Monday Fulham Stuff (18/06/18)...

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Krul set to sign for Fulham?

According to reports in England, Tim Krul is close to agreeing a deal with Premier League new boys Fulham.

The 30-year-old's short-term deal with Brighton & Hove Albion ended at the end of the season, and although they want Krul to stay, an agreement is not likely.

Krul failed to make a single Premier League appearance with Brighton and wants to find a club where he will be first choice. According to the Sun, Fulham are set to offer Krul a two-year deal.

Krul started his career in the ADO Den Haag academy but was picked up by Newcastle United, where he spent ten years. After unsuccessful loan periods with Ajax and AZ, Krul joined Brighton last season.



http://www.football-oranje.com/krul-set-to-sign-for-fulham/

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Transfer gossip: Sun on Sunday say Whites want Krul

Some of the recent transfer speculation involving Fulham...

Fulham are looking to sign goalkeeper Tim Krul on a free transfer, The Sun on Sunday say.

The Dutchman's Brighton contract expires at the end of this month and the Whites are said to be ready to snap him up.

It comes amid reports that Brighton are set to sign keeper David Button from Fulham.

Whites linked with Swift
Fulham want Reading midfielder John Swift, it is claimed.

The Reading Chronicle say "sources suggest" promoted Fulham are ready to spend £12m on the former Chelsea youngster.

Swift, who made one first-team appearance for Chelsea and spent a season on loan at Brentford, signed a five-year contract at Reading last summer.

Wilson also linked
Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson has also been linked with Fulham.

The Mirror say the Whites and Huddersfield both want forward Wilson, 21, and could offer Liverpool up to £7m.

The Merseyside club are said to be keen to keep him and would reportedly prefer him to go out on loan.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-brighton-tim-krul-linked

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Set To Lose Out In Chase For Midfielder

Recently, here at Vital Fulham, we ran an article, Click Here, whereby we reported on how Fulham were looking to bring Norwich City's exciting young midfielder, James Maddison, to Craven Cottage.

In our article we pointed out how Fulham faced stiff opposition to sign the 21-year-old.

Today, the speculation appears to have moved on a step.

The popular tabloid publication, the Sun, is reporting that the player is close to moving to another Premier League club.

The Premier League club in question being Southampton who, according to our quoted source, have had an offer in excess of £20 million accepted for the player who was rated as one of the brightest young talents in the Championship last season.

I guess it's a classical case of some you win and some you lose.

Time to look elsewhere we'd suggest.

Maddison, although young, would have been a good long-term acquisition for the club, but I guess it just wasn't to be.

Has anyone any thoughts as to who Slavisa Jokanovic may turn his attention to when it comes to adding to our quota of midfielders?

Please feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments box beneath this article.

COYW's



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulham-set-to-lose-out-in-chase-for-midfielder/

[WhiteJC]

 
Mitrovic targets World Cup knockout stage with Serbia after bright Fulham loan

The Newcastle United loanee has credited his temporary club with getting him into the squad for Russia 2018 and hopes to shock Brazil and Switzerland

Aleksandar Mitrovic says his loan spell at Fulham was responsible for him getting into Serbia's World Cup squad and expects to reach the knockout rounds of the tournament.

Mitrovic had been struggling for game time at Newcastle United in the first half of the season, leading to him dropping down a league on loan.

His 12 goals in 17 Championship starts were instrumental in helping Fulham to a 23-match unbeaten run which saw them just miss out on automatic promotion to Cardiff City before they sealed a spot in the Premier League with a Championship play-off final win over Aston Villa.



http://www.goal.com/en/news/mitrovic-targets-world-cup-knockout-round-after-bright/1r7c7tkj1hh6h1ha82nmcvxcub

[WhiteJC]

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic is Fulham's No 1 summer transfer target - but they also want ex-Newcastle keeper

Newcastle United hope striker Aleksandar Mitrovic's value increases out in Russia, which it will if the striker scores at the World Cup

Aleksandar Mitrovic remains Fulham's No 1 summer transfer target - but the Cottagers are also looking to lure a former Newcastle United goalkeeper to west London this summer too.

While all eyes are on the World Cup and how Mitrovic will perform for Serbia on the global stage, something which could yet force up his £20million price tag further, Fulham are closing in on signing Tim Krul on a free transfer.

According to The Sun, the 30-year-old goalkeeper is in discussions with the west London club about moving to Craven Cottage for the 2017/18 campaign.


Fulham are reportedly keen on Tim Krul (Image: PA)

The Netherlands international spent last season at Brighton and Hove Albion and, although Seagulls manager Chris Hughton wants to keep Krul on the south coast, the ex-Magpies shot-stopper is keen for first-team football.

The 30-year-old failed to make a single Premier League appearance for the Seagulls during his season on the south coast, finding himself as deputy to Australia international Mathew Ryan, and Krul's contract expires at the end of this month.

Intriguingly, despite Krul's lack of football over the last few seasons since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2015, La Liga champions Barcelona have been credited with an interest in Krul this summer too.


Aleksandar Mitrovic impressed while on loan at Fulham (Image: Getty Images Europe)

According to Mundo Deportivo, should back-up Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen depart this summer in search of first-team football, then Krul has been mentioned at the Nou Camp as a potential replacement.

Seemingly, however, Krul is now closing in on a move to Fulham, where he is confident he will be given a decent opportunity to fight for the No 1 jersey.

If Krul does join the Cottagers, then he could find himself reunited with former Newcastle team-mate Mitrovic.

The 23-year-old scored 12 goals in 17 Championship appearances for Fulham last season, and the west London club are keen to sign him on a permanent basis.

Newcastle want upwards of £20m for the striker's services, and hope that Mitrovic's value can increase further if he impresses in Russia with Serbia.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aleksandar-mitrovic-fulhams-no-1-14794130

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Costa Rica 0-1 Serbia player ratings: Milivojevic is solid as Arsenal fans enjoy Campbell's cameo

Former Manchester City man Aleksandar Kolarov nets the only goal as Serbia beat Costa Rica

Former Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov settled a competitive contest at the World Cup today (Sunday) as Serbia beat Costa Rica 1-0 in Samara.

The Roma man scored with a superb free kick early in the second half to win the game for Serbia, who were good value for the victory as they largely dominated against Los Ticos.

It was a game played at a high tempo early on, as both sides looked to make a fast start in a game they knew would be pivotal to their hopes of progression from the group.

Serbia dominated possession in the first half, but failed to create too many clear cut opportunities, with the best chance of the first half falling to Costa Rica defender Giancarlo Gonzalez, who headed over.

Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic had a gilt-edged chance early in the second half, but was thwarted by Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

But the Costa Rican goalkeeper was powerless to stop Kolarov's sumptuous free kick a few minutes later as Serbia got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start.

Here's how we rated the players, below.

Costa Rica:

Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas

Rarely tested with shots on goal, but did well to punch clear a couple of set piece deliveries. And made a vital save in the second half to deny Aleksandar Mitrovic. Could do nothing about the free kick. 7

Defender: Johnny Acosta

Went down after an aerial challenge with Dusko Tosic, but shook it off to continue. And did reasonably well against the Serbian attack. 6

Defender: Giancarlo Gonzalez

Had a great chance to put Costa Rica into the lead with a free header, but got his effort all wrong as the opportunity went begging. 5

Defender: Oscar Duarte

Had his hands full against the physical presence of Mitrovic, but battled away for Los Ticos. 6

Left-back: Francisco Calvo

Booked for a mistimed challenge on Dusan Tadic in the first half, and had his hands full against the clever Southampton man. But tried to get forward when possible to support the attack. 6

Right-back: Cristian Gamboa

The Celtic man had to come inside to cover at times in support of his central defenders, but was solid enough defensively. 6

Midfielder: Celso Borges

The experienced Deportivo La Coruna man was neat and tidy on the ball in midfield. 6

Midfielder: David Guzman

Struggled at times against the powerful Serbia midfield, and was booked in the second half before being substituted. 4

Attacking midfielder: Bryan Ruiz

Showed a couple of nice touches early on. But was anonymous at times as Serbia took control of the game. 5

Attacking midfielder: Johan Veneers

Was lively down the left side for Los Ticos, and his pace caused problems, but he didn't always choose the right pass when well placed. 6

Striker: Marco Urena

Didn't have many chances of note, but put a shift in up top for Costa Rica, getting back to defend when required as well. 6

Substitutes:

Christian Bolanos (on for Venegas, 60): Brought on soon after Serbia's opening goal, and had an impact, delivering some dangerous crosses into the box. 6

Joel Campbell (on for Urena, 67): The Arsenal man was surprisingly named on the bench for the game, but came on for the final quarter of the match, and offered a threat for the Costa Ricans. He added impetus to their play and caused some problems for Serbia. 7

Daniel Colindres (on for Guzman, 73): Sent on to try and offer something different in attack, but had little impact. 5

Serbia:

Goalkeeper: Vladimir Stojkovic

Didn't have too much to do in the Serbia goal, but made a save early on to deny Urena. 6

Right-back: Branislav Ivanovic

The former Chelsea man was comfortable defensively and got forward to support the attack too, getting in behind the Costa Rica defence to deliver a couple of dangerous crosses. Was booked in the second half. 6

Left-back: Aleksandar Kolarov

Overcame an injury scare in the warm up to start the game, and felt his back early in the second half. But delivered a moment of real quality with a sumptuous free kick to give Serbia the lead. 7

Centre-back: Dusko Tosic

Steady defensively and tried to play several angled passes forwards looking for Mitrovic. 6

Centre-back: Nikola Milenkovic

Defensively sound for the most part as Serbia kept a clean sheet, showing good recovery skills. 7

Midfielder: Nemanja Matic

Lying deep in the Serbian midfield, the Manchester United man offered protection for the defence and controlled the centre of the park well, with a commanding performance. 8

Midfielder: Luka Milivojevic

Made a couple of timely tackles to stop Costa Rica from advancing, and was a calm presence in the midfield. The Palace midfielder rarely conceded possession and worked well with Matic as Serbia controlled the centre of the park. 8

Attacking midfielder: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Showed why he is so highly rated and attracting attention from the likes of Manchester United and Juventus, with some driving runs from midfield and neat touches.

He tried an audacious overhead kick, which almost came off, and showed his strength, power and creativity with some neat interplay, including an incisive pass for Mitrovic. 8

Right midfielder: Dusan Tadic

Made some good runs down the right, and delivered a few dangerous crosses. Was a creative force for Serbia, and also got back to help out defensively. 7

Left-sided midfielder: Adam Ljajic

Serbia's set piece taker delivered some decent balls into the box, and made some good runs forward early on, but was taken off after an ineffective second half display. 5

Striker: Aleksandar Mitrovic

Displayed his ability in the air and proved a handful for the Costa Rica defence. But should really have done better when in on goal in the second half. 6

Substitutes:

Filip Kostic (on for Ljajic, 70): A like-for-like replacement for Ljajic. But didn't make the most of a couple of opportunities. 5

Antonio Rukavina (on for Tadic, 82): Brought on to shore up the defence in the latter stages. 5

Aleksandar Pitrovic (on for Mitrovic, 90): Not enough time to make an impact. N/A



https://www.football.london/premier-league/costa-rica-serbia-player-ratings-14795073

[WhiteJC]

Strengthening Season – The Defence
by Lydia on June 17, 2018

Pre-season is getting closer for a Fulham team preparing for the Premier League for the first time in four years, and so far we have had no incomings at the club. It is far too early to hit the panic button, but I'm sure many fans have been wondering who the first player through the door will be, and when it is going to happen. In my last 'Strengthening Season' article I focused on the goalkeepers, but this time it is the turn of the defence to go under the microscope. The point of these articles isn't to speculate on the names who may or may not be brought into the club, but is to assess what shape the squad is in already. What players already in our ranks should be involved in our Premier League campaign?

The thing that scares me about Fulham's squad right now is just how thin we are on the ground. Right through the squad we have massive gaps which will need to be addressed before we kick off against Crystal Palace. Fulham have relied heavily on loans in the past number of seasons but the problem with this is that when it comes to the end of the season, we all of a sudden realise that we don't have an awful lot of players who are actually ours! Ryan Fredericks left for West Ham quite early on in the summer, so we now actually only have four first team defenders in the squad. Player of the Season Tim Ream, play-off semi-final hero Denis Odoi, Janurary buy Cyrus Christie and flop Marcelo Djalo. I'm stating the obvious when I say that this needs addressed.

Who of these four can make a difference next season? Who should be kept for numbers and squad rotation? And who should be saying goodbye?

Tim Ream-

Fulham's Player of the Season and probably one of the most under-rated Championship players last season. Despite a rocky first season on the banks of the Thames, Ream became the first name on the team sheet this season past. I'm pretty sure that he won every single header in the Play-off Final against Aston Villa, and he is the sort of leader that you need in the centre of defence. I 100% expect him be starting against Crystal Palace bar injury. He has already played in the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers back in 2012, and with International experience dating back to 2010, we shouldn't worry about him being able to perform in one of the best leagues in the world.

Denis Odoi-

This is where things get a bit trickier. Odoi made the second centre back position his own after Tomas Kalas got injured, and he eneded up being a better fit than the Chelsea loanee in Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham. We is good with the ball at his feet and enjoys a run forward, but I feel that his lack of height would be exploited in the Premier League. I absolutely think that Odoi should stay in and around the squad, but we need a bigger, stronger centre back to come in and partner Ream. I would be concerned if we had no choice but to have an Odoi-Ream centre back pairing come the start of the season.

Cyrus Christie-

The Irishman looks to be a ready made replacement for Fredericks and was brought in with the knowledge that Fredericks would be off. He is quick, and loves getting forward- all the things that Slav wants in his full backs. I hope he is better defensively than Fredericks was though, because I think that he was rather suspect in that department! In the Premier League we aren't going to get to fly forward anywhere near as much as we did in the Championship so we need our defenders to be disciplined. Christie may cut it, but I think we need more cover in that position and I would rather go for someone who we know can make the step up to the Premier League and have Christie as a back up.

Marcelo Djalo-

The Spanish defender made just four appearances for Fulham last season, with his two starts coming in the League Cup. He was barely Championship standard and won't be playing in the Premier League for us.

So there we have it. We have one player in our ranks who I reckon is a starter and two who could be in and around the squad for the season but who I wouldn't really want to have to rely on heavily. I have no doubt that players will be brought in in the coming weeks and I'm confident that between Tony Khan and Slavisa Jokanovic the right people can be found.

#COYW



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/06/strengthening-season-the-defence/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Looking To Sign This 28 Y/O Sheffield Wednesday Striker: Just The Man Jokanovic Needs?

Fulham have secured their promotion to the Premier League after going past Aston Villa in the playoff final. They did it the hard way as they had a chance to qualify directly on the final day of the League season as their second-placed rivals Cardiff City dropped points. However, the Cottagers themselves went on to lose against Birmingham City and that would have been a bitter pill to swallow if they would have lost in the playoff.

However, there are no such concerns now and they are in dreamland currently and are enjoying the riches which one gets by winning the playoff finals. They are set to use some of those financial benefits to bolster and prepare their squad for the upcoming season in the Premier League and they are currently being linked with Sheffield Wednesday striker Fernando Forestieri. The striker has been with the Owls since 2015 and has managed 32 goals in 88 appearances for them.

The 28-year-old will certainly love to play in the top division, however, the Cottagers will face competition from Middlesbrough and Stoke City who are also said to be interested in the Italian forward. Though, Fulham will certainly have an edge as they can offer the former u-21 Italian international a chance to play in the Premier League.

Jokanovic will know that his real test will be in the upcoming season to keep the Cottagers up in the top division so that they can continue to rise in English football. Surviving in the English top flight is a tough task and there is no guarantee of an easy win in the Premier League.

A striker is certainly on top of Jokanovic's shopping wishlist and it is likely that they will move in for Aleksandr Mitrovic for a permanent transfer in the summer. However, if they miss out on him, things can get tricky for the Serbian manager.

Forestieri will certainly add more depth to the squad if he comes to Craven Cottage. Last season was one to forget for the Italian as he missed 34 games due to a knee injury which had to be operated on. However, he did go on to play 10 games in the Championship and managed a return of 5 goals and one assist in those encounters. The Owls striker will have to fight for his place with the likes of Rui Fonte and Aboubakar Kamara but given his wealth of experience and decent scoring record, he will certainly be a good option to have for Fulham.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/06/fulham-looking-sign-28-yo-sheffield-wednesday-striker-just-man-jokanovic-needs/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham interested in Sheffield Wednesday's Fernando Forestieri

Fulham reportedly want Fernando Forestieri of Sheffield Wednesday.

Fulham are interested in signing Fernando Forestieri from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer transfer window, with Stoke City and Middlesbrough also tracking the forward, according to The Daily Mail.

Wednesday's Championship rivals, Stoke and Middlesbrough, are reported to have already made enquiries.

The Cottagers, who will play in the Premier League next season after winning promotion from the Championship, are also reported to be interested in the 28-year-old, who can operate as a striker or as an attacking midfielder.

The Daily Mail has also reported that Wednesday are likely to sell the former Italy Under-21 international in order to decrease their debts.

Good signing?

Forestieri has been on the books of Wednesday since the summer of 2015 when he joined from Watford for a transfer fee reported by Sky Sports to be worth £3 million.

The 28-year-old has proved himself in the Championship, and he would be a good signing for Stoke or Middlesbrough in their quest to win promotion to the Premier League.

The attacker could prove to be a smart signing for Fulham, but only at the right price.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/17/report-fulham-interested-in-sheffield-wednesdays-fernando-forest/

[WhiteJC]

 
Albion and Fulham could swap No.2 keepers

ALBION could swap No.2 goalkeepers with promoted Fulham, who are interested in Tim Krul.

A move to Craven Cottage is possible for Dutchman Krul, with David Button heading in the opposite direction to the Amex.

The Argus revealed last week that Krul and Niki Maenpaa are both expected to leave while Button is among the replacement candidates as cover and competition for first choice Mathew Ryan.

Fulham are hopeful of landing free agent Krul in place of Button, who was ousted by Marcus Bettinelli from December in the side promoted back to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Meanwhile, The Argus understands Albion will not be willing to match or improve on a reported £5 million offer from Championship club Middlesbrough for transfer target Paddy McNair. Sunderland's versatile former Manchester United prospect wants to return to the Premier League.



http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/16296502.Albion_and_Fulham_could_swap_No_2_keepers/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic lifts the lid on failed chase for World Cup star Thomas Delaney

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has revealed he missed out on bringing a World Cup star to Craven Cottage this summer.

Fulham are looking to add some quality additions to their squad after returning to the Premier League following a season of swashbuckling football which culminated in the playoff final victory over Aston Villa.

The Cottagers have been linked with a host of players in a number of positions and have lost key player and leader Ryan Fredericks to West Ham.

But now Jokanovic has revealed in The Daily Mail that he missed out on the signing of Denmark midfielder Thomas Delaney after Borussia Dortmund snatched him from the Serbian's grasp.

"He may not be the captain but he is a real leader on the pitch," Jokanovic told The Daily Mail on Saturday.

"We followed him while he was playing for Werder Bremen last season and wanted to sign him but he is joining Dortmund.

"He can play in a number of positions in midfield - he runs box to box, he can score goals and is very strong in the challenge. He could help Denmark be one of the surprise (of the World Cup)."

And Jokanovic is right. Delaney is one of the most popular players in the red and white of Denmark.

The 26 year old would have been the perfect dynamic midfield partner for Tom Cairney as Fulham plot a successful return to the big time.

Delaney would also have fit into Fulham's high energy style of play but it will encourage fans that the club are looking to such high quality players as potential signings.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/18/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-lifts-the-lid-on-failed-chase-for/