All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Having lost their latest Championship game 1-0 against relegation strugglers Derby County on Monday, some West Brom fans were not shy in sharing their criticism of Baggies boss Valerien Ismael and his post-match comments saying that the players need to take responsibility for the defeat.

With this in mind, the upcoming January transfer window could give Ismael the opportunity to not only strengthen his squad but also get some Baggies fans back on his side with a few exciting transfers.

One deal that Ismael could look to complete which would surely delight a lot of West Brom fans and boost their chances of securing promotion would be to pull off the signing of former Baggies loanee Okay Yokuslu.

Labelled a “forceful” player earlier this year by West Brom podcaster Adrian Goldberg, the £6.3m-rated Turkey international has only made six appearances for Celta Vigo in La Liga, all of them coming off the  bench. That would suggest that he isn’t an important figure for the Galician outfit and could be better off making a move to somewhere like Albion where he could get regular playing time.

With a recent report claiming that the fan favourite midfielder would be willing to make a return to the Midlands after enjoying his six-month spell on loan there last season, this could be just what Ismael needs to not only strengthen his midfield but also bring some positivity back for the supporters.

In his 16 Premier League appearances for the Baggies last term, Yokuslu’s performances earned him an overall season rating of 6.96/10, making him their joint-highest rated player alongside Matheus Pereira according to WhoScored. That shows how much of an impact he had at the club and suggests why many fans would surely be delighted to see him return.

Taking this into account and the reports that Robert Snodgrass could be on his way out of the club next month, West Brom should do all they can to bring Yokuslu back to The Hawthorns to see if he can fire them back to the Premier League by the end of the campaign.

In other news: Lai dropped WBA transfer clanger with 29 y/o dud who hasn’t “stepped up to the plate”

Greek football journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos has shared Celtic’s proposal regarding an exit for goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas.

The Lowdown: Outcasts still at Parkhead

The Hoops were fairly quiet on deadline day, with youngsters Osaze Urhoghide, Adam Montgomery and Kerr McInroy the only outgoings, each sealing loan moves away.

Barkas, Albian Ajeti and Boli Bolingoli were all expected to leave the club before the January window slammed shut, but as we know, the three outcasts stayed at the club past the domestic deadline.

The Latest: Chorianopoulos’ post

Greek reporter Chorianopoulos took to Twitter late on Monday night and appeared to indicate that the Hoops have made proposals to a number of Turkish clubs regarding Barkas.

The 27-year-old, who former Celtic manager Neil Lennon once described as ‘excellent’, was linked with a move to the Super Lig during January, but according to Chorianopoulos, there has not been any response to that proposal.

He tweeted: “Celtic Vasilis Barkas was proposed also to several clubs from Turkey. No response yet”.

The Verdict: Still time

Even though the domestic deadline is now shut in the UK, Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson still has time to shift the likes of Ajeti, Barkas and Bolingoli to overseas clubs.

Should the Hoops get a response from a Turkish side regarding Barkas, they still have seven days to finalise a transfer. It would be a miracle if Celtic recoup the £4.5m they paid for the goalkeeper, with his market value plummeting during his time in Glasgow, along with his game-time.

It’s safe to say that the big-money move for Barkas can go down as poor decision, having been culpable for some howling errors for the Bhoys, but at least Celtic still have time to find him a new club in the near future.

In other news: ‘Bad news for Celtic’ – Sky Sports man drops live on-air claim ahead of crucial Glasgow derby

According to a report by 90min, Tottenham Hotspur still have Fulham manager Scott Parker very much under consideration for the managerial role despite Brendan Rodgers being their top target.

The Lowdown: Parker on managerial shortlist

Parker has been sporadically linked with the Lilywhites job since Jose Mourinho was dismissed last month, with Football Insider recently reporting that the 40-year-old is emerging as a real contender.

Having been praised for his attacking style at Fulham, the former Spurs midfielder also falls into the category of  a ‘young’ and ‘dynamic’ manager allegedly wanted by technical performance director Steve Hitchen (Daily Mail).

The Latest: Very much a contender…

Backing reports of Parker being on the manager’s list, 90min claimed that he is still very much under consideration despite Rodgers being a prime candidate for the role.

The Fulham boss, alongside Gian Piero Gasperini, Maurizio Sarri and Graham Potter, remain shortlisted as the search for a new manager continues.

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

The report added that Tottenham and Levy have been approached by intermediaries of up to 20 top managers regarding the vacancy in north London.

Whether or not Parker is one of those gaffers remains to be seen, but Spurs are still allegedly interested in him.

The Verdict: Outside contender, nothing more…

Parker has garnered no shortage of praise for his style of management and even has an admirer in Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who praised his courageous brand of football (mancity.com).

Former Fulham player Jim Hicks, who taught Parker through his coaching licence, emphatically claimed that he is one of the most ‘exceptional’ coaches to ever work under his tutelage (The Athletic).

The £75,000-per-week manager blew Gareth Bale away as a player too, with the Welshman hailing him as ‘unbelievable’ during their time together at Tottenham, but that may not transcend into him being an equally unbelievable manager.

Parker is relatively inexperienced, having notched just one full season in the Premier League so far, and Tottenham could need a coach with a more extensive background in managing at the top level.

In other news: many Tottenham fans slammed this ace during the defeat to Leeds, find out more here.

Karl Darlow could now be the first out of the door at Newcastle United in the summer as some transfer news has emerged.

The Lowdown: Darlow out of favour

The 31-year-old has become out of favour once again at St James’ Park this season, having made just eight appearances in total in the Premier League and none since November (Transfermarkt).

This is in contrast to last term, when he played bench after some impressive performances.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-5/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Sky Sports pundit Matt Murray thought that Darlow was ‘absolutely awesome’ in 2020/21 and even suggested that the goalkeeping spot was ‘his shirt to lose’, while former Tottenham Hotspur and England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson hailed him as ‘exceptional’.

However, he seems to have lost his place again to Dubravka under Eddie Howe.

The Latest: Darlow eyed by Boro

As per The Sun, Middlesbrough are now eyeing Darlow as their new number one ahead of the summer transfer window.

They are also looking at Leicester City shot-stopper Daniel Iversen, but Darlow remains firmly in their radar.

The Verdict: Time up

Unfortunately for Darlow, his time at St James’ Park now appears to be up.

The new owners at Newcastle are likely to go in for a new goalkeeper this summer with their riches, as Keylor Navas has been the latest big name linked with a move to the northeast.

A new arrival would likely push the 6 foot 2 Darlow further down the pecking order, and at 31 years of age, he probably has one more move left in his career which could guarantee him first-team football.

In other news, find out whose Magpies future is also now in doubt

David Sullivan should fund a move for West Ham United to sign Goncalo Guedes in the summer transfer window as Valencia reportedly look to sell the Portuguese forward.

What’s the word?

According to AS, Valencia’s dire financial outlook has seen the La Liga giants slap a for-sale sign on Guedes and teammate Maxi Gomez.

The Mestalla Stadium natives are willing to listen to offers for the pair as they look to drum up vital funds, with owner Peter Lim facing losses of €26.5m (£23m) and challenges to meet Spain’s Financial Fair Play limit.

Reports in Spain last month had touted West Ham as a potential destination for Guedes, with David Moyes said to have an eye on the 24-year-old’s uncertain outlook.

A deal to sign Valencia’s record signing, for whom they paid Paris Saint-Germain £36m in 2018, was claimed to be possible for just €15m (£13m), sparking interest from the Irons as well as Napoli and AS Monaco.

West Ham could look to couple the Portuguese’s arrival with a revived pursuit of Gomez, with AS adding that Valencia are open to selling the striker for €18m (£15.5m) just two years on from the Hammers reportedly agreeing to pay Celta Viga €50m (£44.5m).

Gomez has scored 15 goals in 67 games across all competitions since rejecting West Ham’s interest for a move to Valencia, while offering eight assists.

Guedes has 20 goals and 20 assists in 126 games for Valencia, including during his initial season on loan, but has only started 17 of a possible 28 La Liga fixtures this term.

Should West Ham sign Valencia’s Guedes?

West Ham looking to capitalise on Valencia’s dire financial outlook and raiding the Mestalla for Guedes could see Sullivan fund a move for a forward who Javi Gracia lauded as “decisive” and may only need a fresh start to rediscover the form which saw PSG demand £36m.

Guedes lit up La Liga in the 2017/18 campaign during his year on loan with five goals and 11 assists, but abductor and groin issues arose in the following season to kick off his decline and 14 games out with a sprained ankle last term ensured it continued.

This year has been a massive challenge for Valencia as a whole, with Gracia overseeing just eight wins in 28 top-flight games, to sit closer to the relegation zone than Los Murcielagos are to the European places.

Given their struggles, it is no wonder that Guedes has also lost his form, but a fresh start could see that talent return, similar to how West Ham have benefitted from Jesse Lingard since his arrival on loan from Manchester United.

Lingard had not featured in the Premier League this season before moving to the London Stadium in the winter market, but has five goals and three assists to his name from seven appearances in claret and blue.

It’s the 28-year-old’s best return in front of the goal since the 2017/18 campaign, when he registered a career-best eight goals and six assists, but it took 33 games and three times as many minutes as he has played this season for Lingard to reach that tally.

Moyes had the key to unlock Lingard’s best form of his Premier League career, and may have the ability to unlock Guedes’ maximum potential as well.

AND in other news, West Ham are adamant a deal to sign a £100k-p/w “revelation” will be reached…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have gone wild for a transfer admission by manager Valerien Ismael concerning West Bromwich Albion duo Matheus Pereira and Sam Johnstone.

Both men have been heavily linked to the Hammers recently, with football.london believing West Ham are looking to sign Johnstone this summer as a replacement for Lukasz Fabianski.

Meanwhile, attacking midfield ace Pereira could be seen as an alternative to Jesse Lingard as West Ham eye a possible move this summer (Daily Express).

As per reports, both men could also go for cut prices, with the Athletic detailing Johnstone could be snapped up for in and around £10 million while Pereira is expected to cost around £25m (Daily Star on Sunday via Hammers News).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-3/” title=”West Ham latest!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Now, West Brom boss Ismael has dropped a transfer admission on both the reported West Ham targets – confirming he fully expects them to leave this summer (BT).

As this news emerges, taking into account the previous claims on price tags, many Irons supporters have pleaded with the club to get a deal done and raid the Championship club.

Indeed, there were no shortage of replies to West Ham Fan Zone, who shared Ismael’s admission and the valuation claims on Twitter.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans plead for West Brom raid on Pereira and Johnstone

“This could be major for us!”

Credit: @LindsayWesker

“What are we waiting for??”

Credit: @RiceSZN_

“No brainer”

Credit: @alexjg0

“GET IT DONE”

Credit: @DanielLuker_

“Would be over the moon with these two”

Credit: @IronDragon87

“Please please please”

Credit: @whuabi

“Get it done Moyesy”

Credit: @billyspencer21

“Do it”

Credit: @MalmbergMelvin

In other news: Journalist makes 11-word West Ham transfer claim involving ‘phenomenal’ striker, find out more here.

According to a report by journalist Nicolo Schira, writing on Twitter, Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy have already made an approach to RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann amid growing pressure on Lilywhites manager Jose Mourinho.

Indeed, as per the reporter, the 33-year-old has been ‘contacted by Tottenham’ over the ‘last weeks’ – with Serie A giants AS Roma also making an approach for Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann contact made by Tottenham

The German has been heavily linked with a possible Spurs appointment if Mourinho is indeed shown the door as other outlets claim he is one of the top candidates on Levy’s shortlist (Daily Record).

Other names linked in the press include Brendan Rodgers, and more recently, Maurizio Sarri – but Schira has now shared news of Tottenham’s recent contact with Nagelsmann as Bundesliga side Bayern Munich also contemplate a move.

It is claimed by the journalist that Bayern ‘will choose’ the exciting Leipzig coach when current boss Hans-Dieter Flick replaces Joachim Low at the helm of the German national team.

Nagelsmann is also apparently ‘waiting’ for the German giants, but that allegedly hasn’t stopped Spurs from making an approach in the last weeks according to Schira.

Transfer Tavern take

Leipzig starlet Tyler Adams, speaking to ESPN recently (via Bundesliga), heralded his manager as a ‘fearless coach’ – meanwhile goalkeeper turned journalist Lutz Pfannenstiel dubbed Nagelsmann the ‘most exciting coaching talent in Europe’ (DAZN).

Still in contention for a league title this season, Nagelsmann has arguably worked wonders with this RB side and it’s little wonder he is on the managerial radar of clubs across Europe.

Without a doubt, in our opinion, he should be the number one coaching target for Levy if Mourinho is given his marching orders.

In other news: Tottenham still in the race for this 6 foot 2 ‘phenomenon’, find out more here.

Many Wolves fans have been left to buzz as the Midlands club confirmed on their official website that Conor Coady is in England’s provisional Euros squad.

Gareth Southgate has named 33 players in his provisional squad for Euro 2020 which will have to be cut down to 26 and named on the 1st June.

It is always good to see a player from your team represent their country at international level, and Coady may be able to do just that for the Molineux faithful should he make the final cut.

The central defender averaged the most blocks (0.9) and long balls (6.7) per game in the Premier League in the 2020/21 term out of any of his teammates, and he also ranked highly in terms of clearances (3.5), average passes (50.2) and pass success percentage (88%) (Whoscored).

With the competition for places at centre-back for the Three Lions, Coady has certainly done well to earn his spot.

Wolves fans on Coady call-up

These WWFC supporters buzzed as Coady’s call-up was shared on Twitter, with one fan claiming that they were ‘so happy’ while a couple labelled the news as ‘brilliant’:

“Brilliant news! #ourcaptain  so proud of him!  xx”

Credit: @AuntyTwe

“Thank goodness for that”

Credit: @JezLowe

“No brainer ..Southgate loves his leadership qualities on and off the pitch. Well done skipper”

Credit: @StPaul197173

“Brilliant”

Credit: @taylerjadeloach

“So happy for him”

Credit: @Luciafarruggio1

“Yess Coady captain fantastic”

Credit: @charlwolves84

In other news, find out what big Wanderers manager update Henry Winter has dropped here!

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has told The Transfer Tavern that he isn’t surprised to see Nuno Espirito Santo in the running for the Everton job.

The Portuguese boss only left his position at Wolves two weeks ago but is reportedly in talks with the Toffees over making an instant return to management, with The Metro claiming he’s Farhad Moshiri’s first-choice target.

Santo worked wonders at Molineux, leading Wolves back into the Premier League following their 99-point haul in the Championship before achieving consecutive seventh-place finishes.

He also managed to reach the last-eight of the Europa League 12 months ago but stepped down from his role as manager 48 hours before the Midlands outfit ended their campaign against Manchester United.

But Sky Sports believe that Santo is the leading candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park after he returned to Real Madrid earlier this week after just 18 months on Merseyside.

Despite an early season title charge, a poor end saw Everton finish 10th and therefore miss out on European qualification.

But Windass exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Santo, who was once described as an “excellent” manager by Pep Guardiola, would be an ideal fit for Everton:

“I can see that. It surprises you when someone leaves a football club. Whatever has gone at the football club with the chairman or directors, the finances, he’s asking for a much bigger budget. He took the club as far as he can take them.

“Nuno, I get it, I know where they’re coming from. And he’d do a fantastic job if he gets the opportunity!”

Pundit Kevin Campbell has tipped Celtic to appoint a new CEO before January following Dominic McKay’s recent departure.

The Lowdown: McKay’s exit; five contenders

McKay left the club last week, just 72 days into his Celtic Park tenure. Ange Postecoglou admitted he was surprised at the news, with the Hoops citing personal reasons regarding his exit.

The Herald have since listed five potential contenders to replace McKay, including former defender Ramon Vega and Leicester City’s Susan Whelan.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-13/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Campbell’s comments

Campbell, who has appeared regularly for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Celtic’s off-field situation.

He was asked when supporters should expect a permanent replacement through the Parkhead door, to which he appeared to back owner Dermot Desmond to take action before the New Year.

“I’m sure they have somebody in mind to take over the spot permanently. There should be contingency planning at a club like Celtic. You have to plan for every eventuality.

“Big clubs should have a shortlist of names ready to fill big roles like that. Now it is about going down that list, working through it and coming to a decision on the next appointment as quickly as possible because you need somebody in that role.

“I would think they will have somebody in before Christmas because it’s a vitally important position.”

The Verdict: 98 days…

There are 98 days before Christmas, so that should give Celtic plenty of time in regards to bringing in a new CEO on a long-term basis.

If they don’t, then that could have a knock-on effect in regards to the January window with Postecoglou possibly looking to add to his ranks in the winter window and the communication with those above him.

Who knows, the Hoops could even land McKay’s successor before Christmas, but Campbell’s prediction should be the bare minimum for Celtic’s off-field deadline to avoid any January problems.

In other news: Free-agent Ange spoke about at Celtic still available after comments emerge.