All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Everton wouldn't have 'wanted' to part ways with Ellis Simms this summer if they didn't 'need the money' at Goodison Park, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Why did Everton sell Ellis Simms?

As per The Sun, Everton sold Simms to Coventry City for an initial fee of £3.5 million that could rise to £5 million with add-ons depending on appearances and goals, while that figure could move to £8 million in the event the Sky Blues achieve promotion to the Premier League.

On Coventry City's official website, Simms spoke out about his move and how his new boss Mark Robins made it come about, stating: “The conversation I had with the manager. He showed great belief in me and the Club as a whole are on the way up and it seems like it will be a big season or us. He has done his research on me, and he likes the way I play, he thinks I will be a good addition to the team.

In his time at Everton, the 22-year-old amassed just 12 appearances at senior level, scoring once against Chelsea and also embarked on loan spells at Blackpool, Sunderland and Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian, as per Transfermarkt.

Everton need to recoup financial gain due to being in special measures with the Premier League authorities due to posting losses exceeding £370 million over the last three years, as per The Daily Mail.

Football Insider detail that the Toffees will operate a sell-to-buy policy at Goodison Park and will need to offload valuable assets in order to strengthen their squad.

Free agents and loan deals will likely supplement Dyche's squad as Everton aim to 'drastically cut costs' over the coming months.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown has intimated that he thinks Everton would've liked to see Simms stay on at the club in an 'ideal' scenario.

Brown told FFC: "I'm a bit worried about what Everton's squad will look like come the start of the season. I don't think in an ideal world they would have wanted to sell Ellis Simms. You can argue all you like about whether the fee they got for him was enough. I think it really was between £6-8 million. In this market, considering that Everton really need the money, it's probably not bad business for a guy that you've brought through, but I think ideally, Everton would not have wanted to sell Ellis Simms if they'd been a bit more financially secure, so it's a little disappointing from that perspective that he's had to go."

Who could Everton look to bring in this summer?

Working on a smaller budget than in previous years, Everton boss Dyche may need to identify some bargain buys this window as he looks to ensure the Toffees avoid another relegation battle in 2023/24.

Experienced free agent Ashley Young looks primed to be his first signing since taking over at Goodison Park and will undergo a medical 'with a view' to joining the club following his release from Aston Villa, as per The Guardian.

BBC Sport report that Young had held talks with Luton Town and also had interest from Saudi Arabia before deciding to head to Merseyside.

Sport Italia via The Sun claim that Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto is 'very close' to completing a move to Everton in a move that would cost around £19 million; nevertheless, we will see what transpires in the next few weeks amid the Toffees' financial restrictions.

Tottenham Hotspur are "insistently" pushing to sign Galatasary defender Victor Nelsson this summer, and they need just £21 million to sign him.

Who will Spurs sign?

The north Londoners, lead by new manager Ange Postecoglou, are said to be making moves for new defenders behind-the-scenes after sealing a few major deals already.

Spurs have already confirmed the signings of Guglielmo Vicario, who joined on a permanent deal for £17.2 million, midfielder James Maddison for around £45 million and winger Manor Solomon on a free transfer.

They join the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, who's joined the club permanently after 18 months on loan from Juventus, and Pedro Porro after the Spaniard made his own move from Sporting Lisbon a permanent one.

Maddison's capture represents a significant coup for Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy in particular, with Tottenham's head coach expressing his delight at the signing in mid-week.

“Really excited to get James as part of the group," said Postecoglou.

“Any manager will tell you that part of the key to being a dominant team is having multiple attacking threats and having a midfielder who can score and create goals.

“When you look at Tottenham the last few years, they’ve been really reliant on the front three to get their goals. I thought it was a really good fit for us to look for a player like James."

However, after conceding more goals than any other top flight above 15th last season, it is reported that Spurs now want to add central defensive quality to their ranks.

The Lilywhites have been in advanced talks to sign Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven, and an agreement is apparently close, though there are reports Tottenham could make more than one signing in that area.

Galatasary star Nelsson, who featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for Denmark, is a player of serious interest to Spurs and a report from Fanatik claims they're pushing hard for him.

According to the Turkish news outlet, Postecoglou's side are "insistently" pursuing the 24-year-old but face competition from north London rivals Arsenal.

Nelsson himself continues to negotiate a transfer away behind-the-scenes amid Spurs' interest but the club won't need much to do a deal. It's believed that, if any side pay his €25 million (£21m) release clause, Nelsson is highly likely to make the move.

Davinson Sanchez, meanwhile, could be heading in the opposite direction with Galatasary chasing the Colombian.

How good is Victor Nelsson?

The Dane stood out as a star defensive player for Galatasary last season, making more blocks per 90 and winning more battles in the air than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

Indeed, Nelsson was also an undroppable for manager Okan Buruk, having featured over more Turkish Super Lig minutes than any other outfielder in their squad (WhoScored).

Sections of the Turkish press have even called the former FC Copenhagen ace a "star player" of Galatasary's squad and his £21m release clause is arguably affordable from Levy's perspective.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Brazilian marvel Matheus Franca, who could be a dazzling addition to Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

The Argentine will have a busy summer to operate ahead of his first season in charge at the Bridge, in the bid to get the Blues back on track after derailing last term.

A 12th-place finish isn’t where Todd Boehly would’ve imagined his club to have ended up, however, the west London side could turn things around with a successful summer window and the added expertise of Pochettino.

After spending £600m last season, Chelsea could have another pricey window, however, the latest link could prove to be a financially friendly option.

Is Matheus Franca signing for Chelsea?

As reported by the Daily Mail yesterday, the Premier League club are ‘looking at’ striking a deal with Flamengo attacker Matheus Franca.

The report claims that the Blues are ‘exploring’ a deal worth £25m for the versatile starlet, who has had rumoured interest from Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace previously this summer.

The Brazilian side issued a ‘hands-off’ approach in the winter window for the 19-year-old, who has impressed since graduating from the academy.

How good is Matheus Franca?

Lauded as an “absolute talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Rio de Janerio-born gem has excelled in his home country at Flamengo.

The teenager is mainly deployed as a central attacking midfielder, however, has capabilities in more advanced positions along the front line.

In a descriptive scouting report, scout Jacek Kulig listed the player as being ‘extremely versatile’ with ‘electric pace’ and ‘power’, demonstrating characteristics essential to a forward in the Premier League.

The youngster’s numbers support his high praise, with FBref revealing his impressive averages over the past year, including an impressive rate of 0.55 non-penalty goals per 90.

Franca also averaged a monstrous 2.54 successful take-ons per 90, showing his dangerous streak when in possession.

Premier League clubs signing talent from Brazil has proven to be a gift in the past, and Chelsea could take a page from Arsenal’s book most recently with reference to the success of Gabriel Martinelli.

The winger signed for the Gunners in 2019 at the age of 18 from Ituano, where he has since contributed to 38 goals and assists in 93 Premier League appearances, scoring 15 last campaign where he cemented himself as one of the club's best talents.

Chelsea could replicate the success of the Arsenal star by landing Franca, who has all the numbers to indicate that he could be a hit at Stamford Bridge in midfield, an area that the Blues could recruit in this summer.

In the 2022 Brazilian Serie A, the creative spark averaged 2.54 passes into the final third per 90, as well as 1.21 key passes per 90 for Flamengo, flexing his ability to identify and execute a killer pass, via FBref.

Chelsea’s departed creator Kai Havertz averaged 1.72 passes into the final third per 90 in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, showing just how influential the Brazilian could be in west London in comparison.

At just £25m, Pochettino could strike a deal for an in-demand prospect who, if given the room to grow, could flourish just as his compatriot Martinelli has in the capital.

Tottenham Hotspur have once again been named in the race for defensive reinforcements…

What's the latest on Micky Van de Ven to Tottenham Hotspur?

This latest reference comes from Fabrizio Romano, who actually sought to update fans on the transfer progress of their rivals Arsenal.

Despite the bulk of his tweet applying to the Gunners' pursuit of Jurrien Timber, the Italian journalist's final line actually discounts them from the race for Micky van de Ven and instead credits the Lilywhites as an interested party. He wrote: "No confirmation on Micky van de Ven; he's not in Arsenal list, he's on Tottenham list."

It is expected that Wolfsburg will command a fee of around €30m (£26m) to sanction the exit of their top Dutch defender.

How good is Micky Van de Ven?

For a couple of years now Spurs have been blessed with the defensive excellence of Cristian Romero, but no partner to equal his levels.

The Argentina international has been the club's highest-performing defender ever since he joined in 2021, yet has retained a reckless nature that let his side down on occasion. His foolish red card in their Champions League exit to AC Milan acts as a microcosm for the man who has accumulated 17 yellow cards and one dismissal across just two Premier League seasons.

Despite this, his first year in north London saw him truly shine. Maintaining a 7.15 average rating, this figure was bolstered massively by his 87% pass accuracy, 1.5 interceptions, 2.8 tackles and 3.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore. It was no surprise that this was the campaign he was joined by Davinson Sanchez, who posted an impressive 7.08 average rating of his own.

When he wants to be, the 25-year-old is arguably one of the league's most dominant centre-backs.

To now pair him with a dependable asset such as Van de Ven could help elevate him to new levels, calming him down and perhaps allowing him to explore his creative side too.

After all, the 22-year-old has proven himself a dependable asset in the German top flight and only has managed five yellow cards during his time in that division. This reliability is aided by the 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game he recorded last year in the league, as part of a defence that kept 11 clean sheets, via Sofascore.

Such imperious form even led journalist Ronan Murphy to write: "Van de Ven’s performances for Wolfsburg this season have him knocking on the door of the Netherlands international team. A giant on the pitch, he’s flourishing under head coach Niko Kovac."

Perhaps a switch to England could give Ange Postecoglou the dream backline he likely desires, and help skyrocket his top defender to new heights.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a fine start to this summer's spending, welcoming Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski on permanent deals, and signing James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario to bolster two other key areas.

Already this side is shaping up in the image of Ange Postecoglou, although he will be far from finished with truly transforming this club that has struggled so much in recent years.

They need more than just an upturn in quality, as the mentality has been just as lacklustre. Given both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte failed at improving the north London outfit, despite having been serial winners before joining, speaks volumes.

The Australian head coach has a tough task on his hands, but it will be aided should Daniel Levy continue sanctioning big-money signings to alter this.

In an effort to truly announce that this tenure will be unlike the rest, perhaps one truly outstanding acquisition could make rivals finally start to worry about Spurs again.

Perhaps the €80m (£70m) Dusan Vlahovic could be that man, with Gazzetta dello Sport outlining their interest back in March.

How good is Dusan Vlahovic?

As a tall, aggressive, left-footed marksman, it is hard not to immediately draw comparisons with Manchester City's Erling Haaland. After all, that is the kind of striker every team craves.

Clinical, calm under pressure and a little bit crazy, the Norwegian smashed numerous Premier League records last term, including the number of goals scored in one season.

A tally of 52 in all competitions proved instrumental in Pep Guardiola's treble success, making it clear that a classic number nine has not been completely eradicated from the modern game.

Postecoglou could seek to mimic such success, especially if Harry Kane were to leave, by signing someone who matches that physical profile.

Whilst Haaland stands at 6 foot 4, Vlahovic is hardly dwarfed given his 6 foot 3 frame. Fortunately for him too, he is blessed with that same intelligence and blistering speed that are often unforeseen in players of their build.

This allows them to bully defenders with their back to goal, but also spin in behind and leave centre-backs in their wake. Such diversity resulted in 21 goals during his breakout term for Fiorentina before he would share his Serie A goals across two teams the year following.

Moving in January, the Serb would still maintain 24 league strikes much to the Turin club's delight.

However, with the turmoil surrounding them now, the once devastating Serbia international has faltered. At 23 years old though, this is hardly a surprise. Writer Emmet Gates summed it up rather succinctly, noting: "Dusan Vlahovic has the ability to be a generational talent, but he's suffering in this iteration of Juventus. To paraphrase a famous Zlatan line: He's a Ferrari being driven like a Fiat."

A switch to England could see him become the focal point of a club that finally seems to be moving in the right direction, expelling the dead wood and bringing in true quality.

Vlahovic could provide that added injection of firepower to finally rival the unstoppable Haaland both physically and technically.

Everton are interested in the services of Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai, as per reports.

Everton transfer news – What’s the latest on Attila Szalai?

According to the Turkish publication Star, the Toffees are among several ‘European giants’ that have taken notice of the Hungarian defender for his performances with the Istanbul club, as well as his national side this term.

The other teams reportedly circling the player include Anderlecht, Wolfsburg, Valencia, and Zenit St Petersburg.

The Yellow Canaries have set an asking price of €20m (£17m) for the 25-year-old colossus, which could represent something of a bargain in today’s transfer market.

With the decision not to keep Conor Coady at the club for another season and the departure of Yerry Mina, Sean Dyche could certainly use some defensive reinforcements.

Could Attila Szalai be Everton’s own Virgil Van Dijk?

Could Everton replicate their neighbours across Stanley Park with the signing of Szalai and get their own talismanic centre-half to build a winning team around?

Well, Hungarian journalist Bence Bocsak certainly seems to think so, having dubbed him the “Hungarian Van Dijk” after a masterful international performance against England last summer.

The first thing instantly recognisable between the two players is their height – the Budapest-born titan is 6 foot 4, and Virgil Van Dijk is only just slightly taller at 6 foot 5.

However, the major difference in their physical attributes is their weight, as Liverpool’s Dutch destroyer comes in at a heavy 92kg, whereas Everton’s potential signing is just 82kg, as per Eurosport.

That’s not to say the difference couldn’t be cut down with the proper training and dietary programme, but it does mean that at this moment in time, the Dutchman is a more imposing figure for attackers to deal with, but that is also expected in the English top-flight.

One of his strengths, akin to the superstar he is compared to, is his work rate.

Petros Konnafis, the sporting director of his old side Apollon Limassol heaped praise on the player for his work ethic, saying:

“He’s a 100% professional. He is one of the most intensive and focused football players I have ever met in my life.

“Attila was always doing extra training, he was always trying to learn and trying to work on his body. He worked a lot, and he worked very hard, he’s not just a football player, he’s the full package.”

It was another good season for the Hungarian last year, as he was heavily involved yet again, playing for his club side 52 times, scoring three goals and creating three assists along the way.

According to WhoScored, he averaged a respectable rating of 6.75 across his 32 league games, whereas the Breda-born colossus just edged him out on 6.97.

Interestingly he averaged 1.1 tackles per game to the Dutchman’s 0.8 and 1.1 interceptions to one, per WhoScored, granted in an easier league, but that suggests he has a strong foundation to build upon.

Whether he can quite be the next Van Dijk for Dyche or not, he would certainly be a great addition to the Toffees’ back line next season, given the evidence and clamour above, and for £17m, it’s undoubtedly worth the risk.

Leeds United want to sign West Brom midfielder Jayson Molumby, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?

The Whites, and by extension new owners the 49ers Enterprises, are currently busy looking for a new manager, while also attempting to move some players on.

Out-of-favour forward Tyler Roberts and defender Diego Llorente could soon be joining Birmingham City and AS Roma respectively, whereas Robin Koch could be on course to leave Elland Road for free.

When it comes to midfielders, Adam Forshaw is set to be released this summer but has been invited back for pre-season training, whereas star man Tyler Adams is being linked with a number of clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Therefore, new midfielders look set to be high on the transfer wishlist for Leeds and the 49ers, and by the looks of it, they want to go after proven Championship talent, with Molumby a target.

According to Nixon, via MOT Leeds News, those at Elland Road are keen on signing the West Brom man, who is available to leave The Hawthorns at the right price.

“Leeds United are keen on West Brom’s Republic of Ireland midfield enforcer Jayson Molumby.

“The Elland Road club are looking to recruit proven players to toughen up their team and Molumby is available at the right price.”

Who is Jayson Molumby?

Molumby is 23 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in defensive and attacking roles if needed.

The Republic of Ireland international made a permanent move to the Midlands last summer from Brighton & Hove Albion and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €3.2m Transfermarkt valuation.

He has made 125 appearances in the Championship and has an admirer in West Brom boss and Leeds target Carlos Corberan, who called Molumby an “animal” back in January after his display against Reading.

“It’s important for every player to go on to the pitch when they’re in the first XI with the mentality to compete, this is what Molumby is doing.

“He is working as an animal and that’s what football demands of you.”

It looks as if a transfer will be one to keep an eye on, especially if Corberan gets the job in Yorkshire, and who knows, Molumby may not be the only central midfielder to arrive at Leeds over the coming months.

Nottingham Forest could look to the summer transfer window to add depth to their squad ahead of next season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Forest's interest in Romain Saiss?

According to Foot Mercato, Nottingham Forest are one of the clubs interested in signing Besiktas defender Romain Saiss.

As per the report, the Garibaldi Reds are keen to take advantage of Saiss' Premier League experience by bringing him back to the Premier League this summer, but will face strong competition from fellow relegation battlers Everton.

Would Romain Saiss be a good fit for Forest?

Steve Cooper will be thrilled with the way his squad performed at the business end of the Premier League season to secure survival, but will be looking for solutions to improve the consistency in the team across the next campaign to ensure they don't fall into trouble again.

Indeed, at 33 years old, Saiss would not be a long-term prospect for the Tricky Trees but would provide a wealth of Premier League experience and add depth to the centre-back roles, making him an ideal addition for next season at the very least.

The 6 foot 3 Moroccan titan is best known for his six-year stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but has continued to shine in the Turkish top-flight and on the international stage at the 2022 World Cup for his national team; part of a record-breaking tournament for Morocco.

Over six appearances in Qatar, Saiss – hailed "impeccable" by Medhi Benatia – scored one goal, kept three clean sheets and won 100% of his aerial duels, as well as averaging 41.7 touches, five clearances and 26.5 accurate passes per game, captaining his side to become the first African team to ever get to the semi-final of the prestigious international tournament.

The £48k-per-week Besiktas ace has demonstrated excellent leadership skills over his career and from his centre-back role has never struggled to display his huge presence on the pitch with not only his defensive consistency but his eye for attacking opportunities, making him the perfect player to work alongside Serge Aurier at the City Ground.

The Forest full-back has been a consistent and reliable performer since joining the club with both defensive and attacking attributes on the right flank – averaging 1.2 interceptions, 2.7 tackles, 2.7 clearances and six duels won per game over his 24 Premier League appearances.

Combine that aggressive and combative nature with the titanic approach of Saiss and you'd have a fine defensive pairing, one certainly capable of helping improve Forest's record at the back next term.

Indeed, Saiss could be the perfect player to bolster Forest's defensive presence. He could form a particularly solid partnership with Aurier next season and help the club retain their top-flight status more comfortably than they did this time out.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in sealing a move for Manchester City star, Aymeric Laporte, with the Lilywhites keen to bolster their centre-back ranks this summer.

What's the latest on Laporte to Tottenham?

That's according to journalist Sean Walsh, with the transfer insider revealing on Twitter that the Spain international – as well as Manchester United captain Harry Maguire – are among the targets being considered by the north London outfit:

"In regards to a new defender, Harry Maguire is a target, while Aymeric Laporte is also someone that Tottenham greatly admire."

In his attached piece for 90min – alongside colleague Graeme Bailey – Walsh goes on to add that Laporte, in particular, is 'high on Spurs' shortlist' ahead of next season, with the same publication previously stating that Daniel Levy and co have been offered the chance to sign the 29-year-old.

Should Tottenham sign Laporte?

If new boss Ange Postecoglou is looking to find a centre-back solution over the coming weeks and months, the 57-year-old would seemingly be wise to push to sign Laporte, rather than opting to prise the struggling Maguire from Old Trafford.

While the latter man has only recently been described as a "walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst after falling down the pecking order at United, the City ace, by contrast was at one stage hailed as the "best left central defender in the world" by manager, Pep Guardiola.

Although the former Athletic Bilbao man has not been a regular fixture for the treble-chasing outfit this season – having notably started just 11 Premier League games – the France-born titan does still compare favourably to his position in Europe's top five leagues.

A talent who is both "fast" and "strong in the air" – according to Guardiola – Laporte has particularly impressed in recent times due to his quality in possession, as he notably ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for both progressive passes and progressive carries.

Evidently a master at playing out from the back, the 6 foot 2 warrior – who has been valued at around £43m by CIES Football Observatory – also ranks in the top 1% for attempted passes and the top 3% for pass completion, highlighting his innate composure on the ball.

That quality is in stark contrast, for instance, to that of Maguire, with the 30-year-old – who also typically operates in a left-sided centre-back role – ranking in just the top 48% for progressive passes and the top 19% for progressive carries, as well as in just the top 48% for pass completion and the top 17% for attempted passes.

With Spurs needing to "upgrade" their centre-back options, it would thus be a real "no-brainer" to bring Laporte into the fold – according to pundit Gabby Agbonlahor – with more solidity needed to bolster a backline that shipped the sixth-most goals in the division in 2022/23.

Manchester City are considering signing Nicolò Barella to replace Ilkay Gundogan this summer.

The German is out of contract at the end of the month yet is contributing as much value to Pep Guardiola's side as he did throughout his time at the Etihad.

The midfielder has 11 goals and seven assists this season, bagging three doubles in his last six games. Gundogan put Manchester United to the sword in the FA Cup final, scoring from outside the 18-yard box twice.

So, how can Manchester City replace such a clutch player?

Is Nicolo Barella joining Manchester City?

According to reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), Pep Guardiola wants Barella at Man City to replace the Barcelona-bound Gundogan and could have a very opportune chance to speak to him this weekend.

Inter and City lock horns in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday (8PM BST) but following the match, there could be the chance to discuss Man City signing Barella this summer.

Guardiola "dotes" on the Italian maestro and could present a "mind-boggling offer to snatch him from Inzaghi". While the report doesn't mention how much it would cost, Inter Live reported in February that Inter want €90-100m (£80-88.5m) to part ways with Barella.

It's noted by Sportmediaset, as per FC Inter News, that Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United are also following Barella "closely".

How good is Nicolo Barella?

While speaking on commentary for Channel 4 ahead of a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy in March, Steven Gerrard waxed lyrical about Barella.

He said: “They [Italy] have potential world class players emerging now. Now you have the likes of Barella, Raspadori. These are players who could become world class over the course of their careers.”

Barella, specifically, has continued to demonstrate his class and it's no fluke that he and his Inter teammates have reached the final of the Champions League.

Like Gundogan, Barella is an extremely dangerous midfielder to play against. Not only is he capable of dictating games, playing more passes into the box than 90% of Europe's midfielders, but he is also a threat himself in the 18-yard area. This season, he has nine goals and ten assists, surpassing projections for expected goals and assists.

Replacing Gundogan with Barella would once again highlight Man City's relentless approach in the transfer market. Rarely has there been a club so consistent when replacing key players – Sergio Aguero left and he was soon replaced by Erling Haaland.

Barella could be next for the Premier League champions.