All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

After Patrick Vieira ruled out a move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, Crystal Palace should reignite their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt star Djibril Sow.

The Eagles had been linked with re-signing Gallagher but when asked about the possibility of bringing the England international back to Selhurst Park this month, Vieira simply replied: “No.”

The French manager is clearly in need of another midfielder to support Cheick Doucoure in the middle of the park, with Will Hughes and Luka Milivojevic having both struggled for regular game time so far this campaign, making just three Premier League starts between them.

Vieira has often preferred Jeffrey Schlupp in the middle as an unorthodox midfielder, while Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise have both dropped into a deeper position on occasion.

Therefore another natural in midfield should be a priority for CEO Steve Parish in this month’s transfer window and it would perhaps not be a surprise to see the Eagles reignite their interest in Sow, after failing with a late move for the Switzerland international in the summer.

The Athletic claimed at the time that Palace could return for the 25-year-old this month when there was more chance of completing a deal with a fee of around €25m (£22m) likely to be enough to get the deal done.

This season has seen Sow make 15 appearances in the Bundesliga, in which he has contributed two goals and no assists, averaging a solid 6.71 rating from WhoScored for his performances, with the website also suggesting that he excels at interceptions, long shots and passing, which suggests that he can be an all-round midfielder in Vieira’s squad.

He also played every game Oliver Glasner’s side as they progressed through to the Champions League knockout stages, which emphasises the top-level experience he could add at Selhurst Park.

Express sports reporter Sam Smith was full of praise for the Swiss midfielder in late 2022, writing:

“First time properly watching Djibril Sow in this first half & been impressed. Progressive on the ball and combative.”

Therefore, while Palace fans will be disappointed that a move for Gallagher seemingly isn’t on the cards this month, the Eagles must put that behind them and bring in a midfielder such as Sow to help boost Vieira’s chances of a positive finish in the Premier League this season.

Crystal Palace look set to be without talisman Wilfried Zaha for a while after getting injured against Newcastle United at the weekend, so Patrick Vieira should aim to bring in transfer target Pepe from Porto.

According to reports from Portugal (via Sport Witness), the south London club sent scouts to the Estadio do Dragao recently to watch Sérgio Conceição’s side beat Familicao 4-1.

Pepe was thought to be the centre of Palace’s attention, with the Eagles having been linked with the 25-year-old in 2022; and considering his impressive performances so far this season, it is easy to see why Vieira would be keen on bringing him to Selhurst Park this month.

In 17 appearances for Porto, the winger has contributed two goals and four assists, averaging an impressive 7.13 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Considering that this would comfortably rank him as the top performer at Selhurst Park had he achieved the same rating in a Palace shirt, there seems little to suggest that he wouldn’t be a good addition to Vieira’s squad this month.

Since the World Cup break, the Eagles have managed a measly four goals in seven games, so it seems clear that attacking additions should be a priority for the club this month, especially after Zaha’s injury last weekend.

The 30-year-old was forced off with a hamstring injury in the second half against Newcastle and he now looks set for a spell on the sidelines ahead of a tricky fixture period which includes games against Manchester United, Brighton, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Considering that no player in Palace’s squad has contributed to more goals in the Premier League so far this season, with Zaha leading the way with six goals and two assists, the Eagles could quickly find themselves slipping down the table if he is not properly replaced.

Therefore, signing a creative player such as Pepe could be crucial in keeping Vieira’s side away from any relegation battle in the second half of the campaign, as his strengths of key passes, dribbling and through balls (according to WhoScored) suggest that he could help to unlock the Eagles’ attacking potential.

The 25-year-old – who is becoming increasingly “important” to Conceição at Porto according to ESPN commentator Fernando Campos – is clearly a creative outlet, and Steve Parish should definitely consider bringing him to Selhurst Park this month following the bad news on Zaha.

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has given his verdict on where the future of Liverpool target Moises Caicedo lies.

The Lowdown: Plenty of suitors

According to The Mirror, plenty of Premier League clubs are interested in the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are thought to be one of those clubs showing a keen interest in the Ecuadorian, with Chelsea also firmly in the running.

Jacobs suggested last week that the asking price for the Seagulls man could end up being north of £75m.

In 18 league appearances this season, Caicedo has a goal and an assist to his name, amassing a total of 1,833 minutes across all competitions.

The Latest: The offer has to be right

Speaking on the TogetherBHA YouTube channel, Jacobs claimed that if the offer is right and the player wants to move, Caicedo won’t be prevented from leaving the Seagulls amid strong links coming from Chelsea at present.

He stated: “Brighton’s stance is it will have to be something incredible, but we have to also make it clear, for balance, that Chelsea are pushing.

“And as I said before, in my interview – but also in conversations with sources, so this isn’t just from Paul Barber – it’s been made clear at the club end that if the right offer is hit and Moises Caicedo says, ‘I want to go now’, the club will understand that.

“And as a consequence, if it is right for – and Barber said this part on record – player and club, then a sale could still happen.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/liverpool-transfer-news-and-rumours/” title=”Liverpool Transfer News and Rumours” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-2021-03-07T155652Z_1459311687_UP1EH3718ASBK_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LIV-FUL-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Liverpool would have to bid big

We believe that the Reds will have to put forward a big bid to land Caicedo and add a new addition to their midfield, particularly if they wish to strengthen further this month.

In their clash with Chelsea this past weekend, the Liverpool midfield really struggled when attempting to win the ball back – Thiago Alcantara made five tackles, but the rest of the midfield registered one between them in 90 minutes.

Fabinho has previously been labelled as ‘the best’ holding midfielder in the Premier League, but in the past year, Caicedo has proven to have better defensive stats in multiple departments when compared to the Liverpool man.

Per 90 minutes, the Brazilian averages 2.1 tackles per game as well as 1.39 interceptions and 1.53 blocks, whereas the Reds target trumps Fabinho in tackling and interceptions.

Caicedo’s stats show he picks up 2.7 tackles and 1.43 interceptions per 90, with blocks (1.43) being the area where the Liverpool player marginally wins out.

And with Brighton sitting three places above Liverpool and eight points off a Champions League spot, there seems little incentive for Caicedo to make the switch to Anfield at the moment – though whether the league table will determine his future remains to be seen.

Leeds United have been put off by the price tag placed on Azzedine Ounahi following the Moroccan’s exceptional World Cup campaign.

What’s the latest?

It has been widely reported that Victor Orta is looking to bring in a new midfielder this month with strong links earlier in the window to Ounahi.

However, there have been more recent links to Juventus’ Weston McKennie with the Whites reportedly in talks over a potential deal for the American.

Leeds have already made two additions in the January window and have spent in the region of £35m with the signings of Maximilian Wober and Georginio Rutter.

And speaking on Joe Wainman’s YouTube channel, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed the price tag put on Ounahi by Angers has put Leeds off from making the move to sign him:

“From Leeds’ perspective, it’s about the club not being particularly sold on the price, because the market value actually, even after the World Cup – and I know this is a very hot topic and often debated – but the market value is somewhere in the region of €15m.

“And the kind of money that is being asked for is, roughly speaking, double that or even a little bit more, and that’s what’s putting Leeds off. And they also have to think about spending that amount of money and then maybe going down.”

Cheaper alternative?

As Jacobs mentioned, for Leeds to acquire the services of Ounahi this month, there is the expectation it would take an offer in the region of possibly more than €30m (£26m).

However, recent reports from Fabrizio Romano have suggested that Juventus would be looking for an offer in the region of €35m (£30.7m) to allow McKennie to depart this month.

Comparing the two over their 2022/23 campaigns so far, the Moroccan has provided more passes, shots, shot-creating actions and tackles per 90 minutes (via FBref).

But it is McKennie who has provided more goals and assists this season – albeit with just one of each to his name.

With these stats in mind as well as his impressive displays during the Qatar World Cup, perhaps there is an argument to be made that Ounahi could be worth the effort this month.

But it is worth remembering McKennie has formed a strong relationship with the current Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams from their time together in the USMNT.

McKennie started all four of the United States’ matches in the World Cup and did so alongside Adams as they took America to the final 16.

So perhaps Victor Orta is looking beyond the stats and considering who may be the best fit for Leeds who already have a strong American group at the club.

Leeds United have been namedropped in another report linking them to a top transfer target this deadline day…

What’s the latest?

The latest news is coming from Italian outlet Sport Italia, who claim that director of football Victor Orta is plotting one last attempt to sign Nicolo Zaniolo after a whole window of tenuous links.

They continue to battle with Premier League and European clubs for his signature after the Whites were quoted a fee of €30m (£26m) for the Italian.

Their own Rashford

What will likely add more of a draw to the 23-year-old star is that, according to FBref’s similar players model, Zaniolo’s play style is most akin to that of the red-hot Marcus Rashford.

The Manchester United marksman is enjoying the form of his life, having taken the goalscoring burden onto his broad shoulders on his way to notching 18 goals and assisting six in all competitions.

It is likely their shared insatiable desire to pick up possession, drive at the opposition and fire off shots that sees the two mirrored, with Zaniolo sitting in the top 4% for total shots when compared to other attacking midfielders across Europe.

Whilst this has seen him misfire somewhat this campaign, last season saw him record eight goals and nine assists.

There is clearly a talented asset to be unearthed, and a move to Yorkshire could help him perhaps emulate the levels of Rashford, who he resembles so much.

It was during the aforementioned campaign where he was also maintaining an average of one key pass per game, as well as a 49% dribble success rate. He is not afraid to try things that are out of the ordinary, even if it meant losing possession 13.7 times a game, via Sofascore.

Rashford too had to go through barren spells to reach the blistering form he finds himself in now, where many questioned his decision-making.

Zaniolo finds himself in a similar rut, but underneath the struggles remains the “frightening” prospect that journalist Ben Jacobs labelled him. A last-ditch move to Elland Road could help him explode once more.

Under David Moyes, West Ham United rose from a relegation battle in the Premier League and formed a formidable and cohesive unit, qualifying for Europe in the past two campaigns, but over the past few months the hard work has unravelled like a loose ball of yarn.

In order to combat the struggles and loss of fluidity which has resulted in the Irons fighting to stave off relegation instead of maintaining the expectation of pushing the division’s elite for a Champions League berth, Moyes sought to utilise the January transfer window and bring in several faces to try and pump some life back into the London Stadium.

Despite signing Danny Ings from Aston Villa for £15m and 20-year-old Brazilian starlet Luizao for an undisclosed fee from Sao Paulo, there will be an overarching sense within the club that certain targets have slipped through their fingers, and the Hammers remain in danger of dropping out of the Premier League.

One glaring blunder on the transfer front which could have provided the sheen to revitalise West Ham is Sheffield United’s Sander Berge, with Norwegian outlet TV2 reporting that the Irons were among the suitors for the Scandinavian sensation at the backend of the January transfer window.

Berge, who signed for the Blades in 2020 for £22m, has been a vital component to the club’s endeavours this season as they strive to clinch promotion to the Premier League, currently second in the Championship and well on course to go up, sitting 12 points above third-placed Middlesbrough.

Fulham were reported to have been closing in on a £20m transfer for the midfielder on transfer deadline day, a deal which did not materialise, but it shows that a valuable acquisition could have been within Moyes’ grasp had the requisite moves been made.

The “Rolls-Royce”, as lauded by team-mate Rhian Brewster, has made 19 appearances in the Championship this season and recorded a solid Sofascore rating of 6.98. He has been a dynamic presence at Bramall Lane, averaging 1.4 shots, 1.2 key passes and 1.2 tackles per game, notably scoring four goals and supplying three assists from his position as a midfield pivot.

It is this all-encompassing approach that West Ham are lacking this term. While Declan Rice occupies the anchoring role, there has been an evident lapse in offensive fluidity, with data from FBref displaying a dip in productivity in the final third.

The Irons have scored 17 league goals this term, despite their expected goal (xG) tally standing at 25.6, and a vibrant and transitional force such as Berge would surely enhance and hone the Hammers’ offensive prospects.

He could have been a discernible upgrade on Flynn Downes, with the midfielder failing to truly make his mark following his £12m move from Swansea City last summer.

The 24-year-old has made 18 appearances across all competitions for the Hammers since his arrival in east London but has only started three times in the Premier League. He has recorded a lowly Sofascfore rating of 6.62 and averaged just 0.1 key passes per game, while failing to effectively continue on the defensive front with 0.6 tackles and 0.3 interceptions per match and yet to register a direct goal contribution.

Had Moyes succeeded in bringing an industrious and diligent player such as the 32-cap Berge to the London Stadium last month, West Ham’s prospects of succeeding in their endeavours over the business end of the campaign might have been far more fruitful.

As it is, they will have to make do with their existing options and hope that the cogs fall into place to get the machine whirring once again.

West Bromwich Albion continued their fine run at the weekend, as they sought revenge on Coventry City for previously issuing one of just three losses Carlos Corberan has faced in the Championship since his arrival.

It was hardly the most vintage display, but it marked the potential resurgence of Grady Diangana, whose close-range finish was enough to give the hosts all three points.

The winger will now look to kick on, having endured a tough season thus far despite the club’s remarkable turnaround.

Another figure who is one of few not to reap the benefits the Spaniard has brought is Karlan Grant, who was poised to leave the Hawthorns in January had his move to Swansea City not fallen through.

This loan almost indicated an acceptance from both parties that he was not to be revitalised, with Corberan willing to accept the loss on the £15m previously spent by Slaven Bilic.

However, such a failure can often breed a new opportunity, as it now forces the £20k-per-week marksman to stick around and fight for a place in the side.

He could be handed the perfect opportunity tomorrow, with a trip to bottom-half Birmingham City the perfect platform for his return to form.

What makes his inclusion even more viable is the torrid displays of both the starting Daryl Dike and later Brandon Thomas-Asante, who disappointed against the Sky Blues.

The American was handed a 6.1 rating before being dragged off after just 59 minutes, before his replacement would somehow manage to offer even worse output, receiving a 6.0 rating.

Despite having scored just three Championship goals this season, Grant has shown flashes of his goalscoring brilliance in the past that could provide hope of a potential turnaround.

It was only last campaign that he scored 18 times and assisted a further six in a lacklustre year where they could only finish tenth. Should he inject these goals into Corberan’s rock-solid outfit, who have conceded just eight goals in his 13 league matches, it could be the catalyst to pushing them even closer to the elusive automatic playoff spots.

Having been dubbed “lethal” in the past by journalist Ben McKenna, all he needs is to find his confidence once more to get him firing again.

Tomorrow night’s match presents a unique opportunity for him to do that, of which he will likely not have many more. Grant must take his last chance should Corberan grant him it.

Leeds United’s search for a manager drags on, but another name has cropped up that could be of interest…

What is the latest on Marcelo Gallardo to Leeds?

That’s according to journalist Ariel Senosiain, as reported by German Garcia Grova (via Sport Witness), who claim that the Whites want Marcelo Gallardo to be their next boss.

So much so that it is noted that chairman Andrea Radrizzani had made contact with the 47-year-old ‘a few weeks ago’, clearly envisioning Jesse Marsch’s downfall ahead of time.

The Yorkshire outfit awaits the response from the former River Plate boss who only left in December 2022, after a nearly nine-year spell in his homeland.

What would Gallardo’s appointment mean for Leeds?

Appointing a manager of his calibre would be an enthralling one for Leeds fans, but somewhat risky given his lack of experience in Europe.

His main venture into management remains with Los Millonarios barring a short spell at Club Nacional, as he oversaw 424 matches before stepping down of his own volition. 

To maintain 1.88 points per game throughout that period does mark him out as an exceptional manager, with his play style also capturing the imagination as he combined success with style.

He would win nine trophies whilst at River Plate but would do so with an enthralling high press system that drew attention from many across the world.

Even Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised his work at the club, claiming:

“What Gallardo has done with River is incredible. Every year three coaches are named as the best in the world, and he’s never among them. I can’t understand it. It’s as if there’s nothing else in the world apart from Europe.”

Such was his philosophy that he actually has drawn comparisons to another great Argentinian coach in Mauricio Pochettino, as journalist Alasdair Gold noted:

“Gallardo is certainly growing his reputation and some people believe he’s similar to Pochettino in style”.

The former Tottenham Hotspur coach saw his methods thrive in the Premier League, and despite not being able to end Spurs’ barren trophy run, he still increased his pedigree enough to secure him the Paris Saint-Germain job after.

However, Gallardo is not a wholly all-action boss, as within his first season in Argentina he adopted a pragmatic defensive approach with which he build the foundation for his future success.

Given their current predicament, this would suit Leeds perfectly, as they have conceded 36 goals already in just 21 games and have not won since domestic football recommenced.

As a proven winner with tactical flexibility, tempting him to Elland Road would mark a huge coup as he would likely continue his ‘incredible’ job from Buenos Aires to west Yorkshire.

Tony Scott believes if Sean Dyche starts Ellis Simms this weekend then Everton will lose once again.

The Lowdown: Crucial six-pointer coming up

It was a big surprise to many people when Dyche handed a first Premier League start of the season to youngster Simms on Monday night against Liverpool and to say it backfired would be putting it lightly as the striker touched the ball just 19 times in 60 minutes.

Simms was recalled by then-manager Frank Lampard after the enjoyed a successful first half of the season out on loan in the Championship with Sunderland but after his Merseyside derby cameo, he could well be out of his depth in the top flight.

Everton have an even bigger game this weekend as they welcome Leeds United to Goodison Park with the visitors sitting just one point and one place above the Toffees in the Premier League so Dyche must get his tactics and team lineup spot on.

The Latest: Simms shouldn’t be starting

Despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin being ruled out for this weekend’s game Scott has claimed on the All Together Now podcast that Simms can’t start this weekend as the Toffees will lose.

He said: (25:25) “If he plays Ellis Simms I think we’ll get beat and I think he will, I think he’ll play Ellis Simms and we’ll get beat.”

The Verdict: Dyche can’t make take any risks

In what is certainly a must-win game for Everton Dyche simply can’t be taking any risks and looking to experiment with his team as he appeared to do on Monday by starting an inexperienced Simms.

However, he is certainly picking a forward line with one hand tied behind his back as Simms is inexperienced, Neal Maupay has one goal in 15 appearances and Calvert-Lewin is out injured so his options are both not of great quality or very deep.

Dyche must ensure that the team he picks is capable of providing service and getting the most out of whoever is deployed in the centre-forward role otherwise it could well be a long afternoon against Leeds.

Glasgow Rangers boss Michael Beale has enjoyed a terrific start to life at Ibrox as the English coach remains unbeaten since taking over from Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the break for the 2022 World Cup.

The former Gers assistant manager has won ten of his 11 Premiership matches in charge and won both of his games in the Scottish FA Cup, whilst he has the opportunity to secure his first title in the League Cup final against Celtic next Sunday.

Beale has been able to galvanise the Light Blues squad and is getting the best out of the likes of Alfredo Morelos, who has four goals and two assists in his last five Premiership outings, and Malik Tillman, who has scored in each of his last three appearances in all competitions.

The way the English head coach has been able to get the team firing on all cylinders could make supporters think about how the boss may have helped former Gers players who struggled under the previous management.

One flop who failed to impress during his time under Van Bronckhorst was Switzerland international Cedric Itten, who sporting director Ross Wilson sold to BSC Young Boys last summer for an undisclosed fee.

The striker arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 2020 and went on to score eight goals, whilst providing three assists, in 49 appearances for the club in all competitions, after he plundered 36 goals in 63 matches for St. Gallen.

What is Cedric Itten doing now?

Wilson is now enduring a shocker with the centre-forward as Itten has been on fire for Young Boys in the current campaign with the Gers chief now potentially wondering what a coach like Beale could have done for the striker at Ibrox.

Rangers did not get the best out of the Swiss marksman, who journalist Josh Bunting claimed “struggled” in Glasgow, and the striker is now proving his quality in his home country.

The 26-year-old has been in terrific form in all competitions as he has produced an outstanding 12 goals and nine assists in 24 appearances for his new club, including four assists in five Europa Conference League outings.

Itten has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.12 – higher than Kemar Roofe and Morelos have managed in the Premiership – by scoring 11 goals and creating five ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 14 Super League starts this season, whilst also providing 1.1 key passes per match.

These impressive statistics, with 21 goal contributions in 24 games, suggest that Rangers did not get the best out of the forward during his time in Scotland with the Light Blues potentially letting a terrific player slip through their hands had Beale managed to get the chance to work with him.

Therefore, Wilson could well regret cashing in before giving Itten an opportunity to play for another manager after Van Bronckhorst, although it was impossible to predict when he left that the Dutchman would have been sacked as soon as he was.