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Friday Fulham Stuff (23/06/17)...

Started by WhiteJC, June 23, 2017, 06:57:00 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Bubbling under: Football League players who should be on Premier League radars

Fulham's implausibly talented Ryan Sessegnon, Leeds United's Charlie Taylor and the League One prodigy Ezri Konsa are among those with top-flight potential


From left: Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon, Leeds United's Charlie Taylor, Joe Worrall of Nottingham Forest and Brentford's Jota. Composite: BPI/REX/Shutterstock, Getty, PA

Ryan Sessegnon, Fulham
Fulham's manager, Slavisa Jokanovic, might want to have a word with Ragnar Sigurdsson. Jokanovic has spoken on a number of occasions about his desire to keep his star players after their hugely impressive run to the play-offs, so when Sigurdsson was asked if the implausibly talented youngster Ryan Sessegnon was good enough to play in the Premier League, a polite "no comment" might have been a politically wise response. "One hundred per cent," the Fulham defender said. "He's a great talent ... 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." Ah. Sigurdsson's opinion isn't massively surprising because it's shared by half of the Premier League, whose scouts have been seemingly tripping over their tongues as they relay tales of his talent to those who make the financial decisions. Sessegnon is only just 17, so the strengths of his game – pace, enormous threat going forwards from left-back, a fizzing shot – are exciting while the weaknesses can be worked upon. Whether that will be at Fulham or in the Premier League, may depend on just how much they want to keep him.

Joe Worrall, Nottingham Forest
During five years in charge of Nottingham Forest, Fawaz al-Hasawi managed to erode goodwill among the fans, left the club with a skeleton staff and saw the team finish in a lower position in each season. One area he didn't manage to make a mess of was the youth system, which at times last season provided half of the first team. Oliver Burke was sold to RB Leipzig, Ben Osborn has become one of their key players and the forward Ben Brereton is the latest to attract the twitching gaze of Premier League scouts. Another could be the defender Joe Worrall, who established himself in the Forest first team towards the back end of last season and was captain of the England side that won the Toulon tournament. A strong central defender, Worrall occasionally suffered from a lack of composure on the ball, but there's plenty of promise there from the latest product of the academy heads Gary Brazil and Jack Lester.

Marc Roberts, Barnsley
Most of the key players in Barnsley's remarkable 2015-16 campaign, when they went from relegation probables to promotion from League One in the space of six months, have been picked off and distributed among those with a little more money. Conor Hourihane and James Bree went to Aston Villa, Alfie Mawson left for Swansea, Sheffield Wednesday bought Sam Winnall and Marley Watkins has just signed for Norwich. Marc Roberts remains, though, and was one of their best players as they pulled off one of the Championship's underrated feats last season, managing to lurk around the edge of the play-offs under Paul Heckingbottom, despite the player exodus and operating without a chief executive for months. Roberts is a little older and more rounded than Mawson, who despite the odd wobble had a decent season in the top flight, so could be a possible option for a team on a more modest budget.

Charlie Taylor, Leeds United
The young left-back's contract at Leeds will run out at the end of June, and although anyone who signs him will have to pay a fee of some description (he joined Leeds aged eight so they will be owed compensation), it will be significantly less than on the open market. Taylor almost left Elland Road in January, and caused significant irritation when he refused to play in their last game of the season, against Wigan. Talk of a move to Liverpool has the significant whiff of an overoptimistic and game-playing agent whispering in the collective ear of the media: West Brom, keen for some time, seem a more reasonable destination.

Jota, Brentford
Impish and diminutive playmakers can sink or swim in the Premier League. As players continue to resemble muscular triangles, all broad shoulders and tiny waists, and are expected to be part 400m runners, part footballers, you have to be pretty good to survive if you aren't particularly physical. The Brentford midfielder Jota – José Ignacio Peleteiro Ramallo to his mum – may be good enough to do just that. He joined Brentford in 2014, but after a brilliant first season personal problems saw him return to Eibar on loan in January 2016. But a year later he had fallen out of first-team consideration in Spain, so returned to Brentford and promptly tore the Championship up, scoring 12 goals in 21 games to help the Bees secure a respectable league position. His contract is up at the end of next season, so he will be available for a relatively modest price: £8m is the fee mentioned in the transfer rumour bush telegraph, which is roughly what many top-flight sides spend on fax machine ink.

Ezri Konsa, Charlton
One of the few positives from Charlton in the past few years has been their academy, source of hugely promising talent such as Joe Gomez and Ademola Lookman, and the latest youngster to emerge is Ezri Konsa. A tall, ball-playing central defender, Konsa was part of the England Under-20 squad that won the World Cup (although he made only one brief appearance in South Korea), and has reportedly already been watched by the Premier League's biggest and richest. "Ezri was hard work with me when I first came in," said Simon Clark, a former Charlton youth coach who worked with Konsa and Lookman. "Not in a bad way. He'd ask questions and he'd challenge you, which was great because I knew the answers and I'd fire them back at him."

Liam Moore, Reading
When Liam Moore first came through the ranks at Leicester, he looked like a star who wouldn't stick around at the then Championship club for too long. A rapid defender who could play on the right or in the centre of defence, he was the sort of player who had every possible tool to succeed. But after a dip in form he lost his place in Nigel Pearson's first team and didn't do a great deal to justify his initial promise during subsequent loan spells at Brentford then Bristol City. Moore described the latter as "dodgy", so Reading took a reasonable gamble when they signed him last summer. But he was a key man in their unlikely trip to the play-offs under Jaap Stam, and the work done by the Dutchman could have prepared Moore for life back in the top flight.

Sam Hutchinson, Sheffield Wednesday
You don't see too many midfield terriers in the Premier League these days, bite-yer-legs types who can break up play and shake up opposition playmakers. Sam Hutchinson is one of those, a defender turned midfielder who was one of Sheffield Wednesday's key players as they reached the play-offs, and one with quite a back story too. Hutchinson retired because of a knee injury aged 21 after coming through at Chelsea, but he came back and found a home at Wednesday following a couple of variable loan spells and working through mental health issues. Perhaps the occasional disciplinary issue (he was booked 10 times and sent off twice last season) would put some clubs off, as might his continuing fitness problems, unrelated to his knee. Indeed, Hutchinson told the Guardian this year he didn't want to leave Wednesday, whether or not a Premier League club came in for him: but it would be a wonderful bookend to his story if one did.

Helder Costa, Wolves
The influence of Jorge Mendes at Wolves has thus far produced, shall we say, mixed results. Significant spending from owners and Mendes devotees Fosun International resulted in one manager lasting only until October, his successor leaving at the end of the season and a league finish in the bottom half. One positive that has come from his involvement is the recruitment of Helder Costa, albeit for the hefty fee of £13m, from Benfica. A rapid and tricky winger, Costa started relatively slowly but in the second half of the season he did as much as any Wolves player to stave off the lurking threat of relegation. The bad news for any potential suitors is that Wolves will presumably be after a profit on the player, so any offer would have to be chunky. That said, what offer isn't this summer?




https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jun/22/football-league-players-premier-league-fulham-ryan-sessegnon-leeds-charlie-taylor

WhiteJC

 
Aberdeen close in on Wales international George Williams


George Williams has been linked with a loan move to Aberdeen.

Aberdeen hope to bring Fulham attacking midfielder George Williams to Pittodrie on a season-long loan.

The 21-year-old is viewed as a possible replacement for Jonny Hayes, who signed for Scottish Premiership champions Celtic on Saturday.

Williams, who spent last season on loan at Milton Keynes Dons, has been capped seven times by Wales.

He began his career at hometown team MK Dons before moving to Fulham in 2012.

Scunthorpe United had a bid for Williams, who can play as a centre forward and as a wide midfielder, turned down earlier this month.



https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/1273532/aberdeen-close-welsh-international-george-williams/

WhiteJC

 
Sky Confirm TV Selection Windows For 2017/18

With the release of the EFL fixture lists on Wednesday morning, Sky Sports have released their outline giving fans an idea of when television selections will be made this season.

The EFL and Sky Sports have come to an agreement to produce the television windows for tv selections in an effort to aide fans when it comes to making plans and finding themselves out of pocket when games subsequently change.

Like last season in the Premier League, fans should be more than aware that these windows are effectively advisory and whilst in most instances games will not be altered following these dates - there is a caveat that they could still be.

In fact the EFL promise is that there will be a public announcement within three working days for fans to make alterations, so for example September's games being announced mid July does not mean September fixtures will not alter.

Selections - remainder of August: Decision - by 28th June
Selections - September: Decision - by 14th July
Selections - 7th October to 11th November: Decision - by 25th August
Selections - 18th November to 9th December: Decision - by 29th September
Selections - 16th December to 13th January: Decision - by 3rd November
Selections - for 20th January to 3rd February: Decision - by 8th December
Selections - for 10th February to 3rd March: Decision - by 29th December
Selections - for 10th March to 31st March: Decision - by 19th January



Read more: http://www.wimbledon.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=495692#ixzz4knpdUImH


WhiteJC

 
Fulham step up interest in Uruguayan striker with firm bid

Get West London reports that Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-finalists Fulham have submitted a bid for Bordeaux striker Diego Rolan. The 24-year-old forward, who also plays for the Uruguayan national team, is the latest name wanted by head coach Slavisa Jokanovic at Craven Cottage.

The Serb is desperately keen to add more quality in certain areas on the back of their defeat in the play-offs against Reading over two legs. With Chris Martin returning to parent club Derby County, the striker area is one which Fulham certainly need to add much more depth too. Rolan is clearly a name on his transfer shortlist.

Bordeaux has been with Bordeaux in Ligue 1 ever since 2013. Since that time, he has played over 100 times for the club, which also includes UEFA Europa League experience. In addition to that, he has been a prominent member in a star studded Uruguay national team for some time too. He faces competition from the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in his position, so he has found it tough going! He has played in the World Cup and Copa America in recent years. His last goal for his country came last year in a World Cup qualification home victory over Ecuador.

Fulham have already made offers for both Steve Mounie and Rui Fonte as they look to add much more flair and goal threat to their side. Aged 24, Rolan is someone who still has many years left in him, arguably his best too. With Jokanovic hopeful of improving him even further, he is a potential star of the future and Fulham could soon be set to benefit from his services in the near future at least.



http://the72.co.uk/84611/fulham-bid-for-uruguay-striker/

WhiteJC

 
Scottish outfit looking to land £425k-rated Fulham youngster

Championship side Fulham look set to loan midfielder George Williams to Scottish Premiership outfit Aberdeen for the coming season, according to The Aberdeen Press and Journal.

Reports earlier this week suggested that Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic was keen on loaning the 21-year-old out for the season to continue his development, and it appears that he is going to do just that.

Williams spent last term on loan as well, with Robbie Nielson's MK Dons the recipient of the Wales international, although the midfielder only earned 13 appearances for the Dons in their run to 12th in League One.

But it looks like he'll get the chance to build and improve upon that loan spell, with recent reports suggesting that Derek McInnes' Aberdeen are close to bringing him north of the border for the 2017/18 campaign.

The Dons were Celtic's nearest challengers in the Scottish Premiership last term, finishing second but 30 points adrift of Brendan Rodgers' men, but nine points clear of third place Rangers to consolidate their status as 'best of the rest' in Scotland.

And McInnes, who turned down becoming Sunderland's new manager earlier this month, will be looking at how they can maintain that position as well as get into the Europa League, and has clearly identified Williams as someone who can aid with that.

This may come as a slight disappointment to Fulham fans, who may have wanted to see Williams in the first team next term, but with competition intense and Jokanovic's men searching for a route back to the promised land, it didn't look like the £425,000-rated star (as per Transfermarkt) would get many opportunities, so a loan move away makes sense for everyone involved.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/scottish-outfit-looking-to-land-425k-rated-fulham-youngster/

WhiteJC

 
Micky Adams: Ex-Premier League boss takes Harborough Town Under-18 role


Micky Adams replaced Gary Speed as Sheffield United boss in December 2010

Former Leicester City, Coventry City and Fulham boss Micky Adams has taken up a role with ninth-tier club Harborough Town's Under-18 side.

The 55-year-old will run the youth team for the Leicestershire-based United Counties League Premier Division club.

The ex-Southampton full-back also previously managed Brighton and Sheffield United - in between spells at Port Vale - and Tranmere Rovers.

He left League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers in 2015 for "family reasons".

A statement on the Market Harborough club's website said Adams "will be an inspiration to both the players and the club's coaches."

Adams has won promotion with four different clubs in his career, taking Leicester back into the top flight in 2002-03.

His most recent Football League role ended in April 2015, when he parted company with Tranmere by mutual consent with the club then at the bottom of League Two.

Micky Adams' managerial career
Fulham: 1996-1997 (promoted to third tier)   Brentford: 1997-1998
Brighton & Hove Albion: 1999-2001 (promoted to third tier)   Leicester City: 2002-2004 (promoted to the Premier League)
Coventry City: 2005-2007   Brighton & Hove Albion: 2008-2009
Port Vale: 2009-2010   Sheffield United: 2010-2011
Port Vale: 2011-2014 (promoted to third tier)   Tranmere Rovers: 2014-15
Sligo Rovers: 2015   Harborough Town Under-18s: 2017-



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40371403


WhiteJC

 
The Pinkun Norwich City Podcast: Thank you for Fulham, Fixture Release Day

Norwich City's 2017-18 EFL Championship fixture list is the subject of discussion as the Pinkun podcast takes to the table to air its views.

So now we know! The EFL released Norwich City's 2017-18 Championship fixtures, and it's a Craven Cottage baptism for Daniel Farke's Canaries reign – as it was for Neil Adams and Chris Hughton.

Could 31 and a half years of hurt be about to come to an end?!

Michael Bailey, Paddy Davitt, David Freezer and Peter Raver sit around the table to discuss all the ins and outs.

And no, unfortunately the 360 camera recording didn't work. We'll save that for another day.

Don't forget, we want to hear from you. We want to feature your opinions on the Pink Un Podcast – whether it's on your phone, tablet or computer, it's easy to record and send us a voice message.

Just hit the button on this page and start recording using the microphone on your phone, tablet or computer or upload a recording you've already made and saved on your computer.

Then just follow the prompts to finish and submit your recording.

You can listen to our previous podcasts at pinkun.com/podcast



http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/the-pinkun-norwich-city-podcast-thank-you-for-fulham-fixture-release-day-1-5074255

WhiteJC

 
Fulham set to tie up first signing of the summer - but who will it be?

Slavisa Jokanovic has made bids for three frontmen, as well as being linked to many more

Get West London understands that Fulham are hoping to announce their first signing of the summer in the next few days.

The Whites have been linked with a number of players already this summer, but are yet to dip their toe into the market.

We revealed this week that Slavisa Jokanovic had tabled bids for three players - Montpellier striker Steve Mounie, Braga frontman Rui Fonte and Bordeaux striker Diego Rolan.

And it is our understanding that they are hoping to tie up their first summer signing imminently.

It remains to be seen whether it will be one of those three frontmen, or whether it will be someone completely different.

Newly-promoted Premier League side Huddersfield Town have also been eyeing a move for Mounie, while Newcastle are thought to be interested in Fonte - West Ham man Jose's brother.

Meanwhile, the Cottagers are also still interested in signing Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas on a permanent deal .

What is for certain is it is set to be an exciting few days and weeks for the Craven Cottage outfit.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-set-tie-up-first-13224459

WhiteJC

 
Hull City set for talks with Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas

Leonid Slutsky hopes to persuade Tomas Kalas to make KCOM switch


Tomas Kalas, in action for Fulham against Hull City in January, is a target for the Tigers (Photo: Getty Images)

Hull City head coach Leonid Slutsky is hopeful of persuading Tomas Kalas to become his first new recruit as he prepares to holds talks with the Chelsea defender over the coming days.

Kalas has become one of City's main targets this summer, with Slutsky keen to plug sizable gaps in his defensive line following the departure of Harry Maguire, Curtis Davies and the on-loan Andrea Ranocchia.

Michael Dawson is the only recognised centre-half left on City's books but Slutsky is desperate to pip Championship rivals Fulham to Kalas' signature.

The Tigers have already been in contact with Chelsea, a club owned by Slutsky's close friend Roman Abramovich, and are now attempting to convince Kalas a move to the KCOM Stadium trumps a return to Fulham, where the 24-year-old spent last season on loan.

Kalas is known to have enjoyed his time at Craven Cottage and the West London outfit remain optimistic they can land the Czech Republic international for a second time in the face of competition from the Tigers.

Some reports have suggested City are willing to pay £5m to land Kalas but the club's current preferred option is still for a season-long loan. Kalas has previously flown the nest at Stamford Bridge for temporary spells with Vitesse Arnhem, FC Cologne and Middlesbrough.

City's only business so far this summer has been the sale of Maguire and Davies but Slutsky wants to step up recruitment ahead of a return to pre-season training in just 10 days.

The threat of further sales continues to hang over those preparations. Andy Robertson, Ahmed Elmohamady and Abel Hernandez are expected to move on following relegation but City are aiming to keep Sam Clucas at the KCOM Stadium.

The gifted midfielder has been linked with Leicester, Burnley and Swansea but the Tigers do not envisage selling unless offers prove irresistible for a player who still has two years remaining on his contract.



http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hull-city-set-talks-chelsea-130107


WhiteJC

 
Visit Florida puts brakes on racing contract

TALLAHASSEE — Visit Florida Racing shared a Facebook photo from its prime sponsor this week, but the days of the state's tourism brand spinning wheels at tracks like Watkins Glen, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Sebring International Raceway are coming to a screeching halt.

Meanwhile, Visit Florida, the state's tourism-marketing arm, continues to negotiate for what could be a third year sponsoring the London-based Fulham Football Club owned by Shahid "Shad" Khan.

Visit Florida, which has faced heavy criticism during the past year about a number of promotional contract and nearly saw a two-thirds cut in state funding, gave 30-day cancellation notice on June 2 to the team racing the "Visit Florida car."

Visit Florida Chief Financial Officer Nelson Mongiovi wrote in the notice that "Visit Florida must make major changes in its strategic direction moving forward."

Mongiovi added that the agency looks forward to exploring new partnerships "in the future."

The $2.875 million contract --- about $1 million has yet to be paid --- is tied to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season that concludes in October with the 10-hour Motul Petit Le Mans in Braselton, Ga.

The racing team did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.

While the racing contract ends July 3, Visit Florida is looking to continue its overseas sponsorship of Khan's soccer club, which finished sixth last season in the Sky Bet Championship, England's second division.

Khan is a Naples resident who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League and has been a political backer of Gov. Rick Scott.

"We are in negotiations to receive more deliverables at a lower cost," Visit Florida spokesman Stephen Lawson said in an email about the talks with Fulham. "We are focused on deliverables, how those deliverables integrate into our larger marketing plan, and a strong return on investment."

The talks to continue as a sponsor of Fulham come after lawmakers crafted new rules for Visit Florida as part of a measure (HB 1A) completed in a special legislative session this month.

The bill, awaiting Scott's signature, requires Visit Florida contracts valued at $500,000 to be posted online. Contracts over $750,000 will have to go before the Joint Legislative Budget Commission and could be voided within 14 days by the House speaker or Senate president. Lawmakers approved $25 million for the public-private agency during this spring's regular legislative session, but the special-session bill increased that amount to $76 million for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, nearly matching the current year's total. The proposal also caps salaries and imposes travel restrictions on Visit Florida employees.

House Speaker Richard Corcoran, a Land O' Lakes Republican whose office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday, has argued against the need for higher tourism funding, noting people are driven to travel more by their personal finances rather than advertising.

The rules changes came after Visit Florida faced intense scrutiny from Corcoran and other House members over the Fulham and IMSA racing deals, along with its $11.6 million sponsorship of a cooking show hosted by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and a $1 million contract with rapper Pitbull.

The details of the Pitbull contract were released in December by the rapper, but only after the House filed a lawsuit for the information, which had previously been undisclosed because of a contention that it was protected as a trade secret.

The dispute resulted in Scott receiving the resignation Visit Florida President and CEO Will Seccombe, which followed the departure of two agency officials including Chief Marketing Officer Paul Phipps, who oversaw the Fulham contracts.

As part of the state's $1.25 million deal over the past year with Fulham, Visit Florida's name was emblazoned across the chests of the team's home and away uniforms. Also, Visit Florida received signage rights at Fulham's home stadium Craven Cottage, including the agency's name appearing on the Riverside Stand roof that sits under the landing approach to London's Heathrow Airport.

With single-year contracts, the sponsorship of the team wasn't announced until just before the start of each of the past two seasons. Fulham's first match on the 2017-2018 schedule is Aug. 5 hosting Norwich City.

Since the Fulham deal was first cut in 2015, it has been sold as part of a wider strategy by Visit Florida to draw more visitors from the United Kingdom, which is one of Florida's largest international markets.

Visitors from the United Kingdom decreased slightly from an estimated 1.696 million tourists in 2015 to 1.69 million last year.




http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-bz-nsf-visit-florida-racing-soccer-deals-20170622-story.html

WhiteJC

 
Forget Cairney, Fulham should be worried about this key star this summer

During Fulham's prolific goal scoring season, in which the Cottagers amassed a joint high 85 league goals across the course of the campaign, the plaudits have largely fallen upon impressive midfielder Tom Cairney, who looks set to move to the Premier League this summer.

This will be a huge blow to the ambitions of manager Slavisa Jokanovic, but the suffering may not end there as fellow midfielder Stefan Johansen could also attract attention from those in the higher division this summer.

Johansen seemed to go under the radar at Craven Cottage this season, yet the former Celtic midfielder ended the campaign with an impressive return of 11 goals and 8 assists from his first year in the division.

The 26-year-old Norwegian's exploits almost seemed overshadowed by Cairney at times, but Premier League scouts will undoubtedly be aware of the talent of the player.

With that in mind, newly promoted Brighton will look to strengthen all areas of their squad this summer to ensure their first season of Premier League football extends to a second, and the addition of Johansen would be a step in the right direction.

Brighton were blessed with goals from midfield last season, with Anthony Knockaert smashing 15 strikes and contributing a further 8 assists from a midfield role, earning the Frenchman the Player of the Season accolade.

Johansen could have a similar impact at the AMEX Stadium next season, and with Premier League money now at his disposal, manager Chris Hughton should strongly consider bringing the Norwegian midfielder to the top flight in the coming months.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/forget-cairney-fulham-should-be-worried-about-this-key-star-this-summer/

WhiteJC

 
Good Job Jokanovic – Fulham Are Right In Slapping A £7m Tag For This Nottingham Forest Target


Why Fulham Are Right In Slapping A £7million Price Tag On Kevin McDonald

Fulham are believed to have placed a large price tag on Kevin McDonald in order ward off potential suitors of the popular midfielder.

Nottingham Forest want to sign the man who very nearly helped Fulham to a play-off final place last season but the £7million asking price, which would be a club record for them, should be enough to put them off. Fulham's move suggests they are not interested in cashing in on their assets and are unwilling to provide strength to their Championship rivals.

McDonald and Tom Cairney have been the subject of interest from other clubs for a while now, though unlike in the case of Cairney and Newcastle, the West London club are taking exception to Forest's rather public attempt to unsettle McDonald.

True, every player could be allowed to leave if the price were right, otherwise Fulham could have simply put up the 'not for sale' sign on McDonald. The £3million offered by Forest may well have been accepted by other clubs, given that he is 28 now and is unlikely to increase in value any further.

Fulham, however, see things differently and to their great credit, value McDonald's presence more than a few extra quid in the bank. McDonald is seen as a crucial part of the Fulham midfield and he is someone they'll need if they are to get promotion this time. After all, a promotion worth tens of millions of pounds is a lot more important than squeezing a little extra out of Nottingham Forest.


Fulham seem to have recognised the openness of the upcoming Championship season. There is no Brighton and no Newcastle and your guess is as good as mine as to who should be favourites for automatic promotion. Slavisa Jokanovic has recognised that Fulham are live contenders to finish in the top 2 now but that will not happen if they lose their best performers.

Make no mistake, Fulham see themselves as title contenders this year and I can see why. Even if they do lose not just Ryan Sessegnon but Tom Cairney too, the likes of Malone, Johansen and of course McDonald are more than capable of leading a team to the top end of the division.

Jokanovic seems a canny manager and as such, he will have a replacement lined up just in case. If the £7million price tag sends Forest packing as expected, he ends up keeping his main man. If they pay it, he has increased funds for replacements.





http://soccersouls.com/2017/06/23/good-job-jokanovic-fulham-are-right-in-slapping-a-7m-tag-for-this-nottingham-forest-target/


WhiteJC

 
Championship transfer gossip includes first signing for Leeds and Fulham keen on Fonte

Aaron Gunnarsson, Josh Scowen and Jed Wallace are all in the rumours' round-up

Cardiff City midfielder Aaron Gunnarsson has been linked with a club in Poland and one in Israel.

The Iceland skipper is wanted by Legia Warsaw and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, according to Inside Welsh Football.

Gunnarson has just a year left on his contract in Wales.

Leeds United are set to sign Poland international Mateusz Klich.

The FC Twente midfielder would be new boss Thomas Christiansen's first signing of the summer.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reports the two clubs are close to agreeing a fee of around £1.5million for the 27-year-old.

Fulham are keen on signing Braga forward Rui Fonte, according to getwestlondon .

The 27-year-old scored 11 goals last season and had spells with Arsenal as a youngster, as well as Crystal Palace.

Fonte is the younger brother of West Ham centre-back Jose.

Barnsley midfielder Josh Scowen has left Oakwell.

Tykes boss Paul Heckingbottom confirmed the news on BBC Radio Sheffield, with Scowen set to sign for another Championship club.

Aston Villa, QPR and Bristol City are among the clubs to be linked with the 24-year-old.

Abdoul Camara has left Derby County .

The 27-year-old spent a year and a half at Pride Park after moving form French club Angers.

The Guinea international made only 26 appearances for the club and he has been linked with a return to France.

Millwall's move for Jed Wallace has been delayed.

The 23-year-old is set to move to the Den from Wolves, but the South London Press reports there is an issue in the Midlands.



http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/championship-transfer-gossip-includes-first-13225524

WhiteJC

 
George Williams backed to be a success at Pittodrie by former Wales international teammate


George Williams has been linked with a loan move to Aberdeen.

Fulham midfielder George Williams will be a man on a mission if he signs on loan for the Dons according to his former Wales international team-mate Owain Tudur Jones.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Aberdeen on a season-long loan as Dons manager Derek McInnes attempts to rebuild his squad.

Former Caley Thistle and Hibernian midfielder Tudur Jones was on the bench when Williams made his Wales international debut in a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands in Amsterdam in June 2014.

And he reckons Williams would be the ideal replacement for Jonny Hayes, who was sold to Celtic for £1.3million last weekend.

Tudur Jones said: "Aberdeen are going to be looking to get somebody in to replace Jonny, I played with him at Caley Thistle so I know exactly what they will be missing as he was a really important player for Aberdeen and performed so well for them.

"And George is quick, exciting and the type of player supporters like to watch.

"Hayes will be a big miss but someone like George would make sure he is not missed too badly.

"It was a huge boost for Aberdeen's stability the manager decided to stay rather than go to Sunderland and he strikes me as a manager who does a lot of homework on his transfer targets.

"I'm sure he will know exactly what he is getting from George."

Williams, who has been capped seven times by Wales, spent last season on loan at MK Dons, and Tudur Jones believes a move to Aberdeen could help revitalise the midfielder's international career.

Williams won his last cap in a 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland in March 2016 and Tudur Jones said: "George is at a stage of his career where he needs something fresh.

"He will be frustrated at not playing as much as he would have liked at Fulham. Sometimes a player needs to move away to make his name.

"He was part of the most successful Wales squad there has ever been at the European Championships last summer but he has found himself out of the squad recently and a fresh start at Aberdeen could help him get back in.

"He is not the type of player who will score loads of goals, but he will cause plenty of problems for defences.

"He is at his best as a wide player. If the ball lands at his feet he has one thing on his mind and that is to run at defenders.

"Like any professional, he wants to play regular football. Hopefully he can get that at Aberdeen. I think it could be a very good move for him."



https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/1273664/george-williams-backed-success-pittodrie-former-wales-international-teammate/