Tuesday Fulham Stuff (30/01/18)...

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David Moyes transfer history should have West Ham fans excited about Tom Cairney pursuit

The Fulham star could follow a long line of Moyes success stories from the Football League.

It is being heavily reported that West Ham United manager David Moyes is keen on bringing Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney to the club. The Scotland star has been one of the best and most consistent players in the Championship for two seasons now and Sky Sports recently reported the Hammers were willing to spend £15 million on the player. The same report also suggested that the 27-year-old wants the move, with Fulham reluctant to sell.

West Ham fans should certainly be excited at the news, as these sort of transfers are where Moyes has thrived in the past.

When he was making his name as Everton manager, some of the best signings he made were from the Football League.

He snapped up Tim Cahill from Millwall in 2004 after his impressive form in their FA Cup final season. Joleon Lescott was signed from Wolves after making the PFA championship team of the year. Phil Jagielka had made a name for himself with Sheffield United in the Championship, before signing for Everton after a year in the Premier League. Leighton Baines followed a similar trajectory as Jagielka, but joined from Wigan.

It is being heavily reported that West Ham United manager David Moyes is keen on bringing Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney to the club. The Scotland star has been one of the best and most consistent players in the Championship for two seasons now and Sky Sports recently reported the Hammers were willing to spend £15 million on the player. The same report also suggested that the 27-year-old wants the move, with Fulham reluctant to sell.

West Ham fans should certainly be excited at the news, as these sort of transfers are where Moyes has thrived in the past.

When he was making his name as Everton manager, some of the best signings he made were from the Football League.

He snapped up Tim Cahill from Millwall in 2004 after his impressive form in their FA Cup final season. Joleon Lescott was signed from Wolves after making the PFA championship team of the year. Phil Jagielka had made a name for himself with Sheffield United in the Championship, before signing for Everton after a year in the Premier League. Leighton Baines followed a similar trajectory as Jagielka, but joined from Wigan.

The fact is Moyes more or less gets it right when snapping up talent from the Football League. Even his less successful such buys, Jermaine Beckford and Lukasz Jutkiewicz springing to mind, have gone on to have decent careers.

Cairney would be a brilliant signing for West Ham and perhaps he could go on to be the Tim Cahill moment in the transfer market for Moyes in East London.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/29/david-moyes-transfer-history-should-have-west-ham-fans-excited-a/

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George Williams of Fulham could be first of THREE St Johnstone signings



St Johnstone could be about to make a triple transfer swoop, with Fulham's Welsh international George Williams set to arrive at McDiarmid Park in the next 48 hours on loan.

Perth boss Tommy Wright is also keen on Aberdeen's Scott Wright, with a central midfielder possibly completing a hat-trick of late transfer window captures.

Williams, a winger who has been capped seven times for his country and was part of Chris Coleman's Euro 2016 squad, would be a signing to excite Saints fans.

When he broke through at MK Dons he became their youngest ever player as a 16-year-old.

As well as out wide, he can be used in midfield and through the middle up front.

Dons winger Wright has been a long-term loan target of Saints.

Meanwhile, the Saints manager has admitted that his "gloves are off" post-Partick Thistle blast may have been over the top.

Wright, who has a host of injury doubts for tonight's Scottish Cup tie against Albion Rovers, said: "I had a right rant at the players and probably went over the top with it.

"But there was a frustration that we need players in but we haven't got anyone in yet.

"We need to freshen it up. We need players to come in and give everyone a lift."

There is no time to dwell on their 3-1 defeat to Thistle, with such a quick turn-around for the trip to Coatbridge.

"There will be changes and there would have been anyway," said Wright. "But there are a few enforced ones.

"Zander Clark is out, Joe Shaughnessy is a doubt, David Wotherspoon is a doubt, Stefan Scougall is a doubt, Scott Tanser is out and Richard Foster is suspended.

"David McMillan is out. His face is badly beaten up so he'll probably have two black eyes.

"The way he landed has hurt his hamstring and we are waiting to find out if he's got a tear.

"I said I would make changes, some of them are enforced and other ones won't be."

He added: "I didn't get much sleep last night, to be honest.

"I'm still disappointed with the result and the performance against Partick Thistle.

"We have to start games better, when we stay in games we have done well but we keep shooting ourselves in the foot.

"The home form needs to improve – there is no excuse for it. We are making too many basic errors.

"That has to be cut out because every manager in this league will tell you how hard it is to come back when you are a goal down.

"Having said all that, I've watched the game back and it's an appalling decision from the referee to chalk off David Wotherspoon's goal.

"The ref said he thought someone pushed someone but he didn't know who. So, basically, he's had a guess.

"It's a dreadful decision but that doesn't take away from the point that we were not good enough."

Meanwhile, Denny Johnstone – a man who has scored and won at Cliftonhill – believes this cup clash represents a great chance to "change the vibe" at McDiarmid.

He said: "Under the circumstances it's great for us to have a game so soon so we can change the vibe about the place.

"Everyone was disappointed against Partick but we have to get over it and bring the positivity back again.

"We have the belief we can go on a run. We know we have the ability in the dressing room but it's up to us to do it.

"The manager wasn't happy on Saturday but the focus is on Albion Rovers now, it's in the past and we have to look forward because this is a big game.

"I have played there before. My first Scottish Cup game was for Morton at Cliftonhill.

"I remember it was this time of year, it was a heavy pitch and a tough game but I scored that day so hopefully I can do the same again."

Murray Davidson and Paul Paton return from suspension.



https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/588657/george-williams-fulham-first-three-st-johnstone-signings/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: West Ham tell Fulham they'll pay £20m for Tom Cairney

West Ham United are keen to bring Tom Cairney in from Fulham during the final days of the January transfer window.

According to a report from The Sun, West Ham have informed Fulham that they would be willing to pay £20 million for Tom Cairney after having their initial bid for the playmaker rejected.

Cairney is one of the most exciting players in the Championship. While his tally of one goal and three assists this term does not look too impressive on paper, he has arguably still been one of Fulham's best players this season after a campaign where he inspired the Cottagers to the play-off semi-finals with 13 goals and 10 assists.

The Sun reports that the Hammers made a £15 million bid for the Scotland international, but that has since been rejected by Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

And The Sun adds that the Irons have informed Fulham that they are prepared to increase that offer by a further £5 million - though, judging by previous reports, that will be nowhere near enough to convince the Championship side into accepting.

A previous report from The Sun suggested that the Cottagers are only willing to let Cairney leave the club if they receive an offer of £30 million for the midfielder.

With that report also highlighting that Cairney is under a long-term contract at Craven Cottage, it would be no surprise if West Ham being willing to increase their offer to £20 million did little to tempt them into considering a sale.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/29/report-west-ham-tell-fulham-theyll-pay-20m-for-tom-cairney/

[WhiteJC]

 
International On Sale

Tickets for the World Cup warm-up friendly match between Colombia and Australia on Tuesday 27th March (8pm) at Craven Cottage are now on sale.

Priced from £25 for adults and from just £15 for under-16s, tickets are available to buy now.

Colombia and Australia have both qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and will be using this friendly match as part of their preparations for this summer's tournament in Russia.

Colombia returns to London, having last played at Craven Cottage in November 2014. Second half goals from Carlos Bacca and Teofilo Guttierez that evening saw them fight back to defeat the United States, who had led at half-time, 2-1.

Australia were also victorious in their last visit to the Cottage in September 2014, outscoring Saudi Arabia 3-2 with Tim Cahill amongst the goals for the Socceroos.

This will be the first time in 17 years that Colombia and Australia will compete against each other, with an enthralling encounter expected on the banks of the River Thames.

Tickets are available to purchase online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 020 3871 0810, and in person from the Fulham Ticket Office, located at Craven Cottage.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/29/international-on-sale

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Wins Best Programme

The Club is pleased to announce that it has won Programme Monthly's 'Championship Programme of the Season' award.

We saw off competition from runners-up Birmingham City and Preston North End to take the accolade, the second time in three years that Fulham has won it, reclaiming the title after finishing in second place behind Queens Park Rangers last term.

Programme Monthly is the leading publication for football programme and memorabilia collectors in the UK, and the below outlines their justification for awarding the Whites first place.

"Fulham's 'We are Fulham' issue has downed in size to A5 this season, although the page count has gone up by 16 to 100.

"The visitors section is a nicely balanced eight pages, with good profiles. The 'Gentleman Jim' column by the club's website match commentator is retained from last season, and there is another regular column later in the issue by Fulham's record goalscorer Gordon Davies.

"'The Ex-Files' is a very good four pager on a past player, whilst 'One Moment In Time' looks at the combatants in a past match between the two competing clubs and traces what happened to the participants.

"There are some excellent one-off features, and 'In My Own Words' sees a subject in a photo from the past talk about the image and its context, an interesting idea.

"Standout feature is 'From the Vaults', two pages looking at a programme from a past fixture against the opposition.

"'The Fulham Alphabet' is a historical A to Z style feature, which is nicely done with some good photos to illustrate and 'Journey Past' looks at four previous clashes with the visiting club through newspaper headlines and match detail.

"'The Hit 100' series focuses on 100 transfers during the club's existence at a rate of four per issue – both ins and outs. 'Dream Team' sees a former player pick a Fulham XI from those he played with during his time with the club.

"The programme is absolutely packed with retro content and all the better for it. An excellent issue.

"A5, perfect-bound £3.50. Classy design with a general theme that is adapted to different articles to provide some visual variety without the overall look ever feeling chaotic. Nice layout on pages such as 'Dream Team'."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/29/fulham-wins-best-programme

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Fulham linked with Martin again... days after manager claimed Derby striker wasn't coming back

Fulham are said to be 'in a three-way tussle' with Sunderland and Reading to sign Derby County's Martin

Fulham are still being linked with a move for Chris Martin... days after Slavisa Jokanovic claimed the Derby County striker - who is also said to be interesting Sunderland and Reading - would not come back to Craven Cottage.

Both the Sun and the Daily Mirror report in their printed editions on Tuesday - page 48 and 46 respectively - that Fulham are in the hunt for Martin's signature.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Cottagers are 'in a three-way battle' for the Scot's services, alongside Sunderland and Reading.

Martin, who has started five of Derby's Championship fixtures since returning from a loan spell at Fulham last summer, looks certain to leave Pride Park ahead of Wednesday's transfer deadline, after being budged further down the pecking order by new recruit Cameron Jerome.

A return to west London would come as some surprise, however, after Cottagers boss Jokanovic told Get West London: "Martin won't come back to Fulham."



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/29/fulham-linked-with-martin-again-days-after-manager-claimed-derby/

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EXCLUSIVE: Fulham tell Southampton, Swansea star is not for sale

Fulham have told Southampton and Swansea that Ryan Fredericks is not for sale for any price this month, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Both clubs have made enquiries for the 25-year-old, believing he could be available due to the fact he is out-of-contract in the summer.

However, we can reveal that Fulham have a 12-month option on Fredericks and they have told the player they will be using it – meaning he has at least 18-months left on his stay at Craven Cottage – and the chances of him leaving on the cheap this month are zero.



http://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-fulham-tell-southampton-swansea-star-is-not-for-sale

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Report: Southampton enquire about Ryan Fredericks; Fulham won't sell

Southampton have joined Swansea City in the race for Fulham's Ryan Fredericks, but a deal looks unlikely.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Southampton have joined Swansea in the race for Fulham stalwart Ryan Fredericks, but neither looks set to be able to pull off a deal for the right-back.

Fredericks has been an ever-present for Slavisa Jokanovic's side this season, contributing five assists in 28 appearances for the Championship play-off chasers.

TEAMtalk reports that he is out of contract at Craven Cottage at the end of the season, and that had alerted both the Saints and the Swans as they decided to make enquiries for the 25-year-old.

However, any hopes of a late January deal appear to have been dashed, with TEAMtalk reporting that Fulham have the option to extend Fredericks' contract by a further 12 months and they indeed intend to take up that option.

The news may be a blow for the likes of Southampton and Swansea as Fredericks has arguably been one of the most impressive full-backs in the Championship this season, so landing him may have provided something of a boost to their respective survival bids in the Premier League.

They could always return with the kind of offer that Fulham could struggle to justify turning down, but with the likes of Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney still at Craven Cottage at the moment amid links with the Premier League, it would appear that Fulham will have little problem standing firm and holding their ground regarding any interest.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/29/report-southampton-enquire-about-ryan-fredericks-fulham-wont-sel/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham's Ryan Fredericks high on West Ham United's wishlist

West Ham United have already been linked with a move for Fulham's Tom Cairney.

Fulham right-back Ryan Fredericks is high on West Ham United's wish list, according to the Daily Mirror [live blog entry 13:18].

The report claims West Ham are 'looking they are going to have a lively end to the transfer window', and are also negotiating with FC Krasnodar for Russia captain Fyodor Smolov.

Fredericks has been linked with moves to a string of Premier League clubs this winter, with his contract due to expire less than six months' time.

Speaking to Get West London earlier this month, however, the former Tottenham Hotspur trainee said: "I'm happy here, I've said it all along.

"My contract situation is getting sorted behind closed doors and the relevant people are trying to sort that now, I'm not too sure what is going to happen, but whilst I'm a Fulham player, be it one year, two years, three years, whatever it is, I will give my all in the shirt whenever I step onto the pitch.

"You couldn't get any better than that [being promoted with Fulham this season]. Promotion with any team is amazing so it would be my third season here, so hopefully third time lucky."

Fredericks is the second Fulham player in whom West Ham have been credited with interest, after playmaker Tom Cairney.

The Hammers have already seen a £15 million offer for Cairney turned down by the Cottagers, according to Sky Sports.

Pablo Zabaleta and Sam Byram are West Ham's two most senior right-backs, and the latter's future would likely come into question were Fredericks to arrive at the London Stadium this week.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/29/report-fulhams-ryan-fredericks-high-on-west-ham-uniteds-wishlist/

[WhiteJC]

 
Levante keen on Matt O'Riley but Fulham want to loan out Tayo Edun


Matt O'Riley is highly-rated at Fulham by first-team and youth staff

Levante want to sign Fulham's highly-rated 17-year old central midfielder Matt O'Riley on loan until the end of the season.

However, Sky Sports News understands the youngster is not a player the Whites want to loan out this month.

Fulham sources have indicated they are prepared to let fellow academy star Tayo Edun go on loan for his development, while they are also willing to allow Porto loanee Rafa Soares to join another club.


Fulham's Tayo Edun (left) is available for loan this month

Soares, who has made just three Championship appearances, has fallen even further down the selection order after the West London club signed Matt Targett on loan from Southampton.

Midfielder Edun, 19, has made four appearances for Fulham this season and is rated highly by boss Slavisa Jokanovic, as is O'Riley, who has made two first-team appearances.

Levante, who are 16th in La Liga, are keen to boost their midfield options and believe England U18 O'Riley would do that.

Manchester City and Arsenal were reported to be interested in the teenager, who is eligible to play for Norway, Denmark and England, before he signed his first pro deal at Fulham in November.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11227943/levante-keen-on-matt-oriley-but-fulham-want-to-loan-out-tayo-edun

[WhiteJC]

 
McDonald: Jekyll & Hyde

Kevin McDonald admitted it was a Jekyll and Hyde performance from Fulham against Barnsley on Saturday.

The Whites trailed at half-time but were given a boost by Dimitri Cavare's red card, and took full advantage with three goals after the restart.

"We said after the game, they really let us off the hook," McDonald acknowledged. "We know we were nowhere near good enough first half, we had a real chat with ourselves at half-time, dug each other out a little bit.

"Individually and collectively we were miles off it. We went from having the best performance of the season last week to having the worst performance of the season in that first 45 minutes.

"They pressed really well the first half, and I thought it was one of the hardest games we've played this season.

"It was one of those days where we got a bit of luck, the guy got sent off and that gave us real momentum second half, and once we got that first goal we were always going to push and press to get another one.

"We really pushed on and it felt like it was only a matter of time until we scored again, and luckily enough it was."

Two stoppage time goals – one of which was McDonald's first of the season – saw Fulham move into the top-six. The challenge now is to stay there.

"We knew coming into it that if we won we'd be in the Play-Off places," McDonald stated. "We need to be in there and deal with the pressure of being in there, simple as that. We're in there now and hopefully we can stay.

"We've got to give ourselves credit for what we did at Barnsley and over the last few weeks.

"We were 16th or something like that at one point, and now we find ourselves sixth in the table. We've done incredible to get there and now we're in there we need to graft even harder to stay in there.

"It's a massive result. Some games you win in the 90th minute, you just need to keep going.

"Fair play to Barnsley, I thought they defended very hard, it was a harsh result on them to be honest with you, but in the end it's a massive three points for 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/29/kevin-mcdonald-jekyll-and-hyde

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham's second bid of £18m for Tom Cairney rejected by Fulham

West Ham have had an £18m bid for Fulham's Tom Cairney rejected, according to Sky sources - their second attempt at buying the player.

The Hammers' latest offer for a top target follows a £15m offer that was made last week.

Sky Sports News understands West Ham were told they are 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 on Saturday, 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/11685/11228054/west-hams-second-bid-of-18m-for-tom-cairney-rejected-by-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer talk: Fulham reject £18m bid from West Ham for Tom Cairney

The Cottagers remain adamant that Tom Cairney is not for sale after slapping a £30m price tag on the midfielder.

Fulham have reportedly rejected an £18m bid from West Ham for Tom Cairney, according to Sky Sports.

The Cottagers remain adamant that Tom Cairney is not for sale after slapping a £30m price tag on the midfielder.

The future of Cairney is likely to be a key talking point until the transfer window closes on Wednesday, but the Cottagers remain firm in their stance that he is not for sale.


(Image: Darren Pepe)

The Scotland international was a notable absentee for Saturday's 3-1 victory over Barnsley, with the club confirming he missed out as a result of his ongoing knee injury.

Cairney has signed a new long-term deal at the club which runs until 2021, with the option of a further year.

It's understood that Fulham are under no pressure to sell Cairney, with the west London club understandably keen to hold onto it's prized asset as they target promotion to the Premier League.




https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-talk-fulham-reject-18m-14218433

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Report: West Ham fail with new £18m bid to sign Fulham's Tom Cairney

West Ham United have reportedly failed with a new bid for Fulham's Tom Cairney.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham United have failed with a new bid of £18million for Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney ahead of Wednesday's transfer deadline.

The Hammers have added one new signing during this month's transfer window, as they landed playmaker Joao Mario from Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season on Friday.

However, after losing 2-0 at Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon, West Ham and manager David Moyes may look for more additions ahead of the transfer deadline this week.

Despite landing Mario, another playmaker appears to be on the radar, with Sky Sports now claiming that a bid of £18million has been launched – and rejected – for Fulham ace Tom Cairney.

Sky Sports claimed on Sunday that West Ham had offered £15million for Cairney, only to be told by Fulham that their talisman wouldn't be sold for anything less than £40million.

West Ham have now returned with an improved offer, but £18million remains nowhere near Fulham's asking price, meaning it's no surprise that the bid has been rejected.

Cairney, 27, starred for Fulham last season with 13 goals and 10 assists for Slavisa Jokanovic's men, but hasn't quite matched that return this term with just one goal and three assists.

The Scotland international has seemingly still done enough to attract Moyes' interest, but with the two London rivals far apart in their valuations, a deal before Wednesday's deadline appears unlikely.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/29/report-west-ham-fail-with-new-18m-bid-to-sign-fulhams-tom-cairne/

[WhiteJC]

 
Surely Fulham must win promotion to hold onto Tom Cairney again in the summer

Although Fulham look to have secured their captain's services for the rest of the season, the club must now deliver success.

Fulham look to have yet again fended off interest in their star men, with Ryan Sessegnon starring in recent weeks and Tom Cairney now seemingly staying put.

West Ham United had been chasing Cairney, but Sky Sports report that Fulham have rejected a second bid of £18million as they are determined not to sell their captain.

It was a similar story last year, too, when the London club's promotion push meant that they were able to retain both Sessegnon and Cairney.

Fulham were beaten in the Championship play-offs last term but they are again creeping up the table, taking a place in the top six at the weekend with a fourth consecutive league win.

The club's ambition cannot be questioned as they repeatedly refuse to consider selling two of the division's very best players to Premier League clubs.

However, both Sessegnon and Cairney look destined to play in the top flight and, should Fulham again falter at the last, it seems highly unlikely that they would be able to convince the pair to stay for another season.

This could well be Fulham's last chance to gain promotion with these two star men and they must take it given the rarity of such talents in the second tier.

The pressure is on Slavisa Jokanovic in the next few months...



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/29/surely-fulham-must-win-promotion-to-hold-onto-tom-cairney-again/

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds should rival Fulham for playmaker Luke Freeman

Leeds need some added creativity after losing Samu Saiz to suspension.

Not many Leeds United fans would have predicted the impact summer signing Samu Saiz has had at Elland Road back in the summer, as he quickly becomes renowned as the club's most important player.

The 27-year-old has had a hand in 14 goals during his 25 league and cup appearances this season, scoring nine himself and turning provider on a further five occasions. He has made the £3.5million transfer fee from Huesca look a bargain.

But without the Spaniard, Leeds are missing that attacking tenacity. They are lacking in that fiery determination that sees Saiz constantly hassle opponents high up the pitch - winning the ball back and orchestrating attacks in between the lines.

The former Atletico Madrid forward has been banned for spitting, and will remain sidelined for another four matches including Tuesday night's clash against Hull City.

Despite Pablo Hernandez filling in for him, the former Swansea City ace has been better from the left flank this season and a new number 10 should be considered by manager Thomas Christiansen.

Proven Championship experience is needed after an influx of foreign talent in the summer, many of which have proved to flop including the likes of Mateusz Klich, Jay-Roy Grot and Pawel Cibicki.

The Daily Mirror (Sunday, 11:50) claimed on their transfer news blog that Fulham will look to sign QPR playmaker Luke Freeman for £4million if they lose Tom Cairney to Premier League side West Ham, but the 25-year-old would be perfect at Elland Road.

Freeman has shone for QPR this season, scoring three times against Ipswich, Barnsley and Brentford but adding 10 assists in 28 Championship games - the kind of creation and attacking precision Leeds are crying out for.

At £4million, Freeman is more than affordable with Leeds already spending £7million this month. Landing the former Bristol City ace would ease the pressure on Saiz and Hernandez, as well as helping to bring the best out of Pierre-Michel Lasogga.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/29/leeds-should-rival-fulham-for-playmaker-luke-freeman/

[WhiteJC]

 
Southampton suffer significant setback in pursuit of 'cheap' January deal – report

Southampton supporters have been in fine voice in the Transfer Tavern in the last few days after seeing their side book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup courtesy of a 1-0 success over Watford at St Mary's on Saturday.

Mauricio Pellegrino's men earned their spot in the last 32 of the competition after beating Fulham 1-0 in the previous round, a result which brought to an end a woeful nine-match winless run. And although the Saints have been unable to record a Premier League win since that victory, they continued their FA Cup run on Saturday thanks to Jack Stephens' goal after just four minutes, thus sealing their place in the fifth round for the first time since 2014.

Consequently, there have been many upbeat Southampton fans in the Tavern in recent times, yet they are unlikely to be overly thrilled by a recent report from TEAMtalk, which suggests that a 'cheap' deal for Fulham's Ryan Fredericks is highly unlikely to take place this month.

The 25-year-old made the move to Craven Cottage back in 2015 and has since gone on to play 95 games for the Championship side, including 32 in their run to the semi-finals of the play-offs last season, in which they lost to Reading.

And with seven assists in just 28 league matches this term, the right-back continues to go from strength to strength, and as such Swansea City and indeed Southampton have reportedly inquired about his services given that his contract is due to expire in the summer.

However, recent reports suggest that there is a 'zero' chance of a 'cheap' January sale as the Cottagers are seeking to trigger a 12-month option in Fredericks' contract, so instead of him having just six months left on his deal, it'll actually be 18 months.

And this recent development is sure to come as a big blow to Saints chief Pellegrino, who has just 48 hours or so left to turn his attentions to other transfer targets ahead of Wednesday's deadline.

Landlord's verdict: Ryan Fredericks has been seriously impressive ever since he made the move to Fulham back in 2015, and certainly played a part in their run to the Championship play-off semi-finals last season.

And with seven assists already this term, the 25-year-old continues to prove his worth to manager Slavisa Jokanovic, and Premier League duo Swansea City and Southampton have reportedly sought to land the right-back this month on the 'cheap' given that his contract is up in the summer.

However, their chances of a 'cheap' deal have taken a blow as reports suggest that the Cottagers will trigger a 12-month option in Fredericks' contract, so instead of it expiring in the summer, he will have another 18 months on his Fulham deal.

And while a deal isn't necessarily off this month, it's looking increasingly unlikely that the Saints will lure the 25-year-old away from Craven Cottage by Wednesday's deadline.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premiership/southampton-suffer-significant-setback-in-pursuit-of-cheap-january-deal-report/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham line up Okaka move

HITC Sport understands Fulham have lined up a move for Watford striker

Fulham are closing in on the signing of Watford striker Stefano Okaka, HITC Sport understands.

Okaka has found himself out of favour with Watford for the majority of the season and he is ready to move on in search of regular first-team football.

Watford are happy to let Okaka to move on as they feel they have enough cover in attack and that the big striker is unlikely to figure in new boss Javi Gracia's plans going forward.

A number of clubs at home and abroad have expressed an interest in the Italian international, but Fulham are keen to bring him back to Craven Cottage.

Okaka had a short loan spell at Fulham in 2010 when he joined them from Roma for the second half of the 2009/10 season.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has been looking to bring in a new striker this month to boost Fulham's promotion bid and he thinks Okaka could be a perfect addition to his side.

Fulham are on a good run of form having moved into the play-off places with Saturday's victory at Barnsley and they will be hoping to maintain their push for promotion to the Premier League.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/29/por-fulham-line-up-okaka-move/

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Odds slashed: West Ham clear favourites to sign prolific midfielder in last-minute deal

The odds of West Ham signing Fulham's Tom Cairney have been slashed after reports broke of an £18million bid from the east London side.

Sky Sports journalist Bryan Swanson claimed that the bid had been rejected and a report on Sky Sports indicated that it was the secodn bid this window that West Ham had made.

The first bid was said to be £15million and although the player is keen on a move to the Premier League, Fulham are adamant that the player won't be solved even if West Ham bid £40million.

However, despite this, leading bookmaker SkyBet have cut the odds of Cairney signing for West Ham in January significantly, from 7/2 a week ago to just 5/2 now.

West Ham are the only club that has been credited with a chance of signing Cairney in January.

The player had a slow start to this season but put himself on the map in the 2016/17 campaign when the international playmaker played 45 Championship games, scoring 12 goals and adding another 11 in assists.

Cairney made his international debut for Scotland last year.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/odds-slashed-sign-tom-cairney/

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Cottagers Tickets Available On General Sale (Online Only)

Tickets for Derby County's first Sky Bet Championship of March against Fulham on now available to purchase on General Sale across dcfc.co.uk.

Gary Rowett's side will take on Slavisa Jokanovic's play-off chasing Cottagers at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday 3rd March 2018, kick-off: 3pm.

Tickets are available from the following prices:

Adults - £24
Senior Citizens (aged 65+) – £17
Under 18s - £13.50
2 to 12 Year Olds - £7.50

* Please note that the above pricing is based on Category D & E seating.

Rams supporters will be able to buy their tickets over the phone and counter as of tomorrow.

Tickets for 2-12 Year Olds are available across all areas of the stadium for the 2017/18 season.

Home Membership Holders receive 10 per cent off their own home league ticket purchase.

Buy your tickets here: dcfc.co.uk/toptix/en-gb/categories/home.

Purchases can also be made by calling 0871 472 1884 (option 1) or in person from the Ticket Office during normal opening hours.

Derby County's Ticketing Terms & Conditions for the 2017/18 campaign can be found here: dcfc.co.uk/page/ticketing-terms-conditions.

Full details on ticketing pricing and policies is available here: dcfc.co.uk/page/ticket-pricing-policies.



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/01/cottagers-tickets-available-on-general-sale-online-only