All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been advised to leave Anfield this summer by club legend John Barnes.

What’s the story?

Speaking to BettingOdds.com, Barnes claimed that the 27-year-old would be better off joining one of the Reds’ Premier League rivals over the coming months after struggling for game time with Jurgen Klopp’s charges.

“I think (Oxlade-Chamberlain should join) Leicester or West Ham. Leicester would probably be a bit better suited because they’re more stable than West Ham as they know that they will be in the top seven most seasons, which isn’t the case for West Ham.

“However, if he wanted to go back down south, then I think West Ham would be a good move for Alex, too.”

Klopp would be fuming

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Liverpool in a £35m move from Arsenal in the summer of 2017.

After enjoying an impressive debut campaign, scoring five goals and providing eight assists in 46 appearances, the versatile ace suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the Champions League semi-final.

The England international has failed to re-establish himself in Klopp’s starting XI on a regular basis since, starting just 19 Premier League games in the last three seasons.

However, when fully fit and in form, the Southampton academy graduate offers a unique set of attributes to the six-time European champions, and the Liverpool boss has openly expressed his admiration for Oxlade-Chamberlain in the past.

“He has shown his class each and every time he has had the opportunity on the pitch, and the weekend was another example of this. He is like dynamite when he comes on,” noted Klopp back in 2017.

“Aggressive in the most positive way. Front foot always. Looking to attack and create. These performances come because of how good his attitude is in training at Melwood. He has the highest quality in everything he does; sometimes I think he is the last to realise this.”

With Gini Wijnaldum departing for French giants Paris Saint-Germain, the Liverpool hierarchy should be focusing on bringing in a replacement rather than showing other midfielders the exit door.

If owners FSG follow the advice of Barnes and attempt to turf the £16.2m-rated Oxlade-Chamberlain out of Anfield, then Klopp would be fuming at them making such a short-sighted decision, especially considering that the Reds have already lost one midfielder.

The financial restrictions imposed upon football by the ongoing pandemic mean Liverpool can’t afford an extensive re-build of the first-team squad, and therefore, they would be better off allowing the box-to-box ace another 12 months to prove his worth before contemplating a sale.

And, in other news…Liverpool tell 25 y/o he can leave during weekend talks, Klopp should be very happy 

Newcastle United are reportedly now targeting a move for Renan Lodi in the summer.

The Lowdown: Targett conundrum

The St James’ Park club have a conundrum over whether to sign Matt Targett on a permanent deal following his loan spell from Aston Villa.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-5/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

They have reportedly not made a decision yet, although polls suggest that the vast majority of the fanbase would choose to bring him in permanently.

The Latest: Lodi targeted by Newcastle

As per journalist Jacque Talbot, Lodi ‘remains a target’ for Newcastle despite Targett’s ‘glowing performances’, with the latter set to ‘hold talks’ with the Tyneside club this summer after his loan ends.

Replying to a fan on Twitter, Talbot then revealed that the Atletico Madrid defender will likely cost around €50m (£42.2m) and that a deal is ‘very negotiable’, saying: “Think about €50m but have heard it’ll be very negotiable how it’s done.”

Expanding in his article for Football Transfers, the journalist said that ‘sources’ have told the news outlet that talks over Targett will still proceed despite the interest in Lodi, as both Newcastle and Villa are ‘happy’ with how things are going at the moment.

However, the representatives of Lodi have already spoken to the Magpies, with discussions taking place in the January transfer window over a potential move then.

The Verdict: Targett over Lodi

If the Toon could only sign one of those left-back options, they should be looking at signing Targett over Lodi.

Firstly, the Englishman should be a lot cheaper, with €15m (£12.6m) thought to be enough for his permanent signature.

His performances for Eddie Howe’s team should not be overlooked either, and he is actually averaging more tackles, interceptions, clearances, blocks, shots, key passes, dribbles, crosses and long balls per game than the Atletico Madrid left-back in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

The new owners at St James’ Park should be prioritising a move for Targett first, before potentially moving onto Lodi if a deal cannot be struck.

In other news, find out whose NUFC future is now in doubt

Sheffield United are being linked with former Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic, who could prove to be a superb appointment ahead of next season in the Championship.

According to James Shield of the Sheffield Star, Sheffield United will discuss their managerial vacancy with the Serbian over the coming days.

Paul Heckingbottom has been in temporary charge at Bramall Lane since Chris Wilder left in March, having previously managed the U23 side, with results unfortunately not improving under the former Barnsley boss, which culminated in the Blades’ relegation back to the Championship.

Since his appointment, the South Yorkshire side have won just one of their last eight games, losing the other seven, so it was perhaps clear that he was never going to be given the opportunity to take charge permanently.

Jokanovic, therefore, could prove to be a shrewd appointment should he take charge at Bramall Lane this summer, as he has plenty of experience in both the Premier League and the Championship.

The 52-year-old is currently in charge at Qatari club Al-Gharafa SC, where he has taken charge of 53 matches, picking up an impressive points per game average of 1.6.

However, his contract there is set to expire in the summer, which suggests that he will soon be looking for a new job and if he does end up leaving the Stars League outfit, then Sheffield United could bring him in without having to pay any compensatory fee.

Jokanovic is perhaps best known for his spell with Fulham, spending three years there between 2015-2018, taking charge of 144 matches with a solid points per game average of 1.56.

He also helped the Cottagers to promotion in the 2017/18 season via the Championship playoffs, which led Danny Murphy to label the job he had done as “remarkable” before being rather harshly sacked after a poor run of form in the Premier League.

It would be good for the Blades to have a manager with two Championship promotions on his CV, having also earned promotion with Watford in 2014/15.

Therefore, this looks like good news for Sheffield United as they continue their search for a new manager ahead of next season. They want a man who can earn promotion and in Jokanovic, they could get a man with a proven track-record of doing just that, with two different clubs.

And, in other news… Fewer touches than Ramsdale: Sheffield United dud was shocking in CPFC defeat

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in Tottenham midfielder Oliver Skipp.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are interested in a deal to sign the 20-year-old on loan before the end of the month.

The report claims that the Magpies have identified him as a midfield target, but Spurs are yet to make their mind up over whether or not they want to send him out on loan. Newly-promoted Norwich are also hoping to bring him back for a second season at Carrow Road.

Bye-bye Hayden

Southampton have been linked with a deal for Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden this summer, and it could be time for the Magpies to wave bye-bye to the former Arsenal man and dip into the transfer market to find a replacement for him.

Skipp could be that man. The 20-year-old enjoyed a sensational year on loan at Norwich in the Championship last season as he helped the Canaries win the title. In 45 appearances, he averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.90, highlighting his quality and consistency throughout the campaign. He was also named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year alongside ex-Newcastle duo Tim Krul and Adam Armstrong.

The England under-21 international made 3.8 tackles, interceptions and blocks per game, whilst also completing 1.2 key passes and dribbles per match. This shows that he is adept at getting from box to box and making an impact at both ends of the pitch.

Norwich head coach Daniel Farke admitted at the end of last season that the Canaries are not able to afford a permanent move for the midfielder, whilst labeling him a “perfect lad”.

He told The Pink Un: “We would never be able to sign a highly-rated player like Oliver Skipp. Not on a permanent deal. It would be an unbelievable amount of money for our club.

“When you bring young players from the best clubs in the world there is always a risk.

“We saw the potential, we looked into his character a lot and we knew he would be fully convinced to give everything, not thinking I don’t need to work to prove I am the best in my position.

“Oliver is a perfect lad. So humble. He is a brilliant loan signing.”

The £24k-per-week powerhouse has barely been tested at Premier League level, but his statistics in the Championship were excellent and Farke’s comments show that he rates the youngster very highly. Therefore, the 20-year-old could be a superb signing for Newcastle if he is able to translate his performances across to the top flight, making him a potentially perfect replacement for Hayden if the latter departs for the south coast.

AND in other news, “That’s a non-starter” – Liam Kennedy rules out chance of one star making a sensational NUFC return…

Pablo Hernandez was a good signing for Leeds United and vital in the Yorkshire club’s promotion to the Premier League, says ex-Whites midfielder Carlton Palmer.

The 36-year-old attacking midfielder is leaving Leeds after five years at Elland Road and will be remembered fondly for his time at the Premier League outfit.

While he was not a regular this season, Hernandez, who joined from Al-Arabi SC back in 2016, played a key role under Marcelo Bielsa the campaign prior.

The former Spain international scored nine goals and provided nine assists on Leeds’ way to Premier League promotion, something Palmer has not forgotten about.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Hernandez, the ex-England player said:

“It was a good signing at the time that helped them get promotion and get back to the Premier League, so it’s definitely a good signing. 

“I think it’s good business; I think he’s been good for Leeds United. They’ve used his experience. I think he’s been brilliant in the dressing room with the lads, but I think it’s the right time for him to move on and go and play football.”

As well as Hernandez, Leeds have also confirmed that another long-serving player in defender Gaetano Berardi will be leaving the club.

It gives room and frees up the wage bill for Bielsa to bring in players and progress this squad as Leeds look to build on what has been a successful return to English football’s top flight.

Some Manchester City fans are far from happy with comments from Raheem Sterling on his struggles at the Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old is currently away on international duty with England at Euro 2020 and he has been one of the players of the tournament. As the Three Lions have progressed to the semi-finals, the winger has scored three goals and provided one assist (uefa.com) as he has kept the trust of manager Gareth Southgate.

His form at City was not fantastic last term – he received criticism from some supporters and, although he  scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists (Transfermarkt), he failed to match his showings from previous seasons.

Speaking to ITV prior to England’s quarter-final clash with Ukraine last night, the £81m-valued Sterling (Transfermarkt) said that a lot of people do not understand what goes on behind closed doors when discussing City.

He remarked: “I’ve been performing for Man City for the last three/four seasons, putting in great numbers, winning loads of trophies. A lot of people don’t understand what goes on behind closed doors, there’s a lot more to football than just a matchday.”

The comments were shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and they attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what Sterling had to say.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the comments from Sterling

“Time to sell.”

Credit: @MajunAtlas

“Leave”

Credit: @Taguero_10

“You’re making things worse -_-“

Credit: @MohammedMezough

“Cheers son’s crying”

Credit: @ZinnySZN

“How dare he says that!!Sell him!!!”

Credit: @tymcfcV2

“Stop missing easy chances and a lot of people will understand”

Credit: @Gabi9Goal

In other news, these Man City fans were also angry with Kevin de Bruyne’s comments.

The Athletic have revealed that Glasgow Rangers have a £14m funding gap they need to fill after £40m investment in recent years.

The Lowdown: Gers receive funds

In recent years, the Gers have seen their funds increase, whether it be due to their performances on the pitch or via other sources such as share sales (via The Daily Record).

However, it is now being reported that they need more money to plug certain gaps.

The Latest: Gers need £14m

As per this latest article from Rangers reporter Jordan Campbell (in the form of a Q&A for The Athletic), the Gers need £14m to fill a funding gap.

The Scottish champions have had £40m invested in the squad over the past few years, but there have been few, if any, major sales to balance the books (The Athletic).

The Verdict: Be careful

Things are certainly going well for Rangers at the moment, and with them having a chance of reaching the Champions League group stages, they may need a bit of investment to put themselves in the best possible position to do so. However, the 55-time Scottish champions must be careful not to put themselves in difficulty financially.

Less than 10 years ago, the Gers went into administration (BBC) and were demoted to the fourth tier of Scottish football as a result. It has taken them a considerable amount of time to return to the pinnacle of the domestic game – now they are there, they must make sure they do not put themselves in peril again.

In other news, Alex McLeish is worried about the future of this Rangers man.

Interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore is growing ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Catalan publication El Nacional, who claim that newly-rich Newcastle United are the latest side to take an interest in the Wolves winger, with the Magpies believed to be keeping a very close eye on the situation of 25-year-old ahead of a potential swoop in the January transfer window.

Indeed, previous reports have claimed that Liverpool are also considering a move for the Spain international in the winter market, a switch that Traore is thought to be open to, while Tottenham Hotspur could also reignite their summer interest in the winger come January.

Shi must not sell

Considering just how important a part of the Wolves side Traore has been in recent seasons, should the club’s director of football, Jeff Shi, decide to cash in on the forward this January, it would undoubtedly be a decision that would leave the Molineux faithful livid.

Indeed, while the winger is yet to score or register an assist over his nine Premier League appearances this term, the £27m-rated man has nevertheless impressed, creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.6 key passes, taking 1.8 shots and completing a whopping 6.1 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the player who Jurgen Klopp claimed is “undefendable” against average a SofaScore match rating of 7.24, ranking him as Bruno Lage’s best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, should Shi wish to give Wolves the best possible chance of securing a top ten finish in the league this season, he simply must avoid all temptation to sanction the £46k-per-week man’s sale come January.

Traore is undoubtedly a player who possesses the ability to fire his side towards the European places come the end of the current campaign.

In other news: Wolves set for negotiations over “spectacular” £7.2m-rated gem, Lage would love him

Celtic are still hoping to sign Manchester City right-back Yan Couto, according to Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Couto profiled

Couto is 19 years of age and joined Manchester City last summer from Brazilian side Coritiba for £5.4m.

He’s still yet to make a senior appearance under Pep Guardiola and spent last season on loan at Spanish side Girona.

The right-back, who won the 2019 Under-17 World Cup with Brazil, is on £780,000-a-year at the Etihad and was described as ‘simply fantastic’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The Latest: Parkhead visit

Sky Sports shared a story on Thursday, claiming Celtic are still interested in Couto, who has a number of clubs across Europe chasing his signature.

Couto is still considering his options, with the Hoops hopeful of securing a season-long loan deal.

Mark Hendry of Herald and Times Sport posted on Twitter on Thursday evening, revealing Couto ‘is in Glasgow’ to watch Celtic play Jablonec.

The Hoops ran out 3-0 winners at Celtic Park, with two goals from David Turnbull and one from James Forrest.

The Verdict: Sign

Celtic still want a right-back and a winger this summer, so bringing in Couto could help Ange Postecoglou in both those areas.

He’s capable of playing further forward as a right-midfielder, with 14 of his senior appearances coming in an advanced role compared to 13 as a right-back.

The Hoops will need to pip a number of clubs to Couto, but if they do, it could prove to be a real coup due to him being versatile and a young in-demand talent.

In other news: Postecoglou closing in: Celtic now close to versatile right-midfielder for £3m. 

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has provided an update on the fitness of Son Heung-Min and Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Growing list of absences

Having topped the Premier League table at the end of August after three straight 1-0 victories, Spurs were heavily defeated at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Eric Dier was forced off injured in the first half and Japhet Tanganga was sent off as Palace scored three times in the final 15 minutes to hand Nuno his first league defeat as Spurs manager.

Tottenham were without a bunch of first team players, with Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Son and Bergwijn all missing the trip to Selhurst Park.

The Latest: Nuno hoping to have duo back for Chelsea clash

As per Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic, the manager has at least hinted that the Korean and Dutch forwards could feature in next week’s clash at home to in-form Chelsea.

Nuno claimed that the duo will “hopefully improve and be available for the game next week” after the defeat at Palace, whilst Romero, Lo Celso and Sanchez are likely to miss the clash as they are only due to arrive in London on Saturday, just one day before the match.

The Spurs boss also said: “I believe that we have a good squad and enough quality and talent to overcome all the situations.”

The Verdict: Not the time to panic

Tottenham’s defeat at Palace has stopped them in their tracks, but remember that they won their first three league fixtures of the season and have bolstered their squad whilst keeping Harry Kane.

There are certainly areas for improvement for Spurs, but they have still made a good start to the season and having Son and Bergwijn back for the Chelsea game would provide a lift to the squad.

The Dutchman has previous in terms of scoring against elite opposition, memorably netting against Manchester City on his north London debut, while Son had the second-highest tally of goal contributions (27) at the club in 2020/21. Therefore, Nuno’s cautious optimism that the pair might be fine to feature against the Blues is quite pleasing to hear.

In other news, a BBC pundit has welcomed news of a new role for Daniel Levy. Find out more here.