Thursday Fulham Stuff (12/07/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham closing on Wigan Athletic striker Rodallega

According to reports Fulham are set to swoop for former Wigan Athletic striker Hugo Rodallega.

The Daily Mirror claims Cittagers boss Martin Jol hopes to complete the signing of Rodallega on a free transfer this week after the Colombian ran down his contract at the DW Stadium.

The Fulham boss appears to have beaten off competition from Everton, Aston Villa and Stoke City.



http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/wigan-athletic-fc/1212938-fulham-closing-on-wigan-athletic-striker-rodallega.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham defender eyes international recall

FULHAM new-boy Sascha Riether hopes his move to Craven Cottage can earn him a return to the German national side.

The right-back became boss Martin Jol's second new recruit this week when he joined on a season-long loan from Cologne.

And the 29-year-old, who has not featured for his country since 2010, admits he still hopes to add to his two caps. 

He told Fulham's official site: "I hope to add to those appearances.

"It will be a good experience to play here and there are other German players in the Premier League.

"The German coach will be looking at players like Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker at Arsenal so hopefully he will look at me too. We will see what happens."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2012/07/11/82029-31374055/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Davies Interest

Several sources are inferring that Fulham are in the race to sign the Bolton Wanderers midfielder Mark Davies.

It seems as if a deal could be brokered for the twenty-four year-old for a fee in the region of £5 million.

As for potential rivals for his signature, Reading are mentioned as also being interested.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=286909#ixzz20NO5WQUT

[WhiteJC]

 
Rhodes Interest Waning?

It looks as if our interest in the Huddersfield striker, Jordan Rhodes, may be on the wane.

Having shown a rumoured interest earlier in the summer, our sources say that Huddersfield have offered Rhodes an improved deal that equates to £1.4 million a year.

But stay tuned, you just never know!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=286911#ixzz20NOIFiBG

[WhiteJC]

 
Rodallega Coming?

The tabloid press is running with the inference that Martin Jol has pulled off something of a coup.

Deprived in the striking department, due to the departures of Johnson and Zamora and with Pogrebnyak opting for the riches that Reading can provide, the inference is that Jol has beaten off stiff opposition to secure the services of Hugo Rodallega

Rodallega, who is a free agent after running his contract down at Wigan, is a proven goals-scorer in the Premier League and the twenty-six year old Colombian had also been attracting the attention of Everton and Celtic.

Like we said, if pen gets put to paper, quite a coup!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=286912#ixzz20NOV1IkE

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool's Andy Carroll interests Fulham, Aston Villa and West Ham United
Fulham, Aston Villa and West Ham United are vying to sign Andy Carroll from Liverpool with AC Milan's interest in the £35 million striker expected to be increased if Zlatan Ibrahimovic is sold to Paris Saint-Germain.


Target man: Liverpool's Andy Carroll - here scoring against Sweden - is being touted around  Photo: GETTY IMAGES

At present, Fulham are the only club prepared to make an offer to buy - rather than loan - Carroll, with Liverpool having already decided to contact clubs to see if they are interested in signing the England international.

It had been thought that Liverpool were seeking a loan for Carroll, whose future has been publicly questioned by new manager Brendan Rodgers, but it is understood they are interested in a sale. That would, as things stand, make Fulham the favourites if the player can be persuaded to leave.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan is due to meet Carroll's agent, Mark Curtis, on Thursday but sources at the newly-promoted Premier League club still rate the chances of success at little more than "10 per cent".

Nevertheless West Ham are keen to make a 'marquee' signing and will continue to push for Carroll. Even if the 23 year-old did go out only on loan, it would be an expensive deal with Liverpool expected to demand a big loan fee and a high portion, if not all, of his wages being covered.

Fulham want to acquire a powerful striker having missed out on Russia international Pavel Pogrebnyak, who was on loan last season but has since agreed a permanent deal with Reading. With Fulham having sold Bobby Zamora to Queens Park Rangers in January and Andy Johnson leaving to join the same club this summer, they are short of strikers.

Fulham are also acutely aware of Liverpool's interest in Clint Dempsey, who has just one more year left on his contract at Craven Cottage and would like to leave, ideally in search of Champions League football.

Liverpool cannot offer that to the American but are undoubtedly a bigger club although they are resisting the £7 million plus being asked for by Fulham for a player who is 29. Liverpool are understood to have made an offer, however, and talks are ongoing. Fulham would like to investigate the possibility of agreeing a deal of Dempsey plus cash for Carroll – who is believed to now only be valued at around £15 million – although the club will also have to evaluate the player's character.

Liverpool are expected to tomorrow announce the signing of Fabio Borini from Roma for around £11 million, which will raise further questions over Carroll's chances of regular first-team football this season.

Liverpool could rationalise his sale, and the loss of £20 million in his fee, by claiming they would still remain in profit given he was signed following the £45 million recouped from Fernando Torres's departure to Chelsea in January last year.

Carroll has insisted that he would like to stay at Liverpool and fight for his place but if Rodgers makes it clear he is not part of his plans then it could lead to a rethink, especially if the former Newcastle striker is determined to pursue his England career. Carroll would not appear to fit the fluid 4-3-3 formation favoured by Rodgers, who had Borini on loan at Swansea and has tracked his progress in Serie A.

Tottenham have turned down the chance to make an offer, after being contacted on Tuesday by Liverpool, who were in contact with a number of clubs, although Villa have registered an interest through new manager, Paul Lambert. However, it is understood that Carroll does not want to join Villa and might prefer a move to London if he is made to leave Anfield.
Milan's interest is thought to be genuine but may be contingent on Ibrahimovic leaving the Italian club. PSG want to sign the striker and Brazilian defender Thiago Motta and a double-bid could be made this week.

Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola, who also represents Mario Balotelli, held talks with Milan on Wednesday and the Swede's future is understood to have been discussed given the interest of the cash-rich and highly-ambitious PSG.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/9393684/Liverpools-Andy-Carroll-interests-Fulham-Aston-Villa-and-West-Ham-United.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey's Liverpool move on the rocks as Fulham stand firm
Liverpool have cooled their interest in American forward Clint Dempsey, after baulking at Fulham's £10 million asking price.


Rated: Fulham won't budge on £10m valuation of Clint Dempsey

The Reds are currently in talks with four overseas players over moves to the club, with new manager Brendan Rodgers promising this week a new wave of 'really exciting' signings are on their way.

Roma forward Fabio Borini and Bologna star Gaston Ramirez head Rodgers' list of potential new recruits, but a deal for Dempsey is looking increasingly unlikely, after Liverpool baulked at Fulham's asking price during initial talks late last week.

Dempsey has already told Fulham boss Martin Jol he wants to move to Anfield this summer, but the club are sticking to their valuation of around £10 million and are refusing to budge.

Liverpool value the 29-year-old at £6 million, but would be prepared to bump it up to £8 million if the Cottagers accepted a bonuses-related financial package.

Fulham have said no to both offers, and have now been informed that Rodgers is perusing other options, although he may return to the negotiating table before the end of the month.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are also continuing their attempts to offload players, with talks progressing with West Ham over a loan deal for Andy Carroll, while Milan are hopeful they will be able to agree a nominal fee for Alberto Aquilani as he returns to pre-season in England, still pining for a return to Serie A.

Liverpool have also handed a trial to 18-year-old forward Amadou Diallo, who is a free agent after leaving Monaco at the end of his contract last month.


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/904889-clint-dempseys-liverpool-move-on-the-rocks-as-fulham-stand-firm#ixzz20NPPzqfC

[jarv]

No wonder Finn used to get upset about scousers. Just who do they think they are????

If they want Dempsey, valued by them at 6 mill they are on a different planet to the rest of us.

How about a straight swap, Carroll for Dempsey. That, for me would be a minimum.

Dempsey? Clean living proven professional.
Carroll? One hit wonder, has potential if you can keep him out of the pub.

Even then, the risk is Fulham's. Liverpool, get real, get off your high horse. Fulham is on the same level but play better football.

[clintclintdeuce]

Davies Interest

Several sources are inferring that Fulham are in the race to sign the Bolton Wanderers midfielder Mark Davies.

It seems as if a deal could be brokered for the twenty-four year-old for a fee in the region of £5 million.

As for potential rivals for his signature, Reading are mentioned as also being interested.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=286909#ixzz20NO5WQUT

I for one would love for this to happen... Very underrated player in my opinion

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham plot Carroll-Dempsey Liverpool swap
West Ham and AC Milan also want England striker on loan

Fulham are plotting to swoop on Liverpool's Andy Carroll in a swap deal with Clint Dempsey who wants to play for a big club.

Both clubs are up against Italian giants AC Milan who are also bidding for the 23-year-old England striker's services on loan.

But Fulham will use Liverpool's interest in Dempsey to rival West Ham in the race to land Carroll, according to the Mirror.             

All three must wait for an answer until the £35 million striker returns from holiday in Brazil.             

Fulham, however, believe they hold a trump card with Liverpool keen to sign Dempsey.             
The American, 29, hit 23 goals in all competitions last season - including the winner in the Cottagers' 1-0 shock home Premier League win over the Reds in December.             

Although Fulham want to keep hold of Dempsey the Texan-born star has made it clear he wants to join a bigger club and the west Londoners have no option but to sell.   
     
Carroll wants to stay at Anfield but new boss Brendan Rodgers has doubts over whether the target man will be able to fit into his new system for next season.     
         
Dempsey could become the first major signing for Rodgers who opted out of the chase for Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Carroll has been linked with AC Milan but the Liverpool manager insists there has been no approach.

"He is a very good young player and he will be linked with clubs with them because he is such a good player," said Rodgers.

"It is something I have spoken to him about (while he is still) on his holidays so he knows exactly where he stands.

"I haven't had anything from AC Milan at all."



http://www.emirates247.com/sports/football/fulham-plot-carroll-dempsey-liverpool-swap-2012-07-12-1.466966

[WhiteJC]

 
Football transfer rumours: Andy Carroll and Hugo Rodallega to Fulham?
Today's tomfoolery is purple swag


Andy Carroll reacts to the news that he may have to play at Fulham next season.
Photograph: Julian Finney/The FA via Getty Images

Hugo Rodallega didn't manage to trouble many clubs last season but he has been getting up plenty of noses this summer, apparently, as the Sun tell us that Stoke, Aston Villa and Everton have all pulled out of potential transfers for the Colombian because of his demands for a £70,000 salary. Rodallega scored two goals in the Premier League last season, which is fewer than Robbie Keane, who only played a handful of games while on holiday from the MLS, and Joey Barton, who only played a handful of games while on holiday from Twitter. Still, Martin Jol likes the look of Rodallega so could give him a swanky new home in Fulham.

£70,000 per week? Paris Saint-Germain's ludicrously rich owners wouldn't even bother bending down to pick up such a trifling sum, not least because they're too busy trying to break the world record for the number of bids made (and mostly rejected) in a single summer. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Radamel Falcao are the latest superstars to be linked with a move to the French capital, with the fees and wages reportedly on offer containing more digits than a Captain Birdseye factory.

There is no convincing suggestion that Milan would replace the Swede with a striker who has little in common with him other than a ponytail, with Andy Carroll more likely to go to either West Ham, Newcastle or, indeed, the moon. Actually, Fulham have emerged as a possible destination for Carroll, with the Mirror claiming they will make nabbing the striker a condition of Liverpool's signing of Clint Dempsey. So, a Rodallega-Carroll strike force looms at Craven Cottage.

Swansea's Joe Allen, meanwhile, looks set to follow Brendan Rodgers to Anfield but will presumably not be so crass as to request a pay rise because, as the Gylfi Sigurdsson business suggested, Rodgers is far too classy for that sort of carry on. Which is why the principled Rodgers still insists on being paid no more than the 25p per week that he earned for the impressively slick paper round he ran in Antrim when he was 11.

José Bosingwa will follow Salomon Kalou to Lille, not because he's got nothing better to do than stalk his former team-mate, but because the French club want him to become a team-mate of his former team-mate.

Brian McDermott hopes that Jermain Defoe has become so fed up he will agree to a move to Reading. Rafael van der Vaart fancies he could do better than that ... but according to the Daily Mail is instead contemplating a move to the United Arab Emirates, where there exists a club willing to pay him a salary of Rodallega-esque proportions.

Junior Hoilett's move to Borussia Mönchengladbach appears to have broken down so Newcastle, Tottenham, Fulham and Everton are all forming an orderly queue outside the forward's door. West Brom and Aston Villa, meanwhile, are doorstepping Rennes' Malian midfielder Tongo Doumbia.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jul/12/transfer-rumours-hugo-rodallega-fulham?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool Offered Dempsey But Fulham Want Carroll on Loan Deal

Fulham are hoping that they will be able to beat the likes of AC Milan and West Ham to a loan deal for Andy Carroll by offering Liverpool Clint Dempsey as part of any deal.

Liverpool have been linked with the goal-scoring midfielder for some time and it seems Fulham could attempt to use this to try and secure the services of England striker Carroll.

Ever since Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said he would consider loaning the forward out there has been a number of rumours linking Carroll with a whole host of clubs.

However, the Daily Mirror, believes that Fulham are confident in their proposal as they know that Liverpool would be interested in signing Dempsey.

The 29-year-old scored 23 goals in all competitions last season and was the top scoring midfielder in the Premier League, even managing to grab the only goal in a 1-0 win over Liverpool last December.

Liverpool are waiting for Carroll to return from his holiday in Brazil then it will become much clearer what the future holds for the England international.

Dempsey is keen to test himself at a bigger club and much will depend on whether Rodgers feels he can cope without Carroll in attack next season.



http://sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/liverpool-offered-dempsey-but-fulham-want-carroll-on-loan-deal-18550/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Win With Lucozade

Win a signed Fulham FC ball with Lucozade Sport

One Day...One Winner...One YES moment...and a ball that lasts forever!



Lucozade Sport, the Official Sports Nutrition Partner of Fulham FC, are giving you the chance to take home your very own piece of Fulham FC history! The 12th July is 'Fulham Day' in Lucozade Sport's great 'Merchandise Giveaway Competition' and we have an official ball signed by the whole 2011/12 squad up for grabs!

Lucozade Sport is committed to fuelling Fulham Football Club and provides isotonic fluids, nutritional support and hardware to help the team go faster, stronger, for longer in every game, all season. But now Lucozade Sport want to give something back to the fans!

Entry to this competition couldn't be easier - simply email [email protected] quoting your club (Fulham), name and contact number for your chance to win!

The competition is open now and the winners will be announced at 5:30pm on the 12th July and contacted within 24 hours.

For your chance to get involved in other Lucozade Sport competitions, follow @Lucozade_Footy on Twitter.

Lucozade Sport: Helping Fulham FC go faster, stronger, for longer.





http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/July/WinWithLucozade.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ready To Go

This time 12 months ago Martin Jol's Fulham side had already played in two competitive matches, with our season commencing as early as June courtesy of a lengthy Europa League qualifying process.

Fast-forward one year and there is no such rush, with the players returning to Motspur Park the second week into July, ahead of several pre-season friendlies.

Brede Hangeland was one player who felt the effect of last season's schedule as he went on to make 53 appearances for the Whites during 2011/12, and the Norwegian centre-back admits a longer rest period was a welcome respite this time around.

"We appreciated having a bit longer off this year," he told fulhamfc.com. "Last year it felt like I didn't really have a break so we've had a good rest from football and now we're ready to go again.

"Training is going well so far. Everyone is in good shape and is working hard so things are looking well.

"You do look forward to seeing your team mates again. It's nice to get away but we have a good atmosphere and a good group here so it's always nice to come back. Although it feels like we were here just last week – I suppose because we're here so often throughout the year – so it's nice to come back and find everyone fit and well so we'll just crack on from here."


Two new additions have been made to the squad over the summer and Brede was pleased to welcome Mladen Petric and Sascha Riether to the Fulham Family.

"It's obviously very early but they seem like good guys and, most importantly, good players," Hangeland said. "We're happy to have them here and we're looking forward to working with them some more. 

"I remember Mladen as a very good player – I've played against him when he's represented Croatia so I know he's a very talented player who knows how to find the back of the net. So he's a good signing for us."

Recent years have seen Fulham become an established top-half side in the Premier League, but Hangeland – who is preparing for his sixth season at Craven Cottage – remains cautious when it comes to setting goals for the impending campaign.

"I think right now we're not really thinking about targets," Brede explained. "Right now it's about getting our fitness back and staying free from injuries and then we're obviously looking to have a good season, again."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/July/ReadyToGo.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hangeland raring to go
Fulham defender feeling refreshed after longer break


Brede Hangeland: Happy to have had a longer break this summer

Brede Hangeland believes Fulham will benefit from having a longer break this summer when the new Premier League season kicks off.

The Cottagers had already been in competitive action this time last year, having earned a spot in the Europa League via the Fair Play rankings.

It was a gruelling campaign and Hangeland ended up making 53 appearances in all competitions, but Martin Jol's men still performed creditably to finish in the top half of the table.

Centre-back Hangeland admits that the rest period this time around has come as a welcome respite, saying: "We appreciated having a bit longer off this year.

Good shape

"Last year it felt like I didn't really have a break so we've had a good rest from football and now we're ready to go again.

"Training is going well so far. Everyone is in good shape and is working hard so things are looking well.

"You do look forward to seeing your team-mates again. It's nice to get away but we have a good atmosphere and a good group here so it's always nice to come back.

"Although it feels like we were here just last week - I suppose because we're here so often throughout the year - so it's nice to come back and find everyone fit and well so we'll just crack on from here."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7891249/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Carroll Interest

Could it be a fair swap, of kinds?

The tabloid press have opted to spare a few column inches relating to the futures of our own Clint Dempsey and that of the Liverpool striker Andy Carroll.

Basically they`re suggesting that Fulham could use Liverpool`s interest in Dempsey to lure the out of favour Carroll to Craven Cottage.

Whilst accepting that there is a fair chance that Brendan Rodgers will get his way and lure Dempsey to Anfield, I have reservations about, and I don`t mean this in a disrespectful way, of Carroll coming to Craven Cottage especially with Inter Milan also showing an interest.

But, if the improbable were to happen would we classify it as a fair swap?



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=286974#ixzz20Q2eogyM

[WhiteJC]

 
Rodallega Salary Query!
   
Being caught by surprise with regards to the announcement that Martin Jol was leading the race to sign the ex-Wigan striker, Hugo Rodallega, there is also some interesting news relating to the player in the tabloid press this morning.

It`s being suggested that when Everton showed an interest in signing him, they were faced with a salary demand of £70,000 a week. The inference then being that David Moyes shied away from the deal and that Fulham were then able to enter into negotiations.

Now knowing how our salary structure works, I`d be shocked if Rodallega were to be offered anything in the region of that kind of salary down at the Cottage!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=286975#ixzz20Q2lniVe

[WhiteJC]

 
Everton allow Fulham free run at ex-Wigan Athletic ace Rodallega

According to reports Everton have called off their pursuit of former Wigan Athletic striker Hugo Rodallega.

The Sun claims Everton boss David Moyes was keen to take the Colombian striker to Goodison after his Latics contract expired.

However, Rodallega's £70,000-a-week wage demands would have immediately put him at the top of Toffees' pay scale.

It is understood Moyes offered him £20,000 less before pulling out of the deal.

The 27-year-old, is now set to join Fulham later this week.



http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/wigan-athletic-fc/1212953-everton-allow-fulham-free-run-at-ex-wigan-athletic-ace-rodallega.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to Offer Clint Dempsey Plus Cash for Liverpool Striker Andy Carroll

Too good to turn down? Craven Cottage side line up offer for misfiring Anfield forward.

Fulham, are prepared to offer Clint Dempsey plus cash as part of any deal, while there is also interest from Italy.

West Ham are proposing an initial loan with a view to buying Carroll for around £15million. That would represent a huge loss for Liverpool, who signed the forward for £35m in January 2011.

But Carroll, 23, is facing an uncertain future at Anfield after Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers refused to dismiss the idea he could leave on loan.

Fulham could yet hold a trump card with Dempsey as Rodgers is a confirmed admirer of the USA forward, who is in the final 12 months of his contract at Craven Cottage.

SOURCE: Daily Mail

This may be the kind of deal that Brendan Rodgers will listen to. Having already stated that Andy Carroll may leave Anfield on a loan deal it's not a big stretch to then consider the England man as being used to help land a long term target, and a player who is perhaps more suited to the style of play the new Liverpool manager likes to adopt.

Carroll has been linked with interest from AC Milan and Newcastle United but if Martin Jol offers American attacker Clint Dempsey and a decent chunk of cash then Liverpool may well opt to accept the offer from the West London club.

Jol could well do with attacking additions, not least because he was caught napping with regards to Russian forward Pavel Pobrebynak, who scored six goals in 12 appearances for the Craven Cottage side last term, who was nabbed by Reading earlier this month.

Rodgers is known for playing the ball on the deck and as such a 6ft 3in forward like Carroll, who is known for his aerial prowess, may not be required. However Liverpool are not likely to want to sell the England international for substantially less than the £35 fee they paid for his services.

Therefore a deal that would see Dempsey move to the Merseyside club, and some money on top, is perhaps the best potential deal on the table at present.



http://www.caughtoffside.com/2012/07/12/fulham-to-offer-clint-dempsey-plus-cash-for-liverpool-striker-andy-carroll/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Inter-Castaignos: Everton, Fulham or West Ham?

Luc Castaignos really enjoy in the Premier League. As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, in particular there are three teams that would like the 19 year-old Dutch striker of 'Inter, who has been approached by many for its characteristics to Thierry Henry, who was consecrated in the English top flight as one of the greatest champions of last 15 years. First, the two of London's Fulham and West Ham, the first and the second would buy it would prefer a loan with right of redemption. And then the second team of Liverpool, the 'Everton, but would like to acquire the player under the old formula of the loan.




http://www.calciomercato.com/mercato/inter-castaignos-ci-sono-everton-fulham-e-west-ham-954968