All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Sky Sports injury expert Ben Dinnery has now given his reaction to some news that has now emerged on Everton right-back Nathan Patterson.

The Lowdown: Scotland return

Patterson made his return from injury on Wednesday night as Scotland beat Armenia 2-0 at home in their UEFA Nations League group.

He has only managed to play once for the Goodison Park outfit since his January move from Glasgow Rangers, in a second half of a season that was plagued by injuries.

The Latest: Dinnery reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery has now given his reaction to the news of Patterson’s return, claiming that him playing games again is ‘massive’ ahead of the new campaign with the Merseyside club:

“Absolutely, it’ll be huge.

“Quite often, and especially at this sort of year, being in the gym and doing rehab – it can be a very lonely part of the job.

“Mentally and psychologically, it’s tough. The physical demands – you come to expect those, although it is Patterson’s first major injury and surgical intervention.

“Just to be back in that competitive environment and part of the squad gearing up for games will be massive.

“Even when you come across other squad members in the gym or getting your lunch – you never quite feel a part of it. You’re looking from the outside in.

“Returning at this point gets him in a really positive mindset.

“Being part of this Scotland squad will allow him to attack pre-season with a renewed confidence.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Of course, having Patterson out on the pitch again is not only a big boost for the Toffees, but for the player himself as well.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-7/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The supporters will certainly want to see more of their new signing next term, and Frank Lampard could definitely give him more opportunities if he can stay fit.

Jonjoe Kenny has decided to move on from the Blues despite being offered fresh terms on his contract, while Seamus Coleman will be 34 in October, so Patterson should be able to get a consistent run of matches at right-back, which will help with his development.

In other news, find out which EFC ace David Moyes is now eyeing here!

Aston Villa have been heavily linked with Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in recent months and it now seems as if they are among the favourites to sign the Malian this summer.

What’s the word?

After seeing a bid for the 25-year-old rejected by the Seagulls in January, it seems as if Steven Gerrard has reignited his interest in the former Lille man as he looks to strengthen his midfield options ahead of next season.

Although previous reports have suggested that he could cost as much as £70m and that Monaco were ready to submit a bid, journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Villa could be the favourites to bring him in over Tottenham Hotspur, who have also been credited with an interest.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “They’ll [Tottenham] have massive competition to sign Bissouma and it seems that he’s probably further along in negotiations with other clubs.

“Somebody like Aston Villa might already be in the lead with trying to get him.”

Should Villa sign Bissouma?

Of the Brighton players to make more than ten appearances in the Premier League last season, Bissouma was the top performer for Graham Potter’s side according to WhoScored, as they secured their highest-ever finish in the top flight.

This emphasises how important he is to the Seagulls and demonstrates why they value him so highly, but if Villa were able to convince him to make the move north, then they could have a top Premier League midfielder on their hands for potentially the next eight to ten years.

After an instrumental performance in a 1-0 win against Spurs last season, Potter sang the midfielder’s praises, saying:

“It is hard when you have a team performance like we did to single anyone out but tactically he was really good. He understood when to cover, release, put pressure on, and then you can see his qualities. His high-end actions are Champions League level. I think you saw the full array of his quality.”

If Villa do have European ambitions for next season, which their early signings suggest they do, then bringing in Bissouma could give them the extra quality in midfield they need to really push for a European spot, so supporters will surely be excited by this latest update from Jones.

And, in other news… Forget Suarez: Gerrard should unleash Villa’s “unsung hero” next season

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Giorgi Mamardashvili to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Marca, who claim that Fabio Paratici has now joined the race to sign the Valencia goalkeeper, with Manchester United having already made contact with the LaLiga side regarding a deal for the 21-year-old.

The report goes on to state that, with Los Che needing to raise around €70m (£60m) from player sales in order to balance their books, Jose Bordalas’ side would be open to the sale of the Georgia international this summer – with the shot-stopper reported to have a €20m (£17m) release clause written into his contract at The Mestalla.

The next Jan Oblak

Considering the sheer amount of potential Mamardashvili undoubtedly possesses, it is easy to see why Paratici would be interested in a deal to bring the ‘keeper to north London this summer – especially for a figure of just £17m.

Indeed, the £4.5m-rated talent highly impressed over his 18 LaLiga appearances this season, keeping eight clean sheets and making an average of 3.1 saves per game – the joint fifth-most in the league.

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

These returns saw the £13k-per-week shot-stopper who Xisco Munoz claimed can have “brutal growth” and Jacek Kulig dubbed Jan “Oblak-esque” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Bordalas’ fourth-best performer in the Spanish top flight.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the 21-year-old also ranks in the top 8% of goalkeepers in Europe’s big five leagues for saves made per 90, as well as the top 4% for clean sheets, the top 23% for goals conceded, the top 9% for goal-kick distance, the top 24% for crosses stopped and the top 29% for defensive actions outside of the penalty area over the last 365 days.

As such, with the 35-year-old Hugo Lloris being no spring chicken, and Mamardashvili clearly being an exceptionally talented young goalkeeper, it would appear highly advisable for Paratici to do everything he can to land the Georgian ahead of Manchester United this summer.

Indeed, should the Valencia starlet continue his extraordinary rate of development following a £17m switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Italian sporting director could well have sealed a player who could go on to become the next Oblak – the Atletico Madrid number one who had a £70m asking price last year – for Spurs.

AND in other news: “Understood to be keen”: Gold drops big Spurs transfer claim that supporters will love

Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils “are still fond admirers of the Dutch winger a year after he was considered as an alternative to Jadon Sancho”.

After scoring 17 goals and delivering eight assists in 52 appearances for Bournemouth, Danjuma joined the La Liga club last August in a deal worth a reported £21.3m.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

The 25-year-old has since enjoyed an impressive debut season with Unai Emery’s side as he racked up 16 goals and four assists in 34 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League.

Having scored against the likes of Juventus, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid this season, this shows just how capable the attacker is at performing against some of the top clubs in Europe and making himself a real threat in front of goal.

Better than Rashford

While the versatile attacker was once reportedly seen as a transfer alternative to Sancho last summer, Danjuma could now be a better option for Erik ten Hag at United than another attacking figure at Old Trafford, namely Marcus Rashford.

To compare the two players from their latest individual league campaigns, the Villarreal star totalled more goals, assists, dribbles and crosses than his Red Devils counterpart. This suggests that the former Bournemouth attacker could be a better attacking option for Ten Hag than the Englishman.

It also backs up what Kevin Phillips had to say about the Dutchman when he spoke about him earlier this year, saying: “On his day he is a nightmare for defenders. He can create and score goals. He can hurt any defence with his pace and directness.”

To further highlight his attacking prowess, no other player in Villarreal’s squad could match the number of shots (59) or shots on target (25) that Danjuma racked up in La Liga this season.

With a reported price tag of £50m on the 25-year-old, the Villarreal hotshot could be just what Ten Hag needs to freshen up the United squad and add a bit of life to their attack ahead of his debut season in charge of the Red Devils.

In other news: MUFC now want £54m-rated “phenomenon” as Ten Hag’s first signing, imagine him and Timber

Manchester United have held internal discussions over a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow, according to Samuel Luckhurst.

The Lowdown: Henderson to depart?

New United manager Erik ten Hag is set to be extremely busy over the coming months, and he could now be on the hunt for a new back-up goalkeeper to David de Gea.

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

That’s because Dean Henderson may well be on the move to Newcastle, with reports in the week suggesting a transfer to St James’ Park was close.

Should Henderson depart, Ten Hag would be left with De Gea and Tom Heaton after Lee Grant announced his retirement on Thursday.

The Latest: Darlow links

Chief writer Luckhurst shared a story for the Manchester Evening News on Friday morning regarding United’s back-up ‘keeper targets.

He revealed that United are considering a move for Darlow after Newcastle suggested including the 31-year-old as part of a deal for Henderson.

Darlow, described as ‘terrific’ by Steve Bruce, is aware of discussions, with Watford’s Daniel Bachmann another player of interest to United chiefs.

The Verdict: Good move?

As back-up targets go, Darlow could be the ideal man to arrive at Old Trafford. He’s made 33 appearances across the past two Premier League campaigns, taking his tally in the top-flight to 52.

Older than De Gea by just one month, the 31-year-old stood in for Martin Dubravka during the early stages of the 2021/22 season. He was on the bench after Eddie Howe took over, so he could well be open to serving as second choice under Ten Hag.

Bringing him to the club as part of a transfer for Henderson would also give the United boss one less transfer headache as he looks to make some marquee additions.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd & Ten Hag eyeing another Dutch gem along with De Jong and Timber. 

Liverpool could make a swoop for Dutch winger Cody Gakpo after he has recently been talking about his future.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the 22-year-old is ready to assess his future this summer as he looks increasingly likely to leave PSV Eindhoven for pastures new.

Gakpo told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf that “anything can happen this summer”, putting Liverpool on standby alongside other suitors.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked with the winger, and the Reds could face a battle for his signature.

Imagine him and Salah

Liverpool have had a remarkable season, and it could get even better. They are in the Champions League final and could snatch the Premier League title away from Manchester City on the last day of the season.

Jurgen Klopp is seemingly keen on adding to his squad and planning for the future despite that success. His diligent transfer business over the last couple of years, such as bringing in Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, has rejuvenated the title-winning team from 2019/20.

Gakpo, who could be available for just £42m this summer, would be an excellent addition to the squad. Journalist Valentijn Driessen described the winger as “constantly threatening” after he scored the winner in the KNVB Cup final against Ajax last month.

With 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season, it’s hard to think that he wouldn’t add something to the Liverpool side. Although Diaz also plays in Gakpo’s preferred left-wing position, the Dutchman can operate on the right or even as a centre-forward if necessary.

This versatility will only please Klopp further and added competition isn’t a bad thing, especially when the German wants the team to challenge for every competition they enter.

Liverpool fans will surely be excited to think of a wide comprising of serial goalscorer Mohamed Salah and Gakpo, and it may just become a reality this summer.

AND in other news, Klopp eyeing £150m “wonderkid” who “suits Liverpool’s style”, it may be bye-bye Salah

Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch is reportedly attracting interest from Portsmouth ahead of the expiry of his contract. 

The lowdown

Gooch has been with Sunderland since 2012, having joined from the Santa Cruz Breakers Academy in his native United States.

He penned a contract extension in December 2018, but that deal only runs until the end of the current season.

Gooch, who’s valued at £540,000 by Transfermarkt, has made 211 appearances for the Black Cats overall, scoring 23 goals and providing 35 assists in that time.

The latest

BBC Sport reporter Andrew Moon tweeted the news about Gooch on Thursday evening.

“I’m told that out of contract SAFC winger Lynden Gooch is a player that would interest Pompey should he become available,” he wrote. 

It remains to be seen whether Sunderland agree fresh terms with the American, or allow him to seal a free transfer to Fratton Park.

The verdict

Sunderland will hope that this story doesn’t serve as a distraction for Gooch ahead of next Saturday’s League One play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers.

The 26-year-old looks almost certain to start at Wembley, having played every minute of the two-legged semifinal against Sheffield Wednesday and started ten of the last 13 in the regular season.

Gooch, who has four caps for his country, is a useful asset for any manager given his capacity to play in multiple positions. This season, alone he’s operated in both full-back positions and wing roles.

His former manager Lee Johnson described him as a ‘bustler’ and a ‘pocket dynamo’, marvelling at his energetic presence.

The arguments for extending his stay, then, are pretty compelling.

In other news, an insider has dropped another key transfer update.

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes that Hoops defender Christopher Jullien could leave the club at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Jullien out of favour

The 29-year-old has suffered terrible luck with injuries in recent years, stunting his progress at Parkhead and seeing him slip down the pecking order.

In fact, Jullien has been limited to just one appearance in all competitions this season, not playing a single minute of Premiership action.

The Frenchman’s current Celtic deal expires in 2023 and it could be the case that he is sold this summer in order to receive a fee for him.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-5/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Jullien tipped to leave Celtic

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that Jullien could leave Celtic once the campaign reaches its conclusion. The 62-year-old stated:

“He’s played once this season so you do wonder if Ange has decided he isn’t good enough. To not even have had some sub appearances at the end of games, that speaks volumes for me.

“So, he’s one who could go this summer because he hasn’t played regular football for so long now. It’s probably better for everyone that he is moved on because I’m sure if Ange rated him then he would be playing.

“I just get the feeling he’s not in Ange’s plans because there was a big deal maced about him coming back and now there is nothing.”

The Verdict: Makes sense for all concerned

In truth, it makes complete sense for Jullien to find a new club ahead of next season, allowing Celtic not to lose him for free next year and also giving the player himself a better chance of regular football.

It seems clear from the Frenchman’s lack of game-time that Ange Postecoglou doesn’t see him as a key player moving forward, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt indisputably the first-choice centre-back pairing.

Jullien has been hugely unlucky with injuries, missing so much action in the process, and it simply has to be viewed as a move which ultimately hasn’t worked out how he or the club would have wanted, despite making 62 appearances in total.

In other news, one Celtic played has been tipped to finish his career at Parkhead. Find out who it is here.

Jurgen Klopp will make a late decision over Roberto Firmino’s involvement in Liverpool’s crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham this weekend.

The Lowdown: Massive game at Anfield

The Reds are looking to return to the top of the table on Saturday evening, for the time being at least, as they welcome Spurs to Anfield for one of the biggest games of the season.

Antonio Conte’s side are battling for a top-four finish with rivals Arsenal, so the eventual outcome on Merseyside could be enormous for both sides.

Firmino has been Liverpool’s only injury absentee of late but a key update has now emerged regarding his fitness ahead of the match.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-31/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Late call on Firmino

Taking to Twitter, journalist James Pearce relayed Klopp’s words on the Brazilian, saying he will decide whether or not to include him in the squad on the day:

“Klopp on Firmino: “He’s back in training so now we have to make a decision. It might make more sense for him to just train through the weekend and then he’ll be a big stop closer for Tuesday.”

The Verdict: No need to risk him

There was a time when an injury to Firmino felt disastrous, with Klopp so reliant on him staying fit for long spells, along with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Liverpool have incredible attacking depth after signing Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, however, so there is no need to rush back a potentially undercooked player.

Divock Origi is an option from the substitutes’ bench, too, given his penchant for scoring important goals, so it would make more sense to allow Firmino to continue his recovery over the weekend, potentially featuring at Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

In other news, a pundit has torn into one ‘shocking’ Liverpool player. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United’s pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins may have been given a slight boost, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…

The Hammers and manager David Moyes are reportedly watching Villa’s forward ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window with a new striker firmly on West Ham’s agenda.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-newest-updates/” title=”West Ham newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

It is believed that the club want to add an out-and-out centre forward to Moyes’ ranks alongside the potential additions of a central defender and new midfielder (The Times).

Michail Antonio is currently the Irons’ only natural senior option in the striker role, and with an interesting 2022/2023 season around the corner, West Ham simply must add an alternative at long last.

The Latest: Brown makes Watkins claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Brown of The Daily Star has claimed that Watkins could have his head turned by West Ham – especially if they manage to secure a Champions League spot either through the top four or winning the Europa League.

He explained: “Would Ollie Watkins leave Villa? It depends. If West Ham were to do something special and really get in the top four or get into the Champions League, that might turn his head. But he’s kind of Villa’s crown jewel, so it would be hard for them to let him go.”

The Verdict: Promising?

You would imagine, like many of West Ham’s targets, a place in Europe’s most coveted competition would be a major pull for them.

Much could ride on their potential place in the Champions League next season but, if Moyes’ men were to seal a place, there is little doubt Watkins would upgrade the forward line.

A serious homegrown talent, the England international is pivotal for Villa, scoring more goals than anyone in Steven Gerrard’s squad – while only Philippe Coutinho has averaged more shots at goal per 90 in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie is certainly a fan, branding Watkins a ‘massive player’ and ‘brilliant’.

Indeed, he could be the ideal striker signing for Moyes this summer, but much will depend on Villa’s selling stance.

In other news: ‘He will…’ – West Ham source shares major Rice update from the last 48 hours, find out more here.