Tuesday Fulham Stuff (22/01/13)...

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Fulham target Stekelenburg will stay at Roma, says agent
The goalkeeper has been linked with a move away from the Giallorossi after losing his place in the side, but his representative has moved to quash speculation regarding his future


Getty

Maarten Stekelenburg looks likely to stay at Roma until the end of the season, according to his agent Rob Jansen.

The goalkeeper has been linked with a move away from the Giallorossi this month, with Jansen telling Goal.com last week that Fulham were tracking the player.

But, despite losing his place in the side to Mauro Goicoechea, but it would appear Stekelenburg will now stay on and fight for the No.1. jersey.

"At the moment there are just rumours and journalistic speculation," Jansen told calciomercato.it.

"We have yet to receive a concrete offer, so it is therefore probable that he will stay at Roma in January rather than leave."

It does seem highly likely that Stekelenburg will depart the club in the summer though, and with Victor Valdes announcing he is to leave Barcelona at the end of his current deal, the 30-year-old has been linked with a move to Camp Nou.

"We know what is moving in the goalkeeping market, but nothing has been decided," Jansen added.

Stekelenburg joined Roma from Ajax in August 2011 and has 54 caps for the Netherlands, taking over as first-choice goalkeeper from Edwin Van Der Sar, following his retirement from international duty in 2008.


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2013/01/22/3691852/-?

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Fulham leading race to sign Blackpool star

Fulham seem to be going after an unlikely star from Championship club Blackpool.

National newspapers are suggesting that Martin Jol is having Ludovic Sylvestre of Blackpool monitored more closely than a heart beat as he mulls over a potential move.

The 28-year-old has been a solid and consistent performer for the Tangerines since he was first signed by Ian Holloway.

Sylvestre seems to be on Jol's radar as he is looking for a versatile, fit and hard working midfield man who will be available at the end of the season on the cheap.

As his contract runs out with Blackpool in the summer, this shouldn't be a problem and he's more than likely to jump at the chance to play Premier League football.

The Frenchman started his career at Barcelona and has always had a sound technique and been good in possession of the ball due to the way he was coached at the Spanish giants.

It doesn't seem to be a potentially explosive signing for Fulham but a more efficient one.

The main way Sylvestre will help, if he does join, is in terms of offering cover in various midfield positions which is important for Fulham as they don't have a massive squad.

He will undoubtedly add strength into the middle of the Fulham team because his discipline is way above average; he has not been booked at all so far in the Championship, which can be more physical than the Premier League.

If there is any formal or official interest from Fulham then Blackpool may try and get him out of the door by the end of this month so that they can agree a fee.

However, Blackpool haven't covered themselves in glory in the past when it's come to agreeing fees with Premier League sides.

As Sylvestre is not a midfield superstar, just a very solid player, Fulham can't be blamed for taking their chances and attempting to sign him on a free at the end of the current season.

Jol seems to be adding to his side bit by bit with the occasional huge signing which compliments the arrival of players such as Sylvestre.

There are far worse players that Fulham could target but as so many Fulham fans will point out, there are also far better players the club could pay a small fee for.


http://hereisthecity.com/2013/01/22/ld-fulham-leading-race-to-sign-blackpool-star/?