All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Liverpool will be in the market for a number of central midfielders this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster a squad that fell way short of expectations this season.

After only qualifying for the Europa League following a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, the Reds may find it a little harder to recruit the top talents that may have been on their shortlist heading into the summer.

However, midfield reinforcements will be a priority for Klopp after the exits of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, with Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone one man who could arrive at Anfield.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Manu Kone?

According to transfer specialist Romano, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga this term.

He wrote: "Manu Koné, one of the midfielders on Liverpool's list. He’s highly rated as LFC are already informed on conditions of the deal.

"Parties feel there’s a chance for Koné to leave this summer, as BILD called — he’s a name to consider for Liverpool plans."

Previous reports have claimed that the defensive-minded midfielder could cost around £26m this summer, which could represent a bargain for the Reds if he can live up to his potential at Anfield.

Would Manu Kone be a good signing for Liverpool?

This season saw Kone feature regularly in Daniel Farke's side, making 30 appearances in the Bundesliga and averaging a solid 6.81 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He had previously averaged a strong 6.99 rating in the 2021/22 campaign so has been impressive in Germany for some time now, and it seems likely that the former Toulouse man could be destined for a big move in the upcoming window.

WhoScored suggests that the young midfielder excels at dribbling, passing and tackling, so he could be the ideal man to replace Keita as a ball-carrying midfield in Klopp's squad, while his obvious potential and strong performances at Monchengladbach certainly suggest that he could eclipse the Guinean at Anfield.

Just this term, he amassed a healthy 1.9 dribbles per game and an impressive 2.5 tackles per match, numbers that would have ranked him joint-top and the very best in the entire Liverpool squad for those metrics. It's those very performance that have seen him tipped to become a "monstrous" asset in the future by scout Jacek Kulig.

On the flip side, the former RB Leipzig man never lived up to expectations at Liverpool, with injury issues plaguing his time in the Premier League, as he mustered just 129 appearances in five years with the Merseyside club, contributing 11 goals and seven assists.

His lack of minutes in the Premier League this season was always going to make an exit likely but Klopp will still need to replace him after midfield depth became a key issue for the Reds throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

Kone is certainly highly-rated, doesn't have too high a price tag and has plenty of room to grow at just 22, so he could be an excellent first signing by Jorg Schmadtke this summer.

Chelsea have reportedly moved into pole position to sign one of Europe's most sought-after commodities.

What's the latest on Victor Osimhen to Chelsea?

That's according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, who offered an update on the reports linking the Blues with a move for Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

"Vlahovic would be cheaper than the other two, but Chelsea are the favourites for Osimhen because of the price.

"I think Daniel Levy is still reluctant to sell [Harry] Kane to a Premier League rival and Manchester United want to get their business done as early as possible because they don't want to get drawn into a Frenkie de Jong-style pursuit where they don't end up getting him."

Their financial might of Todd Boehly's backing makes the reported £100m minimum fee far more attainable for them, to hand Mauricio Pochettino a top striker from under the noses of the Red Devils, who have also been linked.

Could Victor Osimhen rival Erling Haaland?

Given the steady growth and upwards trajectory of the Nigerian marksman, there is every reason to believe that he could soon morph into a goalscorer worthy of battling for Golden Boots with Manchester City's free-scoring freak of nature, Erling Haaland.

His 52 goals in all competitions for the season have shattered records, and he could end up playing a paramount role in a famous treble victory with just two finals to go. In his debut season in England, he has dominated with his pace, power and lethal finishing.

However, Osimhen has also mustered huge successes of his own this term, firing in 30 goals of his own on the way to claiming his club's first Serie A title in 33 years.

Given that last year he notched just 18 goals, and the season prior just 10 more, it is clear that as the seasons go by, this 24-year-old marksman continues to evolve. Perhaps a move to England could allow him to reach his peak form, as a true rival for Haaland.

After all, he certainly boasts the physicality to compete, having been branded as a "monster" by BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji. The fact that he also shows up on the 22-year-old's FBref similar players model only emphasises the similarities that could see Osimhen also take English football by storm, should Pochettino manage to whip the club into shape on the pitch.

The Argentine's work in igniting Harry Kane's illustrious goalscoring career showcases his ability to help strikers thrive.

In pushing the £91k-per-week finisher to the levels of Pep Guardiola's main man though, he would face his toughest task that could be imperative in getting Chelsea back on top.

Celtic could now consider appointing Red Bull Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle as their new manager, according to a recent report from 90min.

What's the latest Celtic manager news?

Celtic chiefs are compiling a shortlist of manager targets, with Manchester City's Enzo Maresca at the top, however there are a number of other potential successors to Ange Postecoglou, including Jesse Marsch and Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen.

West Ham United boss David Moyes is the Hoops' "priority" target, according to journalist Santi Aouna, with reports indicating the Scot could leave his current role, regardless of whether his side wins the Europa Conference League final tonight.

Alternatively, former player Kris Commons has urged the board to make a "box-office" appointment by going for someone like Graham Potter, as his attacking play-style is "everything you would want" in a modern manager.

Another manager in this mould is Jaissle, with BBC journalist Raj Chohan previously claiming that he plays "liquid footy", and there are now reports that Celtic could consider the RB Salzburg boss as an heir to Postecoglou.

According to a report from 90min, the Hoops could turn to the 35-year-old manager, however a number of other potential options are named, including Marsch, Moyes and Brendan Rodgers.

It appears as though Celtic's interest is tentative at this stage, but the German will certainly be considered.

Who is Matthias Jaissle?

The young manager has started to make a name for himself in the Austrian league, leading RB Salzburg to two league titles and an Austrian Cup, and what is equally impressive is the style of play he has implemented at the Red Bull Arena.

Journalist Raphael Honigstein believes the Nurtingen-born coach could be the "next big thing", and the man himself has spoken of his desire to play "brave and bold" football, even when his side faced tough very tough competition in Chelsea.

BBC's Chohan has also indicated the former FC Liefering manager could be a better appointment than Marsch, given that he evolved Marsch's Salsburg side in possession when the American left to join RB Leipzig.

Despite his age, the Salzburg boss already has ample experience competing for silverware, and he became the youngest-ever manager to successfully defend the Austrian Bundesliga title this season.

Appointing Jaissle would be a risk, as he does not have any experience managing outside of Austria, however he could be a shrewd appointment, given that he has already experienced some success and plays an exciting brand of football.

Chelsea's need for a consistent goalkeeper has been apparent for a while now, with neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Edouard Mendy managing to go more than a few games without coming in for criticism.

The Blues made strengthening elsewhere – namely in attack – their priority in the past two windows, but that may well change this summer with new head coach Mauricio Pochettino now in place.

Illan Meslier recently emerged as a surprise option to join Chelsea in Pochettino's first transfer window in charge, and the Leeds United goalkeeper has not exactly ruled out a move to the Blues.

What is the latest on Illan Meslier's future?

Meslier has spent the past three seasons with Leeds, coinciding with their relatively short return to the Premier League, and has had a rather mixed time of things.

The Frenchman still has another three years to run on his contract at Elland Road, explaining his valuation in the region of £17m, as per Football Observatory.

When asked about his future by RMC Sport on Sunday, Meslier admitted the situation is "complicated" following Leeds' relegation to the Championship, while also opening the door for a move to Stamford Bridge – though only if he is installed as first-choice goalkeeper.

"If it's to go there and be on the bench, that doesn't interest me," he said. "If it's to be number one, obviously you can't say 'no, I'm not interested in Chelsea."

Is Illan Meslier good enough for Chelsea?

Meslier conceded 67 goals in the Premier League last season, which is at least ten more than any other 'keeper in the division, as per FBref. Having started 34 of Leeds' 38 matches, that translates to 1.97 goals against per 90 minutes – once again the worst return in the league.

For comparison, Kepa conceded 1.16 goals per 90 minutes last season, ranking him ahead of David De Gea (1.13) and on par with Alisson (1.16), while Mendy conceded 1.47 goals per 90 minutes across ten appearances.

Looking at the numbers a little deeper, Meslier saved just 59.5% of shots faced last season – only Southampton's Gavin Bazunu (54.2) fared worse. In terms of basic metrics, then, Meslier is not good enough to be Chelsea's number two, let alone their number one.

Meslier's biggest strength – and something that not should not be easily discredited – is his ability to cut out opposition crosses. The 23-year-old stopped 7.9% of crosses faced last season, which was bettered by only four others.

Indeed, FBref ranks Meslier in the top 13% among his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, though that metric alone is hardly likely to get Chelsea supporters' pulses racing.

Of more relevance will be the fact he is in the bottom 2% among his peers across Europe's elite leagues in terms of save percentage with an average of 59.5 over the past year.

Meslier declaring himself interested in a move to Chelsea – or at the very least not ruling it out for now – is not to say the Blues actually have a concrete interest in the former Lorient stopper.

But if the speculation is indeed true, signing a player described as a "liability" by Forbes writer Barry Collins would hardly be the ideal way for Pochettino to begin yet another new era at Stamford Bridge. Indeed, his would surely be his first disaster.

Manchester United are considering a player-plus-cash swoop for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, in a deal worth over £100million, according to reports.

Where would Rice play at United?

Rice would be an amazing signing for United, acquiring a player who is attracting interest from multiple top sides. The Irons captain is an incredibly versatile midfielder capable of playing multiple roles, from centre-back to defensive midfield to being a box-to-box player.

Former West Ham defender James Collins has referred to Rice as "outstanding" and "incredible", a sentiment many United fans would echo.

And the England star could be implemented in a variety of ways at Old Trafford with much depending on who else United bring in. Rice could play deep next to Casemiro, this would be an incredible pivot which would boss games, with the 24-year-old having the ball skills to drive United forward.

Alternatively, with a move for Mason Mount increasingly likely, Erik ten Hag could shake up his midfield, potentially opting for a style similar to Man City in possession, a 3-2-4-1.

One final option, probably least likely, would be Rice as a defender, who has the ball playing ability to step into midfield while in possession, with the defensive acumen to be solid at the back.

What could Manchester United offer for Rice?

With Rice having a transfer value set at around £100m, United are unlikely to want to stump this up in a simple cash deal. Therefore, it appears that a cash-plus player deal is a better fit for the Glazers, who have often been criticised by fans for their lack of funding.

United's hopes will have been boosted since reports suggested West Ham United are 'targeting' Scott McTominay according to The Guardian. Therefore, this could be a logical move for both clubs involved. There have also been reports that Harry Maguire would also be considered by West Ham.

This makes suggestions of a player-cash deal seem more likely than previously thought when initially reported. The Telegraph now report that United chiefs are set to challenge Arsenal for the Conference League winner, in a move which would greatly impact both teams.

With McTominay currently valued all the way up to £50m according to reports from TalkSport and Maguire being valued around £30m, it would likely cost United at least £30-40m plus those two.

This could be a brilliant deal for all parties involved, as West Ham would receive two players they want along with some cash, while United would be allowing two players to leave who have no place in the squad at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have still to make a summer signing, yet Erik ten Hag will surely be hard at work trying to conjure up some magic in order to improve his squad ahead of next season.

Despite recently having a third bid rejected for Chelsea star Mason Mount, United don’t look to be giving in regarding their pursuit of the player, and he could well be the first summer arrival.

This may open the floodgates for the Dutchman as improvements are required all over the pitch, especially across the front three.

Rasmus Hojlund is a player currently on United’s radar ahead of a potential move, and Fabrizio Romano has given an update regarding the youngster.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “[He's] a player they [Chelsea] appreciate. Manchester United is the same, so both clubs are very well-informed on the situation of Rasmus Hojlund, but at the moment it’s not yet a concrete negotiation at Atalanta.”

Despite the Serie A side reportedly demanding £86m for their prized asset, Romano states that he could be available for a lower fee of around €70m (£60m), which would certainly be more enticing for Ten Hag.

Could Manchester United sign Rasmus Hojlund?

A fee of £60m is still a lot of money, though considering the Danish hitman is only 20 years old, it has the potential to turn into a shrewd investment for the Old Trafford side, while also adding some much-needed attacking quality to their first team.

With a move for Harry Kane now ruled out and Victor Osimhen’s price tag set at a ridiculous €180m (£155m), Hojlund is surely the most realistic signing.

Ten Hag could certainly form a scary duo with the Dane and Mount next term, as the duo could combine well in their respective roles.

Hojlund thrives within the box, and he ranks in the top 7% across Europe’s big five leagues for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (6.53) and in the top 6% for shots on target percentage per 90 (51.9%), suggesting that not only does he make his way into the penalty area on a regular basis, but his accuracy is among the best on the continent.

Add that to the fact he netted 16 goals across all competitions last term, Ten Hag could sign a player who is absolutely ruthless.

Mount could supply the Atalanta starlet well, as he ranks in the top 7% across the big five European leagues for progressive passes per 90 (5.95), while by ranking in the top 15% for passes into the final third per 90 (3.49), Hojlund could benefit from this wonderful ability to work the ball into the box.

Dubbed a “monster in the making” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, United must lure the Dane to Old Trafford sooner rather than later, especially if they do secure the signing of Mount, as they could form a scary duo.

Although there is interest in Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, there is nothing concrete yet in terms of a move away, journalist Charles Watts has claimed.

Could Thomas Partey leave Arsenal?

The 30-year-old has been a key performer for Arsenal, but amid links with Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia, he could be shown the exit door if a suitable offer arrives.

Partey has two years left to run on his deal, and given that there is reported interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, as well as Juventus, Mikel Arteta could be open to letting him go.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts claimed that whilst Juventus are interested in the Ghanian, nothing concrete has yet developed.

"Lots of people, myself included are a little bit confused as to why exactly Arsenal would consider selling Thomas Partey this summer, but they are open to letting him go if a good move can be secured for him," he stated.

"Interest is growing in Thomas Partey, we know about the interest from Saudi Arabia. There's lots of talk at the moment about Juventus as well, moving for Thomas Partey.

"My understanding is that Juventus have stated they are interested in Thomas Partey, but I was told yesterday by someone that it is not yet hot. So interest there, but they've not yet really ramped it up or made a decision on whether they're really going to push for it, but it is a situation they are monitoring.

"The one that seems to be certainly gathering pace is Saudi Arabia."

Where could Partey end up this summer?

Given his status as an important first team member, it may take a sizeable offer for Arsenal to let the £200k-per-week midfielder leave, and this may give Saudi Arabian clubs an advantage over Juventus.

Juventus now appear to be keeping Adrien Rabiot, who was otherwise set to leave for free, and this could alter their transfer plans with regard to their midfield.

Partey is reportedly happy to stay at Arsenal should no move materialise, and if no sizeable offer comes in, it seems unlikely that the Gunners will heavily push for an exit, even if Rice and Lavia arrive.

The defensive midfielder has made 99 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2020, and whilst he has performed to a top class level at times, his poor fitness record has meant that he may no longer be seen as a figure to rely on for a whole league campaign.

Chelsea will have to spend £50m in order to sign Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia this summer, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

How good is Romeo Lavia?

The Belgian is a wanted man this summer, with some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League battling to acquire his signature before the new season gets underway in August.

Lavia enjoyed a highly impressive 2022/23 campaign on a personal level, throwing in some excellent performances for Saints, despite them ultimately propping up the rest of the table in the end.

At just 19, the midfielder was often superb in the No.6 role, playing with eye-catching levels of maturity and class in front of the defence, enjoying an 86.4% pass completion rate.

Chelsea are one of a number of huge clubs thought to be interested in signing Lavia in this current transfer window, but it won't be easy to snap him up, considering the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United are also in the mix.

Are Chelsea likely to bid for Lavia?

Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano gave an update on the situation surrounding Lavia, admitting that Chelsea will have to spend fairly big on him:

"There’s no further news on Romeo Lavia yet; Chelsea links are normal as director Joe Shields had Lavia at Southampton and City, but it’s still not time for advanced talks now. In general, I think the player’s final price tag will be around £50m."

Whoever ends up signing Lavia this summer will be getting a special young prospect, which highlights why Chelsea must do all they can to get him, even if £50m sounds like a lot of money for a teenager who remains relatively unproven.

United legend Paul Scholes has said the Saints gem has "so much potential" as a player, while Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called him "incredible", even though the Belgium international was allowed to leave the Etihad on a permanent basis last summer.

Chelsea's midfield is such an important area to improve upon in the coming weeks, with N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic both moving on, and finding the right partner for Enzo Fernandez is essential, in terms of balance and longevity.

Lavia could be perfect in that respect, as would Brighton star Moises Caicedo, arguably providing a little more pace and legs than Fernandez, and coming in as not only an immediate key figure but also a regular for many years to come.

Liverpool have launched a mega offer to try and bring Kylian Mbappe to the club this summer, according to a report from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV.

Which club is Kylian Mbappe moving to?

Currently, the forward plays for PSG in Ligue 1 and has continued to astound and impress with his efforts in attack for the club. Despite still being only 24-years-old, he has already bagged an astonishing 148 Ligue 1 goals for the Parisiens, with 49 assists to boot.

When you consider that he has only started 158 games during that time too, it makes for even more impressive reading. The Frenchman now has a rate of 1.25 goals or assists per 90 over the last six seasons – meaning he almost guarantees one or the other every time he completes a fixture.

There has been questions over his future in the French capital however. It isn't clear whether he will stay on in Paris and sign fresh terms or move on either now or on a free transfer next summer.

The club have already spoken to him about the latter possibility too, insisting that sales will have to be made should he decide to see out his contract and leave for nothing. It has led to rumblings over whether a deal could happen this transfer window and there has been plenty of interest in his services. Arsenal have contemplated whether to send over an offer for the forward this summer, which would see him join them in 2024, and Manchester United have been linked with a move too as they search for a new striker.

Are Liverpool signing Kylian Mbappe?

However, a fresh report suggests that it is Premier League side Liverpool who are stepping things up a gear in the race to sign Mbappe. That's because El Chiringuito TV is reporting that the Reds have already launched a huge 200 million Euro bid (or £171m) to try and snap up the PSG man this summer.

Official details are scarce, but it does appear as though this offer is now on the table for the Frenchman, depending on whether you believe the Spanish press or not.

What's more, the saga could be resolved this summer in theory. After all, as per l’Equipe (via The Athletic), Paris Saint-Germain have sent a three-page letter to Mbappe accusing him of unsettling the club and giving him a deadline of July 31 to decide to either sign a contract extension or to be sold.

The 24-year-old is already viewed as one of the best talents in world football, so it would be a real statement of intent from the Reds if they could pull off a deal to land the player, even though it's hard to believe this isn't fun and games from Real Madrid.

Football journalist Josh Bunting stated that the attacker is "phenomenal," having highlighted how the forward has already broken PSG's all-time goalscoring record with 201 goals. He added that it is a "ridiculous achievement" – and it does indeed show how talented he is as a player.

Should Liverpool actually pay this much money for Mbappe, it would likely be worth it when you consider what he could bring to the table. He has the ability, is still only early on in his career, can score like not many other players in Europe, and his name also carries a lot of weight now too. It would be a massive deal if the Reds could bring him to Anfield, but we'll be filing this one under the pinch of salt category for now.

Tottenham Hotspur are a "sleeping giant" if a multi-billionaire ownership group stepped up to buy the club according to Mark Goldbridge.

Are Tottenham Hotspur a "sleeping giant"?

It's no secret now that Spurs are regularly the butt of rival fan's jokes about their lack of success and silverware, with it now being 15 years since the club last won a trophy; the Carling Cup back in 2008 courtesy of a 2-1 victory against rivals Chelsea.

Since then, it's been a story of nearly and almost from the north London side, with some fantastic sides under managers like Harry Redknapp and Mauricio Pochettino falling short in the big moments. Moments such as "St Totteringhams Day" in 2016 as well as Moussa Sissoko's handball in the first minute of the club's only-ever Champions League final often leading to the side being branded as bottlers. However, this hasn't always been the case with Spurs.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Tottenham were a powerful force in the English game. The side was one of the country's trailblazers in Europe, being the first English side to win any European trophy in 1963 with the Cup Winners Cup, as well as being the first English side to win the UEFA Cup in 1972. Spurs ultimately finished their strongest era in the club's history by adding two league cups, three FA Cups and the last first-division title the club won in the 1960/61 campaign.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Goldbridge revealed that he believes should someone like Elon Musk or Qatar purchase Spurs, they could break out from their "sleeping giant" state. The presenter also stated that if he was a multi-billionaire owner looking to buy a football club, Tottenham would be his choice.

"If you look at Spurs, and you look at the stadium and you look at the fact they are a London club, he's right, they are a sleeping giant if someone like Abu Dhabi or Elon Musk or Qatar or someone like that. But they are the next club that if I was a multi-billionaire and I was looking at what Newcastle and Man City have done, Spurs would be it.

"They've already got the stadium, they've already got the infrastructure, they've got the fans, they are based in London. You buy the club and all you need to do is spend money on transfers."

Could Tottenham Hotspur be the next Manchester City?

Should a rich ownership group take over the reins at Spurs, the club have all the potential to get back to the heights of the 60s and 70s.

As Goldbridge alluded to, the infrastructure at the club is already complete to almost the highest level in Europe. The Tottenham Hotspur stadium which was opened in 2019 is spoken about as one of the best and most innovative stadiums in the world, whilst the club's Hotspur Way training ground has been lauded for its environmental protection and sustainability qualities. The fanbase that the club has would also only grow in size as well, whilst being situated in north London could give many prospective buyers a simple goal to aim for: usurp Arsenal and become the best team in North London.

Due to the quality of the infrastructure at the club, the main focus from new owners initially would be investing in the playing squad. According to Goldbridge, Spurs have a lot of room within Financial Fair Play to work with due to the club not spending as much as other sides in recent years. All these factors together make Spurs a potentially terrifying prospect for the rest of the league should a takeover happen.

Earlier this year, rumours circulated about both a potential bid to buy the entirety of the club as well as a potential minority investment however neither of those rumours have come to fruition. Yet, as tensions continue to grow between the fanbase and the current ownership group ENIC, a takeover that could wake up the sleeping giant could be on the cards sooner rather than later