Wednesday Fulham Stuff (16/01/19)...

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Cottage Talk: Q & A With Mike Gregg
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

This episode is a Q & A with Cottage Talk co-host Mike Gregg. In the first half of the show, Mike discussed the breaking news which was the signing of Ryan Babel. He also shared his thoughts on several other topics as well.

The second half of the show, Mike answered questions and topics submitted to the Cottage Talk Facebook and Twitter pages.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/1/15/18184271/cottage-talk-q-a-with-mike-gregg

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Fulham cannot afford to let this 24-year-old leave and did the right thing by rejecting a £50m bid – Agreed?

Fulham rejected a massive offer for Aleksandar Mitrovic, was it the right move?

The former Newcastle United striker has been Fulham's top scorer this season. Aleksandar Mitrovic is in fine form right now, scoring eight goals so far. However, that has been on either side of two separate six-game droughts, which has affected Fulham.

With Claudio Ranieri in charge as the new manager, the Cottagers have had some hope injected into their side but the former Chelsea boss needs some help.

The rumour mill has been flooded with reports about players being linked with Fulham – from the likes of Jonjo Shelvey to Gary Cahill, Victor Moses and a few more stars. Not only have players been linked with a move to Fulham, but a fair share has been linked with a move out of Fulham and this includes top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to the Chinese Super League by the Sun, with the English news outlet further adding that the move was rejected. The offer was from Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande, which is where former Barcelona star Paulinho currently plays his football. The Sun further adds that the transfer fee was a massive £50million, which comes after the recent spree of Premier league players linked.

However, the Cottagers made the best move possible by rejecting the offer for the former Newcastle centre forward. While Mitrovic has scored goals, the 24-year-old represents so much more than that for the relegation-threatened side at the moment and is key to their build-up play. Not only does the centre-forward excel at link-up play but he uses his strength and ability on the ball to act as a creative source.

This has been crucial to what little success the club has had so far this season both under former manager Slavisa Jokanovic and Claudio Ranieri.

While the former Leicester City boss needs to bring in another forward to help Mitrovic, the 24-year-old Serbian will remain a key star at Craven Cottage for a long time. But he does need to improve his abilities in front of the goal. Otherwise, he would need to get relegated to being only good enough for the Championship.

While this is a great ability, it won't allow the ambitious star to prove himself among the Premier League's big boys, something he has done consistently this season.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2019/01/16/fulham-cannot-afford-to-let-this-24-year-old-leave-and-did-the-right-thing-by-rejecting-a-50m-bid-agreed/

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Chelsea transfer news: Move has 'stalled' but deal still 'likely' - Dharmesh Sheth
CHELSEA defender Gary Cahill has seen his loan move to Fulham stall over wage problems, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Cahill has been starved of action at Chelsea this season and will be allowed to leave this month.

Fulham have been in talks over a temporary deal until the end of the campaign for the 33-year-old two-time Premier League winner.

However, Sheth says the two west London clubs have not decided who will pay Cahill's wages.

"Defender Gary Cahill is another player likely to leave Chelsea," Sheth said on Sky Sports News.

"Fulham remain interested but the move appears to have stalled over who will pay his wages.

"Cahill has entered the final six months of his Chelsea contract."

Meanwhile, Sheth has claimed Chelsea are closer to signing a replacement for Alvaro Morata, who is in talks with Atletico Madrid.

"This one is gathering momentum," Sheth said of Morata's exit.

"Sevilla and AC Milan were interested but it now seems Atletico Madrid are in the driving seat.

"Talks are ongoing over a return to the club where he actually started his youth career.

"The interesting point to make here is Morata actually joined Chelsea effectively replacing Diego Costa.

"Now Costa went to Atletico Madrid, this season he's started just 11 La Liga games.

"So could it be that Morata could be a replacement for Diego Costa for a second time?

"Given Morata is in talks with Atletico Madrid, it would suggest a potential replacement is moving closer.

"If Sarri had his way, Chelsea would sign Gonzalo Higuain from AC Milan."

Morata has scored 24 goals in 72 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Real Madrid in 2017.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1072713/Chelsea-transfer-news-Gary-Cahill-Fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds United tracking in-form attacker, Fulham also interested

Leeds United are interested in signing American forward Gyasi Zardes, but could face competition from Premier League side Fulham for his signature, according to a report published by Teamtalk.

The MLS star has been a feared forward in his homeland for many years. Zardes' best season of his career arguably came last term as he went on to score 20 goals from 36 appearances in all competitions for Columbus Crew.

The 27-year-old is now at the peak of his career and also boasts 40 appearances and six goals for the United States national team. He now has vast experience under his belt and it is the perfect time for him to move to England.

Leeds are pushing for promotion from the Championship up to the Premier League this season and are currently top of the table.

However, the Yorkshire side have been short of options in attack due to injuries to Tyler Roberts and big-money summer signing Patrick Bamford.

Zardes is a powerful and tall forward and would be a fantastic addition to Marcelo Biesla's attack, especially if the club wins promotion to the Premier League next season. He is able to play anywhere across the front-line which makes him a useful asset to have.

There will be an element of risk involved in signing the striker as he is untested in England. However, if the fee is not too much, it will be a worthwhile risk.

If Leeds want to sign Zardes, they could face a lot of competition as the likes of Crystal Palace, Fulham and Huddersfield Town are also reported to be interested. If one of the top-flight clubs push to sign the player at this point, it may put the Yorkshire giants on the back foot.

The Whites are currently on top of the SkyBet Championship and their 2-0 win against Derby County last week means that they have a four-point advantage over second-place Sheffield United.

Landing an additional attacker this month to take some of the goalscoring burden away from Kemar Roofe could well be an inspired move.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/leeds-united-tracking-in-form-attacker-fulham-also-interested/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham should act quickly to snap up Leicester's Danny Simpson

Recent reports in the Mirror and the Daily Mail have linked Leicester City right back Danny Simpson with a move to Fulham in January.

A battle-hardened defender who flourished under Claudio Ranieri, Fulham should act quickly to snap up Simpson in the coming days.

One of the major frustrations among Fulham supporters is the lack of transfer business done in the first fortnight of the window, which left the Whites depleted against Burnley and resulted in an underwhelming loss.

Fulham's defence has been the major weak point all season, and with the poor form of Timothy Fosu-Mensah and the diligent but Championship-quality performances of Cyrus Christie, the Whites would do well to sign Simpson.

Even at 32 years of age, the right back possesses searing pace and quality in attacking positions — two attributes that will be key to his utilisation as a wingback in Ranieri's system.

Opportunities have been hard to come by for Simpson at the King Power this year, after the signing of Ricardo Pereira demoted the Englishman to second choice at the back.

An ideal move for both the out-of-favour Danny Simpson and the desperate Fulham backline, the Whites should swoop for the Premier League winner as soon as possible in order to kickstart a survival bid.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-should-act-quickly-to-snap-up-leicesters-danny-simpson/

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This in-form Bundesliga striker is Fulham's best bet to stave relegation and provide cover for Aleksandar Mitrovic – Agreed?

Why Fulham should target in-form Bundesliga striker Munas Dabbur

Everyone knows about Fulham's defensive issues. The Cottagers are on par to concede a record number of goals but ever since Claudio Ranieri's introduction, things have changed for the Craven Cottage side. The former Leicester City manager has brought something new to the club but still needs a little more help.

Offensively, Fulham haven't been the worst side this season, with Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring 8 goals more than Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette, West Ham's Marko Arnautovic and Leicester City's Jamie Vardy among many others.

However, that as mentioned many times before has come with two separate six-game droughts, which have been one of the many reasons why Fulham sit in the relegation zone.

Now with the January transfer window open, Fulham has been linked with a variety of players but recent reports by Estadio Deportivo have them targeting RB Salzburg striker Munas Dabbur.

The Israeli international has been in red hot form since his move in 2016, scoring 54 goals in 110 appearances. Last season saw the 26-year-old finish with 29 goals alone in all competitions and he is well on his way to beating that tally.

So far in 30 appearances this season, Dabbur has scored 20 goals in all competitions which include 4 in 4 appearances in the Champions League and 6 in 6 appearances in the Europa League.

Why do Fulham need the Israeli international given the fact that they do have Luciano Vietto, and Aleksandar Mitrovic?

Well, other than the fact the 26-year-old Munas Dabbur is among Europe's most prolific strikers, the RB Salzburg man is a versatile and hard-working star. That means, he could play alongside Mitrovic and Schurrle as a winger or even as a second striker/attacking midfielder in Claudio Ranieri's Fulham team-sheet.

However, with Football Whispers revealing that Liverpool are also in the race for the Israeli international as they look to add back-up for Roberto Firminio. While the Reds would be a great side for the 26-year-old to join, he clearly wants first team football and Fulham thanks to their various issues over the last six months, could be the perfect side to give him that.

Questions will remain as to whether or not Munas Dabbur can actually survive the physicality and pace of the Premier League but that's a chance Fulham have to take.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2019/01/16/this-in-form-bundesliga-striker-is-fulhams-best-bet-to-stave-relegation-and-provide-cover-for-aleksandar-mitrovic-agreed/

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Why this American speed demon would be a terrific signing for Claudio Ranieri's struggling Fulham side

Why Gyasi Zardes could be a brilliant addition for Fulham

According to a report from West London Sport, Fulham are among a host of English clubs interested in Columbus Crew forward Gyasi Zardes.

Gyasi Zardes, 27, joined Columbus Crew last year from LA Galaxy and he had an outstanding campaign in Major League Soccer, scoring 20 goals in 36 games. The USA international's performances have not gone unnoticed, with Fulham keen to sign him in the January transfer window.

But the Cottagers are facing competition from a lot of English clubs for the signature of Gyasi Zardes, who has earned 40 caps for the national team.

Fulham have struggled for creativity in the final third all season and even though they have looked more promising under Claudio Ranieri, they still have a lot of work to do in the second half of the season if they are to avoid the drop.

They currently sit in the relegation zone with 14 points from 22 games and they need to start winning games if they are to steer themselves to safety.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been Fulham's chief source of goals but he has gone off the boil in the last month or so. The likes of Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney have struggled to find form in the Premier League whereas summer recruits Andre Schurrle and Luciano Vietto have been well below-par, thus contributing to the team's lack of cutting edge in the final third.

The fact that the team has only scored 20 goals so far in the Premier League should prompt the Fulham hierarchy to take immediate measures. Ranieri's Fulham clearly need an injection of pace and creativity, and Gyasi Zardes could be the ideal man to provide it.

Gyasi Zardes' greatest asset is his versatility to play in multiple positions across the forward line. While the American usually plays as a centre-forward or as a supporting striker, he has the pace to play as a wide forward down the flanks too. The 27-year-old is known for his ability to play direct football and run at the opposition's defence with searing pace.

A good crosser of the ball, Zardes has the tendency to drift wide and allow his teammates to take the centre-stage. With his clever movement, the USA international can terrorise the opposition defenders, thereby keeping them on their toes throughout the game.

The former LA Galaxy man can change the complexion of the game in the blink of an eye, while his explosive pace makes him a threat on the counter-attack as well.

True, there will be an element of risk involved in signing Zardes but it's now or never for Ranieri and company at Craven Cottage. If Fulham manages to land Zardes, it could be a gamble that would simply pay off for them.



https://soccersouls.com/2019/01/16/why-this-american-speed-demon-would-be-a-terrific-signing-for-claudio-ranieris-struggling-fulham-side/

[WhiteJC]

 
Extraordinary fight during Fulham team yoga session was sparked when Aboubakar Kamara started talking during meditation and Aleksandar Mitrovic told him to 'shut up'

    Aleksandar Mitrovic and Aboubakar Kamara started fighting during yoga class
    It has now been revealed that Kamara disturbed group and Mitrovic reacted 
    Duo also clashed on the pitch against Huddersfield in dispute over penalty
    Kamara wrestled the ball away, took the spot kick but embarrassingly missed

The extraordinary fight between Aleksandar Mitrovic and Aboubakar Kamara at a yoga class was sparked when Kamara broke the silence and started talking.

His Fulham team-mate and fellow striker told him in no uncertain terms to 'shut up' and the pair had to be pulled away by other squad members, according to the Sun.

During the supposedly tranquil session, both forwards shattered the serenity of the session and went for each other.


Aleksandar Mitrovic (left) told Aboubakar Kamara (right) to shut up during a yoga class

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri is said to be furious at the latest embarrassing incident.

And this isn't the first time the duo have had a disagreement as they came together when Kamara wrestled the ball off Mitrovic to take a penalty against Huddersfield at the end of December.

Kamara ended up missing the penalty, much to the disgust of Ranieri but Mitrovic saved his blushes by scoring late winner in stoppage time.

Ranieri is now ready to get rid of Kamara, according to the Sun.

The powerful front-man was left out of Fulham's squad for their 2-1 defeat to Burnley on Saturday.

He 23-year-old was signed in July 2017 from French side Amiens for an undisclosed fee.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6596449/Fulham-yoga-fight-sparked-Aboubakar-Kamara-talked-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-said-shut-up.html

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Fulham winger Ryan Babel's defiant comments will boost the confidence of downbeat fans

Fulham completed the permanent signing of Besiktas winger Ryan Babel on Tuesday, with the 32-year-old signing on a deal that runs until the end of the season.

After the weekend's 2-1 defeat to Burnley, some Fulham supporters had discussed planning for the Championship and accepting relegation.

But Babel struck a defiant tone in his first interview as Fulham player, indicating his belief that the Whites can stay in the Premier League.

"I definitely have faith that Fulham can stay up," Babel told fulhamfctv. "That's one of the reasons that I'm here, to try and help that to happen. I'm ready to go, I'm excited and I can't wait."

The defiant comments from the new signing will undoubtedly encourage Fulham supporters, proving that there is fight in the team as they face a pivotal second half of the season.

Babel's arrival is a statement of intent of sorts from Tony Khan, who endured a barrage of criticism after the Burnley defeat from fans who were dismayed by the lack of signings.

Although it was not a much-needed defensive transfer, Babel nevertheless takes the goal-scoring pressure off Aleksandar Mitrovic and is an upgrade to most of Fulham's attackers.

Fulham's first signing of the window will hopefully revamp a team low on confidence, and Ryan Babel's opening interview will inspire the Cottage faithful.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-winger-ryan-babels-defiant-comments-will-boost-the-confidence-of-downbeat-fans/

[MikeW]

Re Danny Simpson: Seems to have had a hell of a lot of clubs and brings a fair bit of personal baggage with him.  Suppose that's all you get in January?