All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

After previous reports revealed that Liverpool have an interest in signing Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer, it seems as though the Merseyside club could be getting their hands on the defender for a fairly low price in the near future.

What’s the latest?

It has recently been reported by Italian media outlet Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) that Bremer could be available to sign for a fee of around €8-10m (£6.7m-£8.4m).

Since joining Torino back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, has made 86 appearances for the Serie A club across all competitions. In that time, he has scored 11 goals and provided four assists, which is a decent return for a defender.

So far this season, Bremer has played in all but one of Torino’s Serie A games, showing how important he is to their side. Furthermore, the Brazilian has racked up an average of 3.9 interceptions and 3.2 clearances per game in the league so far this season, proving himself a vital defensive unit for the club.

His latest appearance saw him make three clearances, seven interceptions and two tackles in Torino’s recent 1-0 defeat against AC Milan, ultimately earning himself an overall match rating of 7/10. That made him their highest-rated defender on the day according to SofaScore as he showcased his defensive talents.

Taking all this into account, we feel that a potential transfer swoop for the defender is something that Liverpool should definitely be considering, especially if they can get him for the fairly low price range being mentioned in this latest report.

Potential Van Dijk partnership?

If Bremer were to move to Anfield, we feel that he could have a very exciting partnership with current Reds defender Virgil van Dijk, who proven himself to be an attacking threat from the defence in the same way Bremer has at Torino, with 13 goals and seven assists under his belt at Liverpool.

Also, with Van Dijk signing a new contract extension at Anfield over the summer, we feel that if Bremer plays with the Dutchman, he could probably learn a lot from the 30-year-old and develop his own game based on how much playing experience Van Dijk has, making him a potential dream signing for the Reds if they pull it off.

In other news: Possession lost 21x: “Dangerous” Liverpool lightweight badly let Klopp down against Preston

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed that right-back Josip Juranovic missed the win over Aberdeen in the week with an illness, The Scottish Sun report.

The Lowdown: Nervy win

The Hoops continued their winning run following the international break with a 3-2 win at Pittodrie on Wednesday.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-21/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Jota and Matt O’Riley seemingly put Celtic on the way to another straightforward win, however, the hosts were level after scoring twice in five minutes in the second half.

Celtic netted a winner through Jota shortly after conceding a second, which keeps them top of the Scottish Premiership by one point ahead of rivals Rangers.

The Latest: Postecoglou’s comments

The Scottish Sun’s Ryan Rowe shared comments from Postecoglou on Thursday afternoon (16:15). Postecoglou admitted that Juranovic has ‘an illness’ and was hopeful he would return on the weekend.

The Celtic boss couldn’t guarantee that, though, revealing he will be available against Bodo/Glimt next Thursday should he miss a second consecutive game.

“He’s got an illness.

“He’ll be back at the weekend, hopefully, and if not he will definitely be back for the midweek fixture next week.”

The Verdict: Best to leave him out?

Anthony Ralston has started the last two games at right-back ahead of Juranovic, who was labelled as ‘excellent’ by Alan Hutton for his display against Rangers.

It could be best for the summer signing to miss a third game against Raith Rovers on Sunday, with Ralston potentially keeping his place.

That would give Juranovic, who has been a regular this season, the best possible chance of making Celtic’s Europa Conference League first-leg clash with the Norwegian side.

You’d expect that the Hoops should be able to cope without Juranovic against the Championship side, with Postecoglou possibly ringing the changes once again.

In other news: ‘Hatate has…’ – Potentially worrying claim on Celtic star after Aberdeen. 

Aston Villa could launch a £15m bid for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones in the final days of the window, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to the links on social media.

Nixon shared a story late on Saturday evening, claiming Villa are set to try their luck regarding the 20-year-old with an enquiry.

Jones can play as a central, attacking or left midfielder and still has four years left on his Anfield deal. He’s made 47 senior appearances for the Reds and has been involved in 13 goals, scoring seven and providing six assists.

The Englishman is yet to feature this season, though, and it appears as if Villa could launch a late swoop for the Liverpool man.

Villa fans react

@AVFCFaithful_ shared Nixon’s claims on Jones on Twitter. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with some for and against a potential move.

“another 8, i’m sick of this season man”

Credit: @M10Packed

“wait WHAT”

Credit: @1874Jacob

“Would rather Harvey Elliot than him”

Credit: @AlexAstonVilla

“Please”

Credit: @sam_my_6

“no”

Credit: @IB2511FC

“Now we’re talking! What a signing this would be”

Credit: @Villabo58965244

In other news: ‘The pain never stops’ – Lots of AVFC fans erupt as ‘disgraceful’ news emerges.  

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is being targeted by Barcelona as a potential replacement for Ronald Koeman.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish publication Cuatro, the Argentine is among a number of targets being considered by the La Liga giants as they contemplate getting rid of the Dutchman amid a disastrous start to the new season – they’ve managed just two wins from their opening five league games.

It’s suggested that, having been on Barcelona’s list years ago, Bielsa’s stance could change on leaving Leeds if an offer came in which was too good to turn down.

Fans would be gutted

The level of affinity and love that Leeds fans have for Bielsa is unquestionable, with the 66-year-old a firm favourite in Yorkshire for the way he has embraced the city and brought the Whites back to the big time of the Premier League.

Leeds enjoyed a superb first season back in the top-flight last term, finishing in the top ten and picking up some notable scalps along the way, not least a fantastic victory over eventual Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

After Spurs decided to sack Jose Mourinho before the end of the campaign, Carlton Palmer suggested that Bielsa could be tempted by a switch to north London.

He said: “You want to better yourself. You want to get the top jobs, just like players want to go to top clubs, so it’d be a fantastic opportunity for him.

“If Spurs come knocking, that’s a different ball game. That’s a great career opportunity for him. I’d be very surprised if Tottenham came knocking and he wasn’t prepared to go.”

While moving to Spurs would be one thing, Barcelona are a completely different kettle of fish – one of the best clubs in the world and regularly challenging for major trophies both home and abroad.

Make no mistake about it, more than any new signing they could potentially make, ensuring that Bielsa remains at Elland Road for the long-term must be Andrea Radrizzani’s biggest priority.

The fact that pundits are talking of Bielsa going to one of the Premier League’s ‘big-six’ clubs should be seen as a compliment and recognition for the incredible work he has done at Elland Road, not an insult.

However, it could raise questions as to whether the 66-year-old could move to an elite European club sooner rather than later, and the potential opening at Barcelona could present him with an opportunity to do just that.

It’s exactly why Radrizzani must avoid making an unforgivable howler and ensure that the Argentine stays put at Elland Road. Leeds fans would be absolutely devastated if he doesn’t.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered an update on this former key figure at Elland Road…

Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun sent a strong message to sporting director Ross Wilson on Sunday as he put in a sublime performance against St Mirren.

Steven Gerrard admitted that the centre-back was a doubt heading into the game after he suffered an injury against Brondby last Thursday.

He told The Herald: “We are hoping we have got to it before there is a tweak or any muscle damage.

“We are hoping it is a little bit of tightness and we will know in the next 24 hours. I will certainly be praying tonight. He felt something in his hamstring. That’s what he came off with, but he wasn’t sure if he felt something or whether it was a bit of tightness.

“We will work that out in the next 24 hours and hopefully he will pull through because he is important for us. I thought his performance was top tonight as well.”

The Nigeria international was able to pull through and produce an excellent display at the back alongside Connor Goldson to ensure the Gers won 2-1 and it should serve as a reminder to Wilson that he has a big decision to make.

Balogun is out of contract at the end of the season and the club hold an option to extend it by one year. Firstly, Wilson must trigger this extension and ensure that he stays for another season at least. Secondly, the Gers chief must negotiate a longer-term deal and keep him at Ibrox in the long-run.

At the age of 33, he is still going strong and producing consistently impressive performances in the Scottish Premiership. This suggests that he is not slowing down, despite his age, and could have more than one year left in the tank.

The defender recorded a SofaScore rating of 7.0 against St Mirren and was a rock at the back in front of Jon McLaughlin. Per SofaScore, he won nine of his 14 duels, whilst making two tackles and four clearances throughout the game as no opposition player managed to dribble past him. He also completed 89% of his passes, highlighting the quality he provides in possession as well as out of it.

This was not a one-off performance from the experienced battler. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10 in the Premiership this term, winning 62% of his duels and completing 86% of his passes over the course of the campaign so far.

He is proving that age is merely a number and Wilson must act now to ensure that he does not end up leaving Rangers and weakening Gerrard’s squad. His departure would be a huge blow for the club, given the nature of his performances on the pitch, and that is why they must act now to secure his future in Glasgow.

AND in other news, Forget Roofe & Morelos: Rangers beast with 82% duels won was immense vs St Mirren…

Many West Ham United fans have been reacting to the news that have been exploring the market for France-based defenders and forwards.

The Hammers have enjoyed a stupendous start to the campaign, winning both of their matches in the Premier League so far this term (whufc.com). That follows on from the previous campaign, when they finished sixth in the top flight to qualify for the Europa League.

However, they have only signed one new player so far this summer in goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. They have been heavily linked with Kurt Zouma (The Athletic), and it now seems they are exploring the market in his home country – reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that the club are looking at a number of Ligue 1 players as they look to get their squad ready for the rest of the campaign.

The news was shared on Twitter by @central_louis, and it attracted plenty of attention from Irons supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts,

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the update from Ex

“Got more chance exploring Romford Market…”

Credit: @ADAMArchitectUK

“I wonder where our one scout has been looking?”

Credit: @tannerman1uk

“Explored Fc”

Credit: @Callumharvey92

“Shame as I feel we are going to miss out on #Belotti due to Moyes & GSB looking at cheaper options in Ligue 1 or loan options possibly. Trust Moyes but can’t help to imagine what might have been with #Belotti up front in the years to come”

Credit: @DJTiale

“Literally because of the financial scenario, we’ll never progress with this lot in charge.”

Credit: @funkycoolers

“This could have been done months ago, they know exactly when the transfer window opens and shuts. It’ll be easier to say we’re not signing anyone. It’s the disappointment that kills you”

Credit: @gsbout2

In other news, many West Ham fans want the club to sign this winger.

Leeds United and Southampton have been linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers right-back Ryan Nyambe, The 72 report.

The Lowdown: Nyambe profiled

Nyambe, described as a player with ‘great acceleration’, is 24 years of age and has progressed through the academy at Ewood Park.

The Namibia international is primarily a right-back who can also turn out at centre-back and has made 190 appearances for the club – 21 of which have come this season.

His current deal is set to expire at the end of June, with Nyambe sharing the same agency as Leeds duo Adam Forshaw and Charlie Cresswell.

The Latest: Leeds keen

The 72 shared a story on Wednesday afternoon, revealing Rovers could cash in on Nyambe this month, with Elland Road and St Mary’s named as possible destinations.

Rovers would want £3m for the defender, a fee surely affordable to Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers group, while Leeds are also linked with a move for striker Ben Brereton-Diaz.

The Verdict: Not needed

Marcelo Bielsa has Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, youngster Cody Drameh and even Jamie Shackleton as right-back options at Elland Road, so a fifth choice doesn’t seem pivotal this month.

Leeds have other transfer issues to address more urgently too, with Victor Orta after two midfielders over the coming weeks following Kalvin Phillips’ long-term hamstring injury.

Should they get two in, then perhaps a cut-price move for the versatile Nyambe could be looked at, but for now, Radrizzani and co have bigger fish to fry in order to bolster their chances of Premier League survival.

In other news: Orta now eyeing Leeds move for 6 ft 3 beast who stopped Ronaldo; he’s keen on a January switch.

According to reports out of Spain, West Ham United and by extension manager David Moyes have set their sights on Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic as the Galacticos reportedly make a decision on the player’s future.

The Lowdown: West Ham set for interesting summer?

As the Hammers now become outside contenders for a top four place, with London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal seemingly in better positions, their pull in the next transfer window could hinge on whether they qualify for the Europa League or if they even go on to win the competition this season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-newest-updates/” title=”West Ham newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Moyes has reportedly earmarked the signings of a centre-half and striker as major priorities for the club, with moves attempted in the winter, including for the likes of Darwin Nunez (Benfica) and Duvan Zapata (Atalanta).

As those transfers failed to come to fruition, West Ham must now look to the summer in an effort to boost Moyes’ options for 2022/23, with news now surfacing on a brand-new striker target in Galacticos forward Jovic.

The Latest: West Ham ‘fight’ for Jovic…

As per Spanish sources, West Ham and Moyes are eyeing a move for the Serbia international, who is allegedly ‘fed up’ with life at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid, who are also eager to see him leave the capital, are ‘looking for the Balkan striker’s exit’ as the Irons ‘fight’ for his signature alongside their Premier League top-four competitors Spurs and Arsenal.

In addition, with both player and club eager to see Jovic depart, this report claimed that ‘all roads reach an imminent agreement’ with any interested club willing to negotiate.

Indeed, it seems that if West Ham take their interest further, a quick-fire summer deal could be on the cards.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Jovic’s return for Eintracht Frankfurt points towards a striker with much ability when at the very peak of his powers. The 24-year-old notched a brilliant 17 goals and five assists over 25 Bundesliga starts in the 2018/19 season, perhaps illustrating why West Ham and Moyes have set their sights on him.

In more recent times, during Jovic’s brief return to Frankfurt on loan last year, their ex-manager Adi Hutter lavished the forward with praise, branding him a ‘world-class’ player after a brace against Schalke 04.

Still fairly young, and reportedly on the market for around €30m (£25m), West Ham could give Jovic a new lease of life in the English top flight and take advantage of Real Madrid’s willingness to strike a quick agreement.

In other news: Blow for Moyes as journalist says ‘underrated’ West Ham ace is now ‘ready to leave’, find out more here.

West Ham ended their Europa League with their first defeat of the competition as Dinamo Zagreb recorded a 1-0 victory at the London Stadium on Thursday evening.

David Moyes’ much-rotated and youthful-looking Irons outfit were badly let down by some of the team’s senior stars, most notably Andriy Yarmolenko, who disappointed with yet another lacklustre diasterclass.

His time in the claret and blue is surely creeping towards an end, if it wasn’t already. The 32-year-old dud has no right to still be at the club, particularly with him raking in the second-highest amount of wages at £115k-per-week.

Furthermore, having picked up 106 caps for Ukraine, he would have been expected to be a leader as many of the club’s academy prospects featured, including Jamal Baptiste, Sonny Perkins and Harrison Ashby.

It was the former Borussia Dortmund star who was at fault for the Croatian’s only goal of the game. He did absolutely nothing to thwart Mislav Orsic as he cut inside to make the Hammers’ young backline pay with a sensational strike from range.

‘Still can’t kick with his right foot’ and ‘lazy’ is exactly how football.london reporter Tom Clark described Yarmolenko after the game, whilst it is a rather telling tale that it was Moyes’ 17-year-old striker shouting at the veteran to actually move whilst still on the pitch.

His lack of influence was reflected by the fact that he recorded fewer touches (24) than any starter for either team. Even West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola managed 27 touches, with substitute Said Benrahma (36) also eclipsing the Ukraine international with ease, too.

Similarly, the versatile 6 foot 2 attacker managed only nine successful passes, comfortably the worst of the Irons’ starting XI. Again, Benrahma doubled this tally in half the time, having come on after the break. He also failed with all three of his crossing attempts, echoing Clark’s comments on his poor delivery on the right flank.

As revealed by the Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser, who even dubbed him “shocking”, Yarmolenko was even booed off by sections of the London Stadium faithful.

On a night where the result did not matter, that reaction is damning.

Not only was the 32-year-old lazy and uninterested but he was also weak and rather lightweight, having lost four of his seven duels (57%), on top of losing possession 11 times from his 25 touches – once every 2.3 touches, as per SofaScore.

With January fast approaching, it could be time to finally offload the wretched £18m signing. He badly betrayed Moyes and the fanbase this week.

AND in other news, David Moyes dealt triple West Ham blow as injuries pile up…

Leeds United are eyeing a January transfer move for Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Tavernier, with Victor Orta said to be a big fan of the player.

What’s the story?

According to TEAMtalk, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have joined the chase for the 22-year-old, with the likes of Southampton, Burnley and Brighton all having watched him closely among Premier League suitors.

The report added that Orta is a confirmed fan of the player, having overseen his rise during his time at the Riverside Stadium a few years ago.

Could be Leeds’ own Mason Mount

With the ability to play out wide on either flank, and in the centre of midfield, there’s a lot to like about Tavernier and what he could potentially bring to the table at Elland Road.

His former manager Tony Pulis once stated: “Some days he comes in and he’s brilliant, some days he’s a bit lackadaisical. He’s going to be a top player. He’ll eventually play in the Premier League.”

Indeed, former Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has even suggested that Tavernier could well end up emulating the success of Mason Mount and the kind of impressive step-up he has made in recent times.

Warnock added: “I think he has a few strings to his bow to be honest. I looked at Mason Mount and how he’s come on in the 12 months, there’s no reason why Tav can’t do that in the next 12 months.

“If he motivates himself and listens he’s got some great attributes and good habits, and one or two not so good. All being well we can put him in the right direction and he’ll become a very good player. Not that he isn’t now but I think he could become even better.”

At 22, Tavernier could come on leaps and bounds under Bielsa’s guidance at Elland Road, and the man with 14 senior goals to his name could possibly enjoy a rapid rise to stardom with a move to Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, Leeds are facing a transfer battle for this Brazilian ace…