Sunday Fulham Stuff (04/06/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham must consider adding this 20-year-old sensation to their side this summer

Having missed out on promotion after defeat to Reading in the play-off semi-finals, Fulham will rebuild this summer with the intention of competing for a top six finish again next time out.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic will compile his summer transfer window wish list in the coming days and weeks, and will look to maintain as many members of his current squad as possible whilst adding depth and quality to his team.

Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon are currently at the club on loan from neighbours Chelsea, and the permanent transfer of these players will be high on the agenda of the Fulham boss.

The Serb's dealings with the Premier league champions may not end there however, and a move for another young midfielder should also be on the cards this summer.

Victorien Angban is a young holding midfielder currently on the books at Stamford Bridge, and has spent the season on loan in La Liga with relegated Granada.

The Ivorian international made ten appearances in southern Spain, and will return to England this summer ready to impress on these shores.

A move to Fulham may provide the 20 year old with the perfect platform from which to launch a bid for first team football with his parent club in the coming years.

The holding midfielder would add bite and aggression to the Fulham midfield, and would provide excellent protection in a Fulham team which requires an effective holding player, due to the willingness of full backs at the club to bombard forward.

Angban has bags of potential, and may realise his ability with a loan move in west London.

Fulham have done business with their neighbours in the past, and Jokanovic may look to utilise these strong ties again this summer to acquire one of Africa's most exciting prospects.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-must-consider-adding-this-20-year-old-sensation-to-their-side-this-summer/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham who? Black Eyed Peas star reveals he's never heard of the Craven Cottage side

Will.I.Am was being interviewed before the Champions League Final tonight when he was asked about the west London side

Fulham may have a large American fan base and might be owned by an American, but one superstar from across the pond has never heard of the side.

Will.I.Am, who is the lead member of pop and dance pop group the Black Eyed Peas, revealed he'd never heard of the west London side ahead of tonight's Champions League final at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.

His group will be performing in the opening ceremony as Real Madrid and Juventus go at it in the final, with Madrid looking to become the first side to win it back-to-back in its current format.

Before tonight, Will.I.Am was being interviewed by the Champions League Facebook side, with the interviewer asking him who he supported, which resulted in a bit of an uncomfortable reaction from the American.

When asked, he said: "I like United, who do you like?" to which the interviewer responded with "I like Fulham."

This was too much for Will.I.Am who reacted with "Okay cool, that's awesome."

He's then asked if he's ever heard of Fulham to which he responded with and uneasy joke, saying: "No, but we have a lyric that says 'Fill up my cup'".

The should probably stick to the music before talking football.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-who-black-eyed-peas-13132028

[WhiteJC]

 
Brighton and Rangers ready to make move to sign Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald

The 28-year-old signed for Fulham in July 2016 and still has two years left on his contract at Craven Cottage, with the option of a second year

Brighton are ready to make a £2million move for Kevin McDonald but face competition from Rangers for his signature, according to the Sun .

The Scotsman only signed for Fulham last summer in a deal worth around £1.25million and has been an ever present in the midfield three that ensured the side finished in the Play-off places last season.

He came third in Fulham's Player of the Season vote, behind midfield counterparts Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney, and made 48 appearances in all competitions for the side.

Chris Hughton has reportedly watched the 28-year-old for some time, with Brighton able to offer him Premier League football next season, while Rangers hope to be able to tempt him north of the border to boost his Scotland career.

However, it is believed that McDonald is happy in west London and would prefer to stay at Fulham, where he has two-years remaining on his three-year contract, with the option of an extra year should the club want to invoke it.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/brighton-rangers-ready-make-move-13132058

[WhiteJC]

 
Watford approach West Brom target, Pulis' 'concrete steps', Fulham offered €6m

A couple of days ago L'Equipe reported West Brom's 'concrete steps' to sign Steve Mounie. The 22 year old Montpellier striker was also said to be attracting interest from Fulham, who had previously been interested during the January transfer window.

In their Saturday edition, L'Equipe report that Watford have now made an approach to sign Mounie, not making it clear whether that approach was direct to the player or to his club.

Fulham are mentioned, with it being stated the London club offered €6m during the winter window, but obviously couldn't get a deal done.

Strangely, perhaps very strangely, West Brom don't even get a mention. Not a word, L'Equipe don't send a single nod towards their own reports just two days ago.

There's every chance that someone in France is pushing the idea of interest in Mounie, and trying to flush out any genuine interest they can.

So far the only constant has been Fulham, even if L'Equipe have now, in two articles in two days, put both West Brom and Watford ahead of them.

Montpellier want €10-15m. Maybe they're panicking, because on Thursday they wanted something in the region of €15m.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/watford-approach-west-brom-target-fulham-offered-e6m-pulis-needs-decision/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Rangers ready to rival Brighton for Fulham midfielder and former target Kevin McDonald

Glasgow Rangers were linked with a move for Kevin McDonald last summer, and still hope to bring the Fulham midfielder to Ibrox but face a challenge from Brighton and Hove Albion for his signature.

A report from The Sun has suggested that Rangers are ready to rival Premier League new boys Brighton for Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald, one year after they tried to sign the 28-year-old from Wolves.

The Express and Star reported last April that the Gers were interested in signing the midfielder, who ultimately swapped Molineux for Craven Cottage, with the Light Blues instead signing the likes of Joey Barton ahead of their return to the Scottish Premiership.

A report from The Sun has suggested that Rangers are ready to rival Premier League new boys Brighton for Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald, one year after they tried to sign the 28-year-old from Wolves.

The Express and Star reported last April that the Gers were interested in signing the midfielder, who ultimately swapped Molineux for Craven Cottage, with the Light Blues instead signing the likes of Joey Barton ahead of their return to the Scottish Premiership.

According to The Sun, he may be interested in moving to Rangers to boost his chances of breaking into the Scotland squad.

Based on his form this past season, he would also be a tremendous acquisition for Pedro Caixinha's men. He featured 45 times in the Championship for Slavisa Jokanovic's men, helping them reach the play-off semi-final with three goals and three assists coming during the campaign.

But they may well face a battle trying to win the race as the prospect of helping Brighton in the Premier League is surely likely to prove extremely tempting to the Fulham man.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/06/03/report-rangers-ready-to-rival-brighton-for-fulham-midfielder-kev/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham reject Odoi offer but talks continue

Fulham have turned down an initial bid from KAA Gent for right-back Denis Odoi.

Gent want to take the defender back to his native Belgium and remain in talks with the Whites over a possible deal.

Belgian newspaper HLN has reported that Odoi has already completed a medical ahead of signing a four-year contract.

Odoi made 33 appearances for Fulham last season following a move from Lokeren, including 21 Championship starts




http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-reject-odoi-offer-talks-continue

[WhiteJC]

 
Which ex-Fulham player has made Champions League history by winning the competition twice?

There's been a few ex-Fulham players who have won the trophy, but one in particular stands out as having made history in lifting the trophy twice

It's one of the best days in the football calendar for fans in general as Real Madrid and Juventus compete in the Champions League final later tonight in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

But a man who played in the white of Fulham has already made history in the competition, holding the record for the longest gap between receiving two Champions League winners' medals.

That man, is of course, Edwin Van Der Sar who signed for Fulham in 2001 from Juventus, where he stayed until Sir Alex Ferguson came calling four years later to sign him for Manchester United.

He first won the competition for Ajax in 1995, where they beat AC Milan 1-0 in the final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna thanks to a 85th minute Patrick Kluivert goal.

Van Der Sar then had to wait another 13 years before he got his hands on the trophy again, this time with Manchester United where he helped them win it in 2008 in Moscow, saving Nicolas Anelka's penalty to win the trophy after John Terry had slipped to miss his that would've won it for Chelsea.

There's been a few more ex-Fulham players that have won it too, Steve Finnan and John Arne Riise won it with Liverpool in 2005 on that famous night in Istanbul, while Louis Saha also won it with United in 2008.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ex-fulham-player-made-champions-13132055

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham reject initial overseas bid for defender but deal still expected

Sky Sports believes that Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-finalists Fulham have today turned down a bid from Belgian Pro League side Gent for defender Denis Odoi. The right back, who is Belgian and joined from Lokeren in 2016, could still move as the clubs remain in discussions.

Belgian publication HLN reports that Odoi would be interested in the move but that the clubs are now still in negotiations over a potential fee. The player has also supposedly held talks with Gent representatives over the past few weeks in a bid to force through a move.

Odoi, aged 29, has been in Belgium since the season ended. He scored two goals in his debut season at Craven Cottage, which came in the home victory against Wigan Athletic in February, and then March's home loss against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He often rotated the right back position with Ryan Fredericks, so head coach Slavisa Jokanovic won't be hugely disappointed if he did loose Odoi.

The skilful full back has one full cap for the Belgian national team. He'll be hoping a move back to his native country will be enough to force him into the plans of national team manager Roberto Martinez, who is often seen as Pro League fixtures.

He has over 100 career appearances in the professional game and is now looking to further increase that back in Belgian. Gent finished last season in 3rd place, finishing behind Anderlecht and Club Brugge, meaning they earned qualification into the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. Gent last won the Belgian Pro League back in 2015.



http://the72.co.uk/82501/fulham-set-to-lose-full-back/

[WhiteJC]

 
Watford and West Brom keen on £13m move for Montpellier's Steve Mounie

    Steve Mounie scored 14 goals for Montpellier last season in France's Ligue 1
    West Brom and Watford are both keen on signing the Benin international
    Fulham have also enquired but Mounie would prefer a Premier League move
    Watford boss Marco Silva is also keen on signing former player Kamil Grosicki

Watford are weighing up a move for Montpellier forward Steve Mounie.

The 22-year-old Benin international, who scored 14 goals last season, is a £13million target for West Bromwich Albion also but is interested by a prospective move to London.

Fulham have also made enquiries but Mounie would prefer a Premier League club.


Montpellier forward Steve Mounie celebrates after scoring against Lyon last month

Meanwhile, the Hornets have concerns over the future of M'Baye Niang despite holding the option on his permanent signing from AC Milan.

New coach Marco Silva is also keen on former Hull City winger Kamil Grosicki.

Fulham, meanwhile, have rejected an initial bid from Gent for right-back Denis Odoi.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4569248/Watford-West-Brom-keen-13m-Mounie.html#ixzz4j0qAq4RC
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[WhiteJC]

 
Could Fulham move for Sheffield Wednesday man if Tom Cairney departs?

Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday were both beaten in the Championship semi-finals.

Fulham may have to brace themselves for offers for Tom Cairney this summer, after their failure to gain promotion from the Championship.

The 26-year-old scored 13 goals and created another 12 from midfield this past campaign, and Newcastle United are said to be one of several top flight admirers.

Cairney's boots would be sizeable ones to fill, but could an almost forgotten Sheffield Wednesday player, Almen Abdi, be the man to do it?

So, why him?
Fulham were reportedly keen on the Swiss international a year ago, before his £3 million move to Wednesday, with Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic having managed him at Watford. Abdi may have endured a frustrating debut campaign at Hillsborough, but has played top level football in both England and Italy and is a proven Championship performer, where he has scored 24 goals and creating 14 in 100 appearances.

Would Wednesday sell him?
Another central midfielder is said to be on Carlos Carvalhal's shopping list, and with Barry Bannan and Kieran Lee often preferred in Abdi's attacking role, a summer move for the 30-year-old perhaps cannot be ruled out. Wednesday are desperate to make it third time lucky next season, but with a potential £10 million of this summer's budget already spent on Jordan Rhodes, they may have to wheel and deal with Abdi a possible victim.

Chances of a move?
7/10 - It would need Cairney to depart first, but interest from both Jokanovic and Abdi is probable if/when that happens. Wednesday are said to be after a central midfielder themselves - albeit, perhaps a more defensive-minded one - and may be happy to move the Swiss on if it helps to fund his replacement.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/06/01/could-fulham-move-for-sheffield-wednesday-man-if-tom-cairney-dep/

[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea Targeting Upcoming Championship Custodian: A Potential Star In The Making?

Chelsea are looking to bolster their goalkeeping section as they have reportedly targeted Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli as on option. The Blues recently paved the way for Asmir Begovic to join Bournemouth on a permanent deal from the Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte wants to add a significant back up to Thibaut Courtois before next season.

Bettinelli joined the Cottagers in 2011 and came through their academy before establishing him in the senior squad. The 25-year-old hasn't featured much this season but played an important role on their way to the Championship playoffs. He was in the Fulham goal in the last six matches but couldn't help his team much as they lost to Reading in the playoffs.

Begovic hasn't had many chances this season and thus choose to move to the south coast where he is guaranteed enough game time. And the same goes for Bettinelli too. He is expected to lead the team from the back and a move to the West London would hurt his game time immensely. He earlier also had rejected a move to Chelsea as the idea of playing second fiddle to Courtois didn't seem ideal to him.

He had a couple of loan stints at various clubs with the likes of Dartford but since 2014 he has been with the club. The 6'4 keeper could be the ideal replacement of Begovic and also Chelsea will have to shell peanuts to lure him to the club.



http://the4thofficial.net/2017/06/chelsea-targeting-upcoming-championship-custodian-potential-star-making/

[WhiteJC]

 
Is Fulham's Slavisa Jokanovic The Man To Replace Sam Allardyce At Crystal Palace?

Why Slavisa Jokanovic Is A Good Managerial Option For Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have reportedly made Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic as their top target after Sam Allardyce's surprise exit earlier this month.

Big Sam replaced Alan Pardew as the Eagles' boss in December last year and led the team to eight wins from 21 games in charge to help them avoid relegation and finish 14th in the Premier League, before quitting in shocking circumstances, citing personal reasons.

In a statement, the former England boss said:

    "I want to be able to savour life while I am still relatively young, and when I am still relatively healthy enough to do all the things I want to do, like travel, spend more time with my family and grandchildren without the huge pressure that comes with being a football manager.

    "This is the right time for me. I simply want to be able to enjoy all the things you cannot really enjoy with the 24/7 demands of managing any football club, let alone one in the Premier League."

Palace have been on the hunt for a new manager and have reportedly made Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic as their primary target as per reports. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish sees the Serbian as the right man to take the club in the right direction after Allardyce's shock exit.

The 48-year old Jokanovic did a fine job at Fulham last year and a half, having taken over the reins at the club back in December 2015.

Jokanovic, a footballer himself, started out his managerial career with Serbian club Partizan Belgrade midway through the 2007/08 season and led the club to a domestic double in his very first season in charge. He completed another double in the subsequent season, before leaving the club in September 2009.

After a three-year hiatus, Jokanovic returned to management with Thailand based club Muangthong United FC and led them to the Thai Premier League title, finishing the season unbeaten. He joined Bulgarian club Levski Sofia in July 2013, but was released of his duties a few months later due to poor results. A short spell with Spanish club Hercules followed thereafter.

Jokanovic was given the reins of Watford FC in October 2014. The Hornets were in the Championship back then and Jokanovic was the person who led them to promotion to the Premier League, just missing out on the Championship title in the final game of the season. However, a failure to agree terms on a new deal meant he was let go after promotion. A six month stint with Maccabi Tel Aviv came afterwards, before he was appointed the Fulham boss for the second half of the 2015/16 season.

After finishing in 20th in his half season with the club, he turned Fulham from also-rans to one of the most feared sides in the Championship this year as they just missed out on promotion to the Premier League, after finishing in the playoff positions.

Jokanovic turned Fulham into a fluid, well-gelled attacking unit this past year. The Cottagers finished the season with the second-highest number of goals in the second tier (80). They had the most shots at goal (696), attempted (24065) and completed the most number of passes (20262) with the best accuracy in the league (84%). They had the best possession in the competition too (57%) and created the most number of chances as well (523).

To dominate almost all the attacking facets of the game in the Championship, just a season after they were on the cusp of relegation, indicates the kind of work the Serbian has put in. So, it is no surprise that someone who is able to turn things around so drastically in such a short time, is on the top of the list for Palace.

Jokanovic has adapted a free-flowing attacking approach at Fulham and has shown that he isn't afraid to back the young talents coming through the academies – Ryan Sessegnon is the prime example of his trust in youth.

Someone who has won titles during his career, has had a variety of experience across the world and has proven himself in England as well, that too with his teams playing an attractive brand of football, he would be ideal for Crystal Palace. The quality squad that Palace have, they deserve to be much higher in the table and Jokanovic could be the man to lead them there, having pulled off something similar with Fulham.

Palace will need to convince him to leave Fulham and will also need to pay a £5 million compensation. But if they manage to sign him ahead of the next season, things will definitely turn around at the Selhurst Park.




http://soccersouls.com/2017/06/04/is-fulhams-slavisa-jokanovic-the-man-to-replace-sam-allardyce-at-crystal-palace/

[WhiteJC]

 
Scouting Reports: Foket, Hugill, Vicari
First Scouting Reports of the new summer transfer window!


Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

The transfer window has not yet officially opened but teams are already wra up deals. Fulham have undoubtedly been looking at targets, and now we will take a look at some of them.

Thomas Foket

Club: KAA Gent

transfermarkt.co.uk value: £2.98 million

Appearances: 28 in the league, 9 in Europa League

Goals: 0

Assists: 1 in Europa Legue, 1 in Domestic League

WhoScored.com Rating: 6.56 for Europa League performances, N/A for the league

Thomas Foket has appeared on Fulham's radar after another quality season in the Belgian league. With Dennis Odoi heading to Gent, it seems like Fulham are looking at something of a swap deal, and have identified Foket as their player of choice. Foket can play anywhere on the right side from right back to right wing, and would provide cover for Fredericks and Aluko. Overall, we probably would have to toss in some extra cash in order for the deal to happen, but I think it would be well worth it.

(Also if he scores goals like this he will be an instant fan favorite)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHIGILYBbZw

Jordan Hugill

Club: Preston North End

Transfermarkt.co.uk value: £298 thousand

Appearances: 44

Goals: 12

Assists: 2

WhoScored.com Rating: 6.75

Jordan Hugill has apparently emerged as one of Fulham's striker targets this summer. He is a big, strong striker who likes to get on the ends of crosses, and would be a welcomed addition to the Fulham team. He probably would cost around 2-3 million pounds, in comparison to Martin that would be a bargain. At the end of the day, Preston finished in a decent position, so Hugill might not be overeager to make a move. That being said, if we came knocking I think he would be interested at the least.


Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images

Francesco Vicari

Club: SPAL

Appearances: 34

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

WhoScored Rating: N/A

Transfermarkt.co.uk Value: 428k

Vicari's name first popped up in the Italian media, and it came as a surprise to many that Fulham were pursuing a player who has just been promoted to Serie A. However, as was seen in the last window with players like Ayite, Kebano, and Sigurdsson arriving from clubs in the top tier of those countries, Fulham are able to draw good players. Vicari is a big dog, a no-nonsense, physical defender, who would complement the likes of Madl, Sigurdsson, and Ream very well. It would be a match made in heaven if Fulham were able to bring back Kalas, stick him and ream on either side of Vicari, and play a 3-5-2, Fredericks and Ayite on the wings. Vicari could also slot in at one of the two center back positions, but that would either signal that Kalas is not returning, or Sigurdsson or Madl on their was out. Either way, I would be absolutely ecstatic to see Vicari sign, and he would certainly help us in our push for promotion.




http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/6/4/15716610/scouting-reports-foket-hugill-vicari

[Holders]

Fulham who? Black Eyed Peas star reveals he's never heard of the Craven Cottage side

Will.I.Am was being interviewed before the Champions League Final tonight when he was asked about the west London side

Fulham may have a large American fan base and might be owned by an American, but one superstar from across the pond has never heard of the side.

Will.I.Am, who is the lead member of pop and dance pop group the Black Eyed Peas, revealed he'd never heard of the west London side ahead of tonight's Champions League final at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.

His group will be performing in the opening ceremony as Real Madrid and Juventus go at it in the final, with Madrid looking to become the first side to win it back-to-back in its current format.

Before tonight, Will.I.Am was being interviewed by the Champions League Facebook side, with the interviewer asking him who he supported, which resulted in a bit of an uncomfortable reaction from the American.

When asked, he said: "I like United, who do you like?" to which the interviewer responded with "I like Fulham."

This was too much for Will.I.Am who reacted with "Okay cool, that's awesome."

He's then asked if he's ever heard of Fulham to which he responded with and uneasy joke, saying: "No, but we have a lyric that says 'Fill up my cup'".

The should probably stick to the music before talking football.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-who-black-eyed-peas-13132028

Who is this William?