All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Some Liverpool supporters are hugely excited after the Reds were linked with a summer move for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Another potentially busy transfer window awaits for Jurgen Klopp, as he eyes up reinforcements to make his squad even more formidable.

Liverpool have lost Gini Wijnaldum, leaving a gaping hole in their midfield, so the hope is that they look for a replacement this summer.

Someone who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Milinkovic-Savic, having starred for Lazio in recent years, making 247 appearances for the Serie A giants.

The £63million-rated Serbia international is reportedly wanted by the Reds, with La Lazio Siamo Noi [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter] claiming that they have been tracking him for some time.

It is stated that Liverpool could make an offer for the 26-year-old in the near future, as they look to make further additions, following the arrival of Ibrahima Konate.

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

Liverpool fans keen to sign Milinkovic-Savic

These Reds fans took to Twitter to show their happiness at the rumour.

“Yes. Please”

Credit: @futebolbaseroom

“Throw in Naby + £10m and you have a deal”

Credit: @12Jaai

“I’d be all over this”

Credit: @_Riddxck

“Yo adding him to our midfield is illegal. Sign him now”

Credit: @LFC_purpose

“OH PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE”

Credit: @RitsonLFC

“He’d actually be class”

Credit: @JL_LFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to a transfer update regarding an exciting young player. Find out who it is here.

Rangers have been tipped to sign Liverpool winger Harry Wilson this summer, but their hopes of bringing him to Ibrox ahead of next season have suffered a blow after the Anfield outfit named their asking price, which will surely frustrate Steven Gerrard.

In a recent interview with This Is Futbol, former Rangers defender Michael Ball suggested: “Steven’s got that connection with him. He knows of him, so that personal relationship could be a bonus. The money, we’re not too sure what they have to spend, so it all depends if any players move out as well at Rangers.

“If [Alfredo] Morelos moves on, the big money that they’ll get would give Rangers the opportunity to bring Harry and maybe a few others in.”

Rangers have been linked with a move for the Wales international in the past and he will surely be well known by Gerrard, who managed Liverpool’s under-18 side before moving to Ibrox.

However, Wilson is now 24 and at the stage in his career where he needs to move away from Liverpool permanently, as he has spent the last four years on loan with Hull City, Derby County, Bournemouth and Cardiff City.

During his spell with the Cherries last season, his manager Eddie Howe was full of praise for the winger’s ability, saying: “I think he’s been hugely impressive.

“We are going to need those players to really step up quickly and Harry is one of those who really has done.

“He understands how we play. He has picked it up really quickly and full credit to him for that.”

This season saw Wilson join Cardiff City on loan in the Championship, which was perhaps a surprising move after his decent return in the Premier League last season, but it was clear that he was desperate for first team football away from Anfield.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-rangers-news-transfer-rumours-and-more-copy-copy” title=“Latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more from Ibrox!”]

During his spell with Mick McCarthy’s Bluebirds, he managed seven goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances, averaging a solid 6.96 rating from WhoScored, which certainly suggests that he could be an excellent addition to Gerrard’s side if he moves to Ibrox.

Unfortunately, Rangers’ chances of signing the Welshman this summer appear to have been dashed after it was revealed by The Athletic journalist James Pearce that, whilst he is for sale this summer, he would cost prospective suitors around £15m, which may well mean that only Premier League clubs can afford him.

Considering that Rangers’ record arrival under Steven Gerrard was Ryan Kent, who joined for just short of £7m according to Transfermarkt, it is difficult to see them splashing out £15m on Wilson.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Gerrard will surely be frustrated that his old club are demanding so much for a fringe player like Wilson, as he could have been a superb addition at Ibrox this summer.

In other news… Rangers dodged a bullet with “outstanding” £3.15m-rated flop, he’s scored one goal in 19 games.

Tottenham Hotspur are leading the charge for one manager, if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Corriere Fiorentino Sport, Spurs are the front-runners to secure Lazio boss Simeone Inzaghi, who is out of contract at the Stadio Olimpico this summer.

He’s due to meet the club’s hierarchy this week to discuss his future and is keen to remain at the club he once played for, though he has been waiting since January 2020 to sign a new deal and interest from the Premier League outfit could throw a spanner into the works.

Fiorentina have also been mooted with interest in the report but they announced Genarro Gattuso as their new manager, which only paves the way for Spurs to make their move even more.

Shades of Klopp

As Daniel Levy’s pursuit to find Jose Mourinho’s successor rumbles on, it would not be too much of a surprise to see him return to a manager he clearly admires in Inzaghi.

Before appointing the Portuguese in November 2019, the Spurs chairman was said to have made a “desperate attempt” to secure the 45-year-old, according to Italian agent Vincenzo Morabito (via the Daily Star).

Inzaghi fits a lot of the criteria that Spurs are seeking in their next head coach – that being primarily one that is ‘attack-minded’ in his tactics and has a record in developing young players, as per the Guardian.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-managerial-updates-transfer-news-rumours-gossip-and-more-levy-kane-enic” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, managerial gossip, transfer rumours and more!”]

At Lazio, the Italian has won 53% of his matches in charge since his appointment in July 2016, whilst also averaging 1.88 goals per game. His system has allowed striker Ciro Immobile to thrive as under his stewardship the forward has bagged 149 goals in just 217 appearances.

Furthermore, Inzaghi has earned a glowing comparison to one of the Premier League’s current best, Jurgen Klopp.

Immobile has worked under both coaches, and told Football Italia:

“Klopp is a great expert in football and I always said that I’d have liked to work with him when I was in my best form. He is a complete coach, he has everything.

“Having said that, he really reminds me of Simone Inzaghi, as they are very similar in their motivational skills, albeit in slightly different ways.”

The former striker has also received high acclaim from others from in and around football.

BT Sport commentator Adam Summerton believes the 45-year-old is “pound for pound the best coach in Serie A over last five years” after delivering “outstanding” progress whilst FIFA agent Claudio Anellucci dubbed him “one of the best coaches in Europe” as he “makes the difference” and “makes the players grow.”

That final part ticks yet another box for Levy.

Inzaghi could well bring a Klopp-like presence to North London, so if he does become available for free this week, then perhaps the Lilywhites should try and tempt him into coming to the Premier League.

AND in other news, Spurs heading for summer transfer disaster over £26m-rated “freak of a talent”…

According to a report by Calciomercato, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur and by extension chairman Daniel Levy have made out of work boss Maurizio Sarri their ‘first choice’ target after held meetings.

The Lowdown: Sarri linked to Tottenham

The former Chelsea boss has been sporadically linked to Spurs over the last month, with reports first emerging that the Lilywhites and Sarri had held discussions over a meeting in London (La Gazzetta via the Daily Mail).

Alasdair Gold was quick to dismiss those claims in a football.london Q&A but there were no shortage of whispers from Italy in particular touting Sarri with the now vacant managerial role at Tottenham.

There were even suggestions that Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne could ‘follow’ the 62-year-old to Spurs or his next destination (Paolo Bargiggia).

The Latest: Sarri made ‘first choice’ by Spurs and Levy

Now, as per this update by Calciomercato, the Lilywhites have made Sarri their ‘first choice’ (via Sport Witness) target after it was claimed a meeting between the two camps took place right after Jose Mourinho’s sacking last month.

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

Indeed, this backs other reports of Tottenham contacting Sarri (Football Italia), with Calciomercato going a step further and claiming the talks are ‘destined to intensify’.

He was, at one point, an overwhelming favourite to take the job at AS Roma – but the surprise announcement of Mourinho’s appointment has left Sarri out in the cold.

This has forced him to consider other options and has now authorised agent Fali Ramadani to ‘listen to important calls’.

The Verdict: Do it now Levy…

While the former Napoli boss doesn’t exactly fit into the ‘young’ and ‘dynamic’ criteria of manager reportedly wanted by technical performance director Steve Hitchen (The Mail), we believe his brand of football more than makes up for it.

He is known for his attacking, high pressing philosophy which even earned it’s own nickname in ‘Sarri-ball’ – with legendary former AC Milan boss Arrigo Sacchi being among his many admirers.

The Italian icon lauded his compatriot as a ‘genius’ (via Planet Football), meanwhile former Man City defender Danilo believes he is ‘very similar’ to Pep Guardiola (Globo Esporte via the Mail).

Indeed, the fact he is out of work comes as another major incentive to make a move given the potentially cheap nature of his appointment with no buyout to pay to a current employer.

For these reasons, we utterly concur with Levy that the former Blues boss should indeed be the ‘first choice’ target for Spurs.

In other news: Sky reporter lifts lid on plan for Spurs this summer, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been reacting with glee to footage of Jordan Henderson continuing his injury recovery.

The Reds have had a disastrous season in the injury department, with the centre-back situation particularly dire. Jurgen Klopp has had to make do without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for many months, which has played a big part in their struggles during the campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

Henderson has also been a noticeable absentee, with the captain not featuring since the 2-0 defeat at home to Everton back in February. The 30-year-old has been a huge loss, both in terms of quality and leadership, and he faces a race against time to be fit for Euro 2020 this summer.

However, footage has emerged of Henderson stepping up his recovery from his groin problem [via Watch LFC], working in the gym and returning to the training pitch.

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

Liverpool fans love Henderson video

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the video, with much positivity in the air at seeing the captain step up his recovery.

“Missed this earlier! So excited to see Hendo again!!!”

Credit: @lfccxt

“Ahhhhh yeahhhhh”

Credit: @LFCSai7

“Captain fantastic”

Credit: @satriafaisal

“My idol”

Credit: @Cellextine72

“Nice to see the Cap on the road to recovery”

Credit: @red_klopp

“My captain”

Credit: @OJITRIPUOJI

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a move for a world-renowned player with endless trophies. Find out who it is here.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been linked with a move to Aston Villa and, as to be expected, it has caused quite the stir on social media.

According to an exclusive report from Football Insider, Villa chief executive Christian Purslow holds a “strong interest” in hiring Gerrard ahead of the summer.

The pair know each other well from their time at Liverpool, with the report claiming that Dean Smith’s position as Villa manager is uncertain in the long-term despite a solid season.

Villa sit ninth in the table with nine games remaining, racking up 47 points so far.

Gerrard is under contract at Ibrox until 2024 and it remains to be seen what his views are on a possible move to Villa Park.

Villa fans react

Football Insider shared the story on their Twitter page on Thursday morning. It didn’t take long for numerous Villa fans to have their say on the story, with one describing it as ‘stupid’.

“That’s enough Twitter in the day for me”

Credit: @AnonymousAVFC

“More stupid click bait!”

Credit: @Deankerr04

“This has come out of nowhere!”

Credit: @MitchM77

“Utter dross Gerrard is Liverpool bound soon enough. Smith is doing a great job, summer & next season will tell if Smith can take us to the next step, if not then owners may want to change tact, and go for a top pedigree manager to take us there”

Credit: @kpvilla

“Surely no Villa fan wants this?”

Credit: @jpriesty4

“Another one to the block list. Silly season already”

Credit: @villa_b6

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz at John Percy update on Villa star, find out more here. 

Two early first-half goals were enough to see ten-man Queens Park Rangers to victory this weekend, but it could’ve been a different story thanks to the sorry display of one struggling Hoops star.

Defensive duo Rob Dickie and Lee Wallace – who scored his first-ever goal in the Championship – had the west London outfit two-up inside 20 minutes before Middlesbrough grabbed one back before the break.

Mark Warburton then saw his goalkeeper, Seny Dieng, sent off on the hour mark as he brought down Ducan Watmore with a rash and late challenge, though he can be forgiven as it was his bravery and impressive shot-stopping that had kept QPR in the match until that point

In fact, the 58-year-old revealed the coveted gloveman was actually playing with a broken nose and his replacement, Joe Lumley, equally stepped up to the plate and delivered.

Warburton can count his lucky stars that they walked away with three points, let alone one – or at worst, none – because young defender Osman Kakay proved to be a liability in the back three.

Indeed, the 23-year-old was graded as the Rs’ worst-performing player on the afternoon, as per SofaScore ratings, where he was given a 6.1 and that was lower than Dieng (6.5), too.

Something that would be backed up by West London Sport in their post-game review. ‘Started at right centre-back and was given the runaround on occasions by the wily [Yannick] Bolasie,’ they wrote.

Kakay struggled immensely with the threat of Bolasie and Watmore, losing four of his five duels (80%), both on the ground and in the air. He also earned a yellow card for his troubles – the only other player to receive a booking besides the sent-off goalkeeper.

In addition to that, the Loftus Road academy graduate was hugely wasteful in possession, losing the ball 20 times, which was the most of anyone that featured and six more times than any other visiting Rs star, as per SofaScore.

It means the right-sided defender lost the ball once every 2.5 touches and once every 4.5 minutes, so it’s no wonder that Boro edged possession (51%) as the QPR ace regularly gifted the ball back to the home side.

Kakay was also poor in the passing game, making just 57% of his 37 attempts, comfortably the worst of any QPR starter besides Lyndon Dykes, but strikers aren’t supposed to be outstanding in possession compared to a centre-back who needs to play the ball out from the back.

All in all, Warburton is lucky that Boro didn’t punish this shocking display further as it could have certainly seen them drop a valuable three points.

Kakay’s performance very nearly cost QPR and his place in the starting XI must be questioned going into Tuesday’s game with Swansea City.

Numerous fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter in which the Hammers relayed footage of Fabian Balbuena.

In the footage uploaded by the West Ham YouTube channel, Balbuena shed light on his journey as a footballer, discussing his upbringing in Paraguay, as well as touching on his time at Club Nacional Asuncion, Club Libertad Asuncion and Corinthians, before reflecting on his spell with the Hammers.

Indeed, the 29-year-old’s time at West Ham may be coming to an end in the near future, as the defender presently looks set to leave the Irons at the end of the season, with his contract at the London Stadium due to expire in June.

After West Ham relayed the footage of Balbuena on Twitter, many fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with plenty calling for the club’s GSB ownership to offer the £4.5m-rated centre-back an extension to his current deal.

So, what did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to the footage of Fabian Balbuena?

“Love Balbuena, be very sorry to see him leave the club. Top professional and a lovely guy.”

@DEPtones

“The General – a top man. I have always liked him and his smart hair cut. I will be sad if he decides to leave, he has been great for us.”

@IronessWest

“Renew his contract.”

@stackzinho9

“Gonna miss the General.”

@whufctom_

“One-year extension please.”

@WestHam_Central

“Love the General. Will be missed.”

@andrew_surman

In other news: This West Ham summer target dropped a big hint on his future – find out more here!

Some Wolves fans have been reacting negatively to the news that Willy Boly will miss the upcoming Premier League clash with Fulham.

It was another night to forget for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side on Monday, with West Ham winning 3-2 at Molineux.

Wolves were even 3-0 down at one point, and while a great comeback was almost pulled off, it was still a poor performance in general, most notably in defence.

They will be hoping to bounce back on Friday evening, with struggling Fulham hosting them at Craven Cottage, as Scott Parker’s men battle to avoid relegation.

Wolves have been dealt a big blow in the lead-up to the match, however, with The Athletic‘s Tim Spiers confirming on Twitter that Boly will miss out after testing positive for coronavirus.

It means the centre-back is having to self-isolate for 10 days, but he will presumably be available for the visit of Sheffield United on April 17th if he suffers no lasting effects.

Wolves fans react to Boly update

These Wolves fans have been providing their thoughts on the news on Twitter.

“No Boly for Friday too? That’s really lifted our spirits Tim. Another defensive catastrophe scheduled for Friday Night then?”

Credit: @charlemagne_st

“More pathetic, school boy defending then and another loss incoming. Relegation will kill the club”

Credit: @TommyH_1990

“Definitely need Boly back!”

Credit: @topsportfan

“Kilman in ASAP”

Credit: @david44809679

“We shouldn’t even consider playing a back 4 until he’s back”

Credit: @cameronb1212

“Just bring Kilman back, something funny about his omission”

Credit: @Sandhurstwolf

In other news, Wolves were reportedly interested in signing an England international in January. Read more here.

Newly-crowned Premiership champions Rangers have been tipped to offer new contracts to three key players ahead of their clash with Slavia Prague.

The Gers have already been crowned the Champions of Scotland, but they are still very much in the Europa League race as well. Gabriel Agbonlahor believes that progress in Europe could lead to extra wage demands from three key players.

Rangers urged to extend contracts within the next week

Agbonlahor was recently talking to Football Insider and he talked about the contractual situations of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and right-back James Tavernier. He believes that if the Gers keep playing like they are, they can go further in Europe and because of that, players could be demanding figures closer to what the Premier League sides can afford. To avoid a situation like that, Agbonlahor believes that Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson should look to tie these three players down to new contracts by next week.

The former Aston Villa man said: “If I’m Rangers now, I’m trying to tie down my biggest players to contracts within the next week.

“If Rangers can play like they have been they can go to the latter stages of the Europa League and the players will be looking at it and thinking ‘Ok, maybe we can get wages like the Premier League boys in England.’

“It’s a good chance for Steven Gerrard to sit down with the board and say ‘Can I tie down Tavernier? Can I tie down Kent? Can I tie down Morelos?’

“The team that has won this title they have to keep together, they can’t afford to lose too many of them because you’re losing the initiative. They need to build on this squad, give the players that have done really well for him new contracts.”

Morelos’ current contract at Rangers runs out in the summer of 2023. In the summer transfer window, the striker was linked with a move to Lille. Kent’s contract also runs out in the summer of 2023 and Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds were interested in signing him in the summer.

Contract extensions will only help Rangers

Morelos has impressed for the Gers this season, scoring 15 times in all competitions and picking up 12 assists for the side. In the Premiership, he has ten goals and four assists (As per Transfermarkt).

Kent has also made an impact for Gerrard’s men, scoring 11 times in all competitions. The former Leeds target has contributed to 17 goals in the Premiership and he has been the club’s third-highest rated player in the campaign.

Tavernier though, has been Rangers’ highest-rated player, while contributing to 20 goals from right-back. Considering those impressive numbers, the Gers should certainly considering handing these three players new contracts. Even if they do decide to cash in on any of the above, a longer deal will give them more negotiating power.

In other news, a former Rangers star has praised Steven Gerrard – read more here.