Monday Fulham Stuff (29/01/18)...

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Report: Fulham name their price for West Ham target Tom Cairney

Fulham have told West Ham United what they will need to pay if they hope to sign Tom Cairney during the January transfer window.

According to a report from The Sun, Fulham have informed West Ham that they will need to pay £30 million if they want to bring Tom Cairney to the London Stadium during the January transfer window.

While he has not been quite as productive in front of goal this season, Cairney is enjoying another fantastic campaign at Craven Cottage to help take Slavisa Jokanovic's men to the cusp of the play-off places in the Championship.

Last season, the Scotland international really took the division by storm, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists as the Cottagers came within touching distance of promotion to the Premier League.

And while they missed out on that occasion, The Sun suggests that David Moyes is keen to hand him the chance to make the step up to the top flight this month, with the Hammers making a £15 million bid for the playmaker.

However, Fulham rejected that offer, and The Sun reports that they have told the Irons that they will need to pay £30 million if they want to sign Cairney this month - and with his contract running until 2021, it is difficult to imagine that the Cottagers will be particularly keen to negotiate.

It remains to be seen if the Hammers do decide to try and make a fresh move, but perhaps it would not be the biggest surprise if, with some distance now between themselves and the bottom three, Moyes thinks twice about going anywhere near Fulham's demands for the former Blackburn Rovers ace.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/28/report-fulham-name-their-price-for-west-ham-target-tom-cairney/

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham United should be seriously encouraged that Tom Cairney wants to join them

West Ham United are said to be succeeding where Newcastle United failed in their bid for Tom Cairney.

Tom Cairney wanting a move to West Ham United, according to Sky Sports, shows just how much pulling power David Moyes' side have.

Cairney has been linked with a whole host of teams, following his impressive performance for Fulham.

The Scottish international is regarded as one of the best players in the Championship, but he has always played down speculation.

Both Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a move for Cairney recently, but the midfielder insisted that he was more than happy at Craven Cottage.

However, a move to West Ham appears to have finally turned Cairney's head and that shows just how attractive a club that Hammers can be.

David Moyes' side may not be thriving in the Premier League, but there is clearly still a willingness from players to join them.

And that can only be positive for West Ham in the future, whether they manage to sign Cairney or not this month.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/28/west-ham-united-should-be-seriously-encouraged-that-tom-cairney/

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Transfer talk: Fulham planning audacious bid for QPR's Luke Freeman as option to replace West Brom and West Ham target Tom Cairney

According to the Mail, the Cottagers are looking at options for the eventuality that Cairney leaves the club before the transfer deadline on Wednesday.

Fulham are reportedly planning an audacious bid to sign QPR star Luke Freeman as a potential replacement for Tom Cairney.

According to the Mail, the Cottagers are looking at options for the eventuality that Cairney leaves the club before the transfer deadline on Wednesday.



The midfielder is a key player in Fulham's play-off push, leading to speculation surrounding a £15m move to the Premier League, with West Ham and West Brom among those interested.

A move for QPR man Luke Freeman is certainly ambitious, with the Hoops highly unlikely to sell their prized asset just days before the transfer window shuts, let alone for the £4m transfer fee quoted.

Freeman has been an ever-present for the Hoops this season, scoring three goals in 30 Championship appearances and notching up 10 assists - the highest in the Championship.




https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-talk-fulham-planning-audacious-14212409

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Barnsley 1-3 Fulham: Player ratings
by Sarah on January 28, 2018

Marks out of ten from Oakwell as Fulham survived a tough test, coming from behind in south Yorkshire to move into the play-off places following their fourth straight league win ...

Marcus Bettinelli: Found himself far busier than last weekend as Barnsley attacked Fulham from the off. Had a difficult start with his kicking and distribution but made a number of good saves. He was furious with the referee after the Barnsley goal as he looked to have been impeded on the goal-line after a handball from Liam Lindsay. Bettinelli found himself under less pressure in the second period but game up with a big save from Ryan Hedges with the score at 1-1 with ten minutes remaining. 6

Ryan Fredericks: Struggled to get into his usual rhythm during Fulham's disjointed first half and initially found it difficult to nullify the movement of Barnsley's wide men, especially Adam Hammill. Found things much easier in the second half as Barnsley's ten men struggled to put the visiting defence under pressure and began to rampage forward effectively. His superb run for the equaliser including two nutmegs in quick succession before smashing a shot against the near post and a deep cross led to the goalmouth scramble that proceeded the vital second in injury-time. 7

Tomas Kalas: Endured a difficult first half with Barnsley's January addition Kieffer Moore posing plenty of problems. Moore's movement and exquisite touch created an early sight of goal for Mallan and he pulled the Czech centre half all across the back line during the first 45 minutes. Played some sloppy balls out from the back – although the context of the contest changed just before the break with Dmitri Cavare's senseless sending off, which relieved the pressure somewhat in the second half. 6

Tim Ream: Given the American's outstanding form of late, this was a below-par performance. Both he and Kalas appeared bewildered at times by the movement of Barnsley's front three, but the home side's high pressure also unsettled the Fulham back. Ream looked rushed in possession and frequently failed to find a team-mate with those usually reliable passes that can start an attack. Dealt with the more isolated threat of Moore in the second half well as Fulham pushed the ten men back. 6

Denis Odoi: Something of a surprise selection at left back following the arrival of Matt Targett last week, the Belgian turned in a woeful display and was rightly hauled off at half time. Found himself unable to cope with the clever movement of Tom Bradshaw, who kept drifting into dangerous positions having started on the right of an interchangeable front three, and frequently donated possession generously back to the home side. 5

Kevin McDonald: Captain in the absence of Tom Cairney and the Scottish midfielder showed his leadership qualities in abundance. Looked up for the fight during a first half where Fulham were distinctly second best, battling for the ball and breaking up several Barnsley attacks. Become more of an attacking force in the second period, exhorting his team-mates for more and playing a number of progressive passes. Might have scored twice before he finally did, prodding the ball home after an almighty scramble on the line. 8

Ollie Norwood: Not a game the Northern Ireland international will look back on terribly fondling. Fairly error-strewn in the first half as he tried to provide the creativity Fulham were missing without Cairney, but left too much on several passes. Looked as he if was trying to hard at times and was perfectly neat and tidy in the second period as Slavisa Jokanovic's men began to exploit their numerical advantage. 6

Stefan Johansen: The Norwegian charged about chasing shadows for much of the first half and appeared to pay for it as he ran out of gas before being substituted on the hour mark. His main contribution in the first half was to produce the late tackle – for which he was booked – that sparked Cavare's crazy reaction and gave Fulham a lifeline at a time when the Whites were being comprehensively outplayed. 6

Lucas Piazon: Struggled to replicate the devastating impact he had against Burton Albion last weekend. Was always trying to create something, but had very little to work with in the first half – looking horribly isolated out on the right flank. Toiled manfully throughout, but it was his replacement Neeskens Kebano who made use of the space as the game opened up. 6

Ryan Sessegnon: We will soon run out of superlatives for the tremendous teenager. His composure and ability to read the game is exceptional and Sessegnon proved his worth as a left winger here once more, by moving into the centre forward position on two occasions to grab crucial goals. He'd had a quiet first half but made the most of the space available once Barnsley were reduced to ten men. Poached superbly after Fredericks' fierce shot had come back off the post, sensibly taking a touch to steady himself first, and arrived late to profit from Kebano's excellent run and cross to put a more convincing gloss on the scoreline right at the death. 9

Rui Fonte: Worked exceptionally hard throughout without getting the reward his intelligent runs and selfless link-up play deserved. This was a far more tricky assignment that polishing off Burton, but Fonte kept the Barnsley back four on the toes even during the first period where Fulham failed to make much of an impression in the opening 45 minutes. His hold-up play in the second period brought several team-mates into play and showed that he can be an option when the going gets tough. 7

Substitutes:

Matt Targett (on for Denis Odoi, 45): Looked every inch the natural left back Fulham have missed for much of this season when he stepped off the bench at the start of the second half. Displayed an excellent first touch and always provided an option down the left – with his hit and miss crossing likely to improve with further game time. Created a good chance for Kebano shortly after the winger had entered the fray. 7

Neeskens Kebano (on for Lucas Piazon, 62): Provided a missing spark when he was introduced for Lucas Piazon just after the hour mark. Looked eager to attack the Barnsley defence at every opportunity and swapped sides to great effect. Dovetailed well with Targett down the left, curling an effort over the bar, and then demonstrated both his exceptional pace and composure, skipping away from a wild challenge, and supplying the perfect cross for Sessegnon to settle matters right at the end. 7

Aboubakar Kamara (on for Stefan Johansen 69): The French forward didn't had another goal when he came on as a substitute but his presence certainly made life more difficult for the Barnsley defence. Was denied when his powerful header was turned aside by Andrew Davies and played a decisive role during that scramble when the keeper kept out his volley, allowing McDonald to apply the finishing touch from the rebound. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/01/barnsley-1-3-fulham-player-ratings/

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Southampton, Stoke City and Swansea City target set for Fulham contract extension

Highly-rated Fulham full-back Ryan Fredericks is set to have his contract at Craven Cottage extended by 12 months according to The Express.

The 25-year-old Potters Bar born defender has impressed since joining The Whites two-and-a-half years ago and  a number of English Premier League scouts are thought to have watched the player in action this term.

Southampton, Stoke City and Swansea City are some of the clubs rumoured to be weighing up moves for the former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate with Fredericks' Fulham contract set to expire at the end of the season.

It has now been reported that the West Londoners hold an additional one-year option on the player's contract and that clause is set to be activated in a bid to warn off any clubs hoping to sign the full-back either in a cut-price deal this month or on a free transfer in the summer.

Fredericks is currently enjoying his first real experience of regular first team football since leaving boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur. During his time at North London, the defender was given just four first team outings while he made a handful of appearances during loans with Brentford, Millwall and Middlesbrough.

The player signed a permanent deal with Bristol City in summer 2015 but a u-turn on the move saw him move to Fulham where his career has finally taken off. Fredericks has made 95 appearances for The Whites and has played a key role in the club's recent good form in the Sky Bet Championship.



http://the72.co.uk/97518/southampton-stoke-city-swansea-city-target-set-fulham-contract-extension/

[WhiteJC]

 
Not long left.. It's time for Jokanovic to axe these Fulham players in the next few days



Fulham are back in the hunt for a play-off spot after suffering a poor start to the campaign, with Slavisa Jokanovic's men sure to be confident of securing a top six finish this season.

The Serb has completely turned things around at Craven Cottage, and players that had gone missing in the early stages have refound form and helped to guide the club towards the fabled playoff spots.

The Cottagers missed out on promotion last year after falling to Reading in the semi finals, and fans will hope the club can go one better this year and finally secure their return to the Premier League having been relegated several years back.

Fulham have a strong squad capable of a playoff berth, but Jokanovic may wish to finetune his side before the transfer window closes by removing a couple of players from his squad that do not feature in his plans.

With that in mind, this duo could be on their way out...

Marcelo Djalo


Joining the club last year from Lugo, Djalo has failed to live up to expectations in West London, and Jokanovic should consider shipping the player out on loan this month.

The Spaniard has appeared just twice this season in two substitute appearances, and must surely be growing frustrated at his lack of opportunities.

A loan move away from London to rediscover his form could be the best move for all involved, and perhaps a switch back to his native Spain could be the best move for all involved at this stage.

If he's not going to be utilised in the second half of the campaign, he must be moved on.

Rafa Soares

Another summer arrival who has failed to make his mark at the club, Soares' loan spell from Porto needs to be terminated this month.

The player has made just three substitute appearances in the league this season, and parent club Porto will surely be frustrated by the player's lack of opportunities at Craven Cottage.

A return to Portugal would be in the player's best interests, where he could compete for the second team of the Portuguese giants who are in the league below Portugal's top flight.

Soares has potential, and needs to begin to realise it at the age of 22, and it appears his time at Fulham has failed to aid his development into a top Portuguese star.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/not-long-left-its-time-for-jokanovic-to-axe-these-fulham-players-in-the-next-few-days/

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West Ham and West Brom target Tom Cairney must focus on Fulham says former Crystal Palace striker

The midfielder, who has been linked with a move to West Brom and West Ham, was a notable absentee in the 3-1 victory over Barnsley yesterday, which Slavisa Jokanovic put down to his knee issues.

Clinton Morrison has said that Tom Cairney must focus on performing for Fulham amidst speculation surrounding his future at the club.

The midfielder, who has been linked with a move to West Brom and West Ham, was a notable absentee in the 3-1 victory over Barnsley yesterday, which Slavisa Jokanovic put down to his knee issues.



However, speaking on Football on 5, the former Crystal Palace striker says that agents can have a huge influence in situations like this.

Assessing Cairney's absence, Morrison said: "He says he's got a knee injury and you have to believe him that he has got it.

"Cairney is one of the best midfielders in the Championship. He's a terrific talent so you know there will be a lot of clubs interested.

"Agents get into a players head and say 'maybe miss the game', but he's got to carry on doing well for Fulham and something will happen for him eventually."




https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-ham-west-brom-target-14212684

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Report: Fulham slap £30m price tag on captain Tom Cairney

Fulham have put a price tag of £30m on Tom Cairney following interest from West Ham United, according to a report.

The Cottagers captain was absent for Saturday's 3-1 win at Barnsley, sparking speculation over the 27-year-old's future.

However, Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic attributed Cairney's omission to continuing rehabilitation for a knee injury.

According to the Sun on Sunday, Hammers boss David Moyes offered £15m for midfielder Cairney, but the Championship promotion contenders are under no pressure to sell.

Cairney is tied to the Craven Cottage outfit until June 2021 after extending his contract last summer.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-slap-30m-price-tag-on-cairney_317264.html

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Transfer talk: Cardiff City set to beat Fulham to the signing of former Sunderland loan man

What business will the Whites get done before deadline day?

Cardiff City look set to win the race for reported Fulham target Lewis Grabban.

The 30-year-old Bournemouth striker was linked with a move to Craven Cottage in this January transfer window, although manager Slavisa Jokanovic refused to comment on links with the forward when questioned on him last month.

And it looks as if the Bluebirds are going to sign the striker before the transfer window closes on Wednesday night.

Grabban scored 12 goals in 19 Championship appearances on loan for an ailing Sunderland this season, before his loan deal was cut short at the frontman's request.

That led to rumours that the Cherries forward was looking for a move elsewhere, with the Whites linked, but it looks like the Cardiff City Stadium is to be his destination, again on loan.

The Bluebirds are odds-on to sign the striker, with Sky Bet offering 1/2 that he joins them before Wednesday night's deadline. He is 2/1 to stay at Bournemouth with Fulham a long way out at 20/1 to sign him.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-talk-cardiff-city-set-14212757

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Fulham to move for QPR's Luke Freeman if they sell Tom Cairney - despite slapping £30m price tag on midfielder

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic insists Cairney missed his side's win at Barnsley with a knee injury but they know he is keen to move to the Premier League

Fulham will turn to QPR midfielder Luke Freeman if they end up selling West Ham target Tom Cairney.

The Championship play-off chasers have slapped a £30m price tag on Cairney to try and scare off West Ham who are desperate to land the midfielder.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic insists Cairney missed his side's win at Barnsley with a knee injury but they know he is keen to move to the Premier League.

West Brom are also interested in Cairney who is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Championship and Fulham face a struggle to keep him until the end of the season.


Queens Park Rangers' Luke Freeman (Image: PA)


Cairney in action (Image: Alex Pantling)

They have now looked to £4m-rated Freeman as a possible replacement as the QPR midfielder has impressed this season.

Freeman, 25, has been in impressive form but QPR will struggle to keep him if they get a bid bid before the end of the window.

Fulham are also adamant that they will not sell highly-rated Ryan Sessegnon in January despite the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City all keen on the teenager.




https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-move-qprs-luke-freeman-11927686

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Ryan Sessegnon is on the cusp of something great with Fulham - and the club must make most of it this season

Fulham are experiencing a similar conundrum to Tottenham this campaign, and it's imperative both clubs make it count


Ryan Sessegnon is the focal point of Fulham's recent success in the Championship (Image: Getty Images Europe)

He's England's most exciting young prospect and his time at Fulham is limited.

It's therefore imperative that the Cottagers make the most of Ryan Sessegnon while fans can still sing that he is one of our own, before he goes on to - hopefully - have the successful career his potential suggests he will.

Sessegnon has netted six times in his last four Championship fixtures for the Whites from his new left wing position.

He's exuding confidence, a ferocious desire to win - and win big - and ability well beyond his 17 years. He is in every way the focal point of Fulham's recent success.


The left-winger is England's most exciting young prospect (Image: Getty Images Europe)

But Fulham are experiencing a Tottenham-like conundrum this season.

While the south-west London club doesn't boast brilliance in every position, it does have some stand-out players and, like Spurs, one of the best managers in its respective division.

But how long will Tom Cairney still wear the white shirt? How much longer can Slavisa Jokanovic remain loyal to a testing board? And, crucially, how long will it be until Sessegnon has huge figures thrown in his direction and the opportunity to play at a much higher level?


Premier League clubs are keeping close tabs on the Fulham starlet (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Tottenham fans will no doubt be asking the same questions this season. Will Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Mauricio Pochettino still be at the club next year? And what impact will this have on their team's Champions League aspirations?

Like Spurs, who may be looking at this season as a last chance to win some silverware, Fulham must act now. They need to, at the very least, go one step better than they did last year in crashing out in the first round of the play offs.


The 17-year-old is exuding confidence and a ferocious desire to win big (Image: Getty Images Europe)

This current run of form is excellent, but it must be retained going into the business end of the season.

The club owes it to the likes of Cairney - who does have the ability to play at a higher level - and Sessegnon - who will be playing at a higher level, whether fans like it or not.


Tom Cairney missed out on promotion with Fulham last season (Image: Getty Images Europe)

If Fulham fail to match the ambitions of its best players then the club has no leg to stand on when other teams come calling.

The Cottagers must make this season count. And the board must be brave and back Jokanovic in this January transfer window if it really wants to see Fulham in the Premier League. It might just be the last chance it has to do so for a while.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ryan-sessegnon-cusp-something-great-11927730

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West Ham's £15m bid for Tom Cairney rejected by Fulham


Fulham have rejected West Ham's bid for Tom Cairney

West Ham have had a £15m bid for Fulham's Tom Cairney rejected, according to Sky sources.

The bid for the Fulham captain was made last week and Sky Sports News understands West Ham were told they were wasting their time and not even an offer of £40m would be considered.

Cairney was a notable absentee for Fulham's 3-1 victory over Barnsley yesterday, with manager Slavisa Jovanovic confirming he missed out as a result of his ongoing knee injury and was not fit enough for a place on the bench.

The Scotland international is understood to want a move to West Ham but the player and his representatives accept he will not be sold this month, according to Sky sources.

Fulham are in a strong position after Cairney signed a contract extension until 2021 just last summer, following interest from Newcastle United.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/11226362/west-hams-15m-bid-for-tom-cairney-rejected-by-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Sess: Teams Fear Us

Ryan Sessegnon was proud of the character shown by his Fulham side after they recovered from a goal down to defeat Barnsley on Saturday.

A below-par first half saw us trail to Liam Lindsay's opener, but Sessegnon struck an equaliser four minutes after the restart, before an eventful stoppage time secured the points courtesy of Kevin McDonald's first of the season and another Sessegnon effort.

"I think after a sloppy first half, we came out sharp," Sess told fulhamfc.com. "We were really on the front foot and we took the game to them.

"Stay patient, don't panic," he replied when asked what was said at the interval. "We knew the first half hadn't really gone for us, but we've come from behind before so we just had to stay calm, and thankfully we ended up with the three points.

"It says a lot about us as a team, as a squad. We never give up, we just keep playing our football. We've got good characters in our changing room who get us through games."

Having netted seven times in his maiden campaign, Sessegnon set himself a target of 10 goals this season, something he achieved and then surpassed at Oakwell.

"I'm happy to have reached my target, and I just want to keep pushing and keep playing well for the team," he stated humbly.

"My first one was a case of right place, right time. I'm just happy I was able to help the team continue to climb the table."

The Whites are the only side to have a 100 per cent record in 2018, something that's seen us end the month in the Play-Off spots.

"That's all we can do, keep winning games and pushing up the table," Sessegnon said. "That gives us confidence, and it's been a good January.

"I think teams will fear us. Home and away, they'll fear us with the quality we have in our team, they will be scared to play us."

Make sure you're at the Cottage next Saturday as we aim to make it five straight league wins when Nottingham Forest come to town.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/28/ryan-sessegnon-teams-fear-us

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham must pay £30m to sign midfield star after being told he wants Irons transfer

He has apparently shown an interest in moving to London Stadium

Fulham have told West Ham that they must match their £30million valuation of Championship player of the year Tom Cairney.

The 27-year-old is also a target for Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion but the Hammers are said to hold a major advantage over his other suitors with the midfielder indicating he wants the move.

Slavisa Jokanovic is determined to keep hold of his captain, widely regarded as one of the best players in England outside of the Premier League, and has also played down talk of a January exit for 17-year-old wonder kid Ryan Sessegnon.


Tom Cairney celebrates after scoring for Fulham against Leeds United in March 2017. (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

According to Sky Sports, Cairney is interested in making a switch across the capital to join the Irons. However, no formal bids have been made so far with the Cottagers setting a high asking price to deter clubs from trying to sign him.

West Ham are apparently prepared to pay £15million for the player. Fulham want double that to enter talks about a sale and are in a strong position with the midfielder contracted to the club until 2021.

Yet they are considering their options with The Mirror reporting that they could move for QPR's Luke Freeman if West Ham and another team do stump up the cash to get the ball rolling on a deal.

After a youth career spent with Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, Cairney made his senior breakthrough with Hull City in the Premier League in 2010.

Last season he scored 12 goals and created 11 assists in 45 Championship games and has one goals and three assists from 18 this season.

He missed out on Fulham's match against Barnsley through injury, sparking rumours that a move could be close ahead of deadline day.



https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/transfer-news/west-ham-must-pay-30m-14213471

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham tell West Ham to forget about signing £40m Tom Cairney

West Ham United have reportedly failed in a move for Fulham's Tom Cairney.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham United offered £15million to sign Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney – but were remarkably told to stump up £40million to land him.

The Hammers made their first signing of the January transfer window on Friday, landing Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario on loan for the rest of the season – but another playmaker could yet be targeted.

With Hammers boss David Moyes no doubt unhappy after Saturday's FA Cup defeat to League One side Wigan Athletic, West Ham could be busy in the final days of the January transfer window, with one bid failing.

Sky Sports report that West Ham offered £15million for Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney, but were remarkably told that he will cost £40million to prise away from Craven Cottage.

It's claimed that Cairney actually wants a move to West Ham, but Fulham have told the Hammers that they are wasting their time with their bid, telling them to forget about signing the midfielder.

Cairney, 27, starred under Slavisa Jokanovic last season, hitting 13 goals and 10 assists as Fulham reached the Championship play-offs, but he hasn't quite matched that return this season.

The Scotland international has registered just one goal and three assists in 18 Championship outings this season, but he has still done enough to spark interest from West Ham.

It seems unlikely that West Ham will come back with a new offer given that they are £25million short of the asking price, meaning Moyes may have to look elsewhere.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/28/report-fulham-tell-west-ham-united-to-forget-about-signing-40m-t/

[WhiteJC]

Sessegnon says opponents are beginning to fear Fulham
by Dan on January 28, 2018

Teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon was delighted to surpass his personal goal target as Fulham beat Barnsley yesterday – and believes that, following four straight wins that have catapulted Slavisa Jokanovic's side into the top six, the rest of the Championship is beginning to worry about the Whites.

Sessegnon, who scored two goals as the visitors turned around a half-time deficit in south Yorkshire, saluted the characters in the Fulham dressing room, who encouraged the visitors to put in a proper performance in the second period. The youngster told Fulham's official website that Jokanovic had told his players to remain patient and refuse to panic at half-time and Sessegnon was delighted with how his team-mates adopted that advice:

    I think after a sloppy first half, we came out sharp. We were really on the front foot and we took the game to them.

    We knew the first half hadn't really gone for us, but we've come from behind before so we just had to stay calm, and thankfully we ended up with the three points. It says a lot about us as a team, as a squad. We never give up, we just keep playing our football. We've got good characters in our changing room who get us through games,

Sessegnon revealed that he had set himself a target ten goals this season, after scoring seven last term, and two predatory finishes that helped finish off Barnsley's ten men might now have him reassessing his goalscoring prowess.

    I'm happy to have reached my target, and I just want to keep pushing and keep playing well for the team. My first one was a case of right place, right time. I'm just happy I was able to help the team continue to climb the table.

That's all we can do, keep winning games and pushing up the table. That gives us confidence, and it's been a good January. I think teams will fear us. Home and away, they'll fear us with the quality we have in our team, they will be scared to play us.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/01/sessegnon-says-opponents-are-beginning-to-fear-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Sky journalist: This is what playmaker target thinks after West Ham bid tabled

West Ham primary target Tom Cairney has resigned himself to the fact that he will not be moving to the Olympic Stadium this January, as Fulham have rejected the initial £15million bid from West Ham.

Kaveh Solhekol, of Sky Sports News, tweeted that Cairney is eager to move away from the Championship, but has accepted that this deal is unlikely:

Fulham are holding out for a staggering fee of £30million, however it has been reported that it is unlikely that West Ham are to be bringing any new faces in this month.

David Moyes has been looking for more players to help cover his injury plagued team, and has been conisdering players who would help bolster his attacking forces.

Cairney got himself on the radar of West Ham with a hugely impressive last season when the playmaker scored 12 goals and laid on 11 in assists in 45 Championship games.

Football Insider verdict:
It is not surprising that Fulham want £30million for Tom Cairney, as the transfer market inflation has sky rocketted prices for player, yet that sum is just out of Moyes' reach. It has been reported that funding is in short supply at West Ham, and their wage budget is nearing the financial fair play limits, so loan options may be a better option for the Hammers. Cairney has been a wonderfulk talent for Fulham in the Championship, but has struggled this season, and his performances have absolutely not warranted a £30million price tag. It is not surprising that his head has been turned by the Premier League interest, and if he can refind his form he will be a welcome addition to a lower placed side in the top tier.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/reliable-journalist-west-ham-primary-target-accepts-deal-no-likely-happen/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham make decision over star amid Southampton interest

Fulham have no intention of parting ways with defender Ryan Fredericks this month, despite interest from Premier League side Southampton, according to the Mirror.

The 25-year-old is due to become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign and would be able to leave Craven Cottage for nothing, however, it is understood that the Londoners intend on exercising the option to extend his stay by another 12 months.

Fredericks, who failed to make the grade at Tottenham Hotspur having come through their academy, has featured at right-back under Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic and his performances this campaign have attracted the interest of a number of top-flight sides.

Should they wish to bring the pacey full-back to St Mary's Stadium, Southampton would have to see off competition from the likes of Stoke City and Swansea City, who are both thought to be weighing up a move for the defender this month.

According to the Daily Mail, both the Potters and the Swans consider Fredericks to be worth somewhere in the region of £3 million, although should the 25-year-old extend his stay at Craven Cottage, Fulham could expect to raise their asking price.

Southampton, meanwhile, have struggled this season under manager Mauricio Pellegrino and currently find themselves in 18th place in the league standings, embroiled in a relegation battle.

In a bid to arrest their slide down the table, Southampton recently completed the signing of Argentine forward Guido Carillo from French side Monaco for a club-record £19 million fee.

However, Pellegrino may now be hoping to bolster his defensive options, having lost key man Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool for an astonishing £75 million and views Fredericks as a potentially valuable addition.

Whether Fulham, who currently find themselves in Championship play-off positions, will consider selling the right-back should a significantly higher bid comes in, remains to be seen.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/fulham-make-decision-star-amid-southampton-interest/

[WhiteJC]

McDonald salutes 'unbelievable' Sessegnon
by Dan on January 28, 2018

Kevin McDonald piled yet more praise on Fulham's teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon after the club's academy graduate grabbed another brace to secure a fourth straight league win at Barnsley yesterday afternoon.

The Scottish midfielder, who deputised for Tom Cairney as skipper at Oakwell, hailed the 17 year old's exceptional anticipation and finishing ability as he moved to eleven goals for the season – scoring twice in the second half as the Whites came from behind to move into the Championship play-off positions. McDonald told GetWestLondon's Ryan O'Donovan after the final whistle:

    He's done very well, the kid is unbelievable to be honest with you. The ball just seems to fall to him every time, the defender's made a mistake at the end and the ball has just fallen to him in the box.

    At the end of the day, when the ball falls to him he has to have that composure and he does, he has it in abundance and every time he goes into the box you think he'll have a good chance of scoring and fair play, each week he's going to another level.

    I've said it before and got asked what his best attribute is, and it's his timing, it's incredible, he knows where the ball is going to be before the ball even gets there. His timing of runs, timing of everything is really good and that obviously helps him a lot, plus he is physically in peak condition now for the season and he can just run for days.

    Fair play to the boy, he's kept himself grounded and he's not letting the transfer talk get to him and keeps on scoring goals, so hopefully he stays with us and keeps scoring them.

McDonald, who stabbed home the vital second in the first minute of stoppage time, believes Fulham are able to mount a serious promotion push for the second season in a row – if Slavisa Jokanovic's side continue the hard work that has seen them close the gap on the league's leading sides.

    I think, first and foremost, we need to give ourselves credit for what we've done here today and over the last few weeks. I think we were sixteenth at one point and now we're sixth in the table, we have to give ourselves a real bit of credit for that and we've done incredibly, and now we're in there we have to be even more hard grafting to stay in there.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/01/mcdonald-salutes-unbelievable-sessegnon/

[WhiteJC]

 
Man United fans urge club to sign Ryan Sessegnon after latest Fulham display

Reported Manchester United target Ryan Sessegnon continued his impressive season with a brace in Fulham's 3-1 win against Barnsley at Oakwell on Saturday, and Red Devils fans have urged their club to sign the 17-year-old.

The Sun reported in December that Jose Mourinho was keeping tabs on the talented teenager, with The Times reporting that the Championship side could demand £50m for any club that wants to prise the versatile left-sided youngster away from Craven Cottage.

Sessegnon's double took his tally of goals for the season to 11 in 29 league games, while he has also provided a further four assists having played both as a left-back and a left winger.

Man United supporters were quick to have their say on the England U19 international's latest display via social media, and while one said "we need Sessegnon more than ever", another said "can't afford to miss out on him in truth".



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/manchester-united/man-united-fans-urge-club-to-sign-ryan-sessegnon-after-latest-fulham-display