Thursday Fulham Stuff (03/05/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Wembley sale to Shahid Khan could be delayed until autumn - report

The £800 million sale of Wembley Stadium to Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan could be delayed because of the complexity of the deal, The Times has reported.

Although the American billionaire remains optimistic that a deal could be done within the next two months, the Football Association believes an autumn agreement is more realistic.

Members of Parliament could yet decide to hold an inquiry into the planned sale, adding further potential for the sale to be delayed, because £113m of public money was used to help build Wembley.

The digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) select committee will meet to discuss the planned sale and must decide whether to ask FA executives and the sports minister, Tracey Crouch, to attend a hearing.

Khan wants to use Wembley for American football matches, and the FA has argued that selling the national stadium would enable millions to be spent on improving grassroots facilities across the UK.

That view has been backed by former FA chairman Greg Dyke, who told the Telegraph the money could help rejuvenate facilities with central government funding lacking.

"I haven't seen the deal, but if you can seriously take £500m and use it for improving grassroots facilities in this country I would probably say yes," Dyke said.

"I produced a report during my time asking how you change facilities in this country in an era when the local authorities have no money and we came up with a pilot project in Sheffield.

"I don't know how much £500 million would pay for now."

However, former sports minister Richard Caborn, who was in the post when the agreement to construct the new Wembley was agreed 17 years ago, voiced opposition to its sale.

"This is one of the greatest stadiums in the world, and I don't see why now we should be giving it potentially to American football," he told The Times.

"Rather than flogging off the family silver, I think the FA should look at more imaginative ways of raising money for grassroots facilities.

"Football is awash with money, or why not have a levy on every ticket sold at Wembley? I think people would be happy to pay that if they knew what it was for."



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/england/story/3480507/wembley-sale-to-shahid-khan-could-be-delayed-until-autumn-report

[WhiteJC]

 
Barcelona eye move for another Fulham youngster after Sessegnon interest

Fulham youngster Harvey Elliott is being scouted by Barcelona, according to the print edition of The Mirror via the Sky Sports News Paper Talk page.

Elliott has impressed Barcelona scouts while playing for England's under-15 team in a tournament in Italy.

The 15-year-old is already a regular in Fulham's under-18 side and is being tipped to follow in the footsteps of first team sensation Ryan Sessegnon, 17, and break into the senior squad in the next few years.

Barcelona have already been considering a move for Sessegnon and now they could make it a double swoop after being alerted to the potential shown by the winger.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also believed to be in the hunt for the teenage sensation, who is highly-rated at Craven Cottage.

Fulham pride themselves on their impressive academy and have recently produced a number of first team players, including Sessegnon and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

But they are at risk of losing one of their prize starlets with this trio of European giants watching him and readying a move.

Barcelona have sent scouts to watch the best young players around in action at this under-15 tournament in Italy and Fulham's Elliott is one player standing out.

The Verdict

Despite being just 15, Elliott is making strides in Fulham's academy and the West London outfit will be desperate to hold onto him. The talented teenager just needs to look at the example of Sessegnon to see that staying at Fulham would have its benefits – there is a clear route to the first team available to him if he is good enough. But the lure of joining one of the world's biggest clubs in Barcelona could be too tempting to turn down for the youngster.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/barcelona-eye-move-for-another-fulham-youngster-after-sessegnon-interest/

[WhiteJC]

 
Mitrovic's form for Fulham reminds us why Newcastle United fans love him

Always a fan favorite, Aleksandar Mitrovic's good form for Fulham is reminding us why we love him.

Dwight Gayle was Newcastle United's leading scorer last season, but he was never the club's most popular striker. Aleksandar Mitrovic has carried that crown since arriving Tyneside. While his performance on the pitch has had its ups and downs, the Toon Army's love for Mitro has never waned. Watching him score goals and play well on loan with Fulham is reminding all of us why we started loving him to begin with.

Mitro is a talented striker and can wreak havoc on a central defender with his decent pace and outstanding strength. But, his goalscoring ability often falls secondary to his passion and aggression on the pitch. The Serbian striker shows his emotion on his leave, sometimes through powerful celebrations and also never backing down from a confrontation.

His lack of interest in listening to Rafa Benitez's instructions got him dropped to third choice striker behind Gayle and Joselu. He was expendable and sent out on loan this January. Since arriving at Fulham, he's scored 11 goals. His amazing form has pushed the Cottagers towards promotion into the Premier League and sent himself into Fulham legend status.

While chances are he departs Newcastle United this summer, his standing with the club's supporters will never waver. He played hard for the Magpies and was brash and fun to watch. He also scored against Sunderland recently, so that helps, too. It's been a joy to watch Mitro light up the Championship and show us why we all still love him.



https://newcastletoons.com/2018/05/02/mitrovics-form-fulham-reminds-us-love/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report names price Fulham must pay to sign Chelsea's Lucas Piazon

Championship high-flyers Fulham were priced out of a move for Chelsea forward Lucas Piazon last summer, but will the Premier League giants sell now?

Lucas Piazon has been a Chelsea player now for seven years. In that time, he has managed a grand total of three first-team appearances.

If anyone is a victim of the club's much-criticised strategy of stockpiling young talent and sending them out on a series of loans with no real chance of a future in the Chelsea first-team, it is the now-24-year-old Brazilian.

But according to the Telegraph, there is a chance that Piazon's long Stamford Bridge purgatory could be brought to an end this summer. It is understood that a number of fringe players face uncertain futures in West London, with Piazon among them.

Chelsea would expect to make around £10 million. Ironically, that is the same fee that Chelsea paid when signing an 18-year-old Piazon from Sao Paolo.

It remains to be seen, however, whether Fulham would be willing to pay £10 million to keep the attacking midfielder at Craven Cottage following a second loan spell with the Championship high-flyers.

The versatile forward has scored five goals and set up four more for Slavisa Jokanovic's promotion-chasers but he has started just 13 league games and, for that fee, would become the sixth most expensive player in Fulham's history.

Interestingly, fellow Chelsea youngster Tomas Kalas told CT Sport last summer that Chelsea had priced Fulham out of permanent moves for him and Piazon, who also spent the 2016/17 season at Craven Cottage.

Will history repeat itself?



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/05/02/do-report-names-the-price-fulham-must-pay-to-sign-chelseas-lucas/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham hopeful Matt Targett will be fit for Premier League promotion decider


Injury blow: Targett limped out of the win over Sunderland (Getty Images)

Fulham are hopeful defender Matt Targett will recover from his ankle injury in time to face Birmingham on Sunday.

Targett limped off during last Friday's 2-1 win over Sunderland but he is expected to be fit for the final game of the regular season and his availability would be a boost for Fulham as they look to overhaul Cardiff in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Ryan Sessegnon moved into the left-back berth after Targett went off against Sunderland, but Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic will want to see the Championship Player of the Year further forward against Birmingham.

Targett has formed a strong partnership with Sessegnon on Fulham's left side since he moved on loan from Southampton in January.

Cardiff, however, have been dealt a blow ahead of the final day after influential Iceland midfielder Aron Gunnarsson was ruled of their game against Reading after undergoing knee surgery.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-hopeful-matt-targett-will-be-fit-for-premier-league-promotion-decider-a3829151.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Sold Out: Here's the crowd Birmingham City are expecting against Fulham as Bluenoses answer the call

BCFC have confirmed St Andrew's has completely sold out

Birmingham City will be roared on by their biggest crowd in more than three years against Fulham on Sunday.

This week club have decided to open Blocks 1-4 in the upper tier of the Gil Merrick Stand for the first time in several seasons, tickets were snapped up within a couple of days

With the Tilton Road end, Main Stand and Kop full Garry Monk's men could be watched by in excess of 28,000, including 3,300 Fulham supporters.

That's more than the 26,914 who saw Blues beat Huddersfield 2-0 in the final home game of last season - and the most since West Brom last came to St Andrew's.

A crowd of 28,438 was in attendance in January 2015, as Gary Rowett's Blues lost an FA Cup tie to Tony Pulis' Baggies. A brace from Victor Anichebe cancelled out Jonathan Grounds' strike.

There is far more riding on this weekend's match, with Blues starting the day two places and two points above the relegation zone.

Five clubs are in danger of filling the final two places destined for League One. It is the third time Blues' status has been in doubt in the last five seasons.

Odds against

The odds on Birmingham City being relegated from the Championship have tumbled - but bookmakers still consider them outsiders for the drop.

Garry Monk's men could have effectively secured their second tier status with a point at QPR on Saturday - but instead slipped to a flaccid 3-1 defeat.

With Burton and Barnsley both winning and Bolton and Reading both losing the final day will be a nervy one up and down the country.

Nowhere more so than at St Andrew's where Blues, who were 40/1 against when they went to Loftus Road, face a Fulham side that has not lost in the league since December 16, 2017.



Their 22-game unbeaten sequence is currently the longest in English football. Blues are 4/1 outsiders to end that run, long odds for a home match.

However, they are still rated as 14/1 to go down - with Sky Bet giving Burton very little chance of staying up.

The Brewers are away to Preston, who still have an outside chance of the play-offs.

Bolton are next favourites to join them, with Barnsley almost evens.

Reading, the other club in the shake-up, are as long as 50/1 with many bookmakers.

Relegation odds (Sky Bet)

Burton 2/9

Bolton 1/2

Barnsley 5/6

Birmingham City 14/1

Reading 50/1
Fixtures and odds

Birmingham City v Fulham

Blues win 4/1

Draw 11/4

Fulham win 2/3
Preston v Burton

Preston win 8/15

Draw 10/3

Burton win 9/2

Bolton v Nottingham Forest

Bolton win 10/11

Draw 12/5

Fulham win 3/1
Derby v Barnsley

Derby win 4/7

Draw 3/1

Barnsley win 5/1

Cardiff v Reading

Cardiff win 4/9

Draw 7/2

Reading win 6/1



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-st-andrews-tickets-14596144

[WhiteJC]

 
Games of interest for the last "full" day of the season 06/05
Fulham travel to Birmingham for the last "proper" game of the season

Even though it's a "full card" on Sunday when all games are played at the same time, in truth there's only two games of interest to us?, Birmingham v Fulham and Cardiff v Reading. If Cardiff fail to get a better result than us then we'll get automatic promotion however if they beat Reading then for us its 3rd place and the play-offs!

We're still unbeaten after 23 games, thats better than Man City! in any league that's a fantastic achievement and we've played some beautiful stuff as well as grinding out a result or two. Cardiff have won 3, lost 3 and drawn 1 in the last 7 games (all in April) however their home form has been formidable, they've only lost 4 games all season (we beat them 2-4) while Reading's away form has been 'indifferent' they've only won 5 away games so far this season.

So assuming Cardiff get the win then there are some other games that will have an impact on who gets the last top six and therefor a play-off place. Derby (72) are currently in 6th, Preston NE (70) are 7th and Millwall (69) are 8th with no other teams able to catch Derby.

games of interest include...

SUNDAY 6TH MAY

Birmingham v Fulham

Cardiff v Reading

Derby v Barnsley

Millwall v Aston Villa

Preston NE v Burton Albion


COYWs



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=150

[WhiteJC]

 
How Fulham will finish above Cardiff and all the final day Championship permutations

Here's everything that could happen on the final day in the Championship as Fulham look for automatic promotion

The final day of the Championship season is set to be a straight showdown between Fulham and Cardiff City for the final automatic promotion spot for the Premier League.

The Whites travel to Birmingham City while Cardiff host Reading, with both sides knowing they will either finish the season in second and third spot, with either promotion to the top flight or a play-off campaign to enjoy.

Fulham and Cardiff have swapped positions over the past couple of weeks as a result of differing kick off times and games in hands, but both teams know exactly what they need to do on Sunday in order to achieve promotion.

For Cardiff, it's simple - they need to win.

For Fulham, they have to hope Cardiff drop points against Reading AND they beat Birmingham if they want to get automatics.

If Cardiff lose, a point will be enough for Fulham, but if the Bluebirds draw then Slavisa Jokanovic's side must win in order to leapfrog their Welsh rivals.

Meanwhile, if the worst happens and Cardiff do beat Reading, Fulham will get another chance at promotion through the play-offs.

They will finish third at least, meaning they will be away in the first leg and home in the second, unlike last season.

Here's where it gets messy.

Derby County currently occupy that sixth spot with 72 points, and with a better goal difference, a draw against Barnsley on the final day should be enough to secure it for them.

Preston North End are hot on their heels though - they have to beat Burton Albion and hope that Derby get beaten if they want to leapfrog them into the top six.


(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Middlesbrough are a possibility too - they sit in fifth but could finish sixth if they lose, Derby win and there's a three-goal swing.

Millwall aren't completely out of the picture either, but it would take a near-miracle for the Lions to make the play-offs.

They need to beat Aston Villa, hope Preston AND Derby both lose, with a nine-goal swing going in Millwall's favour.

So to sum it up, if Fulham are going through the play-off route, they will face either Derby, Preston, Middlesbrough or, unlikely, Millwall.

It looks set to be a day of twists and turns.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/how-fulham-finish-above-cardiff-14604725

[WhiteJC]

 
Cairney: Job To Do

While hoping Reading do the business on Sunday, Tom Cairney knows Fulham need to first concentrate on the threat posed by Birmingham City.

Garry Monk's side need a draw to ensure they're playing Championship football next season, but the Whites want to condemn them to defeat to give ourselves the best possible chance of automatic promotion.

"It's going to be a really, really tough game," Cairney told fulhamfc.com. "We're going to be under the cosh at times when they throw a few men forward.

"We've got to turn up and win the game. Obviously it will be difficult because Birmingham still aren't safe.

"A point guarantees safety for them so I'm not sure how they'll start the game, but it should be a great match.

"The mood's positive. We're 23 unbeaten so you can't be anything but positive, but obviously the one thing that we'd wish is to have it in our own hands. That's the only negative thing."

Fulham will be backed by 3,300 travelling supporters at St Andrew's, and with the home areas sold out too, it should be a vociferous afternoon in the Midlands.

"It will be a really good atmosphere because when their fans turn up it's actually quite loud," Cairney said.

"It's going to be one hell of an atmosphere. Fulham fans are coming up in their numbers and it's going to be a great occasion, an exciting 90 minutes, and I just hope when I'm playing I hear a cheer from our fans that tells me Reading have scored.

"We've still got a lot to do but with the way we've been playing and the belief that's in the team, anything can happen in football."

Cardiff City will be keen to know how Fulham are faring, and Cairney believes the Bluebirds players will be aware of the score at St Andrew's.

"I think you can always gage a feeling from the atmosphere what other results are," he explained. "I reckon any player who says he's not thinking about that is lying, it's always in the back of your mind what's going off elsewhere.

"At the end of the day we've got to pick up points to stand any chance of getting promoted [automatically], so that's what we're going to try and do.

"There will be a lot of pressure on Cardiff but there's been pressure for quite a while and they've dealt with it well, to be fair to them.

"Whether there's a bit extra on final day, we'll see, but if we score an early goal or get ahead and the news gets to Cardiff City then that could make it a little bit edgy for them."

When asked if old pal Sone Aluko would be getting some messages of encouragement in the lead-up to the weekend, Cairney replied: "He'll be getting a kiss if he does us a favour, I know that!

"I think he might get a few texts off the boys, even Chrissy Martin too. I'll take anyone in the Reading team helping us out, though."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/02/tom-cairney-job-to-do

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 'eye Dwight Gayle, Aleksandar Mitrovic swoop'

Fulham boss Slavisa Jovanovic reportedly wants to sign Newcastle United pair Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic at the end of the season.

Mitrovic joined Fulham on loan during the January transfer window, and the Serbia international has scored 12 times in 16 Championship appearances for the Cottagers.

Gayle, meanwhile, has managed five goals in 32 Premier League appearances for Newcastle this term.

According to The Sun, Jovanovic will look to sign Mitrovic on a permanent deal before switching his attention to Magpies teammate Gayle in this summer's transfer window.

Fulham are currently third in the Championship table - one point behind second-placed Cardiff City ahead of the final round of matches in the second tier this weekend.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-eye-gayle-mitrovic-swoop_324912.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham star looks ahead to final day

It's a big weekend in the Sky Bet Championship, as the season reaches it's conclusion, and there is still plenty to play for.

There are still issues at the top and bottom to be decided, and it's bound to be an exciting afternoon.

Fulham head into their game at Birmingham hoping that Reading can take points from Cardiff, and allow the Cottagers to sneak into the automatic promotion places.

Despite needing favours from elsewhere, the Fulham players are focussing solely on doing their part.

Speaking to the official Fulham website, star player Tom Cairney said: "We've got to turn up and win the game. Obviously it will be difficult because Birmingham still aren't safe. A point guarantees safety for them so I'm not sure how they'll start the game, but it should be a great match."

"The mood's positive. We're 23 unbeaten so you can't be anything but positive, but obviously the one thing that we'd wish is to have it in our own hands. That's the only negative thing."

Cairney and co will be hoping for a favour from the team that beat them in the Semi-Finals of last season's Play-Offs,  Cairney is focussing on doing his job to help his team.

"I think you can always gage a feeling from the atmosphere what other results are," he said.

"At the end of the day we've got to pick up points to stand any chance of getting promoted automatically, so that's what we're going to try and do."

If Fulham fail to go up automatically, they are likely to face either Derby County or Preston North End in the Play-Offs.



http://the72.co.uk/101511/fulham-star-looks-ahead-final-day/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham linked with big summer move to sign NUFC duo – but would Benitez sell both?

Fulham are eyeing a double-deal to sign BOTH Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dwight Gayle from Newcastle United this summer according to the Sun .

The reported interest in Mitrovic is nothing new, with Jokanovic clearly keen to sign the Serbian who's scored 12 goals for Fulham since January, however it's 'interesting' to hear they may want Gayle as well.

It's worth mentioning that Fulham did actually have a £15m bid rejected for the ex-Palace striker in the closing stages of the summer transfer, but the report claims they're both targeting Mitrovic AND Gayle if they earn promotion to the Premier League.

I find this a little hard to believe. Not only is it the Sun (and a story that could be them putting 2 and 2 together after previous links to Gayle), but I'm not sure why they'd want Gayle if they came up. He has 5 goals in 32 Premier League games this season and has looked pretty out of sorts in front of goal.

I can see them going all out for Mitrovic if they go up, but I can only see Gayle being a target if they were looking for a proven Championship striker after failing earn promotion. Not only that, it's likely the pair would set them back at least £35m..



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/05/02/fulham-linked-with-big-summer-move-to-sign-nufc-duo-but-would-benitez-sell-both/

[WhiteJC]

 
Dwight Gayle happy at Newcastle United - despite new Fulham link

The Magpies striker has settled on Tyneside and is keen to see out his contract until 2021

Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle is keen to stay at St James' Park this summer - despite a fresh link with Fulham.

The number 9 has not enjoyed his best season with just five goals to his name with three games left to play, but he is eager to remain part of Rafa Benitez's project and wants to kick on next term.

Gayle was actually wanted by Fulham back in August when a £15million fee was talked about by the Cottagers, but Benitez did not want to part with the former Crystal Palace centre-forward.

Benitez enjoys working with the striker and is unlikely to consider any outgoing deal for the 27-year-old with the Toon boss still awaiting for full assurances on a transfer kitty.

Benitez is already light on centre-forwards with Islam Slimani set to leave this month after a low key loan spell from Leicester City.

United are also set to sell Aleksandar Mitrovic with Fulham keen on the Serbian international.

That would leave just Gayle and Joselu as recognised strikers with Benitez eager to sign a centre-forward in the summer.

Gayle will want to work with any new signings and is settled in the area with his young family.

The ex-Peterborough United goal-getter enjoys life in the area and has played a big part in establishing the Newcastle Elite Academy which gives local youngsters a dual career path in football and education.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dwight-gayle-happy-newcastle-united-14606415

[WhiteJC]

 
Where the Fight For Survival Could Be Won – Birmingham's Midfield

After looking at the defence yesterday, today I will analyse the possible permutations in midfield for the clash against Fulham. My major concern here is that we could be overrun like we were against QPR at times.

The quality of the Cottagers' midfield is a class above our last opponents with the creative duo of Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney likely to cause all sorts of problems in the final third.

I have been going back and forth on this all week, but I've decided there's no way we can keep a grip on this game playing a traditional 4-4-2 like we have been at home. I'm backing Garry Monk to go with a five to block up the middle to prevent our opponents getting through a porous backline. So, how should we line up in midfield?

Central Midfield

We have a lot of similar players in the middle of the pitch. Maikel Kieftenbeld, David Davis, Cheikh N'Doye and Craig Gardner can all work hard in the middle, without any really being able to play as a playmaker.

My view is we should go with Maikel and Cheikh as the holding midfield pair to nullify Johansen and Cairney. I'm leaning towards playing Davis further forward. When he did play in a more advanced forward before his injury, he scored and assisted goals in wins over Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday.

I can definitely understand the view though that this would see us set up too negatively. Alternatively, we could allow Che Adams to play in a deeper lying role behind Lukas to make up the five.

Wings

This is a bit more clear-cut. Jacques Maghoma is a first player on the teamsheet after an excellent season, while we will need a creative spark on the opposite flank as well. If we do go 4-5-1, the temptation may be to shunt Che out wide, and drop Jota, but the Spaniard's ability in the final third will be needed to exploit Fulham's weaknesses at the back.

Our opponents have kept a number of clean sheets in recent weeks, but we can create opportunities against them if we play positively.

Obviously, the switch to a five-man midfield isn't ideal. We could be under the cosh for long periods if we don't offer enough support up front. However, we have to win the battle in midfield, and the recent defeat to QPR has certainly coloured my thinking on our tactical approach to the match.



https://birmingham.vitalfootball.co.uk/where-the-fight-for-survival-could-be-won-birminghams-midfield/

[WhiteJC]

 
Blues v Fulham - SOLD OUT

Blues' final Sky Bet Championship game of the season against Fulham has now SOLD OUT.

Blues v Fulham
Sky Bet Championship
St. Andrew's Stadium
Sunday 6 May 2018 (12.30pm kick-off)

This fixture has now SOLD OUT.



https://www.bcfc.com/news/articles/2018/blues-v-fulham-sold-out/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham star Tom Cairney will 'give Sone Aluko a kiss' if Reading do Whites a favour at Cardiff

Fulham need Reading to take points off Cardiff if they are to get promoted to the Premier League automatically on Sunday

Tom Cairney is hoping old team mates will give Fulham a helping hand this weekend as they look to gain automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The Whites travel to Birmingham City hoping Reading will do them a favour against Cardiff City, and who better to turn to than former players Sone Aluko and Chris Martin?

Cardiff need to drop points on Sunday while Fulham have to win against Birmingham at St Andrews, and the skipper is hoping his former team mates can help the side get promotion to the Premier League, admitting even Chris Martin will be getting a few texts if they complete the feat, while Aluko might be getting a bit more.

He jokingly told Fulham's official website: "He'll be getting a kiss if he does us a favour, I know that.

"I think he might get a few texts off the boys, even Chrissy Martin too. I'll take anyone in the Reading team helping us out, though."

It's going to be a tense afternoon in the midlands on Sunday, with everyone in the stands keeping one eye on what's happening in Wales, while also hoping Fulham do the business against Birmingham.

There will be pressure on both sides, but with Cardiff in driving seat at the moment there may be a bit more pressure on the Bluebirds to deliver, although Cairney reckons the side have dealt with it well so far this season.

And the skipper has admitted that what is happening at the Cardiff City stadium will be in the back of their minds when they're on the field on Sunday.


(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

He added: "I think you can always gage a feeling from the atmosphere what other results are, I reckon any player who says he's not thinking about that is lying, it's always in the back of your mind what's going off elsewhere.

"At the end of the day we've got to pick up points to stand any chance of getting promoted [automatically], so that's what we're going to try and do.

"There will be a lot of pressure on Cardiff but there's been pressure for quite a while and they've dealt with it well, to be fair to them.

(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

He added: "I think you can always gage a feeling from the atmosphere what other results are, I reckon any player who says he's not thinking about that is lying, it's always in the back of your mind what's going off elsewhere.

"At the end of the day we've got to pick up points to stand any chance of getting promoted [automatically], so that's what we're going to try and do.

"There will be a lot of pressure on Cardiff but there's been pressure for quite a while and they've dealt with it well, to be fair to them.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-star-tom-cairney-give-14606727

[WhiteJC]

 
Arsenal and West Ham face competition in the hunt for ex-Bristol City defender

The latest news and gossip from around the Championship

Former Bristol City defender Ryan Fredericks is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs in the summer.

The Fulham defender has been a star performer for the Cottagers this season and he is out contract this summer, as it stands.

Fredericks spent a 26-day spell at Bristol City after joining from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2015 under manager Steve Cotterill.

The defender signed a three-year contract with Bristol City and was an exciting addition for manager Steve Cotterill.

However, Fredericks spell in the West Country was short lived. After starting four of City's five opening games it was confirmed that the youngster would be signing for Fulham.

He has since gone to establish himself as one of the best right-backs in the division and was named in the PFA Championship team of the year this term.

The Mirror now reports that Premier League newcomers Wolves are keen on the 25-year-old along with Crystal Palace who could offer him the chance to stay in London.

West Ham have been long-time admirers of the defender while there has also been interest from Arsenal, according to the latest reports.



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-fredericks-west-ham-arsenal-1516065

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle should sanction Gayle's departure, but only if they get Fulham ace in return

Newcastle United supporters have been somewhat quieter in the Transfer Tavern this week after seeing their side suffer a second consecutive Premier League defeat courtesy of a 1-0 loss against West Brom.

Rafa Benitez's men went into their encounter with the division's bottom club off the back of losing 1-0 at Everton in their previous league match, a result which brought to an end their four-game winning run. And the Magpies were unable to return to winning ways on Saturday as a Matt Phillips strike in the first half was enough to clinch all three points for the Baggies, thus keeping them in with the faintest of chances of avoiding the drop this season.

Subsequently, there have been many disappointed Newcastle supporters in the Tavern in the last few days, several of whom are hoping their team can finish the season strongly, starting with all three points against Watford this weekend.

In the meantime though, there has been much for our resident Magpies fans to get their teeth into, not least recent reports linking striker Dwight Gayle with a move to Fulham this summer.

And while Newcastle should consider sanctioning the forward's departure this summer, they should only do so if they get Cottagers ace Tom Cairney in return.

Ultimately, the Magpies striker hasn't quite hit the heights this season for the North East giants, netting just five times in the Premier League to help Benitez's men secure their top-flight status.

And this has all come after seriously impressing last season in their run to the Championship title, yet this time round has somewhat highlighted his limitations in the Premier League, and thrown in doubt whether or not he has what it takes to succeed at the top level.

Thus, it wouldn't be the end of the world were they to sell the 28-year-old this summer, but given they'd be giving Slavisa Jokanovic's side a prolific second tier forward, they should seek for something in return.

And having been linked with Cairney in the last 12 months or so, they must ask for the 27-year-old as part of the deal.

The attacker has once again proven his worth to the Cottagers this season with four goals and five assists in 33 Championship appearances, this all after inspiring the club to the play-offs last term in netting 13 goals and laying on 11 assists for the London outfit.

And with several top-flight teams having been linked with the Scotland international in recent times, it's clear that he is destined to be playing Premier League football again sooner rather than later.

And his arrival at Newcastle would likely be well received by both Benitez and indeed the club's supporters, what with Cairney the sort of attacking midfielder the club have been crying out for over the course of the campaign.

Ayoze Perez has been much-improved recently but still doesn't quite carry the kind of attacking threat one would want from a number ten, whereas Cairney's vision and eye for a pass would seriously improve Newcastle's threat in the final third.

Thus, while the Magpies should consider letting Gayle join Fulham this summer, they should only do so if they get Cairney as part of the deal.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle/newcastle-should-sanction-gayles-departure-but-only-if-they-get-fulham-ace-in-return/

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Leeds United Aiming To Beat Fulham & Aston Villa To Huge Attacking Talent

As the Championship season draws towards a thrilling climax, some of the division's biggest clubs are already beginning to plan for next season. This summer's transfer market looks set to be more competitive than ever, and as such gaining a lead on one's rivals is vital.

One name that has been linked with moves to Fulham, Leeds and Aston Villa in recent weeks is that of Shoya Nakajima, a versatile attacker currently thriving in his first season in Europe.

Portuguese side Portimonense have endured a tough season in the Primeira Liga, but Nakajima has been one of the bright spots since his loan move from FC Tokyo.

The former Japanese under-23 international has only missed 5 of Portimonense 32 league games this season, but the drop in their performances without him has been notable.

The side have averaged more goals per game with Nakajima, conceded fewer, kept clean sheets more regularly and, most importantly collected more points. In short, they've been significantly better in almost every regard.

After such a successful spell in Portugal it's likely that Portimonense will move to make the deal a permanent one but, as we know, money talks in football. Championship clubs now have the financial clout to compete with secondary European leagues and, as such, it would be no surprise to see Nakajima winging his way to England's second tier in the very near future.



https://www.kickoff.co.uk/85142/leeds-united-aiming-to-beat-fulham-aston-villa-to-huge-attacking-talent/

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Cherries under-21s beaten in Fulham friendly

CHERRIES under-21s rounded off their season with a 3-1 friendly loss to Fulham at Canford.

No fewer than seven under-18s players started for the hosts, including two trialists.

Carl Fletcher's troops were behind after just five minutes, when Jayden Harris finished well.

Cherries almost levelled in spectacular fashion, a driven free-kick by a trialist being superbly kept out by goalkeeper Julian Schwarzer – the son of former Chelsea stopper Mark.

But the trialist was not to be denied soon after, bagging his third goal in two games.

Keelan O'Connell's neat pass found the trialist, who turned into space and sent a clinical finish into the corner of the net.

Buoyed by their goal, Cherries nearly grabbed another but Gavin Kilkenny shot wide.

Home stopper Mark Travers made saves either side of the break but Fulham restored their lead when Elijah Adebayo converted a penalty.

Adebayo made the game safe with 17 minutes left, heading into the net from close range.

Cherries did not give up and Dinesh Gillela's powerful effort was cleared off the line before Kilkenny again went close.

Schwarzer also made a terrific stop to deny substitute Jake Scrimshaw.



http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/16200728.Cherries_under-21s_beaten_in_Fulham_friendly/