Monday Fulham Stuff (12/06/17)...

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Report: £15m Sessegnon has his heart set on Tottenham

The £15m starlet wants to join Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report.

Ryan Sessegnon is desperate to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to Football London.

The 17-year-old full-back is one of the hottest properties in English football and Fulham have slapped a £15 million pricetag on him (via The Independent).

The Independent reported last month that Liverpool were confident of signing the young Englishman but, according to Football London, Sessegnon has "his heart set on" a move to the Reds' Premier League rivals Tottenham.

If true then the ball is firmly in Spurs' court and chairman Daniel Levy - who, according to The Sun, was prepared to offer £12 million last month - should surely stump up the additional £3 million if previous reports on his value are accurate.

It is easy to see why the North London club could be considered the go-to-place for potential gems these days, with Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane have all blossomed into extraordinary footballers during their time working under Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Sessegnon managed 16 Championship appearances during an excellent breakthrough season last term, scoring five times.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/06/10/report-15m-liverpool-target-has-his-heart-set-on-tottenham/

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'They believe we can beat anyone' - Sigurdsson hails Iceland fans

The Fulham defender has hailed the vociferous support of his country's fans, after a magical Euro 2016 run saw them reach the quarter finals

EXCLUSIVE

Ragnar Sigurdsson insists that Iceland believe they can win every game they play, such is the belief of their rabid supporters.

Iceland, who enjoyed such a wonderful Euro 2016 tournament, face Croatia on Sunday in a pivotal World Cup qualifier ahead of the 2018 showpiece in Russia.

Croatia currently lead Group I by three points from Sigurdsson & Co, making this encounter a must-win for both sides.

Iceland were carried into the quarter-finals of the European Championships by the vociferous support of their travelling fans, and Sigurdsson believes that the belief is the equivalent of bottled lightning.

Of course, English fans will be able to attest to that, having seen the Three Lions slip to a humiliating 2-1 defeat in the round of 16 in Nice.

"You wouldn't believe the belief people have in us, it's amazing. Even if we're playing against Croatia, at home or away, everyone thinks we're going to win the game," he told Goal in an exclusive interview.

"Even if we met England again, people would think we have a good chance of winning, that's helped us, the belief we have in ourselves.

"The belief Icelandic people have in us is really such a motivation for us."

Iceland would become one of the smallest ever nations to qualify for the World Cup if they were to achieve it, as the country has a population of just 330,000 people.

However, Sigurdsson believes that they would have to achieve something miraculous to top their exploits in the Euros.

"I think qualifying for the World Cup would top qualifying for the Euros but only qualifying for the World Cup would not pass our achievements in the Euros," he added.

"If we go to the World Cup we have to do something there to top our performance in the Euros.

"We really try hard not to get ahead of ourselves because we are a nation of 330,000 people so the goal now is just to qualify.

"That'd be an amazing achievement on its own and if we do that then we start setting the ambition of what we want to do next."

If they are to qualify they will have to stop Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, who scored a quite superb goal in the Champions League final for Juventus against Real Madrid just last week.

Sigurdsson, though, is confident.

"Yeah, we can do it. If we play a good game and we are concentrated then we can hold anybody down but you can never say beforehand what's going to happen. We believe we can beat them and keep their key players down."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/683/main/2017/06/11/36275562/-

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Tottenham Hotspur target has his 'heart set' on move to north London from Fulham

The 17-year-old wonderkid looks set to make the move to Tottenham this summer after Liverpool pulled out of the race to sign him

Tottenham target Ryan Sessegnon has his 'heart set on a move to north London' according to reports.

Our friends over at our sister site Football.London believe that Liverpool have given up in the race to sign the 17-year-old wonderkid as he wants to head to Spurs and join Mauricio Pochettino.

The Tottenham manager looks set to give youth a chance next season and it seems Sessegnon is eager to be part of those plans, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josh Onomah and Kyle Walker-Peters all set to get game time.

Despite Fulham remaining hopeful that he will sign a professional contract and remain at Craven Cottage, odds have dropped that he will leave for Tottenham and it is looking increasingly more likely that he will be playing in the white of Tottenham, as opposed to the white of Fulham.

Sessegnon has been eligible to sign a deal at the Cottage since he turned 17 in May, but has yet to put pen to paper as a result of the ongoing transfer saga between himself, Liverpool and Spurs.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-hotspur-target-heart-set-13168862

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The list of Premier League agents that Fulham, QPR and Brentford could sign for NOTHING this summer

The Premier League retained list has been published - here's who our west London clubs could sign for free this summer

The Premier League's retained list has been announced and there are some big names going for nothing this summer that QPR , Fulham and Brentford could look into signing.

The likes of John Terry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have both been let go by Chelsea and Manchester United ahead of the new season, with the list likely to interest several Championship clubs who are looking for a bargain in the transfer window.

We've got the entire official released list below, outlining the players who have been released by every single Premier League club with players our west London clubs could be casting their eye over as they look to join the promised land and rub shoulders with the giants of the game.

Here's the list in full - do you fancy any of these at your club?

AFC Bournemouth

Callum Buckley

Jake McCarthy Jake

Alexander Neale

Arsenal

Kristopher Da Graca

Stefan O'Connor

Yaya Sanogo

Burnley

Joey Barton

George Green

Christian Hill

Michael Kightly

Taofiq Olomowewe

Richard Pingling

Chelsea

John Terry

Crystal Palace

Corie Andrews

Kwesi Appiah

Jonathan Benteke

Fraizer Campbell

Luke Croll

Mathieu Flamini

Zeki Fryers

Ryan King-Elliott

Joe Ledley

Randell Williams

Ben Wynter

Everton

Jack Bainbridge

Delial Brewster

Michael Donohue

Tyrone Duffus

Russell Griffiths

Connor Hunt

Arouna Kone

Conor McAleny

Josef Yarney

James Yates

Leicester City

Michael Cain

David Domej

Brandon Fox

Cedric Kipre

Matthew Miles

Kairo Mitchell

Marcin Wasilewski

Liverpool

Tom Brewitt

Jake Brimmer

Jack Dunn

Madger Antonio

Kane Lewis

Alex Manninger

Adam Phillips

Manchester City

Callum Bullock

Willy Caballero

Gael Clichy

Jesus Navas

Ellis Plummer

Bacary Sagna

Pablo Zabaleta

Manchester United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Southampton

Manchester United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Southampton

Daniel Bachmann

Liam Edwards

Shay Given

Harvey Isted

Joel Taylor

George Waring

Swansea City

Tom Dyson

Marvin Emnes

Thomas Holland

Owain Jones

Alex Samuel

Liam Shephard

Gerhard Tremmel

Josh Vickers

Tottenham Hotspur

Filip Lesniak

Watford

Ola Adeyemo

Charlie Bannister

Rene Gilmartin

Juan Francisco Moreno Fuertes

Ogochukwu Oulare

Rhyle Ovenden

Mathias Ranegie

West Bromwich Albion

Daniel Barbir

Zachary Elbouzedi

Darren Fletcher

Callam Jones

Sebastien Pocognoli

Andre Wright

West Ham United

Alvaro Arbeloa

Samuel Ford

Samuel Howes

Kyle Knoyle

Samuel Wesley



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/list-premier-league-agents-fulham-13168906

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Spurs and Liverpool target Ryan Sessengon will "100%" thrive in the Premier League – Sigurdsson

Ryan Sessegnon has all the attributes needed to become a top player at Premier League level, according to Fulham teammate Ragnar Sigurdsson.

Sessegnon has developed into one of English football's most coveted young players after bursting onto the scene at Craven Cottage, becoming the first player born post-2000 to score in the English Football Leagues.

The 17-year-old has been heavily linked with a summer switch to a top Premier League club with the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United all reportedly interested.

Fulham face a battle to retain Sessegnon's services with the defender so young he's yet to even sign professional terms with the Championship club.

And the left-back's teammate Sigurdsson has added to the speculation that Sessesgnon could depart this summer by admitting his surprise that no top club tried to bring in the youngster earlier this season.

When asked by Goal if Sessesgnon could thrive in the Premier League, Sigurdsson responded: "One hundred per cent. He's a great talent, he just turned 17 and he played more than half of the games this season, he scored a lot of goals.

"He has a very bright future. I'm just surprised he didn't get any offers during the season. I think he was that good. There's no surprise there (in reported interest)."




Read more at http://www.squawka.com/news/spurs-and-liverpool-target-ryan-sessengon-will-100-thrive-in-the-premier-league-sigurdsson/958786#4l7MQqF8boWMCP4j.99

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Fulham enquire about Reims defender but face competition from recently promoted Huddersfield

The side have enquired about the availability of the Frenchman but face stiff competition from Huddersfield Town

Fulham are looking to strengthen their defence ahead of next season with the capture of Reims defender Julian Jeanvier but face stiff competition from Huddersfield.

The recently promoted Premier League side look to be leading the race for the 25-year-old's signature who only joined Reims last summer, but Fulham are hopeful of adding him to their squad as they look to follow in Huddersfield's footsteps and gain promotion this time around.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have enquired about the player's availability with Jeanvier thought to relish the opportunity at playing in a higher division than the French second tier, a division he was voted best defender in.

Jeanvier has one year left on his current deal at the French club and cost them £425k last summer when he signed from Lille and can play at either centre or left back.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-enquire-reims-defender-face-13169888

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Brentford should consider move for Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow

Brentford should look to bolster their attacking options with the signing of Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow.

Brentford should make an offer for Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow, as the Bees look to add to their forward options.

Woodrow, who is in the England under-21 squad, may have to consider his immediate future being away from Craven Cottage after failing to force his way into the first-team plans of current Fulham boss Slavisa Jovanovic.

Woodrow was signed for a six-figure sum from Luton Town aged just 16 and has played 65 games for the Cottagers, scoring 12 goals. The 22-year-old has failed to hold down a regular starting place during his six year stint at Craven Cottage.

He is highly-rated at the club but despite his obvious talent, Jokanovic does not see him as a long-term solution up front for Fulham. Despite being short of options in the forward areas, the Serb will be willing to listen to offers for Woodrow.

The centre-forward spent the second half of the season on loan at Burton Albion, where he impressed many, and his five goals in 19 appearances for the club helped the Brewers seal unlikely Championship survival.

With question marks surrounding his future, Brentford would be wise to make a move for Woodrow from their West London rivals.

The Bees are limited with options up front at Griffin Park, Lasse Vibe and Philipp Hofmann are the two-recognised out-and-out strikers in the first-team fold.

Brentford would be able to secure the services of Woodrow for a nominal, but affordable fee. He still has plenty of time to realise his potential and become a top quality forward at Championship level, at least.

Whether this happens or not remains to be seen, however what is certain, it is time for Woodrow to kick start his career.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/06/11/rb-brentford-should-consider-move-for-fulham-striker-cauley-wood/

[WhiteJC]

 
If Ryan Sessegnon really has his heart set on Spurs, what is Levy waiting for?

The Fulham wide player is allegedly holding out for a summer switch to Tottenham Hotspur.

According to a recent report from Football.London, Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon has his heart set on moving to Tottenham Hotspur despite interest from elsewhere, so what is Spurs chairman Daniel Levy waiting for?

Sessegnon is not your average Championship player; he is one of the country's most exciting prospects who could blossom into a superstar for club and country if he fulfils his full potential.

Still only 17, the left-back-cum-winger has enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough campaign at Craven Cottage and, for a reported fee of £15million, Tottenham could snag one of their best ever bargains.

Those who have not seen Sessegnon play may raise their eyebrows at forking out a substantial amount on a 17-year-old with just 30 senior appearances under his belt, but the Fulham youngster is the real deal.

If Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has no interest in the player, then he can dream all he wants without a move coming to fruition. Yet ongoing reports claim the Argentine is very keen to bring the player to North London and he should be convincing Levy that a deal is vital every time they meet.

Tottenham are now in a superb position to sign some of the country's best young prospects after the emergence of the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks, and they would be foolish to waste it on this occasion, because you can rest assured other clubs will be interested in Sessegnon, too.

While Tottenham currently have Danny Rose and Ben Davies on their books, the teenager's versatility means that even if both left-backs stay, Sessegnon could still make an immediate impact on the wing, just as he did for Fulham at times this season.

It could be argued that Tottenham's need for additional quality in wide areas means they should sign the teenager as an out-and-out winger and use him further back if Rose leaves in due course.

It is not every day a quality player desperately wants to play for you, so Levy should pull his finger out and get a deal done as soon as possible.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/06/11/if-ryan-sessegnon-really-has-heart-set-on-spurs-what-is-levy-wai/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham chief responds to reported Cairney and Sessegnon interest

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic insists that he has the power to keep his star players at the club this summer, despite growing interest from the Premier League.

Jokanovic masterminded a late promotion surge that saw Fulham qualify for the Championship play-off semi-final, only to be defeated in a two-legged tie by rivals Reading.

However, despite being condemned to yet another season competing outside England's top-tier, Jokanovic issued an emphatic response to the reported interest, insisting he expects his best players to stay at the club.

The likes of midfielder Tom Cairney and dazzling wide man Ryan Sessegnon, 17, have been heavily coveted by Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, and interest is likely to grown again in the coming weeks.

But the Fulham board have absolutely no intention to allow their most prized assets to leave Craven Cottage at any point this summer, even if it means passing up the opportunity of making a healthy profit.

Jokanovic said, as quoted by Get West London: "I expect our best players are going to stay with us – this is the information I have from the board.

"We are talking about our most important players – they are going to stay with us. Next season will be complicated. We'll push to be promoted. We must be clever in the period in front of us."

It was reported by the Telegraph last month that Premier League new boys Newcastle United were set to re-ignite their interest in Fulham midfield star Cairney, having gone empty-handed in their pursuit in the winter.

The Magpies saw their efforts to land the 26-year-old fall well short in January, after being told by Fulham that the Scotland international would cost them at least £20million.

Yet, while they are still hungry to bring his talents to St. James' Park, Jokanovic insists that he will not be for sale.

Meanwhile, the Sun have reported that Tottenham are leading an elite contingent of Liverpool and Manchester City to sign teenage full-back Sessegnon.

The wonderkid was in terrific form last season, scoring seven goals and supplying four assists from 30 appearances in all competitions for Fulham.

The report states that Tottenham are willing to offer £12million for his services, but once again, Jokanovic has responded to the interest by insisting he will be staying at the club.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2017/06/blogs/premier-league/fulham-chief-responds-to-reported-cairney-and-sessegnon-interest/

[WhiteJC]

 
Howe eyes two London-based youngsters

The transfer news has been fairly quiet, but it seems that Eddie Howe has been running his eye over two possible players who he can add to the central midfield positions. The first is Tom Cairney of Fulham who is also said attract attention from Newcastle, Swansea and West Ham, and the second player is Rubens Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea, who is said to be disappointed with the lack of game time at Stamford Bridge and is also being tracked by Brighton, West Ham, Newcastle, Stoke City and Burnley.

Cairney is rated to cost around £6m and would be the second central midfielder that the Cherries will have recruited from the London club after picking up Emerson Hyndman last summer. The likelihood that Emerson has spoken with Tom Cairney about Bournemouth is quiet high, although the amount of minutes that Emerson has had at Bournemouth would not seem to offer Cairney encouragement to join Eddie Howe's squad, if Rafa Benitez can offer him something more at newly promoted Newcastle Utd.

The player that excites me more is Rubens Loftus-Cheek who is definitely ready to play at Premier League level. Surprisingly, Transfer Market only values him at £4.25m and yet the 21-year-old would seem to have been around for ever on the edge of Chelsea's first team. It looks like his desire to play first team football will bring a move about this summer for him and he would be an excellent addition to the Cherries strong young central midfielders. Loftus is still under contract at Chelsea until 2021, so AFCB would probably find his market value has risen, especially when he made six appearances for Chelsea last season.

AFCB might not have to spend a transfer fee though for Loftus-Cheek as the Sun reports that the young midfielder would be happy to consider a loan move, but it might be advisable with the club being Chelsea that AFCB rule out the London club being able to recall the player mid-season, as they did with Nathan Aké last season.

The Daily Star has also suggested that Chelsea and England  U21 star Lewis Baker could be on Howe's summer target list.

Lewis Cook also was successful in captaining the England U20s to a 1-0 win against Venezuela in South Korea, but not before Freddie Woodman saved a second half penalty. Harry Arter then helped Republic of Ireland's group D World Cup prospects by playing 70 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Austria.



http://afcbchimes.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/howe-eyes-two-london-based-youngsters.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham Handed Major Boost In Pursuit Of £2.6m Championship Defender As Liverpool Pull Out Of The Race

Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon, and it has made Tottenham as the overwhelming favourite to sign the youngster. The 17-year-old has been rated as one of the top young talents in English football. Even though he has just turned 17, there was a lot of interest in the player since January. The £2.6m Sessegnon had an incredible 2016-17 season in the Championship, as he came up with 5 goals and 3 assists in 25 appearances – despite being a left-back. Tottenham have always favoured attacking left backs, and Sessegnon is seen as the ideal replacement for Danny Rose – should the England international move away from Tottenham in the summer.

However, there was a small matter of overcoming Liverpool in order to sign the player. Jurgen Klopp's team have the same pulling factors as us, but the most decisive factor might have been the availability of a regular first-team spot. James Milner has been used as the left-back as Alberto Moreno is no longer in preference. Hence, Sessegnon would have become a regular first-team player at a big club like Liverpool straight away. Just when it looked like we were ending up on the losing side in the chase for Sessegnon, getWestLondon have reported that Liverpool have pulled out of the race.

This leaves Spurs with a clear path towards signing the player, who is very intent on joining one of the several Premier league clubs interested in signing him. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to beef up the squad in several areas of the pitch. A number of youngsters are expected to be part of the first-team selection next season, as Spurs do not want to go out full on in the transfer market to strengthen the squad. The likes of Josh Onomah, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Cameron Carter-Vickers might make the switch to the first-team, if everything goes as planned.

Interestingly, Sessegnon has not signed a professional contract with Fulham yet. While Fulham remain confident that they will be able to get the player to signing a professional deal, it looks increasingly likely that he will move to Spurs rather than stay at Craven Cottage. The rise of Sessegnon has been quite incredible, as he has been able to make a major impact on the Championship even before signing a professional contract with Fulham.

What a signing he would be for us!



http://tothelaneandback.com/2017/06/12/tottenham-handed-major-boost-in-pursuit-of-2-6m-championship-defender-as-liverpool-pull-out-of-the-race/