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Fulham boss Marco Silva makes pledge on midfielder amid Arsenal and Aston Villa interest

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has been talked up for a move back to the Premier League before the transfer window shuts later this month

Fulham boss Marco Silva says he wants to try and keep hold of Arsenal-linked midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

The 25-year-old has been talked up for a move back to the Premier League, with both the Gunners and Aston Villa said to be interested in signing him.

The Cameroon international has two years remaining on his Fulham contract, with the option of a further year.

He joined in 2018 from Marseille and despite being left out of the squad for the Cottagers' opening game of the Championship season, he made a late cameo from the bench in Saturday's thrashing of Huddersfield Town.

When asked about speculation linking the midfielder with a move away, Silva said: "It's something we will keep inside our football club. With Frank and all the others, I want them 100 per cent involved.

"I want all of them with a desire to work and win football matches in this shirt. All the other things are for us to talk about inside our club."

Anguissa made his first-ever appearance in the second tier against the Terriers.

Prior to that he had been a regular in the top flight campaigns of 2018-19 and 2020-21. The 2019-20 season, which saw Fulham last play in the Championship, saw him loaned out to Spanish side Villarreal.

A fresh report from Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Villa are ahead of Arsenal in the race for Anguissa.

Dean Smith's side sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City for £100m, putting the club in a very healthy position from a financial perspective.

The transfer window is open until Tuesday, August 31.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-midfielder-arsenal-villa-interest-24766927

Gary Rowett reveals Millwall duo may miss Fulham clash

Millwall boss Gary Rowett has revealed that captain Shaun Hutchinson is set to miss the Championship tie against his former club Fulham on Tuesday while Maikel Kieftenbeld could also be absent.

The central defender missed Saturday's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers due to a quad issue that surfaced in training on Friday.

Jake Cooper's return to the starting XI helped to soften the blow but it seems Hutchinson is now set to miss Tuesday's clash against promotion hopefuls Fulham, who the 30-year-old left to join the Lions in 2016.

Speaking to South London Press, Rowett revealed that the Millwall skipper was set to have a scan on his quad and was likely to miss the game at The Den tomorrow evening.

He said: "I imagine Hutchy is going to be a doubt. I think he'll go for a scan tomorrow [Monday].

"We don't think it is anything too serious but we don't want to risk him this early in the season and end up with him out for a long time.

"It's obviously a blow that he's unavailable at the moment and disappointing it happened so close to the game.

"He felt his quad on Friday and pulled out of the training session midway through as a precaution.

"He still felt his quad on Saturday but felt a lot better. He went outside at the training ground and did a little bit of fitness test and pitched it still at about 70 or 80 percent running.

"If you remember previously he had his calf issue where he felt something, played on and ended up pulling his calf and being out for six weeks. It's probably in the back of Hutchy's mind to make sure rather than keep playing.

"The scan will tell us a little bit more Monday and we'll have a clearer picture.

The Lions boss indicated that he could be set to make a number of changes for Tuesday's game against Fulham, with Maikel Kieftenbeld one that may well miss out.

He said: "Maikel was a little bit tight after the [Blackburn] game with his calf. It will be more fatigue-based with one or two of the others, whether they can go three games in a week on the back of a pre-season – it might mean we need to freshen up one or two areas.

"I'll know a little bit more once I've seen the players train. We're going to need energy against Fulham because they are a good side."

The busy Championship schedule means that including the 1-1 draw against Rovers on Saturday, Rowett's side play three games in seven days finishing with a trip to Cardiff City.

The Verdict

Hutchinson's absence against a strong side like Fulham would be a real blow, particularly given Aleksandar Mitrovic's physicality, but it's not worth risking a long-term injury that could see Millwall without him for a significant period.

The back three, which included Cooper, Danny Ballard, and Murray Wallace, were impressive in the 30-year-old's absence on Saturday, restricting Blackburn to just one shot on target all game.

Tomorrow night's game is likely to be a sterner test but Rowett will have confidence that the options available to him can be effective against Fulham.

The Millwall boss has suggested changes are likely to be made to his side to freshen things up but against a promotion frontrunner like Marco Silva's team, he won't want to make too many.

Rowett will be awaiting the results of today's scan as losing Hutchinson for a long period would be a real blow to their play-off hopes.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/gary-rowett-reveals-millwall-duo-may-miss-fulham-clash/

Millwall v Fulham: Memorable meetings

Ahead of our trip to south east London for a stern test of Fulham's early season form, we've delved into archives to pick out three Fulham wins at the Den for your delectation. We start with a late show inspired by Kit Symons that helped the Whites record a vital early season success on the way to the Second Division title before recalling that brilliant Friday night when Slavisa Jokanovic's side shrugged off a first half on the back foot to move into the automatic promotion places with some style. The following season's League Cup success rounds off this feature – and we'd love to hear your memories in the comments.

Millwall 0-1 Fulham (17 October 1998)

Kit Symons ended Millwall's four match unbeaten run with a last-gasp header that clinched Fulham's first win at the Den for more than two decades. A fairly uneventful game was enlivened by some spicy challenges, including two from full back Jamie Stewart who was sent off by referee Eddie Wostenholme. Kevin Keegan's side refused to settle for a point and Fulham sent bodies into the box for a last minute corner which was half cleared. Steve Hayward produced a peach of a cross from the left and Symons soared highest to direct a fine header past Tony Roberts in the Millwall goal. My own delirious celebrations were cut short when I realised I would have to make a lone walk to South Bermondsey station after Fulham's late, late win.

Millwall 0-3 Fulham (20 April 2018)

This was one of the finest Fulham away displays of recent times. A trip to the New Den, with Millwall unbeaten in seventeen games and on the cusp of the play-off places, represented a serious test of Slavisa Jokanovic's promotion ambitions. The Whites had to weather a serious spell of early home pressure but turned in a sublime showing after half time. Ryan Sessegnon slotted home the opener just after the interval and Kevin McDonald's screamer of a second will live long in the memory. Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed a superb victory in stoppage time after an outstanding forward run from Tomas Kalas – firing home his thirteenth goal in as many games. The sing song at London Bridge remains one of my favourite memories of that magnificent season.

Millwall 1-3 Fulham (25 September 2018)

A low-key League Cup tie might seem a strange inclusion for this list but there was plenty to like about the way Jokanovic's second string dealt with a potential banana skin in south east London. Joe Bryan offered an early glimpse of his finishing ability by with a lovely low finish for the opener and Luca de la Torre capped an excellent display with the second. Cyrus Christie crashed home a sensational third (from thirty yards out with his wrong foot) to snuff out a Millwall fightback following Tom Elliott's header – and there was a debut from the bench for 15 year-old Harvey Elliott.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/millwall-v-fulham-memorable-meetings/

25-year-old starts: The predicted Fulham XI to face Millwall on Tuesday

Marco Silva's Fulham got off to a wonderful start to their Championship travels on Saturday with a 5-1 win over Huddersfield Town, the Cottagers will be looking to replicate that destruction when they face Millwall in a London derby on Tuesday evening.

Many people's title favourites, the bar has been set very high for Fulham this season and they certainly delivered last weekend.

Even though Harry Wilson was given his marching orders in the 72nd minute, the quality of the newly relegated side reigned supreme as substitute Ivan Cavaleiro added a late brace.

With two games in the space of four days Silva is likely to tweak his scarily good squad for the level. Here is our predicted starting XI...


Wilson's red card sees an enforced change, that after his impact off of the bench on Saturday seems a bit of a no brainer.

Cavaleiro to replace the Liverpool academy graduate on the right flank will add a more direct style to the attacking contingent, with the Portuguese brimming with confidence from his cameo at the John Smith's Stadium.

The second and final change is Frank Zambo Anguissa replacing Jean-Michael Seri.

The latter managed 86 minutes against the Terriers but did not feature much in pre-season and therefore may be rested.

Anguissa was absent in the Cottagers' opener but Silva will be keen to reintegrate such a talented player into the first team picture, he came on in the place of Fabio Carvalho in the 77th minute on Saturday.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/25-year-old-starts-the-predicted-fulham-xi-to-face-millwall-on-tuesday/

Sources: Fulham make transfer enquiry for Southampton player

Fulham are interested in signing Southampton forward Michael Obafemi and have made enquiries regarding his situation at St. Mary's, sources have exclusively told Football League World.

Obafemi has been on Southampton's books since 2016 after joining the club from Leyton Orient, and has since made 38 first-team appearances for the Saints.

Last season, the Republic of Ireland international made only four appearances in the Premier League, which all came as a substitute.

Southampton swooped to replace Danny Ings with Adam Armstrong this summer, with Blackburn looking to include Obafemi in a potential player-plus-cash deal.

But Obafemi rejected a move to Ewood Park, with the forward also being linked with a move to AFC Bournemouth.

Sources have exclusively told Football League World that Fulham are now showing an interest in Obafemi, having made enquiries about the 21-year-old.

Obafemi is out of contract at Southampton at the end of the season, having penned a new three-and-a-half year deal with the Saints in February 2019.

The Cottagers sit top of the Championship after two games, after yielding four points from a possible six and beating Huddersfield Town 5-1 at the weekend.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sources-fulham-make-transfer-enquiry-for-southampton-player/

Fulham fancy Obafemi?

Fulham are the latest Championship club to show an interest in signing Southampton striker Michael Obafemi, according to reports this afternoon.

The Republic of Ireland international has been heavily linked with a permanent departure from St. Mary's this summer after making just five appearances last season. The 21 year-old has scored five times in 38 games for the Saints and turned down a move to Blackburn Rovers last week. Former Fulham manager Scott Parker has reportedly made Obafemi a transfer target with Bournemouth currently short of firepower.

Football League World claims that Fulham have made enquiries about Obafemi's availability to Southampton and Whites have sought striking reinforcements this summer, although how current their interest in the Dublin-born forward is remains to be seen given impending arrival of Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz from Flamengo. Obafemi is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and Saints boss Ralph Hassenhuttl used the youngster, who scored in a 1-0 League Cup success at Craven Cottage two years ago, extensively during pre-season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/fulham-fancy-obafemi/

Jasper makes strong start at Colchester

Fulham winger Sylvester Jasper has made a strong start to his loan spell with Colchester United.

The teenager has put the disappointment of an unsuccessful pre-season trial at Sheffield Wednesday behind him quickly to shine for the Essex outfit, starring on his first start in the League Cup at Birmingham in midweek and looking lively in his first senior league start during Saturday's narrow home defeat to Northampton Town.

The Daily Gazette reporter Jon Waldron has an excellent interview with the highly-rated winger here.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/jasper-makes-strong-start-at-colchester/

Marco Silva provides Fulham team news update ahead of Millwall clash

Marco Silva gave an update on the fitness of three Fulham players ahead of their London derby with Millwall on Tuesday evening, the club tweeted this afternoon.

The Cottagers will arrive at The Den in search of back to back away wins following their resounding 5-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town last Saturday. Millwall are unbeaten with two draws from their season openers, known for their resolute defending and strong home record the Lions will not fear the newly relegated side.

Silva gave the supporters a boost with this injury update.

He said: "Harrison (Reed) has started training with us, we'll decide if he'll be involved. TC (Tom Cairney) and Knocks (Anthony Knockaert) are still in the same situation."

Marco Silva 🗣️

"Harrison has started training with us, we'll decide if he'll be involved. TC and Knocks are still in the same situation."#MILFUL pic.twitter.com/72CcKPoitM

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 16, 2021

The recovery of these three players would give the team a significant boost, particularly Reed and Cairney in central midfield.

The former was one of their standout names in earning promotion back to the Premier League in 2019/20, a cultured ball playing midfielder who is capable of dictating games at Championship level and can give his teammates a licence to express themselves in the attacking third, by adopting the deepest role in front of the defence.

Cairney has achieved promotion from the second tier twice already with Fulham and therefore his expertise on and off the pitch could be crucial this season. Josh Onomah has taken up a role with far more defensive responsibilities than he would have usually been accustomed to in previous seasons in the Cottagers' opening couple of games.

The Verdict

Especially Harrison Reed's return will have a significant impact on Fulham's starting eleven. Giving Silva the option of deploying just one player as a pivot and allowing Onomah to play further forward, where he was so effective in the 2019/20 season.

At the moment, in the wake of Saturday's victory, all seems rosy and the Cottagers are expected to cruise into the automatic promotion spots, however tougher times and runs will come to pass and their current midfield of luxurious attack minded players may not be robust enough for the challenge.

In Jean-Michael Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa they boast majestic players at second tier level, but Cairney and Reed have been there and done it before, therefore adding value to the first team picture.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/marco-silva-provides-fulham-team-news-update-ahead-of-millwall-clash/

Reed in contention to face Millwall, says Silva

Marco Silva says Fulham will make a late call on whether midfielder Harrison Reed returns to face Millwall tomorrow night.

The former Southampton schemer has not featured for the Whites so far this season as he has been managing an ankle problem, but recently returned to full training at Motspur Park. Saturday's thumping victory at Huddersfield was adjudged to be soon for Reed's comeback, but Silva told his pre-match press conference this afternoon that the midfielder is in contention to start at the New Den:

"Harrison Reed has started training with the team. It is up to us to decide whether he'll be involved."

Long-term absentees Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo remain unavailable, whilst winger Anthony Knockaert has also been ruled out with a back complaint.

Silva was pleased with his first Fulham victory at in west Yorkshire at the weekend – but is taking nothing for granted in the early stages of a Championship campaign and knows just how tough a test Millwall will provide.

"Huddersfield was an important three points away from home. We did our job, it was a good performance. We dominated possession and created some big chances. The fans will be one of the key points to success. We need them behind us. This is a marathon but I understand why they're happy.

"We know, not just myself, a big part of my squad, everyone knows what to expect [from Millwall]. We played against them in pre-season. They know what to expect from us. It will be a tough game like always. They are a tough team to play against. It's a great atmosphere to play football in, to see the character of our team."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/reed-in-contention-to-face-millwall-says-silva/

Banned Wilson among Fulham players to miss Millwall game

Fulham will be Harrison Reed, Anthony Knockaert, Terence Kongolo and Harry Wilson as well as Tom Cairney at Millwall on Tuesday night.

Wilson is suspended after being set off in the 5-1 win at Huddersfield on Saturday, and the others are still struggling for fitness.

Boss Marco Silva reckons his side need to show "character" against the Lions, but adds plenty of his squad have faced Millwall in the recent past.

Silva said: "A big part of our squad has played them both home and away, so we know what we face. And this kind of game will show our character."

The manager is also hoping André-Frank Zambo Anguissa will stay despite reported interest from other clubs.

He said: "We'd like to keep him, of course. He's a different (player) to what we already have, and I am working with him to get the best performance from him. But during the market everything can happen."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-starts-to-miss-millwall-game-silva-keen-to-keep-anhguissa

Pre-Millwall Press Conference

Marco Silva is happy to see the Fulham faithful responding to his side's performances on this pitch, but hopes there is plenty more to come.

The manner in which the Whites secured their first win of the season on Saturday unsurprisingly had fans gushing, and Silva acknowledged the important of having them on side.

"As I've always said, they will be one of the key points for us to be successful at the end of the season," he explained in his pre-match press conference. "We need them behind us, we need them supporting us.

"After a very good result away from home of course it's very easy to understand why our fans would be happy with us.

"A tough challenge comes for us in the next few games, and it's like a marathon for us, but with them behind us we will be stronger for sure.

"We'll have more afternoons like the last one we had, but we'll have some not so good, and we have to be together always, fighting together.


"With them supporting our players, we will be more confident, we'll be stronger as a team, and if they're happy then that's everything that we want.

"We are talking just about two games, but if they are happy with what they are seeing then we hope we can promise them they will see more in the future as well, because we are starting a process now.

"We have some players missing from our squad as well, some important players for us, and in the future as a team we will be stronger, I have no doubts about that.

"Our process will settle as well, the players will understand more and more and more, and you can have more things in our style of play as well.

"But in the meantime we have to compete and get more points for us, because the competition has started.

"If they are happy, it's really good for us. They always have a big impact on our players. I want them happy, like I want our players happy as well.


"We want to play good football for them to enjoy, but you know in the Championship sometimes it's not easy to do it every single game, but the commitment and the desire and the ambition to win football matches always has to be there on the pitch."

A different test presents itself on Tuesday night, as the Whites make the short journey to South East London to take on Millwall.

Asked if he knows what awaits Fulham at the Den, Silva replied: "Not just myself, a big part of our squad knows as well. They've played a good number of games against them home and away. Everyone knows what to expect.

"We've analysed them, we played against them during pre-season. Of course they know what to expect from us as well, and it will be for sure a tough game, like always.

"But we expected a really tough game against Huddersfield and we had a good performance.

"We all expect a tough one against Millwall for sure, but what we want to do is compete again, and get the points we want for ourselves. It will be tough, they are a tough team to play against.

"I can tell you that it's a good atmosphere to play football in and sometimes it can be difficult, but it's a good one for us to play to show the character and the personality of our team.

"It will be good, it will be tough, but we are ready."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Pre-Millwall-Press-Conference/

Fabrizio Romano says Rodrigo Muniz to Fulham is complete

Fabrizio Romano says a deal is 'complete' between Fulham and Flamengo for Rodrigo Muniz.

Muniz, 20, has been closely linked with a move to Fulham this month.

The London club have been rivalling Middlesbrough for his signature but have seemingly been in ole position the whole time, and now Romano's says the deal is 'complete' with Fulham paying £8million and Flamengo having a 25% sell-on clause as part of the deal:

Paperworks signed between Fulham and Flamengo for Rodrigo Muniz, deal completed. Muniz will join Fulham for €8m + 25% future sale percentage to Flamengo. ⚪️🇧🇷 #FulhamFC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2021

The Brazilian striker then will become a really exciting signing for Fulham boss Marco Silva, with reports comparing this signing to his previous signing of Richarlison at Watford.

Silva brought Richarlison in and gave him the opportunity to become the player he is today – a key one for both Everton and Brazil.

Fulham have started the season positively under Silva – they drew their opening game v Middlesbrough but thumped Huddersfield Town 5-1 over the weekend, with a trip to Millwall to content on Tuesday night.

Muniz's arrival now seems imminent following Romano's update and they look to be getting him for a decent price, though that 25% sell-on fee might be a little worrying.

It's a hefty sell-on fee for an unproven player and so it's something of a risk for Fulham. Nevertheless it's an exciting move for club and player.



https://the72.co.uk/245713/fabrizio-romano-says-rodrigo-muniz-to-fulham-is-complete/

Fulham interested in Bruno Paz

Fulham are interested in a deal to bring Bruno Paz to Craven Cottage this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Portuguese media outlet Record (via The 72), who claim that the Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder has emerged on the radar of Marco Silva, who could be planning for life after Jean-Michael Seri, with the 30-year-old being linked with a move away from west London this summer.

The report goes on to state that Sporting may be willing to allow the 23-year-old to leave the club for nothing in the summer transfer window, however, they are hoping to insert a €2.5m (£2.1m) buy-back clause into any potential deal, in addition to a further sell-on clause.

Bye-bye Seri

While Paz has struggled to establish himself in the Sporting first-team after graduating from the club's youth system, making just one senior appearance so far in his career, it would nevertheless appear the midfielder is a player with a significant amount of potential.

Indeed, the £518k-rated man has featured for every Portugal age group from U15 to the U21 team, while the 23-year-old has also racked up 47 appearances for the Sporting U19, U23 and B-team sides – with Portugal Resident journalist Skip Bandele dubbing the Paz a "promising" talent.

And, with the youngster having been stuck behind the likes of William Carvalho, Joao Palhinha, Manuel Ugarte and Idrissa Doumbia for the defensive midfield role during his time at Sporting, perhaps his failure to break into the first team is less a reflection of his own talent, but more so that the Leoes have been blessed with a number of exceptional players in the position in recent years.

Furthermore, considering the player looks to be available on a free transfer, as well as his salary not even being listed by Capology, should Silva go on to sanction the sale of the £65k-per-week Seri this summer, Paz would not only seem to be a replacement with a much higher ceiling than the Ivory Coast international, but also a substantially more cost-effective player.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for Tony Khan to take something of a risk-free gamble on the Sporting starlet this summer, as the bargain signing of Paz could turn out to be something of a masterclass by the Fulham director of football.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-transfer-news-marco-silva-tony-khan-jean-michael-seri-bruno-paz-sporting-lisbon-the-championship

Fulham Agree Deal for Rodrigo Muniz

Fulham have agreed a deal for the signing of Brazilian centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz from Flamengo. Fabrizio Romano has reported that the deal is worth €8 million plus 25% of any future sale to Flamengo.

Paperworks Signed for Rodrigo Muniz
Exciting Talent

Muniz, 20, joined Flamengo in 2018 from Desportivo Brasil. He made his debut in 2020 and went out on loan to Cortibia in the second half of the season. That was cut short, however, and he returned to Flamengo after scoring once in six appearances. Muniz made 32 appearances in all for the club, scoring ten times.

He travelled to Spain last week to observe a 14-day quarantine before going to England. Flamengo and Fulham agreed a deal around that time, and the transfer is set to be completed soon.

Fulham Preparing for Championship

Fulham are once again preparing for a season in the Championship after their relegation at the end of last season. Scott Parker has left his role as Fulham manager to take up the job at Bournemouth. Marco Silva has replaced him, and he has a good squad to pick from.

Aleksandr Mitrovic is a proven goalscorer at this level, while Harry Wilson is a great signing. Harrison Reed, Antonee Robinson and Tosin Adarabioyo are also very good players who enhanced their reputation last season despite Fulham's woes. They have the quality to bounce back once again, but beyond that nothing's certain.

Muniz is a fine signing. A young attacker who has impressed on Brazilian shores now gets the chance to test himself in the Championship, which is a very physical and overall difficult league.

The Cottagers are also reported to have made an enquiry for Southampton striker Michael Obafemi. The youngster attracted interest from Blackburn Rovers and there was talk that he could have been part of the deal for Adam Armstrong moving between the two clubs.

The striker has also been linked with Bournemouth in this window.



https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2021/08/16/fulham-agree-deal-rodrigo-muniz/

'They're in a win-win situation' – 25-year-old's uncertain future at Fulham: 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...

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was reintroduced to the Fulham first team as a second half substitute against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Marco Silva has recently made it public that he wants to keep the services of the 25-year-old amidst links with a move back to the Premier League.

The Cottagers have an esteemed midfield contingent as it is with Jean-Michael Seri returning to the club and the likes of Josh Onomah, Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed providing competition for places. However none boast the ceiling of Anguissa who is arguably a top half Premier League midfielder when onsong.

With just over two weeks left in the transfer window, there would be time for Fulham to reinvest a potential incoming transfer fee for the Cameroonian, especially if he is not motivated to see out a season in the Championship with the Cottagers.

Sometimes it only takes one bad attitude or personality to spoil the broth on the pitch or in the dressing room and eradicating that risk could be a sensible move for Fulham to make.

Here, we get the thoughts of a selection of FLW writers on whether Fulham should keep or sell Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa...

Adam Jones
This is the million-dollar question.

It's a big if, but if he changes his mind about wanting to leave Craven Cottage between now and the end of the window, they should definitely look to keep him.

In the short-term, Anguissa would be vital in getting Fulham back to the Premier League as someone who is way too good for the second tier.

And in the longer-term, he would be an established Premier League-quality option the Cottagers could utilise and considering he still has two years left on his current deal, with the club holding the option to triggering a one-year extension, there's no rush to sell him just yet.

However, there's no point keep an unhappy Anguissa in West London if he wants to leave – and they could easily utilise the money generated from his sale to invest in multiple areas of their squad.

These funds could be the key to securing automatic promotion, so they're in a win-win situation here. They either get to keep a world-class player on their books or receive a sizeable sum of money for his services.

The player's mindset will depend on whether they should retain him or cash in.

Ned Holmes
There's no denying that having Zambo Anguissa in the squad improves Marco Silva's options but if he doesn't want to be there, there is no point keeping hold of the midfielder.

The 25-year-old really impressed me last season but it seems there are question marks over whether he wants to be at Fulham now they're a Championship side.

It's simple really, if he doesn't want to be there and there is an agreeable offer for him – either on loan or permanently – then it would be best for the West London club to move him on.

Keeping him when he wants to leave would be a mistake as the midfielder is unlikely to be effective on the pitch and may cause issues to the dressing room atmosphere.

It's worth remembering, however, that he's an asset and one that shouldn't be offloaded without proper compensation.

George Harbey
I think Fulham should steer clear to be honest.

Anguissa may have impressed in the Premier League and is much better than the Championship, but if he doesn't want to play in the second tier than his attitude should be questioned.

He is likely to be on big wages, and maybe getting him off the books and selling him for a big fee would be exactly what Fulham need as they look to return to the top-flight as soon as possible.

Financially it makes sense, and Anguissa would also be getting a move back to the Premier League most probably.

It would suit both parties.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/theyre-in-a-win-win-situation-25-year-olds-uncertain-future-at-fulham-the-verdict/

Hilton strike settles seven-goal thriller

A stunning stoppage-time strike from Sonny Hilton saw Fulham's under 23s win a seven-goal thriller at Sunderland and get their PL2 campaign off to a winning start. The visitors showed tremendous character to come from behind having surrendered a 2-1 advantage earlier in the second period, with their stirring comeback sparked by a fine long-range finish from substitute Kieron Bowie.

Fulham began brightly, dominating possession with holding midfielder Jonathan Page sending an early effort over the crossbar from distance. Their slick passing moves were causing problems for the Sunderland defence with Irish youth international Ollie O'Neill almost getting clear down the left flank on a couple of occasions and Marlon Fossey flying forward from right back.

Centre back Patrick Almond, who was booked for bringing down the lively Terry Ablade, had the hosts' first opportunity but his deflected drive was comfortably held by Taye Ashby-Hammond. Ashby-Hammond had to be alert to the danger shortly afterwards to deny Will Harris after a smart one-two with Stephen Wearne and Fulham punished some sloppy defending to take the lead from their next attack. Sixteen year-old Luke Harris continued his excellent summer form by stroking into the bottom corner at the second attempt after Fossey's cross fell kindly for him in the Sunderland area.

But the Londoners didn't lead for long. Will Harris brought Sunderland level within five minutes – following up to finish after Ashby-Hammond had made a smart save from Wearne – and the Wearsiders finished the first period in the ascendancy, with Wearne's clever movement posing particular problems for the Fulham rearguard.

Fulham went back in front five minutes after the interval when Ablade nipped in to steal possession from Almond and surged into the area, firing home a clinical near-post finish. But the home side quickly equalised when Will Harris sent Ashby-Hammond the wrong way from twelve yards after Dyce had been tripped in the box. Sunderland suffered a blow when the lively Wearne had to be substituted following a serious shoulder injury, but his replacement Caden Kelly made an instant impact – swinging in a superb corner that was headed home by Dyce to give Elliott Dickman's side the lead.

That sparked the visitors back into life. Jack McIntyre, on trial in Sunderland's goal after being released by Everton, made magnificent saves to prevent Ablade's low drive from levelling matters and then, from the ensuring corner, clawing away Conor McAvoy's effort at point blank range. Steve Wigley sent on Kieron Bowie in search of an equaliser and the Scottish youngster obliged almost immediately. The former Raith Rovers forward produced a peach of a finish from 20 yards after turning a defender inside out, with the left-footed strike proving too hot for McIntyre to handle.

Fulham spurned good chances to go in front in the final quarter of an hour. Fossey, who was probably Fulham's brightest performer as he looks to put years of injuries behind him, thundered forward down the right and delivered a devilish cross for Ziyad Larkeche at the far post, but the French full back hit his half volley horribly over. Hilton squandered an even better chance a couple of minutes later, shooting straight at McIntyre when he looked destined to put the Whites ahead from close range. But the attacking midfielder, recently back from a loan spell in Finland, broke Sunderland hearts in the first minute of stoppage time when he curled a lovely left-footed finish into the far corner after being allowed to turn inside the area.

SUNDERLAND UNDER 23s (4-2-3-1): Trialist; Richardson, Newall, Younger, Almond; Wilding, Sohna; Kimpioka (Steels 59), Dyche, Wearne (Kelly 62); W. Harris. Subs (not used): Jessup, Bond, Chapman.

BOOKED: Almond.

GOALS: W. Harris (36, pen 56), Dyche (64).

FULHAM UNDER 23s (4-2-3-1): T. Ashby-Hammond; Fossey, Larkeche, McAvoy, Odutayo; Page (Bowie 70), Pajaziti; L. Harris, Hilton, O'Neill; Ablade (Lanquedoc 90+3). Subs (not used): Las, Araujo.

GOALS: L. Harris (31), Ablade (50), Bowie (75), Hilton (90+1).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/hilton-strike-settles-seven-goal-thriller/

Silva hands Seri second chance

Marco Silva says Jean Michael Seri has impressed him during pre-season and believes Fulham's forgotten midfielder could play a key role in their Championship campaign.

The Ivorian international was a surprise selection in Silva's starting line-up as the Portuguese head coach recorded a resounding first Fulham win and Seri delivered a strong showing in a deep-lying midfield role. The former Nice midfielder was expected to leave Craven Cottage before the end of the summer transfer window but Silva suggested that he could become a fixture in the Fulham side.

"A new manager came, of course, and in pre-season he did really well. Mika didn't do so many games in recent seasons. [No] ninety minutes week in, week out and when that happens you are not used to playing with the intensity I want.

But he worked hard in the last week and that's why I started with him – he deserved it. Now he needs more games to get him in the best possible condition. I'm not in the best position to talk about what happened in the past but Mika is getting his chance and if he does well the fans will be happy."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/silva-hands-seri-second-chance/

Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham Destroy Huddersfield Town

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

Joining Emilio Di Nello for this episode was Fulham legends Rob Wilson and Gordon Davies. All three gave their thoughts on a convincing 5-1 victory for Fulham.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/8/16/22627907/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulham-destroy-huddersfield-town

Fulham's £12m man sees hopes of Hull City reunion dashed

The ex-Tiger is back in the Championship after making big money move from Liverpool in the summer

(https://i2-prod.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article5794134.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_GettyImages-1334149444.jpg)
Referee Dean Whitehead shows a red card to Harry Wilson (Image: John Early/Getty Images)

Fulham will be without star summer signing Harry Wilson when they welcome Hull City to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Wilson will miss his big reunion with the Tigers after being sent off for violent conduct in Saturday's thumping 5-1 win at City's Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town.

The £12m signing from Liverpool had made quite an impact at the Cottage, scoring a fine goal in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough but will sit out Tuesday's game at Millwall, the visit of City and next week's Carabao Cup tie with Birmingham City as he completes a mandatory three match ban for violent conduct.

Wilson was dismissed after kicking out at the Terrier's Levi Colwill having been tackled late, a move which saw both sets of players embroiled in a confrontation in front of the dugouts, Colwill was booked for the initial tackle.

To his surprise after picking himself up off the deck, Wilson was given a straight red card by referee Dean Whitestone and will now play no part against his former club.

"I didn't see the red card but we have to keep our emotional balance, especially for the stronger creative players we have," said Cottagers boss Marco Silva, who called on his players to show more mental strength when put under pressure.

"They are suffering tackles every time and should be more protected, you have to protect these type of players.

"In the meantime you still have to keep your emotional balance."

Wilson will be joined in the stands on the banks of the Thames by City's George Moncur, himself given his marching orders late on at the weekend.

Moncur was somewhat harshly shown a red card for a late tackle in the Tigers' 3-0 home defeat to QPR.



https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-12m-man-sees-hopes-5794060

Millwall boss Gary Rowett gives his verdict on tonight's Championship clash with Fulham

Gary Rowett is hoping his Millwall side can ask some serious questions of a Fulham side settling back into Championship life in tomorrow's derby at The Den.

It is a clash of two unbeaten clubs with the Lions drawing their opening two matches 1-1 – at QPR on the opening day and following up with a home game against Blackburn on Saturday.

Fulham smashed Huddersfield 5-1 at the weekend, scoring twice after the dismissal of Harry Wilson. The summer signing from Liverpool is suspended for the fixture in SE16.

Millwall and the Whites played each other in a pre-season friendly at Calmont Road in a contest that ended all square.

"You know they are going to be a strong team, having come down from the Premier League," said Rowett. "We know that within the squad there is a lot of Premier League athletes and Premier League quality players.

"The first game didn't quite go their way but they were still pretty dominant, certainly in the first half of the Middlesbrough game, and you saw the result against Huddersfield – it shows again the forward players they have got and the goals they've got in their team.

"It is no different to last year and playing teams like Norwich, Watford and Bournemouth. In those games you have to be very good defensively and very good off the ball – then hurt them in attack and maybe force them back into areas where they are not as comfortable.

"We have to be mindful we are playing a very good side but it's at home and it's up to us to try and take the game to them with the atmosphere of the fans and make it a difficult night."



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David Prutton issues prediction as Fulham clash with Millwall at The Den

Despite no teams winning both their matches after just two Championship game weeks, Fulham sit top of the pile thanks to a convincing 5-1 success over Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

Marco Silva's side needed to get over the disappointment of falling to a 1-1 opening day draw with Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage and they did it in some style in Yorkshire – even if there was some fortune in the way that Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring for the Cottagers.

Further first half goals from Josh Onomah and Fabio Carvalho plus a brace from Ivan Cavaleiro saw the London side end up trouncing the Terriers on their own soil.

They have another away trip to contend with this evening, only the journey is slightly shorter as Fulham cross the River Thames to face Millwall, who have drawn both their league games this season so far.

Sky Sports' EFL presenter David Prutton doesn't believe that Gary Rowett's side are going to get a point from this one though as he is predicting a 2-1 win for Silva's outfit at The Den.

"Two games in and two draws for Millwall. It has been a steady enough start for Gary Rowett and his men. But now they face their biggest challenge yet," Prutton wrote in his Sky Sports predictions column.

"Fulham were excellent at Huddersfield on Saturday. It doesn't look like goals or chances will be in short supply this season, although a trip across London to The Den is a real test for them, but one I think they can take all three points from."

The Verdict

After such a dominant victory against what has to be described as a pretty poor Huddersfield team, Fulham's confidence will be high going into this one.

But it'll be a tougher test against a Millwall side who are usually defensively solid, but a battle against the likes of Jake Cooper and Shaun Hutchinson is one that Mitrovic will relish.

Harry Wilson will be a big miss for the Cottagers though and with the Lions being a very physical team it could be a bit of a rough evening for teenager Fabio Carvalho, who may come up against Maikel Kieftenbeld and George Evans who won't give him an easy time of things.

Millwall already have two draws to their name this season and I can see a third one coming here.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/david-prutton-issues-prediction-as-fulham-clash-with-millwall-at-the-den/

Up next: Millwall (a)

Marco Silva might have been pleased with the way Fulham put Huddersfield to the sword at the weekend, but he sought to dampen down expectations ahead the trip to the New Dean during yesterday's pre-match press conference. He was right to call the Championship a marathon – it remains one of Europe's most competitive and unpredictable divisions – but also understandably wary of the meeting with Millwall. After all, the Lions delivered a damaging FA Cup defeat to the Portuguese coach when he was in charge of Everton and, arguably, his reign at Goodison Park never recovered from the way the Toffees surrendered a 2-1 lead in the final fifteen minutes.

It would be wise to remember that, however fluent Fulham were in west Yorkshire on Saturday, that Huddersfield were abject, hampered by a young goalkeeper who had a nightmare, and gave Silva's side plenty of time to pick their passes – even when the Whites were reduced to ten men. There weren't be anything close to that sort of comfort in south east London this evening. Millwall will be desperate to kickstart their season after two frustrating draws that hinted at a lack of a cutting edge up top and they certainly won't be lacking any intensity in front of an intimidating home crowd.

Gary Rowett's side made smart summer acquisitions and will still be ruing their failure to finish off Blackburn after the impressive Jed Wallace made a period of second half dominance pay on Saturday. The winger has scored in both of Millwall's opening league fixtures and shutting him down will be crucial to Fulham's chances of extending their own unbeaten start, with the home side's fortunes dependent on getting team-mates in advanced positions to make the most of his silky skills as they did successfully in a beautifully crafted goal against Tony Mowbray's side.

The hosts may rue the expected absence of former Fulham defender Shaun Hutchinson, who has been one of the Championship's most consistent performers since leaving Craven Cottage on a free transfer. The former Motherwell defender will miss this reunion with a quad complaint, although Dan Ballard looks a ready-made replacement given how seamlessly he has slotted into the heart of Rowett's defence since joining on loan from Arsenal. A revitalised Aleksandar Mitrovic, fresh from his freakish opener at Huddersfield, should be prepared for a proper physical battle.

This London derby should serve as an early barometer of whether Fulham can quickly reprise the sort of adventurous and free-flowing football that tore holes in the Terriers at will. Rowett's sides are usually well-drilled and dogged, with Millwall's fanatical fans – who could make a real difference now that supporters back inside stadiums – demanding every last drop of effort. As the new Fulham boss intimated yesterday, it will be a different sort of challenge and his side will need to be switched on from the very first whistle.

Silva's main concerns will be over the fitness of his key performers. We have yet to see Harrison Reed in competitive action this season – the midfielder has been managing a persistent ankle problem and he is the only one on Fulham's injury list with any chance of featuring against Millwall. It will be interesting to see whether Jean Michael Seri, impressive on a surprise start against Huddersfield, gets another opportunity in the engine room and if Andre-Frank Anguissa, who Silva sounded keen to keep yesterday, also features in the matchday squad. Bobby Decordova-Reid roamed from the left to devastating effect weekend and Ivan Cavaleiro did his chances of stepping up in place of the suspended Harry Wilson no harm with two terrific finishes after coming off the bench.

The biggest worry from Fulham's opening two fixtures was how susceptible Silva's side appear to be from set pieces. This is not a new problem – both his Everton and Watford sides seemed all sea at dead ball situations during his previous spells in English football – but Huddersfield could easily have exploited this vulnerability on more than the two occasions that they had the ball in Paulo Gazzaniga's net on Saturday. The Argentine hasn't exactly convinced in goal since being elevated above Marek Rodak and Millwall, who are one of the league's set piece specialists, will be primed to test this weakness from the outset. We'll learn a lot about Fulham's promotion credentials this evening.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Tete, Bryan, Adarabioyo, Ream; Reed, Onomah; Cavaleiro, Decordova-Reid, Carvalho; Mitrovic. Subs: Gazzaniga, Robinson, Mawson, Francois, Seri, Kebano, Stansfield.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/up-next-millwall-a/

From the opposition stand: Millwall (a)

Fulham look to follow up their dominant display at Huddersfield tonight in a London derby against Millwall. Ahead of the trip to south east London, I've spoken to Millwall fan Samuel to get the lowdown on the Lions.

What are your expectations of Millwall this season?

    My expectations of Millwall this season are to finish anywhere in the mid table range of eighth to twelfth. I don't think our squad is good to enough to be amongst the elite but we are an established Championship squad and shouldn't be worried about going down this season.

What have you made of Millwall's start to the season?

    I think there are positives to take from our first two games of the season. A draw against a strong Queens Park Rangers side wasn't the end of the world but it was disappointing not to beat Blackburn last Saturday. Rovers didn't offer too much throughout the game and I felt they were definitely there for the taking

What are your thoughts on Millwall manager Gary Rowett?

    I believe Gary Rowett is one of the best managers in the league with a proven track record at this level. He's shown this by getting Millwall back-to-back eighth place finishes and turning us into a very solid Championship side.

Who is Millwall's player to watch?

    Millwall's best player is definitely Jed Wallace. He's one of the best in the league and has proven this time and time again over the years with his countless goal contributions and how important he's been to the team as a whole. However, I think the addition of George Saville has gone under the radar this summer. He's probably underestimated by a lot of Championship observers and will be crucial this season.

What are your thoughts on Fulham and our meeting tonight?

    I think everyone knows Fulham will be right up there in terms of the quality they have. I feel that Marco Silva has been unlucky as a manager in England. Mitrovic is the best striker in the division and players like Anguissa and Wilson, who look well above Championship quality. I feel like we will have chances to win the game but we won't take them

Finally, can you give us a score prediction?

    Millwall 1-3 Fulham with Mitrovic scoring twice and Cavaleiro once. Jed Wallace will score ours.

MY PREFERRED FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Tete, Bryan, Tosin, Ream; Seri, Onomah; Cavaleiro, Decordova-Reid, Carvalho; Mitrovic.

@FFCSeb's score prediction: Millwall 1-2 Fulham

We'd like to thank Samuel for his time in previewing this match and wish Millwall the best of luck for the remainder of the season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/from-the-opposition-stand-millwall-a/

Millwall Matchday Preview

Millwall v Fulham | Tuesday 17th August 2021 | 7.45pm | The Den | #MILFUL

The opposition

    Last year was a solid enough campaign for Millwall, with Gary Rowett leading them to a comfortable top half finish, but the Play-Offs were some way off, with 15 points separating them from sixth place Bournemouth.
    Like Fulham, the Lions are unbeaten so far this season, though both their Championship games have ended in a 1-1 draw; away to Queens Park Rangers and at home to Blackburn Rovers.
    There are three former Whites in the opposition ranks these days in Shaun Hutchinson, Scott Malone and Matt Smith, though the former could miss out on a reunion with his former club through injury.

Millwall team news

In addition to Hutchinson who is awaiting results of a scan on a quad injury, midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld could also miss out with a calf strain.

Fulham team news

Harry Wilson serves the first of a three game ban following his red card at the weekend. Harrison Reed has returned to training, with a decision set to be made on his fitness, but Anthony Knockaert may need a little longer. Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo remain sidelined.

Tickets

Fans will be able to purchase tickets on the night, from the North Stand Ticket Office at the Den.

FFCtv

As this match has been selected for live television coverage by Sky Sports, we are unable to stream it on FFCtv. Live commentary will still be available from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, though.

Weather

Despite being overcast it should remain dry, with humid temperatures of around 19 degrees on Tuesday evening.

Player insight

Bobby De Cordova-Reid knows what to expect when he steps out at the Den on Tuesday night.

"I think it's going to be a very good environment," he told FFCtv. "Both sets of fans are going to be pumped up, and we're going to need our fans to be loud and to back us, and we need to give something for them to cheer about.

"We understand what's to come, and the fans do as well. We've got to be professional and get the job done, get the three points and get out of there."

Form

Millwall: DWD

Fulham: DW

Pre-match quotes





https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Millwall-Matchday-Preview/

Hilton hails Fulham's teamwork

Matchwinner Sonny Hilton hailed his side's teamwork as Fulham's under 23s won a seven-goal thriller in stoppage time at Sunderland last night.

The midfielder scored a sensational winner at the end of a breathless encounter at the Stadium of Light to ensure Fulham's PL2 campaign got off to the perfect start. Hilton, back in the starting line-up after getting a taste of senior football on loan at TPS Turku over the summer, told FFCTV afterwards he was delighted with his late strike:

"I'm shattered. Up and down – you know – a great game, but I'm made up to get the winner. I was undecided whether to slip it through or keep going. I just took the chance, kept going and scored. It took a little while to go in!"

He was also fulsome in his praise of a young Fulham side, overseen on Wearside by Steve Wigley, who kept battling despite going 3-2 down in the second half.

"Teamwork all day. We were together from start to finish. Score a goal, concede, heads can drop, but we stuck at it as a team. We go 1-0 up, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2 – it's one of them games. We stuck at it, kept grinding. We've got young lads as well so it's nice to see them working hard with us."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/hilton-hails-fulhams-teamwork/

Fulham dealt quadruple injury blow ahead of Millwall

Fulham have been dealt a quadruple injury blow ahead of their Championship fixture on Tuesday night.

What's the latest?

According to a report by West London Sport, the Cottagers will be without the quartet of Harrison Reed, Anthony Knockaert, Terence Kongolo and Tom Cairney for their trip to Millwall on Tuesday, with all four players being ruled out due to injury.

The report added that Marco Silva will also have to make do without the suspended Harry Wilson, who will serve the first of his three-match ban against the Lions after being sent off for violent conduct in Fulham's 5-1 victory over Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Silva will be fuming

While Cairney always appeared a doubt for the Millwall clash due to his ongoing knee problems, the fact that none of Reed, Knockaert or Kongolo have been deemed fit enough to take part in the fixture is sure to have left Silva fuming.

Reed has not featured for the Cottagers since their 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the penultimate game of last season due to a recurring knee injury, while Knockaert has not seen a minute of Fulham action following his return to the club after a loan spell at Nottingham Forest last term.

It is a similar situation for Kongolo, who only made one Premier League appearance last season as a result of an ankle injury, an Achilles tendon injury and undergoing knee surgery.

All of these injuries will come as a huge blow to Silva, who stated only yesterday: "Harrison has started training with us, we'll decide if he'll be involved. TC and Knocks are still in the same situation."

However, it now appears as if the Fulham boss will have to once again make do without all four of the stricken players in what is sure to be a feisty affair at The Den, while Wilson's suspension doesn't help either.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-news/fulham-injury-team-news-marco-silva-millwall-harrison-reed-anthony-knockaert-terence-kongolo-tom-cairney-the-championship

Match Preview | Sylvester Jasper

Colchester United's on-loan forward Sylvester Jasper started his first League game since joining the U's on Saturday afternoon, in the 0-1 defeat to Northampton Town.

It was a tale of two halves for the U's on Saturday afternoon, with Hayden Mullins' side unable to make their better chances and perforamance count in the second period against the Cobblers.

But despite the loss, it was encouraging according to the U's on-loan forward Sylvester Jasper, who said that a win is just around the corner.

"Second half we were a completely different team, we played much better and we were much more attacking. It's a big shame that we couldn't put those to bed but it will give us confidence now going into Tuesday and I'm so sure that we will put Saturday's performance right.

"As soon as we got back in the changing room the manager told us how impressed he was with the second half performance and it's just the finishing touch, but things like that will come.

"There's no time to dwell on Saturday's game, it's already behind us. We are now looking at the next challenge, the next goal and that's Tuesday's game.

"We need to start being ruthless now. We've had two games where we've not quite got it right, but now it's time for us to knuckle down and start putting points on the board, scoring goals and climbing up that table."

Match Permits for the game remain on sale from Col U Tickets, click HERE to get yours to watch the second home game of the season.



https://www.cu-fc.com/news/2021/august/sylvester-jasper-pre-mansfield/

Fulham transfer update: Portuguese midfielder on radar, Swansea City want to keep target, striker deal struck

Fulham have made a solid start to life back in the Championship under new boss Marco Silva.

Fulham battered Huddersfield Town 5-1 last time out.

The Cottagers don't appear to have stopped their recruitment just yet this summer with a couple of weeks left of the transfer window.

Here is all the news from Craven Cottage right now-

New striker incoming

Journalist Fabrizio Romano says an agreement has been struck between Fulham and Flamengo for striker Rodrigo Muniz.

He says the youngster will be joining the London club for a fee of €8million.

Sporting Lisbon midfielder linked

Portuguese news outlet Record suggests that Silva is keen on luring Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Paz to England.

Paz, who is 23-years-old, has risen up through the youth ranks at Sporting but struggles for first-team football.

The former Portugal youth international would give the Cottagers more competition and depth in their midfield department if they are able to land him.

Swansea City committed to keeping Grimes

Football Insider have reported that Fulham are keen on signing the midfielder this summer, along with Premier League duo Watford and Brighton and Hove Albion.

However, new Swansea City boss Russell Martin is committed to keeping hold of his key man between now and the end of the window.

Loan deal for youngster

Fulham let young goalkeeper George Wickens join non-league side Wealdstone on loan at the end of last week.

That is a good opportunity for him to get some first-team experience under his belt in the National League.




https://the72.co.uk/245942/fulham-transfer-update-portuguese-midfielder-on-radar-swansea-city-want-to-keep-target-striker-deal-struck/

Preview | Millwall v Fulham
A London derby at The Den...

Millwall welcome Fulham to The Den in the Sky Bet Championship on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Saturday's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers continued The Lions' unbeaten start to the 2021/22 season, but Gary Rowett's side will face perhaps their toughest test so far in The Whites in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Mason Bennett and Shaun Hutchinson look set to miss the London derby, but the manager will have otherwise a fully-fit squad to select from for the visit of Marco Silva's men.

Tickets for Tuesday's game will be on sale up until kick-off. Please be aware that video coverage of this fixture will be unavailable to UK-based iFollow subscribers, with international subscribers also unable to watch the action due to the fixture being shown LIVE on Sky Sports. Audio Match Passes, however, are available for purchase.

The club regrets to advise supporters that because of COVID regulations, and the need to protect the players from potential isolation, the squad cannot currently stop for photographs/autographs in the car park. The club apologises for the disappointment this causes but wishes to stress that it is purely so that the risk of disruption to matches and availability of players is kept as low as possible.

Want to watch The Lions in style? Hospitality is on sale for the visit of Fulham - but be quick!

Tuesday's programme will be on sale around the ground before kick-off, but can also be purchased online via Curtis Sport here, whilst the SE16 Bar will house a DJ before the game to crank up the atmosphere. Millwall's Family Fun Zone remains closed, whilst, Arry's Bar will reopen before the game after being closed on Saturday - any further changes will be communicated as soon as possible.

Murray Wallace spoke to millwallfc.co.uk after Saturday's draw, and you can hear what the defender had to say by clicking here.



https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2021/august/preview--millwall-v-fulham/

Marco Silva urges Fulham to show their character and tough it out at Millwall

Marco Silva has called on Fulham to show their "character and personality" at Millwall tonight as they bid to make another early statement about their promotion aims.

The Cottagers began the season with a disappointing draw at home to Middlesbrough but bounced back with an eye-catching 5-1 win at Huddersfield.

Now, in a fierce atmosphere at London rivals Millwall, the Portuguese wants his side to show the spirit that blew away their opponents on Saturday.

"We've analysed them, we played against them during pre-season," Silva said of Gary Rowett's side. "Of course they know what to expect from us as well, and it will be for sure a tough game, like always.

"But we expected a really tough game against Huddersfield and we had a good performance.

"We all expect a tough one against Millwall for sure, but what we want to do is compete again, and get the points we want for ourselves. It will be tough, they are a tough team to play against.

"I can tell you that it's a good atmosphere to play football in and sometimes it can be difficult, but it's a good one for us to play to show the character and the personality of our team.

"It will be good, it will be tough, but we are ready."

Fulham will be without the suspended Harry Wilson though Harrison Reed has a chance of featuring after returning to training.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-fulham-millwall-b950996.html

Predicted Fulham XI to face Millwall – Silva without up to five first-team players
Fulham travel to Millwall in the Championship tonight, as Marco Silva looks for a second-straight win charge of the Whites.

Silva picked up his first win as Fulham boss with a resounding 5-1 win away at Huddersfield Town over the weekend.

His side remain unbeaten in the Championship after a 1-1 draw v Middlesbrough on the opening day but face another tough assignment tonight in Millwall, who've drawn their opening two Championship games.

Which Fulham players are absent tonight?
Silva said yesterday that Harrison Reed could possibly make his return to action tonight, though gave no definite answer on that front.

Meanwhile, Tom Cairney, Terrence Kongolo and Anthony Knockaert remain sidelined and unavailable for tonight's clash, with Harry Wilson suspended following his red card v Huddersfield Town at the weekend.

How will Fulham line up v Millwall tonight?
Here's our predicted Fulham XI for the game at The Den tonight:

Gazzaniga

Bryan

Ream

Adarabioyo

Tete

Seri

Onomah

Reid

Carvalho

Cavaleiro

Mitrovic

With Wilson suspended we can expect Ivan Cavaleiro to slot into the right-wing position – the Portuguese scored twice coming off the bench v Huddersfield.

Elsewhere, Silva has given Jean-Michael Seri a lifeline. The midfielder came into the side against the Terriers, starting alongside Josh Onomah in the holding midfield role.

It should be a fiercely compeitive game tonight between two sides eyeing a top-six spot come the end of the season but after Fulham's emphatic win last time out, Millwall will be expecting the onslaught tonight.



https://the72.co.uk/245949/predicted-fulham-xi-to-face-millwall-silva-without-up-to-five-first-team-players/

Report: Southampton want £10m player who's 'faster than the people can believe'

Southampton are interested in signing former Manchester City defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham in the summer transfer window, according to The Express.

What's the story?

The Express are reporting today (9am) that Southampton have joined Norwich City in the race for Fulham centre-back Adarabioyo.

The 23-year-old joined Fulham from City last summer for £2 million.

The youngster actually has a release clause of £10 million in his contract at Fulham.

So, Southampton will have to pay £10 million for a player they could have signed for just £2 million last summer.

The Saints are looking for a new centre-back to replace Jannik Vestergaard, who has joined Leicester City.

Would Adarabioyo make Southampton better?

Adarabioyo is a very highly rated defender who actually impressed City manager Guardiola during his time at the Premier League champions.

Guardiola told The Manchester Evening News about Adarabioyo in August 2016: "He is fast, he is faster than the people can believe it. He's strong in the air."

Adarabioyo may not have been able to establish himself at City, but the youngster did well during his loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers before making the move to Fulham.

For £10 million, the Englishman would be a smart signing for Southampton this summer.

Adarabioyo played 33 times in the Premier League last season, and has made two appearances in the Championship for Fulham so far this campaign.




https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/08/17/tosin-adarabioyo-southampton/

Sources: Attacker turns down lucrative Middlesbrough offer to agree Fulham move

Rodrigo Muniz is on his way to Fulham to add to their attacking ranks this summer transfer window, and Football League World can reveal exclusively he turned down a better offer from Middlesbrough to sign with the Cottagers.

The men from SW6 will be pretty content with their start to the Sky Bet Championship season, with a draw against Boro followed up by a heavy victory at Huddersfield Town at the weekend.

Despite the five goals they scored, though, there's been a feeling that Fulham needed to add further to their options in the final third and that's what they're doing with Muniz coming in.

The young striker was also of interest to Middlesbrough this summer, too, and Football League World can reveal exclusively that the Teessiders actually made a bigger offer to him than the one that Fulham made, but the attacker's preference was to head to the London club rather than to the Riverside Stadium.

It's now seemingly a matter of time before he becomes a Fulham player, then, and Cottagers fans will be hoping that he can push Aleksandar Mitrovic all the way for a starting spot in the side and really add to their attacking ranks this season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sources-attacker-turns-down-lucrative-middlesbrough-offer-to-agree-fulham-move/

Marco Silva issues message on Jean Michael Seri's resurgence at Fulham

Fulham boss Marco Silva believes Jean Michael Seri has benefitted majorly from his arrival at Craven Cottage this summer – and praised the midfielder's performances in pre-season.

The 30-year-old arrived from Nice back in 2018 after the Cottagers were forced to fend off interest from some of the Premier League's biggest clubs – and made a respectable 32 top-flight appearances in his first season despite not being able to save the west London side from the drop.

But with their relegation, the Ivorian was sent out on loan to Galatasaray during the 2019/20 campaign, rarely getting a chance under former Fulham manager Scott Parker after that and being shipped out on another temporary spell to Bordeaux earlier this year.

This has limited Seri to just five competitive appearances for the English side since the end of his first campaign at Craven Cottage – and looked to be on his way out permanently this summer with just one year remaining on his contract.

But after former boss Parker's departure to AFC Bournemouth earlier in the summer and Marco Silva coming in as his successor, the 30-year-old has been given a new lease of life in the capital.

He started in the Championship side's second game of the league season against Huddersfield Town at the weekend – and may be a regular for the Cottagers from now amid Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's wish to leave the club.

Speaking about Seri and his recent progress to West London Sport, manager Silva said: "A new manager came, of course, and in pre-season well he did really well.

"Mika didn't do so many games in recent seasons; (no) 90 minutes week-in, week-out. And when that happens you are not used to playing with the intensity I want.

"But he worked hard in the last week, and that's why I started with him – he deserved it.

"Now he needs more games to get him in the best possible condition.

"I'm not in the best position to talk about what happened in the past, but Mika is getting his chance and if he does well the fans will be happy with him."

The Verdict:

After rarely seeing him in a Fulham shirt in the past couple of years, it's great to see Fulham utilise him again and especially in the Championship where he could prove to be the key to promotion.

He may be regretting not joining another interested Premier League during the summer of 2018 – but he seems to have found a bit of stability under Marco Silva and remaining with Fulham could be a better option for him than going out on loan again.

The second-tier side hold the option of triggering an automatic one-year extension on his contract, something that could come in handy if he thrives under the Portuguese boss this season and from there, he could potentially be a great option to have in the Premier League in the next season or two if they achieve promotion.

And Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa remaining at the club could also be a major boost for the west London side if they return to the top flight, although Harrison Reed will be a decent option for Silva to have alongside Seri for the next season or more if the Cameroonian moves on.

Many Fulham fans will be hoping Seri remains at the club beyond the end of the transfer window – and it's looking likely they will with the 30-year-old firmly in the club's first-team plans.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/marco-silva-issues-message-on-jean-michael-seris-resurgence-at-fulham/

Tom Huddlestone: Former England midfielder returns to Hull City on short-term deal

Hull have re-signed midfielder Tom Huddlestone on a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

The 34-year-old has been training with the Championship side for the past four weeks having been without a club since leaving Derby County in August 2020.

The former England international joined the Tigers from Tottenham in 2013, going on to make 161 Hull appearances.

Huddlestone helped Hull reach the FA Cup final and secure qualification to the Europa League in 2014.

"His experience and quality will be invaluable for us this season and he will certainly benefit the young players we have in our squad," Hull head coach Grant McCann told the club website.

"Having been with us now for nearly four weeks, he's getting fitter every day and we will continue to get him sharper and fitter as the weeks go on."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58243716

Quote from: whitejc on August 17, 2021, 01:32:19 PM
Report: Southampton want £10m player who's 'faster than the people can believe'

Southampton are interested in signing former Manchester City defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham in the summer transfer window, according to The Express.

What's the story?

The Express are reporting today (9am) that Southampton have joined Norwich City in the race for Fulham centre-back Adarabioyo.

The 23-year-old joined Fulham from City last summer for £2 million.

The youngster actually has a release clause of £10 million in his contract at Fulham.

So, Southampton will have to pay £10 million for a player they could have signed for just £2 million last summer.

The Saints are looking for a new centre-back to replace Jannik Vestergaard, who has joined Leicester City.

Would Adarabioyo make Southampton better?

Adarabioyo is a very highly rated defender who actually impressed City manager Guardiola during his time at the Premier League champions.

Guardiola told The Manchester Evening News about Adarabioyo in August 2016: "He is fast, he is faster than the people can believe it. He's strong in the air."

Adarabioyo may not have been able to establish himself at City, but the youngster did well during his loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers before making the move to Fulham.

For £10 million, the Englishman would be a smart signing for Southampton this summer.

Adarabioyo played 33 times in the Premier League last season, and has made two appearances in the Championship for Fulham so far this campaign.




https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/08/17/tosin-adarabioyo-southampton/

This article is wrong right? Tosin's 10m buyout clause expired a few weeks ago no?

PREVIEW: Millwall vs. Fulham – manager quotes, team news and predicted line-up at The Den

MILLWALL boss Gary Rowett wants his side to try to impose their game on Fulham rather than have the Cottagers dictate at The Den.

Fulham had 66 per cent possession in their 1-1 home draw against Middlesbrough and 56 per cent as they won 5-1 at Huddersfield on Saturday.

But Millwall had 61 per cent possession against Blackburn and should have won the game after the number of chances they created.

Two seasons ago, Fulham set a Championship record with 85 per cent possession in their 4-0 win over the Lions at Craven Cottage.

The visitors will try to dominate the ball under Marco Silva, who took over in the summer.

"There's lots of different challenges in a game like this," Rowett said. "It's a challenge for us to impose our own game on Fulham because we certainly don't want them to come to The Den and do whatever they want to.

"But certainly on and off the ball we're going to need a lot of energy. They're a mobile and athletic side.

"You only have to look at the players who are not in their squad who would walk into the vast majority of Championship sides.

"We'll need energy off the ball. The third game in a week you certainly start to think about if we will have to make some changes. How many we make will depend on that process."

Millwall had 15 shots against Blackburn to Rovers' two, but just two of them were on target and the visitors scored with their only effort on goal.

Rowett wants his side to be more "ruthless" when they have chances.

He said: "We've had quite a few chances in both games, QPR and Blackburn are going to be strong this year. I expect them to be at the very least top half and we've competed very well in both games.

"But for one lapse of concentration we would have won the game on Saturday. What we've shown in the two games is that we're a good side.

"What we've got to try and do is be more ruthless when we create those chances. It's quite hard to make that happen from the sideline when you've had chances from set-pieces and not made the most of them.

"We'll keep working really hard to try and improve. We have improved over the last couple of years and it's now about turning some of those opportunities into goals. It would certainly make the last 1o or 15 minutes a lot easier in games."

Meanwhile, Shaun Hutchinson is almost certain to miss out with a thigh injury, joining Mason Bennett in the treatment room.

Possible Millwall starting XI: Bialkowski; Romeo, Ballard, M Wallace, Cooper, Malone; Leonard, Kieftenbeld, Saville; J Wallace, Smith.

Match odds: Millwall 7/4 Draw 12/5 Fulham 6/4

Last meeting: Championship (February 12, 2020): Millwall 1-1 Fulham (Bodvarsson 7; Mitrovc 3).

Millwall: Bialkowski; Hutchinson, Pearce (Smith, 86), Cooper; Romeo, Molumby, Woods (Skalak, 86), M Wallace; J Wallace, Bradshaw (Leonard, 77), Bödvarsson.



https://newsatden.co.uk/81295-preview-millwall-vs-fulham-manager-quotes-team-news-and-predicted-line-up-at-the-den/

Southampton join Norwich City in race to sign Tosin Adarabioyo

Southampton have joined Norwich City in the race to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, The Express reports.

Adababioyo joined the Cottagers from Manchester City last summer. He was one of their stand out performers despite their top-flight relegation.

He has a £10 million relegation release clause on his contract. It appears that the Saints and Canaries could make a late raid to land his signature.

City will be owed 20 percent of any future fee after including a sell-on clause when the 23-year-old made the switch to Craven Cottage for around £2m.

Sportslens view:

The Saints are in desperate need of reinforcement in the central defensive position after Jannik Vestergaard's sale to Leicester City this month.

Adarabioyo fits their transfer policy of pursuing young and experienced players. He would be a like-for-like replacement with his strong aerial presence.

They should have the budget to afford the centre-back after the £15m fee gained from Vestergaard's sale, but the Canaries could offer stiff competition.

Daniel Farke's side have largely focused on bolstering the attack with Milot Rashica, Christos Tzolis and Josh Sargent already signed this summer.

The backline remains similar to last season. Adarabioyo impressed in the Premier League last term, and he would be a quality addition to boost their survival hopes.

Fulham would ideally want to keep him to enhance their promotion prospects, but the release clause puts them in a helpless situation if he wants to leave.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com




https://sportslens.com/southampton-join-norwich-city-in-race-to-sign-tosin-adarabioyo/381066/

Fulham: Fans react as Fabrizio Romano claims Rodrigo Muniz set to sign

Fulham fans have reacted with delight after Fabrizio Romano provided a piece of transfer news involving a target for their club.

Romano sent a tweet to his 4.3 million followers explaining that Fulham and Flamengo had signed the relevant paperwork to complete a deal for Rodrigo Muniz.

He added further detail, stating the Brazilian will join Fulham for €8m (£6.82m), though Flamengo will also receive 25% of the player's fee if he is sold in the future.

Learning of the news online, Fulham fans quickly flocked to social media to express their delight with the situation.

Here's what these Fulham fans said...

"Massive club."
@mistersoff
"He's here & he's perfect."
@liam_wilsonnn
"Here we go!!!"
@Sh4331R
"What we love to see on a Monday afternoon."
@FulhamishPod
"Great news"
@AmbroseBarnaby
"We r massive x"
@FFCpleur

Despite being just 20 years of age, Muniz already has scored five senior goals in just 789 minutes for Flamengo – averaging a goal just under every two games. It's stats like that which have evidently got these Fulham fans so excited at the prospect of the signing.

If he does arrive in London, Fulham will likely hope he can have a positive impact on the team as they look to go straight back up into the Premier League this season.




https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/08/blogs/championship/fulham/fulham-fans-react-as-fabrizio-romano-claims-rodrigo-muniz-set-to-sign/

Fulham revive Nzola interest

Fulham have revived their interest in Spezia striker M'Bala Nzola, according to reports from Italy this afternoon.

The Whites made a concerted effort to sign the Angolan international in January as they were battling to stay in the Premier League but saw two bids rejected by the Italian side. Nzola, who had fired Spezia to the Italian top flight with seven goals in 21 games, continued his scoring streak in Serie A last term – netting eleven goals in 25 league appearances as the Little Eagles comfortably avoided relegation.

Fulham have revived their interest in the French-born forward as they seek to add additional striking options to Marco Silva's squad alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic. Aboubakar Kamara is about to complete a permanent move to Aris and Rodrigo Muniz's imminent arrival from Flamengo will be delayed by the Brazilian youngster's quarantine requirements. Fulham have contacted Spezia to ascertain if a deal would be possible before the end of the transfer window, but they are not the 24 year-old's only suitors. Nzola has attracted interest from Fiorentina as well as clubs in Portugal and Turkey, whilst Fulham's Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion are also hopeful of enticing the 6'1" forward to England.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/fulham-revive-nzola-interest/

2 potential side-effects that could emerge at Fulham if they sign Southampton player

We brought you the exclusive on Monday afternoon that Fulham are keen on a deal for Southampton's Michael Obafemi, but what kind of impact would he have on the squad already present at Craven Cottage?

The bulky forward has scored four times and assisted in 32 Premier League appearances, largely as an impact substitute, but now at 21 is looking to earn regular first team football.

The Cottagers already boast a frightening attacking contingent for the level, however one that could only be strengthened by the pace and power Obafemi provides.

With Aboubakar Kamara seemingly putting the finishing touches to his outgoing transfer, Obafemi would provide a dangerous backup option to Aleksandar Mitrovic for Marco Silva to ponder.

However, every action has a reaction and that leads us to question what impact Obafemi's arrival would have on the likes of Neeskens Kebano and Anthony Knockaert on the fringes and the team as a whole.

Here, then we look at two potential side-effects that could emerge if Fulham's pursuit of Obafemi is finalised...

Change of system

Aleksandar Mitrovic has rarely been accustomed to playing a front two but the prospect of Obafemi and the Serbian as a pair would see second tier backlines quaking in their boots.

This could be a more realistic option should first choice number ten Fabio Carvalho depart the club, amidst Premier League interest and give the Cottagers' wage bill a bit more sustainability.

Bobby Decordova-Reid would be the immediate option should Silva wish to deploy a front two however his game has developed substantially in the last few years, seeing him more comfortable as a wide player, the former striker stepped in admirably in a wing back role at times last term.

One dimensional

Obafemi's obvious strength is his pace and running in behind, when that can be identified by an opposition they tend to shift their defensive line back in attempting to cut off the space between them and the goal.

This tactic could see teams less willing to come out of their shell against Fulham and simply look to contain, an approach that with the likes of ball playing midfielders Tom Cairney, Harrison Reed and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa yet to start a Championship game, could be successful with the Cottagers lacking the invention and creativity to break them down.

For all his physical assets Obafemi does not have the on the ball intelligence and guile of someone like Fabio Carvalho, who despite occupying a very different attacking role tends to generate more goalscoring opportunities of his own doing.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-potential-side-effects-that-could-emerge-at-fulham-if-they-sign-southampton-player/