All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Lee Hendrie revealed his disappointment over the lack of youth players that have come through at Aston Villa in recent years.

While the former Villa midfielder feels differently now, quickly praising the emergence of Jacob Ramsey, 19, and the potential of his brother Aaron, 18, he was critical of the goings-on at Villa Park prior.

At present, Ramsey finds himself as a part of Dean Smith’s first team, making his full Premier League debut against Wolves last December.

Since then, the English midfielder has gone on to make a host of cameo appearances, including against the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, firmly completing that transition from the youth set-up to the senior squad.

And it is that kind of youth progression Hendrie believes Villa had been lacking prior. The retired Premier League footballer told FFC:

“I feel that’s been a bit of a downfall, that they haven’t brought enough youngsters in who’ve made a big impact over the past four or five years. [You] probably [have to] stretch back to the likes of Jack Grealish. So that’s where they’ve got to be better, in that department.

“Seeing the likes of the young boys coming through at this moment of time, it’s a great fit for Dean [Smith]. Now it’s a matter of whether they can actually step up.”

Ramsey could next be in action when Villa host Fulham in the Premier League after the international break.

Aston Villa should look to move for Newcastle striker Callum Wilson this summer amid Lee Hendrie’s transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Reports back in the summer transfer window suggested that the club were looking to sign him back in September, but the England international ended up joining Newcastle instead.

However, with the Magpies potentially facing relegation from the Premier League this season, Hendrie has suggested that Wilson should be a target for Dean Smith’s side this summer.

He told Football Transfer Tavern: “I mean, Callum Wilson would be another one if you’re talking about Newcastle getting relegated. Callum Wilson’s scored goals in a team that’s really struggled this season, so there’s lots of elements of certainly where you’d look at and think ‘yes’, they’re the players you sort of try and bring into the club and nurture and push it forward.”

Premier League proven

Described as a “natural goalscorer” by Premier League legend Les Ferdinand, Wilson has scored ten times in just 21 top-flight games this season, and those goals haven’t been token strikes either.

He scored the equaliser against Tottenham, netted a decisive brace in a 3-1 win over Burnley, bagged both goals in the 2-1 victory over Everton and had a hand in both of Newcastle’s goals in 2-0 triumphs against Crystal Palace and Everton respectively (Transfermarkt).

Wilson has earned rave reviews in his time playing in the Premier League, with Eddie Howe, his former manager at Bournemouth, particularly effusive in his praise of the striker.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-aston-villa-transfer-rumours-and-news-copy-copy” title=”Latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news”]

He said of the striker: “He is an outstanding player with unique attributes for us. He has that ability to run in behind and he’s got the work ethic off the ball and, of course, he knows where the goal is.”

If the Magpies do go down, Villa should finally land the £22.5m-rated Wilson this summer, as Hendrie has suggested.

Meanwhile, Villa could hire their perfect Dean Smith successor in this “winner”…

George Edmundson may have already played his last game for Rangers, with recent reports suggesting that he could be set for an Ibrox exit this summer after being overlooked by Steven Gerrard earlier in the season.

The 23-year-old centre-back was sent out on loan to Derby County in the winter transfer window after breaking some of the lockdown guidelines set out by the government back in 2020. Since signing from Oldham Athletic in the summer of 2019, the defender has made just 17 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has contributed two goals and one assist.

Edmundson had made only two Gers appearances earlier in the season before his loan move, so it was always going to be difficult for him to return to Ibrox and re-establish himself in Gerrard’s squad, especially with their impressive title win this year.

The Gers remain unbeaten in the Premiership this term and much of that is down to their superb defensive record, which has seen them concede just 12 goals in 35 games.

Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and Leon Balogun have all impressed at centre-back, whilst Gerrard will also have Nikola Katic and Jack Simpson as options in that position next season, so it is difficult to see where Edmundson fits in.

Given that he hasn’t exactly set the world alight during his time with the Rams in the Championship, making eight appearances and averaging a 6.68 WhoScored rating for his performances, there seems little evidence that he would be a regular at Rangers next season.

Therefore, it would perhaps not be a surprise to see him depart Ibrox this summer, and now Football Insider have claimed that Rangers would be willing to sell him for a fee close to £1m should there be interest in him, so his future in Glasgow certainly looks bleak.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Unfortunately for Edmundson, he may well have played his last game under Gerrard, and it seems as if his off-field misdemeanours earlier this season could well end up costing him his Rangers career.

In other news… Assombalonga’s potential signing will surely be the final nail in the coffin for this Gerrard favourite at Ibrox.

Some Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to a video of a goal scored by Martyn Waghorn as part of their Goal of the Day series on Twitter.

Waghorn played for the Gers during one of their more challenging times when they were out of the Premiership. However, he proved instrumental in getting them back to the elite, scoring 20 goals in 25 Championship games during the 2015/16 season as the Gers earned promotion back to the top flight (Transfermarkt). He was unable to reproduce that form in the top flight – he managed just seven strikes in 32 Premiership matches – but he played his part all the same.

On Monday, the Gers shared a video of him scoring against Raith Rovers. He netted from the penalty spot after Nathan Oduwa was fouled following an amazing run.

The clip was shared on the club’s official Twitter page, and many fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts. Some were unhappy that a video of a goal in the second tier had been posted, while some took the opportunity to praise Oduwa.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the goal from Waghorn below

“Forgot about this. Nathan Oduwa channeling his inner Ronaldinho what strange player”

Credit: @finlayxpeterson

“Nathan Oduwa walked so Aribo could run”

Credit: @BenFinlay10

“Can yous gee it a bye with the Morning PTSD please. I don’t like it.”

Credit: @KieranG241220

“Still blows my mind sometimes when you think Tav played in this team”

Credit: @Jamie_1886

“Delete this before anyone sees”

Credit: @BenYetton_

“Waghorn. Raith Rovers. Please Mr Rangers. No.”

Credit: @chris_daniels9

In other news, many Rangers fans rage at this club release.

Mohamed Elyounoussi has endured a torrid run of form with Celtic recently, which suggests that he won’t be capable of making an impact at Southampton next season, so manager Ralph Hasenhuttl should consider axing him in the summer.

The Norwegian joined the Scottish Premiership side on loan for the second successive season during the summer but after a promising start, the 26-year-old’s form has dropped significantly and he now finds himself on the fringes of the first-team squad.

The winger has 13 goals in all competitions for the Bhoys this season but has now failed to score in any of his last 10 appearances, having found himself relegated to the bench for six of those following a 2-1 home defeat against St Mirren, before being restored to the starting line up for the 0-0 draw with Dundee United at the weekend – a result which saw Rangers secure the title.

Therefore, it is difficult to see the 26-year-old returning to Southampton and forcing his way into Hasenhuttl’s plans, as since signing for the South Coast club from FC Basel in 2018, he has managed no goals and no assists in 19 appearances.

Although his confidence might have been boosted earlier in the season when he was scoring goals fairly regularly, this latest run of form suggests that his goalscoring fortunes are unlikely to turn around anytime soon.

Considering Hasenhuttl has the likes of Moussa Djenepo, Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong available as wingers in his squad, as well as Nathan Tella coming through, it is difficult to see where Elyonoussi would fit in.

Unfortunately for Southampton, his contract there is set to expire in 2023, so they should look to cash in on him rather than keeping him on their books for another two seasons.

The Austrian manager wasn’t really backed to make signings in the winter transfer window, perhaps as a result of the financial impact of the current viral outbreak, and therefore, if he wants to rebuild his squad this summer, then he may need to axe some of the deadwood in his squad.

Elyounoussi is valued at £10.8 million by Tranfsermarkt so holds some decent value, and therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is one of the first players out of the door during the off-season, as unfortunately, he has been a flop for Southampton in his time with the club.

And, in other news… Southampton signing £36m-rated beast would be shades of Graziano Pelle

Lee Ryder has confirmed that Newcastle United are interested in signing Matthew Bondswell on a free transfer.

However, as per a tweet from The Chronicle journalist, the proposed deal has not quite been completed yet, and the St. James’ Park faithful face competition from other teams in the Premier League.

Ryder also confirmed that the North East club have been in talks with both the player and his representatives in order to try and get the deal over the line.

Bondswell one for the future

The signing of Bondswell is certainly one for the future for the Tyneside club. The 18-year-old has played at youth level for German giants RB Leipzig and has played in no fewer than 12 games in total for England for the U16, U17 and U18 sides.

Bondswell has also played in senior men’s football already despite his young age, with six matches played in so far for FC Dordrecht in the 2020/21 term in the Dutch second division, where the left-back has won 3.7 of his duels a game and also averaged one interception per appearance, helping his side keep two clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

He is certainly a talent that Steve Bruce’s team can nurture and grow into a real top player, and on a free transfer, there is very little risk involved in getting the deal done.

In other news, find out what former Bellagraph Nova Group figure has dropped a big claim on the potential Saudi takeover here!

Lots of Everton fans have welcomed an update from the club on Jean-Philippe Gbamin.

The Toffees’ official Twitter page announced that the former Mainz ace is back in training with the first team squad after a lengthy spell out with injury.

Gbamin has not been able to play for the Toffees since August 2019, and so it has come as a much welcome relief to all associated with Everton that he is back in training and may well play a part for Carlo Ancelotti’s team for the rest of the season.

The midfielder will also be a relieved man himself, as he may have been questioning whether he would ever be able to play football again following such a long spell out of action

Everton fans on Gbamin update

These Everton supporters hailed the update on Twitter, with one fan claiming that they were ‘delighted’ while others went as far as to call it ‘amazing’ and a bigger boost to the club than the recently-approved new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock:

“Amazing to see JPG back with the @Everton squad, hard work and determination will get deserved rewards and here’s hoping we can see him grace the Goodison pitch sooner rather than later, can’t wait to see what he can achieve under Ancelotti #EFC”

Credit: @efcbigdunc

“Such wholesome content, let’s go JPG”

Credit: @SmoothieJD

“Gbamin do his leg stretches leaning against the imaginary wall! Brilliant to see him training he gets some games in the run up to summer then ready and raring for next season show us what he can do! Been such a hard time for him! Made up for him!”

Credit: @toptoffeegirl

“Absolutely delighted for him”

Credit: @Richlloyd1984

“Bigger than Bramley Moore this”

Credit: @Vicaz22

“Absolutely buzzing for this lad, hope he kicks on now and stays injury free. Could be a big player for us in the run in.”

Credit: @ItsOnlyJk

In other news, find out what Alisher Usmanov news has been lauded by numerous Everton fans!

When Sunderland hit the road, they tend to do better under Lee Johnson. They’ve only won once in the league at the Stadium of Light with the new manager at the helm.

However, on the road, they’ve yet to lose. A swashbuckling 3-0 victory over MK Dons summed up the type of attacking displays Johnson’s men have put in on the road but for all the attacking intent on Tuesday night, it was not a forward player who stole the show.

Charlie Wyke and Aiden McGeady were able to add to their tallies but the man who caught the eye the most was Luke O’Nien.

The 26-year-old hadn’t started a match under Johnson until now but he was an imperious figure for the Black Cats, helping them to victory in the Papa John’s Trophy.

O’Nien only returned from a dislocated shoulder in the 1-0 win over Shrewsbury and thus, had managed just six minutes since Phil Parkinson was replaced back in November. That was until last night when the former Wycombe man managed 90 minutes.

It was the complete performance from the returning midfield player. Under Parkinson, O’Nien was favoured at right wing back but on this occasion, he began in the middle of the park before switching to left-back when Callum McFadzean went off.

He had no trouble in either position, demonstrating immense physical capabilities. In total, the Hemel Hempstead born man won 100% of his duels during the encounter – a perfect 12 from 12 and considerably more than any player on either side.

O’Nien was victorious in eight tackles, producing three interceptions and winning four aerial duels. As far as defensive displays go, it was perfect.

The midfield general won five more tackles than anyone else on the pitch and also won more aerial duels than the entire 21 players that featured on Tuesday. O’Nien’s performance simply demonstrated what a huge miss he’s been over the last two months.

It was a resolute and compact display, one that was summed up beautifully by O’Nien’s clearance off the line in the first half.

It looked for all the world as though MK Dons were going to score, but he managed to clear it away in the nick of time. It was a game-changing moment with the score only 1-0 to Sunderland at the time.

O’Nien was everywhere for Johnson on Tuesday night, and although he didn’t score, he undoubtedly stole the show. He repeatedly broke up the play and without him Sunderland would have been worse off.

He has to start when they play MK Dons again at the weekend.

AND in other news, Sunderland’s “unstoppable” force is turning the tide on his Mackems career…

According to a recent report from Eurosport, Celtic are chasing Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy in January.

What’s the word?

It’s claimed that the Hoops have been eyeing a move for the 30-year-old Glaswegian for several months.

McCarthy is also reportedly well aware of the interest coming in his direction from Parkhead and is apparently open to a move away from Selhurst Park due to a lack of game time this season.

Roy Hodgson has some tough decisions to make regarding several Palace players, including Belgian striker Christian Benteke, who have already entered the final few months of their contracts.

McCarthy has been a loyal servant of the club for many years now but the Scotsman could be off, with the Scottish Premiership champions seeing him as a capture in the next window.

Get it done, Eagles

Should McCarthy leave south London for the north of the border as is expected in January, Hodgson will need to find a replacement who is capable of filling the void left by his potential exit.

If McCarthy does indeed depart Selhurst Park, Palace’s long-term target and Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan could be the ideal option to provide a box-to-box presence in the midfield.

The Eagles were originally linked with a move for the 55-cap Turkey international in 2018, and he recently revealed he came very close to moving to Selhurst Park after a bright start to his career at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium before a deal collapsed at the last second.

He told Goal: “Crystal Palace had showed a real interest in me a few years back and I nearly signed for them. We even had our plane tickets to England. But right before the day we planned to fly to England, Crystal Palace’s Sako got injured.

“The board had an emergency meeting and they decided to sign a replacement for him. So my move failed. They signed Alexander Sorloth instead of me. The details on this are not widely known but yes, it happened to us.”

Reports in recent times from Turkey have reaffirmed those links to Palace, amid interest from Premier League rivals Everton and Fulham.

Valued at £9m via Transfermarkt, in 13 appearances in the Super Lig this season, the 25-year-old monster has scored four goals and supplied two assists, while he is averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.8 shots and at least one key pass per game, via WhoScored. Not bad, not bad at all.

In contrast, even McCarthy has only mustered 0.2 shots and 0.2 key passes on average per game in the Premier League, as per WhoScored, albeit he has suffered an injury-disrupted campaign.

Proving both capable of playing at the back or in the midfield, Tufan could become a vital asset for this current Palace side, especially when you consider the fact McCarthy looks likely to leave Selhurst Park.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace must avoid signing Fiorentina striker Christian Kouame in January…

Tottenham Hotspur are their sights set on a new central defensive addition, according to recent reports this week, and it could be bad news for the recently linked-away Davinson Sanchez.

What’s the word?

Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed to We Are Tottenham TV that Spurs are keen on signing Fiorentina colossus Nikola Milenkovic, but may have to wait until the summer to seal any move.

It’s not the first time that the north London outfit has been linked to the imposing 23-year-old centre-back as claims from Italy emerged last month suggesting he could be available to Daniel Levy for just €25m (£22m).

Bye-bye Sanchez?

If Jose Mourinho is to bolster his backline, whether that’s now or in the summer, then you’d imagine that Davinson Sanchez is in grave danger of becoming even more of a forgotten man in N17.

Ever since West Ham’s shocking comeback in October, the Colombian one-time club-record signing has been heavily out-of-favour. Indeed, he has been snubbed from the starting XI a total of 11 times in all competitions since that day, starting just twice in the Premier League in the same timeframe, per Transfermarkt.

And according to The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare in December, the 24-year-old defender “would be open to a move next month if the right opportunity comes up.”

Whilst Eurosport’s Dean Jones believes the Spurs hierarchy would be willing to listen to offers for Sanchez during this current transfer window.

Therefore, it seems viable that Milenkovic could be signed as a potential replacement and possibly as an upgrade in the role too.

The 26-time Serbia international has drawn comparisons to Premier League legend Nemanja Vidic over the course of his career to date. Mozzart Sport journalist Dejan Stankovic told ESPN:

“Milenkovic is better than Vidic with the ball at his feet, and he is much calmer on the field. He is the most talented centre-back Serbia have had since Vidic, and they definitely have one thing in common – both are fearless.”

His old Partizan head coach Ivan Tomic also lauded his ability in a positive manner, claiming: “Milenkovic has [the] physical characteristics of a beast. He reads the game well, plays the ball, and should have a great career ahead of him.”

Milenkovic has been La Viola’s star performer, topping the charts with a WhoScored rating of 6.92 and when delving into the numbers, it’s hardly a surprise as he’s also first in Cesare Prandelli’s squad for key defensive attributes such aerial duels won (3.8) clearances (3.4) tackles (1.5), interceptions (1.5) and blocks (one) per game in the Serie A this term.

These are hugely encouraging returns for someone nowhere near hitting the peak of his career – by comparison, Sanchez can only match his tackling statistics having averaged 1.6 tackles per game over the course of his career, per WhoScored.

Evidently, the 6 foot 5 powerhouse would be a viable option for Spurs to consider and if Levy can afford to, he absolutely must sanction a £22.5m swoop either this window or in the summer.

Milenkovic would be one hell of an addition at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

AND in other news, Levy could find Alderweireld’s dream CB partner in £22.5m-rated “leader”…