All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as some news emerged before their game against West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

As per the official website of the Merseyside club, adult supporters attending the match at Goodison Park are now advised to be ready to show proof of vaccination, or a negative lateral flow test.

Matchday spot-checks will be increased for upcoming fixtures, and fans should only go if they either have a valid NHS COVID Pass, can show valid alternative proof that they have been fully vaccinated, or have registered a negative COVID test in the last 48 hours.

The update has been met with unrest from several Toffees, who have cited that they have not always been checked before when rules have been put in place, and that proof of a negative result could be flawed anyway.

Everton fans on West Ham news

These Blues fumed as the news was shared on Twitter, with a few EFC supporters even going as far as to claim that it is ‘pointless’:

“Pretty pointless when you can just upload a negative result to the government website without taking a test.”

Credit: @FalconBlues1878

“Commence operation pointless exercise”

Credit: @bensquires2

“The fact I can just upload a negative result to http://Gov.UK without even taking the test sort of suggests you’re wasting my time here and going to create ridiculous queues again”

Credit: @_barto1

“Pointless exercise…”

Credit: @kenny81efc

“Surely we should have been ready every home game so far?!? Have you just realised no one has been checking?!?”

Credit: @GladwysBlue

“Still won’t get asked”

Credit: @RhysColebourne2

In other news, find out which target’s ‘outrageous’ skill has wowed Evertonians here!

Aston Villa announced via their official Twitter channel that midfielder John McGinn is the club’s new vice-captain shortly before their 3-2 defeat to Watford, much to the delight of numerous supporters.

Villa needed to name a new captain after Jack Grealish completed a British record £100m move to Manchester City earlier this month. Former vice-captain Tyrone Mings was the man who Dean Smith chose to step up and replace his England team-mate as the club’s full-time captain, which led to McGinn being named as the new vice-captain.

The 27-year-old scored for Villa on the opening weekend, but his late strike wasn’t enough to prevent defeat at Vicarage Road.

McGinn, who has captained Scotland in recent months, still has four years remaining on his Villa Park deal.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news regarding McGinn on Saturday morning via their official Twitter page. Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling the club’s decision as ‘brilliant’.

“Oh yes”Credit: @ryan_avfc82″Excellent! Congratulations John, perfect vice-captain!”Credit: @Sammy78avfc”Love this too!”Credit: @TogoleseZidane”Brilliant news John, I want to see you add some real steel to your game this season, become the midfield ‘Claymore’! UTV! “Credit: @1966wall”Get in there!!! Boom!”Credit: @_darrylpitts”Yes!!!!”Credit: @1863Karen

In other news: ‘I’m actually done’ – Many AVFC fans react as ‘worrying’ news is confirmed.

Wolverhampton Wanderers let midfielder, Morgan Gibbs-White, go out on loan to Sheffield United at the beginning of the season, and the youngster has been doing a fantastic job in the Championship.

The 21-year-old recently spoke out about his loan move to Sheffield United, and spoke about his lack of game time at Molineux:

“At Wolves I wasn’t getting the game time I wanted, so the recognition wasn’t there. Since I’ve been in Sheffield, it’s going well and I’m scoring goals and getting assists.”

The young player clearly has a point to prove, with five goals and two assists for his loan club so far, and his progress has not gone unnoticed by the Wolves manager, Bruno Lage.

“I am very happy with Morgan. I don’t look at him in the same way I look at Luke [Cundle – U23 player], I look at him as a main player.” Lage said.

“He is working hard and is a very good player. We are happy with the way he works with us and also the way that he works with Sheffield United.”

According to earlier reports this month from The Athletic, Wolves are set to ‘consider’ recalling Gibbs-White to his Premier League club earlier than expected as the Midlands outfit chase a spot in the Europa League.

A review from one of his peers provides a lot of evidence as to why Lage and co are considering that option. Sheffield United team teammate, Chris Basham, once said:

“Morgan has been in and has been a breath of fresh air,” said Basham. “He glides past players, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s powerful.”

Gibbs-White would certainly add additional creativity to the current Wolves side, and it wouldn’t be the first time he has been recalled back to his parent club, as the midfielder was recalled from a temporary stint with Swansea in January 2021 after Wolves sustained injuries they were incapable of covering. Thus, it is not something that would out of the question for the manager to do in the upcoming window.

Lage will need to assess in the transfer market whether he feels he needs to strengthen that midfield or run the risk of injuries for the second half of the season, something Wolves cannot afford to do if they want to keep up with the top clubs in competition for the European spots this season.

One thing is for sure, Gibbs-White expects first-team football and if Lage cannot offer that to him, it could create a toxic relationship between the budding young player and his parent club, as he has made it clear that he’s happy where he is playing every week and won’t want to warm the bench to add depth.

However, by returning in January, rather than splashing millions over the winter, he could solve an alarming problem of a lack of depth in midfield where Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho are their traditional options.

In other news: Lage could solve defensive issues with Nikola Milenkovic

Aston Villa will be looking to start Steven Gerrard’s tenure with back-to-back victories when they travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Villans secured all three points against Brighton and Hove Albion last time out thanks to two late goals from Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins, but Gerrard’s charges are set for another tricky test when they come up against an in-form Palace side currently enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run.

Under Patrick Vieira, the south London outfit have already seen off the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City this season, and they’ll be confident of sealing another positive result on home territory. However, Villa will have a potentially lethal weapon in their armoury when they take on the Eagles.

Summer signing Danny Ings has settled well into life at Villa Park following his £25m move from Southampton, and he brings with him an enviable goalscoring record against Palace.

In his last 10 outings when facing the Eagles, Ings has notched up an impressive five goals, showcasing his ability to get the better of Vicente Guaita and co on a regular basis.

The £19.8m-rated striker put in a disappointing display in Gerrard’s first game in charge, though, and was replaced by Leon Bailey after just 66 minutes of action.

However, with the Jamaica international still settling into his new surroundings, becoming accustomed to his new teammates and getting back to full fitness, he may be best suited to a place on the substitutes’ bench once again.

On his day, Ings can be an unstoppable force in the Premier League. His remarkable 22-goal haul in the 2019/20 campaign was evidence of that, leading to talkSPORT pundit Clinton Morrison calling him “first class”.

A return of three goals and two assists in his first 10 games for Villa is further evidence of the diminutive forward’s clinical nature, and Gerrard must keep faith in the 29-year-old’s ability.

Ings is a predator who can win a game in an instant, and the 41-year-old tactician would be wise to allow his fellow Englishman another opportunity to showcase his true potential against Palace, especially considering his previous form when facing the Eagles.

In other news… Gerrard could be heading for his first AVFC disaster over £31.5m-rated “absolute joy” 

Rangers have been linked with a move for Gary Cahill recently and former Gers defender Graham Roberts has tipped him to be a success under Steven Gerrard at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, Rangers are keen on adding the 35-year-old to their squad this summer, and he is available on a free transfer after leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season.

Although Gerrard is well-stocked in the centre-back department, the former Chelsea man would add a wealth of Premier League and Champions League experience at Ibrox, and would surely be a leader both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Roberts spoke to Football Transfer Tavern recently and suggested that Cahill could be an excellent acquisition for the Gers, saying:

“It would be a good move for him. They need a bit of experience there, he’s a free agent, so to go and play in the Scottish Premiership, he would.

“They have a young side, but if you’ve got an experienced centre-half at the back he could be the orchestrator. I think that would be a great move for him, and he would be great for the squad.”

Should Rangers sign Cahill?

It might seem strange to claim that Gerrard needs to strengthen his defence this summer after Rangers conceded just 13 goals in 38 league games last season, but signing Cahill on a free transfer looks to be a no-brainer.

Despite his age, he was a regular in Crystal Palace’s side last term, making 20 appearances in the Premier League and averaging a solid 6.57 rating from WhoScored for his performances. He ranked second for clearances and successful aerial duels per game in the Eagles’ squad, emphasising the value he brought to the team.

Although he might struggle to break up Connor Goldson and Filip Helander’s firm partnership at the back, Rangers will be looking to improve their performances in domestic cup competitions this season, and Cahill could add some serious quality in depth.

The “exceptionally good” defender, as hailed by former Palace manager Roy Hodgson, could also be signed with the view to him performing a similar role to Jermain Defoe in the future, whereby he can feature in the occasional match but play a huge part behind the scenes in terms of coaching and in the dressing room, which would surely be appreciated by Gerrard.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Therefore, Wilson should definitely look to bring the former England defender to Ibrox this summer, as he could prove to be a very shrewd addition to Gerrard’s squad.

In other news… Rangers set to miss out on 21 y/o gem likened to Sadio Mane

Manchester City fans want to sign Kalvin Phillips after they were said to keeping an eye on the Leeds United midfielder.

The past campaign was a mixed one for the Citizens – they did manage to win the Premier League and the League Cup, but they lost to Chelsea 1-0 in Porto in the Champions League final, the one trophy they wanted to win more than any other. Pep Guardiola and co will now be looking to see what they can do during the summer transfer window to put them in the best possible position for next season.

According to Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News, City have been watching the development of £27m-valued Phillips (Transfermarkt), who is currently at Euro 2020 with England.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their desire to capture the 25-year-old, with one fan calling the Leeds man ‘exceptional’:

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Phillips news below

“rice and phillips both expectional but not a priority fernandinho shows age is just a number. KANE AND JACK A MUST.”

Credit: @RameshPeri1

“Phillllllllips”

Credit: @Kelvi_nnn

“Please sign him, since ‘Buster’ left I’ve only been able to have SWP on my shirt as the closest approximation of my name.”

Credit: @Phleeper

“I would take Phillips all day long at City. I know Dinho is extending and we have Rodri but Dinho is gonna be that dressing room guy and probably play 10-15 games in all comps next season. So it would basically be Phillips and Rodri battling it out for the CDM spot.”

Credit: @MCFC_SZn26

“Good”

Credit: @Farris28767585

Linking @Kalvinphillips to @ManCity is the best transfer rumor I’ve heard in a while!! Great player and locks down the center for both @LUFC and @EnglandFootball

Credit: @Katstg

In other news, Man City fans are unhappy with this Oleksandr Zinchenko news.

Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka will sign a new long-term contract at Villa Park on his 18th birthday, according to Ashley Preece. 

The Lowdown: Catching the eye

The 17-year-old was handed a three-year deal last October – the maximum period Villa were allowed to offer the youngster due to his age.

Since then, the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Monaco, PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig have all shown an interest in his services.

Chukwuemeka made his first Premier League start prior to the international break against Brentford, and it seems as if a new contract is now in the pipeline.

The Latest: Preece post

Preece took to Twitter on deadline day to share an update on Frederic Guilbert’s loan move to Strasbourg and Chukwuemeka’s new contract.

The reliable reporter claimed that Chukwuemeka will sign new terms when he turns 18 on October 20 – 48 days’ time.

“Frederic Guilbert has passed his Strasbourg medical & pens a loan move back to Ligue 1, announcement soon. Still 1/2 loans out to be completed re #avfc U23s. A big deal will happen on Oct 20 when Chukwuemeka signs new long-term contract on 18th birthday.”

The Verdict: Exciting times

Villa won a first FA Youth Cup since 2002 last season, and it appears as if the club are desperate to keep the majority of that side at the club for the long run.

Chukwuemeka’s new contract is expected to be similar to the one that Kaine Kesler agreed on earlier this summer – a five-year agreement.

Along with the pair, Villa also have Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Louie Barry, Brad Young and Aaron and Jacob Ramsey tied down to lengthy contracts, so it seems to be an exciting time when it comes to thinking of the future at Bodymoor Heath.

In other news: ‘Are you mad?’ – Many AVFC fans fume as news emerges.

Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts insists that Tanguy Ndombele simply does not have the ability to make an impact in the Premier League.

The midfielder is reported to have informed Spurs that he would be open to an exit from the club in this transfer window.

He has subsequently been linked with a potential move to Bayern Munich, and noted transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the club are trying to find a way to move the France international out before the transfer deadline.

Ndombele has struggled for consistency during his time at Spurs and has yet to play for the club this season.

The 24-year-old made 33 Premier League appearances last term but he completed the 90 minutes just six times.

In total, he scored three goals and registered two assists, and Roberts believes that Ndombele needs to move to a club in a European league, as he does not have the required attributes to succeed in England.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I think the way he plays the game, I think he has a lot of talent, but he can’t cover the ground. The Premier League is too powerful for him, it’s too physical and quick.

“You have to play every game to a high standard and I just feel that when you see midfield players running past him, that can’t happen, and for me he would be better off in the Italian league or the Spanish league or the French league.”

Southampton have recently been linked with a move for Benfica full-back Nuno Tavares, and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side ahead of next season.

According to Portuguese news outlet O Jogo (via Sport Witness), the Saints, Brighton and Newcastle are all interested in signing the 21-year-old this summer but will face competition from Serie A giants Napoli.

The report suggests that he could be available for €15m (£12.9m) this summer and, although this is slightly over the budget Hasenhuttl has set ahead of the transfer window, it would be worthwhile for a player of Tavares’ potential.

The Portuguese defender has made 41 appearances for Benfica in his senior career thus far, contributing one goal and seven assists in that time, whilst he also has some experience playing in the Europa League.

This season saw Tavares make just seven starts in the Portuguese top flight with Benfica but his performances last season, when he made 11 appearances, contributing one goal and four assists, demonstrates his obvious ability.

Back in January, football agent Cesar Boaventura claimed that Manchester United were interested in the young defender and was full of praise for him, saying: “He’s a fast player, one of the fastest players in the whole Portuguese league.

“He’s young. Maybe he’s not a player ready for a big one. But he could be in the future. Within a couple of years he can become one of the best in Europe.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-southampton-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Southampton transfer rumours and news!”]

Southampton are in desperate need of a left-back ahead of next season following the news that Ryan Bertrand would leave St Mary’s on the expiry of his contract, and Tavares could prove to be his long-term replacement.

Hasenhuttl would surely appreciate a versatile player who can play as both a left-back and a right-back, and Tavares has featured on the right on six occasions in his career thus far. He could yet prove to be a back-up to Kyle Walker-Peters, which immediately marks him out as someone who the Austrian would appreciate having in his side next season, given his desire for players to adapt to a number of roles.

Therefore, Martin Semmens should definitely try and bring Tavares to St Mary’s this summer, as he could prove to be a superb addition to the Southampton squad for the future.

In other news… Southampton missed out on “incredible” £45m-rated Premier League beast, Saints fans should be fuming

Following a nightmare season, Everton are now linked with signing a big replacement in the first team at the end of the season.

What’s the word?

According to The Mirror, Everton are ‘watching developments closely’ to potentially make a move for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer.

The report suggests that the future of Jordan Pickford could be in doubt, as the Toffees eye a move for the West Brom number one who will be out of contract this summer.

However, Everton will face tough competition in securing his signature as another Premier League club is linked, with Tottenham Hotspur also reported being interested in signing Johnstone.

Lampard must axe Pickford

If the opportunity arises for Frank Lampard to sign a new keeper, it might be the perfect opportunity to finally axe his current keeper who has not had a good season and become part of the problem in the club’s current relegation battle.

According to SofaScore, the keeper has conceded 1.7 goals per game and 50 goals in total in the Premier League this season, completing only 34% of his long balls and keeping only five clean sheets – the joint third-worst worst record in the league.

The Telegraph reported earlier this season that Tottenham were interested in signing the Everton flop to replace Huge Lloris, however, following the poor defensive record the side has carried this season, it may be an opportunity Antonio Conte decides to pass upon.

Pickford was recently slammed for being “out of control” following the 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace by Stephen Warnock who told Sky Sports:

“He’s just so animated, that for me, every time I see him I think there’s a mistake coming or he’s out of control in what he’s doing constantly.”

Johnstone on the other hand has been the recipient of high praise for his hard work at West Bromwich Albion this season and has been considered a hot prospect to many clubs following his performances for the struggling Championship side.

The £18k-per-week star who was hailed “outstanding” by Micah Richards has been a standout performer for his current club, with FBref ranking him in the top 81st percentile for saves, 85th for touches and 99th for launched passes this year compared to all goalkeepers in Europe – an impressive pretty feat considering the poor season West Brom are having.

With that being said, if Everton could secure Johnstone on a free this summer, while also selling Pickford to boost funds, it could be a great piece of business for the club.

However, Lampard must secure Premier League football next season to put themselves in a position to attract the keeper and rival Spurs for the signing.

AND in other news: Everton plot bid for “unplayable” £29m “force of nature”, he’s like “an express train”