All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Southampton have reportedly been scouting Bristol City midfielder Han-Noah Massengo in recent weeks, and if the 19-year-old were to make the move to St Mary’s, it could be bad news for Saints youngster Alexandre Jankewitz.

According to the Bristol Post, Southampton scouts have been in attendance at Ashton Gate in recent weeks in order to watch a number of Nigel Pearson’s too players, with Massengo also seemingly attracting interest from the likes of Brighton, Norwich City and Bournemouth.

The 19-year-old Frenchman has been a regular in the Robins’ side since joining from AS Monaco in 2019 in what was a serious statement of intent from the Championship side, who made the teenager the second-most expensive signing in their history.

Since then, the midfielder has gone on to make 51 appearances for the club, in which he has failed to contribute a single goal or assist.

Despite having experience in the Champions League with Monaco, you could argue that his time with Bristol City hasn’t really worked out so far, as he averaged a disappointing 6.44 WhoScored average match rating for his performances last season, a figure which has dropped to 6.27 this term.

However, the £3.6m-rated Frenchman is still young and could perhaps unlock his potential with a move to a Premier League club such as Southampton, where he could learn from the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu whilst challenging for a spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first team. Therefore, Martin Semmens should definitely consider bringing him in this summer if they can negotiate a reasonable price with the Robins.

If he were to make the move to the south coast, you might worry that it could impact the future of fellow 19-year-old midfielder Alexandre Jankewitz, who has already voiced his frustrations about a lack of playing time under the Austrian manager by handing in a transfer request in January.

The Swiss under-21 international undoubtedly has potential but seemingly isn’t in Hasenhuttl’s good books after his horror tackle on his full Premier League debut, which saw him sent off after two minutes in the 9-0 defeat against Manchester United. Nearly two months on, that remains his most recent senior appearance.

Therefore, Jankewitz is perhaps already eyeing a move away and might not appreciate Southampton signing another youngster to compete for playing time in his position, so that could be the catalyst for him seeking a permanent exit from the Saints this summer.

In other news… Ralph can amend key Southampton issue next season with swoop for £10.8m-rated “great talent”

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has been reacting to links that he could become the next Celtic manager in the summer.

Clarke reacts

The 57-year-old has been heavily linked with the Parkhead managerial role after Neil Lennon resigned from his position – following the club’s unsuccessful attempt of securing an unprecedented 10-in-a-row.

John Kennedy has taken the interim position until the end of the season when the new chief executive Dominic McKay is expected to choose a successor in the summer.

Sky Sports’ Jim White named Clarke as one of three key figures that could be in the frame for the job, including Rafael Benitez and Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez.

The Scottish tactician, who was once described as an “incredible coach” by Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, was quizzed as part of a Q&A on BBC Sport by youngsters at Edinburgh-based club Team United, who support young people with autism.

When asked whether he would consider moving to Celtic after Euro 2020, he said: “I will be going on a long holiday after the Euros.

“And I am contracted with Scotland until 2022 when I’ll hopefully be taking us to the World Cup in Qatar.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

We do not expect McKay to make any decisions until he is officially in his place – once Peter Lawwell leaves the club. But Clarke does appear to be happy ruling himself out of the running.

The pressure next season at Celtic will be immense and having just guided Scotland to their first major tournament since 1998, leading the national team may come as an easier job, at least for his stress levels.

Nevertheless, Celtic have to keep their options open and consider everyone available to take the role. For us, Benitez would be the best option, but whether the Spaniard would be tempted by the prospect of Scottish football remains to be seen.

In other news, Celtic make contact with ‘fantastic’ manager as Hoops source emerges.

According to a report by journalist Nicolo Schira, both West Ham United and Crystal Palace have asked for information over signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey next summer – prompting many Hammers fans to react as this development emerges.

Ramsey, who has started 12 Serie A games for the Old Lady this term, could leave Turin in the summer of 2022 as Schira explains both the Irons and London rivals Palace have enquired over the Welshman.

The 30-year-old, a former Arsenal player with 262 Premier League appearances to his name, scoring an impressive 40 goals and managing 51 assists in that time (Transfermarkt), could make a return to England partly as a result of GSB’s interest.

Reacting to this development, which one supporter called ‘ridiculous’, while some are optimistic over the player, others believe it wouldn’t be a practical signing for David Moyes – citing his age and injury record as reasons not to make a move.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

West Ham fans react to Ramsey development

“What a player”

Credit: @Ben_Perfect6

“Another wilshere way too injury prone for me and not to mention huge wages too”

Credit: @westhampep

“No they haven’t move on fella”

Credit: @RichyGuyHammers

“No point giving these transfer rumours the time of day. Doesn’t fit Moyes criteria. Too old. Next.”

Credit: @samogle23

“ridiculous. injury prone and past it. no thanks”

Credit: @stephenlott

“If we get Europe it’s a no brainier for me”

Credit: @Steve_WHU_

“Would be a good back up but over age for the RB Model.”

Credit: @PW57WHU

In other news: David Moyes has made a big West Ham call, find out more here.

This hasn’t exactly been an easy January for Leeds United to negotiate. Heading into their clash with Newcastle this week, they’d yet to score or win in 2021.

On top of that, they’ve also failed to strengthen in the January transfer window.

On the chalkboard

Fortunately, things are getting better for Leeds. They defeated the Magpies 2-1 on Tuesday and now it looks as though enigmatic left-back Gjanni Alioski is heading for the exit door.

A report from Fotosport (via Sport Witness) claim that with Alioski’s contract expiring in the summer, he has reached an agreement with Galatasaray in Turkey to move there in the next transfer window.

Players are free to discuss a pre-contract arrangement with foreign clubs from this month onwards if their deal expires in six months and thus, it appears the North Macedonian is set to bring his stay at Elland Road to an end.

This wouldn’t be a huge loss for Leeds, however, who are bound to be frustrated with some of his performances. He was torn apart by Manchester United and Daniel James last month while he put in another unconvincing performance against Newcastle this week.

Previously described as a “liability” by Noel Whelan, it’s unlikely he’ll be missed too much in Yorkshire.

The solution

Leeds have had a problem at left-back for a number of years now. Ever since Charlie Taylor departed for Burnley, they have been found wanting in that area of the pitch. Gaetano Berardi deputised there for a period but he has one of the worst disciplinary records in the club’s history, being red-carded on seven occasions.

Stuart Dallas has played there and so too has Alioski. Though, the fact of the matter is that neither are natural left-backs. The former is used to playing on the right while the latter is a winger by trade.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-leeds-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Leeds news!”]

It’s hard to suggest Barry Douglas’ time worked out either. He’s now at Blackburn on loan and failed to score for the Whites despite being a set-piece wizard for Wolves before arriving.

Thus, there is a pretty large problem to solve – one that can be fixed by signing a proper left-back.

In Josh Doig they could well find that. The Hibernian youngster has been linked with a move to Sunderland, Leeds, Manchester City and Celtic in recent days in a switch that could cost £1m.

Not only would this be a bargain for Victor Orta, but it would also help to replace Alioski perfectly. That’s because they possess similar qualities.

In Goal’s report about Doig this week, they wrote the following about the 18-year-old: “Scouts have noted Doig’s attacking output as a huge part of his game, with his crossing ability and tireless running two of his key attributes.”

That sounds an awful like Alioski, someone who loves to stride forward and provide goals and assists. Fortunately, however, Doig is also very capable defensively.

The teenager was only given his first taste of senior football this season but has since played on 17 occasions in the Scottish Premiership. He has become a regular under Jack Ross and is incredibly strong in the tackle.

Doig has won a colossal 2.1 tackles per game this season, a tally that not only usurps Alioski (1.8) but also a great deal of Leeds’ team. In fact, the Hibs defender would be placed fifth for that certain statistic out of United’s regular starters.

Leeds have lacked a defender with the ability to do the simple things right from a defensive point of view for a while and that’s exactly why they need to sign Doig. Add that to the fact he’d cost just £1m and this would be the perfect deal for Marcelo Bielsa.

AND in other news, 3 new signings, Bielsa favourite axed: How Leeds’ XI could look after deadline day…

West Ham United prospect Oladapo Afolayan sent David Moyes a reminder of his potential while making his Bolton Wanderers debut on Tuesday night.

Afolayan moved to the University of Bolton Stadium on loan for the remainder of the season in a late Deadline Day deal earlier this month, for his third taste of action outside of east London following previous spells with Oldham Athletic and Mansfield Town.

The 23-year-old forward had made his long-awaited senior Irons debut with a goalscoring cameo appearance in the FA Cup in January, coming off the bench to fire home in the 4-0 rout of Doncaster Rovers.

Bolton boss Ian Evatt sought to afford Afolayan his Wanderers debut at the first available opportunity, by fielding the London-born attacker for the final half an hour of his side’s League Two meeting with Morecambe on Tuesday.

The 5 ft 10 centre-forward was unable to add to his goalscoring record against the Shrimps, who fought back to salvage a point late in the day, but left boss Evatt mightily impressed by what he had been able to bring to the table.

“Dapo is magic, a talented boy,” Evatt said, via quotes by The Bolton News. “You saw glimpses, but it’s a shame we didn’t see them in full flow, really, Madders [Marcus Maddison] and Dapo, because they were brought on to win us the game, to extend the lead and kill the game off, and they combined quite quickly for the chance that was saved.”

Afolayan picked up possession deep in Morecambe territory just minutes after coming off the bench and found Maddison on the edge of the box, but the 27-year-old – who would be shown a straight red card for a lunging tackle on Aaron Wildig – could only force a save from Kyle Letheren.

Maddison’s red card meant Bolton were forced to be more defensive in the closing stages yet Afolayan still created chances to demonstrate his potential, ending his half an hour on the pitch with three successful dribbles to his name from three attempts, per SofaScore.

He additionally completed 85% of his passes with only two of 13 balls going astray, which is vastly superior to Michail Antonio’s efforts in the Premier League this term with the 30-year-old only completing 64% of his attempts for just 9.5 accurate passes a game, per SofaScore.

Antonio additionally only completes 50% of his dribbles for 1.5 a game, but is now Moyes’ only available senior centre-forward after opting against signing a striker to replace Sebastien Haller during the winter transfer market.

Now, with Antonio also a potential doubt for Monday’s clash with Sheffield United, Afolayan’s performance will only send a message back to the London Stadium that he could have been worth giving a chance over the remainder of the campaign.

AND in other news, West Ham will have to pay in excess of £26.5m to land a prolific 18 goal striker in the summer…

Many Liverpool fans believe that Taiwo Awoniyi is not the right man to replace Divock Origi if the Belgian decides to leave.

The 23-year-old is currently on loan from at FC Union Berlin over in Germany, where he is certainly catching the eye.

From 13 Bundesliga appearances, Awoniyi has scored five goals and provided two assists, getting regular first-team football under his belt in a competitive league (TransferMarkt).

The Nigerian centre-forward has had an array of loan spells since arriving at the club in 2015, spending time at the likes of FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Mouscron, KAA Gent, and Mainz last season. In total, he has scored 38 times from over 100 outings combined.

Awoniyi has never made a first-team appearance for Liverpool. With speculation surrounding Divock Origi’s future still unclear, Anfield Edition presented the facts for supporters to stick their teeth into.

Despite this, supporters were convinced that Awoniyi is not good enough to play for the club, and that his Belgian teammate is a better player.

Fans not convinced by Awoniyi

“I’ve watched him and can say with confidence that he’s not good enough. Not even close to Origi. The best that could happen is we get a nice offer for him”

Credit: @SilverDeGeneral

“He won’t ever be a Liverpool player due to being one for 5 years now and never getting a permit. I give up on him”

Credit: @LfcRedLady

“Has done nothing for years now so would be the perfect time to sell him while his stocks are up”

Credit: @bugyutari

“No, we need to sign someone with world-class potential.”

Credit: @Subindra99

“He is not good enough for Liverpool, I think Liverpool should sell him for good price”

Credit: @Elflew59

“No will be sold”

Credit: @pete_pizza2020

“Sell him Edwards!”

Credit: @noma

In other news, Fabrizio Romano provided an intriguing update on Georginio Wijnaldum’s Anfield future.

Fans of West Ham United have taken to Twitter to heap praise on Tomas Soucek’s first-half performance against Crystal Palace.

Since arriving at West Ham from Slavia Prague in what was originally a six-month loan deal that the Hammers made a £14.58 million permanent move last summer, Soucek has highly impressed for David Moyes’ side.

Last season, the 25-year-old scored three goals over his 13 Premier League appearances, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.14 – ranking him as the club’s second-best performer in the top flight.

The Czech Republic international has continued his fine form this term as, prior to the Crystal Palace fixture, the midfielder has scored five goals over his 19 Premier League fixtures, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.34.

However, in the opening half of West Ham’s Tuesday night clash with Crystal Palace, Soucek has added a further two goals to his haul for the season, turning the game around single-handedly for the Hammers, causing fans of the club to flock to Twitter to heap praise on the midfielder.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say about Tomas Soucek’s first-half performance?

“Soucek is actually unreal, what a signing that man is”

@JayWHU

“OMGGGG SOUCEK IS CLEAR OF ANY MIDFIELDER IN THE LEAGUE”

@OgbonnaSZN

“We all absolutely LOVE Soucek don’t we?”

@CampyWHU

“Tomas Soucek, what a player.”

@WHU_Analytics

“Soucek worth at least double what we paid now surely, honestly one of the best midfielders outside the top 6”

@WhuNath32

“Easily triple he’s worth at least 50M”

@WhuHazz

“SOUCEK IS THE SIGNING OF THE SEASON”

@WhuNath32

“TOMAS YOU BEAUTY”

@WHUKasp

Leeds United were linked with a plethora of players during the summer, ranging from potential Ben White replacements to strikers that could maybe usurp Patrick Bamford.

And to be fair to the Premier League newcomers, they did some smart pieces of business, so much so that they avoided an absolute financial catastrophe along the way.

The Sun’s Alan Nixon reported at the end of August that the Whites were keen admirers of Liverpool outcast Harry Wilson, who the defending champions wanted around £20m for.

He is a player that Leeds director of football Victor Orta is said to rate “very highly,” as per Phil Hay at The Athletic.

The 23-year-old Welshman had no permanent suitors at that jaw-dropping price, which is hardly a surprise, and has now since gone out on loan to the Championship once again.

You get the feeling that he just isn’t going to make it in the big-time just yet as his switch to Cardiff is his fifth temporary spell away from Anfield since 2015, and his third in the English second-flight.

It is true that his spell in the Welsh capital is going to plan, he has contributed two goals and two assists in eight starts whilst also averaging 2.4 key passes, two shots and 0.8 dribbles per game playing primarily as a right-winger or through the middle, via WhoScored.

However, United need to make the £15m investment in Helder Costa work, on top of the obvious value that Jack Harrison holds as the Yorkshiremen can sign him permanently for a fraction of Wilson’s mooted fee at £10m.

Wilson has also continued to feature on the international stage, leading to former Wales star Dave Edwards lauding the speedster as “unplayable at times.”

Although, the Elland Road tenants have added further depth in wide areas, signing Ian Poveda in January and then Raphinha this summer. It very much would be hard to foresee where a player like Wilson would fit in under Marcelo Bielsa.

Orta dodged an almighty bullet here.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Palmer tips Leeds gem for one of the Premier League’s ‘top five’…

Newcastle United are facing a now or never decision on Dwight Gayle’s Tyneside future, with West Bromwich Albion reportedly open to signing the striker for free next summer.

What’s the word?

According to Birmingham Live’s Joe Chapman, while speaking with the Chronicle, several West Brom club chiefs would love to lure Gayle back to the Hawthorns following his successful loan spell at the club in 2018/19.

The Baggies sought to keep Gayle for a second season but were unable to finalise a move for financial reasons, with the striker netting £40,000-per-week at St. James’ Park and Newcastle chasing a £20million fee.

Stoke City and Fulham were also keen to sign Gayle last year, who remained on Tyneside but struggled to establish himself under Steve Bruce until after the Premier League season was postponed in March as injuries forever dented his comeback.

Gayle made 20 Premier League outings last season but started just 10, while scoring each of his four goals after action resumed in June. He is yet to feature this term, with the former Crystal Palace marksman sidelined through a knee injury sustained in pre-season training.

The issue has not discouraged West Brom club chiefs from monitoring Gayle’s situation, as interest would be firm should he leave St. James’ Park as a free agent when his Toon contract expires at the end of the season.

West Brom would be expected to offer the 30-year-old a pay-as-you-play deal, given his relentless injuries, as he is still well-regarded among the Hawthorns fanbase from his 24-goal season that fell short in the Play-Off semi-finals.

Now or never for Newcastle

West Brom sniffing around Gayle’s situation must spark Newcastle chiefs to sit up and discuss the striker’s future, as they risk losing the £7.2m-rated man for nothing if they do not secure a mid-season move.

It is unlikely that Gayle will be offered a new contract at St. James’ Park having demonstrated little since arriving in 2016 to suggest he can cut it regularly in the Premier League, even if Bruce lauds the striker for having the “invaluable” knack of knowing how to score, as his four-goal haul from last term fell just two short of his Magpies’ best.

Freeing Gayle’s wages will also help Bruce to sign a supporting striker who he can rely on week in, week out with Callum Wilson accounting for seven of Newcastle’s 12 Premier League goals so far this season. A trend the Toon cannot maintain if they wish to achieve anything more than survival.

But the ball will be in Gayle’s court, as he will know that leaving in the summer will open more doors than being hurried out of the North East in the winter having not played a single minute since last season.

AND in other news, Steve Bruce is in talks for Newcastle United to sign a £75k-p/w international who’s “entering into his prime”.

Glasgow Rangers are getting ready to face Livingston at Ibrox in their first game in the Scottish Premiership since Steven Gerrard’s side beat Celtic 2-0 at Parkhead in the first Old Firm derby of the season.

Rangers have arguably gone from strength to strength, as they go into the match off the back of a 2-0 win over Standard Liege in the Europa League. James Tavernier opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before a wonder goal from Kemar Roofe secured the victory on Thursday night, whilst Livingston fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Kilmarnock at home last weekend.

Are you a massive Rangers fan? Know everything about the club? Well do you know your Gary Stevens from your Michael Ball? This quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…



World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

Gerrard almost has a full strength squad to choose from, as the club continue to monitor Borna Barisic after he was sent for a scan on a thigh strain, whilst Nikola Katic and new recruit Bongani Zungu remain the only other absentees.

Here at Football FanCast, we’ve worked on a predicted starting lineup, which sees Gerrard make four changes to the side that beat Standard Liege at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne.

Barisic started both games against Celtic and Standard Liege respectively, before he was replaced just before half-time during the 2-0 Europa League win, with Calvin Bassey expected to start in his absence.

The 20-year-old excelled in a back four consisting of Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun and James Tavernier, so Gerrard could opt for a similar system, or otherwise bring Filip Helander back into the fold to partner Goldson at the back.

Gerrard is hardly short of midfield options, as Steven Davis dropped to the bench to make room for Ryan Jack, so the Rangers boss may decide to ring a change as Jack has only recently returned from injury, whilst Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield continue to stake their claim for a place in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Roofe made all the headlines for his extraordinary effort in the midweek win, but Gerrard has warned the striker that he isn’t guaranteed to start against Livingston, saying that Rangers will need to “get him up to speed”. After a month out with a calf injury, his chances of starting seem to be incredibly remote, although we wouldn’t be surprised to see him make an appearance from the bench at some stage in the second half.

This means that Alfredo Morelos will start at the top of the pitch, with Ryan Kent resuming duties on the left wing. However, Ianis Hagi failed to make the most of the opportunity against Standard Liege, as GlasgowLive criticised him for a slow start, saying he “was sloppy in possession at times.”

So, it’s perhaps hardly surprising that Jordan Jones is in contention to start on the opposite flank in what could be his third start this season so far.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe steals the show against Standard Liege…