Tuesday Fulham Stuff (31/08/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Spurs and Fulham in Muntari link

Tottenham and Fulham are in the race to sign Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari, according to the player's European representative.

The Ghana international, who is under contract with Inter for a further year, has been strongly linked with a return to England this summer.

"Tottenham and Fulham are several of the Premier League teams that are interested in Muntari," said Muntari's representative Claudio Mossio. "But right now his destination is not unclear. The situation must be resolved as soon as possible because the transfer market ends tomorrow."

Mossio admitted Muntari's preference is to move to London.

"Muntari wants to play in the Premier League," he said. "He really likes that tournament and his family would be very happy in London."

The 27-year-old joined Inter in the summer of 2008 after one season at Portsmouth.



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/spurs-and-fulham-in-muntari-link-40139/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Last minute signings?
by LYDIA on AUGUST 30, 2011

Just over 24 hours left in the window and many Fulham fans are quite concerned that Fulham haven't added more players to the squad. Aafter 3 defeats in a row, it would be fair to say that Fulham look quite toothless at times up front. At least one striker would be needed and a wide man would also be a boost for Fulham. We have been linked to many attacking players but just haven't been able to tie up any deals and there isn't even any proof that Fulham where actually in for these players rather than it just being paper talk. Jol would be the first to admit that he needs to add to his side but the deadline is getting close! However we have been linked to several players in the last day or so, players who could improve competition within the side and give us more depth.

Skysports reckon that we are interested in Dnipro striker Derek Boateng although this is quite strange as he only signed for the Ukrainian side a number of months ago. Also, Jol has probably only seen him play twice. He that enough to make someone put a bid in? It would only be a loan deal because he has already moved clubs this summer. I suppose if it is a loan deal then why not? We could see what he is like and then sign him or not based on that.

Skysports also suggest that we are planning a new bid for Jerome Thomas of West Brom but Roy has insisted taht the wideman is not for sale. Thomas would be of use to our squad as he brings speed and good crossing ability.

One player who Fulham have been heavily linked with is Bryan Ruiz but FC Twente claim no concrete offers have been made. He would be a quality addition but doesn't look too promising!

Apparently we are interested in Sulley Mantari and have been advised to act quickly or else we will be too late. He would be a great addition with is experience and obvious quality but again it doesn't look too promising.

We need players in, no one can disagree. We can't keep relying on Zamora when he is quite injury prone these days. We need more attacking quality in our squad or we will struggle to balance Europe and the league. I still can't see us being sucked into a relegation battle, we are too good for that but we need signings if we want to finish in the top 10. Come on Jol, sign someone!



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/last-minute-signings/?

[WhiteJC]

 
€11M PREMIERSHIP RAID ON THE CARDS – COME ON FULHAM!

It is being reported by several sources, including Sky Sports News, that Sevilla have approached Fulham in regards to the availability of star man Clint Dempsey.

The 28 year old USA international, who has been utilised in a number of positions for Fulham since he signed from New England Revolution in 2006, is a target for Spanish giants Sevilla who are looking to overcome an average start this season.

Sevilla prevailed in their opening domestic game of the season over money bags Malaga 2-1 but suffered disappointment as they crashed out of the Europa League in the qualifying rounds. This of course could serve in their favour as there will be less games to play throughout the course of the season – however it is never nice to exit a competition so early on.

Fulham have reportedly rated Clint Dempsey at £8m and Martin Jol will be loathe to lose such an influential player. Time after time Dempsey has turned the game on its head for Fulham and has scored a number of vital goals. He can play in central midfield, on the right or up front and considering he isn't the tallest – he is lethal with his head.

There is no doubt he would be a fantastic addition to the Sevilla squad, however he will be difficult to prise away from West London. €11m, in my opinion, is actually fairly cheap for a player of Dempsey's quality and Fulham fans will be desperate to hold onto him until the window slams shut.



http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2011/08/premiership/e11m-premiership-raid-on-the-cards-come-on-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
JUVE RELEASE FULHAM-BOUND GRYGERA

Juventus have released Zdenek Grygera ahead of a move to Barclays Premier League side Fulham.

The Czech Republic defender did not figure in Antonio Conte's long-term plans in Turin and is set to move to Craven Cottage.

A statement from Juventus read: "After four years, Zdenek Grygera's four-season spell at Juventus comes to an end.

"The Czech player has today consensually terminated his contract with the club."

The 31-year-old had one year left in his contract with Juventus.



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/08/30/SOCCER_Juventus.html

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham sign former Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop
West Ham have moved quickly to fill the void left by Scott Parker's imminent departure by snapping up former Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop.

The 33-year-old Senegal international, a free agent after leaving AEK Athens, has signed a one-year deal at Upton Park with the option of a further 12 months.
''I am very happy, It is good to be here. I want to help West Ham go up and hope we can be successful." said Diop on West Ham's website.
''English football is the best in the world. I have come here to work hard and give 100% in every game I play for West Ham.
''I want to show people I am back again.''
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce moved for Diop just as England midfielder Parker handed in a transfer request to force through a move to Tottenham ahead of tomorrow night's deadline.




http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/8731786/West-Ham-sign-former-Fulham-midfielder-Papa-Bouba-Diop.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Marsh Brown Loan

Development Squad player Keanu Marsh Brown has joined Dundee United FC on loan until January 2012. Marsh Brown joins Lauri Dalla Valle on loan at Dundee United FC.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/KeanuMarshBrownLoan.aspx?#ixzz1WaD7rK5e

[WhiteJC]

 
Source: Arsenal is serious contender to acquire Clint Dempsey before deadline

Arsenal has a realistic chance of signing Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey as the team desperately searches for valuable players as the transfer window comes to a close.

A source close to the player told Goal.com that Arsenal will acquire Dempsey within the next 48 hours as long as Fulham does not set the price too high.

Fulham does not want to sell the club's key attacker but privately accepts that it will be unable to fend off Arsenal if the north Londoners match the value of $16.3 million for the American, who is highly regarded at Craven Cottage and has two years remaining on his contract.

The Gunners made their initial move for Dempsey before Sunday's 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United after Arsene Wenger identified the American's versatility and experience as qualities that can improve his threadbare squad.

Sources close to Dempsey say he has aspirations to play in the Champions League after joining Fulham from Major League Soccer in January 2007.

Dempsey was the Fulham's leading scorer last season with 13 goals, including 12 in the Premier League. He has already added another two in the Europa League this season and scored in his team's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United on Sunday.

With the team's lack of depth, while playing in two league, Fulham may have no choice but to keep Dempsey, who has established a fine reputation in England as a durable attacking midfielder and can play anywhere behind the main striker and create.

"The Premier League is one of the toughest competitions in the world," Dempsey told Goal.com. "Add onto that the Europa League and you've got to have squad depth if you're going to be successful in both."

Fulham coach Martin Jol is ready to make a late move for FC Twente's Bryan Ruiz if he loses Dempsey. The 26-year-old Costa Rican has been closely tracked by Fulham during the window and has admitted that he is open to a move to England.



http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-sourcearsenalisseriousconte

[WhiteJC]

 
Trotta's Fab Five

A blistering first-half in which Marcello Trotta scored a 15-minute hat-trick set Fulham on the road to a comfortable defeat of Bolton Wanderers at Motspur Park on Tuesday evening.

The Italian striker netted his first after just four minutes when he turned in Alex Kacaniklic's low centre after the Swedish winger flew past two Bolton defenders with a powerful burst from the flank.

From the re-start the visitors responded intently and Fulham needed Neil Etheridge to make a stunning diving stop, pushing Michael O'Halloran's close range strike on to the post.

However, just two minutes later Billy McKinlay's side were underlining their ruthlessness in front of goal once more with Trotta taking Tom Donegan's clipped pass on his chest and lashing home from just inside of the Bolton box.

Donegan then went from goal provider to goal scorer moments later, meeting another inviting pass from Kacaniklic with a strike that cannoned in off the crossbar.

Trotta completed his hat-trick on the quarter-hour mark adding the finishing touch to a clever break by rolling the ball past Jay Lynch with customary composure.

Kacaniklic forced Lynch into a decent save, from which Bjorn Helge Riise smashed the post from the rebound, while Alex Smith drew another stop from the Bolton stopper following a delightful first time pass from Marcel Gecov.

The impressive Josh Passley then broke from the back and swept a fine pass over the visiting defence and into the path of Trotta. The striker looked up and squared for Kacaniklic to knock in goal number five.

With the half coming to an end there was no relenting from the home side, who compounded Bolton's misery further with Bjorn Helge Riise racing clear down the right and picking out Trotta for his fourth and the Whites' sixth with unerring accuracy.

To their credit, Bolton started the second half with surprising vigour with Fulham pushed on to the defensive as Etheridge made one stunning stop to deny Tom Eckersley's towering header and Passley making one brave tackle to thwart O'Halloran a shot at goal.

However, it wasn't long before Fulham began to take control again as Trotta blazed over from Kerim Frei's pull back. The Swiss youngster then weaved a chance of his own, but was denied what would have been an exquisite individual strike by a last ditch block from Joe Riley.

With the game all but over at the interval, chances in the second-half remained somewhat at a premium, although Kacaniklic and Trotta combined once more in the closing stages with the latter grabbing his fifth of the game with a cool first time finish.

This was another impressive night for McKinlay's young side – one that outfought and outplayed their Barclays Premier Reserve League South rivals.

The Development Squad's next league fixture takes them to Altrincham FC's ground on Thursday September 15th where they will face Manchester United reserves.

Fulham: Etheridge; Harris, Passley, Burn, Smith; B Riise (Brister 61), Donegan, Gecov (Pritchard 45), Kacaniklic; Frei (Peniket 82), Trotta.
(Subs): Bettinelli, Dean.

Bolton Reserves: Lynch; Battersby (Fazlic), Dennis (Odelusi), Eckersley, McQuade; Riley, Blakeman, Holden (Fielding), Vela; Obadeyi, O'Halloran.
(Subs): McGregor, Proudfoot.




Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/ReservesvBolton.aspx?#ixzz1WaDY5sr6

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham agree £10.6m fee for Ruiz
by DAN on AUGUST 30, 2011

Fulham have agreed a fee of £10.6m with FC Twente for Bryan Ruiz, according to Sky Sports News.

The 26 year-old Costa Rica winger has scored 39 goals in 61 appearances for the Dutch side. He finished as the top scorer in the Eredivisie, with 24 goals, when Twente won the league title for the first time in their history – under former England coach Steve McClaren – in 2010.

Ruiz has won 43 caps for Costa Rica, scoring nine goals.




http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/fulham-agree-10-6m-fee-for-ruiz/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham agree Ruiz fee
Twente winger set for £10.6m move to Craven Cottage



Sky Sports sources understand Fulham have agreed a £10.6million deal to sign FC Twente winger Bryan Ruiz.

The Costa Rica star was watched by Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp earlier in the summer, but Craven Cottage counterpart Martin Jol has decided to push ahead with a move.

Jol has made no secret of his desire to add to the attacking and creative options in his squad, especially with reports Clint Dempsey could join Paris St Germain or Sevilla.
Ruiz has been identified as the man the Dutch Fulham boss wants and a fee has been agreed with Eredivisie outfit.

Fulham's progress does not come as a surprise after the 26-year-old said earlier in August the Premier League club had approached his agents, although Twente had insisted there had been no bid.

Ruiz had said: "Fulham is a serious option for me. That is also a Premier League side and it is a fantastic league.

"Fulham already contacted my agent. If Fulham does become serious, we will definitely talk."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11681_7139413,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

Ruiz this then?



Okay, here we go.  Rumours are that we've agreed a fee for Bryan Ruiz of Twente.  Rumours are that the fee is quite high, too.

Who is Bryan Ruiz?

Bryan Ruiz 24 goals , FC Twente kampioen!

A strange combination of Georgios Samaras and Dennis Bergkamp by the looks of it.  He's  a Costa Rica international, too, which is exciting in itself.

We must expect an adjustment period, and inevitable high hopes followed by angry frustration when he hasn't scored 20 goals by March, but as best we can tell from the videos the man knows what to do with the football.   How it works out is anybody's guess, but the people demanded a striker and  by jove they've got one.

Less positively, there are rumours that Clint Dempsey is trying to escape.  We'll have to see what happens there, but he hasn't traveled for the US game (injury concerns we hear, although these concerns will not exist by Tuesday's game) and there are hints all over the internets about bids this way and that. My guess is that his agent has been working hard planting said rumours but that a bid hasn't come in yet, but we'll see.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/ruiz-this-then/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Sign Bryan Ruiz as Possible Replacement for Clint Dempsey

With speculation that star midfielder Clint Dempsey is on the way out of Craven Cottage, Fulham have been proactive in finding in a replacement.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham has agreed a transfer fee with FC Twente worth about 10.6 million pounds for Costa Rica forward Bryan Ruiz.

Ruiz has been rumored to go the Premier League all summer long, but has been linked with two other London clubs: Arsenal and Tottenham. However, it looks like the Cottagers have swooped in at the last minute and retrieved the signature of Ruiz.

Manager Martin Jol had said after the club's 2-1 loss to Newcastle on Sunday that more players would be coming into the club and that Dempsey's transfer fee would be steep based on his value to the club.

Fulham have been looking for around ten million pounds for Dempsey, and now they may let the American move on, possibly to Arsenal, and that money will turned around and sent to FC Twente in the Eredivisie.

Ruiz has spent two years at the Dutch club after spending three years in Belgium with Gent. The Costa Rican international has been a goal-scoring machine wherever he has been, scoring 39 goals in 61 league games for Twente, helping the club win the Eredivisie in 2009-10 and finish second in 2010-11.

The 26-year-old has also scored nine times for his country and will score plenty more in the future.

Ruiz becomes the second player added today by Jol and Fulham, as Zdenek Grygera joined from Juventus earlier today, and the forward joins an already potent group of forwards that includes Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson and Moussa Dembele.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/827843-fulham-sign-bryan-ruiz-as-possible-replacement-for-clint-dempsey?

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Americans Should Hope Clint Dempsey Talk Is Rumour



Clint Dempsey is one of the top American players currently plying his trade overseas. And some fans of the U.S. men's national team might be stoked at the unsubstantiated Goal.com rumors surfacing Tuesday that mighty Arsenal has expressed interest in adding the 28-year-old Texas native prior to the close of the transfer window on Wednesday.

Sure, it'd be cool to see "our guy" lining up at the Emirates in the vaunted red and white, competing day in and day out against the best players in the world. But from the perspective of hoping that the gritty attacking midfielder continues to develop, I hope this rumor is precisely that: a rumor.

To provide some background:

"A source close to the player told Goal.com that Arsenal will acquire Dempsey within the next 48 hours as long as Fulham does not set the price too high.

"'The deal seems like a very real possibility, but will come down to how quickly the two sides can agree on the selling price,' the source said.

"Fulham does not want to sell the club's key attacker but privately accepts that it will be unable to fend off Arsenal if the north Londoners match the value of $16.3 million for the American, who is highly regarded at Craven Cottage and has two years remaining on his contract."

OK, so it's still far from a done deal.

And here's hoping it stays that way.

Why?

First off, Dempsey has been a fantastic fit at Fulham. In parts of his six seasons at Craven Cottage, Dempsey has made 183 appearances, scoring a very solid 40 goals.

But more than that, he's had a regular place in the lineup with the Cottagers, something that certainly would not be guaranteed with the Gunners. Sure, he'd have hours of practice time with the Robin Van Persies, Theo Walcotts and Bacary Sagnas of the world, but how much would that mean if he rarely sees the pitch in a meaningful match?

Presumably Arsene Wenger and company see enough value in the American as a player to consider the enormous transfer fee Fulham would demand.

But is the cache of a move to one of the world's largest, most renowned clubs worth the decrease in playing time?

I would say no. Remaining at Fulham, where he's a bigger fish in a smaller pond, is more likely to aid Dempsey's skills, ability and fitness in the long run, resulting in more of a payoff for him in the red, white and blue of the United States.

Yes, U.S. soccer fans. It's fun to hear one of "your guys" bandied about in a possible transfer to Arsenal. But understand that for the betterment of Dempsey's game as a whole, it's best that he stays far away from the Emirates.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/827940-clint-dempsey-to-arsenal-why-americans-should-hope-this-transfer-is-just-rumour?

[WhiteJC]

 
Toure taken by Lorient
Ivorian defender leaves Craven Cottage

Fulham youngster Cheick Toure is set to try his luck in French football after completing a move to Lorient.

The Ivory Coast-born defender joined the Cottagers on schoolboy terms in 2009.

Having impressed the club's coaching staff, he then penned a two-year scholarship the following year.

Toure was thrilled to have been offered an opportunity to prove himself in English football, but has now been forced to accept that he must look elsewhere for games.

He leaves Craven Cottage having failed to make a single senior appearance.

He will, however, be given games at Stade du Moustoir, with Lorient of the opinion that they have acquired a player of considerable potential.

Toure is a product of the famed Abidjan football Academy in the Ivory Coast that has produced the likes of Kolo Toure, Aruna Dindane and Emmanuel Eboue.



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_7139543,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham swoop for Twente ace Ruiz and out-of-favour Marseille man Gignac

Fulham have agreed a £10.6million fee with FC Twente for Bryan Ruiz and signed up Marseille striker Andre Pierre Gignac on a season loan.

Tottenham and Arsenal have both watched Costa Rica winger Ruiz who had a buy-out clause at £13.75m. Sportsmail revealed Martin Jol's opening bid was rejected earlier this month and he has now pulled off a major coup by signing him for £3million under the asking price.

Jol has made no secret of his desire to add to the attacking and creative options in his squad, especially with clubs circling around Clint Dempsey and Andy Johnson. The move for Gignac is also a significant signing.


Striking a blow: Andre-Pierre Gignac and Bryan Ruiz are on their way to Fulham

The 25-year-old France international only signed for Marseille last summer in a £16million deal. However, he has failed to settle and the French club were keen to offload his £60,000 per week wages.

He is strong and good in the air and has the pace to play wide also. He was the top scorer in France in 2008/09 and has 16 caps.

Ruiz, 26, was keen to make the move to the Premier League and last week said: 'Fulham is a serious option for me. That is also a Premier League side and it is a fantastic league.'

Fulham have also enquired about signing Dnipro's Derek Boateng on loan but were rebuffed by West Bromwich in a bid for Jerome Thomas.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is set to make a £4 million move for former Fulham midfielder Steven Davies at Rangers.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2031942/Fulham-10-6m-bid-Bryan-Ruiz-accepted.html#ixzz1WaUwyMir

[WhiteJC]

 
AFC Wimbledon sign up ex-Fulham winger

DONS have signed up ex-Fulham youngster Max Noble - and immediately sent him out on loan to Hayes and Yeading.

The 21-year-old winger was signed by AFC Wimbledon boss Terry Brown (pictured), who has given him the chance to relaunch a football career that showed rich promise before injury intervened.

Noble played in the same Wales U17s team as Arsenal's Aaron Ramsay and was a highly-rated teenage talent, before suffering tendonitis in both of his knees.

It has been a problem that has troubled Noble on and off for the past two-and-a-half years, but he got on the comeback trail by training with AFC Wimbledon during the summer and he did enough to convince Brown to sign him up.

However, he has now been loaned out for a month to Blue Square Premier Hayes and Yeading to gain first-team experience.



http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-sport/allsport/2011/08/31/afc-wimbledon-sign-up-ex-fulham-winger-86289-29333544/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Clint Dempsey Can Lift Arsenal from Deadline Doldrums

Arsene Wenger is in the market for a star player that would bring hope and life to the Emirates. Clint Dempsey is just the man for the job.

Arsenal's boss is struggling to fill his squad with big-name players that will satiate the supporters while bringing in the results that the board demands.

It is time to get creative. The unthinkable may have to happen: using an American to solve the Gunners' woes. That is precisely what is being reported by Goal.com, who alleged that Fulham midfielder is being targeted for a deadline transfer to North London.

It seems that desperation has moved Wenger's hand in uncharted waters, needing to spend about $16.3 million to nab Dempsey. 

There is a little secret that Fulham have kept for some time: Clint Dempsey has a magic foot. It's true—I have seen him drop a goal from outside the box that would rival anything that Lionel Messi could put up.

Dempsey is known in the US as a lackluster international that rarely shows up on the world's stage. However, he is a beast for a Fulham side that may have to hold onto Dempsey as they contend in the Europa League.

The demands of their schedule may necessitate keeping the attacking midfielder that creates a great deal of their offense. Fulham do not want to see their starlet go, but may have to if Arsene Wenger puts a sum on the table that can't be argued.

When you think of world football superstars, Dempsey would never come to mind. He has been kept under lock and key at Craven Cottage since his move from MLS in 2007.

Since that time, he has created a stir for Fulham faithful. They all know what the American is capable of doing. He is a manic man with the ball, can push up with the best of them and will be a key asset to whichever striker plays in front of him.

Wenger does not have a lot of choices at the moment. A signing of Dempsey would do little to pique the interest of those supporting Arsenal.

Wait.

Patience is the key with a player like Dempsey. Soon he will show you what dedication and passion look like at the Emirates again.

Dempsey will prove that desire is a very handy thing when your team is beset by a dismal start to the season.

This man from a sleepy little town in Nagodoches, Texas came from meager means. Yet, he is about to transfer to one of the biggest names in world football.

At some point in the next few weeks he will show you why. The Gunners need a boost of spirit and hard work. Clint Dempsey will get the job done.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/828212-clint-dempsey-fulham-star-would-lift-arsenal-from-deadline-doldrums?

[WhiteJC]

 
Sulley Muntari on QPR, Newcastle and Fulham radars after cheap deal offer
A selection of Premier League clubs, including Fulham, Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle United, are interested in Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari, after the Serie A outfit offered them a cut-price deal.

Inter's technical director Marco Branca is keen to shift Muntari's £75,000-a-week wages off the pay roll after he struggled to settle and show his best form after a £12million move from Portsmouth in 2008.

Sunderland managed to negotiate a significant reduction in salary and sign him on loan in January, but the temperamental Ghanaian only made nine league appearances before being shipped back to Italy.

However, Muntari still has a number of admirers in the Premier League, and with Inter ready to cut their losses Fulham and Queens Park Rangers have both expressed a firm interest.

Newcastle United are also weighing up a move, but despite not being put off by his Sunderland connections Magpies manager Alan Pardew will try and sign other midfield targets first as he attempts to replace Joey Barton.

Any deal looks like it will go down to the 11pm deadline on Wednesday, with all interested parties yet to fully show their hands.




Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/873916-sulley-muntari-on-qpr-newcastle-and-fulham-radars-after-cheap-transfer-offer#ixzz1WaWR2LGp

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham set to beat Everton and Blackburn to French frontman

FULHAM are in pole position to sign Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac.

Guy Stephan, assistant coach at the French club, has confirmed the frontman is abroad discussing a move.

And the Chronicle can reveal Martin Jol is set to beat Everton, Blackburn, Genoa and Olympiakos to a season-long loan deal for the 25-year-old.

Stephan said last night: "I understand he is abroad.

"There are negotiations currently ongoing, but we need all three parties [two clubs and player] to agree. Maybe it will or will not happen."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/31/fulham-set-to-beat-everton-and-blackburn-to-french-frontman-82029-29337984/?#ixzz1WcxBjR4n

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers ignore Thomas no-go

Fulham are still being linked to West Brom's Jerome Thomas despite being issued with an hands-off warning.

Since helping the Baggies stay in the Premier League, Thomas has been impressing teams across the country and has been the subject of various enquiries from the likes of West Ham, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.
And, although he has been injured with a hip problem, the interest did not cool concerning the former Arsenal, Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth winger.
So following his successful return against Bournemouth in the Carling Cup - which he marked with a goal - it appears that the race is back on and Craven Cottage would be the most likely destination, with Martin Jol keen on Thomas and in need of improving his wide options.
However, boss Roy Hodgson has made it clear he is unwilling to part with his prize asset, but added that he is not surprised that other clubs are attracted to the 28-year-old.
"I'm sure there's plenty of interest in Jerome Thomas but he's not for sale," said Hodgson "There's no way he's leaving the club.
"I'd like to think that with the quality of the players we've got here, there would be interest in a lot of them.
"But Jerome is not for sale and I have no intention of allowing him to go anywhere."



http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-ignore-thomas-no-go-1274818.html?