Saturday Fulham Stuff (22/07/17)...

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Aluko: Fulham's Pre-Season Very Tough, But We'll Get Better



Nigerian forward, Sone Aluko, says Fulham's rigorous pre-season preparations will rub off positively on them ahead of the 2017/2018 English Sky Bet Championship season.

Aluko whose Fulham side missed out of promotion back to the English Premier League in last season's play-offs, stated that the physicality of Fulham's warm-up will stand them in good stead later in the season.

"It's been a tough pre-season. They don't seem to get any easier, the older I get," Aluko told FulhamFCTV.

"It's been good. We haven't got a massive squad at the moment, so that makes it even tougher because there's no hiding place in the sessions, but as pre-season goes on and we're playing more games I think we'll get better and stronger."

Fulham will face West Ham in Austria as part of their pre-season preparation and Aluko says he is anticipating a difficult game.

"It'll be a tough game. To be honest, every game in pre-season's tough whether it's a top Premier League or one of the foreign teams or the local teams you play, because you go into the games already tired from the sessions, physically it's demanding. A lot of the time you are trying to implement and learn new things the manager's trying to test out, so it's always tough whether it's mentally or physically.

Aluko also went on to share some of his experiences from his summer's ambassadorial work with his foundation that sponsors a youth academy in Lagos.

"I host a competition. It's called the Ambassador's Cup and it is linked to a club out in Lagos. The guys have run the club for the last five years, or so.

"For the last three years or so, I've hosted a competition, every year it's grown. It was under-18s this year, eleven a side, eight teams and the winners get cash prizes, kit, gifts, I get to speak to all the boys. Last year and this year again, I went to Lagos University and did a speech just about things I learned from football and how I can help students, so it is just a mix of different things. I get invited to a lot of places and go and represent myself, really, and the club."



Read more at http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/aluko-fulhams-pre-season-tough-well-get-better/#8gs4yUim4qAOKQRb.99

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Fulham lining up summer move for 26-year-old international midfielder

Championship outfit Fulham are lining up a summer move for Brighton midfielder Oliver Norwood, according to The Daily Mail.

The 26-year-old moved to the AMEX Stadium only last year after a decent stint at Reading, in which time he appeared 92 times for the Royals in all competitions, helping them to Championship safety as well as an FA Cup semi-final, where they lost to Arsenal back in 2015.

And he then went on to play 37 games for Chris Hughton's Brighton last season in their charge to automatic promotion from the second tier, with Norwood laying on two assists in 33 league appearances to help the Seagulls finally return to the top tier.

However, with just one start for Brighton in the final few months of the season, he is unlikely to force his way into Hughton's top-flight plans, and as a result Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham are reportedly trying to lure the Northern Ireland international to Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers lost to Reading in the semi-finals of the play-offs last term to underline their credentials as a side pushing for promotion, yet also a side that could do with that extra bit of quality to get the job done.

And Norwood could add that to the Fulham squad, and having reportedly enquired about landing the 26-year-old on loan for the coming season, they clearly feel that he can do just that.

But whether Brighton sanction a deal for the midfielder or retain him for their Premier League campaign remains to be seen.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-lining-up-summer-move-for-26-year-old-international-midfielder/

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Transfer Talk: Fulham's move for Bordeaux striker Diego Rolan stalls with Newcastle planning potential swoop

Rolan has visited the West London side's training ground on two occasions, but the club have been left frustrated on both occasions.

Fulham's move for Diego Rolan has stalled due to the forward's desire to move to the Premier League.

Rolan has visited the West London side's training ground on two occasions, but the club have been left frustrated on both occasions.

Despite Fulham agreeing a £5m deal for the striker, he is thought to prefer a move to the Premier League or La Liga.

He has been widely linked with a move to Newcastle United, although no formal bid is believed to have been received from the top-flight.

However Fulham will remain hopeful that they can push a deal over the line.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-talk-fulhams-move-bordeaux-13361230

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Fulham join race for experienced Norwich City striker

Championship club Fulham are interested in signing Norwich City's Cameron Jerome, according to a report from West London Sport.

This comes after Whites target Diego Rolan was revealed to be stalling over his agreed move from Bordeaux.

It is believed that the Uruguayan is holding out for a move to either the Premier League or Spain's La Liga.

Jerome has also been linked with relegated Sunderland and Nottingham Forest in the past few days, and it seems fairly likely that the experienced frontman could leave Carrow Road before the start of the new season.

The 30-year-old played second fiddle for much of last season to fellow striker Nelson Oliveira, and with Jerome reaching the twilight of his career, this could be set to continue into 2017/18 if he remains with the Canaries.

Fulham are looking to build on their impressive 6th-placed finish last campaign, and have already brought in a number of fresh faces.

Liverpool's Sheyi Ojo will turn out for the Cottagers next season after his loan switch, while the return of Lucas Piazon and the permanent signing of Ibrahima Cisse from Standard Liege stand the West London club in good stead to improve on the successes of last season.

A move for Cameron Jerome would provide crucial promotion-winning experience, which has proven to be a key asset to any squad looking to escape the second tier.

The 30-year-old would also offer a new dimension to Fulham's attack, which is built on fluid passing and movement; his aerial threat and strength on the ball would add to Slavisa Jokanovic's attacking options, allowing for a more direct approach.

Fulham begin their season by entertaining Jerome's current club, Norwich City, at Craven Cottage on August 5th.




http://the72.co.uk/87995/fulham-join-race-experienced-norwich-city-striker/

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Fulham interested in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder

Fulham are interested in signing Brighton and Hove Albion's Oliver Norwood on loan according to a report from the Daily Mail.

The 26-year-old midfielder was a key player for the Seagulls last season as they finally got promoted from the Sky Bet Championship after finishing in second place. After making 37 appearances last time out and being a big reason why they played so well, he will be hoping to get a chance to prove himself in the Premier League and show that he can mix it up with some of the best players in the world.

But while Norwood may want to do that, he might not get the chance. Brighton are planning to bring in more players after their promotion and that may mean that the Northern Ireland international finds it tough to get a place in the first team. He may be forced to leave the club, even on loan, to get some time on the pitch. Luckily, one Sky Bet Championship team are very interested in making a move for him.

Fulham are interested in signing Norwood on loan for the season as they plan their own promotion push. They surprised many by reaching the Championship play-offs last season though it ended disappointingly with a loss to Reading in the semi-finals. To make sure the Cottagers don't suffer that disappointment, head coach Slavisa Jokanovic is looking to add players who have experience of getting promoted to his squad. And Norwood certainly has that after last season, making him an ideal signing for Fulham.



http://the72.co.uk/88021/fulham-interested-brighton-hove-albion-midfielder/

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This international midfielder would be an excellent addition at Fulham

Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham will once again be eyeing up promotion to the Premier League after coming up short in the play-offs last season.

The Cottagers disposed Leeds of a top six spot late on last term but were unable to get past third place Reading in the semi-finals of the play-offs, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Jaap Stam's men.

Nonetheless, the West London outfit proved to be one of the best sides in the division with excellent wins over champions Newcastle, promoted Huddersfield, and Reading during the regular season, and that will stand them in good stead going into the 2017/18 season.

And with a couple of further additions, Fulham will once again seek to end their short spell away from the Premier League, and one man who could be on his way to Craven Cottage is Brighton midfielder Oliver Norwood.

The 26-year-old signed for the Seagulls 12 months ago and proceeded to help them win promotion to the top-flight last term, appearing in 33 of their 46 league matches and laying on two assists to help Chris Hughton's men secure second place in the table.

However, with just one start in the final few months of the season, Norwood's position in their Premier League side appears uncertain, and Jokanovic is seeking to take advantage of that by reportedly targeting him for loan this summer.

And it's a move the Fulham chief must look to get done, as Norwood's midfield qualities and promotion-winning experience could be invaluable in their quest for the promised land.

The Northern Ireland international has played the majority of his career at Championship level, appearing 212 times in the second tier for various clubs, most notably Huddersfield, Reading, and of course Brighton.

And although his goal and assist return isn't spectacular (14 goals and 27 assists), he has the ability to control the midfield and launch attacks from anywhere on the pitch.

His eye for a pass is remarkable, he is calm under pressure, and has excellent close-control, while he is tenacious in the tackle and contributes as well going back as he does going forward.

Ultimately, Norwood has got all the traits a Championship team would want from a central midfielder, and given promotion-winning and major tournament experience comes with that as well, he'd be a quality addition at Craven Cottage.

Fulham will be striving for greater consistency and the ability to kill teams off next term (they drew more games than any other side in the top ten), and having someone composed and at ease on the ball like Norwood in the midfield can certainly aid with that.

Thus, landing the 26-year-old would be great news for the Cottagers fans ahead of the new Championship season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/landing-this-international-midfielder-would-be-great-news-for-fulham/

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Fulham striker could be on his way to Reading

Sone Aluko could be on his way to Reading according to GetWestLondon. The 28-year-old played 36 games for Fulham last season, and he scored nine goals.

Aluko started his career with Birmingham City. In August 2007 he went out on loan to Scottish side Aberdeen until January 2008. He scored three goals in 20 appearances for the Dons. Aluko spent a month with Blackpool in August 2008 where he failed to score a single goal.

When his loan spell with Blackpool finished he signed for Aberdeen on a permanent basis. He managed thirteen goals in 102 appearances. Following his release from Aberdeen, he signed for Rangers. The Hounslow born centre-forward scored twelve goals in the 2011-12 season for Rangers.

After impressing for Rangers, he signed for Hull. He spent four seasons with the Tigers and scored fourteen goals in 108 appearances. Aluko signed for Fulham last season on a free transfer.

If the ex-Rangers man signed for the Royals, he would become their third signing of the season. Reading have already signed Pelle Clement from Ajax, Vito Mannone from Sunderland and Jón Daði Böðvarsson from Wolves.

It is being reported that Reading gaffer Jaap Stam is after an experienced striker and Aluko is just that. The Nigerian international has racked up over 200 appearances, and he would be a massive coup for Reading.

Reading will be looking to go one step further this season after they lost on penalties to Huddersfield in the play-off final last season. Aluko played a pivotal role in Fulham getting to the play-offs last season, so could he be the player to fire Reading to promotion?



http://the72.co.uk/88019/fulham-striker-way-reading/

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Button blunder condemns Fulham to defeat
by Dan on July 20, 2017

A horrible blunder by David Button condemned Fulham to defeat at the hands of London rivals West Ham in the first friendly of their mini pre-season tour to Austria tonight.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side looked leggy and jittery in defence against top flight opposition, who will soon be strengthened by the signing of Javier Hernandez that was announced shortly before the kick-off in Graz. Centre back Marcelo Djalo, brought in from Spanish second division side CD Lugo, saw plenty of the ball but failed to convince at the heart of the Fulham defence, giving the ball away on a number of occasions and proving culpable for West Ham's opener. Djalo let Manuel Lanzini far too easily on the edge of the box and he beat Button with a crisp finish.

Fulham were forced into an earlier than expected defensive reshuffle when Ragnar Sigurdsson limped off midway through the first half with what looked like a knee injury, but they were playing some eye-catching football at the other end of the field. A flowing move saw Floyd Ayite do superbly down the left flank only for Darren Randolph to deny stand-in skipper Sone Aluko with a superb reaction save from close range.

It appeared as though Fulham hadn't heeded the lesson from Lanzini's opening goal as the Hammers' creative hub was afforded far too much time and space on the edge of the area once again and this time curled an effort just wide of goal. The Hammers played the more complete football, imposing their class on the contest and looking relaxed in possession, although both summer signing Ibrahima Cisse and Tayo Edun, just back from winning the European Under-19 Championships with England in Georgia, looked impressive at the base of Jokanovic's midfield.

Lone striker Cauley Woodrow was starved of service and squandered his only real opening early in the first half – but Fulham would have counted themselves exceedingly unfortunate to go in two goals down at the break. It owed much to another catastrophic error from Button, who appeared oblivious to the close proximity of Ashley Fletcher as he gathered a backpass, t0ok a heavy touch on the edge of the area and surrendered possession to the former Manchester United trainee, who tucked the loose ball into the unguarded net. Button appealed in vain for a foul and, while the tackle might have been penalised in a competitive fixture, without his carelessness – which reminded this correspondent of that dreadful night at Derby last season – the situation would not have arisen.

West Ham made ten changes at the break and the pattern of the first period – a slow, possession-heavy warm-up game – remained, although Fulham were much improved following the half-time introduction of Kevin McDonald. There were some promising touches from the excellent Matt O'Riley in central midfield, including one glorious raking pass that opened up West Ham's defence, and the Championship side did eventually put some pressure on Adrian's goal. Floyd Ayite fired a shot wide from the edge of the box, before Woodrow drilled an effort on goal that Adrian spilled initially.

The much-changed Premier League side were keen to see out the contest, but Fulham kept pressing forward. Cisse miscued a volley, but it was a forward surge from Ryan Sessegnon, by now showing his versatility by deputising at right back, that gave new life to the contest with ten minutes to play. Sessegnon surged onto a forward ball from Sone Aluko and slide across goal for Woodrow to guide into the far corner. Jokanovic will have been pleased with how his charges finished the contest strongly – with plenty of fitness gained ahead of Saturday's second game against Sturm Graz.

WEST HAM UNITED (4-2-3-1): Randolph (Adrian 45); Byram (Zabaleta 45), Cresswell (Masuaku 45), Rice (Collins 45), Ogbonna (Burke 45); Cullen (Makasi 77), Lanzini (Noble 45); Makasi (Snodgrass 45), Feghouli (Obiang 45), Holland (Ayez 45); Fletcher (Martinez 45). Sub (not used): Anang.

GOALS: Lanzini (14), Fletcher (40).

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Button, Fredericks (Opoku 75), Opoku (R. Sessegnon 45), Djalo, Sigurdsson (Ream 23); Cisse (McDonald 45), Edun (Piazon 88); Piazon (Aluko 75), Aluko (O'Riley 45), Ayite (Cisse 75), Woodrow. Subs (not used): Rodak, Johansen.

GOAL: Woodrow (81).



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/07/button-blunder-condemns-fulham-to-defeat/

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Marcus Bettinelli chase over for Bristol City as Robins look at other goalkeeper options

Robins wanted the goalkeeper but will miss out with new Fulham contract on the horizon, we can exclusively reveal

Bristol City's chase for Marcus Bettinelli is over, the Bristol Post can confirm.

The goalkeeper was a player that was watched by goalkeeping coach David Coles earlier in the year with the senior City hierarchy hopeful that a deal could be reached for the 25-year-old stopper.

Bettinelli was even linked with a move to Chelsea this summer, who saw the one cap England under-21 player as a potential back-up to Thibaut Courtois before eventually signing Willy Caballero.


Marcus Bettinelli (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

According to sources close to the West London club, Bettinelli was wanted by City but they have now cooled their interest, with Bettinelli instead due to sign a new contract with the Cottagers.

That deal has effectively knocked out the Robins' interest and meant that City would not be able to fit the goalkeeper into their wage structure even if they did continue their interest.

It's still possible that a big money move could tempt Bettinelli elsewhere, we've been told, but he is instead likely to renew with Fulham, where he ended the season as first choice goalkeeper.

The knock-on consequence could be that City take an interest in David Button, who might become tempted to leave the Cottagers for regular first-team football.

However, that deal, we've been told, is also unlikely - again due to wages - were the Robins to be interested.

Head coach Lee Johnson has recently suggested that the club will look at all options in the transfer market (free transfers, loans and youth players), and there are hopes that a young player might break into the City first-team set up.

"You've got to give the opportunity for a young player to come out of the pack. I think that's important," Johnson told us on the first day of pre-season recently.

That could possibly signal an opportunity for Ivan Lucic, or even Max O'Leary, to compete with Frank Fielding for the goalkeeper's jersey.

Under-23 keeper Jojo Wollacott is likely to head on loan to Bath City for the season.

Johnson will run the rule over these younger keepers while the club look for more signings who will significantly add to the squad.

The head coach still hopes to bring in at least two more players before the end of the transfer window.



http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/marcus-bettinelli-chase-over-bristol-221852

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Bettinelli poised to sign new Fulham contract
by Dan on July 21, 2017

Marcus Bettinelli is expected to sign a new contract with Fulham in the next few days after Bristol City's interest in the former England under 21 goalkeeper cooled.

The Bristol Post reports that City boss Lee Johnson has turned his attention to other goalkeeping targets after Fulham made the decision to take Bettinelli on their pre-season tour of Austria. The Fulham academy graduate, who displaced David Button as the club's number one during the Championship run in last season, is now expected to commit his future to the club before the start of the new campaign.

Bettinelli could then feature in Fulham's next two friendly matches as the Whites step up their preparations ahead of their league opener against Norwich City on August 5.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/07/bettinelli-poised-to-sign-new-fulham-contract/

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Fulham In Focus

In two weeks' time, Derby County will kick the 2017/18 season off against recently relegated Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The countdown is well and truly on. We have been counting down to the new EFL campaign by previewing each and every club Gary Rowett's men will face over the course of the next 10 months.

Next up is a side that went agonisingly close to returning to the Premier League...

Fulham
Manager: Slaviša Jokanović
Nickname: The Cottagers
Stadium Capacity: 25,700
Place Last Season: 6th, Lost in Play-Off Semi-Final (80 Points)
Top Scorer (2016/17): Tom Cairney (12 Goals)
Promotion Odds (According to Coral): 11/4
When Do We Face The Cottagers?

Home – Saturday 3rd March 2018
Away – Saturday 18th November 2017
What Were The Scores Last Season?

Fulham 2-2 Derby County
Derby County 4-2 Fulham
How Did They Fare Last Season?

The 2016/17 season was a remarkable turnaround for the Cottagers.

From narrowly avoiding relegation the year before, Fulham were on the cusp of the Premier League and were the Championship's great entertainers.

They were the team with the momentum heading into the home stretch, but it ultimately came to nothing as they fell to a narrow defeat to Reading in the Play-Off Semi-Finals.

Disappointing for sure at the time, but nevertheless it was a season that Slaviša Jokanović's side could be proud of.

The seeds for their charge last campaign were planted a year ago with some shrewd recruitment and an overhaul of a squad that had not done the business in the two years prior.

Twenty players left and made way for the likes of Floyd Ayité, Sone Aluko and Scott Malone – all so impressive during last season's surge.

The next step was taken on the opening day of the 2016/17 campaign as Fulham kicked off with a 1-0 victory over eventual champions Newcastle United and as the season wore on, they added consistency to their game.

After successfully securing a play-off place on the final day of the season, thanks to their impressive, free-flowing style of football, the Cottagers were favourites to gain promotion but lost 2-1 to the Royals over two legs.

They may have narrowly missed out, but there is a genuine belief they can produce another run this time around.

A number of key players, including star midfielder Tom Cairney and upcoming left back Ryan Sessegnon, have penned new contracts and after going so close last time, they are likely to be in the promotion mix again.



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2017/07/fulham-in-focus

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New Deal For Edun

We are delighted to announce that Tayo Edun has signed a new contract with the Club.

The versatile 19-year-old has agreed a three-year deal, keeping him at Craven Cottage until at least the summer of 2020.

Having graduated through the ranks of the Academy, Edun made his First Team breakthrough last term in the EFL Cup victory over Leyton Orient, and went on to make three appearances in the competition for Slaviša Jokanović's side.

The season ended in style for Edun, as he was a crucial part of the England side which triumphed at the Under-19 European Championship, starting every match as the Young Lions lifted the trophy in Georgia.

Keep an eye on fulhamfctv for a full interview with Tayo, in which he discusses his new contract and his success on the international stage.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/july/21/new-deal-for-edun

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Tayo Edun: England Under-19 international signs new three-year deal with Fulham

Tayo Edun made three appearances for Fulham in the EFL Cup last season

England Under-19 international Tayo Edun has signed a new three-year contract with Championship side Fulham.

Edun, 19, came through Fulham's academy and made his first-team debut in a 3-2 win over Leyton Orient in the EFL Cup last August.

The versatile midfielder has been a regular for England's youth sides.

He started every match as England's Under-19s won the European Championship for the first time in their history this summer.




http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40681135

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Report: Middlesbrough, Fulham, Hull and Birmingham enquire about Reading's Jordan Obita

The Reading left-back is wanted by four of the Royals' promotion rivals, Middlesbrough, Fulham, Hull City and Birmingham City.

Reading's Jordan Obita is the subject of enquiries from four Championship sides, Middlesbrough, Fulham, Hull City and Birmingham City, according to The Sun.

Obita impressed as Reading reached the second tier play-off final last season, but recently entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Madejski Stadium.


Reading's Jordan Obita (second left) celebrates scoring against Fulham in May

The Sun reports that as yet there have been no talks to extend the 23-year-old's stay at the club, despite new deals being handed out to teammates Liam Kelly and Chris Gunter this summer.

As such, it is claimed that Middlesbrough, Fulham, Hull and Birmingham have all taken an interest in Obita, with three of them losing left-backs of their own during the summer transfer window.

Middlesbrough and Fulham have sold James Husband and Scott Malone to Norwich City and Huddersfield Town respectively, while Hull's Andy Robertson is said to have passed a medical ahead of a move to Liverpool.

And Birmingham boss Harry Redknapp is also looking to strengthen at left-full back, with LA Galaxy's Ashley Cole a confirmed target.

Reading would hope to avoid selling Obita to a promotion rival, but the risk of losing the academy product for nothing next summer could force their hand.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/07/21/report-middlesbrough-fulham-hull-and-birmingham-enquire-about-re/

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Diego Rolan definitively rejects Fulham

Uruguayan striker Diego Rolan has decided to reject a move to Championship side Fulham, according to L'Équipe.

This, despite the fact that Fulham had agreed a fee worth over €7m to sign the player from Bordeaux. Rolan will continue to train away from the first team squad.

Newcastle are also reportedly interested in the 24-year-old.




http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2017/diego-rolan-definitively-rejects-fulham/

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Fulham 1-2 West Ham: Tayo Edun stands out and other things we learned from the loss in Austria

The latest Fulham pre-season friendly threw up a number of talking points - here's what we learned from the game

Cauley Woodrow got himself on the scoresheet last night but that wasn't enough to get anything out of the game as Fulham lost 2-1 to West Ham in Austria.

It wasn't the prettiest of viewings and it won't live long in anyone memories but it did a job in getting those all important fitness levels up as well as giving game time ahead of the Championship opener.

As with most pre-season games, it through up a number of talking points, ranging from Tayo Edun's strong showing right through to David Button's watch-through-hands mistake that led to the second goal.

Here's what we discovered from the game.

Tayo Edun is looking like he could breakthrough this season
Possibly the standout player from the defeat, Edun looked comfortable on the ball throughout and showed what he has in his locker with an absolutely lovely pass to Foyd Ayite in the first half where he turned on a sick pence and launched the ball across the length of the pitch to the feet of the forward.

He's only 19 and is fresh from helping England win the U19 Euros alongside Ryan Sessegnon, who also impressed in his second half showing.

Despite the midfield being Fulham's strongest area, Edun showed he has the ability to slot into the midfield and that strength in depth will be important come this season - remember, Fulham were extremely lucky with injuries last year.

Hopefully we see more of him this season in the first team.

The cobwebs are still there for Fulham
There may only be two games left of pre-season for the Cottagers, but the cobwebs were there for all to see last night.

Players were caught in possession too many times for my liking and there seemed to be a lack of communication at stages throughout the tie.

That was only West Ham's second game of pre-season and, for the first 45, they looked like they'd be back at it longer than Fulham, which at this stage of the summer is worrying.

There's still time for the cobwebs to be removed, and I'm sure they will, but time is ticking now towards that opening day game at the Cottage with Norwich.

Lack of clear cut chances
There was a lack of clear cut chances last night, which once again demonstrated the need for a striker.

Cauley Woodrow claimed the goal after poking it in from Sessegnon's shot, which will boost his confidence, but Fulham still desperately need to fill the void up top if they are going to succeed this season.

In my opinion, they still need two more strikers to bolster their striking options, and with just over two weeks until the season starts, it's looking like it will be a fine cut.

Jury still out on the centre backs
Marcelo Djalo and Ragnar Sigurdsson were selected as the centre back pairing once again, and the jury is still very much out on the new boy and the Iceland international.

Djalo saw a lot of possession in the first half, but made a number of sloppy passes and was caught in possession in his own half too many times.

After the horror show at Cobham against Chelsea, they had a lot to prove and Djalo managed to come through the entire 90 minutes, which was good to see.

It remains to be seen what kind of player he will be this season.

Ayite and Sone Aluko look sharp
A big positive for me was how sharp Ayite and Aluko both looked last night.

Ayite was a constant threat down the left wing and was able to beat his marker a number of times, although his final ball was lacking somewhat, while Aluko was a constant driving force and always wanted the ball.

Both players will have big parts to play for Fulham this season and it's pleasing to see how good they look in pre-season.

With no Africa Cup of Nations this year we'll hopefully get to see what Ayite can do all season instead of in dribs and drabs.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-1-2-west-ham-13364178

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Fulham dealt a blow as move for key striker target hits a stumbling block

Fulham's move for Diego Rolan is in jeopardy, according to a recent report.

According to Sky Sports News HQ, Diego Rolan is holding out for a better offer before he signs for Fulham.

Diego Rolan had been identified as a top target for Fulham as they seek to add a goal scoring striker to their ranks.

After agreeing a £5m transfer fee with Bordeaux, Fulham held talks with Diego Rolan over a possible switch to the London based club.

However, discussions have thus far proved to be unfruitful.

The 24-year-old is reportedly holding out for an offer from the Premier League or from Spain as he prefers those options to joining Championship side Fulham, who lost in the play-off semi-final against Reading last season.

Rolan has visited Fulham's training ground twice but is yet to agree on personal terms and is waiting to see who else might be interested.

Newcastle are reportedly considering a move for Diego Rolan but have yet to firm up their interest with a formal bid.

The Uruguayan international is set to leave Bordeaux this summer after falling down the pecking order with the Ligue 1 side.

Rolan has scored 37 goals for Bordeaux in his four seasons with the club, since joining from Defensor Sporting.

He also has four goals in 23 international games for Uruguay.

Fulham may now have to look at alternative targets as Rolan is prepared to make them wait until the end of the transfer window before agreeing to sign.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-dealt-a-blow-as-move-for-key-striker-target-hits-a-stumbling-block/

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This Brighton man would be the perfect addition to Fulham's already impressive midfield

Although Fulham have been linked with a number of top quality players so far this transfer window, Slavisa Jokanovic can only count Lucas Piazon, Marcelo Djalo and Ibrahima Cisse as the men through the door at Craven Cottage this summer.

It was reported Fulham had agreed a fee with Bordeaux for top Uruguayan striker Diego Rolan, but that deal seems to have hit a snag, and Jokanovic will go again while he awaits the outcome of the audacious swoop.

Fulham conducted an excellent piece of internal business this summer by tying influential central midfielder Tom Cairney to a new deal, and alongside fellow goalscoring middle man Stefan Johansen, the Cottagers have one of the best middle pairings in the division.

The pair love to get forward, and to accommodate a free reign in the side, Jokanovic has been in the market for a holding player, which will allow the attack minded pair freedom of expression next season.

The Serb's attentions have turned to Brighton midfield Oliver Norwood, who could be allowed to leave the Amex following the Seagulls promotion to the top flight.

Competition for places is set to be rife on the south coast, and Norwood could be the man to make way ahead of the club's debut Premier League campaign.

The former Reading and Manchester United man is an excellent holding midfielder, and would slot in nicely into the Fulham squad.

All three are 26 years of age and entering the peak of their careers, and Jokanovic would be delighted to combine Norwood with his devastating duo.

A loan deal seems most likely at this stage, but any deal to bring Norwood to the Cottage would represent an excellent piece of business by the West Londoners.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/this-brighton-man-would-be-the-perfect-addition-to-fulhams-already-impressive-midfield/

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Edun pens new Fulham deal
by Dan on July 21, 2017

Young midfielder Tayo Edun has signed a new contract with Fulham that will keep him at Craven Cottage until 2020.

Edun, whose previous contract with the Whites expired this summer, is highly-rated at Motspur Park and his three-year contract shows the confidence that Slavisa Jokanovic has in his ability. The 19 year-old, who has been with Fulham for more than eight years, made his senior debut for the club in last season's EFL Cup victory at Leyton Orient and went on to make three first-team appearances for Fulham last season.

The versatile midfielder, who can play on the left side of midfield as well as in a more central role and at left back, enjoyed a superb summer as he starred in the England under-19 side, alongside fellow Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon, who won the European Under-19 Championships in Georgia earlier this month. Edun has now set his sights firmly on breaking into the first-team over the coming season and he did his chances of doing so no harm with an excellent display in last night's friendly defeat against West Ham in Austria.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/07/edun-pens-new-fulham-deal/

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Whites join race for Obita
by Dan on July 21, 2017

Fulham are one of four Championship clubs who have registered an interest in recruiting Reading full-back Jordan Obita, according to a report in today's Sun.

Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to strengthen his options at left back following the sale of Scott Malone to newly-promoted Huddersfield Town for a fee that could rise to £5m. Obita, who starred as the Royals knocked out Fulham to reach the Championship play-off final in May and scored Reading's goal in the first leg draw at Craven Cottage, is out of contract next summer and has been dismayed that Reading have not moved to extend his contract as they have with Chris Gunter and Liam Kelly.

Fulham will reportedly face strong competition for Obita's services with Birmingham City, Middlesbrough and Hull City all keen to strengthen their full-back positions before the start of the new season. The 23 year-old, who has been with the Royals since 2002, has made 160 appearances for the club, scoring three goals. It remains to be seen whether Jaap Stam would entertain accepting bids for one of his key players last season.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/07/whites-join-race-for-obita/