All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Aston Villa may be forced into looking for another creative attacker if they lose Jack Grealish this summer but someone they should avoid is West Brom’s Matheus Pereira, who is not cut out to play under Dean Smith, according to Hull City legend Dean Windass.

Villa fans will be hoping that Manchester City’s interest in Grealish is just paper talk, as they can’t afford to lose their star man who finished top of the squad for assists, shots and goal-creating actions last term.

Someone who impressed nearly as much in an obviously worse side was Pereira, as he finished the campaign with 11 goals for the Baggies as they were relegated to the Championship, and his performances have earned him links to Villa this summer.

West Brom appear willing to sell Pereira, something they were planning before relegation was confirmed, but Villa should avoid signing the Brazilian because of his poor work rate, according to Windass, who spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“I can’t see that because he’s not a Dean Smith sort of player, compared to Jack Grealish who always tracks back and Pereira doesn’t do any of that.

“When you play in the Premier League, you can’t carry anybody so I don’t think that will happen.”

If Villa did bring in Pereira, who they are said to be monitoring, that could potentially soften the blow if they lost Grealish, as they could still boast attacking options such as Pereira, Emiliano Buendia and Bertrand Traore.

Everyone associated with Villa will be hoping that Grealish performs on the biggest stage for England this summer but on the flip side, good performances at the Euros may draw increased interest from bigger clubs.

West Ham United are set to face competition over one of their reported transfer targets…

What’s the word?

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the Irons will battle Premier League rivals Aston Villa for the signature of West Brom sensation Matheus Pereira this summer.

They aren’t the only two clubs who are keen on him either, with unnamed Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga sides also mentioned.

The 25-year-old playmaker is under contract at The Hawthorns until 2024, having signed to £30,000-per-week terms in the summer, and he is thought to be valued by the Baggies at around €25m (£22.5m).

Best since Payet?

Having been lauded as a “genius” with previously unseen technical ability by his former Nurnberg coach Nate Weiss, the Brazilian attacking midfielder was one of the few shining lights in West Brom’s dismal season.

Indeed, the Baggies relied heavily on his creative exploits, as he provided 48.5% of all their goals scored (11 goals, six assists) in the Premier League this term. Only Spurs were as reliant on Harry Kane, by comparison.

After one particularly encouraging display earlier in the season, Match of the Day pundit Jermaine Jenas waxed lyrical about his qualities, saying: “He’s been a top player for them. He had a slow start in the Premier League – I think that’s been a big part of the reason why West Brom all of a sudden look like they can score goals.

“He’s just silky. When he’s on it, he’s just got that lovely left-foot, [he tucked] his penalty away, the delivery into the box for set-pieces was brilliant, and he wanted to showcase his skills.”

The Hammers have had plenty of fantastic midfielders over the years, their current first-choice duo of Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice featuring among that list, but for a while they have lacked the sort of engima who has fans on the edge of their seats – perhaps since Dimitri Payet left.

The Frenchman could spark something out of nothing and is arguably the most talented player the east London club have had, at least in the modern era. As wonderful as Soucek is, he’s just not that type of sensation.

In just 48 appearances, Payet delivered 11 goals and 18 assists, and it probably could’ve been so much more. Even after his exit, no West Ham player could match his chances created since the 2015 season, which speaks volumes.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-and-the-latest-gossip-gsb-moyes-striker-future-signings” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

Pereira is cut from the same cloth, having averaged 1.8 key passes per game this season, to build on a return of 2.8 key passes per game in the Championship last term, via WhoScored.

Valued at £18m by CIES Football Observatory, GSB could certainly excite the Irons faithful on their return to the London Stadium next season if they were to land the Baggies maestro this summer.

He could be a fine addition to build on what has been a fantastic season for West Ham.

AND in other news, West Ham insider delivers MAJOR David Moyes update that’ll delight fans…

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Graham Roberts has urged the club to try to bring Kieran Trippier back this summer.

The right-back was sold by Mauricio Pochettino and left the club in 2019 to join Atletico Madrid for a fee of £20m.

He has gone on to win La Liga with Diego Simeone, becoming another player to depart Spurs and win a trophy.

Trippier spent four years at Spurs, emerging as their first-choice right-back following the departure of Kyle Walker to Manchester City.

In total, the ex-Burnley defender made 114 appearances for Spurs, scoring twice and laying on 24 assists.

Roberts thinks that Spurs need to sign a right-back this summer, after Matt Doherty’s struggles in 2020/21, and Serge Aurier claiming that he has come to the end of his time in north London.

Trippier has been linked with an exit from Atletico, with Manchester United seen as a possible landing spot, but Roberts thinks that the club should insert themselves into the race and try to bring the 30-year-old back to north London.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Roberts said: “A decent right-back is going to cost you £30 million or £40 million.

“If I was a coach now, I would say to Kieran Trippier, ‘come back’, he knows how to be a right-back.”

Everton struggled this season when Dominic Calvert-Lewin has not been firing on all cylinders and Michael Ball, who Transfer Tavern that Moise Kean isn’t able to cut it at Everton despite performing well for PSG.

Calvert-Lewin was in the form of his career at the beginning of the season when he netted 11 times in 11 games, but since then he has only scored five more league goals which has seen Everton’s European push fall off a cliff.

The 21-year old arrived for £25 million from Juventus but after managing just two goals in 31 league appearances for Everton last season, he was loaned out to PSG for this campaign and he has impressed with 13 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances and the Parisians reportedly want to make his deal permanent this summer.

Despite Everton struggling for goals without Calvert-Lewin, Kean does not appear to have a future at Goodison Park, despite having a 6.95 WhoScored rating at PSG, that is according to Ball who spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“We had Moise Kean and he arrived at the club with high expectations and the fans were trying to pull the ball into the back of the net every time he came onto the pitch.

“Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out for him at Everton but he’s gone out on loan to PSG he seems to be doing pretty well over there.”

Heading into the final two games of the season, Everton must pick up maximum points against Wolves and Manchester City to stand any chance of qualifying for Europe next season as they currently sit eighth.

Carlo Ancelotti brought in several high profile players last summer in James Rodriguez, Allan and Ben Godfrey as he spent £67.38 million in total on transfers last summer but once again, the Toffees have failed to cement a place amongst Europe’s elite.

Leeds United are set to be handed a major boost as news emerges from Thorp Arch about some key work being undergone at the club’s training ground.

What’s the story?

After having to relay the pitch at Elland Road earlier last season due to the awful conditions, the Whites have now begun work on their training ground, with head groundsman at Thorp Arch, Stefan Jones, posting a picture on Twitter of the progress so far.

And in response, former Leeds man Noel Whelan spoke of just how important it is for the pitches at Thorp Arch to be in top condition and saying that it could give Bielsa a real advantage.

He said: “Our pitch is definitely getting dug up. They’re going to spend a lot of money on getting the surface right at Elland Road. I think when you think about the style of play that we like to play, it’s imperative that you get the pitches, training pitches, everything that’s going to give you that extra edge over other teams.

“The surface is a massive part of it, the way we play. We’re on the deck, we’re quick, we’re a very counter-attacking side. It is two or three passes that lead to a goal.

“You get a feel of it and for progression of players, this is what you need to have now. You know you need to have those standards set high on and off the field.

“That’s exactly what Leeds United are doing. They’re not going to leave any money in the bank not to give everyone that added advantage to play the style of football that’s been so attractive to watch.”

Bielsa will be relieved

Given the kind of football that Leeds like to play – fast, counter-attacking and slick on the ground – ensuring that their preparation ahead of the actual game at the weekend is done on surfaces that reflect a top-tier Premier League pitch will be much welcome.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

The state of the pitch at Elland Road came under a lot of scrutiny and there’s no questioning that Bielsa himself would not have been happy at how it turned out.

The fact that work is already being done back at Thorp Arch to ensure the training grounds are up to scratch, will give the Leeds boss a bit of confidence that the club are taking the right steps to ensuring things are much better prepared this time around.

Getting Thorp Arch in prime condition is a great start. Making sure Elland Road is the same will be the next step.

Meanwhile, Graham Smyth has dropped an exciting update…

Southampton fans are livid at comments from Ralph Hasenhuttl following their latest defeat in the Premier League.

The Saints were defeated by Tottenham 2-1 on Wednesday. It means the Saints have won just two of their last 15 league matches (Sky Sports), and remain in 14th in the table. They do at least have a nine-point buffer over the bottom three with six games left to play, and should therefore just be safe from relegation. Still, the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit will have expected more from this campaign.

Speaking after the final whistle, Hasenhuttl reacted to questions about the Saints dropping points. He was clearly frustrated with the line of questioning and struggled to hide it.

The comments were shared by Twitter account @SaintsExtra, and they attracted plenty of attention from the Saints supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what the Austrian manager had to say following this latest disappointment.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Hasenhuttl below

“He’s lost the plot man”

Credit: @SfcBxn

“He’s going full Alan Partridge now.”

Credit: @glennvardy

“Deluded”

Credit: @steveosfc

“Sounds like a manager who has lost it. Einstein once said “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” It’s Ralph’s job to sort this out, what does he expect.”

Credit: @sorrellh

“Ralph. You sir are way out of your depth.”

Credit: @HackedOffStuart

“Mmmmm what do I want to hear? Ralph has left the club. Sorry can’t keep chating about the same thing. Many fans are very board of it. Anyway good news. We aint losing the weekend”

Credit: @nicksfc73

In other news, Hasenhuttl makes this big ESL claim.

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Red Star Belgrade winger Andrija Radulovic recently and the 18-year-old could prove to be an excellent addition to Pep Guardiola’s side in the future.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, the Citizens are interested in signing Radulovic and have opened talks with the Serbian side about signing him, having already tracked the youngster for over a year.

It is suggested that City have been keeping an eye on him since he scored against Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-0 win in the UEFA Youth League, which has also seen Spurs track the teenager, although City are the favourites to sign him.

They also report that Radunovic is unlikely to challenge in Guardiola’s side at first, so would likely be sent back to Red Star on loan, or to one of City’s affiliate clubs from around the globe.

Would he be a good signing?

In 13 appearances for Red Star’s senior side, Radulovic has managed an impressive two goals and two assists, so he is clearly a promising youngster and he looks to have a big future in the game.

Barcelona, Benfica, Inter and AC Milan have all also been linked with him in the past, so it seems clear that he is a man in demand and that plenty of the top scouts around the world feel that he has what it takes to make it at the top.

The Serbian U19 international has been also been compared to current Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri, who has won two Champions League titles with Bayern Munich and Liverpool in his career, so if Radulovic could have a career similar to his, then he would surely prove to be a solid addition at the Etihad.

Given that he is valued at just £1.17m by Transfermarkt, it seems as if the 18-year-old could be a bargain signing for City this summer, especially if he goes on to realise his obvious potential with Guardiola’s side in the future.

Therefore, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely look to bring Radulovic to the Etihad ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Txiki must avoid transfer disaster over 25-goal “winner”, Pep would be fuming

David Moyes should ruthlessly axe Said Benrahma and recall Pablo Fornals to the West ham United starting line-up against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Fornals is expected to be passed fit for the Irons’ trip to Molineux on Monday night after two games out with a groin injury, that he had sustained ahead of a likely start away to Manchester United last month.

Benrahma featured as a substitute at Old Trafford before opening his side’s 3-3 draw with rivals Arsenal before the international break, for the 25-year-old’s 11th Premier League start since his arrival at the London Stadium in October.

Benrahma failed to have a direct influence on the scoring against the Gunners as his wait for a maiden goal in claret and blue continues, and is now six games without an assist across all competitions.

The £20m-rated maestro came close to ending his creative drought in the second half when Benrahma delivered a teasing ball across Arsenal’s six-yard box following a driven run between Pablo Mari and Thomas Partey, only for Michail Antonio to find the base of the post.

But the Algerian was the least involved of West Ham’s attacking options overall at home to Mikel Arteta’s north Londoners, while Jesse Lingard pulled the strings and Antonio offered two assists and often held the ball up wonderfully.

Benrahma occasionally displayed the defensive work-rate that has caught Moyes by surprise previously, but his efforts were too insufficient to prevent Calum Chambers from turning in a Man of the Match display thanks to a game-high eight crosses and creating three chances.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-west-ham-news-and-views-2″ title=”The latest West Ham news and views!”]

“I’ve had a bit of a laugh with him [Benrahma] because I’m saying to him: ‘I didn’t realise I’d signed a really hard-working midfield player who runs and closes down, and does all the defensive duties,’” Moyes said, via quotes by The Guardian, in February.

“I said: ‘I thought we got someone for assists and goal making.’ They’re the bits which I think he’s probably needed to improve. The other part has been excellent. I want team players here – I don’t want individuals – but Said’s been great for the team.”

With Fornals expected to be passed fit to face Wolves on Monday night, Moyes should now ruthlessly axe Benrahma for the Spaniard as the decision could prove game-changing in helping to shut down the right-wing of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.

Benrahma has been touted by Claret & Hugh as the most at-risk player to make way for Fornals, who Moyes has previously lauded for his “incredible” energy and enthusiasm – which was on show front and centre against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Leeds United before his injury.

Fornals also averages a higher number of successful tackles per Premier League game this season than Benrahma with 1.17 to the Algerian’s 0.76, as well as more interceptions (1.17 to 0.29) and clearances (0.17 to 0.1), per SofaScore.

Wolves favoured the right-hand channel more often during their last top-flight fixture, with four of their six key passes coming through Romain Saiss, Nelson Semedo and Adama Traore. Half of their 10 shots also came from that side, per WhoScored.

It was a similar story the week before away to Aston Villa with four of 10 shots and three of eight key passes coming from the right, where Fornals or Benrahma will likely be tasked with aiding Aaron Cresswell on Monday night.

Thus, if Fornals is fully fit and ready to go from the off, Moyes should see that he starts from the off, even if it means dropping Benrahma to the bench to make space.

AND in other news, West Ham trail a Premier League rival for a five-goal, seven-assist star once labelled an “exciting prospect”…

Frank McAvennie has urged Southampton man Mohamed Elyounoussi to move permanently to Celtic as he has no future at St. Mary’s.

Elyounoussi should leave Saints

Elyounoussi has spent this campaign and the last on loan at Parkhead from the Saints, managing 24 goals and 13 assists in 62 matches (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie believes he must leave the south-coast outfit permanently. He said:

“He had an outstanding weekend and scored great goals. I had my doubts about him but he’s shown what he can do.

“He blows hot and cold but he brings Celtic a better balance when he’s out on the left. He comes in and scores goals but by and large he gives you width. 

“There’s no doubting he’s a good player, it just depends how much Southampton want for him or if they’d give us another loan because he obviously won’t get a game for Southampton. 

“He’s happy at Celtic and another loan deal won’t bust the bank. I’m not sure he has a future at Southampton. 

“He enjoys it up here and if the money was right I’d keep him, he proved that he’s worth it at the weekend. I’d take a chance on him.”

Worth a risk

Elyounoussi signed for Southampton in 2018, but failed to score or provide an assist in 18 matches before being loaned out to the Bhoys. With 102 career goals to his name, it is clear he has plenty of ability, but for whatever reason it didn’t work out for him initially with the Saints.

Ralph Hasenhuttl recently revealed Southampton will only be able to sign players for £10m or less this summer (via Sky Sports), indicating he will have to work with a small budget. As such, it may be worth the Austrian boss giving Elyounoussi another chance to show what he can do.

In other news, Southampton fans slam this man’s comments.

Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that West Ham should go all out and sign Jesse Lingard on a permanent basis this summer.

The on-loan Manchester United attacker has enjoyed an incredible run of form since making the temporary switch from Old Trafford back in January.

Following his brace during West Ham’s victory at Aston Villa on his debut, the England international has been involved in eight goals in seven Premier League outings having started every game since joining the Hammers, bar the two games against United.

Lingard’s most recent contribution saw him open the scoring in impressive fashion against Arsenal on Sunday before setting up Jaren Bowen moments later to double West Ham’s advantage.

Unfortunately for Lingard, his first-team heroics counted for nothing after the Gunners produced a fine comeback from 3-0 down to claim an unlikely draw at the London Stadium.

Despite that disappointing setback, the Hammers remain fifth in the Premier League and are just two points behind the Champions League places heading into the international break.

And McAvennie has been thrilled with Lingard’s contribution both on and off the pitch since his arrival in east London.

He told Football FanCast:

“I would take that in a minute, I think he looks happy. When you find something you love doing, you never work a day in your life. The teams that I played in, we were all such good pals and had a good laugh, and the best piece of business West Ham done this season was getting rid of Haller. Someone forgot to tell him because he was never smiling!

“They didn’t look happy, but with this guy Lingard coming in all of a sudden the boys are happy. They’re playing guitars like they’re in a pop group. I love seeing that. It means they’re all together.

“If he’s happy, for £20-million, I would take that all day, I’d snap your hand off for him. If he’s happy at West Ham then I don’t see why it won’t be a match made in heaven.”