All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

[ad_pod ]

Manchester United cruised into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup as they beat Chelsea 2-0 in the fifth round at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, but despite the impressive win one player is still visibly struggling to find his role in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.

The Norwegian may have only led the Red Devils in 13 matches in all competitions following Jose Mourinho’s departure in December, but in that time he has chosen to utilise a number of different formations including 4-3-3, 4-4-2 diamond and 4-3-1-2 systems.

The 45-year-old opted for the latter for the trip to west London on Monday, with Romelu Lukaku partnering Marcus Rashford in attack.

The majority of the Belgium international’s starts and time on the pitch in general have come in the FA Cup, with his spot in the XI from the beginning in the 3-0 win against Fulham in United’s previous Premier League fixture just his second since Solskjaer arrived at Old Trafford.

That clash at Craven Cottage and the one just a few miles away at Stamford Bridge were ideal opportunities for Lukaku to prove to the former Red Devils hitman that he can thrive alongside Rashford, but he hasn’t really done that.

A 90-minute blank in terms of goals and assists against Claudio Ranieri’s men was followed up by another below-par showing against Chelsea, where he once again struggled to make a real impact in the final third for his side before being replaced in the 73rd minute.

In total the 25-year-old had 28 touches and made 10 passes, but he only had one effort at goal – and it wasn’t on target.

Perhaps even more worrying was his overall centre-forward play – something that he has often been questioned on in the past – as he failed to win a single aerial duel despite his strength, while he was dispossessed on three occasions and suffered from bad control five times.

It wasn’t a great showing from the Belgian, and if he wants to prove that he has in a place in a Solskjaer team for the remainder of the campaign and prove that he can be a key Man United player beyond the end of the season, then he needs to step up and excel in a role soon.

Manchester United are thought to be closing in on the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their new manager.

The hierarchy at Old Trafford had hired Ralf Rangnick but his interim tenure will come to a conclusion at the end of the season.

What’s the word?

The vacancy at Man United appeared to be a straight shootout between ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino with the former now winning the race according to reports.

An announcement could be made within the next week according to various sources, and now Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting update on the Dutchman’s plans for the Premier League side if and when he takes over.

Revealing on Twitter on Friday morning, the journalist said: “Erik ten Hag has asked Man United to be 100% involved on present and future transfers strategy: new signings, outgoings, new contracts. MUFC Ten Hag considers this as “key point” to rebuild Man United – new signings have to be totally perfect for his idea and club project.”

Great news

Considering the rather bizarre transfer strategy United have had in recent years, this can only be considered a good thing for the club.

The Red Devils had an eye-catching window last summer, bringing in Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane but sadly, the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t exactly suit the way they play.

It slowed down build-up play and under Rangnick, a man famed for the gegenpress, the great Portuguese’s ageing body has not been able to complement the attacking force to the best of his abilities.

As a result, if ten Hag does walk through the door and is able to bring in players to specifically suit his system, it will make the entire rebuilding process a much smoother one.

It’s felt like the power has been laid with the higher-ups at United for some time now but if the Ajax boss is given the right assurances, it will stand the club in good stead moving forward.

Three potential signings could be Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Kalvin Phillips, with reports in recent days linking them all with a move to Manchester.

Kane would be a sublime acquisition considering his goal record while Rice and Phillips proved to be invaluable for England at last summer’s European Championships, establishing a partnership together that took them to the final.

With Paul Pogba’s contract winding down, finding a player like the West Ham stalwart or the Leeds star will be of utmost importance.

It remains to be seen who ten Hag wants to bring with him but you can bet any new face that does pen terms will have been meticulously considered, something which cannot be said of some deals done at Man United in recent memory.

AND in other news, Man Utd now plot bid to sign £60m “special talent”, he’s miles better than Rashford…

Aston Villa will reportedly push to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer with the Englishman reportedly valued at £60m.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph, via Birmingham Live, Villa manager Steven Gerrard will push to sign the 26-year-old this summer, although a deal is expected to be complicated to complete.

The homegrown Leeds star, whose contract at Elland Road expires in 2024, has requested to sign a new deal at his boyhood club with the midfielder reportedly on £38k-per-week.

Moreover, the West Yorkshire club looking more likely to avoid relegation to the Championship this season with an eight-point advantage over Watford in 18th.

Jesse Marsch’s side have been without the England international for large spells of the season with the midfielder making just 13 Premier League appearances this term.

However, having returned to action from the bench in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Southampton, the Whites look likely to have the incredibly popular Phillips available for the remainder of the season as they look to ensure survival.

 Aston Villa must swoop for Phillips

Having already been heavily linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, it’s clear that Johan Lange will be looking to add to their midfield ranks this summer.

The regular trio of John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz have impressed this season, particularly 20-year-old Ramsey who has come on leaps and bounds this campaign.

A product of the West Midlands club’s youth setup, the youngster has made 28 Premier League appearances this campaign, scoring six goals and registering one assist.

Contrastingly the Englishman made 22 appearances in the top flight during the entirety of last season and didn’t manage to find the back of the net.

However, there is certainly room for competition with 18-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka progressing up the ranks whilst Morgan Sanson could leave Villa Park this summer and Marvelous Nakamba is still yet to return to first-team action after a knee injury picked up in December.

Phillips has caught the eyes of numerous clubs over recent years, even when down in the Championship, and could be set for pastures new in the near future.

Described as a “destroyer” by former England manager Steve McClaren, the defensive midfielder has quickly become an England regular, winning the 2020/21 England men’s player of the year, particularly for his efforts at the European Championship last summer.

In the Premier League last season, the 26-year-old averaged 65 touches per game whilst also making 1.2 key passes, according to SofaScore.

Moreover, Phillips enjoyed an 85% passing accuracy and averaged 2.6 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game with the colossus a vital presence just in front of the defence for Leeds and now England.

Villa are looking to progress and part of those plans will be to invest heavily on ambitious signings during the summer and there’s no doubt that bidding £60m for the Englishman would be a seriously ambitious move.

Many would suggest that the 26-year-old, nicknamed the Yorkshire Pirlo by the Leeds faithful, may have now outgrown his boyhood club. However, there’s no doubt that if Villa, or any other club, are to lure him away from Elland Road, it will take a serious offer.

AND in other news: Major boost: Aston Villa now handed big double injury lift, supporters will be buzzing

As relayed by The Mirror, an interesting update has come to light involving Tottenham Hotspur target and West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter pole position…

As previously reported, it seems Spurs and manager Antonio Conte are in pole position to sign the Englishman this summer, who is set to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Lilywhites correspondent and in-the-know Alasdair Gold recently claimed that they are indeed leading the race for Johnstone as Man United also eye a move.

Meanwhile, Football League World and The Sun have both shared that those within the club feel they’re in pole position to seal the 29-year-old’s Bosman signing for Conte.

Amid these plethora of reports, an interesting update has emerged.

The Latest: Johnstone axed…

As relayed by The Mirror, Baggies boss Steve Bruce has now axed Johnstone from his squad for their remaining fixtures of the Championship campaign.

Indeed, it appears the Three Lions ace has now played his final game at The Hawthorns as Bruce confirms that his keeper has decided to run down his deal.

The Verdict: Certain to move…

As Johnstone is set to leave on a free, we believe he could be a snip for Tottenham as they look for an understudy and possible eventual heir to number one Hugo Lloris.

Lauded as a ‘world class’ shot stopper by Wolves legend Steve Bull, the English second tier star mightily impressed in the top flight last year and comes as a more-than adequate alternative to loanee Spurs number two Pierluigi Gollini.

The latter man looks set to return to parent club Atalanta with Johnstone coming as an arguable upgrade given his quality and homegrown status.

In other news: Tottenham official dispatched as Conte identifies ’emerging superstar’ signing, find out more here.

Leeds United could be facing a nightmare over another one of their homegrown stars, as transfer reports emerge over interest in Archie Gray.

What’s the story?

The 16-year-old is of course the great nephew of Leeds icon Eddie Gray, and the son of Andy Gray who has also featured for the Whites, and made the headlines earlier this season when he made the bench for the first-team’s clash against Arsenal back in December.

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

Now, The Daily Record claim that “Gray is a name that is already attracting interest south of the border with the teenage sensation’s exploits at Elland Road earning him a reputation as hot property.”

The future of Leeds United

The teenager’s performances have already caught the eye of Marsch himself, who after watching him in a 3-0 win over Manchester United for the U23s, said: “I thought it was a really good performance. I know there’s massive anticipation for Archie to be a big, talented player. I think that he’s intelligent – he can read the game really well, he can run all day, he’s good on the ball.

“He’s got a lot of really good qualities to be a strong player in the middle of the field. Archie has an incredible bloodline, he’s a big talent here, a homegrown talent.

“From getting to know him as a personality I think he’s excited to be on the pitch every day. He loves football, he loves training. He has a lot of really strong qualities as a person that will help him develop rather quickly.”

At just 16, Gray is unlikely to make much of an impact on this Leeds team in the next year or so, but is certainly making the kind of impression behind-the-scenes that suggests he will have a big part to play in the future.

Leeds fans are already watching with bated breath about Kalvin Phillips’ long-term future heading into the summer, with reports that arch-rivals Manchester United are interested in signing him.

Both Phillips and Gray and represent the heart and soul of this Leeds team for both the here and now, and for what’s to come.

Losing either of them would be a bitter pill to swallow, and it’s exactly why Victor Orta and co must do everything in their power to stop the two leaving anytime soon.

AND in other news – Leeds could strike gold with £42m teenage sensation, he follows Raphinha on Instagram

Manchester United have seemingly leapfrogged Aston Villa in the race to sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

That’s according to Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, and, as to be expected, a number of United fans have been reacting to the update on social media.

Kamara appears to be a player in demand, with the holding midfielder’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old is on Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa wishlist, with United, Villa and Leeds all talking to the player’s agent ahead of a possible £10m transfer.

And now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, United have overtaken all competitors when it comes to Kamara and are leading the race to secure his services.

United fans react

@utdreport relayed the update regarding Kamara on Twitter via GIFN (Get Italian Football News). This is what these United supporters had to say in reply, with many hoping to see a move materialise in the final days of the January window.

“We’re alive”

Credit: @BigTeezo

“Never heard of GIFN but let’s go”

Credit: @utd_victor_

“PLEASEEEE”

Credit: @hhhhmmmm_

“I hope this is true”

Credit: @I_am_lakes

“Definitely a better option defensively when compared to Zakaria.”

Credit: @TheUnitedLink

“SIGN HIM PLS IMMEDIATELY PLS”

Credit: @kurtbuckerfield

In other news: ‘Finished’ – Many MUFC fans react as Spurs make move for ‘amazing’ ace. 

A major decision has been made that will affect Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst significantly in the Premiership next season.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports have reported that VAR will be introduced in the league after the World Cup later this year, which means that it will be in use from December onwards.

41 of the 42 Scottish Professional Football League clubs, including Rangers, voted in favour of the equipment being brought in, although it will only be used in the Premiership and Championship sides will not benefit from it.

It will, however, be used for the Scottish Cup semi-finals and final for any side who makes it there to experience, with the system set to cost £1.2m-per-season.

Neil Doncaster, who is the chief executive of the SPFL, said this about the introduction:

“I believe this was the right decision and that VAR will help referees to ensure tight decisions are more often the right ones and will support a higher standard and more consistent level of decision-making.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be relieved

The Gers head coach will surely be relieved by this call as it means that his team will not drop any points due to refereeing errors.

This should, in theory, mean that the vast majority of decisions are correct and in line with the laws of the game, in terms of the major calls in matches. Therefore, this is a huge boost as Rangers will not be cursing their luck with officiating and blaming problems out of their control for results.

Van Bronckhorst will be able to go away from each and every match knowing that the result, whether it is a win, draw or loss, is down to his team’s performance and not because of a refereeing error.

Back in January, the Gers held talks with the SFA over the standard of officiating of their clash with Aberdeen as they found eight separate issues with decisions in that particular match.

There was also uproar after a clash with Dundee United earlier this year as Rangers were denied a clear penalty and both Charlie Mulgrew and Ryan Jack escaped red cards.

These decisions can have a huge influence on matches and that is why van Bronckhorst will be buzzing that VAR is being brought in.

It will be a big boost to his side as they will not be stripped of calls that should be going their way, whilst they will need to be at their best to ensure that they are not punished for it at the other end.

AND in other news, Sources: Shock Rangers transfer claim emerges that will leave Wilson excited…

Leeds United are showing late interest over a move for Liverpool target Fabio Carvalho, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Liverpool in pole position

The Reds saw a deadline day move for the Fulham man collapse, however, they are still working on a cut-price deal that would go through in the summer.

Carvalho, who has been described as ‘lively’, is out of contract in the summer, with Liverpool officials scheduling new talks with the forward’s camp this month.

The attacking midfielder had already agreed on personal terms and passed a medical regarding a move to Anfield, but it now seems as if Leeds are keen.

The Latest: Leeds interest

According to Football Insider, Liverpool will hold fresh talks with Fulham this month as they look to strike terms for Carvalho in advance of the summer window.

Liverpool want a deal in place as soon as possible as they are aware that Leeds, Southampton and West Ham are showing a strong interest.

The Verdict: Unlikely

Leeds are confident of securing a move for main target Brenden Aaronson this summer, but a swoop for Carvalho looks less likely.

The youngster seemingly has his heart set on a move to Anfield and Liverpool are still extremely keen despite a move falling through last Monday.

Fulham would also benefit by agreeing on a deal now instead of going down the tribunal route, so Victor Orta would need to pull off a masterclass to bring Carvalho to Yorkshire.

He needs to act fast if he wishes to do so, as well, following those reports of more talks this month between the two clubs.

In other news: Leeds beast who Harvey Elliott recently praised may now leave permanently in summer – journalist. 

A key update has emerged in Sunderland’s pursuit of a new manager, with the club now able to land an experienced English coach…

What’s the talk?

According to the Northern Echo, Neil Warnock has made contact with the club to make them aware of his interest in the vacant position.

The report claims that he would be open to signing a short-term contract until the end of the season to take over from Lee Johnson.

Buzzing

Fans will surely be buzzing with this news for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be delighted to read that he is interested in the role. It shows that he is hungry for another promotion and up for the battle of taking the Black Cats back to the Championship. Supporters will be pleased to know that he would not be in it just to collect another payday before he ends his career, this leaving them reassured that he is the man for the job.

One of his former players, Chris Morgan, previously summed up the veteran manager’s desire to succeed in whatever job he takes, saying:

“The Neil Warnock people see on the touchline is a passionate man at work. He hates losing and will do everything he can to win a game of football, and if that’s winding people up, or getting right into his players, he’ll do whatever he needs to do. The cliche is that it’s the pantomime villain – and he loves playing it.

“But if you were to do an interview with his wife Sharon she will tell you when Neil’s at home with the family, he’s laid back, he’s a doting father and a loving husband. People find that hard to believe but sometimes it’s split personalities – when you pull that shirt on and cross the white line you become a different person.”

The supporters will also be buzzing with his potential appointment as he is a proven winner in the EFL. He holds the record for the most promotions in the Football League, having won his eighth with Cardiff – taking them to the Premier League in 2018.

This suggests that there is no one better to help Sunderland in their bid to finish in the automatic promotion places by the end of the campaign. Warnock has done it more than anyone else in the country and could be their best shot at getting back to the second tier, which is why Black Cats fans will be delighted with his interest in taking the role.

Kristjaan Speakman must now agree a deal with the former Middlesbrough boss to come and take over at the Stadium of Light.

AND in other news, Roberts starts, no Defoe & £5k-p/w dud axed: How SAFC’s XI may look after Jan window…

Leeds United have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Brenden Aaronson…

What’s the word?

After having an initial £15m bid knocked back by RB Salzburg earlier this week, it appears as if the Austrian Bundesliga champions have told the Yorkshire outfit that their star midfielder is absolutely not for sale this month.

That is according to 90min, who claim a club spokesman has told the website that the 21-year-old is not leaving the Red Bull Arena anytime soon.

Perhaps that is hardly a surprise given their involvement in the Champions League knockout stages, where they will face German giants Bayern Munich later this month.

Gutting blow for Bielsa

This will come as hugely gutting news to Marcelo Bielsa, who is said to hugely admire a player of Aaronson’s quality and potential.

He is not only thought to be Leeds’ only target during the January transfer window but also one that the Argentinian head coach has personally demanded.

“So, Brenden Aaronson’s the one Leeds United want. The top and only target right now. Another offer will go in,” revealed LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross earlier in the week.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Meanwhile, fellow journalist Pete O’Rourke recently told GIVEMESPORT:

“He’s the one that Bielsa really wants. He thinks he fits the profile as the type of player that can go straight into his side.”

Indeed, it’s easy to see why the 66-year-old wants to bring Aaronson to Elland Road before deadline day in a little over ten days time.

His performances in UEFA’s elite competition have been quite remarkable indeed – operating as a ‘half-winger’ in Salzburg’s 4-2-2-2 system, he ranks amongst the top 1% of midfielders for pressures (27.84 per 90) and forcing the opposition into losing possession (8.55 per 90), via FBRef.

That goes to show his immense work rate in the final third and as we know with Bielsa’s philosophy at Leeds, he likes his attackers to defend from the front with a high press.

Dubbed “ruthless” and “relentless” by his former Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin, the young “playmaker” would tick plenty of boxes for Leeds.

Aaronson would fit like a glove in the current United squad, so the fact that the Yorkshiremen won’t be able to sign him this month will come as a devastating and frustrating blow to Bielsa, who must be livid to not secure his main target.

It’s now four years since the club bagged a new midfielder and that wait could rumble on further now.

AND in other news, Bielsa could land the next David Batty in “exciting talent” as Leeds  target “big signing” this January…