All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Manchester United shared images of youngster Amad Diallo back out on the training pitch on Wednesday evening.

And, as to be expected, a number of United fans were quick to flock to the official club post on social media.

Diallo suffered an injury in training towards the end of August, which stopped a potential loan move to Dutch side Feyenoord going through.

Fabrizio Romano tweeted earlier this month that the 19-year-old was expected to return to full training with the group by the end of October.

And it appears as if the winger may indeed join in with the first-team squad by the end of the month following United’s teasing post. The Red Devils shared two pictures of Diallo, where he appeared to be going through individual running drills.

Diallo hasn’t featured under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, and a January loan move away from Old Trafford could be on the cards, according to Romano.

United fans react

This is what these United fans had to say in reply, with many sharing their excitement after the club seemingly confirmed Romano’s timeline…

“Here we go”

Credit: @_LaurentJordan

“Siuu”

Credit: @solomon309

“Ah yes Amad”

Credit: @UTD_Benzo

“Go on Amad lad. What a player”

Credit: @FrederikFV2

“Yes! Good to see”

Credit: @GregxzyXuaizy

“AMMMMAAADDDD”

Credit: @1Unitedforlife

In other news: ‘The real deal’ – Many MUFC fans buzz as Murtough allegedly eyes ‘incredible signing’. 

Thomas Tuchel has now revealed how close Harry Kane was to leaving Tottenham Hotspur and joining him at Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Chelsea preferred Kane

Chelsea reportedly preferred to sign Kane over Romelu Lukaku in the summer transfer window, but while his future was still unclear at Spurs they opted for the Belgium international instead.

Manchester City were also firmly in the running to sign the England international captain, but in the end he stayed in North London.

The Latest: Tuchel on Kane

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against the Lilywhites, Tuchel revealed (via Fabrizio Romano) that he thought that Kane would go to City, but admitted that they also had ‘some information’ on the striker, but a move to take him to Stamford Bridge was ‘never that close’:

“I thought Kane to Man City deal would happen. We never had a list with his name on it – but the club sorted out the situation. We had some information about Kane. But it was never that close that we had to experience the rivalry”.

The Verdict: Relief

It is certainly a welcome relief for Nuno Espirito Santo and everyone associated with the Lilywhites that they managed to keep hold of their talisman, despite interest from top teams in the Premier League.

There have been a number of reports recently suggesting that Kane would now be open to talks over a new deal, which would be vital in terms of keeping him at THFC for as long as possible.

Nonetheless, Tottenham now have to match his ambition, and by keeping him at the club they will have the best possible chance of success.

In other news, find out who Fabio Paratici has set his sights on signing here!

Writing for Eurosport, journalist Dean Jones has dropped an update on Luka Jovic and his future at Real Madrid as West Ham United eye a move.

The Lowdown: West Ham in striker chase…

Despite a plethora of last gasp signings during the summer window, one area manager David Moyes didn’t strengthen is the and out-and-out centre-forward area.

[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, the likes of Alphonse Areola, Kurt Zouma, Alex Kral and Nikola Vlasic have bolstered West Ham’s spine with their summer arrivals but Michail Antonio is still without a supporting option up front.

Now, journalist Jones has dropped an update on West Ham’s links to Galacticos outcast Jovic.

The Latest: Jovic will ‘begin the search for a new club’…

Unable to get any game time at Real Madrid this season, the reporter says he will now ‘begin the search for a new club’ amid links to West Ham, which are backed in the report.

Indeed, as GSB eye a move, it appears Jovic is open to offers of leaving the Bernabeu in favour of more game time.

However, while West Ham and Arsenal are in the mix, it is believed that the Serbia international ‘would prefer’ a move to Germany or Italy.

The Verdict: Good option for Moyes?

If Jovic is willing to compromise on a move to the Premier League, despite his rustiness, he represents a good option for West Ham and one who has been called ‘lethal’ by Two Footed Podcast host Dave Hendrick for his time at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Scoring a career total of 59 goals since his senior debut, the 23-year-old still has plenty of years ahead of him and a real chance to resurrect his career away from Real.

Moyes and West Ham could just the side to help him do that considering their need for another striker.

In other news: West Ham source: GSB could now make move to sign ‘absolutely immense’ player for Moyes, find out more here.

Aston Villa have suffered a major injury blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

Dean Smith’s side fell to a surprising 3-2 defeat on the opening day of the season against Watford last weekend and will no doubt be hoping for a quick change in fortune when they host the Magpies in their first game back in front of a full crowd at Villa Park.

However, they will have to do the job without one of their main men from last season in Ollie Watkins.

Writing on Twitter, the Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece said: “Big blow! Ollie Watkins & Bertrand Traore both OUT of tomorrow’s fixture vs Newcastle. Watkins still struggling with pain on his knee while Traore will now return after international break vs Chelsea on Sept 11 + more on Sanson, Douglas, Davis.”

Make no mistake about it, while Danny Ings got his Villa career off to a decent start with a goal on his debut, missing Watkins for these opening couple of games comes as a massive blow to Smith.

The striker led Villa’s charge up the table last term, bagging 16 goals in all competitions (including 14 in the Premier League alone), and netting in home and away fixtures against both Liverpool and Arsenal. Such were his impressive performances in his debut campaign in the top flight that reports even suggested that the Merseysiders were interested in signing him in this summer transfer window.

After hearing those reports about the interest from Jurgen Klopp’s side in the centre-forward, former Villa star Lee Hendrie exclusively told Football FanCast: “If you’re going to start selling those players to the bigger clubs, how are you meant to compete? I get that you’re possibly going to get £60m for someone, but then who do you go and buy that’s going to replace Ollie Watkins?

“You’ve got to go and spend decent money on someone to go and bring him in and then it could possibly be a gamble.”

Losing your top scorer ahead of a match is a body blow for any team, but given the goalscoring burden which was on Watkins’ shoulders last season, and just how influential he proved himself to be, for him to be missing today is sure to have left Smith feeling gutted.

Meanwhile, Villa must start this “electric” star vs Everton…

According to the agent of Nikola Vlasic, West Ham United are in negotiations with CSKA Moscow as they attempt to sign the Croatia international.

The Lowdown: West Ham set for late burst?

The Hammers have so far brought in just two fresh faces during the summer transfer window in Alphonse Areola and Kurt Zouma.

However, given that they have qualified for the group stage of the Europa League, many Irons supporters may have expected more business to be done.

The Latest: Hammers in Vlasic talks

Tonci Martic, the agent of Vlasic, has been discussing the future of his client.

He said (via eurostavka.ru): “We are in the process of negotiations with West Ham, they are progressing. But the deal has not been completed yet.”

West Ham would reportedly need to spend €30m (£25.7m) to capture the midfielder.

The Verdict: Goalscoring midfielder

West Ham already have one goalscoring midfielder in Tomas Soucek, who found the back of the net ten times in the Premier League last season (Transfermarkt), and in Vlasic they would be getting another player who fits that bill.

In 108 games in Moscow, he has found the back of the net 33 times, also laying on 21 assists. In the last two seasons alone he has scored 25 goals, a superb return for a player in his position.

The Hammers have left it late if they are making a concrete move for Vlasic, who played for Croatia at Euro 2020, but they would at least be signing a real talent with a proven scoring record. It just remains to be seen whether there is enough time left to get the deal done before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.

In other news, some West Ham fans weren’t impressed with this player on Saturday

Leeds United and Huddersfield Town are ‘not a million miles apart in their valuation’ of Lewis O’Brien, according to journalist Graham Smyth.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on O’Brien move

Marcelo Bielsa may still be looking to do some transfer business this summer, despite the new Premier League season getting underway this weekend.

One player with whom the Whites have been linked is Huddersfield midfielder O’Brien, who started 39 of his side’s 46 Championship games in 2020/21.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Smyth provides update

An update has now been provided by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Smyth, who claims that Leeds remain interested in the 22-year-old.

While it is stated that ‘nothing is imminent’ currently, it is thought that positive talks are taking place between the two clubs over a move.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-11/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Exciting long-term prospect

While O’Brien may not necessarily come straight in as a regular starter for Leeds, he could be considered both a reliable squad player and a long-term prospect, having been lauded as a ‘superb player’ by Noel Whelan.

The youngster averaged an impressive two tackles per game in the Championship last season, outlining the Kalvin Phillips-esque tenacity he possesses in the middle of the park.

O’Brien could afford the Leeds star more of a breather throughout the campaign and be a strong option in domestic cup competitions, if of course the Whites can go on to seal the deal.

In other news, a transfer update has emerged linking Leeds with a new signing this summer. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United remain interested in signing Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez in this summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks had suggested that Marcelo Bielsa is eyeing up a summer move for the 25-year-old, with Italian publication La Nuova Sardegna even claiming that the Whites were ready to pay the €36m (£31m) release clause in order to bring him to Elland Road.

Then, Fabrizio Romano claimed that Serie A giants Inter had opened talks over landing Nandez themselves, appearing to dash Leeds’ hopes of signing him.

But now, Italian publication TuttoMercatoWeb have revealed that the Premier League side have reignited their interested in the Uruguayan dynamo.

They claim that negotiations with Inter have appeared to have broken down, with Bielsa’s side now said to be “back in strongly” for Nandez and that they have opened talks with both Cagliari and the midfielder’s entourage ahead of a possible move.

Bielsa desperately needs him

Nandez to Leeds just has the feel of a never-ending transfer saga doesn’t it?

Reports first emerged last year that Leeds were keen on signing the Uruguay international, and it’s clear that the midfielder is a long-term target of Bielsa’s and would also offer a lot at Elland Road were he to join.

Speaking to This Is Futbol, Serie A football expert, Conor Clancy, said: “Anywhere Bielsa wants to play him, he’d do a job. I like him a lot. I think he’s only about five foot seven, but you wouldn’t know it if you just watched clips of him, he is a little bit of a machine. He’s so powerful but at the same time, has really, really good ball control.”

As per SofaScore, he averaged 1.8 tackles and won 6.1 duels per game in Serie A last term, which favours quite well when you compare him to Leeds talisman Kalvin Phillips – the Whites powerhouse averaged 2.6 tackles and won 5.3 duels per match in the Premier League.

His performances for Cagliari even led journalist Mina Rzouki to say: “Cagliari’s Nandez is one of the most underrated players. God he’s been so amazing, especially in Cagliari’s last 3 games. He scored the equaliser against Napoli. Man of the match in the win against Udinese. Against Roma – just wow. Unstoppable.”

The £19.8m-rated Nandez appears to be the ideal solution to Bielsa’s lack of real midfield cover at Elland Road right now, with his combination of work rate and technique making him a perfect fit for the Leeds boss.

The fact Robin Koch was deployed by Bielsa in Phillips’ absence against Manchester United at the weekend spoke volumes about the lack of options the Leeds boss at his disposal when his main man can’t take to the field.

Nandez would address that desperate need.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped a Leeds United transfer update…

Glasgow Celtic are considering a move to bring Kervin Arriaga to Celtic Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Honduran media outlet Diez (via the Daily Record), who claim that the former Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre has revealed the Hoops are monitoring the defensive midfielder ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

It is reported that Izaguirre himself recommended the 23-year-old to Dominic McKay and the Bhoys hierarchy, who agreed to send their scouts to watch the Honduras U23 international in action.

In the article, Izaguirre explains exactly why he believes Arriaga could play at a much higher standard than he is currently, stating: “He is tall, wins well above, has a punch and can play three or four positions: central, containment, mixed and midfielder. He is a complete player. He can be an elite in Europe and play in the Champions League.”

Arriaga could be Brown’s heir

With Scott Brown having left Celtic to return to Aberdeen at the end of last season, Ange Postecoglou could well be in the market for a tough-tackling destroyer this summer, a description that would very much appear to fit Arriaga.

Indeed, over his 24 appearances for CD Marathon in the Liga Nacional de Futbol Profesional de Honduras last season, the 23-year-old picked up a whopping 11 yellow cards – very nearly double the amount Brown received in the league last term.

And, while this is not particularly a statistic to be proud of, one thing it certainly does indicate is how stuck in the midfielder gets, fight that Celtic desperately lacked in their Scottish Premiership campaign last time out.

However, it would seem as if Arriaga is far from just a brute in the middle of the park, with his return of nine league goals from defensive midfield over the past two seasons backing up Izaguirre’s claim that the 23-year-old is a “complete” midfielder.

Indeed, footage of the player’s goals for Marathon clearly demonstrate that Arriaga is also an extremely capable free-kick taker, as well as appearing to have a trademark long-range drive finish.

As such, while the Honduran league is not exactly one of the more reputable competitions in world football, it would certainly appear as if Ange Postecoglou and McKay should heed Izaguirre’s advice regarding the midfielder, as he could well prove to be the perfect man to fill Brown’s role in the middle of the park for the Bhoys.

In other news: Celtic could sign 30-goal gem once tipped to become “world-class”, he’s a big upgrade

Paul Stewart has tipped Nuno Espirito Santo to return to his homeland in a bid to strengthen his Tottenham Hotspur squad before the transfer window slams shut.

Nuno was appointed as Spurs’ new head coach, following a lengthy process that saw the likes of former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte linked with the job, in June.

The Portuguese has moved into the hotseat having seen a four-year stint as Wolverhampton Wanderers’ chief end by mutual agreement at the end of last season.

During his time at Molineux, Nuno welcomed a number of Portugal’s leading stars to England. The likes of Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota, Joao Moutinho and Rui Patricio followed Nuno to Wolves during his tenure.

Since taking charge at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Nuno has welcomed Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy, while Bryan Gil has headed to the Premier League from Sevilla.

Former Spurs man Stewart believes Nuno, with the help of super-agent Jorge Mendes, will look to Portugal and discover another hidden gem, like he did so many times at Wolves.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “Nuno might have something up his sleeve, like a Portuguese player.

“We know he is very close to the agent Jorge Mendes, who brought all the players to Wolves. I hope he might have something up his sleeve.”

Crystal Palace could secure a solid replacement for Gary Cahill this summer in the shape of West Bromwich Albion defender Kyle Bartley.

What’s the story?

The Eagles saw Cahill, Mamadou Sakho and Scott Dann depart last month following the expiration of their contracts, meaning several new centre-backs will be needed ahead of the upcoming campaign.

According to The Telegraph, Palace have identified Bartley as a key transfer target and are monitoring the 30-year-old’s situation as they consider making a £3 million move for the Englishman.

Fans will be buzzing

The 6 ft 4 beast proved he’s got what it takes to handle the pressure of the Premier League throughout 2020/21, and he could be a cheap way to improve the Palace squad given his contract situation.

Bartley only has 12 months remaining on his current deal at the Hawthorns, attracting interest from the Eagles and Newcastle United as a result, meaning Steve Parish may have to move quickly in order to secure his services.

Although Bartley may not be the glamorous, established top-level star that the south London outfit’s supporters were hoping for, news that the hierarchy are considering making a move for him will surely leave large sections of the fans buzzing.

At just £3m, his arrival would represent very good value for money, add strength in depth and leave enough funds left over to bring in a more talented partner to join and play alongside him in the heart of defence.

Despite West Brom’s significant struggles last term, Bartley was a rare highlight for the Baggies and grew in stature and confidence as the season went on.

As per WhoScored, his 1.2 blocks and 5.3 clearances per league game saw him outperform his teammates on both metrics, highlighting his importance to the Midlands outfit in their ultimately unsuccessful battle to avoid the drop.

With James Tomkins the only recognised centre-back currently on the books of the capital club, Bartley’s arrival would be a much-needed addition to Patrick Vieira’s ranks and provide the former Nice manager with a solid foundation to build upon.

And, in other news…Palace open talks to sign £7m prodigy who’s a “proper footballer”, he’s another Olise