All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Brom youngster Rekeem Harper is reportedly on the verge of joining League One side Ipswich Town, having passed a medical.

The Lowdown: Harper struggles at West Brom

The 21-year-old has struggled to make a significant impact at the Hawthorns, making only 42 appearances and scoring just two goals in that time.

Harper spent last season on loan at Birmingham City, with the midfielder making 18 Championship appearances, having been deemed surplus by requirements by the Baggies.

The Latest: Youngster on the verge of exit

It now looks as though the midfielder’s time at West Brom is coming to an end, with the Express & Star reporting that he has completed a medical with Ipswich.

The deal for the seven-time capped former England Under-19s international could be as much as £1million.

The Verdict: Right time to move on

There is no denying Harper’s quality as a young player, but it feels like the right time for a fresh challenge, with regular starts likely to be difficult to come by next season.

Granted, the Baggies will now only have Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers as established central midfield options, but they will surely make additions in that area this summer.

It would be nice to see Harper thrive at Ipswich and go on to reach his potential, but it makes sense for all parties for him to head elsewhere.

In other news, one former West Brom player has provided an update on the Baggies’ search for a new manager. Read more here.  

A big Newcastle United update has emerged on Brentford striker Ivan Toney… 

What’s the talk?

According to 90min, the Magpies are one of the teams showing an interest in signing the English centre-forward at the end of the season.

The report claims that it would cost a sizeable fee of around £50m to prise him away from the London club, with Arsenal, Everton and West Ham also keen on him.

Meanwhile, a Football Insider source suggests an asking price of £30m has been slapped on his shoulders with Newcastle keeping tabs.

Imagine him & Allan Saint-Maximin

By signing the Bees frontman this summer, Eddie Howe can seal a dream duo by pairing him with French attacker Saint-Maximin.

Toney has shown, this season, that he can thrive as part of a two-pronged attack as he has built an exciting relationship with Bryan Mbuemo. The Brentford pair have 16 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League between them and this shows that they have been superb together in the top flight.

Since making the jump up from the Championship, the Englishman has taken to the division like a duck to water – earning plenty of plaudits along the way.

Bees boss Thomas Frank has been effusive in his praise of the goal machine. He said:

“Ivan is very intelligent, because he’s reflecting, and he deserves a lot of praise himself for also coming into a well-run club and listening to all the small bits and adding extra layers to his development and performance.

“If you want to be a top player you need to work hard, constantly reflect and want to learn and then of course you need to have that confidence that he’s got so naturally.He’s coming across so fantastically: he’s humble, calm, but with a mindset of a lion.”

His statistics back up the acclaim as he has produced 12 goals and four assists in 27 league starts, averaging a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.33. He has been able to regularly provide quality on the pitch and still has room to improve at the age of 26, which is why he can be a fantastic signing for the Magpies.

Now, imagine him lining up alongside Saint-Maximin in black and white. The French winger has five goals and three assists in the Premier League and has created 1.4 chances per game. This suggests that he can supply Toney with the opportunities he needs to find the back of the net, whilst Toney’s assists suggest he can also put the ex-Nice man into positions to score for himself. Simply mouthwatering.

AND in other news, Howe can unearth his own Ginola in Newcastle’s rarely-seen 19 y/o “bright talent”…

Liverpool appear to be edging closer to signing Ibrahima Konate at the end of the season, with two details holding the key to the move happening.

The Reds are expected to bring in a new centre-back in the summer following a host of problems in that position throughout 2020/21 with long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

Konate has emerged as the most likely player to come in, having caught the eye for RB Leipzig, making 13 Bundesliga appearances so far this season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

Konate’s move to Liverpool edges closer

According to Anfield Central, Liverpool have ‘all but completed a deal’ to bring the 21-year-old to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp looks to make a key addition to his defence.

The report identified two major aspects in the deal which need to addressed, however, with the Reds needing to pay Konate’s release clause, as well as a medical having to be passed.

Once those compulsory requirements have been met, the Frenchman is set to become a Liverpool player.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/liverpool-latest-news-and-updates/” title=”Liverpool latest news and updates!” poster=”https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-01-02T123739Z_1934422778_UP1EH120Z2RVI_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-SCOTLAND-RFC-CEL-REPORT-2-640×853.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Transfer Tavern take

Konate looks set to be an exciting signing by the Reds, with the youngster already shining for a top European side at a very young age, making 94 appearances for Leipzig and being hailed by former Bundeslgia coach Ralf Rangnick as good enough to “play for Real Madrid or Barcelona one day”.

His injury record does mean that there may be a hint of nerves surrounding his medical, but you’d hope that Liverpool’s scouts have done enough research to believe that his fitness issues won’t be a problem moving forward.

Klopp desperately needs a centre-back he can rely on week in, week out alongside Van Dijk, with Gomez and Matip unreliable in that respect, particularly the latter.

In other news, Liverpool have discovered how much they will have to pay for a Reds-linked attacker this summer. Find out who it is here.

Everton have had a hectic January transfer window, making three signings early in the month and sacking their manager, Rafa Benitez, soon after, with all the attention firmly on the appointment of the next manager, Moshiri could be lining up a last-minute bid that could add a fourth new player to the squad.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are one of the three Premier League clubs interested in signing Armando Broja, who is currently on loan at Southampton from Chelsea.

The Toffees reportedly join Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the race to sign the 20-year-old striker, with just four days left to go in the January transfer window.

The report claims that Southampton are keen to keep Broja with them at St Mary’s, but with many Premier League clubs now showing interest in the youngster, it could be a challenge for them to hold onto him.

Lukaku 2.0

Everton are no strangers to attracting young Chelsea talent, with the potential signing of Broja similar to the £28m club-record signing at the time of Romelu Lukaku back in 2014, when the Belgian goal machine was just 21 years old.

Lukaku was a huge success at Everton, scoring 87 goals and bagging 29 assists in just 166 appearances for the club, with a goal involvement every 120 minutes for the Toffees, so the club could be onto their next Chelsea swoop to potentially emulate the success of their former striker.

The £8.1m-rated monster who was hailed “dangerous” by his current manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, has been making his mark on the Southampton team with 21 appearances and seven goals, five of those have been scored in the Premier League.

However, goals aren’t the only attribute that Broja has been excelling in, according to One Versus One the youngster has been using his 6 foot2 stature to impose himself on opponents, making 170 aerial challenges this season so far, and ranking 8th in the Premier League for completing aerial duels, proving that he is not afraid to get stuck into the game away from just scoring goals.

There has been real upset and aggravation amongst fans with a protest staged last night at Goodison Park, so bringing in young players with bags of potential could be a move for Moshiri that could potentially settle the current outrage.

That’s especially if Broja could come in and make an instant impact in changing the fate of the Toffees nightmare season, and helping the side climb back into a safe position in the Premier League table.

In other news: David Ornstein drops major Everton manager update

Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic.

What’s the story?

According to Tribal Football, the Red Devils are weighing up a move for the 23-year-old as manager Ole Gunnar Solkjaer looks to bolster his attacking options.

The report states that: “Jovic’s price and availability has him front of mind inside Carrington HQ,” meaning a transfer to Old Trafford could potentially be on the cards over the coming weeks.

Spanish outlet AS reported that the Serbia international was “seduced” by the prospect of playing for United last September, and the same publication claimed Madrid would demand £35 million for his services earlier in the summer.

John Murtough eyes up move

A new defensive midfielder is believed to be the priority for United in the current window following the acquisition of Jadon Sancho and the imminent arrival of Raphael Varane.

However, despite the fact that Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial are comfortable playing through the middle, an ageing Edinson Cavani is arguably the only natural recognised senior striker on the club’s books, meaning Solskjaer may be tempted to make a move for Jovic.

The stocky forward burst onto the European scene during a hugely successful loan spell with German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018/19, bagging 27 goals in 48 appearances, adding a further seven assists.

Jovic’s outstanding displays earned many admirers, and former colleague Kevin-Prince Boateng is amongst his supporters.

“He has everything to become (a world-class striker). You see that in training. He has football in his genes, he’s a street footballer, and he has a nose for goal,” said Boateng (as relayed by Bundesliga.com)

“He scores with his head, right or left foot. He is technically good and can shoot well with both feet. He just has everything a striker needs.”

And his ex-Eintracht striker partner Sebastien Haller was also quick to praise the prolific hitman, saying: “He brings everything: he’s fast, robust, technically savvy and a super finisher.”

Despite his magnificent exploits with the Bundesliga side, Jovic has struggled to live up to expectations following a £52m move to Madrid in the summer of 2019.

In 32 appearances for Los Blancos, the Red Star Belgrade academy graduate has scored just two goals, laying on only two assists for his teammates. His poor form saw him return to Frankfurt on loan halfway through last season, where he showed glimpses of his clinical touch.

Whether United’s football director John Murtough follows up his reported interest with a formal offer remains to be seen, but the addition of a young, proven goalscorer to Solskjaer’s ranks would certainly be a welcomed move.

And, in other news…Murtough must avoid MUFC transfer nightmare over £40.5m-rated gem, Ole would be fuming 

Sheffield United’s hopes of signing Ryan Gauld this summer have taken a blow after Southampton joined the race to sign the Scottish midfielder, with reports suggesting that he would prefer a move to St Mary’s.

Sheffield United were one of several sides including Norwich City, Brighton, Blackburn Rovers, Swansea City and Brentford to be linked with a move for the former Sporting Lisbon man recently.

However, the Daily Record have now claimed that Southampton have also registered an interest in the 25-year-old, who would be happy to join Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in order to link up with Scottish compatriot and fellow former Dundee United man Stuart Armstrong.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a superb campaign with SC Farense in the Portuguese top-flight but will be a free agent this summer when his contract at Estadio de São Luís expires, so it is no surprise that so many sides including the Blades are keen on signing him.

In 33 Liga NOS appearances this season, the Scottish midfielder has contributed an impressive nine goals and seven assists, earning a superb 7.19 average rating from WhoScored.

Considering this is more goals and assists than any Sheffield United player has managed this season, it is clear they need a player of Gauld’s ilk ahead of next season in the Championship, otherwise a return to the Premier League is looking extremely unlikely.

One of Gauld’s coaches at Farense was full of praise for him recently, dubbing him a “top player”, and considering he will be available on a free transfer, he looks to be a must-have for Sheffield United this summer if they want to improve their squad, so it is definitely a blow that an established Premier League side like Southampton have seemingly joined the race.

Therefore, current sporting director Jan van Winckel must act quickly if is going to be able to convince Gauld to make the switch to Bramall Lane this summer, as otherwise, it seems clear that he will be snapped up by another Premier League or Championship club.

And, in other news… Sheffield United handed huge boost with “shining light”, Blades fans will be buzzing

Arsenal could be making a change at right-back next season…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Norwich City gem Max Aarons is one of several names the Gunners have interest in this summer and it’s not the first time that he’s been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Back in May, journalist Freddie Paxton, who has been featured on the Guardian and the Independent, claimed that the North London outfit have been tracking the 21-year-old for several years and that the club considers him a long-term replacement for Hector Bellerin.

He’s expected to cost in the region of £30m.

Bye-bye Bellerin?

This interest certainly could spell the end for Bellerin after nearly a decade at the club.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested that there are ‘huge chances’ the Spaniard is sold this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain interested in the past and his price tag now set at €20m (£18m).

Aarons would be a pretty nice replacement as he’s a player with a ton of potential and one that could instantly fulfil Bellerin’s homegrown spot in the squad, so it seems like a win-win.

During the Canaries’ last stint in the top-flight, the England U21 international thrived, so it was a surprise to see him remain at Carrow Road instead of following teammate Ben Godfrey back into the Premier League.

He’s continued to impress, seeing his 6.55 average rating rise to 6.93, which sees him rank seventh overall in Daniel Farke’s squad. The German put a lot of faith in Aarons as he played more minutes than any other player.

“In my eyes, he is not the young Max Aarons, he is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future,” Farke told reporters in December. “I know he has been labelled as one of the best young players in this league. Well, I told him we can reject this label now because he is no longer one of the best young players, he is one of the best players.”

The £20m-rated dynamo would fit Mikel Arteta’s system very well, being a more attack-minded full-back. He averaged 1.4 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per league outing in 2020/21, via WhoScored, which suggests he likes to get forward to be a major source of creativity.

By comparison, Bellerin only managed an average of 0.8 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game, and was often snubbed in favour of Cedric.

On the above evidence, you can see why Arteta and Edu appear to be gunning for a change at right-back and a move for Aarons could be a very smart one come to next season.

AND in other news, David Ornstein drops encouraging Arsenal transfer update, fans will surely be buzzing…

Aston Villa have been handed a potential blow in their bid to bring Harry Souttar to Villa Park in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Alan Nixon’s report for The Sun, with the journalist claiming that Everton are ready to step up their interest in the Stoke City centre-back after watching him in action for the Potters last week.

Further reports have revealed that both Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping a close eye on the situation of the defender ahead of the winter market, however, it would now appear that the Toffees are leading the race for the 23-year-old.

Lange must act

While it is undeniable that Dean Smith already possesses rather impressive depth in the heart of his defence, with all four of Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Kortney Hause and Axel Tuanzebe being incredibly strong options for the 50-year-old to be able to call upon, Tuanzebe’s likely return to Manchester United following the completion of his loan spell at Villa Park means that Johan Lange is correct to be planning ahead for the position.

And, considering just how impressive Souttar has been for Stoke so far this season, making a move for the defender in January, as well as before Everton manage to secure a deal for the youngster, would appear to be a very wise move by the Aston Villa director of football.

Indeed, over his 13 Championship appearances, the £3.6m-rated man has helped his side keep three clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.9 interceptions, two tackles, 5.8 clearances and winning a whopping 7.2 duels per game.

These returns have seen the player who Joey Barton dubbed “exemplary” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as Michael O’Neill’s third-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, it would very much appear as if the £5.2k-per-week Souttar boasts the ability to make an immediate impact within the Aston Villa first team, as well as being a player who will only improve with time and experience of playing at a higher level.

So, it would indeed appear a wise move for Lange to do all he can to beat the Toffees to the 23-year-old’s signing, or else Villa could find themselves lining up against the Australia international in the second half of the season.

In other news: Imagine him & Ings: Lange must seal AVFC deal for 4 G/A beast with “mindset of a lion”

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is not an unrealistic target for Wolves, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Midlands club recently had a proposal knocked back by the player, according to Julien Maynard of Telefoot, as they look to strengthen their backline.

Zouma made 36 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last season, featuring five times in the Blues’ successful Champions League campaign.

The 6 ft 3 Frenchman is quite clearly capable of playing at a very high level, explaining why Tottenham and Jose Mourinho, now manager of AS Roma, are also interested in him.

Even so, Hatfield does not believe Zouma is the kind of player who is out of reach for Wolves. On the club’s interest, he told FFC:

“If Wolves want to carry on improving after a season which was, you know, pretty poor in their respects, it’d be a really good signing – particularly if they’re going to a four at the back.

“I don’t think it’s an unrealistic target. In the same respect, I think there’ll be a fair few teams after him, so it could be a bit of a battle if he is up for sale.”

From Zouma’s perspective, joining a Premier League side like Wolves does not sound like the worst idea.

The £28.8m-rated France international lost his starting place at Chelsea following Thomas Tuchel’s appointment, so he probably will not have a big role at the west London club this season if he does remain there.

Furthermore, if Wolves come back in again, perhaps he should give their proposal some serious consideration.

Celtic’s attractive playing style under Ange Postecoglou could suffer following the departure of Ryan Christie, according to The Celtic Way reporter Anthony Haggerty.

Christie made the deadline day move to Championship side Bournemouth for a fee believed to be in the region of £2.5million.

It comes despite Postecoglou, who was appointed as Celtic’s new manager in June, wanting to extend the winger’s contract following an impressive start to the season.

Christie’s Bhoys deal was due to expire in January and, with deadline day looming, the 26-year-old was also linked with Bournemouth’s south coast rivals Southampton at a cut-price fee.

Saints were not the only Premier League outfit who raised an interest as Burnley explored the possibility of being able to tempt Christie to Turf Moor on deadline day.

Christie leaves a sizeable gap in Postecoglou’s preferred starting line-up, having appeared in all four of Celtic’s Scottish Premiership fixtures so far this season.

Haggerty admits Christie was a key cog as Postecoglou recovered from a poor start to his reign.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “I think there were machinations going on behind the scenes to try and keep Ryan Christie sweet and keep him on board.

“I think the Celtic supporters, to a man, woman and child, would say it was a no-brainer to try to keep him.

“But he has left and a big part of Angeball has left now because he hit the ground running under Ange.”