Fulham 'consider £12m move for Arsenal defender Calum Chambers' after he impressed at Craven Cottage on loan in 2018-19 as Scott Parker plans for return to the Premier League
Fulham are considering a move for Arsenal centre-back Calum Chambers
Chambers, who would cost £12m, impressed on loan at Fulham in 2018-19
Centre-back hasn't played since December due to injury but is nearing return
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal defender Calum Chambers.
Chambers produced some impressive performances while on loan when Fulham were last in the Premier League during the 2018-19 season.
Although the Cottagers were relegated during that campaign, Chambers emerged with much credit and is still highly thought of at Fulham.
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Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal defender Calum Chambers permanently
As reported by The Sun, Scott Parker is considering signing Chambers on a permanent basis, with the centre-back potentially costing £12million.
Chambers hasn't played since he suffered a serious knee injury in December but is closing in on a return.
The 25-year-old is back in light training and is continuing to use the gym at Arsenal's London Colney training ground during the off season.
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Chambers produced some impressive performances while on loan at Fulham in 2018-19
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Fulham manager Scott Parker is looking to strengthen his side after they were promoted
Chambers mainly featured in midfield during his previous spell at Fulham and was named the club's player of the year.
However, if he was to rejoin Fulham it is anticipated that he would be used at centre-back.
Arsenal have a host of centre-backs on their books and may have to sell some players in order to raise funds to strengthen their squad.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8617655/Fulham-consider-12m-Arsenal-defender-Calum-Chambers-Scott-Parker-looks-strengthen.html
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could green light £12m sale to help fund Thomas Partey transfer
Arsenal need to sell players to raise funds for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal are reportedly willing to let Calum Chambers leave the Emirates with Fulham keen on the player who spent the 2018/19 season on loan with them.
Chambers is currently recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained against Chelsea in December.
The 25-year-old will miss the start of the new season but is hoping to be back to full fitness by October.
But with several defenders on the books at Arsenal, Chambers faces a battle to regain his place in the team.
And it means he is available for transfer if a suitable offer is made for him.
According to The Sun, newly-promoted Fulham are interested in signing Chambers for £12million this summer.
Two years ago, Chambers spent the season on loan at Craven Cottage and was named their Player of the Year.
Chambers' sale would provide Mikel Arteta with some much-needed funds to spend in the transfer market with the likes of Thomas Partey high on their wishlist but currently out of their price range.
Two years ago when Fulham were promoted to the Premier League they took a bold approach and spent £100m on players.
But it backfired and they were sent straight back down to Championship.
However, having secured an immediate return to the top flight, the lessons from 2018/19 have been learned.
And club's director Tony Khan is confident they have a squad capable of staying up with a couple of additions.
"The investment we made was a big reason we got promoted," Khan told The Times.
"We spent on the future. I am very happy with the players I bought in 2018.
"I feel better about the club, it's not as if we have to build again and I expect the squad to look very similar to the one that got promoted.
"We won't spend 100 million pounds again, I don't think we need to. The best players we bought are still with us."
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1321677/Arsenal-transfer-news-Mikel-Arteta-Calum-Chambers-Thomas-Partey-gossip-rumours
Leeds United, West Brom and Fulham join race for ex-Bournemouth winger
Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham have joined the race for ex-Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser according to 90Min.
Fraser left the Cherries after the lockdown period with his contract due to expire in the summer and refused to sign a short-term extension meaning he was absent for their games post lockdown.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have previously been linked with the winger but have seemingly cooled their interest meaning one of the newly promoted sides could have a great chance of signing him.
The Scottish international is available on a free transfer and for a player of his calibre it would represent great business for any Premier League side.
Arsenal are close to confirming the signing of Willian from Chelsea meaning it is unlikely they will pursue Fraser and Spurs are also thought to be considering alternative options.
Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United are all long-term admirers of Fraser and will provide stern competition to the three new clubs entering the top-flight.
The Scot made 28 appearances for the Cherries last term but endured a difficult campaign at the Cherries, scoring just once and adding four assists during their relegation season.
However, in the previous campaign he provided 14 assists which was only bettered by Chelsea's Eden Hazard, raising his profile even further.
To acquire a winger such as Fraser for a newly promoted side and on a free transfer would be a real coup and could be the difference between staying in the division or struggling for survival.
https://the72.co.uk/186043/leeds-united-west-brom-and-fulham-join-race-for-ex-bournemouth-winger/
West Brom and Fulham set to battle for Peterborough United striker
West Bromwich Albion and Fulham are set to do battle for Peterborough United striker Ivan Toney with his 'dream move' being to the Premier League as reported by Football Insider.
The 24-year-old was close to joining Brentford but following their play-off final heartbreak, Fulham and West Brom could steal a march on them as they are able to offer top-flight football.
Toney had a standout season in League One in 2019/20 as he scored 26 goals and finishing as the top scorer in the division despite the premature end to the campaign.
In total, he has scored 49 goals in two seasons at Peterborough and has announced himself as one of the best strikers outside the Premier League.
Posh have already rebuffed a bid from Brentford for around £5million and an offer from Celtic for £2.5-£3million as they have made it clear they are holding out for close to £10million for their prized asset.
New York Red Bulls are also said to be interested in the striker but he has reportedly made it clear that he would prefer a move to the Premier League.
West Brom and Fulham are both looking to add to their striking department this summer with the Cottagers relying heavily on Aleksandar Mitrovic and are hoping to bring in fresh faces to add competition to their strikeforce.
The Baggies' strikers struggled last season with Charlie Austin finishing as their top scorer with 11 goals but neither him or Hal Robson-Kanu or Kenneth Zohore managed to find the back of the net on a consistent basis.
It would represent something of a gamble for the newly promoted sides to pursue Toney with a lack of top-flight experience but he is undoubtedly a huge talent with a bright future.
https://the72.co.uk/186059/west-brom-and-fulham-set-to-battle-for-peterborough-united-striker/
How Joe Bryan's £150m free-kick for Fulham was born in his back garden in Bristol
The former Bristol City left-back was the star man in the play-off final after a clever free-kick sent Fulham to Wembley, but it all started in the south west
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Joe Bryan of Fulham celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final match between Brentford and Fulham (Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Joe Bryan joined the annals of Fulham history with his two goals in the play-off final against Brentford.
The former Bristol City left-back kick-started a memorable win in extra time, wrong footing David Raya in the Bees net by 'giving him the eyes', shaping up to cross from 40-yards out before sneaking it in at the front post.
And his second goal to cap off the win sparked jubilant scenes at an empty Wembley, but the Joe Bryan free-kicks we all know and love, now heading for the Premier League, were of course not moulded in the mean streets of London.
Having risen through the youth ranks at Bristol City and making his debut in 2012, and the left-back has explained how the free-kick routine reminded him of his Dad back in Bristol.
Speaking in an interview with the Athletic, Bryan said: "I was lucky enough to grow up out in the country, with a lot of green fields. My parents had a big garden and we always had a decent-sized goal in it.
"This is why I never really watched much football growing up because most of the time I was out in the garden playing it — me, my dad, my two brothers and my sister. We used to just boot balls around in the garden and dad used to do this thing where, after he'd been working in the garden all afternoon, he'd come over with these big Wellington boots on, and he'd just toe-punt the ball around.
"He'd do this thing where he would look at one corner — like really look at it — and just punt into the other corner and he'd run off going, 'The eyes, the eyes, the eyes! He's done him with the eyes!'
"It's one of those memories that stay with you from when you're a kid. After the game I started laughing, because someone just mentioned 'Oh, you gave him the eyes', and it just made me think of Dad!
"Then I got it in the ear all weekend in Bristol, because I didn't mention the other people (in his post-match interview) — my mum was like, 'Why don't you ever mention me?' Guys, it's an interview. It's not an acceptance speech at the Oscars!"
Bryan admitted that he knew he had to do something special that evening after a season where he was critical of several of his performances.
He said: "It was one of those days where I was thinking, 'Right, I need to step up tonight, I need to step up tonight. I'm a little bit disappointed with the season. So I need to do something good tonight.' And yeah, I think I managed that.
"I'm uber-critical of myself. So there's probably a few too many goals I could probably go, 'Look, it's not directly my fault but, positioning-wise, I could have covered it.'
"A few too many moments like that this season... you have seasons like that, you have bad months, days, weeks. I just thought it was time to do something that got me a few pats on the back from the Fulham faithful."
Bryan, now in his third season at Craven Cottage, has seen a huge shift in the mentality of the squad since Scott Parker's arrival, but admitted that at first he did not fit in well following his move from the Robins.
He was just one new signing in a huge summer of recruitment, which ultimately led to Fulham's demise, and said he didn't enjoy the atmosphere at the club.
"There were a lot of divides and stuff, and I won't go too much into it, but I'd quite happily say I just didn't really enjoy it," he says.
"When you've got a good team spirit and a togetherness, that's just one of the most important things and even when you lose, having that means you're in a better position to bounce back.
"Whereas when you haven't got that, and there's finger-pointing, whispers in the corridors, that kind of thing... it's just not a very fun thing to be a part of."
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-joe-bryans-150m-free-4417041
Christie recalls 'shock' at racial abuse from young Irish fan
Republic of Ireland international Cyrus Christie has revealed that he was racially abused by a young Irish supporter after a training session in Dublin.
The 27-year-old, who was part of the Fulham side that earned promotion to the Premier League last week via the play-off final, was speaking on dealing with racial abuse throughout his career.
The full-back outlined one particular incident with a young fan while on international duty that left him in shock, with some fellow players refusing to sign autographs as a result.
Speaking on OTB AM, Christie also highlighted that James McClean, often the victim of racial abuse himself, addressed the incident with the squad.
"It was a kid, that's why it shocked me," he said. "It's come from a kid. You don't want to blame the kid because it's come from the parents in my mind.
"What shocked me the most is that obviously he's there with the teacher. The teacher didn't say nothing. She allowed it. Unless you educate these people it's going to keep happening.
"That's what I find scary. You have older generations and they're so stubborn... they're not going to change their mind because if you've been on this Earth for 50, 60 years it's hard to change someone's opinion.
"You've got kids that understand what is going on in this world... they're growing up in a different time now.
"For a teacher, who is in a high position, who is meant to be a carer, for her not to say anything was what shocked me even more. I don't know what's been said around him [the kid] or his education, but it's a kid who I'm sure has enough longevity in his life to know where he went wrong there.
"Hopefully 20 years from now he doesn't have the same opinion."
https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0812/1158724-christie-recalls-racial-abuse-from-young-irish-fan/
Cody Drameh's strengths and unlikely influences as Leeds United linked with Fulham prospect
Leeds United have been linked with a move for the 18-year-old Fulham prospect
Leeds United's march to the Premier League has begun in earnest.
Marcelo Bielsa is a man that thrives on details, and the club had barely finished their champagne when a raft of transfer rumours and reports surfaced online.
One of the more recent reports has seen Cody Drameh linked to the club. The Fulham youngster was already on course for the Premier League with the London club, but he now looks set for a move to Elland Road.
But what can Leeds fans expect of Drameh?
The 18-year-old was born in Dulwich, London, and has progressed through Fulham's youth system to represent their U18s and now their U23s.
A right-back by trade, he has played across the backline for Fulham, and has also represented England at youth level.
A fan of basketball, it is believed he had a promising opportunity to pursue it as a career in his youth before focusing his efforts into football. In an interview, he cited former Real Madrid defender Achraf Hakimi as his inspiration.
It's worth stating that the sample size of available data for Drameh is small, but that doesn't mean we can't learn something about the defender.
What instantly stands out about Drameh is his physical gifts, and how well they would mesh with Bielsa's system and style of play.
Drameh has good speed and stamina, and that helps him contribute in the final third. He likes to link up with teammates through quick interchanges to put him in behind the opposition full-back, where his pace can be a real asset. He's a good dribbler and looks comfortable on the ball.
As discussed, Drameh has shown a degree of versatility for Fulham, and after watching him, it's not unfair to suggest he could operate as a wing-back if Bielsa wanted to adopt a back five or a back three next season.
He reads the game well and is not afraid to put a foot in and try to win the ball back for his team.
When it comes to areas of improvement, the full-back will want to see more end product in the final third.
His crosses from deep need work as they rarely pose a threat and more often than not end up on the head of the opposition. To his credit, he gets into good positions behind the full-back but struggles to connect those low crosses with teammates in the box.
The other main area of improvement is his aerial ability. He is too easily beaten in the air by opponents.
It's interesting to see how many young players Leeds have been linked with this summer. It would appear that the club are trying to build out their U23 ranks as much as the first team, and right now, it would be hard to think of Drameh as a signing for the first team.
That said, his blend of defensive toughness and physical gifts could be perfect for Bielsa's style of play in the long run. The Argentine has a history of developing young players, and there's a lot of potential to be unlocked with Drameh. If the reported fee of £400,000 is accurate, this could be a steal for Leeds.
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-cody-drameh-transfer-18754392
Carvalho Wins Club Award(https://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/academy/carvalho_award_top_pic.JPG?w=622&h=278)
Now Under-23 midfielder Fabio Carvalho has been voted Fulham Football Club 'Scholar of the Year' as part of the Premier League End of Season Awards.
Fabio enjoyed a successful season, managing an impressive 11 goals and eight assists.
His strong performances saw him become a regular starter for Mark Pembridge and Colin Omogbehin's Under-23s.
The award is voted on by all academy staff that work within the Player Development Programme (PDP).
Academy Education Manager, Sean Cullen, said: "His excellent attitude both on the pitch and in all areas of his programme and his high level of performance were the key factors in him winning this award."
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/august/12/carvalho-award
'It seems a risk' – Fulham plotting transfer swoop for Arsenal player: The verdict
This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal defender Calum Chambers according to The Sun.
Chambers has struggled for consistent game time with the Gunners, and it seems unlikely that he has a long-term future at the club.
The defender made 18 appearances in total for Arsenal in the 2019/20 season, before injury cut short his time in the team under the management of Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal are reportedly looking for a fee in the region of £12million for Chambers' services, and it seems as though Fulham are interested in a potential deal for the 25-year-old.
The Cottagers are preparing for life back in the Premier League, after they won promotion via the play-offs in the Championship.
But would Chambers be a good addition to the Fulham squad?
We discuss.....
Ned Holmes:
I think this looks a strong signing but I'd be really concerned about his injury record.
In Michael Hector, Fulham have a fantastic centre-back and one that I'm confident can thrive at Premier League level.
Outside him I can't say I'm fully convinced by their options, so moving for a proven top-flight defender like Chambers is a good move.
He's has put together some impressive performances for Arsenal in recent years but has struggled to stay fit.
It seems a risk for Fulham to spend big on a defender that might miss long periods of the season.
Alfie Burns:
I can see how Chambers would fit into the style of play Scott Parker favours.
He's good on the ball and offers potential Premier League experience for Fulham to add to their defensive ranks.
At 25, he's at the age where he needs to be playing more regularly than he is and it's an advantage that he's spent time at Craven Cottage before.
Whether he's worth the £12m is another question, but it's not a bad signing for Fulham to chase.
George Dagless:
I'm unsure.
I think Fulham would be wise looking to get in a new centre-half to challenge Tim Ream for a spot – I think Michael Hector is a cert to start next season – and Chambers obviously has talent.
However, I think Fulham would be wise in getting someone more proven at this level that can come in quickly and help lead alongside Hector.
Adding experience in key areas could be ideal for Fulham this year, because the basics of their squad in terms of ability are already good – it's just adding that extra bit of knowhow.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/it-seems-a-risk-fulham-plotting-transfer-swoop-for-arsenal-player-the-verdict/
West Brom and Fulham edge ahead of Celtic in race to sign 26-goal ace
West Brom and Fulham have been given a boost in their reported pursuit of signing Peterborough United striker Ivan Toney.
It is reported that Toney is keen on a move to sign for a Premier League club ahead of the 2020/21 season instead of a move elsewhere.
The former Newcastle United forward had been set to sign for Brentford, but the Bees missed out on promotion into the top-flight after a defeat to Fulham in the Championship play-off final.
That seems to have disrupted their move for Toney, with the striker now seemingly keen on a move to the Premier League in the near future according to Football Insider.
Scottish giants Celtic are also believed to be keen admirers of the Peterborough United forward, who has been in impressive form this term.
The 24-year-old scored 26 goals in 39 appearances for Posh, as they narrowly missed out on promotion into the Championship, after the majority of clubs agreed to curtail the League One season on a PPG (points per game) basis.
A move to West Brom could be tempting for the forward as well, with the Baggies winning promotion automatically into the Premier League under the management of Slaven Bilic.
The Verdict:
It's only a matter of time before he leaves Peterborough.
Toney was brilliant for Posh during the 2019/20 season, and I'm not surprised to hear that a number of clubs are reportedly interested in signing him.
To play in the Premier League is likely to be any players' dream, and this could certainly play into both Fulham and West Brom's hands as they battle it out to land Toney's signature.
I think he'd be more likely to get much-needed game time with West Brom, as I couldn't see him replacing Mitrovic is the Fulham team next term.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/west-brom-and-fulham-edge-ahead-of-celtic-in-race-to-sign-26-goal-ace/
'Hope you get relegated' – Some Spurs fans blast club official over dig at Spurs player
Some Spurs fans on social media have blasted Fulham's director of football operations Tony Khan for his comments regarding Ryan Sessegnon when asked about the club's rumoured interest in signing the youngster on loan.
Tottenham paid £25million to sign Sessegnon from Fulham last summer after the Cottagers failed to beat the drop.
The youngster has not had the impact that he would have hoped for in his first season at Spurs, failing to get a single minute under his belt since the restart of the Premier League season.
The Telegraph claimed that Scott Parker was interested in taking Sessegnon back to Craven Cottage on loan next season after they saw off Brentford in the play-off final to book their ticket back to the top flight.
However, when Khan was asked about Sessegnon, he insisted that the club will not be re-signing the 20-year-old since he did not do enough to keep Fulham up last time (Evening Standard).
Some Spurs fans criticised Khan for seemingly pinning Fulham's relegation on the Spurs star and insisted that it was a case of sour grapes the American businessman.
https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/hope-you-get-relegated-some-spurs-fans-blast-club-official-over-dig-at-spurs-player/
Where Fulham must strengthen to be competitive in the Premier League
Scott Parker's tactical masterclass at Wembley is still fresh in the mind, but the hard work is underway to ensure Fulham's forthcoming Premier League campaign is much more enjoyable than their last. In 2018/19, spoiled perhaps by the sparkling football that took Slavisa Jokanovic's swashbuckling side up, Fulham fans endured a dreadfully disappointing season that saw virtually a whole new side relegated with barely a whimper. Nobody is interested in a repeat – and both Parker and director of football Tony Khan have suggested that retaining the core of the squad that has achieved promotion will be at the forefront of their minds.
That being said, it is clear to anybody that new signings are necessary to make Fulham even close to competitive in the top flight. We saw how easily the pace and power of opposition forwards can rip you apart at Premier League level and reinforcements, especially in a defence that conceded 81 league goals during that horrible season, are vital.
Right back
Fulham still haven't adequately replaced Ryan Fredericks, who moved on to West Ham after the play-off final win over Aston Villa. Fredericks' blistering pace was an asset in both boxes and was sorely missed over the course of a dismal season having been pivotal to our rise under Jokanovic. Cyrus Christie was a solid performer in the second half of this campaign but was proven to be well below the standard required in the top flight last term. Denis Odoi did brilliantly to keep Brentford at bay, but he's not the answer either. Steven Sessegnon might be highly-rated but he hasn't made much of a first-team impression since the early part of the season and a loan might be best for his own development. Fulham can't afford to repeat the mistakes of their last experience in the top flight, where defensive naivety and giving the ball away in dangerous areas were far too commonplace.
We have yet to be linked with a right back, but it feels like a critical position to nail down early to give the new arrivals a chance to bed in. Matty Cash was a revelation once Sabri Lamouchi converted him into a right-back and I'd be wanting to test Nottingham Forest's resolve to keep a hold of the Slough-born 23 year-old. There are already rumours that West Ham and Aston Villa are eager to offer him a shot at the Premier League and Fulham should really join that race without delay.
Centre Back
Michael Hector made such a huge difference to the durability of Fulham's defence from January and single-handedly kept us in games with important interventions (see that sensational tackle and clearance on Robert Glatzel at Cardiff in the first leg of the play-off semi-final). While he would see your starting centre back, it is his first taste of Premier League football and it will be interesting to see if he can be quite as dominant at a higher level. Tim Ream did well at Wembley but was badly out of his depth two seasons ago. The American's service to the club and ball-playing ability should see him remain part of the squad, but at least another centre back is vital. Both Alfie Mawson and Maxime Le Marchand have been poor since arriving a couple of summers ago and I would investigate the possibility of going back in for Huddersfield's Terence Kongolo, who got injured just when his loan spell was getting up and running. His outstanding tackle on Gabriel Jesus in an otherwise forgettable pasting by Manchester City sticks in the memory and I'd love to see whether he could forge a powerful partnership with Hector at the back.
Winger
The indifferent displays of Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro gave Neeskens Kebano a late opportunity to impress as our promotion push really picked up and, although the Congolese winger, really came to the party, I feel we are going to need more dynamism out wide when the season kicks off. I'd love to bring Ryan Babel, so successful on loan, back to the Cottage. I'm fully aware that will be eighteen months older than the last time he pulled on a white shirt, but his Premier League experience, eye for goal, and pace would be tremendous assets to a side that has looked worryingly predictable at times in the Championship. I can only agree with Mawson's assessment from the tail end of last season: 'If we had him from the start of the season we would've had a lot better chance of staying up'.
If Babel's age makes a permanent move a non-starter, there are younger alternatives around. I'd be tempted to make an audacious move for Daniel James, whose opportunities at Manchester United are likely to be restricted by the strength of the squad that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to pick from. He was only a substitute as United struggled to breakdown FC Copenhagen in the Europa League on Monday and he has been left kicking his heels on the sidelines an awful lot this. James' work ethic would mean that he could provide the necessary defensive cover, whilst his pace would add a different dimension in the final third to anything that Fulham have currently got.
Striker
There's no doubt that Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has now scored 49 goals in a hundred Fulham appearances, will be the first name on the teamsheet when our Premier League campaign gets underway – and deservedly so. He was outstanding in a dismal team the last time we were at this level and I'd back him to better eleven goals this time around. But there is a strong case to supplement our striking resources should anything happen to the Serbian. I'm not convinced by Bobby Decordova-Reid, who covered plenty of ground but lacked the finishing touch in the Championship, and I feel that Aboubakar Kamara is better suited to playing out wide. Jay Stansfield is a hell of a prospect but it's probably a little too early to throw him into top flight football.
I'd be happy with our rumoured pursuit of Ivan Toney bearing fruit. He's been in outstanding form for Peterborough, having scored 24 goals in 26 appearances in League One. He'd probably be willing to be a squad rotation option in the Premier League and has something to prove at this level, having been released by Rafa Benitez at Newcastle. The difficult part will be beating off significant competition for Toney's signature, with Leeds, West Brom and Celtic all apparently hoping to land the 24 year-old.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/where-fulham-must-strengthen-to-be-competitive-in-the-premier-league/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=where-fulham-must-strengthen-to-be-competitive-in-the-premier-league
Fulham could make offer for player in coming days – Talks expected
Turkish newspaper Takvim report Fulham remain keen on signing their former player Ryan Babel, and that they could make an official offer to Galatasaray in the coming days.
The Dutch winger was loaned out to Ajax for the second half of the season after joining Gala on a free transfer last summer.
Despite Fulham's relegation in the 2018/19 season, Babel managed to score five Premier League goals before heading back to Turkey.
Takvim report the west London club will look to strengthen their squad following their return to the Premier League, and are targeting the attacker.
It's reported the 33 year old is again interested in playing in the English top flight, and Fulham will hold talks with his club in the coming days.
The Istanbul side are likely to demand a small transfer fee for the Dutchman, but Takvim report they could even let him leave on a free because of his high wages.
Babel's contract with Galatasaray will expire at the end of June 2022.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-make-offer-player-coming-days-talks-continue/
second the best Stats reveal West Brom will stay in the Premier League LONGER than Leeds and Fulham
As the old playground chant goes, 'first the worst, second the best, third the one with the hairy chest...' Don't pretend you don't know it!
West Brom may have won promotion to the Premier League in the least entertaining way but finishing second means they could be laughing in the long run.
They join Leeds, who finished top of the Championship and play-off winners Fulham in the top flight next season.
And while the Baggies may have missed out on a trophy for their brilliant efforts, the stats suggest that finishing second relates to Premier League longevity.
Research by Free Super Tips reveals teams that finish second in the second tier tend to have longer stays in the top division.
Since the play-offs began in 1987, teams promoted in second place will spend an average of five years in the top flight, which is longer than any other method of promotion.
Despite a superior performance in England's second tier, clubs coming up as champions last one fewer season on average.
Meanwhile, Fulham will have to watch out as play-off winners have a typical stay of just two years, with 61 per cent of teams going straight back down again.
The last team to go straight back down after winning the play-offs were actually Fulham, who beat Aston Villa in May 2018 before being relegated from the Premier League. They still had five matches to play in the 2018/19 season when their relegation was confirmed.
The research also reveals that there are no clear advantages to being promoted as champions as those coming up in either first or second place get the same 40-point average in their first Premier League season.
However, the play-off winners hit a mere average 36 points in their first season, although that would have been enough to stay up in 2019/20.
Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have earned the most points after being promoted from the second tier.
The Magpies won the league in the 1992/93 season before amassing 77 points in the Premier League the following season.
Forest won promotion back to the Premier League in 1993/94 before going on to emulate Newcastle the following season by claiming 77 points.
Fulham will be hoping to follow in Blackburn's foosteps, who won the play-offs in 1991/92 before earning 71 points back in the big time.
But you sense finishing above at least three teams next season will be all that Leeds, West Brom and Fulham will be worried about.
https://talksport.com/football/744934/west-brom-stay-premier-league-longer-leeds-and-fulham-stats/
Fulham signing this highly-rated 19-year-old Chelsea starlet would be useful in the PL next season
Why Fulham must secure a loan deal for Ethan Ampadu
According to The Athletic (h/t Daily Mail), Fulham are interested in sealing a loan deal for Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu.
The 19-year-old spent the 2019-20 season on loan with Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig, however, endured a difficult spell in Germany. Ampadu featured just seven times for Leipzig across all competitions, with three of them coming in the league and the other three in the Champions League.
Having managed just little game time in Germany, Chelsea are most likely to send him out on loan once again before involving him in manager Frank Lampard's first-team activities.
Ampadu can offer Fulham more strength at the back
The Cottagers under manager Scott Parker secured their return to the Premier League after winning the Championship playoff final against Brentford. One of the major reasons for Fulham's success this season has been a rock-solid and consistent defence that conceded just 48 goals in 46 league games.
Though Fulham have as many as four centre-backs in their ranks, there are still issues unresolved and the club it won't serve them well next season in the Premier League. Among the four defenders, veteran Tim Ream has been the most consistent, with 44 league appearances to his name.
However, he will turn 33 in October and is clearly nearing the end of his career. Apart from Ream, Fulham have Alfie Mawson, Maxime Le Marchand and newcomer Michael Hector in their side. Mawson was a regular in the side initially before losing his place in the first-team following a knee injury.
Mawson's injury saw Fulham rope in Jamaican defender Hector from Chelsea back in January as a replacement. Since then, he has been a regular presence at the back alongside Ream, featuring 20 times in the Championship.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Le Marchand is clearly not Parker's favourite, having made just 12 league appearances for the side this season. That said, it is clear that Fulham are in need of some reinforcements if they play the physically more challenging Premier League next season and Ampadu's arrival will offer them strength.
Moreover, the youngster will be keen to prove a point, having spent much of his time in Germany on the sidelines. This will, in turn, help Fulham in the top-flight next season as they would have a quality youngster to help them out.
https://www.mediareferee.com/2020/08/13/why-chelseas-ethan-ampadu-would-be-of-real-help-to-fulham-in-the-pl/
Cottage Talk: Q & A With Mike Gregg
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.
In this episode, Cottage Talk co-host Mike Gregg returned, and he was asked several topics during this show. We started by getting his thoughts on the Final, and that was followed up by talking about his view on Scott Parker.
Later on in the show the focus switched to the upcoming season, and Mike gave his opinon on where Fulham need to strengthen. We ended the show by talking about some of the transfer speculation with the club.
You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/8/12/21365699/cottage-talk-q-a-with-mike-gregg
Scott Parker set to be rewarded with new contract including survival bonus after winning promotion but Fulham will go another spending spree
The 39-year-old has one year left on his current deal at the west London club
His coaching staff are also set to be given extensions on their current contracts
Parker has ruled out a repeat of Fulham's £100m shopping spree two years ago
Scott Parker is set to be rewarded with a new contract that includes a significant Premier League survival bonus.
The 39-year-old led Fulham back to the big time after only a single season in the Championship by beating Brentford in their play-off final at Wembley.
Parker, whose current contract only runs until 2021, has been taking time to unwind following that win and discussions over a new deal are expected to be a formality.
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/08/12/23/31883004-0-image-m-27_1597272231372.jpg)
Scott Parker has only a year left on his contract after guiding Fulham to the Premier League
His predecessor Claudio Ranieri was believed to have a seven-figure bonus built into his contract, which would have been triggered had they not been relegated to the Championship.
Fulham went down but were brought back by Parker, who could receive similar terms. His coaching staff are also set to be given extensions on their current contracts.
Captain Tom Cairney previously suggested Parker is destined for a job at a top club someday.
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/08/12/23/31883332-0-image-a-35_1597272860634.jpg)
Fulham captain Tom Cairney believes Parker is destined for a job at a top club
The former England midfielder is popular among the players and he also gets along with Tony Khan, Fulham's hands-on vice chairman and director of football.
Parker and Khan work together closely on transfers and are set to make additions this summer - but there will be no repeat of their £100m spending spree in 2018.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8621539/Fulham-boss-Parker-set-rewarded-new-contract-including-survival-bonus.html
Parker's new Fulham deal to come with survival bonus
Scott Parker's new Fulham contract will include a big-money bonus for beating the drop, according to the Daily Mail.
Fulham's eagerness to extend their manager's deal at Craven Cottage was widely revealed in the wake of their dramatic Championship play-off final win over Brentford last week. Parker, now 39, is only under contract to the west London club until next summer and is expected to be handed a significant boost to his current wages and a bonus based on securing the Whites' survival in the top flight that could total £1m. The Mail suggests that both parties are confident that discussions over the terms of the contract, due to take place when Parker returns from a family holiday, will prove straightforward.
Parker's backroom staff, including first team coach Matt Wells, assistant manager Stuart Gray, goalkeeping coach Rob Burch and long-serving head of sports science Ally Harris, are also in line for new deals designed to reflect the club's recent success. With his own position secure, Parker will quickly turn his attention to strengthening Fulham's squad ahead of their return to the top flight alongside vice chairman and director of football Tony Khan. The pair have ruled out a spending spree to compare with the club's lavish 2019 spending but supplementing the side that took them to promotion will be vital with just four weeks until the start of the new campaign.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/08/parkers-new-fulham-deal-to-come-with-survival-bonus/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=parkers-new-fulham-deal-to-come-with-survival-bonus
Sources: Leeds to complete fifth summer signing after terms agreed
Leeds United are set to complete the signing of rising star Cody Drameh after he arrived for a medical and to finalise the paperwork of his move from Fulham.
The west Londoners have given the go-ahead for the England Under-18 international defender to put the finishing touches to a transfer to Elland Road.
A Leeds source has told Football Insider the club had a bid accepted for Drameh, 18, last week and have also agreed personal terms with him.
The deal is set to cost up to £1million including performance-related add-ons.
Drameh will become Leeds' fifth summer signing after the captures of Helder Costa, Illan Meslier, Joe Gelhardt and Jack Harrison.
Costa and Meslier converted their 2019-20 loans into permanent deals last month, Gelhardt signed on Monday for £1m plus add-ons and Harrison has returned for a third consecutive season-long loan from Manchester City.
Leeds are now confident of unveiling Drameh in the next 48 hours.
This comes amid a blizzard of activity at Elland Road that included versatile youngster Jamie Shackleton signing a new four-year contract on Wednesday.
In addition, Leeds are also set to announce that manager Marcelo Bielsa has agreed a new contract ahead of their Premier League return.
As revealed by Football Insider last Saturday, discussions are centred on the length of the deal, which could be for an initial year with the option to then extend for a further 12 months.
https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-united-to-complete-fifth-summer-signing-after-terms-agreed/
"Chambers has not played since Christmas because of a serious Knee injury bit Fulham are thinking of Signing him"
You just can't be serious.
Sounds like we are in for a repeat of the 2 years with Mawson. Surely we have learnt.
Quote from: filham on August 13, 2020, 10:00:24 AM
"Chambers has not played since Christmas because of a serious Knee injury bit Fulham are thinking of Signing him"
You just can't be serious.
Sounds like we are in for a repeat of the 2 years with Mawson. Surely we have learnt.
we have learnt. No way will we sign chambers, there is no way that we will sign chambers at 12 million to be back up for reed if he comes. No way in this world.
