All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has invited ‘ridiculous’ offers for former Newcastle United striker Adam Armstrong this summer.

The lowdown

The 24-year-old finished the season with two hat-tricks in three games to post a tally of 28 league goals for the campaign. That left him second in the Championship scoring charts, just three adrift of another former Newcastle player in Ivan Toney.

Armstrong made the permanent switch to Ewood Park in 2018, having racked up 21 appearances in black and white without getting on the scoresheet.

However, Newcastle inserted a 40% sell-on clause into their agreement with Rovers, and Armstrong is now valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, even though he is about to enter the final year of his contract.

Intriguingly, it has also been reported that the Magpies are considering an attempt to bring him back to St James’ Park.

The latest

After Blackburn’s 5-2 victory over Birmingham City on Saturday, Mowbray sent a message to Armstrong’s suitors.

“They’re not doing their job if they’re not looking at Adam Armstrong,” he told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“That’s out of my control. For Adam’s sake, let’s hope the phone rings and someone offers us a ridiculous amount of money, we shake him by the hand and we say go bang in loads of goals in the Premier League.

“We’ll use some of that money in the team and can find another striker who can bang loads of goals in.”

The verdict

According to The Athletic, Newcastle have discussed the possibility of signing Tammy Abraham this summer but have been put off to Chelsea’s £40m price tag.

If that’s an indication that they’re after a striker, Armstrong would be a far cheaper, but still prolific, option.

You could argue that it’s a win-win situation anyway. If they don’t pursue the move, they could still net somewhere around £5.76m (40% of £14.4m) from a sale to another Premier League club due to the aforementioned sell-on clause.

In hindsight, it was a clever piece of business they struck with Blackburn three years ago.

In other news, this Newcastle youngster has reportedly been offered to Premier League rivals.

According to a report by TUTTOmercatoWEB, there has been a crucial update on the future of Marcelo Brozovic at Inter Milan – and it involves Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Brozovic wanted…

According to a variety of reports over this last week, the Croatian is one of many big Serie A names linked with a move to Spurs since Conte’s arrival in north London.

Calciomercato explained that he is one of a flurry of Italian top-flight stars attracting the 52-year-old’s interest as the Spurs boss demands a €280m (£239m) transfer war chest to overhaul the squad.

Meanwhile, TUTTOmercatoWEB also claimed last week that Conte is personally eyeing a move for him after remoulding Brozovic into a playmaker during his time at Inter.

That same outlet has now brought more news on the Croatia international’s future and his contractual uncertainty, namedropping Tottenham again.

The Latest: Conte ready to welcome Brozovic…

According to their sources, Brozovic’s future at the San Siro is set to be decided over crunch talks as both the player’s entourage and Inter arrange to meet at a ‘decisive summit’.

His current deal expires in 2022, which means that he could leave as a free agent at the end of this season, and his renewal is now ‘concretely in the balance’.

While Brozovic’s priority is to renew, despite the disagreements over salary at things stand, TMW also explained that there is ‘no shortage’ of suitors for the 28-year-old, and Conte is ready to ‘welcome him with open arms’.

The Verdict: Get it done?

If Conte can finally strike a long-awaited replacement for Christian Eriksen in Brozovic, especially considering how he was ‘reborn’ as a playmaker at Inter last year, we believe this could be an astute purchase for Tottenham on a free transfer.

Highlighting his creativity at some points, he averaged the same amount of key passes per 90 as Spurs superstar Harry Kane last season (1.4) – more than any Lilywhites player bar the Englishman and Son Heung-min (WhoScored).

The 68-cap ace also managed more league assists over that period (six) than any Tottenham squad member apart from Son and Kane, who both made the PFA Team of the Year.

Brozovic’s 89.6% pass accuracy in midfield over that time also eclipses that of every Spurs player (WhoScored), perhaps indicating that he would instil some class and composure in a more advanced role under Conte.

Lauded as a ‘very precious’ player by former Inter Milan and Udinese boss Andrea Stramaccioni, the Croatian could come as the Eriksen heir nobody predicted.

In other news: Conte also tells Spurs to sign 183-goal star as journalist drops big live TV transfer claim, find out more here.

The Athletic journalist Greg O’Keeffe doesn’t think that either Rafael Benitez or the Everton board will be keen on signing Donny van de Beek. 

The lowdown

The Manchester United midfielder’s agent said in September that he had tried to find a new club for his client and that his search had ‘ended up at Everton’. He claimed that talks were held over a possible transfer, only for United to intervene and block any deal.

Van de Beek has been on the periphery at Old Trafford this season, playing just five minutes across the Red Devils’ first seven Premier League fixtures, and the Dutchman’s estimated transfer value has fallen to £22.5m as a result, having been just shy of £50m less than two years ago.

The latest

In a mailbag for The Athletic, O’Keeffe said that his ‘understanding of the situation’ is that Everton sporting director Marcel Brands was ‘made aware’ of Van de Beek’s availability late in the transfer window and ‘may have inquired’ about a possible move.

However, he doesn’t think the 24-year-old ‘is a player who fits into Benitez’s plans’ and explained that Brands’ role is seemingly to ‘source and present options’ to the board and the manager.

O’Keeffe suspects that they would have declined if Van de Beek was on the table, saying that ‘there’s a feeling he wouldn’t fit into the system’ given that two of Everton’s existing attacking midfield options, Richarlison and Demarai Gray, are ‘quicker and more dynamic’.

The verdict

Van de Beek demonstrated his class at Ajax, starring in their run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, but concerns about whether Everton would be a good fit for him are not misplaced.

Realistically, Richarlison, Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are all part of the Blues’ strongest XI, and in a 4-4-1-1 formation, that doesn’t really leave any room for Van de Beek.

Why would he move elsewhere in the Premier League when he could just be adopting a rotational role there which wouldn’t be much different from his current place on the Old Trafford periphery?

In other news, this announcement from the club had lots of Everton fans buzzing

As per Football Insider, a Tottenham source has revealed that Antonio Conte is pushing the club to bring in a multitude of signings in January after identifying areas of weakness – with ten or more deals in the pipeline.

The Lowdown: Time to spend, Levy

Tottenham have seen improved Premier League form recently under new manager Conte – producing three consecutive wins in their last three games. The Lilywhites currently sit in fifth place with a game in-hand, and a further three points would take them past London rivals West Ham into the top four.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-developments-2/” title=”Spurs developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, Conte is not fully satisfied with his squad and believes that Spurs need to strengthen in multiple areas if they are to achieve Champions League qualification. The Italian was highly critical of the money spent in the summer of 2019 and also of the January window of 2020.

£150m was spent on the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Steven Bergwijn, Ryan Sessegnon, Giovani Lo Celso and Jack Clarke – none of which have fully established themselves as permanent members of the starting 11.

The Latest: Biggest Spurs window ever?

Football Insider have now reported that a Tottenham source believes Conte and recruitment chief Fabio Paratici are planning an overhaul which will see the “biggest January window in the club’s history”.

The 52-year-old will prioritise the recruitment of at least one proven centre-back who can be utilised in the manager’s favourite back-three defensive system. Paratici is also in the process of identifying players across a wide range of positions.

Multiple departures are to be expected too – this includes the likes of Joe Rodon, who is seeking a permanent or temporary exit. When all is said and done there could be ten-plus comings and goings.

The Verdict: Need to strengthen

It is clear that Conte will need to bring in some additions to the squad if they are to challenge the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, West Ham and Manchester United for a top four place.

The latter have had a poor start to the season themselves, but they spent £126m on three elite players this summer, the sort of business Paratici and Daniel Levy will need to replicate to give Conte a fighting chance.

This business will also include a clear-out of fringe players who are not favoured by the former Chelsea boss. Someone like Rodon, who Dimitar Berbatov once claimed is “a great player for the future”, is young enough to bank a decent fee if sold and therefore could see the door.

Conte and Paratici have plenty of work to do in order to overhaul this Lilywhites squad, so the fact that they are not hanging around until the summer to start the process should be music to fans’ ears.

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to Marko Grujic’s playacting for Porto against Juventus, on a memorable night for the on-loan Reds star.

The Serbia international was loaned out to the Portuguese giants last October, with Jurgen Klopp struggling to guarantee him regular playing time.

Grujic found himself behind a host of top players in the midfield pecking order at Anfield, including the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, Thiago and Naby Keita.

The 24-year-old has made 13 Primeira Liga appearances this season, and while Liverpool supporters may not have seen him in action much, they got to witness his education in the dark arts on Tuesday night.

Grujic was introduced as a late substitute in Porto’s extraordinary Champions League clash with Juventus, as Sergio Conceicao’s side progressed in thrilling fashion, losing 3-2 on the night but going through on away goals.

One moment from the Liverpool loanee caught the eye, as he went to ground in order to waste time, before sneakily looking up towards the referee and smiling.

Liverpool fans react to Grujic’s antics

Here’s how some Reds supporters reacted to Grujic’s antics on Twitter.

“This had me in tears last night”

Credit: @LifeTraveller77

“Extend his contract”

Credit: @patrick44newton

“MY MIDFIELDERRRR”

Credit: @lfcdaniel

“Love this”

Credit: @Natalie_LFC

“Start him tomorrow night”

Credit: @johngibbonsblog

“My midfielder”

Credit: @zk_1stt

In other news, Liverpool fans have been reacting to Jurgen Klopp’s comments about his future.

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Gers shared footage of their players instructing fans to stay at home for the Old Firm clash this weekend.

Following Rangers fans’ celebrations outside Ibrox earlier this month, after Steven Gerrard’s side clinched their first Scottish Premiership title for 10 years, the club faced significant criticism from Scottish MPs for allegedly not doing enough to discourage their fanbase from breaking lockdown restrictions.

In response, ahead of the Old Firm clash this weekend, the club put together a video that featured a number of first-team players instructing fans to abide by the restrictions, urging them to stay at home.

And, after the club shared this footage on Twitter, fans of Rangers flocked to have their say on the matter, with some appearing to feel victimised by the footage, however, others responded in a more sarcastic manner, while more suggested that the club were overdoing it with their repeated messages.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to the club’s footage?

“Yes, but what do you mean?”

@ross_acg_gibson

“Excellent, you just know that Bassey being involved is going to cause an implosion.”

@StephenHarper28

“What you saying here, guys?”

@chr1sbett

“100% fishing this post.”

@t3hShmo

“Dunno why I feel I’ve had my intelligence insulted here?”

@CostaLoyal

“Bit ironic having Bassey in there.”

@d44571044

In other news: many Rangers fans have slammed this Union Bears statement – find out more here!

Nottingham Forest face a crisis after Lewis Grabban was forced off through injury in yesterday’s 1-0 win over Peterborough United.

Promotion chasing Forest have been without Grabban for the majority of the year, after he suffered an ankle injury at the end of January. He has only recently returned so to see him out injured again is a huge setback for Steve Cooper’s side.

With their victory the club have taken a big stride towards securing a top six finish, they currently sit fourth in the Championship on 73 points. Since Cooper took over as boss at The City Ground, Forest have been in exceptional form and sit second only to already promoted Fulham.

Grabban came on as a substitute yesterday for the goal scorer Sam Surridge but then had to come off in the 89th minute.

The 34-year old has contributed massively this season making 32 appearances and being directly involved in 16 goals. If they are to be without him for the rest of the season then it could seriously affect their hopes of being promoted to the Premier League.

When Cooper was asked about the injury he told Nottinghamshire Live: “He was clear straight away that he needed to come off. We’ve got our fingers crossed for him.”

His contract expires this summer and whether or not he stays might be dependent on Forest’s promotion chase. He has experience of playing in the Premier League for both Norwich City and Bournemouth, however, he’s always failed to replicate the form he’s shown at Championship level and at his age now it may be asking too much.

Not keeping him on will also allow the club to save on their wage bill with the former Jamaican international on a wage of £25k-per-week.

The injury adds to the list of dilemmas that Cooper faces, with on-loan Aston Villa star Keenan Davis also out meaning Surridge is the only recognised senior striker at the club who’s fit.

The Reds haven’t been in the top flight since the turn of the century and many would like to see them make a return due to the history and stature of the club.

IN other news: Nottingham Forest set for disaster on Djed Spence…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former footballer and current pundit Carlton Palmer has spoken about young Norwich City right-back Max Aarons.

The 21-year-old defender was a regular in Daniel Farke’s side last season but was unable to help them stave off relegation to the Championship; making 36 appearances and averaging a 6.55 rating.

His last spell in the second division saw him win the Championship young player of the year award and he has started this season in impressive form, averaging a 6.83 rating for his performances, with the Canaries once again top of the league.

Palmer seems to think that the England U21 international is destined for a move to a top-four club and tipped him to be a Manchester City player in the future.

Asked whether he thought Aarons would be a good signing for Manchester United in January, Palmer told FFC exclusively:

“I don’t think they’ll let him go in January, I think he’s their key to getting back to the Premier League. I think if they get back in the Premier League, I think they’ll find it hard to keep hold of him because I think the offers will come in. It wouldn’t surprise me if the likes of Man City went after him.

“The way he plays, he looks like a Man City player and I think he could fit into their style of system quite easily. He’s a talented young player, I would think he’s on all the top clubs’ radar.”

Certainly, Aarons has been attracting interest from United in recent weeks according to The Sun, so the Citizens would have to see off competition from their rivals if they wanted to bring the 21-year-old to the Etihad in the near future.

Whilst both Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker have been in impressive form at times this season, the latter is now 30-years-old and as he gets older you wonder how much of his explosive pace, which is so important to his game, he will be able to maintain, so perhaps Aarons could come in as his long-term replacement.

As Palmer suggests though, the £18 million-rated man would not come cheap and will no doubt be keen to help the Canaries earn promotion back to the top-flight, so the Citizens may have to wait until the summer until making a potential move.

AND, in other news, 108 touches: MCFC beast is proving he can replace City’s ageing £150k-p/w titan…

Rangers ensured that they would finish the league season unbeaten and achieve over 100 points for the first time in their history as they won 4-0 at Ibrox on the final day, with Steven Gerrard’s side providing a superb end to a monumental season.

One man who may have played his final game for the Gers during the drubbing of Aberdeen on Saturday was Jermain Defoe, as the veteran striker’s contract is currently set to expire at the end of May.

If the former Tottenham Hotspur man is to leave Ibrox this summer, then he will be glad to have finished his time there in typical fashion, as he came off the bench to score Rangers’ fourth goal of the game with a consummate finish.

The 38-year-old was found by fellow substitute Greg Stewart – another who is likely to leave this summer – and after some calm touches, he calmly slotted the ball past Joe Lewis, emphasising the immense quality that he still possesses.

As per SofaScore, Defoe would earn an impressive 7.4/10 rating for his performance, with only Allan McGregor (8/10) and Kemar Roofe (8.3/10) rated higher of the Rangers players who featured in the game, despite the veteran forward only being on the pitch for just 28 minutes.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-rangers-news-transfer-rumours-and-more-copy-copy” title=“Latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more from Ibrox!”]

The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell, who covers Rangers and Scottish football, was full of praise for Defoe on Twitter, saying:

“Jermain Defoe with another exquisite finish. Similar to last week, that feint to change the angle and get the defender to lean is just a killer move. Unreal how sharp he still is in those situations.”

Defoe also completed two dribbles, one key pass and won two duels during his brief time on the pitch, which highlights that doesn’t just contribute inside the box and can be a creative threat as well as a goalscoring one.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Although recent reports suggest that a new Rangers contract could be on the cards, as things stand, he will leave Ibrox at the end of this month, but at least if he does leave, he was able to sign off with another goal and another excellent cameo performance.

And, in other news… Gerrard handed huge boost with “frightening” £1.8m-rated beast, Wilson must deliver

Newcastle must look to land Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha this summer amid Marcus Bent’s transfer claim.

What’s the story?

The Ivory Coast international has long been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, with reports last summer suggesting that Steve Bruce’s side were very much one of the clubs interested in signing him.

Now, speaking to FFC’s sister site, This is Futbol, Bent has touted the Magpies as a potential destination for Zaha were he to finally leave the Eagles this summer.

He said: “Zaha has not been that consistent this year, but we know he’s a talent. We spoke about him going to Everton, two years ago Everton would have snapped at the chance, but I don’t think he’s a player they want.

“Newcastle would be a great team to go to. He needs a bigger pedestal to play on and better players around him.”

Imagine him and Saint-Maximin

Already boasting one of the Premier League’s elite dribblers in Allan Saint-Maximin, Bruce could help form a terrifying Newcastle duo by landing Zaha this summer and unleashing him with the Frenchman as a wing duo.

Zaha’s average of 4.5 dribbles per game in the Premier League last season was only bettered by two players: Wolves’ Adama Traore, and Saint-Maximin himself. Their abilities to play across the front-line could see them interchange positions, and make for the kind of modern forward-line used by the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona of yesteryear.

In fact, Zaha’s Palace teammate James McArthur waxed lyrical about his abilities back in 2018, saying: “He is just unplayable at times and I wouldn’t like to be a defender playing against him. For us, he is a great asset when you can give someone the ball and he can run 40 yards with it.”

Essentially, Zaha would bring a lot of the same characteristics that Saint-Maximin has in his locker.

The £40.5m-rated star would ensure that Newcastle had an added threat to go along with Saint-Maximin, and that if teams do try and double up on the Frenchman, then Zaha would have more space himself to wreak havoc.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/newcastle-steve-bruce-premier-league-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-st-james-park-joelinton-shelvey-max-aarons” title=”Read the latest Newcastle transfer rumours and news!”]

It would cause opposition defences all sorts of dilemmas about how best to deal with the two of them on song together, and why it could be a scary prospect for the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing this former Premier League starlet…