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Monday 19/08
Leicester	1-1	Spurs

Fulham Decide To Match Asking Price Of Top Target
Fulham have decided to match Manchester United's asking price for Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, who is also a target for Napoli.

The Cottagers failed with a couple of offers for the midfielder earlier in the transfer window but reopened talks with Manchester United over the weekend.

Manchester United have been holding out for somewhere around €30m before they can agree to sell the Scotland international this summer.

Napoli have also been pushing to sign him but can only afford to sign him on loan in the ongoing transfer window.

According to Italian broadcaster Rai (via TuttoNapoli), Fulham have gone ahead and matched Manchester United's asking price for McTominay.

It has been claimed that they have offered a deal worth €30m to try and take the midfielder to Craven Cottage.

McTominay has been prioritising a move to Napoli as he wants to work under Antonio Conte.

Napoli are reportedly getting ready to press the accelerator in talks with Manchester United but are now facing the threat of losing out to Fulham in the race to sign the Scot.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/08/19/fulham-decide-to-match-asking-price-of-top-target/657172/

There's plenty to be optimistic about despite Fulham's losing start

So, the Whites' 2024/25 campaign is underway.

This summer has proved to be a period of real change. Some would say unprecedented change. I can't remember a time where Fulham lost four first-team players in a summer. The higher-ups have known the situation as it approached, with each player on the cusp of leaving, and in many ways their departures were inevitable. In the case of Joao Palhinha and Willian, Fulham could not have expected anything more than an end to their time in the famous black and white. One probably can't handle another full year of Premier League football for fitness reasons, and the other who deserves a shot at the big time in Germany.

So many exits

Bobby De Cordova Reid's decision to leave can be forgiven as he was a fantastic servant to Fulham. The fans will be sad to see him leave, but also, they are aware that if the club wants to grow, they may need to make tough decisions and let players like him go in order to free up space in the squad. My understanding is that Fulham did want him to stay but only offered him two years on a new deal. Leicester offered him three. It seems like Bobby knows a better offer when he sees one. Although, a potential points deduction could make this year a difficult one for the Foxes. He could have his work cut out.

Tosin's departure stings given he's now at Chelsea. Fulham had been negotiating with him for a while and the feelings were that he was the perfect partner to Calvin Bassey. However, Fulham stalled on salary and Chelsea offered more. While it will frustrate Fulham that they weren't able to convince Tosin to stay, we can be encouraged by Tosin's unconvincing pre-season. Chelsea fans quickly saw that he is capable of making a mistake per game. He was a fantastic player for Fulham, and if he now spends the rest of season with limited game time that would be a real shame.

The expectations at Chelsea could either make Tosin's career or break it. He has already been advised (with encouragement from the Chelsea staff) to switch his nationality to Nigeria, there's an argument that the reason for that advice is because they (Chelsea) don't think he is good enough to play for England. Tosin would have been surrounded by positivity and encouragement at Fulham, where the bar for performance is little lower. However, with the money that this Chelsea board have spent, he'll have to be near-perfect to get a look in. Which isn't a challenge he's had to face before, as he is now fighting to be first pick.

Fulham have bought in a 24-year-old left-footed centre back in Jorge Cuenca. I haven't seen enough of him, but his presence alone will help the squad as Issa Diop will be under pressure to perform, and he will add competition to that area of the team. Fulham have also brought another 24-year-old in Emile Smith Rowe. We all know about him, and while his time in a Fulham shirt will be subject to great scrutiny due to the fact he comes at a record price, Fulham should be wary that his confidence and game time will need a significant increase. There is an exceptional player in there, Fulham need to give Marco time to work with Emile. Hopefully he'll prove me wrong, but it might take a while for Emile to hit full form.

Bodies needed

The main things that Fulham can take away from the implications of these changes after the Manchester United performance are obvious. Fulham lacked composure on the flanks. Where Willian usually provides a litany of skill and Premier League experience. Additionally, Fulham were light in the middle of the park, and United got through too many times simply because Joao wasn't there to stop them.

I'm don't subscribe to the view that Joao can be replaced. As goes for all players being brought in, none of them should be 'replacements'. However, that position can be filled by someone who can get a foot in, keep the ball, and do the running. Scott McTominay was on the winning side on Friday night, I wonder whether he watched Fulham's midfield area in detail. Would he fit right in? Would he prefer to be playing every week? It must be tempting surely.

Andre is the other player linked with Fulham, and while his arrival looked to be imminent and set up for when Joao left, the move has stalled. Andre would be my preferred choice in that position, simply because he is no way a like-for-like replacement. Joao was brilliant when making tackles and breaking up play but his passing wasn't his strong suit, and he often lacked control when running forward. Andre will keep the ball with ease and Fulham would build attacks from the middle of the park. Andre can tackle, and being Brazilian, he'll fit right in. Marco was making a point by playing Andreas in centre midfield rather than as a 10. If Fulham sign a genuine six or an eight, they will be able to go up to another level. Fulham are roughly two quality players away from being a top half finisher (and possibly challenging for the Europa League).

Opportunities arise

Adama Traore will always be a player that intrigues me. When he first burst onto the scene Micah Richards style with his amazing running, we all knew that if he could produce end-product, there was a player with real potential. At Wolves he found his feet, but then lost his way as the game became more technical. This season is going to be crucial for him. He had a great pre-season and if he can work on his decision making, he will be vital from the bench and starting because his directness offers something Fulham can lack. Against Manchester United, we saw that if his final pass was better, he'd create at least one or two gilt-edged chances per game. Marco may well have said to him, 'you'll get a run of games at the start of the season and then the coaching team will take a view on whether you will start every week'. This is a style of management I can get behind, as long as he doesn't turn in performances that demand a substitution.

Rodrigo Muniz shone in this fixture last year. He didn't have his tail up like he did for the second half of last term. He was effectively shooting from a standing start at Old Trafford this time around, and it showed. If Fulham are going to keep Jay Stansfield, it is worth it, because Stansfield can offer genuine pace to stretch opposition centre-backs. Raul Jimenez doesn't offer that mobility either, so it's worth giving Stansfield some game time from the bench in a home game soon, so he gets use to Premier League action.

Ultimately, Fulham have enough going on in the striker department to refrain from getting involved in the market for another forward. There are always rumours, but most can agree the positions that Fulham should concern themselves with are centre-midfield and centre-back. Diego Carlos being the strongest rumour for the latter position. Fulham have made this summer seem almost seamless in terms of transition, unlike other windows business has been done early, but two or three more additions should be the minimum before the window shuts.

There is plenty to be happy about in defeat, and in many ways, it is good to get a loss out of the way early. Fulham looked like a team with great vibes in the camp during pre-season, all the players looked keen and there was a spring in the step. However, there is nothing like a defeat to focus to mind. Nothing really motivates a professional athlete more than losing. Fulham still need to strengthen, but the signs are that they will compete this year. Let's see how far they can go.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-08-19-theres-plenty-to-be-optimistic-about-despite-fulhams-losing-start/#google_vignette

Birmingham Tie Televised
Fulham's Carabao Cup Second Round tie against Birmingham City at St Andrew's has been chosen for live television coverage on Sky Sports.

The match will be played on Tuesday 27th August, kicking off at 8pm.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/19/birmingham-tie-televised/

Exclusive: Fulham 'Facing Serious Concerns' in Bid to Sign £30m Star
This article is part of a directory: Latest Transfer News and Rumours

 Fulham are doubtful over whether they will be able to convince Manchester United star Scott McTominay to walk away from his boyhood club in favour of a fresh challenge at Craven Cottage ahead of the transfer window slamming shut on August 30, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Cottagers boss Marco Silva has been in the market for a fresh presence in the heart of the midfield after allowing Joao Palhinha to complete a move worth more than £47million to Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich last month, but he is running out of time to secure a suitable replacement.

 Having got the season underway with a narrow defeat at the hands of Manchester United, in a clash which saw Emile Smith Rowe make his debut after sealing a club-record switch from Arsenal, Fulham vice-chairman and sporting director Tony Khan has set his sights on bolstering the squad.

Cottagers Unsure McTominay Wants Switch
West Londoners fearful midfielder is unconvinced over move
 Fulham are facing serious concerns over whether McTominay is willing to join Fulham ahead of the fast-approaching deadline, according to GMS sources, resulting in the west Londoners keeping their options open despite being eager to strike a deal with Premier League rivals Manchester United in the coming days.

The Scotland international came on as a late substitute when his current employers registered an opening day victory against the Cottagers on Friday, but there is ongoing uncertainty over whether he has a long-term future at Old Trafford thanks to entering the final year of his £60,000-per-week contract.

GMS sources have been informed that Fulham have no doubts over McTominay's quality as they aim to fill the void left by Palhinha in the middle of the park, but there are fears that he is unconvinced about linking up with Silva's charges and how it suits his personal ambitions at this stage of his career.

Scott McTominay's statistical averages per 90 minutes during the 2023/24 domestic campaign compared to Joao Palhinha

	Scott McTominay	Joao Palhinha
Pass completion percentage	80.6	82.4
Percentage of dribblers tackled	66.7	67.8
Clearances	2.56	1.93
Shots	2.09	1.50
Key passes	0.52	0.43
Goals	0.33	0.13

Statistics correct as of 19/08/2024

 The capital club are adamant that Manchester United will not want to run the risk of seeing their academy graduate walk away as a free agent in less than 12 months' time, leading to them reopening discussions over a potential deal even though they are worried that he will snub the opportunity to move onto pastures new.

Fulham are certain to sign a new midfielder who will offer stability in front of the backline in the coming days, GMS sources understand, and Silva has set his sights on making three additions to his squad before the deadline as he aims to ensure his side are not dragged into a relegation dogfight.

Silva Confident McTominay Price Will Drop
Capital club expecting demands to reduce in final days of window
 GMS sources have been told that Fulham have been increasingly confident that a window of opportunity to strike a better value deal than Manchester United were initially looking for will open up, resulting in them making the decision to take their time before considering lodging a fresh bid.

The Cottagers were forced to head back to the drawing board when a second proposal worth £20million was rejected by the Red Devils earlier this month, but the 27-year-old is still firmly in their sights and there is hope that an agreement can be reached during the closing stages of the transfer window.

Manchester United were originally holding out for £30million when it became clear that McTominay had attracted interest from their top flight counterparts, but GMS sources have learned that Fulham are determined to opt against forking out more than £25million for their summer target.

 GMS sources recently revealed the west Londoners are convinced that the Red Devils are ready to cash in on the FA Cup and Carabao Cup winner as boss Erik ten Hag aims to offload current members of the squad who are not at the forefront of his plans, leading to Silva being eager to resist the temptation to meet his current employers' demands.

All statistics courtesy of FBref and Transfermarkt




https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-transfer-news-facing-serious-concerns-bid-sign-scott-mctominay-craven-cottage/

Man Utd £30m transfer thrown into jeopardy as Sir Jim Ratcliffe left in limbo over deal
Manchester United are hoping to get several deals over the line before the summer transfer window closes.

Fulham are reportedly unsure whether they will be able to convince Scott McTominay to leave Manchester United this summer.

United are willing to part ways with the Scotland international in the coming week, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe planning to use any funds raised from departures to fund the signing of reinforcements.

Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have all arrived at Old Trafford recently, and further new arrivals are expected. However, United are equally focused on offloading some of their fringe players.

The Red Devils have made it clear that McTominay is available this summer, with a host of clubs around Europe coming forward to register an interest in acquiring his services. Fulham are among those who are keen on the Scotland international, shortlisting the midfielder as their top target to replace Joao Palhinha.

The Craven Cottage outfit recently reopened talks with United over McTominay, having seen two previous bids rejected.

However, the deal appears to now be in doubt. According to GiveMeSport, Fulham are unsure about whether the 27-year-old would be willing to turn his back on his boyhood club. Marco Silva's side are aware that they will need to 'persuade' the playmaker of a move, though they are unsure about the likelihood of him green-lighting the deal.

Fulham are therefore planning to continue pushing for McTominay whilst also keeping all of their options open and exploring alternative options in case their pursuit of their top target is unsuccessful.

They believe that McTominay is the ideal signing in midfield but are in a race against time to bring in reinforcements and therefore do not want to commit the remainder of the window pursuing a player who is unsure about Silva's project and whether the move suits his 'personal ambitions'.

Fulham are hopeful that their fears do not come to fruition, and they retain confidence that United will eventually reduce their asking price for their No.39, knowing that Ratcliffe and co are hoping for a sale sooner rather than later.

The higher powers at the Theatre of Dreams will be hoping that they can strike a quickfire deal in the region of £30million for McTominay, with those newfound funds expected to be used in a bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1937906/Man-Utd-transfer-news-Scott-McTominay-Fulham-Sir-Jim-Ratcliffe

Loan Round-Up: Harris Scores First Blues Goal


Luke Harris scored on his first league start for Birmingham City in their 3-2 win at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

The 19-year-old made his first start for his new loan club in Blues' Carabao Cup victory at Charlton Athletic in midweek - and he kept his place in the side for the visit to Adams Park. Luke made a lung-busting run into the Wycombe box to get on the end of Ayumu Yokoyama's cross to put Chris Davies' side 2-1 up after Blues had fallen a goal behind.

There was also a first start for Matt Dibley-Dias, who played 57 minutes in Northampton Town's 2-1 win over Exeter City. Matt missed Northampton's season opener at Bristol Rovers through illness but appeared from the bench in their Carabao Cup defeat to Wycombe in midweek.


In League Two, it was a dream debut for Harvey Araujo, as Chesterfield thumped Crewe Alexandra 5-0 away from home. Harvey, who only signed for the Spireites on Thursday, came on as a substitute in the 66th minute, with his new side already five goals ahead. Devan Tanton, who has made an impressive start to life at Chesterfield, missed the game with a tight thigh.

Olly Sanderson received his first minutes for Bradford City in their 0-0 draw against Salford City, coming on as a second-half substitute.


Finally, in the top tier of Finnish football, Imani Lanquedoc played the full 90 minutes as 10-player FC Haka were defeated 3-2 by Vaasan Palloseura.

Matt Dibley-Dias Image Credit: Pete Norton



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/august/19/loan-round-up-harris-scores-first-blues-goal/

Player Not Tempted By Crystal Palace Or Fulham Options Yet
Crystal Palace and Fulham have shown an interest in Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki, but the Frenchman is not keen on a move to either club at the moment.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is not expected to be at Lyon at the end of the ongoing summer transfer window.

Lyon had a deal in place with Paris Saint-Germain in June but Cherki got diverted by the attention from Borussia Dortmund, who did not make an offer.

A move to the Premier League has been mooted and two clubs are claimed to have shown an interest in him.

According to French sports daily L'Equipe, Crystal Palace and Fulham have made a move to show their interest in the midfielder.

They have touched base with Lyon to express their willingness to sign the Frenchman this summer.

However, Cherki is not keen on a move to either of the two London clubs at this stage of the window.

The attacking midfielder is still waiting for PSG to revive the deal to sign him in the final days of the transfer window.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/08/19/player-not-tempted-by-crystal-palace-or-fulham-options-yet/657264/

Report: Everton in Race with Fulham for Roma Midfielder
Everton Intensify Pursuit of Roma Midfielder as Fulham and Fiorentina Lurk

In a transfer window marked by tight finances and tactical manoeuvring, Everton find themselves in a familiar position: desperately seeking reinforcements while battling with Premier League rivals. With the clock ticking down, the Toffees are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Roma's young midfielder Edoardo Bove. Yet, as with most things in football, this is far from a straightforward race. Fulham and Fiorentina also have their eyes on the 22-year-old, making this a battle Everton must win if they are to bolster their midfield.

Everton's Midfield Needs Highlighted in Brighton Defeat
Everton's need for reinforcements became glaringly obvious after a 3-0 loss to Brighton on the opening day of the Premier League season. Sean Dyche's side looked disjointed, lacking creativity and control in the middle of the park. While Tim Iroegbunam showed promise, he alone cannot carry the weight of the team's midfield ambitions. Dyche is aware that the club's financial constraints limit their options, but that hasn't stopped them from exploring potential deals.

The club's recent setbacks in the transfer market—missing out on Kalvin Phillips, Jens Cajuste, and Lesley Ugochukwu—only add to the urgency. Now, all eyes are on Bove, a player who could inject much-needed energy and vision into Everton's midfield. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Everton have "intensified contacts" with Roma, signalling their serious intent to bring Bove to Goodison Park.

Roma's Position and Fulham's Interest
Roma, however, are not in a rush to loan out their young midfielder. The Giallorossi are reportedly more interested in a permanent sale, valuing Bove at around €15 million (approximately £12.8 million).

This figure could be a stumbling block for Everton, given their current financial predicament. Yet, the club's history with Roma's ownership, the Friedkin Group, might provide an edge in negotiations. While the Friedkin Group's potential takeover of Everton fell through, their £200 million investment in the club still lingers in the background, potentially smoothing the path for a deal.

But Everton aren't the only club in the mix. Fulham, always keen to add quality to their squad, are also monitoring Bove's situation closely. With the allure of Premier League football and the chance to work under Marco Silva, Fulham present a serious threat to Everton's plans. Fiorentina, too, remain in the picture, making this a delicate and highly competitive affair.

Financial Constraints and Uncertainty at Goodison Park
For Everton, the challenge is not just about securing Bove; it's also about balancing the books. The Toffees are actively looking to offload players, including Neal Maupay, Mason Holgate, and Michael Keane, but interest has been tepid at best. Additionally, the future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains uncertain. With less than a year left on his contract and Manchester United reportedly interested, his departure could create further complications for Dyche.

The next few weeks will be critical for Everton. The club must navigate a complex web of financial limitations, player sales, and transfer negotiations if they are to come out of this window stronger. Bove may not be the biggest name in football, but for Everton, he could represent a crucial piece in Dyche's jigsaw.



https://eplindex.com/118150/report-everton-in-race-with-fulham-for-roma-midfielder.html

Former Bristol City, Fulham and QPR star announces retirement at 35 despite 25-goal haul
A member of Bristol City's double-winning squad from a decade ago has called time on his career.

Former Bristol City striker Matt Smith has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 35-year-old has hung up his playing boots and is retiring following a 16-year career. He only entered the professional game at 22, when Oldham Athletic signed him from Solihull Moors, but since then he's gone on to play in the Championship for the last decade.

Smith's time at Ashton Gate was brief, but he helped play a part in the Robins' 2014/15 League One and EFL Trophy double. He netted 13 goals in 20 games, with five of those coming before they lifted the trophy at Wembley following a 2-0 win, but he had returned to Fulham by then.

In a post shared on Twitter he said: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from professional football at the age of 35. After over 600 games as a player at almost every level of the English pyramid, I look back only with gratitude at a career that has afforded me the most incredible experiences and memories both on and off the field.

"To enter the professional game so late at the age of 22 was really a dream come true and one in truth I never ever thought imaginable. 14 seasons, 527 games and nearly 150 goals across the entire EFL, for some truly incredible and historic football clubs, is a feat that leaves me filled with seal pride. To lead my team out of the tunnel for my final game with my son in my arms will forever remain my finest achievement.

"Success is often defined by the people in your corner. The ones that support you every step of the way. In good times and in bad. I can't thank my family & friends enough for every bit of sacrifice and support you've given me throughout. Without you, unquestionably, none of this would have been possible.

Smith's last club was Salford City, and he scored 25 goals in 51 games for The Ammies, who are owned by Manchester United's Class of 92. He had received offers from other clubs, but has opted to bring his career to an end.

The other clubs Smith played for in his professional career were Macclesfield, Leeds United, Fulham, QPR and Millwall.

He added: "I move into my next chapter with a real sense of excitement, knowing l've maximised every bit of ability l've been given and left it all out there.

"It's probably unprecedented to retire off the back of a 25-goal season, and despite several offers, it was always my intention to leave when the time felt right, with my plans in place, measured, and on my own terms. I do so with my head held high.



https://www.bristolworld.com/sport/football/bristol-city/matt-smith-bristol-city-fulham-qpr-retirement-4748152

Fulham boss Marco Silva: There is a lot of transfer window work still to be done
Fulham head coach Marco Silva feels there is plenty of reinforcing of his squad still required in the remainder of the transfer window.

The Whites opened their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Friday night.

Fulham lost the services of some key personnel in the summer with Bayern Munich splashing out for Joao Palhinha and Tosin Adarabioyo rejecting new terms to leave on a free transfer to sign for Chelsea.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid also turned down a contract extension to sign for Leicester City while USA international defender Tim Ream joined MLS club Charlotte.

"We lost four starters [in the transfer window]," Silva told BBC Match of the Day. "We are probably the only team in the Premier League that lost four starters. We have to rebuild again. There is a lot of work for us to do over the next two weeks to rebuild.

"But we are very pleased with how the players have worked. We are working hard to get what we need."

Fulham only had one of their summer signings on show in Manchester with Emile Smith Rowe, below, replaced by Tom Cairney in the second half.

Joshua Zirkzee's 87th-minute strike saw the west Londoners, who host Ipswich Town tomorrow, head back to the capital pointless.

Silva said: "When the game becomes open we should have kept the balance and kept compact. But in those moments we lost emotional control and that allowed them to score.

"The game was open and broken – we tried to rush our decisions. Many times we started to lose the ball too quickly. We let the game go too emotional and we didn't want that."




https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/fulham-boss-marco-silva-there-is-a-lot-of-transfer-window-work-still-to-be-done/

Lyon pushing Rayan Cherki towards exit amid Crystal Palace and Fulham interest
Olympique Lyonnais, having invested heavily earlier in the transfer window, are now desperate to sell before the closure of the window in around a fortnight.

As widely reported Lyon are looking to raise €100m in funds this summer – a figure they are currently way short of hitting. Rayan Cherki (21) is one of the more bankable players, and given that his contract will expire at the end of the season, he is an obvious option to depart.

Cherki waiting on PSG
Lyon are stepping up their attempts to force him out of the club, leaving him out of first-team training as he returned to OL following his post-Olympic Games break. That ostracisation comes amid interest from two Premier League clubs, L'Équipe understands.

Crystal Palace and Fulham have recently approached Lyon regarding the France youth international, however, for now, Cherki does not seem interested in a move to the two aforementioned clubs, and is instead hoping that Paris Saint-Germain reignite their interest in a concrete way.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2024/lyon-pushing-rayan-cherki-towards-exit-amid-crystal-palace-and-fulham-interest/

"It was difficult" – Fulham player to put summer disappointment behind him, will 'fight to play' for Silva's side
Raúl Jiménez has insisted that he's happy at Fulham and will continue to fight for the Premier League side.

The 33-year-old came off the bench in Fulham's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the opening game of the season.

Fox Sports Mexico had a chat with the striker and his comments are relayed by Marca. He opened up about the support he has received from Marco Silva since joining the club.

The Mexico international arrived at Fulham in July 2023 and signed a two-year deal, with an option for another year. He clocked in 1,629 minutes from 29 games in all competitions in his debut season for the London club.

After expressing disappointment over losing to the Red Devils, Jiménez hinted that he has no plans to leave Fulham at least this summer.

"It was a hard blow to lose in the last few minutes. It's not easy to play at Old Trafford and compete like we did for the 90 minutes, but in the end it's not the result we were looking for," he said.

"Have a good participation with the team, help in what I have to do, as much as I can and keep in mind that we have to do things better so that we can reach a high position in the table."

"Ever since I arrived here at Fulham, he [Silva] has passed that on to me, it's something a player is always looking for. In the end I have this year, and maybe one more year, so I'm fine, happy, and I will continue to fight to play here."

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man was left out of the Mexico squad for the Copa América this summer. His situation at Fulham last season may have cost him a place in the national team.

El Tri were eliminated from the group stage and Jaime Lozano was shown the exit door. The player wasn't pleased with Mexico's performances and hopes to regain his place in the team for September's international break.

"I'm open, I'm looking forward to being there, coming back and doing my bit as much as I can," Jiménez explained.

"I was attentive to the friendly matches, the Copa América, supporting from the outside as it was my turn at the time, also enjoying my holidays, as I hadn't had a long holiday for 15 years.

"It was difficult, hard, to see the national team that didn't make it past the group stage, but we know there are good players, important players with whom we can get out of this slump."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/it-was-difficult-fulham-player-to-put-summer-disappointment-behind-him-will-fight-to-play-for-silvas-side/

Man Utd Want Two Key Boxes Ticked Before Fulham Target Can Go
Manchester United have two conditions which must be fulfilled for Fulham target Scott McTominay to go this summer, according to Sky Sports News.

Fulham had bids for the Scotland international rejected earlier in the transfer window, but have just come back to the negotiating table.

Marco Silva wants McTominay and Fulham are trying hard to make the deal happen with Manchester United suggested to want around £30m for him.

For a switch to go through though, Manchester United have two criteria which must be fulfilled.

The Red Devils would need to hear from McTominay that he wants to leave Old Trafford.

They would also then need to be happy with the offer on the table for the midfielder.

Only when both of those criteria are met will Manchester United be prepared to sanction an exit.

Galatasaray and Napoli are also interested in McTominay, but neither club appear to be able to match Manchester United's asking price.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/08/19/man-utd-want-two-key-boxes-ticked-before-fulham-target-can-go/657282/

Scott McTominay wants Premier League stay as Crystal Palace rival Fulham in chase
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has been linked with a move away from the Premier League club this summer.

Scott McTominay needs to leave Manchester United to play regularly, and the likes of Crystal Palace and Fulham are keen on securing his signature. According to a report from The Sun, the Manchester United midfielder wants to continue in the Premier League, and that will come as a major boost for Crystal Palace and Fulham.

The 27-year-old has been linked with clubs like Napoli as well. Meanwhile, both Crystal Palace and Fulham need to add more quality and depth to their midfield unit, and McTominay would be a quality acquisition. He will add goals, creativity, and defensive cover to their squads.

The 27-year-old has the qualities to develop into a complete central midfielder. However, he needs to play regularly at this stage of his career. Crystal Palace and Fulham should be able to provide him with such opportunities.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have been linked with several quality midfielders in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see if they decide to bring in reinforcements before the summer transfer window closes. The Red Devils will be hoping to challenge for major trophies this season, and they need better players at disposal.

Manchester United need better players
The Scottish international is a proven performer in the top flight, but he is not good enough to start for a club hoping to win the league title and the UEFA Champions League. Manchester United need to bring in upgrades, and it remains to be seen whether they can get rid of their fringe players first.

Selling McTominay for a substantial amount of money will help them bring in their own signings. The Red Devils will have to comply with the PSR regulations as well, and they cannot afford to overspend.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old midfielder will look to get his career back on track with regular football. He will be a key player for the Eagles or the Cottagers if he joins them this summer. A fresh start would be ideal for him at this stage of his career, and it remains to be seen in which of the two London clubs manage to secure an agreement with Manchester United.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/08/19/scott-mctominay-wants-premier-league-stay-as-crystal-palace-rival-fulham-in-chase/

Liverpool 'drop price' for Newcastle United and Fulham 'target' as Magpies assess Marc Guehi alternative
Newcastle could return their attentions to a familiar target as talks over a Marc Guehi transfer continue to stall

Premier League heavyweights Liverpool have reportedly dropped their asking price for Newcastle United-linked defender Joe Gomez.

The 27-year-old was notably left out of Liverpool's squad during Saturday's opening day win at Ipswich Town, with new manager Arne Slot preferring a starting partnership of Virgil Van Dijk and Jarrel Quansah in defence, with substitute Ibrahim Konate also coming on to the pitch at half time.

Gomez was lauded for his consistency last season under Jurgen Klopp. The London-born defender thrived as both a centre back and a left back throughout the season, making a total of 32 appearances in the league to help his team to a third place finish. This form prompted a first England call-up in four years and saw Gomez ultimately make Gareth Southgate's final squad for Euro 2024 as the Three Lions reached the final of the competition.

Gomez has been heavily linked with Newcastle throughout the summer. Back in June he saw a reported £45m move to St James' Park fall through at the final moment as part of an ambitious effort from the Anfield club to land Anthony Gordon.

The late sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson alleviated Newcastle's need to raise funds for Gordon and in recent weeks the Magpies have diverted their attention towards fellow England defender Marc Guehi. As it stands, the Magpies are pushing hard to land the Crystal Palace star despite three failed offers. The Eagles are currently believed to be pondering a fourth offer for the star which reportedly is close to their asking price of £65m.

However, as negotiations with Guehi continue to drag out there is a growing realisation from Newcastle's recruitment team that they will need to be monitoring alternative targets, as per The Athletic. Gomez is understood to be high on Newcastle's shortlist along with Toulouse star Logan Costa, and recent reports from Mail Sport now suggest that Liverpool would be willing to do business on a cut-price deal of £35m, which is a £10m drop from their initial asking price of £45m.

Newcastle are one of the frontrunners for Gomez's signature. However, TeamTalk claims that Fulham, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the England international's availability.

Newcastle are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements following the injuries sustained by Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles at the end of last season while Fabian Schar's opening day sending off against Southampton has left the Magpies with further shortages in the centre back position.



https://www.newcastleworld.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/liverpool-drop-price-for-newcastle-united-and-fulham-target-as-magpies-assess-marc-guehi-alternative-4748107

"Got to be careful" - Blackburn Rovers backed to sign Jay Stansfield but handed warning

    Rovers may sign Stansfield to replace Szmodics, with Eustace familiar with the young striker's potential and style of play.
    Priced at £6 million, Stansfield's previous experience with Championship teams could make him the right fit for Rovers' needs.
    Rovers must be cautious with spending all on one player, as other key positions requiring reinforcement are still needed in the squad.

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...

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly weighing up a move for Fulham striker Jay Stansfield as a potential replacement for new Ipswich Town striker Sammie Szmodics.

 According to Alan Nixon, Rovers have entered the race for the 21-year-old who had a promising season with Birmingham City in the Championship last year.

The report suggests Hull City, Stoke City and the Blues themselves are set to be interested, but Blackburn are keen to get a deal done for a replacement following the departure of Szmodics.

The Cottagers are reportedly valuing the young goalscorer at £6 million, which could potentially see Rovers' owners the Venky's back Eustace for the deal. On the other hand, they could settle for a loan like Birmingham did last season under Eustace himself, with Stansfield also having experience on loan at Exeter City.

Stansfield came off the bench in the 91st minute in Fulham's 1-0 defeat at Manchester United in the opening game of the Premier League season, as Eustace is keen to reunite himself with the striker.

Rovers should be "wary" of signing £6m Stansfield
FLW's Blackburn Rovers fan pundit Toby Wilding thinks the Fulham youngster would be a good replacement, but his side should tread carefully.

 "Stansfield could be a good replacement. After being in a Birmingham side that struggled in the Championship last season, it could potentially suit well for Rovers.

"He knows Eustace from his time at St. Andrews as well. Could I see them paying that price? Potentially, in terms of transfer fees, we've seen it done on a smaller scale this summer, with Yuki Ohashi and Makhtar Gueye coming in, sort of reinvesting the fees that were made from Sam Gallagher, Semir Telalovic and Leopold Wahlstedt.

"I could see £6m being affordable. We've got the Adam Wharton money as well from January, which hasn't fully been used yet, I don't think.

"It might happen, but I think Rovers have got to be careful with spending it all on one player. There are still a lot of positions that need strengthening with the likes of goalkeeper, left-back, midfield and a winger, which are all signings Eustace has made clear he wants.

"What they would have to do with a fee such as this for Stansfield, is be very wary about pricing themselves out of other moves that need to be made before the window closes."

Stansfield could live up to the potential £6m fee
 Szmodics' boots will be a severely hard role to fill, after the 28-year-old netted 27 goals for Rovers last season, and was arguably the main reason they're still in the Championship.

However, Stansfield showed lots of signs of promise, with great finishing in one on one situations and smart playmaking, and at just 21, 12 Championship goals to your name isn't a bad thing at all.

He was a key player for the Blues last season, scoring in vital moments under Eustace, and with the Blackburn boss already having a relationship with Stansfield, the £6m fee could be a potential no-brainer. Stansfield may favour the move to Rovers due to Eustace being there, which is the key advantage Rovers have in the race for the striker.

With Rovers' strong start to the Championship season after four points out of six, they could add more to the firepower with Stansfield and build a real claim for a playoff push.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/be-very-wary-blackburn-rovers-view-on-potential/

Fulham make £20m+ bid for Man Utd target, plunging Scott McTominay future into doubt
Manchester United's hopes of selling Scott McTominay have taken another twist, with Fulham re-thinking their plans.

Last night it emerged Fulham had re-opened talks with Manchester United over Scott McTominay.

After seeing two offers rejected, it looked like Fulham were preparing to pay up for the Manchester United midfielder.

Now Scott McTominay's future has been plunged into further doubt amid a new twist with a double impact for Manchester United.

Fulham bid for Sander Berge
Sky Sports report Fulham have submitted an offer of £20 million plus add-ons for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge.

The Sun had previously claimed Burnley were looking for £30 million for Berge amid Manchester United's interest.

Berge had been named as a possible target for United, via The Athletic, as an alternative to Manuel Ugarte.

The Athletic add Berge is expected to travel to Fulham for a medical over the next 24 hours, and underline that they are 'moving on' from Scott McTominay.

'Manchester United do not need to sell'
If Manchester United were desperate to sign Sander Berge, the club would be able to outmuscle Fulham in the market.

Standing aside and letting Fulham complete the deal would indicate United are more focused on top target Manuel Ugarte.

The Guardian report Manchester United do not need to sell a midfielder in order to finance a deal for Ugarte.

United are pursuing the wantaway Paris Saint-Germain midfielder and are attempting to whittle the price down.

Fulham's move for Berge instead of McTominay is a little unexpected, a spanner in the works, but it should not be too problematic for United.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/transfer-news/fulham-make-20m-bid-for-man-utd-target-plunging-scott-mctominay-future-into-doubt/

Manchester United Target Travelling To London For Fulham Medical
Manchester United target Sander Berge is on his way to London to undergo a medical ahead of a proposed transfer to Fulham, according to The Athletic.

The Red Devils have been looking at Berge as a potential alternative target if they fail to land Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte.

The Premier League giants have held talks with Burnley and the player's representatives and the Norwegian is keen on the move to Old Trafford.

However, they are now facing the real possibility of losing out on the midfielder to Fulham this summer.

The Cottagers are close to finalising a deal to take the midfielder to West London in the ongoing transfer window.

Fulham have agreed to pay a fixed fee of £20m plus another £5m in potential add-ons depending on his performances.

The 26-year-old midfielder is currently on his way to the British capital to undergo a medical at Fulham.

It remains to be seen whether the potential arrival of Berge affects Fulham's pursuit of Scott McTominay.



https://insidefutbol.com/2024/08/19/manchester-united-target-travelling-to-london-for-fulham-medical/657331/

Berge set for Fulham medical
Sander Berge is travelling to London for a medical with Fulham after the Whites agreed a deal with Burnley to sign the Norwegian midfielder, according to the Athletic.

The Cottagers have reportedly agreed a fee of around £20m – with £5m worth of add-ons – as well as already finalising personal terms with the 26 year-old. Berge is expected to undergo his medical at Motspur Park on Thursday.

Marco Silva had targeted the signing of a central midfielder before the end of the August transfer window following the summer departure of Joao Palhinha. Berge, who has won 46 caps for his country, has significant experience in English football having made 109 appearances for Sheffield United and playing 40 games for Burnley last season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/08/berge-set-for-fulham-medical/

Sander Berge transfer news: Fulham make bid to Burnley for Manchester United target
Fulham have made an offer for Burnley's Sander Berge; Berge has been a target for Manchester United; Fulham's bid worth around £20m plus add-ons; Marco Silva's side keen to add a midfielder; Scott McTominay also a target; Man Utd are keeping open dialogue with Burnley for Berge

(https://e0.365dm.com/24/08/2048x1152/skysports-sander-berge-burnley_6650823.jpg?20240808120442)
Fulham have made a bid to Burnley for Sander Berge

Fulham have made a bid to Burnley for Manchester United target Sander Berge.
The bid is worth around £20m plus add-ons and Fulham are understood to be awaiting Burnley's response to the offer.

Berge, who has three years left on his contract at Burnley, was a shining light in the Clarets' midfield last season but could not prevent them suffering relegation back to the Championship.

Marco Silva's side are in the market for a midfielder and last week re-opened talks for Man Utd's Scott McTominay.

Fulham, who had two bids rejected for McTominay - the latest of which was worth £20m - had re-opened talks with United to sign the midfielder late last week.

Man Utd to only consider McTominay offers if player says he wants to leave
It is understood United are happy for McTominay to stay and would only sanction his sale if he makes it clear he wants to leave and a suitable offer arrives.

United are understood to be happy to keep McTominay.

Napoli also retain an interest in McTominay. However, their focus is on signing Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. Any further incomings are likely to depend on the sale of Victor Osimhen.

McTominay has entered the final year of his contract. United have the option of extending for a further year.

The possible sale of McTominay would help in Manchester United's recruitment of a midfielder.

Manuel Ugarte remains a live option. Talks continue with Paris Saint-Germain over the signing.

A gap in valuation still exists, but United will stay patient as the player wants to join. Furthermore, the feeling is PSG want to do a deal.

In parallel to a potential move for Ugarte, United are keeping dialogue open with Burnley for Sander Berge and Fiorentina for Sofyan Amrabat.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/13199915/sander-berge-transfer-news-fulham-make-bid-to-burnley-for-manchester-united-target

Bid submitted: Premier League club looking to hijack Man United deal with £20m offer
Fulham are in the market for a new central midfielder and the London club have submitted a £20m bid plus add-ons for Burnley midfielder and Man United target Sander Berge.

Marco Silva is looking to replace Joao Palhinha in his squad after the Portuguese talent departed for Bayern Munich this summer.

Fulham's top target appears to be Man United's Scott McTominay and according to Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth, talks are ongoing between the two Premier League clubs over the midfielder but they have yet to come to an agreement over a transfer fee.

The Manchester outfit are believed to be happy to keep the Scotland international for the 2024/25 campaign, given his importance to Erik ten Hag last season, and will only consider offers if the 27-year-old makes it clear he wants to go.

It remains to be seen if McTominay opts for a new challenge away from Old Trafford but with so little time left in the transfer window, Fulham have started working on alternative targets.

According to Sky Sports, the Cottagers have submitted a £20m bid plus add-ons for Burnley's Sander Berge, who is also a target for Man United.

Fulham make the first move for Man United target Sander Berge
Berge looks set to leave Burnley this summer as there is strong interest in the midfielder from the Premier League. Fulham have made the first move for the Norway star but it remains to be seen if Man United will now respond.

The 26-year-old is on the Red Devils' list of midfield targets should they fail to land PSG's Manuel Ugarte.

However, there may be some good news for Fulham as it has been reported on Monday by Manchester World that the English giants have made progress in their attempt to sign the Uruguay international.

This would see Man United lose interest in Berge, allowing the London club to have a free run at the Burnley star.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/08/19/fulham-man-united-sander-berge/

'Fee Agreed': Fulham Steal 'Excellent' Manchester United Defensive Target
Fulham made a surprising bid for Sander Berge from Burnley, with whom Manchester United had previously been in contact.

Fulham Have Hefty Bid Accepted for Sander Berge, Manchester United Target
£25 Million Package Agreed Between Fulham and Burnley

The Athletic have reported that Fulham have "agreed to pay a fee" of £20 million for Berge. There will be an additional £5 million in add-ons potentially paid to Burnley. Personal terms have already been agreed, and the Norwegian's medical will take place shortly.

Berge was previously linked with Manchester United. The Red Devils had been in contact with the player's representatives, but it seems that their interest now lies more heavily with Manuel Ugarte.

Why Do Fulham Need Sander Berge?
Marco Silva lost arguably his best player from last season, Joao Palhinha, to Bayern Munich earlier this summer. The Portuguese has been a big part of their team for the past two years, and losing him could see them lose a lot of stability, as shown by United's success in direct attacks in the Premier League opener.

However, Fulham already have Sasa Lukic and Andreas Pereira, who formed the double-pivot during Friday night's match. The duo both had respectable season's last campaign and provide a competent defensive core.

The reason for signing Berge may lie more in his physical strength. He was deemed "excellent" in the Championship, partly due to his ability to bully opposition players off the ball. This allowed him to retain possession successfully, and advance play upfield. Another area in which he has been praised is his passing range. The Cottagers lost a great long passer in Palhinha, and so the signing of Berge may be more related to on-the-ball threat rather than his, still quality, defensive attributes.




https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2024/08/19/fulham-sander-berge/

Premier League rival set to sign Manchester United target in £25,000,000 deal
Manchester United have missed the chance to sign Sander Berge, with the Burnley star set to join Fulham instead.

Berge emerged as a surprise transfer target for United with Erik ten Hag on the hunt for a new central midfielder.

PSG's Manuel Ugarte was the top target but his £51million asking price has proven to be a big stumbling block, with the likes of Berge, Sofyan Amrabat, Frenkie de Jong and Youssouf Fofana under consideration.

The Norway international has impressed in the Premier League over the past few years though he has suffered relegation twice, first with Sheffield United and then with Burnley last season.

But he won't be heading to Old Trafford, with The Athletic reporting that Fulham have agreed to sign the 26-year-old for £20m, plus £5m in potential add-ons.

Personal terms have already been agreed, with the player heading to Craven Cottage for a medical on Tuesday.

Though Berge was far from United's No.1 choice, his move to Fulham will have an impact on the rest of the Red Devils' transfer window.

The Cottagers were very interested in signing Scott McTominay and had even recently re-opened talks with United for the Scotland star, but the arrival of Berge means they are no longer in the market for a midfielder.

There is interest in McTominay from other Premier League sides as well as Napoli, but it's looking even more likely that he'll be staying put at Old Trafford.

United are not actively looking to sell the 27-year-old but that will reportedly change if the player pushes for a move.

Selling McTominay would help raise the funds to sign Ugarte, with United running out of time to land the PSG star with the transfer deadline just over a week away.



https://metro.co.uk/2024/08/19/premier-league-rival-set-sign-man-utd-target-25-000-000-deal-21452079/?ito=newsnow-feed

Two major Man Utd deals COLLAPSE as rivals pinch target and Fabrizio Romano gives Here We Go confirmation
Manchester United have suffered a double transfer blow in one fell swoop after one possible departure fell through and a Premier League rival pinched one of their summer targets.

Man Utd have, largely, had a successful transfer window to date, securing statement signings such as Leny Yoro, 18, from Lille for £52m and fellow centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, 25, from Bayern Munich for a fee that could rise to £42.8m.

Striker Joshua Zirkzee swapped Bologna for the Red Devils in a £36.5m deal, while Bayern right-back Noussair Mazraoui signed for an initial £12.8m.

However, they haven't had it all their own way. They tried and failed to sign Joao Neves from Benfica, with the midfielder eventually joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was the subject of multiple rejected bids from United and in the end he stayed put at Goodison Park; plus, their efforts to sign PSG's Manuel Ugarte are proving difficult – but there may yet be a breakthrough in the end.

In a bid to fund their transfer war chest this summer, they sold Mason Greenwood to Marseille, Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham, and Willy Kambwala to Villarreal, among others.

They could be tempted into selling Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, Scott McTominay and Antony if the right offer comes along, too.

McTominay, for instance, has been linked with Fulham, Napoli, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in recent weeks but for the time being, the Scotland international remains at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old had his best season to date in 2023/24 for United, scoring 10 times in 43 matches, but that may not be enough to convince the club to hold onto the academy product.

Man Utd suffer double blow
Fulham looked the most likely destination for McTominay but according to Fabrizio Romano, a move to Craven Cottage is now off.

Moreover, one of their midfield targets, Burnley's Sander Berge, will not be heading to United, either.

That is because Fulham have agreed to pay £20m plus £5m in potential add-ons for the 26-year-old, reports The Athletic.

The report adds the Norway international and his agent Morten Wivestad are travelling to London for a medical on Tuesday.

Personal terms with the player are already in place, with the former Sheffield United man set to become Fulham's fourth signing of the summer: along with Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuena and Emile Smith Rowe.

Romano added that everything is set for Berge to leave Burnley for Fulham, and signed off with his customary, 'Here we go' catchphrase.

For now, it's back to the drawing board for United.



https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-united/two-major-man-utd-deals-collapse-rivals-pinch-target-fabrizio-romano-gives-here-we-go-confirmation

Fulham strike £25 million deal for Joao Palhinha replacement after ending McTominay pursuit
HITC understands that Fulham have taken a major step forward to making a midfield signing to replace Joao Palhinha this summer.

Joao Palhinha completed his move to Bayern Munich earlier this summer and this led to Marco Silva's Fulham looking for replacements.

Fulham came close to reaching an agreement to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre but the deal to take the Brazilian midfielder to Craven Cottage did not progress.

Marco Silva's Fulham were also keen on Scott McTominay and the Cottagers saw two bids rejected for the Manchester United midfielder.

Now, sources have told HITC that the London club is closing in on their chosen midfield target.

Fulham agree Sander Berge deal with Burnley
Sources have told HITC that Fulham have struck an agreement with EFL Championship side Burnley for the signing of Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge.

The Cottagers are long-term admirers of the Norwegian almost signed him in 2023, but the player failed a medical.

Now Fulham, who have been looking for a new holding midfielder since Palhinha left earlier this summer, have moved to agree terms with the Norwegian midfielder Berge.

Another side who were offered the chance to sign Berge were Manchester United with the Red Devils offered a plethora of midfielders as negotiations continue to bring in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

United did consider Berge as an option to potentially bring into their midfield but Jorge Mendes, Manuel Ugarte's agent, is confident that his client will end up at United.

Last season for Burnley, when the Lancashire club were in the Premier League, the Norwegian made 37 appearances in England's top division and is now set for a return to the pinnacle of English football.

Fulham ended McTominay interest, Napoli also keen
As mentioned, after having two offers rejected by the Red Devils for McTominay, rather than Fulham making a third bid for the Scotsman, the Cottagers instead turned their attention to Berge.

Another side who are interested in McTominay is Napoli with the Italian giants keen on signing the United midfielder this summer.

As for Fulham, sources have told HITC that a £25 million deal has now been agreed with Burnley for Berge with the add-ons making up £5 million of the deal.



https://www.hitc.com/fulham-strike-25-million-deal-for-joao-palhinha-replacement-after-ending-mctominay-pursuit/

Fulham table bid for Burnley midfielder Berge
Fulham have tabled a £20m bid for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge.

The Whites have turned their attention to Berge, 26, after being unable to agree a deal to sign Scott McTominay from Manchester United.

They are keen to bring in a midfielder following the recent sale of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich.

Berge impressed in the Premier League last season despite the Clarets' relegation. He scored in their 2-0 win at Fulham in December.

The Norway international joined Burnley last summer from Sheffield United, where he had a two-and-a-half-year spell.

Meanwhile, Fulham remain in negotiations with Crystal Palace over a possible return to Craven Cottage for former Whites loanee Joachim Andersen, but the two clubs have so far been unable to agree a fee for the Denmark defender.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-table-bid-for-burnley-midfielder-berge

Report: Fulham Nears 25m Deal For Championship Midfielder

Fulham's Strategic Move: Sander Berge's Imminent Arrival
Fulham's Transfer Agility
"Fulham are close to completing the signing of Burnley midfielder Sander Berge," according to reliable reports from Andy Jones and Peter Rutzler of The Athletic. In a strategic move, the west London club are set to bolster their midfield with a significant acquisition. With a deal agreed for a £20 million fee, plus an additional £5 million in potential add-ons, Fulham is making a clear statement of intent this season.

Medical and Terms Set
Berge, alongside his agent Morten Wivestad, are scheduled for a medical in London early this week. Personal terms have already been settled, paving the way for his swift integration into Marco Silva's squad. His arrival marks him as the fourth summer signing, following Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuena, and Emile Smith Rowe.

Strengthening the Midfield
After the departures of key players like Willian and João Palhinha, Berge's addition is timely. His potential contribution to Fulham's midfield dynamics is substantial, especially considering his experience with 46 caps for Norway and his Premier League tenure with Burnley and Sheffield United. Despite the initial setback of a 1-0 defeat at Manchester United, Berge's presence could significantly influence Fulham's performances, starting with their upcoming fixture against Leicester City.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
The impending signing of Sander Berge by Fulham could be one of the most astute moves of this transfer window. The club's ambition is evident, not just in targeting a player of Berge's calibre but also in the swift manner they've moved to secure his services. At £20 million, potentially rising to £25 million, Berge represents both a strategic investment and a statement of intent.

The Norwegian's versatility and experience at the top levels of football, including his international duty, are expected to inject much-needed resilience and skill into Fulham's midfield. Given the recent departures from the squad, his role will be crucial in anchoring the midfield and providing the necessary support to both defence and attack. His proven track record in the Premier League with Sheffield United and Burnley, despite the latter's relegation, shows he can handle the pressures of English football.

This signing could indeed be a catalyst for Fulham's ambitions this season, aiming not just for survival but perhaps a comfortable mid-table finish. The enthusiasm around his arrival is justified and could well be the key to a successful season at Craven Cottage.



https://eplindex.com/118208/report-fulham-nears-25m-deal-for-championship-midfielder.html

Sander Berge set for £25m move to Fulham despite interest from Man United - who are still trying to do a deal with PSG for Manuel Ugarte

    Sander Berge is set to join Fulham, despite previous interest from Man United
    The Red Devils are now focussed on trying to sign Manuel Ugarte from PSG

Monday night saw Fulham move for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge in a £25million deal.

The Norway international was an option for Manchester United but they are trying to sign Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain on loan.

Berge plans to travel to London with his agent Morten Wivestad on Tuesday for a medical once given the all-clear.

Fulham have offered £20m with a further £5m in add-ons for the 26-year-old.

They had revised talks with Manchester United over a deal for Scott McTominay but that was proving more expensive.

Berge's move underlines Ugarte as United's priority target for midfield.

United want PSG to drop their asking price and ideally need to sell but are trying once again to strike an initial loan with an obligation to buy.

Berge has played no part in either of Burnley's opening two games of the Championship campaign under new head coach Scott Parker, who replaced Vincent Kompany earlier this summer.

He made 37 appearances last term as Burnley were relegated from the Premier League.

The former Sheffield United star will become Fulham's fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuenca and Emile Smith Rowe.

Marco Silva has been looking for a defensive midfielder since Joao Palhinha's sale to Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, Burnley - who have moved to sign Chelsea defender Bashir Humphreys on loan - are anticipating an offer from Ipswich Town for defender Dara O'Shea.

O'Shea is also wanted by Wolves and Brentford.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13759445/Sander-Berge-set-25m-Fulham-despite-Man-United-trying-deal-PSG-Manuel-Ugarte.html

Fulham make bid worth £25m for Burnley midfielder Berge
Fulham have made a bid for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge worth £20m plus £5m in add-ons.

The Norway international would be Fulham's fourth signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Emile Smith Rowe, Jorge Cuenca and Ryan Sessegnon.

Fulham are looking to increase their midfield options after Joao Palhinha signed for Bayern Munich in July.
The Cottagers have also tried to bring in Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen with their last bid - £25m plus £5m in add-ons - falling short of Palace's valuation.

Berge, reportedly a target for Manchester United, has not featured in Burnley's first two games of the Championship season, with boss Scott Parker citing an injury as the reason.

The 26-year-old played 37 games last season as the Clarets were relegated from the Premier League.
He scored his only Premier League goal of the campaign in Burnley's 2-0 win at Craven Cottage in December.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9qgx1ve53wo

Quote from: WhiteJC on August 20, 2024, 12:00:00 AMThere's plenty to be optimistic about despite Fulham's losing start



Tosin's departure stings given he's now at Chelsea. Fulham had been negotiating with him for a while and the feelings were that he was the perfect partner to Calvin Bassey. However, Fulham stalled on salary and Chelsea offered more. While it will frustrate Fulham that they weren't able to convince Tosin to stay, we can be encouraged by Tosin's unconvincing pre-season. Chelsea fans quickly saw that he is capable of making a mistake per game. He was a fantastic player for Fulham, and if he now spends the rest of season with limited game time that would be a real shame.

The expectations at Chelsea could either make Tosin's career or break it. He has already been advised (with encouragement from the Chelsea staff) to switch his nationality to Nigeria, there's an argument that the reason for that advice is because they (Chelsea) don't think he is good enough to play for England. Tosin would have been surrounded by positivity and encouragement at Fulham, where the bar for performance is little lower. However, with the money that this Chelsea board have spent, he'll have to be near-perfect to get a look in. Which isn't a challenge he's had to face before, as he is now fighting to be first pick.

Prehaps its the cynic in me that reads this as after see tosin they realised a mistake has been made and as an international they can get more for selling him next year as why would you want a player to be away for the AFCONs and demand higher wages as an international but then again it is Chelsea.