All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Sharing the latest transfer news coming out of Tottenham Hotspur, Sky Sports (via Football Daily) have now lifted the lid on a development involving Brighton and Hove Albion ace Tariq Lamptey.

The Lowdown: Spurs on the full-back hunt?

Centre-back is said to be Tottenham’s number one priority, but reports have also suggested a new full-back is on the cards.

The Evening Standard recently claimed that Tottenham are interested in promising Lille right-back Zeki Celik, coming as Serge Aurier looks likely to leave summer.

Spurs may need a replacement for the Ivorian if he does manage to part ways, with Sky Sports now sharing a development.

The Latest: Sky Sports share Spurs development…

Indeed, the broadcaster has lifted the lid on a development involving Tottenham and Brighton defender Lamptey.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-2/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

It is believed that Spurs have added the exciting 20-year-old to their growing list of targets and are now interested in pursuing him this summer.

“We’ve got some news on Tariq Lamptey, now listen to this,” Sky explained live on air (via Football Daily).

“Spurs interested in signing Brighton’s Lamptey this summer, the England Under-21 right-back, formerly of Chelsea, played 19 games for Brighton, really impressed last season, (but) hasn’t played since December because of injury.

“But Spurs, we understand, are interested so keep an eye out for that one.”

The Verdict: Promising development…

Lamptey showed real promise in spells for the Seagulls last campaign and comes as an exciting prospect, but Spurs may face a fight on their hands to sign him this summer.

Brighton boss Graham Potter is clearly desperate to keep hold of his best players this summer with clubs already knocked back in attempts to sign star defender Ben White.

It is unclear how much they would demand for Lamptey’s signature, but the fact he is young and homegrown could mean Spurs may have to invest significantly.

However, Spurs fans could take promise by the fact new managing director Fabio Paratici is already identifying firm targets early into his tenure.

In other news: Spurs will now swoop for this £31.5m-valued ‘leader’ with Paratici calling, find out more here.

Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that Swansea City boss Steve Cooper deserves to be in the mix for the Crystal Palace job.

The south London club are on the lookout for a new manager following Roy Hodgson’s departure and could consider Cooper for the vacancy.

In fact, according to Swansea Independent, the 41-year-old is actually Palace’s No.1 choice to replace Hodgson.

If that is the case and Swansea do end up winning the play-off final on Saturday, it will be interesting to see what Cooper does. Whatever the case, Palmer believes the former England U17 boss should be in contention.

“Listen, he’s had a fantastic season,” the ex-Leeds United player exclusively told TT. “He’s one game away from getting Swansea City into the Premier League, so he’s done fantastically well – that is for sure.”

“He should be in the mix. I think he’s doing really well.”

Again, a lot could depend on what happens in the play-off final, while Palace are also said to be considering the likes of Frank Lampard and Barnsley’s Valerien Ismael, so who ends up in the Selhurst Park dugout is anyone’s guess.

Based on this season, though, Cooper certainly deserves to be in the conversation.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has slammed UEFA’s system when it comes to which clubs will play in which European competition following the respective qualifying rounds.

The Lowdown: Gers could miss out

After winning the Premiership title, Glasgow Rangers are a couple of two-legged ties away from the Champions League group stages – they will start in the third qualifying round and, should they prevail, they will face another play-off round.

However, if they lose that third qualifying round match, they will face a play-off round to qualify for the Europa League – Celtic, who finished 25 points behind them in the league (BBC), would be guaranteed a spot in the Europa League group stages even if they were to bow out at the same stage.

The Latest: Maguire slams system

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire has questioned the system. He said:

“It’s absolute nonsense, therefore it must be something to do with Uefa.

“European participation is really essential for both clubs, ideally in the Champions League.

“If we take a lot of Rangers’ revenue in 2017-18, they didn’t get very far in European competition that year and their revenue was £32.7m.

“Whereas two years later it was £59m. If you’re in the Champions League group stages we’re probably talking somewhere closer to £80m.

“It’s a game-changer for both clubs, getting into the group stages. The value of the Scottish rights are quite modest, especially compared to the Uefa broadcast deal.

“Remember, both Rangers and Celtic benefit from the rights pool. The way that it works is that the more your domestic broadcaster pays for Uefa rights, the more you get as an individual team.”

The Verdict: In their own hands

There is no doubt about it – this is a bizarre rule which once again leads to questions about UEFA’s ability to organise tournaments. Despite finishing so far ahead of second-placed Celtic in the league, the Gers somehow find themselves at a disadvantage of sorts.

As Maguire explains, the Gers’ adventures in Europe during the 2019/20 campaign, when they reached the Europa League round of 16, increased the coffers by the sum of £26.3m. Qualification for the Champions League group stage could bring in another £21m – a huge amount of money for the 55-time Scottish champions, and a potential £47.3 more than they bankrolled just three years ago.

The rule may be nonsense, but the Gers should not worry about it. Their destiny is in their own hands, and if they can get through those two clashes and reach the Champions League group stage, they will receive a huge financial boost.

In other news, this man has been urged to stay at Rangers amidst exit rumours.

According to a West Ham source from Football Insider, the Hammers and GSB are now readying an approach to sign West Bromwich Albion goalkeeping colossus Sam Johnstone. 

The Lowdown: Johnstone linked with Hammers

As West Brom are confirmed to be relegated from the Premier League, Johnstone’s future at the Hawthorns has been the centre of much speculation.

A recent report from the Mirror emphatically claimed that the Baggies are set to sell the 28-year-old amid the financial turmoil which comes with dropping down to the Championship.

ESPN said last week that the Irons are favourites to sign him this summer and are prepared to offer him regular football.

The Latest: GSB readying approach…

Bringing the latest, Football Insider report that West Ham are now readying an approach to sign Johnstone with a West Ham source explaining that GSB have set their sights on him.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-rumours-and-gossip-two%2c-electric-boogaloo/” title=”West Ham rumours and gossip two, electric boogaloo” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, as per this report, the Irons are planning to make enquires into the 6 foot 3 shot stopper – with West Brom’s relegation coming as a boost in their bid to land Johnstone.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Lauded as West Brom’s ‘outstanding’ player by Kevin Phillips (West Brom News), his form over 2020/2021 has also attracted attention from England boss Gareth Southgate.

The Three Lions manager handed Johnstone his first international call up due to his impressive performances at the Hawthorns this season, leaving little wonder why West Ham are now readying a move.

Given current first choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski is now 36-years-old, despite the club recently handing him a one-year extension, West Ham arguably need to find his successor as soon as possible – and Johnstone comes as a really great option with time on his side.

In other news: ‘Better than Lingard’…West Ham fans flock to alleged GSB transfer plan, find out more here.

Some Liverpool supporters have been left fuming after confirmation of the officials for Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

The Reds picked up another vital win on Wednesday night, beating Burnley 3-0 at Turf Moor and producing a commanding performance.

Jurgen Klopp’s men didn’t have things their own way throughout the 90 minutes, with the Clarets creating plenty of half chances, but goals from Roberto Firmino, Nathaniel Phillips and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain got them over the line.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

The victory means Liverpool should just have to beat Palace at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, assuming Leicester City don’t annihilate Tottenham at the same time.

It has been confirmed that Andre Marriner will take charge of the much-anticipated clash, with Paul Tierney, who is from Manchester, in charge of the dreaded VAR.

It’s fair to say that the current crop of officials aren’t exactly the most popular, so the news has not been met well by a number of Liverpool fans.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans unhappy with officials for Palace clash

Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter.

“We’re done”

Credit: @Brian81649303

“Equivalent of a 2 goal start for Palace”

Credit: @AndrewGoodwin87

“Advantage Palace”

Credit: @algin_tolga

“Nooo. The worst arrogant referee of all”

Credit: @FrydenlundLasse

“Oh for… Tierney is dreadful.”

Credit: @OblivionCalls

“Oh no”

Credit: @lfcjason1

In other news, some Liverpool fans are angry after a transfer rumour emerged regarding one key Reds player. Find out who it is here.

According to recent reports from Italy, West Ham United are interested in a move for Sampdoria centre-back Omar Colley this summer.

The report by ClubDoria46 (via Sport Witness) claims that West Ham, along with Fulham and Leeds United, are keeping tabs on the defender ahead of a potential move in the summer market.

ClubDoria46 added that a figure of between €10m and €15m (£9m-£13m) would be required for Sampdoria owner Massimo Ferrero to consider parting with the 28-year-old, who is currently valued at £4.05m by Transfermarkt.

Transfer Tavern Take

With Fabian Balbuena’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, and no sign as yet of West Ham offering the 29-year-old a new deal, it could be possible that David Moyes may look to bring in reinforcements in the centre of his defence this summer.

Having said that, with it being recently announced that the Hammers have completed the signing of Craig Dawson on a permanent two-year deal, it could easily be argued that strengthening in the position is not exactly a priority for the Scot.

Furthermore, while Colley has been in decent form for Sampdoria this term, averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.81 over his 22 Serie A appearances, the defender’s level of performance is not something which screams of being ready for a Premier League move, particularly for the price quoted in the report. This seems more a case of ‘nice to have’ than ‘must-have’ for the Irons’ GSB ownership.

In other news: ‘Scenes’, ‘Finally’, ‘Yessssss’ – Loads of West Ham fans ecstatic as transfer news emerges – find out more here!

Relaying comments made by interim Tottenham Hotspur boss Ryan Mason, journalist Dan Kilpatrick of the Evening Standard has relayed rising hopes that Harry Kane could be fit in time to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final (Twitter).

Tottenham gifted possible Kane boost

Indeed, dropping an update on the Englishman ahead of the crunch clash this weekend, Mason says there is ‘hope’ he might be on the training pitch by the end of the week.

Kane has been missing since the 2-2 draw away to Everton last Friday having picked up another ankle problem, with fears emerging surrounding his inclusion for this weekend.

Tottenham have just the Carabao Cup to play for in terms of silverware this season having been knocked out of both the Europa League and FA Cup.

Transfer Tavern take

They’re still in with a shot of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League this season, but a medal could really see off what has been a bizarre season on the right note.

Mason, providing an update, explains that there is hope Kane will be back in training by the end of the week in a possible boost for the final at Wembley this weekend.

Kane is by far Tottenham’s most important player, scoring 21 goals and assisting 13 others in the league alone (WhoScored), and even the slightest possibility he could feature against City comes as a massive boost.

In other news: Tottenham source reveals Mourinho information, find out more here.

Celtic’s search for a new manager has turned into somewhat of a circus. Rumours are flying all over the shop but we could be about to finally find out who is hired the Bhoys’ new head coach.

Eddie Howe has emerged as the favourite in recent days as the Hoops have moved away from Roy Keane.

What’s the word?

Howe is reportedly in advanced talks with the Celtic hierarchy to become their new manager. He has held discussions with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and performed due diligence on behind-the-scenes matters.

According to the Daily Mail, he is already working on his backroom team. However, in a surprising turn of events, he wants to bring his own technical director with him in Richard Hughes.

Nick Hammond left his role as Head of Football Operations this week, a position which was reportedly being changed to a Director of Football. That role was set to be filled by Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin.

A deal was 90% done but news that Howe wants to bring Hughes with him instead puts a cloud of doubt over Harkin’s future.

Sportsmail reported that Howe is happy to stick with John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan, but wants Hughes to oversee a restructuring of the football operations. It is also claimed that former Celtic man Mark Burchill – now a scout at Bournemouth – is also in line for a job.

Bad news for Celtic

Hughes is currently technical director at Bournemouth but news that Celtic could now move away from Harkin shouldn’t be welcomed by supporters.

The latter has developed a reputation as a transfer guru during his time with Manchester City and has been in charge of their loan system.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

That has allowed Harkin to help the development of young players, streamlining the transition from youth team to senior football.

He has worked with the likes of ex-Hoops Patrick Roberts and Olivier Ntcham, while he played a large role in the progress of City first teamer Oleksandr Zinchenko.

For a club like Celtic who have neglected some of their younger players this season, this would have been a great appointment.

Instead, they’re looking at a director who has arguably spent poorly on the south coast of England. Although he built a squad which ultimately got promoted to the Premier League, some of his signings after Bournemouth came up were abject.

He spent £19m on Dominic Solanke, a player who has scored just 15 times in 81 outings for the Cherries. Hughes also played a role in bringing Jordon Ibe to Bournemouth in a deal worth £15m. The 25-year-old was released last summer after netting only five goals in 92 matches.

Considering some of the deals Hammond concluded at Parkhead – namely Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas – this wouldn’t necessarily be an upgrade.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Edouard: Celtic must sign 16-goal gem who plays “in the style of Robben”…

Former England striker Kevin Phillips believes Jack Harrison could start for Leeds United against Liverpool next week.

The Whites host the reigning Premier League champions next Monday night in what promises to be a thrilling game at Elland Road.

Two attack-minded teams will lock horns, in a clash which could bring back memories of the Whites’ famous Mark Viduka-inspired 4-3 win back in 2000. The reverse of that scoreline materialised when the sides met at Anfield on the opening day of this season.

Leeds are still buoyant after their 2-1 victory away to Manchester City last weekend, a result which showed they can take on the best in the Premier League, even with 10 men.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Harrison tipped to start against Liverpool

Phillips has told Football Insider that he would name the same team for the Liverpool game, but could see Marcelo Bielsa throwing in Harrison:

“It’s Bielsa isn’t it? He’s his own man and he’s quite a stubborn guy so it wouldn’t surprise me if Harrison came back in.

“I’d be disappointed if I was a player missing out after an away win at Man City, I’d like to think he’ll go with the same team again.

“Obviously he’ll have to bring someone in for Cooper but for me, pick the same team and send them in again. Then you’ve got no issues or anyone knocking on your door going ‘why have you dropped me?’.

“It’s Bielsa, we’ve seen him surprise us before but me personally, I’d go with the same team.”

Transfer Tavern take

It is never easy to second-guess Bielsa, but it would be a surprise if he opted to make any changes against the Reds, barring the enforced decision of replacing the suspended Liam Cooper. Leeds will have had a nine-day break by the time the match rolls around, so the team should be well-rested and raring to go again.

That said, with Harrison being their joint-second highest scorer in the league and available once more after being ineligible to face his parent club last Saturday, it’s understandable why Phillips believes he could be recalled when the Reds come to Elland Road in six days’ time.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped to have the team built around him next season – find out who it is here.

Former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer has identified Chris Wilder as a potential successor to Sam Allardyce at the Midlands club, in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

With West Brom facing relegation, Allardyce’s long-term future at the Hawthorns is uncertain. The 66-year-old is reported to have a break-clause in his contract that becomes active at the end of the season if the Baggies fail to avoid the drop, casting much doubt.

If Allardyce does end up departing, Wilder is one name that the West Brom board could consider following his recent exit from Sheffield United, and Palmer believes it is an opportunity that could interest the ex-Blades boss.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, the retired England international said:

“I mean, they’ve got a good squad of players now that Sam has got together. I think Chris will go back into football, for sure. He’s a footballing man, he loves football.

“Wherever he goes to work, he will want control of footballing matters, so I would say West Brom may interest him. Obviously you want to stay in the Premier League if you can, but there’s only so many jobs in the Premier League. So the next thing is in the Championship, can you take over a club and get promoted? He’s proven he can do that.”

Given Allardyce has experience managing in the Championship, winning promotion with West Ham back in the 2011/12 season, it may be worth sticking with the former England manager.

However, if action is taken and West Brom do find themselves on the lookout for a new coach, then Wilder is surely one name that they would have to consider. While things certainly did not go to plan for the 53-year-old in the current campaign, he did a great job overall at Bramall Lane, taking Sheffield United all the way from League 1 to the Premier League.