Tuesday Fulham Stuff (15/08/17)...

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Leeds United: Boss Christiansen expecting a response against Fulham

Thomas Christiansen backed Leeds United to rebound from what he called the “disappointment” of Saturday’s draw with Preston North End during a meeting with “one of the best teams in the league” at Elland Road tonight.

Christiansen said United’s clash against a Fulham side he is tipping as automatic promotion contenders would pick his players up from their failure to beat 10-man Preston and act as “extra motivation” on the back of an unrewarding weekend.

North End came through the final half-hour at Elland Road unscathed after Ben Pearson’s 60th minute red card, limiting Leeds to a goalless draw six days after the Elland Road club opened their Championship campaign with a 3-2 win at Bolton. “In the last part of the game we played against 10 players and creating the opportunities we did, we wanted the three points,” Christiansen said. “This is why the players were disappointed and I’m happy that they’re disappointed about that. It means they feel the game and that they wanted the win. That’s not a problem for me and knowing who we play against tonight will lift them up because we’re going to face one of the best teams in the league, one who plays the best football. That’s an extra motivation.” Fulham made the Championship play-offs last season, beating Leeds to sixth place in unlikely fashion by reeling off six wins from their final eight games as United’s own form collapsed. Leeds and Slavisa Jokanovic’s side shared two 1-1 draws last season, the first at Elland Road exactly a year ago in which Chris Wood scored with a dramatic overhead kick on 93 minutes. The effort was the first of 27 league goals claimed by Wood over the course of the term and his form prompted a bid of £12m from Burnley last week, an offer which Leeds flatly rejected. Christiansen said he had not spoken to Wood directly about Burnley’s approach or the striker’s immediate future but the United head coach insisted over the weekend that he expected Wood to be part of his squad when the transfer window closed at the end of this month.

“All the players want to try and play in the Premier League,” Christiansen said. “But here he’s an important player. If he goes, will he be first or second choice or third choice? He will not have the guarantee. “Here he’s an important player for the team and he’s one who can help the team to reach their goals. Why not dream that next year he could be playing in the best league (with Leeds)?” Defenders Matthew Pennington and Gaetano Berardi will be absent again tonight with ankle and shoulder problems respectively. The pair were injured at Bolton over a week ago but Christiansen said he was still waiting for precise confirmation of when either player would return to contention.

“I’m not concerned,” Christiansen said. “The medical staff will shortly give us exact diagnosis about the situation of these two players. I think next week we will know something.” Goalkeeper Rob Green is set to return to United’s squad against Fulham after missing the last two games with a knee injury.



Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-boss-christiansen-expecting-a-response-against-fulham-1-8703059

[whitejc]

 
Fulham`s Failure Will Be Used as Motivation

The Cottagers have yet to register a win, in the Championship, this season.

Two consecutive 1-1 draws leave Slavisa Jokanovic`s side with a return of just 2 points from the 6 available.

Tonight, at Elland Road, the side will be hoping to put that right and get their season back on track.

Following the failure to navigate their way through the play-offs last season, failing at the semi-final stage, losing on aggregate to Reading, some might say that the disappointment might be affecting the sides start to the season.

Our midfielder, Tom Cairney is having nothing to do with that theory with Tom remarking to the media about the play-off semi-final failure,

"You use it as motivation to go one better.

"It`s important we learn those lessons. The players are capable of achieving that."

Hopefully, Cairney will have recovered from the ankle injury that saw his late withdrawal from the squad that faced Reading, on Saturday.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=500789#ixzz4po1tDqUA

[whitejc]

 
Match Preview: Leeds United v Fulham
Leeds look to grab a home win after a soulless draw against Preston while Fulham go in search of their first win of the season

Match: Leeds United v Fulham

Date: 15 August 2017

Time: 19.45 BST, 14.45 EDT

Venue: Elland Road

Television: none

Radio: BBC Radio Leeds, not available online, audio commentary from LUTV

Streaming: LUTV for £5 for overseas fans.

All-time Record: Leeds v Fulham 22 W 14 D 17 L

After the high of the two wins against Port Vale and Bolton Wanderers to start the season, Leeds fans came down a little bit off of their high as Leeds drew nil-nil at home to Preston North End on Saturday. While the team attacked with passion for the last half-hour of the match after Preston were reduced to 10 men, the first 60 minutes of the game was largely an effort by Preston to clog the midfield and not allow Leeds to get fluidity or movement going. Unfortunately, this will give a blue-print to any other teams that wish to grind out a nil-nil draw by simply kicking the Leeds players about, but with Fulham coming to town, at least fans won’t have to worry about that.

Going into this season, Fulham is one of the trendy picks to gain automatic promotion after they lost in heartbreaking style in the playoffs last year. And truthfully, it would have been good to see a team that actually likes to put the ball on the floor and, you know, actually play football get promoted rather than long-ball merchants or whatever kind of possession snoozefest that Huddersfield Town subjected the rest of the Championship to last season.

Leeds go into this match a little bloodied after failing to break down Preston over the weekend, and Christiansen will be likely rotating a few of the players to get some fresh legs into the match. While defence will likely remain more-or-less unchanged by necessity, it would not be surprising to see as many as four or five other changes to the side.

Rob Green is rumored to be available for this match, and if he is fit, Christiansen has to give him a chance to play tonight or he might as well be transfer listed. Green has dealt with being benched remarkably well for a player that was legitimately a contender for both player of the year for Leeds and Goalkeeper of the Year for the Championship. While he doesn’t appear to fit the mold of how TC wishes to have his goalkeepers play, at some point tactics have to be adjusted to the players on the pitch. Green is a former England number one, and shouldn’t have to beg to be put on the pitch when he could easily start for over half of the teams in the Championship.

Luke Ayling and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson were the only real standout performers against Preston, and unless TC wishes to give one of them a night off, they are both likely to start against Fulham. Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper seemed a bit off against Preston, but they will be needed to be at their very best against a Fulham team that can score and won’t be looking to slog out a depressing draw to grab an away point.

On the wings, Stuart Dallas may start the game on the left wing, with Gianni Alioski looking to rebound from a wasted effort against Preston on the right wing. Against Port Vale, Alioski looked incredible, but his performance against the dark arts of physical “English” defending against Preston left much to be desired. Fulham will be likely starting starlet Ryan Sessegnon at left back tonight, and while he is absolute class going forward, he’s not going to be confused with Stuart Pearce anytime soon. Alioski will likely find much more room and space to work with, and having good pace down the right wing may limit Sessegnon from bombing forward on the attack.

Despite the hat trick against Port Vale, Samu Saiz was only brought on late in the match against Port Vale, instead Pablo Hernandez was preferred at the number 10 spot behind Chris Wood. Again, with a nod towards rotation and Hernandez’s age, look for Saiz to get the nod in the middle of the attack tonight.

Chris Wood simply has to start, if for no other reason than to prevent the howl of fans as Twitter in Leeds crashes with speculation about the fate of the big Kiwi. Wood has been linked in recent days with moves to Burnley and other “unnamed” Premier League clubs that may or may not rhyme with Lest Tomwich Elbion, but the club has repeated their desire to hang on to Wood enough times that the journalists covering the club likely have the responses scripted in advance, all ready to go once someone in the press asks the question.

The biggest question mark in the potential lineup for Leeds is in central midfield, where Kalvin Phillips failed to live up to his rather dramatic opening performance against Bolton. Ronaldo Vieira came on during the second half against Preston after a very good showing against Port Vale, so most fans and pundits expect him to get the start tonight. Eunan O’Kane has been the steadiest midfielder so far in this young season, so it would seem odd to drop him, but TC usually seems to like to pair his midfielders up, with Mateusz Klich or Liam Bridcutt usually preferred to play alongside Vieira rather than O’Kane. Klich looked off the pace against Port Vale, and Bridcutt may not feature at all, so will O’Kane retain his position in the middle? At this point, with an aggressive team in Fulham coming to Elland Road, it would make sense to leave the Ireland international in the lineup, but who knows.

If Leeds are to establish themselves as legitimate promotion candidates, they simply must get a decent result against Fulham tonight. It’s fine to thrash Port Vale in the League Cup or win away on opening day against a Bolton team that was just promoted and still under a transfer ban, but for the fans to believe that this year just might be the year to get the team back where it belongs and to put butts in seats for the ride up the table, Leeds must show up and play well enough for at least a draw, if not a win.

Predicted Score:
2-1 Leeds. Saiz will once again attempt to force TC’s hand into giving him the starting spot over Hernandez in the “first choice” XI at the club, and look for Borthwick-Jackson to outshine fellow left-back starlet Sessegnon, as CBJ’s performances are getting better the more he gets used to his teammates.

Predicted Lineups:
Leeds: (4-2-3-1) Green; Borthwick-Jackson, Jansson, Cooper, Ayling; Vieira, O’Kane; Dallas, Saiz, Alioski; Wood.

Fulham: (4-3-3): David Button; Ryan Sessegnon, Denis Odi, Tim Ream, Ryan Fredricks; Oliver Norwood, Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen; Sone Aluko, Floyd Ayite, Lucas Piazon.



https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2017/8/15/16147830/match-preview-leeds-united-v-fulham-championship

[whitejc]

 
Kalas To Serve A Suspension This Week - 15/8/17

Fulham's Tomas Kalas will be out of action this week as he serves an automatic suspension.

Including Kalas, here's a list of all the players currently serving, or under a suspension at the beginning of the week, that will potentially keep them out of contention for an applicable fixture in the days to come.

The list of applicable suspensions for first team matches - either by a build up of individual yellow cards, a double yellow card in a single game or a straight red card offence - are updated by the Football Association on the following link Click Here so errors are their own.

For this week's fixtures specifically across the Premier League and the Football League, the following players find themselves ruled out of their manager's thoughts but a few lucky ones may find their suspension expires before their clubs' next fixture depending on the scheduling.

With some appeals still potentially ticking through, the below list may change in the coming days.

For anybody interested in how their team's health looks in terms of potential coming suspensions, if you visit the above link and select the 'one caution away' option in the table, it will give you a run down of all those players skirting a ban before the next amnesty window kicks in.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=500776#ixzz4poYk2Q4W

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Pundit expects Fulham’s winless start to continue against Leeds United

David Prutton is expecting Fulham’s wait for a victory in the Sky Bet Championship to continue, when they travel to Leeds United this evening, reports Sky Sports. 

Writing in his prediction column for Sky, Prutton has predicted Fulham to play out a third consecutive draw against Leeds, with the contest finishing 1-1.

Last season, Fulham and Leeds went up against each other in the quest for play-off football, and both their meetings last season ended a 1-1 draw, as the Cottagers eventually edged out their rivals in the race for the top-six.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s side have started the 2017/18 campaign slowly with back-to-back 1-1 draws against Norwich City and Reading – the latter turned out to be a well earned point, having played the majority of the game with 10 men, following Tomas Kalas’ red-card.

Fulham will be hoping that Tom Cairney returns to action for the trip to Elland Road, where Jokanovic’s side will face an upbeat Leeds side.
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Thomas Christiansen’s men have picked up four-points from their opening two fixtures, against Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End.

Following a 3-2 victory over Bolton on the opening day of the season, Leeds were left frustrated over the weekend, as Preston held them to a 0-0 draw, despite playing over 30 minutes with 10 men.

The Verdict

Fulham’s start to the Championship season has been a lot more difficult than Leeds’ start, and Jokanovic will be pleased to see his side come out unbeaten from their opening two fixtures.

Fulham’s trip to Elland Road will give Leeds their biggest test of the season so far, and we will learn a lot about Christiansen’s side on Tuesday evening.

Leeds’ 0-0 draw with Preston was disappointing, and if they want anything out of the clash with Fulham, they will have to significantly improve.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/pundit-expects-fulhams-winless-start-to-continue-against-leeds-united/

[whitejc]

 
‘Be better for us’ – Leeds fans react to early potential boost ahead of Fulham clash

Our Leeds fans here in the Transfer Tavern are gearing up for another big clash tonight in the Championship as they welcome Fulham to Elland Road.

The Whites have started well this season with four points from their opening two games but Fulham have also had a decent enough start and both know that they are capable of challenging for promotion.

Indeed, the two sides struck up a bit of a rivalry last season as the men from west London pipped the Yorkshire side to the final play-off spot.

For sure, then, the hosts will have revenge on their minds tonight but, first things first, they need to be cold and clinical in what’s set to be another hot Elland Road atmosphere.

This, then, should be a top game and Leeds have been boosted by the news that Tom Cairney is a doubt for the game – via Phil Hay on Twitter.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds/be-better-for-us-leeds-fans-react-to-early-potential-boost-ahead-of-fulham-clash/

[whitejc]

 
Leeds United v Fulham: Key talking points


ONE YEAR ON: Chris Wood salvaged a 1-1 draw for Leeds United in the corresponding fixture with Fulham at Elland Road exactly a year ago today with this sublime overhead kick. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

AHEAD OF Leeds United’s eagerly-awaited clash with Fulham, the YEP’s Lee Sobot looks at few key talking points ahead of the Tuesday night Championship showdown at Elland Road.

How many changes?
Leeds failed to break down Preston North End at Elland Road on Saturday, despite the visitors playing the last half an hour with ten men. But how many, if any, changes will United’s head coach Thomas Christiansen opt for? It seems very unlikely that Christiansen will make any changes to his defence with United keeping a clean sheet against Preston and with Matthew Pennington and Gaetano Berardi still injured. Keeper Rob Green is back available after his knee injury but Christiansen has evidently made Felix Wiedwald his no 1 and will surely not drop the German after keeping a clean sheet. Chris Wood is also clearly a banker to start upfront. But changes could definitely be on the cards in midfield and Christiansen has genuine options to change in every position as part of his favoured 4-2-3-1. Eunan O’Kane and Kalvin Phillips struggled to dominate Preston’s midfield until Ben Pearson was sent off and Ronaldo Vieira, Vurnon Anita, Mateusz Klich and Liam Bridcutt all provide other options.

Vieira impressed once brought on against Preston and the gut feeling is that the teenager might partner O’Kane. And did wingers Gianni Alioski and Kemar Roofe plus no 10 Pablo Hernandez do enough against Preston to warrant keeping their place? Of that trio, Alioski looks the most likely to keep his place as the Macedonian wide man offered United’s biggest threat for the opening hour against Preston. But there must be a temptation to give Stuart Dallas a go over Kemar Roofe who has had one very good game against Bolton and then one not so good one against Preston.

Vieira impressed once brought on against Preston and the gut feeling is that the teenager might partner O’Kane. And did wingers Gianni Alioski and Kemar Roofe plus no 10 Pablo Hernandez do enough against Preston to warrant keeping their place? Of that trio, Alioski looks the most likely to keep his place as the Macedonian wide man offered United’s biggest threat for the opening hour against Preston. But there must be a temptation to give Stuart Dallas a go over Kemar Roofe who has had one very good game against Bolton and then one not so good one against Preston. The debate also continues over who should get the nod in the no 10 position between Pablo Hernandez and Samuel Saiz. Saiz dazzled last midweek with a hat-trick against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup and after Hernandez failed to totally advertise his claims against Preston, Saiz might be given the chance to be the midweek star of the show once again. But the prediction is that Vieira for Phillips will be the only change. Christiansen can then always mix it up from the bench and in Hernandez’s defence he did set up Saturday’s best chance of the game for Chris Wood. Starting Caleb Ekuban alongside Wood and opting for a 4-4-2 is another possible option for United’s head coach.

Can Leeds pass their first big test?
Christiansen remains unbeaten as Whites head coach after two games in the league and one Carabao Cup tie but there is no doubt that Fulham will provide the toughest examination yet. The Cottagers only have two points so far this season after draws at home to Norwich City and at Reading but nobody is fooled by their early league position of 14th, especially as the Cottagers earned a 1-1 draw at Reading on Saturday despite playing 89 minutes with ten men after the first-minute dismissal of Tomas Kalas. Fulham were plenty of people’s fancies to win the play-offs last season after charging up the table to finish sixth by playing a brand of football that had many believing the Cottagers were the best side to visit Elland Road last term. Fulham have maintained the services of boss Slaviša Jokanovicć whilst also signing forward Lucas Piazon and re-signing centre-back Kalas on loan from Chelsea as well as midfielder Oliver Norwood on loan from Brighton, plus Ibrahima Cisse from Standard Liege. The Cottagers lost Scott Malone to Huddersfield Town but the Londoners are third favourites to win the league at 8-1 behind Wolves and Middlesbrough. Leeds looked good going forward against Bolton and also against Port Vale but took a sideways step against Preston who to be fair might well end up in the play-offs mix themselves under a good manager in Alex Neil. As far as the prospects of Christiansen’s side are concerned, Tuesday’s clash with the Cottagers will reveal much more. But at least Fulham are not yet fully up and running after two draws and with Kalas suspended and Tom Cairney an injury doubt, this could be as good a time as any to play them.

Will the fans be out in force?
The fact that Leeds have sold a club record number of season tickets for a Championship campaign has been well documented - around 18,000 - and a crowd of 32,880 witnessed Saturday’s clash with Preston. But how many fans will make their way to Elland Road on a Tuesday night for what is undeniably one of United’s biggest home games of the season. Fulham, after all, were responsible for nabbing United’s play-off spot last term and the Cottagers seem certain to be in the mix again. Leeds really ought to be approaching the fixture looking to make it nine points out of nine but seven out of nine would still represent an excellent start and the club will be looking for another bumper crowd to help get Christiansen’s men over the line.



Read more at: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-v-fulham-key-talking-points-1-8702969

[whitejc]

 
Fulham agree deal to sign 24-year-old Ligue 1 defender

Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Maxime Poundje from Bordeaux, Sky sources understand.

According to the Sky Sports News HQ Live Transfer Blog [14th July, 19:05 GMT], Fulham have had a deal agreed with Maxime Poundje for a while and have been trying to convince him to make the switch to Craven Cottage.

However, Fulham have struggled to convince Poundje to join the club thus far.

Fulham have been seeking a replacement at left back for Scott Malone after he left to join Premier League new boys Huddersfield Town.

Malone was named in the EFL Championship Team of the Year last season so his absence is a blow for the Cottagers.

Young teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon is able to play there but operated as a left winger for periods last season too and Fulham are keen to add another left back to their ranks.

Maxime Poundje was identified as a top target for that spot.

However, Fulham have failed to convince the former France under-19 international to join.

The 24-year-old has played well over 50 games for Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux, as well as spending time on loan at Nimes.

With Fulham struggling to complete a deal for Maxime Poundje, they have also lined up Joe Bennett as a possible replacement for Scott Malone.

Cardiff City left back Joe Bennett played 27 games for the Bluebirds last summer after joining from Aston Villa.

The Verdict
If Fulham fail to land Maxime Poundje they are likely to move for Joe Bennett, who could prove to be a better capture because he has experience in this league.

Poundje, however, is younger, stronger, faster and has European experience as well as playing many games in the top tier of French football.

The transfer deal is in place and Bordeaux are willing to sell the former France under-19 international, who refused the opportunity to play senior international football for Cameroon.

Whether Fulham can convince the 24-year-old to join is another matter.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-agree-deal-to-sign-24-year-old-ligue-1-defender/

[whitejc]

 
Tottenham have stunning £25m bid for Fulham wonder kid Ryan Sessegnon knocked back

The 17-year-old signed a new three-year deal in June and the Championship club insist he is not for sale at any price

 Tottenham have had a stunning £25m bid for Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon turned down.

Spurs have been desperate to sign the 17-year-old left back and even Sessegnon signing a new contract has not put them off.

They came in with a mega offer but Fulham stood firm and said that Sessegnon is not for sale at any price.

Sessegnon is regarded as one of England’s best prospects and signed a three year contract in June to commit his future to Fulham.

The England England under-19s starlet has been compared to a young Gareth Bale as he plays as left back but could move further forward down the line.


Ryan and his brother Steven Sessegnon penned their first professional contracts with Fulham (Image: Rex Features)


 Sessegnon is also wanted by Liverpool (Image: Javier Garcia/BPI/Shuttersto/REX/Shutterstock)


 The 17-year-old has caught the eye in the Championship (Image: Nathan Stirk)

Tottenham were one of a clutch of clubs chasing him with Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal also keen.

Tottenham also have an interest in his twin brother Steven who has also signed a new contract to stay at Fulham.

Tottenham have so far been slow on doing deals but are now clearly in the market.

They are also in for Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez and are very hopeful on Celta Vigo midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop.



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-transfer-ryan-sessegnon-fulham-10990199

[whitejc]

 
Leeds In Focus

Have a read through all the matchday information as Fulham and Leeds United renew rivalries at Elland Road on Tuesday night.
Possible opposition absentees

Matthew Pennington – ankle injury

Gaetano Berardi – shoulder injury
Tickets

Fans will be able to buy tickets on the day from the Away Ticket Window, cash only, priced at £42 adults, £30 for fans aged 60+ and 16-22, £16 for under-16s, and £8 for under-11s.
Weather

A sunny day is forecast in Leeds, with temperatures of 17 degrees at kick-off.
He said...

“Knowing who we play against tonight will lift them up because we’re going to face one of the best teams in the league, one who plays the best football. That’s an extra motivation.” - Thomas Christiansen, Leeds manager
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Leeds: 29/20

Draw: 23/10

Fulham: 37/20
Previous five results

Leeds 0-0 Preston North End (Sky Bet Championship)

Leeds 4-1 Port Vale (Carabao Cup Round One)

Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Leeds (Sky Bet Championship)

Leeds 2-0 Oxford United (Friendly)

North Ferriby United 0-2 Leeds (Friendly)




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/15/leeds-in-focus

[whitejc]

 
Exclusive: Tottenham Hotspur have £25m bid for Fulham prodigy Ryan Sessegnon rejected

Sessegnon is one of the hottest prospects in English football  Credit: Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur have had a bid worth up to £25 million for the 17-year-old Fulham prodigy Ryan Sessegnon rejected.

The England Under-19s international is one of the hottest properties in English football and is in the Fulham squad to face Leeds United at Elland Road tonight having signed his first professional deal in June with his childhood club. The size of the fee on offer reflects the expanding market and also the value placed on young English talent.

Spurs are also understood to be interested in Ryan’s twin brother Steven who made his first team debut in the EFL Cup against Wycombe in August. Both players signed their professional deals having turned 17 – the earliest age at which they could do so – on May 18. Both the boys, who grew up in Roehampton in south-west London, are happy at Fulham and have put no pressure on the club to sell them.


Ryan’s twin brother Steven, here making his first team debut in the EFL Cup against Wycombe in August, is also attracting Spurs' attention
Credit: Getty Images

The fee offered would be close to the £25.5 million Manchester United paid in August 2004 for an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney, still the most ever paid for an English teenage footballer. 

Under the ownership of American billionaire Shahid Khan, and the stewardship of his son, the chairman Tony, the club are ambitious for promotion to the Premier League. They have refused to countenance the sale of midfielder Tom Cairney this summer and for the time being seem willing to reject an extraordinary amount of money for two products of the club’s outstanding academy. 

There has been interest throughout the big Premier League clubs in the progress of Ryan in particular who played a full part in his team’s Championship season last time around, which ended in play-off defeat to Reading. As a left-sided English player he has a considerable value in the transfer market and the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs all registered an interest before eventually he committed himself to the club long term.

The player has had a successful summer with England Under-19s who won their European championships in Georgia.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/08/15/tottenham-hotspur-have-25m-bid-fulham-prodigy-ryan-sessegnon/

[whitejc]

Fulham reject Tottenham’s £25m bid for Ryan Sessegnon
by Dan on August 15, 2017

Fulham have rejected Tottenham Hotspur’s £25m bid for their teenage full-back Ryan Sessegnon, according to the Daily Mirror.

The England Under-19 international, who won the European Championships with his country in Georgia this summer, signed a new contract with the club he has been at since the age of nine last month and Fulham insist he is not for sale at any price. Tottenham decided to test Fulham’s resolve to keep hold of their most prized young asset with a huge bid, but Fulham are confident that the older of the two Sessegnon twins is happy at the club and furthering his development through regular first-team football.

Sessegnon, now 17, has started both of Fulham’s league fixtures this season and his spectacular emergence into the first team last term was one of the reasons that Scott Malone was allowed to pursue his dream of Premier League football with Huddersfield this summer. Sessegnon scored five goals – including a stunning brace at league leaders Newcastle – in 29 appearances last season after making his senior debut at Leyton Orient in the EFL Cup.

The Mirror reports that Spurs have also shown an interest in Ryan’s twin brother, Stephen, who made his professional debut in last week’s EFL Cup victory at Wycombe. Both twins signed three-year contracts and are not thought to be interested in a move away from Fulham at this stage.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/fulham-reject-tottenhams-25m-for-ryan-sessegnon/

[whitejc]

 
Tottenham Hotspur's '£25m bid for Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon rejected'

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly had a £25m bid for Ryan Sessegnon turned down by Fulham.

The North London outfit, who are yet to bring in any new faces in the transfer window this summer, have been linked to the 17-year-old left-back for some time.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City have also been named as potential suitors, but Sessegnon appeared to put the rumours to bed when he signed a three-year contract at Fulham in June.

Despite committing his future to the Championship club, Tottenham have tried to persuade the Cottagers to do a deal by offering £25m for the teenager, but Fulham have knocked back the Premier League outfit, according to The Mirror.

The report adds that Spurs are interested in Sessegnon's twin brother Steven, who also plays for Fulham.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/transfer-talk/news/tottenham-fail-in-gbp25m-sessegnon-bid_304931.html

[whitejc]

 
Mirror: Fulham reject £25m Tottenham bid for Ryan Sessegnon
The saga continues.

After opting to sign his first professional contract with Fulham, we knew that Ryan Sessegnon would command a sizable fee. The 17-year-old left fullback has significant potential, and Tottenham were reportedly very interested in acquiring his services. This morning, the Daily Mirrror reported that Fulham rejected a £25m bid from Spurs.

    Tottenham have had a stunning £25m bid for Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon turned down.

    Spurs have been desperate to sign the 17-year-old left back and even Sessegnon signing a new contract has not put them off.

    They came in with a mega offer but Fulham stood firm and said that Sessegnon is not for sale at any price.

Fulham hold all the cards here. Sessegnon has a three-year contract, and there’s no reason to expect the Cottagers to say anything other than “he’s not for sale.” Add that to the swirling rumors about Danny Rose’s future after his interview in the Sun, and it makes sense that Fulham would dig in their heels and not settle for anything less than what they want.

With about two weeks left in the transfer window that has been fruitless thus far, Spurs will certainly be busy in the coming days. If this £25m offer is legitimate, then it’s hard to believe that the pursuit of Sessegnon is over.



https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2017/8/15/16148284/tottenham-hotspur-transfer-news-rumors-ryan-sessegnon-fulham-reject-spurs-bid

[whitejc]

 
Liverpool starlet Sheyi Ojo set to join Fulham on loan for the rest of the season

The 20 year-old is heading for the Cottagers after the two clubs reached an agreement


Sheyi Ojo is joining Fulham on loan (Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

 Fulham are poised to win the race to take Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo on loan for the season.

The 20-year-old is heading for the Cottagers after the two clubs reached an agreement.

They are set to beat Middlesbrough and Derby to secure the signature of the England under-20 World Cup winner.

Ojo made just two Reds appearances last season having made 11 the previous campaign after starting the year on loan at Wolves and was facing another season of limited game time at Anfield.

And Jurgen Klopp was keen for Ojo, who became English football's most expensive 14 year-old when he joined Liverpool from MK Dons in 2011 for £2m, to be loaned out to continue his development.



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-starlet-sheyi-ojo-set-10990668

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Seriously, is £25 million not enough for Fulham?

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has put together one of the strongest squads in the division since joining the club in 2015, and the former Watford boss will be keen to ensure his hard work is rewarded with a place in the Premier League next season.

The Serbian boss has also been lucky with the quality coming through the academy of the west London club, and the emergence of young Ryan Sessegnon last season was arguably the revelation of the Championship campaign.

The now 17-year-old has understandably attracted interest from Premier League clubs following a series of sensational performances for the Cottagers, and reports are emerging today that Tottenham have had a £25 million bid for the player turned down.

The fee seems unfathomable for a teenage Championship left back, but the potential Sessegnon has shown in his fledgling career is unrivalled in the division.

Spurs are experienced in plucking exciting young full backs from the Football League, and the career path of Gareth Bale will be familiar to many.

Bale began his career as a left back before being converted into a winger, and Sessegnon has already proven that the potential is there for a similar switch, having scored 5 times and provided a further 3 assists in just 17 Championship starts last season.

Sessegnon has vast potential, but how much are clubs willing to pay to acquire his services, and what will it take to convince Jokanovic to part with this most prestigious of talents?

We all know that transfer fees have spiralled out of control, but surely the Cottagers couldn’t turn down a bid in excess of £35 million, should Spurs up their offer?

A sum that big could transform a Championship side into title contenders, and with a decent sell on clause inserted into any deal, surely that would mark good business for the west London outfit.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/seriously-is-25-million-not-enough-for-fulham/

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PREVIEW: United face BIGGEST test so far against Fulham

Fulham proved last season that they were one of the best sides in the division after sneaking into the play-off places in the latter stages of the season, and Thomas Christiansen believes a good start is paramount to overcoming Fulham’s quick attacking play.

Leeds kept their first clean sheet of the season against Preston on the weekend in a 0-0 draw at Elland Road, but the Whites will be hoping to improve their finishing in front of goal against the Cottagers with Saturday’s performance in mind, after they failed to capitalise upon Preston’s red card during the last half-hour.

But the Whites Head Coach was quick to point out the threats Tuesday’s visitors posed, with their attacking play a worry expressed by Christiansen.

Speaking to LUTV ahead of the game, he said: “They’re one of the best teams in this league and they have players of high quality.

“They have players up front who are very fast, people in the middle who think fast and are technically very good so it will be another tough game,” added the Leeds boss.

“They always score several goals. It’s always important to be focused and start the game strong.”

Thomas Christiansen will be pleased by his teams start to the season, with the Danish native yet to lose a game as Leeds manager and during that time, the Whites have scored seven goals in three games – the most goals scored by a Leeds side in the first three games since the 2008/09 season.

But despite conceding just three goals from those opening fixtures, the 44 year-old was concerned with the manner in which Leeds conceded the goals in.

He continued: “My worry were the goals we received, they didn’t arrive too much, the times they did arrive were and dangerous and they scored.”

Leeds United’s Head Coach confirmed that the club would have an update on defenders Gaetano Berardi and Mathew Pennington’s injuries after the pair were brought off against Bolton.

Although he hasn’t featured in any of the eighteen man squads for the Championship, Marcus Antonsson will not be involved for the remainder of the season after securing a season-long loan to League One side Blackburn.

United have no other selection worries ahead of the visit from Fulham but former captain Liam Bridcutt will be hoping to earn a spot in the eighteen this week after being left out of the squad for ‘tactical reasons.’

Fulham will be without defender Tomas Kalas through suspension and one of their star men, Tom Cairney, is looking a doubt for the game through injury.

Past Meetings:

The last two seasons has seen the same result between these sides in the four games they’ve played – a 1-1 draw.

Most would expect trend to continue. Leeds will be looking to diffuse Fulham’s attacking flair and pinpoint the weaknesses in their play.

Chris Wood, who has been the subject of speculation from the Premier League in recent weeks, has scored two in the last four meetings and the Whites will hope he can add to the goal he scored against Bolton on the opening day.



http://www.idradebeleeds.com/featured/preview-united-biggest-test-fulham/

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Former LFC target subject of whopping £25m Spurs bid

At the beginning of this summer, it looked for all the world that we were bringing Fulham’s wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon to Anfield.

But because the teenager has just turned 17, he didn’t want to leave London and Jurgen Klopp turned his attention to the slightly more experienced, if less hyped Andrew Robertson, instead.

Sessegnon’s talent is enormous though, which earned him selection into the Championship Team of the Year last term – named the best left-back in the notoriously tricky and physical division.

According to the Telegraph, Tottenham have lodged a massive £25m bid for Sessegnon’s services.

The left-back can also play left-wing, with many expecting him to follow Gareth Bale’s example and eventually move to a more attacking role.

We’d be quite jealous if Spurs did confirm the transfer in short, although the fee is enormous for someone born this century.

With Danny Rose making noises of discontent however, Sessegnon appears a mighty sensible long-term option – and the kind of young English player who’d thrive under Maurcio Pochettino.



http://www.empireofthekop.com/2017/08/15/former-lfc-target-subject-of-whopping-25m-spurs-bid/

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Sheyi Ojo set to complete Fulham loan move

Sheyi Ojo isn’t quite ready for the first-team at Anfield just yet and Liverpool are finalising a loan move for the talented young winger.

According to Paul Joyce of the Times, Championship side Fulham are set to complete a deal to take Ojo on loan.

Fulham were defeated by Reading in the Championship play-off semi-final last season and are eager to go one better and secure promotion this season, with the addition of Ojo offering the London club some pace and trickery in the wide areas.

Premier League side Newcastle, along with Middlesbrough and Aston Villa in the Championship were keen on taking the England U20 international on a season-long loan, but it appears as if Fulham have won the race.

Ojo impressed in an England side that won the U20 World Cup earlier in the summer and is tipped for a bright future in the game, but Liverpool feel he needs regular games and hopefully, he can get them at Fulham.



http://readliverpoolfc.com/2017/08/15/sheyi-ojo-set-complete-fulham-loan-move/

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Matchday Live: Leeds United

Fulham's overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of this evening's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Leeds United at Elland Road.

If you are already a fulhamfctv subscriber you can pick up a match pass for just £5, while non-subscribers can access the stream for £10, and also enjoy video content on the official website for 48 hours from the point of purchase!

If you want to ensure you don't miss a moment of our live streams throughout the season then you can sign up for an overseas annual subscription, priced at £120.

Please note that you must be abroad and be using an overseas bank account to access the stream.

The stream will kick in around 15 minutes prior to kick-off, with a number of links to the correct page across the website. Alternatively, head to www.fulhamfc.com/live to view the game.

For our supporters based in the UK and Ireland, you can listen to full live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, with a monthly or standard annual subscription. The official App is currently being upgraded, so if you use this as your means commentary, please access via the dashboard link, rather than the commentary icon at the top of the App.

A number of supporters contacted the Club over the weekend, but we are not always able to reply out of business hours. In the future, any issues on a matchday should be directed to fulhamfctvsupport@streamamg.com.

Fans who had issues accessing the stream of the Reading game are advised to have a look at our streaming tips page which we constructed following feedback from the launch match.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/15/matchday-live-leeds