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.

Aston Villa could be about to sign their own version of Gonzalo Higuain after they were linked with a move for River Plate striker Julian Alvarez.

The 21-year-old Argentine striker has been on fire this season, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in 20 appearances in the Argentine top flight to push them to the top of the table after 24 games.

His fine form has seen him likened to Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo in the past, but it’s his former teammate Higuain who has been singing the praises of the young striker.

Both Alvarez and Higuain came through the famed River Plate academy and the former Chelsea loanee has revealed that he sees a lot of himself in the striker who has so far earned five caps for the Argentina national team.

Speaking to ESPN Higuain declared: “He is the best striker that River Plate has. He has scored 20 goals and half of Europe wants him.

“I saw how he moves, how he uses both feet. I see him similar to me in terms of his hunger, the desire to make it, the desire to learn.

“I love him in every way, how he plays, his humility… it makes me very happy that he is doing well.”

Combine that with his goal record and it’s there is every reason to believe that he could become as devastating as Higuain was in his career. After all, he’s also been compared to some other great South American strikers. River manager Marcelo Gallardo once said: “He is constantly hungry and I see that in players like Suarez, Cavani and Julián Alvarez.”

The forward has a €2om (£17m) release clause in his contract with the Argentine giants but they are hopeful of tying him down to a long-term contract.

Aston Villa currently have both Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins as central striker options, but with Ings turning 30 later this season there is no harm in looking ahead to the future. Watkins has been fielded on the wing at times this season and like Alvarez, became a striker after initially breaking through on the flanks.

It would also take the pressure off those two in front of goal and would allow Gerrard to be more flexible tactically, possibly playing two up front on occasion and still having a spare forward for the bench. The options in the squad will allow Alvarez plenty of time to adapt and bed in without too much pressure, while also bolstering the squad and adding firepower to a team that has only managed 21 goals in 15 games so far this season.

AND in other news, Aston Villa not regretting decision to reject £110k p/w “liability” last summer.

Ross Wilson sealed a masterclass when he signed central defender Leon Balogun for Rangers in the summer of 2020.

He arrived at Ibrox on a free transfer from English side Wigan, having previously been at Brighton, and has made 46 appearances for the club to date.

The Gers paid £0 in transfers fees for the experienced defender and it is safe to say that he has been well worth snapping him. He is reportedly on £14k-per-week in wages, which meant that the Gers paid him £728k for his first season at Ibrox and they got incredible value out of him for that price.

Balogun played 19 times in the Premiership for the Gers last season and was outstanding at centre-back. He averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.13 as he won 61% of his duels – winning 95 in total – and made 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game for the club.

This shows that he was able to turn in consistently excellent performances at the back, winning a high percentage of his battles on the pitch and regularly winning the ball back for his side. Rangers ended up securing the title and his displays at the back played a role in that.

Earlier this year, former Gers boss Steven Gerrard lauded him as an important player when discussing his injury situation. He told The Herald:

“We are hoping it is a little bit of tightness and we will know in the next 24 hours. I will certainly be praying tonight. He felt something in his hamstring. That’s what he came off with, but he wasn’t sure if he felt something or whether it was a bit of tightness.

“We will work that out in the next 24 hours and hopefully he will pull through because he is important for us. I thought his performance was top tonight as well.”

So far this term, he has averaged a score of 7.05 across 11 league starts. He has won 64% of his duels – winning 85 in total – and made 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game. The defender has been able to carry on his form from last season and show that he is able to continue to be a key member of the squad moving forward.

In total, the 6 foot 2 colossus has won 180 duels and made 81 tackles and interceptions in 30 Premiership appearances for Rangers since his move. He has been phenomenal at the back and these statistics highlight just how impressive he has been for the Ibrox giants.

Hopefully, he will be able to continue to impress under Gio van Bronckhorst’s reign and further prove why Wilson pulled off a masterclass by bringing him to Glasgow.

To sign a player of his quality without paying a penny in transfer fees is worthy of applause and the Gers chief should be proud of his work in this instance.

AND in other news, “A target…” – Journo delivers big Rangers transfer update that’ll scare fans…

Many Wolves fans have been left flocking to some transfer news that has emerged on Willy Boly.

As per The Daily Mail, the Midlands club are now willing to listen to offers for the central defender in the January transfer window, as he has reportedly falling down the pecking order under Bruno Lage.

He has been left on the bench on injuries, and with the likes of Conor Coady and Romain Saiss to call upon, it may be time for him to leave.

However, he has been a great servant at Molineux, being a mainstay in the Championship-winning campaign and then in the Premier League, and so some WWFC supporters are understandably reluctant to let him go.

Wolves fans on Boly transfer news

These Wanderers flocked to the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it would be ‘extremely sad’:

“Seen it all now”

Credit: @xReecexx

“NOOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @BekiWolves1877

“Don’t”

Credit: @Millennewell

“Made a massive difference for us when he arrived, I’d be sad to see him go”

Credit: @Wolfy1223754986

“Pain”

Credit: @wwfc_adam

“Would be an extremely sad way for an important player for Wolves over the last few years to leave.”

Credit: @David_gill14

In other news, find out what potential swap deal has Wanderers buzzing here!

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 key claim has been made on Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst ahead of the January transfer window as he aims to improve his squad at Ibrox.

What’s the talk?

Journalist Stuart Hodge has claimed that Joey Veerman could be one of the players the Dutch head coach looks to in January as he backs him to shop in markets he is familiar with.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“In terms of where van Bronckhorst will look to strengthen his squad, you can maybe stick the Netherlands and Belgium together in that regard.

“Van Bronckhorst will know those markets and he will know the players he wants. Joey could be one of those.”

Axe dud

The signing of Veerman, or another midfielder from Belgium or the Netherlands, could allow the 46-year-old to finally axe Steven Davis from the club. His contract is up at the end of the season and bringing in another player in his position could result in him being jettisoned from the squad altogether.

Rangers could either cash in on him in January, if any clubs want to bring him in, or simply keep him around before letting his deal expire next summer. Van Bronckhorst would not have to worry about losing depth in the middle of the park as Veerman would take up his space in the team and mean that the veteran is not overly missed at Ibrox beyond sentimental reasons.

Former Gers boss Steven Gerrard was a fan of the midfielder, saying earlier this season: “Steven embodies professionalism and continues to set the standards required to be a Rangers player. He has been instrumental this year, playing a key role in our league success. Steven is low-maintenance and has much more to give our team, not only for the rest of this season but beyond.”

Acclaim has also come from pundit Noel Whelan this term who went as far as to describe the former Southampton midfielder as a “Rangers legend.”

Howvever, van Bronckhorst has only handed him minutes in three of his eight matches so far, starting against Sparta Prague and Livingston and coming off the bench against Lyon. This suggests that he does not see the Nothern Ireland international as a regular starter, which could open the door to him leaving at the end of his contract.

Hodge’s suggestion that Veerman may be in a target in January could be the final nail in the coffin for Davis, with the Heerenveen gem potentially coming in as his replacement.

Dubbed “perfect” by former Gers man Michael Mols, it’s clear to see why the £3.1k-per-week midfielder could result in the 36-year-old Gers dud being axed.

AND in other news,  GVB set for major Rangers boost “this week”, fans will surely be buzzing…

Aston Villa coach Michael Beale has spoken to Charlton Athletic over the club’s managerial vacancy, it has been revealed.

The lowdown

New Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard brought Beale, part of his coaching staff at Rangers, to the Midlands.

It’s not the first time there’s been interest from a Football League Club this autumn.

Beale was a contender to replace Mick McCarthy at Cardiff City earlier this month, but the Bluebirds went with Steve Morrison in the end.

The former Liverpool Under-23 boss certainly isn’t short on admirers, with former Villan Stiliyan Petrov hailing him as an ‘incredible coach’ and a ‘powerful communicator’.

The latest

Speaking to London News Online, Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard confirmed that there has been discussions with Beale.

But while he’s of course impressed with the 41-year-old’s CV, he suggested that he would be a less ‘ambitious’ appointment than some other of their candidates.

“He has a fantastic track record, especially on the supporting side. Of course we talked to Michael.

“We’ve also been a little more ambitious than that, in terms of the level of managers we’ve been reaching for.”

The verdict

After approaches from Cardiff and Charlton in relatively quick succession, Villa might be bracing themselves for further interest, as it certainly seems like a lower-league hot-seat is the next logical step in his coaching career.

And it would be a big blow if Beale was lured away, with one former Rangers player describing the ‘amazing’ coach as ‘the brains’ behind Gerrard’s success.

Encouragingly for Villa fans, though, Cardiff ultimately looked elsewhere, and Charlton appear to have reservations about his lack of experience too. Even though he’s earned a great deal of respect, perhaps he’s not thought to be totally ready to be the main man just yet.

In other news, fans react to Gerrard’s Tyrone Mings assessment.

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…

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…

Selling Matty Cash to Atletico Madrid could allow Aston Villa to sign Philippe Coutinho permanently, transfer insider Dean Jones says. 

The lowdown

Fabrizio Romano revealed in February that Atletico are ‘seriously interested’ in signing Villa right-back Cash, who’s scored three goals and provided four assists this season.

‘Direct contacts’ took place between the two clubs during the January transfer window, he said, and Cash remains on the reigning Spanish champions’ list.

Coutinho, meanwhile, is currently on loan at Villa Park from Atletico’s La Liga rivals Barcelona.

Villa will have the option to buy the Brazilian in the summer, but it will cost them £33million.

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said it would be a ‘shame’ for Villa to see Cash go but thinks it could prove to be a ‘win-win’ for all parties if Villa put the funds to good use.

“It’d be a shame to lose Matty Cash, but you can understand why he might also be interested in that move,” he said.

“And if it allowed Villa to bring in Coutinho on a permanent basis, then it’s a win-win for everyone.”

The verdict

It’s somewhat surprising to hear that Villa may need to sell to buy.

After all, they have one of the highest net spends in Europe over the last decade, eclipsing the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich – perhaps that’s finally beginning to catch up with them.

In addition to Coutinho, Villa are also said to be intent on signing Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United in a deal that could cost them a whopping £60million.

The sale of Cash, an ‘outstanding’ player in the words of former Villa boss Tim Sherwood, could cover around a third of that sum if his £19.8million Transfermarkt valuation proves to be accurate.

In other news, Gregg Evans celebrated this Villa development.