Thursday Fulham Stuff (18/01/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds United and Fulham 6/1 to sign Ipswich Town's David McGoldrick, behind linked pair

Both Leeds United and Fulham are believed to be in the market for strikers this month.

Leeds United and Fulham are in the running to sign David McGoldrick, after bookmakers Bet Victor opened a market on the Ipswich Town striker's next club on Wednesday.

The pair are 6/1 to secure McGoldrick's signature before 3rd February, behind Cardiff City [2/1] and Birmingham City [4/1], who were recently linked with moves for the 30-year-old [the Sun].

Both Leeds and Fulham are believed to be in the market for strikers this month, while McGoldrick, who has scored eight goals in 21 outings this season, is out of contract in June.

Despite his impressive haul, however, McGoldrick has only started two of Ipswich's last six league games since his return from injury, and the Tractor Boys may be open to cashing in with Joe Garner and Martyn Waghorn having equalled and bettered, respectively, the Irishman's goal tally this season.

McGoldrick, who scored when Ipswich were beaten 3-2 by Leeds last September, has had permanent spells at Notts County, Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Town.

Despite his six Irish caps, the versatile striker hails from Nottingham, and may favour a move closer to home, which could put Leeds or Birmingham in the driving seat.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/01/17/leeds-united-and-fulham-in-running-to-sign-ipswich-towns-david-m/

[WhiteJC]

 
West Brom target Tom Cairney: Five reasons Albion should look to sign him

With West Brom interested in Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney, Luke Hatfield pinpoints five reasons why he'd be a smart signing at The Hawthorns.

He can find the back of the net

If there's one thing West Brom need to find this month, it's someone with the ability to stick the ball in the back of the net.

Cairney might not have been prolific this season, scoring one goal from 17 appearances, last season he fired in 13 times for Fulham.

The season before that he tallied eight goals too.

Given that he's an attacking midfielder, that's a plentiful return, and one which West Brom would certainly appreciate should he head to The Hawthorns.

The step up could prove tricky, but if he can continue to produce in the top flight he'd be a very astute signing.

He is affordable

Albion aren't in the fortunate position to be able to splash the cash this month, with Financial Fair Play coming into account.

But at a reported £12m fee, whilst not the smallest you'll see, is definitely an affordable price tag for a Premier League investment.

Jay Rodriguez cost Albion a similar amount, whilst Nacer Chadli came in at a slightly higher cost. That means Cairney falls into the bracket West Brom are comfortable working in.

Whilst some fans might baulk at the price tag for a player coming from the Championship, if he does the business, £12m could seem like a snip.

Sell-on possibility

At 26 years of age, Cairney is not the youngest player on the planet, but he's not the oldest either.

If Alan Pardew is keen to bring in a player he could potentially profit from, there's no reason why he couldn't manage it with the Fulham midfielder.

If he scores goals and attracts attention from bigger fish in the Premier League pond, Albion will be able to command a sizeable fee, which will no doubt please Guochuan Lai.

It's a risk, that's for sure, but probably one worth taking for the Baggies this month.

Creative presence

James Morrison's injury struggles this season have revealed West Brom's inability to create chances from open play without him.

The likes of Chris Brunt and Matt Phillips are capable, but Cairney would add another outlet capable of unlocking a defence.

Racking up 13 assists over the past two seasons, he's clearly gifted with the talent to help Albion out when creating chances, and that's what Pardew desperately needs at this point in time.

If attacking impetus is what you need, that's exactly what the 26-year-old brings to the table.

Leadership potential

Jonny Evans' future is up in the air, and with big clubs circling, West Brom face the real prospect of losing their skipper.

However, should they bring Cairney in to The Hawthorns, he can offer a cool head and leadership qualities of his own.

Whilst Jake Livermore and Gareth Barry may be favourites for the armband if Evans does go, Cairney has captained Fulham for most games this season.

His lack of Premier League experience might have Albion fans questioning him, but he's clearly a good man to have in the dressing room.




Read more at https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2018/01/17/west-brom-target-tom-cairney-five-reasons-albion-should-look-to-sign-him/#ERUds5YvoJ2uY1rA.99

[WhiteJC]

 
NEWCASTLE: Rafa Benitez pushing for money after takeover collapse as idea of Fulham swap deal emerges

RAFA BENITEZ will make a fresh attempt to convince Mike Ashley to spend some money to keep Newcastle United in the Premier League – despite being told he can strike three loan signings.

Benitez has instructed managing director Lee Charnley to broker the temporary deals for players, with Chelsea's Kenedy still wanted, despite the deal hitting problems, as well as a keeper being a priority.

But the Newcastle manager, whose side face leaders Manchester City this Saturday, feels he should have money to spend – and hopes Ashley softens his stance after the collapse of talks with Amanda Staveley's PCP Capital Partners.

Ashley has called a halt to the negotiations with Staveley, which he described as a "complete waste of time", after a failure to reach an agreement after months of discussions.

Even though the Staveley camp are suggesting a £250m offer placed in November remains on the table, Ashley is unwilling to do business even though the club remains on the market for prospective buyers.

There is alternative interest from abroad but nothing was as advanced as Staveley's attempts, so Newcastle are effectively back to the drawing board in terms of finding a buyer.

Ashley has let it be known he will only enter negotiations if an interested party is willing to express serious intent and if they can prove the finances are in place to do a deal; after being left disappointed by a Staveley offer that included clauses.

Having failed to complete a sale before Christmas, like he had wished, Ashley has 13 days remaining of the transfer window to try to ease Benitez's frustrations and deliver some new signings to protect his investment and ensure Newcastle stay in the Premier League.

The Newcastle boss has made no secret of his demands to strengthen his squad this month and Ashley is completely aware of the situation. Supporters fear Benitez will walk – like Kevin Keegan did a decade ago - if he doesn't get the support on the transfer front he craves.

That is why Benitez is asking for more financial muscle in the transfer market, on top of the three loan signings he has been told he can make.

An option to help would be to sell off a couple of his players, with Dwight Gayle and Jonjo Shelvey two of the more saleable assets attracting interest. Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba can move on if the right bids come along.

Fulham are to make a fresh approach for Gayle after spending last summer trying to sign him; intriguingly the Cottagers' long-term Benitez target, Tom Cairney, could be sold this month for £20m, raising the possibility of a swap deal.

Shelvey is wanted by West Ham and that could also play a part in Newcastle's thinking should they make any progress on a deal for Cairney, with West Brom also in the market for him after making an offer of around £15m.

French midfielder Henri Saivet is wanted by Montpellier, with reports suggesting he could join on loan ahead of a £4m switch in the summer.

Newcastle have confirmed, meanwhile, that Mitrovic is training again after a back problem.



http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle/15857199.NEWCASTLE__Rafa_Benitez_pushing_for_money_after_takeover_collapse_as_idea_of_Fulham_swap_deal_emerges/

[WhiteJC]

 
Brighton, Fulham and Norwich eyeing move for Edwin Gyasi with Aalesund demanding £1m for Ghana winger

    Edwin Gyasi is attracting the interest of Brighton, Fulham and Norwich City
    Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday have been keen in past
    Aalesund want £600,000 up front with further add-ons taking deal to over £1m

Brighton, Fulham and Norwich City have made enquiries about Aalesund winger Edwin Gyasi.

The Dutch-born Ghana international has already been discussed by Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday.

Sunderland wanted to bring the 26-year-old winger in on loan but Aalesund would prefer a permanent deal.

Their asking price has alerted others with the Norwegian club willing to accept £600,000 up front with further add-ons taking the deal to just over £1million.

Gyasi is quick and can play as a second striker. He scored six goals last season and has scored one in two games for Ghana.

He may be attracted to the prospect of playing Premier League football with Brighton, though they face a battle to remain in the top flight.

The Seagulls are three points above the relegation zone and are preparing for a tricky home clash against Brighton this Saturday.




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5282065/Brighton-Fulham-Norwich-eyeing-Edwin-Gyasi.html#ixzz54Wbx3df4
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[WhiteJC]

 
CLOUGH WARY OF FULHAM'S GOOD FORM

NIGEL Clough is expecting a difficult way trip to in form Fulham on Saturday (kick off 3pm).

The Brewers manager said: "Any return at all will be good. We caught Sheffield Wednesday with all their injuries on a slight downward turn, but we are catching Fulham on an upward turn showing the form they are capable of and didn't quite mange at the start of the season.

"We beat them here but now they are starting to hit their stride and are one of those teams who are capable of making the top six and being in the Premiership in six months' time.

"The way Fulham play it takes a few games for them to click. Brentford are similar, and they have settled in now. Fulham have some exceptionally good players.

"We have to try and stop them playing and the longer we keep it 0-0 the better. If we can nick a goal it increases the pressure on them and the frustration of the home supporters. We have seen that in the last three away league games and it's not a bad tactic to employ.

"But with all due respect to the last three teams we have just beaten on the road, Fulham are a different class so it will be very difficult".

It will be Clough's 100th league game in charge of Burton Albion.

He said: "It shows how many games we have played in a short space of time. I don't think anyone gave us much chance of surviving last season, but we did. We have had 18 months longer in the Championship than anyone ever dreamed of but, we would like to have another season at least and that's the aim for the rest of the season."



https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/2018/january2/1801-gafferfulham/

[Bill2]

Burton boss Nigel Clough wants to nullify the threat of Fulham

Burton Albion are enjoying their travels more than their home games and the boss is looking forward to visiting the Cottage

Nigel Clough wants his Burton Albion side to nullify the threat of a Fulham side who are 'on an upward curve'.

The two sides meet on Saturday at Craven Cottage with the Whites having lost just three of their previous 11 games - form that has seen them rise to within a point of the play-offs.

Burton have won three of their last four away games, but it's the home form that has seen them stagnate in 22nd place in the division - one point from safety.

Clough feels the side deserved to beat Slavisa Jokanovic's men at the Cottage last season, when a last minute Ryan Sessegnon goal saved a point for the home side, and Clough is looking forward to going away once again.

He said: "I think that we are catching Fulham on an upward curve at the moment. They are putting together the kind of run that they can.

"We have to try and nullify Fulham on Saturday, that has been key in the last three away games, you can see the frustration of the home fans.

"We are looking forward to going away but we need to sort out our home form.

"We deserved to beat Fulham away last season, it is always a sucker punch when you concede in the 94th minute. We will go there this season full of confidence.

"We look forward to every game, but at the minute we are better set-up away from home. We need to get that mentality at home."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/burton-boss-nigel-clough-wants-14165918

By "Nullify" does he mean kick us off the pitch??

It will be 11 men behind the ball, for most of the game. Concede loads of free kicks in the middle of the pitch to break up play and hope for a goal from a free kick launched into our box.

[Woolly Mammoth]

The definition of the word " nullify " as defined in the English Oxford Collins Dictionary........is to render ineffective and useless, to invalidate.

[Neil D]

Gayle for Cairney?  No way!  We have Kamara who has the potential to do what Gayle might do for us but Cairney's contribution to the way we play is unique - not to mention essential.