Wednesday Fulham Stuff (30/08/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham could still land Sessegnon

OPINION

Tottenham could reportedly still manage to land Fulham sensation Ryan Sessegnon this summer.

Bleacher report journalist Dean Jones claimed on his personal Twitter account that there is still a possibility that Spurs will sign the 17-year-old ace.

It is understood that the north London club could capture the emerging English talent if there offer is big enough, but his bother Steven will not be included in the same deal.

Sessegnon has become one of the most highly-rated teenagers in English football and is comfortable at either left-back or as a left winger.

The Mirror have reported that Spurs saw a £25million bid turned down by Fulham for their academy graduate, who has been on the radar of Mauricio Pochettino's side.

However, the latest report from reliable journalist Jones suggests that there is still life in the deal and that he could be a last-gasp signing.

Good move for Spurs?
Sessegnon would be a brilliant addition if Spurs pulled off a deal for him in the closing days of the transfer window and give the squad a good lift.

The 17-year-old has the potential to become a superstar and is already one of the best players in the Championship at his age.

He started out as a left-back in his career, but is more than capable of going forward and does have an eye for goal.

Sessegnon made 30 senior appearances last season for Fulham, scoring seven goals and supplying four assists in return.

Spurs already have a strong English core in their side and adding the Fulham starlet would enhance that, while keep Danny Rose and Ben Davies on their toes.

His price is only going to keep rising if he is another strong season with Fulham and that is why it would be superb if Spurs managed to sign him in this window.

This Is Futbol rating: 9/10

Likely to happen?
Fulham have resisted all approaches for their star so far this summer and it seems more than likely that he will remain at Craven Cottage for at least another year.

Sessegnon has a starting XI position for Fulham and there are no guarantees that he would get that at Spurs.

Additionally, it would take a phenomenal bid to land the teenager from Spurs as they have already seen a £25million deal rejected.

The club and player could be a good fit for the future, but for now it appears too late in the window.

This Is Futbol rating: 3/10



https://thisisfutbol.com/2017/08/transfers/tottenham-could-still-land-sessegnon/

[WhiteJC]

 
OPINION: Reading FC Are Right To Spend Big On Sone Aluko
You've read Olly's piece arguing against signing Sone Aluko, now here's Bucks' alternate case.

Earlier today, Olly made the case that signing Sone Aluko for big money isn't a good idea. I think he's wrong.

Good players don't come cheap. That's always been the case, but it's especially true in modern football, with more and more teams not only being able to spend big, but also being able to refuse to sell their own talent except for a big fee.

That's the scenario Reading find themselves in - indeed, Jaap Stam has spoken various times this summer about how frustrated he is that the club can't bring players in from Championship rivals due to the massive price tags standing in their way. It's also the case with Sone Aluko - the 28 year-old forward that Reading are reportedly (at time of writing) trying to prise from Fulham.

I think we can all agree that, to whatever extent, he's a good player. After all, he was a key component of a Fulham side that won praise for its exciting, attacking football... and wasn't far away from getting to Wembley.

But is he worth the reported £7.5m?

No, probably not. Transfer fees these days are horrifically bloated, and that number right there is no exception. Reading have money to burn (thanks Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li), and Fulham are under no pressure to sell (thanks Shahid Khan). Thus, a player who probably would have gone for £2-3m a few years ago is now being sold for a lot more.

However, I don't think that's really the point. At the end of the day, Reading are spending cash in the hope/expectation that they'll be promoted in May. Should Sone Aluko play a key role in that happening, £7.5m is a drop in the ocean.

Two important points should be remembered here:

    Reading have a lot of money to spend.
    They're choosing to spend it on Sone Aluko.

For me, that's strong evidence that Reading are confident that Aluko would be a very good signing. Why smash the club's transfer record on a player they're unsure about? They could always spend it on someone else if they so wished.

There's also little to suggest that this is a last-minute, panic-driven signing. Reading's interest in Aluko was first revealed on July 17, so the Nigerian is clearly a long-term target.

Reading's transfer decision makers surely identified Aluko as a key target a while ago, and are willing to spend big to bring him to the club. If Jaap Stam, Brian Tevreden, Ron Gourlay and Dai Yongge are on board, I'm confident that they're making a well thought-through decision.

Oh, and Reading are actually getting a very good player
Sone Aluko might not be the most exciting of talents - if he was, he'd be in the Premier League already - but he is an experienced, proven player at this level. The 28 year-old would bring experience encompassing 306 professional games to Reading, having already played for Rangers, Aberdeen, Hull City and of course Fulham.

Admittedly, he's not been prolific across his entire career - 47 goals in 306 is nothing special, but add in a further 48 assists and his record of nearly one direct contribution to a goal every third game doesn't look so bad.

Also, last season's evidence suggests the Nigerian is entering the best spell in his career. Eight goals and ten assists made him an important player for a free-scoring Fulham, and those stats compare favourably with Reading's own options. Eight goals would have put him joint third with John Swift had he been in blue and white (Kermorgant first, McCleary second), and no one beat his ten assists.

Moreover, only Tom Cairney beat Aluko for Fulham match minutes in 2016/17, showing how highly he was regarded by Slavisa Jokanovic.

How would he fit in at Reading?
Jaap Stam typically either plays a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3, and Aluko can fit into both systems very well. The 28 year-old's mobility and dribbling make him an ideal wide forward for a 4-3-3, which Jokanovic often plays at Fulham. Should the gaffer opt for a strike pairing instead, Aluko can also fill in as a second striker alongside a target man, be it Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Yann Kermorgant or... ahem... Nelson Oliveira.

I completely agree with Olly when he says that Aluko can't lead the line - he's simply too small a player to do that (Aluko that is) - but I can't imagine that's what his job would be.

So would it be sensible to bring Aluko in as a wide forward when we've already got new signing Modou Barrow, not to mention Adrian Popa, Garath McCleary, Roy Beerens and Callum Harriott?

I think so, yes. First and foremost, if we're to seriously challenge for promotion, we need a lot of options - be it for the sake of competition or cover in the case of injuries. Popa and Barrow may be going well at the moment, but a drop in form or a few injuries could make our current options look a lot worse than they do at the moment.

Being a tad harsh, have any of our wingers properly proven themselves at this level? Garath McCleary has, but a series of injuries have shredded his consistency in the last few years, whereas Roy Beerens was hit and miss last season. Meanwhile, the jury is out on Adrian Popa, Modou Barrow and Callum Harriott.

Just going on last season's evidence, Aluko has proved himself at this level. He's got plenty of experience in English football under his belt, and is better than almost all of our wide attacking options.

Bringing him in from a promotion rival, particularly this late in the window, isn't cheap, but it's definitely worth doing.



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/29/16221824/opinion-reading-fc-fulham-fc-right-to-spend-big-sone-aluko-efl-championship-jaap-stam

[WhiteJC]

 
Claim Newcastle United have accepted €16m Fulham offer for Dwight Gayle

It's been busy in the French rumour mill this summer, with various media outlets seemingly in some kind of war for ratings.

Unfortunately for all the growing personalities, France's biggest summer story, Neymar signing for PSG, was actually broken in Brazil. However, claims from France have been non stop with agents seemingly ready to provide a string of 'updates'.

One of those on Tuesday evening involves Fulham and Newcastle United.

France's RMC claim Fulham have offered €16m for Dwight Gayle, and that offer has been accepted by Newcastle.

Presenting it as their own information, RMC say Gayle will be leaving Newcastle and is off to join the Championship club.

Why would a French source reveal a big scoop about an English player moving from Newcastle to Fulham? It's a good question, and if there's anything in it, the likelihood is an agent has been sharing information which has then found its way to the French media.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/claim-newcastle-united-accepted-e16m-fulham-offer-dwight-gayle/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham reportedly make bid for Gayle

Fulham have reportedly made a surprise swoop for Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle.

It's claimed by French news outlet RMC Sport that the Cottagers have lodged a bid worth €16 million for the experienced striker, who is set to be offloaded in the final days of the window.

Fulham are keen to bolster their attacking reinforcements ahead of the rest of the season, and it looks as though former Crystal Palace striker Gayle is a man high up on Slavisa Jokanovic's wish list.

The deal would go down as Fulham's most expensive transfer in the club's history, which bodes well too for Newcastle, who are looking to free up funds to secure more signings before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday night.

Gayle was Newcastle's top scorer in the Championship last season, but appears to be surplus to requirements now.



http://readnewcastle.com/2017/08/29/fulham-reportedly-make-bid-gayle/

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle transfer news: Fulham agree £15m deal for Dwight Gayle - report
FULHAM have agreed a deal to sign Dwight Gayle from Newcastle as Rafa Benitez looks to generate funds for a late splurge.

Benitez wants to bring in new players in the final days of the transfer window after a disappointing summer.

But the Spaniard has been told to sell before he can buy.

And Benitez is ready to sell last season's top scorer Gayle to Championship side Fulham for just under £15m, according to RMCSport in France.

Slavisa Jokanovic is keen on another striker after taking just six points from five games and sitting 14th in the Championship.


Dwight Gayle could be heading to Fulham

Fulham have sold Sone Aluko to Reading in a deal worth £7.5m making a new forward the top priority.

Aluko was left out of the team that beat Ipswich 2-0 at the weekend.

Gayle, meanwhile, was dropped for Newcastle's win over West Ham after coming off as a substitute in the first two games of the season.

Gayle failed to score against Huddersfield and Tottenham.

Express Sport understands Newcastle are set to make a move for Divock Origi and remain hopeful of signing Kennedy on loan from Chelsea.



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/847398/Newcastle-transfer-news-Fulham-agree-deal-Dwight-Gayle

[WhiteJC]

 
No Fulham Bid For Newcastle United's Dwight Gayle

Fulham have not made contact with Newcastle United over signing Dwight Gayle, according to Sky Sports News HQ.

Gayle's future at Newcastle is unclear heading into the last 48 hours of the summer transfer window as the Magpies are reportedly ready to sell for as little as £10m.

The striker was prolific in the Championship for Rafael Benitez's men last season, firing Newcastle to promotion, but he could be set to end his St. James' Park spell.

Gayle has been linked with a move to Craven Cottage.

But it is claimed that Newcastle have had no contact from Fulham over Gayle.

Fulham have been tipped as amongst the favourites for promotion in the Championship this season, but have picked up just six points from their opening five games to sit in 14th spot.

The Cottagers are also set to sell forward Sone Aluko to Reading for around the £7.5m mark.



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2017/08/29/no-fulham-bid-for-newcastle-uniteds-dwight-gayle/348877/

[WhiteJC]

 
Aluko's Reading Move

The Club can confirm that Sone Aluko has joined Reading for an undisclosed fee.

Aluko arrived at Craven Cottage on a free transfer last summer following the expiry of his Hull City contract.

It proved to be an inspired piece of business as he went on to make 50 appearances as Fulham reached the Play-Off Semi-Finals, during which time he also scored nine goals.

His form in October saw him named Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month.

The 28-year-old also played four times for the Whites at the start of the current campaign.

Everyone at Fulham would like to thank Sone for his efforts during his time in SW6, and wish him the best of luck in his future career.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/29/sone-aluko-reading-move

[WhiteJC]

 
Sone Aluko signs for Reading

Fleet-footed forward completes Royals move from Craven Cottage

Reading Football Club are delighted to announce that 28-year-old forward Sone Aluko has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Madejski Stadium to complete a transfer from Fulham for an undisclosed fee.

Aluko, who proved a vital cog in Fulham's charge into a top six spot last season, completed his medical with the Royals earlier today and committed his future to Jaap Stam's side until 2021 by signing for the Royals this evening.

Manager Jaap Stam said, "In Sone, we welcome a quality player into our squad. With his pace and ability on the ball, he can make life difficult for every opponent we face this season and he has experience of playing at the level we want to play at.

"He poses a threat going forward, he keeps the ball well, he can play as a striker or out on the wing and I am sure he will improve us as a squad. So I'm very happy that he has chosen to join us."

Sone came through the youth ranks at Birmingham City and was named on the bench as a 16-year old for a Premier League meeting with Arsenal at Highbury back in October 2005.

His full professional debut came north of the border however, when he joined Aberdeen on loan. Aluko came off the bench for the Dons in a UEFA Cup clash against Panathinaikos in Greece before scoring in his first league start for the club in a 2-0 home win over Dundee United.

His next goal came against the might of Bayern Munich as the Dons earned a 2-2 draw with the German giants at Pittodrie and he earned a permanent move to Aberdeen on transfer deadline day in 2008.

He scored nine goals in 82(+14) appearances with Aberdeen before signing for Rangers in 2011, where he scored 12 more in just 19 Scottish Premier League starts under Ally McCoist - including a hat-trick in a final day win at St Johnstone in his final appearance for the club.

The pacy forward edged back over the border to sign for Hull City in 2012 and he helped the Tigers achieve promotion to the Premier League in his first campaign on Humberside. Alongside Stephen Quinn and Paul McShane, he helped Hull reach the FA Cup Final in his second campaign in the north-east.

After 109 appearances as a City player, Aluko signed for Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham last summer and scored nine goals in 50 appearances for his new club – including one against the Royals in a Craven Cottage win at the start of December. His campaign ended at Madejski Stadium however as Fulham were denied a trip to Wembley by Yann Kermorgant's play-off winning penalty last May.

On the international scene, meanwhile, the Hounslow-born forward first accepted an invitation to represent Nigeria's senior side in a friendly against Republic of Ireland in 2009 and he has scored two goals for his country since – a brace against South Africa in a 2-2 African Cup of Nations qualifier in November 2014.

Now, the 5'8" 28-year-old forward begins a new chapter in his career by joining a Royals squad which is being constructed to hopefully challenge for a top six spot once again this season!

Chief Executive Ron Gourlay said, "Acquiring a player of Aluko's unquestionable talent demonstrates this club's ambition and hunger for more success. I am very pleased that Sone has opted to become a part of what we are trying to build here at Reading and I am sure he will prove an exciting addition to our first team squad."

Sporting Director Brian Tevreden said, "Sone has been a target throughout the summer and I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to get this deal over the line. We are bringing in a very talented player who in the prime of his career at 28 and as our seventh summer signing, Sone will add to a squad which now has ability in abundance and strength in depth."

Younger brother to England Women star Eniola Aluko, Sone could make his Royals debut in a Madejski Stadium fixture against Bristol City on Saturday 9th September – the first of two home games in four days for the Royals after the international break! He will take squad number 14.



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2017/august/sone-aluko-signs-for-reading/

[WhiteJC]

 
Sone Aluko Completes Move To Reading FC
Signing number seven of the summer for the Royals.

It's been a rumour for the majority of the summer, but Sone Aluko's move to Reading is a now official following confirmation from the official club website that the forward has joined from Fulham on a four year deal. He'll take squad number 14 at the Mad Stad.

He had only been at Craven Cottage for one full season after transferring from Hull City in the summer of 2016, but now becomes a Royal for a reported fee of £7.5 million.

Aluko netted nine goals in 54 appearances for Fulham, including one against Reading when Jaap Stam's side were thrashed 5-0 in West London last December. Prior to his move to the capital the 28-year-old played for Birmingham City, Aberdeen, Blackpool, Rangers and Hull, with his best goalscoring campaign coming at Ibrox in 2011/12 when he netted 12 goals in 23 games.

Whilst his sister Eni, a striker for Chelsea ladies, represented England at international level, Sone chose to play for Nigeria, who he has seven caps and two goals for. However he has not been called up by the Super Eagles since November 2014.

On the deal, Jaap Stam said:

    "In Sone, we welcome a quality player into our squad. With his pace and ability on the ball, he can make life difficult for every opponent we face this season and he has experience of playing at the level we want to play at.

    "He poses a threat going forward, he keeps the ball well, he can play as a striker or out on the wing and I am sure he will improve us as a squad. So I'm very happy that he has chosen to join us."

Ron Gourlay also spoke highly of Aluko:

    "Acquiring a player of Aluko's unquestionable talent demonstrates this club's ambition and hunger for more success. I am very pleased that Sone has opted to become a part of what we are trying to build here at Reading and I am sure he will prove an exciting addition to our first team squad."

Finally, Brian Tevreden added:

    "Sone has been a target throughout the summer and I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to get this deal over the line. We are bringing in a very talented player who in the prime of his career at 28 and as our seventh summer signing, Sone will add to a squad which now has ability in abundance and strength in depth."

We've looked at both sides of Aluko signing today, with Bucks arguing for his arrival here and Olly arguing against his arrival here.




https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/8/29/16221816/sone-aluko-completes-move-to-reading-fc-from-fulham-fc

[WhiteJC]

 
Who Is This £30,000-a-week Forward That Fulham And Middlesbrough Are Chasing?

Scout Report – Jota
Brentford star Jota seems to be the hottest prospect in the EFL Championship, coming into the final week of the transfer window. The winger has been pursued by a number of clubs this summer, with Middlesbrough and Fulham being the main suitors, and now the Sun claims that the Cottagers may beat Boro to the signing of the 26-year old.

The Bees have slapped a £8million price tag on the winger, and have already rejected a £4.5million offer from Garry Monk's Middlesbrough and now the report says that Fulham are ready to pip the competition by offering Brentford their asking price for their star. 

There have been reports of interest in the winger from Premier League outfit West Ham United as well, along with newly promoted Newcastle United. Here we take a look at why Jota has become the most-coveted Championship player this summer.

Footballing Background
Born in the province of Coruna in Spain, on 26 June, 1991, Jose Ignacio Peleteiro Ramallo or Jota joined the youth academy of Celta Vigo at the age of 13 years. Having come through the ranks with the Galician club's academy, he made his senior debut in January 2011 as a 19-year old in the Segunda Division. He went on to make three more appearances that season. The subsequent season saw him make just one appearance for the senior team as Celta achieved promotion to the La Liga.

With the promotion, Jota was pushed further down the pecking order in the 2012-13 season and as a result, he moved temporarily to Real Madrid Castilla side where he spent most of his time warming the benches. Next season saw him join Segunda division club Eibar, again on loan, which is where he really prospered.

In 35 appearances for his new side, Jota managed to net 11 goals and set up 3 goals. The Spaniard played a huge hand in Eibar earning a promotion to the La Liga for the first time in the club's history. In the light of his brilliant performances, Jota was nominated for the Best Attacking Midfielder Award at the 2014 LFP Awards and was named in the La Liga 2 Team of the Year as well.

His displays caught the eye of then-Brentford manager Mark Warburton, who snapped him up on a three-year deal in the summer of 2014, soon after the club had achieved promotion to the second tier. The Spaniard made an impressive start to life in England, finishing his debut campaign with 11 goals and 3 assists from 46 games across all competitions, helping the Bees to a playoff finish. However, an ankle ligament damage on the first day of the following season put the brakes to his growth with the club.

He returned from his injury in December, after undergoing a surgery, post which he signed a new contract with the club which allowed Brentford an option to extend his stay by a year until 2018. However, due to personal reasons, he returned to his homeland, rejoining Eibar on an 18-month loan. Things did not go as well as his previous stint at Eibar and he was recalled in December last year after making 19 appearances with just 2 assists to show for.

But upon his return to the Griffin Park, Jota regained his touch and finished last season as the Bees' third highest goal-scorer, with 12 goals and 5 assists from just 21 Championship games. He has played four times in the 2017/18 season so far, registering 3 assists. 

Style Of Play
The 26-year old Spaniard is someone who can play on either flank or through the middle as a No.10, while he has also demonstrated the ability of operating as an auxiliary forward in a 4-4-2 system as well. But he was at his devastating best for Brentford while operating on the right wing last season.

A more than decent dribbler of the ball, Jota possesses a decent turn of pace as well and has a penchant to cut inside from the flanks and take an aim at the goal, from which he scores more often than not. He is also a decent passer of the ball, but his crossing is something that can be improved. His strong technique means he has the ability to find the target from distance and play defence-splitting passes in the final third as well.

Another area where he can do better is the defensive contribution to the team's cause as he doesn't always show great desire to track back on his opponents.

What Does The Future Hold?
The Spaniard has just a year left on his deal with the Bees and it is looking increasingly likely that he will be leaving the club before the deadline day. A move to the Premier League may not materialise though, but Jota has the ability to make a big difference to either Fulham or Middlesbrough and will help them a great deal in their bid for promotion to the top flight.



http://soccersouls.com/2017/08/30/who-is-this-30000-a-week-forward-that-fulham-and-middlesbrough-are-chasing/

[WhiteJC]

 
Sone Aluko joins Reading from Fulham in reported club-record deal for the Royals

The 28-year-old spent one season at Fulham, helping the side get to the Play-off semi finals where they 2-1 on aggregate against his new side

Sone Aluko has joined Reading from Fulham in a deal worth a reported £7.5million .

The 28-year-old had been the subject of several bids in July but Reading have now got their man after parting with a club-record fee, signing a four-year deal.

Aluko signed for Fulham only a year ago, when he made the move to Craven Cottage from Hull City, signing on a free transfer before making 54 appearances in all competitions, including two in the Championship Play-off final defeat to his new club.

In that time he scored nine goals - his last coming in the 3-1 victory over Aston Villa all the way back in April.

Slavisa Jokanovic did not want to lose the 28-year-old, naming him captain in the absence of Tom Cairney but Fulham's recruitment department have decided to cash in on the forward.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/sone-aluko-joins-reading-fulham-13546314

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham agree £15m deal to sign Leeds United target

According to RMC Sport, Fulham have agreed on a deal with Newcastle United to sign striker Dwight Gayle for a fee of slightly less than £15m.

Gayle scored 23 goals last season in 32 appearances in the Championship for Newcastle United but has appeared to be surplus to requirements at St. James' Park this season with Joselu and Alexander Mitrovic appearing to be ahead of him in the pecking order on Tyneside.

If the striker can complete a deal to move to Fulham, this would give Rafael Benitez the chance to spend money at Newcastle United who has supposedly been told that he needs to generate money if he wants to bring more players in to St. James' Park.

Fulham have let striker Sone Aluko move to Reading for a fee of £7.5m which would have generated the funds for them to bring Gayle to Craven Cottage as the Championship side will be aiming to build on last seasons after falling short in the Play-Offs.

According to the Express earlier today, Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen had supposedly launched an enquiry about the availability of Dwight Gayle but it appears that Fulham have managed to beat the Whites in securing a deal for Gayle.

The Premier League striker would bring much needed firepower to Fulham who would become a real force with a striker of his ability in their frontline.

Furthermore, if Gayle does complete a move to Fulham, it would put promotion rivals Leeds United at an immediate disadvantage as they may need to revaluate their attacking options in the coming days before the transfer window closes.



http://the72.co.uk/90389/fulham-agree-deal-15m-striker/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Determined To Land This In-Demand Welsh Forward: Can They Get It Done?

Fulham have started their current campaign in the Championship with three lacklustre draws in a row beside losing their encounter against Sheffield Wednesday. They, however, regained some prestige after their win against Ipswich Town last weekend and are currently stranded on the 14th place in the league table.

The Whites are looking forward to making this season better than the last one and qualify in the top six to guarantee themselves a place in the Championship playoffs. However, they will like to avert the unfortunate loss in the semi final that got them out of the playoffs at the hands of Reading. To achieve that much-desired target, they are looking to bring in a new striker to bolster their strike force and get some positive results under their belt.

Among a number of players who have been linked with the club, Fulham are having their eyes glued on one of them, who is currently turning heads with his goal scoring skills, in the form of Welsh international Billy Bodin, who is currently playing for Bristol Rovers.

Though his team is standing right above their close rivals Fulham in the Championship table, they are well aware of the fact that if they have to improve on their results this season, they will have to keep hold of their mercurial striker for the rest of the campaign. However, it seems that their resolve is going to be tested with a couple of days left in the closure of the transfer window and Fulham looking to lure their attacking spearhead away to Craven Cottage.

The 25-year-old has starred for the Bristol Rovers side since his arrival at the club in 2015 and has made 89 appearances so far for them. He has been one of the most prolific scorers for his side in the Championship and has scored 31 goals so far for the Pirates. However, it seems that before the transfer window closes this summer, he might be working under a new manager away from Bristol Rovers, with Fulham showing grave interest in bagging him for the new season.

The Welshman is presently in ominous form and has scored five goals already in the Championship to show for his efforts this season. This has irked a lot of interest towards him from a number of clubs in the Championship, with Fulham looking to beat the other clubs and bag the player before the window shuts.




http://the4thofficial.net/2017/08/fulham-determined-land-demand-welsh-forward-can-get-done/

[WhiteJC]

 
Aluko completes move to Reading

Fulham forward Sone Aluko has completed a move to Championship rivals Reading.

The two clubs had agreed a fee of around £7.5m for the 28-year-old, who scored nine goals in 54 appearances for the Whites.

Aluko concluded the deal on Tuesday by agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Last month, Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic – who has no influence over transfer policy at Craven Cottage – warned the club against selling Aluko.

He said: "I have to fight for Sone Aluko, because around me is some news that we are thinking about selling him.

"If we do this, it will be a big mistake for my team."

However, since then Fulham have signed Aboubakar Kamara, Sheyi Ojo and Rui Fonte and have also been linked with a move for Brentford wideman Jota.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-loses-fight-aluko-concludes-reading-move

[WhiteJC]

 
Sone Aluko joins Reading as Fulham make healthy profit

Sone Aluko has left Fulham for Reading for an undisclosed fee, the two clubs have confirmed.

Aluko has signed a four-year deal to become Jaap Stam's seventh summer signing.

The 28-year-old moved to Craven Cottage on a free transfer last summer following the expiry of his contract at Hull City, and now moves to the Madejski Stadium for a reported fee of around £7.5million.

Aluko made 50 appearances last season as Fulham reached the Championship play-offs, scoring nine goals.

The winger, who can also play up front, featured four times for Fulham this season but missed Saturday's 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.

Staam told the club's official website: "In Sone, we welcome a quality player into our squad. With his pace and ability on the ball, he can make life difficult for every opponent we face this season and he has experience of playing at the level we want to play at.

"He poses a threat going forward, he keeps the ball well, he can play as a striker or out on the wing and I am sure he will improve us as a squad. So I'm very happy that he has chosen to join us."

A Fulham statement read: "Everyone at Fulham would like to thank Sone for his efforts during his time in SW6, and wish him the best of luck in his future career."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/sone-aluko-joins-reading-as-fulham-make-healthy-profit-a3622471.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Sone Aluko joins Reading for £7.5m as Fulham target Newcastle United forward Dwight Gayle

    Sone Aluko has moved from Fulham to Championship rivals Reading for £7.5m
    Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic urged the club not to sell striker Aluko
    Jokanovic is understood to be interested in pursuing a move for Dwight Gayle

Sone Aluko has joined Reading from Sky Bet Championship rivals Fulham on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Reports suggest Aluko has become the Royals' club-record signing, with the 28-year-old costing around £7.5million.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic urged the club not to sell the forward when Reading's interest first became known earlier this summer, but a deal has now been struck for a player who scored nine goals for the Cottagers last season. It is understood Fulham will now pursue a move for Newcastle's Dwight Gayle.


Sone Aluko has joined Reading from Championship rivals Fulham for £7.5million

Reading manager Jaap Stam told his club's official website: 'In Sone we welcome a quality player into our squad.

'With his pace and ability on the ball, he can make life difficult for every opponent we face this season and he has experience of playing at the level we want to play at.

'He poses a threat going forward, he keeps the ball well, he can play as a striker or out on the wing and I am sure he will improve us as a squad. So I'm very happy that he has chosen to join us.'


Newcastle forward Dwight Gayle is understood to be in the sights of Newcastle United

Royals chief executive Ron Gourlay added: 'Acquiring a player of Aluko's unquestionable talent demonstrates this club's ambition and hunger for more success.

'I am very pleased that Sone has opted to become a part of what we are trying to build here at Reading and I am sure he will prove an exciting addition to our first-team squad.'

Meanwhile, Newcastle defender Grant Hanley will leave the Scotland camp ahead of signing for Norwich City pending a medical for £3.5million.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4834824/Sone-Aluko-joins-Reading-7-5m.html#ixzz4rDjuL1Zb
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[fulhamben]

Fulham Determined To Land This In-Demand Welsh Forward: Can They Get It Done?

Fulham have started their current campaign in the Championship with three lacklustre draws in a row beside losing their encounter against Sheffield Wednesday. They, however, regained some prestige after their win against Ipswich Town last weekend and are currently stranded on the 14th place in the league table.

The Whites are looking forward to making this season better than the last one and qualify in the top six to guarantee themselves a place in the Championship playoffs. However, they will like to avert the unfortunate loss in the semi final that got them out of the playoffs at the hands of Reading. To achieve that much-desired target, they are looking to bring in a new striker to bolster their strike force and get some positive results under their belt.

Among a number of players who have been linked with the club, Fulham are having their eyes glued on one of them, who is currently turning heads with his goal scoring skills, in the form of Welsh international Billy Bodin, who is currently playing for Bristol Rovers.

Though his team is standing right above their close rivals Fulham in the Championship table, they are well aware of the fact that if they have to improve on their results this season, they will have to keep hold of their mercurial striker for the rest of the campaign. However, it seems that their resolve is going to be tested with a couple of days left in the closure of the transfer window and Fulham looking to lure their attacking spearhead away to Craven Cottage.

The 25-year-old has starred for the Bristol Rovers side since his arrival at the club in 2015 and has made 89 appearances so far for them. He has been one of the most prolific scorers for his side in the Championship and has scored 31 goals so far for the Pirates. However, it seems that before the transfer window closes this summer, he might be working under a new manager away from Bristol Rovers, with Fulham showing grave interest in bagging him for the new season.

The Welshman is presently in ominous form and has scored five goals already in the Championship to show for his efforts this season. This has irked a lot of interest towards him from a number of clubs in the Championship, with Fulham looking to beat the other clubs and bag the player before the window shuts.




http://the4thofficial.net/2017/08/fulham-determined-land-demand-welsh-forward-can-get-done/

Bristol rovers are our fierce rivals, and are above us in the league? Articles like this shouldn't make it on to these pages

[WhiteJC]

 
Jota Spotted In Fulham Talks. But Deal Is Below Brentford's £8m Valuation

Jota was spotted at Fulham's training ground at Motspur Park training ground yesterday – sparking rumours that an offer was winging its way over to Griffin Park imminently.

And with a deal of £6.5m (with add-ons) being touted, it is feared that this may be enough to tip the edge and for him to cross London and sign for our South London rivals.

Beesotted received a call from one of our South London sources late last night (contrary to popular belief, we have lots of sources ... Chinese Gary has been off duty the past few days) telling us that Fulham are going full steam ahead with the deal and they expected it to happen within the next 24 hours.

Normally we sit on such news when we get it until it is much further down the line as it very often falls through.

The nature of transfer dealings is such. The agent normally touts a player around to many clubs. More often than not it comes to nothing. He then leaks the news to the press to get traction.

Just because the agent and the club have had a conversation, that doesn't necessarily lead to the player and the buying club are talking.

And it certainly doesn't imply that a deal has been drafted, accepted and a sale imminent.

That all comes down the line and can break down at any stage.

Hence we decided to sleep on this one overnight. Was this yet another bit of meaningless transfer gossip? Or did it have real legs?

Latest news we heard (yesterday) was there had been no offers in from Jota south of the river. The only offers to date were from Hull (£1.6m) and Boro (an initial £4.5m deal). Our Northern sources say that there has also been a subsequent £6m deal that was rejected but we haven't been able to ratify this as yet.

Jota's agent has been promised him a move to the Premier League from the opening day of the transfer window but so far, that has so far failed to materialize which has left his agent red-faced.

Jota had also indicated that he, like Scott Hogan, would only leave Brentford for a Premier League club – with him allegedly willing to actually take a lower wage for the glory of playing in the Premier League.

With that background knowledge, we have treated all this Championship club activity around Jota with much scepticism.

But then things changed with Jota's appearance at Motspur Park yesterday.

And with Fulham's senior scout being Miguel Rios who was head of recruitment at the Brentford academy and left allegedly under a bit of a cloud, nabbing Jota from under our noses would prove to be a big scalp.

It is normal protocol for the player only be allowed to talk to the buying team if permission has been given by the selling team to do so.

That's what made us think this deal has now got proper legs.

Whether the £6.5m deal has actually landed on the Brentford fax machine is the question everyone will now be asking. Things move very fast in the transfer window and one can only assume, the fact that he was seen at Motspur Park means a deal has gone in. Not necessarily accepted. But received.

West Ham have been sniffing around Jota all window without putting in a deal in. Now their opponent's cards are laid firmly on the table.

However before assuming this is a done deal, lets look at a few things.

Fulham's £6.5m deal is still £1.5m below Brentford's valuation. So there is room for manoeuvre.

Jota is desperate to play in the Premier League. Maybe I missed something here but Fulham are not (yet) in the Premier League.

Fulham are supposedly offering Jota £35k a week – more than three times what Brentford are ever able to pay him – but he would presumably take £25k or £30k to play for West Ham.

Jota's agent promised him Premier League football. So are Fulham just the set-up guys.? Yesterday he conveniently appeared in the most public of places. Today the footballing world will be asking whether Jota will be signing for Fulham or not.

West Ham are still in the game if they decide to stop dicking around.

Boro are still in the game with their parachute payments and could match Fulham's fee AND wages. But would Jota want to live in the North East (and this is no disrespect to Boro – as you all know we love our trips to Boro)? With his wife spending much of a life in Spain, one would have thought the South would have been easier access.

With 24 hours of the window to go, this one will run and run.

Have Fulham sealed the deal? Or is there still time for West Ham, Boro or another Premier League team to come in and snatch the bottle out of the baby's mouth?

Or Jota could do the honourable thing – in the last minute – and take a bit more money from Brentford, ask for an contract extension with a get-out clause at the end of the season and see how this season pans out for both of us.

As the clock ticks down towards the transfer deadline, that final option looks increasingly unlikely.

Watch this space.



http://beesotted.com/?p=22988

[ffc2004]

Fulham Determined To Land This In-Demand Welsh Forward: Can They Get It Done?

Fulham have started their current campaign in the Championship with three lacklustre draws in a row beside losing their encounter against Sheffield Wednesday. They, however, regained some prestige after their win against Ipswich Town last weekend and are currently stranded on the 14th place in the league table.

The Whites are looking forward to making this season better than the last one and qualify in the top six to guarantee themselves a place in the Championship playoffs. However, they will like to avert the unfortunate loss in the semi final that got them out of the playoffs at the hands of Reading. To achieve that much-desired target, they are looking to bring in a new striker to bolster their strike force and get some positive results under their belt.

Among a number of players who have been linked with the club, Fulham are having their eyes glued on one of them, who is currently turning heads with his goal scoring skills, in the form of Welsh international Billy Bodin, who is currently playing for Bristol Rovers.

Though his team is standing right above their close rivals Fulham in the Championship table, they are well aware of the fact that if they have to improve on their results this season, they will have to keep hold of their mercurial striker for the rest of the campaign. However, it seems that their resolve is going to be tested with a couple of days left in the closure of the transfer window and Fulham looking to lure their attacking spearhead away to Craven Cottage.

The 25-year-old has starred for the Bristol Rovers side since his arrival at the club in 2015 and has made 89 appearances so far for them. He has been one of the most prolific scorers for his side in the Championship and has scored 31 goals so far for the Pirates. However, it seems that before the transfer window closes this summer, he might be working under a new manager away from Bristol Rovers, with Fulham showing grave interest in bagging him for the new season.

The Welshman is presently in ominous form and has scored five goals already in the Championship to show for his efforts this season. This has irked a lot of interest towards him from a number of clubs in the Championship, with Fulham looking to beat the other clubs and bag the player before the window shuts.




http://the4thofficial.net/2017/08/fulham-determined-land-demand-welsh-forward-can-get-done/

Got to love how they reckon Bristol Rovers are Bristol City...