Sunday Fulham Stuff (17/06/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Player to sign five-year deal with West Ham after Hammers agree €25m fee

Toulouse defender Issa Diop is attracting interest from England, with West Ham United, Everton and Fulham all believed to be interested in signing the Frenchman.

It was French newspaper L'Equipe who reported the Hammers had submitted a €15-€20 million bid for the 21-year-old on Wednesday. On the same day, the same publication also mentioned interest from the Merseyside club and the Cottagers.

Today's edition of L'Equipe reports Diop's move to West Ham should "come to fruition in the next few days". The central defender still has two years left on his contract with the Ligue 1 outfit.

West Ham were facing competition from Sevilla for Diop. The Spanish outfit were ready to pay €15m for the defender, while the Premier League club offered €10m more than Sevilla.

The report claims West Ham and Toulouse have reached an agreement for the player. Diop will travel to London early next week and sign a five-year deal with Manuel Pellergini's side.

Diop started in 34 league games for Toulouse in the 2017/18 season and scored three goals in the process.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-sign-five-year-deal-west-ham-hammers-agree-e25m-fee/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham linked with Zulj
by Dan on June 16, 2018

Fulham are considering a move for Austrian midfielder Peter Zulj, according to reports in the German press this weekend.

The Sturm Graz midfielder enjoyed an outstanding season, scoring ten goals and adding nineteen assists in his 42 appearances for the Black and Whites, who qualified for the Champions' League after finishing as runners-up behind champions Red Bull Salzburg. Zulj also played a key role as Sturm Graz won the Austrian Cup, beating Salzburg 1-0 in the final after extra time.

His exploits have led to a surfeit of interest across Europe. Several German clubs are keen to take the 25 year-old midfielder, who made his international debut in a 4-0 win over Luxembourg in March, to the Bundesliga including Leverkusen, Hertha Berlin and Wolfsburg. Zulj had previously also been linked to Championship sides in the shape of Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers.

But leading German tabloid Bild suggests Fulham have a serious interest in offering Zulj a route to the Premier League. Slavisa Jokanovic is seeking strong competition for the likes of Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney in the Cottagers' midfield and the Rapid Vienna academy graduate would fit the bill – especially as he played most of the season in the defensive midfield role where the Whites currently have little cover. The German media claim that Graz value their star performer at around £3.5m – although they are unlikely to let him leave without a fight.




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

[WhiteJC]

Fulham eyeing move for Krychowiak
by Dan on June 16, 2018

Fulham are interested in offering a Premier League lifeline to Paris Saint Germain midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, according to reports from France this afternoon.

The Polish international, who spent last season on loan with West Bromwich Albion, had hoped to try and earn a place in the PSG first-team squad for the forthcoming season but has been reportedly told he can leave the French champions. Krychowiak still wants to discuss his future with new coach Thomas Tuchel and is not ready to give up hope of resurrecting his career at the Parc des Princes.

The 28 year-old, who made 31 appearances in all competitions as the Baggies were relegated from the Premier League, might be tempted by a return to the English top flight with Fulham. Slavisa Jokanovic is short of experienced options beyond Kevin McDonald in the midfield anchor role and Krychowiak, who won consecutive Europa League titles with Sevilla before moving to France, would be an exceptional acquisition.

The major sticking point may prove to be PSG's valuation of Krychowiak, who still has three years to run on his current contract, and would be conservatively valued at around £15m. The determined midfielder, who has won 51 caps for his country, has also been linked with a return to Spain to join his old club Sevilla bringing to an end an unhappy couple of years in France. Krychowiak has previously alleged that he was deceived about his role at PSG by the club's former coach Unai Emery, who was recently announced as Arsene Wenger's successor at Arsenal.




http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-eyeing-move-for-krychowiak/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham join race for Le Marchand
by Dan on June 16, 2018

Fulham are keen on signing Nice defender Maxime Le Marchand, according to reports from France.

The 28 year-old centre back, who can also operate on the left side of the back four and as a defensive midfielder, is entering the final year of his contract at the Allianz Riviera and sources close to Le Marchand have told his local newspaper that the player believes 'the time is right to try a new challenge'. Fulham, who are desperately seeking reinforcements at both left back and centre back ahead of their return to the Premier League, will need to move quickly as Le Marchand has admirers both in France and abroad.

Leading sports daily L'Equipe reported last week that Fiorentina were eager to take the powerful defender to Italy and domestic press reports suggest that Nantes are also interested. It is believed that Nice value the centre half, who made 41 appearances last season, at between £1.75m and £2.5m.

Le Marchand, who started his career with his hometown club Saint Malo before coming through the prestigious Rennes youth academy, was converted from a left winger into a defender and would suit Slavisa Jokanovic's desire for defenders who are comfortable on the ball. He has amassed more than 200 league appearances in French football and has played in both the Champions' League and the Europa League.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-join-race-for-le-marchand/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham interested in Grzegorz Krychowiak

PSG midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak is attracting interest from Fulham, according to Paris United.

The player does not want to make a decision on his future until after the World Cup, but his entourage is listening to offers.

In the meantime, Krychowiak would like the opportunity to speak with Thomas Tuchel, in a bid to convince the German of his worth.



http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2018/fulham-interested-in-grzegorz-krychowiak/

[WhiteJC]

 
FPL planning: Pair Everton and Fulham for clean sheets

Combining the two clubs' defences at home early in the season can bring more Fantasy points, says The Scout

With the fixtures for the new season revealed The Scout explains how Fantasy Premier League managers can devise early plans for 2018/19.

Rotating players

In part 1 we explained how squad rotation can maximise a run of home fixtures for an FPL manager's players.

This involves alternating players in and out of a starting XI based on who has the home match each Gameweek.

Everton and Fulham are one such pairing for the opening matches of 2018/19.

Over the first 10 Gameweeks, the two teams alternate perfectly between home and away.

In only two of those 10 matches, do either face at home a side who finished in the top half of the 2017/18 Premier League.

And on only one occasion do they face a top-six team, when Fulham welcome Arsenal to Craven Cottage in Gameweek 8.

In the same Gameweek, Everton travel to Leicester City to provide an alternative solution.

How to rotate Everton and Fulham

GW	Home Team	Opponent
1	Fulham	Crystal Palace
2	Everton	Southampton
3	Fulham	Burnley
4	Everton	Huddersfield
5	Everton	West Ham
6	Fulham	Watford
7	Everton	Fulham
8	Fulham	Arsenal
9	Everton	Crystal Palace
10	Fulham	AFC Bournemouth

By partnering the Everton and Fulham defences in their opening squads, FPL managers can use the fixture list to their advantage.

Statistics show both Everton and Fulham were more resilient at home last season.

Seven of Everton's 10 clean sheets came at Goodison Park, while nine of Fulham's 15 clean sheets in the Championship were at home.
Which players to pick

Jordan Pickford and Marcus Bettinelli could provide FPL managers with a strong goalkeeper combination.

Pickford earned 28 points from saves for Everton last season, the equivalent of seven clean sheets. His 145 FPL points ranked him sixth among goalkeepers.

The best alternative defensive options from the two teams appear to be Everton's Michael Keane and Fulham's Tim Ream, pictured top.

Alternating the two centre-backs can provide a solid start to the new season for FPL managers.




https://www.premierleague.com/news/727928

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham targeting Sweden left-back Ludwig Augustinsson as Cottagers prepare for life back in Premier League

The defender, 24, is on World Cup duty and faces a decision upon his return to current club Werder Bremen

Fulham are targeting combative Sweden ace Ludwig Augustinsson.

The left-back, 24, is on World Cup duty and faces a decision upon his return to current club Werder Bremen.

The Cottagers had wanted Matt Targett, who finished last season on loan with them.

But his parent club, Southampton, are now looking to keep him and allow another left-back, Sam McQueen, to leave.

Augustinsson was on Liverpool's radar before Andy Robertson joined.

He played 29 times in the Bundesliga last season, making four further appearances in the DFB Pokal, scoring one goal.


Augustinsson in action for Sweden (Image: Getty Images)

Augustinsson won successive Danish Superliga titles during his time with Copenhagen, as well as three Danish Cups.

He was part of Sweden's victorious Under-21 Euros side in 2015 and has since gone on to make 14 appearances for the senior side.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-targeting-sweden-left-back-12723898

[WhiteJC]

Luca Ashby-Hammond named in Under-17 Euro team of tournament
by Dan on June 16, 2018

Fulham goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond has been named in the UEFA team of the European Under-17 championships after impressing for England during the tournament.

Ashby-Hammond, who was picked out of six shortlisted goalkeepers as the tournament's leading custodian by UEFA's panel of experts, conceded just two goals in five games as England reached the semi-finals – losing to the Netherlands in a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out in Chesterfield. Ashby-Hammond, who starred during Fulham's FA Youth Cup run earlier this season, kept three clean sheets as part of a miserly English defence.

The seventeen year-old, whose older brother Taye is also on Fulham's books, is highly rated at Motspur Park both for his ability to produce big reaction saves when necessary and for his confidence on the ball – a key quality in the modern game. Asby-Hammond joined Fulham aged nine and has come through the Fulham academy alongside midfielder Matt O'Riley, who made his senior debut last season.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/luca-ashby-hammond-named-in-under-17-euro-team-of-tournament/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham chasing Augustinsson
by Dan on June 16, 2018

Fulham want to swoop for Werder Bremen defender Ludwig Augustinsson over the coming weeks, according to a Daily Mirror report.

The Whites' pursuit of the Swedish left-back is held up by the fact that Augustinsson is currently on World Cup duty in Russia and is delaying a decision on his future until he reports back to Bremen after the tournament. Fulham had initially sought to take Southampton left back Matt Targett on another season-long loan but those hopes appear to have been dashed by the Saints desire to hold on to Targett and loan out Sam McQueen next season.

Augustinsson, who made 33 appearances for Bremen last season and scored a single goal, has only been in Germany since last summer after ending a successful two-year spell with Copenhagen, where he won back-to-back Danish titles and three Danish Cups. The attack-minded full-back, who was converted from a midfielder at the age of eleven, is a set-piece specialist and was considered one of the stars of the 2015 European Under-21 championship, which Sweden won.

The 24 year-old, who had featured on Liverpool's radar before they brought in Andy Robertson from Hull, has won fourteen caps for his country and was previously named in the Swedish squad for the disappointing Euro 2016 campaign, but played second fiddle to Martin Olsson. Augustinsson has three years to run on his current Werder contract and is rumoured to be valued at around £7m by the German outfit. He has previously been linked with a move to West Ham.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-chasing-augustinsson/

[WhiteJC]

 
Forget Mitrovic – Fulham should complete a £8m coup for this 11-goal star to fuel their PL ambitions


Jordan Ayew

According to reports, Premier League newcomers Fulham are interested in signing Jordan Ayew from Swansea City this summer and have made a £8m bid.

Ayew joined Swansea from Aston Villa in January 2017 and was the Welsh club's top scorer this past season with 11 goals.

The Cottagers clinched promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 win in the play-off final against Aston Villa last month and manager Slavisa Jokanovic is on the lookout for reinforcements.

Aleksandar Mitrovic led Fulham's attack brilliantly following his loan move from Newcastle in January. While Jokanovic remains keen to sign the Serbian on a permanent basis, he should also explore other attacking options to make his side ready for the Premier League.

Swansea's Jordan Ayew may not be a prolific goal-scorer but he would certainly be an upgrade when compared to Fulham's current striking options that include Lucas Piazon and Aboubakar Kamara.

The Ghanaian didn't make much of an impact at Aston Villa but he has found his scoring touch at Swansea. And over the course of the last season, Ayew played a key role for the Wales-based outfit, leading the Swansea attack well despite their relegation to the Championship.

Under Carlos Carvalhal, the 26-year-old became a tad efficient in front of the goal and improved his all-around game. While Ayew couldn't save Swansea's ship from sinking, he was one of their better performers.

A good dribbler of the ball, Ayew possesses excellent pace and has a penchant for shooting from longer distances. While he is also a decent passer, his crossing skills require work. The former Aston Villa forward is an instinctive finisher but he often bursts into life inside the box.

In a forgettable season for the Swans, Ayew was consistently one of their liveliest attacking players and a positive source of danger. Without him, the Welsh club looked toothless in attack and were devoid of any spark or imagination.

Fulham can mightily benefit by signing Ayew from the relegated Swansea. Ayew's pace, directness and unpredictability could come in handy for Jokanovic's side in the Premier League. The player must improve his defensive contribution to the team's cause but besides that, he could be an excellent choice to guide them to top-flight glory.

The Ghana international is a proven Premier League star and Fulham need not think twice about splashing the cash on him. Thus, if Fulham manage to land Ayew for £8m, it would be a terrific coup for the London-based outfit ahead of the 2018/19 season.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/06/17/forget-mitrovic-fulham-should-complete-a-8m-coup-for-this-11-goal-star-to-fuel-their-pl-ambitions/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Looking To Secure A Permanent Move For 'Classy' Chelsea Defender: Right Man For Jokanovic?

After their promotion to the Premier League, Fulham Football Club will be looking to add reinforcements to their squad in the summer. They are close to securing their first signing of the season as they are keen on making Tomas Kalas a permanent feature at Craven Cottage. The Czech Republican centre-back has been at Chelsea since 2010 and was part of the loan army of the London club for the past few years. Last two seasons he spent his time at Craven Cottage where he helped the Cottagers to secure a move to the Premier League.

Along with him, Fulham are also looking to secure the permanent signing of Lucas Piazon who also happens to be from Stamford Bridge and there are reports that the fee will be around £8m for the duo. Kalas has had 8 loan spells where he has represented 5 different teams in his time at Stamford Bridge.  However, his situation is not as bad as Matej Delac who spent close to 8 years at the club without any senior team appearances.

The centre-back has made only 4 senior team appearances in his 8-year stint at the club. All of those caps came in the 2013-14 campaign. Maybe that was his lucky year and he should thank his stars for that.

The Cottagers have been a bit kinder to him as he made 36 appearances for them in the Championship and was relatively an important player for Slavisa Jovanovic.



Regarding his stint at Chelsea, he had once gone on record to say," I am a player for training sessions. If they need a cone, they put me there instead." It is certainly the right time now for Kalas to look for a permanent move away from the club as he tries to find his place and name in English football.

He is already used to the club's environment as he has been part of them for the past two seasons and will slot in perfectly at the centre back spot. Fulham will be keen on keeping the core players who helped them secure a move to the top division and signing Kalas will certainly be a step in the right direction.

Chelsea shouldn't have any issue in selling the player. The centre-back will certainly add more depth and stability at the back which will be necessary for Fulham to survive and continue their run in the English top flight.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/06/fulham-looking-secure-permanent-move-classy-chelsea-defender-right-man-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Southampton over Fulham could be the ideal destination for this £4m Scotland international



Stuart Armstrong enjoyed another decent season with Celtic as he helped the Bhoys to another domestic treble. The central midfielder also featured heavily for the Scottish giants in their Champions League campaign last term.

He scored three goals and set up four more in 24 Scottish Premiership appearances, while in total he turned out 41 times for Celtic last season, netting 5 times and providing 6 assists.

Several Premier League clubs, including Fulham and Southampton, have been linked with making a move for Armstrong, who has just a year left on his present contract with Celtic.

But between the Cottagers and the Saints, which team should the £4m Scotland international pick. Or should he just accept the 5-year contract which Celtic have reportedly offered him and remain at Parched?

Southampton had a very tricky season in the Premier League last term as they avoided relegation to the Championship by the skin of their teeth.

They struggled for goals throughout the 2017/18 campaign, but the Saints also lacked creativity in the midfield area. And Armstrong would slot into the Southampton seamlessly very and strengthen their midfield.

He would not only bring flair and assists to St Mary's Stadium but he also possesses a winning mentality after spending so long at Celtic. Armstrong would benefit Southampton massively as they also looked devoid of leaders last season.

Fulham, on the other hand, scored the second most goals in the Championship last season, aided by their trio of midfielders – Stefan Johansen, Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald. It would be a shock if the Cottagers don't stick with the trio in the Premier League next season. Therefore, it feels like it would be harder for Armstrong to make an impact at Craven Cottage.

The third option for Armstrong is to remain at Celtic. There are reports that he has been offered a lucrative new 5-year deal by the Scottish champions.

The option looks incredibly tempting as it would guarantee him playing for a club, who understands him. He would also receive the opportunity to win more trophies after helping Celtic to two successive domestic treble triumphs.

The choice lies with Armstrong but if he does decide to move to the Premier League then Southampton seems like a better option.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/06/17/why-southampton-over-fulham-could-be-the-ideal-destination-for-this-4m-scotland-international/

[WhiteJC]

 
World Cup 2018 scouting report: Did Tottenham and Fulham miss out on Nigeria's William Troost-Ekong?

William Troost-Ekong played a major role in Nigeria's journey to the World Cup, but will the two London clubs regret letting him go?

After failing to secure professional contracts at Fulham and Tottenham, Nigerian central defender William Troost-Ekong moved to play in the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium and Turkey.

But having since gone on to play a major role in Nigeria's journey to the World Cup - he played every minute of the side's qualifying matches - will the two London clubs come to regret letting the player slip through their grasp?

Given his football education at Fulham and Tottenham, it was no surprise to see Troost-Ekong ease Nigeria into the game with his accurate and composed passing, which was perhaps optimised when he checked the ball past Mario Mandzukic to open up the pitch and begin an attacking move.

His defending against Croatia's main man was very good in the opening stages. He got tight to the target man and looked to quickly steal the ball from him before he moved the ball onto a teammate, all the while displaying composure as cool as the green stripe in his hair.

A Nigerian side with a host of Premier League names, and captained by former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, initially held their own against their superior opponents as the sides exchanged light jabs between each other in the first 30 minutes.

After a good start, Nigeria were caught napping from a corner and Croatia bundled the ball into the net via Oghenekaro Etebo. Troost-Ekong was marking Mandzukic but the Juventus forward drifted beyond him to head the ball onto Etebo and inside the post.

Luka Modric's corner was well angled but Troost-Ekong stood still and could only watch on as his side conceded via Mandzukic's efforts.

After a decent start, Troost-Ekong had fallen short at his first big test at the back.

Having failed to get close to Mandzukic from an earlier corner, Troost-Ekong went too far in the opposite direction when he conceded a penalty in the 70th minute.

The defender again picked up Mandzukic from a corner but was caught wrapping both his arms around the Croatian's shoulder and a penalty was awarded.

Croatia's captain, Modric, stepped up and expertly slotted his penalty low to the left to ensure Nigeria were punished for their defensive mishaps.

He looked tidy on the ball and dealt with simple tasks, however that was about as good as it got for Troost-Ekong who came up short when it came to the important moments in the match.

Tottenham and Fulham may have been impressed with his skill on the ball and composure when dealing with basic defensive tasks, but his momentarily lapse in concentration which allowed Mandzukic to sneak beyond, along with the foolish penalty he conceded, cost his team and shows perhaps why he has been overlooked.

Former Nigeria national coach Sunday Oliseh branded him too soft, and he seems to have it spot on with that description. 



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/world-cup-2018-croatia-vs-nigeria-william-troost-ekong-highlights-report-video-watch-var-a8402701.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham keen on Fernando Forestieri while Stoke City and Middlesbrough also track forward likely to be sold in Sheffield Wednesday fundraiser

    Fulham, Stoke and Middlesbrough have shown interest in Fernando Forestieri
    He is likely to leave Sheffield Wednesday who are keen to offset increasing debts
    Fulham have also made an approach for Swansea City forward Jordan Ayew

Fulham are among the clubs interested in Fernando Forestieri.

The Sheffield Wednesday forward is likely to be sold as the Championship club look to offset increasing debts.

The 28-year-old can play across the frontline and has also attracted enquiries from the likes of Stoke City and Middlesbrough, who like his teammate Barry Bannan too.


Fulham, Stoke City and Middlesbrough have shown interest in Fernando Forestieri (left)

Meanwhile, Fulham have made an approach for Jordan Ayew at Swansea but manager Slavisa Jokanovic has other priorities.

The London side are looking to bolster their squad after winning promotion to the Premier League in last month's Championship playoff final.

Fulham have not been in the top flight of English football since 2014.


Forestieri hit five goals in 10 Championship games last season, including a free-kick vs Preston



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5852641/Fulham-keen-Sheffield-Wednesday-forward-Fernando-Forestieri.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham close to completing Krul swoop
by Dan on June 17, 2018

Fulham are hopeful of signing Tim Krul from Brighton and Hove Albion on a free transfer, say the Sun on Sunday.

The Londoners have made an audacious bid to sign the Dutch goalkeeper on a Bosman and Krul is ready to reject Brighton's offer of a new deal to move to Craven Cottage and compete with Marcus Bettinelli to be Slavisa Jokanovic's number one. The 30 year-old former Newcastle stopper has been frustrated by his lack of playing time and is resigned to sitting on the bench behind Mat Ryan should he stay at the AMEX Stadium.

The Dutch international hasn't started a league game in two seasons on the south coast and is desperate to prove himself at the highest level again, having made such an impression during his ten years at St. James' Park, where he made 186 first-team appearances for Newcastle. Fulham switched their attention to signing the 6ft 4in goalkeeper after their hopes of bringing in Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson were dashed after the England under-21 international agreed a new contract to stay at Old Trafford.

In a further twist, Brighton are in talks with Fulham's current number two David Button about becoming their understudy to Ryan. Bettinelli conclusively won the battle to be the Whites' first choice goalkeeper after replacing Button in the side last December and helping Jokanovic's side record a club record 23-match unbeaten run that lasted until the final day of the season at Birmingham City. The Fulham academy graduate's hopes of nailing down the first team spot in the Premier League would face a stiff test should Krul, who won nine caps for the Netherlands, complete a move to west London.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-close-to-completing-krul-swoop/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keeping tabs on Forestieri
by Dan on June 17, 2018

Fulham are among a number of clubs who are interested in signing Fernando Forestieri, according to the Mail on Sunday.

The Italian forward looks set to leave Hillsborough this summer as Sheffield Wednesday prepare to offload their highest earners and some prized assets in order to finance another tilt at promotion. The 28 year-old was heavily linked with a move to Craven Cottage at the start of last season and Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic is acutely aware of his talents having had the mercurial front man in the Watford side he guided to promotion in 2014-15.

After leaving Vicarage Road, Forestieri enjoyed two stellar seasons with Wednesday. He scored 15 goals in 39 appearances in his first year at Hillsborough, following that up with 12 in 38 games in 2016/2017. Fitness and other issues meant he only managed five goals in 11 appearances last term and, with a host of forwards on the books in the blue half of the Steel city, Wednesday appear ready to allow him to leave. Reports over the past week have linked Forestieri with moves to a number of Championship clubs, including recently relegated Stoke City and Middlesbrough.

Fulham have been rumoured to hold a long-term interest in signing the former Italian youth international, reportedly seeing a £12m bid for Forestieri rejected last August. The 5ft 8in forward was believed to unsettled in Yorkshire after a training ground bust-up with Sam Winnall. Jokanovic has been attempting to strengthen Fulham's forward line in the weeks following their play-off final win over Aston Villa at Wembley. The Whites have been quoted a fee of £20m to secure the permanent transfer of Aleksandar Mitrovic from Newcastle and seen an £8m offer for Swansea forward Jordan Ayew rejected by the Welsh club.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/fulham-keeping-tabs-on-forestieri/

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League club readying swoop for Sheffield Wednesday ace

Sheffield Wednesday attacker Fernando Forestieri is a transfer target for Premier League new boys Fulham this summer, according to The Daily Mail.

Fulham are one of a number of clubs keen on taking Forestieri this summer, with Sheffield Wednesday looking to sell a number of players to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.

The 28-year-old is also being eyed by a number of Championship clubs and promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough and Stoke City have made enquiries for the versatile forward.

Able to play as a central striker or anywhere in the attacking midfield line, Forestieri's adaptability up front makes him an appealing prospect for Slavisa Jokanovic, who has also considered Swansea City's Jordan Ayew to play a similar role.

Fulham are hoping to bolster their front line this summer with their priority being a move to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic on a permanent deal.

But the Cottagers are considering alternative options and have entered the race for Forestieri.

The Argentina-born former Italy youth international spent much of last season out injured but returned to end with an impressive tally of five goals in six league starts and four substitute appearances.

Since joining the Owls from Watford in 2015, Forestieri has hit 32 goals in 81 league games.

The Verdict

Forestieri is a proven performer at Championship level and would be a useful option for Boro or Stoke.

But there will be doubts about whether he can step up to the Premier League next term, especially given his injury record last season.

As a back-up option, he could be a reasonable option for Fulham, but it depends on what price is quoted.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/premier-league-club-readying-swoop-for-sheffield-wednesday-ace/

[Bill2]

Would it be easier to list the players we are not interested in.

[Woolly Mammoth]

There aren't any accept for maybe Mark Fotheringham and Daren Bent and John Terry.

[Tonywa]

STILL waiting for the Jason Koumas rumours ;-)