All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Daniel Farke proved last campaign that he loves a player that can fill gaps and be adaptable under pressure, showcased most notably in the Leeds United boss turning Archie Gray into a makeshift right-back to solve issues at the back.

He also regularly changed up Ethan Ampadu's position when he needed to, with the former Chelsea man starring alongside Joe Rodon in the heart of defence when he was moved back, after starting the season playing predominantly as a holding midfielder.

Therefore, it is to be expected next season that he will want more talents at his disposal that can fill multiple positions all over the pitch, as this defensive target is eyed up.

Leeds could go back in for Sunderland gem

According to a report by Leeds Live last month, Leeds are interested in bringing Black Cats gem Trai Hume to Elland Road this summer, but aren't the only keen party wanting to swoop in and snap the Northern Irishman up.

Both Leicester City and Aston Villa have been noted as being previously interested parties as well, with these top-flight clubs then having a potential advantage in the race to secure the standout Sunderland man, owing to the fact both clubs boast a Premier League status.

Leeds are unlikely to give in easily, however, having pulled out all the stops to land Rodon's permanent signature recently, even when Ipswich Town and Southampton were sniffing around from the division above.

Tenacious and hot-headed in approach, alongside offering that versatility Farke loves, Hume could even end up being Leeds' next Stuart Dallas if given time to excel in West Yorkshire, with the 22-year-old also hailing from Northern Ireland much like the Whites legend.

How Hume could become Leeds' next Dallas

Away from geographical similarities, Hume – much like Dallas did over his many years donning Leeds white – has proven himself to be capable in many different areas of the pitch for Sunderland.

This season just gone, Hume filled in across the back four when injuries started to stack up high at the Stadium of Light, whilst also even starting as a defensive midfielder away from last campaign in isolation.

Position played

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

RB

72

3

1

LB

12

0

0

CB

10

3

0

RM

9

0

2

DM

1

0

0

His importance to the Sunderland cause really comes to the forefront, when you glance at the table above, with the Wearside outfit potentially stuck if it wasn't for Hume bravely stepping up to the mark time after time.

He is some way off being as flexible as Dallas previously was for Leeds, before the crushing news of his retirement was revealed, with the 33-year-old playing in a ridiculous seven different positions for the Whites across his celebrated nine-year span, but he will still be vital to Farke in many problem areas if he is signed.

Described as being "outstanding" last season by football journalist Josh Bunting, the in-demand ace was also the subject of immense praise from interim manager, Mike Dodds, who stated:

"If he carries on the path he is going to, Trai is going to the Premier League. That’s how good I think he is. When you think of full-backs in this league, Trai would definitely be one of the best if not the best full-backs in the league and I don't think there will be many arguments over that."

Even when the collective at Sunderland struggled to put together positive patches of form, Hume – much like Dallas too – has an eye for goal and to create, even when completing his defensive duties.

The popular Sunderland figure picked up a goal and an assist in league action last season to add to his six goal contributions in total, but it's his battling nature that has really won the hearts of the hardened Wearside faithful, with 6.7 duels won on average last campaign.

To add further context, Dallas – at his peak under Bielsa during the 20/21 campaign in the top flight – only mustered up a lesser average of 4.7 duels won, but he did have an excellent eight league goals to show for his efforts.

Leeds will need their fair share of brave battlers next season as promotion becomes the goal once more, with Hume an ideal buy subsequently.

Leeds selling "monster" ace would be a bigger blow than losing Summerville

The Whites are ‘likely’ to see both players move on from Elland Road this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 9, 2024

After clinching a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Leicester City are in talks to reunite new manager Steve Cooper with one of his former players.

Foxes on the hunt for new attacking stars

The story that has been attracting the most attention at the King Power Stadium surrounds the Foxes' ongoing pursuit of Matias Soule. A deal for the Juventus winger has been in the works for a number of weeks with the latest development suggesting that Leicester have submitted a bid in the region of £21million for the player.

Leicester could hit gold by selling a star who's worth more than Soule

Leicester City can still win when it comes to selling on this forgotten man.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 24, 2024

Despite the Foxes' clear interest in the player, Soule could be drawn towards extending his stay in Italy with Roma also said to be in talks to sign the player. Recent claims in the press have stated that Soule only wants to join the Serie A side which may throw a spanner in Leicester's transfer plans this summer.

If they cannot get a deal for Soule over the line, Leicester have been looking at deals for other wide players including AC Milan ace Alexis Saelemaekers. The Foxes have reportedly opened negotiations for the Belgian winger who can also operate in the centre of the pitch.

With Leicester clearly not afraid of lining up alternatives to Soule, it looks as if the Foxes have approached a fellow Premier League side about one of their wantaway stars.

Leicester open talks to sign Reiss Nelson

As first reported on the X account of Fabrizio Romano, Leicester City have opened talks with Arsenal over a potential deal to sign Reiss Nelson. Romano claims that the negotiations in question surround an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy the winger further down the line, with the Foxes confident they can persuade the player to join.

Despite spending his entire career at the Emirates, Nelson has never quite managed to cement himself in the Gunners' starting XI, often having to settle for cameos off the bench. The course of the previous season saw the 24-year-old make just 15 appearances in the Premier League, failing to register a goal or assist during this time.

Arsenal's-Reiss-Nelson

Irrespective of his recent struggles, Nelson is a player who spent his youth career touted as one of England's most promising prospects. Playing his way through the Three Lions' youth set up, the winger became a fixture of the national team, earning praises for his performances.

One person that Nelson really managed to impress was former England manager and current Leicester boss Cooper. Speaking in a press conference back in 2022, Cooper took the opportunity to heap praise on Nelson after he scored twice against his Nottingham Forest side:

“[Reiss Nelson] and I always had a strong relationship. He was a standout player for England U17s. It’s good to see him doing well, I just wish it wasn’t today.”

With the new Leicester boss already a big fan of the player, there is a good chance that Nelson could be lacing up at the King Power by the time the next season begins.

Ipswich Town's approach in the transfer market to date has centred on raiding the Championship for some top talents, resulting in the likes of Jacob Greaves leaving Hull City behind for Portman Road, alongside the most recent purchase of Conor Townsend from West Bromwich Albion.

This way of dealing in the window will continue from Kieran McKenna and Co., as the Suffolk outfit aim to tempt Sammie Szmodics to relocate to the newly promoted side shortly, having just picked up the second-tier Golden Boot accolade last campaign.

Capturing the current Blackburn Rovers attacker would show that Ipswich mean further business moving up a division, with the potential for the Republic of Ireland international to line up alongside this equally potent second-tier star soon if everything goes to plan for the Tractor Boys.

Ipswich still in the running for Sunderland ace

It's been known for some time now that Ipswich are also attempting to seal a deal for Jack Clarke's coveted services this summer, with a recent report by iNews even indicating that the new Premier League side had bid £18m for the Sunderland ace.

The Black Cats would be more willing to sell Clarke on if they received a higher fee of £25m reportedly, and although that is an excessive amount, football journalist Darren Witcoop – via his social media – has revealed that Ipswich are still hunting down Clarke.

Ipswich could well view the ex-Leeds United man as a major upgrade on Wilson Odobert, who they are also going after to strengthen down the left flank owing to Nathan Broadhead's unfortunate injury situation, and a star who could shine bright in the Premier League next season lining up next to Szmodics.

What Clarke can offer Ipswich

Ipswich supporters will already be aware of Clarke's sublime ability to thunder home a strike, having scored a fierce effort against the Tractor Boys back in January on the way to amassing 15 Championship strikes in total.

Accumulating 49 goal contributions from 112 games donning a Black Cats strip to date, the time could well be right for Clarke to step up and dazzle in the elite league away from the Stadium of Light, alongside an equally electric Szmodics, who fired home a staggering 33 strikes in all competitions for the Riversiders last season.

Games played

40

29

Goals scored

15

4

Assists

3

2

Progressive carries*

7.89

4.38

Progressive passes*

4.64

2.49

Shots*

2.76

2.10

Shot-creating actions*

5.41

3.26

Successful take-ons*

3.81

2.24

Although Odobert did show plenty signs of promise last season for Burnley in the Premier League, with a respectable four goals managed for the relegated outfit from 29 contests, it should be a no-brainer for Ipswich to continue to go after Clarke over the Clarets youngster. The simple fact is that he's a much better proposition in the final third.

The Frenchman might be worth just £8.5m – as per Transfermarkt – compared to the Sunderland winger's £25m, but their numbers side-by-side highlights the fact Clarke could take the elite division by storm alongside Szmodics, with his play style suited to Ipswich's gung-ho mentality when advancing forward.

Clarke was even described as a "ball-carrying monster" by football analyst Ben Mattinson last campaign, with a mind-blowing 306 progressive carries managed over the full season, the most of anyone in the division.

Ipswich aren't just going to fall through the relegation trapdoor with a whimper, and with potential purchases such as Clarke and Szmodics in their back pocket, McKenna's men should be an entertaining watch next campaign as they attempt to survive.

Ipswich could get over Philogene rejection by signing "elite" star

Ipswich Town could now seek out improvements away from pursuing Jaden Philogene-Bidace.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 22, 2024

Chelsea have been approached over signing a £150,000-per-week forward as his agent offers him out to clubs, and he's a player who former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel once told the Stamford Bridge hierarchy to strike a deal for.

Stewart and Winstanley targeting new forward for Chelsea

The west Londoners have been one of the Premier League's busiest sides in terms of total summer arrivals, with Chelsea potentially about to take their tally of new signings into double figures for the window.

Chelsea could now sell £200,000-a-week star they think won't suit Maresca

The Blues aren’t convinced he’s the right fit tactically.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 1, 2024

Teenage KRC Genk goalkeeper Mike Penders is reportedly on the verge of joining Chelsea after agreeing to join Enzo Maresca's side. Reports claim a £16.8 million Chelsea deal is agreed for Penders, who will remain at Genk on loan for the rest of the season to further his development.

If Todd Boehly and co manage to officially get the 19-year-old over the line, he'll be Chelsea's tenth signing of the summer, following deals for Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa), Renato Veiga (FC Basel), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City), Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal), Marc Guiu (Barcelona), Estevao Willian (Palmeiras), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United) and Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors).

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, who have taken charge of the club's transfer plans over these last few months, have been very active in the market – but only a handful of the aforementioned bunch can be classed as senior upgrades.

Tosin, Jorgensen and Dewsbury-Hall look the most likely to make an immediate impact in Maresca's first team, while the rest appear to be more long-term investments on Chelsea's part, due to their age.

There is also the matter of bringing in a new wide forward or striker, which is what Chelsea are reportedly planning behind-the-scenes. The Blues have been linked with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams recently, and attempted to strike a deal for Michael Olise, before he joined Bayern Munich.

Chelsea were even considering Raheem Sterling as a makeweight in talks for Olise, but the 22-year-old instead chose to link up with Vincent Kompany in Bavaria.

Chelsea offered Federico Chiesa by agent as they consider approach

It will be interesting to see who they opt to bring in as an alternative, with Juventus star Federico Chiesa emerging as a possibility recently.

He scored 10 goals and assisted three others for Juve last season, and according to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea have been offered Chiesa by his agent as they consider taking him up on the proposal.

“The agent of Federico Chiesa has approached Chelsea, SPTC sources understand," wrote Phillips. “Chelsea have not yet given a definitive answer, and have been considering it.

"But sources think it’s unlikely. His agent spoke to Chelsea though because we have had recent interest in Chiesa. Thomas Tuchel suggested him to the board when he was in charge, and the board did seriously look at signing him. It wasn’t possible or viable at that time, but Chiesa does still have some admirers at Chelsea, so let’s see if anything comes of that one."

The £150,000-per-week forward could be available for a cut-price £25 million due to his contract, which is set to expire next year. The winger also boasts over half a century of caps for Italy at international level, and helped the Azzurri clinch a Euro 2020 title at the expense of England.

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has suggested Chelsea could sign a highly-rated senior forward after completing a deal for Wolves winger Pedro Neto.

Chelsea set to sign Neto from Wolves after quick-fire talks

On Friday, RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins was first to break the news that Neto is set to join Chelsea this summer, in what was a sudden and pretty exciting transfer update out of Stamford Bridge.

£30 million Chelsea fan favourite now ready to leave the club after U-turn

He’s changed his mind about a departure this summer.

5 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 9, 2024

The Portugal international, who hit double figures for assists in all competitions under Gary O'Neil last season, has long been linked with an exit from Molineux – with Neto attracting reported interest from Arsenal and Tottenham before deciding on a switch to Chelsea.

His move to west London happened pretty suddenly, with Romano quickly backing Hawkins' report with an update of his own on Friday afternoon. The respected journalist gave his famous 'here we go' to the transfer, stating Neto is set to sign for Chelsea in a deal worth an initial £51 million.

The 24-year-old's arrival brings an end to Enzo Maresca's search for a new senior wide player, having failed in a pursuit for Michael Olise earlier this summer, who decided to join Bayern Munich over the Blues.

Chelsea fell just short in talks to sign Olise, but Neto is of a similar mould to the Frenchman as a direct and exciting one-v-one winger. A concern for Maresca, though, will be Neto's torrid injury record since joining Wolves from Lazio.

The forward has missed a combined 112 games in all competitions since swapping Serie A for the Premier League, so Chelsea supporters will be hoping the worst of Neto's fitness woes are behind him.

Despite shoring up the striker position with Samu Omorodion in a widely reported £34.5 million deal from Atletico Madrid, reports have still claimed that Chelsea are in talks for Victor Osimhen, and it's a move which would see Romelu Lukaku head the other way to reunite with Antonio Conte.

Chelsea could still sign Osimhen despite sealing Neto deal

Journalist Miguel Delaney even wrote this week that Chelsea are not that far off an agreement for Osimhen, who has been one of Italy's most prolific goalscorers since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020.

Now, Romano has shared another update on Maresca's potential move for the £162,000-per-week marksman. He suggests that Chelsea could still sign Osimhen despite just spending £51 million on Neto, but there are still crucial details to be resolved.

"Chelsea could be still active on offensive players market even after Neto and Omorodion," wrote the journalist on X. "Osimhen plans to leave but NO intention to reduce salary/accept straight loan. Chelsea still keen ONLY in case deal conditions/Osimhen’s stance change… as Napoli insist for Lukaku."

The Nigeria international scored 17 goals in total last season, and spearheaded Napoli to their first Scudetto in decades with 31 goals in all competitions the season before that.

The transfer window slams shut in a week, and while this summer has felt less busy than previous years, Tottenham Hotspur have been one of the most active 'big six' sides, behind only Chelsea and perhaps Manchester United.

Daniel Levy and Co have secured deals for young and exciting talents like Archie Gray, Yang Min-Hyeok and Wilson Odobert while significantly strengthening the first team with the £65m signing of Dominic Solanke.

However, if Ange Postecoglou is going to successfully lead the club back up the Premier League and into the Champions League places over the next ten months, he will need his team to be at their best and probably a few more additions to the squad on top.

Fortunately, the latest star touted for a move to N17 could help with both, as he could create a brilliant partnership with Dejan Kulusevski and help get the best out of him while bolstering the squad as well.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from French outlet L'Équipe, Tottenham are very interested in signing AS Monaco full-back Vanderson.

In fact, the report goes a step further, claiming that the North Londoners are now ready to make an offer in the region of €30m for his services before the window slams shut.

The good news for the Lilywhites is that while the report claims the Ligue 1 side want to keep the Brazilian, they are unlikely to turn down that sort of money.

It might not be the most exciting of transfers, but Vanderson will undoubtedly improve Postecoglou's squad, and thanks to his attacking tendencies, he could help get more out of Kulusevski as well.

Why Vanderson would be a good signing

Okay, so the first thing to address is that as things stand, Pedro Porro appears to be the club's starting right-back this season, and given how well he has played at points over the last season and a half, it's unlikely that Vanderson would come in and instantly take his spot.

However, more than ever, football is a squad game, and while Djed Spence could eventually come good in North London, there are still doubts over his true ability, and if Postecoglou wants to ensure he has two quality attacking right-backs to help the team traverse what is set to be a challenging campaign, then the Brazilian defender looks like an ideal signing.

Moreover, the fact he's comfortable starting at right-back and in right midfield and has a general desire to get forward means he could help get just as much out of his attacking teammates as the Spaniard, especially those starting on the right wing like Kulusevski.

For example, in just 23 appearances last season, the twice-capped international, whom U23 scout Antonio claims is blessed with "obscene pace and acceleration", scored three goals and provided one assist, meaning that he averaged a goal involvement once every 5.75 games from right-back.

Just imagine if the Lilywhites' Swedish winger had a player as aggressive as that behind him and occupying opposition defenders; he'd have far more space to operate in himself.

Moreover, it's not just his output that is impressive, but also his underlying numbers.

For example, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and the Europa League, the Rondonópolis-born star sits in the top 2% of full-backs for tackles, the top 3% for interceptions, the top 4% for total shots, the top 9% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, the top 10% for non-penalty expected goals and progressive passes received and the top 11% for actual non-penalty goals, all per 90.

Tackles

3.54

Top 2%

Interceptions

1.86

Top 3%

Shots Total

1.68

Top 4%

Touches in the Opposition's Penalty Area

2.44

Top 9%

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.09

Top 10%

Progressive Passes Received

6.91

Top 10%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.12

Top 11%

This impressive array of underlying metrics shows that while, yes, he thrives going forward, he is also more than capable of defending, which in turn would give players like Kulusevski the confidence to focus on the sharp end of the pitch.

Ultimately, while Vanderson won't transform Tottenham's first team, he would add so much quality to the squad overall and help get more out of the team's array of rightwingers when on the pitch. Therefore, Levy and Co should do what they can to get this deal over the line before another team comes in for him.

Watch out Udogie: Spurs target "tenacious" £50m ace who's like De Ligt

The talented defender could provide the Italian with some much-needed competition.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 21, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur have never had it so good as they did during Mauricio Pochettino’s reign between 2014 and 2019.

During that spell, Spurs reached a League Cup final and the Champions League final, while establishing themselves as one of the best sides in the Premier League, finishing outside the top four just once between 2015 and 2019.

The Argentinian built a solid team that perhaps could count themselves unlucky to not win a major trophy during his spell in charge.

He did form one of the finest triumvirates in the club’s recent history, however, as Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Dele Ali all thrived under Pochettino.

Kane went from plucky academy talent to one of the best strikers in the world, while Pochettino also managed to bring out the best in Son and Alli during his time managing the pair.

Ange Postecoglou can now only call upon the services of the South Korean star, as both Kane and Alli have since departed the North London side.

Under the inspired leadership of the former Southampton manager, Alli registered 103 goal contributions, while Kane and Son registered 196 and 110 respectively, clearly proving how good Pochettino was for the trio.

The club haven’t had three players quite link up in the final third like those three, something which Ange will be desperate to do sooner rather than later.

He could turn to some of the club's hottest young talent to solve that problem. Here's three players vying to be Tottenham's next superstars…

1 Mikey Moore – the next Harry Kane

Kane had to bide his time during his early years at Spurs, going out on several loans before finally grabbing his chance during the 2014/15 season under Pochettino and finally utilising his talents.

Mikey Moore is certainly built similarly to the England icon, showcasing a keen eye for goal during his appearances for the U18 side since the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

For the U18 age group, Moore has been deployed as both a left-winger and centre-forward, scoring 19 goals in just 24 matches, along with chipping in with 13 assists, not a bad set of numbers for a 17-year-old.

During the U17 European Championship, the teenager scored four goals in four games for England, grabbing an assist too, as he demonstrated his qualities on the international stage.

Ange clearly has high hopes for Moore as he gave him his senior debut towards the end of last season, bringing on the teenager in games against Manchester City and Sheffield United, offering him the opportunity to play for the senior side.

With the club in four competitions this term, expect plenty more chances for the young forward as the season progresses.

2 Wilson Odobert – the next Heung-min Son

The Frenchman began his career at Paris Saint-Germain, emerging through the youth system as one of their most promising wingers.

Across 30 games for the U19 and Youth League sides in 2021/22, Odobert scored 19 times and registered four assists, which gave him all the confidence needed to flourish during a loan spell with Troyes the season after.

This allowed him to seal a move to Burnley last summer. Despite the fact they were relegated, Odobert still managed to score three goals and grab three assists, which attracted attention from Spurs.

The North London side splashed out £25m to bring him to the club, which looked like it was going to be an investment for the future.

Metric

Son

Odobert

Goals

17

3

Assists

10

2

Key passes per game

2

1.1

Successful dribbles per game

1.1

1.8

Shots per game

2.4

1.7

Big chances created

20

7

Last term, the 19-year-old created seven big chances in the Premier League, while also averaging 1.1 key passes and succeeding with 1.8 dribbles per game.

These statistics could eventually see him become the ideal heir for Son in the Spurs starting XI, as his potential, noticeably in possession of the ball, is limitless.

Despite playing only 66 minutes for his new club, Odobert has still managed to make one key pass and succeed with two dribbles in their win over Everton recently.

Pressure shouldn’t be placed on his shoulders right now, but if the French gem can settle in and hit the ground running, Spurs may have another talented winger on their hands.

3 Lucas Bergvall – the next Dele Alli

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder joined Spurs this summer having initially agreed a deal to sign for the London side back in February from Djurgarden in the Swedish top flight.

His spell with the club clearly attracted plenty of attention as he scored nine times and chipped in with six assists across all competitions and these sorts of numbers could certainly see the teenager emerging as a player similar to Alli at Spurs. Out of sorts now, the England international is cut from a similar cloth, both capable of finding the net and assisting teammates on a regular basis.

Such is his immense promise and wonderful pre-season, Bergvall has been called up to the Sweden national side for the very first time, signifying that Ange has a prodigious talent at his disposal.

The youngster looked bright on his first appearance for the club, coming on for the final 12 minutes against Leicester City in the first Premier League match of the season.

Despite his limited chance to shine, Bergvall still managed to make a key pass and created a big chance, while finishing the game with a 96% pass success rate and succeeding with two of his three dribbles.

A promising debut indeed, and it gives Ange an indication of what he could expect in the near future.

This trio of young talents could begin to make an impression in the first-team squad throughout the 2024/25 campaign, giving the boss plenty of options to call upon.

While they may not live up to the reputation of Kane, Son and Alli, the three players are among some of the finest prodigies the club has had in a few years and look like a fine crop of young talents.

Spurs struck gold on "fantastic" star who's worth way more than Odobert

He is linked with a move away this summer.

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 18, 2024

A European club are confident that Newcastle United will sell an "unbelievable" player to them this week, according to a fresh transfer update.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies are still on the lookout for new signings ahead of future transfer windows, with Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries one of the most recent players to be linked with a move to St James' Park.

The 28-year-old is now into the final year of his current deal with the Italian giants, so Newcastle are looking to strike a deal to bring him to the club, either in January or next summer. In fact, the Premier League side are said to be in pole position to snap up the Netherlands international, as Eddie Howe looks to add more depth in full-back areas.

Meanwhile, Manchester United winger Antony has emerged as a surprise target for the Magpies, with the Brazilian failing to fully convince since trading Ajax for the Red Devils back in the summer of 2022. Despite this, a switch to St James' appears to be possible, with United willing to accept a £40m offer for him.

In terms of free agents, none are more high-profile than Adrien Rabiot currently, and it looks as though Newcastle are in direct competition with United to snap him up. Both are believed to be considering making an offer for the France international, who would be able to join immediately. Now, a key piece of exit news has also dropped.

Club believe they'll sign "unbelievable" Newcastle ace this week

According to Fotomac [via Sport Witness], Besikas are looking to sign Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier this week, knowing they have to do it by Friday before the Turkish transfer window closes.

The report states that the Turkish club are confident that an agreement can be struck, with talks set to take place with the 33-year-old in the coming days.

Trippier certainly isn't the force he once was, with a string of mistakes coming his way last season and his age meaning he no longer possesses the energy levels and pace that he did in the past.

For that reason, it makes sense for Newcastle to part ways with him this week, as long as Howe is confident that he has enough depth without him. Tino Livramento has become the Magpies' first-choice right-back, starting all three Premier League games so far this season, though he has only just heaped praise on his £120,000-a-week teammate when discussing his own England chances.

"I am a big believer that when the time is right the time is right and then it is down to me to take it. Tripps had an unbelievable international career. If I go on to have anything like he did then I will be very happy."

Pole position: Newcastle now ready to make £18.5m offer to sign "big star"

The Magpies are reportedly leading the charge to win his signature.

1 ByHenry Jackson Sep 9, 2024

Should Trippier stay, it wouldn't be a bad thing – he could leave in January if Dumfries comes in – but cashing in on the veteran defender now is the best solution, and Besiktas seem bullish about sealing a deal.

Nottingham Forest have made some brilliant signings in recent seasons since their promotion back to the Premier League, spending a bucket load as they look to strengthen their side and avoid relegation.

So far, that has been a success for the East Midlands club. They are now into their third season in the top flight since promotion, and it has seen them finish out of the relegation zone twice in a row.

In 2022/23, Forest came 16th on 38 points, just two points clear of 18th place Leicester City, and 17th last season, six points ahead of relegated Luton Town.

Forest’s major signings since promotion

There have certainly been some huge deals at the City Ground which have helped to just about keep Forest in the top flight. They have now had five transfer windows since coming up from the Championship and have signed a whooping 58 players, including free transfers and loan moves.

Perhaps the most notable of these was Morgan Gibbs-White. The attacking midfielder made the move across the Midlands to join Forest from Wolves for around £42.5m and has since become a key man for the former European Cup winners.

The 24-year-old has played 83 times for the club, scoring 12 goals and registering 18 assists. He is already off the mark this season and has been rewarded with a first England cap against Ireland on Saturday. Gibbs-White has been pivotal in their bid for survival so far.

Two of the other notable signings since promotion in 2021/22 were former Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga, who cost £15m, and Chelsea academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi, who signed for Forest on a three-year deal.

The wingers have already made waves in the Garibaldi Red so far, and that has seen a real spike in their transfer values. According to Transfermarkt, Sweden international Elanga is now worth £18.5m, and the former Chelsea attacker Hudson-Odoi was valued at a whopping £40m according to reports over the summer.

However, there has been another marquee signing at the City Ground during the past few years, who has proven to be an even better deal than the dynamic wingers.

Murillo’s transfer value in 2024

The player in question here is Brazilian centre-back Murillo. The 22-year-old joined the club from Brazilian outfit Corinthians for a fee in the region of £15m and signed a five-year contract in the East Midlands.

He has been superb for the club since joining last summer. The Brazilian, who is yet to be capped at international level, has made 39 appearances at the City Ground, helping to keep five clean sheets so far. He has yet to register a goal for the club.

Murillo’s impressive performances saw him slapped with a hefty £70m price tag over the summer by Forest. a rise of around 337% since his initial move. That asking price came in the midst of interest from West London outfit Chelsea, who considered a move for the defender.

That sees him valued at a higher price than any of his Forest teammates, including both Elanga and Hudson-Odoi, showing his impressive performances certainly had merit to them so far.

To make things even sweeter for Forest, he is amongst one of the lowest earners at the club. According to Capology, Muriallo is currently earning £30k per week, the ninth lowest amount in the Forest wage structure.

£115k

Ward-Pwrose

£105k

Milenkovic

£80k

Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White

£75k

Sangare

£50k

Awoniyi, Williams

£40k

Dennis, Boly, Aina

£35k

Moreno, Omobamidele, Toffolo, Selz, Dominguez

£30k

Murillo, Danilo

£25k

Yates, Elanga

Football scout Antonio Mango described the former Corinthians defender as a “commanding and productive” defender and should the East Midlands outfit decide to sell Murillo at some stage in the coming months, they can expect to get a healthy profit on the deal.

However, right now, he will play a key part in their Premier League survival for another season.

Nottingham Forest sold star for just £4.3m, now he's worth more than Sosa

The Reds have been searching for a replacement since his departure.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 7, 2024

It hasn’t come together for West Ham United under Julen Lopetegui. The atmosphere hasn’t quite turned toxic but there’s an undeniable sourness about the London Stadium right now, with limp performances yielding poor results.

This evening, the Irons have a chance to turn such concerns around, though will find a tough test against Liverpool at Anfield in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, who won the trophy last year, swept West Ham aside in the quarter-final with a 5-1 thrashing, though Klopp is now going and Arne Slot’s side have already lost against Nottingham Forest on home soil this year.

1.

Jarrod Bowen

44

20

2.

Mohammed Kudus

45

14

3.

Tomas Soucek

52

10

4.

Lucas Paqueta

53

8

5.

Michail Antonio

32

7

6.

James Ward-Prowse

51

7

Liverpool are not infallible, and Lopetegui has a ferocious frontline that could hurt the hosts. Jarrod Bowen is invariably effective up front, while Mohammed Kudus and Crysencio Summerville offer pace and electric quality to swarm and overpower their opponents’ wide zones.

West Ham team news

West Ham enforced a host of changes for the second-round Carabao Cup victory over Bournemouth at the end of August, and you can expect Lopetegui to do the same after the battering handed by Chelsea on Saturday.

Niclas Füllkrug will be assessed after a period of injury – the £27m summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, aged 31, has yet to score for the Irons and has missed the past two top-flight fixtures with an Achilles injury.

But that aside, there are options aplenty for the club’s Spanish head coach to pick from. Expect some of the most infrequent starting members to receive the nod.

West Ham's last game against Liverpool

Let’s be candid – it’s going to be a tough one. Liverpool might have been beaten on home turf already this season but have looked pretty devastating for the most part, with the squad slotting into their new way of life.

27/04/24

Premier League

London Stadium

2-2 draw

20/12/23

Carabao Cup

Anfield

5-1 loss

24/09/23

Premier League

Anfield

3-1 loss

26/04/23

Premier League

London Stadium

2-1 loss

19/08/22

Premier League

Anfield

1-0 loss

West Ham have not defeated Liverpool in any competition since a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Premier League in 2021, one of the Reds’ two defeats in a season that saw them miss out against Manchester City to the title by a single point – again.

But last time out, David Moyes’ Irons halted a five-match losing streak against the forthcoming opposition, effectively ending Liverpool’s fading hopes of winning the league with a hard-fought 2-2 draw that saw Mohamed Salah and Jurgen Klopp come to a fractious blow.

There were many impressive performances, with Moyes hailing West Ham’s “incredible” performance. There was one player who put in a storming display. He must be unleashed alongside Jean-Clair Todibo, who joined this summer.

Who Lopetegui should unleash against Liverpool

Todibo started against Bournemouth in the previous round but that stands as the sole starting berth that the Frenchman has been awarded since moving from OGC Nice on a loan deal that has a purchase option of around £35m.

He struggled to influence the game and was withdrawn by Lopetegui at half-time. Todibo, 24, has not played since, but with West Ham’s defence struggling, this is the time for him to be unleashed and prove that he can become a starring member. But he would do well to find a reliable anchoring midfielder in front of him to help against the Reds’ attacking tidal wave.

Indeed, Edson Alvarez could be key on Wednesday evening. Todibo’s ball-playing quality could ensure the Mexican midfielder, who is so tough and authoritative in the tackle and duel, refinds his feet after flattering to deceive against Chelsea on Saturday.

Minutes played

90′

Touches

58

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

29/35 (83%)

Key passes

1

Dribbles (completed)

1 (1)

Tackles

4

Interceptions

3

Clearances

4

Total duels (won)

14 (7)

Alvarez was awarded an 8/10 match rating by Hammers site Claret & Hugh after his last effort against Liverpool, with the publication writing: ‘Made same crucial blocks and interceptions one of which started the move which led to the first goal. Slow to close down for the Liverpool equaliser but otherwise back to his best.’

It was an excellent display, and one that saw Luis Diaz and Salah thwarted in their efforts to score and send Liverpool back into title contention.

That kind of relentless duel output will determine West Ham’s success in the midfield battle. Liverpool are purring with a partnership of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the Premier League but there’s a high chance that both could be rested for this one, and West Ham must capitalise.

Alvarez also won ten duels against the Cherries in August, and if he can bring that kind of iron-clad energy to this one, he might just prove to silence Diaz and Salah again.

The 6 foot 1 titan ranks among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for tackles, the top 14% for interceptions, the top 2% for blocks and the top 5% for clearances per 90. It’s evident that, when at his best, he is one of the most robust and active defensive midfielders in the game, and this could be vital in ensuring that Todibo succeeds.

Liverpool will present a tough test indeed, but if West Ham can battle and match the physicality of the Anfield side, there’s a good chance that they can inflict some damage. Remember, a draw at 90 minutes will take the match to spot-kicks…

Lopetegui needs to axe West Ham ace who earns more than Soler & Todibo

He’s not been at the races this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 24, 2024