Wednesday Fulham Stuff (24/08/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham in for Leeds star

Leeds United winger Max Gradel claims Fulham have joined West Ham in the race for his signature this summer.
West Ham have already failed with a £2.5million bid for the former Leicester City ace - who is also being linked with a move back to the big spending Championship club.

The 23-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Elland Road and could turn out to be a cheaper option for the Cottagers than Belgian international Nacer Chadli, after his club Twente told Fulham to double their reported £4.4m bid.

Gradel, who has yet to agree an extension with Simon Grayson's side, has cut a frustrated figure at Elland Road this season and appears keen to move to a Premier League club before the end of the transfer window next week.

Gradel told the Daily Mail: "Are Fulham interested in buying me? Yes. I know West Ham are interested in buying me, too."

But Leeds boss Grayson is desperate to hold onto the wide man and has so far refused to let him go.




http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/fulham-in-for-leeds-star-1268498.html?#.TlSO03PHo98

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham told to increase Nacer Chadli offer

Fulham have been told to double their reported offer of five million euros (£4.37million) for winger Nacer Chadli by FC Twente chairman Joop Munsterman.

The 21-year-old has impressed for the Enschede club since joining from AGOVV last summer and scored in both recent Champions League clashes with Tottenham.

Such form has seen Chadli attract interest from across Europe, with Fulham reportedly lodging a bid for the Belgium international.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol has been vocal about his desire to bolster his attacking options and Munsterman claims the Dutchman is also interested in Costa Rican team-mate Bryan Ruiz, although he does not expect him to get very far.

"The offer for Chadli we consider a half bid, "he told Voetbal International. "And Bryan did not even want to join Fulham."




http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-told-to-increase-nacer-chadli-offer-2342442.html?

[dannydog]

Whoever we go for we better get a bloody shift on !

[dgnffc]

I have to admit, I'm becoming a bit depressed. Just 1 week left and NO new transfer links - only 2 rehashed stories, 1 where it's a 'quote' from the player. and the other where we've not even made a serious bid' :019:

[TonyGilroy]

We never buy the players we're linked with and those who arrive come unpredicted.

[dannydog]

Here's hoping that the club are about to announce the signing of 3 exciting new players ! Well you never know !

[TonyGilroy]

Here's hoping that the club are about to announce the signing of 3 exciting new players ! Well you never know !

Deep down you do. You really do.

[WhiteJC]

 
Dalla Valle Joins Dundee United

Fulham Football Club can confirm that young striker Lauri Dalla Valle has joined Dundee United on loan until 16th January 2012.




Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/DalleValleJoinsDundeeUnited.aspx?#ixzz1VwnyhWKw

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Jol turns attention to Juventus striker



Fulham manager Martin Jol is set to make a move for Juventus striker Amauri, as he looks to improve his side's options up front.

Jol is desperate to add another striker before the transfer window closes next week but has so far been frustrated in his attempts to find the right man.

But the Fulham manager has been boosted by news that Amauri may be available from Juventus. The club's manager Antonio Conte has not guaranteed Amauri a regular starting place in his side and that has alerted Jol, who is keen to strike a deal.

Amauri, a Brazilian-born Italian international, would bring a wealth of experience to Jol's attack and the Dutchman is ready to make a bid for the 31-year-old, who seems to have been frozen out at Juventus.

He spent last season on loan at Parma but the club have decided against making the move permanent - leaving Jol free to step in to try and seal a deal.



http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/1017/43/fulham-boss-jol-turns-attention-juventus-striker?

[Jack Fulham]

I'd take Amauri, earns quite a lot at Juve though.

[WhiteJC]

 
The Winning Edge

Fulham's Under 18s got the 2011/12 season off to a flying start last weekend with a 7-3 victory over West Bromwich Albion at Motspur Park.

Kit Symons' side will be looking to repeat the successes of last season, which saw the team reach the final of the Premier Academy League before narrowly losing out to Everton in a tight encounter at Craven Cottage.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com, Academy Director Huw Jennings outlined the Academy's objectives for this season.

"There's always a balance between winning and development," Jennings explained. "Critically for us, we need to develop players with a winning mentality. There were times last season when we showed that - but there were equally times when we didn't.

"There was a disappointing defeat to Watford at home in the Youth Cup and a disappointing defeat to Everton in the final of the Premier Academy League Play-Off. Those were examples of occasions where our winning edge wasn't quite and strong as it needed to be.

"We're focused on changing that, but with youth development you can never guarantee what you're going to get. It's always a target for us to do as well in the FA Youth Cup. If we could go one better, even two better than we did two years ago when we reached the Quarter-Final and lost to Aston Villa on penalties, we'd love to do that.

"We've got great people here – amongst the staff and players. We've got players who will excite and that's what everyone wants to see – I think we'll play a really good brand of football during the course of the season."

Of course the ultimate target of any Academy is to produce players for the First Team, and Jennings is certainly aiming to see more graduates making the step up to the starting eleven.

"We're all very focused on the lead objective, which is to provide players for the First Team," he said. "We need to set the level of expectation as high as possible, so that the maximum number of players get to the level that's required.

"We're not a comprehensive school here – we're not about providing training opportunities for everyone, we're about a programme that's designed for the best and to develop the best. Recruit the best, develop the best. That ultimately is the objective.

"The Academy is a very important part of the Club. The discussions we've had with the Chairman, the Chief Executive and Martin Jol – everyone understand that it's our job to produce as many players as possible for the First Team. It's an exciting challenge."




Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/JenningsAcademyExpectations.aspx?#ixzz1VwomgLVz

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham striker Lauri Dalla Valle joins Dundee United on loan


Dalla Valle (right) was previously with Liverpool before joining Fulham

FFulham striker Lauri Dalla Valle has signed for Dundee United on loan until January, with an option to extend his stay until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old Finland Under-21 forward had made his first-team debut for the Londoners this season.

United boss Peter Houston knew of him during the forward's time at Liverpool.

"Once I knew he was available and knowing how highly he is rated by Fulham reserve coach Billy McKinlay, I wanted him signed up quickly," he said.

"Lauri is a player I have been aware of for some time, having seen him play at Liverpool."

Dalla Valle began his career with JIPPO in his homeland but was snapped up by Inter Milan in 2005.

But reports suggest he struggled with the language barrier and he quickly returned to the Finnish First Division club.

After a short spell in JIPPO's first team, he joined Liverpool on a three-and-a-half year contract.

However, last August, Dalla Valle and fellow youngster Alex Kacaniklic switched to Barclay's Premier League rivals Fulham as part of the deal that took left-back Paul Konchesky to Liverpool.

Dalla Valle had a loan spell with League One outfit Bournemouth at the end of last season, scoring twice in eight games.

Having made his one and only first-team appearance for Liverpool as a substitute in a Europa League third qualifying round win over Rabotnicki, he did likewise this season for Fulham against Runavik.

"This loan arrangement will provide the opportunity for him to further develop his potential at first-team level whilst adding a much-needed striking option to our first-team squad," said Houston.

"He clearly has a big future ahead of him and it's great that he knows he can enhance his development here at Tannadice."

It had been suggested at the weekend that United would be unable to add to their squad because their bank wanted the whole of the transfer fee gathered for the transfer of Scotland striker David Goodwillie to Blackburn Rovers for reducing the club's debt.

However, they have been able to go down the road of strengthening through loan signings.

"The fact that such a well-established Premiership club is keen to entrust the development of some of their most promising players with Dundee United is testament to our reputation and our coaching staff and a real achievement for the football club," added Houston.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14649332.stm?

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle United Set to Launch Bid for £10m Rated American Ace Forward

Newcastle United and Aston Villa are preparing to battle it out for Fulham striker Clint Dempsey, according to reports on Goal.com.

Since joining Fulham in 2006, Dempsey has been one of the most consistent performers and is versatile as he is able to operate as a striker, winger and attacking midfielder.

Fulham will not want to lose one of their prized assets with the transfer window coming to a close at the end of the month.

The American international had been linked with moves to Liverpool and Everton earlier in the transfer window.

According to a Craven Cottage insider speaking to Goal: "There has been lots of interest in Dempsey during the window, but Fulham will fight to keep him.

"He scores goals, he creates goals, he has a good injury record and he is a bit of a human dynamo.

"He had only a two or three week rest after the Gold Cup and was back playing for Fulham."

However both Aston Villa and Newcastle are set to make bids of in the region of £10million for Dempsey.

Villa have money to spend after the sales of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing during the summer.

Whilst Newcastle are also looking to find replacements for, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll, while Joey Barton could still leave on a free transfer.

Last season the 28-year-old made 40 appearances for the Craven Cottage outfit in all competitions and scored 13 goals finishing the season as the clubs top scorer. So far this term Dempsey has played twice and netted twice.




http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/newcastle-united-set-to-launch-bid-for-10m-rated-american-ace-forward-10244/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Papiss Demba Cisse wanted by Fulham


Cisse scored 22 goals in 32 league games last season

Fulham have entered the race to sign Freiburg's Senegal striker Papiss Demba Cisse, BBC Sport understands.

The Cottagers are one of three clubs interested in the 26-year-old and would have to pay £13m for the player.

Last season Cisse scored 22 times in 32 Bundesliga games and has netted 32 goals in 51 matches since moving to Germany in 2009 from French club Metz.

"I really want to try playing at a different level," Cisse told German radio station SWR.

"I want to leave. I hope that this happens before 31 August [when the transfer window closes]."

Freiburg have received three offers from three clubs for the forward, who was the second-highest scorer in the Bundesliga last season, behind Mario Gomez of Bayern Munich.

Cisse's contract runs until 2014 but he is in demand after scoring more than half of his team's league goals during that campaign - 22 out of a total of 41.




http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14649595.stm?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham aim for the killer goal to ko Dnipro

FC Dnipro v Fulham - Europa League

FULHAM can kill tomorrow night's tie in the Ukraine with one goal, according to defender Stephen Kelly.

The Whites take a 3-0 lead into the second leg against FC Dnipro in the 31,000 capacity Dnipro Arena, and although the hosts will not be as passive as they were for most of the game at Craven Cottage, Fulham are very much in the box seat.

"It's going to be difficult, but if we get a goal over there, then hopefully that would be the tie over," said the Fulham defender, who hopes to be involved again, as he was in the first leg last week.

"I think they gave us a little bit of respect with a man in front of the back four instead of behind a main striker in the first leg and I think we took full advantage of that.

"They've got it all to do in the second leg so we can imagine them going for it. I can't imagine them having a player sitting in front of the back four this time and it will be a totally different game. They have to come at us from the start.

"But I think the way we played in the first leg, they will be wary of us on the counter-attack and that's going to be in the back of their minds."

Juande Ramos' side have begun the domestic season disappointingly. A 0-0 draw at Vorksla on Sunday means they have won only two of their opening seven games and they only looked dangerous in the last 10 minutes of the first leg when they at last hunted an away goal.

But Kelly is still a little wary.

"They are a very good side. Hands down the best that we've faced in this year's competition," he said.

"They are a tricky side, similar to Shakhtar last year, but we nullified them early on by getting tight to them and imposed our own game on them and will try to do the same over there."




http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/08/24/fulham-aim-for-the-killer-goal-to-ko-dnipro-64767-29294782/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Amauri in Jol's transfer sights

Martin Jol is reportedly looking to snap up Juventus striker Amauri, who snubbed a possible switch to Fulham in the January window.

The Cottagers boss has made no secret of his desire to bolster his attacking options before the summer window closes in a week's time following an ankle injury which has put Bobby Zamora on the sidelines this week.

And, it appears that Jol will make a move to try and entice 31-year-old Brazilian-born Italian international, Amauri, to Craven Cottage this week.

The striker reportedly snubbed a move to the Londoners when they were managed by Mark Hughes at the turn of the year. But, following a loan spell with Parma last season, Amauri has since been informed by Juve coach Antonio Conte that he will not be guaranteed first-team football with the Turin giants this season which could force him into a rethink over his future plans.




http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/amauri-in-jols-transfer-sights-1269190.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham eye Amauri, Diarra's Tottenham switch edges closer and Aquilani heads for Anfield exit

Simon Jones is Sportsmail's man on the inside of all the major transfer moves this summer.

His column, published every weekday, offers an insight into the deals which will be done and those that won't - and why.

A 5/5-rating means The Insider reckons it's a done deal; 0/5 means The Insider has his mortgage on it not happening.

Don't miss your daily Insider instalment here.

AMAURI
Juventus to Fulham
THE INSIDER says: 2/5



Manager Martin Jol has made a bold promise to his squad that he plans to bring in six new players ahead of the new season.

That's a lot of talking and money which will be difficult to pull off so close to the window closing.  The problem is also that prices are going up. Fulham need a striker, a winger and full-back as priorities.

They have been rebuffed in bids for Bryan Ruiz and Nacer Chadli from FC Twente and Parma full-back Cristian Zaccardo wants to stay in Italy.

The agent of Amauri is locked in talks with Juventus over the 31-year-old striker's future.

Juventus, keen to raise funds for targets such as Chelsea's Florent Malouda and Alex, are asking £6million for the 6ft 1ins striker and his wages of £3.4million a year after tax are proving a stumbling block in getting him a move away.

Fulham were very keen on Amauri back in January and have him in their radar again but not at those figures. Jol has looked at Roma's Marco Borriello who is a younger model to Amauri but he would still cost massive wages..




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2029657/The-Insider-Scott-Parker-Lassana-Diarra-Alberto-Aquilani-Amauri.html#ixzz1VxomSHMg

[WhiteJC]

 
Dnipro v Fulham preview
Team news ahead of Fulham's Europa League play-off second leg against Dnipro in Ukraine on Thursday night (7.30pm).



Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is a doubt for the clash.

The England international missed the weekend's 2-0 defeat at Wolves with an ankle injury and could be sidelined once again.

Simon Davies (knee) is also unlikely to feature despite returning to training, while Bjorn Helge Riise (hamstring) is out.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Etheridge, Kelly, JA Riise, Hangeland, Baird, Senderos, Hughes, Halliche, Sidwell, Kasami, Murphy, Gecov, Duff, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Dembele.




http://www.football365.com/match/3438098/preview?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dnipro v Fulham Preview: Papiss Demba Cisse Emerges as Fulham Target

EUROPA LEAGUE QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG. DNIPRO ARENA, THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011. KICK-OFF 1930 BST

The lingering rivalry between opposing managers Martin Jol and Juande Ramos – Ramos was brought in to replace Jol at Tottenham – provided an intriguing backdrop to the first leg but once the tie got underway, the contest was far more one-sided.

Fulham's 3-0 victory at Craven Cottage means they travel to Ukraine with a commanding cushion and it's hard to imagine Jol losing out to his rival for a second time.

Not that the Fulham manager has had the opportunity to gloat on his European success last week. The weekend defeat at Wolves exposed weaknesses in his squad he is working hard to rectify with a move from Freiburg striker Papiss Demba Cisse close to completion, according to BBC online.

Unlike many other Premier League clubs, the Cottagers view this competition fondly having reached the final two seasons ago. At the very least, they should advance to the group stages this time around.

Form guide: The 2-0 defeat at Wolves was Fulham's first reverse in nine competitive games this season but the manner of the loss was enough to give Jol cause for concern, particularly as it came after a drab scoreless draw on the opening day of the season. Dnipro have also struggled in their domestic campaign, drawing 0-0 last time out and winning only two of their seven games so far.

Key match-up: Clint Dempsey v Vitaly Mandziuk: Dempsey showed his qualities in the first leg when he was the game's outstanding player and Mandziuk will be expected to prevent the Fulham striker staging a repeat performance

Odds: Fulham 9/4, Dnipro 6/5, draw 23/10

FULHAM:
With the scoreline already stacked heavily in Fulham's favour, Stephen Kelly knows one away goal will put the tie beyond Dnipro's reach.

"It's going to be difficult, but if we get a goal over there, then hopefully that would be the tie over," the defender told the Ealing Gazette. "I think they gave us a little bit of respect with a man in front of the back four instead of behind a main striker in the first leg and I think we took full advantage of that.

"They've got it all to do in the second leg so we can imagine them going for it. I can't imagine them having a player sitting in front of the back four this time and it will be a totally different game. They have to come at us from the start.

"But I think the way we played in the first leg, they will be wary of us on the counter-attack and that's going to be in the back of their minds."

The main concern for Jol will be that his side doesn't concede an early goal and lose their nerve. The defeat at Wolves could have been much heavier but for the performance of keeper Mark Schwarzer and with the tie theirs to lose, the Cottagers cannot afford an embarrassing defeat at this stage of the season.

Strategy: Jol must strike a balance between ensuring his side offer an attacking threat while ensuring they protect their lead. Sit back and Dnipro will take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate their technical ability making it hyard to regain the initiative. Instead, Fulham must play to the strengths of Dempsey and, if he is fit, Bobby Zamora as Dnipro will be aware that one slip will end their hopes.

Injury update: Zamora missed the Wolves game with an ankle problem and could start on the bench.

DNIPRO:
Ramos' side showed enough in the first meeting to impress Kelly. "They are a very good side. Hands down the best that we've faced in this year's competition," he said. "They are a tricky side, similar to Shakhtar last year, but we nullified them early on by getting tight to them and imposed our own game on them and will try to do the same over there."




http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/08/24/dnipro-v-fulham-preview-papiss-demba-cisse-emerges-as-fulham-ta/?