All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

As confirmed by the club, beloved West Ham United third choice goalkeeper David Martin has signed a one-year contract extension until 2022.

The 35-year-old, son of Hammers legend Alvin Martin, will now remain at the London Stadium for a little while longer and serve as another option between the sticks behind Lukasz Fabianski and Darren Randolph.

The shot stopper is regarded as a real positive influence behind the scenes in terms of nurturing West Ham’s exciting young crop of goalkeepers coming through the ranks.

West Ham now confirm that Martin is set to do so for another year after having established himself as a respected and valued member of the senior side (whufc.com).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest/” title=”West Ham latest!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, teammates and colleagues highly regard his unique role within the club and it’s clear Irons supporters feel exactly the same way.

Flocking to Twitter, in reply to West Ham’s announcement from their official account, supporters dropped many excited reactions.

Find all of their best ones down below.

West Ham fans overjoyed by Martin announcement

“Fabulous news! David is one of us a real fan and the positively he brings to the entire squad and the dressing room is really special.

It’s going to be a special season and we’re thrilled David is going to be part of that”

Credit: @ZaynafamilyMary

“Fantastic!”

Credit: @DEPtones

“Born Leaders at my Football Club. Yes West Ham United. Well deserved”

Credit: @gazhxc

“YES THE GOATTTT”

Credit: @AkiW_M

“Beauty decision.”

Credit: @AllVIkpNk

“Yesss”

Credit: @Eva__Dreams

“Excellent news”

Credit: @Tony_McNulty

“I’m happy with this good news for the squad bonding and positive things around the club”

Credit: @KDGAMING1996

In other news: West Ham enter talks to sign this ‘very fast’ 42-cap forward who is likely to leave club, find out more here.

It shocked the entire Black Country as well as the whole of the Premier League when Nuno Espirito Santo announced he would be leaving the club this summer. It’s something even Wolves legend Steve Bull couldn’t believe.

Fans were able to give Nuno a good send-off after their game against Manchester United at Molineux as 10,000 Wolves supporters said their final goodbyes to the man who got them out of the Championship and into the Europa League within two seasons.

Fans are obviously feeling a bit empty and sad that he is leaving with some even hanging a huge flag from the Iron bridge in the Midlands wishing Nuno goodbye, good luck and a thank you for everything he achieved at Wolves.

Nuno only signed a new contract at Molineux in October 2020, however, that did nothing to stop him parting ways with the club, something Bull can’t get his head around as he explained exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I know that the night before he was happy as larry and was absolutely fine, but then the next morning I was getting loads of texts saying he had left.”

The early frontrunner for the job is former Benfica manager Bruno Lage who was also Carlos Carvalhal’s assistant coach at both Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City.

Wolves will have to be careful who they appoint as Nuno’s successor because after a poor season this year which saw them finish 13th in the Premier League, a bad manager could see them tumble towards the bottom three next season.

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish would choose to move to Manchester City over their rivals Manchester United should interest come to fruition,  according to reports (The Athletic via Birmingham Mail).

Both sides are looking for further creative nous in order to bolster their attacking options. Following on from agonising European final defeats to Villareal and Chelsea respectively, it appears they could compete for the Villians talisman’s signature in a deal which could cost up to £100 million [Birmingham Mail].

Statistically, the England international enjoyed a sparkling 2020/21 campaign. Impressively, he has registered seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Forming a fruitful partnership with fellow England hopeful Ollie Watkins, he aided his boyhood club to an impressive 11th place finish [BBC].

Owing to his consistent performances, he is surely likely to be a major player for England at EURO 2020, and loads of Villa fans have flocked to the latest claim on his future.

Villa fans react to Grealish claims

Fan forum Aston Villa News relayed the news, here is how some fans reacted to a potential Grealish move to Manchester:

“Jack grealish why would he want to go to any other club, he is the heart and soul of a group of players at the right age moving in the right direction and Villa are a club with ambition, thats now being backed by its owners.”

Credit: @lobobehan

“nah i thought he was going to slum it at arsenal. their fans seemed so sure.”

Credit: @bruhfam2020

“”it is claimed” = we have made this up”

Credit: @JimiVillan

“I’d prefer Merc to a BMW, still happy driving my Audi.”

Credit: @stevewhite034

“Aw right it must be true because the great trustworthy paper The Athletic are claiming it. Thanks The Athletic yous have just ruined my summer”

Credit: @gearoid1874

“More newspaper trash , give it a rest”

Credit: @deniswhite1114

In other news, lots of Villa fans had something to say about the latest on Douglas Luiz’s future! 

West Brom can kickstart their rebuild in the Championship with a swoop for Gustavo Hamer this summer…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, the Coventry City midfielder is thought to be on a list of potential targets as the Baggies look to bolster a crucial part of their squad.

Albion’s relegation was confirmed on Sunday evening following a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Arsenal and with several key players likely to leave, new additions will be required at the Hawthorns.

The 23-year-old powerhouse has been linked with a move to Scottish champions Rangers in recent weeks. Hamer cost the Sky Blues around £1.5m last summer.

Shades of Yacob

West Brom are set to lose at least a pair of loanees in Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Conor Gallagher, and Celta Vigo’s impressive defensive midfielder Okay Yokuslu should undoubtedly attract interest from those in the big time.

Whilst Romaine Sawyers’ future remains unclear having fallen heavily out of favour and the same has to be said for club captain Jake Livermore, who hasn’t started a game since early February.

The likes of Sam Field and Rekeem Harper could return but given they barely featured in their promotion-winning campaign, it would be hard to envisage them featuring this time around either.

This is where Hamer comes in. After an impressive debut season in the second flight, he’s exactly the sort of player that Luke Dowling should be targeting, regardless of who is in charge at the Hawthorns.

The 5 foot 6 dynamo, who has been capped at U20 level for the Netherlands, would be a like-for-like replacement for Yokuslu but he is also versatile enough to play in an advanced midfield role and at right-back – which surely draws some comparisons to ex-Baggies star Claudio Yacob.

Although Hamer has the ability to usurp his quality, thanks to his exploits at either end of the pitch.

Despite playing in a deeper position, Hamer is Coventry’s third top scorer with five goals and he’s also provided three assists. That’s on top of an average of 1.4 interceptions and 1.3 tackles defensively, and a squad-high 1.5 key passes and 1.8 shots per game, via WhoScored.

It’s no wonder his manager, Mark Robins, waxed lyrical about his ability to the Sky Blues Extra podcast, where he dubbed him “unbelievable” (via the Coventry Telegraph), whilst pundit Ali Maxwell told the EFL on Quest highlights show that the Dutchman was the “class act” of this Coventry side.

At just 23, Hamer would be a quality addition to West Brom in the Championship and whilst it remains to be seen how much he would command, Dowling should absolutely push to sign what could be their next Yacob.

AND in other news, Big Sam must axe West Brom lightweight this summer following relegation…

Leeds United must seize a golden chance to sign Udinese star Rodrigo de Paul after a major transfer development.

What’s the story?

Reports last summer suggested that Leeds were very much interested in bringing the Argentina international to Elland Road, and The Athletic’s Phil Hay recently indicated that the midfielder wants to come to Yorkshire.

Now, according to Italian publication Milan Live, De Paul’s “farewell” from Udinese seems to be close, with the midfielder pictured in tears on the substitute’s bench after the final Serie A game of the season against Inter.

The report adds that along with Leeds, a number of Italian sides are interested in signing him, with the likes of Milan, Inter, Juventus and Napoli all following him closely.

Kinnear’s golden chance

It was only in recent weeks that Leeds United’s chief executive, Angus Kinnear, dismissed suggestions De Paul was a player they were trying to sign.

But, when you look at the kind of player that he is, and the fact he does appear set to leave Udinese given the recent transfer update, Kinnear must surely seize this golden chance to snap him up.

Udinese coach Luca Gotti said: “Rodrigo is not the only one we have here who has a bright future but he can play for all the top clubs. Any team in the world. I mean, he starts for Lionel Messi’s Argentina. I’ve been able to watch this metamorphosis from up close, the shift in mentality that turns a good player into a top player, a champion.

“He’s become a leader and is the first person to demand more of himself. Rodrigo is able to pass that work ethic on to his team-mates.”

And, the Udinese’s technical director, Pier Paolo Marino, has also spoken highly of the £34.2m-rated midfielder, adding: “Rodrigo is animated by a profound love of football. It’s one of the attributes all top players must have. He’s a tireless worker who mixes quantity with quality, training as hard as he plays. In a nutshell, he’s the ideal player.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

De Paul’s tears at the weekend seemed to hint at him having played his final game for Udinese, and while Kinnear poured cold water over speculation, it’s time for him to perform a major U-turn and sign him this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are plotting a fresh move for this star…

Celtic target Eddie Howe is one of three names on Crystal Palace’s managerial shortlist to replace Roy Hodgson in the summer.

That’s according to an exclusive report from Football Insider, who claimed that Howe has spoken to the Eagles’ board after stalling over a move to Glasgow.

Sean Dyche and Frank Lampard are also on the shortlist to take over at Selhurst Park, with Dyche and Howe leading the way ahead of the former Chelsea boss, who is the club’s third choice.

All three have been sounded out for the role, with Hodgson’s deal in south London expiring at the end of the current campaign.

Transfer Tavern take

There seems a discernible chance that Hodgson will leave the club over the coming months, and whoever takes the role on could well have a major job on their hands ahead of the 2021/22 season.

No fewer than 12 Palace players are out of contract at the end of the season and 93% of the club’s income went on wages between June 2019 and July 2020, so a summer rebuild appears to be on the cards.

The Eagles also have the highest average squad age in the Premier League, so lowering that could be on the agenda for either Howe, Dyche or Lampard.

It looks set to be a busy few months off the pitch in Croydon, and it seems as if the club are taking the first real steps in their search for a new manager.

In other news: Many CPFC fans react to latest setback for recent Palace signing, find out more here. 

Leicester City have been handed a huge boost in the fight to keep Brendan Rodgers at the King Power Stadium.

The Northern-Irishman has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in recent days following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, it not being the first time that he has been rumoured to be in the running to take over a North London club with Arsenal also thought to be admirers in the past.

However, Rodgers has allayed any fears over his future with the Foxes, insisting that he is “very happy” in the East-Midlands.

Those sentiments will surely be a huge boost to Leicester as they aim to keep hold of a man who has taken the club from mid-table mediocrity to consistent challenges for the UEFA Champions League positions.

Since arriving from Celtic, the 49-year-old has overseen a total of 103 matches at the club in all competitions, winning 56 of those and racking up the best win percentage of any permanent manager in the club’s history.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leicester-city-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-soumare-soyuncu-edouard-jakupovic-lookman” title=”Latest Leicester City news, transfer rumours and more… “]

Having finished ninth in his first season at the club, the Foxes claimed fifth in Rodgers’ first full campaign in charge, whilst they have consistently been in the top four throughout 2020/21.

Meanwhile, Rodgers has also been able to create history, too, by leading Leicester to their first FA Cup Final since 1969 having beaten Southampton 1-0 at Wembley.

That aforementioned work has certainly drawn praise within the Premier League. Current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp labelled his influence on Celtic, where he lifted seven trophies, and indeed Leicester as “incredible”.

It will, therefore, be a relief to note then that Rodgers is seemingly not tempted to continue that work at Tottenham Hotspur, instead being content with staying at Leicester – a huge boost for the future of the club considering their current trajectory under the former Liverpool manager.

AND in more news, take a look at which current Premier League forward could replace Jamie Vardy…

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been giving their thoughts to Connor Wickham’s goals for the Under-23’s on social media.

Numerous supporters were left stunned by his brilliant pass against Sunderland last week, and his display against West Brom on Monday once again had fans talking about him.

The 28-year-old netted twice in a 2-1 win over West Brom, one of which was a penalty. Wickham almost had a hat-trick in the second half but saw his free-kick fire against the post.

The forward, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, is yet to make a senior appearance under Roy Hodgson this season due to injury.

He has been on the bench in Palace’s last three league games but has failed to make a cameo display.

Palace fans react

Palace kept fans up to date on the club’s Under-23 progress on Monday afternoon, with Wickham’s goals, as to be expected, receiving plenty of interest.

This is what some supporters had to say in reply to the club’s updates on Wickham’s strikes.

“Leading us to Europe, Connor Wickham”

Credit: @erictwigs

“SHOW HIM THE MONEY”

Credit: @ohjoewalker

“The goat is back”

Credit: @cpfc_fpage_se25

“New 5 year deal incoming”

Credit: @CPFCAlfie

“HE’S BACK”

Credit: @standinthesun

“Best u23 player of all time baby”

Credit: @MaskedSolak

In other news: Galatasaray eyeing cut-price move for Palace star; it’s not van Aanholt, find out more here. 

Eddie Howe isn’t even in the building yet but Celtic are already targeting players with the view to him being appointed.

A couple of players have been linked with joining Howe at the Bhoys, including Bournemouth defender Steve Cook.

On the chalkboard

The new manager’s first priority when he walks through the door will be to address the futures of a number of individuals at the club.

Kristoffer Ajer has attracted admirers from elsewhere on a repeated basis while Odsonne Edouard has long been tipped to leave. West Ham came calling for the Frenchman in January, while it’s thought that Liverpool are now also interested in his services.

Losing him would be a monumental blow to Celtic’s chances of reclaiming their dominance of Scottish football. Edouard is their top scorer with 20 goals this term, so trying to replace such a prolific forward won’t be easy.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Celtic will need to ensure they have contingency plans in place because those behind the Frenchman in the pecking order aren’t particularly full of goals. Albian Ajeti has just six to his name since joining the Hoops last summer, while Patryk Klimala has three goals all season.

Who will his replacement be?

If Howe is given the Celtic job, the Bhoys could welcome Josh King to Paradise this summer. That’s according to The Sun, who suggested that the 43-year-old will look to make the Norwegian one of his first signings as Hoops manager.

King left Bournemouth for Everton in January on a six-month contract and thus could move on a free transfer when the summer window opens.

Capped 54 times by Norway, the forward has plenty of experience at the top level and has a history of scoring goals in one of the best leagues in world football. The 29-year-old is yet to find the net in Everton colours but has 48 Premier League goals to his name throughout his career.

This season hasn’t been great to King but clearly he is a clever striker with plenty of qualities, and you sense that he could thrive in Scottish football. Like Edouard, he has nice feet and is also powerful, using his robust frame to bustle past opponents.

You only need to heed the words from Vidar Riseth, one of his former teammates, for an indication of what he could bring to Glasgow.

“He has all the attributes any striker needs,” the ex-Hoops player began. “I have played with him and against him and I know all about his qualities. If there is a chance for Celtic to get him then they must take it because he would be an incredible signing for them.

“He’d be a great signing. I am talking about a top striker. He has so many qualities and he has done so well for the national team, too,” he concluded.

There may be an element of bias to Riseth’s words, but reuniting King with Howe could be a masterstroke. In terms of replacing Edouard, there would certainly be worse signings than the 29-year-old.

AND in other news, Big twist arises in Celtic manager search, Hoops fans should be buzzing…

Since signing in January, Willian Jose has had a torrid time in the Midlands. Wolves look no better with him leading the line, and it looks increasingly unlikely they’ll sign him permanently.

Jose was an eye-catching arrival. The Spaniard has proven pedigree in La Liga but he has struggled in the Premier League. He hasn’t scored in a Wolves shirt, registering just 19 touches in the area during 11 hours of football.

In that time frame, he’s had just ten shots at goal; clearly he is not the Raul Jimenez replacement Wolves were so desperately seeking.

Fabio Silva has hardly provided much either. The Portuguese was signed for big money last summer, £35.6m in fact, and has scored just twice in the top-flight.

Jimenez is still to return but you sense that Wolves could do with some added firepower when the transfer window opens.

One player they could target is Ivan Toney. The Brentford striker has been sublime this season in the Championship and as such, is attracting the eyes of not only the Old Gold but also Arsenal, Leicester and Leeds United.

The Bees have slapped a £30m price tag on his head and you can understand why. Toney has been exhilarating this term, bagging 27 goals in just 35 matches following his arrival from Peterborough.

Toney is also creative. The forward has registered nine assists in the second tier this term, proving to be a complete all-round player.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-news-on-wolves-from-molineux” title=” Check out the latest news on Wolves from Molineux!”]

It’s hard to deny that he isn’t better than Jose at this moment in time. Everything the Wolves target touches seemingly turns to gold while everything Jose touches goes awry.

Signing the Brentford striker, therefore, could be game-changing. He knows where the back of the net is and has pace in abundance.

He would also arrive with glowing appraisals. Before signing for the London outfit, Posh owner Barry Fry commented: “He’s turned into a tremendous all-round footballer. It’s important to remember Ivan is not just an exceptional goal-scoring forward, he’s also an outstanding defender.”

Those sentiments are also felt by Brentford manager Thomas Frank: “Ivan is a special, special player,” he said.

£30m would be a lot to pay, but as Shi proved with the arrival of Silva last summer, he is willing to pay up. Considering how lethal Toney has been, he’d definitely be worth the investment.

AND in other news, “The first thing I’d say to him” – Exclusive: Wolves icon Bull offers Fabio Silva unusual advice…