Sunday Fulham Stuff (03/06/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea and United battle for Fulham ace
Chelsea and Manchester are locked in a £10m tug of war for Fulham star Moussa Dembele

Chelsea and Manchester United are prepared to go head-to-head to secure the signing of Fulham frontman Moussa Dembele, according to the Daily Mail.

The Belgian ace is valued at £10m, and both clubs have registered their interest with Fulham, with a view to beginning talks over negotiating a fee. The attacking midfielder has been in great form for the Cottagers since joining from Dutch club AZ.

The 24-year-old only has a year left to run on his Fulham contract, and the west London club would prefer to receive a fee were he to leave, rather than risk him seeing him depart on a free transfer at the end of next season.



http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/chelsea-and-united-battle-for-fulham-ace?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dembele can replace Lampard at Chelsea, says agent
The 24-year-old's agent Rodger Linse says the Fulham midfielder would fit in "perfectly" at Stamford Bridge after reports of a £10m offer from the Champions League winners

Moussa Dembele's agent insists the Fulham midfielder can replace Frank Lampard at local rivals Chelsea.

Dembele's current deal at Craven Cottage runs out at the end of next season and he is reportedly being chased by Chelsea and Manchester United over a possible £10 million transfer.

When asked about Chelsea's interest, Linse said: "It fits Mousa's ambitions perfectly to become the replacement for someone like Frank Lampard one day, just as playing in the Champions League does as well."

The former AZ Alkmaar player moved to Craven Cottage from Holland in 2010 and could now make the short trip to Fulham's local rivals at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are also close to signing Dembele's countryman, Eden Hazard, as they look to rebuild their squad with Europe's top young talent.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/06/02/3143725/dembele-can-replace-lampard-at-chelsea-says-agent?

[WhiteJC]

 
High school Dempsey: I want to be "[p]laying ... in Europe" in five years

This picture, apparently showing Clint Dempsey's high school yearbook, has been making the rounds on Twitter ever since a fan tweeted at the U.S. star Saturday:



Why are we just hearing about this now?!?

This should be Dempsey's Twitter profile picture, his Facebook cover art – his driver's license photo! When he goes through customs are Heathrow, he should just show this to the customs agent and say "Ask me where I see myself in five minutes: On my way home."

And then he'd strike that post. It is, without a doubt, the most Clint Dempsey thing ever. As you read this, somebody's registering @deucesjaw on Twitter. ClintDempseysJawline.tumblr.com? I'm sure it's already gone.

Even better: Imagine all the parents in Nacogdoches who, when flipping through their kids' yearbook, saw "that Dempsey boy" with that look and that quote and said "oh, boy. Aubrey and Debbie sure have a live one on their hands."

Well, I guess they had the last laugh. It took Clint six years (not five) to make it to Europe.

Oh, that Dempsey boy.



http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/02/clint-dempsey-high-school-yearbook-twitter-picture-playing-professional-soccer-in-europe/related/?

[WhiteJC]

 
ANDY JOHNSON LIKES LURE OF DUBAI

FULHAM striker striker Andy Johnson, available on a Bosman transfer at the end of this month, is considering offers to play in the United Arab Emirates.

Johnson, 31, could yet accept a new but slightly reduced deal with the Cottagers.

But his agent Anthony McFarlane has suggested Dubai is the preferred destination.

McFarlane said: "It's something he has firmly been thinking about. He has never been in this situation in his career where he is available on a Bosman.

"His mind is open and he's looking at all his options, both here in England and abroad.

"He is keen on a new challenge and very interested in a move to the UAE provided the offer is right.

"There have been no concrete offers as such at this moment in time but there has been strong interest from a number of clubs in the Gulf area, including a couple from the UAE.

"Without a doubt, he is looking at it. It's just a case of weighing up his options and making sure he joins the right club."

Johnson has spent the past four seasons at Craven Cottage following a £10.5million switch from Everton, during which time he has scored 27 goals in 105 games.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/254746/Andy-Johnson-likes-lure-of-Dubai/?

[WhiteJC]

 
£20M BRENDAN RODGERS LIVERPOOL SPREE FOR JOE ALLEN, CLINT DEMPSEY AND GYLFI SIGURDSSON

NEW Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants to splash £20million on three players.

His top targets are Swansea midfielder Joe Allen, who is valued at £10m, £6m Icelander Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fulham's Clint Dempsey who could move this summer for £4m.

Both Allen, 22, and fellow midfielder Sigurdsson, 22, when on loan from German club Hoffenheim, played under Rodgers at Swansea last season.

But as there is an agreement that the Kop boss won't poach players from his former club for 12 months, unless the deal suits both parties, Rodgers might have to wait for Allen.

That, though, doesn't apply to Sigurdsson - even though Swansea have agreed a deal to sign him permanently.

Rodgers said of the Sigurdsson situation: "I said when I had the chat with Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, when I told him that I was going to Liverpool, that Gylfi came to Swansea because I was there as manager.

"I felt after six months that we needed a goal-scoring midfield player.

"His record is fantastic and I said to him, 'I think this is the club for you'.

"I pushed the club to make an agreement and they've done that in terms of the fee and the salary.

"I said to Huw, 'I'm not going to do anything untoward – this is the guy you want.'

"But ultimately, it's down to Gylfi. My only thing is that, if he comes on to the market, I will have to be interested.

"His initial chat has to be, I'm sure, with Swansea, because he had a good period there and did very well.

"The agreement is there now for him to come out of Germany.

"I said to Huw if I speak to the kid, I'll tell him to make sure he comes down to speak to the new manager – whoever that is.

"And if he's not comfortable with that, he's then in the marketplace – and then I have to look at him."

Meanwhile, the highly-rated Dempsey, 29 – who scored 21 times for Fulham last season – has only one year remaining on his contract and the American forward is set to quit Craven Cottage.

Clubs believe he can be snapped up for a bargain fee and Rodgers is ready to battle Merseyside neighbours Everton and Arsenal for him.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/254749/-20m-Brendan-Rodgers-Liverpool-spree-for-Joe-Allen-Clint-Dempsey-and-Gylfi-Sigurdsson/?

[WhiteJC]

 
BRENDAN RODGERS LIVERPOOL TARGETS

NEW Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants to splash £20 million on three players.

His targets are £10m-rated Swansea midfielder Joe Allen, £6m Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fulham's Clint Dempsey, worth £4m.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/254764/Brendan-Rodgers-Liverpool-targets/

[WhiteJC]

 
Saints hot for Trot

SOUTHAMPTON are plotting a £2million raid for Millwall's Liam Trotter.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins is a long-time admirer of the midfielder.

He signed the former Ipswich trainee on loan when he was in charge of Scunthorpe three years ago.

Now Adkins wants the 6ft 2in star to boost his midfield as he looks to strengthen his newly promoted squad for their Premier League campaign.

Trotter, 23, joined Millwall two years ago after a successful loan spell and has scored 13 goals in 70 league appearances for the Lions.

He has two years left on his current Den deal and has also been linked with Fulham and Sunderland.



http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4352558/Liam-Trotter-transfer-Millwall-midfielder-wanted-by-Southamptons-Nigel-Adkins.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Can do job: Norwich target Clark

With Paul Lambert gone to Villa, former Huddersfield boss joins Canaries' shortlist

Lee Clark has been targeted to replace ­Aston Villa-bound Paul Lambert as Norwich manager.

Former Huddersfield boss Clark is on a ­Canaries shortlist which also includes ­Cardiff chief Malky Mackay and Birmingham's Chris Hughton.

Neil Lennon has ruled himself out, insisting he is happy to carry on in charge at SPL ­champions Celtic. But Clark, 39, ­is highly regarded.

He spent 13 months at ­Norwich as former boss Glenn Roeder's No.2 ­before becoming Town boss in December 2008.

He enjoyed a successful 38 months there ­before surprisingly ­being sacked by the ­Terriers in February.

A highly-placed ­Norwich source said: "He is well thought of."



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/lee-clark-has-been-targeted-to-replace-860837

[fulhamben]

probably should know, but why is liam trotta inked to us?

[fulhamben]

just googled liam trotta and cant find any link to fulham what so ever

[BB]

£4 Million for Clint Dempsey..... your 'aving a giraffe!!! Not a penny less than the whole £20million, cash up front with enquiry!!
Cheapskate ex-scummer, its enough to make your blood boil!!  :014:

£20M BRENDAN RODGERS LIVERPOOL SPREE FOR JOE ALLEN, CLINT DEMPSEY AND GYLFI SIGURDSSON

NEW Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants to splash £20million on three players.

His top targets are Swansea midfielder Joe Allen, who is valued at £10m, £6m Icelander Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fulham's Clint Dempsey who could move this summer for £4m.

Both Allen, 22, and fellow midfielder Sigurdsson, 22, when on loan from German club Hoffenheim, played under Rodgers at Swansea last season.

But as there is an agreement that the Kop boss won't poach players from his former club for 12 months, unless the deal suits both parties, Rodgers might have to wait for Allen.

That, though, doesn't apply to Sigurdsson - even though Swansea have agreed a deal to sign him permanently.

Rodgers said of the Sigurdsson situation: "I said when I had the chat with Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, when I told him that I was going to Liverpool, that Gylfi came to Swansea because I was there as manager.

"I felt after six months that we needed a goal-scoring midfield player.

"His record is fantastic and I said to him, 'I think this is the club for you'.

"I pushed the club to make an agreement and they've done that in terms of the fee and the salary.

"I said to Huw, 'I'm not going to do anything untoward – this is the guy you want.'

"But ultimately, it's down to Gylfi. My only thing is that, if he comes on to the market, I will have to be interested.

"His initial chat has to be, I'm sure, with Swansea, because he had a good period there and did very well.

"The agreement is there now for him to come out of Germany.

"I said to Huw if I speak to the kid, I'll tell him to make sure he comes down to speak to the new manager – whoever that is.

"And if he's not comfortable with that, he's then in the marketplace – and then I have to look at him."

Meanwhile, the highly-rated Dempsey, 29 – who scored 21 times for Fulham last season – has only one year remaining on his contract and the American forward is set to quit Craven Cottage.

Clubs believe he can be snapped up for a bargain fee and Rodgers is ready to battle Merseyside neighbours Everton and Arsenal for him.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/254749/-20m-Brendan-Rodgers-Liverpool-spree-for-Joe-Allen-Clint-Dempsey-and-Gylfi-Sigurdsson/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Rodgers plans to make Dempsey and Sigurdsson his first Liverpool signings

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has put Gylfi Sigurdsson and Clint Dempsey at the top of his transfer wish list.

Rodgers has vowed to strengthen his Anfield squad as he looks to introduce the passing brand of football that served him so well at Swansea.

He hopes to steal Sigurdsson from under his former club's nose, and poach Dempsey from Fulham.


Wanted: Clint Dempsey (right) is expected to leave Fulham this summer

Icelander Sigurdsson has already agreed a £6.8million deal with the Welsh club but could yet move to Liverpool instead.

Rodgers said: 'I said when I had the chat with Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, when I told him that I was going to Liverpool, that Gylfi came to Swansea because I was there as manager.

'I felt after six months that we needed a goal-scoring midfield player.

'His record is fantastic and I said to him, "I think this is the club for you".

'I pushed the club to make an agreement and they've done that in terms of the fee and the salary.


Decision time: Gylfi Sigurdsson (left) may opt for Liverpool rather than Swansea

'I said to Huw, "I'm not going to do anything untoward – this is the guy you want."

'But ultimately, it's down to Gylfi. My only thing is that, if he comes on to the market, I will have to be interested.

'His initial chat has to be, I'm sure, with Swansea, because he had a good period there and did very well.

'The agreement is there now for him to come out of Germany.

'I said to Huw if I speak to the kid, I'll tell him to make sure he comes down to speak to the new manager – whoever that is.


New man: Brendan Rodgers has taken over at Liverpool

'And if he's not comfortable with that, he's then in the marketplace – and then I have to look at him.'

Meanwhile, the highly-rated Dempsey, 29 – who scored 21 times for Fulham last season – has only one year remaining on his contract and the American forward is set to quit Craven Cottage.

He is also a target for Arsenal and could be available for just £4m.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2153981/Brendan-Rodgers-wants-sign-Gylfi-Sigurdsson-Clint-Dempsey.html#ixzz1wj4HUEqe

[WhiteJC]

 
Dembele starts talks with Fulham over new deal as Jol looks to head off Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal

Fulham have begun their fight to keep Moussa Dembele by calling the playmaker in for talks over a bumper new contract.

The Belgium international has been a star performer for Martin Jol's side this season and his performances have attracted interest from Premier League's high-fliers.

Tottenham have had two offers for Dembele rejected, while Liverpool and Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the talented 24-year-old.


Mixing it up: Moussa Dembele (right) and Marc Albrighton tussle for possession

Jol is desperate to keep the midfielder in west London and has instructed club officials to sit down with Dembele over a new deal as quickly as possible.

Dembele - who has excelled in an unfamiliar central midfield role in recent weeks - currently earns in the region of £35,000-per-week but will be handed a significant pay rise to sign an extension.

The Belgian has just over 12 months left on his existing deal and Fulham could be forced to sell him in the summer if he fails to pen a new contract.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2115574/Dembele-starts-talks-Fulham-new-deal-Jol-looks-head-Liverpool-Spurs-Arsenal.html#ixzz1wj53hEgF

[HatterDon]

High school Dempsey: I want to be "[p]laying ... in Europe" in five years

This picture, apparently showing Clint Dempsey's high school yearbook, has been making the rounds on Twitter ever since a fan tweeted at the U.S. star Saturday:



Why are we just hearing about this now?!?
This should be Dempsey's Twitter profile picture, his Facebook cover art – his driver's license photo! When he goes through customs are Heathrow, he should just show this to the customs agent and say "Ask me where I see myself in five minutes: On my way home."

And then he'd strike that post. It is, without a doubt, the most Clint Dempsey thing ever. As you read this, somebody's registering @deucesjaw on Twitter. ClintDempseysJawline.tumblr.com? I'm sure it's already gone.

Even better: Imagine all the parents in Nacogdoches who, when flipping through their kids' yearbook, saw "that Dempsey boy" with that look and that quote and said "oh, boy. Aubrey and Debbie sure have a live one on their hands."

Well, I guess they had the last laugh. It took Clint six years (not five) to make it to Europe.

Oh, that Dempsey boy.



http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/02/clint-dempsey-high-school-yearbook-twitter-picture-playing-professional-soccer-in-europe/related/?

Perhaps because you weren't paying attention. The yearbook story has been part of several TV stories/interviews over the years. I've seen in on Premier League World, on the buildup to SA 2010 and on either ESPN or Fox Soccer features.

I guess American "journalists" can be idiots also.