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General Category => Archive => Daily Fulham Stuff => Topic started by: WhiteJC on June 24, 2019, 07:42:07 AM

Title: Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on June 24, 2019, 07:42:07 AM
Are Liverpool fighting a losing battle with Tottenham Hotspur over Ryan Sessegnon?

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are reportedly interested in Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham.

According to Bleacher Report, Liverpool are interested in signing Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham in the summer transfer window and have scouted him this past season.

The 19-year-old, who can operate as a left-back or as a left-winger, would be a brilliant addition to the Liverpool team, but the Reds may be fighting a losing battle with Tottenham Hotspur.

According to The Guardian, the teenager does not want to sign a new contract with Fulham and wants to join Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

It has been reported that the 19-year-old has told Fulham that he wants to join Tottenham to work with manager Mauricio Pochettino, and believes that he can thrive under the Argentine.

With the England Under-21 international reportedly keen on working with Pochettino, Liverpool are fighting a losing battle over the teenager with Tottenham.

After all, Andy Robertson is the first-choice left-back at Liverpool, and it is hard to see Sessegnon play further up in attack on a regular basis for the Reds.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/06/23/are-liverpool-fighting-a-losing-battle-with-tottenham-hotspur-ov/
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on June 24, 2019, 07:43:15 AM
Sessegnon Set To Remain At Fulham For One More Season, But...

Our latest article when it came to the Fulham future of Ryan Sessegnon, Click Here, carried the inference that we'd accepted that our talented youngster would, inevitably, be leaving the club this summer.

However, could we have assessed the situation wrong?

Apparently so!

According to the Sun, Sessegnon, who isn't putting pen-to-paper on a new deal, could be willing to see out his current contract, thereby remaining at Craven Cottage for one more season before leaving on a free transfer next summer.

Seemingly, our referenced source is inferring that such a plan would allow Ryan to sign a pre-contract deal in January, with a foreign club, with Inter Milan said to be the preferred destination.

Now whilst the move would see Ryan grace the famous white shirt for one last season, something that would be positive, such a plan does have a negative side with Fulham, once Sessegnon leaves as an out of contract player losing a fortune in a transfer fee.

In fact, all Fulham would receive would be something circa £500,000 as a compensation fee.

Your thoughts on the above would be most welcome in the comment facility beneath this article.



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/sessegnon-set-to-remain-at-fulham-for-one-more-season-but/
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on June 24, 2019, 07:44:51 AM
How Jean Tigana's French revolution had Fulham fans purring

Micky Adams might have lifted Fulham from the foot of the pyramid, Roy Hodgson oversaw the Great Escape and took the Whites to a scarcely believable European final, whilst Slavisa Jokanovic mastermined a return to the top flight culminating in that magical day at Wembley thirteen months ago, but ask any Hammersmith End regular who brought the best football to Craven Cottage and the answer will probably be almost unanimous – Jean Tigana.

The diminutive midfielder, forever immortalised in the Carré Magique alongside Platini, Giresse, Fernández of 1984, might have been a classy operator on the field but he proved something of a surprise appointment by the banks of the Thames in the summer of 2000. Despite guiding Lyon to second place in Ligue 1 and helping Monaco going one better before reaching the last four of the Champions' League – surprising the mighty Manchester United along the way – in 1998, he was largely unknown on these shores when a chance recommendation from Eric Cantona prompted an approach from former chairman Bill Muddyman, on the orders of Mohamed Al Fayed.

Tigana, who had never considered venturing overseas during his illustrious playing career, had not come across Fulham before. Why should he? The club's glory days, such as they were, belonged mostly to the era of black and white television and the amateur footballer, with Johnny Haynes to the fore. Despite Al-Fayed's ambition and a couple of promotions, the conventional wisdom was that the momentum of the club's surge up the English footballing pyramid had left with the departure of the charismatic Kevin Keegan for the national team. He was attracted by the challenge of bringing top flight football back to the white half of SW6 and the unique nature of the Cottage.

He sprung surprises straightaway. The players' summer holidays were cut short by two weeks and Tigana took the squad off to French for an intensive fitness work under the watchful eye of Roger Propos, with three sessions a day mapped up from 6.30am. Seasoned professionals were astonished that they waited more than a week to do any kind of ball work – in Tigana's own words, the first week was full of tests, both scientific and physical. In came dietitians, doctors and dentists as Tigana mapped a plan to revolutionise his side's nutrition and fitness. Alcohol was outlawed immediately.

There were a raft of technical tweaks as Tigana, working in tandem with his trusted assistant Christian Damiano, started imparting a blueprint designed to take his charges to the Premier League. Key to the new approach was an insistence on possession and keeping the playing the ball to feet, something that diametrically opposed to the way most First Division sides operated. It took a while to school his new charges in this philosophy, but the results quickly quelled any doubts about the effectiveness of these methods.

Supporters were perturbed by the almost instantaneous departure of cult hero Geoff Horsfield, revered on the terraces for his impact since swapping his part-time bricklayer's job at Halifax for west London. Tigana reasoned that Horsfield, whose goals had spearheaded Fulham's push to the Second Division and knocked Tottenham out of the League Cup, lacked both the mobility and pace to suit his system – selling him to Birmingham for £2.25m. His replacement was Louis Saha, known only in England for an underwhelming loan spell at Newcastle. The young Frenchman scored twice on his debut at Tiverton Town and never looked back, rattling in 32 goals in 48 appearances as the Whites left everyone else trailing in their wake.

The other notable summer arrivals had more of a pedigree in English football. Many were surprised when John Collins dropped down a division to sign from Everton, but the Scottish international was delighted to work again under Tigana, who had been astonished by the way Collins had moved to Monaco and picked up French within a matter of weeks. Collins' initial job was that of translator, but he soon became Fulham's vision of Tigana on the field, capable of touches of class and unlocking defences from almost anywhere whilst seeming to having eons of time on the ball. Luis Boa Morte was on his way out at Southampton, but became part of a potent front three alongside Saha and Barry Hayles, scoring 21 goals in a supremely successful loan spell at the start of a seven-year love affair with the club.

Aside from the acquisitions, Tigana's transformation of his existing resources raised eyebrows. Chris Coleman was always a classy presence at the back, but the transformation in Andy Melville, previously jeered by his own fans for what they felt were error-strewn performances, was startling. Melville and Kit Symons impressively coped with the trauma of Coleman's career-ending car accident at the turn of the year as Fulham surged to the Division One title, whilst Rufus Brevett, who believed he would one of the first players Tigana was going to release, produced the best football of his career, despite having just turned 30. Steve Finnan, a converted full back brought in Keegan from Notts County, became one of the country's leading right backs, who went on to the World Cup with Ireland and Champions' League glory with Liverpool.

At the other end of the field, Tigana came to rely heavily on Hayles, a veteran of the English lower leagues, even though the forward didn't test well during those early days in the south of France. By the end of his time in charge, Tigana felt Hayles could easily have fitted in to a number of the leading Ligue 1 sides.

He took a particular pride in promoting young players. Sean Davis had been a promising teenager when Micky Adams handed him a surprise senior debut but he had found regular first-team opportunities tough to come by under Keegan and Paul Bracewell. Tigana converted him into a deep-lying defensive midfielder, who enjoyed a tackle and retained an eye for goal. It was fitting that Davis scored the two most memorable goals of the season, an injury-time winner at Blackburn that capped a comeback from a goal and a man down against Fulham's closest rivals and sparked a joyous dash down the touchline from the typically guided and private, Tigana and a similarly late equaliser against Sheffield Wednesday that sealed the championship. For much of his first season in charge, Tigana also insisted that the gangly centre back Zat Knight played in midfield for the reserves, preparing him for a promotion to the senior side that arrived the following year.

Mere numbers don't do justice to the breathtaking way in which Tigana's side blew away the competition. Fulham won their first eleven games in a row, finishing the year with a record 101 points and scoring ninety goals. Tipped to struggle with the step up to the top flight, Fulham not only survived, but reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, which led to an InterToto Cup adventure the following year and a first taste of European football in the UEFA Cup. Tigana reset the ambitions of London's oldest professional club, signing Edwin van der Sar from Juventus and bringing in another classy midfielder in Steed Malbranque. The end of the ride might have been acrimonious – a parting of the ways after a loss of trust between Tigana and Al Fayed left a homeless football club in danger of relegation at Loftus Road – but the journey was majestic.

Tigana looks back fondly on his days by the River Thames, saying that he never found the fellowship he felt from the fans at Fulham anywhere else in his career. The feeling is mutual, because his football and impact on the football club, was arguably unparalleled. Happy birthday, Jean.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/06/how-jean-tiganas-french-revolution-had-fulham-fans-purring/
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on June 24, 2019, 07:45:46 AM
Fulham preparing £20m offer for Norwich target Gayle

Fulham are preparing a £20m offer for Norwich City transfer target Dwight Gayle this summer.

According to The Express, via Birmingham Mail, Fulham are poised to make their first offer for the prolific marksman.

The report claims that Stoke, Aston Villa and West Brom are also interested, whilst Norwich have been linked with a move for the striker.

Fulham are said to be keen on striking a deal for Gayle as they look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking next season, following their relegation to the Championship.

Gayle spent last season on loan to West Brom in the Championship, where he scored 24 goals for the Baggies – as they finished 4th in the table, before losing in the semi-finals of the play-offs to Aston Villa.

Norwich have only made one signing so far this summer, bringing in Patrick Roberts on loan from Manchester City.



https://readnorwich.com/2019/06/23/fulham-preparing-20m-offer-for-norwich-target-gayle/
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on June 24, 2019, 07:47:13 AM
Why Tottenham's move for Ryan Sessegnon may hinge on one player
TOTTENHAM boss Mauricio Pochettino is interested in buying Fulham wide man Ryan Sessegnon this transfer window, but the deal may hinge on Kieran Trippier being sold, it's been claimed.

Tottenham have been trying to sign Fulham's Sessegnon since last summer.

Pochettino is still being linked with the England Under-21 star, but the deal may hinge on Trippier.

Sessegnon is an attacking full-back, and the Argentinian boss may be wary about the defensive side of his game, said TalkSport's David Connolly.

Trippier has been linked with a move to Juventus, and Spurs are reportedly willing to sell the right-back.

"I'm sure [Pochettino has] highlighted Sessegnon," said Connolly.

"I know, like Trippier, he's had a disappointing season, and it's an awful lot of money, but they were interested in him last season.

"He's another attacking fullback. I think they may need some help defensively as well Tottenham, it can't just all be about attack.

"Certainly defensively, I'd be thinking 'I need a left-back that could provide a bit of balance'.

"If it is Ryan Sessegnon [that replaces Trippier], he's a talented boy, but he's another young player where this season hasn't gone quite right for him.

"I think he might benefit from playing another season in the Championship. It's a steep learning curve."

Trippier is just one of the players that Spurs are prepared to cash in on, after a difficult season.

His dip in form cost him a spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Nations League this summer.

Napoli had been interested in signing Trippier, but it's believed Mauricio Sarri plans to make the former Burnley defender his replacement for the outgoing Joao Cancelo at Juventus.

Meanwhile, Sessegnon's current Fulham contract runs out at the end of next season.

If no club makes an official bid for Sessegnon, he could run down his deal and agree terms with a new team in January.




https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1144200/tottenham-transfer-news-ryan-sessegnon-fulham-kieran-trippier
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on June 24, 2019, 07:49:51 AM
Furlong set to join Fulham from Shamrock Rovers

(https://img.rasset.ie/00120397-800.jpg)
James Furlong in action for the Republic of Ireland Under-17s

Shamrock Rovers' James Furlong is expected to sign for Fulham, recently relegated from the Premier League.

The left-back, who made his debut against Dundalk at aged just 16 in late April, is understood to have agreed terms and a three-year deal at the London club.

After making his Rovers senior debut away to Dundalk, Furlong enjoyed linking up with the Ireland squad for the European Under-17 Championships.

Furlong recently concluded his transition year in CBC Monkstown. Like regular Ireland international Enda Stevens, he goes to England from the Tallaght club and plays left-back.

There is another Shamrock Rovers and Fulham connection when it comes to left-sided defenders, Hoops' Sean Kavanagh having made 21 appearances for the Cottagers.

It is understood that Rovers will be entitled to compensation for Furlong but he is not on a professional contract with Stephen Bradley's side.

There are also reports that another left-back for the Hoops, Trevor Clarke, is attracting the attention of British sides.

Rovers, who trail the champions by five points, host Dundalk on Friday needing to win to stay in contention in the title race.

Fulham, meanwhile, are planning their pre-season and a potential return to the top flight under Scott Parker, who replaced Claudio Ranieri in February.



https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2019/0623/1057041-furlong-set-to-join-fulham-from-shamrock-rovers/
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on June 24, 2019, 07:50:24 AM
Furlong poised for Fulham switch

Fulham are expected to complete the signing Republic of Ireland youth international James Furlong from Shamrock Rovers in the coming days.

The 17 year-old left back has agreed a three-year contract and personal terms with the Championship club with a nominal compensation fee payable to Shamrock and St. Joseph's Boys. Fulham are understood to have beaten off stiff competition from a number of English sides for Furlong, who made his senior debut against Dundalk in April. Both Brighton and Hove Albion and Stoke City had been heavily linked with the teenager in the spring.

Furlong will follow in the footsteps of Shamrock team-mate Sean Kavanagh, who moved to London having signed from Belvedere in 2011, and went to make 27 senior appearances for the Whites. A regular in the Republic of Ireland youth set-up, who played every minute of Ireland's three games as they hosted the European Under 17 Championships in May, Furlong will fill a gap at left back in his new club's academy set-up.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/06/furlong-poised-for-fulham-switch/
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on June 24, 2019, 07:51:39 AM
Has this talkSPORT pundit got his transfer wires horribly crossed at Tottenham?

Tottenham Hotspur's potential move for Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon could depend on whether Kieran Trippier is sold.

That is the opinion of former West Ham United and Republic of Ireland striker David Connolly.

He said on talkSPORT's Transfer Tavern (23/6/19 between 5 pm – 7 pm): "I'm sure [Pochettino has] highlighted Sessegnon,"

"I know, like Trippier, he's had a disappointing season, and it's an awful lot of money, but they were interested in him last season.

"He's another attacking fullback. I think they may need some help defensively as well Tottenham, it can't just all be about attack.

"If it is Ryan Sessegnon [that replaces Trippier], he's a talented boy, but he's another young player where this season hasn't gone quite right for him.

"I think he might benefit from playing another season in the Championship. It's a steep learning curve."

"Certainly defensively, I'd be thinking 'I need a left-back that could provide a bit of balance'.

Opinion

It seems strange why the future of Trippier would hinge on a deal for Sessegnon when both players operate on different sides of the pitch.

Trippier's natural position is at right-back while Sessegnon is versatile to play anywhere on the left side.

If it were Danny Rose who he had mentioned in relation to Sessegnon when it would make perfect sense which makes you think if the former professional footballer has actually got confused on which side of the pitch that Trippier plays on.

Connolly also suggested that Sessegnon could benefit by playing another season in the Championship after he struggled to make an impact in the top flight following Fulham's promotion to the Premier League last year.

The 19-year-old is out of contract next summer which certainly makes him an attractive proposition for the likes of Tottenham.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/has-this-talksport-pundit-got-his-transfer-wires-crossed-at-tottenham/
Title: Re: Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/19...
Post by: WhiteJC on June 24, 2019, 07:53:17 AM
Fulham's Financial Gamble Could Play Right Into Levy & Spurs Hands Ultimately

Speculation on the summer transfer window rumour mill linking Tottenham Hotspur with a move for relegated Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon has been well covered, well stated and well rehashed so far this summer.

The coverage at this time of year is constant and contradictory and that doesn't just apply to our apparent chase for 19-year-old Sessegnon, as at points it was even suggested that we were looking to do a double deal involving his brother, Steven, but nothing came of that.

Having apparently already bid £20million, the latest twist is we haven't submitted an offer full stop and with Fulham presumably knowing there's not a cat in hell's chance of them holding out for £50million for him, the Sun have claimed this weekend that Inter Milan are now sniffing around him.

If Spurs do have an interest in Sessegnon though, this to me plays squarely into our hands when it comes to not overpaying for the talent, especially in light of how he struggled in the Premier League last season.

With only 12 months left on his contract and a seeming refusal to sign any new deal, Fulham simply have to decide if it's this window or next. This window £20-30million is more than fair given his development curve. Come January that's definitely down to £15/20million tops given his contract situation. But in January there's another aspect to consider, he can sign a pre-contract abroad and all Fulham would then be entitled to is training compensation and the report states that would net them only £500,000.

A tribunal in this country would undoubtedly award more but it's doubtful it would be in double figures.

The question isn't so much what are Spurs willing to pay, it's more a case of how much do Fulham fancy losing?




https://spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulhams-financial-gamble-could-play-right-into-levy-spurs-hands-ultimately/