All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Glasgow Rangers face somewhat of a contract dilemma at Ibrox over a few players as January looms into view. The likes of Alfredo Morelos, Filip Helander, and Ryan Jack are all in the last year of their current contracts and Giovanni van Bronckhorst won’t want any of them to leave for free.

One of the club’s biggest assets, Ryan Kent, is also in the last year of his current deal and with rumours linking him to Aston Villa, he could be on the move.

Furthermore, Football Insider have claimed that the winger has rejected a big money deal at Ibrox and all the signs are looking very ominous regarding his future.

The Dutchman will be looking at potential replacements for the Englishman, and the club appears to have been scouting a young talent who could well be Kent’s ideal heir.

Rangers have scouted Mohamed Daramy

The Ibrox side were one of 39 clubs who were scouting the recent Denmark vs Croatia U21 match, alongside European heavyweights such as Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

According to the Daily Record, the scouts could well have been eyeing up Danish winger Daramy – who worked under current assistant manager Dave Vos at Ajax – with the connection certainly hinting at a potential swoop.

Daramy began his career at FC Copenhagen before joining Ajax in the summer of 2021, signing a five-year contract.

He impressed last season, scoring three goals and grabbing three assists in just 16 senior matches for the eventual champions before sealing a loan move back to his former club at the beginning of the current campaign.

One goal in seven league appearances for the Danish side is a decent enough return and his stats show that he could be a solid replacement for Kent.

In fact, the youngster already has a greater goal conversion rate than Kent this season (10% to 7%) while also having more shots on target per game (0.9 to 0.3), proving he can be an important goal threat for his team.

Daramy has also completed more successful dribbles per match (1.9) than the Rangers winger so far (1.7) and has lost possession on average 11.7 times per match, less than Kent’s 13.7 as the Denmark international displays a growing maturity.

Tom Maston described a goal he scored against Turkey U21s last year as “stunning” while he also dubbed Daramy the “flying winger” following his move to Ajax last summer.

Van Bronckhorst will be aiming to bring in a high-profile replacement for Kent, but by signing Daramy, he could get someone who is young, eager to impress, and who may earn the club a fortune a few years down the line.

Sheffield Wednesday face one of their toughest tests of the League One season so far this evening as they travel to face Plymouth Argyle away from home.

Fortunately, they may well receive a timely injury boost to aid their chances of a result.

What’s the word?

Moore will be feeling a lot more confident about picking up all three points at Home Park on Tuesday night after receiving a significant injury boost this week, with three players in contention to return for the top-of-the-table clash.

Moore said: “There’s George and Lee, but there’s also the recovery of Mark McGuinness as well… So those are the ones that we’ll have a look at on Monday, and we’ll see where the trio are at.

“But we certainly hope that, if they’re not fit for Tuesday, then they will be for the Cheltenham game… Unless there are any hiccups at the last minute.“That’s part and parcel of it, as you know. We’ve had to rejig the pack, but credit to the players who have carried on with the same mentality.”Moore should be delightedThe Pilgrims are currently top of the third tier and have a 100% home record, so the Owls will have to be on top form if they are going to bring three points back to Hillsborough. However, if the aforementioned names do make it into the squad or even the starting XI, it will significantly boost their hopes of leaving the west country with all three points in tow.Darren Moore’s side have impressed on the road so far this season, winning four of their five matches away from Hillsborough, including a hard-fought 1-0 win over Port Vale last time out. That record could improve further, especially with the help of George Byers.He has been statistically Sheffield Wednesday’s third-best performer in the league this season, with WhoScored awarding him an average rating of 7.11 after three goals in his first nine appearances, so it is undoubtedly a boost that he is nearly fully fit. No other player in the Owls squad has more goals than him this term, with Josh Windass matching him with three apiece.Mark McGuinness has also looked very impressive in his four outings this season, averaging a 7.09 rating from WhoScored, which ranks him as the fourth-best performer, so it would not be a surprise to see Moore call on him for Tuesday night’s six-pointer. Indeed, only Ben Heneghan has won more aerial duels than his 3.5 per game this term, demonstrating his importance to Moore’s backline.Finally, Lee Gregory has been a key fixture in Sheffield Wednesday’s squad this season, starting seven games in the league. Thus, it would certainly be a big advantage for the Owls boss should these three players return just in time for arguably the most important game of the season so far.

Aston Villa managed to continue their unbeaten run last night on the road at Nottingham Forest but will feel somewhat aggrieved that they could not find a winner against a side wallowing in 19th.

Depending on how you view their results, it actually marks just one win in their last seven now, and Steven Gerrard will certainly be feeling the pressure.

In what was a feisty affair, few stood out in a game that never really seemed to find its rhythm.

Despite dominating 61% of the ball, the Villans managed just two shots on target. One of which was Ashley Young’s scorching equaliser. The full-back impressed and would have been the standout player for the visitors if not for Emiliano Buendia.

The Argentine was one of few who continued to pry at the Forest defence, and his workmanlike yet classy performance was clearly noticed by SofaScore, who gave him a 7.5 rating for the game. This was only beaten by the extra 0.1 handed to the goal scorer.

Compared to his team’s average of 6.83, it further outlines him as one of the star players of the game.

Having been handed his first start since August, his desperation to have the ball was outlined in his 66 touches. However, he was not wasteful with it.

He was 100% accurate with his long balls and even gave two key passes, showing how creative he was throughout.

However, it was his defensive display which will have impressed his manager even more.

To combine such talent with an attitude like Buendia’s suggests that he has all the tools to become a really outstanding talent in the Premier League.

He was involved in a mammoth 13 ground duels, of which he managed to win nine. For a winger, the 25-year-old did not shirk his defensive duties to help out Matty Cash, who was returning from injury.

His five tackles further compound his all-around display, which could only have been capped off had he scored or assisted the winner.

Pundit Jack Collins noted back in January of this year about the “stunning performances” he had been putting in. It seems that if he is given a run now, with displays such as this, he certainly could recapture that form.

Although his side were not at their best, Gerrard can at least look to Buendia as the shining light for his side on another disappointing night.

Glasgow Rangers are set to compete for a place in the semi-finals of the League Cup tonight as they host Dundee FC at Ibrox under the lights.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst was appointed as the Light Blues’ manager after the team had been knocked out of the competition by Hibernian, thanks to a hat-trick from Martin Boyle, last season and he now has the chance to win the trophy this term.

The Dutch head coach led his team to the final of the Europa League and won the SFA Cup in the 2021/22 campaign, which shows that he has a knack for managing in knockout matches.

Rangers come up against Championship side Dundee FC and the manager may look to rotate his side in order to avoid burnout whilst handing opportunities to players on the fringes of the squad, given that the match is against lower-league opposition.

One player who must finally be unleashed from the start is academy central midfielder Charlie McCann. Malik Tillman, who scored a wonder goal against Motherwell at the weekend, should be rested for this game – ahead of Premiership and Champions League clashes – and the Northern Ireland international should come in to replace him.

The former Manchester United man has not started a game since the 2-1 win over Dundee United on the 17th of September and was an unused substitute in the recent success over Motherwell.

He played 14 minutes off the bench in the last round of the League Cup against Queen of the South and picked up an assist in the 3-1 win, which provides an insight into the quality he can provide from midfield.

During pre-season, journalist Josh Bunting heaped praise on the youngster by Tweeting: “Charlie McCann is a quality player for Rangers, a real natural number 8 who must be knocking on the first team door. His goal today was stunning but his all round play is very sharp. Has a nice pass selection, always wants to get on the ball and make something happen.”

He has made plenty of things happen since the start of the competitive season as he has racked up two assists in eight appearances for Rangers at youth and senior level, including three goals in four Lowland League outings.

The 20-year-old dynamo has the ability to provide a spark in the final third by bursting forward from a central midfield position to score a goal or create a chance, much like Tillman did against Motherwell on Sunday.

Therefore, van Bronckhorst must finally unleash the youngster from the start to see if he can stake a claim for a regular place in the team moving forward, as he has the potential to develop into a top player if he can regularly contribute with goals and assists for the first-team.

Aston Villa managerial target Ruben Amorim is unlikely to take the job and could decide to stay put at Sporting CP instead, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Amorim strongly linked with Villa job

In recent days, the 37-year-old has emerged as a strong contender to take over from Steven Gerrard, following his departure on Thursday evening.

Amorim has impressed greatly at Sporting since becoming manager in 2020, winning one Primeira Liga title, one  Portuguese Super Cup and three Portuguese League Cups (one with Braga).

Now, a negative update has emerged, however, suggesting that Villa may have to look elsewhere for their new boss.

The Latest: Romano provides negative update

Writing for Caught Offside, Romano revealed that Amorim is unlikely to head to Villa Park:

“Ruben Amorim also looks unlikely as he’s tempted to stay at Sporting and keep going with current project.

“Aston Villa are exploring the managers market, we should have more of an idea about who they go for next week. Personally, I think Amorim was a fantastic idea as he’s a potential top manager for present and future, but Sporting have no intention to let him go.”

The Verdict: Big blow for Villans

Considering Amorim has looked like one of the two main candidates to take charge at Villa, this update has to be seen as a big blow.

He is an exciting young manager who is winning trophies and making waves at Sporting, so he could have brought his ideas to this Villans squad and made big difference.

There is still time for Amorim to have a change of heart, however, but if Villa do miss out on him, they would be wise to turn their attention to Brentford manager Thomas Frank instead, given the job he is doing in west London.

Crystal Palace are set to take another Real Salt Lake goalkeeper on trial in Gavin Beavers.

The Lowdown: Palace scouring MLS market

Reports last week name-checked Palace with an interest in Fernando Delgado, another stopper from the MLS club. The Eagles were set to take the Mexico under-17 international on trial between 3rd and 19th November, with the youngster looking to earn a contract with Palace.

It looks as if Delgado will be joined in south London by a Real Salt Lakr team-mate in Beavers, who at 6 foot 4 is a towering figure for his tender age.

The Latest: Trials confirmed

Real Salt Lake confirmed on their official website on Monday evening that Delgado is heading to Palace for a trial.

The MLS club added that Beavers will follow suit in regards to travelling to London for the same purpose, with Real Monarchs goalkeeper coach Mirza Harambasic accompanying the young duo.

The Verdict: One to watch

You’d expect that Delgado and Beavers will both be looking to impress Palace chiefs and potentially earn a deal at Selhurst Park, so the pair could be names to keep an eye on over the course of the month.

Beavers is older than the Mexican and has more experience for Real Monarchs, a third-tier side in the USA and the reserve team for Real Salt Lake, making 17 appearances compared to Delgado’s two.

Therefore, he could stand a better chance of earning a contract with Palace, and it’s good to see that the Eagles are always on the lookout to bolster their academy ranks.

Leeds United are still thought to be eyeing a move for Club Brugge forward Noa Lang.

The Lowdown: Lang links

The Whites were first heavily linked with a move for Lang last year, and speculation regarding the Netherlands international has continued heading into 2023.

The 23-year-old remains a Club Brugge player but has failed to hit the heights of last season, contributing to just four goals in 11 games.

However, it seems as if Andrea Radrizzani, 49ers Enterprises and Victor Orta are still open to a transfer, with Leeds having their own struggles in front of goal in the Premier League.

The Latest: Leeds still keen

Sports Witness relayed an update from Voetbal Niuews regarding Lang on Wednesday.

They claimed that Leeds ‘remain on the scene’ and are looking to get a deal over the line in future, with Club Brugge still hoping to ‘hit the jackpot’ despite Lang’s struggles this season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-9/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: January move?

Lang has netted 33 senior goals for club and country during his career and can play in a variety of attacking roles.

He has mainly played as a left-winger, so Leeds may see Lang as the marquee signing they need to help them avoid the drop in the second half of the season.

It will most likely be one that continues to be spoken about heading into the New Year, and who knows, January may well be the time Leeds finally secure Lang’s services.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is keen on bringing in Nicolas Jackson from his former club Villarreal, according to a fresh transfer report.

The Lowdown: Jackson shines for Villarreal

The 50-year-old has left the Yellow Submarine to take charge at Villa Park, with the Spaniard tasked with picking up the pieces left by his predecessor Steven Gerrard.

While there is a decent squad in the Midlands, it still seems likely that the new boss will want to bring in fresh faces who could suit his style of play.

It looks as though he plans to go straight back to his former club in that respect, following a recent report.

The Latest: Emery wants Jackson at Villa

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Emery has ‘instructed his new club to move quickly and try to sign’ Jackson.

The 21-year-old’s current Villarreal deal expires at the end of this season, so they could be keen to earn some kind of fee for him in the January transfer window. He is thought to have a £27m release clause.

The Verdict: Exciting option

The fact that Emery knows Jackson inside-out as a player can only bode well, in terms of being an expert on his qualities, and the 21-year-old’s numbers certainly speak for themselves.

The Senegalese winger has two goals and two assists to his name in La Liga this season and he could be a fresh new option in a central attacking role, with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings not setting the world alight so far in 2022/23.

At 21, Jackson is still very much a work in progress, so he should be viewed as an exciting prospective long-term addition who could mature into a formidable prospect under his former manager if Emery brings him to Villa Park.

Arsenal full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to be fit enough to be named in Japan’s 2022 World Cup squad, according to journalist Simon Collings.

The Lowdown: Injury-plagued season

While the Gunners are flying this season, the 24-year-old has suffered a frustrating campaign so far due to various fitness problems.

Tomiyasu has been reduced to just four starts in the Premier League, with Ben White nailing down the right-back position and further hampering his playing time.

There may have been doubts about the defender going to the World Cup with Japan due to his injury woes and lack of club action, but a positive update has now emerged for the 24-year-old.

The Latest: Tomiyasu fit for World Cup

Taking on Twitter on Tuesday in sharing a corresponding article for The Evening Standard, Collings claimed that Tomiyasu is set to be named in his country’s squad for the tournament.

He tweeted:

“Optimism that Tomiyasu will go to the World Cup with Japan following initial assessment. Japan coaching staff already flown out to Qatar and staying in contact with Arsenal.”

The Verdict: Great news for TomiyasuWhile from a selfish point of view some Arsenal fans may have wanted Tomiyasu to be wrapped in cotton wool during the World Cup, this is great news for the player himself.Footballers dream of representing their country in the world’s biggest tournament and the Gunners titan will be no different, having been hailed as ‘dominant’ by Martin Keown.It is also a great chance for Tomiyasu to prove his fitness over a busy schedule, with his availability set to be vital to Arsenal as the season intensifies after Christmas, when Mikel Arteta’s side may well be balancing Europa League commitments and possibly a Premier League title charge.

Leeds United right-back Cody Drameh is attracting increasing interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian transfer insider revealing in a recent post on Twitter that Borussia Dortmund, LOSC Lille and Bayer Leverkusen have now joined Newcastle United in the race to sign the Whites’ 20-year-old right-back this winter.

Regarding the future of the England U21 international, the journalist said: “Cody Drameh, attracting interest as many clubs are keen on signing him in January from Leeds. Borussia Dortmund, Lille and Bayer Leverkusen alongside Newcastle are following the English right back as talent for the future.”

Big mistake

While it is true that, at present, both Rasmus Kristensen and Luke Ayling are ahead of Drameh in Jesse Marsch’s right-back pecking order, considering just how much potential the 20-year-old possesses, in addition to Ayling turning 32 years of age early next year, the argument that selling the youngster this winter would be a big mistake is an easy one to make.

Indeed, the £2.2m-rated talent highly impressed during a short-term loan spell with Cardiff City last season, helping the Bluebirds keep six clean sheets over his 22 Championship appearances, as well as making an average of 3.8 tackles – the most of any player in the division – one interception, 2.0 clearances and winning 6.9 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per game.

The £4.4k-per-week full-back also impressed going forwards, providing his teammates with three assists and creating four big chances, in addition to making an average of 0.6 key passes, playing 1.4 long balls and completing 1.1 dribbles per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Michael Skubala claimed goes “under the radar” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Cardiff’s fourth-best player in the second tier of English football last time out.

Furthermore, the England youth international has also stood out for Leeds’ U21 side in the current campaign, scoring one goal and registering three assists over his 7.03 over his three appearances in the Papa John’s Trophy.

As such, it is easy to see why Manchester Evening News journalist and self-confessed Leeds supporter, Conor McGilligan, suggested that, following Romano’s update, Marsch needs to start selecting Drameh in his starting XI, stating:

“Should be Drameh and [Kristensen] fighting out for the [right-back] spot. If you need any more convincing, just look at the calibre of clubs in for him. Instead (with respect) Bill is still featuring ahead of Cody. It’s 2022 – we need to evolve.”

It is difficult to disagree with this opinion, while it is also not difficult to see that selling Drameh would be an incredibly short-sighted decision by the Whites, as Drameh has more than proven he is worthy of a chance in Marsch’s first team this season.