All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Leeds United have been struck a blow in their attempts to sign Brenden Aaronson this month…

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire outfit have already seen a £15m bid rejected for the RB Salzburg maestro and ahead of deadline day, The Athletic’s Phil Hay has claimed that a second bid is likely to be rebutted.

And now Eurosport transfer insider Dean Jones has delivered an alarming claim to GIVEMESPORT.

“Leeds are definitely struggling with this Brenden Aaronson deal as I understand it for this window,” he said. “They don’t have fortunes to throw around at the moment.”

The 21-year-old is also said to be a player that Marcelo Bielsa “really wants” to sign before January 31st but with the Austrian champions still in the Champions League, they are unlikely to offload a star player before the summer.

Worrying news

It’s been four years since the Yorkshire outfit signed a new midfielder, that being Adam Forshaw from Middlesbrough back in January 2018.

Over the last few transfer windows, they have indeed tried to bolster the area but to no avail.

Michael Cuisance came close back in the summer of 2020 until his proposed loan move from Bayern Munich fell through due to complications with his medical, whilst Conor Gallagher rejected a chance to join the club in favour of a stint at Crystal Palace instead.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-lufc-transfer-rumours-gossip-bielsa-orta-radrizzani-elland-road-updates” title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Since the summer, the need to find midfield reinforcements has increased substantially as Bielsa is currently missing his star man Kalvin Phillips due to injury. He isn’t expected to be back until March at the earliest and then he has to get back up to speed with match fitness and Bielsa’s intense training regime.

Aaronson certainly fits the bill as a typical Bielsa signing – bundles of energy, high work rate and plenty of technical ability.

Earning comparisons to American legend Clint Dempsey, the young USMNT international has provided ten goals and 12 assists across 51 appearances for Salzburg.

The midfielder, dubbed “highly talented”, would be a much needed and astute addition to Leeds’ playing squad this month but with time running out and seemingly a lack of finances, it seems as if Bielsa is going to be dealt a gutting blow.

He will be absolutely furious if the club cannot improve the team, especially after their defeat to Newcastle United this weekend.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Meslier: “Headless” Leeds disaster who had 4 passes betrayed Bielsa vs Newcastle…

With West Ham United winning just one of their previous six Premier League games and losing centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma to serious injuries, this could lead the east London club to splash the cash in the upcoming January transfer window to try and get their season back on track.

Given the injuries to those two, it could be worth the Hammers’ while bringing in a new centre-back to ease the strain on the likes of Craig Dawson and Issa Diop, who are currently the only two natural options for that position in David Moyes’ senior squad.

Get Phillips deal done

Having been linked with a January move for Liverpool centre-back Nathaniel Phillips, who would apparently be available to sign for a fee of £10m, this could be exactly what West Ham need to get their season back on track and push for a top-four place.

Despite not making even one appearance in the league so far this season for the Reds, Phillips ended up as Liverpool’s second-highest rated player last term with an overall performance rating of 7.29/10 according to WhoScored from his 17 league appearances.

The 24-year-old also averaged 4.8 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, highlighting his defensive talents and capabilities of playing in the Premier League.

To put those numbers into perspective, Ogbonna averaged 4.1 clearances, 0.9 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per league game in 2020/21, showing that the Liverpool colossus has what it takes to rival West Ham’s stalwart defender.

Labelled a “monster” by Jurgen Klopp for his performances last season, Phillips could be just what GSB need to help Moyes solve his central defensive problem at the club as he hopefully is brought in to fill the void left by Ogbonna and Zouma’s long-term absences.

As well as receiving heavy praise for his performances last season from his manager, the 24-year-old – who is currently taking home £19k-per-week according to Salary Sport – also caught the attention of Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, who called him “unbelievable.”

Looking ahead to January, signing Phillips should be at the top of West Ham’s and GSB’s priority list for the transfer window to see if he can replicate for the Irons the same standard of defensively strong performances that he delivered for Liverpool last season.

In other news: Moyes should also aim to seal a deal for this Premier League target

With just 19 points on the board from 19 Premier League games so far this season, the January transfer window could provide Leeds United with the opportunity to make some changes to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad and improve their chances of ending the season on a high note and away from the relegation zone.

Looking ahead to the next few weeks, it seems as though the Yorkshire club have their eye on one player to bring to Elland Road that could end up solving a big issue for Bielsa.

According to a recent club-by-club January transfer guide from the Daily Mail, Leeds are interested in signing Marseille’s defensive-midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

Given how Leeds have their current defensive-midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, out for a significant period of time with a hamstring injury, Kamara could be just what Leeds need in their side while the Englishman is recovering.

As a product of Marseille’s youth academy, Kamara has made a total of 162 appearances for the French club across their senior and youth sides, scoring four goals and providing five assists in the process.

Labelled as a “phenomenon” in the past by Rolando, Kamara has made 21 appearances for the French club across all competitions so far this season, starting 17 of them, showing how important he is for the team.

While the 22-year-old may not have racked up the same number of tackles, interceptions or clearances per game in Ligue 1 that Phillips has managed to in the Premier League this season, his average of 1.4 tackles, one interception and 0.9 clearances per game shows that he is a capable defensive-midfielder.

Despite being a potentially useful replacement for Phillips while he’s out injured, in a recent report from The Athletic, it was claimed that Kamara, who is currently valued at £22.5m according to Transfermarkt, has chosen to leave the club at the end of the season as a free agent when his current contract expires.

With this in mind, if Leeds would be willing to spend a fee for him this month, this could be preferable for Marseille rather than let him leave as a free agent in the summer.

Leeds and Victor Orta should definitely explore the possibility of making a deal for Kamara this month to see if he can solve Bielsa’s issue of having such a defensive-minded midfielder like Phillips out on the sidelines and help the team stop leaking so many goals.

In other news: “Interested in” – Journo drops teasing Leeds transfer update that’ll have fans buzzing – opinion

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has dropped an injury update ahead of the Bhoys’ upcoming Premiership clash.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, the Hoops boss revealed that both Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic should be available for selection for the visit of Hearts on Thursday night, as the central midfield duo appear to have recovered from their respective injuries.

The Israel international missed out on the Bhoys’ 2-1 win over Aberdeen on Sunday due to a knock picked up in the Europa League loss against Bayer Leverkusen last Thursday, while the Australian has been out of action since October with a hamstring injury.

On the current condition of the duo, the 56-year-old said: “Hopefully Nir should be available again and Tommy Rogic will definitely be available for Thursday.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering how impressive Rogic had been prior to picking up his injury, in addition to how well Bitton had fared while filling in for the Australia international, the news that both players look set to make a return to action against third-placed Hearts is sure to have left the Bhoys’ fanbase buzzing.

Indeed, over Rogic’s 11 Premiership fixtures this season, the £1.35m-rated midfielder has scored one goal, provided two assists and created five big chances for his teammates, with these returns seeing the £16k-per-week 28-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

Meanwhile, over Bitton’s last four Premiership and Europa League fixtures, the £720k-rated 30-year-old has enjoyed 353 touches of the ball, completed 269 passes, made 15 tackles and won a whopping 31 duels, with these metrics seeing the £14k-per-week midfielder average a SofaScore match rating of 7.33.

As such, with the prospect of a win against Robbie Neilson’s side making a very clear statement to the rest of the league that Celtic mean business in their pursuit to reclaim their Premiership crown this season, it will surely be a huge boost to Postecoglou that it looks as if he will be able to call upon both Rogic and Bitton this week.

In other news – “I’m sure..”: Celtic figure drops promising transfer claim which will delight Bhoys fans

Exciting Wolves youngster Rayan Ait-Nouri is unlikely to leave Molineux in the near future, according to reliable journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Ai-Nouri linked with exit

Bruno Lage’s side have enjoyed a good start to the season and Ait-Nouri has shone at left-back, making eight Premier League starts and enjoying an average match rating of 7.12, according to WhoScored.

The 20-year-old’s performances have reportedly alerted other Premier League clubs, with Newcastle United and Crystal Palace both linked with January moves – the former of course will have no end of riches to splash in the upcoming transfer window, perhaps a concern for Wolves if they can sell the Frenchman on the KSA project.

Ait-Nouri’s current Wolves deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026, however, putting his current employers in a very strong negotiating position.

The Latest: Hatfield gives key update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, perhaps with the length of that contract in mind, Hatfield provided a positive update from a Wanderers perspective, saying he doesn’t expect the youngster to move on any time soon:

“I’d be surprised if that happens. Wolves obviously signed Ait-Nouri because of his age and quality and Wolves will see him as a player that is going to improve with them.”

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The Verdict: Big player in the future

Ait-Nouri looks like a player with huge potential, so it would be a big blow to see him depart Molineux and potentially join a rival. The fans in the Black Country will certainly be chuffed with Hatfield’s verdict, given their criticism when the rumours of an exit broke earlier this week.

The Frenchman was superb up against Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah earlier this month – the Egyptian created Divock Origi’s late winner when the left-back had come off – and he has averaged an impressive 3.9 tackles per game in the league this season.

That is comfortably the most out of any Wolves player, which speaks volumes, and the hope is that he stays put for many years to come.

In other news, three Wolves players struggled in the win over Brighton. Find out who they are here.

Tottenham are thought to be leading the likes of Leeds and West Ham in the race to sign Fulham teenager Fabio Carvalho, according to TEAMtalk.

The Lowdown: Carvalho profiled

Described as having immense on-ball running speed, Carvalho is 19 years of age and is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play on either wing.

He’s made 13 senior appearances for Fulham, seven of which have come this season. Carvalho netted once in the Premier League last season and has scored three times during the current campaign – he has recently rejected a new contract at Craven Cottage.

The Englishman’s deal expires next summer and he is set to change agent in the New Year, and it seems as if Spurs and Fabio Paratici are looking to add him to Antonio Conte’s squad.

The Latest: Spurs leading the way

TEAMtalk shared an update regarding Carvalho on Thursday, claiming that Spurs, along with Liverpool and Southampton, are leading the Premier League chase for the teenager following initial interest from Leeds and West Ham.

European clubs Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, Monaco, Porto and Real Madrid are also keen on Carvalho, who was labelled as ‘lively’ by former boss Scott Parker.

The Verdict: Exciting move?

With ten clubs – including Champions League giants like Liverpool and Real Madrid – seemingly interested in Carvalho’s services, a switch to north London would surely be seen as a major coup for Paratici and Spurs in the long run.

Although he may not be ready for top-flight action under Conte straight away given his age, you’d expect he could develop into a first-team player under the leadership of the Italian.

He was involved in 52 goals for Fulham’s Under-18’s and 23’s before breaking into the first team and has progressed through England’s youth system through to the Under-18’s, so winning the race in a cut-price deal could be a great move.

In other news: Ball lost 38 times, 0 crosses, just 3 tackles: 3 Spurs players struggled in Conte’s first game. 

Leeds United could make a move for Reading midfielder John Swift in the January transfer window due to Marcelo Bielsa’s affection for the player, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Swift move

The 26-year-old has been a star performer for the Championship side this season, scoring eight goals and chipping in with seven assists in the league.

Swift was linked with a move to Leeds last week, with Bielsa potentially bolstering his midfield options in the process.

Burnley and Wolves were both also believed to be in the mix, though, so acquiring his services may not be easy.

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The Latest: Hay hints at transfer

Replying in the comments section of his article for The Athletic, Hay admitted signing Swift isn’t out of the question:

“I can definitely see the value in signing a centre mid in the window, partly to help this season but partly to create one less job for the summer window (which will be far more active).

“Was interesting to see John Swift linked over the weekend because Swift is someone Bielsa quietly admires.”

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The Verdict: Solid squad addition

There can be a snobbery when it comes to Premier League clubs signing Championship players – some Leeds fans reacted negatively to links with Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien in the past – but Swift could be a shrewd signing by the Whites.

His goal and assist tally from midfield speaks for itself and Bielsa called him a ‘great player’ last year, with the Leeds boss certainly knowing a thing or two about what makes a footballer special.

His current boss, Veljko Paunovic, has also hailed Swift as ‘fantastic’, and he could provide competition for places in the middle of the park, also acting as long-term signing given he is still only just entering his prime.

In other news, a journalist has provided a key Kalvin Phillips update. Read more here.

With the future of West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone looking increasingly uncertain as the season progresses, Valerien Ismael may already be turning his attention away from attempting to convince the 28-year-old to remain at The Hawthorns beyond the end of the campaign and towards sourcing a replacement for the England international.

However, before dipping into the transfer market, it would appear highly advisable for the Frenchman to take a closer look at one of the Baggies’ home-grown talents – in the shape of Josh Griffiths.

Indeed, having been sent out on loan to Cheltenham Town last season, the £450k-rated man highly impressed over his 44 League Two appearances, keeping a whopping 21 clean sheets and making an average of two saves per game.

These returns saw the 20-year-old earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as the club’s ninth-best performer in the fourth tier of English football.

Upon returning to West Brom this summer, the England U21 international was once again sent on out loan for the 2021/22 campaign, this time to Michael Appleton’s Lincoln City.

And, despite the Imps having something of a bumpy start to the season – winning four, drawing four and losing six of their opening 14 league fixtures – Griffiths has nevertheless turned in a number of impressive performances over his 14 League One appearances, making an average of 2.6 saves per game and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.72.

Indeed, Appleton has been impressed with what he’s seen from the 20-year-old, stating: “It’s been a difficult start to his campaign, but to come through that type of match [against Rotherham] with crosses and set-pieces raining in on him, shows the type of character he’s got and what sort of goalkeeper he is going to be.”

As such, with yet another season of first-team football behind him, the player Andy Wilcox claimed has a “big future” and believes “one day he could go and play in the Premier League” would appear to be getting ever closer to staking a claim in Ismael’s first-team squad.

And, with Johnstone’s future still appearing to be very much up in the air at present, should the England international indeed leave The Hawthorns at the end of the season, giving the highly-rated Griffiths a shot between the sticks could end up saving the Baggies millions in the transfer market.

In other news: Ismael drops “behind the scenes” January transfer claim that’ll have WBA fans buzzing

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has admirers from Manchester United, according to The Daily Mail’s Jack Gaughan.

And, as to be expected, plenty of United fans have been giving their thoughts on social media.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appears to be safe for now after a 5-0 humiliation to arch-rivals Liverpool on the weekend, even though Antonio Conte is reportedly open to taking over at Old Trafford.

Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag has also been linked, and according to Gaughan, writing for The Daily Mail and shared on social media by @utdreport, Ten Hag and Rodgers have admirers from United.

Rodgers recently came out on top against Solskjaer, with his Foxes side running out 4-2 winners over the Red Devils in the Premier League.

He averages 1.79 points per game at the King Power, just shy of Solskjaer’s 1.81 points per game in Manchester. The Northern Irishman has also won nine honours as a boss, however, the links have divided a number of supporters.

United fans react

Here’s what these fans had to say in reply to @utdreport’s tweet, with one labelling it as ‘ideal’ whereas others weren’t so sure.

“Brendan Rodgers, in my opinion, is the ideal candidate.”

Credit: @PS_ElNinO

“rodgers really?”

Credit: @RedOctKrieger

“My god just anybody but Brendan Rodgers or Gareth Southgate please”

Credit: @JakaTheBiker

“Brendan Rodgers is a man I can see at united. He is an excellent manager, got class and he is British”

Credit: @CapoVenum

“No word of a lie, Brendan Rodgers would do a better job than ole but he’s ex Liverpool”

Credit: @jwalker_o

“If we get Brendan rodgers I’m done with this club”

Credit: @J_G_X_

A number of Liverpool supporters have criticised Sadio Mane’s first-half performance in the Champions League group stage clash with Porto.

The Reds are back in European action this evening, on what is another important night in Group B.

Jurgen Klopp’s side beat AC Milan in another Champions League classic earlier this month and this is a golden opportunity for them to build on that victory.

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Another three points in Portugal would put Liverpool in pole position to reach the knockout stages, but it is a tricky occasion against a deep-lying defence, even despite Mohamed Salah’s opening goal.

Mane hasn’t been at his best so far this season and that continued in the opening 45 minutes in Portugal, at least judging by what the supporters have had to say, despite him scoring on the night.

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Liverpool fans react to Mane performance

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react negatively to Mane’s first-half showing.

“Mane slander everywhere”

Credit: @__DavidLFC

“Sooner Mane wakes up the better”

Credit: @nathanw94258962

“Mane is finished”

Credit: @Lfcatharv

“Jota Fatty Salah against City. Let Mane nowhere near the XI”

Credit: @capetby

“Mane is so out of form it’s ridiculous”

Credit: @HamK_

“Mane complete one simple pass challenge”

Credit: @CloudyLennonade

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited about one transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.