Thursday Fulham Stuff (21/06/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham – Now The Press Are Having A Laugh With Speculation

The media speculating about the future of Jack Grealish is certainly not new this summer and that speculation will inevitably continue following our failure to gain promotion via the Play-Offs and our current financial issues.

Most reports can be instantly dismissed in fairness owing to the vague and wild speculation that has Jack rated at only £4.5million (because a website says so) all the way up to the kind of figure that would at least make a sale sensible from a financial front – £30-40million.

Other reports should just be dismissed owing to the comical nature and this one falls under that category for me. It comes from 'football insider' Dean Jones whose linked with the Bleacher Report and I haven't a Scooby what the thought process is behind this one.

Having beaten us at Wembley, Fulham are – well the tweet.

    Fulham are continuing to pursue interest in Jack Grealish

    — Dean Jones (@DeanJonesBR) June 19, 2018

Now I can more than see why Fulham would have an interest as I can see why lots of clubs would like Jack full stop. But given the interest from possible destinations that I could see him moving to, Craven Cottage isn't on that list. It's not a step up and no real disrespect to Fulham – they were worthy of their victory after the season they had – but Jack can do better.



https://astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulham-now-the-press-are-having-a-laugh-with-speculation/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham should make Jack Wilshere their marquee summer signing

Fulham should make a move for the midfielder, after he confirmed that he will be leaving Arsenal this summer.

Jack Wilshere confirmed that he will be leaving Arsenal this summer, and Fulham should attempt to make the midfielder their marquee summer signing.

The 26-year-old has spent his entire career with the Gunners, but is set to leave the Emirates after being told by Unai Emery that his playing time will be limited this season.

And what a signing he could prove to be for Fulham.

The Cottagers enjoyed a successful Championship campaign last season - one that culminated in their promotion to the Premier League, but Slaviša Jokanović quite simply must improve upon the quality of his squad during the off-season.

One particular area where the Serbian will want to strengthen is his central midfield options, with more creativity and guile required in the middle of the park.

With this in mind, Fulham should not hesitate to bring Wilshere to Craven Cottage, especially considering the fact that he is available on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout the course of his career thus far, but on his day, he is arguably one of the best central midfield players in the Premier League.

He proved that he is back to his best from a fitness perspective last season, making 38 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal.

His impeccable technique, and ability to unlock the opposition's defence would be a great asset for the west Londoners, and his availability on a free transfer makes a move for him a no brainer for Fulham this summer.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/20/fulham-should-make-jack-wilshere-their-marquee-summer-signing/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham eye Marko Grujic as Cairney replacement; face battle with Milan

If Tom Cairney leaves Fulham this summer, the Premier League newcomers could allegedly look to Liverpool's Marko Grujic.

After spending the second half of last season helping Cardiff City end their four-year exile from Premier League football, Liverpool are keen to loan Marko Grujic out again.

Goal reports that the Reds want their 22-year-old Serbian to get some more first-team experience under his belt, having managed just a smattering of Premier League outings since he moved to Anfield from Red Star Belgrade for £5.1 million in January 2016.

It is understood that Cardiff would like to sign Grujic again but they will be challenged by another Premier League newcomer in the form of Fulham.

The Cottagers' interest has been documented since the start of June but Goal has added more meat to the bones. It is understood that Fulham have asked to be kept informed of developments about Grujic's future.

And, interestingly, Goal adds that Fulham could make a move should they lose their influential captain Tom Cairney, who has been linked with a big-money move away from Craven Cottage for over a year now.

Grujic is a different sort of player to Cairney, renowned more for his power and athleticism than his subtlety and craft, but he still boasts the potential to dominate a game from central midfield.

Goal adds that Fulham face competition from Serie A giants AC Milan but do hold an advantage. Liverpool want Grujic to improve his decision-making and defensive awareness and believe he is better off spending time in the Premier League than moving to Italy.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/20/do-report-fulham-eye-marko-grujic-as-cairney-replacement-face-ba/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham To Host Celta Vigo

Fulham will host Celta Vigo in our final pre-season fixture ahead of the 2018/19 Premier League campaign.

We welcome the Spanish La Liga side to Craven Cottage on Saturday 4th August (3pm).

It will see a return to SW6 for Jozabed who left the Whites a year ago, while the Galician outfit also have the likes of Spain international Iago Aspas in their ranks.

Tickets are now available to purchase on General Sale, priced at £21 adults, £16 over-65s, £6 18-21 year olds, and £2 for under-18s*. £1 from each ticket sold will go to the Fulham FC Foundation.

Everyone will receive a paper ticket for this fixture, which will be posted out nearer the date of the game.

Make sure you're at the Cottage for the final warm-up ahead of what promises to be an enthralling campaign, and secure your seat for Celta Vigo in person from the Fulham Ticket Office, over the phone on 0203 871 0810 (option 1) or online.

*Normal booking fees apply



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/june/20/fulham-to-host-celta-vigo

[WhiteJC]

 
The Fulham squad numbers available to new signings at Craven Cottage this summer

There's a lot of numbers up for grabs this summer as Fulham prepare for life in the Premier League

Fulham have yet to make any signings in the Summer transfer window so far, but discussions are ongoing behind the scenes to get deals over the line.

There won't be any rush at Motspur Park to make signings - there's still around 50 days left in the window and Fulham normally get business done later in the window after numerous rounds of negotiations and discussions between the relevant parties.

No one has been sold for a fee either yet - the only players to leave the clubs so far are those that have come to the end of their contracts, with Ryan Fredericks opting to sign for West Ham after Fulham refused to meet his wage demands, while George Williams has signed for Forest Green Rovers at the culmination of his deal.

As time goes on and Fulham get closer to pre-season, deals will start to go through, but what squad numbers will the new men have to choose from in the Craven Cottage changing room?

We've taken a look at the options available.

Number 2

This is the newly vacated squad number at Fulham, having previously been Fredericks' before he made the move across London for West Ham and the London Stadium.

Usually reserved for a right back if you're an old fashioned numbers person, and while Fredericks' ready-made replacement, Cyrus Christie, has the number 22 shirt, the number two jersey may go whoever the second-choice right back may be.

With Steven Sessegnon currently holding number 43, maybe we could see the Sessegnon's hold both the number two and three shirts next season?

Number 5

The number five jersey was worn by Rafa Soares during his short-lived loan spell at Fulham last season, but is now vacant after his time at the Cottage was cut short in January.

With a new centre back on the to-do list for the Whites this summer, whoever comes in during the window to fill that role may well be given the traditional number five shirt for the upcoming Premier League season.

Number 12

The number 12 shirt was last occupied by Joe Lewis in 2015/16 when he was on loan at the club, but has since been empty.

Interestingly, most players to have worn this short for the Whites have been goalkeepers, with Seko Fofana being the last outfield member of the squad to have held the number back in 2014/15.

Number 15

A shirt last held by Michael Madl before he left Fulham in January for Austria Wien, the number became part of his identity with the MM15 tag being used by his ex-team mates at the club.

He held the shirt for three years having first been given it in the 2015/16 season, but it is now empty for a potential new recruit to take up ahead of the new season.

Number 16

This number was held by Oliver Norwood last season during his loan spell at the club, and the Northern Irishman could well take it again if the club make the loan permanent, which is on the agenda.

Fulham legend Damien Duff is one of the most famous names to hold this shirt, while it was also Louis Saha's number in 2002/03.

Number 17

The past two men to wear the number 17 shirt at Fulham didn't go on to have the greatest of careers in White.

Last season, Jordan Graham held the shirt but only made three appearances before returning to Wolves, while Ragnar Sigurdsson was the man who had the squad number the season before that.

Number 18

Last held by Ben Pringle back in the 2015/16 season, the number 18 shirt has been vacant since.

It was Aaron Hughes' number from the 2007/08 season right through until the 2013/14 season, while it was also Konstantinos Mitroglou's number in his best-forgotten spell at the Cottage.

Number 19

Liverpool loan man Sheyi Ojo held this squad number last summer, and with it looking likely he won't be returning for another spell at the Cottage this season, his number 19 shirt will be up for grabs for new squad members over the summer.

Number 20

Held by Lucas Piazon last season - it'd be fair to say this number might be taken by the Brazilian playmaker should Fulham make his signing permanent from Chelsea this summer.

Number 21

Matt Targett picked this number for his half-season long loan spell last season, with Lasse Vigen Christensen the man holding the number before him.

It was Jimmy Bullard's number back when he played for the club, and with the likeliness of Targett returning to the Cottage looking more and more unlikely, it could be available this summer.

Number 24

Sone Aluko got hold of his favoured shirt number the season before last before he was sold to Reading at the start of last season.

It's been vacant since and has previously been held by the likes of Andy Lonergan and Ashkan Dejagah.

Number 25

The number Chris Martin held when he was on loan at the club, it's another that was vacant throughout last season.

It's a squad number that has been held by some famous names at the club, with Moussa Dembele holding it before Martin, while Bobby Zamora and Simon Davies have also had it on the back of their jerseys at Fulham.

Number 26

This has been Tomas Kalas' number at Fulham for the past two seasons and it could well be his again next year if he returns to the club in a permanent deal.

In the past it has been held by the likes of Patrick Roberts and Chris Smalling.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-squad-numbers-available-new-14805471

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Werder Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann rebuffs claims Ludwig Augustinsson will join Fulham

Werder Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann has ruled out a move to Fulham for defender Ludwig Augustinsson.

Fulham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Werder Bremen defender Ludwig Augustinsson, with the German club's sporting director dismissing claims the player will pitch up at Craven Cottage ahead of next season.

The Mirror reported a few days ago that the London side had been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, who is currently in Russia representing Sweden at the World Cup, but Frank Baumann has told Kicker that he is going nowhere.

Baumann said: "Ludwig and the club have made it clear that nothing has changed and nothing will change."

Augustinsson made 29 appearances in the Bundesliga last season and 33 in all competitions. He started Sweden's first game at the World Cup against South Korea on Monday, and despite Baumann's comments, the Cottagers will be keeping a close eye on him for the next game against Germany.

The left-back has impressed since joining Bremen in 2017 from Copenhagen, and could be ready to make the step up to the Premier League with a move to Fulham.

Matt Target looks unlikely to join the club following his loan spell last season from Southampton, meaning Fulham have been eyeing up alternatives.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/20/tp-report-werder-bremen-sporting-director-rebuffs-claims-defende/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham set to swoop to take international goalkeeper on free transfer

Premier League new boys Fulham are set to strengthen their squad with the addition of former Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul, according to The Sun.

The Netherlands international spent last season at Brighton and Hove Albion, but he is set to leave there this summer despite the Seagulls pleading with him to stay.

Krul spent much of the season on the bench behind Matthew Ryan and has decided to leave the Amex Stadium in order to play more regular football, something he doesn't believe he is going to get with the Sussex club.

Fulham were initially looking to fill their goalkeeping void by targeting Manchester United stopper Dean Henderson, who impressed in a loan spell in League One with Shrewsbury Town last season, but he recently signed a new deal at Old Trafford and his wages put him out of reach for the Cottagers.

Slavisa Jokanovic has continued his search as he bids to begin the Londoners' first season back in the top flight with competition for places between the sticks, and it would appear as though he has tracked down someone who fits his requirements.

While Fulham might be strangers to the Premier League having spent a sustained period away, Krul certainly wouldn't be. The Dutch star has spent seven campaigns in the division for previous clubs Newcastle and Brighton and could be about to embark on an eighth.

The 30-year-old carries a strong amount of top level experience with him having played eight times for his country, including in the World Cup in Brazil where he famously came on for a penalty shootout in the quarter final against Costa Rica.

The Dutchman is available on a free transfer, and should he agree terms on a move to Craven Cottage, he would fit in alongside Marcus Bettinelli to compete for the number one jersey next season.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/fulham-set-to-swoop-to-take-international-goalkeeper-on-free-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham, Everton Fulham heading interest in World Cup defender, offers made

Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida is being linked with a move to the Premier League with Everton, Fulham and West Ham United reportedly heading the interest.

Vida only joined Beskitas in the last transfer window, and the Turkish club reportedly faced a fight with Everton at the time.

Sozcu say West Ham, Everton and Fulham are currently leading the race for the Croatian international and that offers have been made for the defender.

It's reported the highest bid received by Besiktas is €13m plus €2m add-ons, but the club hasn't been disclosed.

The three Premier League sides will be looking to recruit in this window and the Turkish media insist Vida is an option.

Vida is currently in Russia with the Croatian national team and Besiktas are hoping his value may increase if he has a good World Cup.

The central defender joined Besiktas on a free transfer from Dynamo Kyiv in January, but struggled to cement place in the Turkish side's starting eleven.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/west-ham-everton-fulham-heading-interest-world-cup-defender-offers-made/

[WhiteJC]

 
After Bernd Leno deal should Fulham target Petr Cech?

Fulham are said to be on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer.



Arsenal are set to complete the signing of German goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The Bayer Leverkusen man arrives for a fee reported to be in the region of £19.3 million, with official confirmation seemingly just a formality.

But what does it mean for the current Arsenal number one Petr Cech?

The 36-year-old had some poor moments last season but is still a top keeper. Therefore, he will not be prepared to sit on the bench at Arsenal and play back-up.

So the Czech Republic international, who has a Premier League record 201 clean sheets, could easily be available this summer.

Which is where Fulham come in.

The Cottagers are said to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper for their Premier League campaign. Brighton back-up Tim Krul is currently being linked with a move to Craven Cottage.

However, a move for Cech would be a far more daring and exciting acquisition. Fulham fans know all too well that a veteran stopper can be a great buy. The likes of Edwin van der Sar and Mark Schwarzer both thrived at Craven Cottage after joining in their 30s.

Cech, who has four Premier League titles to his name, could certainly have a similar impact and he could help current number one Marcus Bettinelli become an even better stopper.

With the veteran settled in London, he would not be difficult to convince into a switch if his first-team role at Arsenal was at an end.

If Fulham could bring in arguably the best keeper in the Premier League's history, it would represent a massive boost ahead of their Premier League campaign.



https://tbrfootball.com/bernd-leno-deal-fulham-target-petr-cech/

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Fulham's pre-season plans represent better preparation than the 2017/18 season

Lessons have been learnt from the 2017/18 pre-season and the coming schedule provides the correct preparation the side need for the Premier League

Fulham have announced their pre-season plans ahead of the 2017/18 as they prepare for life back in the Premier League, with the side heading on two overseas trips.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men will head to France for two games in mid-July, before a weekend trip to Germany to take part in the Cup of Traditions tournament in Duisberg - a competition that Aston Villa won last pre-season.

The schedule for pre-season looks well balanced and should provide Jokanovic with the chance to get the team back up to the required fitness levels he wants his sides to be at in order to play his style of football, while also providing the footballing tests required to get ready for the Premier League.

Athletic Bilbao, Fiorentina and Celta Vigo all feature on the list of opponents in pre-season, while English opposition comes in the shape of Crawley Town and Reading in the first few weeks.

And if you compare it to the schedule that Fulham embarked on before last season's Championship, it certainly presents better preparation for Jokanovic and his side.

During the first half of the 2017/18 campaign, Fulham looked undercooked and struggled to produce the kind of displays we saw at the back end of the previous season - indeed, it took them until the end of August to get their first win in the league with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.

For me, their pre-season preparations weren't what was needed ahead of a long and brutal season - an early trip away to Poland at the start of July didn't allow the side to get back to grips with their fitness work, while another two trips meant there was a lot of travelling in a short amount of time.


(Image: Victoria Jones/PA Wire)

They played seven games in just 24 days too - including a battering by Chelsea behind closed doors which will have done nothing but dent new players' confidence, with those games not allowing the required rest period that pre-season training needs.

I don't think the standard of opponent will have done much for the team either.

Games against Piast Gliwice, who are in the Polish first division, FC Zlin, who compete in the Czech first division and Darmstadt in Bundesliga 2, didn't provide the type of opposition that would prepare the side for a 48-game Championship season, while a game against QPR U23s isn't the type of preparation a team needs to get to grips with a dominant style of play.

(Image: Victoria Jones/PA Wire)

They played seven games in just 24 days too - including a battering by Chelsea behind closed doors which will have done nothing but dent new players' confidence, with those games not allowing the required rest period that pre-season training needs.

I don't think the standard of opponent will have done much for the team either.

Games against Piast Gliwice, who are in the Polish first division, FC Zlin, who compete in the Czech first division and Darmstadt in Bundesliga 2, didn't provide the type of opposition that would prepare the side for a 48-game Championship season, while a game against QPR U23s isn't the type of preparation a team needs to get to grips with a dominant style of play.


William of Vfl Wolfsburg and Floyd Ayite of Fulham battle for possession (Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Games against Crawley and Reading also allow Fulham to play English opposition before they head on their tours, meaning the physical test that Jokanovic will want them to face is present in their pre-season plans, before playing more technical teams in Germany and the Cottage.

There's also less games - this season there will be six games in 28 days, with the Cup of Traditions being completed in one day with two 45-minute matches, which should be fast paced and will provide a different type of test in pre-season.

That allows greater recovery time for players and should mean they are at the required levels for when Palace visit on the opening game of the season.

While Fulham recovered well from their slow start to the season last campaign, they can't afford to repeat the same mistakes as they prepare for the Premier League - starting slowly and sluggishly could spell disaster for the club's season and this pre-season schedule should stand them in a good position on August 11.

Fulham's pre-season schedule:

July 7 - Fulham vs Crawley - Motspur Park (behind-closed-doors)

July 14 - Fulham vs Reading - EBB Stadium, 1.30pm

July 18 - Fulham vs TBA - France, Évian-les-Bains

July 21 - Fulham vs TBA - France, Évian-les-Bains

July 28 - Fulham vs Athletic Bilbao, MSV Duisburg, Fiorentina - Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, Duisburg

August 4 - Fulham vs Celta Vigo, Craven Cottage, 3pm



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulhams-pre-season-plans-represent-14806521

[WhiteJC]

 
'It's about being given the opportunity to show it at the next World Cup': England prospects Phil Foden, Ryan Sessegnon and Mason Mount target Qatar 2022 place as they meet Alan Shearer in Russia and get tour of BBC World Cup studio

    England starlets Phil Foden, Ryan Sessegnon and Mason Mount are in Russia
    Nike have taken the trio to Russia to get their first taste of a major tournament
    They met ex-England international striker Alan Shearer during a trip to Moscow
    Shearer, now a TV pundit, gave the trio a tour of the BBC's World Cup studio

England trio Phil Foden, Ryan Sessegnon and Mason Mount met former striker Alan Shearer as their World Cup experience continued in Moscow.

The three highly-rated talents have been taken out to Russia for the tournament by Nike in a bid to get them immersed in the atmosphere and get some experience of a World Cup environment.

And having been in Volgograd on Monday to watch Gareth Southgate's side overcome Tunisia, they got another treat as they met up with Shearer, now a TV pundit, and received a tour of the BBC studio.


Ryan Sessegnon, Phil Foden and Mason Mount (right) met up with Alan Shearer in Moscow


The highly-rated England trio also received a tour of the BBC's studio in Moscow's Red Square


Foden, Mount and Sessegnon were all interviewed by Shearer on their experience in Russia

The three young Lions were each interviewed on their early experiences in Russia and they perhaps got a look at a future outside of the game as they sat in the BBC punditry chairs.

'The youth teams won two World Cups and a European championship, so we have got the quality in our ranks,' Sessegnon told Shearer.

'But it's just about being given the opportunity to show it at the next World Cup.

'To hear I had a chance of being in the squad (for Russia) I was happy and excited, but I think it's a bit too early for me.'

All three were full of praise when quizzed on how they found watching England dramatically beat Tunisia. 

Harry Kane nodded in his second goal of the game in stoppage time which sent England fans in Russia and at home crazy.

'The fans were going crazy when Harry got the late goal, it was good to be part of it,' Foden said.

'We've all been to games but there's nothing like a World Cup game, the experience and the atmosphere around the game was unreal,' Mount added.

Foden, Sessegnon and Mount are all widely expected to have exciting futures in the first team for England after standing out in the youth squads.

The trio, along with Shearer, posed for photos in front of the famous Saint Basil's Cathedral which has provided the backdrop for the BBC's coverage thus far.

The positive move, designed to give the teenagers a taste of a tournament of this magnitude, comes after all three won international honours with England in 2017.

Foden was awarded the Golden Ball as England lifted the Under 17 World Cup, while Mount won the Golden Player award after the Under 19s clinched the Under 19 European Championship in Georgia.

Sessegnon was also part of the Under 19 squad, finishing joint top scorer with three goals.


Nike have taken the trio to Russia to give them an experience of being at a major tournament

All three will hope to get more first team minutes in the Premier League next season and Sessegnon has the chance to do that at Fulham after their play-off final win over Aston Villa.   

'It was the best moment in my career so far,' he said. 'When the final whistle went it was crazy. Knowing that I will be playing with Fulham in the Premier League next season is the best feeling.

For Mount and Foden, the task ahead for them is breaking into the Chelsea and Manchester City first teams.   

'It was obviously my first season out on loan (with Vitesse) and to be out there experiencing a different type of football was the best thing for me,' Mount reflected.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5865989/England-prospects-Phil-Foden-Ryan-Sessegnon-Mason-Mount-meet-Alan-Shearer-Russia.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Fulham should sign this 21-goal Championship star and allow Sessegnon to flourish in the attack



Newly promoted Premier League side Fulham are interested in making a move for Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan, as per a report from the Mirror.

The Cottagers returned to the top-flight for the first time since their drop to the Championship back in the 2013/14 campaign. Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic, who is intent on beefing up his squad heading into the next season in hopes of putting up a strong fight in the Premier League, has identified Bryan as a key transfer target. 

Bryan came through the Bristol City academy and had loan spells away at Bath City and Plymouth before establishing himself as a first-team regular at Ashton Gate. The full-back has thus far made 229 appearances in all competitions for the Robins, scoring 21 goals and registering 29 assists.   

In the 2017/18 campaign, the 24-year-old found the back of the net on 7 occasions and set up 3 more in 48 appearances across all competitions. He was one of the best players in the Championship in his position last term.

Bryan was also extremely impressive in the Robins' League Cup run as they managed to reach the semi-finals of the competition, with the full-back scoring in a famous 2-1 win over Manchester United in the quarter-finals.

Strong and dependable at the back, Bryan has proven to be an astute defender and backs it up with great attacking intent and capabilities. Good at reading situations, his positioning allows him to make crucial interventions, and he is a strong tackler as well. Moreover, he is extremely pacey, which allows him to recover when caught out of position or hare down the flank and join the attack when needed.

In Ryan Sessegnon, Fulham have one of the finest young left-backs in the country. However, the teenage sensation has often been used in an advanced role on the left flank, where he has thrived unbelievably. In his breakthrough season in the 2016/17 campaign, the Englishman featured 11 times on the wing and came up with returns of 3 goals and a solitary assist, while he managed 4 goals and as many assists as a left-back in 20 appearances.

However, there was a marked improvement on his returns in an advanced role this past season as he tore apart defences with his pace and skills. When Fulham brought in Matt Targett on loan from Southampton in January, it allowed Jokanovic to unleash Sessegnon in an attacking role on a regular basis, which got the best out of the player and reaped great rewards for his team as well. 

In his 52 appearances across all competitions in 2017/18 season, Sessegnon was used in an advanced position on the left flank on 32 occasions during which he smashed in 14 goals and provided 6 assists compared to his two goals and two assists from his 20 appearances as a left-back. 

And it is something Jokanovic would want to recreate if the Cottagers are able to bring in Bryan in the summer. Defensively solid, the 24-year old left-back will also provide more width going forward down the flank, while allowing Sessegnon to develop and flourish in the advanced role he made his own last season.



http://www.mediareferee.com/2018/06/20/why-fulham-should-sign-this-21-goal-championship-star-and-allow-sessegnon-to-flourish-in-the-attack/

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby's Scott Carson would be a better signing for Fulham than Tim Krul

Fulham are reportedly keen on signing Brighton and Hove Albion's Tim Krul.

According to a report by Sky Sports (live transfer blog, June 20 at 15:57), Fulham are in talks to sign Brighton and Hove Albion's Tim Krul on a free transfer with the player's contract expiring at the Amex, though Derby County's Scott Carson surely represents a better option.

Krul has largely been a back-up keeper for the Seagulls and he hasn't featured as a regular number one since the 2014-15 campaign where he made 30 top-flight appearances for Newcastle United.

The 30-year-old is seemingly looking to move on from Brighton in a bid to secure regular first-team football, though he hasn't been at his best for a while and could find himself in a similar role at Fulham.

The Cottagers deservedly won promotion to the Premier League via the Championship playoff last term, but to secure top-flight survival in their first season they arguably need to improve the back five.

Goalkeepers David Button and Marcus Bettinelli both shared first-team duties last term as boss Slavisa Jokanovic rotated, but now a new number one should be high on his priority list this summer.

Derby's Scott Carson would represent an excellent option, and the former Wigan Athletic man could be available at a potentially bargain price considering the Rams' current financial situation.

Following their lavish spending and failure to reach the top-flight in recent years, Derby are seemingly set to cut back especially on the wages front and Carson has already been linked with a move to Stoke City (Mirror).

He is one of only a few profitable players for Derby, yet at 32 he isn't exactly going to command a huge fee despite having the ability to play in the Premier League once more.

Carson has gotten better with age, and last season he showed why many supporters were adamant he deserved to be in contention for a World Cup spot with an impressive 19 clean sheets in 48 league games.

Fulham bringing in Carson would improve their first-team, and he would represent a better option than Krul even if it means spending a couple of million extra on the Derby man in terms of a transfer fee.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/06/20/tt-fulham-signing-derbys-scott-carson-would-be-better-than-acqui/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon admits the World Cup came 'too soon' for him

There were many suggesting he should go with Gareth Southgate's squad

There were calls before the tournament for Gareth Southgate to name Fulham teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon in his squad for the World Cup in Russia.

Sessegnon was excellent for the Whites last season, helping to guide the club to the Premier League vis the Championship play-offs with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Wembley.

The 18-year-old scored 16 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions for Fulham last season.

He has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage in each of the last two transfer windows, with the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United all credited with an interest in the teen star.

But Fulham have rebuffed all attempts to lure him away, with the youngster himself admitting that he was happy at Fulham, signing his first professional deal with his boyhood club last summer.

And after an incredible season in the Championship last year, there were many calls for him to be handed a place in Southgate's squad for Russia.


(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)

Southgate did not bow to those calls, with Sessegnon instead earning a first call up to the U21s and making his debut for Aidy Boothroyd's team before the World Cup began.

And Sessegnon has admitted that a senior call-up was too soon for him.

He said: "To hear I had a chance of being in the squad I was excited and happy, but I think it was just a bit too early for me."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-star-ryan-sessegnon-admits-14809301

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Sky Sports reporter confirms strong interest from Fulham in Arsenal star
Dharmesh Sheth says that Fulham are keen on a move to sign Arsenal defender Calum Chambers this summer

Fulham are keen on a move to sign Calum Chambers from Arsenal this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The defender's future could be a source of uncertainty following Unai Emery's appointment as the club's new manager last month.

The Spaniard will be looking to stamp his authority on the club following his arrival as Arsene Wenger's successor and he has already chosen to let Jack Wilshere leave on a free transfer.

Chambers found his playing time to be limited under Arsene Wenger last season, with the defender having made just 10 starts in the Premier League last term.

Now, Sky Sports News reporter Sheth has claimed that London rivals Fulham are keen on a move to try and sign the 23-year-old defender this summer.

Fulham are keen on a move to sign Calum Chambers from Arsenal this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The defender's future could be a source of uncertainty following Unai Emery's appointment as the club's new manager last month.

The Spaniard will be looking to stamp his authority on the club following his arrival as Arsene Wenger's successor and he has already chosen to let Jack Wilshere leave on a free transfer.

Chambers found his playing time to be limited under Arsene Wenger last season, with the defender having made just 10 starts in the Premier League last term.

Now, Sky Sports News reporter Sheth has claimed that London rivals Fulham are keen on a move to try and sign the 23-year-old defender this summer.



https://www.thesportreview.com/2018/06/arsenal-news-calum-chambers-fulham/