whites youngster appears to be a promising talent within the academy.

ByDan Emery Sep 10, 2024

Brenden Aaronson and Junior Firpo also featured for their respective countries, with Firpo playing as a striker for the Dominican Republic, though he is unlikely to be deployed their anytime soon by Farke. Finally, new signing Ao Tanaka came off the bench for Japan as they thrashed China 7-0.

At U21 level, exciting pair Mateo Joseph and Wilfried Gnonto were in action as Spain beat Scotland while Italy U21s thrashed San Marino 7-0 with Gnonto named captain. But despite the generally successful international break, Farke has been handed a new headache after yet another injury complication.

Leeds handed further injury blow

That comes as one outlet has offered a concerning assesment of Austrian centre-back Max Wober. The defender played out a 1-1 draw with Slovenia, but Ralf Rangnick later admitted that he was facing an issue, and he sat out of the Norway defeat on Monday night.

It had been thought that it was the same calf problem that has seen him without a single Championship minute to his name thus far this season, but Austrian outlet Krone instead suggest that the defender is "suffering from knee problems", which could further jeopardise his season.

Max Wober's Leeds career to date

Appearances

20

Goals

0

Assists

0

Yellow Cards

4

With knee injuries notoriously dangerous should it be diagnosed as either an ACL or MCL issue, all parties will undoubtedly be proceeding with caution from this point, which could see Wober continue to be absent from Leeds United starting XIs for the forseeable future should it prove to be in any way serious, though there is no further information provided.

The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer but no club would meet Leeds' valuation. Having shelled out £10m for the defender just 18 months ago, and with Wober still having three years left to run on his £35,000 a week deal at Elland Road, the Yorkshire outfit were in no rush to take a loss on the Austrian.

His undoubted ability could be crucial in Farke's side making it back to the Premier League at the end of the season, but they may have to wait a little longer in order to see it on show in front of the Elland Road faithful.

West Ham United have just hours to complete their summer transfer business. Technical director Tim Steidten has earned his stripes after spending over £120m on some exciting additions, but there is still work to be done.

On one side, West Ham are fighting tooth and nail to get rid of some of the flotsam clogging up the transfer waterways, in turn opening up space to bring in a target who wants the move – but will he get it?

West Ham eyeing last-minute deal

Rumours of interest in AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham have been debunked but West Ham are very much hoping to complete the transfer of Carlos Soler before this evening's deadline.

According to Fabrizio Romano – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the Irons are pushing to sign the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, who wants to make the move.

In full, the reporter said: "The player wants to go to West Ham, it’s about the director who is pushing, it’s about the manager, who is Spanish, Lopetegui. So this could also be an important factor. So talks are taking place, and I think before the end of the window, West Ham can go strong on this deal to get it done."

Valued at €20m (£17m), Soler could join on an initial loan deal, with an obligation to buy, but much depends on the London Stadium's outgoings – with plenty in the pipeline at the eleventh hour.

What Carlos Soler would bring to West Ham

Soler is a skilled midfielder with playmaking qualities that could make a real difference to Julen Lopetegui's team. He's enjoyed two years in the French capital but is consigned to a bit-part role and, at 27, seeks a stomping ground that will better recognise his talent.

James Ward-Prowse is rumoured to be on the move and the Spaniard would mark a significant upgrade, having been hailed as the "complete midfielder" by former Valencia star Curro Torres.

And while he hasn't been handed a starring role in Paris, starting only 26 Ligue 1 games since joining from Valencia in the summer of 2022, Soler has managed to maintain an impressive rate of potency in front of goal.

Statistic

Per 90

Percentile

Goals scored

0.17

Top 13%

Assists made

0.17

Top 19%

Passes attempted

63.51

Top 19%

Progressive passes

6.10

Top 24%

Touches (att pen)

2.59

Top 7%

His driving force from the middle of the park speaks highly of his skills, and could actually prove to be the perfect midfield supplementary for Jarrod Bowen, who has carried his golden scoring form from 2023/24 into the current campaign, netting twice from West Ham's opening three fixtures.

He's a dynamic player but his goalscoring is arguably his finest property, having even been described as "unplayable" by Brentford boss Thomas Frank after bagging an emphatic hat-trick last season.

The Irons skipper created five key passes against Crystal Palace last weekend to complement his second-half goal, a fine illustration of the playmaking ability that allows him to maintain a multi-dimensional approach.

But, as stated, Bowen's 20-goal haul across all competitions last season serves as the marker of his finest attributes, and while he has Lucas Paqueta to aid him from deep, further creative options from midfield are somewhat limited.

Soler must be signed, for he could make all the difference as Lopetegui seeks to stamp his identity into the West Ham first team, propelling the club back into the limelight.

West Ham hit gold on star worth more than Fullkrug & Summerville combined

He’s been quite the sensation over the past several years…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 5, 2024

Rangers are still interested in bringing Feyenoord forward Danilo to Ibrox, despite seeing a bid for the striker rejected last week, transfer insider Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT.

Manager Michael Beale is keen to add to his attack this summer after a number of key departures, with the Brazilian forward rumoured to join Cremonese forward Cyriel Dessers in Glasgow.

What is the latest news regarding Danilo to Rangers?

According to the Daily Record, the Brazilian has told his club that he wants to seal a move to the Gers this window.

The Scottish side had their opening bid of £3.5m rejected as the Eredivisie champions value the 24-year-old closer to £5m.

Beale's side are hoping to make the Brazilian forward their second striker signing of the window, with the club looking set to complete the signing of Nigerian forward Dessers according to Fabrizio Romano.

Any forwards that come into the club have the big task of replacing the departing duo of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent, who had been part of the squad that won the Gers 55th league title under former manager Steven Gerrard in the 2020/2021 season.

Transfer insider Jones has doubts regarding how real the Scottish side's interest in the forward is.

What has Dean Jones said about Danilo to Rangers?

When asked about the potential Danilo move to Ibrox, Jones said to GIVEMESPORT: "I tried to look into this one a bit more, but I can't see how much is actually in this right now.

I don't know if they've just got him on a watch list or something. I didn't get the feeling that it was particularly likely to happen, but totally understand why they'd be looking."

What else is on Beale's Rangers transfer agenda?

As stated previously, the club are closing in on the signing of Nigerian forward Dessers from Cremonese, who scored 10 goals and assisted three in 32 games last campaign.

The forward has European pedigree, with him being the Europa conference league top scorer in the 2021/22 campaign with 10 goals in 13 games for Feyenoord. There will be concerns about his mindset and loyalty as he has played for a different club in each of the last four seasons.

Rangers have also confirmed the loan signing of Abdallah Sima on a season-long loan from Brighton and Hove Albion. The Senegal forward is yet to make an appearance for the Premier League club, instead having had a number of loan spells. His most recent loan spell was with French side Angers, where he scored five goals across 34 appearances.

The club also has a fantastic option already available in Antonio Colak, who scored 18 goals in 39 games for the side last season.

If Rangers don't pick up Danilo, they still have a number of solid options within his position.

Newcastle United appear set to make it a double raid on Serie A as they look to add to the imminent arrival of Sandro Tonali by bringing in Federico Dimarco.

Widespread reports on Wednesday suggested Newcastle are increasingly confident of bringing in Tonali for a fee in the region of £60m, but the ambitious Magpies are not likely to stop there.

Newcastle transfer news – Dimarco a target for Ashworth

According to NUFC Blog, Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth has not just flown to Italy to speak to AC Milan about a deal for Tonali, but also Inter Milan regarding a move for Dimarco.

It would be quite the coup for Newcastle should they pull off the transfer, as Dimarco is a player who has been touted as a €35m (£30m) target for Real Madrid and Manchester United this summer.

The ten-cap Italy international still has three years to run on his San Siro contract, so Inter will not feel obliged to sell unless their valuation is met in full.

Where would Federico Dimarco fit in at Newcastle United?

It is no secret that Eddie Howe is after a new left-back this window to rival – or more likely replace – Dan Burn for the 2023-24 season and beyond. While Burn largely did a good job there last season, the fan favourite is not expected to start there in the Champions League next season.

Kieran Tierney had been strongly linked with a switch from Arsenal to St James' Park, but news on that front has gone quiet of late and it now appears Dimarco is Howe's favoured option.

It is clear to see why, too, as Dimarco played a big part in Inter's run to last season's Champions League final, starting ten of their 13 games – including the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Istanbul.

Dimarco can play left-back and also left wing-back given his attacking nature, highlighted by his eight goals for Inter in all competitions last season. Indeed, The Analyst ranks the Italian in the top 2% of all defenders last term for goals scored across Europe's top five leagues last season.

No defender across Serie A, Ligue 1, LaLiga, Bundesliga and the Premier League performed better than Dimarco in terms of shots, touches in the opposition penalty box and chances created.

To put those figures into some perspective, Dimarco's 0.20 goals per 90 minutes last season, as per FBref, compares to 0.05 for Burn, who was also occasionally used at centre-back.

Dimarco assisted ten goals last season, meanwhile, whereas Burn did not set up a single goal, while the Inter defender's 2.01 shots per 90 minutes compares to 0.67 for Burn.

The former Hellas Verona loanee is also a threat in terms of his deliveries, much like Kieran Trippier on the opposite flank, earning praise from European football expert Carlo Garganese for his "world-class" crosses and set-pieces.

That is not to say Burn does not have his own qualities in other areas, and the same is true of Dimarco in terms of his weaknesses.

For example, Burn wins 2.43 aerial duels per 90 minutes, compared to 0.23 for Dimarco, while the latter is also second best in terms of tackles won (0.98 v 1.07) and blocks (0.80 v 1.21).

Ultimately, Howe must decide whether he wants to be cautious on that side of the pitch or integrate a player into the team capable of getting even more out of the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. Should he go with the latter option, this move would no doubt be bad news for their current towering full-back.

In an exciting new era at St James' Park with Champions League football set to return, Dimarco is surely the man for Howe to go for.

Chelsea have more attacking reinforcements in mind, namely Victor Osimhen, despite a deal being close for Nicolas Jackson, according to 90min journalist Graeme Bailey.

How many goals has Nicolas Jackson scored?

The current Villareal forward had the best season of his career to date in Spain in 2022/23, as the player plundered 12 goals over the course of just 16 starts in the division for his side. Previously, he had produced no goals for the team in La Liga, playing nine times in the last campaign with no return in front of goal.

This year though, the 21-year-old has emerged as a key player for the side and his goalscoring antics have even led to him outperforming some more experienced strikers across Europe. When you compare his stats to others upfront in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe for example, he does compare well. With 0.68 non-penalty goals per 90 on average, he sits nicely in the top 6% for that stat – which shows just how clinical he has been in front of goal.

Chelsea have been the most keen to bring the player to the Premier League and it looks like the Blues will get their wish too. A recent report suggests that a deal is getting closer and closer, with Mauricio Pochettino's side ready to pay Jackson's release clause of 35 million Euros (£30m) to get a deal done.

Most notably though, Bailey believes that even if Chelsea get a deal over the line for the player, that will not stop them splashing out on a big name centre forward. It appears as though even if the Villareal man does make the jump to England, he might not be the guaranteed line-leader for the Blues – they remain interested in Napoli's Osimhen, despite a price tag of over £100m, which could make things difficult.

Should Chelsea sign both Jackson and Osimhen?

Despite his age, Jackson has already been highly praised for his contributions at Villareal. Having bagged goals and assists aplenty, football talent scout Jacek Kulig labeled him as La Liga's "MVP" over the last few weeks of the season and added that he had been in "incredible form."

If Chelsea manage to seal a deal for him then, they could be getting a really promising young forward who already knows where the back of the net is. The youngster can also play on either wing though, and that would make room for Osimhen, who boasts a quite ridiculous rate this season of 0.87 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes.

The Nigeria international, dubbed "incredible" and an "absolute beast" by Owen Hargreaves, could lead the line for years to come, with Jackson perhaps more targeted for the versatile role Kai Havertz has often filled.

Chelsea have joined the race to sign influential Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Is Kim Min-jae leaving Napoli?

The 26-year-old enjoyed a wonderful season for Napoli, helping them win the Serie A title for the first time since 1990 and proving to be one of their most important players. Kim was an absolute rock at the heart of his side's defence, averaging 3.5 clearances per game across 35 league appearances, and it has seemingly made the rest of Europe sit up and take notice.

Manchester United have been continually linked with making a move for the £33,000-a-week South Korean, and it looks as though his future could lie away from Napoli beyond the summer.

With Chelsea looking to make key defensive signings in the upcoming transfer window, a new report has emerged that suggests Kim could be a target.

Are Chelsea keen on signing Kim Min-jae?

According to Foot Mercato [via Caught Offside], both the Blues and Newcastle United have entered the race to sign the 47-cap South Korea international, providing stiff competition for United in the process.

Chelsea are eyeing him as a more successful signing than Kalidou Koulibaly, who also arrived from Napoli last summer, but endured a fairly disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge and only started 20 out of 38 top flight games.

Kim could be a sensational signing by the Blues this summer, although the fact that they don't have European football to offer him is a clear drawback. That's something that both United and Newcastle can give him, which could put them ahead of the west Londoners in the queue.

Compatriot and former United midifelder Park Ji-sung has described the defender as "extraordinary" recently, adding that he is a "technical leader and personality", and he is someone who could transform a struggling Chelsea back-line moving forward.

While Koulibaly and Thiago Silva are both in their 30s, with the same also applying to Cesar Azpilicueta, Kim would be a younger option who can lead the troops for a number of years to come.

Strong both in and out of possession, Kim enjoyed an eye-catching 91% pass completion rate in Serie A last season, as well as averaging 3.6 clearance per match in the Champions League. There a few more impressive and in-form players in Europe in his position right now, so Chelsea snapping him up over their rivals would feel like a major coup.

Liverpool's signing of Alexis Mac Allister brings an intangible that will help the club return to title challengers according to Redmen TV presenter Ste Hoare.

The midfielder has joined the Reds from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee, and Hoare believes it's "important" that the club is getting in a player who "knows the league".

Has Mac Allister joined Liverpool?

Mac Allister has officially signed for Liverpool after a three-and-a-half-year spell on the South Coast with Brighton.

Both clubs have stated that the fee is undisclosed, however, Fabrizio Romano reports that the Reds triggered a release clause in the World Cup winner's contract for just £35m.

The 24-year-old, who will take the number 10 shirt previously worn by Sadio Mane, signed a five-year deal at the club and is the Merseyside outfit's first transfer of the window.

Manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted to get the deal over the line, stating to Liverpool's official club website: "We are adding a very talented, very smart, very technically skilled boy to our squad and this is super news, really it is."

What has Ste Hoare said about the signing?

The Redmen TV presenter was pleased about Mac Allister's arrival, praising the fact that the player is Premier League proven, so most likely won't need a "bedding in period"

Speaking to Football FanCast, Hoare said: "I’m delighted with Mac Allister, Liverpool needs players who can come in and play straight away, we haven’t really got time for a bedding in period.

"Especially if they want to be title winners again and Man City don’t give you a chance they are relentless, so you’ve got to be. I think it’s important we’re getting someone who knows the league coming in."

Can Mac Allister help turn Liverpool back into title winners?

Liverpool had a disappointing 2022/23 campaign, finishing outside the Champions League positions for the first time since the 2015/16 season.

The club has since identified that a midfield overhaul is required to return to their previously high levels, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Reds have scheduled talks with the agents of French midfielders Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone.

Mac Allister brings something that those names mentioned do not possess, which is Premier League experience. The Argentine made 112 appearances for Brighton during his time there, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists.

The midfielder also made six appearances for Argentina en route to the World Cup final, where the diminutive maestro recorded the assist for Angel Di Maria's goal in the first half.

The Europa League side will be hoping that this wealth of experience in not just the Premier League but in high stakes, pressure competitions will mean the 24-year-old can come straight into the starting midfield, which had been a problem position all season due to injuries and poor form.

If Liverpool want to challenge Manchester City for the title next season, they will have to return to their relentless best, and Mac Allister can be a key piece in achieving that.

Hearts finished fourth in the Premiership last season, securing another crack at European football, however, question marks remain over who will be leading the side once the campaign begins.

Interim boss Steven Naismith guided the club to just two wins from six games following the sacking of Robbie Nielson in April, and he failed to win either of his Edinburgh derby ties.

Last week, the Daily Record claimed that the former Scotland international was set to be appointed as the manager on a permanent basis, however, Hearts have since held talks with current Hammarby coach Marti Cifuentes, and he remains someone who is under consideration for the role.

He certainly has slightly more experience than Naismith and judging by his results during his role in charge of the Swedish club, Cifuentes could potentially be Hearts’ own version of Graham Potter.

Could Hearts appoint Marti Cifuentes?

The 40-year-old is facing a tough second season at Hammarby following his impressive debut campaign, where he led the side to third in the league while coming up just short in the Swedish Cup, however, it could take a compensation fee in order to secure the Spaniard as their new manager.

The chief executive of the side, Richard von Yxkull, wants Cifuentes to stay despite fan unrest among the support, saying: "We have 100 per cent confidence in him, and we want to keep him as our head coach. If we were to end up in negotiation with another club, then yes. He is under contract with us."

Potter built up his reputation in Sweden, leading Ostersund to the Swedish Cup and into Europe during a seven-year spell, before breaking into the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion – following a stint at Swansea City – and then Chelsea, although he was sacked following just six months in charge.

Cifuentes has also forged his career in Scandinavia, taking charge of Sandefjord and Aalborg BK before landing the top job at Hammarby, where he has averaged 1.81 points per match, a similar figure to Potter during his spell in Sweden, who achieved 1.71 points per game, albeit playing more matches.

Naismith would be the cheap option for Hearts, however, taking a risk on a coach such as Cifuentes could very well pay dividends, especially as they aim to reach the Europa Conference League group stage for the second year in a row.

Potter’s career took off once he landed in England and Cifuentes could certainly follow in his footsteps should Hearts make their move for the 40-year-old, and he’d be an upgrade on Naismith in the process.