All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Former Celtic forward Frank McAvennie has been reacting to a Hoops transfer update involving former defender Kieran Tierney.

Is Kieran Tierney returning to Celtic?

The Hoops look to be in for a busy summer under new manager Brendan Rodgers, with business already underway. Celtic have confirmed the signing of midfielder Odin Thiago Holm on a five-year deal and the arrival of Melbourne City winger Marco Tilio, also on a five-year deal.

Defensive additions could also be made at Parkhead, with a return to Glasgow for Tierney potentially on the cards. Reports earlier this week suggested that the Hoops could look at a season-long loan deal for the left-back, although a substantial loan fee and a compromise over his £110,000-a-week wage would need to be reached.

Tierney would consider the possibility of returning to Celtic, but he also appears to be attracting interest from Newcastle United.

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding Celtic and a possible move for Tierney. The pundit said that the full-back “loves” Rodgers and a return “would suit everyone”, however, he doesn’t think a move will materialise.

“He loves Brendan but I just think his next move is Newcastle.

“When I came back to Celtic it was not a big thing because I was a supporter. All I can say is that if it was to happen I would not be surprised but I do not think it will. I think Tierney is on the way to the top.”

How many games did Tierney play for Celtic?

As we know, Tierney, been dubbed an ‘absolute baller’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is a product of Celtic’s academy and played under Ronny Deila, Neil Lennon, John Kennedy and Rodgers. The 26-year-old made a total of 170 senior appearances for the Hoops, winning 11 major honours before joining Arsenal in 2019.

He made 127 of his Hoops appearances under Rodgers, so if regular football is what Tierney is after, he could well get that at Parkhead under the Northern Irishman once again.

A loan move could be one to keep an eye on in what could be a busy summer with Celtic handing Rodgers a £30m transfer budget this summer.

Leeds United are considering an approach to bring Rotherham United star Viktor Johansson to Elland Road, according to reports.

Who is Viktor Johansson?

Johansson is a goalkeeper who currently plays his football for Matt Taylor’s side in the Championship having joined on a free transfer from Leicester City’s U21s back in 2020. He also has other experience in England having previously been a part of Aston Villa’s youth sides, as per Transfermarkt.

The Swedish shot-stopper still has another two years to run on his contract at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, but having established himself as his outfit’s overall third best-performing player last season with a WhoScored match rating of 6.97, has caught the eye in Yorkshire.

Whites number one Illan Meslier has been heavily linked with a departure and in particular a move to Chelsea -which he’s publicly admitted that he would be open to – and Joel Robles is also confirmed to be leaving, so reinforcements will be needed between the sticks, which is where the 24-year-old comes into the conversation.

Are Leeds signing Johansson?

According to Football League World, Leeds are "keeping tabs" on Johansson ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The LS11 hierarchy have begun "internal discussions" over strengthening the goalkeeping department and are "keen" on Rotherham's first-choice. Whilst competition is expected, chiefs are closely "monitoring his situation", so this could be one to watch in the weeks ahead.

Rotherham have Johansson as their regular number one so he would be likely to succeed Meslier rather than Robles, as he won’t want to leave just to be a back-up elsewhere. Should he put pen to paper, he would be a fantastic acquisition, having been lauded an “outstanding” goalkeeper by journalist Josh Bunting.

The Stockholm native, who pockets £3.5k-per-week, kept 13 Championship clean sheets last season and he was rewarded for his impressive performances by being handed the man-of-the-match award on three occasions.

During the previous term as per FBRef, the A.M.A Sports Agency client made 157 saves from 211 shots on target against, giving him a success rate of 75.4%, which was considerably higher than either of the two keepers managed at Elland Road.

So when you think about just how much of an upgrade he’d be on the current options, the 49ers shouldn't even have to think twice about testing the waters this summer.

Manchester United have earmarked Napoli defender Kim Min-jae as a top target this summer, but fear they could miss out on the South Korea international to Bayern Munich.

Reports of the Red Devils' interest in Kim have flooded in of late, with Erik ten Hag's outfit believed to have been leading the race over the past few weeks.

The player's €60m (£51m) release clause activates on July 1 and with United in the market for a new centre-back, the 26-year-old has been deemed the optimum choice to bridge the gap on the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, who fought a fierce Premier League title battle this summer.

However, recent reports confirmed by Fabrizio Romano state that the Bavaria giants are getting closer to completing a deal, the German Bundesliga champions hijacking a move that seemed all but wrapped up for the Old Trafford side.

Romano does write that United are yet to present a fresh offer, and if they do look to reignite their pursuit, they could unearth their next Nemanja Vidic, at least, that's according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the journalist said: "United have always cried out for people to come in like Vidic, and if Kim [Min-jae] can be that character, then he'd be welcomed with open arms."

Could Kim Min-jae be the next Vidic?

Signing for Manchester United for £7m from Spartak Moscow in 2005, with the tough-tackling Serbian defender forging an incredible career on English shores, making 300 appearances, notably winning the Champions League and five Premier League titles – hailed as the most "consistent, influential player in the league" by teammate Gary Neville.

A truly fearless, unflinching centre-back, Vidic was the bedrock of Sir Alex Ferguson's success and epitomised the 'no-nonsense' tag, as he was described by the Guardian's David Pleat, often dealing with danger by meeting fire with fire.

The 36-cap Serbia star remains a coveted figure at the Theatre of Dreams and would undoubtedly steal the show if he, in his prime, was deployed into the current crop, and given that Kim has been heralded as an "iron barrel" by Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, he could adopt such a mantle.

The South Korean has been imperious for I Partenopei since arriving for just £16m last year, playing a central role in the club's Scudetto-winning campaign, making 35 Serie A appearances and earning an average Sofascore rating of 7.22, demonstrating his tenacity and 'no-nonsense' approach by making 1.6 tackles and 3.5 clearances per game, succeeding with 62% of his total duels.

Much like his now-retired peer Vidic, Kim could well be the "best centre-back in the world" – according to Luciano Spalletti, who recently left his managerial post in Naples – and would represent a return to defensive glory with a move to Old Trafford; an insurmountable wall to quell any threat opposition dare muster against Manchester United.

Manchester United have identified Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou as their "main target" to replace David De Gea between the sticks, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Recent reports indicating that Man United are unwilling to pay Diogo Costa's €75m (£64m) release clause, but FC Porto are unwilling to lower the price, so Erik ten Hag may be forced to move on to other goalkeeper targets.

According to talkSPORT, Everton's Jordan Pickford is at the top of the Red Devils' list, and the England goalkeeper would jump at the chance of moving to Old Trafford, as a result of his desire to play in the Champions League.

United could make a move for Pickford even if De Gea remains at the club, while they have also been linked with a move for Brentford's David Raya, who has now rejected multiple contract offers from the Bees.

While Pickford is emerging as a key target for Ten Hag, Galetti has now told GiveMeSport that bringing in the Sevilla goalkeeper will be the manager's main priority this summer.

The journalist said:“ At the moment, Manchester United remain interested in Bounou. De Gea’s situation does not leave them calm, with so many doubts about the Spanish goalkeeper who also had offers from Saudi Arabia and you’re seeing Bounou who could replace him and for this reason, he remains the main target for Man United.”

Who is Yassine Bounou?

The Morocco international, who was hailed as GOAL as an "immovable force", made a name for himself at the World Cup, with members of the media lauding him as a "hero" due to his solid performances, ranked by Sofascore as his side's fourth-best performing player in their remarkable run to the semi-final.

Hailed as "brilliant" by sports writer John McAuley, the 32-year-old has also impressed at club level, with journalist Abhishek Dey claiming he was the "best" goalkeeper in La Liga during the 2021-22 campaign.

That said, there are some indications the £15k-per-week shot-stopper, who impressed against Man United in 2020, is starting to show his age, keeping just five clean sheets in La Liga last season.

Having conceded an average of 1.71 goals per 90 over the past year, the Sevilla goalkeeper ranks in just the 16th percentile, when compared to his positional peers.

As such, Man United would be better off prioritising a move for Pickford, as the Everton goalkeeper is only 29-years-old, and he is already proven in the Premier League, having made 248 appearances in the competition.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to bolster their attacking midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

What's the latest on Luis Palma to Rangers?

According to Light Blues insider The 4th Official, the club are keen on a swoop for Honduras international Luis Palma from Greek side Aris Thessaloniki in the summer transfer window.

They Tweeted: "I have only done stories I am confident about, and according to a few people I have spoken with, the Rangers interest in both Cyriel Dessers and Luis Palma is real."

This comes after Football Insider reported, last month, that the Gers are not in talks with Aris over a deal to snap up the forward, who is wanted by multiple unnamed clubs in Europe

Would Luis Palma be a good signing for Rangers?

The 23-year-old has the potential to be an excellent addition to the squad as manager Michael Beale could unearth his next Mason Mount by striking a £4.3m deal for the attacker.

Rangers' head coach worked closely with the Chelsea midfielder during his time at Stamford Bridge working in the academy and is said to have played a key role in the England international's development.

As recently as 2021, it was reported that the player continues to make contact with Beale to pick his brain and ask for advice, which shows how much of an impact the Gers boss had on Mount.

The 24-year-old ace has gone on to become a regular at Chelsea in the first-team and has racked up 33 goals and 37 assists in 195 appearances so far, whilst mainly being deployed as an attacking midfielder but also out wide at times.

Palma could arrive at Ibrox and be Beale's own version of the Blues dynamo as his form for Aris in Greece suggests that he has the potential to make a huge impact in the final third for Rangers.

In the 2022/23 campaign, the Honduras international, who has mainly played as an attacking midfielder and left winger in his career so far, produced 11 goals and four assists in 20 starts in the Greek top flight.

This shows that the attacker is capable of frequently finding the back of the net from a midfield position, much in the same way that Beale taught the now-England star to do.

He created 1.4 chances per game for his teammates in the division, a number not too dissimilar to the creative impact made by Mount, who scored 13 goals in the last two top-flight seasons combined. On top of that, the England international produced 1.8 key passes in 2021/22 and 1.3 in 2022/23.

These statistics suggest that Palma, whose goal contributions were hailed as “brilliant” by agent Paulo Hernandez, has the potential to be a Mount-like figure for Beale at Ibrox.

In the week Jude Bellingham's £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid moved a giant step closer, another member of the talented footballing family could also be on the move.

Sunderland have been linked with Jude's younger brother Jobe for a number of weeks now, and Birmingham World reports that the Black Cats will not give up on negotiations until an agreement can be reached with Birmingham City.

Who is Sunderland target Jobe Bellingham?

Like brother Jude, Jobe emerged through Birmingham's youth ranks and into the first team at a young age. However, whereas the older of the siblings made a £25m switch to Dortmund at 17, Jobe is only just establishing himself in City's first team.

The Stourbridge-born midfielder made his senior debut for City in January 2021 and, after remaining patient for his chance, he appeared 22 times in last season's Championship campaign as the Blues finished 17th.

But while Jude broke the record for being Birmingham's youngest player and goalscorer, Jobe is on a different path, albeit one that could also culminate in him joining an elite club further down the line.

As then-City boss Lee Bowyer put it previously, "Whenever he steps on the pitch now everyone is going to expect him to be like his brother.

"Don't do that to the lad. It's not fair on him. He's going to be his own player, himself. We believe he will be good."

Is Jobe Bellingham ready for Sunderland move?

Far from having a nine-figure valuation like his brother, Jobe could be available for as little as £3m, as previously cited by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Given his relative lack of matches at senior level, there is still an unknown nature about the youngster's game, though those who have seen him up close can already see comparisons with Madrid-bound Jude.

"His ability to keep the ball is very Jude-esque," said a member of the Blues Focus team in an interview with Roker Report. "His size for such a young lad is also very reminiscent of when Jude was starting at Blues."

That aerial ability has been put to good use, with Bellingham winning 2.06 aerial duels per 90 minutes last season – only two other regular Birmingham midfielders registered a higher tally.

Indeed, that figure places Bellingham in the top 6% among his positional peers over the past year, while he is in the top 1% for clearances (1.47 per game), showing he clearly has a talent for the defensive side of the game.

Adding goals and assists to his game will take Bellingham to the next level, having failed to register a single goal involvement in his 22 – mainly substitute – appearances in the Championship last season. That should not deter the Black Cats from moving, though, who will no doubt benefit from his arrival.

Indeed, in an exciting Sunderland team boasting talents such as Jack Clarke and Ross Stewart in attack, Bellingham can take his own – albeit lower profile – step towards future stardom by putting pen to paper at the Stadium of Light.

Manchester United will likely continue their efforts to rebuild and improve the squad this summer and now a new update has emerged on a long-standing transfer target.

What's the latest on Man United's interest in Adrien Rabiot?

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Man United have revived their interest in Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

As per the report, Rabiot's outstanding form this season hasn't gone unnoticed with the Red Devils set to compete with Newcastle United for his signature this summer.

The Frenchman will be out of contract and available for free in a few weeks' time.

Who would Rabiot replace at Man United?

Whilst the highest priority at Old Trafford this summer will be to sign a prolific centre-forward, adding quality into key areas all over the pitch will be essential to continue the progress already made by Erik ten Hag in his first season.

The Manchester giants have made positive steps forward this season with a League Cup and Champions League qualification secured, so the signing of high-quality players will be important in their pursuit of challenging at the top again domestically and also putting in a strong European campaign too.

As a result, the signing of Rabiot could be exactly what Ten Hag needs to inject some great talent and a fresh perspective in midfield next season with the France international potentially standing as a much-needed Paul Pogba replacement.

Rabiot has stepped up into Pogba's role for both the France national team and Juventus over the last 12 months to become the beating heart in midfield during the Qatar World Cup and throughout the season in the Serie A, whilst the former Man United man has been out injured.

Over 31 league appearances, the 6 foot 2 titan has been an effective presence at both ends of the pitch having scored eight goals, registered four assists and successfully completed 60% of his dribbles.

Furthermore, the Juve star has averaged one key pass, 1.5 shots on goal, two tackles and 1.2 clearances per game, proving that he has the all-round game to replace Pogba at Old Trafford.

Despite a controversial past, the Frenchman has seemingly been reborn in Italy and has demonstrated his strong midfield attributes that has led to high praise from many including his manager Andrea Pirlo, who said:

"He is a complete player, I have rarely seen someone so strong both physically and technically.

"He doesn't even know the potential for improvement he can have, and we work on the mental side of things to make him understand that he is a champion. He is improving game after game."

With that being said, if Man United can snap up the services of Rabiot for free this summer it would be a great opportunity for Ten Hag to add some much-need quality in midfield with that Pogba-shaped void finally being filled.

Newcastle United are considering raiding Wolverhampton Wanderers for their prized asset in Ruben Neves, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Molineux this summer.

What's the latest on Ruben Neves to Newcastle?

According to the Mirror, Newcastle's qualification for the 23/24 Champions League has placed them back in the reckoning for a swoop for Neves, who is expected to depart from Wolverhampton this summer.

Barcelona have been the discernible favourites to complete a deal for the 26-year-old, though Ansu Fati's refusal to be included in a swap deal for the Portuguese midfielder has thrown a spanner in the works.

As such, Eddie Howe's Magpies and Manchester United, who need one point from two matches to secure top four, are in a firm position to clinch Neves' signature, with a fee as high as £50m touted for his signature.

Should Newcastle sign Ruben Neves?

Despite a remarkable campaign that has propelled Newcastle back to the forefront of the Premier League, Howe has admitted that a "big transfer window" is forthcoming, with a return to the Champions League expected to continue the ascension, and not cultivate a slump with the increase in match action.

Signing Neves would represent a marked improvement on an already thriving midfield, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton all impressing with their exploits this year and playing instrumental roles in crafting a high-octane and cohesive side capable of fighting to the top across multiple fronts.

Having made 252 appearances for the Old Gold, Neves, who has been described as "incredible" by former teammate Hugo Bueno, is a distinguished gem in English football and is one of the sweetest strikers of a football around, also hailed as a "beast" by former pro Jimmy Conrad for his scintillating set-piece ability.

As per Sofascore, the 39-cap Portugal international has recorded an average rating of 7.26 in the top flight this season, scoring six goals, averaging 1.9 shots per match, completing 84% of his passes, and making 2.3 tackles and 2.4 clearances per game.

He also ranks among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shots taken, the top 15% for interceptions, the top 8% for blocks and the top 2% for clearances per 90 (statistics provided by FBref) illustrating his defensive resilience and eye for the back of the net.

The £50k-per-week phenom could be the perfect ace to replace Sean Longstaff, who has been a notable success story on Tyneside this year and has been regarded as a £50m player by journalist Keith Downie, which could bode well for United as they look to make the requisite improvements to their team to ultimately unleash a squad brimming with Europe's premium talent.

Longstaff has been heralded as Newcastle's "unsung hero" by Paul Merson, but is outscored by Neves across almost every metric on Sofascore, and while statistics do not paint the full picture, with Longstaff's work indeed encapsulating the diligence that falls below the eye-catching, dazzling side of football, Neves is something of an assiduous ace himself.

Neves, who indeed has been touted for the very same fee as the lifelong Magpie, is unquestionably an upgrade: more robust, more tenacious, and more quality on the ball.

Newcastle United are on the verge of securing Champions League football for the 2023/24 campaign as they only need a point against Leicester on Monday night to confirm it.

They are currently three points clear of Liverpool and have two matches left to play, whilst they have one, and this means that avoiding defeat against the Foxes would put them out of reach heading into the final day.

This would be a significant achievement for the Magpies and it could give them the edge in the transfer market this summer as they would have elite European football on offer.

It was recently reported that Newcastle and Liverpool have both sent scouts to watch Sporting central midfielder Manuel Ugarte in action and Eddie Howe's side landing a top-four place ahead of them could provide an advantage in the race for his signature.

Who is Manuel Ugarte?

The 22-year-old, who has a release clause of €60m (£52m) in his contract, is a defensive-minded player who could come in and be the club's own answer to Manchester City star Rodri.

Since arriving in the Premier League in 2019, the Spain international has been a consistent presence in Pep Guardiola's midfield with his ability to screen in front of the back four whilst also having the ability in possession to be incredibly reliable with his passing.

As per Sofascore, Rodri has played 34 times in the top-flight this season and completed an eye-catching 91% of his attempted passes. He has also made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game and won 59% of his physical duels, which shows that he is a strong defender who wins the majority of his battles in the middle of the park.

Ugarte, meanwhile, has featured in 30 matches in Liga Portugal and completed 92% of his passes. The Uruguay enforcer, who was once hailed as a "machine" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has also made a stunning 5.7 tackles and interceptions per outing and won 56% of his contests.

These statistics indicate that the eight-cap international has the potential to replicate the impact that Rodri has on City at Newcastle as he is a defensive midfielder who does not cede possession often and is able to win the ball back on a regular basis.

The Sporting star's impressive pass completion – which almost mirrors the Spanish battler and his output – proves that he is a reliable passer who can anchor the Toon midfield and be their metronome in the middle of the park – distributing the ball to the attacking players to keep things ticking and to create attacking opportunities.

Both players have also won at least 67% of their aerial battles in their respective leagues and this shows that they are excellent competitors in the air and that could be vital when it comes to defending and attacking set-pieces as they are able to dominate opposition players in those positions.

Therefore, the Magpies must swoop for Ugarte, who Kulig also once described as "tenacious", this summer as the youngster could develop into Howe's answer to Rodri in the defensive midfield role in the years to come.

Newcastle United have been name-checked in a transfer report regarding Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse's future.

Is Ward-Prowse leaving Southampton?

The 28-year-old has been a fantastic servant for Saints down the years, so often standing out as their most talented and influential player. In total, he has racked up 406 appearances for his current club, but it looks as though he will soon player his final game for them.

Southampton now look almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League, following a desperately poor season, and they will find it impossible to keep hold of their most prized asset. He is simply too good to be playing Championship football next season and there is sure to be plenty of interest in his signature.

Newcastle are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for Ward-Prowse this summer, as they look to make significant additions in key areas before competing in four competitions next term. A fresh update has now emerged that suggests it could be a two-way shootout between the Magpies and one other Premier League club.

Could Ward-Prowse seal Newcastle move?

According to The Athletic, it could be a case of "to Newcastle United or Aston Villa" for Ward-Prowse, with a chunk of the report focusing on how he could benefit the Magpies:

"With Newcastle set to play an increased number of games next season due to European commitments, having a figure of dependability, set-play prowess and someone who habitually covers more distance than anyone else in the Premier League would be of undoubted benefit.

"Tactically, Howe’s 4-3-3 shape gives license to two attack-minded No 8s and accommodates the type of box-to-box, high-energy profile of midfielder Ward-Prowse is."

Ward-Prowse could be such a good signing by Newcastle if they pip Aston Villa to his services, with the Englishman someone who is arguably at the peak of his powers, despite Southampton's struggles this season.

The midfielder was described as "world-class" by former Saints manager Nathan Jones earlier this year, which says a lot about his ability, and he possesses a wealth of experience in the top flight.

Ward-Prowse's set-piece quality is up there with the best players in the world – he is only one behind David Beckham's tally of 18 when it comes to most free-kicks scored in Premier League history – and he is also strong off the ball, averaging 1.7 tackles per game in the league this season. He could provide ideal squad depth ahead of European commitments for Newcastle, but is also likely to force his way in as a regular starter.