Wednesday Fulham Stuff(15/08/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Real Madrid chase Fulham's Moussa Dembele



Real Madrid are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Moussa Dembele.

The Belgium international, 25, has been strongly linked with a move away from Craven Cottage this summer and today revealed: "My manager has already talked with them. There have been contacts between my agent and Real Madrid.

I cannot say much else about it — everything is calm, but I cannot say where I will be playing."




http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/real-madrid-chase-fulhams-moussa-dembele-8046226.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Blues to steal in on Liverpool deal?

The Daily Mail reports that Everton are set to spoil rival Liverpool's hopes of signing Clint Dempsey from Fulham.

The USA striker is desperate to leave Craven Cottage and Liverpool have long been favourites to snap up his striking services.

However, they are yet to agree a fee with the London club, and the Mail says that Everton are ready to sit down and thrash out numbers with Fulham.

The 29 year old scored a goal every other game for the Cottagers last season.



Read more: http://www.nsno.co.uk/everton-news/2012/08/blues-to-steal-in-on-liverpool-deal/#ixzz23aBZjwOv

[WhiteJC]

 
1025 Reasons Everton Should Sign Clint Dempsey

The Texan has been in fine fettle again for Fulham this season and would be a great addition at Goodison Park...

The Texan has been in fine fettle again for Fulham this season and would be a great addition at Everton. It's 1025 words, by the way...



The name "Dempsey" isn't exactly what you'd call common. However, Google the name and the first result is not what you would've expected – it isn't a cheesy American actor famed for Grey's Anatomy. It's Fulham's very own Texan superstar.

Dempsey's rise to fame is a classic example of the "written in the stars" journey. His story is one of courage and perseverance but entwined with grief, tragedy and every so often, unmistakable glimpses of hurt. Born in the remote Texan town of Nacogdoches in East Texas into a relatively poor family as the fourth of five children, Dempsey's was a humble upbringing. His footballing journey started off when his older brother Ryan was offered a tryout by the Dallas Texans, a youth club. Clint, who tagged along, was noticed while juggling a ball on the sidelines to pass the time. Almost immediately, he was recruited into the youth team.

Very soon, he became the standout player for the club. However, due to the family's time and money constraints and with his sister Jennifer becoming a ranked youth tennis player, Dempsey's career was cruelly cut short. However, the subsequent passing away of his sister after suffering a brain aneurysm was the rather macabre catalyst for his return to football. The death of his sister – someone he was very close to – had a profound impact on the then 12 year old. In his teens, Dempsey started going back to Dallas, playing with greater determination than ever before and, after going through the system regularly scoring goals, he was selected by the MLS side New England Revolution as the 8th pick overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft.

In his rookie season for the Revolution, Dempsey started 23 of 24 matches, helped the club to the Eastern Conference finals and earned the 2004 MLS Rookie of the Year award. In 2005, he scored 10 goals and had 9 assists and scored in yet another Eastern Conference final as the Revolution rolled into the MLS Cup final. Following an injury affected 2006 campaign, Dempsey was purchased by Fulham for $4 million – then the highest amount ever offered for an MLS player. Dempsey made an almost immediate impact for the club – his first goal on May 5, the only one in a 1-0 win over Liverpool, saved Fulham from relegation and guaranteed Premier League football for another season at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey's rise to fame is a classic example of the "written in the stars" journey. His story is one of courage and perseverance but entwined with grief, tragedy and every so often, unmistakable glimpses of hurt.
In the following 5 years, Dempsey's career has really blossomed. His goals tally for the years since 2006 – 8, 12, 11, 15, 23 says a story in itself. He has matured as a player, and is very often the focal point through which all of Fulham's forward play in he final third go through. His awareness, dribbling ability and vision are among the best in the Premier League. Playing in a withdrawn attacking role, Dempsey is often seen roaming over the final third of the pitch, probing and pressing to thread an elusive pass through the opposition's defence. Off the ball, his hard work, desire to defend and tenacity are all admirable qualities. He may not be the most athletic or the fastest player on the pitch, but Dempsey's quality transcends what is considered average in the EPL. In short, he is simply class.

Dempsey is the current highest scoring American in the league, passing fellow American/Fulham legend Brian McBride after scoring the winner (again) against Liverpool in last December. He is also the first American player to score a hattrick in the Premier League. Dempsey is Fulham's current highest scorer and has scored 20 goals more for the club than his nearest competitor – the erstwhile Bobby Zamora. He also creates as many chances from open play as his most illustrious peers, Juan Mata and David Silva. As of now, he is also among the highest scores in the Premier League this season. Over the past two seasons, only Robin van Persie has scored more goals than Dempsey while counter attacking. Again, Dempsey has had 20 goals from inside the penalty box in the last two seasons. Only van Persie (34) and Dimitar Berbatov (25) have more.

Of course, he has had his issues as well. He has often in the past been involved in cases of violent conduct, both with the Revolution and with the Cottagers. In 2006, he was twice suspended from the MLS, once after getting into a fight with teammate Joe Franchino and secondly, after breaking the jaw of his national teammate Jimmy Conrad. In 2007, Dempsey accidentally broke John Terry's cheekbone after elbowing him while fighting for the ball. In 2011, he very nearly did the same to Manchester United defender Phil Jones. Dempsey has also had consistency issues as well, often scoring in purple patches before a barren spell. For someone of his talent, he still fades out of matches occasionally. In the US international side, he has been arguably overshadowed by his teammate Landon Donovan.

Nevertheless, there is no doubting the quality of the Texan. His is very often under-appreciated when compared to his peers in the industry. Unlike some of his more 'outspoken' colleagues, Dempsey prefers to do all his talking (and elbowing) on the pitch, much to the delight of the Fulham faithful and some neutrals like me. There is no doubt that given the appropriate surroundings, Dempsey could very well become an even better player. Given his current form and swagger, some might see Fulham as being too small for the man. Regardless of where he ends up, all I want is more of the same please!



http://www.sabotagetimes.com/football-sport/1025-reasons-everton-should-sign-clint-dempsey/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Moyes not interested in Dempsey

The Guardiam article on N'Baye Niang suggests that despite reports to the contrary in the Mail, Moyes will not be following up his interest in Clint Dempsey as he decides where to deploy the funds he will receive from the sale of Jack Rodwell.

Original Source: The Guardian


http://www.toffeeweb.com/season/12-13/rumour-mill/22085.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Stockdale set for loan move

Fulham have announced they plan to send David Stockdale out on loan again this season in order to gain more first team experience.


The 26-year-old has made just 23 competitive appearances for the Cottagers since joining from Darlington in 2008 and once again looks set to play second fiddle to number one Mark Schwarzer this season.

In order to continue his development Fulham goalkeeping coach Hans Segers has confirmed the club expect to send him out on loan for a fifth time.

Segers told the Chronicle: "They have to fight for the number one spot, but to be fair to Mark he's been absolutely outstanding so to replace him will be difficult.

"David's a top keeper and needs to play, so as a club we're looking to get him on loan somewhere where he's playing week in, week out, with a recall clause.

"That will make him a better goalkeeper because sitting on the bench you don't really learn anything. David can only become better by playing."


http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2012/08/14/Keeper-set-for-loan-move/gnid-150719/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Rhodes Back in the Mix?
   
The local press, up in Lancashire, are reporting that Blackburn have pulled out of the race to sign the prolific Huddersfield Town striker, Jordan Rhodes.

It`s now being reported that they`ve turned their attention to the out of favour Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh.

If so, does this give Fulham an opportunity to step back into the race to sign Rhodes?

I`d certainly like to think so!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=289952#ixzz23aCgjY39

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz Ready

Bryan Ruiz admits he cannot wait for the new Barclays Premier League season to get underway after a strong pre-season campaign.

The Costa Rican missed the final six games of last season after he broke a metatarsal in the Whites' 3-0 defeat of Bolton Wanderers in early April.

But, after enjoying his first pre-season in England, Ruiz has put his injury behind him and is eager to play a key role for Fulham during the 2012/13 campaign.

"I'm looking forward to the beginning of the season," he told the official website. "Preparation has been good and I'm feeling strong. I want to avoid any injuries and play as much as possible this season.

"My injury is in the past. I haven't thought about it as I have no pain. I'm just focusing on getting ready for the new season and I'm feeling really good."

Fulham suffered just one defeat in pre-season - to Charlton Athletic in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday - but the 26-year-old believes there is no need to panic ahead of our Premier League opener against Norwich City on Saturday.

"The first half, we did very well," he said. "In the second half, maybe we were a little bit tired and our legs were a bit heavy. But we'll have had a week to get stronger and to be 100 per cent ready for the beginning of the season."

On a personal level, Ruiz, who played 81 minutes behind Mladen Petric before being replaced by Kerim Frei, was happy with his performance as he looks to build upon his debut season in England: "I played well. I'm getting minutes and I'm really happy about that."

Costa Rica's international friendly against Peru in the United States on Wednesday offers Ruiz an opportunity to gain some more minutes on the pitch and the star is looking forward to the match.

"I will play a maximum of 60 minutes," Ruiz said. "We then play two matches in September in very important games for the national team. Because of the injury I had, I haven't played with the national team much over the last few months so it will be nice to join them again."


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

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers fail in Boateng bid
Dnipro reject offer for Ghanaian midfielder


Derek Boateng: A top target for Premier League clubs

Sky Sports understands that Fulham have seen an offer for Dnipro midfielder Derek Boateng knocked back.

The Cottagers have been linked with the Ghana international in the past, along with Premier League rivals West Brom.
They are believed to have made an approach this summer, but have failed to reach an agreement.

Boateng would appear to be on his way out of Dnipro in the near future, with coach Juande Ramos confirming that the player no longer wishes to be part of his plans.

A switch to the Premier League would appeal to a player who has previously turned in Greece, Germany and Spain.

He moved to Ukraine in 2011 but feels the time is right to take on a new challenge.

Boateng would be a useful asset to any English side as he is capable of operating at centre-half or as a holding midfielder



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/7989616?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey rejects West Ham as Fulham's bid for Dnipro's Boateng falls short

West Ham have failed to lure Clint Dempsey, 29, from Fulham, who have had a bid for Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk's Derek Boateng, 29, rejected. 

American international Dempsey is in demand but clubs have yet to come up with the fee that Fulham believe is suitable for the 29-year-old.


Destination unknown: Dempsey

He was outstanding last season but the fact he is training away from the first team reflects a breakdown in his relationship with the club.

His contract has 11 months to run but Fulham have valued him at £9million.

Liverpool have made no secret of their desire to sign him and would offer players such as Charlie Adam but the Scot is reluctant to leave Anfield.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2188406/Fulhams-Clint-Dempsey-rejects-West-Ham.html#ixzz23aDm92Ey

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves in talks with Fulham over loan deal for Stockdale as De Vries edges closer to exit

Wolves are in talks over a loan deal for Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale, 26, with Dorus de Vries becoming the fourth Wolves player to ask for a transfer.

The Championship club turned down a second bid of £700,000 for De Vries from Liverpool last week.


Wanted by Wolves: Stockdale (centre)

The Dutchman, 31, joins Steven Fletcher, Matt Jarvis and Christophe Berra in wanting to leave, while midfielder Nenad Milijas has been made available.

Wolves turned down an improved offer of £13m from Sunderland for Fletcher. 

Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is still interested in Tottenham's Jermain Defoe and Manchester City's James Milner.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2188400/Fulhams-David-Stockdale-join-Wolves-loan.html#ixzz23aEIRliI

[WhiteJC]

 
Everton FC likely to miss out on Clint Dempsey

IN-DEMAND teenage striker M'Baye Niang will arrive on Merseyside today for a three-day trial – but Everton are likely to miss out on Clint Dempsey.

The 17-year-old France U-21 forward will be at Finch Farm until the weekend, allowing David Moyes to decide whether to part with some of the funds he received for Jack Rodwell on Sunday in order to secure his signature.

Arsenal have reportedly had an offer of £5m rejected by Caen for their precocious attacker, but it's likely Everton would still not have to pay in excess of that figure if they were to propose a different way of staggering payments to the relegated French side with more up front.

However, with Spurs also hot on his trail and AC Milan waiting in the wings, it is by no means certain that the Blues will be able to persuade him his future is with them.

It will also be difficult for Moyes to land USA international Dempsey from Fulham, despite being a long-term admirer of the forward.

With the Cottagers demanding big money for the 29-year-old, who only has a year left on his contract, a deal may not make financial sense for the Blues – even though they have some funds in the coffers after Rodwell's £12m exit.

Fulham's stance could change as the clock ticks down on the transfer window, although Liverpool also remain keen on Dempsey.

Moyes is also monitoring the availability of Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, although the wide-man's wages represent a headache and it remains to be seen whether City would be willing to pay some of them should he leave the Etihad on a season-long loan deal.

One player Everton will not be pursuing is Leeds United forward Ross McCormack.

Speculation has grown in Yorkshire that the Toffees fancied a cut-price deal for the 25-year-old Scottish international, after Moyes attended Leeds' friendly against Preston last weekend, and David Weir also watched Saturday's Carling Cup tie against Shrewsbury, when the ex-Rangers striker scored a penalty.

But McCormack, who is understood to be valued at £1.25m and has a year left on his contract, is not a target.

Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman will get the chance to push for a place in the Republic of Ireland team tonight, after Giovanni Trapattoni has seen his squad hit by withdrawals.

Ireland are already without Blues midfield anchor-man Darron Gibson, and Coleman can earn a confidence boost by shining against Serbia,

Assistant manager Marco Tardelli said: "For this game with Serbia we wait for the players to show us they are ready to play in an international match.

"It's not a worry we have so many players missing. I am sure the players with us will show they are ready to play.

"They have good motivation to play and the young players can give us a strong, physical side, and they can show us they can stay in the squad."


http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/everton-fc/2012/08/15/55578-31624566/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham target David Ngog

Fulham are lining up a £3million bid for Bolton forward David Ngog after missing out on Huddersfield's Jordan Rhodes.

Manager Martin Jol is keen to add to his attacking option with American international Clint Dempsey set to leave Craven Cottage this summer.

Bolton are reluctant to sell Ngog, who managed just four goals in 27 appearances last season, after paying a hefty £4million for his services just 12 months ago.

St Etienne are also keeping tabs on the 23-year-old's situation.


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-target-david-ngog-8049472.html

[WhiteJC]

 
International Whites

Two of Fulham's young stars have been rewarded for their fine form in the 2011/12 campaign with full call-ups to their respective national sides.

Kerim Frei will join up with Turkey for the first time, the country of his father's birth, when they face Austria – the country of Kerim's birth – in Vienna.

Meanwhile, Alex Kacaniklic celebrated his 21st birthday this week with a call-up to the Swedish national team for their match with footballing giants Brazil in Stockholm.

Josh Pritchard is another youngster to receive a first international call-up as he joins the Wales Under-21s for their European Championship Qualifier against Armenia in Wrexham.

It could be a big evening for John Arne Riise if he plays against Greece as it would be his 104th international cap – putting him level with Thorbjørn Svenssen at the top of Norway's all-time appearances list. National team captain Brede Hangeland is also likely to feature in Oslo.

After the experience of travelling to the European Championship in the summer, Stephen Kelly continues his involvement with the Republic of Ireland for their match with Serbia in Belgrade, while Chris Baird's Northern Ireland face Finland on home soil.

Mousa Dembele and Belgium will enjoy a tantalising game with the Netherlands in Brussels, and Mark Schwarzer's Australian side travel north of the border to take on the Scots in Edinburgh.

Bryan Ruiz will turn out in a Costa Rica shirt for the first time since his injury when they play Peru in San Jose.

Several of our younger players have also been called up to represent their nations' youth sides with Lauri Dalla Valle in competitive action for Finland U21s as they take on Lithuania, while Omri Altman's Israeli U21s take on Russia in a friendly.

Jack Grimmer is in the Scotland Under-19 squad which will face the Germans in Falkirk, while Dino Islamovic is in the same age group for Sweden's two games with Finland - all of which are friendly matches.

Finally, Lasse Vigen Christensen has met up with the Danish Under-19s to take part in their training camp this week. 


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

[WhiteJC]

 
Chris Hughton has Norwich City starting line-up sorted ahead of Premier League opener at Fulham

Chris Hughton knows the men he wants to get Norwich City off to a positive Premier League start against Fulham this weekend.

The Canaries' boss is not expecting too many selection dilemmas ahead of the Craven Cottage countdown after watching his squad wrap up their pre-season preparations against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Steven Whittaker, David Fox and Jacob Butterfield have already been ruled out after injury severely limited their chances to stake a pre-season claim for the Premier League curtain-raiser.

Hughton also has concerns over Elliott Ward and Wes Hoolahan, but the Norwich manager believes the bulk of his squad have had plenty of opportunity to impress.

"You would like to think everybody is in contention but, yes, I have got a fair idea of my 11 for Fulham. I'm close to it," he said.

"We would like to think we have done enough things right over this pre-season, but of course the real judge of that will be this week and the week after and so on."

Hughton is braced for a busy start to the Premier League season both on and off the pitch with the final weeks of the transfer window providing a backdrop to early league games against Fulham and QPR.

"We're working very hard on that front," he said. "It does get tougher if you want to bring in players who will be competitive for us, but the work is going on behind-the-scenes. The priority is to make the squad and the team as strong as we can.

"The mindset is still that I would like to strengthen the squad because I really feel you have to evolve and improve the squad and ensure you have that competition within the group.

"It is a good group. I think when you take this job you are very conscious that you are not Manchester United and you are not Chelsea and you are not expected to finish in the top five and so you are not going to be bringing in them type of players, but in our way we still have to try and improve."

The City boss has recruited four new faces this summer – headlined by the arrival of former Leeds captain Robert Snodgrass.

Hughton again opted to deploy Snodgrass in a support role off Grant Holt against the Germans in an experiment that brought mixed results.

"I thought there were some good moments and not so good moments," he said. "At times when we got the ball to him he can show that type of quality and if he can get near goal then you know he is going to have some opportunities to strike.

"You have to get to the ball to him and Borussia worked very hard, which made it difficult for us. They had a good balance of working the ball and keeping it but also stopping us playing a little bit. There was good value in having another look at it, because he can certainly play can Robert and it is also a very good option for us to have."


http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/chris_hughton_has_norwich_city_starting_line_up_sorted_ahead_of_premier_league_opener_at_fulham_1_1482273?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kacaniklic eyes regular Fulham start

Fulham midfielder Alex Kacaniklic is looking to force his way into Martin Jol's starting line-up from the beginning of the upcoming season.

The 21-year-old impressed during a loan spell at Watford last year and made his Cottagers debut on his return from Vicarage Road. He wants to use the experience he gained at Watford as he targets a permanent place in Jol's side - starting at home to Norwich on Saturday.

The former Sweden Under-21 international said: "The loan spell gave me the opportunity to play first-team football. Reserve-team football is one thing, but first-team football is where it counts. I really enjoyed myself and am pushing for a place in the team for this year."

Kacaniklic moved to Fulham from Liverpool in 2010.


http://www.newrossstandard.ie/breaking-news/sport/kacaniklic-eyes-regular-fulham-start-3201312.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Wanted Ngog is not for sale

Wanderers have told Fulham to forget all about signing David Ngog.

Even though a formal approach has not been made for the French striker, it is understood the Cottagers have now made a verbal enquiry to chairman Phil Gartside.

Martin Jol was willing to offer £3million for the former Liverpool front man, having been frustrated in his efforts to land Huddersfield Town's highly-rated Jordan Rhodes.

The Dutchman may have sensed a bargain following Wanderers' relegation from the top flight – but Fulham have been left in no doubt that Wanderers are not considering a sale.



Ngog has struggled with a back injury through the summer and has played just an hour of football over two friendly games.

The club hope that by resting the striker from training over the last week he could be involved in Saturday's season opener against Burnley, but his chances were yesterday described as "doubtful."

Opponents Burnley have also received an injury blow on the eve of the big game, with the news that last season's surprise package Danny Ings has been ruled out for at least three months to have a knee operation.

The 20-year-old suffered the problem in the Clarets' last pre-season friendly at Rochdale, leaving manager Eddie Howe with just three strikers to choose from for Saturday's clash.

One of the two new signings Brian Stock or Sam Vokes is now expected to join Charlie Austin up front to face Wanderers.

Howe's men were on League Cup duty last night, travelling to Port Vale, and the Turf Moor boss admits it was a distraction he could well do without before the big kick-off.

"It probably won't seem like the season's started until Saturday really," he said.

"It's unusual, and difficult to plan for in terms of pre-season. It's a good game to get us ready for Bolton – that's not say we're not prepared for it to win it, because we are. "It's very unusual, but the players will be focused."


http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/wanderersnews/9873128.Wanted_Ngog_is_not_for_sale/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Capital One Cup Draw

The Club has been drawn away to Sheffield Wednesday in the second round of the Capital One Cup.

The game will take place during the week commencing the 27th of August, at Hillsborough. Ticket information and prices will be released in due course.



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

[WhiteJC]

 
£10M DEMPSEY SHOULD JOIN LIVERPOOL ....AND NOT EVERTON

Everton are considering a bid for Clint Dempsey as they look to take advantage of Liverpool's failure to agree a deal with Fulham.

There has been much speculation regarding the American's future, with the Reds seemingly put off by £10 million being demanded by Fulham. Everton, whose transfer coffers have been boosted by the sale of Jack Rodwell, are reportedly looking to scupper Brendan Rodgers' plans.

Twenty-three goals last season has also seen the likes of Tottenham and Roma express an interest in the forward, who has always seemed likely to join Liverpool.

Dempsey, who missed Fulham's pre season training camp, is thought to be desperate to test himself on the Champions League stage. Who can blame him? Last season's impressive displays proved he is more than capable of succeeding at that level.

The stadia either side of Stanley Park will be bereft of Champions League football next season though Liverpool are in the Europa League. While it may not meet Dempsey's ambitions, you would expect Anfield to be his preferred option.

Last year was a disappointing campaign for the Reds, but should they buy into Rodgers' philosophy, they are well placed to challenge for a Champions League spot. Everton, quite possibly have what is the strongest squad of David Moyes' tenure. Interestingly, signing Dempsey would be a signal of their ambitions and would see them better placed to compete for European football.

But, as last season's semi final defeat showed, Everton perhaps have the experience to produce when it really matters. They are a work in progress and at 29, Dempsey is probably right in thinking that Liverpool in the short term are better placed to give him what he wants.

While Everton finished above their rivals last season, Dempsey is after a big move and you would expect him to see Liverpool as a greater step up than the Blues, who in recent seasons, like Fulham have finished just outside the European places. He will more of a guarantee of European football and should Rodgers' succeed Liverpool can give him that.


http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2012/08/premiership/10m-dempsey-should-join-liverpool-and-not-everton?