Thursday Fulham Stuff (02/08/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Real Madrid keen on Moussa Dembele

Fulham's fight to keep hold of last season's star midfielder Moussa Dembele has become even harder with the revelation that Real Madrid have joined the list of major clubs interested in the player.

The Belgian moved to Craven Cottage in 2010 from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar for £5million but didn't grab the headlines until last season when he moved into the centre of midfield.

The 25-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season and Fulham could have a real struggle on their hands persuading him to extend it as a whole host of clubs playing in the Champions League are said to be pursuing him.

Dembele's agent Jan de Visser confirmed in De Telegraaf that Madrid had expressed an interest in his client: "Real Madrid have contacted us and asked about the possibility of signing Moussa Dembele.

"They are not the first big club who have contacted us this summer for him."

If they are unable to persuade him to stay Martin Jol then faces the difficult choice of either selling him this summer or keeping him for one more season and then losing him on a free in a year's time.



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/real-madrid-keen-on-moussa-dembele-7998693.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey misses pre-season tour
Grygera given a lifeline by Fulham boss


Clint Dempsey: Fulham attacker is attracting strong interest from Liverpool

Fulham have confirmed Clint Dempsey is not on the club's pre-season tour of Switzerland because of a lack of match fitness.

The 29-year-old United States international has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, which has yet to materialise.

There have been reports that Dempsey and Fulham chief Martin Jol were involved in a bust-up before the squad left for the trip.

However, Fulham spokeswoman Katie Holmes played down any suggestion of a row between the pair and claimed the American had been left in London "to work on his fitness".

Fitness

Meanwhile, defender Zdenek Grygera has been given a chance to win a new contract by Jol.

Grygera is back in training after a long injury lay-off and looks to have recovered from the knee injury that had caused him so many problems.

The Czech Republic international is out of contract but Jol has hinted he could still have a future at Craven Cottage.

Injured

"Grygera was injured and looks better now," he told The Chronicle.

"Hopefully he can prove himself before the end of August. If he proves he's fit I would like to keep him.

"He was one of the few players who did well from the start. I played him against Chelsea in the Carling Cup and he was the best man on the pitch. He's a good player."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7955182?

[WhiteJC]

 
Bjorn Helge Riise Leaves, I Think

According to the Norwegian media, Bjorn Helge Riise is a Lillestrøm SK player. In fact, according to a video interview on their own website, he's an LSK player.

But, according to Fulham's own website he still plays for the club. Screenshot below:



Perhaps this is just a technicality and the Fulham PR and web team are posting a release announcing his departure while simultaneously taking down his profile page. But, it also sums up Riise's time here, doesn't it?

For the past two seasons, it seems we were only ever reminded Bjorn was on the team when he was loaned out. He would continually make the "Who do you see leaving this transfer window?" post on all the message boards since 2010.

Signed in summer of 2009, there was a collective sigh that he was not the other, better Riise we had hoped to get years earlier. Ironically, this would happen a few weeks later when Hodgson signed David Elm, brother to the better Rasmus Elm.

In his first season with the club, Bjorn made 12 appearances in the league (including 5 starts) and 7 in the Europa League (starting every group stage match). He'll probably be remembered most for his wonderful work down the right wing in the Group Stage finale against Basel, teeing up Bobby Zamora twice in the first half. He would make a handful of league appearances later in the season thanks to the club focusing solely on the Europa League.

Under Mark Hughes, Bjorn was on the bench for the first nine matches, and made two substitute appearances. He would only make the bench once the rest of the season. In February of that season he was loaned out to Sheffield United in the Championship; only to see the the club be relegated at season's end.

This past season, the only time Bjorn saw the field for Fulham was in the early Europa League Qualifying rounds that took place over a year ago. In September he was loaned out to Portsmouth, wherein he played a total of 130 minutes in two matches. He returned to Fulham two months later in November. Coincidentally, Portsmouth would be relegated at season's end.

And so the Bjorn's story ends. Or has it?


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/bjorn-helge-riise-leaves-i-think/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey's Champions League options



Despite a heavy link with Liverpool the American want's Champions League football, who could provide it for him? Could it be Arsenal?

With all the talk about Clint Dempsey moving to Liverpool it might be fair to notice that Brendan Rodgers will have some challengers for the American forward. Dempsey has retracted himself from Fulham's pre-season camp in Switzerland and appears destined for the exit, but with a dream of playing Champions League football, and at 29 years old, maybe he could go elsewhere?

Arsenal

Despite being 29 and therefore not necessarily meeting Wengers usual criteria the Frenchman is a reported long term admirer of the Fulham attacker. With a versatility and technicality that appeals to Arsenal; Wenger may decide a player with Premier League experience is needed to steady the ship in a summer of upheaval in the Arsenal attacking line-up. Clint may favour a move to another London club so this is a deal that could be pulled out from underneath Liverpool's feet if they are not careful.

Bayern Munich

His manager for the national team is Bayern legend Jurgen Klinsmann who has publically declared his desire for Dempsey to move on and play for a bigger club. He would suit the German side's style of play and would give healthy competition to either of the wide men or the centre forward position. With his intelligent style of play the Bundesliga would be a good avenue for the American and he could make the move to The Allianz.

Schalke 04

It has been a tentative link but a link nonetheless with the Bundesliga outfit. They have had a decent few seasons, including an appearance in the Champions League Semi Final in 2011. After finishing 3rd in the Bundesliga last time out they can provide him with the Champions League football he craves and the chance to play with USA teammate Jermaine Jones would also be a draw. However, despite being possibly the weakest team on the list, Clint may struggle for a first team spot after the signing of Chinedu Obasi and emergence of Julian Draxler and Temmu Pukki at the Gelsenkirchen side.

Juventus

After a period away the Old Lady is back in Europe and needs to add strength in depth in the frontline with Iaquinta, Amauri and Toni all being moved on this summer. After seeing their moves for Robin Van Persie and Steven Jovetic dry up rumours surfaced that the Turin side may go for the man who unceremoniously dumped them out of Europe with a sublime chip in 2010.

And here that chip is ...
Clint Dempsey wonder goal Vs. Juventus

Could Clint join these or any other clubs? Or is the move to Liverpool bolted on?



http://hereisthecity.com/2012/07/31/clint-dempseys-champions-league-options/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Deaf FC Open Day

Fulham Deaf FC (FDFC) was established in 2003 and is now one of the leading deaf football clubs in the country. To try and spread the word about the Club and to encourage new youth and adult players, Fulham FC Foundation is running a Fulham Deaf FC Open Day at Fulham FC's Motspur Park Training Ground on Sunday 19th August between 12pm - 6pm.

The Open Day will include a variety of different events and activities, such as: a high quality youth coaching session, an adult coaching clinic and the opportunity to watch the Deaf Ladies GB team vs Fulham Deaf Ladies and the current Men's Deaf Team play against an All Stars Squad (formed of ex-FDFC players). The day will then finish with a BBQ.

We would be delighted to welcome anyone form the local and surrounding areas to come and watch or join in with the matches taking place at Fulham's elite training facilities.

We hope that the Open Day will generate interest for deaf players who may want to join the men's, ladies or new youth team. We hope that it also raises awareness of the Deaf Football Club and showcases the great work the FDFC committee and Fulham FC Foundation do in making football accessible to young people with a hearing impairment.

FDFC was established in 2003 by Nick Beese. As a deaf young person with a passion for football, he was concerned about the lack of sporting opportunities for people with a hearing impairment in South London. He started to work closely with Fulham FC's community team in order to set the Club up.

Nick Beese who is Chairman of FDFC commented:

"It's been an amazing 8 year journey! Fulham Deaf FC changed the deaf football landscape from the very beginning. The ladies squad, being the only deaf ladies team in the U.K, plays a very important role for GB and England Ladies teams, providing a large quota of players for their squads, with five FDFC members being involved in the recent European Championships in Bulgaria.

The men's squad has won many trophies and has made a huge impression on the domestic stage. Like the ladies squad, the men's squad has provided GB with many internationals. At the recent European Championships in which GB came a credible 4th place, there were nine FDFC members in the squad and management team.

As Chairman, Nick finds his role both challenging and rewarding. He added:

"Fundraising to keep the youth squad and adult teams running is challenging. The most rewarding aspect is seeing so many deaf footballers from different age groups and backgrounds all pull together for the same cause. It is also rewarding when any of our teams win silverware".

Please come and support Fulham Deaf FC at their Open Day on Sunday 19th August. Entry is £5 for adults, £2 for children and this price is inclusive of a BBQ voucher.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/August/OpenDay.aspx?

[WhiteJC]

 
Agent: Fulham star linked with Man Utd, Arsenal and Spurs is wanted by Real Madrid

Fulham's Moussa Dembele is wanted by Real Madrid and Manchester United, claims agent Jan de Visser

Real Madrid have enquired after Moussa Dembele, according to a representative from the Fulham man's agency, Sports International.

25-year-old Belgium forward Dembele, who has also impressed in central midfield for Martin Jol's side, has been linked with Manchester United this summer.

But agent Jan de Visser claims Dembele is also attracting interest from abroad, with Spanish champions Real Madrid expressing an interest.

"Real Madrid have contacted us and asked about Moussa Dembele's availability," De Visser told De Telegraaf.

"They are not the first big club to make enquiries about Moussa this summer, though," he added.


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/agent_fulham_star_linked_with_man_utd_arsenal_and_spurs_is_wanted_by_real_madrid_1_1467817?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham received bid from Manchester United for Dembele – claim

Fulham have turned down an official bid from Manchester United for Moussa Dembele since the end of last season, according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

It is claimed that United offered Fulham 10m euros for him a month ago but were rebuffed.

Jan de Visser, an agent working on behalf of Sport International, who are believed to represent Dembele, told the paper that Real Madrid are also interested.

"It [United] is not the first big club this summer that has asked for him," De Visser said.

"Real Madrid have contacted us and enquired about the possibilities for Dembele."


http://www.westlondonsport.com/paper-talk/fulham-received-bid-from-manchester-united-for-dembele-claim

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham quash Dembele Real talk

Fulham have laughed off suggestions that they are selling Moussa Dembele to Real Madrid as "ludicrous".

The agent of the highly-rated Fulham midfielder has told reporters that Real are looking to secure his client's services this summer.

But Fulham have told ESPN: "We have not had any approaches for Moussa Dembele and none would be welcome."

Dembele, 25, had an impressive 2011-12 season in the Premier League and has caught the attention of several top sides, with Manchester United among those linked.

The Belgium international featured in a deep-lying midfield role under Dutch manager Martin Jol and won over many of his previous critics as he inspired Fulham to some impressive results in the second half of the season.

Jan de Visser, of the Sports International management agency, had claimed that they had received several approaches for their player, including one from Real Madrid.

"Real Madrid have contacted us and asked about the possibility of signing Moussa Dembele," De Visser told De Telegraaf.
"They are not the first big club who have contacted us this summer for him."



Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/163198.html?CMP=OTC-RSS#Lv1z7mb6sB9dP4Kt.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Disappointed with Clint Dempsey

When a player is 'left at home to work on his fitness', we all know what that really means by now. It seems that Clint Dempsey and Fulham are headed for the divorce courts.

There's something really grating about this, about how Dempsey has gone about this. His original desire to move to a Champions League club has been dampened down to a passion for Europa League football with Liverpool.

Realistically, I understand the pull a club like Liverpool has over players, but Dempsey should have just been honest about wanting to 'play for a more affluent club' and not trot out the usual Champions League rhetoric. As it is, as and when he leaves Craven Cottage for Anfield, all that he'll really achieving is the tarnishing of his own legacy.

How boring is this becoming in football; players who are willing to sacrifice the relationship they've built-up with a fanbase for a bigger contract and more notoriety. It's an avoidable reality of the modern game, but it's still regrettable.

The irony is that Dempsey could be playing Champions League football next season if he would be willing to cut his wages and move to a German or French team – as it is, he's really just about to make a sideways step.

As for the rumoured disagreement with Martin Jol and the subsequent disciplinary action that has resulted? What an ugly way for Dempsey to end his time at Fulham and to butcher his reputation.


http://thepremierleagueowl.com/disappointed-with-clint-dempsey/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=disappointed-with-clint-dempsey

[nevzter]

Fulham Deaf FC Open Day

Fulham Deaf FC (FDFC) was established in 2003 and is now one of the leading deaf football clubs in the country. To try and spread the word about the Club and to encourage new youth and adult players, Fulham FC Foundation is running a Fulham Deaf FC Open Day at Fulham FC's Motspur Park Training Ground on Sunday 19th August between 12pm - 6pm.

The Open Day will include a variety of different events and activities, such as: a high quality youth coaching session, an adult coaching clinic and the opportunity to watch the Deaf Ladies GB team vs Fulham Deaf Ladies and the current Men's Deaf Team play against an All Stars Squad (formed of ex-FDFC players). The day will then finish with a BBQ.

We would be delighted to welcome anyone form the local and surrounding areas to come and watch or join in with the matches taking place at Fulham's elite training facilities.

We hope that the Open Day will generate interest for deaf players who may want to join the men's, ladies or new youth team. We hope that it also raises awareness of the Deaf Football Club and showcases the great work the FDFC committee and Fulham FC Foundation do in making football accessible to young people with a hearing impairment.

FDFC was established in 2003 by Nick Beese. As a deaf young person with a passion for football, he was concerned about the lack of sporting opportunities for people with a hearing impairment in South London. He started to work closely with Fulham FC's community team in order to set the Club up.

Nick Beese who is Chairman of FDFC commented:

"It's been an amazing 8 year journey! Fulham Deaf FC changed the deaf football landscape from the very beginning. The ladies squad, being the only deaf ladies team in the U.K, plays a very important role for GB and England Ladies teams, providing a large quota of players for their squads, with five FDFC members being involved in the recent European Championships in Bulgaria.

The men's squad has won many trophies and has made a huge impression on the domestic stage. Like the ladies squad, the men's squad has provided GB with many internationals. At the recent European Championships in which GB came a credible 4th place, there were nine FDFC members in the squad and management team.

As Chairman, Nick finds his role both challenging and rewarding. He added:

"Fundraising to keep the youth squad and adult teams running is challenging. The most rewarding aspect is seeing so many deaf footballers from different age groups and backgrounds all pull together for the same cause. It is also rewarding when any of our teams win silverware".

Please come and support Fulham Deaf FC at their Open Day on Sunday 19th August. Entry is £5 for adults, £2 for children and this price is inclusive of a BBQ voucher.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/August/OpenDay.aspx?

This is very, very cool (and the first time I've heard of it).  Bravo to the club for undertaking this brilliant endeavor.  Thanks again for sharing the news.  COYW

[panto]

This is very, very cool (and the first time I've heard of it).  Bravo to the club for undertaking this brilliant endeavor.  Thanks again for sharing the news.  COYW

I hope that wasn't a joke. Poor form either way. They must got a lot of that.

[nevzter]

This is very, very cool (and the first time I've heard of it).  Bravo to the club for undertaking this brilliant endeavor.  Thanks again for sharing the news.  COYW

I hope that wasn't a joke. Poor form either way. They must got a lot of that.

Poor form by you sir.  What the hell do you know?  Seriously, I'm proud of that, and maybe my grammar was not the best, but to jump to your ill-founded conclusions, well, simply sucks.  Don't talk to me about disabilities - you can go love yourself.

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey not in Fulham team for training

Clint Dempsey has missed Fulham's pre-season training camp in Switzerland due to a lack of match fitness, the club said Wednesday, as speculation grew that he could be joining Liverpool.

Fulham's communications director Sarah Brookes told The Associated Press that the US international and teammate Hugo Rodallega had stayed in London "to work with fitness coaches."

The club would not comment on British media reports linking the attacking midfielder with American-owned Liverpool. Along with the 18-time English champions, the Fenway Sports Group also owns baseball's Boston Red Sox.

Liverpool has recently concluded a pre-season tour of North America but was embarrassed by an error on the Fenway Sports website at the start of the trip, where a caption for a video read that Dempsey had signed for the club.

The caption was later corrected after Fulham denied any contact had been made between the clubs.

Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers confirmed earlier his month there was interest from his club.

"Clint is a player that we have enquired about, it is as simple as that," Rodgers said. "Ian Ayre, our managing director, has spoken with the club just to see what the position is and that is where it is at. He is obviously a very talented player but we don't like to speak about other clubs' players."

Dempsey scored 23 goals in 46 games for the London-based team last season, making the 29-year-old attacking midfielder his club's top scorer.

He joined Fulham in 2007 and is the highest scoring American in the Premier League with 50 goals.

Fulham's new Premier League campaign begins on August 18 at home to Norwich.



http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8509708

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham: No bids received for Arsenal, Man Utd, Real Madrid & Spurs target

Transfer news: The Whites insist Mousa Dembele is not for sale

Fulham have insisted that there have been no bids for Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham target Mousa Dembele.

The Belgium international has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage after an impressive campaign last year.

"We have not had any approaches for Mousa Dembele and none would be welcome," Fulham told ESPN.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_no_bids_received_for_arsenal_man_utd_real_madrid_spurs_target_1_1468068?

[WhiteJC]

 
Lukaku keen on loan
Young Chelsea forward wants to play and Fulham could step in


Romelu Lukaku: Wants first-team football and is willing to leave Chelsea to get it

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku wants to stay in the Premier League but admits it may have to be away from Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old Belgium international was involved in just 12 games for Chelsea last season and failed to register a single goal.

With Lukaku desperate to play, Werder Bremen have been linked with a loan move for the former Anderlecht man and Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo is willing to allow a deal.

But the player himself is targeting an English club - and that could mean a switch to West London neighbours Fulham.
"I did not sign for Chelsea to go into another championship," said Lukaku.

"Now I must play. It all depends on the choice of the coach and myself. I'm not someone who bangs his fist on the table.

"I have to move on to another level. I will do everything to get better.

"I have talked with the manager. I have very good contact with him. We will try to find the best solution for both parties."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/7956744?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stockdale wants to battle for Fulham number one spot



DAVID Stockdale is desperate to prove his worth during pre-season and stake a claim for Fulham's number one shirt.

The 26-year-old has made just 23 competitive appearances for the Whites since his switch from Darlington in 2008, spending most of his time warming the bench behind first-choice keeper Mark Schwarzer.

Stockdale has spent some time out on loan at Rotherham, Leicester, Plymouth and most recently Ipswich Town.

But he hopes he can impress boss Martin Jol enough to force his way into his starting XI.

"I'm just trying to do the best I can during pre-season and show the gaffer what form I've come back in," Stockdale told the Chronicle.

"When you come in you've got to do the best you can, and when you've got someone like Mark Schwarzer in front of you you can't think you deserve to play because it doesn't work like that.

"I love the club and love playing for them so I will fight as much as I can until I'm told otherwise."

Stockdale featured 18 times for Ipswich last season before he was recalled to Craven Cottage after an injury to Schwarzer.

And the England international admits he would be open to a loan switch elsewhere if he doesn't get the nod between the sticks in SW6.

"You've got to look at chances to play," he added. "At the moment it's a crucial part of my career to play games and get more exposure and prove to people that I can still do it.

"I really enjoyed my spell at Ipswich last season. We were a little bit inconsistent, having started the season well and then went through a bad patch. I went for games and got things to do."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2012/08/02/82029-31530476/?#ixzz22On5XALV

[WhiteJC]

 
Huddersfield Town boss says despite Fulham and Blackburn Rovers rumours Jordan Rhodes' situation is simple...find out here


Jordan Rhodes

SIMON GRAYSON is far more concerned with Huddersfield Town's performance at Crewe than fresh speculation over the future of star striker Jordan Rhodes.

The manager brushed aside reports linking the 22-year-old goal-getter with Fulham and Blackburn after seeing his side lose 1-0 at Gresty Road.

Grayson, who played £8m-rated Rhodes for the first hour of last night's game, when Town fell to Adam Dugdale's 17th-minute goal, said: "Our stance hasn't changed.

"Everybody knows the level of importance Jordan Rhodes has to this club and everyone knows the value we place on him.

"If anyone is to buy him it is going to cost them a lot of money.

"Of course, this situation is nothing new. Players like Jordan are valuable commodities and there will probably be speculation until the transfer window closes."

Town had 115 fans in a 1,402 crowd and Grayson admitted "we were disappointing". He said: "Our ball retention was poor, we didn't work their goalkeeper enough and we failed to show the movement we have in previous friendlies

"But these are the kind of things you iron out during pre-season and I've got an honest bunch of players who will work as hard and for as long as it takes to put things right."

Grayson added: "It's not all doom and gloom. There were some lively performances out there and I was particularly pleased with the showing of Keith Southern.

"He showed energy, he tackled well, he got into the opposition penalty box and he could have had a goal."

Meanwhile, Town were beaten 2-0 in their development friendly against Liverpool at Melwood.

Coach Steve Eyre included Liam Ridehalgh, Murray Wallace, Chris Atkinson and Jimmy Spencer.

A highlights package will be shown on Liverpool's own tv channel, free to Sky subscribers, at 5.15 and 10.45 tonight.



Read More http://www.examiner.co.uk/huddersfield-town-fc/huddersfield-town-news/2012/08/02/huddersfield-town-boss-says-despite-fulham-and-blackburn-rovers-rumours-jordan-rhodes-situation-is-simple-find-out-here-86081-31530220/2/#ixzz22OnaAaat

[WhiteJC]

 
Martin Jol keen to bring Andrey Arshavin and Jordan Rhodes to Fulham

Fulham manager Martin Jol is preparing to add two more names to his list of summer recruits as he chases Huddersfield's Jordan Rhodes and Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin.

The Dutchman has so far managed to sign three new players this summer, all for free. Hugo Rodallega, Mladen Petric and Sascha Riether have all been added to the squad as Jol attempts to build on last season and replace Danny Murphy and Pavel Pogrebnyak, whose contracts expired.

Fulham, however, are not finished and the manager is thought to be particularly desperate to add some power to his forward line, especially with the possible departure of Clint Dempsey to Liverpool looming.

Huddersfield Town striker Jordan Rhodes, who scored 40 goals last season to fire his club into the Championship, is the highest priority. His ability to find the net coupled with his young age - he is only 22-years-old - make him an ideal target.

Fulham were initially hopeful he would be available for a knockdown price and after a failed enquiry in January they have since had a £2million bid rejected. Huddersfield are understandably keen to make maximum profit from their prize asset and value him at £6million.

In the midst of interest from other Premier League clubs Fulham have been forced to negotiate and have returned to the table with an offer of £4million plus £2million in add-ons.

The final piece of the puzzle for Martin Jol is rumoured to be Arsenal misfit Andrey Arshavin.

The Russian has struggled to find consistency with the Gunners but showed flashes of his old brilliance with his national side at Euro 2012.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger will hold talks with the player in the coming days with Jol ready to pounce if the mercurial forward decides to move on.

Arshavin is thought to want to stay in London, making Fulham favourites if he does decide to leave the Gunners. The only stumbling block will be his £80,000 a week wages.



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/martin-jol-keen-to-bring-andrey-arshavin-and-jordan-rhodes-to-fulham-8000990.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Real Madrid sniffing round Fulham for next acquisition

Since his move to Craven Cottage in 2010, Moussa Dembele has been quite a popular figure in the Premier League, quickly featuring on the shopping list of many a top notch English club. But in an interview given to De Telegraaf by his agent it has been made clear that the Belgian International is receiving interest from all across Europe, not just England, with the latest team entering the fray – the mighty Real Madrid.

Jan de Visser, the player's agent, shared in an interview with the newspaper saying, "Real Madrid have contacted us and asked about Moussa Dembele's availability. They are not the first big club to make enquiries about Moussa this summer, though."

Manchester United and Tottenham have had their hats in the mix for the player's signature but the arrival of the Galacticos brings a new dimension to the battle for the star player. Martin Jol on his part is trying hard to keep the midfielder at Fulham for some more time, seeing that the player is essential to the team's success in the near future.

While Dembele's career ahead may be shrouded in doubt, one does believe that the player is set for a tantalizing future in the big league and Fulham will be forced to sell their prized asset.


http://www.footylatest.com/real-madrid-sniffing-round-fulham-for-next-acquisition/31126?

[WhiteJC]

 
Double trouble at Fulham as Jol signs new Moussa Dembele... called Moussa Dembele

Martin Jol has the perfect plan to cope with the potential sale of star man Moussa Dembele; signing Moussa Dembele.

The Dutchman is facing a fight to keep hold of his current Belgian international, with Manchester United and Real Madrid among the teams considering an approach.

But while he fends off interest, Jol has managed to bring in a namesake replacement, a 16-year-old French striker from PSG.


Double trouble: Martin Jol has signed Moussa Dembele, the 16-year-old namesake

The Cottagers will pay the Ligue 1 title-hopefuls a compensation fee of £284,000, which is the maximum payable under FIFA rules for international transfers involving academy players.

The new Dembele is a France youth international, widely regarded as his country's best in his age group, according to Goal.com, who reported the story, and has been compared with Thierry Henry.

PSG have spent more than £75million this summer already, bringing in Thiago Silva, and in Dembele's position, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ezequiel Lavezzi.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2182516/Fulham-sign-Moussa-Dembele.html#ixzz22OoVxkBM