Wednesday Fulham Stuff (25/08/10)...

[Vinnieffc]

Gerrard passes to ETUHU !!!!!!!!!!!! Oh too stupid for words.

Are you starting a 'Hughes in for Gerrard' rumour ?

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Adams-proud-Valiants-club-managerial-career-started/article-2566815-detail/article.html
Port Vale: Adams proud to take Valiants to club where his managerial career started
MICKY Adams will be bursting with pride tonight when his Port Vale underdogs attempt to pull off another Carling Cup shock, this time at Premier League outfit Fulham.

Vale secured their second-round glamour tie at Craven Cottage (8pm) with an unlikely 3-1 win over Championship QPR.

And it is a ground that holds special memories for Adams, who led the Cottagers to promotion out of the old Third Division in 1997 during his first managerial job.

"I'm really proud of what I achieved at Fulham," said Adams, who took charge there in March 1996 when they were 91st in the Football League.

"There was a lot of experience and spirit in that promotion side, plus they were very fit," he recalled.

"When you take on your first managerial job you are under enormous pressure to produce the goods.

"If you don't, you are quickly forgotten.

"But if you can succeed it stands you in good stead and you can get another job on the back of that.

"I will always have a soft spot for Fulham and the great people there."

Despite masterminding Fulham's 1996-97 promotion season, Adams was replaced by Kevin Keegan after Mohamed Al Fayed, then the owner of Harrods, seized control of the club.

Fulham's current boss is Mark Hughes, pictured below, and he is likely to omit some of his star players – including England striker Bobby Zamora – from his starting line-up tonight following their 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

But Hughes could include centre-half Rafik Halliche, who played for Algeria in their goalless draw with England during this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa, in his squad after the 23-year-old Algerian international arrived on a three-year deal from Benfica yesterday.

Fulham still have doubts over the fitness of striker Diomansy Kamara (foot) and keeper Mark Schwarzer (back).

Vale have no new injury worries.

However, Valiants centre-half Ritchie Sutton is still suspended.

Zamora is sure to take time out to offer a warm handshake to Adams, who set him on the path to stardom by signing him for £100,000 during his first spell as Brighton boss in 2000.

The 29-year-old was sold to Tottenham for £1.5m in July 2003 after netting 76 goals in 125 appearances for Brighton in the lower leagues.

And earlier this month Zamora made his England debut in the 2-1 win over Hungary at Wembley.

"Bobby is a great kid who always knew where the back of the net was," said Adams. "He was a very intelligent footballer. I didn't have to tell him things twice and if I gave him a rollicking he didn't sulk.

"We texted each other last week before the England game.

"I was proud of the fact he played for England and I hope he gets a few more opportunities."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Horsfield-outlines-plan-Carling-Cup-success/article-2567006-detail/article.html
Port Vale:Geoff Horsfield outlines plan for Carling Cup success

GEOFF Horsfield says Vale must go straight for Fulham's throat as they look to spring another Carling Cup shock tonight (8pm), writes Steve Shaw.

The Valiants booked their trip to Craven Cottage after a surprise 3-1 victory at Championship side QPR in the first round.

And Horsfield insists Vale won't roll over against the Premier League side who drew with Manchester United on Sunday.

"Our tempo must be 100 miles per hour and we've got to get in their faces from the start," said Horsfield.

"Manchester United let them play a little on Sunday and Fulham cut through them at times. We also need to be switched on from set-plays, because they do things quickly.

"We're going to enjoy the night, but we're not just going down there to roll over."

Tonight's tie will evoke fond memories for Vale's management team.

Boss Micky Adams led Fulham to promotion from League Two in the 1996/97 season, while assistant manager Horsfield scored 22 goals in 59 league appearances for the club between 1998 and 2000.

Horsfield also helped Fulham win promotion to the Championship before signing for Birmingham City in a deal worth £2.25m.

"I owe Fulham a great deal," added Horsfield.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1305961/Roy-Hodgson-closes-deal-Paul-Konchesky-Liverpool.html?
Roy Hodgson set to be reunited with Paul Konchesky as Liverpool boss closes in on Fulham defender

Roy Hodgson is close to solving Liverpool's left-back problem as he closes in on signing Paul Konchesky from Fulham.

Hodgson was in charge of Konchesky at Craven Cottage and is prepared to pay £3.5million to be reunited with the 29-year-old.
Konchesky has a year left to run on his contract and his future has been the subject of speculation for most of the summer. Birmingham have already had a bid knocked back

New Cottagers boss Mark Hughes is keen to keep the former Charlton and West Ham player but Konchesky has his heart set on a move to Anfield.

Hodgson has made finding a new left-back his top priority before the transfer window closes and was previously linked with PSV Eindhoven's Carlos Salicido.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1305961/Roy-Hodgson-closes-deal-Paul-Konchesky-Liverpool.html?#ixzz0xbgV2QYN

[Fernhurst]

Reds move for Konchesky


I would be very surprised if Roy went for Konch. Is this not just another piece of lazy journalism???

Wouldn't be surprised however if he tried to reunite Riise senior with the Anfield Squad.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/liverpool-fc/2010/08/24/our-spirit-is-just-as-good-under-sparky-55578-27133439/?
'Our spirit is just as good under Sparky'

BREDE HANGELAND believes Fulham have made a seamless managerial transition from Roy Hodgson to Mark Hughes.

Hodgson, the mastermind of the most successful spell in the Cottagers' history, departed for Liverpool over the summer.

Hughes was given the unenviable task of filling his shoes but the former Manchester City boss has made an encouraging start.

A point secured at Bolton was followed up by Sunday's thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester United and Hangeland insists the team are content under Hughes.

"There is no reason why we should lose our team spirit because we changed manager," said the Norway defender.

"Towards the end against United our team spirit was every bit as good as it has been for the last couple of years.

"We came back again at Craven Cottage as we have done many times.

"It was a great feeling to be part of that and I'm confident Mark Hughes can lead us in the right direction."

Hangeland insists Hughes has brought a change in emphasis to the team's tactics, while emphasising their refusal to be intimidated by reputations.

"Now we get at teams a bit more. We did that a bit more against United than we have done in the past against good teams, even at home," he said.

"We used to concede ground earlier and let the opposition play whereas now we press high and take the game to them.

"It worked at times and other times not so well but I'm sure we'll get better as we get time to work on things."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/8/25/1649514/cottagers-daily-rumor-mill-latest?
Cottagers Daily Rumor Mill: Latest Speculation Surrounding Paul Konchesky And Liverpool

Fulham left back Paul Konchesky has been linked to interest from Birmingham and Liverpool this summer. lately there have been more reports with speculation surrounding Konchesky and Liverpool. Here is the latest information involving the Fulham defender. According to Sky Sports, Liverpool are moving in to sign Paul Konchesky.

The story goes on to mention that Roy Hodgson and Liverpool are getting ready to go up to £3.5million to offer Fulham for Konchesky. The left back is in in the final year of his contact with Fulham.

The Sky Sports story does mention that Mark Hughes has a desire to keep Paul Konchesky. However, the report discusses that Konchesky is thought to have told the Fulham manager that he would like to go to Liverpool and play at Anfield.

I will continue to follow the speculation surrounding Paul Konchesky and Liverpool. As I have mentioned several times, Roy Hodgson stated at his first press conference at Liverpool that he would not raid Fulham. I will update this story when more information is available.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/liverpool-boss-hodgson-confident-snapping-fulham-fullback-konchesky-1069401?
Liverpool boss Hodgson confident snapping up Fulham fullback Konchesky

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is closing in on a deal for Fulham fullback Paul Konchesky.

Hodgson was in charge of Konchesky at Craven Cottage and is prepared to pay £3.5million to be reunited with the 29-year-old.

Konchesky has a year left to run on his contract and his future has been the subject of speculation for most of the summer. Birmingham have already had a bid knocked back.

New Cottagers boss Mark Hughes is keen to keep the former Charlton and West Ham player but Konchesky has his heart set on a move to Anfield.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/football-league-blog/2010/aug/25/port-vale-micky-adams-fulham?
No hard feelings for Port Vale's Micky Adams on his Fulham homecoming
Vale's manager returns for a Carling Cup clash at his former club where he won promotion – only to be fired by the new chairman

Fulham supporters might have cause to consider this evening's Carling Cup collision with an unbeaten League Two side already pepped by one giant killing in west London this season with some trepidation. Instead, Port Vale's visit to Craven Cottage will feel like a homecoming.

Micky Adams, like his assistant manager Geoff Horsfield, has history in these parts. It was on the banks of the Thames that Adams began his managerial career back in 1996, when Fulham languished 91st out of 92 in the footballing pyramid, and it was under the former Southampton full-back that the London club began its rise through the divisions which culminated last year in an appearance in the Europa League final.

There was a smattering of applause when his name was read out over the Tannoy by David Hamilton when previewing the Vale tie during the interval in Fulham's impressive draw with Manchester United on Sunday. His contribution to the miracle of this club's renaissance has not been forgotten. There are some who remain uncomfortable that Adams – who had hoisted the Cottagers away from the foot of the Football League and then, with a squad flung together on free transfers and small fees, earned promotion to what is now League One in his only full season in charge – was simply dismissed by the new chairman, Mohamed al-Fayed, in the higher division.

That rise from foot to third tier was a fine achievement and arguably the most impressive leap of all, made long before Fayed's money had transformed the level of expectation at the club, only for the new owner to favour a high profile appointment, with Ray Wilkins recruited as head coach and Kevin Keegan as director of football. At the time, that decision felt ruthless and insanely harsh. Yet, 13 years on and after a nomadic managerial career that has incorporated spells at seven further clubs, there are no hard feelings.

"For me and my management team, it's a fantastic draw," said Adams. "I started my managerial career there and I have very, very fond memories of the club. Obviously, when Mr Fayed came in things altered slightly but it'll still be nice to go down and see some of my old friends and the fans again because they were different class to me."

This will not be the 48-year-old's first return. Adams brought Brentford to Craven Cottage a few months after his dismissal in December 1997, when the recently signed Paul Peschisolido equalised for the hosts in a 1-1 draw, then twice visited as Leicester City's manager for Premier League games earlier this decade. Those trips yielded a point, in April 2002, and a 2-0 defeat a year later.

Yet this will be the first return to his old stomping ground with a gulf in divisions between the sides. Fulham have never been stronger than at present, the achievements of the Roy Hodgson era still fresh and Mark Hughes's team strengthened and encouraged by their fine display against United. The club and its supporters have reason to expect a solid top-flight campaign ahead, with few fears of being sucked into a relegation scrap. "Taking them on represents an enormous task because, even if Fulham put their reserve team out, it will still be worth millions," said Adams. "But if you are ever going to pull off a shock, you need to have a confident side."

Thankfully, he has just that. Vale's 3-1 dismissal of Queen's Park Rangers – currently top of the Championship – in the previous round was no fluke and sits easily amid an unbeaten start to their own campaign that has them fourth in League Two. That form has been mustered amid intrigue off the pitch, with the board resisting the New York-based hedge fund trader Mike Newton's offer to invest £500,000 in the club, but with some fine attacking style on it. Vale are propelled by a strike-force of Marc Richards and Justin Richards and this team is gelling encouragingly. The club has sunk low in recent seasons but there is reason for optimism that Adams may be working his lower-league magic once again.

The trip to Fulham is the first of three stern examinations of their credentials in a week, with the visit of the leaders Torquay to Vale Park on Saturday and then a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie against Rochdale of League One to come. "This week is going to be testing," added Horsfield, who cost Fulham £300,000 back in 1998 and helped propel them to the League One title. "The Fulham match will show us how far we have come over the past 12 months, but Saturday's game is massive against Torquay." Whether they win or not, Adams and his No2 will be welcomed this evening as old friends.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=210697
Fulham - Konchesky Deal Nearing Conclusion
Upon ex-manager Roy Hodgson leaving Fulham to move to Liverpool, many of us will remember his words of assurance when he promised he wouldn't 'raid' our humble team in pursuit of improving his newly inherited side.

What constitutes a raid is difficult to gauge, but, after making such a bold statement, I think we would all feel hard done by if he made a move for any of our players.

However, his decision to up sticks and depart to pastures new isn't proving as merited as many felt it would, and his side haven't began the season as brightly as expected.

The 3-0 defeat to Manchester City may have been a one off result and it's very early days yet, but, alongside such an illustrious job comes huge pressure. In fact, I wouldn't be exaggerating when I say a fair proportion of Scousers were calling for his resignation hours after the appointment.

Clearly, in an attempt to turn things round, Hodgson will dip into a market he knows well; our squad!

A bid of around £3.5 million is expected to be table for left-back Paul Konchesky over the next few days, which is likely to be accepted given that only one year remains on Konchesky's Fulham deal.

It's also highly likely that the full-back will accept terms as he is a want-away, much like Mark Schwarzer, craving a re-union with his former boss.

So, is a mass-exit on the cards, and is anyone a little upset with Roy if this does prove to be true?

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1305753/Competition-Win-tickets-Fulham-v-Wolves--courtesy-Barclays.html?
Competition: Win tickets to see Fulham v Wolves - courtesy of Barclays

Sportsmail has teamed up with Barclays, title sponsor of the Barclays Premier League, to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to the Fulham v Wolves clash on Saturday September 11.

It promises to be a great match with Fulham brimming with confidence after holding Manchester United in the last Barclays Premier League game at Craven Cottage.

To be in with a chance, answer the following question:
What was the score in the corresponding fixture last season?
A 0-0
B 2-1 to Fulham
C 2-1 to Wolves
E-mail your answer, along with your name, address and contact number to:
[email protected]
to arrive by midday Wednesday September 8.

PLEASE NOTE: You must validate your entry with the words BARCLAYS COTTAGERS in your subject box; the tickets are for home fans only and do not include travel to/from the ground, accommodation or hospitality;  normal Associated Newspapers terms and conditions apply - the Editor's decision is final.

If you're not successful, you can always win a pair by visiting your nearest Barclays ATM and requesting a receipt, or by going online to www.barclaysticketoffice.com – you don't even have to be a Barclays customer.

Match tickets are up for grabs EVERY 90 minutes, every day, throughout the 2010/11 season. Further information and terms and conditions are available from www.barclaysticketoffice.com


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1305753/Competition-Win-tickets-Fulham-v-Wolves--courtesy-Barclays.html?#ixzz0xcSZ2m3n

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulham-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/fulham_v_port_vale__team_news_550853/index.shtml
Fulham v Port Vale - Team News

Fulham's new signings Moussa Dembele and Rafik Halliche are both available for their Carling Cup tie against Port Vale.
Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer remains doubtful with the back problem which prevented him from playing in the draws with Bolton and Manchester United.

Long-term injury victims Philippe Senderos (Achilles), Andrew Johnson (knee) and Diomansy Kamara (foot) are out.

Port Vale boss Micky Adams is unlikely to make changes. Vale won 3-1 at Southend on Saturday and Adams is likely to stick with the same squad for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Striker Marc Richards looks set to start after scoring twice at Roots Hall to seal Vale's third consecutive away win of the season. Kris Taylor and Tommy Fraser are likely to keep their places on the bench.

Doug Loft is ruled out with two broken ribs and a punctured lung which he sustained during the 1-1 league draw with Chesterfield. The midfielder is the only injury concern.

Source: DSG

[SmithyFFC]

http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Liverpool-boss-Roy-Hodgson-eyes-up-move-for-Fulhams-Dickson-Etuhu/9984/?
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson eyes up move for Fulham's Dickson Etuhu

Roy Hodgson is closely monitoring Fulham's contract negotiations with Dickson Etuhu and is poised to bring the Nigerian international to Liverpool.

The 28-year-old flourished under Hodgson at Fulham and is a firm favourite at Craven Cottage.  Etuhu has only a year left on his current Fulham deal and has yet to sign a new contract, sparking Liverpool's interest.

The Sun reports that Liverpool boss Hodgson is ready to make a move for Etuhu, should he stall on a new Fulham deal.  Etuhu is a ball-winning, combative midfielder and could help fill the gap should Javier Mascherano leave Anfield.

The Sun quotes a Fulham insider, who commented on Etuhu "Unfortunately everything has been left to the last minute.

"Although the situation is not ideal, no one at the club wants him to go."

Jesus can you imagine what there fans would think if this happened??

[WhiteJC]

http://hammyend.com/index.php/2010/08/introducing-dembele/?
Introducing.... Dembélé
by TOR on AUGUST 25, 2010

Far be it from me to undermine David "Diddy" Hamilton's enthusiastic welcome on Sunday but just who is Dembélé? Being that he's a Premier League newbie I've had to scour the internet for some clues. The basics have been covered in various press releases; young, Belgian international striker who joins us from the Eredivisie where he played for Willem II Tilburg and AZ Alkmaar. But is he any good?

Before Sunday, he had made 209 total appearances for 3 clubs (his first year as a professional footballer was spent at Germinal Beerscholt) and scored 43 goals, just under 1 goal every 5 games. That's not dreadful but actually, in his first 2 seasons he only scored 2. But he was 16. Before he was poached by the bigger boys, Moussa had a pretty successful season at Willem II, scoring 10 goals in 39 appearances. By comparison, Zoltan Gera scored that many in 46 games – and he was our Player of the 2009/10 Season. Anyway... Arguably Dembélé's most successful season was 2006/07 where he scored 13 goals in 53 appearances helping AZ Alkmaar reach third in the Eredivisie and the final of the KNVB (Dutch) Cup, in which he scored AZ's only open-play goal (AZ lost 7-8 on penalties).

It's a little harder to find any up-to-date statistics on Dembélé's international career as Wikipedia doesn't seem to go past November 2009, by which point he'd earned 28 caps and scored 5 goals, and the offical website of the Belgian FA wouldn't load. The most interesting thing I found about that is that the Belgian national team's nickname is the Red Devils. Oh the irony.

I did manage to find some videos demonstrating what an impressive left foot the boy's got. Have a look at this one.

He may not be the most prolific striker ever but then what do you expect for £5m? The key thing is that he's young, he's experienced at a high level and, judging by glimpses we saw on Sunday, he's got good technique. That can all be built on to produce a great all-round player. Speaking of Sunday, I thought he made some good passes and seemed to link up well with Zamora and Davies. Fortunately the Guardian chalkboards back me up on this:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/chalkboards/3hzJB2rj2J169krBd1n2?plckFindCommentKey=CommentKey:0b5bed56-2f87-4ac5-9e0b-7bc2dee28115

My conclusion? I'm not sure where he'll fit in the pecking order with Dempsey and Gera (it's probably safe to assume that Zamora is unlikely to be dropped any time soon) but if he gets the game time I'm confident he'll prove to be a good signing.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/08/25/liverpool-set-to-complete-4m-left-back-signing-hodgson-ready-to-seal-konchesky-deal/?
Liverpool Set to Complete £4m Left Back Signing: Hodgson Ready to Seal Konchesky Deal

Londoner on his way to Anfield.

Skysports.com understands Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Fulham defender Paul Konchesky.

Reds bos Roy Hodgson has openly admitted bringing a new left-back is one of his top priorities this summer and it is believed he wants Konchesky to solve the problematic position.

Hodgson is a big admirer of Konchesy having worked with the 29-year-old for two-and-a-half-years prior to his switch to Anfield.

Liverpool are keen to bring in a new left-back before the close of the transfer window and had been linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven'sCarlos Salicido.

However, it appears Liverpool have opted to go for Konchesky with the player having just a year to run on his contract at Fulham. (Sky Sports)

It's a deal that makes a great deal of sense and will set the cash strapped Anfield club back just £4m or so and will resolve the issues they have at left back. Paul Konchesky is an experienced determined performer who is very effective going forward and pretty solid when dealing with an opposing winger.

The 29 year old has notched up the best part of 300 odd appearances for various London sides and Hodgson clearly feels he is the right man for the job or perhaps is the right man at the right price more than anything else.

The Barking born player may feel that a high profile move to Merseyside could re-open the possibility of an England recall, some five years since he was last selected. He helped Fulham to the Europa League final last term and is of course well known by Liverpool fans for his shot/cross that he put away from 30 yards in the 2006 FA Cup Final.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.blackpool.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=520096
Slick Systems: East Stand IS Ready
The new East Stand at Bloomfield Road will be ready to house Fulham fans on Saturday, Slick Systems have said today.

There had been growing fears that work wouldn't be completed in time for tonight's Lancashire Cup match against Morecambe, which is being used as a trial run to gain safety certificates.

The match is free and Blackpool are looking for around 1,500 supporters to turn out and test the new structure.

A spokesman for Slick Systems - who were charged with the building of the 5,000-seated - said: 'It will definitely be ready and will pass all safety checks without any problems this evening.

'I'm more than 99% sure of the game on Saturday going ahead.

'People down at the site have said that there is still minor work to be done this afternoon but that, from experience, only takes a couple of hours. They should be well underway with it by now.

'We'd urge supporters to get down there and make sure there are no problems so that Blackpool can play their first Premiership game this weekend.'

The final touches to the temporary East are being put to it which will bring an end to a summer of speculation surrounding its opening date.

The Seasiders had to switch their first game of the Premier League season against Wigan to the DW Stadium weeks before the campaign started.

That didn't hinder the team as many expected, with Ian Holloway's side running out 4-0 winners.

With regards to the stand, there is no news on whether or it will be made permanent in the future, which is a service Slick offer to its customers.


Read more: http://www.blackpool.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=520096#ixzz0xceqPVsd

[HatterDon]

wow, with every article, it seems that we're getting more and more for Konchesky. If we can hold out until the end of the day, it could be up to 5.5m and a packet of crisps.

[Lighthouse]

Mexican international Carlos Salcido appears to be on his way out of Eredivisie giants PSV as the Eindhoven side have reached an agreement with Premier League side Fulham over the transfer of the defender.

A report in Eindhovens Dagblad claims that Fulham will pay €2 million for the services of the highly rated defender. The London side have yet to agree personal terms with the Mexico World Cup star.

The Cottagers are in the market for a new left back because of the expected departure of Paul Konchesky to Liverpool and manager Mark Hughes reportedly sees 30-year-old Salcido as the perfect replacement.

Salcido joined PSV from Guadalajara in the summer of 2006 and didn't waste any time in becoming an important first team member with the Eindhoven outfit. The versatile defender has made well over 100 official appearances for PSV.

He declared earlier this summer that he wanted to leave PSV and had since been linked with several Premier League sides. Liverpool, West Ham United and Birmingham City have also been linked with Salcido.

[Lighthouse]

Fulham are interested in Juventus veteran Mauro Camoranesi.

Camoranesi, available from Juve on a free transfer, saw a move to Birmingham City fall through earlier this week.

Tuttosport says Fulham have been contacted by Camoranesi's representatives.

Cottagers boss Mark Hughes has told Camoranesi to wait as he considers his options in the final days of the market.

Lightouse note - 32 ish and a right or central midfielder

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1306029/THE-INSIDER-Zoltan-Geras-Fulham-future-uncertain.html?
THE INSIDER: Zoltan Gera's Fulham future uncertain, John Utaka on Sunderland radar as Newcastle eye Hull's Kamil Zayatte
Simon Jones is Sportsmail's man on the inside of all the major transfer moves this summer.
His column, published every weekday, offers an insight into the deals which will be done and those that won't - and why.
A 5/5-rating  means The Insider reckons it's a done deal; 0/5 means The Insider has his mortgage on it not happening.
Don't miss your daily instalment of The Insider every weekday through the transfer window here at MailOnline.

Zoltan Gera
Fulham to Auxerre - The Insider says: 2/5

The Hungary international has held talks about his future with Fulham amid concerns he will become a bit-part player under Mark Hughes.

Gera enjoyed a decent season last campaign and was hoping to continue this term but Hughes has brought in Moussa Dembele to work alongside Bobby Zamora and that will limit Gera's options.

Hughes is believed to be still looking at strengthening his attacking options and may try and do a loan deal which could push Gera further down the pecking order unless Hughes utilises him in a different role.

European clubs are circling but Gera is keen to stay in the Premier League and could find a new home before Tuesday.


John Utaka
Portsmouth to Sunderland - The Insider says: 3/5

Portsmouth have been keen to offload the Nigerian for some time in the hope of raising much-needed funds yet have struggled to find a suitable buyer.

Sunderland have shown an interest while Wigan and Celtic could also come into the equation after making late inquiries.
The 28-year-old was Portsmouth's record buy in 2007 but has become symbolic of a sad era for the club where overspending has cost them dearly.

Utaka has failed to find the form he is capable of over recent seasons and is desperate for a change of scenery to kickstart his career.

The price will help encourage buyers looking for players of Premier League experience - and with the window closing shut.


Kamil Zayatte
Hull to Newcastle - The Insider says: 3/5

The rangy centre-half has been watched by Premier League scouts during his games this season and is expected to be sold before Tuesday.

Newcastle assistant manager Colin Calderwood ran the rule over the 25-year-old at the weekend and, finance permitting, is expected to recommend a bid for the Guinea international.

Zayatte almost joined Newcastle before he signed for Hull and had a trial spell there but terms couldn't be agreed and he spent two years in the Premier League under Phil Brown instead.

Other clubs such as Stoke and Wigan have also monitored his progress but Newcastle look poised to add yet another defender to their mix.


Ahmed Fathy
Al-Ahly to West Ham - The Insider says: 4/5

Had an ill-fated spell at Sheffield United in 2007 but Fathy has gained plenty more experience since and is destined for a return to the Premier League with West Ham.

Talks should continue today with a work permit needed but Fathy has over 70 caps for Egypt and at just 25 is set to earn many more, fitness permitting.

He became Egypt's youngest ever player when he was selected as a 17-year-old in 2001 and if anyone was shaped to impress in Europe it seemed he was the one.

However, his £750,000 move to Sheffield United failed to live up to expectation.

He played against Tottenham and Liverpool but after six games in total that was it and reluctantly he went back to Egypt.

He is now hopeful of better times with West Ham where he can solve Avram Grant's problem right-back position and cover in midfield.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1306029/THE-INSIDER-Zoltan-Geras-Fulham-future-uncertain.html?#ixzz0xcyGxrgp