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Thursday Fulham Stuff - 01/06/17

Started by WhiteJC, June 01, 2017, 09:47:15 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Were the signings Fulham made this season a success or did they fall short of expectations?
We've taken a look at all the signings Fulham made last summer and looked at whether they were a success or if they didn't work out quite how they were meant to

Fulham completely revamped their team over the course of last season as Slavisa Jokanovic moulded the side into a team capable of challenging for the play-off places.

Gone were Ross McCormack, Moussa Demebele and eventually Matt Smith, and in came the likes of Neeskens Kebano, Floyd Ayite and Kevin McDonald.


Over the course of the campaign, 16 players were brought in to strengthen the Fulham squad, including five loanees, to ensure the Cottagers finished in the Play-off places - a vast improvement on how they finished the Championship season the year before.

As with any transfer, some were a success for Fulham, wheres others didn't work out quite how the club or the player would've liked to.

Yesterday, we looked at how Fulham's departures fared at their new clubs, today we have a look at how the new boys got on in in their first season at Craven Cottage.

Ragnar Sigurdsson (Krasnodar, £4million)

Fulham FC's Ragnar Sigurdsson celebrates scoring his sides second goal against Ipswich Town.

What happened? Fulham made a move for Sigurdsson to strengthen their back line after his impressive displays at Euro 2016 for Iceland, where reached the quarter finals and scored the equaliser against England in Iceland's 2-1 victory.

Did it work for Fulham? Not particularly - Fulham thought they were getting a commanding centre back but it looked like his exploits at the Euros, as well as playing through August for Krasnodar took its toll on Sigurdsson.

Did it work for Sigurdsson? The 30-year-old will be frustrated at how the season went after his heroics in the summer at the Euros. He found game time limited at the Cottage, making only three appearances in the league since the turn of the year. With another season left on his contract he will hope next season brings better fortunes.

Neeskens Kebano (Genk, £3.8million)

Continuing momentum: Neeskens Kebano (Photo: Grahame Larter)

What happened? Fulham added to their forward line by signing Kebano from Genk after he helped them finish fifth in his only campaign there. His ability to play across the front line was something that appealed to the club and they made their move to add him on a three-year deal.

Did it work for Fulham? Kebano was a good signing and, once he had settled at the club, contributed some important moments and goals. After coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations he looked like he had really hit his stride and Fulham will be hoping he gets even better next season.

Did it work for Kebano? It did, he enjoyed a good season and contributed as Fulham booked their Play-off place. He got more into his stride as the season progressed and will be looking to build on how he finished the season to cement a regular spot next year.

Jozabed (Rayo Vallecano, £3million)

Fulham's Sanchez Ruiz Jozabed, (left) battles for possession of the ball with Middlesbrough's Adam Clayton and George Friend

What happened? Jokanovic added Jozabed to the side as Fulham's ninth summer signing in order to strengthrn the side's options in midfield. He signed a three-year deal with the option for a further year if the club wished to use it.

Did it work for Fulham? This one hasn't quite worked out the way Fulham will have wanted it to - he only made eight appearances before he was shipped out on loan to Celta Vigo in Spain.

Did it work for Jozabed? It was the first time he's moved abroad in his career, and he will probably regret it at this moment in time. He managed to get back to his home country with the loan to Celta Vigo, but with another two years left on his deal he could be dreading the coming the season.

David Button (Brentford, £1.5million)

Fulham's David Button (Photo: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

What happened? Fulham looked to their west London neighbours Brentford for a new goalkeeper, taking Button on a three-year deal.

Did it work for Fulham? Yes and no - Button has had a good season at the Cottage but some mistakes forced Jokanovic to drop him for the final eight games of the season in favour of Marcus Bettinelli.

Did it work for Button? Again, yes and no. He played an important part in the season, making a number of key saves but mistakes meant the fans were somewhat uneasy with him between the sticks. Being dropped for the final part of the campaign will have hurt him too.

Stefan Johansen (Celtic, £2million)

(Photo: Grahame Larter)

What happened? Johansen left Scotland for England after two and a half years at Celtic. He wanted to play in england and Fulham saw him as the ideal person to become the engine in their midfield.

Did it work out for Fulham? It was an uneasy start, with Johansen struggling in his first few games in the Championship. However, he became an integral part of the squad and his tenaciousness was one of the key reasons the side did so well this season. His partnership with Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney was also integral to the season.

Did it work for Johansen? He could've been forgiven for thinking he'd made a mistake at the start, but it worked out well for the Norwegian, who had a stunning season which also saw him named captain of his country.

Floyd Ayite (Bastia, undisclosed fee)

Celebrations: Floyd Ayite (Photo: GetWestLondon)

What happened? Ayite signed for Fulham as they once again looked to add strength in depth for their front line, with Ayite seen as an ideal forward in Jokanovic's front line.

Did it work for Fulham? In between a trip to the Africa Cup of Nations and an injury, Fulham will be pleased with their return on Ayite who proved to be good value for his signing fee. His finishing will have disappointed somewhat but nine goals for the club was a decent showing in his first season.

Did it work for Ayite? He will be pleased with his first season in England and how he adapted to the rigours of English football. Nine goals is a decent return for him, although I'm sure he would've wanted more. It's a good platform for him to build on next year.

Kevin McDonald (Wolves, £1.25million)

Kevin McDonald battles with John Swift (Photo: Get Reading)

What happened? Fulham signed the 27-year-old as they looked to add an anchor to their midfield, seeing McDonald as the perfect man to fulfil that key role.

Did it work for Fulham? As it turned out, McDonald was indeed the perfect candidate to fulfil the anchor role in Jokanovic's midfield and his performances in the defensive midfield area really contributed to Fulham's success.

Did it work for McDonald? It sure did, fans adore him and he settled in immediately at the Cottage. He became a permanent fixture in the team and important piece in the midfield puzzle.

Sone Aluko (Hull, Free)

Fulham's Sone Aluko (Photo: Lewis Darling)

What happened? Fulham snapped up Aluko at the end of his Hull contract, signing him on a two-year deal to add Championship experience to their forward options.

Did it work for Fulham? Aluko did indeed add that experience and Championship know-how, while also bagging nine goals and ten assists to help push the club into the Play-offs.

Did it work for Aluko? It was a solid first season at Fulham for Aluko and he will be pleased with his efforts. It was the first time he hadn't been promoted to the Premier League from the second tier and that will spurt him on next season.

Denis Odoi (Lokeren, £850k)

Head over heels: Denis Odoi celebrates scoring (Photo: Lewis Darling)

What happened? Odoi was signed by Fulham in order to add competition in the full back spots and signed a three-year deal at the Cottage.

Did it work for Fulham? He added the competition the side needed, but was used more as a back-up as a result of the form that Ryan Fredericks and Scott Malone showed during the campaign. It was a good signing and they will hope he can continue to challenge next season.

Did it work for Odoi? He will have wanted to play more games this season than he did but he will be hoping that he can use this first season in England as a platform to hold down a regular starting berth next year.

Scott Malone (Cardiff, swap deal for Jazz Richards)

Fulham's Scott Malone (Photo: Darren Pepe)

What happened? Fulham swapped Richards for the services of left back Malone from Cardiff.

Did it work for Fulham? Yes it did - Malone had a fantastic season and looked at home in the attacking formation that Jokanovic used for most of the season.

Did it work for Malone? Malone enjoyed a fine season and was named in the Championship team of the year. He was a constant threat for the Cottagers and he will be extremely happy with how he and the side did over the course of the season.

Michael Madl (Sturm Graz, £1.25million)

Michael Madl (L)

What happened? Fulham made Madl's loan deal permanent, signing him from Sturm Graz on a two-year deal.

Did it work for Fulham? The club had been happy with how his loan deal had gone and he signed permanently in May 2016. He started in the side at the start of the season, but found game time harder to come by as a result of the form of Tim Ream and Tomas Kalas.

Did it work for Madl? He would've liked to have been one of the number one choices at centre back for Fulham this season, but had to make do with being a back-up towards the end. He will be hoping that next season is an improvement on the one just gone.

Gohi Cyriac (Oostende, loan)

Celebrations: Gohi Cyriac celebrates his first Fulham goal (Photo: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)


What happened? Fulham signed Cyriac on loan in January to add further options to Fulham's strikeforce.

Did it work for Fulham? He only scored once and hardly played for the club in his loan spell and didn't really have too much of an impact on the rest of the season.

Did it work for Cyriac? Not really. He would've wanted more game time and might feel his spell in west London was a bit of a waste as the result of his lack of game time.

Lucas Piazon (Chelsea, loan)


What happened? Fulham snapped up Piazon on loan from Chelsea to add his flair to their attacking midfield options.

Did it work for Fulham? Piazon had a very good season and Fulham will be pleased with his efforts in a white shirt this season. A jaw injury meant his final few months were a bit difficult but this move definitely worked for the club.

Did it work for Piazon? Again, it was a good move for Piazon who seemed to enjoy his time at the Cottage. He played some great games and scored some good goals, including the one at Bristol City which will live long in the memory.

Tomas Kalas (Chelsea, loan)

Tomas Kalas celebrates his goal against Huddersfield (Photo: Lewis Darling)

What happened? Fulham snapped up Chelsea defender Kalas on a loan to boost their defensive ranks.

Did it work for Fulham? Most definitely - Kalas was phenomenal this season and was one of the best centre backs in the division. The club will be happy with his commitment in a white shirt and will be desperate to see him back here next year.

Did it work for Kalas? It did - he loved his time spent at the Cottage and he saw one of his best seasons to date. The fans adored him and he built up a strong partnership with Ream.

Chris Martin (Derby, loan)

Chris Martin (Photo: Ker Robertson/GettyImages)

What happened? Experienced Championship striker Martin joined on loan to be the out and out striker for Fulham this season, but this was a loan deal with many twists and turns.

Did it work for Fulham? Yes and no - his goals helped the club massively in the early part of the season but his refusal to play in order to try to engineer a move back to Derby hurt the club and was something they could've done without.

Did it work for Martin? No - trying to force a move back to Derby desperately hurt his image in the eyes of the Fulham fans, and after Christmas he didn't contribute as many goals as he or the club will have wanted.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/were-signings-fulham-made-season-13115757

WhiteJC

 
Future of Fulham, Brentford and Aston Villa target to be decided in next few weeks
Aston Villa and Wolves are also interested in the midfielder, but the four are part of a larger group of Championship clubs chasing the 24-year-old

The future of Fulham and Brentford target Josh Scowen looks set to be decided in the next couple of weeks.

Scowen, who is 24-years-old, has also been linked with Aston Villa and Wolves and is now out of contract having failed to agree terms with Barnsley over a new deal.

GetWestLondon understands that the four clubs are part of a lager group of Championship sides currently vying for his signature, but no deal will be completed until after the midfielder returns from holiday.

And sources close to the midfielder hope to have a deal concluded with his preferred club for when he arrives back from his break, which could be as soon as the next couple of weeks.

Scowen made 118 appearances for Barnsley, making 44 in the Championship last season as the Tykes finished 14th.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/future-fulham-brentford-aston-villa-13116466

WhiteJC

 
Transfer gossip: Echo say Liverpool have ended Sessegnon pursuit

Liverpool have ended their interest in Ryan Sessegnon and believe the Fulham youngster will join Tottenham, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Spurs have long been interested in the Whites' teenage left-back, who has yet to sign a professional contract at Craven Cottage.

Arsenal have shown an interest as well, while the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton have also been linked with Sessegnon.

The Echo believe Liverpool doubted Sessegnon's commitment to joining them amid reports Spurs are close to agreeing a deal to sign him.




Whites want Fletcher, Mirror say

Fulham are among clubs interested in West Ham youngster Ashley Fletcher, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Mirror say Huddersfield are keen to sign Fletcher, 21, on a season-long loan following the Yorkshire club's promotion to the top flight.

The newspaper say Fulham, Middlesbrough and Norwich are also looking to bring in the forward for next season.




Cairney's future

Newcastle continue to be linked with Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney.

The Daily Telegraph say the promoted Magpies are set to make an approach following the Whites' play-off defeat against Reading.

They were linked with Cairney during the January transfer window and are apparently undeterred by reports Fulham want £20m for the 26-year-old.

The Telegraph suggest Newcastle are likely to offer £12m and that Cairney may well be keen to make the move now Fulham's hopes of a return to the Premier League have been ended.

The Northern Echo believe Newcastle will make an approach for Cairney and that there is also interest from West Ham and Southampton.




http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/fulham-tottenham-liverpool-sessegnon-link-3105


WhiteJC

 
Jozabed to return to Fulham following the end of his loan deal at Celta Vigo
The 26-year-old joined the La Liga outfit in January but will return to west London when his loan deal expires

Jozabed will return to Fulham once his loan deal at Celta Vigo expires after the Spanish club decided against activating their buy clause.

The Spaniard joined the club on loan in January after not making a first-team appearance for Fulham since October 2016 and went on to make 28 appearances for the La Liga outfit.

Celta Vigo had the option to make the loan deal permanent this summer, but have decided against activating that clause which means that the 26-year-old will now return to west London.

However, it is understood Celta Vigo still remain interested in the Fulham man and could make a move later in the summer if it becomes apparent that Fulham will accept a lower offer for him.

Jozabed signed for the club last summer from Rayo Vallecano but struggled at the Cottage and it looks unlikely that the player has a future at Fulham.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/jozabed-return-fulham-following-end-13116867

WhiteJC

 
Tottenham may not see Ryan Sessegnon as a left back

Ryan Sessegnon could be a forward at Tottenham

Many pundits are speculating that Tottenham are chasing Ryan Sessegnon to replace Danny Rose as Mauricio Pochettino's left back. The reality is that Spurs could easily see the English starlet's future much higher up the pitch.

Reports from England claim that Tottenham have defeated Liverpool in the race for the Fulham star. Sessegnon burst onto the scene for Fulham this year at the tender age of 17-years-old. His play for both club and country captured the attention of many of Europe's elite clubs.

It's true that he played most often for England's youth and Fulham as a left back. However, closer look at his performances this season show that he played better the further he was moved up the pitch. In some ways that seems odd considering Sessegnon's speed and propensity to make a physical challenge.

On the other, those are characteristics that Pochettino loves to see further up the pitch. When fit, Erik Lamela's physicality is a big reason that he finds himself a member of the Spurs starting XI. It's entirely possible the Pochettino sees Sessegnon as injury insurance for his fragile countryman.

The statistics don't lie. Sessegnon posted a very respectable Whoscored.com player rating average of 6.90 in his 12 starts as a left back. His ratings increase significantly when you look at how he played as both a midfielder and forward. The Englishman earned a mark of 7.20 in his three starts all the way up top and a stellar rating of 7.81 in his pair of starts as an attacking midfielder.

Admittedly, that's a pretty small sample size. There's a reason that Fulham elected to start him at the back more often than not. It's clearly where his comfort zone is. Pochettino isn't a manager that fears presenting players with new challenges. It's highly possible that he'd push Sessegnon out of his comfort zone into a more attacking role.

What should be clear here is that Sessegnon is a versatile talent that can positively impact Tottenham at a number of spots on the pitch. The idea that the club shouldn't sign him because they possess two quality left backs is rubbish. He's simply too talented not to sign if you have the opportunity. Pochettino will find a way to get a player with his exceptional talent on the pitch.




http://playingfor90.com/2017/05/31/tottenham-may-not-see-ryan-sessegnon-left-back/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham could swoop for Inter Milan defender Isaac Donkor

Isaac Donkor

According to Italian newspaper Tutto, Fulham could move for Ghanaian centre-back Isaac Donkor.

The 21-year-old spent the second half of the season on loan at Serie B side Cesena.

He is owned by giants Inter Milan.

Donkor made eight appearances for the second half of the season.




http://ghanasoccernet.com/fulham-could-swoop-for-inter-milan-defender-isaac-donkor


WhiteJC

 
Ream & Joronen Called Up

Tim Ream and Jesse Joronen are the latest Fulham players to have been called up for international duty.

Ream's United States begin with a friendly match against Venezuela in Utah, before home and away World Cup Qualifiers against Trinidad & Tobago and Mexico, respectively.

Joronen also has a combination of fixtures to look forward to, with Finland hosting Liechtenstein in Turku in an exhibition game, before the competitive action gets under way with Ukraine in Tampere.

A full list of Fulham players called up for international duty can be found below.

Senior squad:

Floyd Ayité (Togo) – Friendly & Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier

Tom Cairney (Scotland) – World Cup Qualifier

Cyriac (Ivory Coast) – Friendly & Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier

Stefan Johansen (Norway) – World Cup Qualifier & Friendly

Jesse Joronen (Finland) – Friendly & World Cup Qualifier

Tomas Kalas (Czech Republic) – Friendly & World Cup Qualifier

Neeskens Kebano (Congo) – Friendly & Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier

Chris Martin (Scotland) – World Cup Qualifier

Tim Ream (United States) – Friendly & World Cup Qualifiers

Under-21s

Lasse Vigen Christensen (Denmark) – European Championships

Marek Rodák (Slovakia) – European Championships

Cauley Woodrow (England) – Training camp




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/31/ream-joronen-called-up

WhiteJC

 
RYAN SESSEGNON IS ON HIS WAY TO TOTTENHAM – RELIABLE JOURNALIST

Tottenham have beaten Liverpool in the race to sign Fulham player Ryan Sessegnon, according to a reliable journalist.

Liverpool Echo Sports reporter Neil Jones sent out a message on his official twitter account claiming that the 17-year-old is set to join the North London club in the summer transfer window.

In his column for the Liverpool Echo, Jones reports that the teenager and his representatives did indeed speak to Liverpool but claims that the club were not convinced that Sessegnon wanted to join.

He also claims that Jurgen Klopp had been looking for a young natural left-back to work alongside former England international James Milner and eventually become the number one choice in the position.

Despite playing as an attacking left-winger in the closing matches of the season, Sessegnon has produced some impressive performances playing in the left full-back role for the majority of the season.

The teenager scored four of his seven goals this season playing in the full-back role, getting on the scoresheet in the Championship draws against Cardiff and Burton, and scoring in the FA Cup victories over Cardiff City and Hull City.

Sessegnon's potential arrival to Tottenham could turn out to be a fantastic deal for both player and club as manager Mauricio Pochettino has managed to get the best out of current full-backs Danny Rose, Kyle Walker and Kieran Tripper during his time at the North London club.




https://thisisfutbol.com/2017/05/blogs/premier-league/ryan-sessegnon-is-on-his-way-to-tottenham-reliable-journalist/

WhiteJC

 
Manchester United vs Tottenham transfer scrap looming over Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham
Teenage wide-man's impressive displays in the Championship might see him playing Champions League next season

Manchester United are ready to battle it out with Tottenham for Fulham's young left-back Ryan Sessegnon.

Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho wants to snap up the talented England Under-19s international this summer — and that could be good news for Luke Shaw, who had feared being made surplus to requirements at Old Trafford by the arrival of a new senior left-back.

Shaw is on track to return to training in August after surgery on an ankle ligament injury he sustained on April 30. The 21-year-old will wear a brace for another two-to-three weeks before stepping up his rehabilitation.

Youngster Sessegnon could be next season's X factor for United or Spurs (Photo: Rex Features)

The England international still hopes to revive his United career, despite only making nine league starts this term amid repeated public criticism from new manager Mourinho.

While the potential addition of Sessegnon — who has also been linked with Liverpool — would strengthen the squad, it is unlikely the 17-year-old would be an instant regular.

Indeed, Sessegnon is such a youngster he has yet to even agree professional terms with Fulham, despite making 25 Championship appearances in this past season to help the Londoners into the play-offs.

He could be available for a compensation fee or around £15million, after scoring seven goals in the league and FA Cup.




http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-vs-tottenham-transfer-10537209


WhiteJC

 
Should Fulham Attempt To Sign This Chelsea Man On A Permanent Basis In The Summer?

Lucas Piazon has been one of the most promising stars in Chelsea's well-known loan system but owing to the obsession of the Blues for having nothing less than sheer superstars in their ranks, the productive loan spells of players like Piazon hardly manages to appeal to the club. Having signed for the London-based club way back in 2012, the Brazilian could muster merely 1 appearance with the senior side despite having piled impressive tenures on loan with Malaga, Vitesse, Frankfurt and Reading and of course Fulham during the 2016-17 campaign of the Sky Bet Championship.

Piazon was one of the instrumental figures for the Cottagers in the season which just concluded in the English second division, having piled 30 appearances whilst which he scored 5 goals and registered 4 assists apart from garnering a healthy pass accuracy of 84.1%. Initially, he signed a six-month loan deal in the summer of 2016 with Fulham but under the tutelage of Slavisa Jokanovic, he really thrived and the former Maccabi Tel Aviv manager ensured that he stayed at the Craven Cottage for the entire campaign. It eventually turned out to be a fruitful decision as they managed to go up to the play-offs in the Championship.

It goes without saying that at this stage of his career, the 23-year-old would be vouching for some recognition and would be itching to ply his trade on a regular basis and this is where the prospect of making a permanent move to Fulham should come into the equation, with the willingness of the Whites of course. Jokanovic has shown that with the resources he has at his disposal and by maintaining group cohesiveness, his outfit looks decent enough to earn a promotion to the Premier League and after a successful late dash to clinch a top-six finish, they should be eyeing for an automatic qualification spot next season.

A central attacking midfielder who is capable enough of being efficient on either wing, Piazon orchestrates the offensive endeavours of his side up front with his shrewd movements and the ability to tear defences apart with his pinpoint passes. Besides, the attacker doesn't refrain from making important defensive contributions and his quick pace enables him to cover every blade of grass. He has the requisite calibre to succeed and if he is actually lured under the guidance of Jokanovic, he could really blossom and do wonders for the club in times to come.





http://the4thofficial.net/2017/05/fulham-attempt-sign-chelsea-man-permanent-basis-summer/

WhiteJC

 
Scouting For Slaviša Jokanović – Here Are Two Super Replacements For Ryan Sessegnon If He Leaves Fulham

Two Replacements For Ryan Sessegnon At Fulham
With Fulham now resigned to losing not only Tom Cairney but most likely Ryan Sessegnon too, the cost of not seeing out promotion looks like being a big one.

Sessegnon is young and rough around the edges but would have proven to be an excellent attacking option for the West London side next season had he decided to stay. Instead, it seems that Liverpool and Tottenham will battle it out for his signature and at this stage, it's the Wembley-bound Spurs who are winning the race.

With him likely to depart then, who could Fulham bring in to soften the blow and ensure that no attacking impetus is lost? Here we look at two good options:

Ryan Kent (Liverpool)
Kent's dribbling skills and the rate at which he is found show him to be someone who could fill the void left by Sessegnon and get the crowd at Craven Cottage on their feet. Only 20 years old, Kent is a modern, right-footed left winger who loves to cut inside and as he matures, his output will improve.

He did manage 3 goals and an assist at Barnsley last season during his 44 Championship appearances (38 starts) but will undoubtedly beat that figure next season and so must be regarded as a player on the up. Liverpool, his parent club, may well be open to another loan offer given their need to sign established players to cope with Champions League football next term and so Fulham could do worse than nipping in and snapping him up.

Yoan Gouffran (Newcastle)
Should Fulham want a more immediate solution; someone who can step in and prove without delay to be top end Championship quality, then taking the Frenchman off Newcastle's hands might be wise.

The former Bordeaux winger is due to leave this summer but has had a very solid year for the champions. Gouffran never seems to be on top of any particular charts, but he chipped in with 5 goals, 3 assists, a pass completion rate of nearly 80%, a key pass almost every game and even his share of interceptions and tackles.

He's a bit of a man for all seasons and for those wishing to make a big promotion push over next year, and who don't already have a top quality left-winger or left-midfielder, they really should be on the phone to Lee Charnley sooner rather than later to snap up the Gouff.




http://soccersouls.com/2017/06/01/scouting-for-slavisa-jokanovic-here-are-two-super-replacements-for-ryan-sessegnon-if-he-leaves-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
West Brom have taken 'concrete steps' on transfer, with Fulham making an effort too

West Brom's striker links continue, and they've now, perhaps inevitably, crossed paths with Fulham, who have been on their own striker search for around a year.

French newspaper L'Equipe have an article in their Thursday edition on the future of Steve Mounie. The 22 year old Montpellier striker is said to be receiving interest from several clubs, with West Brom and Fulham among them.

L'Equipe explain that Fulham made attempts to sign the player last summer, but Montpellier stood firm and refused all approaches. That approach paid off somewhat, with Mounie contributing 14 goals and 3 assists in something of a breakthrough season.

Fulham have returned, but they've now got to contend with West Brom interest as well. Tony Pulis' side are said to have taken 'concrete steps' on a possible signing. West Brom are aware that it would take something in the region of €15m to sign the player.

Both English clubs have 'officially expressed' their interest, but they may also have to contend with Lyon, who are increasingly keen too.

West Brom are said to have the edge, and it's worth pointing out a French claim also linked them in February.




http://sportwitness.co.uk/west-brom-taken-concrete-steps-transfer-fulham-making-effort/


WhiteJC

 
Report: Fulham and West Brom make concrete moves for Steve Mounie, but could be hijacked by Lyon
Fulham and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly battling for Steve Mounie.

According to major French newspaper L'Equipe, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion have made concrete moves to sign Montpellier attacker Steve Mounie – but Lyon could yet swoop in.

Mounie, 22, was born in Benin but has come up through the ranks with Montpellier having joined the club back in 2009, though he had made just three first-team appearances for the club before this season.

The striker hit 11 goals on loan at Nimes last season, and he has continued his goalscoring exploits in the Montpellier first team, as he hit 14 goals in 35 Ligue 1 appearances for the club this past season, whilst also adding three assists.

It now seems that Mounie's performances in France are attracting major interest with this summer's transfer window in mind, as L'Equipe report that both Fulham and West Bromwich Albion have made concrete moves to sign him.

However, it's added that French giants Lyon are also keen on Mounie and could swoop in to hijack Fulham and West Brom's interest this summer.

A 6ft 3in striker with great strength and aerial ability, Mounie also possesses decent pace, and whilst Lyon may be the most appealing option should they firm up their interest, a move to England is also an intriguing prospect.

Fulham will need a centre forward given that Chris Martin will head back to Derby County after a loan spell whit summer, and Mounie certainly fits the bill, though whether he would be willing to move to the Championship is another matter.

Meanwhile, West Brom saw Salomon Rondon score just once in 2017, and Mounie could be another attacking option for Tony Pulis to call upon if needed, with the Baggies a strong contender for Mounie's signature.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/06/01/report-fulham-and-west-brom-make-concrete-moves-for-steve-mounie/

WhiteJC

 
IPSWICH TOWN SHOULD BAG THIS FULHAM FORWARD IF GARNER DEAL FAILS

It's no secret that Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has been in search of a target-man ever since the departure of Daryl Murphy at the start of the 2016/17 season.

Much has been made of his ambitious £500k attempt to lure Joe Garner from Rangers to Portman Road last week – but should he fail in his efforts to bring him south of the border, there's another long-term transfer target of his that would do well in filling the attacking void.

Though having just completed a promising loan spell at Burton Albion, scoring 5 times in 14 appearances, Cauley Woodrow came close to joining the Tractor Boys in January, and is understood to still be high on the gaffer's shopping list.

At 22 he remains a forward with time on his side, and his hunger to cement a solid first team place after finding himself out-of-favour at Craven Cottage could well make him a shrewd signing for the Suffolk club.

Indeed, having impressed at his 5-month stint at the Brewers, Nigel Clough is also said to be keen on making the fan favourite's time at the Pirelli Stadium permanent, making the timing of any potential deal even more of the essence.

Back at the turn of the decade Woodrow picked up the gong of being the first non-league player to be capped at the England youth level since the 1970's, with his professional career starting at Luton Town.

Any striker McCarthy does sign will do so in full knowledge that they will be expected to play their part in getting Ipswich back on the up again, after the campaign just gone saw them settle in 16th place, the club's lowest finish in 58 years.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ipswich-town-should-bag-this-fulham-forward-if-garner-deal-fails/