Tuesday Fulham Stuff (19/07/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham in advanced talks to sign £4.4m-rated Palermo attacking midfielder Pajtim Kasami
Premier League club have been told by Italians they will need to raise their bid to land the Switzerland prospect, as Martin Jol looks to reshape squad for new season

Fulham are in advanced talks to sign Palermo attacking midfielder Pajtim Kasami, Goal.com can reveal.

The Londoners are ready to make a second bid for the former Liverpool youth player but have been told it will cost £4.4 million to land Kasami.

Fulham have already had a £2.8m offer rejected for the Switzerland Under-21 international, who made 24 appearances for Palermo after joining the Serie A club from Swiss side Bellinzona last year.

New Craven Cottage manager Martin Jol is an admirer of the inventive qualities of Kasami, who plays either in a wide attacking role or behind the main striker.

However, Fulham have a tight budget and are reluctant to pay over the odds for a 19-year-old with no experience of playing in the Premier League.

"Fulham will not want to pay €5m [£4.4m] for Kasami as there are question marks over whether he is robust enough," a source told Goal.com.

"But they are hopeful they can meet somewhere in the middle between their initial offer and Palermo's valuation."




http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/07/19/2581252/fulham-in-advanced-talks-to-sign-44m-rated-palermo-attacking?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kasami Bid Rejected
by LORK on JULY 19, 2011

The transfer of young Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami from Palermo has been mooted for a couple of weeks now and contrary to earlier reports that we had agreed a fee there appears to be a bit of a sticking point in the valuation by the two clubs. Fulham don't want to pay too much for a player with no experience in the Premier League but Palermo have rejected an initial 2.8 million pound bid and are holding out for up to 4.4 million. The source is goal.com, so take it with a pinch of salt but the kid's got talent so I hope the two clubs can agree a fee.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/07/kasami-bid-rejected/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Register for Europa Travel

Last Friday's draw confirmed that the winners of our tie against Crusaders FC will travel to either NK Domzale (Slovenia) or RNK Split (Croatia) for the first leg of the Europa League Third Qualifying Round, with the match being played on Thursday 28th July.

Owing to the short period between qualifying stages, the Club has been investigating potential travel options in the event that Martin Jol's team defeat Crusaders FC and progress to the next round.

The Club expects that a limited number of places may become available on the official team charter, departing London on Wednesday 27th & returning Friday 29th July. Supporters who are interested in purchasing official travel with the Club are asked to register their interest now, by completing the online form below.

The travel itinerary and cost for this package can only be confirmed once the venue has been established, but it is estimated that it will be priced between £850 - £900. This includes return flights, transfers, category A match ticket & two night's accommodation.

Should a positive outcome be achieved on Thursday evening, then the Club will look to contact all fans who have registered their interest on Friday 22nd July (either by telephone or email) with further details on prices and how to book. Please note that as this trip is yet to be confirmed, registering you interest now is not a guarantee of travel for this game.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/July/EuropaThirdRoundTravelInterest.aspx?#ixzz1SZ29SsZq

[WhiteJC]

 
Hughes: Fulham must be on their guard against Crusaders

Aaron Hughes believes Crusaders are still dangerous opponents and that the Belfast side have 'nothing to lose' ahead of their Europa League Third Qualifying Round second leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

Matthew Briggs, Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy were on target for the west Londoners but Fulham were given a scare when Timmy Adamson equalised the Northern Irish side in the second half.

And Hughes has sent out a warning to his team-mates that they must be on their guard.

"They [Crusaders] did extremely well last week, and we should expect more of the same on Thursday night," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "They have nothing to lose and they'll love the experience of playing at Craven Cottage.

"They may trail 3-1, but they'll be up for this one, make no mistake about that. They will go out, give their all and see what happens. I've been in teams that were considered the underdog before and it spurs you on – you want to do all you can to upset the odds.

"They made life very difficult at times last week [in Belfast] and it was important for us to get a few goals and take a lead back with us. We always have confidence that we can get the better of any team at the Cottage, so the aim is to see the game through and finish the job."

Fulham will be strengthened by the probably inclusion to the squad of John Arne Riise and Hughes was delighted with the purchase.

"He's [John Arne Riise] a fantastic signing for this Club and he has been one of Europe's top left-backs for a number of years," said Hughes. "He's played for some great clubs and comes in with talent and experience.

"He should have no problem settling in because he has already shown that he can play in the Premier League. It's an exciting acquisition and I'm sure he'll become a valuable member of the squad. The Club have made a real statement in regards to the type of player that they want to bring in.

"We have seen a few senior members depart and I wouldn't be surprised if a few more came in. A new manager will always want to make additions, but at the same time we're also seeing a number of the younger players get their chance.

"So perhaps we'll see a mix of the two. I don't think too many changes need to be made, but as always the summer months inevitably see players come and go."



http://www.london24.com:80/sport/fulham/hughes_fulham_must_be_on_their_guard_against_crusaders_1_968411?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham in advanced talks to sign €5m-rated Palermo attacking midfielder Pajtim Kasami
Premier League club have been told by Italians they will need to raise their bid to land the Switzerland prospect, as Martin Jol looks to reshape squad for new season

Fulham are in advanced talks to sign Palermo attacking midfielder Pajtim Kasami, Goal.com can reveal.

The Londoners are ready to make a second bid for the former Liverpool youth player but have been told it will cost €5 million to land Kasami.

Fulham have already had a €3.2m offer rejected for the Switzerland Under-21 international, who made 24 appearances for Palermo after joining the Serie A club from Swiss side Bellinzona last year.

New Craven Cottage manager Martin Jol is an admirer of the inventive qualities of Kasami, who plays either in a wide attacking role or behind the main striker.

However, Fulham have a tight budget and are reluctant to pay over the odds for a 19-year-old with no experience of playing in the Premier League.

"Fulham will not want to pay €5m for Kasami as there are question marks over whether he is robust enough," a source told Goal.com.

"But they are hopeful they can meet somewhere in the middle between their initial offer and Palermo's valuation"




http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/07/19/2581680/fulham-in-advanced-talks-to-sign-5m-rated-palermo-attacking?

[WhiteJC]

 
Greening`s Gone!

I`m a gentle sort!

Your reactions to the possible departure of Jonathan Greening were a touch harsh if you ask me.

But the crux of the matter is that he`s now gone.

Nottingham Forest have handed over a sum of £600,000 for his services and Martin Jol, will be scouring the market to see if he can bolster his midfield.

Meanwhile, although he`s dropped down into the Championship, it appears that Greening has landed on his feet.

He`s guaranteed first-team football and the word is that Steve McClaren has decided to hand the captain`s armband to him as well.

Now just watch as we draw Forest in one of the two domestic cups!

I can feel it in my bones!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=247784#ixzz1SZEh3d7U

[WhiteJC]

 
Left Back!

With Martin Jol seemingly happy, although probably a little reluctant, to see Carlos Salcido head back to Mexico, or somewhere in South America, Matthew Briggs might very well have been a happy young man.

The youngster might well have had aspirations of grabbing that vacant left-back spot and making it his own. During our recent Europa League qualifying games, Briggs has impressed and scored his first goal for the club in Belfast.

But, the signing of John Arne Riise may well have changed that.

The experienced ex-Liverpool and AS Roma player has a tendency to favour that left back slot, although he has been known to fill a left-sided midfield role. Therefore, over the coming weeks it`ll be interesting to see if Martin Jol perseveres with Briggs at left-back and plays Riise in front of him or whether Briggs` career will be put on hold when it comes to regular first team appearances.

Anyone care to predict which way it will go?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=247786#ixzz1SZEwP6FR

[WhiteJC]

 
Pondering Stockdale!

Anyone care to place a bet on where David Stockdale will start the season?

With a move to Swansea having been turned down and with Swansea having acquired another keeper, a loan move to Leeds United was, supposedly, on the agenda.

But there appears to be a dalliance on our side with Martin Jol undecided about committing to losing his current back-up to the Australian veteran, Mark Schwarzer.

This morning the tabloid press carry a lovely one line quote form Martin that gives very little away with our Dutch boss being quoted as having remarked,

"I`ll look first at the interests of the club."

Like I said, once the transfer window slams shut, anyone care to lay a bet on where young Stockdale will be?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=247785#ixzz1SZFAQVKF

[WhiteJC]

 
Chasing Harry Kewell?

As the start of the season approaches we`re expecting our name to be linked with the signing of more and more players.

The football journalists know that Martin Jol has some money to spend so they`ll not be short of ideas as to who we might possibly be pursuing.

Today the suggestion is that Martin Jol is looking to bring Harry Kewell back to the Premier League.

Kewell, as far as we can recall, is still in Turkish football having already graced the Premier League with both Liverpool and Leeds United.

From what we can remember, Kewell was laid up rather a lot with injuries whilst at those two clubs.

Is he worth the risk?

Our answer would have to be a no!

What`s your verdict?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=247787#ixzz1SZFOQTpn

[WhiteJC]

 
Europa League Countdown: Cottagers in command
But Fulham need to finish what they started against Criusaders




Fulham's Aaron Hughes isn't getting complacent about the prospect of progressing in this year's Europa League, as he pointed out that Crusaders, who are based in his home country of Northern Ireland, have 'nothing to lose'.

The centre half played a key role in the Cottagers' 3-1 first leg win over the Hatchetmen, but said that Thursday's home game will not be a walk in the park.

"They [Crusaders] did extremely well last week, and we should expect more of the same on Thursday night," said Hughes.

"They have nothing to lose and they'll love the experience of playing at Craven Cottage

"They may trail 3-1, but they'll be up for this one, make no mistake about that. They will go out, give their all and see what happens.

"I've been in teams that were considered the underdog before and it spurs you on – you want to do all you can to upset the odds.

"They made life very difficult at times last week and it was important for us to get a few goals and take a lead back with us. We always have confidence that we can get the better of any team at the Cottage, so the aim is to see the game through and finish the job."

John Arne Riise will get his first chance to join the west London team on the pitch, after signing with Fulham on July 13, and Hughes looked forward to seeing him make an impact.

"He's a fantastic signing for this club and he has been one of Europe's top left backs for a number of years. He's played for some great clubs and comes in with talent and experience," Hughes added.

"He should have no problem settling in because he has already shown that he can play in the Premier League. It's an exciting acquisition and I'm sure he'll become a valuable member of the squad. The club have made a real statement in regards to the type of player that they want to bring in."




http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/europa-league-countdown-cottagers-in-command?