All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Celtic have the chance to put last weekend’s defeat in the Scottish Cup semi-final behind them tomorrow as the Hoops are back in SPFL action.

This time, Ange Postecoglou’s side will be taking on Ross County away from home on Sunday afternoon.

Heading into this weekend’s round of fixtures, the Hoops currently sit at the top of the league table with a six-point gap over Rangers in second place.

Looking ahead to their upcoming showdown, it seems as though the Bhoys have been handed an injury boost that will surely improve their chances of securing yet another league victory.

What’s the news?

According to Postecoglou (via the Daily Record), Hoops striker Giorgos Giakoumakis is back in contention to play on Sunday after picking up a hamstring injury during the 7-0 win over St. Johnstone earlier this month.

Having arrived at the Parkhead club during the previous summer transfer window from VVV-Venlo in a deal worth a reported fee of up to £2.5m, the striker has made 16 league appearances.

In those appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals, leaving only Liel Abada having found the net on more occasions (10).

To highlight how much of an attacking threat the centre-forward has been for the Bhoys, he currently has the highest average of shots on target per 90 minutes in the league out of everyone in Postecoglou’s squad.

This shows how much a nuisance he can be for opposition goalkeepers and why County and their players will be sweating over the prospect of facing him this weekend.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s showdown, it will surely be great news for the Hoops boss to be able to have the Greek international back in the squad and available for selection.

Beyond that, if the striker can keep his fitness up for the remainder of the campaign and add some more goals to his tally, he would give his side a great chance of securing the league title.

For the time being, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not the 56-year-old picks Giakoumakis to be in his starting XI or keeps him on the bench to start with and bring him on at some point.

AND in other news: Cost 7 figures, now worth £810k: Celtic had a nightmare on “struggling” Lennon flop

According to a report by 90min, yet more news has emerged on West Ham United star Declan Rice as clubs refuse to give up the chase to sign him – but GSB are still committed to a new deal.

The Lowdown: Rice a wanted man?

Contrary to a claim by Chief Sports reporter Jeremy Cross, who believes Man United have turned to Kalvin Phillips and ended their Rice pursuit, it appears the Red Devils are certainly not done.

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

Indeed, as per 90min, Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in fact ‘pushing’ his club’s board to make a move ‘at any cost’ – with their bitter cross town rivals Man City also interested.

Both sides are apparently pressing hard to sign Rice and have sent scouts to watch him already this season.

The Latest: GSB committed to new Rice deal…

In a silver lining for West Ham supporters, despite both City and United seeing Rice’s £100 million valuation as ‘realistic’ according to this report, 90min say GSB have still not changed their stance on selling.

It is believed that they remain ‘committed’ to securing the 22-year-old to fresh terms at Rush Green and want to keep their most valuable asset over offloading him.

West Ham are hoping to table a bumper new contract in a bid to tie him down long-term, but the club remain very much in control of his situation ‘for now’.

Rice’s representatives also want the player’s future sorted out before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The Verdict: Interesting few months ahead…

As the Irons eye a major boost for David Moyes in securing their arguable best player to a new contract, news that City and United see his £100m tag as attainable also comes as an interesting development.

The England international, called an ‘excellent player’ by Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, has enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2021/2022 campaign.

Rice has averaged more interceptions per 90 than any West Ham player in the Premier League (2.3) whilst also completing an incredible 94.4% of his passes according to WhoScored.

Tying him down to a fresh contract would certainly be big.

In other news: West Ham could now sign ‘big’ £25.2-valued striker open to London switch, find out more here.

Crystal Palace midfielder Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has been called up to England’s Under-20 squad.

Matt Woosnam, Palace’s reporter for The Athletic, shared the news, which, as to be expected, had plenty of Eagles fans talking on social media.

Rak-Sakyi only signed his first professional deal at Selhurst Park back in April but has since been handed a first-team debut by new boss Patrick Vieira.

The 18-year-old came on against Chelsea last month for his maiden competitive appearance in Palace’s first-team and has now been called up by England Under-20 boss Andy Edwards.

Rak-Sakyi got the nod after Everton’s Anthony Gordon pulled out of the squad and he will now be hoping to feature against Romania at St George’s Park next week.

Palace fans react

Woosnam posted the news regarding Rak-Sakyi on Twitter on Wednesday lunchtime.

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with many delighted for the youngster and one describing it as ‘brilliant news’.

“Quality go on the boy!”

Credit: @tyrickmitch

“Brilliant news, deserved too!”

Credit: @cpfcames

“Great news well deserved”

Credit: @mandyswagsta

“Mad”

Credit: @CPFC_Trigs

“Yeeesssss!!!”

Credit: @alex_westry

“This is sick”

Credit: @JoshuaCPFC

In other news: ‘Unreal’, ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Lots of CPFC fans flock to ‘beautiful’ Eze update.

Former Leeds United star David Norris believes that Junior Firpo can develop into a fine player at the club, having been criticised by some fans following his display against Newcastle United last weekend.

The Whites defender joined the club from Barcelona in the summer transfer window, with the club paying £13.5m to secure his signature from the Spanish club.

Firpo has gone on to make four appearances in the Premier League since his arrival from the Liga giants.

The 25-year-old has made three starts in the top-flight, against Everton, Liverpool and Newcastle, and came on as a substitute against Manchester United.

Leeds have yet to win this season, losing to United and Liverpool, and drawing with the Toffees, Burnley, and the Magpies.

Norris is consistent in his belief that Firpo will turn out to be a fine signing for the club, and thinks he has the ability required to become a real star in Yorkshire.

However, he believes that, at this point, he is still adapting to the system at the club.

He said: “From the bits I’ve seen from him, I think he’s capable. He looks like he could be a good player and turn out to be a good signing, obviously he’s not really got going yet.

“He’s not one I would write off yet, I like the little bits I have seen and I think he’s capable of being a good signing still. He just needs a little bit more game time.”

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as a change to one of their fixtures was confirmed by the Goodison Park faithful.

As per the official Twitter page of the Merseyside club, their game away at Chelsea during the festive period has now been changes to a 7:45pm kick-off on Thursday 16th December.

It means that those Toffees supporters who already had travel down to Stamford Bridge for the match organised will have to change plans, while those with work commitments the following day may simply find it impossible to attend.

Nonetheless, it is rare for a Premier League fixture to be scheduled for a Thursday these days, due to European and cup commitments, and a few Blues just found it strange that the top flight decided to schedule it for that day.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-6/” title=”Everton news! (6)” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Everton fans on Chelsea fixture change

These EFC fans fumed as the change was revealed on Twitter, with one Evertonian even going as far as to claim that it is ‘ridiculous’:

“Football ever more becoming a TV show than a sport. Absolutely ridiculous”

Credit: @rogerefc

“Absolute nightmare! I have already booked trains and hotels to go down”

Credit: @BobbyC_1878

“Scandalous”

Credit: @SimonMidi9790

“Disgraceful”

Credit: @Neil85059534

“What a shower, absolute joke these fixture changes all the time!!”

Credit: @Ben02222604

“WHAT A SURPRISE”

Credit: @ellieq

In other news, find out which club news has Toffees buzzing here!

Speaking to Football Insider, a Tottenham Hotspur source has shared some damning news involving midfielder Tanguy Ndombele as star striker Harry Kane also reportedly pushes to leave N17.

The Lowdown: Spurs exodus?

Sky Sports broke news of Kane’s desire to leave north London back in May and there have been no shorting of updates linking him with a move to Man City.

Tottenham have also seen the likes of Erik Lamela, Toby Alderweireld, Joe Hart, Dennis Cirkin, Juan Foyth, Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga leave as manager Nuno Espirito Santo oversees a big summer of change (Transfermarkt).

Now, Football Insider have shared some damning exit news from a Spurs source.

The Latest: Ndombele tells Spurs chiefs he wants to leave…

As per the outlet, coming after Kane informed the club of his desire to leave, yet another player has now told Spurs chiefs that he wishes to complete a transfer out of north London before August 31.

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

Indeed, club record signing Ndombele, who was a key player for ex-boss Jose Mourinho at large points over 2020/2021, has now sent a message to the Tottenham hierarchy that he wants to quit by deadline day.

He has been frozen out of Nuno’s side lately and his future is now up in the air going into the final stretch of this summer transfer window.

A Spurs source has told Football Insider that the Frenchman wants to leave and he is even believed to have made that ‘clear’ in the summer.

The Verdict: Time to go?

The 24-year-old has bags of ability in his locker, as proven last season under Mourinho, with the Portuguese even calling him ‘incredible’ as he transformed from an outcast into a key player.

Ndombele, on his day, can prove to be ‘unplayable’, as explained by Joe Hart (BT Sport via VBetNews), and near-impossible to dispossess in midfield.

No Spurs player completed more dribbles per 90 (2.2) than the former Lyon star over 2020/2021 according to WhoScored, with the only question being around his application.

The last thing Nuno needs is another player upsetting the apple cart as he aims to build a positive momentum going into this season.

So, if Spurs receive any considerable offers, they should certainly be weighed up by chairman Daniel Levy.

In other news: Offer incoming: Levy readying Spurs bid to sign ‘amazing’ player who Nuno personally wants, find out more here.

It wasn’t long ago that Tom Rogic’s Celtic career looked in significant doubt.

The attacking midfielder was only a bit-part player at Parkhead during various points of Neil Lennon’s tenure and was linked with a regular exit from the Hoops.

Yet, step forward Ange Postecoglou, who has revived his fellow countryman’s career in Glasgow, with the Australian playing 44 times this term and contributing to 16 goals in the process.

Rogic is now a key player again and in the words of The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin, he is becoming a “Celtic great.”

It’s hard to argue against that considering his 266 outings in the green and white but he does have competition from David Turnbull, someone who has spent plenty of time on the sidelines this term.

He will also have to look further behind him in Matt O’Riley, who has very quickly become a fan favourite at Celtic Park.

The Denmark U21 international signed from MK Dons for a bargain fee of £1.5m in January and he has been a revelation since penning terms.

The 21-year-old already has three goals and three assists in Celtic colours and that tally will surely rapidly improve.

His performance off the bench in the 7-0 drubbing of St Johnstone was one of his best performances yet, with the £405k-rated attack-minded player finding the net twice.

Capable of playing in central areas or on the flanks, the youngster is starting to show shades of a certain Stuart Armstrong, someone who stood out in a similar position before being snapped up by Southampton.

Armstrong scored 28 times and supplied another 25 for his teammates in Glasgow and the more intricate stats suggest how alike they are.

In 2021/22 so far, the Scotland international has recorded 1.7 shots per, 1.1 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per match in the Premier League.

O’Riley on the other hand has registered 1.4 shots, 2.5 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per match, although that final statistic was better at 1.3 while he was still playing in England’s third tier.

With those stats in mind, they both appear to glide past players with ease, while they’re also extremely dangerous in front of goal.

Celtic’s new recruit does appear to be more creative but it’s clear to see why this comparison is being made.

Described as “silky” and “classy” after yesterday’s win by pundit Michael Stewart, the future is a hugely exciting one for O’Riley in Glasgow.

AND in other news, Forget Jota: Ange must clinch huge Celtic signing in 54-goal gem who is “like Mbappe”…

Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt has withdrawn from England U20 duty due to injury…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report from LeedsLive, who have revealed that the 19-year-old has returned to Thorp Arch in a bid to aid his recovery ahead of the Whites’ trip to north London to face Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

The young frontman missed their 1-1 draw with Leicester City at the weekend with an unknown injury and it seems as if it is bad enough to keep him out of the internationals this break.

Gelhardt was originally named in Andy Edwards’ squad alongside Elland Road teammates Sam Greenwood, Lewis Bate and Cody Drameh.

Short up top

This has to be a massive cause for concern for Marcelo Bielsa as he has been light on options in attack, with first-choice striker Patrick Bamford also facing time on the treatment table in recent weeks.

Indeed, the senior England international has missed each of Leeds’ last six league outings and without Gelhardt on Sunday, the Argentine boss only had Rodrigo, who is more of a second striker or a no.10 at his disposal.

Even Jack Harrison has led the line on the odd occasion, which goes to show just how bad Bielsa and his side have been suffering without Bamford.

Gelhardt has only featured in 124 minutes of action for the first team this season but he played a starring role from the bench in winning a late penalty against Wolves last month, in which the aforementioned Spaniard equalised from the spot to clinch a point.

The former Wigan Athletic graduate has been touted for big, big things in the past, with LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross once suggesting he could be Leeds’ best-ever business.

“As I’m sure we’ll find out in the years ahead, Gelhardt may well be the best bit of business the club has done in the last 20 years, if not ever, because he just looks absolutely outrageous, very, very good player,” he claimed.

With 17 goals in 23 appearances at U23 level, the teenager would be an interesting prospect to fill the void left behind by Bamford, so this latest blow comes at the very worst time for him.

As that’s another option off the table for the time being, you could forgive Bielsa if he was absolutely reeling back in Yorkshire.

AND in other news, Leeds eyeing January swoop for £110k-p/w “liability”, it would be one huge Orta howler…

Wolves technical director Scott Sellars has revealed his delight after academy forward Lee Harkin committed his future to the club. 

The lowdown: Harkin a hot prospect at Wolves

The 18-year-old is one of the Wanderers’ most exciting youth prospects and earned a first professional contract having signed from Derry City in July 2020.

Since then, the teenager has scored 10 times and provided five assists in 46 appearances for Wolves across the under-23 and under-18 sides.

Having signed a new one-year deal to remain in the Midlands, club chief Sellars has now been praising the youngster…

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/all-the-latest-from-wolves-2/” title=”All the latest from Wolves!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The latest: Sellars ‘delighted’ for Harkin

Speaking to the club’s official website, Sellars hailed the new contract for Harkin as an impressive statement from the Molineux hierarchy.

He chimed: “We’re always looking at every opportunity, and Lee’s move was before Brexit. He had a lot of options, but how we work as a club, and how we take care of people, were some of the reasons why Lee came and we’re delighted he’s stayed.

“He gets the chance to train with the first-team on a regular basis and Chem and Luke playing for the first-team is great for everybody in the academy and shows there are opportunities at Wolves.

“Lee’s versatile, which is great. In our style of play, inside wingers are very important, and he can do that as well as play down the middle, which is going to benefit him in the long term and present more opportunities.”

The verdict: Smart move by Wolves

Although Harkin is yet to feature in Bruno Lage’s matchday first-team plans, an opportunity could be forthcoming for the Republic of Ireland youth international in the not-too-distant future.

As Lage attempts to take the club to the next level and compete both domestically and potentially in Europe too, the squad will be tested to its limits, so the best youngsters will almost certainly get their chance to shine as a result.

Therefore, tying down talented prospects such as Harkin is a smart move from Wolves and further proof of the club protecting its prized young assets.

In other news, Wolves reportedly interested in Brazilian wonderkid. Find out who it is here

Many Wolves fans have been left reacting to some transfer news that has emerged on Joao Moutinho.

As per La Repubblica (via Sport Witness), Jose Mourinho and Roma are now interested in signing the central midfield player, with his contract in the Midlands club running out in the summer.

At 35 years of age, the Molineux faithful have to consider where his immediate future lies, with the risk of losing him for free in just a few months.

Moutinho has been one of their best players this season, in fact he ranks ninth in their squad according to WhoScored, and is high among his teammates in terms of average tackles, interceptions, blocks, key passes, crosses and long balls per game in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, some WWFC supporters do not want to see him go to Roma, and so would rather he stayed and signed a new deal.

Wolves fans on Moutinho transfer news

These Wanderers reacted to the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter:

“I fear we’ll be stripped bare in the summer. I hear Man Utd are looking at Max Kilman”

Credit: @Johnboy42370177

“I wish everybody would stop trying to steal our players”

Credit: @TonyBel83049813

“Two more years at Wolves Joao”

Credit: @LeightonBinder

“One more year Joao!”

Credit: @JackBrownieee97

“NOOOOOOO!!!”

Credit: @Dazwolf180

“I wish the vultures would stay away! Football is crazy, anyone who is brilliant is immediately headhunted from us. I guess that’s all in the game but …….”

Credit: @peggyja95517835

In other news, find out what hope Wolves have in their bid to sign this former player here!