All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Bromwich Albion are set to announce Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael as their new boss today [Joseph Masi, Express and Star].

Ending months of speculation, the Baggies are set to bring their hunt for a new head coach to an end after Sam Allardyce departed the Hawthorns last month [Independent].

The West Midlands club are believed to have paid around £2 million in total to buy Ismael out of his contract, whilst the 45-year-old and the Baggies hierarchy are said to have taken the last day to iron out backroom arrangements [Express and Star].

Michael Appleton was also heavily in the frame for the position in recent days, however the former Bayern Munich man has emerged as the preferred candidate [Lincolnshire Live].

In light of this development, no wonder loads of West Bromwich Albion diehards took to Twitter to express their opinion on the latest news.

Baggies fans react:

Replying to the Express and Star Twitter page, here is how some WBA fans summarized their feelings on Ismael:

“Today is Wednesday 23rd June 2021. Also known as Valérien Ismaël day. #WBA”

Credit: @JoshhhWBA

“The longest countdown in history …..99….98….97 #wba”Credit: @StigsWBACousin”That means probably Monday then”Credit: @dbunce74″So hopefully in 14 weeks time we can look at signing players for the season ahead. WBA don’t like to work quickly do they”Credit: @DavidBriscoe9″It will be announced today!”Credit: @BOINGxxBAGGIES”Hurry up”Credit: @leonwba91In other news, a former England international warns a potential West Brom managerial target about a key issue at the club.

Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has told Football FanCast that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Mauricio Pochettino make a sensational return to Tottenham.

Spurs have been linked with countless managers since Jose Mourinho lost this job last month, but perhaps none more suited than the Argentine.

Despite leading Tottenham to four consecutive top four finishes and the Champions League final, Pochettino was sacked by Daniel Levy following Spurs’ poor start to the Premier League season in 2019-2020.

But with his replacement Mourinho failing to get close to matching Pochettino’s achievements, the Portuguese was sacked just days before the Carabao Cup final.

Strong reports believe that Levy is ‘seriously considering’ reappointing Pochettino, which quickly saw him move to favourite to become the next Spurs manager.

However, it would still take a monumental effort to prize the 49-year-old away from the French capital despite their failure to win the Ligue 1 title last weekend.

But Fry exclusively told Football FanCast that it makes perfect sense:

“Daniel and Poch were not only chairman and manager, but they had a wonderful relationship. They were friends as well.

“It was a hard decision to get rid of him and I’m not sure it was the right decision, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Poch came back to Tottenham.

“The fans loved him, the players loved him, and Daniel loved him, although he was going through a bad spell and like all chairman, they press the button too early sometimes in my opinion.”

Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of a landmark appointment as the North London outfit are expected to announce former Juventus talent-spotter Fabio Paratici as their new sporting director this week, according to the BBC.

It’s a role that has not been filled since Franco Baldini left in 2015, so it certainly presents a new approach from chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs hierarchy after what has been an abysmal 18 months or so.

Not only will the Italian be tasked with finding their next manager but he will likely have a huge rebuild on his hands to get the Lilywhites back to their best.

Football FanCast have assessed the task at hand and provided an insight into how the 48-year-old can transform their fortunes in just one transfer window.

Get rid of the deadwood

Finances will be tight at the club unless Levy sanctions the £150m exit of Harry Kane, so it’s widely believed that Spurs will have to sell before they buy. And there are several candidates surely on the chopping block this summer.

Serge Aurier, deemed “one of the biggest liabilities in the Premier League” by Jamie Carragher this season, is surely one name who can raise a wedge of cash. Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a £20m-plus move for the right-back.

Whilst defensive partner Davinson Sanchez could return to Ajax in a bid to recoup some of the £42m the club wasted on him.

Similarly, the likes of Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko and Dele Alli must be mulling over their futures in N17 having rarely featured throughout the 2020/21 campaign.

Meanwhile, wing duo Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela have both been linked with exits in recent weeks. That’s a good six or seven names that could generate Paratici and the next manager funds.

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

Bolster the backline

One of the Italian’s top priorities has to be sorting out the defence, where a combination of individual mistakes and a serious lack of cohesion were the two major causes of their downfall.

It’s no wonder that reports have suggested the club will look at signing two new centre-backs, and this is where Paratici can help Spurs. It’s thought that the former Juventus man will look to bring the vastly-experienced Leonardo Bonucci with him to North London.

Whilst Joachim Andersen is a name that simply cannot go away. Spurs could clinch the Lyon colossus for just £25m after an impressive season at relegated Fulham in the English top-flight.

If Aurier does leave, then another right-back could be needed and the Lilywhites have been linked with a move for Lille right-back, who is valued at a bargain €15m (£13.5m), as per the Evening Standard.

Spurs could also do with a goalkeeper but given investment in other areas, the next manager may have to stick with club captain Hugo Lloris, back-up Joe Hart and a third-choice from the academy.

Add quality in attack

Kane should remain a Spurs playing barring an absolutely irresistible offer. But he and Heung-min Son will need reinforcements behind them to enjoy another fruitful campaign in front of goal.

Someone who could hold the keys to unlocking many a Premier League defence is long-time Tottenham target Marcel Sabitzer, who back in late March was said to have a ‘75% chance’ of joining the north London outfit by Sport Bild (via GMS).

He ended 2020/21 with nine goals and seven assists in all competitions, adding to his 27 direct goal contributions a season earlier. He could cost around £38m.

Gareth Bale could also be kept on, depending on if the new manager wants him to stay.

Potential 25-man Spurs squad for the 2021/22 campaign…

Goalkeepers: Lloris, Hart, Whiteman

Defenders: Doherty, Tanganga, Celik, Dier, Andersen, Bonucci, Alderweireld, Reguilon, Davies, Sessegnon

Midfielders: Hojbjerg, Ndombele, Lo Celso, Sabitzer, Skipp, Moura, Bale, Bergwijn

Forwards: Kane, Son, Scarlett, Parrott

AND in other news, Spurs handed fresh twist on their “ideal candidate” that’ll surely leave fans buzzing…

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell is not convinced that Josh Doig would be a good enough signing for Celtic this summer.

The Lowdown: Doig linked with Celtic move

The Hoops have had a season to forget in the Premiership, losing their league crown to bitter rivals Rangers and under-performing all too often. A big summer is required in the summer transfer window, with Eddie Howe rumoured to be arriving as manager and new signings also required.

Hibernian left-back Josh Doig has been strongly linked with a move to Celtic, with the 18-year-old considered an exciting young talent.

The Latest: Pundit not sure about Doig move

While it’s hard not to feel that Doig would represent a good long-term investment, Campbell told Football Insider that Celtic need to recruit established players in order to hunt down Rangers. He said:

“Doig is a bargain at £1million but you have to ask yourself the question, how much football has he played?

“It is a signing that is all about potential. Celtic would be signing huge bags of potential. While it could be a great long-term investment, they need players who can knock Rangers off their perch next season.

“Doig has obviously done really well but is he going to take Celtic to the next level?”

The Verdict: Proven players needs

There is no issue with Celtic signing Doig, assuming that older, more proven individuals also arrive at Parkhead in the coming months.

As Campbell hinted, the Hoops aren’t going to make giant strides with teenagers coming into the squad, regardless of Doig’s potential, as the Hibs teenager has played only 42 senior matches.

A mix of youth and experience is surely needed in the summer, allowing Celtic to excel in both the present and the future.

In other news, a pundit has urged a Celtic star to join a Premier League club this summer. Find out who it is here.

Pundit Alan Hutton has dropped a bold take involving Tottenham Hotspur and their links to Brendan Rodgers, claiming the 48 year-old will still be their number one target ‘behind the scenes’.

The Lowdown: Tottenham have targeted Rodgers

As per Football Insider, Spurs were prepared to ‘offer Rodgers the earth’ in order to bring him over to North London from Leicester City.

However, speaking to talkSPORT, the former Celtic, Liverpool and Swansea City boss claimed that he was ‘200 per cent’ staying at the King Power Stadium despite missing out on UEFA Champions League football on the final day of the 2020/21 term.

The Latest: Hutton on Rodgers to Tottenham

Speaking to Football Insider, despite Rodgers’ claim to talkSPORT, former Lilywhites player Hutton thinks that they would still ‘love’ to lure the Northern Irishman away from the Foxes, and was full of praise for what he has done with the East Midlands club:

“I think that’s who, behind the scenes, they’ll be trying their hardest. 

“Leicester have got a fantastic squad, new training ground, he’s done really, really well there. But you can’t argue Tottenham are a big draw. They’re a huge football club with everything there that’s needed to challenge the top four on a regular basis.

“I don’t know, I’ve just got this feeling that is who they would love to have. I’m not saying they can do it, I just think they would love to have him there.

“Obviously, with Leicester just dropping out the top four, you wonder if that could sway it. Obviously, Spurs aren’t in the Champions League but Leicester aren’t either. You just wonder if that may sway him one way or another.” 

The Verdict: Tottenham must not give up on Rodgers

THFC must not give up hope of trying to lure Rodgers away from their Premier League rivals.

The 48-year-old has a great track record in the top flight, having guided LCFC to two recent consecutive fifth-placed finishes, just missing out on the top four on both final days, while also achieving a very respectable second place with Liverpool in the 2013/14 season (Transfermarkt).

With Tottenham currently on somewhat of a trophy drought, Rodgers has proved that he can win silverware as well, most recently masterminding a win against Chelsea in the FA Cup final while also winning a remarkable three league titles and four domestic cups with Celtic (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, while it would be very difficult, Spurs must try and do all that they can to make him their next permanent manager.

In other news, find out which ‘incredible’ defender THFC could return for here!

According to a report by Calciomercato.it, contacts have started to warm up with former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri as Tottenham Hotspur begin the search for Jose Mourinho’s replacement.

Tottenham contacts heat up for Sarri

Previous reports have shed light on Tottenham and their interest in Sarri, but other sections of the media aren’t entirely convinced Spurs are tracking him.

In a new update from Italy, Calciomercato say that contacts with the 62-year-old are starting to heat up and that Tottenham are in frequent back and forth with Sarri over his possible appointment. The outlet say he could well now become Mourinho’s heir.

Transfer Tavern take

Sarri is a very credible candidate, with former player Jorginho calling him ‘magnificent’ and AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca saying he is ‘one of the best in Europe’.

Praise like that from a rival manager doesn’t come around all too often, and the veteran boss’ story from banker to manager is certainly indicative of his work ethic and just how much he loves the game (BBC).

However, we believe Nagelsmann should still be the number one target due to the fact he is the more exciting younger coach (Goal.com) and viewed by those within Tottenham as the perfect choice (Daily Mail). 

As well as this, players who have worked under the 33-year-old describe him as a ‘fearless’ coach – and that is arguably what Spurs need right now after the largely forgettable Mourinho era in north London.

In other news: Spurs make Cakir enquiry, find out more here.

Peterborough United’s Director of Football Barry Fry has told Football FanCast that Siriki Dembele was disappointed he did not get a move to the Premier League in a recent transfer window and claims he could leave if their asking price is met, amid links with Celtic.

The Scottish giants are said to be interested in a deal to sign the 24-year-old, with GiveMeSport reporting last month that they are tracking the winger.

Dembele has scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in League One this season and Fry says that he has already attracted plenty of interest.

His brother, Karamoko, plays for Celtic, so the two could link up in Scotland.

Most reportage surrounding Siriki Dembele claims that his contract expires this summer but Fry claims that he has another year, and he has accepted that he may leave the club if a big offer is tabled that meets Peterborough’s asking price.

He told FFC: “We have had a lot of interest in him but again, we’ve kept him, he was not happy about that.

“One club in the Premier League was very active and spoke to his agent like every club does and that got to Siriki and when we couldn’t arrange a fee he sulked a bit, to be fair, but he’s back on track now and he’s got a year left next year so he’s refused to sign a new contract, so there will be people back in, in the summer, for him. If we get what we want then we’ll let him go.”

Fry thinks Dembele is a top talent and believes that he will keep developing and growing at Posh, and has been impressed with his performances.

He added: “Siriki can get the ball in his own half and with dazzling dribbling ability, he can beat four or five players and score a wonder goal or cross it for somebody else to score.

“I think he’s got about 10 this year and he’s got 12 assists. So he’s a big player for us, he’s been injured a little bit and we’ve missed him.

“He’s very, very exciting. He’s got the best stats outside the Premier League, I think. We’ll try to keep hold of him if we go up, and we’ll make him an offer he can refuse! So watch this space.”

Kevin Phillips believes Jonson Clarke-Harris would be a good signing for Glasgow Rangers as he offers something Alfredo Morelos doesn’t.

Phillips urges Clarke-Harris move

The Gers have recently been linked with a move for Clarke-Harris, while Morelos revealed not too long ago that he is eager to move to the Premier League (Radio Caracol).

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips has urged the Gers to move for the Peterborough striker as he offers something Morelos doesn’t. He said:

“He’s [Clarke-Harris] been phenomenal this season.

“If Morelos is to move on, him coming in gives you that different style, a plan B to have up your sleeve.

“He’s decent on the ground, he could certainly do some things better at times but he’s scoring goals. 

“He gets in good positions. He gives you that added advantage that Morelos doesn’t give you in that you can whip balls into the box. 

“He’s a big lad so he can get on the end of crosses and that just gives you a different option.”

Goals the most important

There is a slight height difference between the two – Morelos stands at 5 foot 9, while Clarke-Harris is taller at 6 foot. He is also slightly stronger, which does suggest the Ibrox outfit would be able to use him in a different way than Morelos.

However, they already have Cedric Itten, who is 6 foot 2, so a bigger striker is not the reason why Clarke-Harris should be signed. This term, he has 28 goals for Posh in all competitions (Transfermarkt) as they sit second in League One – he knows where the back of the net is. If Morelos leaves, he could well be a fantastic signing for a number of reasons.

In other news, Rangers fans disagree with these Steven Gerrard comments.

A very worrying behind-the-scenes claim has emerged on Harry Kane and his future at Tottenham Hotspur.

As per Football Insider, there has been some ‘encouragement’ behind-the-scenes at Manchester United as the Spurs star is ‘said to be interested’ in a potential move to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.

A source from the Old Trafford faithful has claimed that the Red Devils are currently ‘keeping tabs’ on his situation at the North London club and would be ‘very keen’ in signing him.

The source added that MUFC ‘have always wanted’ the England international captain and that ‘nothing has changed in that regard’.

He is thought of by the club to be their ‘perfect spearhead’ to take them back to the top of the table in the Premier League, and Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites board ‘could be pushed into a corner’ if Kane were to go public with his ‘desire’ to leave them.

The 27-year-old has three years left on his current deal at THFC and United are one of a few clubs who can afford his £125m+ valuation.

The report adds that Kane is ‘100 per cent thinking of moving on’ as he has been left ‘unimpressed’ with the ambition shown by his club’s hierarchy.

Tottenham must keep Kane

Jose Mourinho’s side must try and keep Kane at all costs, as he is of course such an important player to the club. It is not only that though – selling him to a rival for the top four in the Premier League would be downright ludicrous, especially considering the Lilywhites do not exactly have the best record of reinvesting smartly when selling star players, as we saw when Gareth Bale left.

Yet another great season has seen the striker score no fewer than 29 times and make a further 16 assists in 42 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt), and if Tottenham have any ambition of getting back in the UEFA Champions League, Kane would be nothing short of vital in doing so.

In other news, find out which ‘magnificent coach’ Levy could hold a meeting with here!

Following a failed move for Jadon Sancho last summer, Manchester United have continued to be linked with a number of different wingers throughout Europe.

Interestingly enough, a couple of Premier League stars are reportedly on the Red Devils’ shortlist according to The Sun, those men being Leeds United’s Raphinha and Pedro Neto of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

When compared, the two wingers are remarkably similar players but it is the Brazilian who Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be pushing to sign over the Portuguese ace?

In his first season in the Premier League, Raphinha has impressed for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, netting six goals and providing five assists. Meanwhile, Wolves’ Neto is almost matching those numbers having plundered five goals and four assists in all competitions throughout the current campaign.

Despite that similarity in output, Raphinha has played almost six full matches fewer than Neto in the Premier League this campaign so it could be expected that those numbers would have been even higher with more minutes under his belt.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-man-united-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=” Latest Man United transfer rumours and news!”]

He has also been praised from various corners of the game, with Dean Windass labelling him as “unbelievable” in a recent exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

Away from their direct contributions, the two remain to be very similar, with Raphinha just edging ahead of the Portuguese in some stats.

According to WhoScored, the former Stade Rennais man has averaged 2.4 shots per game and provided 2.1 key passes, whilst Neto is averaging 1.9 and two per game – extremely similar numbers. However, the fact that Raphinha just continues to edge the statistics makes the argument for Manchester United to sign him all the more convincing.

Having said that, the 21-year-old Portuguese is far more reliable on the ball. He overcomes Raphinha on both dribbles and fouls won, whilst also racking up a considerably better pass percentage at 88.1% compared to 73.1%.

Nonetheless, it could be suggested that it would take a considerably lower fee to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford. He is rated at £22.5m, whilst Neto sits at £31.5m, whilst having a year longer left on his current contract.

Once again, the two are very similar players and both of them will certainly be of interest to Manchester United and rightly so.

However, for us, it is Leeds’ Raphinha who should be higher up on the Red Devils’ candidates for the vacant position on the right flank as an alternative to Jadon Sancho.

AND in more news, read about which Man Utd starlet has been hit by a disappointing injury on international duty…