All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Queens Park Rangers are interested in a deal to bring Jack Rudoni to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by talkSPORT, who claim that Amit Bhatia and the QPR hierarchy were impressed with the development of the AFC Wimbledon central midfielder last season, and believe that the 21-year-old has significant potential for the future.

As such, it is reported that Mark Warburton’s side are closely monitoring the situation of the youngster ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

It had previously been reported back in January of 2020 that a number of Premier League and Championship sides were keen on a move for the midfielder, although he ultimately went on to sign a new contract with the League One side.

Bhatia must move

Considering just how impressive Rudoni was for Wimbledon last season, it is not difficult to see why the QPR bosses believe that the young midfielder has a bright future ahead of him in the game.

Indeed, over his 39 League One appearances for Mark Robinson’s side last term, the 21-year-old scored four goals, provided three assists and created four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 0.9 key passes per game, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots in each fixture.

These returns saw the £910-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.82, ranking him as the Dons’ 10th-best performer in the third tier of English football, playing a huge role in ensuring the club’s survival in the division.

And, with a host of young talent already on the books at QPR, none more impressive than the likes of Ilias Chair, the addition of Rudoni would very much seem to be a fantastic addition to Warburton’s options in the middle of the park, not only for next season but for many years to come in the future of the Rs.

As such, it would appear to be highly advisable for Bhatia to do all he can to land the signing of the player Glyn Hodges dubbed a “tremendous” talent this summer, as Rudoni would indeed appear to have an exceptionally bright future ahead of him.

In other news: Massive transfer update emerges on “incredible” QPR target that will have fans buzzing

Leeds United are reportedly locked in a battle with several other Premier League clubs to sign Sunderland midfielder Josh Hawkes this summer.

The Lowdown: Hawkes impresses for Sunderland

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting players in the Black Cats’ academy this season, scoring 14 goals in 21 appearances in total, as well as registering seven assists.

Sunderland Under-23s boss Elliott Dickman has hailed Hakwes as ‘excellent’ and a number of top clubs are now thought to be eyeing him up.

The Latest: Leeds keen on move

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are one of those who are interested in signing the attacking midfielder, with West Ham, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United also mentioned.

Hawkes’ current contract expires next summer, meaning this may be the last chance for Sunderland to receive a decent fee for his services.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-3/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: One for the future?

It is always exciting to see Leeds linked with talented young British players, with a nucleus of homegrown individuals important in any Premier League squad.

Hawkes could certainly be viewed as an exciting option for the future, with the youngster having the chance to excel under a special manager like Marcelo Bielsa.

It is unlikely that he would be a first-team regular to begin with, given his lack of experience, but signing him would be further proof that Bielsa is looking at the long-term picture and that Leeds are putting plans in face for long term success, rather than short-term quick wins.

In other news, ‘huge’ offers are expected to be made for one key Leeds player this summer. Find out who it is here.

With James Rodriguez set to miss the Copa America this summer, Everton should be growing concerned over his fitness.

The Colombian was absent for the final two matches of the season with fatigue and then a calf problem, but the situation hasn’t improved and it looks as though he could be set for an extended period of time out.

If the 29-year-old struggles for fitness when the new season gets underway in August, it will be a huge blow to the Toffees’ chances of qualifying for Europe. The attacking midfielder was Everton’s second-best creator in 2020/21 in terms of assists, registering nine in all competitions.

Only Gylfi Sigurdsson recorded more assists than Rodriguez but the Iceland international has been enigmatic at times this season. His missed penalty on the final day against Manchester City just about summed up his inconsistent campaign.

On the chalkboard

With those two problems in mind, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Everton decide to invest in a creative and goalscoring midfielder this summer.

Ross Barkley has been tipped to go back to Goodison Park, but another option lies in Lazio’s Joaquin Correa.

According to La Repubblica (via Sport Witness), Everton are at the front of the queue to sign the Argentine this summer. The report doesn’t state the fee which may be needed but Transfermarkt value the 26-year-old at a lofty £27m.

Despite the price, Carlo Ancelotti and co would be wise to lure him to Merseyside in the coming months. Correa is a wonderful attacking talent who has racked up 30 goals during his time with Lazio.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-lukaku-leao-bissouma-berge-antony” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

Eleven of those came this season as the vibrant ‘second striker’ also registered six assists across all competitions. His form has earned praise from some of the best to play the game, with Juan Sebastian Veron suggesting that he was “crushing it” in Italy.

It’s easy to see why that assessment was made. Playing just behind the striker, Correa is a magician in possession of the ball. He possesses the ability to make things happen on a relentless basis, something which should be music to the ears of somebody like Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Correa has the qualities to beat his opponents on a regular basis, an attribute which may benefit Ancelotti’s top-scoring number nine in terms of touches inside the area.

The Everton target is a wonderful ball carrier and, amassing 2.3 dribbles per game, he is better at beating opponents than everyone in the squad at Goodison Park.

The way in which he opens up spaces and drags defenders towards him could prove incredibly fruitful for Calvert-Lewin. The Toffees marksman netted 21 goals this term but, with fewer players picking him up because Correa has the ball, he would likely enjoy even more opportunities in front of goal.

An article on Breaking the Lines epitomises everything which is great about the Argentine’s game. The piece read: “Correa’s wide repertoire of skills and his tricky dribbling makes him a menace for opposing defenders. His quick movement and awareness allow him to move into spaces or drop deep to enable his teammates to move forward.”

At a price potentially around the £27m mark, it would be yet another expensive acquisition for an attacking midfielder. However, with Correa in the prime of his career and improving all the time, it would appear to be a solid purchase from Everton if they pull it off.

AND in other news, Everton must complete summer swoop for “ruthless” £18m beast, he’s “similar to Lukaku”…

When Barry Douglas comes back to Leeds United this summer, Marcelo Bielsa must finally make a ruthless call and offload him.

The Scotland international is currently out on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers, and has been a permanent fixture at Ewood Park, making 30 appearances in the league alone.

But, former Leeds man David Norris has insisted that while Douglas may be playing week-in and week-out at Blackburn, he expects Bielsa to move him on when the summer transfer window opens.

He said: “Bielsa never trusted him in the back four so I don’t see how him going out on loan will have changed anything. If I’m being honest, I expect him to move on.

“He looked pretty sharp when he came back from injury and looked like he might start playing regularly, but I think after being out on loan this season I would expect to see Douglas moved on.”

Given how Douglas has only made 44 appearances for Leeds since joining from Wolves in the summer of 2018, the time has surely come for Bielsa to wave goodbye to the left-back this summer.

Speaking earlier this campaign, The Athletic’s Phil Hay seemed to hint that the writing seemed to be on the wall for the £40k-a-week earning forgotten man at Elland Road, saying: “It tells its own story that Stuart Dallas is currently the best left-back at the club. There is interest, Watford are very keen, Blackburn have spoken about him.

“On the basis that he didn’t make the 18 against City, when Jack Harrison was unavailable, if, in those circumstances, Douglas isn’t in the 18 you know he’s on his way.”

And while Gjanni Alioski also looks set to depart, the Whites would simply be better off investing in a new first-choice left-back, and then potentially even promoting young Niall Huggins into the first-team set-up too – that’s not to mention the versatile Dallas being able to play there too as Hay notes.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

Whatever the case, Douglas’ time at Leeds has run its course, and Bielsa must offload him this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds must reignite their interest in this Premier League star…

Crystal Palace must make a considerable effort to extend Christian Benteke’s contract after the striker’s impressive recent form, pleasing the club’s supporters in the process.

The Belgium international has enjoyed his most productive season since 2016/17, bagging nine Premier League goals in 29 appearances alongside his solitary assist.

Benteke burst onto the scene when he arrived on English soil with Aston Villa back in 2012, notching up an incredible 19 goals in his maiden campaign with the Villans.

His incredible displays combined power and technique to devastating effect and earned some flattering praise from his then manager, Paul Lambert.

“Benteke has been colossal for us, he’s been unplayable in certain games,” claimed the Scotsman. But it’s been several years since the 30-year-old has reached those dizzy heights.

Three fruitful years at Villa earned Benteke a big-money move to Premier League giants Liverpool, although his inability to adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing style meant he lasted just 12 months at Anfield.

A move to Palace then materialised, and 15 goals in his first campaign at Selhurst Park appeared to suggest it was a match made in heaven, but things quickly turned sour for the 6 ft 2 target man.

Just six league goals followed between 2017/18 and 2019/20 as the Genk academy graduate become a pillar of ridicule in the English top-flight.

However, in one of the most surreal Premier League campaigns, Benteke has only added to the intrigue. A return to form has seen the Belgian start Palace’s last 11 league games, scoring in his last three outings for the south London side.

The capital club are approaching a crossroads with several first-team players out of contract over the summer, including Benteke, and many tough decisions need to be made by the hierarchy over the coming weeks and months.

Match of the Day 2 used a graphic over the weekend to show all of the stars who are currently set to become free agents, and it’s clear from these fans responses that Benteke is amongst the group that they wanted to be given a new deal.

“Clyne, Ward, Benteke, Cahill and maybe McCarthy and that’s it”

@cpfc_sean

“Benteke, Clyne, Townsend, Cahill McCarthy…”@RICHPM14″Clyney, Ward, Andros, Benteke and Cahill. That’s all for me”@FPTW_Benteke is Palace’s second-top goalscorer this season, so tying the forward down to a new deal would represent a smart bit of business by the club’s board.And, in other news…Forget Eze & Zaha: £9m-rated Palace beast who won 100% duels was Hodgson’s unsung hero – opinion

Former Sheffield United striker Marcus Bent has told The Transfer Tavern that John Terry ought to consider taking the vacant job at Bramall Lane.

The ex-Chelsea defender has been touted as a candidate for the job, with Chris Wilder having left earlier this season.

The Daily Mirror reported earlier this month that the Blades have placed Terry on a shortlist of potential appointments as they look to find a replacement for Wilder.

The 40-year-old is currently working with Aston Villa as Dean Smith’s assistant and Sheffield United are said to be attracted by the experience he has gained at Villa Park.

Barring a genuine miracle, it is inevitable that the club will be playing in the Championship next season – they have 14 points to their name and are currently 18 points off safety with just seven games of the season remaining.

And Bent believes that Terry would enjoy the challenge of bringing the club back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Speaking exclusively to TIF, the former striker, who had two spells at Bramall Lane as a player, said: “For John to go in, in the Championship, I think that’d be good for John.

“Not being as experienced a manager as a player that he is, but I think the respect for John would be massive if he did go in there.”

Still, Bent is wary of whether or not Terry would be given the requisite funds to improve the squad, and wonders whether there will be an exodus of players looking to retain their personal top-flight status.

He added: “Will he have money to spend? Will there be players going out from Sheffield United? There’s some good players at Sheffield United, I’m quite bemused, I’m quite sad about that because last year they were doing so well.

“Whether the whole squad gets depleted and moves to other teams, I’m not too sure, I don’t know about the contract situations, but John going in there would be a good move for him, especially at Sheffield United, because they’re a very big club, within Sheffield, to go and learn his career as a manager there.”

Questions marks firmly remain over the future of Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace.

The current Eagles manager sees his contract expire at the end of the 2020/21 season and could soon draw his tenure at Selhurst Park to a close.

Naturally, a number of managers have been linked with the impending managerial vacancy at the club, with the likes of Eddie Howe and Valerien Ismael amongst the most prominent names believed to be interesting Steve Parish.

Former Crystal Palace forward Marcus Bent has thrown a new name into the ring in the form of Burnley’s Sean Dyche. Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said that the current Clarets boss is a “great” manager and would “level” Palace out in the Premier League.

Considering Dyche’s achievements with Burnley since 2012, his appointment would actually be clever by the club heading into the 2021/22 campaign. The former Watford coach has led the Lancashire outfit to two promotions to the Premier League and has gone on to oversee 221 matches so far in the top flight, winning 66.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-crystal-palace-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-townsend-bayindir-butland-van-aanholt-parish” title=”Latest Crystal Palace news, transfer rumours and more…”]

That experience would lend itself very well to Palace, especially with them losing Hodgson, who has himself managed in 359 matches in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, it is Dyche who has continued to better Hodgson for the most part when Palace and Burnley face off. The Clarets have come out on top in each of the last three meetings in the Premier League between the two sides, not conceding a goal in any of those.

Burnley have also managed to achieve two top-ten finishes in the league in the last four seasons, even venturing into the Europa League during the 2018/19 campaign, whilst Palace have not earned a higher finish under Hodgson than 11th.

With the former Fulham and Liverpool boss set to depart Selhurst Park come the end of the campaign, Dyche would certainly seem the perfect appointment, as Bent has justifiably suggested.

AND in more news, find out why Palace have taken a blow in their pursuit of another potential managerial candidate…

Everton have been dealt a huge blow in the club’s rumoured chase of AS Roma defender Gianluca Mancini, who has performed at a higher level than Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly this season.

What’s the word?

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Roma hierarchy have declared that Mancini is ‘untouchable’ in the summer transfer window and will block any attempts to sign the 24-year-old.

Mancini is aware of Roma’s position regarding his immediate future and will look to use the club’s stance as leverage in discussions over a new deal.

The centre-back’s agent Giuseppe Riso is due to meet with Roma in the coming weeks to discuss a new contract, as Mancini has become one of the most important parts of Paulo Fonseca’s plans.

Mancini is currently tied down at the Stadio Olimpico through to the summer of 2024 on a €2m-a-season (£33k-a-week) deal, and has started 25 of a possible 28 Serie A fixtures this term.

His efforts have attracted widespread interest, including from Everton, who Calciomercato claimed are big admirers of the Italy international earlier this month.

Premier League rivals Chelsea, as well as Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich and Serie A giants Juventus and Inter Milan, were also listed as potential destinations, but any side wishing to sign Mancini were claimed to face a €39m (£33.5m) asking price, with Roma valuing the former Atalanta star at €10-15m (£8.5-13m) more than they paid the Gewiss Stadium natives in September.

A huge blow for Everton?

Roma allegedly declaring that Mancini is unavailable for a move in the off-season will come as a huge blow for Everton, as the four-cap centre-back has been performing at a higher standard in the Serie A this season than Napoli’s Koulibaly.

Reports have suggested that Koulibaly is Carlo Ancelotti’s top defensive target for the next transfer window and that Blues owner Farhad Moshiri is prepared to back a pursuit of the Senegalese star.

That chase is likely to come at around €50m (£43m) with Napoli lowering their asking price, but paying more to sign Koulibaly may actually see Everton acquire a lesser option than Mancini.

While Mancini has opened all 25 of his Italian top-flight appearances this season, Koulibaly has started 19 of his 20 and registered lesser numbers for his defensive contributions to date.

Per WhoScored data, Mancini eclipses Koulibaly for average number of successful tackles made per Serie A game this term with 1.6 to 1.2, as well as for interceptions (2.1 to 1), opponents caught offside (1 to 0.7) and clearances (2 to 1.9).

The pair are evenly matched for times dribbled past per game at 0.5, and when on the ball with both registering an 89% pass success rate, with Koulibaly’s only distinct advantage being in fouls committed with one per game to Mancini’s two.

Mancini, though, is working on improving his discipline as he looks to round off the edges to his game that are not yet polished. Also, with age on his side, the Roma star may have been the better option for Everton to target.

“I have to improve on so many areas, such as not getting so many yellow cards and reading the game better. I do feel that I have become a better defender over the last year, also because I am accumulating experience,” he told Sky Sport Italia earlier this month, via quotes by Football-Italia.

AND in other news, Farhad Moshiri is set to back Everton as Carlo Ancelotti eyes a 29-y/o he described as “the best” in the world…

Some Liverpool fans have been sticking up for Naby Keita following his early substitution in midweek.

The Reds were wretched on Tuesday evening, losing 3-1 to Real Madrid to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, ahead of next week’s second leg at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s men were disappointing throughout the night in Spain, but their first half showing was particularly bad, with the team seemingly incapable of stringing few passes together and being completely outplayed by the home side.

Someone who struggled more than most was Keita, who played a negative role in Liverpool losing the midfield battle prior to being hooked before half-time.

It was a moment which again clouded the Guinean’s future, with the 26-year-old constantly finding himself struggling to get going at Anfield.

Speaking in his pre-Aston Villa press conference on Friday, however (via quotes shared by James Pearce on Twitter), Klopp played down the incident, saying there is no issue between him and Keita.

Liverpool fans show faith in Keita

Here’s how some Liverpool supporters reacted on Twitter to Klopp’s defence of Keita as they too stuck up for the midfielder and showed faith in him.

“So he’s not finished then? I was told by Twitter he’d never kick a ball for us again?”

Credit: @JohnMcMah0n

“I don’t understand why people are cancelling Keita, He is a baller bro! Just injury prone. Literally like Matip, he is great defender just injuries mess him up”

Credit: @Gabriel_Onas

“Start him vs Villa…”

Credit: @NoDarkSarkasm

“Don’t be surprised if Naby starts tomorrow and Gini or Thiago are rested”

Credit: @bigjlfc

“Good, don’t do it again Jurgen”

Credit: @dongeo80sbaby

“Think we will see the best of Naby next season”

Credit: @JohnnyfField

“Mugged him off completely…”

Credit: @F9Txrres

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with another move for an exciting young European player. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United manager David Moyes has emerged as a contender to become Celtic’s next manager.

That’s according to an exclusive report from Give Me Sport, who claim that the Hoops are ‘keen’ on a potential move for the Scot.

Moyes hasn’t stopped Celtic interest

The 57-year-old has led the Hammers to an unlikely push for Champions League football next season, with West Ham currently sitting fifth in the Premier League.

There have been suggestions Moyes, who is out of contract at the end of June, would be keen to extend his deal at the London Stadium. However, he hasn’t stopped Celtic from sounding him out as Neil Lennon’s potential long-term successor.

Transfer Tavern take

Appointing Moyes could well be a solid piece of business by Celtic, who will be looking to claim a 10th league title in 11 years next season.

Moyes has proven he has what it takes to lead transform a club over the last 15 months, averaging 1.51 points per game with the Hammers. However, his seven managerial stints average out to a somewhat disparaging 1.34 points per game.

West Ham were just a point off the relegation zone when Moyes arrived in the capital and he’s successfully rebuilt the Hammers with the help of several shrewd acquisitions.

Jesse Lingard and Tomas Soucek have been recent transfer masterstroke examples, and a rebuild at Parkhead seems likely after their disappointing campaign.

Several players will more than likely come and go over the summer, and having an experienced manager at the helm to help the squad gel could be vital.