Tuesday Fulham Stuff (29/08/17)...

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Fulham launch Engels bid
by Dan on August 28, 2017

Fulham are trying to make coveted Club Brugge centre back Bjorn Engels their latest summer signing, according to a report in this morning's Daily Mail.

Slavisa Jokanovic has been eager to recruit another centre back as the Whites conclude their transfer business this week and Fulham are keen on the highly-rated Belgian youth international. Engels, 22, was the subject of significant summer interest from Stoke City before Mark Hughes switched his attention to the Tottenham defender Kevin Wimmer.

Engels, who at 6ft 4ins, would fit the specification of a tall, imposing defender that Jokanovic is rumoured to be looking for in the final hours of the August transfer window can also play in midfield and has emerged as one of Belgium's leading prospects. The former under-21 international, who was on the cusp of a call-up to the senior side for Euro 2016 before an untimely thigh injury ruled him out of the tournament, has starred for Club Brugge since coming through their academy – and has won the league title, the Belgian Cup and Super Cup with the Blauw-Zwart.

He has made 97 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals, and appeared regularly in both the Europa League and the Champions League. Engels wouldn't come cheap, however, with Brugge rumoured to have rebuffed an £8m bid from Stoke for his services as they look to recoup as much money as possible for one of their leading young players who remains under contract until 2020.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/fulham-launch-engels-bid/

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Kebano eyes 'confident' Fulham return after international break
by Dan on August 28, 2017

Neeskens Kebano knows that DR Congo's next set of international fixtures are massively important as he tries to reach the World Cup in Russia next summer – but the winger is also focused on ensuring Fulham replicate their fine display at Ipswich after the international break.

The Fulham winger was in inspired form at Portman Road on Saturday heading home the opening goal and making the crucial second after half time with a stunning turn and shot and Kebano believes that the lift beating Mick McCarthy's side has given his team-mates will be vital as they look to put a series of early-season setbacks behind them in September.

The 25 year-old was delighted to deliver the sort of display that reminded Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanoivc of his worth but now has to focus on DR Congo's prospects of reaching the World Cup next year. The Congolese sit top of their qualifying group after beating both Libya and Guinea and could take a giant step towards the finals with a win over second-placed Tunisia in Rades on Thursday night.

Having an international break right now is not ideal timing, but it is good to have the break with the confidence a win brings. For me the international games with Congo are important, very important. If we can win then will have an 85% chance of qualifying for the World Cup, that is very important for us. It could be I go on the break full of confidence after scoring and winning today, then come back from the qualifiers just as happy after qualifying with my nation.

Kebano firmly believes that, despite their slow start, Fulham can better last year's play-off heartbreak.

If we can get back to how we played in the final 15 games of last season, and this win was a lot like we were, then we can do even better than we did last season.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/kebano-eyes-confident-fulham-return-after-international-break/

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Fulham join Middlesbrough in chase for Brenford star

Brentford's London rivals Fulham are set to fight with Middlesbrough for Bees star Jota, according to the Sun.

The Spanish midfielder has been in demand throughout the summer, but it looked as though the 26-year-old would be staying at Griffin Park, where he is the last year of his contract.

However, after Boro had a £4.5 million bid rejected in the last few days, Fulham appear to have thrown their hat in the ring, as they seek to bolster their squad in the final few days of the transfer window.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men will be the new favourites to sign Jota, as they have made it clear that they are willing to pay him £30,000 a week – more than Boro have offered.

Jota's boss at Brentford, Dean Smith, has admitted that he can't wait for the window to slam shirt on Thursday night:

"Jota is fully committed to the cause here and he knows he can achieve what he wants to achieve with us.

"He trains with a smile on his face, the players like him but he did look a little tired today.

"I'm looking forward to Thursday night being over, that's for sure."

Jota became a wanted man this summer, with Premier League sides Newcastle and West Ham previously showing an interest, following his form in the second half of last season. Having returned early from a loan spell with Eibar in his homeland at the turn of the year, the Spaniard scored an impressive 12 goals and contributed five assists from the right flank.

Brentford fans, just like their manager, will undoubtedly be hoping that their star man stays put.



http://the72.co.uk/90207/fulham-join-middlesbrough-chase-brenford-star/

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Transfer gossip: Sun say Fulham want Jota

Fulham want to sign Brentford star Jota, The Sun say.

The Bees want £8m for the Spaniard and recently rejected offers from Middlesbrough and Hull City.

A number of Premier League clubs have shown an interest, while Boro have been tipped to return with another bid.

But The Sun say Fulham are looking to pip them to the signing of Jota, whose contract at Griffin Park expires next year.

Fulham want to sign Jota, it is claimed

The Sun say too that Fulham are willing to pay him £30,000 a week, which is apparently more than he would earn at Boro.

It is also claimed that Brentford are likely to settle for £6m and sell Jota ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.

It comes after the Sunday Express claimed that Watford are interested in the player.




http://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/gossip-wls-fulham-want-bees-star-asking-price-likely-lowered-report-claims

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Transfer talk: Fulham to battle Middlesbrough in bid to land Jota

Derby County's Sky Bet Championship rivals target £8m-rated Brentford ace

Fulham are reported to have joined the race to sign Brentford ace Jota.

Middlesbrough also want to land the Spanish forward and have already had a £4.5m bid rejected.

Brentford apparently value the player at £8m - but Fulham and Boro are hoping to get a deal done for around £6m.

Gary Rowett gives another transfer update following Derby County's defeat to Sheffield United

According to The Sun, Fulham are willing to pay Jota £30,000 a week.

The player, who has one year left to run on his current contract, has previously been linked with Newcastle United and West Ham United.

"Jota is fully committed to the cause here and he knows he can achieve what he wants to achieve with us," said Brentford boss Dean Smith.

"He trains with a smile on his face, the players like him but he did look a little tired today.

"I'm looking forward to Thursday night being over that's for sure."

Jota started the Bees' goalless draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Griffin Park in the Championship on Saturday.

Last season, the 26-year-old scored 12 goals in 21 league outings, including a brace in the 4-0 victory over Derby County.



http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/transfer-talk-fulham-battle-middlesbrough-389456

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West Ham could again target move for Fulham man

Premier League outfit West Ham could again target a move for Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic should they decide to axe current boss Slaven Bilic, reports The Daily Express.

The Hammers have endured a miserable start to the new Premier League season with three defeats from their first three league games, in which they have lost 4-0 at Manchester United, 3-2 at Southampton, and more recently 3-0 at newly-promoted Newcastle United.

And that has further increased the pressure on manager Bilic, who oversaw an underwhelming campaign last time out, and is now the odds-on favourite to be the first top-flight manager to lose his job this season after a woeful start.

And recent reports suggest that Fulham chief Jokanovic will once again be in the running to take over from the Croat, should the Hammers hierarchy wield the axe in the near future.

The 49-year-old has been in charge at Craven Cottage since 2015 and led the side to a sixth place finish in the Championship last season, although he was unable to inspire them to victory over Reading in the semi-finals of the play-offs.

And although they have made a solid if unspectacular start to the new Championship campaign, in which they have won one and lost one of their first five matches, the West Ham board reportedly remain admirers of the former Watford chief, and may look to him if they do indeed part company with Bilic.

Whether Fulham would indeed give permission remains to be seen, but speculation would certainly intensify were West Ham to axe Bilic over the coming weeks.

The Verdict: Slaven Bilic was arguably under the most pressure of any Premier League manager heading into the new season, so a run of three defeats to start the campaign is hardly going to have helped his cause.

The Croat oversaw an underwhelming campaign last term and has just a year left on his contract at the East London outfit, leaving him with very little job security should things fail to improve in the near future at the London Stadium.

And Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic looks set to again head the Hammers wish-list should they indeed part with Bilic, with the 49-year-old linked with the job back in April when the Croat appeared to be on his way out of West Ham.

Obviously, it all depends on whether the Hammers do indeed part with Bilic, but were they to do that, Fulham are likely to face a battle keeping their boss.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/west-ham-could-again-target-move-for-fulham-man/

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Fulham launch offer for Belgian defensive sensation

Championship side Fulham have made an offer for Club Brugge defender Bjorn Engels, reports The Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old came up through the youth ranks at the Belgian outfit before earning his senior debut for the side back in September 2012, when he came on as a second half substitute in their 4-0 Europa League defeat to Bordeaux, a game in which he netted an own goal.

However, things have drastically improved for the two-time Belgium Under-21 international, as he has since gone on to appear a further 96 times for Club Brugge, of which 22 came last term to help the side to a second place finish in the Belgian First Division, and thus a spot in this season's Champions League third qualifying round.

And although they were unable to get past Istanbul Basaksehir, Engels has earned many rave reviews in recent years, and has thus attracted interest from Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham, who have reportedly launched a bid for the 22-year-old.

The Cottagers finished sixth in the Championship last season but were unable to get past Reading in the semi-finals of the play-offs, but they proved with victories over Newcastle United, Huddersfield, and indeed the Royals during the regular season that they have the credentials to return to the Premier League.

Yet greater consistency is needed this term if they are to indeed earn promotion to the top-flight, and bringing in a talented and accomplished defender like Engels, who can also play in midfield, could seriously enhance their chances.

But whether they succeed with their bid for the Belgian defensive sensation very much remains to be seen.

The Verdict: Bjorn Engels endured a miserable start to his professional career, as he netted an own goal just two minutes into his Club Brugge debut back in September 2012 in a Europa League clash with Bordeaux.

Yet the 22-year-old has shown immense character to bounce back and become an integral part of the team at the Belgian outfit, so much so that Premier League side Stoke City were monitoring him this summer in a bid to bolster their defensive ranks.

Yet it is Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham who have seized the initiative in pursuit of Engels by reportedly launching an offer for the defender, as the Cottagers chief seeks to build upon their sixth place finish last term, as well as their solid start to the new season.

Fulham were excellent in spells last term but need more consistency over the course of the campaign to sustain a promotion push – landing Engels could aid them with that quest this term.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-launch-offer-for-belgian-defensive-sensation/

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Transfer talk: Fulham launch bid for Stoke City target, with the Potters now targeting Tottenham defender Kevin Wimmer

Engels was a target for Premier League side Stoke City, however it appears that the Potters are focusing their efforts on signing Tottenham's Kevin Wimmer following reports of a rejected £8m bid for the Belgian defender.

Fulham have launched a bid to sign centre-back Bjorn Engels, according to the Daily Mail.

The Club Brugge defender was a target for Premier League side Stoke City, however it appears that the Potters are focusing their efforts on signing Tottenham's Kevin Wimmer following reports of a rejected £8m bid.

Engels is a Belgium under-21 international, and can play in defence or midfield.

The 6ft 4in Belgian is the latest name being linked with a move to Craven Cottage, however it appears that Slavisa Jokanovic is prioritising the strengthening of his attacking line, with reports this morning of an approach for Brentford star man Jota.

He has made 97 appearances for the Belgian side, scoring eight goals, and appeared regularly in both the Europa League and the Champions League.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-talk-fulham-launch-bid-13539727

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The August Review: Fulham

With a two-week break from the Championship for internationals, this is a good time to review how all 24 teams have looked in their first five league games. Here's our assessment of Fulham.

What we said pre-season

"Playing purposeful possession football, Fulham create chances at will. Swift wide men stretch play, creating space for a Tom Cairney-inspired midfield with the perfect blend of dynamism and guile. If the Cottagers stabilize at the back and replace Chris Martin's hold-up play, they could take some stopping. 1st"

Have they surprised us so far?

They've not yet hit the heights we saw them hit last season, especially from an attacking perspective, with only four goals in five games. Some of that can be attributed to Cairney's fitness struggles and the delayed arrival of Rui Fonte, a much-needed Martin replacement. Both started in a controlled 2-0 win at Ipswich on Saturday, the former man-of-the-match and the latter getting his first goal. Confidence in the camp should be boosted after that elusive first victory.

The positives

David Button was key to preserving points against Norwich and Reading, also keeping clean sheets at Leeds and Ipswich. The goalkeeper position had been a concern for the Cottagers a month ago, but Button has had a good start and is well-protected by centre-back Tim Ream. Neeskens Kebano has also found some impressive early season form with his inside runs from the left.

The negatives

There is evidence to suggest that they miss all-action left-back Scott Malone, now departed for Huddersfield. Although just as good going forward, Ryan Sessegnon can get caught defensively against powerful players and the other left-back brought in, Rafa Soares, is currently sidelined. There are also question marks about whether the team is capable of mixing things up when the opposition have their possession-based 4-3-3 system sussed out.

Late business?

They have been linked with a move for Brentford's Jota, who could spice up their attack, but any move would involve Sone Aluko going in the other direction. If Slavisa Jokanovic wants to dabble with three-at-the-back, as he did at Watford, he may move for Club Brugge utility man Bjorn Engels.

The Football Lab's Grade

Results need to improve, but after some tough early games and one or two fitness issues, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt.




http://www.thefootballab.co.uk/2017/the-august-review-fulham/

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Reading FC: Jaap Stam confirms interest in Nelson Oliveira and Sone Aluko

READING FC are battling to sign Norwich City's Nelson Oliveira and Fulham's Sone Aluko before this week's deadline.

But boss Jaap Stam might have to concede defeat in his attempt to land Preston's Jordan Hugill after a bid reported to be worth a club-record £8m was turned down.

Stam confirmed Royals are chasing striker 26-year-old Oliveira and exciting forward Aluko, 28, after Saturday's 2-0 victory at Birmingham City.

"We're always looking for players who can make us better," declared the Dutchman, having made Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards his sixth summer signing earlier in the day.

"Oliveira is a great striker - he can be a big asset for us. And it's the same for Aluko.

"He is the type of player I think can make the squad better and give us something different. But it's not up to me."

Stam has also been heavily linked with 25-year-old striker Hugill, who scored for Preston in their recent 1-0 home win against Royals.

Reading now have until Thursday's 11pm deadline to push through any deals, though Stam was keen to play down his chances of securing Hugill.

"We were interested in him, but from what I have heard he is not going away or they won't let him go," he explained.

"I don't know how much we offered so I can't talk about money."



http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/15499261.Reading_FC__Jaap_Stam_confirms_interest_in_Nelson_Oliveira_and_Sone_Aluko/

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Tim Ream Returns to New York to Prepare for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

September's World Cup Qualifying camp in the New York area marks a homecoming of sorts for U.S. Men's National Team defender Tim Ream. Selected 18th overall by the New York Red Bulls in the 2010 M.L.S. SuperDraft, Ream spent two seasons and even earned his first National Team looks with the New Jersey-based side before making the move to Bolton Wanderers in 2012.

And though he lives right outside of London where he's a key piece with Fulham, the center back says there's much he misses about living in Hoboken, N.J., just across the river from one of the world's greatest cities.

"Where do you begin?" Ream answered on the ride from Newark Liberty International Airport. "The ability to just jump on the PATH train and be in the heart of Manhattan is something I probably took for granted a bit. The food and everything -- it's just a big melting pot. The sites and even the touristy areas that we didn't hit as much as we probably could have, it's just a different world here compared to everywhere else. It's so fast paced, it's so upbeat and the people are great. I miss everything about it. From top to bottom, it's one of the best places that I'll ever live in my entire life."

While it's good to be back in a second home, Ream won't have much time to catch up on those "touristy sites" this week as he gets down to business with his MNT teammates ahead of USA-Costa Rica, Presented by Volpi Foods, on Friday at Red Bull Arena and the MNT's visit to Honduras four days later.

After making just one appearance for the MNT last year, Ream is among a number of players recalled by head coach Bruce Arena in 2017 that have helped correct the course towards qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Ream has appeared in three of the team's four qualifiers this year, and notably received the starting nod from Arena in both away matches, each gutsy 1-1 draws at Panama (March 28) and in the vaunted Estadio Azteca against rivals Mexico (June 11).

"Being able to go down to Panama and get a result there gave me more confidence that I can step in with this team and get the job done," Ream said of his first competitive start since November 2015. "Then with Mexico, arguably one of the hardest places to go in CONCACAF and get away with anything, to go down there and get a point was another huge confidence boost for me and the group as a whole."

Those two important road points as well as crucial home wins against Honduras (March 24) and Trinidad & Tobago (June 8) have the U.S. sitting on eight points and in third place in the six-team Final Round qualification group. No doubt it's been a nifty turnaround for a team that dropped its first two matches of the Final Round, but Ream echoed Arena's constant mantra over the last year that the hole dug by the team last November has left little place for the MNT to slip up in its final four matches.

"I don't know that there's any room for error," he said. "You have to win your games at home and do what you can on the road, and the last four games we've managed to do that. At this point with four games to go now we have to continue on that road."

Riding the wave of the important qualifying results, last month's Gold Cup championship and the team's current 14-match unbeaten streak doesn't take away any of the pressure that will go into the next two matches, but if the U.S. can match or improve upon the March and June results, qualification for an eighth FIFA World Cup will be in sight.

"It's been a big turnaround and a lot of guys have come together to do that, but I think pressure brings out the best in professional athletes – we thrive under it, and I think you'll continue to see that in the next four games," Ream said.



http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2017/08/28/00/35/20170828-feat-mnt-back-in-new-york-tim-ream-prepared-for-crucial-world-cup-qualifiers

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Former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder: Crystal Palace need to hold fire and give de Boer time

Former Liverpool, Tottenham and Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy says talk of Crystal Palace sacking Frank de Boer after just three games is "crazy."

Reports in the national media suggest that the Dutchman's future is already in serious doubt after just 63 days as Palace boss, with the Eagles currently without a point in the Premier League after three straight defeats at the start of the new season.

But Murphy believes de Boer should be given more time to turn things around, adding that he feels ten games would be a good indicator of how things are going.

"If you are going to appoint someone of that calibre and then think about getting rid of him after just three games, it is crazy," he said on talkSPORT.



Read more at http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/former-liverpool-and-fulham-midfielder-crystal-palace-need-to-hold-fire-and-give-de-boer-time/story-30497022-detail/story.html#ei2VhxRLtzE64rcg.99

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Cardiff City will be aiming to emulate 17-year record at Fulham after astonishing league start

Neil Warnock's side can match a club feat that has stood for nearly two decades if they beat

Cardiff City may be cursing the international break as unwanted bump in the road, but when they return to action against Fulham on September 9 the Bluebirds could match a club record that has stood for 17 years.

Not since the 2000/01 season has a Cardiff team won six league games on the spin.

It was a 2-0 victory over Macclesfield Town on December 23, 2000, that gave a Division Three Cardiff some Christmas cheer, a feat Neil Warnock's side will hope to emulate at Craven Cottage in a fortnight's time.

In the years since that December day there have been promotions, relegations, takeovers and everything in between.

But such is the Bluebirds' inspiring early season form this time around — better than anything the strong teams under Dave Jones or Malky Mackay could muster — they could be on the brink of history.

Who knows, maybe the September 12 visit to Preston North End will see a magnificent seven in a row?

Even in 2012/13 when Mackay spearheaded a successful promotion charge to the Premier League, the Bluebirds best streak was four Championship victories in December and January which was rocked, ironically, by a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Macclesfield that sparked a slight wobble in their league form.

In 2010/11 that great Cardiff side of Jay Bothroyd, Craig Bellamy, Michael Chopra and Peter Whittingham managed five consecutive wins in October. They stormed past Barnsley, Bristol City, Coventry, Leeds and Norwich in swashbuckling style, only to come unstuck with a 1-0 defeat at home to Swansea. Later in that season, of course, the same side reached the play-offs only to be beaten by Reading.

So far in this sublime season's opening, Warnock's 2017 vintage have matched the class of 2010/11. But they now have the chance to go past them, with the veteran boss hoping a better play-off or promotion bid can be mounted too.

Never in their 118-year history have Cardiff made such a strong start to the season.

The question, now, is: can they produce the best streak of victories in many a long year? Can they now match the Division Three promotion-winning 2000/01 side of Alan Cork?

Of course, as Warnock noted after the 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers , he won't get carried away with promotion dreams or feats of history like supporters do.

He'll spend the next fortnight meticulously preparing for the clash with Fulham, the West London side who ended Ipswich Town's 100 per cent start to the campaign with a resounding 2-0 win at Portman Road last weekend.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side are renowned for playing expansive, attractive football and will look to perform a similar demolition job on Cardiff's flawless early season form.

Can the winning streak continue? Bluebirds fans will have to wait to find out, but there's no reason why not judging on the current form of Warnock's inspired side.

Cardiff City's best winning streaks

(In the league)

2000/01: W W W W W W (six wins) — between November 4 and December 23

2010/11: W W W W W (five wins) — between October 2 and October 30

2017/18: W W W W W (five wins) — between August 5 and August 26




http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-aiming-emulate-17-13540714

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'I will throw away my season ticket' – Brentford fans react to Fulham's interest in star man

Fulham are attempting to hijack Middlesbrough's deal for Brentford star Jota, according to reports in The Sun.

The Spanish playmaker had been subject to a rejected £4.5 million bid from the Teessiders, with the Bees reportedly holding out for £8 million.

The Sun now reports that Fulham are willing to offer the 26-year-old weekly wages of £30,000, and believe they can prise the player away from their west London rivals for a fee in the region of £6 million.

Jota returned to Griffin Park in January following a loan spell in his homeland with Eibar, and scored 12 goals as the Bees secured a third consecutive top half finish.

The player was involved in 19 goals in the second half of the campaign, second only to prolific forward Chris Wood, and Brentford boss Dean Smith will be extremely disappointed to lose his star man as the Bees go in search of a place in the top six.

Smith will however wish to have Jota's future resolved quickly, and will perhaps dip into the market to replace the classy forward, with the club rooted to the bottom of the table after five games.

Brentford fans have been voicing their opinions on Twitter over Fulham's pursuit of Jota, with their fierce rivals' interest in their star man far from welcome...



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/i-will-throw-away-my-season-ticket-brentford-fans-react-to-fulhams-interest-in-star-man/

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When does the transfer window close? Everything QPR, Fulham and Brentford fans need to know ahead of a busy week for our west London teams

It looks set to be a busy few days for our west London teams...

It's set to be an exciting few days as QPR, Fulham and Brentford look to add the finishing touches to their teams.

All three teams have expressed an interest in strengthening their squads, while also having a number of highly sought-after stars who may well attract bids from other teams.

But what do we know about the closing of the transfer window? Here's everything you need to know

When does the transfer window shut?

QPR, Fulham and Brentford will all have until 11pm on Thursday 31 August to get their business done, loans included; with lots of business to still be done I wouldn't be surprised if it was a late night for our west London teams.

Can they sign players after?

The window will officially close at 11pm, but deals will continue to be announced after that deadline.

Should clubs submit all the necessary paperwork before to the Football League before the deadline, they could be given extra time to finalise a deal.

There is also dispensation should City suffer a goalkeeping crisis

Can City still sign free agents once the window has closed?

Yes they can and it's certainly something worth utilising.

Free agents can be signed at any time during the season, meaning even after the transfer window has closed. With many good players still without clubs, it's certainly an option worth considering.

When does the window reopen?

Our west London clubs will have to wait until January 1 before they can make any more transfers or loans.

How can i keep up with what my club are doing as the transfer window approaches?

You can follow all the news from QPR, Fulham and Brentford right here on the Get West London website. We'll be bringing you all the news and rumours from each club as the clock counts down towards the 11pm deadline on Thursday, including a live blog of all the major news running from 6am to 11:30pm on deadline day.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/transfer-window-close-everything-qpr-13541699

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Liverpool Loan Watch – Ojo Makes Fulham Debut, Lennon Scores

The loanees beging matchday three, before the season's first international break.
Taiwo Awoniyi, Royal Excel Mouscron

Taiwo Awoniyi continued his excellent start to the 2017-18 season this week, as the Nigerian striker recorded an assist on Royal Excel Mouscron's only goal in their 1-1 draw at Kortrijk. A 62nd minute layoff set up Selim Amallah, who's strike snuck through the Kortrijk 'keeper.

Awoniyi played the full 90 minutes, and has one goal and two assists through his first three Mouscron games.

Pedro Chirivella, Willem II

Willem II's tough start to the season also continued, as the Dutch side were beaten 5-0 by Eredivisie champions Feyenoord, to drop to dead last in the league with no points from their opening three games.

Pedro Chirivella played the full 90 minutes, and was booked in the first minute.

Shamal George, Carlisle United

Carlisle United lost 2-1 to Championship side Sunderland on Tuesday to exit the League Cup. Shamal George was an unused substitute. George also spent Saturday's 4-1 loss at Lincoln City on the bench.

Brooks Lennon, Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake were also in midweek action, hosting the San Jose Earthquake in a midtable clash. RSL ran out 4-0 winners, with Brooks Lennon coming off the bench after 71 minutes, but not directly impacting the scoreline.

RSL were back on Saturday night, and Lennon had a great game, as the forward recorded his second goal of the season, and notched an assist, in his side's 4-1 win over Colorado Rapids. The youngster came off the bench after 73 minutes, and first set one up for Luis Silva in the 92nd minute with a stunning long ball from his own area, before finishing off the match in the 96th with a tap-in.

Sheyi Ojo, Fulham

After completing his loan move last week, Sheyi Ojo made his debut in the League Cup on Tuesday. Starting on the wing, Ojo played the full 90 minutes, but Fulham lost 1-0 at home to League One side Bristol Rovers to crash out of the cup.

Ojo also started on Saturday, and Fulham performed considerably better, earning a 2-0 win at Ipswich Town. The 20-year-old winger performed well, providing a threat down the wing all game, and testing the opposition goalie on several occasions.

Connor Randall, Hearts

Hearts fell 2-1 at the hands of Motherwell on Saturday. Connor Randall made his third consecutive start, and was booked before being taken off after 79 minutes. Hearts have taken four points through the first four games of the season.




https://www.anfieldhq.com/liverpool-loan-watch-ojo-makes-fulham-debut-lennon-scores/

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Fulham Interested In Versatile Defender: The Final Piece Of The Jigsaw For Jokanović?

Championship outfit Fulham have started their new season in a sporadic manner and are currently placed 14th in the league table with 6 points to their name after 5 outings. The Cottagers shared points with Norwich City, Reading and Leeds United, were beaten by Sheffield Wednesday and on Saturday, they secured a 0-2 win at the Portman Road against Ipswich Town.

Fulham are one of the sides which are expected to mount a serious challenge for securing a promotion to the Premier League and their manager in the shape of Slavisa Jokanovic has been leaving no stone unturned in order to beef up his arsenal to better the chances of his side. Jokanovic has already made notable signings like Rui Fonte, Ibrahim Cisse, Tomas Kalas and Aboubakar Kamara, but is still active in the transfer window.

The London based outfit might have not leaked many goals but more often than not, their defensive line looked shaky so far this season and needs to be tightened up properly. As per one of the latest reports, Fulham are attempting to lure Club Brugge's versatile player Bjorn Engels to the Craven Cottage before the curtains of the ongoing summer transfer window fall.

Engels emerged through the youth ranks of Brugge and was then promoted to their senior side, He has made a good name for himself and one of the most intriguing aspects which he has on offer is his versatility of plying his trade as a defensive midfielder, although he is predominantly a central defender. The 22-year-old is a solid and resilient centre-back who often finds himself on the score sheet.

He is a tall man and possesses immense physical strength, which gives him an upper hand during the aerial duels. He tackles well, reads the game in a shrewd manner and doesn't refrain from getting into tight circumstances. Further, he is also a decent passer of the ball, judges the intentions of the opposition's attackers in a proactive manner and is one of the blossoming stars of the game.

Besides, the Belgian is good on the ball and has put relentless efforts week in and week out to impress his employers and has shown time and again that he is a fine leader in the making. English football has been blessed with plenty of quality Belgian footballers and Engels seems to be the next one to make a move in order to prove his mettle.



http://the4thofficial.net/2017/08/fulham-interested-versatile-defender-final-piece-jigsaw-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Jota. I love you. But please don't join Fulham.

Jota – probably the most talented player to pull on the red and white of Brentford in recent times and now we're all sweating on whether we've seen him play for the last time. Whilst the West Ham rumours have gone deathly quiet, the stories of bids from Middlesbrough hang around like a bad smell whilst Fulham of all clubs have now entered the mix. Yes, Fulham.

Oh, and there's also one now doing the rounds about Harry Redknapp looking to take Harlee Dean to Birmingham City. Yes, we're now well into international break and whilst on pitch most people are concentrating on the World Cup qualifiers between Belgium – Gibraltar and Malta – England, back in TW8 that accursed window can't 'slam shut'(tm) quickly enough.

Dean Holdsworth, Gary Blissett, Andy Sinton, DJ Cambell, Nicky Forster, Adam Forshaw, Andre Gray, Moses Adubajo, Sam Saunders to name but a few. The amount of players that we just 'couldn't sell' who we have then sold is legion. It is part of life supporting Brentford.

We know the club's direction is sustainable football within FFP regulations. Pretty much the rest of the Championship can pay silly money for players. We can't and won't. That's not me crying; its just a fact of life. The club have made no secret of trying to build a team in a certain style and to move players on should those big value offers come in. To date, we've had three top ten Championship finishes doing this.

And now our resolve is being tested once more with Jota and long serving former captain Harlee Dean both coming under intense scrutiny. Both players could walk out of Griffin Park on a free transfer at the end of the season. We could sell them now for a combined total of over £10million if rumoured valuations are met. Can we afford to turn that down, even it it does mean joining the likes of Jake Bidwell and David 'agent' Button in moving down the road to near neighbours?

Being realistic, of all three names Fulham look the most likely. On paper. West Ham are soon to be a Championship club so why move now to join a sinking ship, only to end up back where you started? The obvious money factor aside. But even then, how much action would he see in a squad that already has 9 midfielders registered with the Premier League?

Middlesbrough can go spin if their offers are to be believed. Manager Dean Smith has already gone on record as noting "There are people courting Jota and we've had two bids that haven't met the valuation of the football club and, until they do, he remains a Brentford footballer." This, after stories of a £4.5 million bid for the player came in from Boro'. Add another three and then I'd imagine the club would be prepared to talk.

Which leaves Fulham. Well, the good news being that so far nothing has happened. It's just a story. Indeed, I'd go so far as to suggest a story put out there just to drive up bids from potential suitors. Although, at the end of the day (Clive) I know nothing and have no knowledge – inside or otherwise. This is merely wishful thinking based on the desire to not see our prize asset end up at the Cottage.

Could I be uber-cynical as to suggest this may even be a spoonful of sugar to help soften the blow of any eventual sale? "Hey, he's gone folks. But at least it's not to Fulham". Would that even happen? Are the media that clever? Again, I don't know. But the reaction to the Fulham story has got several fans up in arms with vows to throw away their season tickets and never come to Griffin Park again being widely published.

One tweet from the team behind fan group 'Thorne In The Side' shows the feeling about this potential move. Extreme? Or showing the depth of emotion amongst supporters? It notes: I'd rather Jota join ISIS than Fulham. @BrentfordFC board must NOT let this happen. There are certain lines that our club must NOT cross.

This is the battle the club are up against. And it is one that can't end with all parties happy. IF it came to it, would they let this level off feeling affect their judgement? Unlikely. Money talks and we've sold plenty of big names in the past. We've sold to our 'nearest and dearest' in the past (just look back all the way to Jim Towers and George Francis).

Equally, we just have no choice in the matter IF the player had decided his future is now elsewhere. If his head has been turned by mega bucks. When the alternate is to hang on to a footballer whose heart may not be in it before ultimately losing out on what would be 10% of the price of a new stadium. I'd hate to work that out in 'premium seats'.

Again, IF it comes to it would we see this mass exodus of supporters ? No, in a word. There'd be a whole heap of frustration (and that's me being polite). There'd be a lot of upset kids, devastated at the prospect of losing their hero. But we'll all still come back.

Personally, I'm not looking forward to telling a four year old that Jota has joined the naughty team. Let alone if Harlee also goes. Along with Sam Saunders, the three of them have been the building blocks of his footballing education. And that's before we even get to personal feelings about his impact and place on both the team and in our hearts. Truly, he is that unique player who seems to be universally loved.

This would be the Championship equivalent of Michael Laudrup or Luis Figo making the switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid. Although at our level it would probably be less a pig's head and more a Chomp bar that was flung onto the pitch by an irate supporter.

It would be frustration compounded by us not being back at Griffin Park until September 16th. Prior to that, away games at Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday will see the board sheltered up in the bosom of the gods. Shielded from the fans. Those famous old stadia being unlike Griffin Park where nothing more than a flimsy bit of chicken wire separates our masters from the Season Ticket holders threatening to walk. Little more than 10 yards separates them from the heart of the on pitch action.

Equally, and being cold, I can imagine the pragmatic view of the board is that he is one more player in a long line of talent we've ultimately profited from. If he has decided his future is elsewhere then let him go. Let him go. If we can cash in on a player who wants to leave then why cut off our noses? He could sign a one year extension today if he wanted. He could help us continue that push upwards and then leave in the summer. But that's not how football works.

The club will look at the player's desire. They will look at the money. They will look at alternatives on the right in Josh Clarke, Flo Jo and the possible return of Alan Judge. They will look at the fact that this is out of their hands and how do we make the best of a situation?

I'm desperate for him to stay. Desperate. I'd love the above to be scaremongering nonsense. I'll be the first to hold up my hands if so. However, I'm also realistic and now fear the worst. Now fear that the last minute goal, all those last minute goals, Mark Burridge losing it at Blackburn and Jake Bidwell being made a mockery of will be consigned to the history books.

I'll be devastated if it came to Jota swapping Griffin Park for the Cottage. But I also believe, in my heart of hearts, that specific move won't happen.

Anything else though, who knows? Thursday night can't come come soon enough. Please, put us out of our misery one way or another.



https://nickbruzonslastword.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/jota-i-love-you-but-please-dont-join-fulham/