"Minimum of £20m" - Ben Sheaf claim made as Fulham, Ipswich and Luton circle Coventry star
Reports suggest the Sky Blues will be fielding plenty of interest in their midfield man this summer.
Ben Sheaf is attracting significant transfer interest after an impressive season with Coventry City in the Championship.
Three clubs, including Fulham and Ipswich, have been linked with Sheaf, with Coventry reportedly valuing him at around £10 million.
Coventry fans believe Sheaf is a Premier League-caliber player who should fetch a minimum of £20 million in any potential transfer deal.
This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
After a fine season for Coventry City, Ben Sheaf is attracting plenty of transfer interest heading into the summer window.
With Gus Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres having been sold for big fees last summer, the Englishman looks as though he could be next in line for a big deal away from the CBS Arena.
This comes after some great form in the Championship, but particularly some excellent performances against the likes of Wolves and Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, in which Sheaf more than held his own and showcased his talent to a national audience.
Now, with Coventry having failed to reach the play-offs, and therefore not getting a shot at promotion to the Premier League, the pressure could be on the Sky Blues to keep hold of their midfielder.
Clubs linked with Ben Sheaf
Three clubs have been linked with Sheaf so far this summer, two of which will be playing their football in the Premier League next season.
According to Alan Nixon via Patreon, both Fulham and Ipswich are interested in Sheaf heading into the summer.
Nixon claims that Ipswich Town are looking to bolster their squad after winning promotion to the top-flight, and that Fulham's chief scout recently watched Sheaf, although does stress he is one of several being considered at the West London club.
Interestingly, Luton Town were also linked, regardless of which division they would have been playing in. Mathematically, they are not yet relegated from the Premier League, but must overturn a three point deficit and a huge goal swing in order to survive, which looks nigh on impossible.
Nixon claims that Coventry's asking price for Sheaf will be in the £10 million range.
Coventry City fan pundit discusses Sheaf valuation
With the above in mind, we wanted to get the thoughts and feelings of Coventry City supporters regarding the Sheaf news.
To offer us an insight into this, we spoke to FLW's Coventry City fan pundit Neil Littewood, asking him what price Coventry need to be putting on Sheaf this summer.
Neil's valuation is certainly more than the previous Nixon report suggested the Sky Blues will demand, but his reasons for that valuation are certainly valid.
"Ben Sheaf - for me, he's the best central midfielder in the Championship," Neil explained to FLW.
Especially as a number eight, he controls the game, he's happy to take the ball in tight situations, play a pass. He's shown against Wolves and he's shown against Man United that he is a Premier League player in all but name.
"I think he needs to learn from what has happened with Gus Hamer and pick his move quite carefully. With all due respect to Luton and Ipswich, I think they could be teams that could potentially be in trouble next year, and I don't think Sheaf needs to be involved in that.
"Fulham could be a great move for him because I think they play some lovely stuff. But, he's got two years left on his deal, he's club captain now Kelly's gone, pivotal to how we play, English. [His value]. He's got to start with a two. It's got to be a minimum of £20 million.
"[Mark] Robins and [Doug] King have both come out and said they don't want Coventry to be seen as a stepping stone anymore, and that we don't need to sell. If that's the case, they need to set their stall out early doors with this ine and say, you know, you want a player of his quality, you need to pay us the money that we think he is worth."
Neil went on to add that he would not begrudge Sheaf a big move this summer, providing that the Sky Blues get an appropriate deal for his signature and that he doesn't make a sidewards step.
"Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't begrudge Sheaf from moving on," Neil added. "He's been phenomenal for us since since he first came. First name on the team sheet, comfortably. But I just hope that, if he does go, he makes the right move.
"We've seen Hamer go to Sheffield United and be a side that's struggled and done quite well, which might earn hm another move, who knows. But, the last thing I'd want is Sheaf to make a sidewards move into the Premiership where the club is going to come down, or to like a top half Championship side.
"I heard rumours that he'd been looked at by German clubs. You know what, if he got the opportunity to go and play European football, no one's gonna stand in his way.
"So yeah, i'll be intrigued to see what happens there.
"I just hope that the club back up their words and demand that he has to go for at least £20 million. I know Adam Wharton's a few years younger, that went to palace for £25 million in January, I think that was a little but inflated because it was a January signing, but I think they're on a par. I genuinely think they're on a par.
"Morton has youth on his side, but I think Sheaf's as good, if not better. So, you need to be looking at that sort of money."
It will certainly be interesting to see what sort of fee the Sky Blues do demand should those aforementioned clubs, or others, come knocking this summer.
Judging by Neil's comments, Sky Blues supporters certainly wouldn't begrudge Sheaf a big move this summer, provided that he makes a big step up and that Coventry receive a healthy fee for his services.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ben-sheaf-coventry-claim-luton-transfer/
Newcastle United, Tottenham & Aston Villa emerge as potential suitors for Celtic superstar
Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are three more potential suitors for the former Fulham midfielder according to reports.
Matt O'Riley added another goal to his tally for what has been a sensational 2023/24 season for the Hoops midfielder when he scored the opening goal in his side's 2-1 derby victory over Rivals rangers.
Celtic are now in prime position to wrap up another league championship and the Denmark international has been their standout performer for the campaign. It comes as no surprise that the 23-year old is being heavily tipped to make a big money move away from Glasgow this summer having also previously been lined up by some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Atletico Madrid made a move to land the former Fulham and MK Dons man in January but manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed they had rejected the bid and that O'Riley would be staying at least until the end of the season. Now though it looks like the summer interest is already heating up with two of English football's biggest clubs now being linked with the player.
According to Danish publication Tipsbladet, Celtic are 'in dialogue' with 'two unnamed top six teams from England's top tier'. The Premier League side are said to be enquiring about a possible transfer ahead of this summer's European Championship finals.
The report does not name the clubs but the current top six in the Premier League are; Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. The London born midfielder will be an appealing prospect to clubs in England not just for his ability but also his status as a home-grown player having come through Fulham's youth academy.
Tottenham, who face title chasers Manchester City, are of course managed by former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou who signed O'Riley for the Hoops in January 2022. Although not specifically named in the report, it seems plausible that Spurs could be one of the six clubs being touted.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United have previously been linked with the player although nothing concrete ever seemed to emerge from St James' Park. Aston Villa could be looking for reinforcements as they target Champions League football next season and Liverpool are set to welcome a new manager but Arsenal and Manchester City both already have midfields stacked with world class talent so are probably the least likely of the two potential clubs.
https://www.glasgowworld.com/sport/football/celtic/newcastle-united-tottenham-aston-villa-emerge-as-potential-suitors-for-celtic-superstar-4627144
Fulham 'want to sell' player to avoid losing him for free – Understandable plan from Whites
We're at that stage of the summer at which clubs will be looking around to see who they can quickly sell in order to boost budgets for the transfer window.
That can often involve loan players who weren't part of the core plans anyway, so can bring in a little extra boost of cash.
For Fulham, that's the case with Ibane Bowat, and today's edition of Kleine Zeitung Steiermark goes over his situation. The 21-year-old defender has been on loan at TSV Hartberg in the Austrian Bundesliga.
The good news is they're tempted to keep him, and it's believed Fulham 'want to sell', partly due to Bowat having a contract which expires in June 2025 and not wanting to wait and then lose him as a free agent.
Previous reports have hinted at an option to buy for TSV Hartberg, and that's covered again this time, although no amount is revealed.
With Fulham keen and an option in place anyway, it could be relatively straightforward to get a deal done. However, the newspaper says there's uncertainty over what the youngster himself wants, so that will need to be clarified.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-want-sell-player-avoid-losing-free-understandable-plan-whites/
Former Bristol City, Fulham and Brighton man under consideration for Championship manager's job
Rosenior, who came through the academy at Bristol City holds fond memories of his time at Ashton Gate.
Former Bristol City defender Liam Rosenior is under consideration for the vacant Plymouth Argyle job, according to a report.
PlymouthLive are reporting that the 39-year-old is being considered for the Home Park vacancy as they look to replace Ian Foster. Rosenior has only been out of work for over a week and he is said to fit the profile of what the Pilgrims want in their next managerial appointment.
Rosenior was relieved of his duties as Hull City manager after failing to guide them to a play-off place. The Tigers utilised the loan market to bring in the likes of Fabio Carvalho and Ryan Giles from Liverpool and Luton Town but were unable to displace Norwich City or West Brom.
The 39-year-old has had two years of managerial experience after beginning at Derby County. He was their interim manager after Wayne Rooney departed the Rams, and had also worked as assistant coach at Brighton, as well as working alongside Phillip Cocu.
Rosenior had signed a contract in December 2023, which would keep him at Hull until 2026 but now he awaits his next challenge. His managerial record to date is 34 wins, 30 draws and 26 defeats in 90 games with a seventh-placed finish with Hull his best achievement to date.
Former West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer who made 18 appearances for the England national team believes that Palmer would be a good fit for Sunderland, who like Plymouth are looking for a new boss. The Black Cats sacked Mick Beale after parting company with Tony Mowbray in the winter and finished the season disappointingly having been play-off contenders last year.
"I'm sure a host of clubs will be looking at Liam Rosenior, he'll be looking at, I assume, another Championship club straight away," Palmer told Football League World.
"One that springs to mind immediately is the Sunderland job. Sunderland have lots of young players, Liam is keen to work with young players and bring them on.
"As I say, the only issue will be the philosophy of the club about bringing members of staff in, and working with senior players, you've got to get the balance right. Sunderland's approach at the moment is that they're looking to bring in young players for cheap money, play them, develop them and sell them for big money."
https://www.bristolworld.com/sport/football/bristol-city/liam-rosenior-bristol-city-fulham-brighton-plymouth-argyle-sunderland-4628131
Notes from May meeting with FFC
On Wednesday, 8th May 2024, at 13.30, the Fulham Supporters' Trust (FST) met with Fulham FC via video conference.
The Club was represented by:
Alistair Mackintosh (Chief Executive, AM)
Darren Preston (Chief Operating Officer, DP)
David Daly (Non-Executive Director, DD)
Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director, CM)
John D'Arcy (Head of Safety, JD)
Glen Sutton (Chief Profit Officer, GS)
Katy Brecht (Head of Ticketing, KB)
Matt Lowery (Chief Marketing Officer, ML)
Nicola Walworth (Supporter Relations Manager, NW)
The FST was represented by:
Simon Duke (Chair, SD)
Hayley Davinson (Board Member, HD)
Steve Nicholson (Secretary, SN)
Ian Clarke (Vice-Chair, IC)
HOW IT WORKS
At our regular monthly meetings, Trust board members ask questions relating to as many topics as possible in the time available, based on responses from members to the advance notification of the meeting and our own observations from interacting with the broader supporter base. The Club then gives its position, which is discussed. These notes are, therefore, a statement of both points of view. The Trust continues to press both the Board's and its members' views at this meeting and in separate meetings.
Often, members ask similar questions, and in these cases, we try to summarise, provide the Club with feedback, and gain as much useful information as possible in the time available. We also prioritise new and time-critical topics while seeking updates on longer-running issues.
You can access notes of all previous meetings on our website, including the most recent information on key topics not covered at this meeting.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
The following topics were discussed:
General questions on 2024/25 tickets
Digital ticketing
AOB
OPENING DISCUSSION
The Trust opened the meeting referring to the recently released news about the passing of ex-Fulham player Viv Busby and offering condolences to Viv's family and friends, which the Club kindly offered to pass on.
The Trust also asked that thanks and appreciation should be passed on to all teams for their excellent performances this season. Best wishes will also be sent to the Under-21s before their Premier League Cup Final next Thursday, May 16th.
Personal thanks were also passed on to Katy and the ticketing team who helped a supporter based in Bristol who had not received their tickets over the weekend of the West Ham away game.
TICKETING
The Trust began this part of the meeting by acknowledging the fairness of the recently announced season ticket prices for season 24/25 and informed the Club that the general feedback from members has been very positive. Members had raised a large number of questions about aspects of the announcement which fell into two categories: general questions and those specifically related to digital ticketing.
General questions on 2024/25 tickets
The Trust asked about the rationale for the announced 15,000 cap on season tickets for next season, noting that this appears to be a new initiative.
AM explained that the Club wants everyone to access the football club and attend matches. A season ticket is still the best value way of watching football at Craven Cottage, but they want to allow more supporters to attend on a match-by-match basis. Given the relatively low capacity of Craven Cottage, it was decided to hold season ticket numbers at 15,000 and ask all current season ticket holders to renew by the May 31st deadline.
SD asked what the current season ticket holder number stands at, but AM explained that this information is not shared publicly. Still, they can say that in a typical season, approximately 10-15% do not renew and, there is a strong waiting list of applications to become a season ticket holder, who would then be offered the opportunity to join subject to availability. It is expected that the cap will allow for renewal for all those that wish to.
IC then asked when the prices and application process for new season ticket holders will be announced. ML said that the Club planned to announce this by mid-May, but it will depend on the renewal rate and therefore the availability of seats. The Trust asked how renewal rates are looking and the Club replied it was as expected, so they are happy so far, and they are also confident with future sales based on the healthy waiting list they have at their disposal.
IC asked if the Club knew what this would mean for matchday ticket availability next season. ML replied that it would be higher than this season, at least 4,500. AM added that he wants all current season ticket holders looking to renew to do so and urges them to renew by the 31st May deadline as they are not able to extend this window.
IC also asked if the club could explain the rationale behind offering different renewal prices to those supporters who bought a season ticket for the first time this season (2023/24), thus creating a 'two-track' renewal pricing model. SN highlighted that supporters who were renewing for the first time had expected to pay the same renewal price as other season ticket holders, and had expressed their displeasure.
AM replied that all decisions were made together, including the price levels and cap, and that this was the model they thought was best. The Club is pleased to be able to reward the loyalty of longer-term season ticket holders, but values all supporters equally.
IC asked how this model was expected to evolve and whether, for example, those paying the higher rate would always do so. AM said that no decisions had been made beyond this year's prices.
IC asked if there was any information available on matchday ticket pricing for season 2024/25 and AM said this was being looked at but is not yet available. Any views or feedback in advance would be welcome.
IC noted that there had been a change in sales strategy for the game against Man City, with members' tickets being subject to a cap for the first time, making more available to season ticket holders. KB explained this was, in part, in response to concerns that too many members' tickets seemed to end up in the hands of away fans at the Liverpool game. The Club will monitor this on match day to decide if a broader change in approach is required.
The Trust had recently shared some comms from the Brentford website explaining their strategy regarding touting and ticket sales, and asked if Fulham would be able to release anything similar. DP and KB said the club would consider putting comms out around their anti-ticket touting strategy, but noted that they would not wish to provide information that might assist touts to better understand their tactics.
Digital ticketing
IC opened the discussion on digital ticketing by explaining that the Trust is very supportive of the initiative as it should provide an important tool to fight against ticket touting and limit home tickets being bought by away fans. However, it is vital to make sure that the new system doesn't adversely impact our genuine supporters. Many supporters had contacted the Trust with detailed questions, the answers to which they wanted to understand before renewing. The key concerns broadly relate to ticket sharing, alternative options for those without smartphones and the technology requirements. With this in mind, IC asked what information was available about the new system.
KB explained that, with final decisions still being made, the club does not want to drip-feed information to supporters; full details will be released on a planned schedule over the summer. KB said the Club understands the concerns of some supporters. She explained that the challenge will be to ensure the education piece to supporters is robust, and that is the reason for not delivering any snippets of information ahead of this.
IC said that we understand and agree with the need for clear, structured communications, but would encourage this to take place as soon as possible, especially to help those making season ticket renewal decisions.
KB said she could reassure fans that the Club understood both the need to share season tickets with family and friends and also that some supporters will need an alternative to a smartphone ticket. The new system will provide both of these facilities.
KB further stressed that there will be no change in accessibility for those people who currently share season tickets, and they will be able to continue to do so. ML also explained that the operator being used for the system has extensive experience with Premier League clubs and previous experience with ticket sharing. It was confirmed that neither WiFi nor mobile phone connectivity will be required at the stadium for tickets to work and also that matchday ticketing will move to digital ticketing.
KB finished by explaining that fans will have a complete support system over the summer so that they are prepared and able to access the information before the start of next season.
In closing, IC highlighted that time is short between now and the start of next season and that other clubs had had teething problems when first rolling out digital ticketing. The Trust asked to see a demonstration of the new system when it is ready and offered to help with user testing and supporter communications.
AOB
Stewarding – SN explained that members had contacted the club regarding various stewarding issues in both the Hammersmith End and the Johnny Haynes Stand at recent games. NW confirmed that those members had spoken directly to the club and had been responded to.
Pyrotechnics – In response to a query regarding the recent pyrotechnics thrown onto the pitch by Crystal Palace fans, JD explained that four fans were arrested and a further two ejected. Those arrested will be subject to football banning orders if they are subsequently convicted. Crystal Palace may also issue bans, but that is a matter for them.
Health emergencies – To update fans on a recent cardiac issue that occurred during the Crystal Palace game, NW explained that the man discharged himself from the hospital. The 17-year-old home fan who had an incident at the Liverpool game is recovering well.
Bicycle parking – SN asked about bike parking for supporters. NW said that fans will be able to leave bikes at the Ormiston Bridge Academy, using the Gresswell Street entrance, this weekend (Man City). The club have received some bike racks that they will be installing at the school with formal details being announced for the forthcoming season.
Away coaches – Regarding a member's request for a contact number for those attending away games via a coach, DP agreed to look into a plan for a phone number that could be reached for any issues with locating coaches post-match.
Fan Advisory Board – SD closed the meeting by asking for an update on the FAB formation. CM explained that the Club was at the shortlist stage and was contacting those on that list to learn more about them. They were planning the first meeting in May and then announcing its members.
The meeting closed at 14:30.
https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2024/05/notes-from-may-meeting-with-ffc-5/
Promising Hatters youngster scores twice as Luton U21s beat Fulham U21s
Town see off Cottagers at the weekend
Promising attacker Jayden Luker scored twice as Luton U21s ran out 2-1 winners at Fulham U21s on Saturday.
The teenager, who has impressed the Hatters coaching staff for his efforts while on loan at National League side Woking this term where he made 17 appearances, netted both goals to ensure Town picked up a second successive victory. They had also defeated Norwich City the previous week, Aidan Francis-Clarke, Claude Kayibanda and Sam Anderson all on target.
Town gave a run-out to a number of their squad who have been out on loan during the season, including midfielder Jake Burger, plus defenders Jacob Pinnington and Jack Bateson. The U17s were also victorious last week as they enjoyed a 3-0 victory at Stoke City, Tate Xavier-Jones bagging a double, with Zacharias Ioannides finding the net.
Hatters U21s: Henry Blackledge, Jacob Pinnington, Tyrell Giwa, Claude Kayibanda, Jack Bateson, Aidan Francis-Clarke, Jake Burger, Dominic Dos Santos Martins, Sam Anderson, Jayden Luker, Jamie Odegah. Subs: Jack Lorentzen-Jones, Cai Hockey, Isaiah Harvey, Josh Odell-Bature.
Hatters U17s: Lucas Thomas, Kyron Roberts-Edema, Benedict Benagr, Christian Chigozie, Charlie Emery, Leon Routh, Dylan Stitt, Zach Ioannides, Matthew Takawira, Charlie Trustram, Tate Xavier-Jones. Subs: Harry Fox, Samuel Hincapie-Alfonso.
https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/promising-hatters-youngster-scores-twice-as-luton-u21s-beat-fulham-u21s-4628452
Man Utd want to sign 'special' Fulham star to replace Raphael Varane
Manchester United want to sign 'special' Fulham star Tosin Adarabioyo in the upcoming summer transfer window to replace the outgoing Raphael Varane.
Varane will leave Old Trafford when his contract runs expires at the end of the season, which means the Red Devils will need to recruit a new centre-back.
Adarabioyo is one of a number of options United are looking at and they are very much interested in a deal for the 26-year-old, who is set to become a free agent.
That's according to Sky Sports, who report that United are keen to speak to Adarabioyo's representatives, with Chelsea and Newcastle also linked to him.
Fulham boss Marco Silva, who described Adarabioyo as a 'special player' back in December, recently confirmed that the 26-year-old will 'probably' leave the club.
'There's been a lot of noise around Tosin,' Silva told TNT Sports. 'Being honest, it's really difficult to renew with him.
'Probably at the end of the season he's going to leave the club. Not 100 per cent, but probably it's going to happen.'
Adarabioyo helped Fulham win the Championship title in 2022 and has established himself as an important player at Craven Cottage in the top-flight.
He joined Fulham four years ago from Manchester City after failing to break into the first team at the Etihad – but Pep Guardiola has always spoken highly of him.
'He is fast, strong in the air, and has the quality to look forward behind the line for the next pass,' Guardiola said about Adarabioyo back in 2016.
Adarabioyo has made 132 appearances for Fulham to date but has missed their last three Premier League games due to the intense speculation over his future.
Should the defender decide to join United, he could be set to replace Varane, who has sent a touching message to the club's fans confirming his departure.
'I'll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last game at home this season and it's going to be very emotional day for me, for sure,' the Frenchman said.
https://metro.co.uk/2024/05/14/man-utd-want-sign-special-fulham-star-replace-raphael-varane-20839319/?ito=newsnow-feed
Reading on here that lbane on loan in Austria budasleague has 1 year left on his deal would like to sell now or he goes for nothing.The team is fourth in the league which is quite good hope we have looked at him closely and could be back up left side defender 21 years of age might be worth given him an extension fulham make sure you do the right thing because you usually don't get to grip on this one.