All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Celtic have scouted Gwangju FC’s Eom Ji-sung and Jeong Ho-yeon ahead of possible Parkhead moves, according to reports.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops will back new manager Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market this summer and have already done so by securing a move for midfielder Odin Thiago Holm. The Norwegian has signed a five-year deal in Glasgow and could well be the first of many through the door.

According to reports, Celtic are also interested in signing Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. Alongside the Nigerian who Rodgers knows well, a significant bid has also been made for Yang Hyun-jun from Gangwon FC.

Yang isn’t the only K League 1 target, though, with a Celtic transfer update emerging on both Eom and Jeong. According to The Daily Record, Rodgers is set to make the most of Celtic’s foothold in the Far East, with Celtic making their first move by scouting both Eom and Jeong from Gwangju.

Who are Eom Ji-sung and Jeong Ho-yeon?

It looks as if Rodgers is keen to continue looking at the Asian market, with former manager Ange Postecoglou bringing in the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Oh Hyeon-gyu from Japan and South Korea, but who are the two new targets in question?

Starting off with Eom – the South Korean is primarily a left-winger but can also play on the right or as an attacking midfielder.

The 21-year-old is valued at a career-high €650,000 by Transfermarkt and has progressed through Gwangju’s academy, making 77 senior appearances for the club, scoring 15 times and providing four assists.

Jeong is one year older than his teammate and is mainly a defensive midfielder who can also turn out slightly further forward if needed. Like Eom, Jeong also came through Gwangju’s youth system and holds a career-high €325,000 Transfermarkt valuation.

The midfielder took time out at Dankook University but has made a total of 55 senior appearances for his current employers, contributing to seven goals, and by the looks of it, they could soon be making their way to Scotland, should Celtic firm up their interest over the coming weeks.

Aston Villa are reportedly edging closer to a target they’ve had since January, with a La Liga star potentially following Monchi and Unai Emery to Villa Park.

According to Football Insider, the Villans will have a budget of £150m this transfer window, and with both Spaniards on board, it’s expected to be a busy summer in the Midlands.

Indeed, as per the same outlet, it looks as though they are set to utilise a fair wedge of that budget in order to complete a club-record £40m move for Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

Sources close to the site have revealed that Villa are ‘in contact’ with Emery’s former club over a potential deal with ‘some progress’ being made.

What could Pau Torres bring to Villa Park?

Hailed as “sensational” by former Spanish national team coach Luis Enrique, Torres has been a player on the radar at Villa since the winter.

Club and player were linked initially following Emery’s move to Villa Park from Villarreal, as his former centre-back at the Yellow Submarine emerged as a potential individual that the four-time Europa League winner could tempt to join him.

Claiming that he’d “never seen” a defender like the 26-year-old when speaking to football.london back in 2021, it was fine praise indeed from a manager that has coached some of Europe’s best in his career.

The 51-year-old may finally be reunited with his former star in the Midlands, in a move that could solidify Villa’s defence for years to come.

Ezri Konsa has been a shining light in Emery’s defence and could prove to be a strong contender to partner Torres should he make the move to Villa Park.

Winning 72% of his total duels this season, the Englishman featured in all 38 Premier League games this campaign, averaging 4.4 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.

The 25-year-old’s defensive expertise in the English top-tier could complement the talents of the Villarreal-born gem, who has emerged as one of the best progressive playing central defenders in the continent.

As per FBref, the La Liga star ranked in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe when it comes to progressive carries, averaging a monstrous 2.24 per 90 as well as recording an average of 5.81 progressive carries per 90, placing him in the top 4%.

Paired with the experience and defensive know-how of Konsa who has operated Villa’s defence since his arrival in 2019, Torres could provide an improved outlet of progressive play to give a new approach to the whole squad.

Emery could have the perfect combination in central defence of a right-footed and left-footed whizz both equipped with 'sensational' defensive stability and added creativity from the back.

Brendan Rodgers is just a "pipe dream" appointment for Leeds United, according to presenter Conor McGilligan.

Rodgers could potentially be set rejoin Celtic four years after departing the Scottish Champions for Leicester City, but there were reports that Leeds could make a late push.

What is the latest Brendan Rodgers news?

According to a report from BBC Sport, Celtic have advanced talks with Rodgers over a potential return to Celtic Park, and despite the fact no deal has been reached, the Northern Irishman is the club's priority appointment.

The former Liverpool manager enjoyed a stellar time during his last spell at Celtic, winning two Scottish league titles, three Scottish league cups, and two Scottish cups, including an invincible season and two trebles.

A report from Scotland stated that Leeds were attempting to hijack Celtic's deal for the recently sacked Leicester manager, however, a new report states that the recently relegated Whites will instead pursue other managerial targets as it was suggested that Rodgers is not willing to take the step down to Championship football.

What did Conor McGilligan say about the situation?

Speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan hit back after hearing reports Rodgers is leaning more towards a potential return to Parkhead this summer:

"I think we knew all along, I’ve not been getting carried away with it, the lads behind the scenes on the debrief they have not been getting carried away with the Brendan Rodgers either, it’s a bit of a pipe dream, it always has been a bit of a pipe dream, to be honest with you.

"A manager of Liverpool finishing second in a title race, a manager who has won an FA Cup, a manager who has already battered the Championship, getting him back down to the Championship even on a big financial package was going to be difficult."

Would Leeds United be a smart move for Brendan Rodgers?

Leeds seemingly need an overhaul after a really disappointing campaign which resulted in relegation, with their defence being the worst in the league last season. Rodgers has a fantastic record in the Championship, with his Swansea side winning promotion via the play-offs the last time he competed in the division.

For Rodgers, who has been hailed as a "genius" in the past, the uncertainty around Leeds United with the pending ownership change and players who may want to leave following relegation in addition to the drop-down in divisions may turn the Northern Irishman away from the club, instead opting for a chance to win league titles and domestic cups in Scotland with Celtic to rebuild his reputation quickly.

Should the former Leicester City manager decide to join Leeds, it would be a major coup for the club, and surely make them one of the favorites to come straight back up.

England manager Gareth Southgate has warned Jack Grealish over his antics during the Manchester City celebrations after winning the treble.

What did Gareth Southgate say about Jack Grealish?

The winger has made plenty of headlines over the past week or so as he's widely enjoyed letting off some steam after Pep Guardiola and his team secured the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup over the course of the past season.

For instance, he was even spotted on camera drunkenly begging City teammate Bernardo Silva not to leave in the summer, while more footage has seen him ambling around Manchester, often with Champagne in hand.

Despite all this, Grealish's season isn't tenchially over as he's part of the England squad which will play Euro 2024 qualifiers over the next few days – first against Malta, and then North Macedonia.

With this in mind, manager Southgate has been talking to the press about the player's off-field antics, suggesting that he best not cross the line.

He told the press (via TalkSport): "There is a line but in our head we weren't thinking of including the City players for this game.

"I have spoken with the players. We have talked about where the focus needs to be, where we need them to be and acknowledged what they have experienced and that's for me to manage.

"A few of our players would be teetotal. What is different is that everyone posts everything [on social media]. I wouldn't have liked a few of my nights out to be posted publicly. My generation would have a lot more problems."

Will Grealish play for England against Malta?

It's nice to see that Southgate at least understanding Grealish's behaviour and not coming down too hard on him – admitting that his on genertation would have been worse. Although, he did also suggest that none of the City players will featute against Malta.

And for the most part, it seems most of the footballing community has been able to enjoy the Man City man living it up, even if he has looked a bit worse for wear at times.

Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor explained on TalkSport why the former Aston Villa captain has every right to let off a little steam.

He said: “You’ve done the work, played in multiple games this season, had the sleepless nights after games – people don’t see that part of it where you’re shattered, you’re dehydrated, you can’t eat after games, people don’t see the side of footballers where they’re putting the work in and how difficult it is to be a professional footballer.

“They’ve done and now it’s time to celebrate. The celebrations are on hold for England duty and they’ll continue after England duty because he’ll have more time off and it’s deserved.

“I just see a lad who is living the dream. He’s won the treble and he’s celebrating as he should do.”

Arsenal have been linked to a La Liga star ahead of the transfer window, as Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his squad this summer.

The Gunners have followed Spanish teen Ivan Fresneda since January, however, there may be a pending breakthrough in their pursuit of the starlet

What’s the latest on Ivan Fresneda to Arsenal?

As reported by one Spanish publication, the Real Valladolid defender will be available for half the price than expected, following the club’s relegation from La Liga.

Prior to their demotion to the second division, the 18-year-old’s release clause has halved from €40m (£34m) to just €20m (£17m).

The report claims that Arsenal are joined by Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund in maintaining long-standing interest in the youngster.

What could Ivan Fresneda bring to Arsenal?

At just 18, the Spaniard made 22 appearances in La Liga this campaign, and was lauded as being one of the ‘revelations of the season’ by Matt Clark of La Liga Lowdown.

The La Liga expert described the youngster as ‘remarkably complete’ with a strong ‘technical ability’, which suggests he could be a strong fit for Arsenal, particularly when considering right-backs that have graced the Emirates prior.

Former Arsenal right-back and fellow Spaniard Hector Bellerin could see the glory days of his stint in north London emulated by the Madrid-born teen, should he opt to trade Valladolid for Islington.

Bellerin burst onto the scene in 2014, making his debut aged 19 after spending some time in Arsenal’s academy from Barcelona.

Following his debut, the youngster rarely slipped out of the surroundings at the Emirates, and was hailed by Arsene Wenger as being a player that was “dangerous going forward” as well as committing to defensive duties.

Similar praise has been placed upon Fresneda, with Clark saying in full: “He is a remarkably complete right-back despite his young age, balancing his defensive duties with the odd attack too.”

Approval from viewers of the duo’s talents isn’t as far as the comparisons go, with their numbers from various campaigns supporting claims of their similarities.

In Bellerin’s dominant 2017/18 season at Arsenal in the Premier League, the defender showcased his attributes going forward and defensively, highlighted by statistics via Sofascore.

The Spanish speedster created eight big chances, while maintaining an average pass accuracy of 85% per game and unleashing 54% successful dribbles per match, showcasing his strength going forward.

As per Sofascore, similar numbers were recorded by the teenager in La Liga this campaign, carving out three big chances, an 81% passing accuracy and a 44% rate of successful dribbles per game.

While his numbers are expectedly lower than Bellerin’s in his prime compared to this term being his breakthrough, the pattern is there to portray the similarities between the two and the impact he could replicate at Arsenal.

Defensively, the 18-year-old mirrors Bellerin’s 0.7 interceptions per game, and exceeds the former Premier League ace’s rate of tackles per game, recording an impressive 2.2 to the former Arsenal defender's 1.6 in the 2017/18 term.

Arteta could secure the signing of a young right-back that could give fans glimpses of the highs that Bellerin gave to the Emirates in the past, and at such a young age, could develop into a formidable force in the Spaniard’s future defence.

Manchester United have held “detailed talks” over moves for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils don’t appear to be wasting any time when it comes to bolstering their squad, with Erik ten Hag seemingly wanting the majority of the club’s summer business done early.

There could well be a number of new faces arriving at Old Trafford, with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount potentially one of the first through the door.

Reports in recent days have suggested that personal terms have been agreed with the England international, with a move expected to go through, and it looks as if focus is also on bringing in a new striker.

According to Red Devils correspondent Laurie Whitwell, the club have held discussions to sign Hojlund and Kolo Muani, with the reporter also touching on links to Mount.

“MUFC hold detailed talks over Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund. Erik ten Hag ideally wants a young forward plus an experienced one. Hojlund, 20, falls into former category. Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani also discussed.

“Negotiations on over Mason Mount.”

Who are Hojlund and Kolo Muani?

The pair look like alternative targets to Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen, with a new striker seemingly needed after the club scored 58 Premier League goals last season – the fewest of any top-six side.

Hojlund only signed for Atalanta last year but is already catching the eye and has been hailed as an "absolute monster in the making" by football scout Jacek Kulig. The 20-year-old is a Denmark international and has scored nine times in 33 appearances for his current employers.

Meanwhile, Kolo Muani is four years older than Hojlund at 24 and has more experience at the highest level than the Atalanta gem.

The France international has been in career-best form this season, netting 23 goals in all competitions and has been hailed as "special" by sections of the media.

Therefore, United may need to decide if they want to go all out for a proven Premier League scorer like Kane, target an impressive European forward such as Kolo Muani or Osimhen or take a gamble on an up-and-coming youngster like Hojlund.

It will be a big decision for Old Trafford officials to make, and should they get it wrong, the club’s struggles in front of goal could well continue heading into Ten Hag’s second season in charge.

Newcastle United transfer target Harvey Barnes is keen on a move to the club during the summer transfer window, a new update has claimed.

Is Barnes expected to leave Leicester?

The Magpies have been linked with a host of players ahead of what could be a significant summer for them, having been boosted by qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Barnes is one player who has emerged as a potential target, having done his best to help Leicester avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, scoring 12 times in the competition and also registering one assist.

The £40,000-a-week attacker may end up leaving the King Power Stadium at the end of the season, though, alongside Foxes teammate James Maddison, who also appears to be a primary target and is interested in a move to Newcastle, and it looks as though the situation is similar with Barnes.

Could Newcastle sign Barnes?

According to Football Insider, Barnes is "keen on joining Newcastle United if they push hard for his signature this summer". He is thought to be "one of three English creative or attacking midfielders" that the Magpies are eyeing up, with Maddison and Mason Mount the other two players in question.

It is even stated that the one-time capped England international, who shares the same agency as manager Eddie Howe, "will quit Leicester City this summer regardless of whether the Foxes escape relegation on the Premier League final day or not."

Barnes is someone who could be viewed as an eye-catching option for Newcastle this summer, having been a key figure for Leicester over an extended period now, who prior to the final day, scored 44 goals and chipped in with 32 assists in 186 appearances for the club. He was once described as "sensational" by Gary Lineker in 2019, and he could offer the Magpies extra pace and directness in wide areas, often adopting a left-sided role with the ability to either cut inside or go on the outside.

To have stood out for a struggling side like Leicester shows the impact that Barnes could have with better players around him – the same applies to Maddison, too – so there is every chance that he could find an extra gear in a Newcastle shirt, benefiting from the vision of Bruno Guimaraes, and providing for and linking with the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in the attacking third.

Referee John Brooks and his VAR team may have made a huge error in the recent Liverpool draw for not sending Tyrone Mings off for a horror tackle on Cody Gakpo.

What’s the latest on Liverpool and VAR?

The Reds were up against Aston Villa this weekend in the Premier League but a draw means their hopes of a top-four finish are only just hanging on by a thread.

The away team took the lead in the first half when Jacob Ramsey hit a sweet volley at the far post to open the scoring and it took until the 89th minute for Liverpool to draw level.

Indeed, playing in his final game at Anfield, club icon Roberto Firmino scored from close range to earn the Reds a point on the day.

However, the outcome of the game could have perhaps been different had referee Brooks reached for a red instead of a yellow earlier on in the match.

Shortly before half time, Mings stretched to win the ball but ended up planting his studs into Gakpo’s chest but avoid major punishment.

Did Mings deserve a red card against Liverpool?

As the images above on Twitter show, the Liverpool man was left with some brutal stud marks on his chest but VAR, somehow, evidently felt it wasn’t enough to upgrade the foul to a red card.

It was reminiscent of Nigel de Jong’s horror tackle on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final which also saw the perpetrator avoid a red card – though VAR wasn’t in use back then.

Journalist James Pearce certainly seemed to think it was a foul deserving of more severe punishment. He wrote on Twitter: “Mings very lucky that his challenge on Gakpo isn’t upgraded from a yellow to a red by VAR. Caught Gakpo in the chest with his studs.”

Before adding: “Can’t believe Brooks wasn’t advised to look at the monitor.”

To make things worse, the Reds also had a goal controversially ruled out for offside in the game too and decision that left manager Jurgen Klopp baffled.

Indeed, he told the press (via Liverpoolfcnews): “I asked the referee why the offside goal was offside. He explained it to me. He thinks it isn’t a deliberate action from the defender, I think it is. VAR isn’t sure.”

Celtic will bring an end to their title-winning Premiership season this weekend as they take on Motherwell in front of their home fans on Saturday.

The Hoops clinched the title after their 1-1 draw against Dundee United in midweek, having been a distant second to their Glasgow arch-rivals last season.

With the title in the bag and one match left to play, it seems as though an update has emerged out of Lennoxtown over some behind-the-scenes activity which will surely have a lot of Celtic fans buzzing.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Record, Celtic are set to hold new contract talks with manager Ange Postecoglou as a reward for his debut season in charge of the Hoops.

The 56-year-old was appointed as the Parkhead club’s new manager last June on a 12-month rolling contract after initial talks with Eddie Howe broke down.

Since then, Postecoglou has taken charge of 59 games across all competitions with the Hoops, winning 41, drawing seven and losing 11.

Great news for Celtic fans

Taking into account how the Australian has taken the league title away from Rangers and brought it back to Parkhead in his first season in charge of Celtic, it’s safe to assume that many Hoops fans would be over the moon if he were to sign a new deal at the club and continue taking the team forward.

In addition to winning the league, the Bhoys did it in style under Postecoglou by scoring more goals than any other team in the top flight, along with conceding the fewest.

Back in the summer, not long after he was appointed, the former Australia manager oversaw a significant overhaul at Celtic in terms of the players who not only came in but also those who were moved out.

Now that the Hoops have won the league, it’s hard to deny that their summer business, including the decision to hire Postecoglou, was a massive success.

If the club can tie down their manager to a new deal, this can then pave the way for him to get cracking in terms of preparing for next season, when they will undoubtedly be hoping to not only retain the league title but also do well upon their return to the Champions League.

In other news: Celtic can finally replace Christie as Ange plots bid for “aggressive” 19 y/o starlet

Philip West has lavished Sunderland ‘warrior’ Bailey Wright with praise after they reached the League One play-off final. 

The lowdown

Sunderland beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on aggregate to secure a shot at promotion to the Championship. Lee Gregory gave the Owls the lead at Hillsborough in the 74th minute, and the game appeared set for extra-time before Patrick Roberts scored a dramatic goal three minutes into stoppage time to send the visitors through.

Alex Neil’s side have set up a winner-takes-all meeting with Wycombe at Wembley on Saturday 21.

Wright played the full 90 minutes on the right side of a back three that also included Danny Batth and Dennis Cirkin.

The £720,000-rated ace has played every minute of league and play-off football dating back to mid-February.

The latest

West, a writer and podcaster at the Roker Report, applauded Wright for continuing to play even through injury.

He feels that the defender’s commitment epitomised the values of Sunderland as a football club.

“Bailey Wright, what a warrior,” he tweeted. “Bloodstained shirt, blood trickling down his face, but he was an absolute rock tonight. That’s what playing for this club is about. Heart of a lion.”

The verdict

The stats reflect Wright’s battling performance. He won six of the eight duels he contested on the night (75%), including five of his seven aerial battles.

It’s also worth acknowledging team-mate Batth, who sat at the heart of the back three. He too was an ‘absolute rock’ for the Black Cats, prevailing in ten out of 14 duels and also coming up with three blocks and seven clearances.

Both players deserve to be guaranteed starting places come the final.

In other news, Kieran Maguire reacts to big behind-the-scenes news.