All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Liverpool appear to be keeping tabs on one of England’s emerging attacking midfield starlets.

According to a report by TeamTALK, Blackburn Rovers’ John Buckley appears to have caught the attention of the Premier League giants.

However, the Anfield outfit are not believed to be the only club to have taken an interest in the Ewood Park prospect recently, with the likes of Everton and Manchester United also checking in on him.

The 19-year-old is highly-regarded at the Championship outfit and the news of rumoured interest has promoted Blackburn to hold talks with the youngster about a new deal.

Yet to make his first-team debut under Tony Mowbray, Buckley is believed to be on the fringes of the senior squad following his impressive performances for the Developmental side, where he has one goal and one assist in his 15 matches.

The Verdict:

Liverpool already have a number of quality young players on their books at the younger levels and Buckley could fit in with them at Melwood.

The 19-year-old has shown plenty of promise for Blackburn over the years, having been at Ewood Park since he was just six-years-old, and is highly regarded as a player for the future at the club.

Whether anything happens in the near future regarding the truth surrounding the interest in Buckley remains to be seen, however, if he continues to impress, a move to a big club like Liverpool could certainly be on the cards in the future.

Liverpool fans – thoughts?

A number of West Ham supporters have been hailing a host of Hammers youngsters after they played against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.

David Moyes’ side faced a dead rubber contest in Europe on Thursday evening, having already secured qualification into the knockout stages.

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

It afforded Moyes the luxury of naming a much-changed starting lineup at the London Stadium but it was one that had more meaning to it than normal.

During the night, a total of eight academy graduates took to the field, while there were also five full debutants and two debutants, as highlighted by an official club post.

It was further proof that West Ham are going in the right direction both on and off the pitch, despite the 1-0 defeat, as the latest batch of Hammers youngsters look to mark their mark.

West Ham fans hail youngsters

These fans took to Twitter to react to their efforts.

“My club”

Credit: @darrenpasley79

“Wow what a picture!”

Credit: @jackcoyi1

“Future is bright”

Credit: @deskamiya

“Massive”

Credit: @Razek_76

“Proud of the boys, COYI”

Credit: @MarcinPochojka

“Brilliant display from majority of them tonight so proud”

Credit: @RyanHil98488904

In other news, a reliable reporter has made a transfer claim regarding one West Ham target. Find out who it is here.

Connor Gallagher has been one of the stars of the Premier League this season thanks to his outstanding performances for Crystal Palace.

Due to his success with the Eagles on loan from Chelsea, the 21-year-old’s immediate future has come into question as to whether he will stay at Selhurst Park or make an early return to Stamford Bridge in January.

What’s the word?

Chelsea correspondent Sam Inkersole has made a claim about Gallagher that will leave Crystal Palace fans buzzing.

The journalist took to Twitter on Thursday to squash rumours of an early return to west London for the midfielder, tweeting: “Exclusive: Understand Conor Gallagher is, as it stands, not expecting a recall to #CFC in January despite Chelsea’s growing injury list in midfield. Targeting a first team spot at the club in 2022/23.”

This will come as a huge relief to both Patrick Vieira and Palace fans as Gallagher has been instrumental to keeping the Eagles well clear of a relegation battle in the Premier League so far, with four goals and three assists from midfield already in the current campaign.

It was thought that the 21-year-old would return to Stamford Bridge after a number of injury problems plaguing the Chelsea squad, but Thomas Tuchel appeared to rule out an early callback when speaking in a press conference in November.

The Blues manager said: “I think it is important for him to be happy where he is and not change things. It is important to be calm, I feel him happy there and that he is having this impact at Crystal Palace.”

The future is bright

Gallagher is clearly making waves at Crystal Palace and getting the attention he rightly deserves from the right people, including England manager Gareth Southgate, who gave the youngster his first senior England call-up in the last international break.

The youngster is getting lots of first team football with 15 appearances so far for Patrick Vieira’s side, which means he is getting the opportunity to showcase his talents weekly. If he were to make an early return to Stamford Bridge, he would likely spend a lot of time on the bench in Tuchel’s heavily rotated Chelsea side, which could hinder his development and affect his chances of further England call-ups.

Staying at Palace until next summer and continuing to shine playing a significant role in their starting XI could increase Gallagher’s chances of capturing the attention of Southgate again, which could possibly lead to being called up to the England squad for next year’s World Cup.

The future is bright for Gallagher, and working with Crystal Palace to secure a safe position in the Premier League in the second half of the season and developing his game should be the current focus. Given his contributions to the south Londoners already, it is a huge boost for Vieira and co that Chelsea seemingly have no plans to end his loan ahead of schedule.

In other news: Vieira could use his connections to bring this maestro to Selhurst Park

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted in delighted fashion to a claim that the Reds won’t be investigated for possible false negative virus tests.

The Reds have suffered a difficult period in their season, like so many clubs, with numerous players having to isolate after testing positive for the virus.

The likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho have all been ruled out at different times recently and Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge has been affected as a result, with just two points taken from the last nine on offer.

The Reds also saw their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal cancelled last week, with the Emirates Stadium fixture instead moved to 20 January.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

On Monday, a story from The Athletic emerged claiming that the Reds could be investigated for reported false positives, in what was a worrying development for the club.

However, according to The Evening Standard [via Anfield Watch], that will not happen, with the EFL not planning to dig deeper into the issue.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-17/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans delighted at investigation claim

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react positively to the news, with one describing it as a “masterclass” from manager Jurgen Klopp, who himself was recently diagnosed with the virus.

“Salty Arsenal fans incoming”

Credit: @Seyjith

“Liverpool is so massive”

Credit: @Tokpenyulfc

“This is really good news for #LFC”

Credit: @9_khac

“Another masterclass from Jurgen”

Credit: @jackmartinez_

“ARSENAL FANS CRYFEST!!!”

Credit: @dkapoor_lfc

“Let’s gooooo”

Credit: @6_LFC_19

In other news, some Liverpool fans have laughed off one Reds transfer claim. Read more here.

Some Everton fans have been left buzzing over transfer news involving Tanguy Ndombele.

Speaking live on Tuesday’s episode of Sky Sports’ The Transfer Show (via The Transfer Centre – Tue 17:24pm), journalist Kaveh Solhekol revealed that the Goodison Park outfit are now among a number of clubs interested in signing the 25-year-old on loan for the rest of the season, although he is more likely to return to France, with Paris Saint-Germain in the frame.

Of course, Ndombele has largely been a disappointment since arriving at Tottenham, having only scored six goals and supplied five assists in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

However, there is talent there, enough for Spurs to have made him their all-time record signing in 2019, and he could add a shrewd option to Everton’s midfield.

He currently commits fewer fouls per league game than Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan and Andre Gomes, and also averages more dribbles, accurate passes and through balls per match than the Everton trio (WhoScored), suggesting that he would slot right in to the middle of the park.

Also, the deal would only be a loan, so if it does not work out, the Toffees can just send him straight back to north London without being locked into a huge financial commitment.

Everton fans on Ndombele transfer news

These Everton fans buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one supporter going as far as to claim that it was ‘excellent’ to hear:

“YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @bluesofgoodison

“Yes defo take him, 100% what we need”

Credit: @Alanf_1878

“Be a brilliant signing that”

Credit: @Adi18781

“Take him all day long”

Credit: @sayantan_01

“Oh yes I want him”

Credit: @Evertoningen

“This really would be excellent”

Credit: @Eromilladuts

In other news, Sky Sports have dropped this big Everton managerial update

A number of Liverpool supporters have mocked a fresh report claiming interest in Jarrod Bowen could ‘serve as a warning’ to Mohamed Salah.

The Reds take on Leicester City on Tuesday night and Salah will hope to continue his incredible season to date.

The 29-year-old has scored 22 times already in 2020/21, not to mention registering nine assists, outlining his status as one of the best players in the world.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

Salah is yet to sign a new deal Liverpool however, and with his current contract expiring in the summer of 2023, there is growing concern surrounding the situation.

According to The Mirror [via Anfield Edition on Twitter], rumoured interest in West Ham forward Bowen could ‘serve as a warning’ to the Liverpool superstar, as it could be that the Reds feel he could ‘replace’ him.

Bowen has scored three times in the top flight this term and provided five assists, impressive returns but a far cry from the type of calibre needed to replace Salah if the Kop’s Egyptian King ever does depart.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-15/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react to Salah claim

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to mock the update, not buying into the idea whatsoever.

“Excuse me?”

Credit: @Ngcebo_YNWA

“If this ever happens I’ll never watch football again”

Credit: @David_aild

“Hahahahahaha”

Credit: @bkelly776

“I hate this club so much”

Credit: @Jake_Phillpots

“Big LOL”

Credit: @ginge_lfc_6

“YER WHA?”

Credit: @g_wilko87

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted with an official club update. Read more here.

Celtic have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of their upcoming Europa League fixture.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Jo Hendry), Ange Postecoglou revealed that both Tom Rogic and Carl Starfelt are set to miss Thursday evening’s trip to Bayer Leverkusen, as the pair are yet to recover from their respective injuries.

Summarising the 56-year-old’s comments, Hendry said: “Rogic [is] close but [we] will probably leave [him] until [the] weekend. Starfelt [is] a few days behind that.”

Postecoglou will be fuming

Considering just how short of options Postecoglou is in both central midfield and at centre-back, the fact that neither Rogic nor Starfelt have recovered in time for Thursday evening is sure to have left the Bhoys boss fuming.

Indeed, although it would appear as if 21-year-old Stephen Welsh does look set to be involved after being withdrawn in the League Cup semi-final last weekend with a facial injury, whether or not the defender is fit to start is another matter entirely.

If he is not, Starfelt’s continued absence means that Postecoglou will be left with the options of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Osaze Urhoghide and Liam Scales as starters in the heart of his defence, with the latter two of this trio having made just three appearances between them for Celtic so far this season.

Meanwhile, Rogic’s unavailability also means that the Hoops are once again lacking in attacking midfielders, with Postecoglou opting to field the more defensively-minded Nir Bitton alongside Callum McGregor and David Turnbull in recent weeks.

As such, with Celtic in desperate need of a win at the BayArena if they are to have any hope of making it through to the knockout stages of the Europa League, the duo’s absence will undoubtedly come as a major blow to the 56-year-old manager, as his job on Thursday night has just been made that little bit more difficult.

In other news: Ange must unleash “brilliant” £15k-p/w Celtic dynamo vs Bayer, he “always shows up”

Taking to Twitter, sharing a piece by Sky Sports, their reporter Lyall Thomas has broken some news on a brand new Tottenham Hotspur target in full-back Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new right-backs…

Strengthening at right-back is one of manager Antonio Conte’s major priorities for this January transfer window with the club in talks to sign Wolves star Adama Traore (Matt Law).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-5/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

They aim to convert the Spain international into a RWB for Conte’s system and he isn’t the only defender on that side they have been linked with this window.

Tottenham have also made an approach for Peterborough United full-back Benjamin Mensah as one for the future with news now emerging of yet another promising name on Fabio Paratici’s transfer radar.

The Latest: Spurs could move for Spence…

According to Thomas, Spurs are ‘interested in a deal’ to sign Middlesborough wing-back Spence – who is currently on loan at fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest for the remainder of the season.

Upon potentially signing the 21-year-old, Tottenham would have to immediately loan him back to Forest, but regardless, the Sky journalist says Spurs ‘could make a move’ before January 31.

The Verdict: Exciting player…

Spence has shone on a temporary spell at the City Ground this season, leaving little wonder he has now attracted Spurs’ interest.

The starlet has been a fixture in Steve Cooper’s side this season, with Boro boss Chris Wilder even taking note of his player from afar and calling him ‘outstanding’.

Making the third-most interceptions per 90 out of any Forest regular with more than five starts (1.6, WhoScored), Spence has also shone going forward.

Indeed, out of all of the English second tier side’s players with over two full starts, Spence has also averaged the most completed dribbles per 90 (WhoScored) – highlighting his obvious threat and how he could be an asset for Conte in future seasons.

In other news: Conte green-lights move for £220,000-per-week ‘jewel’ as he lays out transfer demand for Spurs chiefs, find out more here.

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips will sign a new long-term deal at Elland Road provided they are not relegated, according to Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Manchester United interest

Phillips has attracted plenty of interest over recent months, with Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham all keen on his services.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-41/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-04-02T155252Z_391313781_UP1EI421841M9_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-SOU-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Manchester United have now joined the race for the England international and are thought to be ‘working on a deal’ which would take Phillips to Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old last signed a new deal with Leeds back in 2019 and is in the process of changing agents ahead of the summer window.

The Latest: Journalist’s update

Talbot took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon shortly after the major update on Manchester United’s interest.

The journalist believes Phillips won’t seek a move away from Leeds and will sign a new deal after what he’s been told.

“The way I’ve been told is that Kalvin Phillips is not seeking a move away from LUFC and will be signing a long-term extension with the club in the summer once the club’s Premier League status is secured. The midfielder loves Leeds so chance of a move to a close rival is scarce.”

The Verdict: Marsch gets his way

Jesse Marsch admitted last month that he would love to keep Phillips at Elland Road, and it looks as if he’ll get his wish, providing the Whites remain in the Premier League.

Phillips looks set to play a key role in the club’s attempts to avoid the drop too after making a long-awaited return from injury last weekend, so perhaps his motivation will be doubled.

He’s in contention for a first start since December against Watford tomorrow, where a win could go a long way to ensuring the club’s safety.

In other news: 5 key passes, 1 goal: Leeds target produces stunning midweek display as Orta eyes move – opinion. 

Arsenal are interested in a deal to bring Cody Gakpo to The Emirates in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Dutch media outlet Voetbal International, who claim that Mikel Arteta’s side are currently leading the race for the PSV Eindhoven forward, while the likes of Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester City are also believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation of the 22-year-old – who the Eredivisie side reportedly value at around £42m.

The next Dennis Bergkamp

Considering the sheer amount of potential Gakpo quite clearly possesses, it is easy to see why Mikel Arteta is plotting a move to bring the Netherlands international to Arsenal this summer.

Indeed, over his 20 Eredivisie appearances this season, the £22.5m-rated winger has been in sensational form for PSV, scoring eight goals, providing 13 assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of three shots and making three key passes per game.

These metrics have seen the £7.4k-per-week forward who journalist Agragami dubbed a “serious talent” average an astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.58, ranking the 22-year-old as the fourth-best player in the top flight of Dutch football.

However, it has not only been in the league that Gakpo has impressed, with the PSV starlet bagging a further eight goals and registering two more assists over 17 appearances in domestic and European cup competitions, taking his haul for the current campaign to a whopping 16 goals and 15 assists over 37 fixtures.

As such, while the two players do not particularly occupy the same position on the pitch – although Gakpo is capable of operating just off a centre-forward, as well as up top himself – should the Dutch prodigy be able to continue his remarkable goalscoring and creative form after a switch to north London this summer, the youngster could well go on to become the Gunners’ next Dennis Bergkamp – a player if the same nationality who bagged 113 goals and registered 94 assists over his 410 appearances for the club.

However, before we get too carried away with the comparisons between Gakpo and both a Dutch and Arsenal legend, Arteta must ensure that he beats off the competition from Bayern, Liverpool and Manchester City for the 22-year-old – as it is clear for all to see that the winger could be a transformative signing for the Spaniard this summer.

AND in other news: Arteta can finally axe £27m-rated “practice dummy” as AFC bid for “sneaky” £13m dynamo