Sunday Fulham Stuff (10/06/18)...

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CRAVEN COTTAGE REVISITED

Fulham secured promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs, which means Brighton & Hove Albion will visit Craven Cottage in the top flight next season.

The Seagulls are no strangers to Craven Cottage, having won on each of their previous three visits, and Chris Hughton's team will be looking to strengthen that record during the 2018/19 campaign.

With Nathan Jones in temporary charge in 2014, following Sami Hyypia's departure, the Seagulls, who sat near the bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, made the trip to south-west London.

Albion were without a victory in seven matches, having only won a single away match all season, but Jones masterminded an impressive 2-0 win over the Cottagers after Christmas.

Adrian Colunga slotted home from the penalty spot, before Solly March scored his first Championship goal for the club in the closing stages - which sent the Albion supporters behind the goal into raptures.

In the opening month of the following campaign - now with Hughton in charge - the Seagulls visited Craven Cottage for their second game of the season.

Sam Baldock opened the scoring in the 30th minute, before Tom Cairney responded for the hosts, but there was late drama in front of the away end, as Albion were awarded a penalty.

Tomer Hemed stepped up in the 94th minute to roll the ball into the bottom corner and seal all three points for Hughton's men - again causing elation in the packed away end at Craven Cottage.

The Seagulls took a 17-game unbeaten run in the league to Craven Cottage the following season - however Hughton's men remained behind leaders Newcastle United in the league table.

The hosts made a confident start to the game and were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute, but David Stockdale made a heroic save to keep out Stefan Johansen's spot-kick.

Despite Stockdale's important save, the Seagulls found themselves behind in the 55th minute when Lucas Piazon fired home for the Cottagers, which put Albion's unbeaten run under threat.

But then came a crazy two-minute spell which flipped the game on its head, as Hemed scored from the penalty spot and Lewis Dunk charged up field to head home after a stunning Albion break.

It was the second time the Seagulls had come from a goal down to win against Fulham during the 2016/17 campaign, and the away victory was another crucial moment in the club's quest for promotion.



https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2018/june/craven-cottage-revisited/

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Press Box Opinion - Player of the Season

There was plenty of agreement amongst the Fulham media department regarding who has been our best player this season.

Ed Hutson, Video & Content Executive: "There is a big case to be made here for Aleksandar Mitrović and I know people will argue he only played half the season but in reality our campaign didn't get going until January. The Serbian transformed our attack, bagging 12 goals and giving opposition defences a threat they had not seen from a Fulham side for a long time. Mitrović did the damage at one end of the pitch but at the other was a man who stepped up and was fantastic every time he took to the field this season. The rise of Tim Ream cannot go unnoticed and uncredited, the confidence he has shown this season at the back has been sublime and he definitely gets my vote as Player of the Season."

Jim McGullion, Commentator: "Kevin McDonald was superb, particularly in the second half of the season and I'm sure would be a lot of people's choice. Ryan Sessegnon – having made over 50 appearances and scored 16 goals, despite starting almost half the games at left-back and then being involved in all three goals in the Play-Offs - had an absolutely superb season. I find it quite incredible that I could look beyond young Sess, a man who is surely destined to become one of the greatest players ever to wear a Fulham shirt. Despite all that, my selection is Tim Ream. The "American Dream" was for me the team member who most consistently played to the best of their ability throughout the whole season as well as constantly assisting the players around him, despite a number of key personnel changes in the back five. His temperament, attitude, discipline, work ethic, courage and desire to be his best were exemplary. I think maybe he felt he had a point to prove this term and he certainly did that in some style! He was generally rock solid defensively whoever he was partnered with, and as Fulham's form improved and he grew in confidence, Tim's positional sense, reading of the game, composure and ability to play out from the back was exceptional. Throughout the long unbeaten run he was magnificent and maintained that standard right up to the final whistle at Wembley, after which he was literally out on his feet. A great pro, a class act in every way, and in my opinion a well-deserved Player of the Season, the majestic REEEEEEEEAM!!!!

Carmelo Mifsud, Media Relations Manager: "Tim Ream - calm and assured, he has performed consistently well throughout the campaign – an 8/10 or more in every game. A sound sense of positioning on the pitch, aware of his surroundings and perceptive in identifying potential attacking threats from opponents. He's unruffled, has quality on the ball, and makes the art of defending look easy. He has been a central performer in helping the side comfortably keep possession and control matches. Excellent distribution from the back has led to the start of many of the team's outstanding offensive play, too. In a highly successful season, there are many candidates for the player of the season accolade, however, Tim Ream is the standout selection for 2017/18, largely due to consistently performing well and instilling confidence by being composed."

Leah Mylles, Media Relations Executive: "Tim Ream. He's been so consistent week in, week out on the pitch and worked incredibly hard for the team. Off the pitch he is always polite and professional when dealing with the media and although he probably hates it, he's one of the ones we can always count on to speak to the press no matter what the result might have been, and that makes our job much easier!"

Geoff Pruce, Web Content Manager: "The team cohesion this season has been sensational, which makes singling one player out harder than usual. Marcus Bettinelli hit top form, Kevin McDonald enjoyed another typically workmanlike campaign, Aleksandar Mitrović would have ended up with the golden boot if he'd joined in August, and there's nothing I can say about Ryan Sessegnon that hasn't already been said. But, like many others, Tim Ream gets my vote. His attitude since he walked through the door has been spot on, and he's been rewarded with fan-favourite status and playing a pivotal role in our promotion to the Premier League."

Jamie Reid, Co-Commentator: "I really don't want to single out an individual because it's been such a team effort. Everyone has played their part and there have been so many positive contributions. However, I don't want to be accused of having splinters either so I will go for Ryan Sessegnon! To do what he has as a teenager is a great testament to him as an individual, as well as a huge pat on the back for everyone that has played their part in his development. Ryan is a player destined for the very top and the biggest compliment I can pay him is that he hasn't changed - despite all that he has achieved this season and will go on to achieve during his career."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/june/09/press-box-opinion

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Cyrus Christie's Fulham future looks bleak following latest transfer rumours

Fulham are said to be interested in Gokhan Gonul and that could be bad news for a current player.

According to a report in the Daily Mail (live blog, 12:31 on Wednesday), Fulham are interested in signing Besiktas right-back Gokhan Gonul following Ryan Fredericks' exit.

The report claims that Fulham have already made an enquiry for the Turkey international, as they appear keen to bring in a ready-made replacement for Fredericks who joined West Ham United on a free transfer.

But what does Fulham's reported interest in Gonul tell us about the future of Cyrus Christie? After all, the former Derby County right-back has similar attributes to Fredericks and would be considered a direct replacement.

The 25-year-old only joined the Whites from Middlesbrough in January, but it appears he has not really convinced boss Slavisa Jokanovic who, by targeting Gonul, is seemingly after more experience.

Christie is a decent right-back but there are question marks over his defensive capabilities, and perhaps the Premier League would be a level too far for him at this stage of his career.

The Republic of Ireland international barely featured over the past six months as he played back-up to Fredericks, and Fulham's immediate interest in Gonul suggests his first-team future at Craven Cottage is bleak.

He would make a decent option for several Championship clubs, so Fulham would not have to worry about his value depreciating, and he still has the best years of his career ahead of him.

Perhaps Fulham will want to keep him around as a back-up option for their top-flight campaign, although at this stage of his career Christie arguably needs regular first-team football and he is not likely to find that at Craven Cottage.

He has only featured for a total of 144 minutes in a Fulham shirt since joining the club from Boro six months ago, and he would have been hoping that Fredericks' exit would give him a clear path to the first-team.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/09/tt-cyrus-christies-fulham-first-team-future-appears-bleak-follow/

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Norwich City transfer rumours: Brighton and Fulham track Josh Murphy


Josh Murphy is being touted with a reunion with Chris Hughton. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images

Chris Hughton is reportedly weighing up a reunion with Josh Murphy - but faces competition from Premier League new boys Fulham and Championship Middlesbrough.

Murphy has emerged as a target for the Brighton chief, who handed the 23-year-old his top flight debut at Norwich City when the pair worked together at Carrow Road.

Football web site, Here is The City, claim on Saturday morning the Canaries' wide player is attracting interest from a number of clubs after some eye-catching displays last season.

No bids have been launched yet according to HITC but Boro chief Tony Pulis is also believed to be monitoring the situation as he looks to bring in players in wide areas. The Teessiders have already been linked to moves for former player Albert Adomah and West Brom's Matt Phillips.

Fulham have also been touted with Murphy's team mate, James Maddison, in the early part of the summer as they step up their planning for a Premier League return following Championship play-off success.

Murphy scored a stunning goal in the Championship win over Aston Villa and was also on the mark in the League Cup tie at Arsenal during a campaign when he notched 11 goals in 47 appearances.

HITC report City's top brass is reluctant to cash in on Murphy, who is under contract until 2021, but Norwich will need to offload players to bring in reinforcements.

Emi Buendia was unveiled on Friday, ahead of completing a move from Getafe on July 1. The Argentine can operate down either flank and in the number 10 role. City also brought in Onel Hernandez in January, while Marley Watkins and Yanic Wildschut remain on the books.

Murphy's brother, Jacob, was sold to Newcastle 12 months ago with City adjusting to the new financial reality after falling out of the Premier League.

The club's trading again this summer will be dictated by the need to lower the wage bill and bring in a transfer surplus, while trying to bolster Daniel Farke's squad for the new season.



http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/canaries-transfer-rumours-josh-murphy-brighton-fulham-middlesbrough-1-5554613

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Fulham monitoring Murphy
by Dan on June 9, 2018

Fulham are heavily linked with a potential summer move for Norwich City's winger Josh Murphy, according to a report from Here is the City this morning.

The Canaries are keen to keep hold of their best players despite their Premier League parachute payments coming to an end this summer and it would take a significant bid to seriously test Norwich's desire to retain the 23 year-old winger. They are bracing themselves for offers for Murphy's services, with a whole clutch of clubs interested in tempting him to pastures new.

Fulham are known to be looking for wingers over the course of the summer as Slavisa Jokanovic seeks to strengthen his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League. Sheyi Ojo's loan spell from Liverpool didn't work out as successfully as both parties might have planned, whilst there remain doubts about whether Lucas Piazon will be back at Craven Cottage for another year as negotiations over a possible deal continue with Chelsea.

Murphy managed eleven goals in 47 appearances, including a superb strike in the Canaries' league win over Aston Villa and a goal in the EFL Cup at Arsenal, and has been regarded as one of the division's brightest prospects for several years. He could follow his twin brother, Jacob, who was sold to Newcastle this time last year, to the Premier League and Brighton boss Chris Hughton, who handed the youngster his professional debut against Watford in September 2013 when he scored as the Canaries came back from 2-0 down to win, is rumoured to be keen on taking him to the south coast.

The HITC report also identifies Middlesbrough, where Tony Pulis is seeking to add wide players to his squad for another promotion push, although that bid would be distinctly ambitious. Norwich are thought to need to sell before they can provide Daniel Farke will funds for a summer recruitment drive and Fulham have already been heavily linked with another of the club's outstanding talents in playmaker James Maddison.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-monitoring-murphy/

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Fulham to trigger Joe Bennett's £2m Cardiff City release clause but Neil Warnock wants him to stay in Wales

    Fulham tried to sign defender Joe Bennett from Cardiff City last summer
    Bennett was integral to Neil Warnock's side getting promoted to the top flight
    The London side are keen to back Slavisa Jokanovic ahead of the new season

Fulham are prepared to trigger the £2million release clause for Cardiff City defender Joe Bennett.

The 28-year-old left-back has a year left on his contract and manager Neil Warnock wants him to stay.

Fulham made an attempt to sign Bennett last season but he stayed to help steer Cardiff out of the Championship.


Fulham are prepared to trigger Joe Bennett's £2million release clause to take him from Cardiff

Warnock is looking to bolster his squad in preparation for next season but faces stiff competition over the wages on offer from other clubs.

Fulham want to give Salvisa Jokanovic a fighting chance of making an impact in the top flight and will try again for Bennett.

They are looking to tie up some of their loans to permanent deals also with fees for Chelsea's Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon on the agenda plus Aleksandar Mitrovic from Newcastle and Matt Targett of Southampton.


The Cottagers want Bennett to bolster their options ahead of the Premier League season



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5824245/Fulham-trigger-Joe-Bennetts-2m-Cardiff-City-release-clause.html

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Fulham planning move for Bennett
by Dan on June 9, 2018

Fulham are ready to meet Joe Bennett's release clause by offering Cardiff City £2m for their left back as they seek defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season, according to a Daily Mail article this lunchtime.

The Whites had a longstanding interest in the former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa defender having tried to tempt him away from south Wales last summer. Bennett elected to stay with Cardiff and became a pivotal figure as the Bluebirds won automatic promotion ahead of Fulham this season and Neil Warnock hopes the left back will repeat that decision even if he decides to talk to the Londoners.

Fulham, who are also expected to try and step up discussions with Southampton over a possible permanent move for last season's loan signing Matt Targett, are believed to be able to offer Bennett a more substantial wage package than his current employers. The 28 year-old, who has been at the Cardiff City Stadium since joining a free transfer in August 2016, has a year left on his current deal and made 40 appearances for Warnock's men last season, scoring three goals. He also hit the headlines for a vicious tackle on Leroy Sane in Cardiff's FA Cup defeat by champions Manchester City.

Bennett, who turned down a move to the capital last summer after holding talks with Fulham, would provide much-needed depth at left-back for the Whites ahead of their Premier League return, with teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon having started in defence at the beginning of the 2017/2018 campaign. It was only with the arrival of Targett, a January loan capture from Southampton, that head coach Slavisa Jokanovic felt comfortable to push Sessegnon further forward on a regular basis.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-planning-move-for-bennett/

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Fulham, Everton and West Ham eye move for French defender Issa Diop after helping Toulouse stay in Ligue 1

    Issa Diop has also been followed by Arsenal, Tottenham and Barcelona
    The Toulouse defender is good in the air, adept on the ball and quick
    He is considered a leader at Toulouse where he helped them stay in Ligue 1

Fulham, Everton and West Ham are among the clubs who have checked on Toulouse defender Issa Diop.

The 21-year-old has also been followed by Arsenal, Tottenham, Inter Milan and Barcelona over the past few months.

Diop is 6ft 4ins tall, good in the air, adept on the ball and quick. He has been capped at U21 level and is considered a leader at Toulouse where he has helped them to stay in the top flight of French football.


Fulham, Everton and West Ham are interested in signing Toulouse defender Issa Diop (right)

Toulouse recognise he is one of their most saleable assets and are willing to listen to offers but want £26million.

Fulham are eyeing defensive options as they look to stay in the Premier League after earning promotion from the Championship.

Meanwhile, Marco Silva is chasing new signings as he looks to improve his Everton squad after taking over from Sam Allardyce.


21-year-old defender Diop is 6ft 4ins tall, good in the air, adept on the ball and quick



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5824373/Fulham-Everton-eye-French-defender-Issa-Diop-helping-Toulouse-stay-Ligue-1.html

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Fulham linked with Diop deal
by Dan on June 9, 2018

Fulham and Everton are among a host of European clubs considering testing Toulouse's resolve to hold onto their talented young centre half Issa Diop, according to a Daily Mail report this afternoon.

The 21 year-old centre back has previously caught the attention of the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan, Arsenal and Tottenham with a string of composed displays for his club and at youth level for France. Fulham scouts have watched him several times since January. The athletic defender, who would certainly fit Slavisa Jokanovic's ball-playing mould for centre halves, is highly thought of in France and enhanced his burgeoning reputation by helping Toulouse avoid relegation from Ligue 1 this season. He had previously performed similar heroics when being thrust into the heat of another relegation battle in 2015, at the age of just 18.

Diop, who made 41 appearances for Toulouse and scored three goals this season, is valued at more than £25m by Toulouse, who consider his leadership qualities as just as important as his undoubted potential. He has impressed as club captain despite his tender age and has made more than hundred appearances for his hometown club, whom he joined aged nine. With another two years to run on his Toulouse contract, it would take a substantial offer to prise him away and there would be a number of leading clubs in the queue for his signature.

Fulham are certainly in the market for new centre backs ahead of their return to the top flight. Slavisa Jokanovic has already been linked with a move for longstanding target Aden Flint and is also reportedly considering trying to conclude a permanent deal with Chelsea for Czech international Tomas Kalas, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Craven Cottage.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-linked-with-diop-deal/

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Fulham among clubs interested in Grealish

Fulham are interested in Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish.

Villa, beaten by Fulham in the Championship play-off final, face serious financial difficulties after failing to secure a return to the Premier League.

They are expected to lose Grealish, 22, this summer.

Fulham are also interested in Norwich City's highly-rated midfielder James Maddison who, like Grealish, has attracted interest from a number of top-flight clubs.

Grealish, who made 33 appearances for Villa last season, has been linked with the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and Leicester.

Fulham are also keen to sign Chelsea pair Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon on permanent deals this summer.

They both played important roles during the promotion-winning campaign while on loan last season.

Negotiation
Kalas' loan deal included an option to sign the centre-back for £8.5m, but Fulham are reluctant to pay that much and are hoping to negotiate a lower fee.

Fulham also remain interested in making Oliver Norwood's loan permanent after having an offer rejected by Brighton in January.

And the Whites will try to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic and Matt Targett from Newcastle and Southampton respectively after they too made a huge impact while on loan at Craven Cottage.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/090618-football-wls-aston-villa-jack-grealish-wanted

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Fulham keen on Grealish
by Dan on June 9, 2018

Fulham are considering making a move for Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish, according to a West London Sport story this afternoon.

Villa are braced for a summer of big bids for their midfield talisman, especially after news broke of their severe financial predicament following defeat by Fulham in last month's Championship play-off final. Villa owner Dr Tony Xia has warned of the dire consequences of failing to win promotion to the Premier League and Grealish could be one of the star attractions should there be a fire sale at Villa Park during the close season.

The 22 year-old midfielder, comfortably Villa's most dangerous performer against Fulham at Wembley, has emerged as a serious transfer target for Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham and a whole host of Premier League sides are set to make a serious play for his signature. Grealish, who has scored fourteen goals in 151 appearances in seven years with his boyhood club, became increasingly influential for Villa once he was switched to a central midfield role by Steve Bruce after overcoming injury in the early part of last season.

Given that Villa will demand in excess of £30m to sanction Grealish's departure and the rival suitors that the gifted playmaker could choose from, Fulham's interest will need to matched with serious cash. The club are keen to add to their attacking midfield options this summer and have already been linked with moves for two of the Championship's other creative talents in Norwich pair James Maddison and Josh Murphy. It remains to be seen whether the Whites will firm up their interest by tabling an offer.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-keen-on-grealish/

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Serbia 5-1 Bolivia: Aleksandar Mitrovic nets a hat-trick to end Serbs' World Cup preparations in style before Mladen Krstajic's side head to Russia

    Serbia ended their World Cup preparations in style with a 5-1 win over Bolivia
    Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a hat-trick as Serbia dominated throughout
    Adem Ljajic got himself on the scoresheet in Saturday's friendly encounter
    Branislav Ivanovic scored the goal of the game with a spectacular volley

Serbia enjoyed a morale-boosting dress rehearsal for the World Cup after striker Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a hat-trick in their 5-1 drubbing of Bolivia in a friendly on Saturday.

Forward Adem Ljajic and defender Branislav Ivanovic were also on target as the Serbians netted four of their goals in a lop-sided first half against the hapless Bolivians, who failed to qualify for the June 14-July 15 tournament in Russia.

Stung by a lacklustre 1-0 defeat against Chile on Sunday, Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Ljajic playing behind Mitrovic and central midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic deployed in a deeper role.


Aleksandar Mitrovic (L) scored a hat-trick for Serbia in their 5-1 rout over Bolivia on Saturday


Mitrovic (2-R) celebrates after scoring the opening goal inside four minutes in Austria


The Newcastle striker rounded off his hat-trick in the second half as Bolivia crumbled

The rejigged line-up fired on all cylinders in the opening half as Mitrovic headed Serbia into an early lead and made it 3-0 with a clinical finish after Ljajic drilled in the second with a fine shot from 13 metres.

Ivanovic, who equalled former midfielder Dejan Stankovic's record of 103 international appearances, volleyed in the fourth shortly before halftime after Mitrovic found him unmarked with an overhead kick across the face of the six-yard box.

The Serbians took their feet of the gas early in the second half and Bolivia quickly took advantage as Jhasmani Campos poked the ball past goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic after a fine solo run in the 48th minute.

Bolivia keeper Guillermo Viscarra parried two stinging shots from Dusan Tadic but was powerless when Newcastle United striker Mitrovic curled a delightful shot from 20 metres past him to cap an outstanding individual performance.

Winger Filip Kostic missed two good chances to add to Serbia's tally as they upped the tempo in the closing stages, roared on by several hundred passionate fans in Graz.

Serbia's fine display is likely to leave Krstajic with selection dilemmas ahead of their opening Group E game against Costa Rica on June 17, as Milinkovic-Savic may now be preferred to Luka Milivojevic in central midfield.

Centre back Nikola Milenkovic, who won only his third cap, also looks set to get the nod ahead of more experienced players after a pair of rock-solid performances.

The Serbians also play Switzerland on June 22 and Brazil five days later.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5824511/Serbia-5-1-Bolivia-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-nets-hat-trick-end-World-Cup-preparations-style.html

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Mitrovic treble helps Serbia to 5-1 rout of Bolivia

GRAZ, Austria (Reuters) - Serbia enjoyed a morale-boosting dress rehearsal for the World Cup after striker Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a hat-trick in their 5-1 drubbing of Bolivia in a friendly on Saturday.

Forward Adem Ljajic and defender Branislav Ivanovic were also on target as the Serbians netted four of their goals in a lop-sided first half against the hapless Bolivians, who failed to qualify for the June 14-July 15 tournament in Russia.

Stung by a lacklustre 1-0 defeat against Chile on Sunday, Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Ljajic playing behind Mitrovic and central midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic deployed in a deeper role.

The rejigged line-up fired on all cylinders in the opening half as Mitrovic headed Serbia into an early lead and made it 3-0 with a clinical finish after Ljajic drilled in the second with a fine shot from 13 metres.

Ivanovic, who equalled former midfielder Dejan Stankovic's record of 103 international appearances, volleyed in the fourth shortly before halftime after Mitrovic found him unmarked with an overhead kick across the face of the six-yard box.

The Serbians took their feet of the gas early in the second half and Bolivia quickly took advantage as Jhasmani Campos poked the ball past goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic after a fine solo run in the 48th minute.

Bolivia keeper Guillermo Viscarra parried two stinging shots from Dusan Tadic but was powerless when Newcastle United striker Mitrovic curled a delightful shot from 20 metres past him to cap an outstanding individual performance.

Winger Filip Kostic missed two good chances to add to Serbia's tally as they upped the tempo in the closing stages, roared on by several hundred passionate fans in Graz.

Serbia's fine display is likely to leave Krstajic with selection dilemmas ahead of their opening Group E game against Costa Rica on June 17, as Milinkovic-Savic may now be preferred to Luka Milivojevic in central midfield.

Centre back Nikola Milenkovic, who won only his third cap, also looks set to get the nod ahead of more experienced players after a pair of rock-solid performances.

The Serbians also play Switzerland on June 22 and Brazil five days later.



https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-worldcup-srb-bol/mitrovic-treble-helps-serbia-to-5-1-rout-of-bolivia-idUKKCN1J50U2?rpc=401&;

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Serbia 5-1 Bolivia

Newcastle United signed Aleksandar Mitrovic from Anderlecht for £13m in 2015.

Newcastle United forward Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a hat-trick as Serbia thrashed Bolivia 5-1 in Graz in their final World Cup warm-up match.

Mitrovic, who spent the final months of the season on loan at Fulham, scored his first after just four minutes, and Torino's Adem Ljajic doubled the lead.

After Mitrovic's second, ex-Chelsea full-back Branislav Ivanovic fired in a powerful volley to score the home side's fourth goal on 42 minutes.

Mitrovic hit his third on 68 minutes.

That came 20 minutes after Jhasmani Campos scored for Bolivia, who failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Manchester United's Nemanja Matic, Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic and Southampton's Dusan Tadic all featured as Mladen Krstajic's team bounced back from a 1-0 defeat by Chile on Monday.

Serbia, drawn in Group E, begin their World Cup campaign against Costa Rica on June 17 before facing Switzerland and five-time winners Brazil.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44415298

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Top 3 Players Fulham could monitor in 2018 FIFA World Cup including this Liverpool midfielder

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup almost upon us, all attention will be on this summer's football extravaganza in Russia over the period of the next month. 

More often not, strong performances in a World Cup end up working wonders for footballers' careers. James Rodriguez became a Galactico after his exploits with Colombia four years ago, as did Keylor Navas after a brilliant World Cup campaign with Costa Rica. 

There are numerous other examples of players earning widespread recognition in the colossal tournament, which makes the upcoming World Cup a great place for clubs to scout new talent. Having said that, here are three players that newly promoted Premier League club Fulham should keep a keen eye on during the proceedings in Russia;

Marko Grujic (Serbia)

The highly-rated Serbian midfielder is on the books of Premier League giants Liverpool but he is unlikely to get adequate game time with the Reds' first-team. Fulham have been linked with the midfielder in recent times and they should continue monitoring Grujic over the course of the World Cup in Russia. 

The 22-year-old has been a Liverpool player since January 2016 but has recorded only 14 first-team appearances till date, having endured loan spells at Red Star Belgrade and Cardiff City. During his short stint with the Welsh outfit, Grujic made a strong impression and he played an important hand in the Bluebirds' promotion back to the Premier League.

A young and energetic box-to-box midfielder with great all-round abilities, Grujic has what it takes to shine in the Premier League.

Ahmed Hegazi (Egypt)

The 27-year-old Egyptian centre-half was one of West Bromwich Albion's better players in the 2017/18 campaign. In a season that ended with relegation for the Baggies, Hegazi featured in each of their league fixtures, netting twice.

Fulham's defence will have an opening since Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas is expected to return to his parent club with his loan spell coming to an end. And Hegazi would be an ideal option for Slavisa Jokanovic's men. A no-nonsense defender with ample experience in the Premier League, the 27-year-old will be a solid addition to the Cottagers' ranks next season. Thus, they must monitor him during the FIFA World Cup. 

Aron Gunnarsson

The 29-year-old Iceland captain and midfielder is out of contract with Cardiff City and he even rejected a new contract offer last season. Hence, Fulham should track him over the coming weeks in Russia. Gunnarsson has been with the Bluebirds since 2011 and has notched up 250 appearances for the club across all competitions. 

Known for his ability to break up play in the midfield with smart interceptions and tackles, the tough-tackling midfielder featured just 20 times for Cardiff this past season, bagging a solitary goal and an assist.

A seasoned veteran, Gunnarsson has appeared in over 300 games in the English second division with Cardiff and Coventry City. And it goes without saying that the Icelandic international would be a great addition for Cottagers, given his wealth of experience and knowledge.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/06/10/top-3-players-fulham-should-monitor-in-2018-fifa-world-cup-including-this-liverpool-midfielder/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham hoping to swoop for Henderson
by Dan on June 9, 2018

Fulham are hoping to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson as competition for Marcus Bettinelli, according to a report in the Sun.

The 21 year-old has been offered a new deal at Old Trafford but has yet to sign it after impressing on loan at Shrewsbury Town this season. Henderson is currently considering his options after helping the Shrews go all the way to the League One play-off final – and keeping nineteen clean sheets in 48 games.

The Sun suggests that Fulham would like to sign Henderson as back up to academy graduate Marcus Bettinelli, who established himself as Slavisa Jokanovic's number one following an impressive run of form after being recalled to the side in December. David Button, who began the season between the sticks, has been linked with a £4m move to Brighton and Hove Albion in the past week.

Henderson, who has previously enjoyed loan spells with Grimsby Town and Stockport County, has been linked with a whole host of Championship clubs. Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has watched the England under-21 goalkeeper on a number of occasions during his loan spell at Shrewsbury, whilst Stoke City are ready to make a move should they lose England custodian Jack Butland following their relegation to the Championship. United value the Whitehaven-born keeper at around £1m but would have to accept a nominal fee should Henderson turn down their new deal.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-hoping-to-swoop-for-henderson/

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottage Tours

Take some time out and visit Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham Football Club. The stadium exudes the character and history befitting of London's original professional football club.

Prices

Adults (over 12): £15

Children (5-12 years old): £12

Children (under 5): FREE

Family tickets (2 adult, 2 children): £35

You can book your Cottage Tour online, over the phone on 020 3841 9057 or in person at the Craven Cottage Reception.
Tours will take place on the following dates in June:

Friday 1st – 11.15am

Saturday 2nd - 11.15am

Sunday 10th - 11.15am

Wednesday 13th - 2pm

Saturday 16th - 11.15am

Sunday 17th - 11.15am & 2pm

Wednesday 20th - 2pm

Wednesday 27th - 2pm

Friday 29th - 11.15am

Saturday 30th – 11.15am
Tours will take place on the following dates in July:

Sunday 1st - 11.15am

Wednesday 4th - 2pm

Friday 6th -  11.15am

Saturday 7th -  11.15am

Wednesday 11th - 2pm

Sunday 15th – 11.15am

Wednesday 18th – 2pm

Saturday 21st - 11.15am

Wednesday 25th - 2pm

http://www.fulhamfc.com/visit/cottage-tours