All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Tottenham Hotspur boss Nuno Santo is facing plenty of selection decisions heading into his side’s return to Premier League action this afternoon.

The north London outfit head to the northeast to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park but preparation has been far from ideal this week.

Spurs’ quartet of South Americans only returned to the club yesterday, whilst reports suggest that two first-team players have tested positive for the ongoing pandemic, meaning they’ll miss this encounter.

It certainly hands the Portuguese head coach a massive headache ahead of kickoff but what sort of lineup could we see today? Here’s what we are predicting…

There could be just one change from the side that defeated Aston Villa last time out.

With four players featuring in South America before returning to N17 only yesterday, it would be a surprise to see many feature. As a result, Cristian Romero, who has dealt with his fair share of injury problems since the summer, is not risked and the spot is handed to Joe Rodon instead.

However, Brazil right-back Emerson Royal makes the starting XI and they are joined by Sergio Reguilon and Eric Dier, in front of club captain Hugo Lloris.

It means that Nuno’s engine room is unscathed, so Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp feature alongside Tanguy Ndombele.

Heung-min Son emerged as a doubt but according to reports in his home country, South Korea, he is expected to feature, with the £18m-rated Lucas Moura, who Dier once dubbed a “nightmare” to train against, getting the nod over Steven Bergwijn and Bryan Gil.

Meanwhile, upfront, Nuno keeps the faith with Harry Kane despite his lack of goals in the Premier League. He is yet to score in his five starts.

It means there is no place for the likes of Dele Alli, Davinson Sanchez, Giovani Lo Celso or Bryan Gil.

AND in other news, Spurs’ £27m-rated “big talent” can spoil Newcastle’s takeover party at St James’ Park…

Derby County have reached an agreement with the EFL regarding their punishment for breaching financial regulations.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by Mike Keegan, with the Daily Mail journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Derby have agreed to a 12 point penalty, nine of which will be deducted from their current points tally this season, with the other three suspended until next term.

However, a further report by the Daily Mail revealed that, as yet, there has been no agreement reached regarding an EFL imposed business plan, while a resolution regarding the club’s accounting is also required before the Rams’ can conclude their 18-month battle with the league’s governing body.

In his tweet, Keegan said: “I’m told agreement in principle has been reached between Derby County and the EFL. Would see club docked nine points now, with three (12 in total) suspended. No deal yet over business plan. Talks ongoing but this is being viewed as key breakthrough.”

Fans will be livid

While it is undoubtedly good news that Derby have finally made progress towards settling their ongoing argument with the EFL, something that has now been hanging over the club for a year and a half, the fact that Wayne Rooney’s side look to have agreed a nine-point deduction to their current total is sure to have left fans livid.

Indeed, with the club having maintained their innocence throughout their fight with the EFL, agreeing to a penalty which will see the club sent to the bottom of the Championship table – if applied before their fixture against Stoke City on Saturday – certainly seems to be something of an admission of guilt.

Furthermore, while Rooney’s side surprised many with their decent level of performances so far this season, picking up seven points over their opening seven fixtures of the 2021/22 Championship campaign, the impact of suddenly finding themselves seven points away from safety is sure to be negative on the 35-year-old manager, his players and fans of the club.

In other news: Derby County confirm exciting transfer news which is sure to have Rams fans buzzing

BBC Sport’s Adam Pope has delivered an exciting verdict on Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton after his performance in the Carabao Cup victory over Fulham.

What’s the story?

The 21-year-old was handed a starting role in Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s third round tie at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night, playing in the holding midfield role usually occupied by Kalvin Phillips.

And, writing on Twitter after the game, Pope said: “Shackleton was right in the thick of it tonight too. Really set about the DM role before switching to right back. Really pushing hard now.”

Fans will be excited

Yet to make a start in the Premier League this season – his three appearances in the competition have only totalled 56 minutes – Shackleton’s chances of doing so were boosted earlier in the summer when Leeds opted against signing a new central midfielder, or at least failing to do so.

Versatile enough to play either in midfield or even as a full-back, the academy product showed in that game against Fulham that he could become a major player for Bielsa this season.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for Leeds Live, Beren Cross gave him an eight, saying: “Looked very comfortable in the defensive midfielder role. Not a position he has played often, if ever, under Marcelo Bielsa. Got around and made a passing option for team-mates as often as he could. Looked neat and nimble on the half-turn. Looked blistering when he moved to right-back in the second half.”

Despite the lack of real game-time in the Premier League, there’s no questioning that Bielsa is a big fan of the Leeds youngster,

In fact, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Southampton in the top-flight last season, the Leeds boss himself said: “I believe in Shackleton as an important alternative for Leeds United. He’s in a similar process to that of Pascal (Struijk).

“The only thing is that Pascal has a continuity that Shackleton hasn’t been able to have. I consider him a player that I can trust and I’m satisfied with what he has brought to the team. Apart from that, he is a very serious player, very applied and very conscious of what is needed to play at this level.”

With Pope now saying that Shackleton is really pushing hard to become a more established part of the first-team squad at Elland Road, fans will surely be buzzing at the prospect of seeing the 21-year-old continue to progress and shine.

Meanwhile, Leeds could unearth their new Pablo Hernandez in this starlet…

Nottingham Forest have made a move in an attempt to bring Josh Maja to the City Ground.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Loic Tanzi, with the RMC Sport journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Dane Murphy has sanctioned a €4.5m (£3.9m) bid for the FC Girondins Bordeaux centre-forward.

In his tweet, Tanzi said: “Nottingham Forest has made an offer of €4.5 million to Bordeaux for Josh Maja. The striker could leave L1 before [Tuesday] evening.”

And, a further report by L’Equipe (via Get French Football News) claimed that the Ligue 1 side have now accepted Forest’s offer, before revealing that Maja will fly out to England today in order to finalise his switch to the Championship club.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how poorly Chris Hughton’s side have started their 2021/22 Championship campaign, as well as how much potential Maja appears to possess, if Murphy can indeed go on to secure the signing of the centre-forward prior to the closure of the summer transfer window on Tuesday evening, his signing would undoubtedly be a major coup for the Reds, one that will undoubtedly have fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over Maja’s 15 Premier League appearances – only nine of which came as starts – while on loan at Fulham last season, the £4.5m-rated man scored three goals, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player Jermain Defoe dubbed a “rare” talent earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.75, an impressive feat considering he averaged just 54 minutes on the pitch per fixture.

Furthermore, when taking into account just how much Forest’s current options at centre-forward, Lyle Taylor and Lewis Grabban, have struggled so far this season, with the pair scoring just one league goal between them, it would indeed appear as if forward options are an area of the squad in which Hughton could use reinforcements.

As such, should the Forest CEO be able to secure the services of the £14k-per-week youngster by the end of the day, it would undoubtedly provide the 62-year-old manager will a significant boost, and one which could help the club finally kickstart their Championship campaign.

In other news: Forest handed major boost over “impressive” £2.7m-rated dynamo, Murphy will be buzzing

Celtic talisman Odsonne Edouard has been shortlisted by European giants AS Roma as they look to beef up their offensive arsenal, as reported by Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Celtic undergo mini-exodus as 2021/22 gets underway

As the 2021/22 season gets underway, new manager Ange Postecoglou has began to initiate the rebuilding processes needed at Parkhead in earnest.

Multiple senior exits were always likely this summer, as reflected by the departures of influential figures such as Scott Brown, Kristoffer Ajer and Olivier Ntcham [Transfermarkt], and the Hoops now look set to lose yet another prize asset following recent reports.

The Latest: Edouard on Roma shorlist as Dzeko exit imminent

Edouard is rumoured to be on a shortlist at the Stadio Olimpico to help bolster their striking options, as per Daily Record.

Circumstantially, this has come around as a result of the imminent transfer of Roma striker Edin Dzeko to divisional rivals Inter Milan, creating a need for a new centre-forward in the Italian capital to replace the two-time Premier League winner.

Mauro Icardi is also said to be on the Giallorossi’s radar, but his prospective financial expenditure within the realm of a transfer fee and wages makes him an unlikely candidate. [Daily Record]

Could this pave the way for the 6 foot 2 Edouard to make the switch to Roma?

The Verdict: Right time for player and club to amicably part ways

With only 12 months remaining on his contract in Glasgow, it would be wise for Celtic to take advantage of the Frenchman’s value and try to make a profit on his services.

In 2020/21, he made a sustained impact for the Hoops , registering 28 goal contributions in 40 appearances with 22 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt]. Furthermore, his average of 3.5 shots per game in the Premiership last year illustrated his ability to trouble defences regularly [WhoScored].

Once labelled as “magnificent” by former Hoops manager Neil Lennon [Glasgow Live], now may well be the correct time for Celtic and Edouard to amicably part ways while they can still recoup a transfer fee for him.

In other news, a Premier League club are in pole position to sign this Celtic star.

Paddy Kenny has predicted that Celtic will look to replace Ryan Christie imminently should the 26-year-old look to quit Parkhead this summer.

The Lowdown: Ryan Christie saga refuses to die down

In a season of change across the board for the Bhoys, new manager Ange Postecoglou will be under no illusions that further exits could still follow between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

One saga which just refuses to die down is that of Christie, who is under contract in Glasgow until January [Transfermarkt].

Celtic were reported to have opened talks with the Inverness native over a new deal, but no such terms have been offered to the player as of yet [The Scottish Sun].

The Latest: Kenny urges Celtic to sign a suitable Christie replacement

In an exclusive interview with Football Insider, Kenny was adamant that the Celts should move to sign a replacement should the Scotland international move on this summer, stating: “I think everyone wants to know where they stand.”

He added: “If he wants to leave then he’ll want that to go through quickly, and likewise with Celtic. It doesn’t do anyone any good to keep it up in the air.

“They are losing a good player and they are gonna have to replace him. If he does move on, you’d expect them to get one in as soon as possible.

“So they need to get that sorted one way or another so everybody can move forward and get on with their football.”

The Verdict: Celtic must solve Christie contract wrangle soon

Correctly identifying the need for the situation to be resolved, Kenny builds a compelling case for Celtic to be proactive rather than reactive to the Christie situation. Losing the 26-year-old would be a big blow to the Celtic Park hierarchy, but they should have contingencies on hand if the worst case scenario unfolds.

Starting off this season in sparkling form, Christie has registered four goal contributions in six appearances so far, with one goal and three assists to his name [Transfermarkt]. Furthermore, his average rate of three shots per match shows his willingness to regularly involve himself in attacking play [WhoScored].

In short, Celtic should do everything in their power to keep Christie at the club due to his wide range of qualities.

In other news, Celtic are closing in on one of Ireland’s brightest talents. Read all about it here.

If this was Odsonne Edouard’s farewell from Celtic then he has waved goodbye to Parkhead in the worst possible way.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move away from the Hoops for a considerable period of time with speculation mounting in the last few days.

Teams in England are interested in securing the Bhoys forward while a bid from Rubin Kazan has also been forthcoming.

However, if Ange Postecoglou was sceptical about accepting the terms offered, he should simply take the money and run.

Edouard has been a fantastic servant to Celtic down the years, scoring 86 times. Yet, he could now leave the club amid huge disappointment.

Postecoglou has been a breath of fresh air to the Glaswegian side and they have improved significantly from an attacking point of view since he arrived.

Though, when it really mattered in the Old Firm on Sunday lunchtime, Celtic struggled to create.

Edouard isn’t the chief suspect in that but when he was presented with an opportunity, he couldn’t find the net.

It was an abject performance from the isolated striker who managed to complete just four passes in the entire match before he was brought off on 68 minutes.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/postecoglou-hoops-bhoys-jenz-larsson-nisbet” title=”Check out the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

Celtic slipped to a consecutive defeat and this one will hurt immensely, especially after the 23-year-old’s first-half miss.

Kyogo Furuhashi got down the left-hand side and then put the ball on a plate for Edouard inside the six-yard box.

So used to tucking away those opportunities with relative ease, he somehow missed with the goal at his mercy. He tried side-footing the ball home but got it all wrong, skewing the attempt wide.

That was the forward’s biggest moment in the game and indeed Celtic’s as they were left to rue that miss in a 1-0 defeat. Had he scored, Postecoglou would be walking away from Ibrox with a small smile on his face; instead he will be angry with his star striker for failing to put the ball away.

Edouard’s afternoon was capped off by a measly 19 touches – a number that happened to be lower than goalkeeper Joe Hart who took 56 touches.

From those occasions where he had the ball, he managed to surrender the ball on ten occasions. That meant the in-demand attacker gave away possession every 1.9 touches.

Furthermore, he only won 40% of the physical duels he was involved in.

If Edouard does move in the remaining days of the transfer market, this was not a fond farewell. Celtic look considerably better when Kyogo is playing through the middle instead.

AND in other news, Forget Montgomery: Celtic can soften Taylor injury blow by signing “incredible” 20 y/o…

Manchester City are reportedly expecting prime target Jack Grealish to hand in a transfer request to force his way out of Aston Villa [The Mirror].

One of the Villans star performers in 2020/21, the 25-year-old registered 19 goal contributions in 27 fixtures for his boyhood club; seven goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he is embroiled in a carer defining situation in terms of where he sees his imminent future.

Aston Villa are reportedly lining up eye-watering terms to keep hold of their top asset, whilst Manchester City are ready to pounce for his signature in a deal worth around £100 million [The Mirror].

The latest update has suggested that the Villa Park skipper could now hand in a transfer request to force through the deal.

As you can imagine, loads of Aston Villa diehards took to Twitter to fume at this latest development.

Aston Villa FC fans react:

Replying to the Mirror’s Twitter account, here is what some supporters had to say about the update:

“He wouldn’t do that lol”

Credit: @JayVtid

“Can’t see him handing in a request. If he did the backlash would be brutal so good luck to him if he does”

Credit: @RBishop_1990

“No chance.”

Credit: @wilsterdavies1″Tripe”Credit: @KelvinEHughes”Whatever happens no way Jack ever forces a move out of villa and hands in a transfer request..what a load of nonsense”Credit: @robhol88″Our “Expectations” are formed from our own patterns of behaviour. Clearly, the Mirror journo’s showing distinct LACK of loyalty, morality and inability to value relationships. #AVFC”Credit: @beerchipsgravyIn other news, Aston Villa fans react to a Leon Bailey update.

Brighton look set to pip Celtic to the signing of Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma, according to Tokyo Sports, as cited by Sport Witness.

The Lowdown: Mitoma profiled

Mitoma, who has represented Japan at Under-23 level, currently plays for J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale.

The 24-year-old, primarily a left winger, has just 12 months left on his contract. He has scored 12 goals and registered five assists in all competitions this year.

Mitoma handed in a transfer request a day after Ange Postecoglou was announced as Celtic boss, with speculation mounting over a potential Parkhead move. However, it doesn’t look like he will be moving to Scotland.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-9/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Source shares update

According to Tokyo Sports, as cited by Sport Witness, Brighton are set to secure Mitoma’s services. The Seagulls have reached a ‘general agreement’, with a deal set to go through following the Olympic Games in his homeland.

Mitoma is unlikely to be granted a work permit in England so could end up moving on loan to Belgian side Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, who have close connections with Brighton.

A source close to the player told Tokyo Sports regarding his next destination: “I heard that it was decided to go to the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Edwards as an alternative?

It remains to be seen just how strong Celtic’s interest in Mitoma had been, although another winger who has been linked with a move to Parkhead is Kyle Edwards.

The former West Brom man is now a free agent and the Hoops are thought to be negotiating personal terms with the 23-year-old. A move would cost Celtic £300,000 in compensation and Edwards and Mitoma can both play on either flank.

Postecoglou wants a new winger through the door before his first competitive game in charge on July 20, so perhaps Edwards will be Celtic’s man over Mitoma, who now looks unattainable.

In other news: Celtic think they can lure £26k-p/w ace to Parkhead; source claims Postecoglou has seen footage, find out more here. 

An update has emerged on Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, regarding Everton’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Everton are yet to make an official offer for Koulibaly. Romano has said that a Napoli source has confirmed this to be the case, whilst no other team has joined the race at this stage.

The Serie A giants want to keep the defender, with manager Luciano Spaletti quoted as saying “I’m ready to chain myself to keep Koulibaly here at Napoli”.

Fans would be ecstatic

Everton must sanction a swoop to sign Koulibaly this summer as it would leave fans ecstatic. The 30-year-old is a proven performer at the top level and would be a marquee addition to the squad.

The Senegal international has been a regular in the Serie A for Napoli since the start of the 2014/15 campaign, playing in the Europa League or Champions League in every season. Over the course of his career, he has averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 7.05 – showing remarkable quality and consistency over the past seven years with Napoli.

Former Liverpool and Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina hailed the centre-back last year when speaking about the best defenders he has played behind. He said:

“The defender who gave me more security? In a moment, Koulibaly was something extraordinary. In the national team [it was] Sergio Ramos.

“At Liverpool [it was Daniel] Agger, [Jamie] Carragher. Difficult to choose, there have been many strong [players]. In recent years, the Koulibaly – Albiol combination was phenomenal if it was in place.”

This shows how highly rated the £195k-per-week beast is by players who have played alongside him. Reina, as he explained, played in the Premier League with Liverpool and knows exactly what is required to compete in England, suggesting that his effusive praise of Koulibaly means the defender would be up to the standards required to excel at Everton.

Therefore, fans would love the club to sanction a deal for the defender.

There is no harm in trying with a bid, something supporters would also enjoy as it shows a high level of ambition.

AND in other news, Greg O’Keeffe drops Everton update that should leave fans buzzing…