Saturday Fulham Stuff - 12/08/23...

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Sheffield United land Leeds United, Burnley and Fulham-linked Gustavo Hamer from Coventry City
Sheffield United have signed midfielder Gustavo Hamer from Coventry City on a permanent deal.

Hamer had been linked with Sheffield United's Yorkshire rivals Leeds United, as well as their Premier League counterparts Burnley and Fulham. However, he has been unveiled as a Blade on the day of the club's return to Premier League action.

The 26-year-old has signed a four-year deal at Bramall Lane, having had his services secured for what Sheffield United have called a "significant undisclosed fee".

Hamer leaves Coventry having made 132 appearances in all competitions for the club. He was crucial for the Sky Blues as they made a surprise surge into the Championship play-off final last season.

Hamer said: "I still can't believe it, playing in the Premier League is every little boy's dream and I'm going to be doing it with Sheffield United, a massive club. Tomorrow (Saturday) it will be real. I've played here before with Coventry and I remember the song when the players walk out, it's amazing, thrilling."

Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom added: "Gustavo is someone I've admired for a few years, mainly because of his high energy, high work-rate performances and his bravery to take the ball in difficult positions.

"His quality has improved year on year and we hope that continues in his time with the Blades."



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united-land-leeds-united-burnley-and-fulham-linked-gustavo-hamer-from-coventry-city-4252887

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'I think': Paul Merson has now predicted the result of Everton vs Fulham
Paul Merson has now predicted the result between Everton and Fulham this afternoon.

The Toffees welcome Marco Silva's side to Goodison Park as another season of top-flight football gets underway at Everton's famous stadium.

Indeed, new signing Ashley Young is likely to make his competitive debut for Sean Dyche, while loan signing Arnaut Danjuma, who was absent for last week's friendly against Sporting CP, may feature.

However, it is sure to be a testing game for the Toffees, a sentiment shared by Paul Merson who believes it will be a 'difficult game for both teams'.

Writing for his column on Sportskeeda, the pundit predicts the game to end with the points shared in a 1-1 draw, though admits Everton 'can't afford to lose'.

Merson states: "This is a difficult game for both teams. I'm worried for Everton. Their results towards the end of last season were a massive concern. Their home form is poor, and they were falling behind last year in big football matches.

Fulham have a situation on their hands with Aleksandar Mitrovic If you take away his goals last season, Fulham wouldn't have been where they were.

Everton don't open anyone up, and they can't afford to lose this weekend. This will be a cagey game, and I think it'll end in a draw."

Everton v Fulham looks set to be a cagey affair with injuries for both sides
Fulham comfortably beat Everton 3-1 during last season's fixture at Goodison Park and no doubt Sean Dyche will want to avoid a repeat of such a display this time around.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was the subject of a rejected £25.5m bid from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, could be key for Fulham, but Everton fans will hope that his mind will be elsewhere.

Indeed, as Merson states, Everton's home form was poor last season, picking up just six wins at Goodison Park, so the Toffees will want to start the 2023/24 campaign with a win in front of the fans.



https://www.everton.news/i-think-paul-merson-has-now-predicted-the-result-of-everton-vs-fulham/

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Mark Lawrenson shares what he's heard about Dominic Calvert-Lewin, predicts result of Everton v Fulham
Mark Lawrenson has predicted the result of the opening Premier League game of the season between Everton and Fulham, and shared some Dominic Calvert-Lewin news.

The Toffees will host the west London club in the season opener on Saturday (12 August), looking to claim three points to open the season after narrowly avoiding the drop last season.

And Lawrenson, speaking to Paddy Power (11 August), has revealed that he has been told Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be fit for the game, but is still expecting a boring 0-0 draw.

"I'll go for a bore draw here," he said.

"I'm told Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fit. Fulham had a really good season last year and they haven't really lost anyone other than Willian yet. They've got a good manager but this might be a tough watch. Everton 0-0 Fulham."

Winnable
Despite knowing for years that we need to find proper reliable cover for Calvert-Lewin to avoid problems with his fitness as the season progresses, Everton are yet to do that in this transfer window.

So hearing that he should be available for the opening game of the window is a huge boost for the club and for Sean Dyche, as we look to get off to a strong start.

Fulham at home is a game that we will look at on the calendar and see as winnable, especially with Dyche having a whole pre-season to work with the players and with them having their own issues during the summer.

A fit Calvert-Lewin swings this game in our favour, so hopefully he can get a goal and make Lawrenson wrong about his pick nice and early on.

If not, then it could be a sign that we're in for another long slog of a season and that reinforcements are still needed before the window closes.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/08/12/mark-lawrenson-shares-what-hes-heard-about-dominic-calvert-lewin-predicts-result-of-everton-v-fulham/

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Opposition preview: Fulham FC
The new season is here! Before we jump back on board the rollercoaster that is Everton, let's take a look at todays opponents: straight outta West London, Fulham FC.

Exceeding Expectations
Given their status as relegation fodder in their recent spells in the top flight, it was surprising to see how well Fulham performed last season. A late season slump saw them finish 10th, but most of the season was spent in and around the hunt to qualify for the Europa Conference League.

A lot of credit for that has to go Marco Silva. Blues tend to have mixed feelings about the Portugese (I, for one, still expect him to bring on Theo Walcott in the 65th minute every week), but he is now showing his ability. It would perhaps be surprising if they could maintain that form this season, however, given the uncertainty around their squad.

Ins and Outs
Silva appears to be something of a victim of his own success this season. Players who contributed enourmously to Fulham's form last season are reportedly looking to cash in on that success and move on. Aleksander Mitrovic contributed 14 goals last season despite serving an 8 game ban for raising his hands to an offical. His intention is reportedly to leave Fulham to join the Saudi goldrush. Raul Jimenez's arrival from Wolves should provide some insurance against that.

Willian, who made such a contribution last season, also looks set to jump ship to Saudi just weeks after signing a new deal. The arrival of Calvin Bassey from Ajax is a major coup for the Cottagers and he will look to recreate the form that powered Rangers to the Europa League finalo 2 seasons ago.

Key Player
Palhina was at the heart of everything good Fulham did last season. The Portugese midfielder offered poise, guile and vision that made them attractive to watch and effective. Paired with Harrison Reed's, erm, less cultured approach, Palhina was able to take the game to opponents. Keeping hold of him for another season is, perhaps more than any other player, crucial to Fulham's chances this term. Liverpool were rumoured to have offered £45m for his services earlier in the window, but a serious shoulder injury will see him miss the early part of the season.



https://www.grandoldteam.com/2023/08/12/opposition-preview-fulham-fc/

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Is Everton vs Fulham on TV? Channel, live stream, kick-off time, how to watch
Everton return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, and here's how you can follow all of the action

Everton get their 2023/24 Premier League season underway on Saturday afternoon when they host Fulham at Goodison Park.

For the Blues, it will mark their first competitive game since last season's dramatic final-day victory over Bournemouth, which saw them retain their ever-present Premier League status.

Returning to home soil, manager Sean Dyche will be hoping to get the campaign off to a strong start against the Londoners. He could hand new signing Youssef Chermiti his first run out of the Blues.

Here are all of the details of how you can follow the Blues' Premier League opener.

What time does Everton vs Fulham kick off?
Everton's 2023/24 Premier League season kicks off at Goodison Park at 3pm on Saturday afternoon. It is one of six Premier League games to be played on Saturday.

Is Everton vs Fulham on TV? What is the 3pm blackout?
Due to long-standing rules in English football, Everton vs Fulham will not be broadcast live on television this afternoon. That is due to the 3pm blackout, a ruling that prohibits mid-afternoon kick-offs from being shown live.

However, you can follow all of the action for Goodison Park with our team of Everton writers - Joe Thomas, Chris Beesley and Connor O'Neil - who will all be in attendance in the Goodison press box.

From there, they will prove all of the build-up, live updates and analysis in our dedicated match blog. Our live blog will be available to follow at the top of the Everton section of the site shortly before kick-off.

After the full-time whistle, we will have player ratings, analysis and a match verdict for you to sink your teeth into.

How can I watch Everton vs Fulham highlights?
Although not broadcast live, highlights of all of Saturday's matches will be available on Match of the Day on BBC One at 10:30pm later this evening.

What is the early Everton vs Fulham team news?
Everton will be without Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli and Dwight McNeil for Saturday's game. However, James Tarkowski has been passed for Fulham's visit to Goodison Park.

Demarai Gray, who is currently enjoying an extended holiday due to his international commitments over the summer months - is yet to return to Everton training and will therefore miss out.

Saturday's outing could come too soon for Chermiti, who only put pen to paper on his move to Merseyside on early Friday morning.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fulham-live-stream-channel-27507892

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Aston Villa 'closing in' on 'sensational' £30m transfer as ex Wolves star 'close' to Fulham move
The latest Aston Villa transfer news and Wolves transfer news as both clubs get set to kick off their 2023/24 Premier League campaigns this weekend.

Manchester City and Burnley kicked off the new Premier League season at Turf Moor last night as the reigning champions dispatched the Championship winners 3-0.

Aston Villa kick off their 2023/24 campaign later today when they travel to St James Park to face Newcastle United in a tough opening contest. Things aren't any easier for Wolves as Gary O'Neil begins his tenure on Monday when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, the summer transfer window remains open until the end of the month and there are still plenty of major deals that could be done. Villa are said to be 'closing in' on a 'sensational' £30 million transfer while a former Wolves favourite looks like to join Fulham. Here are the latest Aston Villa and Wolves transfer news headlines on Saturday, August 12:

Aston Villa 'close in' on 'sensational' move for £30m winger
According to The Express, via Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are said to be 'closing in' on a 'sensational transfer' for winger Nicolo Zaniolo. Unai Emery's side have apparently put forward a formal bid to sign the player from Turkish club Galatasaray.

The 24-year-old had been linked with Newcastle United this summer but Villa have now offered to take him in on loan with an option to buy, However, there is apparently no agreement in place between the two sides yet, but the player is keen on the move.

Fulham 'close' to signing former Wolves favourite
Per a report from The Athletic, Fulham are close to signing former Wolves winger Adama Traore on a free transfer. The 27-year-old left Molineux in the summer at the end of his contract and is now set to link up with Marco Silva's side.

The proposed deal is said to be at an advanced stage with Fulham keen to strengthen in wide areas following the departures of Dan James, Manor Solomon and Neeskens Kebano.



https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/aston-villa-closing-in-on-sensational-ps30m-transfer-as-ex-wolves-star-close-to-fulham-move-4252905

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Fulham submit offer to 27-year-old attacker with 194 PL appearances
Spanish international winger Adama Traore has been linked with a move to a number of clubs this summer.

Clubs from Italy and Spain were reportedly keen on signing the player but a report via Fichajes claims that the player is set to continue in the Premier League next season.

Apparently, Fulham have submitted an offer to the 27-year-old winger and it remains to be seen whether they can secure an agreement with him soon.

The Spaniard is currently a free agent after his contract expired with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He has shown his quality in English football with Wolves and Aston Villa. He is certainly good enough to be a key player for Fulham next season.

The London outfit needed to add more pace and flair to their attack and Traore would add some much-needed cutting edge in the final third.

Fulham had Manor Solomon at their disposal last season but the player has now joined Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent move. Marco Silva needed to bring in reinforcements in the wide areas and Traore certainly fits the profile.

He is well-settled in the Premier League with 194 appearances so far and he should be able to make an immediate impact at Craven Cottage.

His speed and explosiveness will add a new dimension to the Fulham attack and help them push for a place in the top half.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/08/12/fulham-submit-offer-to-27-year-old-attacker-with-194-pl-appearances/

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Everton predicted lineup vs Fulham: Dominic Calvert-Lewin starts, Danjuma on the bench
Everton begin their 2023-24 Premier League season at Goodison Park, hosting Marco Silva's Fulham. The Toffees have had their slates wiped clean as they look to jump out of the relegation struggles that have haunted them for the last two seasons. Sean Dyche will be aiming to ensure that EFC do not land in such a mess this season.

New signings Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma could play some part whereas Youssef Chermiti's inclusion looks difficult given that he would have had very limited time with the first team to train and gel. Dwight McNeil is surely ruled out as he has injured his ankle. Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned towards the end of pre-season but lacks the desired game time. However, he could still play some part against Fulham. Dele Alli and Seamus Coleman remain ruled out for the game.

Dyche will be without McNeil, which is a huge blow as he was instrumental to Everton last season. Danjuma also suffered a knock and may not be able to play the entire 90 minutes but could make his debut against Fulham. EFC will be hoping to kick off their 2023-24 Premier League campaign with a win.

Everton predicted lineup vs Fulham
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford is one of the senior players in the squad and a leader on the pitch. He has been the saviour for EFC on several occasions. All the talk of his exit has died down as he continues to remain a core member of the Everton squad.

Left back: Ashley Young
Vitaliy Mykolenko has gradually eased to the first team after picking up an injury towards the end of the season. He did play 25 minutes during pre-season but Dyche might prefer to use Young and give Mykolenko more time to get match fit. Having Young in the squad ensures versatility as the Englishman can play in several positions and get the job done.

Centre back: James Tarkowski
The English centre back had an injury scare against Sporting but James Tarkowski is fit and ready to command the rearguard. His experience and leadership qualities will be vital in absence of Coleman and his presence offers solidity at the back.

Centre back: Michael Keane
There are numerous debates on who should be Tarkowski's partner in the backline with Mason Holgate, Ben Godfrey, Michael Keane and Jarrad Branthwaite being contenders. Keane has played under Dyche and could start the game against Fulham.

Right back: Nathan Patterson
With Coleman out and Young playing as a left back, it is time for Nathan Patterson to shine. The Scottish full back suffered an injury towards the business end of the last season but is back and raring to go. Patterson offers immense attacking quality while going forward and can complement Alex Iwobi on the right flank.

Central midfield: Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye will carry out the role of being the midfielder sitting ahead of the defence and winning the ball back by breaking the opposition play. Gueye's commitment and ability to win the ball back is instrumental in Dyche's system.

Central midfield: Amadou Onana
There has been a lot of talk all summer about Amadou Onana leaving the club with interest from Chelsea and Manchester United but the Belgian has so far remained at Goodison Park. Dyche counts on the 21 year old and he has the ability to transform into one of the best young midfielders in the league if this season goes according to the plan.

Central midfield: Abdoulaye Doucoure
Although he will operate centrally in the midfield, his box-to-box qualities will be used extensively as he would push forward into goalscoring positions to support the striker and add an extra body in the attack. Doucoure scored the all important goal that ensured EFC's Premier League status and will be hoping to score many such goals this season.

Left wing: Demarai Gray
With McNeil injured and Danjuma not fit to play for 90 minutes, Demarai Gray could start on the left flank. He is a live wire waiting to explode and when given a chance he can make some difference. His electric pace can allow EFC to make quick transitions and counter at breathtaking pace.

Striker: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin may not be able to commit 90 minutes but starting him ahead of Neal Maupay gives Everton some extra threat and precision in the attack.

Right wing: Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi is arguably the most creative player in the side and Everton will heavily rely on his creativity and imagination. The Nigerian has been linked with a move away as he has 12 months left on his deal but the Toffees are pushing to keep him at Goodison Park.



https://princerupertstower.com/2023/08/12/everton-predicted-lineup-fulham/

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Everton: Dyche must unleash Arnaut Danjuma vs Fulham
The winger could spark a new era at Goodison Park this season.

    Everton's Premier League opener against Fulham is an opportunity to start a new era and avoid another relegation battle.
    Dele Alli, Seamus Coleman, and Dwight McNeil are all unavailable for selection due to injuries.
    Arnaut Danjuma, a new signing, should be unleashed in Everton's forward line to make an instant impact and secure a win against Fulham.

Everton will host Fulham in their Premier League opener at Goodison Park this afternoon and Sean Dyche will be hoping to spark a new era on the blue side of Merseyside after a difficult campaign last season.

The Toffees finished 17th in the top-flight table with just two points to spare on the final day, with Abdoulaye Doucoure's strike against Bournemouth saving them from a spell in the Championship and relegating Leicester City instead.

Now the Everton boss will be hoping that his team can stage a comeback to comfortably compete in the Premier League this season, to avoid a third consecutive relegation scrap at the bottom of the table.

What's the latest Everton team news?
In terms of injuries, Dele Alli has had a set-back following his hip surgery, club captain Seamus Coleman remains in recovery with a knee injury and Dwight McNeil will be out for weeks with an ankle injury, meaning all three will be unavailable for selection for today's fixture.

Both James Tarkowski and Arnaut Danjuma have been confirmed as available for selection after suffering knocks and fitness issues during pre-season, however, there is uncertainty surrounding Dominic Calvert-Lewin's return to action.

Dyche took to his pre-match press conference to deliver an update on the striker's availability:

"He just needs game time, Dom. Unfortunately the games have just ran out in pre-season, if he had a few more weeks he may have been able to play more. He's fit and well, just finishing off the games programme at the moment."

"We'll have to make a call on that [whether Calvert-Lewin can play]. I've spoken to him anyway on how he's feeling, we'll have to make a call on that."

Will Arnaut Danjuma start vs Fulham?
Whilst Everton are still active in the market this summer with new additions on the agenda, the club have already snapped up the services of three fresh faces who could make their debut in the first few fixtures of the season.

Both Danjuma and former Aston Villa stalwart Ashley Young could make their Goodison Park debut this weekend, whilst ex-Sporting Club de Portugal striker Youssef Chermiti may not feature due to only putting ink on his four-year contract yesterday.

Dyche will be keen to set high standards and expectations in the opening clash, so unleashing Danjuma in the final third this afternoon would be the perfect opportunity to prove Everton's ambition and determination to change the trajectory of their fate.

The Villarreal star has joined the Merseysiders on a season-long loan and was a much-needed addition following the departures of Anthony Gordon and Richarlison, so there will be huge expectations for the Netherlands international to make an instant impact.

The £52.5k-per-week winger - once hailed "exceptional" by former Bournemouth boss Jonathan Woodgate - has scored 75 goals and registered 36 assists over his club career so far with a goal contribution every 128 minutes, a consistency in front of goal that could be highly valuable to Everton if he can continue to score frequently on Merseyside this season.

With that being said, Dyche must unleash Danjuma in Everton's forward line this afternoon against Fulham, as he could be a game-changer in securing all three points at Goodison Park.



https://www.footballfancast.com/everton-sean-dyche-arnaut-danjuma-premier-league-team-news-injury-update-fulham-efc/

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Fulham: BBC journalist shares Adama Traore update
The Spaniard is wanted at Craven Cottage.

BBC journalist Shamoon Hafez has shared an update on former Wolves and Barcelona winger Adama Traore's potential move to Fulham.

Who will Fulham sign?
Manager Marco Silva has seen two major signings come through the door this summer, with defender Calvin Bassey and striker Raul Jimenez joining the club this summer.

Bassey, after a standout season with Ajax in the Eredivisie last term, signed for around £18.2 million while Jimenez opted to swap Wolves for west London.

However, Fulham's manager has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the club's transfer business overall, candidly admitting they still need to strengthen in a number of key areas.

Silva says they're short on full-backs and options out wide, and with the new season starting today with a trip away to Everton, Fulham are running out of time to reinforce their squad.

"Unfortunately, we need many still. We have some important players injured," he said last week.

"I hope they can come sooner. We have just two full backs, we need a midfielder too and we have just two wingers so we need another two wingers.

"We have completed our central defenders. I needed these players 15 days or 20 days ago, not now."

Ex-Fulham transfer target Fred has completed a move to Turkey, dealing a blow to their hopes of signing a midfielder before deadline day, but they have been linked with many wide players recently.

The likes of Everton winger Demarai Gray and Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi stand out as just some of the high profile names, with ex-Wolves star Traore now firmly on their radar.

That is according to The BBC and Hafez, who claim Traore is now considering an offer to join Fulham. The 27-year-old, who spent a portion of 2021/2022 on loan at Barca, left Wolves upon the expiry of his contract in June.

Traore is now a free agent and readily-available for hire, but Fulham are not the only competitors for a Bosman deal, as clubs in Saudi Arabia are also circling.

How good is Adama Traore?
The winger, who former Spurs boss Antonio Conte was once desperate to sign for Tottenham, could now move to Fulham for nothing.

Traore was once highly sought-after with some reports claiming Wolves valued him at around £50 million. The attacker, during his arguably best season at Molineux, was a seriously exciting dribbler.

According to WhoScored, Traore averaged a very impressive five successful take-ons per 90 in the final third over 2019/2020 - a season which also saw him bag four goals and nine assists.

These numbers indicate there is a real player to be had, when Traore is at his best, with former Leeds striker Noel Whelan calling him a "match-winner" to Football Insider.

"When you're talking about signing game-changers and match-winners from the bench, wow, Traore is the perfect fit," said Whelan.

He can produce something from nothing. That's the excitement about him – the unknown, the power, the way he can drive past players and brush them off.

"He's proven in the last few years now that he's not just a one-trick pony. There never used to be any end product to his game, but now he's improved that. He picks the best pass a lot more often now."



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league-fulham-news-adama-traore-update-bbc-latest/

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Silva 'cannot guarantee' Mitrovic will stay at Fulham
Marco Silva admits Aleksandar Mitrovic might still leave Fulham before the transfer window shuts.

Mitrovic, who scored 14 Premier League goals last season, despite serving a long ban for manhandling referee Chris Kavanagh in an FA Cup tie at Manchester United, was a key figure in the Whites' best top-flight campaign since 2009.

However, he has been the subject of a bid from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal which was turned down – much to the chagrin of the player, who was keen to make the move.

Silva rejected overtures from Saudi club Al-Ahli to remain at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have signed Raul Jimenez from Wolves this summer to bolster their striking options, but Silva says Mitrovic will be involved in the season opener at Everton on Saturday.

"Mitro was able to play last week two (pre-season) games," boss Silva said.

"This week again he is training every single day with team-mates. He's ready to play.

"Mitro is a top striker and we have helped him and were able to get the best out of him in two seasons like no-one has before.

"We know what Mitro was like in the season in the Premier League when the club was relegated and credit to him for the way that he understood ourselves and the way he proved himself at this level.

"But the market is open and everyone is looking for the strikers and they want the best and if they want the best then you would look at Mitro.

"I cannot guarantee he will be with us until the end of the market because I cannot control the market.

"But we are ready if something happens even if something I don't like what happens.

"I understand the football business and we have to be ready."

Silva also said Willian was persuaded to remain at the club despite the offer of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia after being assured the manager was staying.

"Willian loves to be in this football club but I don't want to link it all with me," he said.

"As you know I was the person that believed in him last season when no-one in the Premier League did.

"It was one of my priorities to keep Willian with us. It was important for him to understand the plan, the goals, the strategy and who will be the manager.

"I cannot hide that the manager was one of the reasons, but it's about new signings and the type of football we will be playing as well."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-was-silva-cannot-guarantee-mitrovic-will-stay-at-fulham

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Everton star Demarai Gray 'Likely' to head to Saudi Arabia as Fulham transfer news drops - Alan Myers
Demarai Gray from Everton to Saudi Arabia is a "likely outcome" after Fulham edged closer to signing Adama Traore, according to Alan Myers.

Writing on his personal Twitter account (11 August), the Sky Sports journalist reports that the west London club are in advanced talks to sign Spain international Toure after he left Wolves at the end of his contract.

Fulham had previously been linked with a move for Gray but with Traore now close to signing, Myers believes a move to Crystal Palace or Saudi Arabia are far more likely now for the Toffees star.

"Adama Traore in advanced talks to join Fulham, the winger is a free agent after leaving Wolves," he wrote.

"Likely to mean Palace and more so Saudi Arabia a likely outcome for [Demarai] Gray sale."

Cash in
Gray was an incredibly important member of the Everton squad last season, playing out of position but putting in a shift and scoring some big goals over the course of the campaign.

But it was clear quite quickly after Sean Dyche arrived that he wouldn't be first choice if everyone was fit, and with 12 months remaining on his deal at Goodison an exit now seems as though it suits everyone.

A Premier League move looked most likely, but with Fulham now seemingly out of the race a move to Saudi Arabia has been mooted previously and they would no doubt cough up the funds needed to make both Everton and Gray happy.

Gray has the option of waiting a bit longer for a move to Saudi to develop as their transfer window closes two weeks after England's, but Everton will need to know what's happening so they can replace him first.

Either way, if we can get the money we want for him then it doesn't matter to us where it comes from. The earlier the better so we can use it for other targets.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/08/12/everton-star-demarai-gray-likely-to-head-to-saudi-arabia-as-fulham-transfer-news-drops-alan-myers/

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Everton line-ups for Fulham as Sean Dyche facing Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jarrad Branthwaite decisions
Everton team news and starting line-up predictions for Premier League fixture at home to Fulham

Matt Jones - Branthwaite must start
While Sean Dyche may have his hand forced in other areas of the Everton squad, at centre-back he has a genuine choice.

It feels like we know all there is to know about Michael Keane by now, who is as likely to be decent as disastrous. But Jarrad Branthwaite - younger, fresher and more dynamic - offers a chance at something new at the base of the team.

He may still be inexperienced and the last time he set foot on a Premier League football pitch he was run ragged by Ivan Toney and sent off, but Everton have kept Branthwaite amid a lot of interest from elsewhere this summer. So they should play him.

In midfield options are scarce. James Garner will have to be a makeshift right winger, with Alex Iwobi on the left, which should suit him more than the other flank.

The midfield trio of Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure may be short of craft in possession, but with the excellent Joao Palhinha absent for Fulham, Everton should boss the physical battle in midfield.

Up top, Arnaut Danjuma and Dominic Calvert-Lewin look likely to begin on the bench, so it's up to Neal Maupay to lead the line, which was a huge problem for the Blues in this fixture last season.

Keeping it tight for an hour and calling for the cavalry off the bench feels like Everton's most likely way home.

My team (4-5-1): Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Young; Garner, Onana, Gueye, Doucoure, Iwobi; Maupay.

Chris Beesley - Adopting a somewhat coy approach
A new season is upon us - thankfully still in the Premier League despite the lowest equivalent points total in the club's history - but the campaign starts with the same old question, who will spearhead Everton's attack?

It won't be the Blues' first cash signing of the summer Youssef Chermiti, whose arrival was only confirmed yesterday, it won't be Demarai Gray who hasn't had a proper pre-season after performing for Jamaica at the CONCACAF Gold Cup - indeed the man who led the line for Everton in their survival showdown against Bournemouth may well end up joining Fulham after their visit to Goodison Park, and it seems unlikely to be Tom Cannon who was due to re-join Preston North End on last week only for the deal to be delayed until Goodison Park chiefs could get their own incoming new faces over the line.

Neal Maupay seems to be Sean Dyche's 'Johnny on the Spot' to take on the mantle but the diminutive Frenchman - who netted just once in 29 matches last term - seems ill-equipped for the role.

Dyche continues to play down Dominic Calvert-Lewin's chances of starting and when asked in his pre-match press conference about the number nine's prospects of being on the bench against the Cottagers, replied: "We'll make a call on that."

Given that the centre-forward was fit enough to start against Sporting CP a week ago and convert the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, I suspect the Blues boss could be adopting a somewhat coy approach here to keep Marco Silva guessing and I reckon Calvert-Lewin is actually good to go in terms of being picked.

An injury to last season's top scorer Dwight McNeil ensures Arnaut Danjuma can make his bow on the left wing while further back, I'd expect 38-year-old Ashley Young to become Everton's oldest-ever outfield debutant at left-back.

Also in defence, Michael Keane is understood to be the manager's preferred choice alongside stand-in captain James Tarkowski at centre-back and despite some Evertonians maintaining something of a downer on the £25million signing from Burnley in 2017, for all the highs and lows he's had at Goodison, Keane, has, on the whole, proven to be a solid performer over the best part of his six years at the club and Dyche, who was his gaffer at Turf Moor, believes he can start getting the best out of him again.

My team (4-5-1): Pickford; Patterson, Young, Keane, Tarkowski; Gueye, Onana, Doucoure, Iwobi, Danjuma; Calvert-Lewin.

Joe Thomas - Far from the strongest team
o much depends on who is fit for Dyche today, with questions over Calvert-Lewin, Danjuma and Mykolenko.

Mykolenko is particularly important because his involvement would allow Young to push forward into the space McNeil and, possibly, Danjuma cannot yet fill.

This is the side I would pick, not the one I think Dyche will, and I'm hopeful Danjuma is available. With that in mind it's a back four of Godfrey, Patterson, Tarkowski and Keane - I am a big fan of Branthwaite but I think he and Everton will grow into the season better if the spot is Keane's to lose.

Dropping Keane immediately alienates one of fee centre back options, while also placing big pressure on Branthwaite right from the start. Godfrey at left back isn't ideal but it allows me to play Young on the left wing, Iwobi on the right and to have a midfield three of Gueye, Onana and Doucoure.

Danjuma is not a number 9 but I think he is the best bet to lead the line if those around him are sensible and don't go aerial. This is far from the strongest team I think Everton can pick and there are a few clear issues with it, but it is the way I would attempt to deal with the current injury issues.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fulham-line-ups-dyche-27508606

[WhiteJC]