Monday Fulham Stuff (24/07/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Brighton wanted man Tomer Hemed could be ideal for Fulham

Reading have reportedly had a bid turned down for the Brighton & Hove Albion player, who is a familiar Fulham foe.

Reading have had a bid turned down for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Tomer Hemed, The Argus reported on Friday.

Hemed is one of only three strikers currently on Brighton's books, and perhaps explains their reluctance to lose him at this moment in time.

But with reinforcements expected in the Israeli's position, and less than a year remaining on his contract, it would be little surprise if he was to move clubs before September.

And after Chris Martin's return to Derby County this summer, Hemed could be ideal for Fulham.


Brighton and Hove Albion's Tomer Hemed

What's his record like?

His 31 goals in 89 games for Brighton are certainly not to be sniffed at. He scored 14 last season in all competitions, which was at least three more than any Fulham player - not bad considering he was often used as a substitute.

What are his strengths?
Strength, yes. Also, heading, positioning in the box and penalties. Fulham, of course, should be aware of all this already, having been on the receiving end of five Hemed goals in three meetings with the former La Liga player.

Any negatives?
At 30, he's perhaps not a long-term signing, and is six years older than Diego Rolan, the Bordeaux striker Fulham are said to be chasing. If we're being critical, then Hemed is considerably slower than the Uruguayan too.


Bordeaux's Diego Rolan

Would he go to Fulham?
If Brighton do strengthen up top, then Hemed would be wise to seek alternative employment and one would expect Fulham to be among the more attractive English destinations, given their ambition and location. There are, however, rumours which suggest the Cottagers are now using stats to identify new recruits, and it remains to be seen if Hemed would be deemed a suitable addition on that basis alone. Logic, on the other hand, would suggest yes.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/07/21/brighton-wanted-man-tomer-hemed-could-be-ideal-for-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool Winger Makes Up His Mind To Join Fulham Ahead Of Newcastle, Derby &

England U20 World Cup-winning winger Sheyi Ojo is not keen on moving to Newcastle United, Derby County and Middlesbrough in the summer transfer window.

According to the print edition of The Sun, football's most expensive fourteen-year-old in history wants to join Fulham on a season-long loan instead.

Ojo was left out of Liverpool's tour squad to Hong Kong so he can sort out his future, with manager Jurgen Klopp not guaranteeing him regular playing time in the forthcoming season.

The 20-year-old previously enjoyed loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Nigeria Football Federation target is a product of Milton Keynes Dons' youth academy.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=23890

[WhiteJC]

Ojo set to join Fulham on loan
by Dan on July 23, 2017

Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo is poised to join Fulham on loan this week, according to a report in this morning's Sun on Sunday.

The 20 year-old has been the subject of considerable interest, although a permanent deal with newly-promoted Newcastle has fallen through. The England Under-20 winger, who helped his country win the World Cup earlier this summer with a string of impressive performances, has been the subject of loan offers from both Middlesbrough and Derby County, but the Sun reports says he is keen to play regular first-team football and considers Fulham's offer to be most attractive.

Ojo, who joined Liverpool as a fourteen year-old and remains very highly-rated at Melwood, made only two senior appearances – both in the FA Cup – under Jurgen Klopp last season and has instead been regularly farmed out to Championship sides to aid his development. He scored in Wolves' comprehensive 3-0 win at Craven Cottage in September 2015 and was on loan at Wigan Athletic during the previous season.

The young winger could be one of the late signings that Slavisa Jokanovic alluded to in his post-match interview following Fulham's 2-2 draw with Darmstadt last night. The Serbian head coach has once again put pressure on the club's board to strengthen his squad ahead of the forthcoming season – and the exciting England youth international would certainly give Fulham further wing options.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/07/ojo-set-to-join-fulham-on-loan/

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer gossip: Ojo wants Fulham move, Sun on Sunday say

Some of the recent transfer speculation involving Fulham.

Sheyi Ojo wants to join Fulham, The Sun on Sunday say.

West London Sport recently revealed that the Whites were looking to sign winger Ojo, 20, on loan from Liverpool.

They faced competition from Middlesbrough and newly-promoted Newcastle, and Derby County have since also expressed an interest in him.

The Sun on Sunday say Ojo has decided on a move to west London for the coming season.



Whites linked with Murphy

Fulham are among a number of clubs interested in Brighton winger Jamie Murphy, according to Sky Sports News HQ.

There has been speculation that the Glasgow-born Murphy could leave Brighton this summer.

Sky say there has been interest in him from both north and south of the border, with the Whites and Sunderland said to be keen as well as Glasgow rivals Celtic and Rangers.

Murphy, 27, is reported to be keen to sign a new contract at Brighton and stay with the newly-promoted club.

But Sky reckon bids of around £4m will be considered at that Murphy could move on before the start of the new season.

Murphy is among a host of players Fulham have been linked with this summer.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/football-liverpool-sheyi-ojo-fulham-newcastle-middlesbrough-derby-county-sun

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham should move for Blackburn keeper Jason Steele; ideal replacement for Forest target David Button

Fulham should line up a move for Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Jason Steele, as the future of David Button remains unclear.

Fulham should look to Blackburn Rovers shot-stopper Jason Steele as a potential replacement for David Button, whose future at the club still remains up in the air.

The Nottingham Post reported earlier this month, that a move for Button is being lined up by Nottingham Forest. The 28-year-old moved to Craven Cottage from Championship rivals Brentford last summer.

However, despite the West London club having an impressive campaign, Button's performances came under scrutiny. He lost his role as number one to Marcus Bettinelli, and sat on the bench for their final eight games of the 2016/17 season.

This has seen him strongly linked with a move to the City Ground. This would see Button link up with Reds boss Mark Warburton again, who he previously played under at Griffin Park.

David Button endured a tough debut campaign at Fulham

After seeing Button commit a number of high-profile blunders in short time at the club, Fulham fans would not be sorry to see him exit the club this summer.

If Button does leave for pastures new, Marcus Bettinelli will need competition for the number one jersey. Fulham would be wise to make Blackburn's Jason Steele a target.

The 26-year-old was a stand-out performer for Rovers last season but was powerless to save his side from relegation to League One. It is highly unlikely that he will be playing in England's third-tier for long, if at all.

The former England-U21 has 244 Championship appearances to his name and has been a consistent performer at that level since breaking into the Middlesbrough first-team back in 2010.

Whilst Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray will be looking to keep his best players, it is likely that he would be unable to convince Steele to ply his trade in League One, especially if a Championship club comes knocking at the door.

Fulham should be the team to swoop for Steele, and with Blackburn's financial problems well known, the Cottagers could get him at a cut-price deal.

Jason Steele has made 120 appearances after signing from Middlesbrough in 2014

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/07/21/fulham-should-move-for-blackburn-keeper-jason-steele-ideal-repla/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss expects new signings to be announced this week

Slavisa Jokanovic admits Fulham are a bit thin on the ground

Slavisa Jokanovic is expecting some new signings at Fulham this week.

The Whites drew 2-2 with SV Darmstadt in Germany on Saturday, just two days after losing 2-1 at the hands of Premier League side West Ham United in Austria.

It has been a testing time away from England for the Cottagers, who the boss admitted, were very thing on the ground.

And the Serbian is hoping to see some new faces around the club in the coming week.

He told the club's official website: "I expect the board are going to bring in some people who are going to support us.

"In this moment I try and save my more important players to be available for the start of the Championship.

"A typical pre-season is planned for 20 to 22 players, but I didn't find this situation.

"In the end, we had to improvise a little bit. We care about fitness, especially our more important players.

"I expect this week we are going to find some support for these players."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-boss-expects-new-signings-13372897

[WhiteJC]

 
Darmstadt 2 Fulham 2 (Pre-Season Friendly)

Preparations for the 2017 / 218 season continued with Fulham`s sixth pre-season friendly yesterday.

Fulham took on Darmstadt in what turned out to be an entertaining game.

Darmstadt started the game better than Fulham and Marcus Bettinelli was forced to turn a shot from Fabian Holland behind for a corner just before the quarter of an hour mark.

But Fulham were to take the lead, in the 17th minute when, from an unassuming position, Sulu scored the most entertaining of own goals, somehow managing to pass the ball past his own keeper from some thirty-five yards out.

Bettinelli was called into action and produced another fine save to deny Terence Boyd before Sulu as is often the case, managed to score in both ends, this time for his own side, with a splendid diving header just before half-time.

Sobiech wasted a glorious chance to give Darmstadt the lead but he skied his shot when time and space were on his side.

Fulham took the lead for the second time in the match when Ryan Fredericks finished with aplomb, but the lead didn`t last too long with Mehlem equalising for the German side to ensure the match finished 2-2.

A good work out for all those involved.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Djalo, Ream, Sessegnon, McDonald, Cairney (Cisse), Johansen (O'Riley), Piazon, Aluko (Woodrow), Ayité (Opoku)

Subs (not used): Button, Rodák, Edun

COYW`s




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=498187#ixzz4njEhyBrA

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham or Newcastle United? Bordeaux frontman hints move is imminent

Fulham target suggests transfer is close after social media post

The Diego Rolan saga has been keeping Fulham fans on the edge of their seats for most of the summer.

The winger-cum-striker's proposed move from Bordeaux to Craven Cottage has been on again, off again for much of the transfer window.

Uruguay hitman Rolan was thought to be close to a move to Fulham earlier this month, but we are still waiting for an announcement, with reports suggesting he has been in London twice for talks with the Whites.

However, other reports have suggested that the 24-year-old was holding out for a move to the Premier League, with Newcastle United showing an interest.

So where will he end up? If his Instagram page is anything to go by, a move seems imminent.

The Uruguayan, who scored nine goals in 38 games for Bordeaux last season, posted a video on his official Instagram page yesterday evening of a number of his goals for the club with the words: "Il faut pas oublier. #histoire."

Translated, that means 'we must not forget. #history.'

It looks like he's on the way out of the French club then, but we do not k now, as yet, where to...



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-newcastle-united-bordeaux-frontman-13373337

[WhiteJC]

 
Three reasons Newcastle United should take a £5m punt on Diego Rolan

According to Sky Sports, Bordeaux striker Diego Rolan is stalling on a £5m move to Championship side Fulham as he waits on potential interest from a Premier League or La Liga side.

The Cottagers have agreed a deal with the Ligue 1 outfit for the 24-year-old but he is unsure about dropping down to the English second tier, with Sky Sports saying that newly-promoted Newcastle United are one of the clubs keen to sign the Uruguay international.

Magpies manager Rafa Benitez wants to strengthen his attacking options ahead of an important top flight campaign, with striker Daryl Murphy joining Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee on Friday.

The Spaniard is now likely to step up his search for a forward or centre-forward before the new campaign kicks off next month, and it would be no surprise if he was keeping a close eye on the situation of the Bordeaux man.

Here are three reasons Newcastle should take a £5m punt on Rolan...

They need a striker

The sale of Daryl Murphy to Nottingham Forest on Friday has left Rafa Benitez with just three senior strikers in his squad – Dwight Gayle, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Emmanuel Riviere – with the latter's future particularly in doubt following a season-long loan move to Osasuna last term.

That certainly isn't enough depth or quality for the upcoming campaign and the Spanish manager will be looking to bring in a striker sooner rather than later, and the fact that he is available for just £5m is an added bonus.

Goalscoring record

While he probably wouldn't be described as prolific goalscorer, Rolan has certainly impressed for Bordeaux over the course of the last three seasons especially and he does get goals.

The 24-year-old netted 10 times in 33 appearances in all competitions last term and 11 in 42 the previous season, but it is perhaps his 2014/15 campaign that sticks out the most.

The Uruguay international scored 16 goals in 38 outings in total while it is no mean that he has 24 caps for his country considering he is fighting with the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani for a spot in the national side.

He is a realistic option

Being a newly-promoted side, Newcastle realistically aren't going to go out and sign a top striker this summer unless they are willing to pay a significant fee and wages, and bringing in Rolan for £5m would certainly be a more viable option.

Benitez will know that he will likely have to take a punt on a striker from abroad and hope that he hits the ground running – like Manolo Gabbiadini did for Southampton when he signed during the January transfer window – and there will be few better options on the market with the potential to do that job than Rolan.




https://www.footballfancast.com/image-gallery/three-reasons-newcastle-united-should-take-a-5m-punt-on-diego-rolan

[WhiteJC]

 
Forget Diego Rolan: Fulham should instead divert their attention to this PL striker

Fulham have recently been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Diego Rolan.

It appears that Diego Rolan is holding out for a better offer rather than signing for Fulham as things stand.

According to Sky Sports News, Rolan is stalling despite visiting Fulham's training ground twice and a fee of £5m being agreed with Bordeaux because he wants to see if any Premier League clubs (such as Newcastle United) or Spanish clubs come in for him.

Rolan is prepared to keep Fulham waiting until the end of the transfer window to secure a better move and the Cottagers quite frankly cannot wait that long.

They need a goal scoring striker to take them to the next level.

This must be a priority in the summer.

They are also looking at young options as they want to make an investment up front.

All of these signs are pointing towards West Ham United striker Ashley Fletcher.

The former Manchester United man joined the Hammers last summer but struggled to establish himself as a regular in the side.

The 21-year-old impressed when called upon though and West Ham fans were keen to see him play more.

Fletcher recently scored against Fulham in a pre-season friendly; his hard work and chasing paid off as he tackled Fulham goalkeeper David Button and slotted into an empty net.

The former England youth international offers height, strength, pace and a good work ethic which would make him an ideal striker for Fulham.

After West Ham signed Javier Hernandez, Fulham could look to poach one of the country's brightest prospects, who is reportedly available for a bargain £6m.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/forget-diego-rolan-fulham-should-instead-divert-their-attention-to-this-pl-striker/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fancy Brighton midfielder Norwood

HITC Sport understands Fulham eye Brighton star Norwood.

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Oliver Norwood is being lined up for a loan move to Fulham, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Premier League new boys Brighton are willing to let Norwood move on as he is well down pecking order in Chris Hughton's plans and his first-team opportunities are set to be limited next season.

Norwood, who joined Brighton from Reading last summer, made just 16 starts last season after finding his path into the side blocked by Dale Stephens and Steve Sidwell.

The summer siging of Pascal Gross from Ingolstadt has increased competition for places in the Brighton midfield and Norwood could consider a loan away in search of regular first-team football.

Norwood is unlikely to be happy to find himself out of favour at Brighton as he will be looking to play ahead of next summer's possible World Cup finals in Russia.

The news of Norwood's potential availability has alerted a number of Championship clubs who are looking to strengthen their midfield options.

However, Fulham are determined to win the race for the Northern Ireland international as Slavisa Jokanovic looks to bolster his side as he aims to make another push for promotion next season from the Championship after missing out on the play-offs last season.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/07/23/por-fulham-fancy-brighton-midfielder-norwood/

[WhiteJC]

 
Daniel Farke will keep his Norwich City players guessing for Fulham trip

Norwich City head coach Daniel Farke insists it is all to play for as he weighs up his starting XI for the Championship kick-off at Fulham.

The Canaries enjoyed a successful two-match tour of Germany, despite missing a number of injured key players, but Farke intends to fine tune his plans in the final two friendlies against Charlton and Brighton.

Timm Klose and Alex Pritchard have been ruled out of the opening weekend league trip to Craven Cottage, but Ivo Pinto and Wes Hoolahan look set to come back into contention after a watching brief in Germany. Both are expected to return to full training this week following hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.

The City chief only used 16 players in each of the friendly victories over MSV Duisburg and DSC Arminia Bielefeld, and Farke is pledging the rest of his squad will now get a chance to force a late claim.

"I don't have a starting formation in my head (for Fulham). No, to be honest," he said. "All the guys did really well so far. Hopefully the ones who are injured will come back soon. There is no starting XI only. It is all about the squad and in different situations you will need different players and I have to work with all my players."

Pinto was initially a major doubt for Fulham after damaging his hamstring at Cobh Ramblers.

"Hopefully Wes (thigh) and Ivo (hamstring) will return this week. Probably not for Charlton but return to training," said Farke. "It is important for them to get that physical base for the season. I am not sure Harry Toffolo (muscle) will be able to return this week coming but, for sure, the week after and I am looking forward to working with those guys."

Cameron Jerome is also expected to recover from the muscle problem that forced him to depart in the closing stages of Friday's win in Bielefeld.

"He had some muscle problems in the end because he was tired and he had done a lot of work," said Farke. "Hopefully it is quite normal. After 70 exhausting minutes you feel quite tired. It is pre-season. Cameron did a great job. He worked a lot for the squad and he was open to the tactical change we made in the game. He was very important for the penalty and he had several chances. He did a really good job."



http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/daniel-farke-will-keep-his-norwich-city-players-guessing-for-fulham-trip-1-5118207

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham ready to offer £3m for Jerome
by DAN on JULY 24, 2017

Fulham are readying a £3m bid for Norwich City forward Cameron Jerome as they move to bring in additional striking options after Slavisa Jokanovic slated their slow summer business.

The Mirror reports this morning that the Cottagers have turned their attention to the former Stoke and Birmingham City striker after first-choice target Diego Rolan eventually rejected a move to Craven Cottage. Head coach Jokanovic included Jerome, who has scored 16 and 21 goals in his last two Championship seasons at Carrow Road, on his list of potential acquisitions at the start of the summer and was reportedly disappointed that the Fulham move did not make an early move for former England under-21 international.

Jerome has apparently been told that he is free to leave City by new Norwich manager Daniel Faulke, but Fulham will face stiff competition for his services. Both Sunderland and Nottingham Forest have already shown interest during pre-season and the Whites' seriousness about landing the 6ft 1in striker will tell us whether the rumoured age-limit of 28 applies to the club's recruitment. Norwich had quoted Jerome's potential suitors around £6m, but are likely to let him leave for significantly less than that valuation.

The Canaries might have endured an under-par season last year, dismally failing to threaten the play-off positions before parting company with Alex Neil, but Jerome scored sixteen times in 40 league appearances, including as a substitute in the home defeat by Fulham at Easter. Jokanovic is desperate to recruit proven goalscorers ahead of the big kick-off which sees the Whites host Norwich on August 5 having turned down the chance to sign Chris Martin and Cyriac at the end of the season, leaving just Cauley Woodrow and Stevie Humphrys as genuine centre forwards.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/07/fulham-ready-to-offer-3m-for-jerome/