Monday Fulham Stuff (09/07/18)...

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Strong intent: Fulham would show they mean business by landing £11.25m-rated Milan rock

Fulham fans in the Transfer Tavern can't wait for the Premier League season to begin – our punters are delighted to be back in the big time.

The Cottagers earned promotion back to England's top division by defeating Aston Villa in the play-off final back in May. It capped a terrific season for the club who received plenty of praise for their entertaining style of play in the Championship. Player of the Year, Ryan Sessegnon, was crucial in their promotion bid and looks to be staying at the club.

With the transfer window open, Slavisa Jokanovic needs to strengthen his squad ahead of a gruelling campaign. Due to the strength of the promoted teams and the money available to Premier League clubs, avoiding relegation will be even more difficult. The Serb is yet to make a signing but lost Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer to West Ham.

However, Fulham could make a real statement of intent if they lured AC Milan defender, Mateo Musacchio, to Craven Cottage. Valued at £11.25m by Transfermarkt, the Argentine has struggled for game time at the San Siro since joining from Villarreal last summer. He has failed to displace Leonardo Bonucci and Alessio Romagnoli in the first-team and may move on in search of first-team football.

The 27-year-old would be an excellent signing for the Cottagers and significantly increases their chances of survival. He is a fantastic defender that doesn't deserve to be sitting on the bench. Musacchio would also add some much-needed experience into the Fulham back line which will prove vital in the long-term.

There would be no better way to kickstart their summer spending.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/strong-intent-fulham-would-show-they-mean-business-by-landing-11-25m-rated-milan-rock/

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Fulham role the next step in Parker's journey

Cottagers' new first-team coach emulates path of Steven Gerrard and Jody Morris with rise from U18 Premier League

The Under-18 Premier League not only helps young talents on their journey to playing in the Premier League, but it also provides a pathway to the top for coaches.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has taken over as manager of Scottish Premiership side Rangers after coaching the Reds' Under-18 team and Jody Morris has been appointed as assistant to Frank Lampard at Derby County, having led Chelsea to the U18 Premier League and U18 Premier League Cup titles last season.

And now Scott Parker, another man with a stellar career as a PL midfielder, has returned to Fulham as first-team coach, having retired at Craven Cottage last year and learned his trade as Tottenham Hotspur's U18 manager since then.

Parker told Fulham's official website: "I would like to thank everyone at Spurs for their support and encouragement at the very start of my coaching career with the U18s throughout last season, in particular John McDermott for his guidance and ongoing support. I'm looking forward now to the next step up, coaching the First Team at Fulham."

McDermott is the north Londoners' Head of Academy Coaching and Player Development, and while he is sad to lose Parker's expertise, he is proud that the former Spurs midfielder has been given the opportunity to further his development at senior level.

McDermott told Spurs' official website: "Scott was a tremendous influence on our young players far beyond his U18 remit last season and, utilising his vast experience in the game, was absolutely first-class in the way he applied himself to the role and helped to nurture the talents of the players and colleagues he worked with.

"While we are obviously sad to lose a figure of such professionalism and integrity, we are pleased that he has been able to take a first-team position in the Premier League as he furthers his own development as a coach."



https://www.premierleague.com/news/780526

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Seri granted leave from Nice preseason, as Fulham, Chelsea, Arsenal vie for his signature
The 26-year-old midfielder is trying to sort out his future



Pre-season is underway or is about to get underway across most of European football, and that includes OGC Nice on the French Riviera and their new head coach, Arsenal legend and former NYCFC boss Patrick Vieira.

Vieira surely knows the value of a good midfielder, so he's probably not too happy that he's losing Jean Michael Seri this summer, but it would appear that he's not going to stand in the player's way. According to reports in France yesterday, Seri has been granted leave from the team, presumably to go sort out his future.

But it's not all good news for Chelsea, as the 26-year-old has gained another suitor in the process, Premier League fresh faces Fulham, who are back in the top flight this season after four out of it.

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea's friendly neighbors are looking to steal a beat on everyone else. Arsenal seemed to have the upper hand early, but have not pushed forward. Chelsea had the upper hand then, but we're seemingly intent on sorting out the questions surrounding Conte and Sarri first and have asked Seri to wait.

How long Seri can or will do that is anyone's guess but probably not for long. So as with everything else this summer, if we want it, we need to actually make a move.

https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2018/7/8/17545568/seri-granted-leave-from-nice-preseason-as-fulham-chelsea-arsenal-vie-for-his-signature

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Tom Cairney: 'I want Ryan Sessegnon to stay'

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney has said that he wants teammate Ryan Sessegnon to stay at Craven Cottage.

Sessegnon, 18, has been linked with a move away from Fulham following an impressive season in the Championship in which the youngster scored 15 goals and registered six assists.

Cairney, who scored the goal that sent Fulham to the Premier League in the playoff final, told talkSPORT that it is important for the squad to remain together ahead of their return to the top flight.

"I'm hoping he [Sessegnon] stays and I'm hoping a lot more of our players stay," the midfielder said. "I think it's important to keep the squad together in the dressing room that got promoted to the Premier League.

"Last season was a bit of a crazy season. We went on that run and we finished it with what was probably the best day of my career at Wembley. We need to bring in other players because everyone knows just how hard it is to stay in this league.

"I know I'm biased but in my opinion we played the best football over the last two seasons. We played Premier League football in the Championship which is not easy to do."

Fulham will play in the top flight for the first time since being relegated in the 2013-14 campaign.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/tom-cairney-i-want-sessegnon-to-stay_330103.html

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Jean-Michael Seri does not travel with Nice for pre-season training camp

Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri has not travelled with the rest of the squad for the club's pre-season training camp, according to Sky sources.

It is understood the 26-year-old has a £35m release clause, which is in place until July 15, and his preference is to move to the Premier League.

Seri has one year remaining on his current contract at Nice and, according to Sky sources, has attracted interest from Chelsea, Fulham, West Ham, Napoli and Sevilla.

Sevilla will step up their interest in the Ivory Coast international if midfielder Steven N'Zonzi leaves the club this summer.

Sky sources understand Arsenal are in talks to sign N'Zonzi with new manager Unai Emery keen to bolster his midfield options ahead of his first campaign in charge of the Gunners.

Seri, who has previously spent time at ASEC Mimosas and Pacos de Ferreira, has featured over 120 times for Nice, scoring 11 goals.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11822/11430250/jean-michael-seri-does-not-travel-with-nice-for-pre-season-training-camp

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All you need to know about Yann M'Vila - the former Sunderland man linked with Fulham and Palace

Latest transfer news links Fulham and Palace with a move for French midfielder

Yann M'Vila will be a familiar face to plenty of football fans in England from his time at Sunderland.

And now he is being linked with a return to English football, with Fulham and Crystal Palace both said to be interested in signing the St Etienne midfielder, who has previously drawn comparisons with Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele.

But what do you know about the 28-year-old Frenchman? We take a look at his career to date, below.

Early promise

M'Vila was an early starter, beginning his football career at the age of six with ES Sains-Saint-Fussein.

He spent three years there before joining Amiens, and then moved on to join FC Mantes for a short spell, before settling at Rennes.

Signing a youth contract with Rennes, M'Vila came through the ranks there, starring alongside Yacine Brahimi and Damien Le Tallec - the younger brother of former Liverpool man Anthony Le Tallec - as Rennes won several titles at youth level.

M'Vila then signed his first professional deal with Rennes in 2007, featuring regularly for the club's B side in his first season, before then progressing to the senior squad.

By this stage, M'Vila had received recognition internationally too, playing for France at U16, U17, U18 and U19 level.

Breakthrough

After several years with Rennes, M'Vila's professional debut came in 2009 against Nice, with the defensive midfielder featuring as a substitute.

He then was handed his first start a week later against Marseille in a 1-1 draw, before being sent off on only his third appearance, against Lens.

But M'Vila impressed following his suspension, and became a regular for Rennes, going on to feature 126 times in Ligue 1 over four years, scoring two goals, with two more strikes in other cup competitions as he clocked up 150 matches in total at Rennes, and was named Ligue 1 young player of the year in 2011.

During his time at Rennes, M'Vila also broke through at senior level with France, having also featured for the national side at U19 and U21 level, helping France to the semi-finals of the European U19 Championships in Ukraine in 2009.

His debut for Les Bleus came in August 2010 against Norway, with his promising performance helping him become a regular in the French midfield over the next couple of years as a box-to-box midfielder, including featuring at the European Championships in 2012.

However, he has not played for the national team since 2012 after being suspended from all national teams after an unauthorised night out while on U21 duty; a ban which was later reduced.

He currently has 22 caps to his name, with one goal against Albania in 2011.

Nomadic existence

After attracting attention from some top clubs in Europe during his time at Rennes, including reported interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, he was sold to Russian side Rubin Kazan in January 2013.

But the €12 million move did not work out too well for him, and it was the start of a nomadic existence for the Frenchman as he moved from club to club over the next few years.

M'Vila did feature 37 times for the Russian side in all competitions, before he made a loan move to Italy to join Inter Milan.

He only played 14 times for the Serie A side during a season-long loan though, and the option to buy was not taken up at the end of the loan deal.

As such, another loan spell followed, with M'Vila joining Sunderland at the start of the 2016-17 season.

He was a regular for the Black Cats, featuring in 37 Premier League games as he helped the Wearsiders avoid relegation with Sam Allardyce in charge.

It was thought that the deal would be made permanent, but a move failed to materialise, much to the frustration of the Frenchman, who then returned to Rubin Kazan.

Re-establishing himself

With the move to Sunderland failing to materialise, M'Vila returned to Russia, and he battled his way back into the side, competing with former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song for a place in midfield.


Yann M'Vila salutes the travelling fans after the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Sunderland at Goodison Park on November 1, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

He made 23 appearances in his first season back with Rubin, signing a new contract with the club.

M'Vila then featured 20 times in 2017-18, before being released from his contract in January 2018, ahead of a return to France, where he signed for St Etienne until the summer of 2019.

And he has impressed back in Ligue 1, featuring 15 times for the French side as they finished seventh last season.

His performances have reportedly attracted attention from England, with Fulham and Palace both being linked with the Frenchman, who impressed during his one season in the Premier League in a struggling Sunderland side.

Palace have previously been linked with a move for M'Vila, and following the departure of Yohan Cabaye, who has signed for Dubai-based Al Nasr, they are in need of strengthening in midfield.

Meanwhile, Fulham are also looking to strengthen ahead of their return to the Premier League, and a return to England could suit the Frenchman, who has previously spoken of how much he enjoyed playing in the Premier League.

But whether or not St Etienne would be willing to sell a player they only signed in January remains to be seen.



https://www.football.london/crystal-palace-fc/transfer-news/yann-mvila-linked-fulham-palace-14881860

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Fulham would be ready for the Premier League with ambitious raid on neighbours Chelsea

The Fulham fans in and around the Transfer Tavern are growing in confidence that their time back in the Premier League can be a success if they add some quality into their team this summer.

Having made it back to the top flight through winning the play-offs, Fulham are hoping that after being absent for four years, their long-awaited return will be a good one. Our punters feel that Fulham have to make some signings, maybe even recruiting Chelsea outcast Mario Pasalic, who is valued at £7.2 million on Transfermarkt.

The central-midfielder is one of many players on the books at Chelsea that has rarely been gifted a chance by his parent club, often finding his football out with teams on-loan. Last season, Pasalic played his football out in Russia with Spartak Moscow, returning four goals in 21 league appearances. He also featured in the Champions League, playing the full 90 minutes in the clubs 1-1 draw with Liverpool, proving tough to beat in a defensive midfield role.

The 23-year-old can play in many different roles for the team, including defensive and attacking midfield, offering distinct qualities in both positions. Fulham have a tight midfield but the added quality of the Croatian would be something they could look into ahead of the new season.

Mario Pasalic has been at a number of clubs already in his career but Fulham, allowing him to stay in London, could be desirable move so finally, he can showcase his talent in the Premier League, having been restricted to do so by Chelsea.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/fulham-would-be-ready-for-the-premier-league-with-ambitious-raid-on-neighbours-chelsea/

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Fulham Secure The Future Of 30 Y/O Talismanic Defensive Ace: Astute Move From Jokanovic?

Fulham's main man at the back, Tim Ream, has signed a new contract at the club which will keep him at Craven Cottage until 2020. The 30-year-old was named the Lilywhites player of the season last campaign as they qualified to the Premier League by virtue of winning the playoff.

The Cottagers had a great chance to qualify directly by finishing second. Their rivals Cardiff City dropped points in their final game and a win for Fulham would have ensured a much easier passage to the English top flight. However, they faltered in their final encounter against Birmingham City by three goals to one and chose the tough way to qualify to the Premier League by winning the playoffs.

Fulham kept it relatively tight at the back in which Ream played a huge role in Slavisa Jokanovic's side. The player expressed his happiness by commenting," The goal all along was to be in the Premier League. Now to have the opportunity to play there with this group of guys is something that I think we're all looking forward to. I wanted to sort [the contract] out fairly quickly. It gives you the freedom and the license to go out and focus on the football, so it's just nice to have it done."



The American international joined Fulham from Bolton Wanderers in 2015 and has slowly established himself as a first-team regular. He reads the game well and is commanding at the back. He is comfortable on the ball which allows the team to build from the back which has been Jokanovic's philosophy.

Ream made 48 appearances in all competitions which shows his level of fitness even at the age of 30. The club has even added a term in the contract which will give them the chance to elongate his stay by another year after 2020. This news is just coming a day after Fulham secured the future of their club captain and midfielder Tom Cairney who signed a new long-term 5-year contract with the club.

This goes on to show that Jokanovic is keen to hold on to his main players as they look to take on the challenges of the Premier League. The Serbian manager will be aware that his real test will be in the upcoming season as he tries to establish Lilywhites as a regular top-flight club. Securing the future of their American centre-back is certainly a step in the right direction.



https://the4thofficial.net/2018/07/fulham-secure-future-30-yo-talismanic-defensive-ace-astute-move-jokanovic/

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Seri in London for transfer talks
by Dan on July 8, 2018

Jean-Michael Seri is in London for talks over his proposed transfer from Nice, according to reports in the English press tonight.

Weekend press reports suggested Fulham had made an audacious move to try and hijack Chelsea's rumoured deal for the Ivory Coast midfielder, which appears in jeopardy owing to the uncertainty over the Blues' managerial situation. French reports claim that Seri has been spotted in London with the Whites, Chelsea and Arsenal also believed to be keen on striking a deal for his services. Seri was excused from Nice's pre-season tour today in order to arrange his expected exit from the club.

The 26 year-old midfielder, who came close to joining Barcelona last summer, is believed to have a £35m release clause in his contract which expires next weekend. Seri has previously suggested he would be keen on a move to England and Fulham's interest would certainly kickstart their summer recruitment as they prepare to return to the Premier League next month after a four year absence.

Seri, who was named in the 2017 Ligue 1 team of the year, has made 189 first-team appearances for Nice, scoring fourteen goals. He has won eighteen senior international caps for the Ivory Coast – finding the net on one occasion. Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to bring in top flight talent but signing Seri would be akin to the coup that Jean Tigana pulled off in tempting Edwin van der Sar to Craven Cottage after Fulham won promotion in 2001.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/07/seri-in-london-for-transfer-talks/

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Portuguese club to win race for Brighton, Everton and Fulham target

The Portuguese press brings some completely different stories about Yves Bissouma today, each one saying one something about the player's future.

One of these articles comes from Jornal de Notícias. They say the midfielder's transfer to Porto is getting quite complicated, mostly because of the competition there is for him.

The newspaper says that Tottenham, Everton and Schalke are all in for the midfielder, who currently has a market value of €8m.

These Premier League sides are pointed out as Porto's biggest problem to land the player, obviously because the Dragons can't afford joining an auction with them.

But there's another take on the situation coming from newspaper A Bola. They claim that Bissouma is 'on his way to Porto', as the offer from the Dragons sounded more attractive than those from the Premier League.

But thing is that it's not Tottenham and Everton who are named by A Bola. It's actually Brighton and Fulham.

The report claims that the Seagulls and Cottagers offered the player a good salary, but playing in the Champions League for Porto is something that attracted him more.

Newspaper O Jogo agrees with A Bola, saying the move to Porto is pretty likely, and even interviewed one of Bissouma's former coaches to comment on the player.

Time will tell who's right or wrong, but considering that it's two outlets against one for now, it's looking like Premier League sides are losing the race for the 21-year-old.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/portuguese-club-win-race-brighton-everton-fulham-target/

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Absolutely outrageous': Some Fulham fans stunned by Jean Michel Seri links

Chelsea want to sign Nice's Ligue 1 ace Jean Michel Seri according to reports, but so do Premier League and London rivals Fulham.

Could a midfielder who Xavi believes has 'Barcelona DNA' end up playing for Fulham next season?

Some of the biggest clubs in Europe have been linked with Nice's Jean Michel Seri in recent times. The Ivorian was oh-so close to signing for Barca last summer, too, only for the deal to fall through at the eleventh hour.

This summer, Chelsea reportedly want to sign him. So imagine the reaction if Seri moves to the other club in West London.

According to Sky Sports, newly promoted Fulham are hoping to pull off what would genuinely be one of the most high profile transfer coups in their history. 26-year-old Seri wants to join a Premier League club before his £35 million release clause expires on July 15 – and Fulham have made enquiries.

It is understood that manager Slavisa Jokanovic wants a box-to-box midfielder and Seri fits the bill, as does Salzburg's Amadou Haidara and Yves Bissouma of Lille.

But the African play-maker would be a truly outstanding signing, and not just because he would cost £23 million more than their current record signing.

Seri is a masterful midfielder and the fact that he is wanted by Chelsea, not to mention Manchester City, speaks volumes. Could this really happen?



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/07/06/do-wow-absolutely-outrageous-some-fulham-fans-stunned-by-jean-mi/

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Who is Stephen Humphrys? The lowdown on Scunthorpe United's new signing

Paul Crute takes a look at Scunthorpe United's third summer signing


Stephen Humphrys looks on during Scunthorpe United's first pre-season game at Winterton Rangers Picture: David Haber

Scunthorpe United completed their third signing of the summer on Friday with the capture of Stephen Humphrys.

The striker joined the Iron on a season-long loan from Premier League side Fulham and featured in United's first pre-season friendly against Winterton Rangers on Saturday.

He made an instant impact by scoring two goals in the Iron's 8-1 victory at West Street.

Here's all you need to know about the new signing

Humphrys has been at Fulham since 2016 after joining from Bury.

He originally started in the youth team at Craven Cottage before moving up to the senior squad.

He made his debut for the Cottagers in December 2016 when he came on as a substitute against Derby County in the Championship.

Following that he joined Shrewsbury Town on loan for the second half of the 2016-17 season, scoring two goals in 14 appearances.

After returning to Fulham he spent the second half of last season on loan at League One Rochdale, scoring three goals in 18 appearances.

One of those goals came at Wembley when he scored for the Dale against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup.

Playing style

The 20-year-old is always keen to get into the box and this is where most of his goals come from.

He has been prolific when playing for Fulham under-21s but will find things much tougher against more physical opposition.

He has had experience of League One football with Shrewsbury and Rochdale and although not as prolific he did net some goals for both teams.

He took his goal against Tottenham in the FA Cup very well which shows that he does have the ability.

Having experience of League One will help Humphrys and at 20 years old time is on his side.

It will be interesting to see how he plays in a side that hopes to be challenging for promotion, rather than one struggling at the wrong end of the table.

He is very quick as well as demonstrated when he chased down a ball and provided a cross for fellow new signing Olufela Olomola to score against Winterton.

The fact that Humphrys knows he will be at the club for the whole season will also help him, rather than having to chop and change.

What Humphrys said about joining the Iron

"I received a phone call from my agent with the news Scunthorpe were interested," he told the club website. "As soon as I found out, I did everything I could at my end to make sure the deal went through.

"I've played here before and got a feel for the atmosphere, and remember the fans were good.

"The team were successful last year and that's something I want to be part of this season. This is a new experience coming on loan to a team that's more used to winning.

"Hopefully I can add to that and bring more wins.

"I did message Cameron (Burgess) asking what the club was like and he couldn't recommend it highly enough. Not that I needed much persuading, but it did help. Everyone has been really welcoming though.

"The aim is to get into the team first of all, and help it in as many ways as I can. I want to score goals, get assists, work hard and get us pushing up near the top of the table."



https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-stephen-humphrys-lowdown-scunthorpe-1762406