Wednesday Fulham Stuff (04/07/18)...

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Ahmed Musa's anonymous record should concern Fulham and Huddersfield

The Nigerian has just two goals for the Foxes.


Photo: Getty Images

According to a report from reputable Turkish media outlet Fotomac, Leicester City attacker Ahmed Musa is being linked with a move to either Huddersfield Town or Fulham this summer.

Although Musa stole the headlines during Nigeria's short-lived World Cup campaign, the winger has very little to show from his time in the Premier League at the King Power Stadium.

Due to the 25-year-old's anonymous league record with the Foxes, Fulham and Huddersfield supporters alike should be wary of their alleged links with Musa.

The Nigerian international signed for the Midlands club in the summer following their Premier League title-winning campaign, yet has failed to make an impact.

Since joining in July 2016, Musa has made just 21 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and assisting none.

Leicester paid a then-club record fee for the Nigerian international two seasons ago, forking out over £16 million to acquire his services.

The Foxes would surely be looking to recoup at least half of that amount – a substantial sum for a player who is still unproven in English football.

However, Musa provided a timely reminder of his skills during Nigeria's 2-0 win over Iceland, bagging both goals for the Super Eagles in a clinical display.

In an all-action performance, Musa first scored one of the goals of the tournament, expertly controlling a fizzed ball and then thumping the ensuing volley into the roof of the net.

His second was a mazy run, bamboozling the Icelandic defenders with his skill and quick change of direction.

There is no doubt Musa is an incredibly dangerous and skillful attacker, as he has shown on the international stage and in the Russian league.

Yet, a multi-million pound gamble represents a risk too far for Fulham and Huddersfield to take this summer, especially for a player who has yet to establish himself in the Premier League.



https://tbrfootball.com/ahmed-musa-record-fulham-huddersfield/

[WhiteJC]

Pre-season provides a chance for Fulham's next generation
by Sarah on July 3, 2018

Much of the comment amongst the Fulham faithful as Slavisa Jokanovic's men returned to Motspur Park for the start of pre-season training yesterday surrounded the slender nature of the Serbian's first-team squad. With six loanees having returned to their parent clubs, fringe players being released and Ryan Fredericks having opted to sign for West Ham, Fulham's retained list comprised of sixteen senior professionals. The concern is obvious – the top flight's smallest squad needs significant improvement with six weeks until the start of the new Premier League season.

Giving Jokanovic greater options as he plots a path to top survival will be priority number one for Alistair Mackintosh and Tony Khan, but pre-season also provides an opportunity for the brightest talents from the Fulham academy to stake a place in the senior squad. The leading lights from one of the best youth set-ups in the country don't need to look too far for inspiration as they begin those gruelling fitness schedules this week. Jokanovic has shown a refreshing willingness to give youth its head from the outset at Craven Cottage with Ryan Sessegnon's spectacular emergence from promising youngster to English football's hottest domestic property the most striking example.

Jokanovic hadn't planned on giving sixteen year-old Sessegnon much more than a few sessions with the first-team to aid his development when Huw Jennings pointed him in the direction of the prodigiously talented schoolboy scholar a couple of summers ago. But such was Sesssegnon's maturity and eagnerness to learn that he played a full part in the club's pre-season preparations and earned a senior debut at Leyton Orient. He took to the helter-skelter world of professional football so seamlessly that Jokanovic soon forgot about easing the young lad in and made him a key part of the Whites' promotion push.

In the absence of stellar signings, there are plenty of players who could follow in Sessegnon's footsteps. The likes of Matt O'Riley, Tayo Edun and Luca de la Torre have all got a taste of first-team football over the past season with their talent outstripping their tender ages. O'Riley, whose keen eye for a pass excites Jokanovic, might have had more exposure in the senior side had he not been struck down by injury in the middle of last season, whilst de la Torre's continued development was recognised with a full international cap for the United States last month. Beyond that trio are a few brightest prospects looking to make inroads into the first-team picture.

Fredericks' departure so soon after Fulham's promotion back to the top flight opens a gap at right back that many expect to be filled in the short time by Irish international Cyrus Christie, who produced a couple of promising cameos towards the end of last season. But the battle to push Christie all the way will be just as intriguing to watch between Sessegnon's twin brother Steven, a highly-rated defender who has also played at the heart of the back four for Fulham's youth side, and the attacking American full-back Marlon Fossey, who trained with the senior professionals yesterday.

Then there's the Icelandic winger Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson, who had such a successful season for Peter Grant's under 23 side last year. The 19 year-old is technically gifted and scored some stunners amongst his seven goals for the under 23s last term. He's now a regular for the Icelandic under-21 side and could be the next young talent to break through if he continues to impress. With starting spots available for Fulham's first set of summer friendlies, beginning with the behind-closed-doors game against Crawley Town at Motspur Park this Saturday, they'll be a huge desire amongst the younger contingent to make an impression this week.

Those that do could follow in the footsteps of Sean Davis, whose ball-playing skills and composure in a deep midfield role so impressed Jean Tigana that he adjusted his mdifield to fit the academy graduate into the side that stormed to the Championship back in 2000. Players of the stature of Mattias Kait, who already has sixteen caps for Estonia to his name at the age of nineteen, will be desperate for an opportunity to make the step up. Then there's the supremely talented Sonny Hilton, a gifted attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, who signed his first professional contract with the club earlier this month. And, given the quality that Jennings' finely-tuned conveyor belt has been turning out over the last few years, you wouldn't bet against some of them seizing their chance.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/pre-season-provides-a-chance-for-fulhams-next-generation/

[WhiteJC]

 
Nigeria: Huddersfield, Fulham Gun for Nigerian Striker Ahmed Musa

Huddersfield Town have joined Fulham in the race to sign Nigerian striker Ahmed Musa from Leicester City after a fine outing at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Ahmed Musa scored two world class goals in the Super Eagles' cracker against Iceland but a 1-2 defeat to Argentina in the team's final Group D match saw them falling short of qualification to the knockout stage.

The 25 year old who yesterday celebrated his first wedding anniversary to his second Wife Juliet Ejue is now being sought after by Huddersfield Town and Fulham.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are also in the race to secure the services of the forward and left winger.

However, CSKA Moscow is keen on making his contract permanent after joining them on loan since January this year.

Musa's brace against Iceland during Super Eagles 2-0 victory made him a goal hero, among Nigerians.



http://allafrica.com/stories/201807030136.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle have bid for Plea rejected by Nice

Newcastle have had a bid rejected by Nice for Alassane Plea, who is also wanted by West Ham, Tottenham and Fulham.

West Ham are believed to have offered around £26.5m for the French striker, who has attracted interest from several clubs.

Spurs watched him for much of last season, while Fulham have identified him as a possible signing following their promotion back to the Premier League.

West Ham made the first move, with boss Manuel Pellegrini keen to boost their attacking options before the new season starts.

Newcastle then made an approach in the hope of taking Plea to St James' Park this summer, but Nice want more money.

Plea, 25, began his career at Lyon and has impressed since joining Nice in 2014.

He scored 20 goals last season and reports in France have suggested that a host of European clubs have been showing an interest.

Reports in France have also previously suggested that Tottenham offered around £23m for Plea and that Nice could be willing to sell him for around £27m.

Plea, who can operate as a winger, has represented France at Under-21 and various other age levels.



http://londonfootballnews.co.uk/west-ham/football-transfers-updated-newcastle-chase-west-ham-tottenham-fulham-target-030718/

[WhiteJC]

 
Crystal Palace and Fulham set to make offers for Fenerbahce midfielder

Crystal Palace and Fulham are showing an interest in Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan, report Fotomac.

The Turkish newspaper says the 22 year old is attracting interest from Crystal Palace and Fulham, and the English clubs will make offers to sign the Turkey international

Tufan came very close to signing for Crystal Palace in the last transfer window (there were even claims he was waiting at an airport), but the player's move to the Premier League club collapsed at the last minute.

The central midfielder has yet to feature for Fenerbahce after his failed transfer to the Eagles and Fotomac say Crystal Palace and Fulham are looking to get him on the cheap.

According to Fotomac, Fenerbahce manager Phillip Cocu wants to work with Tufan before making a decision and if the Dutch coach doesn't see him in his plans then the talks with the two Premier League clubs will begin.

Fenerbahce have been linked with Chelsea's Marco van Ginkel and if the Dutchman is brought in this would be put question marks over Tufan's future with the Turkish club.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/crystal-palace-fulham-set-make-offers-fenerbahce-midfielder/

[WhiteJC]

 
Crystal Palace and Fulham are joined by West Brom in the race to sign midfielder - report

Latest Palace transfer news involves another team showing interest in 23-year-old

Crystal Palace and Fulham are facing fresh competition from West Brom in the race to sign Turkish international midfielder Ozan Tufan.

That's according to reports in Turkey, which claim that the Baggies are also interested in signing the 23-year-old, whose future at Fenerbahce is currently uncertain.

It was reported yesterday (Monday) in Turkey that Palace had made a bid of £2.5m for the box-to-box midfielder, who has 31 international caps at senior level for Turkey.

But Fulham are also said to be interested in signing the international midfielder, who played for Turkey at the European Championships in 2016.

Tufan fell out of favour at Fenerbahce last season, but has been working hard over the summer to prepare for the new campaign, with former Dutch midfielder Philippe Cocu now taking charge of the Turkish Super Lig side.


Ozan Tufan (L) of Fenerbahce in action during Turkcell Super Lig soccer match between Genclerbirligi and Fenerbahce in Ankara, Turkey on August 27, 2017. Photo: ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images

But whether or not Tufan will be in his plans remains to be seen, and Turkish media outlet Fotomac reports that West Brom have now joined Palace and Fulham in the race to sign the midfielder.

Tufan, who can also play at right-back or on the right wing, moved to Fenerbahce from Bursaspor in 2015, signing for around £6m.

He has since played more than 55 matches for Fenerbahce, but with reports that the Turkish side could now consider offers for him, he could be on the move this summer.



https://www.football.london/crystal-palace-fc/transfer-news/palace-fulham-joined-west-brom-14858741

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham closing in on £20m signing of Aleksandar Mitrovic


Aleksandr Mitrovic's Serbia were eliminated at the World Cup group stage Credit: Getty Images

Fulham expect to be able to complete the signing of Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic when the Serbia international returns from holiday.

Telegraph Sport understands that the London club believe they have agreed a fee in principle with the Magpies hierarchy, although there are still details to thrash out over the terms of the payment. Mitrovic has gone away for a short break after Serbia were knocked out of the World Cup at the end of the group stage, but Fulham have already held talks with Newcastle about signing him this summer.

That deal is likely to go through before the end of the month, with Fulham set to break their transfer record to land the 23-year-old. Newcastle have been asking for around £20 million for the striker, which would dwarf the £12.4m Fulham paid Olymipacos for Greece international Konstantinos Mitroglou back in 2014.

Mitrovic scored 12 goals in just 17 games for the Cottagers as they secure promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs during a successful loan spell last season.

The money from the sale of Mitrovic should aid Newcastle in their own recruitment plans, although it is not thought there will be any more signings made before the start of pre-season training on Thursday.

Newcastle have had a bid rejected for Nice striker Alassane Plea, who is valued at around £27m, with West Ham also in the hunt to sign the 25-year-old. The Magpies have been told to raise their offer or lose out on the player, who is keen to play for manager Rafael Benitez at St James' Park.

West Ham, though, have offered a more preferable deal to his French club at this stage, which puts the pressure on Newcastle's managing director, Lee Charnley, to come up with a better offer for the former France Under-21  international.

Newcastle are also trying to land Chelsea winger Kenedy for around £20m and the player is keen to sign for the club permanently after spending the second-half of last season on loan on Tyneside. However, a potential stumbling block in those negotiations is that Chelsea will insist on a buy back clause in his contract.

Those talks are being slowed, though, by the managerial confusion at  Stamford Bridge, with Antonie Conte still officially in charge even though former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has been lined up to replace him before the start of the season.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/07/03/fulham-closing-20m-signing-aleksandar-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
East Thurrock sign Paul Konchesky

East Thurrock have strengthened their side ahead of the new National League South season by bringing in former England international Paul Konchesky.

The left-back was a free agent after he left Bostik Premier Champions Billericay Town last season.

Konchesky began his career with local side Charlton Athletic where he quickly broke into the first team picture, making a total of 149 appearances during an eight year spell with the Addicks.

Moves to fellow Premier League sides Tottenham, West Ham, Fulham, Liverpool and Leicester followed.

During his spell at Craven Cottage, Konchesky played in the 2009 Europa League Final, where Fulham fell to a 2-1 defeat against Athletic Madrid.

It is believed that Konchesky will take up a role as player/coach with The Rocks.

Speaking to the club's official website, East Thurrock boss John Coventry said, "I am delighted Paul has agreed to join us, he will bring a significant presence to our club as a player and his knowledge of the game at the very highest level will be something our young players will gain massively from.

"They can't help but learn from him and as a player he will also be a significant asset to our squad. It may not be the division's biggest but we are trying to build a team of quality that people will enjoy watching.

"The fact that Paul has joined us when there would have been a lot of doors open to him is a huge thing for our football club."



https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/23278/east-thurrock-sign-paul-konchesky/

[WhiteJC]

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic all set to seal NUFC exit as fee is agreed with Premier League rival – Report

According to the Telegraph, Aleksandar Mitrovic is now 'closing in' on a £20m move to Fulham – with the Serbian expected to become their new club record signing when he returns from holiday.

Luke Edwards' piece claims that there are still a few 'details to thrash out over the terms of payment', however he suggests that Fulham have already agreed a fee in principle with Newcastle – which is said to be around £20m.

Here's a snippet from his latest piece for the Telegraph:

    'Fulham expect to be able to complete the signing of Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic when the Serbia international returns from holiday.
    'Telegraph Sport understands that the London club believe they have agreed a fee in principle with the Magpies hierarchy, although there are still details to thrash out over the terms of the payment. Mitrovic has gone away for a short break after Serbia were knocked out of the World Cup at the end of the group stage, but Fulham have already held talks with Newcastle about signing him this summer.
    'That deal is likely to go through before the end of the month, with Fulham set to break their transfer record to land the 23-year-old. Newcastle have been asking for around £20 million for the striker, which would dwarf the £12.4m Fulham paid Olymipacos for Greece international Konstantinos Mitroglou back in 2014.'

So, it sounds like a deal will be completed in the coming weeks, with Mitrovic currently away on a 'short break' following Serbia's World Cup exit last week.

Some will have been hoping that we recouped a little more than £20m for a player who's been in outstanding form for the majority of 2018, however a few too many missed chances at the World Cup probably put paid to that.



http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/07/03/aleksandar-mitrovic-all-set-to-seal-nufc-exit-as-fee-is-agreed-with-premier-league-rival-report/

[WhiteJC]

 
Joe Bennett signs new Cardiff City contract to end Fulham transfer speculation

The left back is ready to play a big role for Neil Warnock's side in the Premier League

Joe Bennett has signed a new Cardiff City contract to keep him at the club until 2021.

The left back has become one of the Bluebirds' most consistent performers since he was signed by Paul Trollope in August 2016.

And after reported transfer interest from Fulham, Bennett has now committed his future to Cardiff.

It was the second summer in succession the west London club had shown an interest in the 28-year-old.

But he was delighted to follow Neil Etheridge and Junior Hoilett in agreeing fresh terms with the Bluebirds this summer and is ready to challenge new signing Greg Cunningham for the left back jersey.

"I'm really happy. It got sorted out very quickly, so now I can just concentrate on my football and hopefully having a good season," said Bennett.

"I think we've got a good squad and the manager has signed some good, young and hungry players. There is no pressure on us really and we can just go out and enjoy it.

"We've got really nice kits – the home and away ones. That's nice for the fans and I just can't wait to get the season going. It will be nice to meet the new lads, hopefully have a good pre-season down in Cornwall and then get stuck into it!"

Cardiff executive director and CEO Ken Choo added: "Joe has performed admirably for the club since we welcomed him here two years ago.

"He seemed to reach another level in our promotion-winning season last year, and we know how excited he is to represent Cardiff City in the Premier League. We are delighted to see him commit his future and continue his development with the Bluebirds."



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-bennett-signs-new-cardiff-14859414

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham agree deal in principle for Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic - reports

Reports suggest that a deal will be completed for the striker before the end of the month

Fulham have agreed a deal in principle to sign Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to reports.

The Serbian striker joined the club on loan halfway through last season and helped fire the Whites on their way to the Premier League, bagging himself 12 goals in his short time there.

The Whites were keen to make the deal permanent after his performances at Craven Cottage and have been haggling with his parent club over a fee for the striker, and now The Telegraph reports that the two sides have agreed a deal in principle for Mitrovic, although a payment plan is still be decided.

The 23-year-old featured as Serbia were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stages in Russia and has yet to join up with Newcastle for pre-season training as Mitrovic goes away on holiday before coming back ready for the season, and it's looking likely that it will be Fulham he returns to.

It's claimed that a deal will be done before the end of July and that Fulham will break their transfer record to sign the striker for £20million, far more than was was paid for flop Konstantinos Mitroglou in 2014.


Aleksandar Mitrovic looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Serbia and Brazil at Spartak Stadium on June 27, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The transfer window has been quiet for the Whites so far, with the only movement being the departure of Ryan Fredericks at the end of his contract, with the right back opting to sign for West Ham.

Meanwhile, Fulham returned to pre-season training on Monday July 2 and face Crawley Town on Saturday in their first pre-season friendly, which is behind-closed-doors at Motspur Park.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-agree-deal-principle-newcastle-14859468

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'agree deal to sign Mitrovic'
by Dan on July 3, 2018

Fulham have agreed a deal with Newcastle United to turn Aleksandar Mitrovic's loan into a permanent move, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Although the payment plan for the transfer hasn't been fully finalised, Fulham expect to complete the transfer when Mitrovic returns from his holiday following his World Cup exploits with Serbia. Fulham have been in talks with Newcastle over a deal for the 23 year-old forward since they won promotion via the play-offs at Wembley last month and made Mitrovic their first summer target following his impact at Craven Cottage after moving to London on loan in January.

The Serbian international added a new dimension to Slavisa Jokanovic's attack scoring twelve goals in twenty games as the Whites went 23 games unbeaten and narrowly missed out on automatic promotion. Mitrovic's relationship with his compatriot Jokanovic was crucial in securing his interest in making the move to Fulham permanent, especially after he had been frozen out at St. James' Park by Magpies boss Rafa Benitez.

Mitrovic, who quickly became a firm favourite with the Fulham faithful, should shortly become Fulham's record signing – with Newcastle rumoured to have been holding out for a fee of around £20m. Such an amount would dwarf the fee paid to Olympakios for Kostas Mitroglou as Fulham desperately tried to starve off relegation from the Premier League back in January 2014.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/fulham-agree-deal-to-sign-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham close to Mitrovic deal



Fulham are closing in on Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and expect to complete the deal when he returns from holiday, according to the Telegraph.

The newspaper report that a fee has been agreed in principle between the two sides, with just small details left to be ironed out regarding the structure of the payment.

The Telegraph claim that the agreement is likely to be struck before the end of July, with the Cottagers set to break their transfer record for the Serbia international striker as Newcastle ask for around £20million.

Mitrovic has played 72 times for Newcastle since joining from Anderlecht in 2015, scoring 17 goals for the club in that time.

Good move for Newcastle United?

Yes.

Despite many fans calling for Mitrovic to get another chance at St. James' Park following his impressive loan spell at Fulham last season, manager Rafa Benitez has decided the 23-year-old is surplus to requirements.

The best thing for the club is therefore to raise as much money as they can through his sale, with Mitrovic's price tag of £20million set to help fund Benitez's spending this summer.

The Magpies must now try and push through a deal as quickly as possible to give Benitez enough time to reinvest the money on players he wants to see come through the doors at Newcastle.

Nothing but Newcastle rating: 9/10

Likely to happen?

It looks like a deal is close with Fulham, who have been keen on a permanent deal for Mitrovic since his successful loan spell in west London in 2017/18.

Mitrovic is obviously still on holiday after the World Cup but will return in the next few weeks, after which talks can begin in earnest to thrash out the finer details of the move.

Expect this deal to be completed before the end of July, as reported by the Telegraph here.

Nothing but Newcastle rating: 8/10



https://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2018/07/blogs/gallowgate-gossip/fulham-close-to-mitrovic-deal/

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle 'agree deal' for sale of striker

Fulham are confident of signing Aleksandar Mitrovic when he returns from holiday, according to a report....

Mitrovic helped the club win promotion last term while on a half-season loan from Newcastle United.

And the Daily Telegraph claim that Fulham "believe they have agreed a fee in principle" for the 23-year-old, who is rated in the £20million-bracket by Newcastle.

Fulham have held talks with United over a permanent transfer.

The striker – who went to the World Cup with Serbia – is on holiday and due back on Tyneside later this month.

Mitrovic, signed from Anderlecht three years ago, is not in Rafa Benitez's plans, though Newcastle's manager will only let him leave if he can secure a replacement.

United are interested in £26million-rated striker Alassane Plea, and have reportedly had a bid for the 25-year-old turned down by Nice.

Meanwhile, those Newcastle players who weren't on international duty this summer will report back to the club's training ground on Friday.



Read more at: https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-agree-deal-for-sale-of-striker-1-9233049

[WhiteJC]

 
Mitrovic on brink of Newcastle exit as Fulham believe deal agreed

Newcastle United are set to see Aleksandar Mitrovic leave the club permanently over the coming weeks after they agreed a fee with Fulham for his sale this summer, according to the Telegraph.

The newspaper state that the Cottagers are prepared to smash their transfer record with a £20million swoop for the Serbian hitman, who netted 12 goals during a loan spell to help the London club return to the Premier League last season.

It is stated that Fulham are expecting to seal a deal once the 23-year-old, who stands at 6'1″ (source: Transfermarkt) returns from holiday following his World Cup exploits, and that the two clubs are now ironing out the final details of the deal, with a fee agreed in principle.

Opinion

Mitrovic never seemed to have a future under Rafael Benitez, with questions over his discipline and the manager's ability to trust him leading the line for the Magpies. He certainly hit the ground running when he landed at Craven Cottage and they are hedging their bets on him replicating his form back in the Premier League. However, be it his talent or the way he was deployed while at St James' Park, he never looked comfortable with the pace or physicality in England's top flight, and that is why Newcastle are so willing to let him go. Are the Magpies about to sabotage their rivals' hopes of survival by letting them splash out on Mitrovic's capture? Potentially, but there is also every chance his exit will come back to bite Benitez and the rest of the doubters on Tyneside. He will have a point to prove after being unceremoniously dumped last season, and the Magpies better watch out when he returns to the club with Fulham.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/07/blogs/premier-league/mitrovic-on-brink-of-newcastle-exit-as-fulham-believe-deal-agreed/

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle must speed up Mitro exit, to knock Fulham out of Plea race

OPINION

Newcastle United must speed up Aleksandar Mitrovic's exit from the club with Fulham reportedly closing in on a £20million deal for him as it will likely knock the Londoners out the race for Alassane Plea.

The Telegraph stated on Tuesday that the Magpies had agreed a fee with Fulham in principal for the powerful forward and that details about the terms of payment were what was left to be decided between the two clubs.

Rafa Benitez's side should hurry to to reach an agreement with their Premier League rivals with a deal sounding like it's close to be agreed as the Cottagers reportedly hold an interest in Plea.

Sky Sports reported that the Magpies were in talks with Nice over signing Plea after having an offer in the region of £27million rejected but that Fulham were also keen on the forward's services.

The French club's 25-year-old forward, who scored 21 goals in his 2017/18 campaign, would be a fantastic signing for the Magpies to make and getting his signature would be easier if they had less competition.

With the Telegraph's report sharing that Fulham are set to smash their transfer record to get Mitrovic, as previously they have never spent more than £12.4million on a single player, then it's unlikely that the Premier League new boys would shell out another £20million plus on recruiting another forward.

After winning promotion from the Championship through the play-offs the Cottagers have several areas of their team that need to strengthen ahead of a season in England's top-flight and this means they can't use all their money on signing new forwards.

If they welcome Mitrovic for anywhere near a fee in the region of £20million it will knock them out of the race for Plea which will aid the Magpies' quest to sign their reported transfer target.

This means the Magpies should do all they can to speed up Mitrovic's exit from St James Park in order to not only get a heap of money for services but so that successfully eliminate Fulham from the race for Plea.



https://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2018/07/blogs/newcastle-must-speed-up-mitro-exit-to-knock-fulham-out-of-plea-race/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham agree deal in principle for Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham are close to signing the Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer.

As per the reports, the move will be finalised when the player returns from his holiday. Mitrovic was away with his country at the World Cup earlier this summer.

The Newcastle forward joined Fulham on loan during the second half of last season and he managed to impress Jokanovic with his goalscoring prowess. The Serbian managed to score 12 times in 17 games.

The Londoners were determined to keep him at the club permanently and now they have agreed a deal in principle with Newcastle. Fulham will break their transfer record to land the striker.

The report adds that Mitrovic will complete his move to Fulham before the end of the month.

The move makes sense for all parties here. The player is no longer a part of Newcastle's plans and he needs to join a club where he will be rated highly.

Mitrovic is already admired by the Fulham manager and the fans. He should be able to settle in without any problems.

Meanwhile, Newcastle will use the funds from Mitrovic's sale to sign their targets now.



http://sportslens.com/fulham-agree-deal-in-principle-for-aleksandar-mitrovic/237258/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham believe they've agreed fee with Newcastle for Aleksandar Mitrovic

Newcastle United look to be finally about to sell Serbia's World Cup striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Premier League newcomers Fulham.

Fans of both Fulham and Newcastle United will rejoice at the news that Aleksandar Mitrovic is closer than ever to sealing a permanent move to Craven Cottage, as reported by The Telegraph.

Fulham have been desperate to bring Mitrovic back after a stunning loan spell in the second half of last season, in which he scored 12 goals in 19 games to fire The Cottagers back to the Premier League.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have been hoping to sell one of their most valuable assets in order to raise funds for some much needed additions. Fortunately for both sides, a deal is certainly on the table.

The Telegraph reports that Fulham believe they have agreed a fee with Newcastle to sign the former Anderlecht frontman, although there are still terms to thrash out about how the money will be paid.

Fulham have held talks with Newcastle about signing Mitrovic permanently and while the transfer fee has not yet been disclosed it is expected that it will be somewhere in the region of £20 million.

The Serbian international, who is expected to sign for Fulham when he returns from the World Cup in the coming days, will become the club's new record signing, exceeding the £12.4 million they paid for infamous flop Konstantinos Mitroglou in January 2014.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/03/do-report-fulham-believe-theyve-agreed-fee-with-newcastle-for-al/

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Rotherham United: Marek Rodak could be here this week as Millers eye Ryan Yates


Marek Rodak

Rotherham United are hoping to sort out their goalkeeper situation before the end of the week.

Youngster Laurence Bilboe is the only shot-stopper on the books and the club want to bring in another keeper before the squad heads off to Austria on Sunday

Manager Paul Warne has revealed he is desperate to sign a goalkeeper, with 20-year-old Bilboe not expected to feature in his plans for the club's Championship return.

Slovakian stopper Marek Rodak is top of Warne's wish-list following his impressive loan spell during the promotion-winning campaign last term.

Fulham's Rodak played 38 times last season, keeping 12 clean sheets as the Millers secured an immediate return to the second tier.

With the Cottagers going up to the Premier League, 21-year-old Rodak will not be in the club's plans next term.

A stint in the Championship is the natural next step for the player, who played for Accrington Stanley in League Two before his spell at the Millers in League One last season.

The Star understands the door has not been shut on a return for Lewis Price.

Price was released at the end of his contract this summer, but the veteran Welshman could provide back-up as a number two. The 33-year-old played just once in the league last season and is weighing up his options. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest youngster Ryan Yates is on the radar for the Millers. Forest have reportedly snubbed interest from Portsmouth and Bradford City to buy the central midfielder and instead want to send him on loan until January.

Rotherham and fellow Championship club Bolton Wanderers are linked with making a move to temporarily secure the player's services. Being 20, Yates would fit the mould of player Warne is looking to sign as he looks to bolsters his stocks ahead of the new campaign.



Read more at: https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united/rotherham-united-marek-rodak-could-be-here-this-week-as-millers-eye-ryan-yates-1-9233130

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Fulham set to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic on permanent basis

The Telegraph is today reporting that Fulham are set to sign Newcastle forward Aleksandar Mitrovic on a permanent basis by the end of July.

Mitrovic is currently on holiday after Serbia were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup, but a reported fee of £20 million is already said to be in place and the deal will be finalised once the Serbian returns from his holidays.

If Mitrovic does sign for £20 million it will be a record transfer for Fulham.

Goal-scorer

Mitrovic signed for current club Newcastle in 2015 from Belgium side Anderlecht for a fee in the region of £16.65 million.

The forward has made 72 appearances for Newcastle, in which he has scored 17 and assisted 10.

However, Mitrovic found himself out of favour at Newcastle lasts season and was loaned out to Fulham.

Mitrovic played 17 games for Fulham in the second half of the 2017/18 season and scored an impressive 12 goals in that time.

A very impressive record which has lead Fulham to want to sign the Serbian on a permanent basis.

Play-off winners

Fulham enjoyed a very impressive 2017/18 Championship campaign. They finished 3rd in the Championship and scored a superb 79 goals in 46 league games. Only league winners Wolves managed more.

As a result of finishing 3rd Fulham earned themselves a playoff spot. They would beat Derby County 2-1 over two legs of the semi-final and they would go on to beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the final.

Now that Fulham have returned to the top flight of English football for the first time in four years, they are looking to improve upon their squad in order to survive the upcoming season and signing Mitrovic on a permanent basis would go some way to doing that.



https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/fulham-set-to-sign-aleksandar-mitrovic-on-permanent-basis/