Thursday Fulham Stuff (19/01/17)...

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Fulham table new Cisse offer
by DAN on JANUARY 18, 2017

Fulham have made a new offer for Standard Liege midfielder Ibrahima Cisse, according to reports coming out of Belgium this morning.

Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to bring in further cover for the holding midfield position currently being filled by summer signing Kevin McDonald, but the Londoners are keen to strike the right deal for an impressive, but raw young prospect. Fulham's first offer of around £1.7m was rebuffed by Standard, so the Championship side have returned with a second bid believed to be in the region of £2.17m.

The bid would represent a significant return for Standard on the 22 year-old, for whom they paid just £750,000 to KV Mechelen in the summer. Cisse has made 15 first-team appearances, scoring a single goal against Pathinaikos in the Europa League and has made a real impression with his robust, physical displays. Should he arrive at Craven Cottage, the midfielder, who can also play at right back, would challenge the likes of McDonald and club captain Scott Parker for a first-team place.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/fulham-table-new-cisse-offer/

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BIDWELL: THE GAFFER HAS PUT HIS STAMP ON THE SQUAD

Jake Bidwell says Ian Holloway has put his mark on the team ...

Holloway has put his mark on the QPR squad, says defender Jake Bidwell
Bidwell looking forward to first London derby in blue and white hoops this weekend
Rangers host Fulham at Loftus Road

SINCE returning to the club as manager eight weeks ago, Ian Holloway has now firmly put his stamp on the QPR squad. That's the verdict of defender Jake Bidwell, who is looking forward to his first London derby in blue and white hoops when the R's host Fulham this weekend.

The left-back missed our fixture at Craven Cottage and the home game against former club Brentford in October owing to a dislocated shoulder.

Incredibly, only five R's players who started at Fulham three months ago were in the team that faced Reading last week, highlighting the changes that have occurred in recent weeks.

"The gaffer is putting his stamp on things," Bidwell told www.qpr.co.uk.

"There have been a couple of players who have left and I'm sure he is looking to add some new personnel as well.

"He's added Curtis (Fleming) to his staff, he's brought a couple of lads back from their loans (Michael Doughty and Darnell Furlong), and you can see his squad is starting to take shape now.

"It's been great working under him. We've had a difficult run, but he brings so much positivity to the place and that rubs off on the players."

Rangers responded in some style after losing six on the bounce, winning against Wolves, Ipswich and Reading to move eight points above the relegation zone.

Bidwell admits picking up maximum points from the last three fixtures has given the whole training ground a lift.

"That run of results has been massive for us," he said. "You look at the table now and you tend to look at the teams above you rather than worrying so much about what's happening below you.

"It's a better place to be when you have won a few games – the mood naturally picks up and everyone is feeling confident going into Saturday."

Bidwell believes the difficult run the team experienced has only served to unite the squad, after they worked as a group to turn things around.

"It shows our character to come out of it like we have," he said.

"Some of the performances deserved more points than we got during that bad run, and perhaps on the one hand you could say these recent results have been coming.

"Now we just need to put in another good one on Saturday and keep this good run going."

After hard-fought wins against Wolves and the Tractor Boys, Rangers turned in one of their best displays of the season to see-off high-flying Reading at the Madejski Stadium, with Jamie Mackie grabbing the only goal of the game.

The nature of the victory, says Bidwell, has given the R's players further belief they can pick up all three points when in-form Fulham make the short trip to Loftus Road.

"The gaffer, Curtis and Birch came up with a gameplan for Reading and it worked perfectly," he said.

"Anyone watching the game could see that they ran out of ideas towards the end, and that forced them to play in a way that they didn't really want to.

"Fulham like to pass the ball about as well but I think they're slightly different to Reading, and I'm sure the gaffer will come up with something again this week to give us the best chance of picking up all three points."

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have only lost two of their last 12 fixtures – both to second-placed Brighton – and will be looking to avenge Rangers' 2-1 win at the Cottage when the hosts missed two penalties.

Bidwell, meanwhile, is looking forward to his first derby with the R's.

"I missed both derbies with my shoulder, so if I'm involved in this game it would be great," he added.

"These fixtures definitely have that extra something about them. You know what it means to the fans to win these games, and I'm sure the atmosphere will be bouncing on Saturday.

"It's up to us to put on a performance for the fans and get them right behind us."


Read more at http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/jake-bidwell-qpr-championship-fulham-3524721.aspx#F1hDAY773QUgDp6k.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Rafa Benitez hints that Newcastle United have ended interest in Fulham's Tom Cairney

Even for a young, talented Englishman, the 25-year-old Fulham star was reportedly valued at a remarkably high fee - one it doesn't look like Newcastle United will be paying.

Regardless of his talent and his excellent performances in the Fulham midfield this season, £20 million always seemed a price tag far too inflated for a player who hasn't featured in a single minute of Premier League football since 2010.

Yet, that's how much Newcastle United were quoted for Cottagers' star man Tom Cairney, The Sun reports, with Rafa Benitez's ongoing desperation to sign a creative midfielder appearing to push him ominously into 'panic buy' territory.

Thankfully for Mike Ashley's bank balance, however, the Spaniard has hinted at an end in his reported interest in one of the most talented players in the Championship – if you read between the lines that is.

"We have some names [on our radar], we have had some names but clubs say: '£20million' or 'he's not for sale'," Benitez told The Chronicle. "Then we have to move forward and look for another one."

"In January, it's so difficult. To find these players with experience who can make the difference, it's very difficult.

"Normally it's because they are not playing or because they have been injured, or if it is a young player who can make the difference, they will not sell to you because it's January and it's very expensive."

The Chronicle claimed earlier in the month that Fulham were unwilling to even consider selling their creative king pin in January as they aim to push for the play-offs in the second half of the season.

Furthermore, the fact that he has two years left to run on his current deal meant the Londoners would not be held to ransom in January, factors that appear to have inflated Cairney's value beyond all sense and reason.

Consequently, Newcastle will be forced to look elsewhere but, with the window closing in under two weeks, Benitez is running out of options.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/01/18/benitez-hints-that-newcastle-have-ended-interest-in-cairney/

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Fulham ready second bid for young midfielder, move to Craven Cottage 'a real opportunity' for player

Six points off the playoffs with a game in hand, Fulham's bid to get promoted back to the Premier League is well and truly still on, and reinforcements could be on their way this January.

One of the targets for Slaviša Jokanović appears to be Standard Liège defensive midfielder Ibrahim Cissé.

According to DH in Belgium, the 22-year-old dreams of a move to England, and Fulham are preparing a second bid to try and convince the Belgian side to sell their rotation option.

Already seeing a €2m bid rejected, the Cottagers are expected to swiftly make a second bid of around €2.5m, leaving Standard with an important decision to make.

DH explain the club's fans are slowly starting to worry about their club's transfer philosophy, having already seen Adrien Trebel join rivals Anderlecht, and selling Cissé could be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

However, rejecting a second offer could also cause the player to become disillusioned in Belgium, with Cissé seeing a move to Craven Cottage as a real opportunity for his burgeoning career.

An answer is expected some time this week, and if Standard decide to hold onto their young midfielder, Fulham are expected to move onto another unnamed target rather than make a third offer.


http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-ready-second-bid-young-midfielder-move-craven-cottage-real-opportunity-player/

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Report: Fulham, Rotherham United and Peterborough United in battle for Roarie Deacon

The Sutton United midfielder scored in Tuesday's FA Cup win against AFC Wimbledon, putting him on the radar of Football League clubs including Fulham.

Fulham are one of three Football League clubs tracking Sutton United midfielder Roarie Deacon, according to the Sun.

Fellow Championship side Rotherham United and League One Peterborough United are also said to be keen on the 25-year-old, who scored in Sutton's FA Cup win against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday.

Sutton's Roarie Deacon scores against AFC Wimbledon

Wandsworth-born Deacon, who spent time with Arsenal and Sunderland as a youth, is out of contract in the summer.

However, the Sun reports that Fulham, like both Rotherham and Posh, are prepared to pay a fee to sign the player immediately.

Deacon, who earned caps for England Under-19s, has scored six goals and created as many in 30 National League and FA Cup outings this season.

Fulham allowed Spanish midfielder Jozabed to join Celta Vigo on loan this month and tracking Belgium Under-21 international Ibrahima Cisse, according to La Derniere Heure.

Standard Liege midfielder Ibrahima Cisse (centre)

The Cottagers are said to be offering £2.2 million for Cisse, although Deacon is likely to prove a far cheaper alternative.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/01/18/report-fulham-rotherham-united-and-peterborough-united-in-battle/

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Derby County second favourites to sign Ross McCormack

Only Fulham are priced at shorter odds than Derby County with Sky Bet in the race to sign Aston Villa striker, Ross McCormack.

Bookmakers Sky Bet have listed Derby County as 6/1 second favourites to sign Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack this month. Only McCormack's former club Fulham (5/1) are priced at shorter odds than Derby, who are yet to be formally linked with the 30-year-old this transfer window.

McCormack has struggled since making the £12 million switch to Villa Park last summer, scoring just three times in 20 Championship outings.

It has been widely reported that the Scotland international could be moved on already, as the Villans seek to raise funds for a new centre forward.

And both Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers are among those said to be keen on doing a deal (Daily Mail).

McCormack, a target of Derby County in the past, moved to Villa Park for £12m at the start of the season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers were said to have made a "tentative" enquiry about taking Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack on loan, according to the Express and Star, back at the start of the month.

Derby's appearance on Sky Bet's list is therefore intriguing, although the Rams have recently added Middlesbrough striker David Nugent to their ranks.

Former Middlesbrough striker David Nugent arrived at Derby last week.

Nugent joins Darren Bent, Andreas Weimann and club-record signing Matej Vydra as an attacking option for Steve McClaren to consider between now and the end of the campaign, and it is likely that one of the latter trio would have to be moved on to enable McCormack's arrival.

Burnley and another of McCormack's former clubs, Leeds United (both 8/1), also feature highly on Sky Bet's list.

The odds:

Ross McCormack to sign for before February 3, 2017 - s   ign for before February 3 loan deals do count.

Fulham 5/1
Derby 6/1   
Burnley 8/1   
Leeds 8/1   
Hull 10/1   
Sheffield Wednesday 12/1


Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/derby-county-second-favourites-to-sign-ross-mccormack/story-30068570-detail/story.html#25htSJUWbpXUmBfg.99

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Could Nir Bitton get Celtic wish as Fulham reportedly identify alternative target?

Celtic's talented midfielder has failed to impress Brendan Rodgers, raising speculation of an impending move to Fulham.

Just a few weeks ago, Nir Bitton's career at Celtic Park looked to be coming to an end, according to the Scottish Sun.

Dropped from the side in place of the resurgent duo of Stuart Armstrong and Scott Brown, the concurrent arrival of Kouassi Eboue purported to push the Israeli international ever further down the pecking order.

As such, the Scottish Sun reported that Fulham were preparing a bid of £2million with Bitton apparently enticed by the prospect of linking up with former Bhoys teammate, and close friend, Stefan Johansen at Craven Cottage.

However, the latest developments suggest an exit is far from agreed. The Glasgow Evening Times claimed that the 6ft 5ins midfielder would be more than content to sit out the final three years of his contract with Celtic and is determined to earn the admiration of his new manager.

With just six Scottish Premiership starts to his name all season, Bitton clearly has a lot to do to convince Rodgers that he should play a major role in Celtic's immediate future but, as it stands, the 25-year-old appears closer than ever to being handed something of a second chance north of the border.

Furthermore, La Derniere Heure report that Fulham are preparing a £2.2 million offer for Standard Liege's Belgian under-21 international Ibrahima Cisse, a move that could signal an end to their pursuit of a player who, just a year ago, was heavily tipped to make the well worn path from Celtic Park to the Premier League.

Bitton may be Celtic's fourth-, potentially even fifth-choice, central midfielder these days but, as it stands, he has another few months to prove his worth to his clearly unimpressed coach.


http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/01/18/do-could-nir-bitton-get-celtic-wish-as-fulham-reportedly-identif/

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Fulham eye swoop for Sutton's Cup hero
by DAN on JANUARY 18, 2017

Fulham are amongst three Football League clubs linked with a move to snap up Sutton United's FA Cup hero Roarie Deacon this move, according to a report from the Sun this afternoon.

Deacon scored an incredible equaliser as the non-league outfit came from behind to beat League One AFC Wimbledon in their second round replay last night and set up a money-spinning home tie with Leeds United in the next round. The 25 year-old is no stranger to finding the net having scored five in the U's extraordinary Cup run to go alongside his nine league goals.

The attacking midfielder was a highly-rated youngster in the Arsenal academy and shrugged off the setback of being released by the Gunners to forge a career with Stevenage and Crawley Town. Several Football League sides have been tracking Deacon's eye-catching displays this season with a view to tying up a deal when his current Sutton contract expires in the summer, but the Sun reports that three teams would be willing to offer money during the January window to secure his services immediately.

Fulham have had Deacon watched on several occasions this term, but will face stiff competition from Championship rivals Rotherham United and League One Peterborough United. Posh have a famed record of taking rough diamonds from non-league football and developing them into genuine prospects destined for the top of the professional game, with their previous stars including Dwight Gayle, Brett Assombalonga and Lee Tomlin. Fulham did successfully nurture Chris Smalling, having spotted him playing non-league football for Maidstone United, and offer him both Premier League and European football before the England international moved to Manchester United in a £12m deal.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/fulham-eye-swoop-for-suttons-cup-hero/

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Former Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz named 2016 CONCACAF player of the year after shining for Sporting Lisbon
Bryan Ruiz becomes the first Costa Rican to win the CONCACAF award
Ruiz starred for Costa Rica at the Brazil World Cup and carried his form to Lisbon
31-year-old scored 11 goals in 40 appearances for Sporting in the 2015-16 season
United States striker Alex Morgan scooped the women's version on Wednesday

Former Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz was named CONCACAF's 2016 player of the year with United States striker Alex Morgan winning the women's award on Wednesday.

It was the first time the Costa Rican had picked up the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) award and the second time for Morgan.

Ruiz helped Sporting Lisbon finish runners-up in the Portuguese league in 2015-16 and his country reach the final stage of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.


Costa Rica's 31-year-old striker Bryan Ruiz has won the CONCACAF's 2016 player of the year


Ruiz arrived at Fulham in August 2011 but he failed to live up to his £11.6million price tag

The 31-year-old scored 11 goals in 40 appearances for Jorge Jesus' side as Sporting finished two points off their first Primeira Liga title since 2002.

Ruiz was signed by Fulham in August 2011 for £11.6million from Twente, but only managed eight goals in three Premier League seasons at Craven Cottage before he was offloaded to Sporting for £700,000 in July 2015.

The 27-year-old Morgan, who won the award in 2013, played for the US at the Olympics, where they lost to Sweden in the quarter-finals, and was their joint top scorer last year.

She won Olympic gold in 2012 and the World Cup in 2015.

Costa Rica's national teams also swept the manager of the year category, with Oscar Ramirez taking the men's award and Amelia Valverde lifting the women's trophy.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4133320/Bryan-Ruiz-named-2016-CONCACAF-player-year.html#ixzz4WC19E7mw
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FULHAM MUST BE FEARFUL OF THESE 2 THINGS HAPPENING DURING THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW

Fulham have had a magnificent season this time around as they currently find themselves sat in eighth place, just six points outside of a play-off place.

They made an incredible start to the campaign and following a little blip where they dropped to lower mid-table, they have picked themselves back up.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have given themselves an outside chance of the play-offs, and have shown many times this season that they are more than worthy of being where they currently are.

But as is often the case with a side who have had a successful opening half to the season, some of their top performing players are on the receiving end of interest from potential buyers.

Whilst the club will surely try to do whatever they can to keep hold of them, it may prove a difficult task.

In this article, FLW writer Tom Rawcliffe will be taking a look at two things that Fulham will have to be fearful of happening in the January window.....

RYAN SESSEGNON


The progression of Ryan Sessegnon this season has been breathtaking since his promotion to the first team in pre-season.

At just 16 years of age, the left-back has already made a total of 12 appearances which is mind-blowing considering his teenage status.

Sessegnon scored his first goal for the club earlier on in the season and put himself in the history books as the goal saw him become the first player born in 2000 to score in England's top four divisions.

He has been on the receiving end of a lot of interest from Premier League clubs and they could have a battle on their hands to keep hold of the player who Jamie Redknapp has labelled 'the next Ashley Cole'.

Slavisa Jokanovic will do everything in his power to keep the player at the club but if a big money offer was to come in, it may be impossible to resist.

TOM CAIRNEY


Central midfielder has been a real lynchpin in the Fulham side this season and has unsurprisingly attracted a lot of attention.

Clubs such as Newcastle United and Aston Villa have been reported to have been interested in the Scottish midfielder but the Craven Cottage faithful will be hoping that the interest comes to nothing.

The 25-year-old has put in some sensational performances this season and with 5 goals and 4 assists, he certainly contributes a lot to the side.

Fulham's outside chance of gaining a play-off place will surely be damaged with the departure of Cairney so the supporters will be hoping that he stays put.


http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-must-be-fearful-of-these-2-things-happening-during-the-january-transfer-window/

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Yambéré set to join Fulham?
by DAN on JANUARY 18, 2017

Cedric Yambéré is poised to join Fulham after having a late change of heart and rejecting his proposed loan move to APOEL, according to reports coming out of Cyprus this evening.

The 26 year-old Central African Republic international had spent much of the 2016-2017 season on loan with Russian side Anzi Makhachkala, but his stint there was abruptly terminated earlier this month after further financial worries hit Anzi. Several Belgian clubs had expressed an interest in the speedy centre back but it appeared as though APOEL had won the race to sign the defender earlier today only for Fulham to sweep in with what is said to have been 'a very tempting offer'.

Yambéré emerged almost from obscurity to some fanfare when he filled a problem position for his hometown club Bordeaux merely months after signing his first professional contract at the age of 24 in November 2014. He was picked out of French amateur football and surprisingly established himself as an option either in central defence or as a holding midfielder, where he memorably nullified Thiago Motta in a famous victory over PSG. Yambere made a total of 42 appearances over two seasons for Bordeaux, scoring three goals, before joining Anzi, where his whole-hearted performances won him a lot of fans, originally on a season-long loan this summer.

Slavisa Jokanovic has been searching for additional options both at the heart of the defence, where he has juggled his pack in search of a regular partner for on-loan Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas, and at the base of the Fulham midfield, with the Whites having submitted a second offer for Belgian youngster Ibrahama Cisse earlier today.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/01/yambere-set-to-join-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham defender on Newcastle target Tom Cairney - 'no one is going anywhere'
As Magpies circle overhead - Whites player insists the Cottage door is padlocked shut this January

Fulham have no intention of selling their best players in this transfer window - not least Tom Cairney.

That's the emphatic view of Scott Malone, who scored the second goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Barnsley.

With speculation rife over the futures of Cairney, Ryan Sessegnon and other fringe players, Malone insists Whites will keep hold of their top talent - and if anything - will try to add to it.

"I'm sure the gaffer will say the same thing- we're not selling in this window," Malone added.

"We can't afford to.

"The teams above us are putting bids in for players left, right and centre.

"We can't afford to lose players. Hopefully we might even get a few in. It's vital that we don't lose anyone in this window."


Left back in or out? Ryan Sessegnon (L) and Scott Malone

The 25 year-old came back into the Fulham side for the visit of the Tykes after a two-way battle with starlet Sessegnon for the left-back slot.

Malone's 55th minute goal was set up by a fine cross-field ball from Chris Martin, also back in the fold after a prolonged absence.

Malone revealed that, despite Slavisa Jokanovic's assertion the Chris Martin issue was solved 'inside the dressing room', the squad removed themselves to a respectful distance as the tug-of-war between Whites and parent club Derby rumbled on.

"The lads have kept out of it," he said.

"It's his situation to deal with and it's been resolved. He's back on the pitch now so that can only be good for us.

"Chris is vital for the team. He's a focal point for our attacks.

"Hopefully he can keep himself in the right frame of mind, working hard and winning games for us."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-defender-newcastle-target-tom-12473973

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QPR must manage Fulham and stick to Holloway's game plan, insists Lynch
Rangers lost six of Ollie's first seven games in charge but have since rebounded to win their next three league games to improve the mood at Loftus Road

Joel Lynch is ready for the rock n roll atmosphere QPR's west London derby with Fulham is going to bring and called on his team mates to carry out Ian Holloway's game plan.

Rangers lost six of Ollie's first seven games in charge but have since rebounded to win their next three league games to improve the mood at Loftus Road.

Saturday's derby promises to be a lively atmosphere and Lynch knows the squad must manage the occasion.

He said: "The atmosphere is going to be good but we have to play the occasion and work on our game plan.

"If it works, we can carry on our run of form. I think the lads are getting more confident with each game and that's showing in the way we're playing."

QPR's record in London derbies has been shaky in recent years but, despite that, claimed a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage earlier in the season as Fulham missed two penalties and a sackful of chances.

Lynch added: "Our aim is to do the double and carry on the form we're on. We've had a chance to rest up after Reading last Thursday and think about what we're going to do against Fulham."

The defender joined Rangers from Huddersfield and, after an early injury setback, has made 17 appearances for Hoops this season.

And Lynch has noticed the difference living in London compared to west Yorkshire.

He explained: "It's a big difference. I'm from Brighton way but it's a big difference living in London.

"There's a lot more going on than in Yorkshire and the weather is a bit nicer. I'm really enjoying it and I wanted to get back down south and be closer to home.

"I just want to keep improving. I need to be more consistent, play as many as I can and that means staying fit and getting fitter as well as doing what the manager wants me to do in training."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/qpr-must-manage-fulham-stick-12473936