All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Liverpool’s remarkable 7-0 decimation of heated rivals Manchester United was a breath of crisply fresh air for all affiliated with the Merseyside outfit, who have drastically fallen below expectations this season.

Manager Jurgen Klopp will be positively delighted with the outcome, eclipsing his wildest dreams of how the affair might have swung.

The Reds still sit outside the top four – three points behind Tottenham Hotspur – and have already fallen to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup, but a resounding run of form has followed in the Premier League, with four wins and one draw from the past five matches, keeping clean sheets in every fixture.

With alarming concerns over the efficacy of the midfield and the evaporation of the former intensity and guile, leaving the defence stranded and failing to provide the energy needed for Klopp’s high-octane system to fire on all cylinders, the result will have provided the most emphatic of respite, with every department bearing a semblance to the formerly imperious Liverpool team.

And with the likes of Harvey Elliott playing an absolute blinder, there is newfound optimism over the future of the Merseyside outfit.

What does the future hold for Harvey Elliott?

Signing from Fulham for a record compensation fee of £4m in 2019 as a 16-year-old, Elliott has enjoyed his most impressive season for Liverpool, despite the collective woes, and now 19, is starting to offer the promise that was tantalised from an early age.

Valued at £53m by CIES Football Observatory, Elliott has played 38 matches across all competitions this term, scoring five goals and supplying two assists, and was dubbed “superb” by Liverpool writer Matt Addison for his performance against the Red Devils.

As per Sofascore, the teenage maestro recorded a match rating of 7.8, and it was the all-encompassing nature of his work that will have left Klopp gleaming.

The £40k-per-week Elliott provided a fine looping assist for the first of Darwin Nunez’s brace of headed strikes, made 72 total touches and completed 45 of his 55 attempted passes (82%); with three total shots, a 100% dribble success rate and winning five of his seven ground duels, also making four tackles, Elliott proved his worth in a manner that belies his teenage years.

It was an enticing glimpse of things to come, and given Liverpool’s heated interest in Borussia Dortmund phenom Jude Bellingham, Reds mouthes might be left watering in considering the dynamic duo that could be formed in the pair, if the outfit prove successful in their bid.

Bellingham has been superlative for the Yellow Wall since his £25m transfer from boyhood club Birmingham City in 2020, and this season has scored ten goals and served six assists from 31 matches, even captaining the side on multiple occasions.

As per FBref, the fellow 19-year-old ranks among the top 9% in Europe’s top five leagues for goals, the top 12% for assists, the top 1% for successful take-ons, the top 8% for progressive carries, the top 9% for progressive passes and the top 3% for bocks per 90. With such a wide scope of skills, it is clear to see his prowess extends to every facet of a midfielder’s game.

With Elliott listed as a comparable player to the England wonderkid, the pair could indeed craft a deadly link, and with a sturdy anchor situated at the foot of the midfield triad, Liverpool’s machine could whir at a capacity that can match any engine in world football.

Amid the strife, there have been several positives from Liverpool’s campaign; the prodigious Stefan Bajcetic’s emergence perhaps the most salient.

Indeed, like his teenage teammate, the Spaniard has shown qualities that are hard to fathom considering the embryonic stage of his career, with Mohamed Salah suggesting just a matter of weeks ago that “since he started playing for us, he has been our best player.”

That is fine praise but Elliott, given the amount of senior football he has played to date, is still very much the golden boy when it comes to the club’s younger players.

That said, with Bellingham potentially in tow too, Klopp could have one of the most precocious central departments in history on his hands.

Manchester United are keen on signing Adrien Rabiot this summer as Erik ten Hag aims to bolster his midfield options ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Adrien Rabiot to Manchester United?

According to RMC Sport (via the Daily Mail), United have reportedly offered a contract to Rabiot ahead of a potential switch this summer.

It comes after the Old Trafford side missed out on the Frenchman a year ago despite a fee being arranged, with the deal falling through due to wage demands. He is out of contract at the end of this season and Ten Hag is going for a second bite of the cherry hoping another move is successful.

Could Man United sign Rabiot this summer?

With Rabiot's deal at Juventus coming to an end, United won't have to worry about a transfer fee and could perhaps offer more in terms of wages to safely negotiate a move for the midfielder.

Convincing the Frenchman that United is the best move for him could spell bad news for Fred, who may be moved on before next term as a result.

There is no doubt the Brazilian has improved under the Dutchman, enjoying a new lease of life while partnered alongside a genuinely world-class operator in Casemiro, and despite starting just 11 Premier League games this term to date, he has chipped in with three goal contributions, created three big chances and made 1.3 tackles per game, proving that when he is called upon, he is contributing.

The 30-year-old has just one year on his current contract and this could give Ten Hag licence to move him on for a fee this summer in order to free up room for Rabiot.

The Juve star has enjoyed something of a career renaissance this season with club and country. The 28-year-old is ranked as the best midfielder in the Juventus squad for his Serie A performances this term, with an overall rating of 7.06/10 from Sofascore, while he has also chipped in with eight goals and one assist, demonstrating how effective he can be going forward, which could be a big bonus to Ten Hag.

For France, the £150k-per-week machine was in wonderful form during their run to the World Cup final in Qatar last year. Across six matches, he registered two goal contributions and averaged 61.5 touches per game, controlling the game from the midfield as France came so close to retaining their title.

It’s no wonder national coach Didier Deschamps described him as a “complete midfielder”, and there is no doubt that he could bolster United's ranks ahead of Ten Hag’s second season in charge.

Financial expert Kieran Maguire has been reacting to a Leeds United update involving the 49ers Enterprises and Elland Road.

What’s the latest Leeds news on the 49ers?

It was confirmed earlier this month that the 49ers Enterprises have completed a full takeover of Leeds from Andrea Radrizzani. The investment vehicle, which have links to NFL side the San Francisco 49ers, are now full owners of the Whites after previously having a 44% stake in the club.

A takeover was valued at £170m and includes the ownership of Elland Road, something which Maguire has been giving his thoughts on.

Talking to Football Insider regarding the news, Maguire, who contributes for Sky Sports, believes that “Leeds fans will love” the fact that the stadium and club are in the hands of the same party.

“I think there is an inevitability in regards to the 49ers’ investment in Leeds United that has been mooted for some time.

“I think it is a very good idea to have continuity of ownership of both football club and stadium and I’m sure Leeds fans will love this.”

What did Andrea Radrizzani try and do with Elland Road?

Radrizzani has moved on from Leeds, heading back to his native Italy with a takeover of Sampdoria. However, the former Leeds owner and chairman recently explored the prospect of offering to use the club's Elland Road stadium as security against a £26m bank loan, doing so without informing the 49ers.

That was before a Leeds agreement was reached with the 49ers, so it is good to see that Elland Road has been included in the takeover and is not still on the books of a company run by Radrizzani.

The new owners are now looking to take the club back into the Premier League at the first time of asking and are on the search for a new manager, and who knows, should they succeed, they may look into plans to redevelop Elland Road over the coming years.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to sign Real Madrid star Federico Valverde this summer, according to an exciting new transfer rumour.

How good is Fede Valverde?

The £181,000-a-week midfielder has grown into arguably one of the best midfielders in the world in recent years, becoming an integral part of a successful Madrid side, winning two La Liga titles and one Champions League crown along the way.

Valverde has stood out as a complete modern player, combining relentless athleticism, technical quality and versatility, allowing him to thrive both in central midfield and a wide role. Last season, he scored seven goals in the league, also chipping in with four assists and averaging 0.9 tackles per game.

While the 24-year-old is surely seen as a vital part of Madrid's future moving forward, there is still huge competition for places in the middle of the park, especially with highly-rated England international Jude Bellingham sealing a big-money move to the Santiago Bernabeu from Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer.

There are also the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni at the club battling for minutes, so it will be hard for Carlo Ancelotti to keep everyone happy.

With Chelsea searching hard for new midfield signings this summer, in order to make up for the loss of K'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, it looks as though Blues could be eyeing up an audacious move for Valverde.

Could Chelsea seal sensational move for Valverde?

According to Defensa Central [via The Chelsea Chronicle], the west Londoners' new boss Pochettino would love to bring the Uruguay international to the club this summer. The Argentine is believed to be "obsessed" with the idea of signing the Madrid superstar, pleading with owner Todd Boehly to complete the transfer.

In truth, it is extremely difficult to see Madrid being willing to part ways with Valverde any time soon, considering he is only 24 years of age and an undoubted key man, having racked up 204 appearances for them to date.

Kroos even described his teammate as one of the "top three in the world right now'' during one spell last season, highlighting just what a special addition he would be to Chelsea's squad, should he suddenly be made available in the summer transfer window.

The thought of the Blues having a new-look midfield of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Valverde is a truly mouthwatering prospect for any Chelsea supporter, and if it happened, the entire team could be transformed after a hugely underwhelming 2022/23 campaign that saw them finish 12th in the Premier League.

Valverde could be about the hit the sweet spot of his career, with so many players peaking around the ages of 25-29, which is why Madrid will almost certainly want to retain his services for the foreseeable future.

It is encouraging to hear Pochettino being so bold about Chelsea's transfer business, though, and if they can't sign the Madrid hero, it is essential that someone of a similar ilk heads to Stamford Bridge during the summer instead.

Newcastle United have brought a new exciting youngster into the fold under Eddie Howe despite the transfer window being closed, as per reports.

What's the latest Newcastle news?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is close to signing a new deal at St James' Park that would make him the highest-paid player in club history.

The report states that the new deal will be worth around £200k-a-week and will also put an end to speculation linking Guimaraes with moves to the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid. No release clause will be present in the Brazil international's new contract as the Saudi Public Investment Fund have refused to include them in any negotiations since taking over in the North East.

In some international break-themed news involving the Magpies, Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes is considering changing his international allegiance from England to Scotland after being snubbed once again by Gareth Southgate, as per The Times.

Barnes is eligible through his grandparents and could opt to work under former Newcastle United assistant Steve Clarke, who is in charge of the Scottish national side. Scotland stand on the brink of securing EURO 2024 qualification following a run of five wins from their first five group fixtures, as per Sky Sports.

In a separate piece from Football Insider, it has been revealed that Fabian Schar could be handed a new contract at Newcastle United, with his current terms set to run out at the end of this campaign.

Former Bournemouth boss Howe is keen to keep hold of Schar despite being in the market for another central defender in the summer. Crystal Palace's Joachim Anderson was targeted by the Magpies and it is believed that the Eagles threw out a late deadline day bid for the Denmark international worth over £30 million.

Who have Newcastle signed?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has taken to social media platform X to share that Newcastle United have brought in a new talent despite the transfer window closing in England. Romano stated:

"Official, completed. Talented 2007 born winger Trevan Sanusi joins Newcastle from Birmingham City. Newcastle won competition to sign Sanusi as more than five clubs were involved in the race."

Trevan Sanusi, who has been described as a "really exciting young player" by Birmingham boss John Eustace, has yet to make a senior appearance in his career; however, he has trained with Birmingham City's first-team on several occasions and has a growing reputation as a rising star in the English game.

What now for Newcastle?

Newcastle United will wait for the rest of the international break to play out before returning to action next weekend on September 16th against Brentford in the Premier League.

In the summer, CaughtOffside claimed that Newcastle were rebuffed in an approach to try and bring in Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella; however, he could be available for around £77 million next year.

Football Insider report that Newcastle United may look to expand their portfolio abroad by purchasing a top-division Belgian club and they have already held talks about the possibility of doing so.

Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly is on the radar at St James' Park and could be courted in January as a potential addition to Howe's defensive ranks, so it could be a bust few months for the Magpies.

Manchester United are eyeing up a swoop for World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister this summer as Erik ten Hag continues his rebuild.

What’s the latest on Alexis Mac Allister to Manchester United?

According to Argentinian reporter Cesar Luis Merlo, United are fighting it out with Liverpool and Arsenal in order to lure the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.

Merlo claims that two of the clubs are ‘already negotiating’ with the player, although he doesn’t state which teams that is.

The south coast side were looking at £50m in order for any team to prise Mac Allister away from the club during the January window and come the end of the season, this figure may have increased.

Could Manchester United sign Alexis Mac Allister?

Ten Hag is still a few signings short of completing a team which can compete for the Premier League title and Mac Allister would certainly improve the team that’s for sure.

With the Dutchman also looking to ship out some deadwood and underperformers during the summer, the Argentinian could be a big upgrade on Scott McTominay.

Indeed, this season, the 24-year-old has registered more goals (eight to none), shots per game (2.35 to 0.78), tackles won (30 to 18) and has a higher pass success rate than the Scot (86.7% to 81.9%), proving he has been much more effective across all areas of the pitch.

Ten Hag would love to add another midfielder who can pose a significant goal threat and Mac Allister ranks in the top 5% across Europe’s big five leagues for goals, total shots and penalty kicks made, meaning United would be signing one of the finest goalscoring midfielders in the continent if they lured him to the club.

His experience at the highest level is also a big plus for the Dutchman. Reporter Roy Nemer lauded the midfielder as being “unplayable” during the 2022 World Cup final that Argentina won, and he was incredible throughout the duration of the competition.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.05/10 across six matches, scoring once, creating two big chances and making 1.3 key passes per match along with taking 1.2 shots per game, displaying his attacking qualities on the grandest stage of all.

McTominay has started just nine Premier League matches for United this season, making 20 appearances overall, and it looks as though his career at the Red Devils could be coming to an end.

In Mac Allister they will have a player who is a big upgrade on the 26-year-old and one who can further strengthen United’s midfield.

Aston Villa have made an enquiry over a possible summer move for Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Villa rumours

Villa were first linked with a move for Tierney earlier this month by Football Insider. They said that Arsenal could green-light a summer sale and value the player at £30m, with the report adding that Villa could be willing to sell Lucas Digne to make room for the Scot.

The 25-year-old appears to have dropped down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta this season following Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival in the summer, starting more games in the Europa League than the Premier League.

Tierney also shares the same agent as Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa, and it looks as if Villa have made their first move ahead of a possible transfer.

The Latest: Jacobs’ comments

Jacobs was talking to TEAMtalk regarding Tierney and Villa. He said that those at Villa Park (by extension both NSWE and sporting director Johan Lange) have made an approach for Tierney.

However, the reporter said he would be ‘surprised’ if the left-back decided to move to the Midlands due to no European football being offered.

“Aston Villa have been a club that have also inquired but I think that Tierney will still want European football. So personally – and it is only my view – I’d be surprised if Tierney drops down to a club in his mid-20s after impressing for Arsenal – let’s not forget last season – that doesn’t offer European football.”

The Verdict: You never know…

Christian Purslow is expecting an ‘extremely busy summer’ ahead of Unai Emery’s first full season in charge, so it wouldn’t come as a shock if Villa followed up their approach by making an offer for Tierney in the summer.

He has been dubbed as an ‘absolute baller’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so could prove to be a shrewd signing, even though Emery recently brought in left-back Alex Moreno from Real Betis in the winter window.

The Arsenal man would bring a winning mentality to the Midlands after lifting a number of trophies with boyhood club Celtic and the FA Cup and Community Shield with the Gunners, potentially adding a Premier League winners medal to his collection over the coming months.

Villa have shown recently that they can attract players who are used to European football by signing Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, so we won’t rule out a move for Tierney just yet, although Villa may have to rival Newcastle United for his signature.

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw will "100%" sign a new deal at the club, according to an update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

How is Shaw playing this season?

The Red Devils are enjoying an excellent season to date, clinching EFL Cup glory already and also having a chance of winning the Europa League and FA Cup. Meanwhile, a top-four finish in the Premier League looks likely, in a year that has seen big strides made on the pitch.

Numerous United players have shone throughout the campaign, with Marcus Rashford the standout performer, and Shaw has been a model of consistency at left-back. The 27-year-old has been an influential presence in both and attacking and defensive sense, making 22 league appearances and averaging both 1.7 tackles and 1.2 key passes per game in the competition.

The Englishman has now established himself as arguably one of Europe's best left-backs, and with his current United deal expiring next year, it is important that the club ties down his future. That certainly looks set to be the case, with an exciting new update suggesting as much.

Is Shaw set to extend his stay?

Taking to Twitter, Romano relayed Erik ten Hag's quotes regarding Shaw, before providing his own update over a new contract being signed:

"Ten Hag: 'If Luke Shaw signed new deal, I don't know — I haven't heard, as John Murtough didn't inform me until now. I have to wait for that. If it's true, I’m pleased. We want to keep Luke because he's a really important player for our team'.

"New deal, 100% agreed."

This is clearly great news from a United perspective, with Shaw someone performing at the peak of his powers, and an undoubted a key starter for Ten Hag's side. The 29-cap England international's manager has called him "a great player and a great personality for the dressing-room", and at 27, a new long-term deal will run out when he is still potentially in his best years.

It is heartwarming to see Shaw reach such a high level, having suffered a terrible broken leg early in his United career and not always managed to consistently become an important player down the years. He is now fully reaching his potential, though, and there is no reason why he can't find another gear, too, especially if more key signings are made during what is hopefully a fruitful summer transfer window at Old Trafford.

To say that Liverpool have had a turbulent summer would be an understatement. The Reds started off well in the summer transfer window, welcoming both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to begin their much-needed midfield rebuild.

Since then, however, things have only gone downhill, as they missed out on key targets. Now, as the window edges closer and closer to closing, Jurgen Klopp and co have reportedly turned their attention to Feyenoord for options.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Of course, if you cast your mind back, after their strong start to the window, Liverpool said their goodbyes to both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, as they duo swapped Merseyside for Saudi Arabia. Now, this wouldn't have been an issue if they had replacements instantly lined up.

That was far from the case, though, and with the Premier League season underway, the only incoming since Mac Allister and Szoboszlai has been Wataru Endo, following the rejection of both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who chose Chelsea over Liverpool this summer.

On top of their midfield crisis, it could be argued that the Reds need another central defender this summer, given Joel Matip's injury combined with the fact that he has one year remaining on his current contract.

With that said, according to Football Transfers, Liverpool have turned to Feyenoord to solve both of their issues, with the Premier League giants reportedly in contact with both David Hancko and Mats Wieffer over potential summer switches.

Appearing on ESPN's Football Talk, Hans Kraay junior recently spoke about the potential deal for Hancko, in particular, saying, via Football Transfers: "Do all those Premier League clubs send half-blind scouts to the Netherlands? Hancko is worth £35/40 million for almost every team, isn't he?"

As things stand, Feyenoord are yet to set their price, but it certainly seems as though it would cost Liverpool a hefty fee as the transfer window comes to a close.

Should Liverpool sign Hancko and Wieffer?

Given their problems in both central defence and midfield, welcoming both Hancko and Wiffer could be an act of genius from Liverpool.

Hancko, a centre-back, is still only 25-years-old and should, therefore, be in the middle of his prime in the Netherlands. The Slovakian played a key part in Feyenoord's title-winning campaign last time out, even enjoying nine goal involvements from the back.

Meanwhile, Wieffer – a defensive midfielder by trade – is only 23-years-old, and played an equally impressive part in Feyenoord's title win last season, scoring three goals, whilst also assisting a further seven in all competitions.

Compared to recent Liverpool signing Endo last season, as per FBref, Wieffer made more progressive passes, more progressive carries, better pass completion, and made more blocks, interceptions, and tackles per 90. Any way that you look at it, Wieffer would be the option to strengthen Klopp's midfield.

Hancko is just as impressive, too, making more progressive passes, winning more tackles, and making fewer errors per 90 than Joel Matip last season.

If Liverpool do push ahead with deals for the Feyenoord duo, it would represent solid business.

Everton are under genuine threat of suffering a 12-point deduction this season, but a new update has revealed some positive news on the situation.

Everton in danger of points deduction

The Blues are going through a really tough time of things at the moment, with so many negatives on show at the club ahead of their move to Bramley Moore Dock next summer. The sad news of chairman Bill Kenwright's passing has devastated everyone affected with the club this week, and he will be sorely missed on Merseyside for the person he was regardless of any thoughts on his abilities in the boardroom.

Meanwhile, talk of an Everton takeover continues to rumble on, with no agreement in place yet with 777 Partners, and there is now also the worrying matter of the Blues potentially suffering a 12-point deduction, due to possibly being found guilty of financial breaches.

That could be an unbelievable blow for Sean Dyche and his players, as they look to avoid relegation from the Premier League, with 12 points lost suddenly making a drop down to the Championship look highly likely as the campaign progresses.

Everton are already sitting 16th in the league table after nine matches, having only won two of those games to date, highlighting exactly why the deduction could hurt them so badly, at a time when they cannot afford to go down to the second tier of English football.

Everton confident of beating Premier League charge

According to a fresh update from Football Insider journalist Sean Fisher, those high up at Everton are confident of avoiding a points deduction, contrary to the recent reports :

"Everton are confident of avoiding the 12-point deduction suggested by the Premier League, Football Insider has been told.

"The Toffees began their disciplinary hearing with the Premier League at the start of the week addressing allegations that they breached spending rules. The hearing is set to be concluded in the coming days."

This is an update that will likely make Everton fans breathe a certain sigh of relief, even if they are far from in the clear when it comes to the financial accusations being levelled against them.

The fact that those at the club are seemingly confident about a points deduction being avoided can only be a good thing and it will be a massive relief if the potential charges are dropped or only lead to a slap on the wrist.

It is vital that this saga, among numerous others, doesn't affect Dyche and his players, however, with results so important in the Premier League at the moment, as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of losing 2-0 away to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby last weekend.

Sunday's trip to West Ham will be a good place to start, with victory at the London Stadium representing a huge statement against a team who are the reigning UEFA Europa Conference League holders.

Every point feels absolutely vital for the Blues at the moment, and with the threat of a points deductions there for all to see, it makes any positive result feel even more priceless at this point.