Sunday Fulham Stuff (22/07/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Should Romelu Lukaku Go To Fulham?

The Sun are currently reporting that Fulham have picked up Romelu Lukaku on a season-long loan deal in what might be the least convincing article ever published -- 22 words for a fairly major, apparently exclusive story ain't going to cut it without quotes, boys. Anyway, let's assume that the Sun claiming something is done make it at least a semi-believable rumour. Does a spell at Craven Cottage make sense for Lukaku?

I believe, in general, that a loan for the teenager is a good idea. There are two main qualifiers to that:

The league must be at a sufficient level to force Lukaku's continued development.
There must be a reasonable expectation that Lukaku would get significantly more playing time at the loan club than he would at Chelsea.

How do Fulham fit?

Obviously, test number one is passed with flying colours. The Premier League is probably the most challenging in Europe, week in and week out, and having him stay in England means no potential adjustment period later. It's test two that's more interesting. What's the situation at Fulham right now?

Last year, Fulham fielded the following players who could be classed as 'natural' centre forwards: Pavel Pogrebnyak, Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson and Orlando Sa. All four have left. They have the option of playing Bryan Ruiz or even Clint Dempsey up top, but neither is an entirely sensible fit. Coming in to replace the four departed strikers is Hugo Rodallega, who spent last season being pretty bad for Wigan Athletic. Update: I forgot about Mladen Petric, brought in from Hamburg! I don't think he's good, but you might think he's good. Opinions are great!

Given the competition, I wouldn't think that Lukaku would have much trouble becoming a regular for Martin Jol's side. I could certainly see him failing at Fulham, but that would be a function of him not playing as well as he could rather than being outclassed by pre-established players. It would also provide the Cottagers with a cheap option to either increase their non-existent depth at the position or to start, depending on how good you think Lukaku is now (I'm leaning towards 'better than Rodallega', but your mileage may vary).

So a loan deal would seem to make sense for both clubs and the player. Reasonable enough. If it does happen, though, Chelsea will need to make a move for a guy capable of backing up Fernando Torres -- or supplanting him in the Stamford Bridge pecking order.




http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2012/7/22/3174791/romelu-lukaku-fulham-loan?

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United Transfer News: Is Moussa Dembele Making a Move to United?


Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Manchester United have reportedly added Fulham's Moussa Dembele to their ever-growing list of potential midfield transfer targets.

Given the frustration that the Red Devils are currently experiencing trying to sign Lucas Moura from Sao Paulo over the summer transfer window, they are believed to have rekindled their interests in Dembele—hoping to add further depth to their already-strong midfield.

Per The People (h/t Daily Mirror):

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Fulham's Moussa Dembele and believe they can land the Belgian star before the start of the season.

It is believed that Fulham are aware of Sir Alex Ferguson's desire to sign Dembele, who shone for Fulham last season after being moved from a second striker's role into the centre of midfield.

The speculation does come at an interesting time for both United and the Cottagers, who are both already heavily involved in a high-prority transfer signing.

As mentioned, United are desperately trying to bring teenage sensation Lucas Moura to Old Trafford for next season but have had several offers knocked back by the club. It seems that they will have to offer a transfer fee in the vicinity of £30 million if they are to land Moura, according to Goal.

On the other hand, Fulham are also hoping to keep hold of their American star Clint Dempsey, who is believed to be a high-priority transfer signing for Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool, via The Telegraph.

With both of those two already in motion, United's move for Dembele, therefore, might not be as crazy as it first read.

 
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Fulham may well have to choose between keeping Dempsey or Dembele next season, and if it comes down to that choice, the decision to take Dempsey is an absolute no-brainer. The Cottagers are also rumored to be chasing French midfielder Alou Diarra, who could become a replacement for Dembele in their midfield.

Should United's quest for Moura also fail to produce anything, they may well be better served turning their attention—and bank balance—towards adding talent and depth to their squad.

Dembele is rumored to be worth around £15 million—half the amount that United are believed to be spending on Moura—and would therefore free up more funds to bring in another midfielder or even Leighton Baines from Everton.

Manchester United's interest in Moussa Dembele might seem strange, but it could turn out to be a very safe insurance blanket by Sir Alex Ferguson.

It gives them cover, should any deal with Moura fall through, and still allows them to add talent and depth to their midfield—all without breaking the bank.




http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1267694-manchester-united-transfer-news-is-moussa-dembele-making-a-move-to-united?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool Transfer News: Clint Dempsey Would Make Reds a Contender

Liverpool is looking to improve upon its 2011-12 season by making some offseason moves to strengthen the starting eleven.

Clint Dempsey may be their answer at midfield.

The 29-year-old American midfielder scored 23 goals in all competition play last season for Fulham, leading the team in scoring.

With Steven Gerrard returning from injury and Luis Suarez returning as the leading scorer with 11 goals last year, Dempsey's scoring ability would receive a warm welcome at Anfield.

As the Reds continue to pursue a coveted spot in the Champions League, they need to bolster their attack and add some big-time scoring threats, starting with their midfield presence.

With Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all bringing in top talent over the past few years, Liverpool has struggled to remain a contender among the top-ranked teams.

There is absolutely no reason why the Reds cannot add a few key players this summer and emerge as one of the teams to beat in the Premier League for 2012-13.

Dempsey is getting older, but he is reaching the peak of his game and is constantly proving his worth as a top talent in European soccer.

If the Reds can pair a healthy Gerrard with Dempsey in their midfield next season, these two players alone should be able to provide an offensive boost that the team is so desperately in need of.

Sources have reported, via goal.com, that Charlie Adam could be dealt in a move to bring Dempsey to Anfield for the 2012-13 season.
Adam did not live up to expectations last season for the Reds, scoring just six goals in 27 appearance.

Liverpool is dedicated to putting a highly competitive team on the field and reclaiming a top spot in the Premier League as soon as possible.

Reds fans should remain hopeful that they'll see a rejuvenated Liverpool squad step on the pitch at Anfield next season.

Hopefully that new-look squad will feature the talented Clint Dempsey at midfield.




http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1267712-liverpool-transfer-news-clint-dempsey-will-make-reds-a-contender?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fergie's Moussa call: United in Dembele link

Fulham will ask £15m for midfielder who is also on Arsenal's radar


Crunch time: Moussa Dembele tackles Scott Parker while on Belgian duty

This story is taken from The People. Read more at People.co.uk

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Fulham’s Moussa Dembele and believe they can land the Belgium star before the start of the season.

It is believed that Fulham are aware of Sir Alex Ferguson’s desire to sign Dembele, who shone for Fulham last season after being moved from a second striker’s role into the centre of midfield.

Fergie’s interest in the player was exclusively revealed by People Sport in March and we also told you that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been closely monitoring the player.

The Cottagers will demand at least £15million for the 25-year-old but United seem willing to make a substantial offer.

Bizarrely, Fulham signed a teenage striker also called Moussa Dembele, from Paris St Germain this week.

But boss Martin Jol now fears losing both of his key attacking players this summer, with Clint Dempsey poised to join Liverpool for £10m.

Meanwhile, Jol is keen on Marseille’s 31-year-old midfielder Alou Diarra... but only if he can nab the France midfielder him on a free.



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/moussa-dembele-linked-with-manchester-united-1152800