Friday Fulham Stuff (03/08/12)...

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Rovers make bid for Etuhu

BLACKBURN Rovers have made a bid for Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu as they close in on their seventh summer signing.

The 30-year-old Nigerian has been targeted as the powerful central midfielder needed to partner new boy Danny Murphy this campaign.



http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/blackburn_rovers/news/9853644.Rovers_make_bid_for_Etuhu/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Adomah Link Resurfaces
   
Could the speculation linking another club with one of our rumoured targets kick-start a move?

Earlier this summer Fulham were linked, by several news sources, to the Bristol City winger - Albert Adomah.

Now it transpires that Middlesbrough, a Championship side, have enquired about taking the player to The Riverside with a bid, reportedly, of £2 million.

The bid, we are informed, has been met with a polite refusal and the suggestion that it is £3 million or the Ghanaian player remains at Ashton Gate.

Could this rumoured interest from Teeside trigger a Thameside reaction?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=288874#ixzz22SWS12qQ

[WhiteJC]

 
Grabbing Your Attention
   
Sitting on the tube as it rattled through the underground network, this morning, I couldn`t help but notice some interesting speculation in that free paper everyone grabs - The Metro.

It infers that Fulham are interested in two striking targets, but at opposite ends of the spectrum as I would say.

The first inference is that the summer-long interest in the Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes, is set to continue with Fulham trying to lever the Scottish international away from Yorkshire and to London.

The second infers that Martin Jol is trying to lure the Russian international Andrey Arshavin to Craven Cottage. Arshavin has suffered mixed fortunes at Arsenal in recent times and was sent back to Russia on loan for a period last season.

Out of the two, which would you prefer Martin Jol to concentrate his chase on?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=288875#ixzz22SWlMmJ3

[WhiteJC]

 
Expensive Teenage Striker Latest
   
A couple of times this summer we`ve been linked with a loan move that would bring the Chelsea striker, Lukaku, to Craven Cottage.

Lukaku, still a raw nineteen year old; cost Chelsea a huge sum when signed from Anderlecht this time last season. Seen as the heir apparent to the now departed Didier Drogba, things have yet to work out at our neighbours for the full Belgian international.

However, Lukaku has further fuelled rumours that he could be coming in our direction with some quotes attributed to him being published in the tabloid press this morning, quotes that read,

"What I learned last season is positive. Training with great players improves you."

"Now I must play. In a few weeks we`ll see what happens."

"I did not join Chelsea to go to another league. But I need to get better."

I guess any deal would depend on some sort of guarantee relating to Lukaku getting game-time, but are we in a position to do such a thing?

I`m not sure we are or would even be willing to do so!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=288877#ixzz22SX0cP46

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM'S DEMBELE IS PLAN B FOR REAL MADRID AS TOTTENHAM DEAL FOR MODRIC STALLS

REAL Madrid are currently in the process of preparing a back-up as the planned move for Tottenham Luka Modric appears at a standstill.
The back-up comes in the form of Fulham midfielder Moussa Dembele.

According to Spanish reports, Jose Mourinho is very keen on the Fulham midfielder a stance which was made clear by the player's agent at a meeting in London just a few weeks ago.

Currently the bid for Luka Modric is at a standstill after the midfielder refused to talk to Andre Villas Boas about his future.

And Real Madrid have admitted that they are not willing to pay the £40million asked by Tottenham.

Dembele's agent, Jan de Visser said: "Real Madrid contacted me and asked me about the chances of getting Moussa. It is not the first club to have been interested in him this summer"

The transfer fee for the Belgian international, who is still under contract to the London club, is reckoned to be around £16 million, a sum considerably lower than price that Tottenham is asking for Modric.

Dembele would be a very different addition to the club in comparison to Modric which his physique and power shooting.


http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/337002?

[WhiteJC]

 
Former Premier League star to return to football



ormer Fulham and Tottenham midfielder Steed Malbranque is set to make a miraculous return to professional football less than a year after announcing his retirement from the game.

Malbranque, 32, joined St Etienne from Sunderland last August, but terminated his contract at the French side just one month later.

But it appears as though the attacking midfielder is set to resume his career at boyhood club Lyon.

Lyon coach Remi Garde revealed that he is in talks with the 32-year-old over a return to the Stade Gerland.

"It is very clear with Steed. Olympique Lyon want to know where he is to see if there is an opportunity," Garde told French publication France Football.

"For now we're at the stage of observation - we'll see if it goes well.

"Steed is a player that we know - he has a lot of maturity and kept his qualities. Then again, he needs to regain his rhythm after a season without playing. Steed can match what we are looking for in a sporting and economic sense.

"His experience, his personality, even if he does not talk much, he can bring to our group."



Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/120802/former-premier-league-star-return-football-177845?#5EIQ6h11Jh33pLY1.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Dembele bid rejected

Manchester United are rumoured to have had a £7m bid rejected by Fulham for Belgian international forward Moussa Dembele this summer.


His agent Jan de Visser claims United are now weighing up a fresh approach for the 25-year-old, who is also attracting interest from Real Madrid.

Tottenham and Inter Milan.

Dembele has been a big hit at Craven Cottage since joining the west Londoners from AZ Alkmaar in 2010 for £5m, but speculation about his future is intensifying as he is entering the final year of his contract.

De Visser, of management agency Sport International, confirmed United's admiration in the player after news broke of Real's offer for his services which has also been knocked back by Fulham.

He told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: "They are not the first big club who have contacted us this summer for him."



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/08/02/Dembele-bid-rejected/gnid-149622/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Bids-A-Plenty: Dembele and Etuhu Receiving Interest

Seems that Fulham have received a flurry of bids in the recent going.

First, reports say Steve Kean at Blackburn is attempting to nick Dickson Etuhu off Fulham to go along with his Danny Murphy signing earlier this window.  With Murphy gone and no midfield replacement signed yet by Martin Jol, Etuhu is currently an important member of the defensive midfield at Craven Cottage, and I'd be surprised to see Jol let him go, at least until he brings someone in (which I fully expect him to).  The 30 year old Etuhu made 22 appearances last season with Fulham (13 of them substitute appearances), and it remains to be seen what his role this season will be.  Dickson has previously said he's unhappy with his playing time, but every time he gets a bit disgruntled he seems to win some more time on the pitch.

Also, there's been a row of Moussa Dembele bids.  According to his agent Jan de Visser, "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."  I tend not to trust a lot of things agents say, especially like this, because often times they're just trying to drive his price up or show their client is a hot commodity.  It's still newsworthy, however, in the slight chance it's true.

Not only that, but Fulham also have reportedly turned down a bid from Manchester United for Dembele, apparently in the £7 million region, which to me is not enough.  If you recall, Fulham paid about £5 million for him, so they'll definitely want to at least double that.



http://fulhamsfinest.com/2012/08/02/bids-a-plenty-dembele-and-etuhu-receiving-interest/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Real Madrid Line Up Shock Move For Fulham Star

Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Fulham midfielder Moussa Dembele, The Sun state.

The Spanish champions are eager to add a creative playmaker to their ranks this summer, and have been embroiled in negotiations with Tottenham all transfer window over a potential deal for Luka Modric.

However, with Andre Villas-Boas playing hardball and refusing to drop the club's asking price for the Croatian star, Jose Mourinho's men may well turn their attention to Dembele.

The Belgium international has grown in stature at Craven Cottage in recent seasons and is being linked as a possible target for Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea.

However, the Santiago Bernabeu side are weighing up a £10 million move for Dembele, who looks set for a move to a bigger club.



http://www.footballfancast.com/2012/08/football-news/real-madrid-line-up-shock-move-for-fulham-star?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham manager Martin Jol makes bids for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis and Huddersfield's Jordan Rhodes
Martin Jol has made a £4.5 million bid for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis and is facing competition from Blackburn Rovers in his pursuit of Jordan Rhodes, the Huddersfield forward.


Target man: Matt Jarvis is couriting interest from Blackburn as well as Fulham
Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Fulham manager Jol is keen to offer Jarvis, 26, a swift return to the Premier League and tabled a bid earlier this week but Wolves have rejected it and are demanding at least £10 million for the England international.

Wolves have also turned down offers this week from Sunderland for Steven Fletcher and Stoke City for Michael Kightly and are determined to fight a rearguard action to keep their leading players at Molineux.

West Ham failed with a £4 million bid for Jarvis in June and Fulham have become the latest Premier League club to make a formal offer.

Jol has made an improved bid for Rhodes, the Scotland international, that could eventually rise to £4 million after his opening gambit was snubbed by the Championship club.

The latest bid will see Fulham pay an initial £2 million with the remainder consisting of add-ons if it is agreed. Blackburn have also shown their intent by submitting an offer for the forward, who scored 40 goals in all competitions last season.

Steve Kean, the Rovers manager, will be without Leon Best for at least six months after the £3 million signing suffered a knee injury in Sunday's friendly against AEK Athens and has moved swiftly for Rhodes. Huddersfield value Rhodes at £6 million and Blackburn's offer is believed to be a guaranteed £3m down payment.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/9448068/Fulham-manager-Martin-Jol-makes-bids-for-Wolves-winger-Matt-Jarvis-and-Huddersfields-Jordan-Rhodes.html

[WhiteJC]

 
All quiet at Fulham but not quite time to panic

This summer at Motspur Park has been vastly comparable to a DFS Sale as opposed to the expected shopping spree that would logically follow Martin Jol's belief that Fulham can progress from last season's ninth place finish. We've witnessed the departures of Andrew Johnson, Pavel Pogrebnyak, Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora while the futures of Clint Dempsey, Moussa Dembele and Dickson Etuhu seem unpredictable at the very least.

The Dempsey situation, for what it's worth, seems unsalvageable. Even though he's called for Champions League football and despite the fact he wanted to play at the very highest level, the American seems to have settled for a move to Liverpool. That move would, undoubtedly, increase his wages and probably increase his profile but the question does have to be asked - is it really a step up? The league table would tell you no. Only goal difference separated us last season. There must just be something in the Scouse air that our 23 goal man finds particularly appealing.




Dembele may well stay. The club have taken a quite definitive stance on the matter, suggesting, in response to claims from the player's agent that Real Madrid have 'been in contact', that he will be going nowhere and no-one has made a bid. If there is even a morsel of truth in the rumours that surround our Belgian star, however, then you can only cross your fingers.


If the worst situation did arise, it is quite clear we'd find ourselves in a state of disarray. Without the loss of our quite indispensable duo, we already find ourselves with a squad depleted. Cover for Murphy must be found but you have to feel it is becoming increasingly difficult. Our former captain was a man of incredible vision and technical aptitude and he carried with him an air of experience and influence rarely seen these days. And Jol, in his quest for a youthful Fulham side, will almost definitely seek to find his replacement in the younger end of the market. Can someone really be found that can match Murphy for what he did for the team? You have to wonder.

Perhaps I'm just getting ahead of myself, though. 29 days of the window still remain and that is ample opportunity to bring in some much needed quality and depth. Jol, last time around, left his biggest spend until the final day, lavishing an unknown-but-presumed-vast amount on the mercurial talent that is Bryan Ruiz. That gamble has yet to pay off but the signs in pre-season are at least promising.


Of course, Hugo Rodallega, Mladen Petric and Sacha Reither have already teamed up with their new FFC team-mates and a penny has yet to be spent. Rodallega is no golden boot winner but we all know of his talents while Petric, in what we've seen of him so far at least, looks sharp and battle-hardened. Right back Reither has yet to make a huge impression but he has still to put a foot wrong.

There is no doubt that they aren't enough though. Jol has done a sterling job in clearing the deadwood - something which, in all honesty, has been required since Hodgson left. Johnson will not be widely missed. He had moments to suggest he was back to his clinical self but they never surmounted to anything great. Pogrebnyak was, in terms of what he is now earning at Reading, not worth the fuss and Murphy was an all-round unfortunate loss. Even Jol had to admit the shame in losing his captain, even if this coming campaign was to be the one in which his on-field time began to dwindle.

More signings are required - at least another striker and a replacement for Murphy - and, although it now appears unlikely, having one of them in place by the time our season gets going at home to Norwich would help with proceedings.


As it is, though, movement at Fulham is slow and it's become somewhat of a trait. Our medicals are stringent, our negotiations deep. At one point, Pavel Pogrebnyak claimed that the FFC medical team had checked over every finger on his hand. Perhaps he's exaggerated but there's probably some truth in it too.

We're not quite at panic stations yet but, as fans, it'd be nice to see something just around the corner. And, please, don't let it be another departure.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2012/8/2/3215929/all-quiet-at-fulham-but-not-quite-time-to-panic?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham make bid for Wolves' Jarvis

Having had an offer refused earlier in the week, Fulham have increased their bid to Wolves for the services of England international, Matt Jarvis, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Martin Jol made an initial offer to the Midlands club in the region of £4 million but this was flatly rejected with Wolves thought to be holding out for £10 million, their somewhat inflated valuation for the player. It is thought that Fulham will not go anywhere near that price tag and Jol has returned with a slightly improved offer of £4.5 million - probably just to further negotiations.

Wolves are unlikely to accept this bid but Fulham's manager is keen to land Jarvis, who himself would be happy to play Premier League football again. His current club, though, who were relegated last season, aren't under any obligation to sell and the Molineux side would like to keep ahold of their star players in a bid to return to the top flight at the first attempt.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2012/8/2/3215971/fulham-make-bid-for-wolves-matt-jarvis?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fan Preview Season 2012-13: Fulham by Andy Chivers

Fulham fan and Europa League enthusiast Andy Chivers talks to us about Fulham's prospects for the coming season...

We're going to start with a hypothetical question, if you could change one thing about Fulham what would it be?

The Michael Jackson Statue – an embarrassment.  I justify it to myself by saying that without Al Fayed we would be in League 1 or 2 and wouldn't have had our European adventure and it's a small price to pay for success.

Hee Hee! What are your aspirations for Fulham this season?

Top 7 finish and to win one of the domestic cups, finish comfortably ahead of QPR and do the double over Chelsea

Being pragmatic what would you consider as success for Fulham come next May?

Top 10 finish and a good cup run with a home win over Chelsea and finish comfortably above QPHa

So what has to happen for Fulham to deliver the season you hope for?

Sign decent replacements for the players who will leave, or alternatively keep hold of them!

If you could have any player from any team in world football at Fulham who would you take and why?

Messi – next question. Louis Saha is available on a free transfer so would love to see him back

Name one thing that Martin Jol will say in a press conference this coming season?

Something in a thick Dutch accent

Talking of managers, there are plenty of new ones in place this season, who do you think will be the most successful?

Lambert will do ok at Villa

And the first managerial casualty to be relieved of their duties (With immediate effect)?

Villas-Boas will have a very short honeymoon period at Spurs – if he loses Modric and Van der Vaart plus if Bale goes missing for a few games he may get the axe

Ok let's talk Transfers, a month left before it slams shut, how has the window been for Fulham?
Disappointing so far, Danny Murphy has left for Blackburn, Pogbrenyak went to Reading and it looks like Dempsey and Dembele will be going to Liverpool and Man Utd respectively

Yes but you've bought some players as well...

Petric and Rodallega look to be useful additions but we'll need a couple more at least especially if Clint and Moussa move on

Which signing are you most excited by?

Petric had a good goal record in Germany and Martin Jol knows him well, he scored 2 against Kaiserslautern in a friendly so could be a surprise package

And the one that got away?

It looks like Van Persie won't be joining us which is a shame! No-one really yet, QPHa have spent silly money buying average or past it players (Johnson, Park etc) – I wouldn't have minded Andy Carroll in a part-ex for Dempsey but looks unlikely

Be honest, are there any players signed that you could have done without?

Not yet – Rodallega is a bit of a gamble but he was on a free transfer, we've been linked to Nigel Reo-Coker – hopefully this is only paper talk as NRC is clearly a Championship player.

Anyone that you're surprised is still at the club?

Brede Hangeland is one of the best centre backs in the country and I'm genuinely staggered that we have managed to keep hold of him for so long – would walk into any of the top 4 starting 11's

but the window is still open....he could still go?

Looks like he'll stay – he's past 30 now and will probably be made club captain

In your opinion who will be the signing of the season?

Whoever gets Van Persie

And biggest flop amongst the new signings?

If Man Utd sign Moura for £26 million that's a huge gamble on a player that has only  played in Brazil.  Hopefully Eden Hazard will turn out to be the next Schevchenko/Crespo/Torres (delete as appropriate) for Chelsea

Do you expect any major transfer deadline day drama? If so who do you think will be involved aside from a breathless Jim White of course?

As always!  I fear that we will lose a couple of players on the last day and not have time to get replacements in (or have to settle for part-exchange or loans).

Any deadline day shocks?

Mark Hughes (bellend) is as fickle as they come so could see him leaving QPR to move to a club with more "ambition". I also wouldn't be surprised if Theo Walcott left Arsenal or Van der Vaart left Spurs

Let's have some predictions then, who will win the title?

Man Utd if they get Van Persie, Man City if not

The Champions League qualifiers will be...

Man U, Man C, Chelsea, Arsenal

Your tip for the FA Cup?

Tottenham (with new Manager after AVB gets sacked in November)

And The UEFA Champions League?

Real Madrid – could be José's year

Who are the three unlucky clubs that will go down then?

Norwich, West Brom, Wigan

There is always one club that surprises everyone, it was Newcastle last season, who will it be this time?

Reading or Liverpool (overachievement for Liverpool would be breaking into the top 6)

Of course there is always a surprise struggler as well, which club will do worse than people think?

Swansea – may get dragged into relegation fight without Rodgers

Can we have your tip for the Premiership Golden Boot please...

RVP (or Rooney if Van Persie goes abroad)

Who do you fancy for player of the season?

Bale – if he can be consistent

Whose next to be taken over by a foreign billionaire?

I think it'll be outside the Prem – Leeds, Sheff Wednesday could be decent shouts.  Within the Premier League Everton would be a decent investment.

This season will see the introduction of goal line technology at some stage. Do you think it will make any difference?

Not really – there are 760 games in a season and usually only 2 or 3 incidents per year of which only 1 or 2 would materially effect the result

What's the most ridiculous thing Mario Balotelli will do this season?

Go on strike in January to force through a move to Chelsea to replace Torres forming a one man picket line outside Man City Stadium.

As always there are a number of foreign players flooding into our shores, this allows the red tops to try out some new wordplay; any suggestions for Oscar winning puns?

"Perfect Petric at it again", "Rodallega Rocket destroys Chelsea", "Torres receives Torrents of abuse"

"Lardy Lampard ordered to go on the slim fast plan", "Sulking Suarez wants out", "Mark Hughes is a bellend"



http://eltriumvirate.co.uk/?p=2438&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fan-preview-season-2012-13-fulham-by-andy-chivers

[WhiteJC]

 
Blackburn move for Fulham midfielder Etuhu and hot shot Rhodes

Blackburn are close to signing Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu and have moved ahead of the London club in the race for Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes.

Etuhu, 30, is set to be reunited with his old Fulham team-mate Danny Murphy at Ewood Park if the two clubs can agree a fee of around £1.5million.


On the move: Fulham's Dickson Etuhu

The Nigeria man is unsettled at Craven Cottage after just nine Premier League starts under Martin Jol last season.

It also looks likely Rhodes will choose Blackburn ahead of Fulham on a deal worth £35,000 a week.

If Fulham miss out, Jol could revive his interest in Evian striker Yannick Sagbo.

He is also tracking midfielder Carlos Sanchez. Blackburn are set to offload Morten Gamst Pedersen, Radosav Petrovic, Jordan Slew and Amine Linganzi.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2182869/Blackburn-Fulhams-Dickson-Etuhu-hot-shot-Jordan-Rhodes.html#ixzz22SagesYo

[WhiteJC]

 
United in for Fulham star

Manchester United are rumoured to have had a £7m bid rejected by Fulham for Belgian international forward Moussa Dembele this summer.

His agent Jan de Visser claims United are now weighing up a fresh approach for the 25-year-old, who is also attracting interest from Real Madrid. Tottenham and Inter Milan.

Dembele has been a big hit at Craven Cottage since joining the west Londoners from AZ Alkmaar in 2010 for £5m, but speculation about his future is intensifying as he is entering the final year of his contract.

De Visser, of management agency Sport International, confirmed United's admiration in the player after news broke of Real's offer for his services which has also been knocked back by Fulham.

He told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: "They are not the first big club who have contacted us this summer for him."


http://www.clubcall.com/manchester-united/united-in-for-fulham-star-1450245.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham have offer for winger Jarvis rejected by Wolves – report

Fulham have had a £4.5m bid for winger Matt Jarvis rejected by Wolves, according to The Sun.

West Ham are also believed to want the England international, but Wolves appear determined to keep their top players.

The Daily Mirror suggest Fulham are leading the chase to sign Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone from Spanish club Levante.

The 28-year-old is reported to have snubbed moves to Russia and Qatar because he is keen to play in the Premier League.

The Daily Mail report that Blackburn are close to signing Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu and have moved ahead of the Whites in the race for Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti wants to sign Ashley Cole for Paris St-Germain, the Mirror say.

There has been speculation about the England left-back's future because he is now in the final year of his Chelsea contract.

And it is claimed that Ancelotti is looking to capture him on a three-year deal.

Raheem Sterling is again linked with a move from Liverpool to Tottenham – this time by The Sun.

It is suggested that Spurs will offer £7m for the 17-year-old from Harlesden and that he would welcome a return to the capital.

Sterling was recently linked with a loan move back to QPR, who lost him when he left Loftus Road to join Liverpool in 2010.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-have-offer-for-winger-jarvis-rejected-by-wolves-report

[WhiteJC]

 
Rovers hope to net Fulham's Etuhu

BLACKBURN Rovers are hoping to have Dickson Etuhu on board in time for this evening's pre-season friendly in Holland – as they look set to make their seventh summer signing.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands Rovers were close to agreeing a fee for the Fulham midfielder last night, in the region of £1.5million, and are confident of sealing the deal today.

The 30-year-old Nigerian is keen to come to East Lancashire, having talked to former Cottagers team mate Danny Murphy, with personal terms understood to not be a problem.

Rovers were last night attempting to finalise the transfer with Fulham but were hopeful there would be no stumbling blocks.

Meanwhile Rovers have made a formal bid for Huddersfield Town hot shot Jordan Rhodes as they do battle with Premier League Fulham for his signature.

It is understood a bid for the 22-year-old Scottish international was made by Rovers yesterday, after being given the go-ahead by owners Venky's.

It would take an offer in excess of £6million to land the highly-rated youngster, but Rovers are willing to offer a lucrative individual package in an attempt to see off their Premier League rivals.

Rovers have been quietly searching for a central midfielder to partner Murphy, since being rejected in their efforts to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva.

They have already added Leon Best, Murphy, Nuno Gomes, Fabio Nunes, Edinho and Paulo Jorge to their squad for the coming Championship campaign - and are planning a few more yet.

The addition of Etuhu is likely to be their last move in the midfield department, but two strikers and a versatile defender are still on their wish list.

Rovers travelled to Holland yesterday, ahead of their two games in three days this weekend.

Rovers play Go Ahead Eagles in Deventer this evening before travelling to NEC Nijmegen for a clash on Sunday.

Even if Etuhu is not signed in time for this evening, Rovers would hope to get pen to paper in time for their second match on tour.

The 30-year-old started his career at Manchester City, before signing for Preston in 2002 for £300,000.

He made more than 150 appearances for Preston in four years at the club, before enjoying spells at Norwich City and Sunderland.

The 6ft 2ins midfielder has been at Fulham since 2008 but has been told this summer he is surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage.



http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/blackburn_rovers/news/9854011.Rovers_hope_to_net_Fulham___s_Etuhu/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves scoff at Cottage offer

Fulham have reportedly had a £4.5million bid for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis turned down by the relegated outfit.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol is continuing to look for reinforcements to his squad this summer and he has become the latest top-flight chief to express an interest in Jarvis.

The 26-year-old has already been linked with a move to both Stoke City and Premier League new boys West Ham since the end of last season when the Molineux outfit dropped back into the Championship.

However Wolves' chief executive Jez Moxey is adamant they want to keep Jarvis and Sunderland striker target Steven Fletcher in order to bounce back with promotion at the first time of asking.

But if Jol increases his offer to meet the £6million valuation this summer, it could tempt Wolves to sell in order to use the money for new boss Stale Solbakken to plough back into his squad.

Wolves skipper Karl Henry has potentially boosted Fulham's bid to sign Jarvis because he admitted the uncertainty is 'driving everyone nuts' and not helping the players' prepare for the new season.


http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/wolves-scoff-at-cottage-offer-1450336.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
A Warm Welcome

The Fulham First Team squad were greeted by dignitaries from Crans-Montana at a reception following one of their training sessions this week. 

Crans-Montana, approximately 1500 metres above sea level in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is the picturesque location where the team will be based for a week-long pre-season camp prior to travelling to Nice for a friendly against OGC Nice this Saturday. 

The reception was kindly organised by MSM Football Management and hosted by Philippe Rubod, CEO of Crans-Montana Tourism (pictured with Martin Jol holding a signed Fulham shirt)

Fulham Football Club would like to thank the following people (pictured in the group photograph) for their warm welcome to Crans-Montana and their support during the tour.

-Walter Loser, Associate, MSM Football Management

-Mélanie Rey, Managing Director, MSM Football Management

-Philippe Rubod, CEO Crans-Montana Tourism

-Charles-André Bagnoud,  Delegate of the Randogne Commune

-Yves Roger Rey, General Secretary of the 6 Communes of Crans-Montana

-Manuel Espejo, Member of the Committee of Crans-Montana Tourism

-Yann Rochbach, Event and Activities Manager




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

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves deny £4.5m Fulham bid for Jarvis

Wolves today admitted holding talks with Fulham about Matt Jarvis – but denied receiving a £4.5m bid from them.

A report today claimed the west London club had lodged the offer for the once-capped England winger earlier this week.

But chief executive Jez Moxey said that while there had been talks with Fulham over Jarvis, those discussions hadn't materialised into a bid.

"It's just not true," Moxey told the Express & Star. "I don't know where that has come from.

"We spoke to them a long time ago but I can honestly say we haven't had a bid from Fulham for Matt Jarvis.

"I am close to their chief executive Alistair Mackintosh and we've spoken a lot, so if there was that level of interest, I would know."

It is understood that Fulham's interest in the 26-year-old could well strengthen if they sell Clint Dempsey, however. But without the funds from the sale of the USA international, they cannot to do business at the level Wolves would be prepared to start negotiations.

Wolves are desperate to keep all their star players and are believed to value Jarvis, who has three years left on his contract, at £10m, while they threw out Sunderland's £10m bid for Steven Fletcher earlier this week.

Jarvis was yesterday urged by boss Stale Solbakken to ignore all the speculation and focus on training and playing as there is no firm interest in him.

Meanwhile, the club is erecting a wall of silence over a bid for Michael Kightly, refusing to confirm or deny receiving the offer, which is believed to be £2m from Stoke.

Kightly is particularly vulnerable to a sale as he is into the final year of his contract.

Wolves have so far moved on Adlene Guedioura for £1m to Nottingham Forest, Sam Vokes for £500,000 to Burnley. Out on loan are Leigh Griffiths, who joined Hibernian until January, and last night Jake Cassidy returned to Tranmere for a similar period.

Jarvis is hoping to shake off a groin injury to play in tomorrow's final pre-season friendly at Southampton. Kightly (toe), Carl Ikeme (knee) and Jamie O'Hara (hernia) are doubtful and George Elokobi (hamstring) and Steven Fletcher (ankle) are out.



Read more: http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2012/08/03/wolves-deny-4-5m-fulham-bid-for-jarvis/#ixzz22TiNosAf