All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Sheffield Wednesday may well be tracking Solihull Moors striker Kyle Hudlin this summer, according to YorkshireLive journalist Dom Howson.

The Lowdown: Hudlin linked with Owls move

The Owls are preparing for life in League One, following their relegation from the Championship, and Darren Moore will be looking to perfect his summer transfer business.

One player who Wednesday have been linked with is the giant 6 foot 9 Hudlin – the tallest professional footballer in Britain currently – who scored 10 goals for Solihull last season, nine of which were in the National League.

Hudlin’s current deal runs out in the summer of 2022, meaning Solihull may be keen on receiving a fee for him now, rather than risking him leaving for free next year.

The Latest: Howson provides key update

Speaking in a Q&A on Friday, Howson gave his thoughts on Wednesday’s pursuit of the 21-year-old, admitting ‘it wouldn’t surprise me’ if the rumours are true because the Owls ‘desperately’ need quality like Hudlin up front:

“Still looking into this one. It wouldn’t surprise me if he is someone the Owls have been tracking. He fits the profile of the type of player Moore wants to sign and Wednesday desperately need more attacking reinforcements.”

The Verdict: A new Nuhiu?

While it may be a lazy comparison, Hudlin could have the potential to be similar to former Owls striker Atdhe Nuhiu, in terms of offering something aerially.

Nuhiu’s height allowed the Owls to play a route one style when it was needed and he proved to be an effective substitute down the years.

Hudlin’s giant stature means he is of course going to be a handful for defenders and Moore may like the idea of having a varied mix of strikers at his disposal.

In other news, one Sheff Wed player is set to stay put for another year. Find out who it is here.

Celtic have agreed a compensation fee with Yokohama F Marinos for their manager Ange Postecoglou.

What’s the story?

The Premiership giants have applied for an exemption with UEFA for the 55-year-old tactician to be allowed to take a job in Europe. Postecoglou doesn’t currently hold the required UEFA Pro Licence, but it’s possible to apply for a “recognition of competence procedure” to bypass the issue.

According to Sky Sports, the Hoops are confident that the former Australia national team manager’s extensive career at club and international level will see him granted an exemption and have reportedly agreed a compensation fee with the Japanese club to pave the way for his move to Parkhead.

“Mr Postecoglou does not currently hold the UEFA Pro Licence,” said a UEFA spokesperson.

“A recognition of competence procedure has been initiated. The process could take several weeks. We don’t have any further information to provide at this stage.”

Fans will be buzzing

Celtic have been without a permanent manager since Neil Lennon resigned back in February following a horrendous run of form. The Glasgow side were hoping to win a record-breaking 10th league title in a row last season, but an awful campaign saw them finish 25 points behind fierce rivals Rangers.

Several first team stars are expected to depart Parkhead over the coming months, with the likes of Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie and Kristoffer Ajer approaching the final 12 months of their current contracts and linked with moves away, meaning a major squad rebuild could be needed over the summer.

It’s a daunting task for Postecoglou, although his 25 years of managerial experience should stand him in good stead.

The proposed appointment of the 55-year-old came as somewhat of a shock after many household names were originally linked with succeeding Lennon, including Rafael Benitez, Roy Keane and Roberto Martinez.

Eddie Howe came closest to filling the vacant hot seat before talks collapsed, and although Postecoglou’s arrival may not please some supporters, many will surely be happy to see a new manager finally installed as Celtic aim to wrestle back their Premiership crown.

In other news…Get rid: Celtic must ruthlessly axe “unacceptable” £20k-p/w flop, he’s not good enough 

Peterborough director of football Barry Fry has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that he expects Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish to have the final say in the club’s search for a new manager.

Palace seemed close to appointing former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo as Roy Hodgson’s successor, but that now looks to be off.

Prior, Football Insider had suggested that there were disagreements at boardroom level between Parish and director of football Dougie Freedman over who should be the club’s next manager.

It remains to be seen where Palace turn to now, but Fry is adamant the final decision will lie with Parish.

Asked by TT who is likely to come out on top, Parish or Freedman, the director of football said:

“Steve Parish, mate, but Dougie’s brilliant. He’s in charge of recruitment there and what have you.

“Steve Parish loves his club and does what’s best for it. Several names have been mentioned and I think it’s going to be a long-term project.

“Whoever is appointed manager, Steve and Dougie have got to back him. They can have their own ideas and mention them and they can discuss it, but there’s only one person in charge at clubs of, you know, picking the team and that’s the manager.”

Palace had previously been linked with the likes of ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and Barnsley’s Valerien Ismael. Perhaps they are two names the club could revisit now that Nuno is off the table.

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signature of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho after extensive negotiations.

What’s the story?

According to ESPN, the Red Devils have been handed a major boost, with sources telling the outlet that United are nearing the end of their year-long pursuit, with a deal worth £77 million set to be agreed with the Bundesliga giants.

Sancho was the subject of intense interest from United last summer, but Ed Woodward refused to meet Dortmund’s £108m asking price.

Ole will be buzzing

News that the England international’s arrival at Old Trafford is potentially imminent will surely have Ole Gunnar Solskjaer buzzing.

The Norwegian manager guided United to a second-place finish in the Premier League last season, although they ultimately fell short of winning any major honours.

While domestic rivals Manchester City lifted their third top-flight title in four years and Chelsea claimed their second Champions League crown, Solskjaer’s side were left empty-handed after Villarreal came out on top in the Europa League final.

It extended the club’s longest trophy drought in over 30 years and highlighted the bridge in quality between United and the sport’s top teams.

Bringing in a player who Germany legend Lothar Matthaus once described as a “perfect footballer,” therefore, will be seen as a major coup for the 20-time English champions.

Sancho has displayed his world-class potential on a regular basis since moving to the Signal Iduna Park back in 2017.

The 21-year-old has bagged an incredible 50 goals and provided a further 64 assists in just 137 appearances for BVB in all competitions.

Closing the gap to City will take more than the addition of just one player, but bringing in a beast with the star quality that Sancho possesses will certainly make a significant difference.

Lining up alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes, Sancho could form one of the most fearsome forward lines in world football, one that could fire United back to their former glory.

It’s been eight long years since the Red Devils last lifted the Premier League title. However, with the addition of Dortmund’s prized asset in their ranks, the chances of that barren run ending become a little more realistic.

And, in other news…Man Utd heading for huge transfer mistake over £210k-p/w flop, Solskjaer must avoid 

Leeds United youngster Robbie Gotts is set to sign a new contract at Elland Road this summer, according to journalist Beren Cross.

The Lowdown: Gotts impresses for Salford

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Salford City, making 23 appearances in League Two and being hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Richie Wellens.

It will have been an invaluable temporary spell away from Leeds for Gotts, who is now back at Elland Road ahead of pre-season next month.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

The Latest: Youngster to sign new deal

According Leeds Live journalist Cross, Gotts signing a new deal is ‘the most likely avenue’ currently, with his Whites contract expiring next summer.

It is also stated than another loan move next season looks on the cards, with first-team opportunities difficult to come by under Marcelo Bielsa.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-5/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Loan moves makes sense

The fact that Leeds are seemingly willing to extend Gotts’ stay suggests he is viewed as a long-term prospect, although he will have to bide his time for now.

Another season in a lower league will see the midfielder mature further as a player, hopefully returning an even more well-rounded figure in 2022.

If Gotts were to stay at Elland Road in 2021/22, it is more likely that his progress would be stunted, with Under-23s football likely coming his way. A long-term deal and loan exit makes sense for all parties.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly lost interest in one rumoured transfer target – find out who it is here.

Former Newcastle United star Keith Gillespie has urged the club to give Steve Bruce the funds required to truly strengthen the squad this summer.

The Magpies endured a difficult season in which they flirted with relegation but ultimately managed to stay up at the end of the campaign.

Indeed, in their final nine games of the campaign, Newcastle lost just twice, to Arsenal and Manchester City, and recorded five wins and two draws, taking a point off both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

Gillespie subsequently believes that Bruce will be retained by owner Mike Ashley but he has pleaded for the club to invest properly this summer as they look to improve next season.

The ex-Magpies star has cited the examples of West Ham United and Leeds United, with the former finishing sixth, and the Whites securing a top-half finish, as the models to follow.

A report from journalist Alan Nixon has claimed that Newcastle could have as much as £50m to spend this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Gillespie said: “I do think Steve Bruce will be there next season but I hope he gets given the right amount of money in the transfer market to go and strengthen the squad and go and possibly do what the likes of West Ham have done.

“Look at Aston Villa, look at Leeds, go and improve, don’t just be happy with being mediocre and surviving, go and improve on that.”

Many Everton fans have been left to slam James Rodriguez after a transfer claim emerged on his future.

According to journalist Pipe Sierra, James’ representative, Jorge Mendes, wants the former World Cup superstar to leave Goodison Park for a fee of between €10-20m (£8.5-17.1m).

Sierra claims that Rodriguez has been offered to Napoli, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan, but a return to Real Madrid to link up once more with Carlo Ancelotti has not been ruled out either.

While the playmaker certainly showed his quality at the Merseyside club at times in the 2020/21 season, perhaps the Toffees did not see it enough, which was not helped at all by his constant injury problems.

Rodriguez has not exactly been overly enthusiastic about staying either since Ancelotti’s departure, and given that he is also 29 years of age now as well, it may be a good time for the Blues to cash in on him, and use that money to reinvest in the squad.

Everton fans on Rodriguez transfer claim

These EFC supporters slammed Rodriguez as the claim was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is ‘utter dross’:

“Bye don’t let the door hit you on they way out”

Credit: @parkendgoodison

“See ya”

Credit: @DannySkelhorn

“He’s been disappointing James. Constantly injured. Move him on.”

Credit: @Sheevspinn

“Get him out, he only ever plays when it’s sunny anyway.”

Credit: @clevergareth

“If we get £20m for him that’ll be an absolute steal. He’s been utter dross”

Credit: @DJVinnyVincenzo

“Get him gone.”

Credit: @tayotv_

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ ace Everton lead the race to sign here!

Many Aston Villa fans have been angered after the club’s Twitter account posted about the Euro 2020 fixture between England and Germany, following news that Jack Grealish will commence the clash as a substitute [The Athletic].

Enjoying a superb 2020/21 campaign, the boyhood Villa fan notched 19 goal contributions in 27 outings as he helped his side to an 11th-placed finish last time out thanks to seven goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt].

Now starring with his country at the European Championship, he played an integral part in his first major tournament start, providing an assist for Raheem Sterling in a 1-0 win for the Three Lions against the Czech Republic last week [BBC].

Despite this contribution, he looks set to miss out on featuring from the beginning against Germany this evening [The Athletic]. Duly prompted by the club’s tweet, loads of Aston Villa fans took to Twitter to vent their frustration over Grealish’s likely omission from the starting line-up.

Aston Villa fans react:

Replying to the club’s official Twitter account after it asked followers for their score prediction for the England game, here is how some Villa fans summarised their opinions:

“Jack’s not playing so 3-0 loss I’m afraid.”

Credit: @AVFCFaithful_”If he plays the team he’s rumoured to be, I predict total boredom and regret by the final whistle.”Credit: @G27086526″Grealish and Mings won’t start and it will be 90 mins of incredibly boring Southgate ball”Credit: @avfc_jf”Here’s my prediction, Jack won’t start and most likely won’t get on the pitch”Credit: @BorisBirkin”Grealish on the bench, frustration and ultimately, defeat. (to note I would love all of the above to be wrong)”Credit: @djdylhen”6-0 with Jack, 1-0 loss without”Credit: @ajbyrne_avfcIn other news, Aston Villa are interested in this Premier League defender.

Sky Sports, via Football Daily, have now revealed the asking price after Tottenham Hotspur’s bid for Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing defenders…

Tottenham’s talks to sign the Japan international have emerged over this last week as the Lilywhites finally take to the transfer market.

Spurs are on the hunt for new central defenders as managing director Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy look to reinforce a problem position.

Tomiyasu comes as one of the cheaper alternatives but football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold believes that Tottenham want to preferably bring in two new defensive faces.

The Latest: Sky Sports drop Tomiyasu claim…

Sky Sports News made the latest claim involving Tomiyasu and Spurs after the club reportedly lodged a bid.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-3/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Talks are ongoing for the 6 foot 2 colossus but Sky say that Tottenham’s opening bid of £12.9 million plus an extra £2.6 million in add-ons has been rejected.

“It is close to the Italian club’s valuation, which is at least €20m, which is £17.2m,” explained the broadcaster (via Football Daily).

“They are a couple of million away at the moment, we’re told, but talks remain ongoing.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Amid Tottenham tough financial circumstances the club will have to play hardball in a difficult market, but the Lilywhites must surely pay the extra few million for Tomiyasu.

Spurs have already wasted precious time during their two-month search for a new manager, which finally ended when they announced Nuno Espirito Santo as Jose Mourinho’s heir.

We therefore urge them to get Tomiyasu done as soon as possible and move on to other more prestigious targets who may present a bigger challenge.

In other news: ‘I’d be excited, Spurs fans’…Stan Collymore thrilled by major news out of N17, find out more here.

Leeds United are set to officially part company with Ezgjan Alioski following his contract expiration [Leeds Live].

The Lowdown: Leeds United face changes moving into 2021/22

Moving into 2021/22, some changes will engulf an Elland Road side who achieved an impressive ninth placed finish last term.

Raphinha has been linked with a move to UEFA Champions League qualifiers Liverpool, whilst Kalvin Phillips has courted the attention of Spanish giants Real Madrid.

However, while those are just rumours, one man who is definitely be departing Yorkshire this summer is 29-year-old North Macedonia international Alioski.

The Latest: Alioski confirmed to be leaving Elland Road after four years

As stated, the left-back is now officially set to leave Leeds United this summer, with neither club nor player able to agree an extension on his deal [Leeds Live].

Somewhat of a cult hero at the club thanks to his feisty reputation, he played a major role in Marcelo Bielsa’s EFL Championship winning side of 2019/20 [BBC].

Speculation will follow regarding his next move, with Galatasaray said to be closely monitoring his situation [Tribal Football].

The Verdict: Right time for club and player to part ways

All things considered, now is probably the correct time for Alioski and Leeds to part ways in an amicable fashion.

In 2020/21, the Prilep-born full back enjoyed a solid season within the Whites rear-guard, chipping in with six goal contributions in 38 fixtures; three goals and three assists [Transfermarkt], but he was suspect defensively at times.

All in, he registered 41 goal contributions in 171 fixtures during his time in Leeds, 22 goals and 19 assists [Transfermarkt].

Once described as ‘brilliant’ by ex-Sunderland forward Kevin Phillips, his efforts in a Leeds United jersey won’t be forgotten about any time soon [Football Insider].

In other news, Leeds United are set to miss out on a reported transfer target.