Friday Fulham Stuff (02/06/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Future of Fulham, Brentford and Aston Villa target to be decided in next few weeks

Aston Villa and Wolves are also interested in the midfielder, but the four are part of a larger group of Championship clubs chasing the 24-year-old

The future of Fulham and Brentford target Josh Scowen looks set to be decided in the next couple of weeks.

Scowen, who is 24-years-old, has also been linked with Aston Villa and Wolves and is now out of contract having failed to agree terms with Barnsley over a new deal.

GetWestLondon understands that the four clubs are part of a lager group of Championship sides currently vying for his signature, but no deal will be completed until after the midfielder returns from holiday.

And sources close to the midfielder hope to have a deal concluded with his preferred club for when he arrives back from his break, which could be as soon as the next couple of weeks.

Scowen made 118 appearances for Barnsley, making 44 in the Championship last season as the Tykes finished 14th.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/future-fulham-brentford-aston-villa-13116466

[WhiteJC]

 
Reports: West Brom and Fulham "make offers" for Ligue 1 striker

Albion have been linked with this man

West Brom and Fulham have made solid offers for Steve Mounie, according to L'Equipe - but Lyon could be ready to enter the fray with a bid of their own.

Mounie was linked with Albion earlier in 2017, along with Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

Now, reports in France suggest the Baggies and the Cottagers have made moves for him.


Montpellier's French forward Steve Mounie (Photo: PASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images)

He scored 15 goals last season in 37 appearances as Montpellier finished 15th in Ligue 1.

A Benin international, Mounié has come through the ranks at Montpellier and has a contract until the summer of 2019.

The striker department at Albion is likely to be bolstered in the summer.

Saido Berahino's January transfer window departure meant that only Salomon Rondon and Hal Robson-Kanu are attacking options to boss Tony Pulis, and it appears an area in vital need of addressing in the forthcoming window.



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/reports-west-brom-fulham-make-13121525

[WhiteJC]

 
Season Tickets

The Club can confirm that following the Early Bird and Regular Price Deadline, Season Tickets are now at Full Price.

Prices will continue to remain competitive to watch live Championship football in the Capital, with adult Season Tickets starting from as little as £349 and juniors from just £59!

Following a successful campaign which saw Fulham reach the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals, many supporters have committed to following the Whites next term, helping our Club achieve its greatest Season Ticket supporter base since we last competed in the Premier League.

With the Whites looking to build on a strong 2016/17 campaign, you can watch all the action unfold in what is sure to be an exciting 2017/18 season.

Fans can purchase their Season Ticket today online, or by phone on 0843 208 1234 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/june/01/season-tickets

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham defender set to return to Belgium after only a season at Craven Cottage

The defender was Fulham's fifth summer signing last season but Gent seem to have done enough to persuade him to return to his native Belgium

Denis Odoi is set to secure a move back to Belgium with Premier Division club KAA Gent after only a season at Craven Cottage.

The 29-year-old signed for Fulham last summer from fellow Belgian side Lokeren and put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal, with an option of a further year if the club choses.

However, it looks like Odoi is on his way back to Belgium, with reports in his home country reporting that Odoi and Gent were in advanced talks over a move.

Gent finished fourth in the Belgian First Division last season and missed out on transfer target Sven Kums, who is set to move to Anderlecht instead, and as a result the club moved quickly to secure Odoi who can play across the back line, positions that Gent currently lack in.

Meanwhile, Fulham and Gent are still finalising the loan deal of Ricardo Avila, who has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Cottagers, although the Odoi deal will have no bearing on that that move.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-defender-set-return-belgium-13121199

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham make "concrete move" for Ligue 1 striker

Sky Bet Championship side Fulham have been linked with a move for Montpellier striker Steve Mounie, and reports suggest that a concrete move to try and bring the front man to Craven Cottage has been made.

French media outlet L'Equipe state that although a bid has yet to be made, talks have began between the two clubs.

Fulham are not alone in their pursuit of the 22 year old. Premier League side West Brom are also said to be interested, while French giants Olympique Lyonnais have also been tracking the front man.

Fulham are looking to strengthen after falling just short in the Sky Bet Championship this season.

The Cottagers lost to Reading in the Play-Off Semi Finals after finishing sixth in the table.

And they will be in the market for a new striker following the conclusion of Derby striker Chris Martin's loan spell at the club.

Mounie has impressed this season with Montpellier, scoring 14 goals in the French top flight. He also contributed three assist for his team mates.

Prior to that, he enjoyed a successful season on loan at fellow French side Nimes, where he found the back of the net 11 times.

Mounie came through the youth set-up at Montpellier after moving there in 2009.

He was born in Benin, and has appeared five times for their national team.

The front man has scored one goal for his national team, finding the back of the net against South Sudan in their African Cup qualifying campaign.




http://the72.co.uk/82295/fulham-make-concrete-move-for-ligue-1-striker/

[WhiteJC]

 
Crystal Palace must pay £5m to land Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic



Crystal Palace will have to pay mega bucks to land Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic.

Jokanovic signed a contract extension at Craven Cottage in February, but has a release clause.

And the Express reports that Steve Parish will have to pay compensation of around £5m before the Whites release the Serb.

Fulham played an attractive brand of football under Jokanovic last season, and reached the Championship play-off semi-finals.

The former Watford boss has complained about Fulham's transfer policy and he could walk away if the club sell Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon this summer.

Palace are looking for a new manager after Sam Allardyce's sudden resignation last month.

And if they step up their approach for Jokanovic, then the chance to manage in the Premier League could be too much to turn down.



http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/15322066.What_Crystal_Palace_must_pay_to_land_top_managerial_target/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham renew interest in Ligue 1 striker but will have to battle Lyon for his signature

The Cottagers have been linked in the past with the striker, but Lyon reportedly want to hijack any move for his services

Fulham have made a solid offer for Lyon striker Steve Mounie, according to French newspaper L'Equipe.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have been linked with Mounie previously and reports in France say the Cottagers have made a move for his services, along with West Brom and Lyon.

He scored 15 goals in 37 appearances last season as Montpellier finished 15th in Ligue 1 and has a contract that runs until 2019.

Fulham are in the market for a striker and look to be scouring the continent for the next forward, with Kenan Kodro of Osasuna also linked to the club .

Meanwhile, Denis Odoi looks set to leave Fulham this summer with a return to Belgium on the cards, while Jozabed is to return to Fulham after his loan at Celta Vigo expired .



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/report-fulham-renew-interest-ligue-13121850

[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea eye Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli as back up for Thibaut Courtois next season

    Chelsea have enquired about Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli
    The Blues are searching for adequate back-up for Thibaut Courtois next season
    Asmir Begovic's move to Bournemouth has left the club short on goalkeepers

Chelsea have enquired about Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli in their search to provide competition for Thibault Courtois.

Asmir Begovic's switch to Bournemouth this week has left the Premier League champions searching for a new understudy to Courtois.

And Bettinelli features prominently on the list of candidates the Blues are considering to replace Begovic with this summer.


Chelsea have enquired about Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli ahead of next season

It remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old would consider a switch across west London knowing his first-team chances are likely to be limited with Courtois established as Antonio Conte's first-choice.

But the money on offer at Chelsea could yet tempt the goalkeeper into seeking a move to Fulham's local rivals.

Bettinelli played a key role for Slavisa Jokanovic side's run to the play-offs, where they lost to Reading.

Chelsea have tried to sign Bettinelli before, the shot-stopper turning down a move to Stamford Bridge in 2015 due to his fears of limited senior football behind Courtois and Begovic.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4562246/Chelsea-eye-Fulham-goalkeeper-Marcus-Bettinelli.html#ixzz4ip7YsJoc
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
The 28-year-old who would be a great addition for Fulham's promotion challenge

Fulham fans will be very disappointed after falling narrowly short of promotion this year.

They were the form team going into the Sky Bet Championship play-offs and spectators were very impressed by the flowing attacking style of play implemented by Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham.

However, they were narrowly edged out by Reading over two legs in the play-off semi-finals.

This summer they will be looking to add some quality players to their squad, as well as keeping their stars, in order to mount another challenge for promotion and go one better next season.

Slavisa Jokanovic will probably have his eye on defenders this summer and he should be looking at Craig Cathcart.

Watford defender Craig Cathcart has plenty of experience of playing football in the top two tiers of English football and would add competition for places at the back for Fulham.

It remains to be seen whether new Watford boss Marco Silva will want to keep the 28-year-old at the club but he was used less frequently last year and could do with a switch to a Championship club at this stage of his career.

Cathcart only played 17 games last season as Walter Mazzarri preferred the likes of Miguel Britos, Younes Kaboul and Sebastien Prodl at the back.

The Northern Ireland international is a tall centre back who is confident aerially and with the ball on the floor.

Fulham could benefit from his experience at the back as they aim to tighten up their defensive ranks and launch another promotion charge.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-28-year-old-who-would-be-a-great-addition-for-fulhams-promotion-challenge/

[WhiteJC]

 
Duo On England Duty

Tayo Edun and Ryan Sessegnon have been called up to the Under-19 England squad for a training camp in Spain ahead of this summer's European Championships.

Both were involved in England's qualifying campaign earlier this year, with Edun scoring a sublime left footed strike from outside the box against Norway.

England won all three of their qualifiers which also included Spain and Belarus back in March, to secure their spot at the Euros this summer.

The pair will be flying out to Murcia next week with the rest of the 23-man squad, and will have further training at St George's Park at the beginning on July.

Their first game is against Bulgaria in Tblisi on Monday 3rd July, followed by the Netherlands three days later. Their final group match is against Germany on Sunday 9th July, and will be shown live on Eurosport.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/june/01/duo-england-duty

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham edge closer to completing transfer for 28 year old, after early work put in

Just under a week ago we covered claims from Belgium that Fulham were working on the exit of Denis Odoi, despite him being a well used part of the club's squad during the last Championship season.

Despite Slavisa Jokanovic using the player, it was claimed the manager and Fulham were ready to see Odoi go, and had even contacted Gent to try and propose a sale during the next transfer window.

The idea suited Gent perfectly, but it was still early days.

Things have moved on quite quickly according to Het Nieuwsblad, with them reporting a deal is now much closer to actually happening.

Another Belgian newspaper, HLN, back that up, and say Odoi has again visited Gent, after having initial positive talks with the club.

The only thing missing now is an agreement between Fulham and Gent, but given that both clubs are keen that shouldn't be too hard to arrange.




http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-edge-closer-completing-transfer-28-year-old-early-work-put/

[WhiteJC]

 
Are Tottenham too strong to beat Manchester United to Ryan Sessegnon?

The Fulham youngster has been strongly linked with Tottenham Hotspur but now Manchester United are said to be keen.

According to a recent report from the Sun, Manchester United have joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Fulham sensation Ryan Sessegnon, and in a change to recent history it could be Spurs whose strength in depth pushes the player elsewhere.

Tottenham already have Ben Davies and Danny Rose competing for the left-back spot and while Sessegnon can also play further forward he has made his name as a buccaneering full-back.

In contrast, United manager Jose Mourinho seems unconvinced by Luke Shaw and has played Matteo Darmian out of position for much of the campaign.

While the Italian has impressed, it would be no surprise to see United go for an out-and-out left-back this summer and Sessegnon fits the bill.

It seems somewhat bizarre to say so given the two clubs' recent histories, but the 17-year-old could have more first-team opportunities at United than he would at Tottenham, at least as long as both Rose and Davies remained on Spurs' books.

Tottenham have been tracking the Fulham teenager for quite some time but would they really sacrifice Rose for the teenager, who is an outstanding prospect but who is years away from his peak?

For £15million he could prove to be an absolute steal, yet it is testament to how far Tottenham have come that a player could look at them and wonder how on earth he is going to break into the first-team squad, while at United he could make the left-back position his own within a few short months.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/06/01/are-tottenham-too-strong-to-beat-manchester-united-to-ryan-sesse/

[WhiteJC]

 
Big Win For Luca

Luca de la Torre grabbed his third assist of the Under-20 World Cup in the USA's 6-0 demolition of New Zealand in the Quarter Finals in the Korea Republic.

That assist makes the American tied for the most number of assists at the tournament, plus also scoring a last gasp equaliser in the USA's opening match against Ecuador.

This Last 16 tie against the All Whites was the fourth match of their campaign, and its also the fourth time de la Torre has played 90 minutes for the USA Youth National Team.

It was a relatively quiet first half, Josh Sargent fortuitously opened the scoring to make it 1-0 when a Justen Glad strike deflected off him.

That goal now puts Sargent level with the record for the most number of USA goals at an Under-20 World Cup, and top scorer at the tournament with four.

After half time the flood gates opened and Jeremy Ebobisse doubled the USA's lead in the 64th minute, before Glad got on the score sheet himself, and Auston Trusty and Brooks Lennon joined the party.

The game looked to be done and dusted but Lagos Kunga in the 93rd minute found the net after some intricate play with de la Torre, who opened up space inside the box. Kunga slotted his effort past the keeper to complete the routing.

Next up for the CONCACAF Champions are Venezuela in the Quarter-Finals in Jeonju on Sunday.

You can watch the highlights from USA v New Zealand at the Under-20 World Cup here.

Pictures by US Soccer YNT & FIFA



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/june/01/big-win-for-luca

[WhiteJC]

 
QPR and Fulham's 2016-17 parachute payment amounts confirmed

Next year is the last season of Fulham receiving additional income from the Premier League after their relegation in 2014, while QPR will have two more season of receiving the funds.

Queens Park Rangers and Fulham have both been greatly assisted following the confirmation of this season's paracute payment amounts.

Parachute payments are designed to bridge the gap in finances between the Premier League and the Championship, by providing relegated teams with a gradually decreasing percentage of Premier League funding over a maximum of three years.

This is to help recently-relegated teams adjust to a less fruitful financial climate in the second-tier of English football.

The money is split between an equal share amount to the relegated sides, and an amount based on overseas television money.

According to the official Premier League website, in the 2016-17 season, QPR were handed £31.1m after being relegated in May 2015 from the Premier League.

This means that QPR will only have two more years remaining on parachute payments before they run out.

Fulham will only have one more season with additional payments after failing to get promoted through the play-offs this season.

They received just under £16.3m after being relegated in 2014. This was the same for Reading, Wigan Athletic and Cardiff who received the same amount.

Elsewhere, last season's relegated teams Newcastle, Aston Villa and Norwich City all received £40.9m.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/qpr-fulhams-2016-17-parachute-13124525

[WhiteJC]

 
TC: Honoured To Win

Upon hearing that he had won Fulham's Player of the Season award for 2016/17, Tom Cairney had the following message for the Whites Faithful...

"I'm honoured to win Player of the Year - thank you to everyone who voted.

"It was an amazing season for me personally and the stand out season of my career so far, but it helped that I had such good players around me, and a manager and staff that believed in the way I love to play football.

"I feel that we played the best football in the Championship last season, and I'm sure everyone enjoyed watching the Fulham they know return!

"I'm still gutted about how it all ended, but it has made me all the more determined to go one better next season...

"Thanks again for the support since the day I arrived at this club!"




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/june/01/tom-cairney-honoured-to-win

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United keen on signing brilliant 17-year-old this summer: report

Manchester United Football Club are clearly intent on adding a new left-back this summer, and it comes as no surprise, given nobody nailed down that position last season. The latest name to be thrown into the hat is Fulham FC's Ryan Sessegnon. That's according to the Daily Telegraph.

The 17-year-old is a brilliantly talented left-back who is yet to sign his first professional contract as a player – following breaking through into Fulham's first-team earlier on this season.

They report that the interest from United's end is strong, but you'd imagine that the youngster is more one for the future rather than being ready for the here and now.

From what I've seen of him, he does look like an excellent little player with the world at his feet. This season he has played 30 games across all competitions and he has even chipped in with some goals, finding the back of the net 7 times.

With Luke Shaw seemingly not looking like a real favourite of Mourinho's, there is definitely an opening for someone to come and make that spot in the team his own. You can say that Matteo Darmian has done relatively well out there as a makeshift left-back, but personally, I don't see him as the long-term guy who can nail down that position.



http://oldtraffordfaithful.com/manchester-united-keen-on-signing-brilliant-17-year-old-this-summer-report/

[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea make enquiry for Fulham star Marcus Bettinelli: He turned Blues down before

CHELSEA are reportedly keen on Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

The 25-year-old has spent his entire career on the Cottagers' books since linking up with them as a youngster.

And he helped Slavisa Jovanovic's side go close to securing promotion to the Premier League this season as they reached the Championship play-offs.

It seems Bettinelli's form has not gone unnoticed beyond the confines of Fulham's Craven Cottage home though.

And Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is now said to be considering a move for the stopper as the transfer window approaches.


Marcus Bettinelli has enjoyed loan spells at Dartford and Accrington during his time at Fulham

The Daily Mail claim the Blues have made an enquiry to their west London rivals over Bettinelli.

Chelsea are short of an understudy for first-choice Thibaut Courtois after letting Asmir Begovic join Bournemouth.

And Bettinelli is apparently high on Conte's shortlist as he looks to plug the gap in his title-winning squad.

The Daily Mail say the Camberwell-born star was on Chelsea's radar two years ago when they were searching for new recruits.

However, they indicate he opted to reject a Stamford Bridge switch amid fears his game time would be limited - something which may still be an issue.

Chelsea could offer Bettinelli a wage rise in order to convince him to quit Fulham though.

Brighton's David Stockdale is another goalkeeper who has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.




http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/619207/Chelsea-Transfer-Fulham-Marcus-Bettinelli-Antonio-Conte-Gossip-Rumours-Latest-CFC-News

[WhiteJC]

 
Go For It Mourinho – This £10m Rated English Starlet Could Be A Shrwed Signing For Manchester United

Why Manchester United Should Pursue Their Interest In Ryan Sessegnon
Ryan Sessegnon is arguably one of the hottest properties in the transfer market currently. The 17-year old left-back burst on to the scenes for Fulham this past season and surprised everyone with some brilliant performances in the EFL Championship.

His rapid rise has attracted interests from several Premier League bigwigs including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Jurgen Klopp's men were supposedly leading the chase for the signature of the £10m teenager, but now it appears it is Spurs who are the front-runners for his signature. However, Manchester United have also decided to throw their hat in the ring for Sessegnon as per reports from The Mirror.

United have developed into a solid defensive unit under Jose Mourinho in his first season in charge. The Red Devils finished with the second best defensive record in the Premier League, having let in just 29 goals, bettered only by Tottenham Hotspur (26). However, the position of the left-back has been somewhat of a concern for the 20-time league winners.

Mourinho has several options in his ranks for the left-back spot – Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young and Matteo Darmian, but none of them were able to make the position their own.

Shaw, once regarded as one of the most promising full-backs in England, struggled to earn Mourinho's trust, in a campaign that was blighted by injuries once again.

Blind and Rojo on the other hand, have had to dilly-dally between the roles of left-back and centre-back and it must be said that both of them have looked a much better fit in central defence. Ashley Young is more of a stop-gap option rather than a regular full-back. Darmian put in several impressive displays on the left flank, but looks highly susceptible when going up against a winger with pace to burn.

So, it goes without a question that United need a left-back in the summer if they are to improve on their recent season which was a fairly successful one. Tottenham's Danny Rose has been rumoured to be headed to the Old Trafford (The Sun). While he will be an excellent addition to the ranks, they should also pursue Sessegnon.

The 17-year old finished the season with a highly impressive return of 7 goals and 5 assists from 30 games across all competitions. Those are some excellent numbers considering that this was his first season with the Fulham senior team. A modern day full-back, full of attacking intent, Sessegnon provides a great avenue down the left-hand side with his forward forays and the fact that he can score and create is something that will make him an asset to any team that he joins.

His age might be a concern, but with United set to play close to 60 games next season, they will need the bench strength to compete on all fronts and Sessegnon could prove to be more than a handy option to have.

Mourinho's record in promoting young talent isn't the best, but the fact that there is strong interest in the player may mean he might have seen something special in the Fulham starlet. While an established left-back is the need of the hour for the Red Devils, adding someone like Sessegnon, who will provide great competition to the first-choice defender and also has the potential to develop into a future star, will be an excellent addition.




http://soccersouls.com/2017/06/02/go-for-it-mourinho-this-10m-rated-english-starlet-could-be-a-shrwed-signing-for-manchester-united/