All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Liverpool are believed to have sent scouts to watch a “very dangerous” player in action, according to a fresh claim from journalist Christian Falk, with his club even offering him a new deal as a result of the Reds’ interest.

Liverpool transfer news

After a disappointingly low-key summer transfer window, there is pressure on FSG to back Arne Slot more in the market, and players are being linked with a move to Anfield for 2025 already, hopefully giving him more squad depth in the process.

One such figure is Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber, who the new Liverpool boss knows well after working alongside him at the Eredivisie club. He is the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, and at 23 years of age could represent a strong addition for a long period of time.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi continues to eye up a move to Liverpool, according to some rumours, having failed to seal a switch to Newcastle United in the summer. He could be viewed as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, although the current Reds captain hopefully isn’t going anywhere for a while.

Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has also been linked with a move to Anfield, having starred for Xabi Alonso’s side en route to Bundesliga glory last season, with FSG said to be willing to stump up the cash to sign him. The German would likely be worth at least £80m, such is his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking players.

Liverpool send scouts to watch "very dangerous" ace

According to Falk on X, Liverpool are interested in signing SC Freiburg central midfielder Merlin Rohl, with Reds officials watching him up close and his current club even offering him a new deal, such is the seriousness of Liverpool’s interest.

Rohl could be such an eye-catching addition to Slot’s midfield at Liverpool, even though that isn’t necessarily the most pressing area for him to add to currently, with six or seven strong options there. That said, he is a young player who could be content with a squad role to begin with.

The 22-year-old has 30 appearances to his name in the Bundesliga, bagging two goals and five assists in that time, while Germany Under-21 manager Antonio Di Salvo has lauded him, saying: “He fought his way into [Freiburg’s] team. That’s not easy. He focused on defensive work and also came into his own offensively. He’s very quick and determined. He’s very dangerous.”

Freiburg head coach Christian Streich has described Rohl as a “real difference-maker”, such is his ability, so Liverpool shouldn’t pass up the chance to sign him if the chance arises.

Germany Under-21s

9

2

Germany Under-20s

9

0

Germany Under-19s

2

0

Germany Under-18s

1

0

His current club are clearly desperate to keep hold of him and tie him down to a new deal, but the lure of the Reds is huge, as they chase the biggest trophies and continue to grow as a club all over the world.

Chelsea Football Club have become known in the past for their ability to employ numerous top-level centre-forwards who have supplied the goods in front of goal.

Didier Drogba, Diego Costa, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Nicolas Anelka are just a handful of players who captured the hearts of the supporters during their respective periods at Stamford Bridge.

Spaniard Costa was arguably the last striker who dominated during his time in West London, scoring 59 times in his 120 appearances for the Londoners during his three-year spell in the Premier League.

His all-round ability to score goals, whilst being able to pin a centre-back providing a focal point, or even play off the shoulder made him a real handful – playing a crucial in the club’s last league triumph back in 2016/17.

In 2024, Nicolas Jackson is the man tasked with leading the line for the Blues under new boss Enzo Maresca, scoring 16 goals in his last 39 league appearances after joining from Villarreal last summer.

Whilst the fanbase are still crying out for an upgrade on the Senegal international, he’s proven to be a solid talisman, undoubtedly better than one player who disappointed during his second spell at the Bridge.

Romelu Lukaku’s time at Chelsea

Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku first joined the Blues way back in 2011/12 from Anderlecht, arriving at the club as one for the future.

He enjoyed multiple successful spells at West Brom and Everton, before departing Chelsea in a £28m deal in the summer of 2014 – ending his three-year stay in the capital.

However, despite seeming a good fee at the time, it would be a deal the club would regret, re-signing the striker seven years later for a reported £97.5m as the club looked to build on their Champions League winning campaign the season prior under Thomas Tuchel.

Despite registering 15 goals in his first campaign back at Stamford Bridge, he would leave on loan to rejoin Inter Milan on loan after a fallout with the Chelsea boss.

His torrid second spell with the Blues would end this summer, joining Napoli in a £30m deal – reuniting him with former boss Antonio Conte, resulting in the club losing a staggering £67.5m in just a three-year period.

The transfer was a disaster all round, with his lack of goals coupled with his off-field antics tarnishing his time at the club despite the excitement around his return in 2021.

Lukaku’s big-money transfer would be made even more frustrating, especially considering the club were targeting another European talent before making the move for the Belgian that summer.

The man who Chelsea wanted alongside Lukaku

Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker in 2021 saw them land Lukaku, but they could’ve landed another top-level talent for around the same fee during the same transfer window.

A report from The Athletic states that the Blues were also interested in signing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, with the Bundesliga side demanding £100m for his services that summer.

The Norwegian would eventually move to Manchester City the following summer for a reported £51m due to a release clause in his deal with the German side.

The 24-year-old, who’s now valued at £152m as per Transfermarkt, has taken his career to the next level after his Premier League move, scoring 99 times in 103 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, breaking the record for the most goals in a 38-game league season back in 2022/23.

Erling Haaland

£152m

Phil Foden

£126m

Bukayo Saka

£118m

Rodri

£110m

Declan Rice

£102m

He helped propel the club to their first-ever Champions League title in the same season, winning the treble in a truly remarkable campaign for City.

Haaland’s incredible goal record would have massively improved the Blues squad and aided their attempts to secure a first league title in eight years – but instead, they’re left looking down the barrel of their woeful investment in Lukaku.

Undoubtedly, the club must wish that they could turn back time and secure a deal for the prolific goalscorer, but now they have to sit back and watch the machine constantly find the back of the net for Guardiola’s side as they look to win a fifth league title in six years.

Chelsea flop sold in 2020 is now 'on par with Haaland' & outscoring Jackson

He fell by the wayside at Stamford Bridge…

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 17, 2024

Leeds United have made some significant blunders in the transfer market in their not-so-distant past, forking out colossal sums of money to then unfortunately be greeted with a dud when he arrives in West Yorkshire.

The circus that was Massimo Cellino’s time owning the Whites was notorious for misfire after misfire when a transfer window opened, with notable flops such as Giuseppe Bellusci and Mirco Antenucci among others often joining from Cellino’s native Italy who would never settle or succeed in England.

Away from the laughable nature of Cellino’s time owning the Championship giants, another of Leeds’ now ex-owners in Andrea Radrizzani was also at fault for a lot of failures in the market when he was partly responsible for deals in and out of the club, including this dud joining from the Netherlands back in 2017.

Jay-Roy Grot's time at Leeds

Jay-Roy Grot would join the ranks at Elland Road seven years ago as a left-field purchase, entering the building as a relative unknown entity from Dutch second-division outfit NEC Nijmegen.

It’s not as if Grot was setting the world alight in the Netherlands either, managing a lacklustre six goals for his former side from 35 games, before embarking on a new adventure moving to the tough demands of the EFL.

He would really struggle getting up to speed with what was expected of him in a Leeds shirt, unable to put his intimidating 6 foot 4 frame to good use in the second tier, with only one meagre goal coming his way from 21 Whites appearances.

Assessing his dire debut season situated at Leeds, when glancing at WhoScored numbers from the 2017/18 campaign for the Dutchman, Grot would come in as having the worst average rating in the division per clash, standing at a very low 6.13/10.

Player

Games

Goals

Assists

Average rating

1. Jay-Roy Grot

20

1

1

6.13

2. Aaron Wilbraham

23

2

1

6.23

3. Jamie Allen

29

1

0

6.23

4. Freddie Sears

36

2

0

6.23

5. Ryan Hedges

23

2

1

6.27

As can be seen looking at the table above, Grot seriously underwhelmed during his debut season, leading to Leeds selling on their dreadful buy to German outfit VfL Osnabrück in 2021.

It’s not as if Grot has managed to pick up the pieces since having his reputation damaged at Elland Road, with the now 26-year-old attacker playing out in Japan and struggling once more.

Grot's struggles since leaving Leeds

The one-time NEC forward hasn’t been able to find a fixed home since his whirlwind stint in England, playing all across the globe in Germany, Denmark and now all the way out in Japan with Kashiwa Reysol.

Grot hasn’t managed to become the potent goalscorer his Tokyo-based side would have wanted him to be either, with only three strikes registered from 26 games to date pulling on a Reysol strip.

Comical misses like the one above, after he had managed to capitalise on an error by the opposition goalkeeper, haven’t exactly helped his cause at Reysol, as his woes at Leeds continue to haunt him to this day.

Leeds supporters in the here and now will hope purchases from Europe this window in the form of Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka, to name a few, aren’t immortalised down the line as folding in their new location like Grot, but seen instead as stellar new acquisitions.

Regardless of what happens now with this new batch of players, Grot is definitely viewed as one of the worst players in recent memory to wear Leeds white, and a considerable stain on Radrizzani’s bumpy time at the club.

More assists than Rutter in 23/24: Leeds must regret selling £1m "animal"

The Whites had a shocker when they allowed the full-back to move on from Elland Road.

1 ByDan Emery Sep 11, 2024

Newcastle United have rapidly transformed into one of the teams to fear in the Premier League, largely down to the investment from the Saudi PIF.

They took over the Magpies from Mike Ashley back in 2021, splashing nearly £500m on new signings to try and push the club back towards the top end of the table.

Eddie Howe has been the man tasked with the challenge, leading the club to a top-four finish in 2022/23, before missing out on European football last season in what was an injury-hit campaign.

Signings such as Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have been crucial in their recent success, with the duo forming an excellent partnership in attacking areas – registering 32 league goals between them last season alone.

However, one other new addition has found life on Tyneside more of a struggle, unable to make a huge impact after his big-money move to St James’ Park last summer.

Sandro Tonali’s time at Newcastle United

Midfielder Sandro Tonali has endured a difficult start to life as a Newcastle player over the past 12 months, only making 14 appearances for the club in all competitions.

The 24-year-old moved to England in a £55m deal from Serie A side AC Milan, but after scoring just six minutes into his debut against Aston Villa, he would fail to find the back of the net again after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Italian was hit with a 10-month ban for breaking gambling rules during his time at Milan, with the midfielder only just making his return in the Carabao Cup victory over Nottingham Forest at the end of last month.

He still has a huge part to play under Howe on Tyneside, making his first league appearance since October last year during the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

However, as a result of his absence, he’s seen his market value plummet, with Tonali now valued lower than one player who left Newcastle on the cheap numerous years ago.

Sandro Tonali’s market value in 2024

Striker Ivan Toney has gone on to achieve wonderful things in English football, but he could’ve been having those moments in a Newcastle shirt had the club not parted ways with the now 28-year-old back in 2018.

The Magpies sold the striker to League One side Peterborough United in a £500k deal – a price tag that looks to be a bargain given his recent goalscoring exploits.

Toney, who like Tonali, missed a large period of fixtures for breaking betting rules, scored 72 goals in 141 games for Brentford during his four-year stint in London.

2020/21

45

31

10

2021/22

33

12

5

2022/23

33

20

4

2023/24

17

4

2

Total:

128

67

21

His unbelievable record includes a campaign where he scored 31 Championship goals during the 2020/21 campaign, before hitting 20 Premier League goals a couple of years later – leading to boss Thomas Frank dubbing the Englishman as a "monster".

He subsequently left the Bees this summer in a £40m deal to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli – with his transfer fee higher than the market value of current Magpies star Tonali, who’s only valued at £32m as per Transfermarkt.

Given his recent form in front of goal along with his huge transfer fee, there must be some regret at Newcastle that they offloaded the striker too soon – with his talents in attacking areas undoubtedly aiding Howe’s side in 2024.

Whilst they received a sell-on fee after his move to Brentford, it wouldn’t compare to the fee the Bees received this summer, with the club having a howler by allowing a top-quality striker to depart at such a minimal fee.

Trippier 2.0: Newcastle have a 17 y/o who can follow in Miley's footsteps

Eddie Howe could replace his veteran right-back without spending a penny…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 6, 2024

Leeds United built their last promotion success on hard work as much as they did talent, although that's not to suggest the latter was in short supply.

Players like Pablo Hernandez, Kalvin Phillips and a firing Patrick Bamford underpinned a top-quality squad that dominated the Championship during their 2020 success in which Marcelo Bielsa was the mastermind behind it all.

However, one player who was ever-present during that historic season was Mateusz Klich, who offered an all-action bridge between defence and attack.

It was his energy in the engine room that proved vital to the philosophy of the Argentine, with the legendary coach even branding him as a player "who can play in all the best teams in the world".

With the Polish maestro having since departed, there has been a void left ever since. However, reports from earlier in June suggest that this could be set to change, as the 49ers eye an ambitious swoop to pry Gustavo Hamer from Coventry City.

How good is Gustavo Hamer?

The Dutch-Brazilian midfielder starred last term for the promotion-chasing Sky Blues, who were denied their Premier League promotion by a penalty shootout.

Operating largely as a box-to-box, or even defensive asset in their midfield, few could have predicted that the 26-year-old would prove so instrumental at both ends of the pitch, particularly with his goalscoring.

After all, his nine goals and ten assists in the league greatly influenced his 7.35 average rating, alongside a 73% pass accuracy, 1.8 key passes and 2.6 tackles per game, via Sofascore. This even omits his two goals in the playoffs too, emphasising his nature as a big-game player.

It is, therefore, no surprise to see a former teammate of his, Marko Marosi, effusive in his praise back in 2020. He likely foresaw the quality that was just waiting to be unleashed, stating: "Gustavo is unbelievable. He is a funny guy as well and a great character."

There was nothing that the midfield maestro could not do, and as such his rating saw him ranked as the third-best player in the whole of the Championship, and would even have been the joint-highest rated star when compared to Leeds' promotion squad.

To compare Hamer with Klich during Leeds' promotion campaign though, the similarities are there for all to see.

He too was neither solely an attacking force nor defensive stalwart, but instead a jack of all trades who had mastered some facets of the game.

His 7.07 average rating during the 2019/20 season was largely buoyed through similar figures to his potential successor, as he posted 11 goal contributions, an 81% pass accuracy, 1.8 key passes and 1.9 tackles per game all from midfield, via Sofascore.

Whilst valued at just €4.2m (£3.6m) by Football Transfers, it is expected that Hamer, the natural replacement for 33-year-old fan favourite, will likely cost more. However, with the well-documented financial troubles over the years in Coventry, the Yorkshire outfit could pounce to snatch one of the Championship's top performers.

Leeds United are yet to make their first move in the 2023 summer transfer window with the 49ers club takeover yet to be concluded, but that has not stopped rumours of Jayson Molumby's possible transfer to Elland Road.

The West Bromwich Albion star has been in fine fettle and one of the centrepieces behind the Championship outfit's resurgence after a dismal start to the most recent campaign, and Leeds have taken note.

That's according to The Sun's Alan Nixon, who has recently claimed via his Patreon account that Leeds have earmarked the dynamic midfielder as a top target this summer.

Rated at £4m by Football Transfers, Molumby would be an excellent fit for the West Yorkshire outfit, at least, that's according to transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who said: "You need players that the Leeds fans can trust and identify with. And this is someone who would certainly show all the determination and drive that you would really expect from Leeds and want in his position.”

How good is Jayson Molumby?

If Leeds could pull off what would be a signing to catalyse the central midfield's robustness and effectiveness, it could represent the dream replacement for Weston McKennie, who endured a lacklustre six-month loan spell with the Whites after signing from Juventus in January.

This is not to explicitly say that Molumby is a 'better' player than McKennie, who, of course, boasts a wealth of experience across multiple top-flight European leagues and has starred for USA at the 2022 World Cup, but it simply didn't work out for the industrious midfielder at Elland Road, and he floundered to an average rating of 6.67 – as per Sofascore – across his 19 matches in the division. This was just the 13th-best rating in the squad last term.

Hailed as "an insane talent" by journalist Rudy Kinsella, Molumby is tried and tested in the second tier and would surely view a transfer to Leeds as a step up in his career and the chance to cement a starting berth in an outfit hoping to rectify the past wrongs with a swift return to the Premier League.

The omens are certainly promising, with the Waterford-born ace playing 43 times in the Championship this season as West Brom eradicated the concerns over relegation and forged a path to promotion contention, missing out on the play-offs by just three points.

The 23-year-old recorded an average rating of 6.83 after posting four goals and assists apiece, also completing 86% of his passes and averaging 1.4 tackles per game.

Praised as an "animal" by manager Carlos Corberan, the Republic of Ireland international seemingly boasts the tenacity and guile to succeed in the Championship, and he would certainly be a massive upgrade on McKennie, who was indifferent during his time at Elland Road.

Journalist Josh Bunting has praised Rangers and their signing of forward Sam Lammers from Atalanta, calling it an “interesting” move by the club.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news?

Michael Beale and the Teddy Bears have undergone a major summer overhaul thus far, with many former first-teamers departing Ibrox in late May.

Indeed, ex-mainstays like Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, Filip Helander and Steven Davis all departed at the end of their contracts, leaving Rangers with the almighty task of replacing them.

They’ve done an exceptional job of it thus far, completing deals for Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland and now Lammers for a fee of around £3 million.

The Dutchman has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Rangers, with Beale now signing a replacement for Morelos and potentially astute addition.

Reporter Josh Bunting, writing on Twitter after the Gers confirmed his capture, is completely aware of Lammers’ ability and believes the club have pulled off a major coup.

The journalist detailed exactly what supporters can expect from Lammers, namely his technical ability, sweet left foot and in-game intelligence.

How many goals has Sam Lammers scored?

The 26-year-old, who stands a towering 6 foot 3, could have the physicality suited for Scottish football and some of his past numbers suggest he could do well under Beale.

Lammers spent the 2022/2023 campaign on loan at Sampdoria, where he bagged just one goal and an assist, but his previous spell at SC Heerenveen in 2019 indicates there is a real goalscorer waiting to be unearthed.

During the 18/19 season, Lammers bagged an impressive 16 goals and five assists on loan at Heerenveen in the Dutch top flight, which may have prompted Atalanta to later snap him up from PSV Eindhoven.

While his career arguably didn’t work out there, Lammers has been handed another chance to succeed at Rangers and showcase his true ability.

Heerenveen boss Kees van Wonderen has also praised the attacker.

“What you get from him as a player is first and foremost a superb work ethic. He’s a left-footed striker and is good technically,” said van Wonderen.

“He’s a player who has an eye on the tactical aspects of the game, he appreciates how the game is played, where the spaces are and how to deal with circumstances on the pitch.”

Liverpool are considering a summer swoop to bring Torino defender Perr Schuurs to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Perr Schuurs?

Schuurs is a centre-back who currently plays his football for Ivan Juric’s side having joined from Ajax last summer, and he’s been a regular feature during his debut season, clocking up a total of 33 appearances to date.

The Dutchman still has another three years to run on his contract, but being the Serie A outfit’s top-performing defensive player, has caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp, and it’s not the first time he’s been talked about at Anfield.

The Reds reportedly wanted to sign the 23-year-old back in 2020 but never fully pursued a move, though with the boss believed to be entering the market for a new centre-back during the upcoming window, it appears that he’s ready to return and take a second bite of the cherry for his former target.

Are Liverpool signing Schuurs?

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have “added” Schuurs to their “list” of transfer options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The Merseyside outfit are “considering” an approach for the 6 foot 3 colossus who is also attracting interest from Juventus, and it’s stated that Torino would be “ready to start negotiations” for a fee between €20-25m (£17-21m) in order to sanction his sale.

Should FSG submit an offer for Schuurs?

Football Insider have reported that Liverpool are open to offers for Joel Matip and Nat Phillips this summer so backline reinforcements will be needed should one or both of the duo depart, and having been dubbed a “mountain” by journalist Josh Bunting, Schuurs could be a perfect acquisition.

The Nike-sponsored titan averaged 3.2 clearances and two aerial wins per league game last season, via WhoScored, not to mention that he made 51 tackles which was the second-highest number in his squad, highlighting how much of a rock he can be (FBRef).

The Nieuwstadt native, who has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in defensive midfield, can also get involved at the opposite end of the pitch having posted three goal contributions (two assists and one goal) in 33 outings for Torino.

Finally, Schuurs already knows what it takes to compete for silverware and be successful at the highest level having secured six trophies throughout his career, so he would be able to match and even add to the winning mentality of the current squad already at Anfield.

Celtic secured the domestic treble on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Inverness at Hampden in the Scottish FA Cup final but their joy has been short-lived as manager Ange Postecoglou is now on the verge of leaving the club.

The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that the Australian coach is set to finalise a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the coming days.

This means that the Scottish giants are set to be in the market for a new boss to replace the 57-year-old, who is seemingly set to depart after winning five trophies in two seasons at the helm.

Who could replace Ange Postecoglou?

Celtic's head of recruitment Mark Lawwell could pull off a potential masterclass by using his contacts to replace Postecoglou with Manchester City assistant coach Enzo Maresca.

Last month, Football Insider reported that the Hoops were keeping tabs on the Spaniard with a view to him being on their shortlist of possible targets for the job, should it become available.

It appears as though the role is now about to be vacant, if the current boss' move to Spurs goes ahead as reported, and Maresca, who journalist Dean Jones claimed would be an "interesting" option, could come in and take it.

Lawwell worked at The Etihad prior to arriving at Parkhead last year and he could use his connections with the Premier League giants to strike a deal for the 43-year-old coach, who is said to be 'well-regarded'.

He does not have a wealth of experience as a manager but did showcase his potential whilst in charge of Manchester City's U23 side.

The tactician won 17 of his 24 matches at the helm of the academy side and won 2.33 points per game on average, which shows that he does know what it takes to make a winning side, albeit that has only been proven at youth level.

Maresca has worked as an assistant at Sevilla with Vincenzo Montella, West Ham with Manuel Pellegrini, and has been Pep Guardiola's assistant for 60 matches – winning the Premier League and the FA Cup so far.

It would be a gamble for Celtic to sign the Spanish coach due to not having a proven track record as a manager but appointing him at this point in his career could be a masterclass as they could bring him in before he becomes hot property.

Mikel Arteta had never managed a senior match prior to leaving Guardiola as his assistant to join Arsenal as their boss and has since led them to an FA Cup trophy and, this season, a second-place finish in the Premier League.

Therefore, Celtic could take a lead out of the Gunners' book to make Maresca their head coach before he moves elsewhere and forges a reputation that could put him beyond the club's reach in the future.

This is why this swoop could be a stroke of genius by Lawwell and one that could be an exciting step for the Hoops after Postecoglou's reported departure.

Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing Queens Park Rangers striker Lyndon Dykes, according to recent reports.

What's the latest Blackburn Rovers transfer news?

With the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz, Bradley Dack and Daniel Ayala all leaving Ewood Park in the coming weeks, it's set to be a busy summer for Rovers as they look to replace them.

After missing out on the playoffs by goal difference, Jon Dahl Tomasson's side has moved quickly, signing Plymouth Argyle striker Niall Ennis last month.

A lack of depth up front has been a cause for concern for the Lancashire outfit all year, with the departing Brereton Diaz (16) the only player to score in double figures for the side this season.

Rovers aren't finished there, though, and according to the Daily Mail, they are among a number of teams interested in QPR striker, Dykes.

The Lancashire Telegraph reports that the club will need to sell players to generate any finances for a transfer, though, with full-back Tayo Edun being linked with a move away from Ewood, with both Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City interested.

Will Lyndon Dykes join Blackburn Rovers?

With eight league goals this season in a struggling QPR side, the 27-year-old would add some firepower to a Rovers team that's been severely lacking it this year.

No Rovers player outside of Brereton Diaz scored more league goals than the Scottish international during the Championship's latest campaign and adding him will help alleviate any pressure on Sam Gallagher's goal-scoring output.

The 27-year-old talisman, once hailed "dangerous" by former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard shortly before his team faced Dykes and Livingston in 2020, excels as a big target man, winning 4.8 aerial duels a game according to WhoScored, almost two more than Rovers' current number nine, Sam Gallagher who wins three per game.

While Tomasson has prioritised a possession-based style of football, playing out from the back, his side has also shown a tendency to pick out a long ball whenever they identify space behind the opposition back line, firing 66 long passes a game, and having a forward like Dykes on the receiving end would see the £8k-a-week man almost certainly reap the rewards.

Rovers certainly aren't the only team interested in the Scottish international, though, with fellow championship outfit Stoke City and newly-promoted Burnley both also targeting Dykes, so the club have got their work cut out for them if they're going to lure the QPR man to Ewood Park.