Monday Fulham Stuff (18/12/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Report shares terms Tottenham willing to offer Fulham for Sessegnon twins

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to bring both Ryan Sessegnon and Steven Sessegnon in from Championship side Fulham in January.

According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Tottenham are plotting to try and seal a deal for both Ryan Sessegnon and his twin brother Steven Sessegnon during the January transfer window, and that may involve paying Fulham £30 million for the pair.

The Mirror reports that Spurs are planning their pursuit of Ryan as they prepare for Danny Rose's potential £50 million move to Manchester United next month.

The 17-year-old has been sensational since bursting onto the scene at Craven Cottage, scoring four times in the Championship this season despite predominantly featuring at left-back.

The Mirror reports that Spurs are leading the chase for the highly-rated teenager, and want to do a deal that also sees his twin brother Steven move onto Tottenham's books for a combined £30 million.

Steven - who is yet to make his league debut for the Cottagers, but has appeared for the first-team in the League Cup this season - is set to cost Tottenham £10 million and the Premier League side plan to loan the starlet back to Fulham for 18 months.

While paying £20 million for Ryan Sessegnon appears to have the potential to be an absolute steal in time, it is perhaps slightly more of a surprise that Daniel Levy is willing to pay an eight-figure fee for his brother, a player still awaiting his league debut.

It may prove a masterstroke of course, and Ryan's potential means that he could make the overall fee look like a bargain on his own - so if taking a gamble and paying £10 million for his twin brother is what it may take for Spurs to win the race, it is surely a gamble worth taking.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/12/17/report-shares-terms-tottenham-willing-to-offer-fulham-for-sesseg/

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer gossip: Speculation over Sessegnon's future continues

There continues to be speculation over the future of Ryan Sessegnon.

The Sunday Mirror say Fulham want £20m for the teenage left-back, who has been touted as a possible replacement for Danny Rose at Tottenham.

And the newspaper claims Spurs also want his brother Steven, who would apparently cost £10m, included in the deal, and would therefore have to pay Fulham £30m for the pair.

Spurs have long been interested in Ryan Sessegnon and Manchester United are among other Premier League clubs to have been repeatedly linked with him.

He signed a new contract with the Whites during the summer.


Whites linked with N'Kunku

Fulham and QPR have again both been linked with Paris St-Germain midfielder Christopher N'Kunku.

Italian website Calciomercato reckon both clubs are admirers of the 20-year-old, who has reportedly told PSG that he wants to leave because he is unhappy about his lack of first-team action.

The story appears to be based on N'Kunku being among the host of players Get West London linked with QPR during the summer transfer window.


Ghoddos still being linked

Saman Ghoddos has again been linked with Fulham and QPR, this time in Iran.

The Tasmin News Agency reckon Wolves have joined the R's and Fulham in a race to sign the 24-year-old Iran international, who plays for Swedish side Ostersunds.

Again, the story is based on Ghoddos also being among the host of players linked by Get West London during the summer transfer window, since which several other outlets have touted him as a QPR transfer target.

It was claimed that Rangers, currently working to a restricted budget largely because of Financial Fair Play restrictions, were in the running to sign Ghoddos for in excess of £2m.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-sessegnon-tottenham-danny-rose-1712117

[WhiteJC]

Coleman and Maja come back to haunt feeble Fulham
by Dan on December 17, 2017

It just had to be, didn't it? Sunderland secured their first win at the Stadium of Light in 364 days and it was masterminded by former Fulham favourite Chris Coleman and his bold second half substitutions that enlivened the Black Cats, who had previously displayed their newly acquired defensive resolve to keep Slavisa Jokanovic's side at bay. One of the two young strikers to whom Coleman turned, teenager Josh Maja, got his start in the Fulham academy and, of course, it was he who provided the game's decisive moment.

The Lewisham-born 18 year-old, cruelly denied the chance to build upon an encouraging pre-season by an untimely knee injury, punished Tim Ream's uncharacteristically sloppy defensive distribution in the most ruthless fashion. Maja showed great poise in front of goal just five minutes after stepping off the bench to slip a splendid finish past the helpless Marcus Bettinelli and leave Sunderland twelve minutes to cling on for that elusive home win.

Coleman's success with Wales was built on a well-drilled defence and both John O'Shea and Tyias Browning produced splendid tackles, but after absorbing wave after wave of Fulham possession, Robbin Ruiter was required to make just six saves. Three of them were routine and best stop of the match actually came at the other end, when Bettinelli reacted brilliantly to palm James Vaughan's seemingly goalbound header onto the crossbar. Sunderland's former Utrecht keeper was only really extended by a swerving shot from Rui Fonte when Sheyi Ojo should have done better than head straight at him and Tom Cairney, earlier denied by a goalsaving tackle from Browning, sent a late curling effort just over.

Such feebleness in the final third frustrated Jokanovic, whose side had started brightly but failed to make the breakthrough. Ryan Sessegnon looked dangerous all afternoon when pushing forward from full back and his fifth minute cross fizzed across the six-yard box, just out of reach of a sliding Johansen at the far post. Fonte fashioned Fulham's clearest opening of the first half when his chipped cross left Ruiter in no-man's land, but Ollie Norwood headed wide from almost underneath the bar.

Sunderland grew in confidence as the half went on with Bettinelli having to bat away a swerving shot from George Honeyman and, after a brief flurry before the break, they returned after Coleman's team talk with more belief and attacking intent. Where Fulham had been assured with the ball at their feet in the first period, the extra endeavour of the hosts unsettled them and Sunderland no longer looked distinctly second best. Lewis Grabban suddenly received the ball in more dangerous areas and Bettinelli twice denied the Black Cats' leading scorer.

Jokanovic declined to introduce Aboubakar Kamara as an outright striker until after Fulham had gone behind and, although the move that led to Sunderland's winner was well put together by the home side, it had its genesis in Ream, usually so reliable in possession, lofting an aimless ball forward that none of his team-mates had a hope of winning. The hosts worked the ball to the left where Adam Matthews sauntered to the edge of the box unchecked and Maja, having timed his run perfectly, spun around Ream and produced a finish of the highest order. It was a hell of a way for Maja to mark his league debut. Coleman joyously dashed down the touchline and enveloped Kit Symons in a joyous bearhug – only this time their delight wasn't shared by the Fulham faithful.

SUNDERLAND (5-3-2): Ruiter; Love, Matthews, Browning, O'Shea, Wilson; Gibson, Honeyman, Gooch (Ndong 67); Grabban (Asoro 73), Vaughan (Maja 72). Subs (not used): Steele, Galloway, McManaman, McGeady.

BOOKED: Gooch.

GOAL: Maja (78).

FULHAM (4-1-2-1-2): Bettinelli; Fredericks, R. Sessegnon, Kalas (de la Torre 89), Ream; McDonald; Norwood (Graham 72), Cairney; Johansen; Ojo, Fonte (Kamara 78). Subs (not used): Button, Odoi, Djalo, Cisse.

BOOKED: Ojo, Fredericks.

REFEREE: Steve Martin (Staffordshire).

ATTENDANCE: 25,404



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/coleman-and-maja-come-back-to-haunt-feeble-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham paid the price 'for one big mistake,' says Jokanovic
by Dan on December 17, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic said Fulham created enough chances to win at the Stadium of Light yesterday but ultimately paid 'an expensive price for one big mistake' as Sunderland punished Tim Ream's error to grab their first home win in almost a year.

The Fulham head coach was frustrated that his forwards failed to put away even one of a number of chances – and pointed out in his post-match press conference this would always leave his side open to a Sunderland sucker punch.

We are disappointed. We made enough chances to come back and bring something home, but we weren't clinical in the Sunderland box. We paid an expensive price for one big mistake.

We wanted to score first, and we showed clear intentions about how we wanted to do it. We came here to win the game, to push hard to get the three points, but we didn't show enough quality.

Jokanovic believed Fulham dominated proceedings – but the Whites once again failed to score when they were on top.

We had control of the game. We tried to equalise, we tried to win the game, we played it around well, but in the end we made one big mistake where they scored the goal and we didn't concentrate enough in the moments we created. This was a really disappointing situation for us.

We tried to find our standard, we tried to dominate the game. We dominated many minutes and created many chances, but we could not finish these chances. When we don't finish our chances, this kind of situation can happen.

We hit the target enough times to score a goal, but this is not the first time this type of situation has happened this season. This is not about is it fair or is it unfair, or if we deserved it or didn't deserve it. We made enough chances to win the game today, but in the end the result is like this, and in the end we must find a solution.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/fulham-paid-the-price-for-one-big-mistake-says-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham Star Set For £50m Man Utd Move As Pochettino Eyes £20m Replacement

The January transfer window is just around the corner meaning clubs are working hard on potential deals so we'll bring you all the latest gossip from around the globe. Today, news on Man Utd and Tottenham...

Tottenham are eyeing £20m-rated Ryan Sessegnon as a replacement for Danny Rose with the left-back set for a £50m move to Manchester United this winter, according to the Mirror.

Rose's future at White Hare Lane has been in serious doubt since he conducted a controversial interview in the summer where he questioned the club's transfer policy and wage structure.

The England international has struggled to cement himself as Mauricio Pochettino's first choice left-back since recovering from a serious knee injury and Rose admitted he was angry at being left out of the squad for the defeat to Arsenal last month.

Man Utd have long been linked with a move for Rose and the Mirror claim he's expected to complete a £50m switch to Old Trafford when the transfer window reopens in January.

Left-back has been something of a problem area for Jose Mourinho as he's been forced to deploy Ashley Young in the unfamiliar position this season as the likes of Luke Shaw and Daley Blind have failed to establish themselves.

Young has done extremely well but Mourinho needs a long-term replacement for the 32-year-old and Rose would be the ideal candidate if United could secure a big-money deal this winter.

However, Tottenham won't sanction a transfer unless they have a replacement lined-up and the Mirror claims Sessegnon is the man Pochettino wants.

The 17-year-old has been on Fulham's books since he was a kid and progressed through the youth ranks to establish himself as a first team regular while he's also represented England at U19 youth level.

Sessegnon is now one of the most highly-rated youngsters outside of the Premier League and the newspaper says Spurs are in pole position to sign the attack-minded full-back ahead of a host of other top clubs.

However, Fulham are understandably keen to get as much money as possible for the youngster and the Mirror claim the Championship club will demand £20m for his signature in January.

That actually seems like a reasonable deal for a player of Sessegnon's potential in today's market and Spurs should have no problem affording Fulham's valuation if they get £50m for Rose.



http://football-talk.co.uk/132389/tottenham-star-set-for-50m-man-utd-move-as-pochettino-eyes-20m-replacement/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham and QPR both linked with move for highly-rated French ace

Championship duo Fulham and QPR are both being linked with a move for highly-rated French midfielder Christopher N'Kunku, according to a report in West London Sport.

The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the standout young players in the French league for giants PSG, and despite not being a first team regular, he is highly thought of over in France and by the management team in Paris.

However, it is thought the club could look to get some consistent first team football into the legs of N'Kunku, and a move to the Championship has emerged a surprise option for N'Kunku, with both London clubs looking to sort a loan move out for the midfield ace.

N'Kunku has played five times this season, while he appeared more than 10 times last term as PSG romped to the league title in Ligue 1.

Any move would have to be done in January for both clubs, and although Fulham would appear to be the favourites out of the two to sign N'Kunku, QPR manager Ian Holloway does have a habit of pulling rabbits out of the hat, and it would be no surprise to see him turn up at Loftus Road.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-and-qpr-both-linked-with-move-for-highly-rated-french-ace/

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves latest club to join fellow Championship duo in race for international midfield ace

Championship trio Wolves, QPR, and Fulham could all be in the race to sign Iranian midfielder Saman Ghoddos in January, according to a report in West London Sport.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to the Championship before, but could be on the move in January, with Wolves becoming the latest clubs to join the list of admirers following his impressive form for Osterund this season.

Ghoddos has been excellent for his club side and his form has led him to being given four caps for his country Iran, and a move to the Championship could be the perfect move for the midfielder as he looks to progress his career further.

The obvious choice for Ghoddos is Wolves, who are flying high at the top of the table, while both QPR and Fulham could struggle to afford the fee for Ghoddos, reportedly set to be around £2m.

Ghoddos is in a unique situation given he has caps for both Sweden and Iran, however he seems to have sworn allegiance to the middle east country now, and a move any of the aforementioned Championship clubs could well give him a boost as he looks for further caps.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/wolves-latest-club-to-join-fellow-championship-duo-in-race-for-international-midfield-ace/

[WhiteJC]

 
Pointless presenter and Fulham fan Richard Osman has sly dig at QPR and Brentford

Which Premier League and Championship clubs are the most difficult to remember?

Richard Osman well and truly nailed his colours to the mast on Pointless - by making a jibe in the direction of Fulham's west London rivals QPR and Brentford.

The popular presenter is often seen at Craven Cottage watching his beloved Fulham, but for those who didn't know which team he supported, he made it crystal clear on Friday evening's Pointless show on BBC One.

The first round question revolved around Premier League and Championship football teams from the 2015/16 season.

There was only one pointless answer - Huddersfield Town, with the Whites being guessed by five people out of the 100 asked.

The Whites' west London rivals QPR were remembered by four people, with Brentford remembered by just one.

And Osman made sure to stick the boot into his team's rivals.

He said: "Five points for Fulham, which is all right. It's more points than QPR and a lot more points than Brentford!"

There is only one point in it where it matters though - the Championship league table, after the Whites became the first team to lose away at Sunderland for a year yesterday.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pointless-presenter-fulham-fan-richard-14048824

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss alongside former West Brom, Liverpool and Manchester City managers in race to replace Mark Hughes at Stoke City

Potters manager is the bookmakers' favourite to get the sack next in the Premier League

Stoke City have slumped to one place and one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

They have won just once in their last eight league matches, so it is no wonder that Mark Hughes is the favourite with the bookmakers to be the next managerial victim in the top flight.

Five managers have already bitten the dust this season - Frank de Boer, Craig Shakespeare, Ronald Koeman, Tony Pulis and Slaven Bilic

And Hughes is now 1/3 on with TheSackRace.com to be the next manager to lose his job.

Former Stoke boss Pulis is the favourite to return to the Bet365 for second stint at 11/10. But among those in the running, according to Paddy Power, is Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, who is tipped at 9/1 to replace Hughes, should he be sacked.

Jokanovic himself could be seen to be under pressure, with the Whites not performing to the level that they found when reaching the Championship play-offs last season.

Also in the race, according to the bookies, are former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini (5/1), Sean Dyche (6/1), Brendan Rodgers (6/1) and Thomas Tuchel (9/1).



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-alongside-former-west-14049225

[WhiteJC]

 
Tom Cairney calls for Fulham to score 'scruffy' goals and find consistency after Sunderland defeat

The creative midfielder is confident the team will bounce back quickly after defeat to Sunderland


(Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Fulham star Tom Cairney has called on his team to score more 'scruffy' goals so they can find some momentum in the Championship.

The Cottagers were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland - the North East side's first home win in 2017 - in a game of few real chances.

The Scotland international was forthright in his assessment.

He said: "Yeah it was very disappointing. I think after winning three out of four and looking to build some momentum we came here with confidence but we just couldn't find the last pass or the last cross to get the touch and go.

"I think they defended well, and defended the box well. They had a lot of men behind the ball, there weren't any clear cut chances, we had a few shots, a header, I got one blocked in the box.

"It was just one of them games where there weren't many clear cut chances and the one chance they had in the second half they scored a goal.

"We had a lot of possession but we couldn't create chances, it was tough.

"I don't know why - we'll work it out when we watch the game back but they defended well.

"Maybe we do that sometimes [try to score the perfect goal], we try to cut teams open and square balls into the box.

"We don't really score many scruffy goals. We could do with scoring a few more of them this season."

The 26-year-old nevertheless was sure Fulham would respond against Barnsley, and admitted they needed to find consistency to hit last season's heights.

He said: "I'm confident we can bounce back next Saturday, honestly this league is horrible and it's tough and it's unforgiving and we'll try and forget about it by Tuesday or Wednesday then go again.

"It's all about consistency in this league and in any league. If you're going to win anything you need to find that as soon as possible."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/tom-cairney-calls-fulham-score-14049572

[WhiteJC]

 
Nottingham Forest eyeing goalkeeper and winger in double January deal

According to reliable football journalist Alan Nixon, Nottingham Forest will try to complete a double swoop this January.

Mark Warburton is reportedly interested in Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and St Mirren starlet Lewis Morgan.

With the season producing a mixed bag of results far for the Reds, Warburton is keen to add a couple of quality players to his squad in January to push on.

A goalkeeper has always been a priority after Adam Federici suffered an injury, ending his spell at Forest effectively.

Jordan Smith has been the main man between the sticks but Warburton is keen to bring in Bettinelli from Fulham to improve competition for places in that department.

The 25-year-old resisted the chance to join Chelsea or Bristol City in the summer transfer window to stay and play for Fulham but he has been out of favour so far this term, playing just three games in all competitions, including two in the Sky Bet Championship.

This could mean that he is tempted to move to The City Ground with more game time a possibility.

Lewis Morgan is another target.

The 21-year-old winger is considered to be one of the best talents in Scotland after impressing in the second tier north of the border.

The Verdict

Lewis Morgan is undoubtedly a tremendous talent for the future but the Scotland under-21 international is probably not the immediate fix they need.

Bettinelli has Championship experience and could provide a good battle for the gloves with Smith.

But Forest probably need another centre half.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/nottingham-forest-eyeing-goalkeeper-and-winger-in-double-january-deal/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham must find consistency, says captain Cairney
by Dan on December 17, 2017

Captain Tom Cairney has called on Fulham to capture Championship consistency quickly or forget about another tilt at the play-offs.

The Scottish midfielder was full of frustration after Slavisa Jokanovic's handed struggling Sunderland their first home win for 364 days yesterday.

    It was very disappointing. I think after winning three out of four we came here with confidence but we couldn't find the last pass, that last cross or the last touch. They had a lot of men behind the ball, there weren't any clear cut chances. We had a few shots, a header and I had one blocked in the box.

    We had a lot of possession, but we couldn't create chances. It was tough. I don't know why – we'll work it out when we watch the game back, but they defended well.

Cairney admitted that Fulham do sometimes try and search for the perfect goal – and that a more direct approach might pay off at times.

    We try to cut teams open and [play] square balls in the box. We don't score many scruffy goals. We could do with scoring a few more of them this season.

The Fulham playmaker is confident the Whites can return to winning ways next weekend against Barnsley.

    I'm confident we can bounce back next Saturday. Honestly this league is horrible. It's tough and unforgiving and we'll try and forget about it by Tuesday or Wednesday, then go again. It's all about consistency in this league. If you're going to do well you need to find that as soon as possible.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/12/fulham-must-find-consistency-says-captain-cairney/