Thursday Fulham Stuff (31/08/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Rotherham United: Millers land new goalkeeper

Rotherham United today made summer signing No 9 as young Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak joined them on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old Slovak is on international duty and won't be eligible for Sunday's League One trip to Portsmouth.



But the youngster, who excelled during a spell at Accrington Stanley in League Two last season, arrives as an immediate first-team contender.

With three keepers - No 1 Richard O'Donnell and back-ups Lewis Price and Laurence Bilboe - already on the Millers books, it could be that one of that trio leave before the close of the transfer window tomorrow night.

Tomorrow is shaping up to be a busy day for Rotherham and manager Paul Warne. There could be two more incomings, a centre-half and possibly a striker, and departures from AESSEAL New York Stadium may also happen.

Rodak made 21 appearances for Accrington last term after completing a loan deal in January and made his Fulham debut earlier this month in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Wycombe Wanderers.

He is contracted to the Cottagers until the end of this season.



http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united/rotherham-united-millers-land-new-goalkeeper-1-8728863

[WhiteJC]

 
Loan Deal For Rodák

The Club can confirm that Marek Rodák has joined Sky Bet League One side Rotherham United on a season-long loan deal.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper made his First Team debut for Fulham in the EFL Cup victory at Wycombe Wanderers earlier this season, but will now continue his development at the New York Stadium for the remainder of 2017/18.

Rodák is currently away on international duty with Slovakia Under-21s and so will miss the Millers' trip to Portsmouth on Saturday, but he could feature at home to Bury a week later.

We wish Marek the best of luck during his time in South Yorkshire.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/30/loan-deal-for-rodak

[WhiteJC]

 
Rotherham United loan shot stopper

Rodák in action for Stanley

ROTHERHAM United have completed their ninth summer signing with the arrival of young shot stopper Marek Rodák on a season-long loan from Championship side Fulham.

The 20-year-old custodian has enjoyed loan spells with Farnborough, Welling and Accrington Stanley, and it was at the latter where he made a name for himself during the second half of last season.

He conceded 28 goals while making 21 appearances in all competitions for League Two Stanley, securing eight clean sheets.

Rodák is a Slovakia youth international and has turned out five times for the U19s and twice for the U21s.



http://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/sport/view,rotherham-united-loan-shot-stopper_23640.htm

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds United among clubs eyeing move for talented Championship midfielder

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Jordan Graham is a target for Championship clubs Hull, Fulham, and Leeds who also face competition from Premier League Leicester City.

The 22-year-old missed all but three match days during the 2016/17 Championship season due to a knee injury he suffered midway through the previous year's campaign.

This season the knee injury has reared its head again after he featured for just six minutes against Middlesbrough on the opening day of the season.

He has played in both of Wolves' Carabao Cup victories this season, providing the assists in the club's 1-0 victory over Yeovil in the first round of the competition.

Fulham's interest in the player comes on the same day that it was confirmed that the London club had tabled a £15 million offer for Newcastle United forward Dwight Gayle.

If that deal goes through it is likely the Cottagers will want Graham on loan for this season with the option to buy come to the end of the campaign.

Both Leeds and Hull have had very busy transfer windows, with Leeds bringing in 13 new players and Hull bringing in 10.

The winger was in top form before his injury which is believed to be the cause of all the interest surrounding him.

The Verdict

This is a tough one because injuries can completely change a player.

There is the risk that if any of the interested clubs purchased the player that he wouldn't be able to repeat his fine form that was on display before his knee injury.

In the eleven league games before his injury, Graham contributed six assists and one goal.

If he can recreate that form then any one of Leeds, Fulham, and Hull will be onto a winner but it could easily blow up in their faces.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leeds-united-among-clubs-eyeing-move-for-talented-championship-midfielder/

[WhiteJC]

 
Marek Rodak: Rotherham sign Fulham goalkeeper on season-long loan deal

Marek Rodak made his Fulham debut in the EFL Cup win over Wycombe earlier this month

Rotherham United have signed Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak on a season-long loan deal.

The 20-year-old Slovakia Under-21 international made 21 appearances on loan at Accrington last season.

"He got rave reviews for his performances last season, and after watching lots of games we really like him," boss Paul Warne told the club website.

"He really wants to play and develop his game."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41098866

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle United preparing £20m bid for Sampdoria's Dennis Praet as Fulham chase Dwight Gayle
Rafael Benitez's side have reportedly been chasing a move for Praet for a number of months.

Newcastle United are reportedly readying a £20m ($25.8m) bid for Sampdoria attacker Denis Praet and may sell striker Dwight Gayle to Fulham in order to fund a deal for the talented Belgian.

According to SportItalia, as relayed by talkSPORT, Rafael Benitez's side have been interested in Praet for much of the summer transfer window and have already seen two bids for the former Anderlecht star rejected by the Serie A outfit.

Sampdoria do not seem to be willing to part with the 23-year-old playmaker, who only arrived in Genoa from Anderlecht for around €10m, but Newcastle are reportedly preparing a third offer for Praet, who has earned one cap for Belgium.

Despite Premier League clubs being seemingly awash with cash this summer, Benitez has not been able to spend as much as his rivals and has instead had to look for cut-price deals in a market where value for money is but a distant memory.

In order to raise the funds to purchase Praet, Newcastle may offload striker Dwight Gayle to Fulham, who submitted a £15m bid for the former Crystal Palace forward on Tuesday (29 August).

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have already signed strikers Rui Fonte and Aboubakar Kamara from Braga and Amiens respectively but have now registered their interest in Gayle as they attempt to strengthen their chances of promotion back to England's top-flight.

Fulham have denied that they have made any offer for Gayle, who scored 24 goals in just 34 appearances for Newcastle as they secured promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but the west London outfit are in talks with the Magpies over a potential transfer for the 27-year-old, according to Sky Sports News.

Newcastle are reportedly hoping to receive around £20m for Gayle but will do business for around £18m. It remains to be seen if Fulham can shell out such an amount, though their coffers were swelled significantly by the sale of Sone Aluko, who joined Reading on Tuesday for £7.5m.



http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/newcastle-united-preparing-20m-bid-sampdorias-dennis-praet-fulham-chase-dwight-gayle-1637304

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle set Gayle price at £20m

Newcastle have set Dwight Gayle's price tag at £20m, amid interest from Championship side Fulham.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham have made a £15m offer for the striker, which does not meet Newcastle's valuation.

Newcastle are willing to let Gayle leave this summer, if they are able to bring in a replacement of their own first.

This is despite Gayle being Newcastle's top goalscorer last season. Gayle scored 23 goals in 34 Championship matches as the Toon won the league and were promoted back to the top-flight.

Fulham are now looking to take a similar route and hope Gayle can propel them up the league and back into the Premier League.

However, they will have to match Newcastle's £20m price tag, which would smash the London-based club's transfer record.

Fulham sold Sone Aluko to Reading for £7.5m earlier this week, potentially helping to fund a move for Gayle before the window closes.



http://readnewcastle.com/2017/08/30/newcastle-set-gayle-price-at-20m/

[WhiteJC]

 
'He's class': Leeds fans react to reported interest in 22-year-old Wolves ace Jordan Graham

Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in the Wolves winger.

Leeds will face competition from Leicester, Hull and Fulham in their pursuit of Wolves winger Jordan Graham, according to a report by the Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old has made a return to first-team action at Molineux this season, but looks surplus to requirements in his natural position on the wing.

Instead, he has featured in an unfamiliar wing-back role for Nuno Espirito Santo in his two appearances this term.

Before a knee injury suffered in Januray 2016 caused him to miss 79 games for Wolves, Graham impressed by laying on six assists in 11 league games in the 2015/16 season.

According to the Mail, the Foxes want Graham as a replacement for the departed Tom Lawrence, while Fulham are supposedly interested in a loan deal.

However, it is Leeds fans who have been most excited about the possibility of signing the Aston Villa youth. Some even see him as an ideal replacement for Hadi Sacko out wide, who would be able to provide better strength in depth behind Ezgjan Alioski, Samu Saiz and Pablo Hernandez.

Along with Whites supporters, Wolves followers have also been discussing Graham's possible exit, and it's clear they really do not want to lose their man:



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/08/30/hes-class-leeds-fans-react-to-reported-interest-in-22-year-old-w/

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle's transfer business set to go to the wire as Fulham push for Dwight Gayle deal

Newcastle United's transfer business is set to go into the final few hours of the transfer window.

Dwight Gayle could yet leave the club if Fulham raise their £15million offer – and Newcastle secure a replacement.

The Championship club remain in talks with United over the 26-year-old, who scored 23 goals last season.

Newcastle are targeting Liverpool's Divock Origi as a potential loan replacement. Any sale would be dependent on the Magpies securing a replacement. Manager Rafa Benitez also hasn't given up hope of securing Chelsea winger Kenedy on a season-long deal. It's a club with high aspirations and a fresh start for me. Grant Hanley Benitez also wants to bring in a goalkeeper. There will also be more departures.

Grant Hanley yesterday signed for Norwich City. The defender said: "It's a club with high aspirations and a fresh start for me." Midfielder Jack Colback, also not in Benitez's plans, is wanted on loan by Wolverhampton Wanderers. Colback was told earlier this month that he was unlikely to be named in Benitez's 25-man Premier League squad.

Defender Achraf Lazaar, signed from Palermo last summer, is set to return to Serie A. Long-serving goalkeeper Tim Krul – who has been training at the club's Academy – is also likely to leave, either on loan or on a permanent deal, before tonight's 11pm deadline.




Read more at: http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-s-transfer-business-set-to-go-to-the-wire-as-fulham-push-for-dwight-gayle-deal-1-8729486

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds United miss out on attacking target to fellow Championship club

Leeds United have been beaten to the signing of Wolves midfielder Jordan Graham by fellow Championship side Fulham, according to Pete O'Rourke.

The 22-year-old is reportedly set to join Fulham on a season-long loan as a replacement for Sone Aluko, who joined Reading earlier this week, amid interest from Leeds United and Hull City.

Graham returned from an 18-month absence at the end of last season but a summer of heavy recruitment by Wolves have limited his chances of regular game-time at Molineux. As a result, he is poised to spend the season on loan at Craven Cottage in a bid to reignite his career.

Leeds, meanwhile, thought to be close to completing deals for Malmo forward Pawel Cibicki and Hamburg striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga so it remains unknown whether the Whites will look elsewhere after missing out on Graham or focus on their other targets.

Thomas Christiansen's side are looking to strengthen their strikeforce after losing last season's top goalscorer Chris Wood to Burnley for a fee of £15m, which Christiansen promised would be reinvested in the team. Teenage striker Jay-Roy Grot arrived from NEC last week and Leeds are expected to make at least two deadline day signings.

Leeds' pursuit of Norwich frontman Nelson Oliveira, however, appears to have come to a halt, with Swansea reportedly agreeing a £12m for the man that they see as the perfect replacement for Chelsea-bound Fernando Llorente. Wolves were also interested in Oliveira but could now turn their attentions to Porto striker Vincent Aboubakar.



http://the72.co.uk/90690/leeds-united-miss-attacking-target-fellow-championship-club/

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Newcastle Should Blindly Complete This £15m Deal With Fulham – Rafa Could Use The Money

£15million Is A Good Sum Of Money Rafa! – Sell Dwight Gayle Off

Championship clubs Leeds United, Norwich City and Fulham are reportedly interested in bringing in Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle before the transfer deadline, alerted by the fact that the No.9 was left out of Rafa Benitez's squad for the West Ham game and is apparently available for sale.

Fulham are the first of the trio to affirm their interested with an apparent £15million bid, though Newcastle have said they are only willing to trade at around £20million. The question from a Newcastle perspective though is; should they sell their last season's top scorer?

True, Gayle was vital in getting Newcastle up last term, having netted 23 times in 32 Championship games. That is very impressive, though it's the second figure there which is a concern. Gayle, and we're including sub appearances here, played just 69% of the Toon's games last term and his injury concerns were apparent once again in pre-season.

Rafa Benitez said repeatedly last season that in each week's training he could not split Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic on ability and so it may be significant again that Mitro came off the bench to score against West Ham, already his second goal of the season, while Gayle has not shone in that regard.

A further dent in Gayle's chances is the cheap signing of Joselu, the former Stoke man impressing the fans since joining and scoring a full debut goal against the Hammers last time out.

So, with Rafa desperate for funds, two in-form strikers already being at his disposal and Gayle a potential injury case and unproven as a scorer at the top level, you could argue that £15million-plus would be a great deal for Newcastle.

Plenty of fans will not want to read this and those with a more permanent disposition for whining about their football club will say that selling is never good. But they must see the bigger picture. Putting yourself in Rafael Benitez's position makes this deal crystal clear – sell him!

Rafa needs the cash and this potential deal may well mean that his other targets have now been sanctioned, so long as there is some money coming in. Gayle, in theory, is no longer needed should Joselu play well and once Lejeune comes back, there would precisely be zero requirements for Grant Hanley either.

So, getting certain players off the books creates the sort of funds the manager needs and a case can even be made that £15million is a lot of money for Gayle given what he has achieved in the Premier League to date.



http://soccersouls.com/2017/08/31/why-newcastle-should-blindly-complete-this-15m-deal-with-fulham-rafa-could-use-the-money/

[MikeW]

I posted the fact that the Press Association had confirmed a £15M bid for Gale yesterday mid-morning - yet the mods deleted it.  Why?  It was a lead from a reputable source as you cuttings here reveal.

[WhiteJC]

 
Birmingham to hijack Fulham's move for Brentford playmaker Jota

The two clubs have reportedly agreed a deal for the Spaniard as Birmingham look to hijack Fulham's move for the playmaker

Birmingham have reportedly hijacked Fulham's move for Jota, according to the Daily Mail .

The 26-year-old looked to have been on his way to Craven Cottage but it now looks as though Harry Redknapp has made a bid which has been accepted for the Spaniard.

According to the report, Birmingham and Brentford have agreed a £6m fee plus add-ons for the playmaker, despite Brentford initially wanting £8m for their player.

Middlesbrough were interested in Jota earlier on in the window and saw a lower bid rejected and it now looks like Birmingham are in the driving seat for his signature.

Redknapp has already moved for a Brentford player this summer, having signed Harlee Dean from the club yesterday in a reported £2m deal.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-hijack-fulhams-move-brentford-13552419

[WhiteJC]

 
Birmingham City set to sign £6m rated West Ham, Hull City and Fulham target

According to the Daily Mail's live deadline day transfer feed, Birmingham City are set to sign Brentford midfielder Jota in a deal worth around £6 million with add-ons expected to play a part of the deal.

The 26-year-old has been rumored to be set for a move away from Griffin Park all summer and with a long summer transfer window finally closing today, it is thought Birmingham City could be the midfielders next club.

Jota has scored 23 goals in 69 appearances for Brentford and spent time on loan at Eibar for personal reasons, signing for the Spanish club on an 18-month loan in January 2016 but returned to Brentford on New Year's Eve in 2016.

The attacking midfielder has an impressive career record of 52 goals in 194 league games and has attracted a number of potential suitors during this summer transfer window including West Ham, Middlesbrough, Hull City and Fulham.

Harry Redknapp has been keen to do late business with his Birmingham City side with the club announcing the signing of Harlee Dean from Brentford yesterday and the club look set to make a double capture from the Bees with it appearing Jota could be making a move to the Midlands.

Jota would be a fantastic signing for Birmingham City and would further strengthen Harry Redknapp's team which is widely expected to succeed in the Championship after a fantastic transfer window.

If Jota was to sign for Birmingham City, he would become their 11th signing of the summer and would be expected to fit straight into their team.



http://the72.co.uk/90700/birmingham-city-set-sign-6m-rated-west-ham-hull-city-fulham-target/

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle ready to go to the wire – as Fulham hunt striker Gayle

Newcastle United's transfer business is set to go into the final few hours of the transfer window.

Striker Dwight Gayle could yet leave the Tynesiders if Fulham raise their £15million offer – and Newcastle secure a replacement. The Championship club remain in talks with Newcastle over the 26-year-old, who scored 23 goals as Rafa Benitez's men won the second-tier title last season. It is understood that the Magpies value foirmer Crystal Palace frontman Gayle at closer to £20million, although may yet be prepared to settle for somewhere between the two figures. Any sale would be dependent on the Magpies securing a replacement. Newcastle are targeting Liverpool's Divock Origi as a potential loan replacement. while Benitez hasn't given up hope of securing Chelsea winger Kenedy on a season-long deal. Benitez also wants to bring in a goalkeeper. There will also be more departures, following yesterday's sale of centre-back Grant Hanley for Norwich City.



Read more at: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-ready-to-go-to-the-wire-as-fulham-hunt-striker-gayle-1-8729620

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham edging closer to deal for Championship midfielder

According to Football Insider, Fulham are set to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jordan Graham on-loan today.

Graham is set to leave Molineux temporarily as he does not feature in Nuno Espirito Santo's plans for the current Sky Bet Championship season, with Fulham set to win the race to sign the exciting winger.

Leeds United and Hull City were two other Championship clubs reportedly interested in Graham, but Fulham and Slavisa Jokanovic look set to benefit from the 22-year-old's qualities over the next year, with the winger on the verge of completing a loan move to Craven Cottage.

Graham has shown plenty of promise in the Wolves first-team during his time at Molineux, but injuries have limited the youngster to just 14 Championship appearances since he arrived at Molineux permanently in January 2015.

The 22-year-old missed most of the 2016/17 campaign through injury, making just two appearances, which came during the closing weeks of the season.

So far this season Graham has struggled to find a place in Nuno's new 3-4-3 formation, with the winger limited to just three appearances across all competitions and just one outing in the Championship.

Fulham are looking to add Graham to their squad to replace Sone Aluko, who sealed a move away from Craven Cottage earlier this week, linking up with Reading.

The Verdict

It is not surprising to see Wolves moving Graham out on-loan, with the midfielder's opportunities looking limited and the player in desperate need of a run of first-team football.

The deal for Graham has the potential to be an excellent piece of business for Fulham, who are looking to replace the departed Aluko.

Whilst Graham doesn't have the experience of Aluko, he will bring an edge to Fulham's attack and if he can stay fit during his spell at Craven Cottage, he could prove to be an excellent deadline day addition.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-edging-closer-to-deal-for-championship-midfielder/

[WhiteJC]

 
Birmingham and Brentford 'agree Jota' deal after days of Fulham and Middlesbrough speculation

Spanish midfielder has been the subject of bids from Boro and was also closely linked with a move to Fulham

Birmingham City have pulled off a surprise deadline day deal for Brentford midfielder Jota.

The Spanish 26-year-old had been widely expected to join London rivals Fulham but Birmingham manager Harry Redknapp appears to have nipped in.

Sky Sports have reported that a £6m fee has been agreed and Redknapp told talkSPORT this morning: "We are very, very pleased to have got that one done".

Boro saw an offer in the region of £4.5m rejected last week and reports on Wednesday had suggested Jota was keen to stay in the capital.

It is thought Boro were determined not to be drawn into a bidding war for a player who was due to enter the final year of his contract at Griffin Park.

Jota will now undergo a medical in Birmingham.

Stewart Downing has been linked with a move to St Andrew's all summer but has played a part for Boro in the past two cames after being introduced by Garry Monk as a substitute.



http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-brentford-agree-jota-deal-13552614

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds United and Fulham £20m target leaves Newcastle United's training ground at 9am

The Daily Star has reported that Leeds United and Fulham's £20m target Dwight Gayle was part of a training ground gaffe today as he arrived at Newcastle's training ground four hours early today at 9am before leaving immediately.

Newcastle United's first team training is supposedly set to start at 2pm, furthermore, the first team are not due to arrive at the training ground until around 1pm.

Gayle has attracted a wealth of interest during this transfer window from a number of clubs and at one point it appeared that he was set to sign for Fulham with both Newcastle and the Cottagers set to be in talks over the strikers future.

Supposedly, Gayle's relationship with his manager Rafael Benitez has been somewhat under pressure and with Ayoze Perez, Joselu and Alexander Mitrovic appearing to be ahead of the striker in the pecking order at Newcastle, he could be set for a move away from St. James' Park.

Fulham have the cash to spend on Gayle after striker Sone Aluko left the London club to sign for Reading on a £7.5 million deal and they had apparently bid double that amount, with them supposedly submitted a £15m fee to Newcastle to try and lure Gayle to Craven Cottage for this Championship season.

The Gayle transfer saga will be resolved by the end of today but with several clubs supposedly interested in the striker including Leeds United and Wolves alongside Fulham, it will be interesting to see where he ends up.



http://the72.co.uk/90750/leeds-united-fulham-20m-rated-striker-newcastle-training-issue/

[WhiteJC]

 
Harry Redknapp confirms Birmingham have beaten Fulham in race for Brentford star

The Blues have had a bid accepted and the Spaniard is currently looking to pass a medical and agree personal terms

Harry Redknapp has confirmed that Birmingham are in prime position to complete a deal for Brentford wing wizard Jota.

The Blues have had a bid accepted and the Spaniard is currently looking to pass a medical and agree personal terms.

And Redknapp, for whom transfer deadline day appears to be his favourite two days of the year despite numerous claims to the contrary, feels he has one of the best players in the division.

"A good player, a real talent. A real good footballer, can play, score goals," Redknapp told talkSPORT.

"It's hoping to be done, it's not done yet. I just identify them then it's up to other people to get them in. I am not sure where we are at with it, hopefully it will get done.

"He plays off the right, he has got great ability, certainly there wouldn't be many better players in the Championship than him - that's for sure. He's up there with the best players I would think.

"We are very, very pleased to have got that one done."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/harry-redknapp-confirms-birmingham-beaten-13553055?service=responsive

[WhiteJC]

 
From Portugal: Everton turn attention to former Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou

It seems Everton have turned out to be a late option for the future of Konstantinos Mitroglou from Benfica.

The Greek striker is currently wanted by Marseille, who according to the Portuguese press, spent Wednesday in negotiations for him.

Benfica are said to be demanding €25m for the player, but the French side are struggling to meet those figures, and are unlikely to offer more than €20m.

That's where Everton come in.

As reported by Diário de Notícias, Everton have already showed their interest in the striker before and could be an option now.

Mitroglou isn't their priority for today, as Ronald Koeman would like to have Diego Costa from Chelsea instead... at least according to Diário de Notícias.

Mitroglou isn't the only Benfica striker to be linked to Everton this summer, as we've been following the rumours regarding Raul Jimenez as well.

Could Everton be mentioned just to put more pressure on Marseille for them to raise their bid? That's very possible. But Mitroglou also comes up as a cheaper option after the Toffees got to know Benfica want more than €40m for Jimenez.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/portugal-everton-turn-attention-former-fulham-striker-kostas-mitroglou/