All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Celtic have been urged to appoint Roy Keane as their new manager by Martin O’Neill, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Howe move collapses, Postecoglou in talks

It’s been a dramatic few days in the Hoops’ pursuit of a new manager. A deal for Eddie Howe collapsed on Friday afternoon, with budget, personal reasons and backroom staff issues all thought to be factors in a move breaking down.

Celtic then moved on to Australian Ange Postecoglou, with reports on Friday evening believing the club were close to striking a deal.

However, it seems as if owner Dermot Desmond has now had former manager O’Neill in his ear regarding a switch for Keane, who was linked with the job back in April.

The Latest: O’Neill pleads with Desmond

According to Football Insider, who have been informed by a Celtic source, Postecoglou has already held extensive negotiations over taking over from Neil Lennon.

However, the report adds that O’Neill has, in recent days, has continued to stake his claim to Desmond to consider Keane. O’Neill believes Keane could galvanise the Hoops following a dismal 2020/21 campaign.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-4/” title=”Celtic updates” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Keane or Postecoglou?

In our opinion, if it was down to Keane or Postecoglou getting the job, we’d go with the latter.

Some may say it is now the best of a bad bunch, however, Postecoglou has over 300 games of experience as a manager in three different countries, whereas Keane’s last manager role came way back in 2011.

The 55-year-old has been compared to Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa in terms of high tempo, attack-minded football, so it could prove to be a shrewd move by the Hoops.

Of course, after having weeks of talks with Howe, to then go for Postecoglou is a risk, and should it not work out, the Hoops hierarchy may have some major questions to answer.

In other news: Celtic closing in on landing a director of football, find out more here. 

Ollie Watkins has been left out of England’s EURO 2020 squad, as reported by Birmingham Mail.

Despite enjoying a fruitful debut Premier League season, Gareth Southgate has elected to go with Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Marcus Rashford as his centre-forward options [BBC].

Generally speaking, the 25-year-old can count himself extremely unlucky not to have made the final cut. Arriving from then second-tier Brentford in the summer of 2020, Watkins went on to post an outstanding 16 goals from 40 outings in all competitions [Transfermarkt], with 14 of those coming in the league.

Having diverse striking options is paramount at a major international tournament. The capability Watkins has in regard to stretching defences, working tirelessly off the ball, and sniffing out opportunities, probably should have been rewarded with a place in the 26-man roster.

As you can imagine, plenty Villa fans have taken to social media to voice their displeasure at these recent developments.

Villa fans have their say

Responding to popular Aston Villa fan outlet villareport, here is the fans evaluation of the news:

“Pain”

Credit:@liamhaddon1

“Unlucky for Ollie, usually would take 3 strikers but the versatility of Rashford as poor as he’s been solved that issue for Southgate”

Credit:@DomTheOmnic

“Been better than rashford all season”Credit:@lcvillafan”Gutted”Credit:@DanJukes17″4 RBs, mad decision Watkins and Lingard should be in, poundland manager”Credit:@5Midlands”What a joke”Credit: @sutton_s11In other news, Aston Villa fans react to an exciting Jack Grealish update.

Tottenham Hotspur’s search for a new manager has hit a frustrating stumbling block once again…

What’s the word?

According to Alasdair Gold, the North London outfit have “pulled the plug” on talks with former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte despite previous reports suggesting that the two parties had held positive talks.

Indeed, the Guardian claimed on Thursday that there was confidence in the Spurs camp that the 51-year-old would be appointed as Jose Mourinho’s successor after a tough seven-week search.

However, it seems as if the Lilywhites are now back at square one following a breakdown in discussions. Gold wrote on Twitter:

“As already stated by @Dan_KP and @Matt_Law_DT, [the] word just now coming out of Spurs that they’ve completely pulled [the] plug on talks with Conte, despite promising early discussions.

“Utter mess from Spurs really. Went in [a] completely different direction to what they were looking for initially with a very different type of manager and character and then weirdly shocked when they realised he didn’t fit their means or that profile they were looking for.

“Bizarre waste of a week or so. As I said earlier, Fabio Paratici still expected to join the club.”

Another big blow

This news will come as another devastating blow to everyone in N17 right now, and as you can see in the replies to Gold’s tweet, there are not many supporters happy with this news.

One put the brunt of the blame on the club’s ownership, the ENIC Group, claiming that “they’ve managed to destroy this club.” Another fan suggested it was “embarrassing” for Levy and the owners, with a further member of the Lilywhites faithful echoing Gold’s thoughts that it was just all one big “mess.”

It’s not the first time that Spurs have targeted a manager in this process, only for it to fall through for some reason.

Initially, RB Leipzig supremo Julian Nagelsmann was widely touted as Levy’s top target. He opted to join Bayern Munich instead, which is quite understandable.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-manager-gossip-transfer-rumours-team-and-injury-updates-and-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, manager gossip, transfer rumours, team and injury updates and more!”]

If you’re picking between the Bundesliga champions, who have a place in the Champions League, and a struggling Europa Conference League side, then there’s only one winner.

Then there was a fiasco over Brendan Rodgers. The Leicester City boss quickly ruled himself out of the running and has since gone onto clinch the FA Cup.

And of course, in recent weeks, Mauricio Pochettino had been linked with a sensational return to the club. Both parties wanted it to happen as well, according to The Athletic, but Paris Saint-Germain were never letting him go.

Therefore, this latest development is only going to anger a fanbase that is already left reeling by Levy’s decisions off the pitch.

Many have protested against the chairman and the owners following failed plans to launch a European Super League but that was merely the culmination of their serious lack of ambition.

Failing to land Conte, a nine-time major trophy winner – of which a Premier League and FA Cup feature – is further evidence that the club isn’t progressing forward but rather, going backwards.

Just as Gold says in his damning claim, it’s an “utter mess” at Spurs right now.

AND in other news, Levy heading for unforgivable Spurs mistake on 48 y/o who’s “proven himself incapable”…

Everton are considering a whole host of new managers to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the Goodison Park hot seat.

The Toffees have looked at coaches with varying experience levels but haven’t settled upon a number one target yet.

What’s the word?

An interview has taken place with Nuno Espirito Santo, while Bill Kenwright favours a move for either David Moyes or Roberto Martinez. Marcel Brands is a big fan of Graham Potter, but a new name has now emerged in the hunt for a new boss in Merseyside.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton are considering a move for former West Ham and Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Moshiri spoke to the Chilean about coming to Everton all the way back in 2016 but they are now targeting the 67-year-old again. Pellegrini has been contacted about the vacancy and is viewed as a genuine option by the club’s hierarchy.

Would he be suited to Everton?

Focus on his spell at West Ham and you’d have to consider this an abject choice for Everton in the manager market. Pellegrini guided the Hammers to a tenth-placed finish in 2018/19 but was then given the boot in December 2019 with the Irons sitting in 17th, one point above the relegation zone.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-manager-and-transfer-news-ancelotti-moshiri-fonseca-howe-moyes” title= “Read the latest Everton manager and transfer news!”]

Speaking at the time, Jason Cundy said: “I didn’t see Pellegrini as being the manager to move West Ham forward. It was a lazy appointment. I don’t think he could believe his luck that a Premier League club, and a big Premier League club like West Ham, were prepared to give him another opportunity.”

However, after a miraculous sixth-place finished with Real Betis in La Liga last season, it would appear that the veteran has his mojo back. Betis ended the 2019/20 campaign in 15th, so this was quite the turnaround in fortunes.

It’s the type of recovery that Everton require after consecutive mid-table finishes, especially as they eye European football.

Pellegrini copped a lot of flak during his time with West Ham but he’s still a fabulous manager who guided Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2013/14.

In the process, he earned praise from some of the finest players to grace the Etihad Stadium in the last decade. David Silva commented: “He’s brought a joy and a happiness around the place and also to our style of play.”

On Pellegrini’s influence, he added: “Having Manuel here has helped me personally. It’s been really good for me. He’s suited me down to the ground. My style of play is more suited to an attacking style. He’s helped me develop as a player. It’s been a good year for me. I’ve felt good in myself.”

Silva left City as one of their most decorated players, amassing 436 appearances and assisting 141 goals. If Pellegrini is good enough for the creative magician, he’s good enough for Everton.

Yaya Toure was another to wax lyrical about the former Real Madrid boss, saying: “He is a very clever manager who always backs his players. He comes and chats with you and is very open with you. Not just with me but with all the players.

“He gets the best out of the players. He knows how to get the best out of our young players too and he’s the kind of manager we have to have at this club.”

Pellegrini is meticulous and, following the departure of another wise, experienced head in Ancelotti, Everton would be wise to head down a similar route.

He knows the Premier League and has now rediscovered his magic touch back in Spain. He’s certainly an interesting candidate for the Goodison Park hierarchy.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Potter: Everton can form a scary duo by signing “exceptional” £40m beast…

Liverpool are in need of a new midfielder after seeing influential star Georginio Wijnaldum leave for free this summer, and former Liverpool ace Paul Stewart believes that Wolves’ Ruben Neves would be a good signing.

Neves has been with Wolves since they were in the Championship but it has been no surprise to see how easily he’s taken to life in the Premier League considering he was captaining Porto in the Champions League before his move to England and he could be the sort of midfielder Liverpool go for, especially at a snip of £35 million, the fee he could be available for according to The Athletic.

Wijnaldum proved himself to be one of Jurgen Klopp’s best signings during his tenure at Liverpool after arriving for £25 million from then relegated Newcastle United, and with consistently good performances and important goals like his header against Barcelona, the Dutchman certainly paid back his price tag.

Klopp will know that he must replace Wijnaldum’s energy, quality and strong mentality and Neves has proved during his time at Wolves that he has all those attributes as well as a deadly set-piece, and Stewart believes that the Portuguese international would be a great signing as he told Football FanCast:

“I think Neves has proved himself in the Premier League for me. So I think he’d be a really good signing at that price because for a player of his quality it’s nothing.”

Neves has formed a formidable partnership with Joao Moutinho over the last three seasons but with the Fosun group now willing to sell Neves so Bruno Lage has more funds to spend in the transfer window, it could be the end of the road for the 24-year old at Molineux.

Liverpool have held an interest in Neves for a number of years now and with his price now very affordable, Klopp could see this as the perfect time to strike a great deal for a superb technician on the ball.

Transfer insider Gianluigi Longari has dropped a worrying update on Rangers star Glen Kamara’s future at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Kamara impressing

Kamara has come off the back of a very successful 2020/21 season at Ibrox, playing in no fewer than 28 games in total in the Scottish Premiership to help them snatch the title off of the hands of Celtic.

Now representing Finland at Euro 2020, he will certainly have a spotlight on him amid the summer transfer window.

The Latest: Watford eye Kamara

According to Longari, who covers transfers for Sportitalia TV, Premier League newcomers Watford are currently in ‘ongoing dialogues’ with the Glasgow club over the potential signing of Kamara.

Their main focus is Seko Fofana of Lens, but Kamara is clearly still a target for the Hornets.

The Verdict: Only sell for right price

Given that Watford will now enjoy the riches of the Premier League, Steven Gerrard’s men could demand a huge fee if they were willing to let Kamara go.

At 25 years of age, and bearing in mind that they bought him for a mere £50,000 from Dundee FC back in January 2019, there is potential to yield a massive profit from a sale.

Yes, Kamara is clearly very important for the Gers – former Ibrox star now pundit Alan Hutton rightfully labelled him as ‘outstanding’ for his efforts this season.

That said, the club may never get another chance to cash in big if the midfielder enjoys an impressive Euro 2020 campaign.

In other news, find out what big blow RFC have been dealt in their pursuit of this ‘dangerous’ ace here!

An exciting claim has emerged on Arsenal’s pursuit of Ben White this week…

What’s the word?

According to Goal.com reporter Charles Watts, the Gunners’ interest in the Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back is very much genuine, as he recently revealed during a fan Q&A session on his YouTube channel.

He said:

“Arsenal are certainly very interested in Ben White, they’re very serious when it comes to trying to sign him.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they get it over the line but they’ve got to meet Brighton’s demands, and Brighton are in a very strong position when it comes to selling Ben White. He’s got a long-term contract, he’s young, he’s an England International, they’re not going to let him go on the cheap.

“So if Arsenal really want to get this done, then they’re going to have to come to some sort of compromise or just pay the asking price.”

Exciting news

Arsenal were first linked to the 23-year-old England international a week ago, when The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed the North London outfit had a £40m bid knocked back by the Seagulls.

But the fact that the club is actively pursuing the centre-back is hugely encouraging and should delight much of the Emirates faithful, who are very eager to see him make the move from the south coast.

Understandably so, too.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has lost the services of David Luiz this off-season, so there’s certainly a position that needs filling and White is a strong candidate after an impressive breakthrough campaign in the Premier League.

He is able to slot in anywhere along the backline and even in defensive midfield due to his astute composure on the ball, something which has seen him rated as the second-best ball-playing defender under Graham Potter, having averaged a passing accuracy of 83.2% throughout the 2020/21 season.

Furthermore, averages of 1.4 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 1.4 aerial duels won per game, via WhoScored, prove that he’s not just an orchestrator at the back but rather an all-round beast.

It’s no wonder he’s been lauded as a “warrior” and a “special talent” and of course, it makes it clear to see why so many, including Arteta, wants him at the club.

Arsenal only have to stump up another £10m to land him, so it could only be a matter of time before the Gunners cave into the demands, especially with several Premier League rivals also keen on him.

To add further encouragement over a potential deal, football.london have claimed that the North London giants remain in talks with Brighton as they ‘close in on him.’

This all will come as very pleasing news to those in N7.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Saka: Arsenal can strike gold in bargain swoop for “remarkable” beast…

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a loan move for William Saliba in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Saliba future unclear

As per Sky Sports, Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Ben White from Brighton and Hove Albion, leaving the future of Saliba very much unclear.

The central defender spent the 2020/21 season on loan at OGC Nice, but with White potentially coming to the Emirates Stadium for big money, it certainly casts doubt over how much game time he would be allowed.

The Latest: Saliba loan?

According to the Daily Mail, the St. James’ Park faithful are eyeing a potential loan move for Saliba, as they monitor his situation at the Gunners.

They are said to be keeping tabs on the Frenchman, although their transfer business is on hold at present as Mike Ashley continues to discuss the proposed takeover in the North East from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The Verdict: Sign

Bought for a hefty £27m in July 2019 despite only being a teenager, Mikel Arteta’s team clearly saw a lot of potential in Saliba, and the Magpies could certainly take advantage by furthering his development.

He has no shortage of admirers, none more so than former Tyneside club stars Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Debuchy, have both sung his praises in the past (Ligue 1 podcast).

Saliba was a regular starter in Ligue 1 last term, and certainly showed just how talented he is already despite being 20 years of age, winning no fewer than 3.5 of his duels a game while also averaging four clearances and 1.3 interceptions per match (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, he would certainly be another good option to have for Steve Bruce.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ NUFC transfer claim has been dropped here!

Lots of Everton fans have been left to react as some footage emerged involving Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

As shared by Toffee TV on Twitter, Gareth Southgate hugs and congratulates a number of England players on the touchline after their 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley Stadium in their last 16 tie on Tuesday evening.

However, as Calvert-Lewin goes to try and get his attention, the Three Lions manager appears to ignore him.

The Merseyside club striker was controversially left out of Southgate’s 23-man squad in what was one of the biggest games in England’s history, and so some members of the Goodison Park faithful have associated this with the manager appearing to ignore him on the touchline.

Of course, Southgate could have purely missed him unintentionally, but the footage did not go down well with some Toffees supporters.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin footage

These Blues fans gave their reactions after the footage was shared on Twitter:

“I know thought the same why would you do that where everyone can see didn’t think Southgate was like that”

Credit: @annmckenzie67

“Can’t stand Southgate time for Dom to go on holiday”

Credit: @richythepigeon

“My little heart”

Credit: @rhysdav43668344

“Everyone except Calvert????”Credit: @footballstocks1″Yea hilarious to ignore a young lad who just wants to play for his country”Credit: @ianspeny”Poor that from the gaffer to embarrass a player on nation TV”Credit: @MrBasheIn other news, find out which Champions League giants want to sign this EFC star here!

Graham Roberts would rather see Tottenham Hotspur beef up their defence by signing Milan Skriniar than paying £50million for Ben White, a reported target.

Spurs are looking for defensive reinforcements after an underwhelming campaign which saw them finish seventh in the Premier League standings and make do with sealing a place in the Europa Conference League instead of meeting their pre-season target of returning to the UEFA Champions League.

Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed as Jose Mourinho’s eventual successor last week, having seen Ryan Mason take interim charge following the Portuguese’s sacking in April, and one of his priorities is improving Spurs’ defensive record.

White, who notched 39 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion last season, is in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020 and made his international debut in the pre-tournament friendly win over Austria last month.

Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal have also been heavily linked with the 23-year-old, with the Gunners seeing two bids knocked back by Brighton, who could cost £50m.

But Spurs legend Roberts feels Slovakia international defender Skriniar, who starred as Inter won the Serie A title last term, should be at the forefront of Nuno’s mind instead of White.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Roberts said: “Why would you pay £50million for a youngster who has had one season in the Premier League when you can go and get Skriniar for £45million?

“Skriniar has played in the top league in Italy and Europe. He’s in the Slovakia team as well. I don’t get going for White over Skriniar.”