All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Rangers have a rare weekend off from competitive action as international matches take over this week ahead of a return to the Premiership against Hearts on 16 October.

Whilst Gers fans may be twiddling their thumbs waiting for their club to play again, the international break provides an opportunity for them to watch players in a different setting whilst playing for their countries.

It also affords the players a chance to show Steven Gerrard, assuming he keeps track of their international performances, that they deserve a place in the Rangers XI. One player who may have needed this boost is attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi, who has failed to register a goal or assist in his last three appearances for the Scottish giants.

The 22-year-old lined up for Romania against European giants Germany in a World Cup qualifier on Friday night and put in a superb performance to put himself firmly in Gerrard’s thoughts ahead of next weekend.

The Gers playmaker was unable to help his team to victory as Romania succumbed to a 2-1 defeat, but his performance stood out as he scored the opening goal and caught the eye with the rare moments he had on the ball throughout the match.

He stunned the home crowd with a sensational goal to open the scoring on the night. He weaved inside and out of several Germany players, nutmegging Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger, before unleashing a pinpoint left-footed effort into the bottom corner past the despairing dive of Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen. This meant that he completed 100% of his attempted dribbles in the game, picking his moment with perfection to punish Germany.

Along with his goal, Hagi put in lots of hard work defensively. As per SofaScore, he won 75% of his duels as well as making one interception, one clearance and one tackle for Romania. This shows that he was not afraid to track back and put his foot in despite playing out wide, proving that he has a willingness for the more industrious side to the game.

Gerrard will surely have been impressed with this performance from Hagi as it shows what he can do in matches where his team may not dominate possession, in the Europa League for example. The 22-year-old proved that he can produce moments of magic whilst also being disciplined defensively, which could increase his chances of starting at Ibrox next week.

AND in other news, “From what I hear”: Insider drops big Rangers injury update, Gerrard will be buzzing…

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has hit back at criticism towards Patrick Bamford following his England debut.

The Lowdown: O’Hara on talkSPORT

The 28-year-old, who famously replied to a talkSPORT post last year after they questioned him leading the line for Leeds in the Premier League, made his England debut on Sunday.

He started in the Three Lions’ 4-0 win over Andorra at Wembley but made way for Harry Kane just after the hour mark.

Speaking live on talkSPORT on Monday, Jamie O’Hara said that Bamford ‘shouldn’t’ be in the England squad and hit out at Gareth Southgate for ‘handing caps out like confetti’ in reference to the Leeds marksman.

The Latest: Kenny’s comments

Speaking to Football Insider about the negative comments on Bamford, Kenny was quick to defend the Leeds striker, saying:

“Some of the criticism is ridiculous, 100 per cent.

“Give the lad a chance, for God’s sake. It’s his first cap and it’s a big occasion. He’s never been in that position before, it’s brand new to him.

“England weren’t that good in the first half anyway. And every time I’ve seen him play, I’ve always thought ‘Wow’.

“You just have to give him a better crack of the whip, give him time. Everyone is too quick to jump on people’s backs these days.”

The Verdict: Kenny is spot on

Kane was the only English striker to score more Premier League goals than Bamford last season, with the Leeds marksman netting more than Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.

On that basis, an England debut was the least the 28-year-old deserved. Yes, he was the worst-rated starter at Wembley as per WhoScored, but it was always going to be tricky for the forward to make an impact against a team playing a low block with three central defenders in a much-changed England side.

His first appearance as an England player shouldn’t be his last, and as Kenny rightly says, time will be required when it comes to his international career.

In other news: Ian Doyle thinks another Liverpool regular may now miss Leeds game alongside three Brazil stars. 

A journalist has now dropped some enticing insight into the upcoming Newcastle United takeover case.

The Lowdown: CAT case

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) case between Mike Ashley and the Premier League over the stalled takeover deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium is set to take place next Wednesday 10:30 am.

This is separate from the arbitration hearing, which should now commence next year after further delays.

The Latest: Case insight

Journalist Simon Zekaria has now given some insight into the CAT case, claiming that both the St. James’ Park faithful and the English top flight have issues to do with confidentiality:

“I have learnt that the Premier League and NUFC are deep in confidentiality issues. Even for next week’s hearing, which has a narrow legal focus, there is lot that they don’t want to be revealed.”

The Verdict: Enticing

It is certainly set up to be an enticing case, as both sides will feel as if they have strong arguments to suggest why the proposed takeover stalled and the direction in where it is heading.

The North East club seem to feel that the Premier League are the ones keeping information to themselves, as they released statement on their official website back in July citing the need for ‘transparency and fairness in football governance’, and also called for the arbitration proceedings to be made public, suggesting that they have nothing to hide.

Nonetheless, the results of the forthcoming case should give a clearer picture over the takeover’s direction, and the Toon Army will be hoping that it is a positive one for the Tyneside outfit heading into arbitration in 2022.

In other news, find out which former Magpie is in line to become their next U23’s boss here!

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has agreed a new contract with the club, ending speculation over his immediate future.

What’s the story?

The 31-year-old had been tentatively linked with a move away from Anfield earlier in the summer after he entered the final two years of his current deal.

However, Henderson and Liverpool have now ended that scrutiny, with the two parties in agreement over terms on a new three-year deal.

That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who claims Jurgen Klopp was key to the apparent turnaround and that the Reds have the option to extend Henderson’s stay by an extra year.

Fans will be absolutely buzzing

Although Henderson hasn’t put pen to paper just yet, Liverpool supporters will still be absolutely buzzing to learn that their talismanic midfielder is set to commit his future to the club.

Since arriving from Sunderland in a £20 million deal back in 2011, the England international has established himself as a key player on Merseyside, scoring 30 goals and providing 51 assists in 392 appearances for Klopp’s charges.

He was instrumental in Liverpool’s maiden Premier League success and sixth European crown in recent seasons, and Henderson will be hoping to lead the club to more major silverware in the years to come.

Ornstein stated in his report that Klopp was keen to avoid a repeat scenario of the one that played out in the current window with Georginio Wijnaldum, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer following unsuccessful negotiations to renew his contract.

The delay in Henderson signing a new deal was not believed to be about money, though, rather his role in the team and how FSG, the club’s owners, view him going forward.

Several sides such as PSG and Atletico Madrid were credited with an interest in Henderson during the impasse in negotiations and Ornstein has claimed that they may still harbour hopes of signing the box-t0-box dynamo.

“PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino also admires Henderson while Atletico Madrid and Roma have been linked too. If Liverpool’s owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG) gave an impression they might countenance his exit, such suitors may retain an interest regardless of a new contract,” he wrote.

But for now, it seems as though Liverpool’s captain will remain at Anfield a little while longer, and he’ll follow in the footsteps of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho and Alisson Becker in signing new deals this summer.

And, in other news…Sky Sports drop big Liverpool update that’ll have Reds fans absolutely buzzing 

West Ham United are reportedly interested in making a move for Monaco defender Guillermo Maripan, as their search for defensive reinforcements continues.

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the Chile international registered six goal contributions in 31 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit; five goals and one assist [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be set to move to England owing to recent reports.

West Ham United are said to be considering a move for the 27-year-old, who Manuel Pellegrini attempted to sign during his tenure in London [Mirror via Hammers News].

He could be available for around £17.5million, after his current employers exited the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Shakhtar Donetsk.

In light of this news, no wonder loads of West Ham United diehards took to social media to comment on the latest developments, with the fan base desperate for a new centre-back addition before they embark on a gruelling campaign in Europa League football.

West Ham United FC fans react:

Replying to West Ham Central on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the news:

“We took about 6 months to decide between Zouma, Milenkovic and Caleta Car No chance they sign Maripan so quickly without identifying him as a target 37 times first”

Credit: @_a7un

“It’s the mirror spinning a target we have been linked with in the pellegrini era. Not looking into this at all.”

Credit: @HammerFromDevon”Weren’t we linked with him like 3/4 seasons ago?”Credit: @brad_hass4″oh no not him again”Credit: @danielluker10″Surely not ?”Credit: @LewisDowling7″Caught my eye the other night against Shaktar, made some good challenges and was extremely vocal”Credit: @IukesteggIesIn other news, West Ham United fans react to a Declan Rice update. Find out more here.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara tweeted an image of his ‘new season preps’ on Friday afternoon, and it’s fair to say it went down well with the Anfield faithful.

Thiago linked back up with his team-mates on 28 July after featuring for semi-finalists Spain at the European Championships.

He was unable to play a part in the Reds’ 60-minute friendlies against Serie A side Bologna on Thursday due to a minor fitness concern.

How serious is Thiago’s issue?

In an interview with the club’s official site, he explained that he is trying to limit muscular discomfort but said he is aiming to be fit for Liverpool’s season opener against Norwich on 14 August. The shot of him training, then, will certainly be encouraging for fans.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Fabinho provided the Reds with a boost by playing 30 minutes against Bologna. The Brazilian, along with Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino, had only returned from his holiday the previous Sunday.

Liverpool have two more friendlies pencilled in before the Premier League kick-off, facing Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna at Anfield on Sunday and Monday respectively.

Liverpool fans buzzing over Thiago image

“He’s gonna rip the league apart next week onwards”

Credit: @zubinofficial

“THIAGOOOOOO”

Credit: @ahmedlfc

“yes laaaa!!!!! good to see you back maestro”

Credit: @oliharrington97

“Welcome back king”

Credit: @murphyscottg

“Let’s go goat!! Big season incoming”

Credit: @lewinh0_

“What a thing of beauty you are Thiagoooo”

Credit: @3rdEyeofShiva

In other news, James Pearce’s update on Divock Origi got a lot of fans talking.

West Brom are interested in signing Watford forward Andre Gray this summer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

The lowdown

Gray has been with the Hornets since 2017, having arrived at Vicarage Road from Burnley.

The forward has found regular game time hard to come by in recent seasons though, making 30 appearances for Xisco Munoz’s side in the 2020/21 season.

Gray has one year remaining on his current deal with Watford, although it remains to be seen as to whether he’ll see out that contract with the Hornets, who are preparing for life back in the Premier League and may not seem him as up to the required standard.

The latest

The Baggies have reportedly registered their interest in signing Gray this summer, with Football Insider’s Hawthorns source claiming that Watford have given the ‘green light’ for the former Burnley striker to depart before the summer transfer window closes.

That report claims that West Brom are keen on either a loan or permanent deal to sign the 30-year-old.

The verdict

Gray could be worth a punt for West Brom this summer, as they look to find a striker who can fire them back into the Premier League this term.

Valerien Ismael already has some strong options available to him in Karlan Grant and Kenneth Zohore, but additional strength in depth could be ideal for the newly-appointed West Brom boss.

Gray has shown that he can score goals in the Championship in the past as well, having played for both Burnley and Brentford at that level, netting 25 goals in 44 appearances as the Clarets won promotion into the Premier League in the 2015/16 season.

Gray had previously been linked with a move to Leeds United, and in an interview with Football Insider discussing those links, pundit and former goalscorer Darren Bent felt as though Gray is a ‘perfect signing’ in the second tier with ‘proven pedigree’ at that level.

Carlton Palmer reckons that bringing in Jaden Brown is another smart piece of business from Owls manager Darren Moore.

Given their well-publicised financial problems, free transfers and loan deals are going to be Sheffield Wednesday’s likely source of incomings this summer.

Moore has already added four new players to his squad, with the latest of those coming in the shape of left-back Brown, who joined on a free following his release from Huddersfield Town last month.

Brown is a product of Tottenham’s Academy, but has been with the Terriers for the previous three seasons since leaving north London.

And whilst he couldn’t make himself a regular during his three-year stay in Yorkshire, the 22-year-old gained valuable Championship experience, making 28 appearances, which should put him in good stead for his move to Hillsborough.

Brown’s age, versatility and potential means he ticks plenty of boxes, and Palmer exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that it’s a shrewd addition for his former side:

“It fits the criteria, doesn’t it? We all know Sheffield Wednesday are struggling with finances, so it fits the criteria. He’s got good pedigree.

“He came through the ranks at Spurs, he’s played more than 20 games in the Championship. He can play at left-back, centre-back, so it fits the criteria.”

Dropping a West Ham United transfer update, The Athletic have shared news on Southampton striker Danny Ings after he rejected the offer of a new deal at St Mary’s Stadium.

The Lowdown: West Ham eyeing new forwards…

As previously claimed by Claret & Hugh, West Ham have earmarked the signing of a new striker as one of David Moyes’ top priorities this summer.

Star forward Michail Antonio, while impressing for the east Londoners over 2020/2021, struggled with injury issues throughout the campaign.

The Europa League group stages await for West Ham next season and they will have to strengthen in the summer market.

The Latest: The Athletic drop Ings update…

Now, The Athletic have dropped an update on Ings with West Ham having expressed interest in the forward, who has rejected a new deal at Southampton.

[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”]

Alongside the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa, it is said that West Ham have been eyeing the striker, who scored 12 goals and assisted four others in 26 Premier League starts last season (WhoScored).

However, despite interest from the Hammers, it is claimed that Ings has his ‘heart set’ on the ‘top table’.

The 28-year-old is said to be holding out for a move to a top-four side with his current contract set to expire in 2022.

The Verdict: Big blow…

Ings would undoubtedly be a top signing for West Ham, but judging by this report, his acquisition appears unlikely.

This comes as an arguable blow for the Hammers given his obvious quality and proven goalscoring record in the English top flight.

Over 2019/2020, the forward bagged even more Premier League goals under Ralph Hasenhuttl, netting 22 goals and assisting two others (WhoScored).

His quality is best summed up by podcaster Lee McQueen, who told The Last Word on Spurs podcast that Ings is ‘absolutely phenomenal’.

As the transfer window heats up, West Ham need to start finalising moves for new striking additions.

In other news: ‘We understand’…Sky Sports drop live TV claim as West Ham eye ‘powerful’ striker, find out more here.

Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has set out his intention ‘to be playing week in, week out’. 

The 21-year-old told the club’s official channels that he wanted to be viewed as a ‘man’ rather than a ‘little boy’. He added that he hopes to ‘show everyone what I can do’ this season under new manager Bruno Lage.

What role did Gibbs-White play last term?

Gibbs-White spent the first half of the 2020/21 season on loan at Championship side Swansea City, but was recalled in January amid an injury pile-up.

He made 11 Premier League appearances in the latter part of the campaign, including four starts (via WhoScored). The midfielder has already played 83 times for Wolves’ first team, but has scored just twice for the club at senior level (via Transfermarkt) and has been maligned in the past for ineffective performances.

The Englishman got 45 minutes under his belt on Saturday as Wolves played their first friendly of the summer at Crewe Alexandra. He was replaced by 19-year-old Pascal Estrada as part of a raft of changes at the interval as Lage’s team fell to a 1-0 defeat against the League One side after Christopher Long’s second-half goal.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed Gibbs-White’s comments, which did not go down well with some supporters, one of whom slammed the 21-year-old as a “Championship standard” player.

These Wolves fans dismissive of Gibbs-White’s ambitions

“Sorry MGW, you are only Championship standard. God knows why Wolves keep hanging on to this lad. Let him move to a decent Championship club & play football.”

Credit: @W4768721431

“Yes but you’re not good enough”

Credit: @stephenskippy

“Lol no chance”

Credit: @david44809679

“Take that big chip off your shoulder first”

Credit: @PaulBeest

“Not on Twitter. Pitch please”

Credit: @sub80

“Not good enough, tries but lacks the quality needed”

Credit: @satsomboon

In other news, many Wolves fans flocked to this image amid transfer speculation.