All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Aston Villa must seize their perfect chance to sell Bjorn Engels amid reported transfer interest from Royal Antwerp.

What’s the story?

The £55,000-a-week centre-back has been a complete outcast at Villa Park this season, barely featuring for Dean Smith’s side in the Premier League – in fact, he’s yet to make a single competitive appearance in any competition in 2020/21.

His time at the club could soon be over, with Belgian publication Voetbalkrant saying (via Sport Witness) that Antwerp are eyeing a summer move for the 26-year-old as they look to bring him back to his native Belgium.

The report added that a deal for Engels to leave is “inevitable”, and that Antwerp are at the front of the line for a deal. It was even suggested that Villa would be prepared to sell him for very little just to get him off their books.

Sawiris surely buzzing

It comes as no surprise, then, that former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that Engels’ career at the club is over, insisting that he just doesn’t have the qualities needed to succeed in the Premier League.

The 34-year-old said earlier this year: “It’s time for him to move on. The problem with the Premier League now is you have to have pace in defence. Unless you’re an unbelievable defender and you can read the game unbelievably you need to have the pace at the back.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-aston-villa-transfer-rumours-and-news-copy-copy” title=”Latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news”]

“That’s what Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause allow you. If they make a mistake they’ve got the pace to make up for it. If they’re left one-on-one they’ve got the pace to stop the attacker.

“The problem with Engels is that if he’s left one-on-one he hasn’t got that pace so he’s going to get found out a bit. That’s what it is, it’s one of those things.”

With Antwerp now showing interest in taking him off Villa’s hands this summer, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will surely be buzzing that one of the club’s highest earners could well be off their books way before his contract comes to an end in the Midlands.

Given that he’s yet to play at all this season for Smith, letting him go for whatever fee is presented just seems like the perfect eventuality for all parties concerned.

Meanwhile, Villa must sell this first team ace in the summer…

Rangers have been linked with a move for Dijon centre-back Senou Coulibaly recently and if he were to join Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox this summer, he could be the ideal man to replace Filip Helander.

According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, via Get Football News France, both Rangers and Huddersfield Town are keen on signing the 26-year-old defender this summer.

The Frenchman has made 17 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season, contributing two goals and averaging a disappointing 6.52 rating.

However, he is featuring in a side currently rock bottom of the French top-flight and looking nailed on for relegation, so you would expect that his performances would improve in a side such as Rangers, who will be challenging for the title next season.

The 6 foot 3 centre-back would face plenty of competition if he were to make the move to Ibrox, considering Gerrard has the likes of Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Nikola Katic, George Edmundson and Jack Simpson already at his disposal.

However, he could prove to be a direct replacement for Helander, with the Swedish international having been linked with a move to both Leicester City and Aston Villa in recent weeks.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/rangers-news-ibrox-steven-gerrard-ross-wilson-gers-rfc” title=”Latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more!”]

The former Bologna man has played a key part in Rangers’ title success this season but he may have his head turned by Premier League interest, which would, in turn, leave a gap in Gerrard’s squad.

Coulibaly is younger and significantly quicker than Helander, so could prove to be a solid replacement for the 27-year-old, whilst given that he is currently valued at £720k by Transfermarkt, he could probably be brought in at a fraction of the price Helander would be sold for.

Although he is contracted with Dijon until 2023, they may be forced to cash in on him this summer following relegation, and a move to Rangers would surely be appealing for the 26-year-old, especially as they can likely offer Champions League football next season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Therefore, Ross Wilson should definitely consider a move for Coulibaly this summer as he could prove to be the dream replacement for Helander should he depart.

And, in other news… Wilson headed for huge Rangers transfer error over wonderkid tipped to become a “top player”

Frank McAvennie has dropped a big behind-the-scenes claim on the manager hunt at Celtic after a transfer update emerged.

As per transfer market expert Nicolo Schira, the Hoops had a bid rejected for Mario Vuskovic earlier this week, and McAvennie has put two and two together as it would be strange for the Parkhead club to be bidding for new transfer targets without a permanent manager to approve of them.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said the development is a ‘strange’ situation:

“It might be that there’s a manager behind the scenes who’s telling them who to go for.

“I can’t see Celtic going and buying a player without a manager in place. The situation is strange, why would you buy new players if a new manager might come in and say ‘I don’t want him’?

“There’s a chance that they might not be bothered about what the new guy thinks, or someone is telling them to get him. 

“It would be such a waste of money if a new manager came in and didn’t want him. It wouldn’t be a good start to their Celtic career. 

“I’ve not heard anything but if that report is true, it means Celtic are talking to a new manager.”

Do Celtic already have their new manager?

While there have not been any confirmed reports in the media of a new manager for the Bhoys as of yet, it is no doubt an interesting connection that McAvennie has made with the transfer bid for Vuskovic.

Surely they would not be trying to bring in new players if they did not already have a new boss lined up already, as those players would have to fit their style and system.

Celtic have a lot of work to do in the summer to try and wrestle the Scottish Premiership title away from the hands of their bitter rivals Rangers, and so the next managerial appointment is key.

Nonetheless, that next appointment may already be lined up behind the scenes if the Vuskovic rumours are true.

In other news, find out what former European Super League team are monitoring this Hoops ace here!

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that if Rangers sell striker Alfredo Morelos, he’ll be almost irreplaceable.

Since arriving at Ibrox from Finnish outfit HJK, the Colombian has been the Gers’ main source of goals, scoring at least 15 times in each of his four seasons in Glasgow.

The 24-year-old has continued his goalscoring form this season, striking 11 times in the Scottish Premiership to help Steven Gerrard’s men ended their 10-year wait for a major trophy and bring Champions League football back to Ibrox for the first time since 2011.

But Morelos’ outstanding form since joining Rangers has led to constant uncertainty surround his future.

He still has more than two years remaining on his current deal, and McAvennie believes that no Rangers fan would want to see the striker depart this summer.

He told Football FanCast:

“I don’t know if you can replace him, he’s such a talent. Since Defoe has gone there, he’s become a better player, he’s been a good inspiration for him. His temperament has got better, he’s still doing the odd thing but I don’t mind that.

“He’s a talent. Every year there has been people saying he’s moving to this one. He’s been all around the world, but he’s still here.

“I think Rangers will have a price, but if that price gets matched, he’ll be gone. I would like to see him leave, but that’s on a personal level.”

Morelos has previously been reported to have been on the radar of the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, but does the ex-Celtic frontman believe that Colombian is good enough to play in the Premier League?

McAvennie added:

“I think he would do well, I think he would score goals. Rangers play better when he’s playing. But I don’t think he’s the finished article, I think he can get better. If I was a Rangers fan I wouldn’t want him to leave, but everyone has got a price.”

With Neil Lennon no longer Celtic manager, there are a number of subplots at play when it comes to the future at Parkhead.

Of course, Peter Lawwell is set to retire in the summer but Lennon’s departure will now determine what happens in the transfer window.

If you believe reports, Liam Shaw has agreed on a pre-contract deal with the Hoops and thus will arrive on a free transfer when the market opens in the summer. It’s not known whether Lennon leaving will have an impact on the deal, but one thing we do know for certain is that conversations have taken place.

Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri commented earlier this week: “I thought he was going to go to Celtic – I believe that – because of the agent talking to Celtic.”

At the moment, the deal seems as good as done; and judging by his latest performance, that should be music to the ears of Nick Hammond.

If Celtic’s chief recruiter was watching him in action this week then he must have been delighted with his display.

The 19-year-old is capable of playing at centre-back and further forward in midfield and it was in that latter role that he flourished for the Owls, running the show from the middle of the park.

Sheffield Wednesday suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Rotherham but, if there were any positives, it was the performance of Celtic-bound Shaw.

He was described as Wednesday’s ‘star man’ after the game, earning the following review from reporter Dom Howson: “Confident in possession as usual on his return to the side following a two-match suspension. Showed bags of energy and forced Johansson into a good stop.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-hunt-stories-wagner-marsch-martinez-lennon-news” title=”The last stories on Celtic’s hunt for a new manager!”]

Indeed, it was clear to see why he was talked about so highly. During the course of the match, the teenager provided three key passes, two of which led to clear-cut opportunities to score. That number happened to be the highest of any Wednesday player in midweek.

Shaw also recorded four successful dribbles, the second-highest tally of anyone to take the field at Hillsborough. It was a dynamic performance, one where the midfielder also stood out from a defensive point of view.

No player won more than his seven ground duels, while he also prevailed in three aerial duels from four contested.

Shaw has previously been described as a player who can play “everywhere” by former Owls boss Garry Monk, so he clearly has plenty to offer.

If Celtic can conclude a deal, this looks like a player who may thrive at Parkhead. He has numerous qualities, all of which should have Hammond foaming at the mouth.

AND in other news, 8 passes all game: Celtic must wield the axe on £4.5m flop who is “not bothered”…

Newcastle United are reportedly still in talks to sign Radu Dragusin from Juventus on a free transfer, according to Calciomercato.

As per the news outlet, discussions are continuing between the two clubs, as well as both RB Leipzig and Atalanta, but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.

At this current moment in time, the negotiations are at a stand-by phase, with his deal at the Serie A club set to expire on June 30th.

Dragusin one for the future

Dragusin is certainly a player for the future, having already broken into the senior side at the Old Lady despite being just 19 years of age, with four games under his belt in total over all competitions so far in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt).

With a frame of over six feet and two inches, the central defender should have no worries at all coping with the physical demands of the Premier League should he make the move to the St. James’ Park faithful, and his manager Andrea Pirlo was quoted as claiming that the he is ‘very strong’ back in December of last year.

On a free transfer, there would be very little risk in the North East club signing Dragusin up, and so they should be doing all that they can in order to secure the signature of the Romania U21 international.

In other news, find out what timeframe has been put on the takeover arbitration case by a sports law specialist here!

A season involving Celtic is usually full of unrelenting drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. Over the last decade, it’s because of unparalleled success at Parkhead.

This term, however, it’s been because of the disastrous season they’ve played out. They were knocked out of the Champions League and then the Europa League without so much of a whimper, while the less said about the Premiership the better.

The Hoops have lost their grasp on the title to Rangers and Neil Lennon has departed his job as a consequence.

It has been a torrid campaign, one which has involved mass protests from the Green Brigade outside Celtic Park. The hierarchy has been questioned and it has led to Peter Lawwell deciding to retire. One man who won’t leave his post behind, however, is Dermot Desmond.

Celtic’s majority shareholder admitted this week that were was zero chance of him selling his shares. However, his place towards the top of the food chain could be questioned not only by supporters but also the players in the summer.

That’s because the Bhoys are trying to hire Roy Keane as their next manager. Discussions and even an interview are reported to have taken place, which has left some of the fanbase rather riled. That’s according to Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes, anyway.

Unfortunately, it might not be a popular appointment with the playing staff, either.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-boupendza-mcgeady-marsch-mccarthy” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Speaking to Football Insider this week, Alex McLeish suggested that the players may actually want John Kennedy put in permanent charge rather than Keane. He suggested that Desmond should consult those who will actually train under the new coach before making a decision.

“If they see enough and get enough feedback from the players in there, they might say: ‘Kennedy’s the right man for us Dermot.’ To the other people on the board: ‘We really love working with John and believe he can take us forward.’ 

“You have to get the players’ ears as well. They’ve worked under Lennon, Brendan Rodgers.

“The fact they worked under Brendan, they’ll be looking for those kinds of standards. The players will judge John Kennedy against those legendary names.”

If this is the case, then it could lead to a lot of unhappy faces if Keane walks through the door.

Of course, the playing staff will just have to get on with their jobs, but it may lead to more average performances and even more mediocrity.

The last thing Desmond needs now is a playing staff revolt. He has already seen the fans protest at various points throughout the season; he cannot afford to let that stem to those on the field of play.

AND in other news, 4 dribbles, 4 key passes: Keane surely licking his lips at Celtic star’s int’l display…

Declan Rice would walk straight into the Manchester United first team, reckons former Premier League star Trevor Sinclair.

What’s the word?

Rice has long been linked to Old Trafford and with his future at West Ham far from certain, again finds himself on the Red Devils’ radar as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks to bolster his midfield options.

The 22-year-old has again been touted as an ideal candidate to partner Scott McTominay at the base of United’s midfield by the former West Ham star.

Sinclair told talkSPORT: “[Tomas] Soucek and Rice keep McTominay out of the West Ham side, whereas Rice walks into the Manchester United side.

“If that’s a big fish in a small pond then I don’t quite know what you’re talking about, Simon.

“Rice goes alongside McTominay [at Man United]. For me, he’s better than Fred and when you look at McTominay going into the West Ham side, he’s not going to play in one of the forward midfield positions.”

As it stands, the 10-cap England international has three years left to run on his current deal with his boyhood club, with the option to extend his contract for a further year.

Rice, who is currently valued at £49.5m via Transfermarkt, is said to earn in excess of £60,000-per-week at West Ham and United are one of a select group of clubs who could pay him at least double his salary, with Chelsea also among the interested parties.

Nemanja Matic’s long-term heir?

Despite Nemanja Matic recently signing a new contract, Solskjaer’s squad still needs the right investment to take them to the next level. Namely, a defensive midfielder who has experience playing in a holding midfield role.

In Rice, they could find a player who can do exactly that. At the age of 22, he is only going to improve, and should slot well into Solskjaer’s side having already impressed in the Premier League.

It is difficult to ignore just how important Rice has become for David Moyes’ side, who find themselves sixth in the table in the chase for a top-four finish, thanks in no small part to his performances this season.

WhoScored credits him with 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Premier League, showing how effective he is at breaking up attacks and regaining possession of the ball. Attackers find it incredibly hard to get the better of Rice as his tackle success rate of 65% shows that on the whole he is more successful than not. For context, this is significantly superior to Matic’s success rate of 58%, suggesting that signing Rice would be an immediate upgrade on the veteran midfielder.

It’s no surprise that fans, players and pundits alike have been singing his praises, with former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard previously heaping praise on the “fantastic” player for his performances this season thus far.

He said: “He’s a fantastic player for West Ham and England, so fair play because his journey after leaving Chelsea and going to West Ham it is a good story to hear. There are lots of those stories for different reasons at whatever level and that shows a strength of character.”

That sort of inner strength would be most welcome at Old Trafford and to be able to nab a player of his calibre to replace the ageing Matic could turn out be a shrewd investment in the future.

AND in other news, Ed Woodward must tie down Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes to new deal…

Southampton were unable to find a way past Fulham’s defence as they slipped to a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side could’ve moved back into the top four with a win in West London but were frustrated against the Cottagers, with Theo Walcott in particular disappointing.

As per SofaScore, the winger picked up a shocking 5.6 rating for his performance, which was comfortably the worst of any player on the pitch.

The 31-year-old, who joined on loan from Everton during the summer transfer window, struggled to have any influence on the game and was wasteful on the rare occasions he did receive the ball.

During the 90 minutes, Walcott touched the ball just 32 times, which was less than Southampton shot-stopper Alex McCarthy, who touched the ball 40 times.

The former Arsenal man was also able to complete just 8/12 passes during the game, resulting in a pass accuracy rate of 67%, emphasising that he struggled to get involved in the Saints build-up play.

Perhaps most frustratingly for Hasenhuttl, Walcott was successful in just one of his seven dribble attempts, with the Fulham defenders clearly getting the better of him during the 90 minutes.

The Englishman also came out second best when battling with the home team, as he was able to win just three of his 15 duels during the game, resulting in an overall success rate of just 20%, with the physical nature of the game clearly causing problems for the winger.

Despite his lack of touches, he was still able to lose possession on 20 occasions, which will surely anger Hasenhuttl, as this game represented a real opportunity to pick up three points.

Whilst it did seem that Walcott had won the game for the Saints when he finished from Che Adams’ cross late on, this was ruled out for offside, and it was the loanee’s only real contribution of note.

In Danny Ings’ absence, Walcott will have to produce much more effective displays in Southampton’s upcoming games if the South Coast club want to keep pressure on the top four.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl drops big transfer hint ahead of January, could be Saints’ next KWP

After crumbling to a hugely disappointing 3-0 defeat to Crawley in the FA Cup third round last week, Leeds United are back in Premier League action when they face Brighton at home.

Marcelo Bielsa rung the changes for the game against the League 2 side, and saw his decision back-fire, with the Whites suffering yet another early exit in the cup.

But things have been far better in the Premier League however, with the Elland Road side having picked up seven wins from 17 in their first campaign back in the top-flight.

And with the visit of the Seagulls on Saturday afternoon, Bielsa is likely to revert back to a stronger looking side. With that in mind, below is a look at how Leeds might line up for the game against Brighton.

In goal, Illan Meslier will no doubt return inbetween the sticks, with Kiko Casilla having come in and conceded three against Crawley.

Bielsa’s defensive options were reinforced by the return of club captain Liam Cooper last week, but the Leeds boss may opt to partner Luke Ayling with Diego Llorente instead. The Spaniard finally appears to have shaken off his injury, and a home clash might be the perfect time to give him a run-out in the top-flight.

Another major call Bielsa might make is dropping Gjanni Alioski, with the 39-cap left-back enduring a difficult period recently having featured in their previous 11 top-flight fixtures. That could open the door for young Leif Davis to get another crack after appearing against Crawley.

The Whites will be without key man Kalvin Phillips, after the England international picked up his fifth yellow card of the Premier League season against Tottenham and is therefore suspended for Saturday’s game.

That could see Pascal Struijk move back into a more familiar holding role after his recent stint at centre-back in Cooper’s absence.

Further forward, Bielsa should call upon the regulars once more, with Raphinha and Jack Harrison out wide, and Mateusz Klich and Rodrigo more central.

That will leave the club’s top goal-scorer Patrick Bamford up front.

Predicted XI: Meslier; Dallas, Ayling, Llorente, Alioski; Struijk; Raphinha, Klich, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are facing a transfer battle for this French striker…