All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

A number of Rangers supporters are excited by an official club tweet ahead of their Europa League clash with Lyon later this week.

Steven Gerrard’s side suffered the disappointment of not qualifying for this season’s Champions League following a two-legged defeat to Malmo last month.

The Gers must now focus on impressing in Europe’s second-biggest club competition, looking to go one better than last season’s round of 16 finish when they were eliminated by Slavia Prague.

On Thursday night, Gerrard’s men open their Europa League group stage account with the visit of Lyon to Glasgow, which promises to be a fascinating clash.

The Ligue 1 giants may fancy their chances of beating the Gers, but a passionate Ibrox crowd awaits them.

Ahead of the game, the club’s official Twitter account posted a video in preparation for the game, whetting the appetite nicely in advance by posting a clip of the official Europa League intro and music.

Rangers fans hail club tweet ahead of Europa League clash

These Rangers fans gleefully reacted to the club’s Twitter post, showing their excitement ahead of the match, for which some of them are “buzzing”.

“Probably the best side we’ve come up against since 2010, gonna be an exciting one”

Credit: @JamZar2801

“Can’t wait”

Credit: @honeyball69

“Here we go again. We love you Rangers, we do”

Credit: @JambaWATP21

“Inject this theme music into my veins”

Credit: @EveryOtherSatu1

“Tuneeeeee”

Credit: @jasonlamont72

“Cannot wait to be back at Ibrox this week”

Credit: @FrankyRN51

“Buzzing”

Credit: @jamesC1872

In other news, a pundit has made a key claim regarding one Rangers player’s future. Read more here.

Merry Christmas! We’ve created a Leeds United quiz to test your knowledge of the 2021/22 season so far – why not come and show us what an expert you are on the club!

The Whites are almost midway through their second year back in the Premier League, playing 18 times, but it has been a struggle so far. Marcelo Bielsa’s side are currently 16th in the table, with a relegation battle potentially on the cards and a glut of injuries not helping matters in the slightest.

All is not lost for Leeds, though, with their fitness woes hopefully easing soon and confidence possibly returning in the second half of the season.

We’ve decided to create a quiz to help get you through Christmas Day, should you be experiencing a lull from the excessive eating or tiring of talking to a distant relative!

There are 10 questions, so come and show how much you know about the Whites and be sure to share your scores on social media.

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Jack Pitt-Brooke has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing four major signings this summer.

The Lowdown: Champions League uncertainty

Spurs are not guaranteed to finish in the UEFA Champions League places this season, given that they are currently three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand on their North London rivals.

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It would be more difficult to attract the calibre of player that they would want should they miss out, and they could also potentially lose some of their best players, with the likes of Harry Kane now being linked to big-spenders Newcastle United.

The Latest: Four signings eyed

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Lilywhites journalist Pitt-Brooke has revealed that Antonio Conte’s team are now looking to make four major signings in the summer.

They reportedly want to bring in a new left-sided central defender, two wing-backs, and a back-up to Kane.

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting for THFC fans that they seem to be looking to go on a spending spree this summer.

The likes of Omar Marmoush and Lautaro Martinez have been linked as striker options, while Ben Davies could become more of a squad member next season, meaning that a more natural centre-back will likely take his position on the left of a three-man defence.

Djed Spence has been strongly linked with filling in the right wing-back position at Tottenham, while at left wing-back, Sergio Reguilon has not always been in favour under Conte.

Nonetheless, it could be a new-look Spurs side built in Conte’s image by the end of the summer transfer window, which should surely excite the Lilywhites faithful.

In other news, find out who THFC have now held talks over signing here!

Plenty of Aston Villa fans showered Marvelous Nakamba with praise during Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

Villa were looking to make it back-to-back wins under new manager Steven Gerrard after beating Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 last time out.

The 41-year-old made two changes from his first game in charge as Danny Ings and Emiliano Buendia dropped to the substitutes’ bench, with Leon Bailey and Ashley Young replacing them. Nakamba duly kept his place in midfield alongside John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey.

Recapping Nakamba’s performance vs Palace

The 27-year-old picked up a SofaScore rating of 7.0/10 for his performance at Selhurst Park. He completed 32 of his 37 attempted passes and made three tackles and two clearances, along with winning four duels against the Eagles.

Here’s what these Villa fans made of the Zimbabwe international’s “amazing” display in south London.

These Villa fans delighted with Nakamba

“Villa Twitter has turned into Nakamba Twitter and rightly so”

Credit: @Harry90996614

“Nakamba on Kante levels today”

Credit: @_JackAvfc

“Nakamba and Mings been immense”

Credit: @ZacceryDoherty

“Nakamba is on fire. Like a new player!”

Credit: @NathanDawe

“Nakamba in this play style is amazing. Luiz will have to wait a bit longer to come back”

Credit: @AzariaJohnson14

“What’s Stevie done to Nakamba. Looks a different player #avfc”

Credit: @BenBarton90

“Nakamba should start every game. Him and McGinn are the perfect partnership”

Credit: @Astonxii

In other news, these Villa fans have a message for Gerrard after a tweet from the club

As per Italian news outlet Calciomercato, there has been an exit update out of Tottenham Hotspur involving big name player Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lowdown: Ndombele on the move?

Spurs’ club record signing from Lyon is yet again being linked with a move away from north London as manager Antonio Conte completes his squad evaluations and decides who he wants to keep or sell.

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The likes of Dele Alli and Steven Bergwijn have also been tipped to potentially exit the club before January 31, either on loan or permanently, with Ndombele firmly in that bracket as well.

The France midfielder was subject to intense booing from Spurs supporters after he casually left the field in their 3-1 FA Cup third round win over Morecambe last weekend.

Since then, reports have tipped Ndombele as one of the men no longer in Conte’s plans as transfer chief Fabio Paratici is potentially tasked with negotiating his sale.

Bringing the latest, Calciomercato have an interesting development.

The Latest: Napoli ‘working hard’ to seal Ndombele move…

As per the Italian news source, Serie A side Napoli are ‘working hard’ to sign the 25-year-old behind closed doors as they aim to ‘reinforce’ their midfield.

It is believed that Ndombele is ‘ready to say goodbye’ before deadline day with the player ‘rejected’ by Conte at Spurs.

The Verdict: Time to go?

The £200,000-per-week man undoubtedly has the ability to succeed at Tottenham, displaying his skills in flashes, but these past two and a half years at the club have also highlighted his lack of consistency.

Attracting criticism for his attitude and demeanour, Ndombele has been the subject of a possible exit from N17 for some time now, with The Times backing that he informed Tottenham of his desire to leave last summer.

As Conte seeks to guide the club into a new dawn, the 52-year-old will need all of his squad on side and working in unison to do so – highlighting the point that selling Spurs’ most expensive ever player may now be a necessity.

If Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy receive a suitable offer from Napoli or any other club, they should certainly entertain Ndombele’s exit this month.

In other news: ‘This will get Tottenham fans excited…’ – Sky Sports make N17 transfer claim live on air! Find out more here.

Frank McAvennie has urged Celtic to sign Jota on a permanent deal following his loan spell at Parkhead.

The Lowdown: Option to buy

As per a revelation from Sky Sports, the Hoops have an option to buy Jota in the summer for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of just over £6m, following his loan spell from Benfica.

He has enjoyed a fine start to life in Glasgow, scoring three goals and making a further four assists in nine games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: McAvennie on Jota

Speaking to Football Insider, former Celts striker now pundit McAvennie has urged his old team to complete the signing of Jota permanently, after what he has seen of the Portuguese so far:

“He’s a heart-throb, the ladies love him.

“Honestly, I would buy him tomorrow. Get that deal signed, new terms, pay rise, all of it. I would take him, for six million?

“It’s a no brainer, I would take him. He’s only going to get better. Six million is nothing in today’s day and age.

“He seems to be enjoying himself as well. That’s half the battle. He’s always smiling, even when Celtic aren’t winning.

“He symbolises that happy camp that we seem to have now, what a difference from last season.

“It’s all clicking and we’re seeing the best of Jota as a result.”

The Verdict: No brainer

McAvennie could not have put it any better, it is certainly a ‘no brainer’ for the Bhoys to sign Jota after his loan spell ends.

£6m in today’s market is an absolute steal for a 22-year-old with the ability and potential he boasts, and he has already shown that he knows where the goal is.

Jota also ranks highly among his teammates in terms of shots (3.8), key passes (1.8), and dribbles (one) per game in the Scottish Premiership so far this term (Whoscored), proving already to be a key player for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

In other news, find out who Celtic’s worst three players were against Ferencvaros here!

Leeds United defender Robin Koch is expected to return to ‘serious training’ in around four weeks’ time, according to a fresh report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Koch missing since opening weekend

The Whites lost 1-0 away to Southampton on Saturday afternoon as their disappointing start to the Premier League season continues.

Koch was among several key Leeds players who weren’t available, with the German ruled out since injuring his hip at Manchester United in the first game of the campaign.

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The Latest: Return edging closer

The 25-year-old has now undergone surgery in America and an update has been provided on his progress.

According to SPORT1 [via Sport Witness], Koch is aiming to be in full training in four weeks, with ‘rehabilitation training’ starting in the next 10 days.

That means his likely return to the pitch will come in November, although not until the back-end of the month, and even that depends on him not suffering any further setbacks in the meantime.

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The Verdict: Key for squad depth

Koch’s return will be vital for Marcelo Bielsa in terms of allowing him to rotate his squad as the fixtures become even more relentless in the winter months.

The £15.3m-rated German has been a miss in that respect, particularly with some of his defensive colleagues also succumbing to injuries in recent weeks, and the hope is that he can stay injury-free upon his return, helping Leeds get their season back on track.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided a key update regarding Raphinha’s Leeds future. Read more here.

Many West Ham United fans have been congratulating Irons academy product Conor Coventry for his first Republic of Ireland under-21s goal.  

A video of the 21-year-old’s goal, Ireland’s second of the game as they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina, was uploaded by RTE Soccer’s Twitter channel, and Coventry duly shared the footage to his own profile.

The Ireland under-21 skipper was on the receiving end of a well-worked set piece 12 yards out to slot the ball past Belmin Dizdarevic to get their European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign off to a perfect start. 

Aston Villa’s Tyreik Wright opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a foul on Josh Kayode before Coventry sealed the victory as Ireland secured the three points. 

The West Ham midfielder is currently out on loan at Championship newcomers Peterborough United after making 18 appearances in Premier League 2 last season, scoring five goals and setting up another two. 

After playing six minutes in the Hammers’ 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Charlton Athletic last season and being an unused substitute on numerous occasions in the Premier League, Coventry’s performance for his nation at under-21 level may just have grabbed David Moyes’ attention. 

West Ham fans on Coventry’s goal 

These Hammers fans on Twitter heaped praise on the youngster after his goal on the international scene, with one even labelling the precocious midfielder a “certified baller”.

“Well done CC, all Hammers are right behind you” 

Credit: @banterhammer 

“Any chance of you doing a Declan Rice” 

Credit: @DavidHoughton82  

“The lad is a certified baller” 

Credit: @tnulty95 

“The boy does it again! Amazing stuff! We want to see you in Claret and Blue” 

Credit: @Wheeler_Deals 

“Keep proving everyone wrong Conor!” 

Credit: @whueamon 

“Beautifully done, Conor” 

Credit: @Liambright 

In other news: ‘Communicated to joint-chairman David Sullivan’- ‘Unique’ player didn’t want West Ham move

In the Premier League, not only have Liverpool got themselves comfortably in the race to win the title and scored more goals than any other team in the top flight, but the Reds have also managed to keep eight clean sheets along the way.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, it seems as though the Merseyside club could be in danger of losing one of their current senior players.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by the Sunday Mirror (via Liverpool Echo 16:58) that newly appointed Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has got Reds defender Joe Gomez on his radar for a potential transfer move in the upcoming January transfer window.

Since joining the Merseyside club back in the 2015 summer transfer window from Charlton Athletic in a deal worth a reported fee of £3.5m, Gomez has made a total of 128 appearances for the Reds across all competitions.

Labelled as a “sensational” player by Jurgen Klopp in the past, Gomez has hardly had a look in for their current Premier League campaign, making just two appearances and playing just 13 minutes of action.

However, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £27m according to Transfermarkt, has played the full 90 minutes in both of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup games and one of their Champions League games, winning all of three of them and keeping two clean sheets in the process.

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Even though he has been injured in recent weeks, it’s safe to assume that Gomez would possibly be tempted to join Villa if he would be guaranteed regular playing time in the Premier League and play under Gerrard.

However, from a Liverpool point of view, it would be a calamity if FSG were to approve Gomez’s potential move to Villa. After all, he has vast experience with the Reds and has demonstrated enormous potential, leading us to believe he could become a regular figure in the team for the next few years alongside the likes of Ibrahima Konate.

With Vigil van Dijk and Joel Matip both now at the age of 30, it’s safe to say that Liverpool will be relying on the likes of Gomez and Konate to be their long-term replacements in the future, which would be quite hard if Gomez joins Villa.

It’s safe to say this wouldn’t be the wisest move from departing directing Michael Edwards.

In other news: Edwards could be set for LFC disaster as claim emerges on “unstoppable” £200k-p/w gem – opinion

Journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast that West Brom’s striker conundrum could lead to Matt Phillips starting upfront at the start of the season.

The Baggies currently have just one recognised number nine in their current squad in Karlan Grant, although Callum Robinson can play through the middle.

Experienced pair Hal Robson-Kanu and Charlie Austin were both released following the end of their contracts, whilst Valerien Ismael has been unable to bring in another frontman despite his best efforts in the window.

Kenneth Zohore is still contracted to the club, but his injury problems mean that a summer exit is more than likely.

With that in mind, Hatfield reckons that Phillips could come to West Brom’s rescue despite only playing through the middle a handful of times during his career.

He told Football FanCast:

“Albion need a striker, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him start there. He is capable of scoring goals, and he has scored at Championship level.

“But it wouldn’t shock me if we do see Phillips in that role in the Championship at some point in the season.”

This isn’t an ideal situation for Ismael, but Phillips has a proven goal record at this level, and with West Brom boasting quality all over the pitch, this shouldn’t prove too big an issue for the Baggies to cope with in their opening few games.