FA considering offering out Wembley to new bidders
Sky Sports News understands the FA is considering opening up Wembley Stadium to new bidders, although Shahid Khan remains the favourite to purchase the arena should the governing body choose to sell.
Khan, who owns Fulham, made a £600m offer to take the national stadium off the FA's hands in April.
It is understood the FA has had approaches from at least three other interested parties, although none are considered to be as attractive as Khan's offer.
The 67-year-old's bid matches much of the FA's criteria. He will agree to England matches and FA Cup finals remaining at Wembley, as well as allowing the FA to keep their offices at the stadium.
Furthermore, the deal would permit the FA to retain ownership of Club Wembley - the lucrative hospitality and corporate arm of the Wembley business.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn says money generated from the potential sale of Wembley would be invested in grassroots football, in the form of new all-weather pitches and improvements to grass surfaces.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11402329/fa-considering-offering-out-wembley-to-new-bidders
Fulham keen on Ayew and Chambers
Fulham are in talks with Swansea City over a potential deal to sign Jordan Ayew and also want Arsenal defender Calum Chambers.
The Whites have indicated they are prepared to pay £8m for 26-year-old forward Ayew, who has attracted interest from a number of clubs.
Ayew, a Ghana international, has made 50 Premier League appearances, scoring eight goals, since joining Swansea from Aston Villa in January last year.
He is among several players expected to leave the Welsh club following their relegation from the top flight.
Fulham were keen on Chambers, 23, last summer but he stayed at the Emirates Stadium and made 24 appearances for Arsenal last season, including 10 Premier League starts.
Fulham are looking for new centre-backs and a right-back following the club's promotion – and Chambers can play in both positions.
Chambers, who has played three times for England, has three years remaining on his Arsenal contract but Fulham are hopeful a deal can be agreed to take him to Craven Cottage.
Fulham are also looking to sign Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon on a permanent basis following their spells on loan from Chelsea.
Kalas' loan deal included an option to buy him for £8.5m but Fulham are hoping to negotiate a lower price.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-calum-chambers-jordan-ayew
Chelsea transfer news: Blues set to complete first summer business with £8m double deal
CHELSEA are set to complete their first transfer business of the summer with the double sale of two players to Fulham.
Chelsea have been slow movers in the market so far with uncertainty over manager Antonio Conte's future causing a hold-up.
He's thought to be heading for the Stamford Bridge exit - but two players could beat him to it.
Starsport understands Lucas Piazon and Tomas Kalas are close to joining Premier League new boys Fulham in an £8m deal.
The pair both played on loan at Craven Cottage as Slavisa Jokanovic's side secured a return to the top flight via the Championship play-offs last term.
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Chelsea transfer news: Lucas Piazon and Tomas Kalas are heading to Fulham
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Slavisa Jokanovic is set to sign Kalas and Piazon on permanent deals
Piazon and Kalas also spent the previous 12 months on loan at Fulham and now look set to put pen to paper on permanent deals with Chelsea's west London rivals.
Defender Kalas has made two first-team appearances for the Blues but the majority of his time on the books has been spent out on loan.
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Lucas Piazon: Chelsea are set to sell the 24-year-old
He signed for Chelsea in 2010 but has since played for Sigma Olomouc, Vitesse Arnhem, Cologne and Middlesbrough on a temporary basis.
The 25-year-old is a full Czech Republic international.
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Tomas Kalas has spent the past two seasons with Fulham
Piazon has one Chelsea appearance to his name and like Kalas has been farmed out on loan all across Europe.
The 24-year-old Brazilian turned out for Malaga, Vitesse Arnhem, Frankfurt and Reading before heading to Fulham in 2016.
The Cottagers will learn their Premier League schedule on Thursday when the fixtures for next season are published at 9am.
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/709088/Chelsea-transfer-news-Lucas-Piazon-Tomas-Kalas-Fulham-sale
Danny Murphy hails Fulham's Tom Cairney as their 'game-changer' ahead of Premier League
The former Liverpool and Fulham man also believes that the side need to keep him fit in order to fully utilise Cairney in the Premier League
Danny Murphy has hailed Tom Cairney as Fulham's 'game-changer' ahead of their first Premier League campaign in four years.
The 27-year-old skipper was the man who scored the goal at Wembley to seal their place back in the top flight of English football after a fantastic season in the second tier of English football - despite missing a large chunk of it with injury.
He was named in the Team of the Season as he scored five goals and contributed six assists as Slavisa Jokanovic's side finished third, while he also completed more passes than anyone else in the division (3001), despite playing far less games.
Cairney will be key to the side's chances in the Premier League next season as they look to stay in the division after achieving promotion, and former skipper Murphy believes the Scotsman is a 'terrific player' but believe Fulham need to keep him fit next season.
"Cairney is a terrific player," he said. "What I like about him is he tries to make things happen, make a difference in the final third.
"I think he probably could be a bit fitter. That's not saying anything against him because that will come with playing at the next level anyway. He missed quite a few games, and they need to keep him fit because at the moment he is the one, the game-changer.
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(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
"But they need players. A bit of experience and a bit more legs."
Fulham will find out who they will face when in the Premier League on Thursday morning, when the fixtures are announced at 9am.
https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/danny-murphy-hails-fulhams-tom-14772671
Report: Fulham want Arsenal defender Calum Chambers
Fulham were reportedly interested in Chambers last summer, and are said to have reignited their interest this time around.
Sky Sports have claimed on their Transfer Centre (12.14pm, Tuesday) that Fulham have reignited last summer's interest in Arsenal defender Calum Chambers.
Fulham were said to be keen on signing Chambers last summer though the Cottagers position in the Championship is said to have prevented a move. Following their promotion last month, they could stand a better chance.
The 23-year-old made 25 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, but only 12 of those came in the Premier League and it remains to be seen if the former Southampton defender is a part of Unai Emery's plans.
He faces competition from the likes of Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny and Rob Holding, while the Gunners are said to be in talks to sign Dortmund's Sokratis and Freiburg's Caglar Soyuncu.
Chambers has plenty of Premier League experience, featuring in England's top division 94 times after spells with Southampton and Arsenal as well as a season-long loan with Middlesbrough - which ended in relegation.
It is unclear how much Chambers would cost newly-promoted Fulham, with three years remaining on his contract at the Emirates. He cost the Gunners £16m from Southampton (BBC Sport).
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/12/report-fulham-want-arsenal-defender-calum-chambers/
Fulham reignite interest in Arsenal's Calum Chambers
Arsenal defender signed two-year contract extension last year
Fulham have reignited their interest in Arsenal defender Calum Chambers, according to Sky sources.
The 23-year-old was one of their top targets last summer along with his then Gunners team-mate Lucas Perez, who returned to Deportivo La Coruna.
Chambers is high on their list again this summer as the Whites look to build a squad that can survive in the Premier League next season.
He made 24 appearances last term, including 10 Premier League starts, during Arsene Wenger's last season as manager.
Arsenal are reshaping their own squad this summer under new manager Unai Emery and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, and it remains to be seen whether Chambers is part of their plans.
Chambers, who has three England caps, has three years remaining on his Arsenal contract after signing two-year extension last year.
He joined Arsenal from Southampton for £18m in 2014 and has made 83 appearances, spending the 2016-17 season on loan at Middlesborough.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11402430/calum-chambers-tops-fulhams-transfer-targets-list
How Tim Ream went from surplus to requirements at Fulham to Player of the Season in two years
The 30-year-old won Player of the Season at Fulham, and it represented a marked turnaround since being told he could leave the club in 2016
As the sun started to set over Wembley Stadium, one man sat alone on the hallowed turf, taking a moment to himself to let everything sink in.
Just two years previously, Tim Ream had been told he could leave Craven Cottage by new head coach Slavisa Jokanovic having only been signed in August of 2015 from Bolton Wanderers, with the Serbian not seeing a place for Ream in his side.
Fast forward to June 11 and the 30-year-old has been named as Fulham's Player of the Season, playing in all but two of their Championship games, culminating in helping to keep a clean sheet at Wembley which saw him become a Premier League player once again.
There were a few fairytale stories to emerge from the promotion winning season and Ream's is right up there with the rest of them, going from a player not needed by Jokanovic to one the head coach couldn't be without.
Reliable, confident on the ball and a no-nonsense talker, the American's season was the result of hard work put in on and off the pitch over the past two years, fuelled by Ream's determined personality and professionalism.
And it all began at the end of the 2015/16 season, where a meeting with Jokanovic revealed that the new head coach felt that Ream wasn't part of his plans to take Fulham forward following the club's 20th placed finish and that he was allowed to find a new club.
No-nonsense as ever, Ream told Fulham's matchday programme the story behind it: "That's been my mentality everywhere I've gone; I'm going to make it hard for whoever's in charge to see me off and give them something to think about.
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"Fair play to the manager, we had a conversation and a meeting and he let me know where things stood.
"I took it on board and thought, 'You know what, I'm going to come in next pre-season and give you some food for thought. If you still feel the way you do, then so be it, I won't be able to change that'.
"But thankfully I was able to change his mind and here I am, almost 24 months later, starting a load of games and playing well. I like to think I'm one of the first on the teamsheet because I've been playing so well and so consistently."
It seems unthinkable now, such have been the performances Ream has put in over the course of the last season and a half at the Cottage, but his first season in west London wasn't cut from the same cloth as his recent campaigns.
A seeming nervousness when in possession of the ball and with a mistake in him, Ream struggled to recapture the form that had seen him named as Bolton's Player of the Season, eventually finding himself pushed out to left back as Jokanovic reshuffled the back four.
Tomas Kalas and Ragnar Sigurdsson arrived at the Cottage in the summer of 2016 in preparations for the 2016/17 season, with the Chelsea loanee striking up a partnership with Michael Madl that saw Ream find himself watching from the sidelines more and more.
Despite those arrivals though, Ream continue to show the same determination and work effort he shows today and throughout his career, plugging away in pre-season and at Motspur Park in the early stages of the campaign to show Jokanovic just why he should be one of the starting centre backs.
Jokanovic was impressed by the American's determination, but it wasn't until January that Ream got his chance and took it with both hands, making 28 appearances between then and the end of the season as the centre back became the side's go-to defender, alongside Kalas.
And the work that Ream had put in off the pitch was clear for everyone to see.
He was calm in possession of the football with a reading of the game that demonstrated his vast experience from America and Bolton, and before long his consistent performances meant that Jokanovic had found his settled centre back pairing.
That season would ultimately end in disappointment with defeat at Reading in the Championship play-off semi final, but it meant that Ream had another season in the second tier to show he wasn't a one trick pony and that his form was here to stay, and my word did it.
2017/18 saw Ream's best season to date as he dominated strikers, kept a cool character at the back and showed leadership skills that were vital to Fulham's run to the Premier League.
It was a coming of age of sorts - Ream had the potential when he moved to Bolton from the States as Gary Cahill's replacement, but it was in the shadow of the Cottage that he was showing why he had been a Premier League player in the past.
His passing stats for the season show a story too - he completed 2,793 of them in the Championship this season, third only behind Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney.
His ability to adapt to what Jokanovic asked of the side when he took over the reins two-and-a-half-years ago is part of the reason why we see the player before us today - those passing stats show how key Ream has become to the head coach's style of play.
But for me, a large part of it, as mentioned before, is his no-nonsense attitude to results and performances.
Back in 2015, I spoke to Ream after Fulham's 5-2 loss to Birmingham City in November and as ever, he pulled no punches in describing what was going wrong.
He told me: "We don't know why we're so inconsistent at the moment - we can't seem to put a finger on it.
"We've been talking about it, and it's something we need to figure out in order to move up the league and we need to figure it out quickly.
"This league can chew you up and spit you out just as quickly as you can go on a run, so we need to put things right and find some consistency, because the top teams can do it and we feel that there is no reason why we can't.
"It's tough going two weeks without a game.
"It gives us a chance to reflect and figure out what we can do individually and what we need to do as a team better week-in week-out and find that consistency.
"I'm fortunate enough to get to go away, but for the guys who have to stay back there aren't really words to describe it.
"It's a terrible taste and a terrible feeling having to sit now for two weeks and not have a game and not being able to get back out onto the pitch and put things right."
That attitude is something we've seen all season from Ream, who knows there is no point hiding behind circumstance when things aren't going your way.
Fulham were going through a bad patch then, but fast forward to defeat at Birmingham (yep, them again) on the final day of last season, where a first loss in 24 games saw the side miss out on an automatic promotion spot to the Premier League.
Again, Ream pulled no punches.
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Tim Ream controls the ball against Hull City (Image: Ashley Allen/Getty Images)
"It's all excuses," he said.
"It was down to us, it was there for us, we got the result we needed in the Cardiff game and, pardon my French, but we s**t the bed."
When you talk to Ream, you know what you're going to get - the cold, hard truth of the matter with no gimmicks to dress it up, and it's that mentality that has seen the US international haul himself from the fringes of the squad to key player.
Being named Player of the Season was fully deserved, but knowing Ream, the hard work won't stop there.
The Premier League was where Ream played when he first moved to these shores from the States - his target will be to continue his consistent performances against some of the best players in the world this season.
https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-story-tim-ream-promotion-14773620
Report: Newcastle and Fulham want midfielder Roque Mesa
Newcastle and Fulham are both likely to be busy this summer.
Spanish outlet Sevilla ABC has claimed that Newcastle United and Fulham are both interested in signing Swansea City flop Roque Mesa, while La Liga side Sevilla are also keen.
The 29-year-old midfielder joined Swansea last summer from Las Palmas for a fee of £11million (The Sun) but was immediately loaned back to Spain with Sevilla after just 11 Premier League appearances.
It had been expected that Mesa would move to Sevilla permanently, following Swansea's relegation to the Premier League, but both Fulham and Newcastle are now considering moves.
Mesa's agent - the same as Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic - stated that the midfielder had received offers from both Spain and England: "Roque Mesa has received many proposals in recent weeks, from Spain and England."
The Toon are likely to be in the market for a central midfielder, with Mikel Merino reportedly interesting La Liga side Athletic Bilbao this summer. Jack Colback and Henri Saivet are also expected to leave Tyneside after loan spells.
Mesa has a contract at Swansea until the summer of 2021, but his future in Wales looks all but over. It remains to be seen how much interested parties will have to spend to land the former Levante youth player.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/12/report-newcastle-and-fulham-want-midfielder-roque-mesa/
Joe Bennett's £2m release clause doesn't exist anymore and Cardiff City have no intention of selling him to Fulham
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Joe Bennett but they won't be getting him for £2m
Cardiff City full-back Joe Bennett is not expected to leave the Welsh capital this summer despite being targeted yet again by Fulham.
The former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough player is settled in Cardiff and it is thought he will remain with the newly-promoted club.
It has been reported in recent days that Fulham will make another attempt to sign the 28-year-old from Neil Warnock's grasp after a failed attempt last summer.
Bennett, whose contract runs up until the summer of 2019, turned down bigger wages from Fulham last summer to remain in south Wales.
The Daily Mail reported on Saturday that Fulham, who are also heading into the Premier League for 2018/19, are prepared to trigger a £2million release clause for Bennett.
However, WalesOnline understands that clause effectively no longer exists from this season.
It certainly was in place when Fulham made him an offer last summer, but following Cardiff's promotion to the Premier League the specific clause is now inactive, with the Bluebirds having no intention of selling the player.
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Joe Bennett of Cardiff City is challenged by Sheyi Ojo of Fulham (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
Bennett was one of the Bluebirds' most consistent performers in 2017/18, helping Neil Warnock's side clinch an unlikely promotion.
He bounced back from unwanted headlines following his horror tackle on Manchester City star Leroy Sane — and subsequent red card and suspension — to play a key role in the run-in.
Neil Warnock spoke last August about how Bennett had turned down an offer from the Cottagers.
Speaking last summer, Warnock said: "It's been difficult for him as he's had all sorts thrown at him over the last few days and there was nothing we could do because once they met his clause, it was down to him to say yes or no.
"He was offered a very good contract but it speaks well of the lad and the club at moment about where we are when you turn that down.
"I put no pressure on him, it was down to him, he had the option. But he's staying for less money he could have had, on his original contract with two years to go."
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/joe-bennetts-2m-release-clause-14769755
Report: Wolves, Fulham, Southampton want Rodrigo Battaglia
Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham and Southampton reportedly want Rodrigo Battaglia.
West Ham United were linked with a move for Rodrigo Battaglia back in April, with O Jogo claiming that the Hammers were interested signing the Sporting Lisbon midfielder in the summer transfer window.
O Jogo reported that West Ham were going to have to compete with Inter Milan, Napoli and AS Roma for the signature of the 26-year-old midfielder.
The London club, though, could now face further competition for the former Argentina Under-20 international.
According to TEAMtalk, Fulham, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in the Argentine midfielder.
Both Wolves and Fulham won promotion to the Premier League from the Championship this past season, while Southampton narrowly avoided relegation from the top flight of English football.
Quality footballer
Battaglia is a very good midfielder with a lot of experience, and the 26-year-old would be a good signing for Fulham, Wolves or the Saints.
The Argentine scored one goal and provided two assists in 21 league starts for Sporting this past season and scored one goal in four Europa League starts, according to WhoScored, and he also played in six Champions League matches for the Portuguese club.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/12/report-wolves-fulham-southampton-want-rodrigo-battaglia/
WANTED MAN Swansea City midfielder Roque Mesa is being tracked by Fulham, Newcastle, and Sevilla
Spanish star is wanted by several clubs despite failing to perform for the Jacks following an £11.5million move last summer
Premier League sides Fulham and Newcastle United are trying to hijack Sevilla's move for Roque Mesa.
The midfielder is set to leave Swansea City this summer after spending just half a season in Wales.
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Swansea City midfielder Roque Mesa in action.
The Spaniard joined a year ago from Las Palmas for £11million, but he joined Sevilla on loan in January after struggling to settle with the Jacks.
Sevilla are now trying to tie up a permanent deal for Mesa now but, according to ABC de Sevilla, they have a fight on their hands.
Fulham and Newcastle are interested in the 29-year-old and are prepared to offer him another crack at the Premier League.
Mesa is still thought to favour a return to Spain with Sevilla, but a lucrative offer from England could sway him.
The Jacks are now preparing for life in the Championship following their relegation with Graham Potter replacing Carlos Carvalhal as manager but they have so far only signed ex-Liverpool youth Yan Dhanda, while there have been no outgoings.
https://talksport.com/football/382330/swansea-transfer-news-roque-mesa/
Player Departures(http://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/placeholder/craven-cottage/departrexfeatures_9629104e.jpg?w=622&h=278)
The Club can confirm the following players, in addition to Ryan Fredericks who joined West Ham last week, leaving Fulham after the expiry of their contracts this summer are: George Williams, Michael Elstone, Joe Felix, Dan Martin, Julian Schwarzer, and Djed Spence.
Fredericks and Williams made First Team appearances for the Club - the former playing 114 times for the Whites during his three years at the Club, while Williams made 17 appearances for the First Team after graduating from the Academy.
We thank all our departing players for their efforts during their time at Fulham, and wish them every success in their careers.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/june/12/player-departures
Fulham ready to try again for Chambers
by Dan on June 12, 2018
Fulham have made another approach for Arsenal centre back Calum Chambers, according to Sky Sports.
The 23 year-old defender has been a longstanding Craven Cottage target and the Whites tried to sign Chambers last summer. Fulham hope that the England international might consider either a loan or a permanent move now that Slavisa Jokanovic's side are a Premier League side again – following their Championship play-off final win over Aston Villa.
The former Southampton defender is waiting for word from new Arsenal boss Unai Emery on his Gunners future, having made 24 appearances under Arsene Wenger last term. He remains under contract at the Emirates for a further two years after signing a new deal last year and played 83 first-team games for Arsenal since signing from Southampton in 2018.
Fulham are eager to add defensive reinforcements as they plan their return to the top flight. Chambers' versatility – he can play either in the centre of defence or at right back – as well as his ball-playing ability should suit Slavisa Jokanovic's possession-based approach, although the Whites are reportedly close to concluding a deal to turn Tomas Kalas' long-term loan at Craven Cottage into a permanent deal.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-ready-to-try-again-for-chambers/
Yet Another Emerging Young Star Linked With A Move To Fulham
With Slavisa Jokanovic looking to strengthen the squad, following Fulham's promotion to the Premier League, the Craven Cottage based club have been linked with the acquisition of another talented youngster.
Today, lurking in the pages of the tabloid publication, the Mirror, is the insinuation that Fulham are interested in signing the young Liverpool midfielder, Harry Wilson.
Wilson, just 21-years-of-age, has the claim to fame of being the youngest player to play for Wales, at the tender age of just 16 years and 207 days and is rated at around the £7 million mark.
Last season Wilson spent time on loan at Hull City for whom he made 13 league appearances scoring 7 goals.
However, there are a couple of obstacles that stand in Fulham's way.
Firstly, Liverpool, according to our referenced source, have a reluctance to sell their talented youngster and would prefer a loan spell even though the player, during Jurgen Klopp's managerial reign has been limited to just a single appearance from the substitutes bench.
Secondly, another Premier League club, Huddersfield Town, are also interested in the player.
As for our view, here at Vital Fulham, once again we have an age issue. As we set to embark on a bright, new future, we're of the opinion that Fulham would be better suited looking for some additions to the squad that know their way around the toughest domestic league in Europe.
COYW's
https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/yet-another-emerging-young-star-linked-with-a-move-to-fulham/
George Williams: Forest Green sign ex-Fulham midfielder
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George Williams scored one goal in 11 appearances while on loan at St Johnstone last season
Forest Green Rovers have signed midfielder George Williams on a two-year deal after his release by Fulham.
The 22-year-old played 17 times for the Cottagers, although he spent much of the past two seasons on loan at MK Dons and St Johnstone respectively.
Williams, capped seven times by Wales, made his international debut against the Netherlands in 2014 and was part of their Euro 2016 squad.
"I'm really looking forward to being a part of the team," he said.
"After coming down here last week, speaking to the manager and finding out a bit more about him, the chairman and the ambitions they have for the club, everything was perfect for me.
"That's why I've come to Forest Green. I had options to go elsewhere but after speaking to the manager everything just seemed right so I'm really positive and hopefully I can do well at Forest Green"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44460128
Mitrovic up front with Chambers in defence - How Fulham could line up on the opening day
We've taken a look at the transfer rumours surrounding Fulham this summer and looked at how the Whites could line up on the opening day of the season
Fulham have been linked with a move for Arsenal's Calum Chambers as they look to strengthen their side for their first Premier League season since 2014.
A number of positions are high on the recruitment department's to-do list, with a new centre back one of them, and at 23-years-old fits the model that has been put in place at Craven Cottage.
As well as the Arsenal man, Tomas Kalas could return to Fulham after two loan spells in two years to give even more strength in depth at the back, while fellow Chelsea player Lucas Piazon has also been linked with a move back down the Fulham Palace Road to the Cottage.
It could be a real new look Fulham side that takes on the Premier League this season after getting promotion at Wembley in the play-off final, with a whole host of other names being linked with a move to the top flight's newest side this summer.
While most links will turn out to be dead ends, some will certainly come off for the Whites, who will be hoping to stamp their mark on England's top flight with the same free-flowing and attacking football they've played in the past two seasons in the Championship.
With that in mind, we've taken a look at how Fulham could line-up next season if the transfer links prove right.
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Chambers pairs with Tim Ream
After Ream's superb season, chances are he's probably going to be the starting centre back at Fulham next season, which means that whoever comes in will most likely fill in the vacant centre half role.
If Chambers does sign for Fulham, you would imagine he would slot into that position and start alongside the experienced Ream.
It represents a decent Premier League centre back pairing - that position is one that Jokanovic has been unhappy with in terms of depth for a couple of seasons now and he'll want the recruitment team to make sure there's strength there, which could come in the shape of Kalas.
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Calum Chambers of Arsenal. (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Kalas and Chambers could easily be a partnership in itself, so the competition between the three of them if the deals come off would make sure they would improve throughout the season.
Bryan at left back supporting Ryan Sessegnon
Another man linked with a move to Fulham is Bristol City's Joe Bryan, who enjoyed a solid season down the left flank at Ashton Gate last season.
Fulham need to sign a left back, and although Matt Targett is on their list to resign after his loan spell, Bryan has emerged as a name linked with the west London club.
He fits the mould of what the side want in a full back - good on the ball and a willingness to attack down the flanks.
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Joe Bryan scores his side's first goal against Manchester United at Ashton Gate. (Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
If he was to sign, you would imagine he'd be a good pairing down the left for Ryan Sessegnon, who benefits greatly from having an attack minded left back behind him, like he did with Scott Malone two seasons ago and Targett last campaign.
It's hard to see both Targett and Bryan signing, but if they were, it would represent serious strength in depth at left back, something Fulham didn't have last season.
Maddison lining up alongside Cairney
Two similar players, James Maddison has been linked with Fulham from Norwich City, and it would be hard to see him displacing Whites skipper Cairney from his role in the heart of midfield.
However, with a player of Maddison's quality in a squad, he'd have to play, so slotting him into the midfield three with Cairney and Kevin McDonald could be an option.
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(Image: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Stefan Johansen is the only man who could make way for him - Fulham's 4-3-3 needs McDonald in that holding role, and while Maddison and Johansen aren't similar - Johansen being the box-to-box player - the side wouldn't be able to lose that anchor role in front of the back four.
It's likely this deal won't come off - the price is high for Maddison and there's a number of established Premier League clubs after him, but the 21-year-old fits the mould of a Fulham man.
Edmilson Junior on the wing
The Standard Liege winger has been touted as an option for Fulham in the summer transfer window by reports in Beligum, with the country being used in the past for signings by the side.
They're on the lookout for a winger for the right, with no one really able to hold down that role last season, although Aboubakar Kamara showed vast improvement towards the end of the season.
Edmilson scored ten goals in the Belgian Pro League last season for his club and is another that fits the mould of what the recruitment side are looking for in their players.
While Piazon is also an option, the ability Edmilson has shown in Belgian could be an attractive option for the Whites.
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Junior Edmilson celebrates after scoring a goal (Image: BRUNO FAHY/AFP/Getty Images)
Mitrovic up top
Need I say more?
His 12 goals last season fired Fulham to the Premier League and he will be a potent threat next season in the top flight.
The Whites will score goals, and with someone like Mitrovic up top and Sessegnon providing, teams will need to lookout for the side's attacking threats.
https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-transfer-news-calum-chambers-14775076
Arsenal's Calum Chambers joining Fulham would be the ideal scenario for all parties involved
Fulham are reportedly keen on signing the Arsenal defender.
According to a report from West London Sport, Fulham are keen to sign Arsenal defender Calum Chambers this summer, and the transfer would be one that would benefit all parties involved.
The 23-year-old's career has stagnated since he made his £16 million move from Southampton to the Gunners way back in the summer of 2014.
A move away from the Emirates is surely what is needed in order to reinvigorate his career, and Craven Cottage could be the ideal place for him to flourish.
Chambers can operate as either a centre-back or a right-back - two positions where Fulham are looking to strengthen this summer, and the young Englishman could be a real hit in west London.
Despite making the odd high-profile error, the former Saints man is a solid defender, and still has a lot to offer at the very highest level.
His experience of playing for so many years in the top flight with Arsenal would also surely prove to be a great asset for Fulham upon their return to the Premier League.
Unai Emery is in the midst of a rebuild at the Emirates, and one area where he has chosen to strengthen already is his defensive department, which means that Chambers' first-team opportunities could be limited even more so this season.
A move away from north London would benefit Chambers himself, Arsenal and, of course, Fulham, who would be adding an extremely able defender to their ranks.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/12/arsenals-calum-chambers-joining-fulham-would-be-the-ideal-scenar/
Why Leicester City or Everton could be the perfect destination for this £25m Championship ace
According to a report by The Mirror, Leicester City, Everton and newly-promoted Premier League outfit Fulham are embroiled in a three-way tussle to sign Norwich City sensation James Maddison.
The report claims Maddison is valued at £25m, which is fair considering the inflated figures of the modern-day transfer market. Despite his blistering exploits for the Canaries in the Championship last season, Daniel Farke's men failed to finish in the top six.
But it goes without saying that Maddison effectively set the Championship alight with his swashbuckling displays. It seems like the player is destined for a future in the top-flight and with three Premier League sides battling for his signature, which club should he join?
Everton
Despite a season of uncertainty and problems, Everton managed to finish in the eighth spot. However, going forward, the club must aim for more. Given the slew of talents and financial backing at their disposal, the Toffees are capable of challenging for European spots and more.
They seem to have taken a step in the right direction by appointing Marco Silva as their new manager. And it goes without saying that the club are in for some massive changes. Considering Silva's dynamic tactics and attack-oriented game-plans, a creative player like Maddison could work wonders for the club.
Fulham
Fulham were able to closely observe Maddison over the course of the previous season in the Championship. Having recently secured a spot in the top-flight, the club will be eager to bolster their squad with the right talents. And while Maddison could be a brilliant addition for the club, it might be a risky endeavour for him to join a newly-promoted outfit.
The Cottagers have played a brilliant brand of football under Slavisa Jokanovic but it must be noted that they struggled quite a bit in the initial stages of the 2017/18 campaign. They deserve full credit for their late resurgence but for now, it might be better for Maddison to stay away from a move to Craven Cottage.
Leicester City
Leicester are expected to lose Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City this summer, meaning they could truly use a player like Maddison. Blessed with quick feet and excellent playmaking skills, the 21-year-old could prove to be a dynamic player for the Foxes.
Regardless of what happens with Mahrez, Leicester could do with the Norwich sensation being in their team. With the likes of Vincente Iborra and Wilfried Ndidi pulling the strings at the back, Maddison would be a force to reckon with at the King Power Stadium.
Verdict
To be fair, both Everton and Leicester require someone like Maddison ahead of the new season. Since he is available at a decent price, it will be interesting to see which club ultimately acquires his signature.
https://soccersouls.com/2018/06/13/why-leicester-city-or-everton-could-be-the-perfect-destination-for-this-25m-championship-ace/
Cottage Talk Podcast: Q & A With MJG - Fulham Are Back In The Premier League
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.
During the episode, co-host Mike Gregg answered questions about Fulham that were submitted to the Cottage Talk Facebook page, and many of them centered around this upcoming season.
you can listen to the podcast by following the link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/6/12/17455688/cottage-talk-podcast-q-a-with-mjg-fulham-are-back-in-the-premier-league
Fulham Linked With A Move For Sensation Liverpool Ace: Should Slavisa Jokanovic Go For Him?
Fulham are in dreamland as they won the playoff finals and went on to secure their position in the Premier League for the upcoming season. Along with the win they have all the financial benefits which a team gets by winning the playoffs. It seems like they are going to put some money in to use as they are looking to bring in reinforcements to their squad. They are being linked with Liverpool teenager Harry Wilson who had a highly impressive second half of the season with Hull City and was one of the major reasons why the Tigers didn't get dragged in a relegation battle.
The youngster had signed a new contract with Liverpool in January and was sent on loan to KCOM stadium where he plundered seven goals and provided 4 assists in 13 appearances. Such performance would have surely caught the eye of Championship and Premier League clubs and Fulham are going to test Liverpool's resolve as they are preparing a bid of £7m.
Wilson is the product of Liverpool academy and at just 21 he has already got 4 national caps for Wales. In fact, he is the youngest debutant for Wales as he played his first game when he was just 16 years and 207 days old. He is traditionally a right winger but can even play in the no10 role and his direct approach when he has the ball has been lauded by the coaches and fans alike.
Such performances would have surely caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp but the Reds have been blessed in the attacking department as the likes of Salah, Mane and Firmino scored goals galore in the season just gone by. It is tough to see him get some game time at Anfield and last season he made just one appearance for the senior team in the FA Cup competition.
Fulham will certainly benefit by having this talented youngster at their disposal. Slavisa Jokanovic will know that his real test will be in surviving in the Premier League and he needs to form the base, which will allow the Cottagers to become a regular top division outfit.
With his chances at Liverpool being limited, the Cottagers can have him by luring him with first-team opportunities. Though, Liverpool will be aware that they have a great talent at their hand so they might not want to sell him on a permanent basis. It remains to be seen what the future beholds for the player as, after an outing like that, he, for sure, deserves some game time.
http://the4thofficial.net/2018/06/fulham-linked-move-sensation-liverpool-ace-slavisa-jokanovic-go/
Fulham in talks to sign Jordan Ayew from Swansea
Fulham are in talks to sign striker Jordan Ayew from Swansea, Sky Sports News understands.
Sky Sports News have been told the Cottagers have made a bid in the region of £8m for the Ghana international, who was Swansea's top scorer last season with 11, including seven in the Premier League.
Ayew has been linked with several clubs since Swansea were relegated and joins the likes of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and defender Alfie Mawson who look likely to leave South Wales.
Ayew joined Swansea from Aston Villa in January 2017 and played alongside his older brother Andre.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11403080/fulham-in-talks-to-sign-jordan-ayew-from-swansea
Fulham Join Race For Highly Rated Ligue 1 Defender's Signature: Just Another Wafty Dream?
Fulham have reportedly joined in behind a long line of potential suitors for Toulouse FC defender, Issa Diop. The 21-year-old to be one best young prospects to come out of Ligue 1 and already has been capped 39 times for the France youth sides.
Diop is a cemented starter as the Stadium Municipal with 95 total appearances and 9 goals and assists registered to his name. The centre-back has been an inspiring presence ever since his debut in 2015 alongside a 16-year-old Alphonse Areola.
The defensive pair successfully lifted the French side out of relegation on the very last day of the 2014/15 season to mark their name in the European top-flight. Now Diop is being watched by some of the continents elite sides and is reportedly priced at £26m with 2 years still left in his contract.
He is a graduate of the Toulouse youth ranks and has been with the side since he was just 9. The coach of the academy, Fabrice Garrigues was quoted, "He is a very positive person who always takes things with a smile, he is a great man and he is a real leader of men. I remember a very important Under-17s match against Nantes."
"We were very poor in the first half and at the break, and although he was a year younger, he was the one who spoke up in the locker room, he took charge of the others, he revitalised everybody and we won 4-1."
Diop's leadership ability is one of his most redeeming qualities and speaks volumes of his future potential in world football. He towers over opposition forwards with his 6 feet 4-inch stature and is a consistent ball-winner both aerially and on the ground. His matured ability to read the other team's attack is what sets him apart and has allowed him to rise so early into his playing career.
Diop is at the right point of his development curve where he can afford to take a transfer risk. Fulham have just been promoted to the Premier League after a gruelling battle through the promotion playoffs and are in dire need of top-flight talents.
The 21-year-old will expectedly be handed over a major role with just Marcelo Djalo and Tim Ream in the squad as recognized centre-backs. Ryan Fredericks is also set to join West Ham United at the end of this month and that will leave the backline heavily understaffed for a top-flight challenge.
The Cottagers could use a rising star like Diop in their side but might not have the financial pedigree to challenge the likes of Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
http://the4thofficial.net/2018/06/fulham-join-race-highly-rated-ligue-1-defenders-signature-just-another-wafty-dream/
Fulham make £8m bid for Ayew
by Dan on June 12, 2018
Fulham have tabled an £8m bid for Swansea City forward Jordan Ayew, according to a Sky Sports report this evening.
The Whites are holding talks with the recently relegated Welsh club over a potential move to Craven Cottage for the Ghana international. The 26 year-old was Swansea's top scorer with eleven goals last season and would suit Slavisa Jokanovic's desire to have Premier League experience among his forward options as Fulham prepare for their return to the English top flight.
Ayew, who can also operate on either wing, made his breakthrough as a teenager at Marseille, scoring the equaliser on his debut against Lorient in 2009. He helped the club win the Ligue 1 title in 2010 as well as three successive French cups, scoring 22 goals in 147 appearances. Ayew then spent a season at Lorient before joining Aston Villa, for a rumoured £8m fee in July 2015. He scored 10 goals in 58 appearances before moving to the Liberty Stadium in Janaury 2017.
Ayew has scored twelve goals in 46 appearances for his country and was part of the Black Stars' 2014 World Cup squad before helping Ghana finish as runners-up in the African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea the following year. He has been linked with a host of clubs since Swansea's relegation and Fulham have sought to steal a march on the strong forward's other potential suitors.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-make-8m-bid-for-ayew/
Won't Even Discuss For €5m – Belgian Side's President Lays Down Law On West Ham, Fulham and Wolves Target
Standard Liege president Bruno Venanzi has sent out a warning to clubs interested in Edmilson Junior, who has been linked with West Ham, Fulham and Wolves.
The winger was in superb form for Standard Liege in the Belgian top flight last season and netted a head-turning seven goals in the final ten games.
Edmilson's exploits have not gone unnoticed and his contractual situation, with just a year left on his deal, has further alerted clubs to his potential availability.
He has interest from England and Italy, while FC Porto and Benfica lead his admirers from Portugal.
Standard Liege president Venanzi knows Edmilson is wanted, but he insists the club are fully prepared to see him walk away for free in 12 months' time than accept anything less than a big offer.
"We want Junior to stay", the president told L'Avenir.
"If he does not extend, we are prepared to let him go for free [next year].
"We can turn down offers.
"For example, we would not sell for €4m or €5m.
"We would only sit around the table for a large amount", Venanzi added.
Standard Liege finished second in the Belgian top flight last season and as a result will enter the Champions League at the third qualifying round stage.
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2018/06/12/wont-even-discuss-for-e5m-belgian-sides-president-lays-down-law-on-west-ham-fulham-and-wolves-target/378712/
'Swap deal for Sessegnon!' - Arsenal fans call for sensational transfer as Fulham eye defender
Calum Chambers featured in 24 games for the club last season
Fulham are believed to be keen on a move for Arsenal defender Calum Chambers this summer, according to Sky sources.
The centre-back was linked with a move to the Cottagers last summer, yet he ended up staying at the Emirates after a loan spell at Middlesbrough the previous season.
Slavisa Jokanovic's team, who will need to strengthen their side following their promotion to the Premier League, are believed to have the 23-year-old high on their list of summer targets.
With Tomas Kalas returning to Chelsea for the time being, the west London side will need to bring in acquisitions at the heart of defence with limited options in that position at present.
Chambers featured in 24 games for the Gunners last season and he could potentially be one to move on as Unai Emery looks to raise vital transfer funds.
The Gunners have already brought in Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer from Juventus, while Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis is expected to follow later this month.
Caglar Soyuncu could also potentially be another new arrival with Sven Mislintat believed to be keen on signing the highly-rated Freiburg defender.
Arsenal fans have had plenty to say on social media following the news that Fulham could make a move for the ex-Southampton man.
With many supporters claiming that it should be Shkodran Mustafi who is sold, some fans have even suggested a potential swap deal involving teen sensation Ryan Sessegnon.
https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/chambers-sessegnon-fulham-transfer-arsenal-14774682
OPPOSITION IN FOCUS: FULHAM
Our rundown of Brighton & Hove Albion's Premier League opposition for the 2018/19 campaign continues with newly-promoted Fulham.
League Position 2017/18: Sky Bet Championship - 3rd (promoted via the play-offs)
Top league goalscorer: Ryan Sessegnon
How did they do last season?
Having lost out to Reading in the play-off semi-finals at the end of the 2016/17 campaign, Slavisa Jokanovic guided the side back to the same stage last season and then onto a victory over Aston Villa in the final after four years away from the top flight.
The 1-0 win at Wembley Stadium came courtesy of a first-half strike from Tom Cairney, completing a remarkable turnaround in a campaign which had seen the Whites occupy 17th place in the division back in November.
After four victories in their opening 17 league games, the side went on a run which saw them lose just twice in 28 matches, propelling the Cottagers up into the top six at the end of January – eventually missing out on automatic promotion by just two points.
Highlights included a 5-4 away victory over Sheffield United and a 6-0 home win against Burton Albion.
Who's in charge?
Slavisa Jokanovic led Watford to the Premier league in the 2014/15 season before departing the Hornets at the end of the season.
Jokanovic then masterminded Fulham's return to the Premier League last year, having arrived at Craven Cottage at the end of 2015.
As well as those posts in England, the former FR Yugoslavia player has taken charge of Partizan Belgrade, Muanthong United, Levski Sofia, Hercules and Maccabi Tel Aviv in his managerial career.
Jokanovic has overseen 130 games as Fulham manager, winning 61 and drawing 34 – giving him a 46.9% win ratio.
Who should I keep an eye out for?
Ryan Sessegnon attracted plenty of admiring glances during an eye-catching season that saw him manage 15 league goals and end the campaign as the side's top goalscorer across all competitions.
One of many highlights of the season for the youngster was his hat-trick in the 5-4 win away to Sheffield United, in what was his 50th appearance in a Fulham shirt – it also made him the first 17-year-old to score a hat-trick in the top four tiers of English football since Dele Alli in 2014.
Sessegnon picked up five awards at the campaign's end, winning the Championship Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season and Apprentice of the Year, as well as being named in the Team of the Season and the EFL's Club Developed XI.
How have we fared against them in the past?
The Seagulls have won on each of their previous three visits to Craven Cottage.
With Nathan Jones in temporary charge in 2014, following Sami Hyypia's departure, the Seagulls, who sat near the bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, made the trip to south-west London.
Albion were without a victory in seven matches, having only won a single away match all season, but Jones masterminded an impressive 2-0 win over the Cottagers after Christmas.
In the opening month of the following campaign - now with Chris Hughton in charge - the Seagulls visited Fulham in their second game of the season.
Goals from Sam Baldock and Tomer Hemed cancelled out Tom Cairney's first-half goal to give Albion all three points.
The Seagulls took a 17-game unbeaten run in the league to Craven Cottage the following season.
Fulham were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute, but Albion keeper David Stockdale made a heroic save to keep out Stefan Johansen's spot-kick.
Despite the stop, the Seagulls found themselves behind in the 55th minute when Lucas Piazon fired home for the Cottagers, which put Albion's unbeaten run under threat.
But then came a crazy two-minute spell which flipped the game on its head, as Hemed scored from the penalty spot and Lewis Dunk charged up field to head home after a stunning Albion break.
It was the second time the Seagulls had come from a goal down to win against Fulham during the 2016/17 campaign, and the away victory was another crucial moment in the club's quest for promotion.
https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2018/june/opposition-in-focus-fulham/
Arsenal want more than £22m for Chambers
by Dan on June 13, 2018
Fulham's pursuit of Calum Chambers seems to have come crashing to a halt over Arsenal's valuation of the England international.
According to a report in this morning's Times, the Gunners want more than £22m for their 23 year-old centre back and it is believed that Fulham would not countenance meeting such a hefty asking price. Chambers was priced out of a move to Crystal Palace last summer when Arsenal asked their London rivals to increase their initial £16m bid to £27m.
It remains to be seen whether Chambers, who has made 83 appearances for Arsenal since moving to the Emirates from Southampton in an £18m deal back in July 2014, will be made available for loan by new Gunners boss Unai Emery. Fulham are eyeing other central defensive targets and the Daily Star reports that the Whites are closing in on a deal for Tomas Kalas, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Craven Cottage.
http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/arsenal-want-more-than-22m-for-chambers/
