All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Newcastle United have held talks with Liverpool youngster Remi Savage, Chronicle Live correspondent Lee Ryder has confirmed.

The lowdown

Savage, 19, is predominantly a centre-back but can also play on the left of a four.

He made 19 appearances for Reds’ Under-23s in Premier League 2 last season, helping them to a seventh-place finish.

The Liverpool-born defender also has an FA Youth Cup triumph on his CV, having won the competition in 2019.

Savage’s contract is due to expire this month, but he’s been given the opportunity to extend his stay.

Barry Lewtas, who’s overseen Savage at both Under-18 and Under-23 level, hailed him as ‘excellent’ and picked out his ability to head the ball as well as ‘marshall the backline’, implying the youngster has the makings of a real leader at the back.

The latest

Ryder delivered a positive update, with ‘NUFC sources confirming’ that discussions have taken place with the out-of-contract teenager.

The Magpies have rivalled Liverpool by presenting him with a three-year deal, and the move could be confirmed ‘soon’.

According to a separate report from The Athletic, Newcastle will have to pay compensation of around £250,000 to the Reds if they make the signing.

The verdict

This is an intelligent move from Newcastle. Savage is clearly a very talented youngster, hence his significant involvement for Liverpool’s Under-23s and the club’s desire to keep him.

On top of that, they’ll only have to pay a very small fee, one which could easily be seen as a bargain a few years down the line, even if they end up selling him on for profit.

You’d expect Savage to remain at Under-23 level for the moment, but don’t be surprised to see him handed one or two cup run-outs for the senior team in 2021/22 if he hits the ground running.

Indeed, Newcastle will surely have offered him a clearer and swifter path to first-team football than Liverpool could.

In other news, Ryder also dropped this intriguing insight on the takeover case.

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte.

What’s the talk?

In a recent video posted on YouTube, the football.london journalist revealed that, despite recent reports claiming that Conte would be interested in taking over from Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain this summer, people close to the 52-year-old have claimed that there is nothing to these rumours.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-levy-conte-paratici-thfc” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Regarding the Italian’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Gold said: “We should also talk about Conte and PSG. Reports coming out from one French outlet say that Conte dreams of managing PSG. Look, I’ve spoken to a few people around Conte, and they say it’s not true… his people claim there is nothing to it.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering the extremely impressive job Conte has done since taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo in the Tottenham dugout back in November, the news that the 52-year-old is not currently planning on leaving the club for PSG this summer is sure to have left the Spurs faithful buzzing.

Indeed, while there have been a number of Premier League fixtures against Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February – it is undeniable that Conte has improved Spurs’ performances on the pitch.

Indeed, having won 13, drawn four and lost six of his eighth in the top flight standings to fifth – just two points behind Arsenal, who currently occupy the last Champions League spot in fourth.

And, with Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy having already committed the best part of £60m on the signings of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in the January transfer window – both of whom are very much Conte-type players – it would appear likely that the former Inter Milan boss will receive the backing of the Spurs hierarchy once again this summer.

As such, it is clear to see that Gold’s suggestion the club can plan for 2022/23 with the Italian overseeing operations is undoubtedly fantastic news for all involved with Tottenham, as the prospect of Conte having a summer transfer window and a full pre-season to work with his Spurs side would appear to bode extremely well for the club’s chances of success next time out.

AND in other news: Paratici can seal Conte’s dream signing as Spurs plot bid for “stunning” £60m “baller”

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith must avoid risking another Carney Chukwuemeka nightmare with fellow academy starlet Louie Barry.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Bayern Munich are leading the race to sign Chukwuemeka this summer, and it has now emerged that the youngster is keen on leaving Villa Park because of “broken promises”.

With Barry also knocking on the door for a first team chance, having played in the FA Cup four months ago, Smith must ensure that Villa don’t face the prospect of losing another one of their brightest young talents.

Villa fans would be livid

Former Villa ace Lee Hendrie has already revealed his disappointment and frustration at seeing Barry remain on the sidelines, exclusively telling Football FanCast: “I’m really disappointed that he hasn’t featured, not even really on the bench since that Liverpool game with the fabulous goal that he scored. He reminds me of a young Michael Owen in the fact that he’s very slight, small, but he’s very quick, and I’m surprised that he hasn’t been given a bit more of a chance since that game.

“I just feel that he should now be getting into the first-team squad, being on the bench and getting thrown on for the last 20 minutes, relieving a bit of pressure, just because he’s got that pace that he can burn off.”

Giving young players the confidence that they have a genuine pathway into the first team is vital to keeping them happy, and Smith already seems to have dropped the ball with Chukwuemeka, who delivered a stunning reminder of his qualities with a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Newcastle recently.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/villa-dean-smith-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-premier-league-buendia-berge-mcneil-trezeguet-villa-park” title=”Read the latest Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

Barry has already shown with his goal against Liverpool that he is capable of making an impact, but the longer he continues without getting a chance to prove himself in the first team at Premier League level, the greater the chances of him feeling like his career prospects are best served elsewhere.

Smith must desperately avoid letting that happen, or else Villa fans will understandably be fuming if two of the club’s brightest young talents elect to move on.

Meanwhile, Villa must land this £60m-rated star this summer…

Many Liverpool fans have erupted at the news that midfielder Thiago Alcantara could be back for their next match. 

According to The Liverpool Echo, the 30-year-old should return to full team training ahead of the FA Cup fourth round clash with Cardiff City at Anfield next Sunday. He may well be in contention to start at the weekend, or at least make an appearance from the bench.

Elsewhere, Divock Origi should return to the fold before the end of February as he recovers from a knee problem, while Harvey Elliott is building up his ‘general fitness’ at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby after missing more than four months with a serious ankle injury.

Why is this a big deal?

Thiago hasn’t played a Premier League match since the 3-1 victory over Newcastle United nine days before Christmas.

Significantly, Liverpool have won all eight top-flight games that the Spaniard has started this season, so his comeback is a welcome boost as the Reds try to reel in Manchester City at the top of the table.

Fan feed Anfield Watch relayed The Liverpool Echo’s report, and here’s what some supporters had to say about the Spain midfielder’s impending return to action. For some Kopites, it adds to the positive vibes around Anfield after the signing of Luis Diaz in recent days.

These Liverpool fans buzzing over Thiago news

“Omg what a dayyyyy”

Credit: @97HassanM

“Honestly what a week”

Credit: @LFCVik2

“This day gets better and better”

Credit: @moe_y11

“GOAAATTTT”

Credit: @amaadcx

“Things I love to see”

Credit: @mmawuli27

“Wow, welcome Thiago”

Credit: @frankymavhura

In other news, there’s a big update on Neco Williams from The Athletic

Sheffield Wednesday got their campaign rolling with their first win of the season against Doncaster on Saturday in League One.

The Owls had drawn their league opener against Charlton 0-0 and lost on penalties to Huddersfield after a 0-0 draw in the League Cup.

They were able to get their first three points and goals with a 2-0 win over Darren Moore’s former side, with Barry Bannan and Dennis Adiniran getting themselves on the scoresheet.

However, there was a negative aspect to take away from the match that needs to be addressed. Andre Green was given a starting berth out on the right-wing despite a lacklustre showing against the Addicks and he failed to make the most of his second chance.

After the 0-0 draw with Charlton, Examiner reporter Dom Howson handed Green a rating of 4/10 and criticised his performance. He wrote:

“Looked off the pace yet again on the right flank. Coughed up possession cheaply at times as Charlton easily stifled his attacking threat. Is he fully fit after his injury in pre-season or is it a confidence issue?”

Despite this display, Owls boss Moore offered him the opportunity to put things right against Doncaster and show that he has what it takes to start for the club in League One. Unfortunately, he was unable to do that as he struggled again.

As per SofaScore, only Florian Kamberi had a lower rating (6.4) than Green (6.6) out of Wednesday’s starting XI, as the winger had 24 touches in 70 minutes on the pitch.

For context, Owls goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell had 41 touches in the game. This, along with his failure to create a single chance, shows that he was not able to impose himself on the match by making an impact in the final third.

Green also lost 77% of his duels on the pitch – winning three of the 13 he was involved in. The forward lost seven of his 10 ground duels and all three of his aerial battles, suggesting that he does not have the physicality required to compete at this level.

Given that he is also faltering with the ball at his feet in the final third, it could be time for Moore to axe him from the team and put him on the bench for a few matches.

He betrayed the ex-Baggies coach’s trust with another poor display and it seems unlikely that he would tolerate much more from the winger if he continues to struggle on the pitch.

AND in other news, Joe Crann drops update on £8.4k-p/w “big player” which will leave SWFC fans buzzing…

A fresh name has emerged in West Brom’s managerial search this week…

What’s the word?

According to The Star, the Baggies are monitoring former Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic, who sporting director Luke Dowling has worked with before at Watford.

The 52-year-old is set to leave Qatari club Al-Gharafa, with his current deal due to expire, though they face stiff competition from fellow relegated side, Sheffield United.

Albion are on the lookout for their next manager after Sam Allardyce resigned from his position a week before the end of the season whilst former Blades boss Chris Wilder is also said to be in the running.

Exciting new name

The tough Serbian seems like a perfect candidate for West Brom to consider, not just because of his previous relationship with the club’s key decision-maker.

Jokanovic has a pretty respectable record in the Championship, having steered both Watford and Fulham to promotion – the latest of which coming in 2018.

He has done so playing attractive football, too, and that should please many at the Hawthorns.

“This season one of the things the manager has done is stay true to his beliefs in the type of football they play,” claimed Danny Murphy to the Premier League’s official website following the Cottagers’ return to the big time. “What they’ve done in recent months has been remarkable.”

That Fulham side were once dubbed ‘The Manchester City of the Championship’ for their expansive playing style whilst former midfielder Kevin McDonald claimed Jokanovic can be “intimidating.”

A combination of the above could be exactly what is needed at West Brom this summer.

The Baggies won the fewest matches (five), conceded the most goals (76) and were amongst the lowest scorers (35) on their way to relegation, so a ruthless figure with a proven track record in improving teams should be their top priority.

Jokanovic could fire a rocket right through the Midlands outfit and that should leave fans massively excited.

Dowling must get this deal done before Sheffield United, who are also being linked with Jokanovic, beat them to the punch.

AND in other news, “I understand”: Journo drops big claim in West Brom manager hunt, fans surely buzzing…

Ex-Glasgow Rangers defender Bruno Alves has urged Porto to spend £20m on Alfredo Morelos, saying such a fee would be a bargain.

The Lowdown: Porto want Morelos

Morelos has been heavily linked with a move to the Portuguese outfit in recent weeks, with him even said to have already agreed personal terms (Antena 1).

So far, it has been suggested Porto are willing to offer €17m (£14.5m), with that deal also including add-ons (A Bola).

The Latest: Alves suggests higher sum

Speaking to The Daily Record, Alves believes £20m would still be a bargain for the two-time European champions. He said:

“Given his quality and what he’s been doing in the last few years then I would say the reported fee of £20m isn’t a lot for Alfredo Morelos.

“It’s still a lot of money for Porto to pay but if you want that kind of quality then that’s what you have to pay so it’s the right price for him right now.

“If Porto want to buy him then they have to pay good money because he’s a player with a lot of value and is a Colombian international.”

The Verdict: Huge money

Morelos has been a fantastic player for Rangers, scoring 94 goals in 182 games for the club (Transfermarkt) – the Gers will be disappointed to lose him when he does depart. However, they will know he will be on the move at some point, and £20m would be a huge reward – that would more than double the previous highest fee they have received, when they sold Alan Hutton for £9m (The Scotsman).

That would also represent a record for Porto – they have never spent more than £18m on a single player. As such, it is likely the two clubs would come to compromise in regards to a fee, but as long as the Gers do not get bullied into a low price, there is a very healthy sum to be made.

In other news, Rangers ace reveals Ibrox desperation.

With Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side heading into Wednesday evening’s Scottish Premiership clash on a run of four straight victories in all competitions, the 56-year-old manager would have undoubtedly been hoping for yet another positive result from the Bhoys’ trip to Easter Road in order to continue this rich vein of form.

And, three strikes in the opening 30 minutes of the fixture from Anthony Ralston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kyogo Furuhashi ensured that Celtic would indeed take all three points in an extremely dominant display against Hibernian, with the result lifting the Hoops up to second in the Premiership standings – just two points behind the league leaders.

However, while all three of Celtic’s goalscorers turned in fantastic performances on Wednesday, with Ralston, Carter-Vickers and Kyogo receiving SofaScore match ratings of 7.9, 7.9 and 7.1 respectively, it was undoubtedly central midfielder David Turnbull’s display that stole the show for the Bhoys.

Creative influence

Having formed what looks to be an extremely solid and dependable trio alongside Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor in the middle of the park in recent fixtures, Turnbull’s performance against Hibs was undoubtedly one of the 22-year-old’s most impressive of the current campaign.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch, the £4.5m-rated man set up two of his side’s three goals, created two big chances and completed a whopping five key passes – statistics which demonstrate just how much of a creative influence the midfielder was for Postecoglou’s side.

Furthermore, the former Motherwell man also completed four of his seven attempted crosses, one dribble and took a total of seven shots at the opposition goal.

The midfielder also impressed in the more gritty side of the match, making three interceptions, one tackle, one clearance and winning six of his eight duels, as well as drawing three fouls for his side.

These returns saw the player who Alan Hutton dubbed a “phenomenal” talent receive a SofaScore match rating of 9.1, the highest rating earned by any player to feature in the clash.

As such, with things really starting to have clicked for the Bhoys in recent weeks, Turnbull’s top-drawer performance on Wednesday night is yet another positive for Postecoglou, who will now surely be starting to believe his side are capable of reclaiming their Scottish Premiership crown come the end of the season.

Forget Ralston, it was Turnbull who stole the show at Easter Road.

In other news: Ange confirms Nicholson negotiations with “huge” talent, Celtic fans will be buzzing

The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser wouldn’t rule out a move to Tottenham for Southampton striker Danny Ings this summer.

The 29-year-old Saints forward was in inspired form last season scoring 13 goals in all competitions, and has 46 in 100 appearances for the south coast outfit in total, and with only one year remaining on his current contract, Southampton may look to cash in on their prized asset this summer and avoid the risk of losing him on a free next year.

Eurosport also confirmed earlier this week that Spurs were observing the situation of Ings, with Rosser telling TT: “Ings might be looking a bit higher but if nothing comes from City, United or Chelsea someone like that and Spurs come knocking with a nice little wage offer.

“The chance to live in London and play at the stadium, there’s not too many that would turn it down, so I wouldn’t rule it out.”

After failing to qualify for Champions League football last season finishing seventh in the league table, Spurs hired former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo as their new manager and he will be looking to bring in his own players this summer.

With that in mind, although Espirito Santo will want to keep hold of his best players, Spurs may have to delve into the transfer market for a new striker, with Harry Kane heavily linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur stadium this summer.

Crystal Palace are reported to be interested in Millwall winger Jed Wallace, with his contract due to expire next summer, according to Football League World.

Starting off 2021/22 in commendable fashion, the versatile attacker has registered five goal contributions in seven appearances, with three goals and two assists for the Lions [Transfermarkt].

He could be set for a move further south in London in the near future, according to recent reports.

The 27-year-old is reportedly attracting interest from Crystal Palace, as well as the likes of Burnley, Newcastle United, Celtic and Rangers, as reported by Football League World. He is out of contract at the Den at the end of the current season.

In light of the prospect of Wallace swapping Millwall for the Eagles, plenty of Crystal Palace fans took to Twitter to share their opinions on the links with the Lions maestro.

Crystal Palace FC fans react:

Replying to popular Crystal Palace fan outlet CPFC Transfers HQ on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the rumours, which were largely well received:

“I’d have this all day long just to see the reaction from Millwall fans”

Credit: @cjbearcpfc

“Haha they won’t like this one down the Den”

Credit: @danofthesouth_”There’s probably nothing in this but he’s pretty good”Credit: @liamb0117″Surely that’s a wind up”Credit: @Wheddsta”I doubt it’s true but he’s a decent player not gonna lie”Credit: @DrizzyCPFC”He’s actually not a bad player, and statically he’s very good, I wouldn’t be upset with him, good to have more depth”Credit: @CTuckey99In other news, the timeline for the prospective return of a Palace star from injury has been revealed. Find out more here.