All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

It would be fair to say that not a single Liverpool player came away from Sunday’s defeat to Fulham in a positive light.

The Reds turned in an awful performance, falling to an all-time low of six consecutive defeats at Anfield for the first time in their history.

There were a handful of truly woeful performances from the home side, with the usually reliable James Milner firmly amongst them.

Starting his first Premier League game in over a month, the former England man was expected to be an experienced and calming presence in the middle of the park for Liverpool and for Jurgen Klopp.

However, he was quite the opposite, habitually arriving late into tackles and accumulating three fouls throughout the 90 minutes – more than any other player, according to WhoScored.

This was a constant source of frustration for the reigning Premier League champions as it allowed Fulham to reset and regain their defensive shape, a huge reason as to why they were able to somewhat comfortably hold out for the second period.

Deployed alongside Georginio Wijnaldum and Naby Keita, it also wasn’t the best afternoon for Milner from an attacking standpoint either.

The former Manchester City man had only one shot, that effort flying off target, whilst also contributing zero key passes or dribbles.

For a player so experienced, the 35-year-old was also ponderous on the ball, taking an age to release it. He was dispossessed once, whilst also having two unsuccessful touches. Only Xherdan Shaqiri conceded possession more frequently in the entire Liverpool team and he played the entire game whereas Milner was substituted with 15 minutes of the clash remaining, rightly so too.

Considering the Reds’ current plight, it seemed a smart move from Klopp to turn to more experience in midfield. However, it was a gamble that certainly did not pay off with Milner seemingly causing more damage to his team than he was worth.

He was late into tackles and late to play passes. Liverpool might have been better off if he was late for the team bus…

AND in more news, take a look at why Liverpool must secure a deal for Kalidou Koulibaly sooner rather than later…

Football FanCast spoke exclusively with Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Andreas Sondergaard, who revealed which player he goes to for advice about training and matches.

Wolves are stocked with great keepers, boasting two internationals within their ranks in Rui Patricio and John Ruddy.

Sondergaard has been training with the first team all season and is gaining a lot of vital experience and tips from two well-established shot-stoppers.

Ruddy was Wolves’ number one during their Championship winning season, picking up the golden glove in 2017/18. Meanwhile, Patricio has been a mainstay since they got back to the Premier League, proving himself to be a reliable number one for Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Denmark U19 international is highly regarded within the set up at Wolves and has aspirations to be the number one for the club he has been with since he was 17-years-old.

“I mean, they’re both really different, two different goalkeeping styles”, Sondergaard said when asked by Football FanCast what it’s like to have two keepers with such different backgrounds to learn from.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/exclusive-andreas-sondergaard-wolves-premier-league” title=”Exclusive! Andreas Sondergaard talks all things Wolves”]

He added: “It’s mainly John I speak to about different game-specific stuff.

“It could be positioning, it could be distribution or it could be presence.

“I’m just taking it all in and trying to do it in training and do it in games.”

Sondergaard could not ask for two more experienced goalkeepers to learn from as well as having the perfect manager for any young keeper wanting to improve themself.

Ruddy’s contract is due to expire this summer so, it could lead to a natural pathway to play for the first-team for Sondergaard.

Everton are reportedly eyeing a potential transfer move for Alex Meret from Napoli, according to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

As per the news outlet, the Italy international could be a potential replacement for Jordan Pickford in between the posts.

The Serie A club would reportedly sell one of Meret or David Ospina if they did not manage to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the 2021/22 term, meaning that the Goodison Park faithful could potentially pounce on the signature of the former, described as an ‘enfant-prodige’ by the outlet, which translates into English as ‘child prodigy’.

It is also reported by the publication that Meret ‘has an admirer in Ancelotti’, and so a move to the Merseyside club in the future under the Italian boss may well be possible.

Meret a gamble for Everton

If the Toffees were to end up signing Meret, then it would be a big gamble, given that the 23-year-old, who is currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, has never played in the Premier League before.

Although Pickford has not always been the most reliable in net for the Blues, with two errors that have led to goals already this season in the top flight, the former Sunderland man has picked up some decent form recently and is still very much number one under Ancelotti.

Nonetheless, with Robin Olsen currently on their books as well at the moment, albeit on loan from AS Roma, EFC should not be prioritising signing a new goalkeeper for now.

In other news, find out what injury update before Manchester City has left Everton fans happy here!

A well-versed saying goes that a failure to prepare is preparing to fail but that might not actually be the case at Leicester City with Brendan Rodgers potentially set to hand the club a big boost in their upcoming summer transfer plans.

The Northern-Irishman has suggested that the Foxes “don’t plan to lose anyone” in what will be a huge break from what has seemingly become a yearly tradition at the King Power Stadium.

Year upon year since winning the Premier League crown in 2015/16, the Foxes have raked in a considerable amount of cash by selling a key cog in their team.

Immediately following the Foxes’ title success, N’Golo Kante departed for Chelsea before being followed to Stamford Bridge by fellow midfielder Danny Drinkwater the season after.

Riyad Mahrez was then the next to depart, with Algerian departing in a big-money switch to Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Harry Maguire’s record-breaking move to Manchester United saw the Foxes earn approximately £80m, whilst more recently, left-back Ben Chilwell also joined Chelsea in the last summer transfer window.

Those departures have led to Leicester spending considerable amounts, albeit less than the fees they received, in an effort to plug the gaps in their squad.

For instance, since Kante’s departure all the way back in 2016, the East-Midlanders have forked out an eye-watering £359m in the transfer market, specifically spending just under £30m on the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and Nampalys Mendy to compensate for his loss.

However, with Rodgers not envisaging a big-money departure this summer, this allows the Northern-Irishman to invest in more depth or other departments as opposed to recruiting a direct replacement for a potential key player.

This then bodes extremely well as the Foxes potentially embark on another European campaign, with their key players retained and possibly more new recruits arriving too. It would also assist in their task of disrupting the so-called ‘big six’ in the fact the club would halt strengthening direct rivals by selling them key players.

AND in more news, take a look at which player’s mysterious international absence could be a concern for the Foxes...

Many Everton fans have been left delighted at some early team news ahead of their next game at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on April 5th, as James Rodriguez has declared himself fit.

Caracol Radio have quoted the former Real Madrid ace as saying on one of his live streams on Twitch: “I’ll play again until the next game, April 3, I think. I’m very well thank God and I want to play again.”

The Merseyside club’s next match is actually on Monday April 5th against Roy Hodgson’s men at Goodison Park, but nonetheless it has come as a much welcome relief to several members of the Toffees faithful – the Colombian will even get two more days to rest than he realised.

The Blues have lost their last three games in total over all competitions, scoring a mere one goal in the process, in which Rodriguez has not been able to play a part through injury (Transfermarkt), showing that they have clearly been missing his creative influence in the final third.

However, it looks as if the 29 year-old will be back for their next match at home to CPFC in what will be a big boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

Everton fan reaction to Rodriguez injury update

These EFC supporters lauded the injury update from Rodriguez on Twitter:

“Well that’s a win then.”

Credit: @terrifyinglogic

“Let’s hope he’s ready on the 5th when we play”

Credit: @jimefc81

“Can’t wait for him to be back.”Credit: @Hanstours”Yes James lad”Credit: @steffan38wen”I cannot wait”Credit: @GJS41991″The PL ain’t ready for 100% fit James.”Credit: @lewissefcIn other news, find out which two global stars Everton may be offered the chance to sign here!

If you look down at the list of players currently on Wolves’ books, you’ll notice a host of forgotten names.

The number of players they have earning a salary is remarkable with no fewer than 26 loan deals being sanctioned by the club’s hierarchy throughout the current campaign.

One of those players to be shipped out was Leo Bonatini. The Brazilian striker is currently on loan with Swiss club Grasshopper where he’s scored seven goals in 24 outings.

It’s not a poor tally but unfortunately, it’s nowhere close to being prolific; something that tells a sorry tale of Bonatini’s last few years.

Signed in 2017 on an initial loan deal from Saudi side Al-Hilal, he then joined Wolves on a permanent basis for £3.6m in 2018 after scoring 12 goals in their triumphant promotion-winning campaign.

His value rose to £4.5m but he very quickly fell behind Raul Jimenez in the pecking order. Bonatini has still only played seven games since signing on a permanent basis and now aged 26, he is doing little to prove he deserves the wage he’s earning at Molineux.

Bonatini has had three separate loan spells now. The first was with Nottingham Forest where he failed to score in five appearances. He headed to Portugal for the 2019/20 season where the striker beat the goalkeeper on six occasions in 28 outings.

A third temporary move has followed to Grasshopper but he is surely rapidly approaching the end of his Wolves career. Diogo Jota may have left but they have signed both Willian Jose and Fabio Silva this term.

That has only shoved Bonatini further down the pecking order with two years left on his deal in the Midlands.

Having shown such inconsistent form over the last few years, Jeff Shi would be wise to wield the axe on his Premier League stay. Unfortunately, they are unlikely to recoup much of the fee they spent on the Brazilian three years ago.

That’s because according to Transfermarkt, his value has plummeted by a considerable 80%. From being worth £4.5m in 2018, he is now estimated at just £900k.

It’s hardly surprising, though. Bonatini has been nothing short of average and it’s rather peculiar that Wolves even spent a transfer fee on him heading into the Premier League. Like many at the same time; Roderick Miranda and Rafa Mir included, their careers haven’t prospered under Nuno Santo.

It’s time for Bonatini to follow what happened to Miranda in January and leave the club for good; the £35k-per-week earner isn’t good enough.

AND in other news, Shi masterclass: Wolves could finally replace Jota by signing “electric” £27k-p/w star…

The lawyer of Glasgow Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara believes the police now have enough evidence to charge Ondrej Kudela for “racially aggravated conduct”.

Kamara lawyer discusses case

Aamer Anwar is representing Finland international Kamara after he accused Kudela of racist abuse during the Europa League round of 16 clash between the Gers and Slavia Prague at Ibrox.

Speaking about the progression of the case, Anwar said (via The Herald):

“The police have now gathered evidence including CCTV as well as statements from witnesses that we believe would corroborate sufficient evidence for a criminal charge of a ‘racially aggravated conduct’ by Kudela – in that it is alleged he intended to cause Glen Kamara alarm or distress and his conduct was motivated by malice and ill-will because of Glen’s race.

“If Police Scotland believe there is sufficiency of evidence, then they can swiftly move to a charge of a Section 50A(1)(b) offence under Criminal Procedure Scotland Act 1995, that would mean that Mr Kudela would be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

“Mr Kudela could then be served with a citation to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date and ultimately at a trial if he does plead guilty in advance.”

FinallyFinally, it seems that we may be close to some sort of outcome in regards to this case. Since the game was played on March 18th, there have been accusations thrown back and forth – Slavia have accused Kamara of striking Kudela on the back of the head in the tunnel (slavia.cz), while there have also been suggestions Nicolae Stanciu received abuse from a Rangers player (eFotbal.cz).It remains to be seen whether Kudela is actually found guilty, but putting together a strong case is a start. The result of the impending trial is important – whatever verdict is reached will send out a message in regards to the fight against racism.In other news, Rangers are said to be interested in this 27-goal striker.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Steve Bull, who made 560 appearances for Wolves, has backed Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie to stay in the Premier League with either Burnley or Southampton.

McBurnie, alongside everyone else at Sheffield United, has struggled for form especially after they smashed expectations last campaign with a ninth-place finish in the Premier League.

The 24-year old has just one goal this season but has been linked with a sensational £15 million move to Wolves, despite the Blades paying Swansea City £20 million for the striker in 2019 making him their record signing.

Speaking on which clubs McBurnie could fit into and why he should stay in the Premier League instead of dropping into the Championship, Bull told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think he could play for like a Burnley or Southampton and be a bit like Danny Ings, that sort of player.

“So I think he’ll move to somewhere like that where they’re going to survive in the Premier League and not be fighting in the Championship for the next year or so.”

Southampton may be looking for a new striker this summer because Danny Ings has been linked with a move away to Manchester City as they look to replace Sergio Aguero.

Sheffield United are still looking for someone to become Chris Wilder’s successor and John Terry has been recently linked with the job.

Tottenham Hotspur will still be without two first-team stars as they welcome Manchester United in the Premier League this afternoon.

What’s the latest?

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Jose Mourinho revealed that he had no fresh injury concerns, though full-back duo Matt Doherty and Ben Davies will still be absent.

He told reporters (via football.london):

“Ben Davies and Matt Doherty are the only players that are not available to play. So they are still injured. Of course, [they are] getting better.”

Mourinho’s big call

Spurs not only missed out on the chance to break into the top four in the top-flight last Sunday, but they too repeated an all too familiar trend of dropping valuable points.

Having led in 21 of 30 matches this term, Mourinho’s side have now dropped a whopping 15 points from winning positions – something that would see them occupy second place, ahead of today’s opposition.

The Portuguese would undoubtedly love to freshen up his starting XI as a result of their lacklustre performances over the last few weeks, a run which includes them crashing out of the Europa League early and losing a north London derby.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-april-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=”Read this week’s latest Spurs news, April transfer rumours and more!”]

Without Doherty and Davies as options, he’s unable to tinker his backline too much as he merely doesn’t have the choice to do so.

At left-back, it’s a pretty straight forward decision as only Sergio Reguilon is fit and available. He didn’t have the best game up at St James’ Park, grading as Spurs’ second-worst starter (6.5), as per SofaScore ratings.

But he can be lucky that the Welshman won’t be fit, especially as his defensive exploits could be preferred to combat a lethal-looking United frontline.

However, on the right, Mourinho is left in a big predicament.

Before the international break, he opted for the inexperienced Japhet Tanganga against Aston Villa and it paid off, with Spurs winning 2-0 and the young 20-year-old gem played a key role in keeping that clean sheet.

He kept his place against Newcastle and somewhat endured a tough game as he picked up a yellow card for his troubles. Interestingly, there was no Serge Aurier in the matchday squad and as Mourinho suggests above, they have no other injury concerns.

The Ivorian international could well come back into the side, but either way, it gives Mourinho a massive headache. United’s front three of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Edison Cavani have scored 32 goals between them this term alone, so the experience of Aurier may well be needed.

Whether he sticks with Tanganga or goes back to Aurier remains to be seen; Doherty would’ve posed an interesting solution despite his own struggles this campaign.

AND in other news, Levy on verge of fatal mistake over Spurs’ £25m “big, big talent”…

Leeds United youngster Robbie Gotts has been tipped to leave the club this summer, with Marcelo Bielsa not seeing him as part of his plans.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Salford City, having moved to the League Two club in January, affording him more regular first team football.

Gotts’ current Leeds deal expires at the end of next season, raising question marks over what the next chapter in his career will be.

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Gotts could leave Leeds, claims Hay

According to The Athletic‘s Phil Hay, the youngster is unlikely to convince Bielsa to be part of his future plans, with a move elsewhere appearing to be on the cards:

“He’s [Gotts] a lovely lad and a good player but I got a distinct impression that he suspects his future lies elsewhere. Bielsa always keeps his leading under-23s close to him. He’d rather they trained at Thorp Arch than played elsewhere on loan.

“This naturally concludes that anyone who is allowed to leave on loan is a fair distance from his plans.”

Gotts has managed three appearances for Leeds to date, making his debut away to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round in January 2020.

Transfer Tavern take

In truth, it makes sense for all parties for Gotts to find a new permanent club moving forward, with the midfielder once described as ‘excellent’ by Richie Wellens.

If Bielsa can’t guarantee him a regular squad role, he risks growing stagnant in his career, so being a key man at a different club makes far more sense.

Leeds are now at a level where they are a mid-table Premier League club with aspirations of improving further – Gotts doesn’t appear to be at that standard in Bielsa’s eyes.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with an outrageous move this summer – find out who the player in question is here.