All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Taking into account the plethora of domestic trophies that Manchester City have managed to win and records they’ve broken over the past few years, it’s safe to say the club have their fair share of elite players in the squad.

Additionally, with a total market value of £969.57m, City have the most valuable squad out of any Premier League club at the moment according to Transfermarkt.

Away from their senior squad, one player that the Manchester club have in their youth ranks that we feel has the capability of becoming a future first-team star for them is 18-year-old attacking-midfielder James McAtee, who has recently been described as being an “intelligent player” by the City U23s manager Brian Barry-Murphy.

As a product of City’s youth system, McAtee has made 34 appearances for their U18 side, scoring 15 goals and nine assists as well as making 35 appearances for their U23 side in which he has managed to score 19 goals and provide 14 assists in the process, showing just how much of an impressive attacking outlet he has been.

McAtee has also made one appearance for City’s senior side which came during the club’s 6-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup last month where he came on as a substitute in the second half.

Recently, it was reported that the Manchester club rejected an £8m bid from fellow Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion for McAtee, with Crystal Palace and West Ham also apparently keeping tabs on the teenager, which just goes to show how eye-catching he has been in terms of what he’s been doing on the pitch.

Looking ahead to the future, we feel that McAtee, who is currently valued at £450k according to Transfermarkt, definitely has the ability to continue his development at City and become a regular player in the senior team.

With the number of goals and assists McAtee has managed to provide City’s youth teams, as well as being able to play in the central-midfield and centre-forward positions, we feel that the Englishman could well be a decent future replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. He has shown how much of an attacking threat he is for the club after scoring 69 goals and providing 107 assists in 269 games for City across all competitions, whilst also being able to play in similar positions as McAtee.

However, with De Bruyne’s current contract at City not set to expire until 2025, perhaps McAtee will have to make do with some sporadic first-team appearances for the time being, following a similar path as Phil Foden has done in terms of gradually making more first-team appearances as time goes on.

In other news: Man City handed double injury blow ahead of Liverpool clash, Guardiola will be gutted – opinion

Many Southampton fans are far from happy after the Saints were linked with another loan move for Takumi Minamino this summer.

Less than a week separates the Saints from their first Premier League match of the season against Everton at St Mary’s, and Ralph Hasenhuttl and co will be hoping to improve on their 15th-placed finish in the top flight last time out.

The departure of Danny Ings to Aston Villa (avfc.co.uk) means that Southampton are light in the centre-forward position. As such, according to talkSPORT, the south coast outfit are interested in re-signing 26-year-old Minamino on loan from Liverpool.

The Japan international spent the second half of last season on loan at St Mary’s, scoring two goals in 10 matches (Transfermarkt), but it seems that plenty of Saints supporters were not really happy with what they saw from him. He averaged a modest 6.42 match rating from WhoScored while at the club and drew criticism from some fans over a few performances.

The news of Southampton’s renewed interest in Minamino was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra and it attracted plenty of attention from supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on his possible return to St Mary’s.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Minamino links

“better not be true. He was useless for us after a promising two goals to start”

Credit: @fletchsfc

“Minamino? No, no, no and no!”

Credit: @DG_StroM

“No, please no”

Credit: @BensBanter

“Just stop trolling the fans please #saintsfc, our blood pressure can’t take this!”

Credit: @Stumando28

“I wouldn’t even take him back on loan”

Credit: @IsaacPollard12

“please no”

Credit: @xmaiisie

In other news, Southampton want this Ligue 1 defender.

Crystal Palace have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their trip to Leeds United in the Premier League after manager Patrick Vieira confirmed Joachim Andersen will not travel with the squad.

What’s the word?

The 25-year-old was unable to play any part in the Eagles’ 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa over the weekend after picking up a thigh problem, and it now appears as though he’s set for an extended stint on the sidelines.

“Joachim is not going to travel, he is not 100%,” revealed Vieira in Monday’s press conference, although there was also some positive news.

Star forward Eberechi Eze made his long-awaited return to first-team action last time out, coming on as a 60th-minute substitute following six months on the treatment table with an Achilles issue.

“I think it’s good for him, for the club and the fans,” said Vieira when asked for an update on his situation. “He needs to play games, he needs time to get to his best, and we will give him the support that he needs.”

Crystal Palace fans will be gutted

Despite Eze’s impressive progress in his quest to return to full fitness, Palace supporters will be gutted to learn that Andersen will be absent for the potentially crucial clash at Elland Road this evening.

The south London outfit’s seven-game unbeaten run came crashing down on Saturday, and Vieira will be desperate to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.

With only four points separating Leeds and Palace in the top-flight table, this midweek encounter could have a sizeable impact on the two sides’ fortunes for the rest of the campaign, and Andersen will be a big miss.

As per WhoScored, Andersen has averaged 1.5 interceptions per league game throughout 2021/22, 2.9 clearances and a whopping 6.3 long balls, placing him in the top three for each metric when compared to his teammates.

With winnable fixtures against the likes of Southampton, Everton and Watford coming up over the next few weeks, Palace will be hoping to see Andersen back in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

And, in other news…Palace “lining up” swoop for “complete” £12.6m-rated gem, Vieira surely buzzing

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a double injury blow before their game at Livingston in the Premiership on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Key players

Kemar Roofe and Leon Balogun have both emerged as key players for the Gers so far this season, with both making 18 appearances in total over all competitions.

Roofe has also managed to score nine goals, at a ratio of a goal every two games, so losing him for a prolonged period of time will no doubt be a blow for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Latest: Both out

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match tomorrow, the Rangers boss revealed that both Roofe and Balogun ‘will not be ready’ to play.

Of course, they were both absent from their 2-0 win at home to Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday night, and now they are going to miss another vital match in the Premiership.

The Verdict: Blow

It certainly is a blow for Van Bronckhorst to be missing two key players from his squad ahead of the trip to Livingston.

With Celtic four points behind and hot on their tails, this is simply a game where the Gers must take all three points in order to keep their challengers at bay.

Dubbed ‘exceptional’ by former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan back in April, Roofe’s eye for a goal is a big miss, while Balogun has averaged the most tackles (1.8) and interceptions (1.4) out of his teammates per match in the Premiership so far this season  (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, Van Bronckhorst will now have to find a way to win without them tomorrow.

In other news, find out what official club post has left these Gers fans buzzing

An update has emerged on Aston Villa target Leon Bailey, regarding the club’s latest bid for his services…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have had an opening offer of £30m rejected by Bayer Leverkusen for Leon Bailey, as Dean Smith attempts to improve his attacking options heading into next season.

The report claims Todd Cantwell and Bailey are both being eyed by Villa, with the latter said to be valued in the region of £38m – the same fee the club paid for Emi Buendia.

Lange must work his magic

Villa chief Johan Lange must now work his magic to reach an agreement with Leverkusen over the transfer of Bailey this summer. He could be a terrific signing for the club and Lange should not give up after one offer for his services and, instead, return with a second bid for the Bundesliga ace.

Bailey enjoyed a terrific season in Germany for Leverkusen as he racked up nine goals and eight assists in the 2020/21 campaign, starting 25 games. In the Premier League, Jack Grealish managed six goals and 10 assists in 24 starts, meaning he had Bailey had one more direct goal contribution in one more start in comparison to the Villa captain.

This suggests that he could come in and provide a similar level of quality to the England international, strengthening the overall quality of Smith’s attacking options. Alongside the likes of Bertrand Traore, Ollie Watkins and Emi Buendia, Villa could have a frightening attacking lineup if they can keep hold of Grealish whilst also bringing the Leverkusen attacker to the club.

Ex-Ajax coach Ronald de Boer once hailed him as an “exceptional” player. He said: “He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rare. Exceptional. He has no weak points.”

Leverkusen’s sporting director Rudi Voller has also previously sung his praises. He said: “He’s got extraordinary pace, he’s very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department.”

The £70k-per-week beast, who was once touted with an England call-up, could, therefore, be a sublime signing and elevate Villa’s frontline to a new level by bringing the overall quality up. This is why Lange must not be deterred by his first bid being rejected and should now return with a second offer closer to the £38m the German side could be asking for.

AND in other news, Big update emerges on “wonderful” gem that will surely leave Villa fans gutted…

Leeds United pundit Noel Whelan has dropped an intriguing verdict on Whites youngster Joe Gelhardt [Football Insider]. The 19 year-old is yet to be seen in first-team action for the club.

The Lowdown: Leeds gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League campaign

As Leeds United get their ducks in a row for the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, signings from elsewhere will not be Marcelo Bielsa’s only priority.

In attack, the Whites have been linked with players like Eddie Nketiah and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as they seek to strengthen the depth around the likes of Raphinha and Patrick Bamford.

However, Whelan reckons that the Elland Road side may already have a new attacking outlet at Thorp Arch.

The Latest: Whelan drops an intriguing verdict on the Leeds youngster

In an interview with Football Insider, former Leeds player Whelan claimed that Gelhardt can force his way into the team.

“From the people I’ve spoken to Gelhardt is best in a number 10 role, not a number nine.

“I would expect him after an amazing season with the Under-23s to get his chance. He can only do so much with the Under-23s. You have to bide your time with Bielsa.

“Whether Tyler Roberts stays or goes, Gelhardt will fancy his chances of taking his spot in the squad next season. I think he could edge out Tyler Roberts.”

The Verdict: Time to shine

Upon reflection, the ex-pro turned pundit makes a compelling case for the inclusion of the youngster as a part of the Leeds United squad.

Rightfully pointing out his sparking form at Under-23 level, the 19-year-old scored 11 goals in 16 games for the Whites [Transfermarkt], contributing heavily to their Premier League 2 Division 2 triumph [SBNation].

On the books with the Whites until 2024, Leeds United should look to give Gelhardt some prominent game time early in the next campaign. If he shows signs of replicating the form he has produced at the youth level, it could prove to be a Bielsa masterstroke.

In other news, Leeds United have held talks with a 12-goal international winger.

West Bromwich Albion are interested in a deal to bring Troy Deeney to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Joseph Masi, with the Express & Star journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Valerien Ismael’s side are amongst the club’s keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Watford centre-forward, who has also been linked with a move to Birmingham City and Celtic.

In his tweet, Masi said: “Sources telling me Albion are amongst the clubs monitoring Troy Deeney’s situation at Watford. He’s also being heavily linked with a move to Blues.”

Fans surely buzzing

While it could be argued that Deeney does not necessarily fit Ismael’s mould of signing younger and more versatile players, in addition to the fact that Albion have recently landed Norwich City centre-forward Jordan Hugill on a season-long loan deal, the prospect of the 33-year-old joining West Brom should nevertheless have fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, while injuries limited the £2.25m-rated man to just 19 Championship appearances last season – only 14 of which came as starts – Deeney still managed to bag seven goals, provide three assists and create three big chances for his teammates. That was as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots and making 1.1 key passes per game.

These returns saw the man Xisco Munoz dubbed a “perfect” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him as the Hornets’ fourth-best performer in their promotion-winning campaign.

With that in mind, he could be crucial if the Baggies want to secure their own pathway back to the top-flight this season.

Furthermore, the £65k-per-week striker also bagged a highly impressive 47 goals and registered 21 assists over his 163 Premier League appearances for Watford during the club’s five-year spell in the top flight prior to their relegation in 2019/20 – averaging a direct goal involvement every 2.4 games.

As such, while Deeney may not be the most attractive of signings for Albion, it would be a very difficult argument to make that, on the premise the 33-year-old can maintain his fitness, the addition of the striker would not provide Ismael’s chances of going on to secure automatic promotion this season with a rather substantial boost.

In other news: West Brom face possible transfer blow on “unbelievable” £10m gem, Ismael surely fuming

Celtic are now just one game away from qualifying for the Europa League group stages.

It’s been a long-winded qualification phase for Ange Postecoglou and the Hoops but they are now on the verge of earning a deserved place in the official stages of the competition.

The Bhoys played well to dismiss AZ Alkmaar 2-0 in the first leg last week but plenty of hard work lies ahead if they are to secure their path.

On the chalkboard

It’s unlikely that Postecoglou will make too many changes to his side from games gone by. After all, Celtic are on a six-game winning streak where they’ve scored 24 times.

Their attacking play has been a class above this season with the Australian coach taking the likes of Liel Abada and Kyogo Furuhashi under his wing to make them instant hits at Parkhead.

One man who hasn’t quite seen his career take off under the new boss is Odsonne Edouard.

Regularly linked with a move away, he has been reduced to substitute appearances for large parts of the season.

We think the same eventuality should happen to the Frenchman on Thursday evening for the second leg.

With Furuhashi not suiting a role on the left-hand side, we’re urging Postecoglou to bring him centrally and then shift Ryan Christie out wide again.

All of that would mean a return for Tom Rogic.

The attacking midfielder’s Celtic career looked done and dusted when the summer rolled around and if it wasn’t for the hiring of a manager who knows him well from international duty, he may have been out the door.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/postecoglou-hoops-bhoys-jenz-larsson-nisbet” title=”Check out the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

Though, Rogic has revived his fortunes in quite stunning fashion, playing a key part in the Hoops’ early season form.

The 16k-per-week earner has been playing just behind the striker and has starred, particularly against Dundee a few weeks ago.

As Celtic romped home to a 6-0 victory, Rogic found himself on the score sheet, tucking away a neat finish.

He then stood out in a win over Jablonec in Europe. Speaking at full-time, the cast of ACSOM waxed lyrical about his display.

Pundit Kevin Graham said: “He’s like a ballet dancer, he’s majestic to watch. He looks like he’s wanting to put a shift in.”

A consistent and reliable performer, Postecoglou could do far worse than turn to the Aussie in such an important clash.

AND in other news, Journalist delivers eye-catching Celtic transfer update, fans should be excited…

The Ezgjan Alioski saga is set to run into the summer months, but former Leeds midfielder David Norris is still unsure whether the defender will be at the club next season.

Alioski has been a regular at Elland Road this term, but reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with Turkish giants Galatasaray back in March, which appeared to mark the end of his Leeds career.

The Macedonian, who’s now preparing for the Euro’s, featured in all but two of Leeds’ Premier League matches, scoring twice and claiming three assists, quickly establishing himself as Marcelo Bielsa’s first choice left-back following the departure of Barry Douglas on loan.

Despite his agreement with Galatasaray, the Yorkshire Evening Post believe that Bielsa wants to keep Alioski, although his deal at Elland Road expires in this summer, meaning there’s no guarantee he will extend his stay and is set to be released at the end of his contract next month.

And Norris told The Transfer Tavern that he’s still confused about the situation heading into Alioski’s final few weeks as a Leeds player:

“It looked at one point like he was definitely gone and now it is still a bit unclear. I still think it is unclear, even when I spoke to people, they’re not sure what is going to happen there.

“I think Dallas is great, does a job wherever he is put, but if Leeds want to make a statement they go out and get a proper left-back, so I expect either way for him to go out and get a left-back.”

Eddie Howe will be thrilled that his team rotation paid off this afternoon at Carrow Road, with Newcastle United taking all three points from the game in an impressive performance that has put his side ninth in the Premier League table.

The Magpies took a comfortable 3-0 win from their visit to Norwich, with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton finding the back of the net to secure their fourth win on the bounce to put them 15 points clear of the relegation zone.

Howe’s men completely dominated in possession, with 55% of the ball over the 90 minutes, taking seven shots on target and completing over 500 passes in what was a masterclass in both an offensive and defensive regard from the North East outfit.

Despite the spotlight being firmly on the goal-scoring moments of the game, Dan Burn yet again provided a solid performance as the unsung hero worked hard to keep the clean sheet this afternoon.

The £19k-per-week titan said in an interview that he wanted to bring his “passion off the pitch, on to it” at his boyhood club, and he certainly delivered in today’s performance with a defensive showing he should be proud of.

The 6ft4 centre-back won 71% of his duels, made six clearances, four interceptions and one tackle, as well as completed 33 of his 40 passes in the clash, really getting stuck into the game and leading his line with a huge presence.

Burn was one of the signings acquired in January to improve the side and boost the chances of survival in the top flight this season, and to say he has been successful in being a part of that is an understatement with Newcastle winning eight, drawing one and losing just three games the defender has been involved in.

Newcastle have now climbed into the top half of the table and are surely safe from the relegation nightmare they had found themselves in earlier in the season, and with players like Burn joining the side the future is looking bright for the club.

AND in other news: NUFC plot £33m bid for “phenomenal” ace with “magical powers”, he’d get SJP rocking