Friday Fulham Stuff (31/08/12)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Join our Season Ticket waiting list

Kieran Richardson has just joined the Whites for this season and beyond and so could you! Why not join our Season Ticket Priority Waiting List today?

With demand for Season Tickets high this year and the majority of matches selling out in the 2011/12 campaign, fans are encouraged to join the waiting list today - as soon as a seat becomes available a member of the Ticket Office team will make contact with you.

Find out how to join our Season Ticket Waiting List online here.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/31/st-waiting-list?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham bring in David
Dutch youngster signs

Fulham have concluded a deal for FC Twente forward Chris David, the Dutch club have confirmed.

The 19-year-old forward is yet to make his breakthrough at FC Twente, but is still rated very highly.

He is a Dutch youth international and Ajax had shown an interest, but Fulham have now stepped in to secure his signature.

David underwent a medical in West London on Friday and Twente have stated he has now joined Fulham.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8036930/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers agree Boateng deal
Ghana ace on his way to England


Derek Boateng: Fee agreed by Fulham

Sky Sports understands Fulham are hoping to push through a deal for Ghana international Derek Boateng on deadline day after agreeing terms with Dnipro.

The 29-year-old midfielder has long been linked with a move to England, and both Fulham and West Brom have been looking to secure his signature.

Now Sky Sports understands Fulham have agreed terms with Dnipro over a permanent deal for Boateng.
The player is now set to undergo a medical ahead of completing his move, whilst Fulham are already believed to have filed a work-permit application.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8036996?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol: Berbatov is biggest signing in our history
Fulham boss hails Bulgarian's signing from Manchester United

London: Fulham manager Martin Jol last night hailed Dimitar Berbatov as the biggest signing in the club's history.

Berbatov snubbed offers from Juventus and Fiorentina to join his former Tottenham boss in a £5 million (Dh29 million) deal and lifted spirits at the club after the £15m sale of Mousa Dembele to Tottenham.

The Bulgarian has not played for Manchester United this season and has not started a game since February but he could be involved at West Ham tomorrow.

Jol said: "With good players you have to pay good money but we have made steps over the last couple of years.

"There were a lot of clubs interested in Dimitar. We were able and capable of getting him and I'm not lying, he's here.

"I tried to do something months ago and it didn't come off and I came back. For him it was the right moment to make a decision and he made that decision for us.

"I'm very, very happy and I think our fans will be very happy and proud because it's probably the biggest signing in the history of Fulham."

Jol was Tottenham manager when Berbatov arrived at White Hart Lane for £11m from Bayer Leverkusen in 2006 but had been sacked by the time the striker was sold to Manchester United for £30m two years later.

"In my final period at Spurs, I said, 'He will go over my dead body'," recalled Jol. "We had a good relationship and he knows that he will enjoy his football here. Hopefully, he can score his goals and we have other good players around him."

Berbatov's decision to sign for Fulham did not go down well with Fiorentina or Juventus, who both believed they had struck agreements with the striker.

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta said: "Berbatov certainly did not make a good impression on anyone and it was an unprofessional way to behave, so we agree with Fiorentina that it's best he didn't come here."

Fulham are also keen to sign Sunderland's 27-year-old midfielder Kieran Richardson.


http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/jol-berbatov-is-biggest-signing-in-our-history-1.1068413?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Complete Richardson Transfer
by LORK on AUGUST 31, 2012


Kieran Richardson signed for a fee of around £2m
Fulham have today announced the signing of Kieran Richardson from Premier League rivals Sunderland on a 3-year deal. The ex-Manchester United man joins for an undisclosed fee, thought to be no more than £2m, after 149 appearances and 15 goals in the North East. Known for his pace, work-rate and set-piece prowess with a fierce strike of the ball, the 27 year old can cover a number of positions including left back, central midfield and right winger, but it was as a left winger where he made his name at United, and where Jol admits he sees him playing.

Richardson had this to say about the move:

I'm delighted that my transfer to Fulham has been completed and now I'm eager to start training for my new club straight away and pulling on the white shirt for the first time.

Jol was similarly delighted:

Kieran is a proven top-level player, who has the versatility to play a number of positions. He will bring all-round quality which will add strength to our squad and I'm confident that he will adapt well to our style of football, and make an impact for us.

Richardson also has 8 caps and 2 goals for England, and lined up with Zat Knight in the England shirt while he was a Fulham player. He leaves Sunderland under positive circumstances, having written his name into Sunderland folklore for a wonderful free-kick winner against arch rivals Newcastle.

HammyEnd wishes Richardson the best of luck during his Fulham career.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/08/fulham-complete-richardson-transfer/?

[WhiteJC]

 
The Big Match Tactical View: West Ham v Fulham

After a busy deadline day for both clubs, it's back to the football for West Ham and Fulham. Michael Cox assesses the tactical battle.

West Ham v Fulham, Saturday 12:45, Sky Sports 2.

Match Odds: West Ham 2.58, Fulham 3.0, The Draw 3.45.

Normally, managers spend the week thinking about nothing but their side's upcoming game, this week has been very different. The transfer window closes just hours before kick-off at Upton Park, and these two sides have been amongst the busiest Premier League clubs this week.

Andy Carroll has gone straight into West Ham's squad, and there's no reason to think Sam Allardyce won't use him straight away. The two worked together at Newcastle, and while Carroll won't have had much time to familiarise himself with his new teammates, it's doubtful that there will be much confusion from either party about the strategy - get the ball wide, and then cross the ball to Carroll.

He will be up against one of the Premier League's best partnerships, however - Brede Hangeland is a powerful, imposing figure and will enjoy the physical contest with Carroll, but Aaron Hughes is an underrated centre-back who defends more calmly and will sweep up behind.

Fulham have also signed a new striker, with Dimitar Berbatov turning down a move to Fiorentina and Juventus in order to return to London. Again, he knows his new manager already - he worked with Martin Jol at Tottenham - but it would be surprising if the Bulgarian started here. Fulham have started the season well, with Bryan Ruiz playing just behind Mladen Petric, and there's no need for Jol to change a winning team yet.

But while the focus will be on two new strikers, this game will actually be about midfield runners. This will roughly be 4-1-4-1 against 4-4-1-1, meaning well-matched midfields and the need to support the main striker with additional attackers.

West Ham like to cross the ball to their big man, but they also specialise in getting men forward to support. Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble storm forward from the centre of midfield, while Matt Jarvis and Matt Taylor (or Ricardo Vaz Te) stay wider, but also provide bodies in the final third.

Fulham will have to track midfield runs, and it will be interesting to see who Jol decides to play alongside Mahamadou Diarra in the centre of the pitch. Moussa Dembele was previously first-choice in that position, but has left for Spurs, and with more defensive awareness needed in the centre, a more cautious option might be a decent bet here - Steve Sidwell could come in.

Equally, Fulham get plenty of midfield runners forward to support Petric. Ruiz plays a deeper role but remains a goalscoring threat, while Damien Duff and Alexander Kačaniklić storm inside from the flanks. Duff has started the season strongly, with two goals in two games, and will relish running at Hammers left-back George McCartney. Back him to score at around 7.0.

Another interesting battle on the flanks will be Matt Jarvis against John Arne Riise, assuming the Norweigan is fit to start having missed the trip to Old Trafford last weekend. Jarvis had a disappointing campaign with Wolves last season but has started well at West Ham, and Riise can be slow to recover his position after his trademark bursts forward down the left.

The corners market should be interesting - Fulham will be keen not to concede any because of the threat of Carroll, but I think they might win a few themselves. They attack with width and have plenty of efforts on goal, and I think Jol's side might win more corners here - they should be available to back at around 3.0 in Corners Match Bet.

In terms of bookings, there's three players I'd consider backing - the two holding midfielders, Diarra and Mohamed Diame, who might be overrun in front of their own defence. The other is McCartney - who I unsuccessfully backed to be shown a card last week - up against Duff. Swansea focused their attacking down the right to exploit his weakness, and I wouldn't be surprised if Fulham do the same.

Recommended bets:
Back Duff to score at 7.0
Back Fulham in Corners Match Bet at 3.0



http://betting.betfair.com/football/zonal-markings-tactical-view/the-big-match-tactical-view-west-ham-v-fulham-310812-60.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
U21s host Eagles

Fulham's Under-21s will be bidding for an improved display when they host their Crystal Palace counterparts at Motspur Park on Sunday (2pm).

Kit Symons' side slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first game of the new Barclays Under-21 Development League on Bank Holiday Monday.

But the youngsters have little time to lick their wounds, with Palace next on the agenda this weekend.

The Eagles have lost both of their Group Three games to date so far.

To see the latest Under-21 Development League table, click here.

Entry to the game is free to Season Ticket Holders. Non-Season Ticket Holder prices are £3 adults and £1 juniors.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/31/u21s-host-eagles?

[WhiteJC]

Berbatov: My heart is with Fulham, not Tottenham

Transfer news: Striker set to seal Whites deal

Fulham target Dimitar Berbatov is waiting to complete his personal terms with the club.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hinted that the Bulgaria international may be moving to Tottenham but the player, himself, indicated that this was not the case.

"My heart is with Fulham. Now all i must do is to complete the last personal terms with the club," he wrote on Twitter.



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/berbatov_my_heart_is_with_fulham_not_tottenham_1_1500783?

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham United v Fulham: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between West Ham United Fulham at Upton Park on Saturday Sep 1 2012, kick-off 12:45 BST.

Saturday, September 1, 2012
West Ham United v Fulham
Upton Park
Kick-off: 12.45 BST.
TV: Live Sky Sports 2, Highlights BBC1 Match Of The Day.

West Ham (Possible, 4-1-4-1): Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Reid, McCartney; Tomkins, Nolan, Noble, Diame, Jarvis; Carroll.
Out: Collison (knee).
Tests: Collins (Calf), McCartney (ankle), Reid (knee).

Fulham (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Reither, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Diarra, Sidwell; Duff, Kasami, Kacaniklic; Petric.
Out: Davies (neck), Frei (pelvis), Senderos (foot).
Test: Ruiz (hamstring).

Referee: Anthony Taylor. Matches: 1, Red 0, Yellow 0.

Team News
England striker Andy Carroll is in line to make his West Ham debut against Fulham after completing a season-long loan switch from Liverpool.

Left-back George McCartney and centre-halves James Collins and Winston Reid face late fitness tests after picking up knocks against Swansea last weekend.

Midfielder Jack Collison remains sidelined with a knee problem but the likes of Jussi Jaaskelainen, Guy Demel, Mark Noble, Mohamed Diame and Matt Jarvis will return after they were rested for the midweek Capital One Cup win over Crewe.

Meanwhile, Fulham manager Martin Jol will welcome back the majority of the players who missed the midweek Capital One Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday for their Premier League clash with West Ham.

Forward Mladen Petric did not feature in the 1-0 loss due to a slight knock, while midfielder Mahamadou Diarra was rested.

Full-back John-Arne Riise returns following a muscular injury but Bryan Ruiz, who pulled up with a hamstring problem during the warm-up at Hillsborough, is a doubt with Kerim Frei (pelvis) and Philippe Senderos (foot) still ruled out.

Kieran Richardson, newly signed from Sunderland, could be involved.
Match Notes

It has been an incredible 48 hours for Sam Allardyce who managed to pull off one of the biggest deals of the transfer window by securing the loan move of Andy Carroll from Liverpool.

Carroll looks certain to make his debut at Upton Park and with the prospect of linking up with club record signing Matt Jarvis, you would expect the east London club to be strong favourites to win this game.

Fulham have also been busy in the transfer market with Kieran Richardson also expected to make his debut and Martin Jol's side will be looking to get back on the winning trail following their 3-2 defeat against Manchester United last week.

Betting: Home 7-5, Away 15-8, Draw 12-5.

Stat of the game: West Ham's Kevin Nolan is one yellow card short of 100 Premier League cautions.

Marc Isaacs' prediction: West Ham United 3 Fulham 1



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9508780/West-Ham-United-v-Fulham-match-preview.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Michel Bastos In Talks WIth Fulham
by LORK on AUGUST 31, 2012


Michel Bastos joined Lyon from Lille for 18 million Euros in 2009
As Fulham's transfer deadline day business get's even crazier, the agent of Lyon winger Michel Bastos has announced to French media that the Cottagers are close to a deal with the Brazilian. The 29 year old would undoubtably be a fantastic signing – a player with enormous quality and an eye for a spectacular goal – and at the reported fee of £9m his transfer is tempting other clubs, with his agent also reporting that another English club are in for him.

Stay tuned for updates!



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/08/michel-bastos-in-talks-with-fulham/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Dimitar Berbatov unveiled as Fulham player



Dimitar Berbatov has now been officially unveiled as a Fulham player on a two-year deal having joined the London club for a reported bargain £4 million.

The Bulgarian will become the highest paid player in Fulham's history and I wish him the best of luck at the club.

He might not have had the glittering career at United that everyone expected after his £30.75 million move but I think it was simply a case of the right player at the wrong club.

Martin Jol hasn't done bad at Fulham really. He replaced Zamora and Johnson with Petric and Berbatov. Smart man.



http://thepeoplesperson.com/2012/08/31/official-dimitar-berbatov-joins-fulham-on-two-year-deal/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Announces Berbatov Signing
by LORK on AUGUST 31, 2012


Berbatov will play in the number 9 Fulham shirt
Fulham have announced via their official website the capture of Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee. The deal represents an enourmous coup for the club, beating Juventus and Fiorentina to the signature who only 15 months ago won the Golden Boot for top scorer in the Premier League.

UPDATE -

Quotes from Berbatov who is delighted to complete the move:

I'm delighted to have signed for Fulham and I look forward to playing under Martin Jol once again. As soon as I was aware of Fulham's interest my decision to join was an easy one to make. I'm impressed with the set up here and the people have made me feel welcome. There is a close and personal feel around the Club and I can't wait to get started.

Jol recognises this is a fantastic purchase by the club:

Dimitar is a player I've always admired. He did well for me at Spurs and I'm sure that he will do well here at Fulham. He's a player of great quality and technical ability who will give me the attacking option I've been looking for. When he's not scoring goals, his ingenuity often leads chances being created for his teammates and I'm delighted that we've been able to convince him to come to us, as there was a lot of attention from other clubs.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2012/08/fulham-announces-berbatov-signing/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Richardson relishes Fulham challenge

New Fulham signing Kieran Richardson is looking forward to working under manager Martin Jol.

The former Sunderland utility player completed a move to Craven Cottage this morning following a five-year spell with the Black Cats.

Richardson, 27, has eight England caps and revealed he has been courted by Fulham boss Jol for some time and wants to fire the club back into European competition.

"I haven't worked with him (Jol) but he told me he has been tracking me for a while so you're always happy to play for a manger who always wants you," Richardson told fulhamfc.com

"I just want to come here, score goals and create and just be as positive as I can for Fulham and I want to see Fulham get as high as they can in the table.

"I want to get Fulham as high as possible and get back into Europe again and play good football."

The deal has been in the offing for some time as Jol looks to strengthen his squad following a summer transfer window that has seen him lose some key personnel.

The Dutchman revealed yesterday that Dimitar Berbatov is set to sign for the club and was happy with the capture of another former Manchester United player in Richardson.

"Kieran is a proven top-level player, who has the versatility to play a number of positions," he said.

"He will bring all-round quality which will add strength to our squad and I'm confident that he will adapt well to our style of football, and make an impact for us."

Mousa Dembele left for Tottenham earlier in the week, with the north London club activating the Belgium international's release clause, and Jol admitted he wanted Dembele to stay and has been working hard to bring in reinforcements.

He said: "We want to keep our best players and he was certainly one of my best players so we wanted to keep him and make everyone else stronger and the team stronger - we are very busy trying to make the team as strong as before."

Wolfsburg winger Ashkan Dejagah has also been strongly linked with a last-minute move to Craven Cottage although Jol does not agree with the lack of preparation time offered by the current transfer window.

"That is what I don't like about the transfer window," he said.

"You are playing your third game and you have to play someone who has been at the club for a day, it is not ideal."

Switzerland Under-21 international Pajtim Kasami was one of the players to come into the Fulham side for the 1-0 Capital One Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday but Jol thinks a loan move could suit the former Palermo midfielder's progression.

When asked if he would consider loaning Kasami out Jol said: "Yes, but not if we don't get the players we want.

"Kasami is a youngster and if everyone is sound and well and fit he won't start and he knows that and that is a bit of a problem with him because he wants to play all the time.

"I feel he should do a bit better and develop himself into a player who can push for a starting place and he is not there yet."



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2012-08-31/richardson-relishes-fulham-challenge/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Berbatov Signs For Fulham

Fulham Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee which will see the player remain at the Club until at least the summer of 2014.

The 31-year-old forward moved from Bayer Leverkusen in 2006 when he signed for Tottenham Hotspur, managed at the time by Martin Jol. In two seasons at White Hart Lane he made 102 appearances and scored 46 goals in all competitions.

In 2008, he signed a four-year deal at Manchester United for a reported £30m. He scored 56 goals in 149 appearances and lifted two Premier League titles whilst at Old Trafford. He completed the 2010/11 campaign as top Premier League goalscorer to claim the Golden Boot jointly with Carlos Tevez.   

Speaking from Fulham's Motspur Park Training Ground, Berbatov said: "I'm delighted to have signed for Fulham and I look forward to playing under Martin Jol once again. As soon as I was aware of Fulham's interest my decision to join was an easy one to make. I'm impressed with the set up here and the people have made me feel welcome. There is a close and personal feel around the Club and I can't wait to get started." 

Jol added: "Dimitar is a player I've always admired. He did well for me at Spurs and I'm sure that he will do well here at Fulham. He's a player of great quality and technical ability who will give me the attacking option I've been looking for. When he's not scoring goals, his ingenuity often leads chances being created for his teammates and I'm delighted that we've been able to convince him to come to us, as there was a lot of attention from other clubs."

Berbatov, who has been handed squad number nine at Craven Cottage, started out at Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, joining the Armymen aged 17. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Ivan, who also played for the club.

His talent quickly caught the attention of clubs on the continent, with Bayer Leverkusen making their move in January 2001. He was particularly impressive in the UEFA Champions League, helping the German club to knock Manchester United out of the Semi-Final of the competition in April 2002. His Leverkusen side would lose 2-1 against Real Madrid in the Final though.

Berbatov made the move to England in July 2006 when he signed for Tottenham for a reported £10.9m. He scored 23 goals in his opening season, and matched that tally again during the 2007/08 campaign. He joined Manchester United on transfer deadline day in August 2008, having long been courted by Sir Alex Ferguson.

The striker forged a formidable partnership with Wayne Rooney in his first season at Old Trafford, scoring 14 goals and making countless assists as United won the Barclays Premier League title.

During the 2010/11 campaign the Bulgarian netted 20 league to help United to a second title in his time at the club. He also won the League Cup (2010) and FIFA Club World Cup (2008) during his four years at Old Trafford.

Berbatov, who has hit a record 48 goals in 78 games for Bulgaria, was named his country's Footballer of the Year seven times: in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and in 2010.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/31/berbatov-signs-for-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers complete Berbatov deal

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old striker has moved for an undisclosed fee and will be reunited with Martin Jol, who managed Tottenham during the Bulgarian's time at the north London club.

Berbatov, who scored 56 goals and made 149 appearances for Manchester United, told Fulham's official website: "I'm delighted to have signed for Fulham and I look forward to playing under Martin Jol once again.

"As soon as I was aware of Fulham's interest my decision to join was an easy one to make.

"I'm impressed with the set up here and the people have made me feel welcome. There is a close and personal feel around the club and I can't wait to get started."

When he's not scoring goals, his ingenuity often leads to chances being created for his team-mates.
Martin Jol, Fulham manager speaking about Dimitar Berbatov

Jol said: "Dimitar is a player I've always admired. He did well for me at Spurs and I'm sure that he will do well here at Fulham.

"He's a player of great quality and technical ability who will give me the attacking option I've been looking for. When he's not scoring goals, his ingenuity often leads to chances being created for his team-mates and I'm delighted that we've been able to convince him to come to us, as there was a lot of attention from other clubs."

Berbatov joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2006 and went on to make 102 appearances and score 46 goals in all competitions for the White Hart Lane based club.

He then made the switch to Manchester United for a reported £30m and in the 2010/11 season he was the Premier League's joint top goalscorer to claim the Golden Boot with Carlos Tevez.

The new deal will see Berbatov, who retired from international football two years ago, will remain at Fulham until at least the summer of 2014.



http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1692722.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

[WhiteJC]

 
Dimitar Berbatov completes move from Manchester United to Fulham to join former manager Martin Jol
Fulham have completed the signing of Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 31-year-old forward moved from Bayer Leverkusen in 2006 when he signed for Tottenham Hotspur, managed at the time by Martin Jol.

In two seasons at White Hart Lane he made 102 appearances and scored 46 goals in all competitions.

Speaking from Fulham's Motspur Park Training Ground, Berbatov said: "I'm delighted to have signed for Fulham and I look forward to playing under Martin Jol once again.

"As soon as I was aware of Fulham's interest my decision to join was an easy one to make. I'm impressed with the set up here and the people have made me feel welcome.

"There is a close and personal feel around the club and I can't wait to get started."

Jol added: "Dimitar is a player I've always admired. He did well for me at Spurs and I'm sure that he will do well here at Fulham.

He's a player of great quality and technical ability who will give me the attacking option I've been looking for. When he's not scoring goals, his ingenuity often leads chances being created for his team-mates and I'm delighted that we've been able to convince him to come to us, as there was a lot of attention from other clubs."

Berbatov, who has been handed squad number nine at Craven Cottage, started out at Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, joining the Armymen aged 17. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Ivan, who also played for the club.

His talent quickly caught the attention of clubs on the continent, with Bayer Leverkusen making their move in January 2001.

He was particularly impressive in the Champions League, helping the German club to knock Manchester United out of the semi-final of the competition in April 2002. His Leverkusen side would lose 2-1 against Real Madrid in the final though.

Berbatov made the move to England in July 2006 when he signed for Tottenham for a reported £10.9m. He scored 23 goals in his opening season, and matched that tally again during the 2007/08 campaign.

On transfer deadline day in August 2008, he signed a four-year deal at Manchester United for a reported £30m. He scored 56 goals in 149 appearances and lifted two Premier League titles whilst at Old Trafford.

He completed the 2010/11 campaign as top Premier League goalscorer to claim the Golden Boot jointly with Carlos Tévez.

The striker forged a formidable partnership with Wayne Rooney in his first season at Old Trafford, scoring 14 goals and making countless assists as United won the Premier League title.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/9512152/Dimitar-Berbatov-completes-move-from-Manchester-United-to-Fulham-to-join-former-manager-Martin-Jol.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Dejagah set for Fulham medical

WOLFSBURG winger Askan Dejagah is believed to be having a medical at Fulham ahead of a potential move to the club.

Dejagah, 26, played for Germany at all levels up to under-21, but due to a change in FIFA rules last year, was able to switch allegiances to Iran, scoring twice on his senior international debut against Qatar in February.

The winger made 26 Bundesliga appearances for Wolfsburg last season, scoring 3 goals, but now looks very close to a move to Craven Cottage, for a fee believed to be in the region of £1.9 million.

Earlier today Wolfsburg manager Felix Magath said: "I have asked Ashkan about this (move to Fulham) and he said he would be keen to make the move. I have to say I am not happy about him leaving us but we had to consider the whole situation."


http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/dejagah-set-for-fulham-medical-1-4886927

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham swoop for £7million Lyon winger



Fulham are on the verge of completing a deal for Lyon winger Michel Bastos.

The 29-year-old is poised to complete a £7million move to Craven Cottage on a three-year contract.

Bastos had been on the verge of sealing a move to UAE side Al Ain, but Martin Jol seems to have convinced the Brazil international to move to West London.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has been desperate to offload some of his expensive earners from Stade de Gerland, with keeper Hugo Lloris on his way to Spurs and striker Bafetimbi Gomis linked with a move away as well.

Fulham have now swooped for Bastos and are close to finalising a deal for Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, having already confirmed the signing of Kieran Richardson from Sunderland.



Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/120831/fulham-swoop-%C2%A37million-lyon-winger-179983?#cFD1elswrJezFqWU.99

[WhiteJC]

 
So Berbatov Picked Fulham over Juventus

Being a kid in the 90′s without Sky Sports was a cruel existence. Live football was a sparse and rare thing, often confined to Champions League on Wednesday nights, and even that was always Manchester United, something a young Man City fan like me would rather not be put through. So aside from the occasional FA Cup game, I found my refuge in Football Italia, Channel 4′s non-repeated foray into football broadcasting. Presented by James Richardson, reborn these days as the celebrated football weekly podcaster, it would show one live game from Serie A every Sunday. And at the time, this was no small thing. Serie A was the best league in the world, it had Ronaldo (the fat Brazilian one), Zidane, Cafu, Del Piero, Shevchenko. It made the Premier League look immature, positively park-like in comparison. Well, today, Dimitar Berbatov chose to sign for Fulham instead of Juventus. The line has been drawn in the sand, the final page of the book closed on Serie A's status as a league that mattered.



Of course, the main culprit for Serie A's decline in stature is clearly the match-fixing scandals, which saw many of the top clubs fall spectacularly from grace; Juventus demoted a division, others fined money and points, and all-around disgrace brought on a league that was less than ten years before the toast of Europe. Now it seems no-one can even buy a vowel. Juventus, who responded to their turbulent recent history by winning the Scudetto unbeaten last season, went into the market to buy a striker this summer, believing the clout of that historic success, Champions League football and a new dawn of sorts would excite big players to come to the club again. So they went after Robin van Persie, but when manager Antonio Conte received a ban after more unearthed match-fixing allegations, any interest van Persie fleetingly showed in Juve disappeared, and off he went to United. Juventus then refocused to Fernando Llorente, and at one point that seemed like a done deal, until it wasn't. They showed interest in City's Edin Dzeko, a player on the fringes of the team and presumably listening to offers. Nope.

Dimitar Berbatov must have seemed like a sure thing in their eyes. A player colossally out of favour at Manchester United, available for what in the modern game adds up to pennies. £4 million for a player last bought for 30. Golden. They did this by hijacking a move by Fiorentina, something they can do because they were the champions, sending a private jet to bring Berbatov in for talks. But Berbatov blew off the Italian champions – a phrase I want to keep repeating for sake of severity- preferring instead a move to Fulham. Now, I mean no disrespect to Fulham. They are a club on the up, who have some good players, can play some good football and are a strongly established Premier League team. But they offered Berbatov neither a higher wage, nor offered United a higher price; in fact United seem to have accepted all bids forthcoming. Berbatov chose Fulham out of personal preference. Now even if this is because his family wanted to stay in England as rumoured, or because of a pre-existing relationship with Martin Jol, it's still a devastating slap in the face to the credibility of Italian football.



Now Juventus are talking about signing Nicklas Bendtner, a player who spent last season at Sunderland. Quite a come down from signing Robin van Persie. This is in the same transfer window that saw AC Milan lose their two marquee international stars Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to PSG, and it begs the question can Italian football attract any kind of top player any more? It's looking increasingly desperate, the cloud of match-fixing never being able to be cleared and not to mix metaphors, but the top players can sense the ship sinking. I hope that the league can find its way back to those 90′s glory days, but it looks a hard road.



http://ballsybanter.com/2012/08/31/so-berbatov-picked-fulham-over-juventus/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Loan Deal in the Pipe-Line?
   
Past seasons have seen Fulham loan several players from our neighbours down the road, Chelsea.

Two that spring to mind in recent times are Wayne Bridge and Gael Kakuta, but could another be heading our way?

Yesterday, courtesy of a twitter feed, the Israeli international Yossi Benayoun announced that he was hoping to clinch a move to one of two Premier League clubs that were showing an interest in him.

Our sources tell us that the two clubs that are looking to lure Yossi away from Chelsea re West Ham United and Fulham!

We`ll keep you informed of any positive developments.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=292092#ixzz258e3Itme