All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left pleading for Juan Alegria to be given a chance in the first team ahead of their Old Firm clash on Wednesday night.

The Colombian striker opened the scoring in the Academy’s game against Civil Service Strollers in the Scottish Lowland League on Saturday afternoon with a ‘stunning finish’, leaving members of the Ibrox faithful flocking to the post and calling for him to get an immediate first-team call-up.

He has already shown his credentials numerous times already this season, including scoring a hat-trick back in October for Rangers B.

After supporters were particularly critical of Cedric Itten’s performance in the senior team’s 3-3 draw away at Ross County, the 19-year-old could perhaps now be given a chance to impress Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the biggest match of their campaign so far.

Rangers fans on Alegria

These Teddy Bears pleaded for Alegria to be promoted to the first team ahead of the derby against Celtic on Twitter:

“Get him in…Itten is finished”

Credit: @MackaMac

“Please please please call him up to the 1st team”

Credit: @YakuzaBoozer

“Promote Alegria and send Itten to B team please”

Credit: @Williamkh__

“Itten’s natural replacement”

Credit: @JackC1872

“Defo due a shout soon, like Lowrie he’s 100% got it”

Credit: @BoxingFootball2

“Promotion time! Get it done”

Credit: @Ganders_76

In other news, what contract update has Gers gushing here!

Leeds United have been dealt a setback in their efforts to sign Ben Brereton Diaz this winter…

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire giants have regularly been linked with a move for the Blackburn Rovers forward in recent windows, with claims earlier this month suggesting that a serious push to sign him would be made in January.

However, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, it’s going to take a massive offer for the Championship outfit to even consider letting him go, so that puts a big dent in their chances of sealing him.

“I don’t think he goes … unless offer is mad,” he tweeted.

Diaz is out of contract in the summer but the Lancashire side have an option to extend that by a further year. Meanwhile, a fee in the region of £20m has previously been mooted, as per the Mirror.

Unlikely move?

Historically, the January transfer window has not been one that Leeds often get involved in.

“The feeling in the club and in the recruitment department is generally that they would like to do as little business as they can in January,” once claimed The Athletic’s Phil Hay, whilst Marcelo Bielsa’s comments in the past have hinted towards there being a lack of activity.

The Argentina head coach also spent a lot of money in the summer, breaking Untied’s club record to sign Dan James, one of several £20m+ signings, so there are questions over how much of the budget is left for further additions next month,

However, Leeds need reinforcements as their injury list continues to pile up. They have missed the likes of vice-captain Luke Ayling and leading goalscorer Patrick Bamford for most of the season, without an adequate backup, whilst a fresh blow to Kalvin Phillips is certainly worrying.

Bamford returned from injury and suffered another setback, meaning he has played only 22 minutes in the top-flight since September, so it’s no wonder Bielsa has his sights set on a new frontline addition in Diaz.

Reports in Chile have previously suggested that the 66-year-old has been a huge fan of the Blackburn star, ever since the two sides met in the Championship for the first time several years ago, so he will be absolutely gutted to not be able to sign him this January, if Nixon’s claims are accurate.

The striker, dubbed a “beast” and an “extraordinary talent” by his manager Tony Mowbray, has been in electric form this campaign, where he has delivered 19 goals and one assist in 23 league games, via Transfermarkt.

Bamford’s only backup is academy gem Joe Gelhardt, so a move for one of the Championship’s most prolific goalscorers does make sense but it now seems unlikely given that Rovers will not sell him on the cheap, despite his contractual situation,

As such, Bielsa and co have been dealt a big blow in their attempts to bring in an alternative this winter. He will surely be devastated as his nightmare campaign at Elland Road looks set to continue.

AND in other news, Big relief: Phil Hay finally relays positive injury news for LUFC, fans surely buzzing…

Some Wolves fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news involving Adama Traore and Ousmane Dembele.

As per Sport (via The Daily Express), FC Barcelona are now planning to offer the latter to Bruno Lage’s team in exchange for the Spain international, as both players continue to refuse to sign a new deal at their respective clubs.

While Traore still has 18 months left on his, Dembele’s contract is up in the summer, and so it may now be an option for both to move elsewhere.

Comparing their stats in their respective domestic leagues so far this season, Traore has recorded no goals or assists, while Dembele only has two assists to his name (WhoScored).

The Frenchman is also however averaging more shots (2.8), key passes (1.7) and crosses (1.8) per game (WhoScored), and is one year younger than Traore, suggesting that a swap deal could well be a good move for the Midlands club.

Wolves fans on Dembele transfer news

These WWFC supporters buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it would be ‘incredible’:

“Would be incredible”

Credit: @ethanlilley1877

“Make it happen!”

Credit: @fowls21wwfc

“YES”

Credit: @pjsaturday63

“Get this done now!”

Credit: @CremDeLaCrem86

“HAHAHAHAHAHA ANNOUNCE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“Barcelona our feeders club. We are massive”

Credit: @samburts

In other news, find out who the Wanderers are now interested in signing here!

West Ham United boss David Moyes must keep the faith in Manuel Lanzini when his side travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley this afternoon.

The Irons bounced back in the Premier League with a stunning 3-2 victory over rivals Chelsea last weekend, having witnessed defeats to Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers beforehand.

Moyes named a heavily-rotated starting XI for their final Europa League group game as a youthful-looking Hammers outfit were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Dinamo Zagreb.

The Scot now has several dilemmas to consider heading into today’s kick-off, not at least in the attack, where he could well bring Said Benrahma back into the fold after his axe against the Blues.

However, with Lanzini in much better form right now, the West Ham manager must stick with the Argentine against the Clarets.

His 40th-minute penalty was his second goal in three games, which is even more impressive considering his appearance at the London Stadium last Sunday was his first league start of the 21/22 campaign.

It’s now three direct goal contributions in his last five appearances and that is much better returns than the Algerian winger, who will be off on Africa Cup of Nations duty next month anyway. It could be wise for Moyes to find his replacement, sooner rather than later.

After starting the season on fire, contributing a pair of goals and assists in the Irons’ opening two games, Benrahma has now gone ten games without scoring a goal, in which he has provided just the one assist.

He has failed to register a WhoScored rating above 6.9 in any of his last eight outings either, with his performances in those two aforementioned defeats drawing his lowest two ratings of the season, a 6.04 against City and a 6.15 against Wolves.

There will be a temptation to bring him back into the fold as on his day, he can be a nightmare for the opposition but Sean Dyche’s side are a tough outfit and the 26-year-old lightweight could be exposed in the current form he’s in.

Instead, Moyes should start Lanzini for the second successive game. Last weekend, he was described as “West Ham’s main creative spark” by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, whilst in the past ex-Hammers boss Slaven Bilic likened him to Luka Modric.

Therefore, the £70k-per-week player, who was also dubbed a “top player” with “wonderful feet” by Darren Bent, must start against Burnley – and over Benrahma – this afternoon. It could be another game-changing call from Moyes if so.

AND in other news, Newman can seal West Ham’s biggest signing since Payet in “complete” £24.3m-rated gem…

Everton reportedly remain interested in signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey in the upcoming January transfer window, with manager Rafa Benitez desperate to improve his engine room options.

What’s the story?

The Toffees have long been linked with a move for the 30-year-old as he’s struggled for regular game time in Turin, and now it appears as though an imminent switch could be on the cards.

According to The Mirror (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), Juve are desperate to get Ramsey off their wage bill and will allow him to leave on free in order to do so, despite him having 18 months left to run on his current contract.

It goes on to state that any potential suitor could end up paying £42m in wages on the Wales international over the next three-and-a-half years, although that’s not something Benitez is concerned about.

Everton can end their midfielder hunt

Ever since playmaker James Rodriguez departed for Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan back in September, Everton have lacked a player capable of carving open opposition defences on a regular basis.

And Ramsey is certainly someone who could solve that particular issue with ease, having proven himself to be an elite-level attacking midfielder throughout his 11-year spell with Arsenal.

Throughout his time with the Gunners, the £175k-per-week maestro scored 65 goals and provided 65 assists in 371 appearances, winning three FA Cups along the way.

After one particularly impressive display in a sem-final success against Manchester City back in 2017, Ramsey was even compared to Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard by his former manager Arsene Wenger.

“In my head, Ramsey was going to be a player between 10 and 15 goals a year,” Wenger said – via the club’s website. “He is a Frank Lampard type. He is (about) getting in the box and he has a huge capacity to run.

“Physically, he has a combination of stamina, power and his capacity to repeat high intensity is certainly the best in the league. He has it all in the locker to be defensive and offensive. These kind of players are very important.”

However, things have not gone to plan since his free transfer to Juventus. Injuries have severely restricted his game time, and he’s slipped down the pecking order under Massimiliano Allegri, starting just one game in all competitions this season.

But his fitness woes and astronomic wages are not thought to have put Benitez off, with the 61-year-old said to be a huge admirer of the creative talent and is pushing to make the deal happen in January.

The Mirror claim the Spanish tactician is the driving force behind the Toffees’ interest and that could prove to be a pivotal factor following the recent departure of the former director of football Marcel Brands.

Benitez now holds a huge amount of power in Everton’s transfer dealings, and his first move could be for Ramsey over the coming months. By doing so, he’d end their long hunt for a new option in midfield.

And, in other news…Everton eye swoop for “immense” 6ft4 goliath, he could be a Rafa masterclass

The previous summer window saw Liverpool say goodbye to Georginio Wijnaldum, who joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after making a total of 237 appearances across all competitions for the Merseyside club.

Now, it seems as though Liverpool could be set to potentially lose one of their current midfield players in the near future.

What’s the news?

According to Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida, newly appointed Barcelona manager Xavi, is keen on bringing Thiago Alcantara back to the Spanish club.

As a product of Barcelona’s youth system, Thiago, who has been previously described as an “extraordinary” player by Xavi, made a total of 100 senior appearances for the club across all competitions in which he managed to score 20 goals and provide 10 assists in the process before joining Bayern Munich in the 2013 summer transfer window.

Since moving to Liverpool in September 2020, the 30-year-old, who is currently valued at £22.5m according to Transfermarkt, has made 37 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, with one goal and one assist under his belt.

Despite not being too busy in front of goal during his time at the Merseyside club so far in terms of goals and assists, Thiago proved with his performances in the Premier League last season that he can be an impressive figure for Jurgen Klopp’s side, ending his debut campaign with an overall season rating of 7.12/10, making him Liverpool’s third-highest rated player according to WhoScored.

This season has also seen the midfielder prove himself as a useful player for them in the middle of the park having racked up an average of 1.2 shots per game, 1.2 tackles per game and win 79% of his duels in the Premier League so far this season.

This is why it would be a disaster if the Spaniard left the club for a move back to Barcelona this summer, especially since his current contract isn’t set to expire until the end of June 2024.

Also, with current Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards recently revealing that he will be stepping down from his position at the end of the season, he could well end his time at the club on a bad note if Thiago does go to Barcelona at that point.

Moving forward, if Xavi and Barcelona do make an approach in the near future to try and lure Thiago back to La Liga, Liverpool will have to convince the midfielder that he is an important figure for them and should see out his contract at Anfield.

In other news: Forget VVD: “Influential” LFC ace with 1.5 tackles a game has been Klopp’s unsung hero – opinion

West Ham United are reportedly monitoring a rather exciting young midfielder ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee on the latest episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, the Irons hold an interest in Marseille duo Duje Caleta-Car, who is a centre-back, and Boubacar Kamara, a 21-year-old gem.

Perhaps this development should come as no surprise to those around the London Stadium after the club recruited former Les Olympiens scout Georges Santos to Rob Newman’s recruitment team in recent weeks.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United have been heavily linked with the young France U21 international since the summer transfer window.

Dream Noble successor

With club captain Mark Noble hanging up his boots in the summer, it could be wise to search for further midfield reinforcements, sooner rather than later.

The Hammers did sign Alex Kral on loan during the summer but he’s to make any sort of mark, having been restricted to just two appearances all season.

Kamara is one of Europe’s most exciting versatile future talents. He is capable of playing in defence, both in the middle and on either flank, but it is in midfield where he appears to be the very best fit at 5 foot 10.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-west-ham-news-transfer-updates-gsb-kretinsky-moyes” title=”Read the latest West Ham news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

He has earned glowing reviews on his ability and potential already at such a young age, including one from ex-Marseille teammate Rolando.

“This kid is a phenomenon,” he claimed. “When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player.

“He’s the kind of central defender I like. He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary.”

Since making his debut in France, Kamara has averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.8 headers won and 1.3 interceptions per game, via WhoScored, who also list his strengths as being his aerial and passing ability, as well as his tackling and blocking.

That sort of defensive resilience and intelligence bears some hallmarks to Noble and suggests that he could be a great option sitting a little deeper alongside Declan Rice, who we have seen get forward a lot more this campaign.

Kamara also has experience in Europe, playing 19 times across the Champions and Europa League, so he would fit in well with the ambition of the club and having fellow countrymen Kurt Zouma, Alphonse Areola – who has swapped Ligue 1 for England too – and Issa Diop would surely help an easy transition.

Also lauded as a “jewel” by scout Jacek Kulig, the £25.2m-rated beast could be an exciting and long-term signing in east London.

AND in other news, Huge update emerges on Rice’s future at West Ham…

Aston Villa youngster Keinan Davis still has a bright future at the club despite a lack of playing time recently, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Davis struggling for playing time

The 23-year-old is yet to make an appearance for Villa’s senior team this season, having fallen down the pecking order under Dean Smith.

Davis could have left Villa Park on loan in the summer but ended up staying put, and it could be that a temporary exit in January makes sense.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

The Latest: Hatfield provides key update

Despite Davis’ career stalling a little in recent times, Hatfield believes that he still has plenty to offer at Aston Villa.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, the journalist claimed that Villa think highly of the striker and that his opportunity to become a key figure could arise in the future, tipping him to possibly join Nottingham Forest on loan. Hatfield said:

“Aston Villa have high hopes for Keinan Davis, regardless of whether they send him out on loan or not.

“They just want to make sure he gets the time on the pitch and hopefully he develops into the football player that is potentially there to be.

“So, I’m sure Villa will be looking at teams that play a similar style, and it seems like Nottingham Forest would work out pretty well.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-8/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Persevere with him

At 23, Davis isn’t necessarily an up-and-coming player anymore, but there is still lots of time for him to develop as a footballer and become more polished.

A loan move away could do him the world of good, allowing him to pick up confidence and get minutes under his belt before returning to Villa next summer.

Jack Grealish once described his former Villa team-mate as ‘unplayable’, which speaks to how much ability Davis appears to have, so hopefully the striker will be able to forge out a stable future under Smith.

In other news, some Villa fans have reacted to an image of one player. Find out who it is here.

With David Moyes’ West Ham United side heading into Sunday’s Premier League clash on a run of six games without defeat in all competitions, the 58-year-old Hammers boss would have undoubtedly been hoping his side could maintain this impressive run when Liverpool visited the London Stadium.

And, a first-half own-goal from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, followed by a second-half Pablo Fornals strike and a 74th-minute Kurt Zouma header proved to be enough for West Ham to deal the Reds their first defeat of the Premier League season, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick and Divock Origi’s fantastic late strike proving to be mere consolations as the Hammers ran out 3-2 winners in East London.

As is perhaps to be expected after such a result, a number of Moyes’ men turned in rather remarkable performances over the course of the 90 minutes, with match-winner Zouma perhaps being the pick of the bunch, however, the performance of first-half substitute Craig Dawson should not be overlooked.

Won 100% duels

Despite starting the fixture on the bench, Angelo Ogbonna’s injury 22 minutes into the match saw the 31-year-old centre-back thrown into proceedings, and he certainly did not disappoint.

Indeed, over his 68 minutes on the pitch, the £2.7m-rated defender made four clearances, blocked three shots, made two interceptions and won one tackle, as well as not being dribbled past by an opponent once.

The £42k-per-week man also won all five of his duels – a success rate of 100% – completed both of his attempted dribbles and had two attempts at the Liverpool goal – one of which hit the crossbar.

These returns saw the player who Alan Pardew dubbed an “incredible” talent earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.5, with no West Ham player receiving a higher score than the former England U21 international.

Indeed, Football.London’s West Ham correspondent Tom Clarke also appeared impressed with the performance of the substitute, awarding Dawson a seven in his own match ratings, as well as stating of the defender’s display: “Made a number of vital blocks as Liverpool ramped up the pressure on West Ham. Won the ball back in the build-up to Fornals’ goal and was a huge aerial threat at set-pieces.”

As such, while it would appear unlikely that Ogbonna’s facial injury will keep him out of action for longer than the two-week international break that is now upon us, Dawson will nevertheless have proven to Moyes that he is more than capable of doing a job in the heart of the Hammers defence, as the 31-year-old well and truly stole the show against Liverpool on Sunday.

In other news: Imagine him & Antonio: WHU can secure dream duo with “very talented” £22.5m-rated ace

Leicester City have suffered a big double selection setback ahead of their Europa League tie with Legia Warsaw after Jonny Evans and Kelechi Iheanacho were ruled out of contention.

What’s the word?

The Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that the pair haven’t travelled to Poland with the rest of the first-team squad, with Evans not well enough to make the journey.

“He hasn’t travelled. He wasn’t well enough to travel. We’ll see how he is for the weekend,” Rodgers said in Wednesday’s press conference.

“He’s a top defender, and when he plays, we are better. We were hoping he was going to be available, but obviously not. We’ll see how he is for the weekend.”

The Northern Irish tactician also disclosed how an issue with Iheanacho’s paperwork has prevented him from playing any part in their second Group C encounter.

Rodgers said: “We’ve had an issue with Kelechi. His documentation coming into the country wasn’t sufficient, so he wasn’t able to travel. He will be unavailable for the game.

“The paperwork didn’t allow him to enter the country. We’ll have to look at that when we’re back.”

Brendan Rodgers will be gutted

Rodgers will surely be gutted to be without both Iheanacho and Evans for this evening’s trip to Warsaw, with both stars playing key roles in the first-team setup.

Evans has only completed one 90 minute game so far this season due to a recurring foot injury, while Iheanacho has managed to bag two goals and provide two assists in all competitions despite making just one start all campaign.

Leicester will be hoping to have the duo back available when they take on Crystal Palace over the weekend as they attempt to end a three-game winless run in the Premier League.

And, in other news…Romano delivers Leicester transfer update that will surely leave Rodgers gutted