Wednesday Fulham Stuff (22/01/14)...

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Transfer News: Porto to decide on Steven Defour


Steven Defour: Wants first-team football

Steven Defour's agent has told Sky Sports that Porto are yet to decide whether to loan him or sell him permanently.

The Belgian international is anxious to secure first-team football ahead of this summer's World Cup finals.

Aston Villa had been linked, but Fulham are now understood to be showing a strong interest.

Paul Stefani told Sky Sports that Fulham 'had shown an interest' - but there were no talks.

Porto are set to approve a move for Defour this month, but the only issue is whether it is permanent or not.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9127496/?

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Fulham interested in Nordin Amrabat says agent



Fulham are interested in Galatasaray winger Nordin Amrabat according to the players Turkish representative Erkan Alkan.

"Amrabat wants to remain at Galatasaray," Alkan said speaking to Radyospor.

"I don't know if any offers have been made from Germany or England but I haven't received anything.

"However, Fulham and AS Roma have shown interest in Amrabat."

Galatasaray are keen to offload Amrabat however, the Moroccan international is reluctant to leave.

The 26-year-old has not made a single league appearance in the league under Roberto Mancini and the situation is unlikely to change due to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) foreign player ruling.

Galatasaray are facing increasing pressure for foreign spaces as the TFF only permits 10 non-Turkish players per club and six foreign players on the field at any one time.

The Lions currently have 12 non-Turkish players on their books and cannot register another foreign player unless at least one is sold or leaves on loan.

The Moroccan international joined Galatasaray from Kayserispor last season for €8.6 million and has four-years left on his contract.


http://www.turkish-football.com/news_read.php?id=5569

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Porto reluctant to let former United target Defour leave for Fulham

Porto were yesterday digging their heels in over Fulham's proposed move for midfielder Steven Defour.

The two clubs were locked in talks yesterday over a possible move to Craven Cottage for the Belgium international.


Feel the Belge! Fulham want to bring in Steven Defour (R) on loan before a permanent transfer in the summer

Nevertheless, Fulham remain confident a move for Defour will be completed before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

It is understood Defour is keen on a move to west London.

Rene Meulensteen is a big admirer of the midfielder and feels Defour can help his side avoid relegation this season.

Defour has made 57 league appearances for Porto, scoring three goals, and has won 41 caps for Belgium and represented his country at every age level.

The 25-year-old was once a prime target for former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Cottagers remain keen on Swansea's Neil Taylor too.


Swanning around: Fulham are also reported to be interested in Swansea defender Neil Taylor (L)



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2543612/Porto-reluctant-let-former-Manchester-United-target-Steven-Defour-leave-Fulham.html#ixzz2r78DI6Rz
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Fulham to bid £4.5million for West Ham star Ravel Morrison

The Cottagers had a £4 million bid for the England Under-21 midfielder turned down last week


Fulham target: Ravel Morrison
PA
Fulham are reportedly ready to step up their battle with West Ham over Ravel Morrison by making a SECOND bid for the player.

Owner Shahid Khan is understood to have agreed to a new £4.5million offer to try to lure the England Under-21 midfielder to Craven Cottage.

The Hammers turned down a bid of £4m last week.

However Cottagers boss but Rene Meulensteen believes there is still hope of landing the 20-year-old, who he coached at Manchester United.

Morrison, who earns £15,000 a week, cost the Hammers just £650,000 from United in 2012.

Fulham's attempts to sign him have sparked a row between the Premier League relegation rivals.



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ravel-morrison-transfer-west-ham-3048608#ixzz2r78hWkm2
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

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Sheffield United: Fulham told to expect hostile reception at the Lane

Fulham have been warned not to expect the red carpet treatment when they visit Sheffield United in the FA Cup this weekend, writes James Shield.

Instead Nigel Clough, the League One club's manager, vowed his team will try and make life as uncomfortable as possible for Rene Meulensteen's team during Sunday's fourth round tie.

Citing camaraderie and togetherness as two of the most potent weapons in United's armoury, Clough told The Star: "There's a good spirit among the group now. I think that's plain to see.

"We're working with smaller, more manageable numbers now which means it's easier for that to develop among the group.

"Plus, at the same time, it also makes things a lot more easier to organise on the training ground where they've been doing a lot of hard work."

"We want to make life as hard as possible for our opponents," Clough added. "It's goes without saying why that's important and we want it to be the case every single game.

"Whatever anyone gets against us, they are going to have to work for."

Clough, meanwhile, has praised United's under-18's for reaching the last 16 of the FA Youth Cup following Monday night's victory at Millwall on penalties.

Travis Binnion's side, who also beat Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers on spot-kicks in previous rounds, will entertain Everton next month.

"There has now been three great away victories in the FA Youth Cup, which mirrors the first-team's progress in the FA Cup," Clough said. "The win at Millwall was also the third victory on penalties this season, which shows the young lads can hold their nerve when it counts."

"Another bonus for us was that we got to see Diego (De Girolamo) in competitive action which made the trip to London all the more worthwhile," Clough added. "Everyone at the academy deserves credit."



http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-fulham-told-to-expect-hostile-reception-at-the-lane-1-6387622

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Good news on Grimmer

Fulham give youngster the nod to play on

With the current injury situation and defender Carl Dickinson ruled out of Saturday's FA Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion, it isn't all doom and gloom around Vale Park.

The club have been boosted by the news that Fulham have given permission for on loan defender Jack Grimmer to play in the FA Cup and he will be available for selection on Saturday.

Grimmer impressed in his debut against League One leaders Brentford just over a week ago and was voted Vale's man of the Match against Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

To add to that he scored the only goal of the game – his first in senior football, and looked a terrific addition to the Vale team.

Although the player himself was always hopeful, the concern was that his parent club wouldn't want Vale Assistant Manager Mark Grew said: the young Scot cup-tied, so Vale are most grateful to Fulham.

"We have got to thank Fulham on this one because they have given Jack the go ahead to play on Saturday and that is a major plus for us, so we owe a big thank you to Fulham and their manager on that one.
"Anybody who watched the game against Brentford recently would have seen that Jack competed well and didn't look out of place at centre half.
"He came in on Saturday against Oldham and played at right full back and I thought he did exceptionally well there.
"It is nice to have a player come in from Fulham who just wants to play football.
"He was desperate to ask Fulham if he could play in this Cup game and that shows how eager he is to play."

Vale await verdicts on Gavin Tomlin, who has resumed training, and both Rob Taylor and Daniel Jones who have a slim chance of being fit for the weekend.



Read more at http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20140122-good-news-on-grimmer-1308473.aspx?#QjQXHJWexrL72LFA.99

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DAVID STOCKDALE: I was gutted when I had to pull out of the England squad to get married... but Capello sent me a nice message and I know I made the right choice

Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale writes in his debut Footballers' Football Column about his love of classic cars and fishing. The 28-year-old also discusses his pride at being called up to the England squad in 2011 and having to pull out due to his wedding. The Fulham keeper talks about the mixed feelings he had at going back to Hull over Christmas, where he enjoyed a loan spell last season, but was on the wrong end of a 6-0 thrashing. He also talks about competing with Dutch international Maarten Stekelenburg for the No 1 shirt at Craven Cottage.

I'm a bit of a classic car nut. I've got a Rolls Royce 1976, a Mini Cooper S 1971, Austin A40, Mustang 1966 and a Spitfire 1976.  I've got six on my drive and four in storage at the moment.

I've always looked at them but never been able to afford a big car in the classic world. There are different levels and I'm probably at the start level of the collection. The missus hates them because they're all over the drive and in different states.

The Jaguar E-type is the ultimate. It's cool and it just speaks British. I'm a bit of a patriot and it's one of the cars I would love to own in my collection. It's a work in progress to get to that level, though.


Safe hands: David Stockdale celebrates with the Fulham fans after winning in the League Cup

The best car I've driven? I had a little go of an SL 300 1954, with its gullwing doors, just around the car park once. A Ferrari 360 Spider was probably the fastest car I've ever driven.

I've always had old Minis because that's what I could afford. I just tinkered with them, but then I decided I would make a few investments as well and obviously I went British, so a Rolls Royce was the first one I bought.

My everyday car is a Bentley Continental GT, or a GL Mercedes. But I use all my cars - well, I try to get out the ones that work, anyway. I've been known to turn up in any car in any state.

Sometimes I come into training in the Rolls Royce. The lads always laugh and say: 'Is there a wedding going on?' But I did it all up myself and it's just something I like to do, although the other day wouldn't start at the bottom of the hill!

I've only got two Minis on the road, but I think I know most of them inside out. I brought Steve Sidwell in to work the other day and it was like The Italian Job. He might tell you different but it was fun.

I passed my driving test as soon as I could, at 17. I was driving to York City at the time and I had a Vauxhall Corsa but, as soon as I could afford a Mini on the side, I bought one. I must have had 10 Minis, all different states.  I've had to buy and ruin a few cars, to be honest! But now I'm at the stage where I can do so much. I think I'm the go-to guy when the players' tyres come off in the car park.

I like to go and watch racing, too. I went to the Formula One a couple of years ago, down the pit lane, and I'm going again this year. I think it's the speed and the competitiveness that attracts me. I never really watch football as such. I try and keep away and I think that keeps you refreshed for playing and training.

I have the F1 channel on all the time and I like horse racing as well. I like all sports but I can't do horse-racing or I'll break a few horses' backs! But I have a horse myself, called Lucky 13.

Ayrton Senna was the ultimate race driver. He flourished, but he never had the chance to go on and do what he could have achieved. People have so many unanswered questions. How did he think? How did he deal with things?

I think Sebastian Vettel is getting close to him now: they are both very single-minded and they want to win, but they seem like nice people, too.


Good job: Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen congratulates Stockdale after a win

Great catch: Stockdale poses with a 36lb 6oz grass carp
   
In the pits: Stockdale is an F1 fan and poses with ex-McLaren team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button

I'm also into fishing. I went with my uncle John when I was young and caught a 12-pounder in match angling. I was just there for a day out and I think all the match anglers were a bit jealous. Recently I got back into it again, carp angling. I just go now and again with my daughter - she seems to like it. I'm a bit of a fair weather angler, too. I love the quiet.


Simply the best: Stockdale says Ayrton Senna was the ultimate F1 driver

Everything I do is to distract me from everyday things. It sounds like I'm being ungrateful about football but, to me, if you look at it as a job, I think you've got more focus when it comes to it. I'm 100 per cent focussed every day when I come in, rather than thinking about it all the time and dwelling on things. I just get away and go for a drive.

You always know how lucky you are. I got released from York City when I was 18. I did a little bit of everything, but the main thing was cutting grass for cricket grounds, just to get by. Then I got a phone call from Darlington and it went from there.


Goalkeeping union: Stokedale talks to Joe Hart and Scott Carson during England training

England calling: Stockdale was called up to the England squad in 2011

Part of the team: Stockdale talks to John Terry during time with the England squad

Support: Former England manager Fabio Capello encouraged Stockdale not to cancel his wedding after his England call-up

Sometimes it can be hard for young England 'keepers, but I've just been unfortunate. I've had Mark Schwarzer in front of my for four-and-a-half years at Fulham and I'd put him in the top three goalkeepers in the history of the Premier League.

You can't really argue - although I probably did when I got dropped. But you look back now and think he's still going, playing in the Champions League for Chelsea and I wish him all the best. And then they bring Holland's No 1, Maarten Stekelenburg, goalkeeper in!

I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing and, when I come in, I seem to do OK. Wherever I am I'll fight, because that's the Yorkshire mentality and that's what the English do: we stand up and fight. We don't run away.

   
Standing in the way: Stockdale has been blocked by Mark Schwarzer and now Maarten Stekelenburg

The highlight of career so far has definitely been getting called up into the England squad in 2011. My wife will kill me, but when I had to withdraw to get married I was gutted!

I was trying to work out ways of training with England, getting married and going back to England. To be fair to her, Katie said she would call it off and Fabio Capello rang me and just said: "Listen, it's not going to be the be all and end all of your selection in the future. Go and get married. It's the off-season and you booked it." He sent me a nice text message in the morning as well.

I was a bit worried because I just wanted to have the chance to play for my country. It's what every boy wants to do. It was such a dilemma. It's hard because you're getting married, but the fact my wife-to-be told me to cancel the wedding just shows me the right choice was made in the end. We did look at other dates but, in the end, the right decision was made.


Early days: Stockdale moved to Darlington after being released by York

Bad day at the office: Stockdale conceded six against Hull after Christmas

We seem to have this thing in England that we've got a lack of young 'keepers, but you go through them: we've got Joe Hart and Ben Foster, Fraser Forster, John Ruddy, Jack Butland. There's five already. That's the thing that most annoys me - we're still developing plenty of young English goalkeepers.

I think it's a forgotten position in some ways, because it's so specialised. People are much better than people make out.
Someone will throw a name into the mix and say: "No, he's not very good." But how do you know if you're not a goalkeeping coach or respected in the goalkeeping world?

The best goalkeepers just have an ability to do their job. There are so many things people don't think about. You can touch the ball maybe once a game sometimes, but if that once is a first-class save like Joe Hart has had to make numerous times, that can stop the opposition being on top.

Keeping concentration is vital. I think it's just second nature. Mistakes are mistakes but, if you analyse a football game, an outfield player might make 10 bad passes, but your goalkeeper makes one mistake and it's all over.

Sometimes it does feel like a thankless task, but that's why we're all mental. You've got to be a little bit, haven't you? I'm definitely in that category. Some of the things I do are a little bit crazy. If you get a ball on the back of your head at training it will be me who has kicked it.

As a goalkeeper, you definitely have to have an ability to switch off, too. Look at the Hull City game over Christmas, for example. Letting six goals in is not what you want to do when you've just come back into the team, but you've got to respond and show people what you can do. We then won against West Ham and drew at Norwich. I think that shows the fighting spirit of this team.

Going back to Hull, where I had so many happy memories after being there on loan last season, was weird: I got a standing ovation and clapped off the pitch at the end. You think: "This shouldn't be right?"

I'm so pleased they're doing well and I had a great time there but it was hard to take, especially for the Fulham fans travelling up. It was such a freak result for us. I go on Twitter and you get a bit of stick, which I can accept. I understand everyone's frustration and the situation we're in, but we're heading in the right direction, definitely



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2543047/The-Footballers-Football-Column-David-Stockdale-It-hard-pull-England-squad-married.html#ixzz2r7AAOQA4
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WEST HAM AND FULHAM TARGET JOLEON LESCOTT COULD BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE MAN CITY

Manchester City will let England international Joleon Lescott leave during the current transfer window – if they can sign a new centre-back.

The Guardian reports that City boss Manuel Pellegrini is happy for the former Everton man to leave in search of regular stars as long as he secures one of his top defensive targets.

That is likely to alert West Ham, who have previously made an offer that would see the 31-year-old earn £90,000-a-week at Upton Park. And his wages would only drop to £70,000 if the club is relegated to the Championship.

Fulham are also thought to be interested, but it is not know whether they are prepared to match the personal terms offered by the Hammers.

City will make enquiries for Porto pair Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi, and possibly Manchester United target Dante, of Bayern Munich, as they seek to line-up alternative options.


http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2014/01/west-ham-and-fulham-target-joleon-lescott-could-be-allowed-to-leave-man-city/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29

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In depth scouting: Neil Taylor

Here is another player Fulham have been linked with.



The key question: does Neil Taylor have the stomach for a relegation battle?

Mixed thoughts:

On the one hand, he was sent off after 53 seconds in a Championship semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham forest v swansea play off semifinal

This kind of recklessness under pressure is the last thing Fulham need.

However, Neil may have learned from this. In which case it counts as valuable experience.

On the other, Neil has taken on Mount Olympus and triumphed, having featured in Team GB's famous 2012 Men's XI which got by Senegal, UAE and Uruguay before falling to South Korea on penalties. Neil was one of the three left backs Stuart Pearce selected in the first game against Senegal.



Does Neil Taylor have the stomach for a relegation battle. YES, YES HE DOES.



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/in-depth-scouting-neil-taylor/?

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Evian TG prepared to sign Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng on loan


Derek Boateng in action for Fulham

French Ligue 1 side Evian TG are close to signing Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng on loan from Fulham.

L'Equipe has reported that the Savoy Crosses are ready to give the 30-year-old more game time required for him to gatecrash Ghana's World Cup squad.

Evian are in search of holding midfielder after selling Mohammed Rabiu to Russian side FC Kuban.

Boateng has already been lined with a move to English Championship side Watford.

He moved to Fulham this season but has been down the pecking order at Craven Cottage.

Boateng had made only three English Premier League appearances for Fulham.


http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/evian-tg-prepared-to-sign-ghana-midfielder-derek-boateng-on-loan/?

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Besiktas to rival Fulham and West Ham for Lescott

Fulham and West Ham face competition from Besiktas for Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott.

The 31-year-old has been told by Manuel Pellegrini he will be allowed to leave the Etihad this month providing City can bring in another defender.

Lescott has six months left on his contract and is desperate for game time as he tries to force his way back into the England fold ahead of the World Cup this summer.

Pellegrini plans to sign a utility defender this month to allow Micah Richards to feature more at centre-back and once he has wrapped up a deal will allow Lescott to go.

The centre-back was on the verge of joining West Ham earlier this month but the move was blocked as City were waiting for Matija Nastasic to regain full fitness.

As a result, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce drafted in Wolves defender Roger Johnson on loan, but remains keen on Lescott.

Fulham are also eyeing the former Everton star to bolster their bid for Premier League survival.

However, Turkish giants Besiktas have now stepped in and will try to tempt Lescott to Turkey on loan for the rest of the season with the offer of a lucrative long-term contract in the summer.


Read more at http://talksport.com/football/besiktas-rival-fulham-and-west-ham-lescott-14012276713#64bJvHasAxO1mtJ0.99

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Morrison move closer as Fulham up bid

Fulham have increased their original £4million bid for West Ham's Ravel Morrison by £500,000 as the clubs move closer on a valuation.

Fulham's second bid for the England under-21 midfielder is not a huge step up from their first but it sends out a message to the Hammers and the player that they have not been deterred by the cold response to their controversial move. Morrison played the full 90 minutes in West Ham's 3-0 League Cup semi-final second-leg defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday night, days after manager Sam Allardyce had told the midfielder to start justifying the hype surrounding him. Rene Meulensteen has already stated that he believes Morrison wants to come to Craven Cottage while the player is understood to be pushing for a better contract at Upton Park. With the threat of relegation hanging over them and no billionaire owner to fall back on, West Ham may feel it is sensible to cash in on the ex-Manchester United midfielder's undoubted value, although his attitude in training and temperament remain a question mark to some.



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/morrison-move-closer-as-fulham-up-bid-1699123.html?

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Moore angry with Leicester about lack of communication over Fulham interest

Fulham target Liam Moore has been angered by Leicester's handling of his protracted move to Craven Cottage.

Rene Meulensteen has already seen a £2million offer rejected by the Foxes this month, though the west London club are expected to return with an improved bid.

And Moore, who is viewed as one of the brightest talents outside the top-flight, has grown frustrated at the lack of dialogue between Leicester officials and himself regarding Fulham's pursuit.


Interest: Liam Moore is being chased by several Premier League clubs, including Fulham

Hold on: But Leicester boss Nigel Pearson is desperate to keep the defender

The 20-year-old defender feels he has been left in the dark over the Cottagers' interest in him, while Leicester chiefs have not raised the issue of a new contract despite interest from the top-flight.

While the England Under-21 international has a good relationship with manager Nigel Pearson and the playing squad, sources close to the player claim he feels 'disrespected' by the club's hierarchy.

Newcastle, West Brom, Swansea and Aston Villa have all scouted Moore this season, but Fulham are the most advanced in their interest.

Moore has 18 months left to run on his existing deal at Leicester.


Tussle: Moore has been impressive for Leicester this season with the Foxes top of the Championship

Options: Fulham had a £2million bid rejected for the defender this month, but could return with another offer



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2543921/Liam-Moore-angry-Leicester-potential-Fulham.html#ixzz2r8bFNAfF
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